The use of fast molecular descriptors and artificial neural networks approach in organochlorine compounds electron ionization mass spectra classification

International audienceDeveloping of theoretical tools can be very helpful for supporting new pollutant detection. Nowadays, a combination of mass spectrometry and chromatographic techniques are the most basic environmental monitoring methods. In this paper, two organ-ochlorine compound mass spectra classification systems were proposed. The classification models were developed within the framework of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and fast 1D and 2D molecular descriptor calculations. Based on the intensities of two characteristic MS peaks, namely, [M] and [M-35], two classification criterions were proposed. According to criterion I, class 1 comprises [M] signals with the intensity higher than 800 NIST units, while class 2 consists of signals with the intensity lower or equal than 800. According to criterion II, class 1 consists of [M-35] signals with the intensity higher than 100, while signals with the intensity lower or equal than 100 belong to class 2. As a result of ANNs learning stage, five models for both classification criterions were generated. The external model validation showed that all ANNs are characterized by high predicting power; however, criterion I-based ANNs are much more accurate and therefore are more suitable for analytical purposes. In order to obtain another confirmation, selected ANNs were tested against additional dataset comprising popular sunscreen agents disin-fection by-products reported in previous works

The differences in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, its risk factors, and achievement of therapeutic goals among urban and rural primary care patients in Poland: Results from the LIPIDOGRAM 2015 study

A nationwide cross-sectional study, LIPIDOGRAM2015, was carried out in Poland in the years 2015 and 2016. A total of 438 primary care physicians enrolled 13,724 adult patients that sought medical care in primary health care practices. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and CVD were similar in urban and rural areas (49.5 vs. 49.4%; 13.7 vs. 13.1%; 84.2 vs. 85.2%; 14.4 vs. 14.2%, respectively). The prevalence of obesity (32.3 vs. 37.5%, p < 0.01) and excessive waist circumference (77.5 vs. 80.7%, p < 0.01), as well as abdominal obesity (p = 43.2 vs. 46.4%, p < 0.01), were higher in rural areas in both genders. Mean levels of LDL-C (128 vs. 130 mg/dL, p = 0.04) and non-HDL-C (147 vs. 148 mg/dL, p = 0.03) were slightly higher in rural populations. Altogether, 14.3% of patients with CVD from urban areas and 11.3% from rural areas reached LDL <70 mg/dL (p = 0.04). There were no important differences in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and CVD, or in mean levels of blood pressure, cholesterol fractions, glucose, and HbA1c between Polish urban and rural primary care patient populations. A high proportion of patients in cities and an even-higher proportion in rural areas did not reach the recommended targets for blood pressure, LDL-C, and HbA1c, indicating the need for novel CVD-prevention programs. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Fadi Charchar” is provided in this record*

Znaczenie prognostyczne liczby zmian pozawęzłowych oraz typu zajętego narządu u chorych na DLBCL w dobie leczenia rytuksymabem

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to assess the prognostic significance of the number and type of extra nodal localizations of DLBCL as well as other factors included in IPI in the rituximab era.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of medical documentation of 178 patients with DLBCL treated in two oncology centers between 2006 and 2011. We distinguished 3 subgroups of patients: with only nodal localization of DLBCL (A, n=80), with 1 extra nodal site (B, n=66) and with ≥2 extra nodal sites (C, n=32).ResultsThe presence and the number of extra nodal lesions did not have a prognostic impact both on the response and survival. Probabilities for OS were 79.4%±6, 85.5%±5 and 78.5%±8 for groups A, B and C respectively. Most common extra nodal localizations of DLBCL were: digestive duct, bones and skin. The site of involvement also did not have a prognostic significance. In a multivariate analysis negative prognostic factors for OS probability were: elevated LDH level (HR: 3.12 [95% CI: 1.3–7.47], p=0.01) and disease stage ≥III (HR: 4.61 [95% CI: 1.32–16.1], p=0.02).ConclusionsNeither the number of extra nodal lesions nor their localization affects prognosis in patients with DLBCL in the rituximab era

Treatment of patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas – real-life data

