Disease-Free and Overall Survival Implications of Pelvic Lymphadenectomy in Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Population-Based Single-Center Study.

The role of pelvic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of lymphadenectomy on progression-free and overall survival among patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. This retrospective single-center study included 1532 patients operated on in a Polish reference center for gynecologic oncology at Holy Cross Hospital, Kielce, between 2002 and 2020. A total of 1004 patients underwent systematic lymphadenectomy as a part of their surgical procedure. The median number of collected lymph nodes was seven. In total, 11.6% of patients were found to have lymph node invasion. The number of lymph nodes removed correlated with patient survival. In patients in whom the number of removed lymph nodes was above the median (>7), the risk of death was reduced (HR 0.68, p = 0.002). The risk of death correlated with the presence of lymph node metastasis (HR 4.12, p < 0.001). The risk of cancer progression was associated with the number of lymph nodes removed (HR 0.54, p = 0.006), and the risk of EC recurrence was greater in patients with lymph node metastasis (HR 1.94, p = 0.016). Our study provides additional evidence that systematic lymphadenectomy may influence the disease-free and overall survival of patients with endometrial cancer. The number of lymph nodes removed correlated with patient prognosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the use of lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer treatment.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Self-Reported Health Status and Smoking and Drinking Habits in the General Urban Population.

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic created a significant crisis in global health. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-rated health status and smoking and alcohol habits. The Bialystok PLUS cohort study was conducted in 2018-2022. A total of 1222 randomly selected city residents were examined and divided into two groups: before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participants' lifestyle habits and medical history were collected from self-reported questionnaires. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were used to assess the degree of alcohol and nicotine dependence. The survey revealed a reduced frequency of reported allergies vs. an increased frequency of reported sinusitis and asthma; increased incidence of declared hypercholesterolemia and visual impairment; a reduced number of cigarettes smoked per day, lower FTND score, and a greater desire to quit smoking in the next six months; and an increase in hs-CRP and FeNO levels in the population during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic population. The COVID-19 pandemic had a measurable impact on the general population's prevalence of certain medical conditions and lifestyle habits. Further research should continue to examine the long-term health implications of the pandemic.

The FCGR2A Is Associated with the Presence of Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Carotid Arteries-A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic plaques in carotid arteries (APCA) are a prevalent condition with severe potential complications. Studies continuously search for innovative biomarkers for APCA, including those participating in cellular metabolic processes, cell adhesion, immune response, and complement activation. This study aimed to assess the relationship between APCA presence and a broad range of cardiometabolic biomarkers in the general population. METHODS: The study group consisted of consecutive participants of the population study Bialystok PLUS. The proximity extension assay (PEA) technique from the Olink Laboratory (Uppsala, Sweden) was used to measure the levels of 92 cardiometabolic biomarkers. RESULTS: The study comprised 693 participants (mean age 48.78 ± 15.27 years, 43.4% males, N = 301). APCA was identified in 46.2% of the participants (N = 320). Of the 92 biomarkers that were investigated, 54 were found to be significantly linked to the diagnosis of APCA. After adjusting for the traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis in multivariate analysis, the only biomarker that remained significantly associated with APCA was FCGR2A. CONCLUSION: In the general population, the prevalence of APCA is very high. A range of biomarkers are linked with APCA. Nonetheless, the majority of these associations are explained by traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis. The only biomarker that was independently associated with APCA was the FCGR2A.

The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes remains one of the top public health care priorities. Over 6% of the world's population is affected by type 2 diabetes; however, a similar number of individuals may be unaware of this diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: Our population­basedstudy aimed to investigate the true prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the general population of a medium­sized city in Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The analysis included 1051 participants of the Bialystok PLUS population­based cohort study. In those who did not report a history of diabetes, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Medical history data were gathered using standardized questionnaires, and anthropometric as well as body composition measurements were performed. RESULTS: According to the medical history data, a total of 75 participants had diabetes (7.14%). Prediabetes (impaired fasting glycemia [IFG] or impaired glucose tolerance [IGT]) was identified in 410 individuals, including 241 participants with IFG (22.9%) and 169 patients with IGT (16.1%). Moreover, there were 71 individuals (6.75%) who were newly diagnosed with diabetes based on OGTT results. Overall, 146 patients with diabetes (13.8%) were identified. The ratio of lean mass to fat mass differed significantly between the patients with newly diagnosed diabetes and those without impaired glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort study demonstrated a high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in the Bialystok population. In addition, we showed that a large group of patients still remains undiagnosed for other hyperglycemic disorders. Abdominal obesity as well as imbalance between the fat and lean mass may predispose to diabetes.

COVID-19 pandemic influence on self-reported health status and well-being in a society.

