Subcutaneous Dirofilariosis of the Eyelid Brought to Poland from the Endemic Territory of Ukraine.

We present the case of a 60-year-old man who was diagnosed with a subcutaneous nodule on the upper eyelid of his left eye. The patient reported multiple mosquito bites during numerous work trips to Ukraine. Histopathological examination of the nodule isolated during surgery suggested Dirofilaria repens infestation. The infection was brought to Poland from the territory of Ukraine. Ophthalmologists must be aware of uncommon presentations of parasitic infestations when they consider infections of the ocular adnexa.

The use of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in patients with muscular dystrophies: Results from compassionate use in real-life settings.

Muscular dystrophies are genetically determined progressive diseases with no cause-related treatment and limited supportive treatment. Although stem cells cannot resolve the underlying genetic conditions, their wide-ranging therapeutic properties may ameliorate the consequences of the involved mutations (oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, necrosis). In this study, we administered advanced therapy medicinal product containing umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) to 22 patients with muscular dystrophies. Patients received one to five intravenous and/or intrathecal injections per treatment course in up to two courses every 2 months. Four standard doses of 10, 20, 30, or 40 × 106 UC-MSCs per injection were used; the approximate dose per kilogram was 1 × 106 UC-MSCs. Muscle strength was measured with a set of CQ Dynamometer computerized force meters (CQ Elektronik System, Czernica, Poland). Statistical analysis of muscle strength in the whole group showed significant improvement in the right upper limb (+4.0 N); left hip straightening (+4.5 N) and adduction (+0.5 N); right hip straightening (+1.0 N), bending (+7.5 N), and adduction (+2.5 N); right knee straightening (+8.5 N); left shoulder revocation (+13.0 N), straightening (+5.5 N), and bending (+6.5 N); right shoulder adduction (+3.0 N), revocation (+10.5 N), and bending (+5 N); and right elbow straightening (+9.5 N); all these differences were statistically significant. In six patients (27.3%) these changes led to improvement in gait analysis or movement scale result. Only one patient experienced transient headache and lower back pain after the last administration. In conclusion, UC-MSC therapy may be considered as a therapeutic option for these patients.

The use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of progressive retinal diseases: a review.

Some ocular diseases, such as dystrophies, retinal and macular degeneration, optic nerve atrophy, and Stargardt disease, are progressive and irreversible. In this review, we focus on the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the treatment of these diseases. In animal studies, MSC transplantation significantly delayed retinal degeneration, led to the regeneration of cone cells, and supported the survival of retinal ganglion cells and axon regeneration. In clinical practice, patients with Behcet's disease with retinal vasculitis who received MSC injections experienced a decrease in retinal vasculitis but no improvement in vision acuity. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that MSCs are carcinogenic, and they even reduce the size of tumors in vitro. Furthermore, MSCs do not trigger the immune response.

[Evaluation of the nature and prevalence of risk factors for stroke in patients with known cerebral vascular disease, depending on the place of residence]. / Ocena rodzaju i czestosci wystepowania czynników ryzyka udaru mózgu u chorych z rozpoznana choroba naczyniowa mózgu w zaleznosci od miejsca zamieszkania.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to answer the question whether there are differences in the type and frequency of risk factors for stroke in patients coming from urban and suburban areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease treated in the Department of Neurology, Provincial Hospital in Czestochowa in 2004-2005. Socio-demographic and risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases were determined based on a retrospective analysis of medical records of each patient. RESULTS: The study included 294 patients. 153 persons (52.0%) were from suburban environment, and 141 people (48.0%)--from the urban environment. There were no statistically significant difference in age and gender between the two groups, while the differences in education were significant (p < 0.00001). The most common riskfactorfor stroke was hypertension, more frequent among patients from the city (64.0%) than suburban areas (55.7%), but this difference was not statistically significant. The next most common riskfactorwas dyslipidemia. It was recorded more frequently among patients from the urban environment (30.2%), compared to suburban areas (19.5%) (p = 0.03). There were no differences in the prevalence of other risk factors between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension was the most frequently observed risk factor for stroke. The only risk factor significantly differentiating both environments was dyslipidemia. It was identified significantly more often in patients from the city. Prevention of cardiovascular disease should include more frequent occurrence of certain risk factors in patients living in the city, which may be associated with the promotion of an appropriate lifestyle.

[The impact of demographic factors on the course and outcome of stroke]. / Wplyw uwarunkowan demograficznych na przebieg i wynik leczenia udaru mózgu.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to answer the question, whether living in urban or suburban areas has an impact on disease course and outcome of stroke patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included patients with a diagnosed cerebrovascular disease treated in the Department of Neurology, Provincial Hospital in Czestochowa in 2004-2005. Data were obtained on the basis of a retrospective analysis of medical records. The assessment of the functional status of patients was based on the scale of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the modified Rankin scale. RESULTS: The study included 294 patients (152 women, 142 men) hospitalized for a stroke. The mean age was 70.2 ± 13.2 years. Patients were divided into two groups, Group 1 living in suburban environment (n = 153, 52.0%), and Group 2--living in urban environment (n = 141, 48.0%). There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, and type of stroke between the two groups. In Group 1, hospitalization time was longer (17.7 ± 13.5 days) compared with patients in Group 2--12.0 ± 10.2 days (p = 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the ADL scale between the two groups, both on admission and discharge. However, in the Rankin scale status of patients from urban areas was better on the day of admission (p = 0.005) and at discharge. Seizure onset of the disease, the presence of coronary artery disease and dyslipidemia had a strongest influence on the functional status of patients. Patients from both groups were discharged home with a similar frequency. CoNCLUSIONS: The study showns that there are slight differences in the course of the disease in patients from different backgrounds.

[The rules of ethics, legal aspects, and the issue of euthanasia]. / Zasady etyczne, aspekty prawne, a problem eutanazji.

The issue of euthanasia is gaining greater momentum in Poland. It is a matter of fact that Poland is a country with an increasing aging population. As a result of this increased awareness, this topic is also becoming increasingly controversial. Does a doctor have the right to decide, on behalf of another person, if they should end their life? What limitations should doctors be bound by in terms of their legal and ethical obligations? The purpose of this study is to investigate the ethical and legal implications associated with euthanasia.