Background. Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of mature lymphocytes with skin tropism. Although, by definition, these lymphomas are restricted to the skin at the time of diagnosis, during the course of the disease it may involve also lymph nodes and visceral organs. A close cooperation between a dermatologist and oncologist is required to ensure proper treatment. We present in a real-life data on treatment of patients with PCL between dermatology and oncology department. Material and methods. 104 patients were registered in a joined database of Oncology Department of Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz and Dermatology Department of Medical University in Toruń between 2007 and 2017. Due to different clinical and prognostic features data from MF/SS (44 patients), non-MF/SS CTCLs and CBCLs were presented separately. Results. Median overall survival for patients with MF/SS was 76.7 months. Median follow-up time was 5 years.Background. Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of mature lymphocytes with skin tropism. Although, by definition, these lymphomas are restricted to the skin at the time of diagnosis, during the course of the disease it may involve also lymph nodes and visceral organs. A close cooperation between a dermatologist and oncologist is required to ensure proper treatment. We present in a real-life data on treatment of patients with PCL between dermatology and oncology department. Material and methods. 104 patients were registered in a joined database of Oncology Department of Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz and Dermatology Department of Medical University in Toruń between 2007 and 2017. Due to different clinical and prognostic features data from MF/SS (44 patients), non-MF/SS CTCLs and CBCLs were presented separately. Results. Median overall survival for patients with MF/SS was 76.7 months. Median follow-up time was 5 years

Safety and efficacy of interferon-alfa2b (IFN) in the treatment of patients with mycosis fungoides

W niniejszej pracy przedstawiono własne, jednoośrodkowe doświadczenia dotyczące stosowania interferonu w pierwszej linii leczenia systemowego ziarniniaka grzybiastego. Badaniem objęto grupę chorych leczonych w Centrum Onkologii w Bydgoszczy, u których po wyczerpaniu możliwości leczenia miejscowego oraz w stopniu zaawansowania Ib–III podjęto terapię systemową. Maksymalny czas prowadzenia terapii sięgał 3 lat. Interferon alfa jest leczeniem dobrze tolerowanym, skutkującym poprawąjakości życia u 80% chorych. Lek ten powoduje znaczną bądź całkowitą remisję trwającą do kilkunastu miesięcy. Terapia ziarniniaka grzybiastego jest leczeniem choroby przewlekłej, co wpływa na zasady prowadzenia terapii.This paper reports our own experience on interferon-alpha as the first-line systemic treatment of mycosis fungoides in the group of patients with advanced stages of disease after failure of skin-directedtherapies. Therapy resulted in improved quality of life and long-lasting, high response rate up to 80%. Given chronic character of MF special account must be taken not only to efficacy of the therapy, but also the safety

The prevalence of renal vascular and anatomical anomalies in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm

