Arch Med Sci
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There is no consensus about the standardized uptake value maximum (SUVmax) cut-off value to characterize pleural thickening worldwide. Sometimes, this causes unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures. Our first aim is to determine a cut-off value for SUVmax. Secondly, we try to answer the following question: If we use this cut-off value together with morphological parameters, can we differentiate benign thickening from malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) more accurately? ⋯ If a patient has SUVmax > 4.0 and/or size > 14 mm, the risk of MPM is high. These patients should undergo biopsy. If a patient's SUVmax < 4.0, size < 14 mm and does not have pleural effusion, he/she has low risk for MPM. These patients can undergo the follow-up. If a patient's SUVmax < 4, size < 14, and has pleural effusion the MPM risk is approximately 4%. These patients can undergo biopsy/cytology/follow-up. Novel studies are needed for these patients.
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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are metabolic disorders that belong to a highly prevalent disease cluster with a significant impact on public health worldwide. MetS is a complex condition characterized by metabolism perturbations that include glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, associated pro-inflammatory state, and arterial hypertension. Because the components of MetS commonly co-occur, the management of these disorders cannot be considered separate issues. ⋯ This review analyses the underlying connections between these diseases and the risks associated with their co-occurrence. The effective management of NAFLD associated with MetS and T2DM involves an early diagnosis and optimal treatment of each condition leading to improvement in glycaemic and lipid regulation, liver steatosis, and arterial hypertension. The net effect of such treatment is the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and liver fibrosis.
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For years, there has been an increase in the number of cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Renal dysfunction can be caused by direct effects of HIV on the kidneys but also of applied combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Therefore there is a need of renal function diagnosis to monitor the development of kidney disturbances. In this study the urinary levels of selected low molecular weight proteins (LMWP) in HIV-infected patients were measured and related to current CD4+ T lymphocyte (LT CD4+) count, the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value and the applied cART. ⋯ This research shows that the analyzed LMWP parameters are useful in the assessment of kidney damage in HIV patients during cART, especially NPT, NGAL and GST-π. However, future studies should be conducted on larger groups.
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This study aimed to evaluate the possible role of urolithin A (UA) and urolithin B (UB) on the mRNA expression levels of LDL receptor (LDLR) and PSCK9 genes, and also of the uptake of LDL particles in HepG2 cells. ⋯ The present results suggest that UA was more effective than UB in promoting LDL uptake as well as cell surface LDLR in HepG2 cells. This effect seems to be mostly mediated through the suppression of PCSK9 expression but not the induction of LDLR expression.
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In 2010, the government of Poland passed an amended smoke-free law that strengthened existing tobacco control policies and banned smoking in hospitals. The aims of our study are: to determine the state of smoke-free practices in Polish hospitals, and to identify challenges facing hospitals implementing smoke-free practices. ⋯ Overall, smoke-free policies in hospitals operating in Poland are compliant with the National Tobacco Control Act and provide a smoke-free environment for service users and staff. However, continued monitoring and evaluation of tobacco control activities are necessary to promote the importance of smoke-free environments.