Bratisl Med J
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The objective of this study was to gain our initial experience in one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) for detecting sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis as compared to standard pathological staging in patients with breast cancer. Fifteen patients with preoperatively confirmed early breast cancer eligible for breast‑saving therapy and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) were enrolled in the study. Lymphatic mapping and SLNs detection were performed through the magnetic method. ⋯ Our initial experience proved OSNA to be a sensitive and efficient alternative to intraoperative assessment of metastases in SLN in breast cancer patients. Moreover, the information obtained by the OSNA method provides the surgeon with the possibility of assessing a more accurate prognosis during the initial surgery (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 36). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: breast cancer, metastases, surgery, sentinel nodes, OSNA.
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Cardiac myxoma is a rare benign cardiac tumor observed in approximately 0.5-1 case per 1 million people per year. The aim of this study is to review our 12-year experience in the surgical treatment of cardiac myxoma with an emphasis on the clinical, pathologic, diagnostic, and surgical features. ⋯ Cardiac myxoma is the most common heart tumor with a low incidence. Surgical excision yields very good short and long-term outcomes with low recurrence rate after surgery, and remains the treatment of choice (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 13). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: cardiac myxoma, cardiac tumor, recurrence, survival.
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Observational Study
Transient reduction in ejection fraction following aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation.
In patients following aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic regurgitation, a transient reduction in ejection fraction (TREF) sometimes occurs in the postoperative period without a clear remediable cause, which leads to a spontaneous improvement without the need for a specific treatment. ⋯ Our results show that transient reduction in ejection fraction is a relatively common phenomenon following aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation and that in our study population it had no effect on short- and long-term survival (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 15).
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) and altered glucose metabolism have been associated with carcinogenesis, but also with prognosis and tolerance to treatment in different types of cancer. Head and neck cancers (HNC), the sixth most common malignancy worldwide, require a multimodal approach, especially in advanced stages and cancer specific treatment is often associated with therapeutic failure and severe toxicities even if it is delivered according to current standards. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical, biological and outcomes implications of DM in patients with HNC. ⋯ A large percent of sinonasal cancers compared to the data reported in the literature could be also related to DM. Both this possible association and the benefit of Metformin and 5-Flurouracil must be reevaluated in studies in larger groups of patients (Ref. 25). Keywords: diabetes, head and neck cancers, metformin, toxicity, outcomes, chemotherapy.
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The term kratom is commonly used for both Mitragyna speciosa and herbal products prepared mainly from leaves. Kratom is well known as a drug that can serve as a less toxic and less-addictive pain-relieving substitute for opium, as well as a therapy for hypertension, cough, and diarrhea. ⋯ This paper reviews basic facts about kratom and its potential use in pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacokinetics of its major alkaloid mitragynine (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 87). Keywords: 7-hydroxymitragynine; alkaloid; anesthetics; antitussive; drug; mitragynine; Mitragyna speciosa; addictive substance; opioid receptor.