Wstęp: Każdego roku w Polsce przeprowadza się około 4000 zabiegów operacyjnych z powodu tętniaka aorty brzusznej. Występowanie pewnych anomalii anatomicznych może komplikować lub nawet uniemożliwić wykonanie zabiegu operacyjnego jedną z możliwych metod (otwartą lub wewnątrznaczyniową). Badanie miało na celu określenie częstości występowania nerkowych (naczyniowych i narządowych) anomalii anatomicznych w populacji pacjentów z tętniakiem aorty brzusznej, które mogą mieć istotne znaczenie kliniczne w trakcie planowania i przeprowadzania zabiegu naprawczego tętniaka. Materiał i metody: Dokonano retrospektywnej analizy 937 angiografii tomografii komputerowej wykonanych w celu oceny aorty brzusznej i jej odgałęzień u pacjentów z AAA, niepoddawanych do tej pory zabiegom operacyjnym w obrębie aorty. Analizowano częstość występowania: 1. dodatkowych tętnic nerkowych, 2. zaaortalnej lewej żyły nerkowej, 3. nerki podkowiastej, 4. ektopowej lokalizacji nerek w miednicy, 5. nietypowego odejścia tętnic nerkowych. Wyniki: Dodatkowe tętnice nerkowe występowały u 185 pacjentów (19,74% badanej populacji), najczęściej stwierdzano obecność pojedynczej dodatkowej lewej tętnicy nerkowej (9,28%). Wśród badanych 3,52% miało dodatkowe tętnice zlokalizowane obustronnie. Zaaortalną lewą żyłę nerkową uwidoczniono u 16 osób (1,71%). Ponadto w badanej populacji odnotowano również: 2 przypadki nerki podkowiastej, 2 przypadki niskiego odejścia prawej tętnicy nerkowej od aorty (tuż nad rozwidleniem) oraz 1 przypadek ektopowo zlokalizowanej lewej nerki w miednicy. Wnioski: Częstotliwość analizowanych anomalii w badanej populacji polskich pacjentów z AAA jest podobna do częstotliwości opisywanych w innych populacjach. Świadomość istnienia wielu możliwych odrębności anatomicznych, w połączeniu z dokładną przedoperacyjną oceną stosunków anatomicznych u danego pacjenta, zapobiega wystąpieniu groźnych i potencjalnie śmiertelnych powikłań.Background: Approximately 4000 operations of abdominal aortic aneurysms are performed in Poland annually. The presence of some anatomical anomalies can complicate or even exclude performing surgery by one of the possible methods (open or endovascular repair). The aim of current study was to establish the prevalence of renal vascular and anatomical anomalies in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) which can have important clinical implication in regarding to planning and performing surgical procedure due to AAA. Material and methods: It was a retrospective study of 937 computed tomography angiography scans, performed in purpose of evaluation of abdominal aorta and its branches in patients with diagnosed AAA, who were naive for prior abdominal aortic surgery. The prevalence of following anomalies were analysed: 1) accessory renal arteries 2) retroaortic left renal vein 3) ectopic kidneys located in pelvis 4) atypical originating of main renal artery from the aorta Results: Accessory renal arteries were found in 185 patients (19.74% of the study population), a single accessory left renal artery was the most common detected anomalies (9.28%). In 3.52% of participants bilateral accessory renal arteries were observed. Retroaortic left renal vein was discovered in 16 patients (1.71%). Moreover, in the study population following anomalies were observed: 2 cases of horseshoe kidney, 2 cases of low originating of right main renal artery from the aorta and 1 case of ectopic left kidney located in pelvis. Conclusion: The prevalence of renal vascular and anatomical anomalies in polish population of AAA patients were similar to the prevalence reported in the previous studies. The awareness of their existence, combined with preoperative evaluation of anatomical relations in particular patients, can prevent from occurring of severe and potentially lethal complication after aortic surgery

Treatment of patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas – real-life data

Background. Primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) comprise a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of mature lymphocytes with skin tropism. Although, by definition, these lymphomas are restricted to the skin at the time of diagnosis, during the course of the disease it may involve also lymph nodes and visceral organs. A close cooperation between a dermatologist and oncologist is required to ensure proper treatment. We present in a real-life data on treatment of patients with PCL between dermatology and oncology department.  Material and methods. 104 patients were registered in a joined database of Oncology Department of Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz and Dermatology Department of Medical University in Toruń between 2007 and 2017. Due to different clinical and prognostic features data from MF/SS (44 patients), non-MF/SS CTCLs and CBCLs were presented separately.  Results. Median overall survival for patients with MF/SS was 76.7 months. Median follow-up time was 5 years

Występowanie anomalii anatomicznych i zmian naczyniowych w obrębie nerek u pacjentów z tętniakiem aorty brzusznej

