Arch Med Sci
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The aim of this study is to compare the prognostic value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in septic and non-septic intensive care patients. ⋯ We concluded that the level of NT-proBNP at admission is well correlated with 28-day mortality in septic ICU patients. However, single measurement of NT-proBNP levels in non-septic patients does not correlate with the 28-day mortality. Repeated measurements and an increasing trend of the NT-proBNP levels may show a correlation with mortality in non-septic intensive care patients.
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Increased urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) concentrations are associated with the early phase of kidney damage. Urine NGAL may increase due to production by neutrophils present in urine, particularly in patients with urinary tract infections. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between sterile leukocyturia and uNGAL concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes (DMt2) at early stages of diabetic kidney disease. ⋯ In patients with DMt2, the presence of sterile leukocyturia coexists with increased uNGAL and UNCR. Leukocyturia interferes with the relationship between UNCR and UACR or HbA1c.
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Mammographic screening results in diagnosis of less advanced breast cancer (BC). A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials confirmed that BC screening reduces mortality. In 2007, the National Breast Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) was established in Poland with the crucial aim of reducing mortality from BC. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of participation in the NBCSP on prognosis. ⋯ The study results revealed the beneficial impact of the NBCSP. Superior prognostic factors and favorable staging were observed in women who participated in the NBCSP.
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Due to the pathogenetic association between erectile disorders and cardiovascular diseases, cardiologists consult many patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and the use of sexual knowledge in cardiology practice, both current use and that expected by patients. ⋯ The low frequency with which cardiologists initiate the topic of ED is in contrast to the expectations of patients with CHD. The majority of these patients regard good sexual maintenance as an important part of their life.
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Recent studies have revealed that vitamin D and its synthetic analogues have a protective effect on experimental ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) models in several organs, but little is known about its effect on the liver. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of vitamin D in a model of liver I/R in rats, focusing on Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling, which has been shown to be involved in I/R injury. ⋯ The vitamin D analogue paricalcitol attenuates hepatic I/R injury through down-regulation of the TLR4 signaling pathway and might be considered to be a potential nutritional therapeutic agent against I/R injury in the liver.