Wstęp: Każdego roku w Polsce przeprowadza się około 4000 zabiegów operacyjnych z powodu tętniaka aorty brzusznej. Występowanie pewnych anomalii anatomicznych może komplikować lub nawet uniemożliwić wykonanie zabiegu operacyjnego jedną z możliwych metod (otwartą lub wewnątrznaczyniową). Badanie miało na celu określenie częstości występowania nerkowych (naczyniowych i narządowych) anomalii anatomicznych w populacji pacjentów z tętniakiem aorty brzusznej, które mogą mieć istotne znaczenie kliniczne w trakcie planowania i przeprowadzania zabiegu naprawczego tętniaka. Materiał i metody: Dokonano retrospektywnej analizy 937 angiografii tomografii komputerowej wykonanych w celu oceny aorty brzusznej i jej odgałęzień u pacjentów z AAA, niepoddawanych do tej pory zabiegom operacyjnym w obrębie aorty. Analizowano częstość występowania: 1. dodatkowych tętnic nerkowych, 2. zaaortalnej lewej żyły nerkowej, 3. nerki podkowiastej, 4. ektopowej lokalizacji nerek w miednicy, 5. nietypowego odejścia tętnic nerkowych. Wyniki: Dodatkowe tętnice nerkowe występowały u 185 pacjentów (19,74% badanej populacji), najczęściej stwierdzano obecność pojedynczej dodatkowej lewej tętnicy nerkowej (9,28%). Wśród badanych 3,52% miało dodatkowe tętnice zlokalizowane obustronnie. Zaaortalną lewą żyłę nerkową uwidoczniono u 16 osób (1,71%). Ponadto w badanej populacji odnotowano również: 2 przypadki nerki podkowiastej, 2 przypadki niskiego odejścia prawej tętnicy nerkowej od aorty (tuż nad rozwidleniem) oraz 1 przypadek ektopowo zlokalizowanej lewej nerki w miednicy. Wnioski: Częstotliwość analizowanych anomalii w badanej populacji polskich pacjentów z AAA jest podobna do częstotliwości opisywanych w innych populacjach. Świadomość istnienia wielu możliwych odrębności anatomicznych, w połączeniu z dokładną przedoperacyjną oceną stosunków anatomicznych u danego pacjenta, zapobiega wystąpieniu groźnych i potencjalnie śmiertelnych powikłań

The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease among primary care patients in Poland:results from the LIPIDOGRAM2015 study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) disease and CV risk factors among Polish patients. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional study, LIPIDOGRAM2015, was carried out in Poland in the 4th quarter of 2015 and 1st and 2nd quarters of 2016; 438 primary care physicians enrolled 13,724 adult patients that sought medical care in primary health care practices. RESULTS: Nearly 19% of men and approximately 12% of women had cardiovascular disease (CVD). Over 60% of the recruited patients had hypertension (HTN), >80% had dyslipidaemia and <15% of patients were diagnosed with diabetes (DM). All of these disorders were more frequent in men. In 80% of patients the waist circumference exceed norm for the European population. Less than half of the patients were current smokers or had smoked in the past. Patients with CVD had significantly higher blood pressure and glucose levels but lower low density lipoprotein-cholesterol level. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CVD and CV risk factors among patients in Poland is high. CVD is more common in men than in women. The most common CV risk factors are excess waist circumference, dyslipidaemia and HTN. Family physicians should conduct activities to prevent, diagnose early and treat CVD in the primary health care population

The Differences in the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease, Its Risk Factors, and Achievement of Therapeutic Goals among Urban and Rural Primary Care Patients in Poland: Results from the LIPIDOGRAM 2015 Study

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-11-28, pub-electronic 2021-11-30Publication status: PublishedFunder: Valeant Pharmaceuticals; Grant(s): unrestricted educational grantA nationwide cross-sectional study, LIPIDOGRAM2015, was carried out in Poland in the years 2015 and 2016. A total of 438 primary care physicians enrolled 13,724 adult patients that sought medical care in primary health care practices. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, and CVD were similar in urban and rural areas (49.5 vs. 49.4%; 13.7 vs. 13.1%; 84.2 vs. 85.2%; 14.4 vs. 14.2%, respectively). The prevalence of obesity (32.3 vs. 37.5%, p 0.01) and excessive waist circumference (77.5 vs. 80.7%, p 0.01), as well as abdominal obesity (p = 43.2 vs. 46.4%, p 0.01), were higher in rural areas in both genders. Mean levels of LDL-C (128 vs. 130 mg/dL, p = 0.04) and non-HDL-C (147 vs. 148 mg/dL, p = 0.03) were slightly higher in rural populations. Altogether, 14.3% of patients with CVD from urban areas and 11.3% from rural areas reached LDL 70 mg/dL (p = 0.04). There were no important differences in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and CVD, or in mean levels of blood pressure, cholesterol fractions, glucose, and HbA1c between Polish urban and rural primary care patient populations. A high proportion of patients in cities and an even-higher proportion in rural areas did not reach the recommended targets for blood pressure, LDL-C, and HbA1c, indicating the need for novel CVD-prevention programs