To assess the frequency of persisting symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection and assessment of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on selected parameters of self-reported health status and well-being half a year after the disease. The study population consisted of 3 groups: post-COVID-19 group I-172 patients; group II-172 patients with chronic disease, who have not suffered from COVID-19; group III-81 patients from a population study cohort-Bialystok PLUS. A standardized interview questionnaire was used to collect data in the three groups using the CATI (computer assisted telephone interviewing) technique. Interviews were conducted between October 2020 and January 2021, thus during the second wave of the pandemic in Poland. The subjective state of health in comparison with the state of health before the COVID-19 pandemic deteriorated in COVID-19 convalescents. Patients, who suffered from symptomatic COVID-19 were more prone to nervousness, anxiousness, tension than patients with oligosymptomatic course of the disease. Moreover, anxiety, fear and irritability were more frequent in Group I and II in comparison to Group III, whereas Group I and II did not differ significantly. The decrease in physical activity observed in COVID-19 patients mirrored the changes in general population. The most frequent persistent symptoms after COVID-19 are: general malaise, cough, smell and taste disorder, dyspnea. COVID-19 convalescents who experienced symptomatic disease are more prone to development of nervousness, anxiousness, tension and anxiety than patients with oligosymptomatic course of the disease. Females and younger patients who suffered from COVID-19 are more prone to development of mental distress than healthy population. No significant differences between COVID-19 convalescents and healthy population was observed as far as the attitude towards physical activity is concerned.

Platelet-Derived Drug Targets and Biomarkers of Ischemic Stroke-The First Dynamic Human LC-MS Proteomic Study.

(1) Objective: The aim of this dynamic LC-MS (liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry) human platelet proteomic study was to identify the potential proteins candidates for biomarkers of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), their changes during the acute phase of stroke and to define potential novel drug targets. (2) Methods: A total of 32 patients (18-80 years old) were investigated that presented symptoms of AIS lasting less than 24 h from the onset, confirmed by neurological examination and/or new cerebral ischemia visualized in the CT (computed-tomography) scans. The analysis of platelet proteome was performed using LC-MS at baseline, and then on the third and seventh day from the onset of symptoms. The control group was demographically matched without any clinical signs of acute brain injury. (3) Results: The differences between platelets, at 24 h after first symptoms of stroke subjects and the control group included: ß-amyloid A4 and amyloid-like protein 2, coactosin-like protein, thymidine phosphorylase 4 (TYMP-4), interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), vitamin K-dependent protein S, histone proteins (H2A type 1 and 1-A, H2A types 2B and J, H2Av, -z, and -x), and platelet basic protein. The dynamic changes in the platelet protein concentration involved thrombospondin-1, thrombospondin-2, filamin A, B, and C. (4) Conclusions: This is the first human dynamic LC-MS proteomic study that differentiates platelet proteome in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in time series and compares the results with healthy controls. Identified proteins may be considered as future markers of ischemic stroke or therapeutic drug targets. Thymidine phosphorylase 4 (TYMP-4) holds promise as an interesting drug target in the management or prevention of ischemic stroke.

New Candidates for Biomarkers and Drug Targets of Ischemic Stroke-A First Dynamic LC-MS Human Serum Proteomic Study.

(1) Background: The aim of this dynamic-LC/MS-human-serum-proteomic-study was to identify potential proteins-candidates for biomarkers of acute ischemic stroke, their changes during acute phase of stroke and to define potential novel drug-targets. (2) Methods: A total of 32 patients (29-80 years) with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled to the study. The control group constituted 29 demographically-matched volunteers. Subjects with stroke presented clinical symptoms lasting no longer than 24 h, confirmed by neurological-examination and/or new cerebral ischemia visualized in the CT scans (computed tomography). The analysis of plasma proteome was performed using LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). (3) Results: Ten proteins with significantly different serum concentrations between groups volunteers were: complement-factor-B, apolipoprotein-A-I, fibronectin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, heat-shock-cognate-71kDa protein/heat-shock-related-70kDa-protein-2, thymidine phosphorylase-2, cytoplasmic-tryptophan-tRNA-ligase, ficolin-2, beta-Ala-His-dipeptidase. (4) Conclusions: This is the first dynamic LC-MS study performed on a clinical model which differentiates serum proteome of patients in acute phase of ischemic stroke in time series and compares to control group. Listed proteins should be considered as risk factors, markers of ischemic stroke or potential therapeutic targets. Further clinical validation might define their exact role in differential diagnostics, monitoring the course of the ischemic stroke or specifying them as novel drug targets.

Endothelial cell aging detection by means of atomic force spectroscopy.

Endothelial cell aging is related to changes not only in cell phenotype, such as luminal changes, intimal and medial thickening, and increased vascular stiffness, but encompasses different cell responses to various substances including drugs or nanomaterials. In the present work, time- and dose-dependent elasticity changes evoked by silver nanoparticles in endothelial cells in early (below 15) passages were analyzed. Silver nanoparticle concentrations of 3, 3.6, and 16 µg/mL were selected for elasticity measurements for long incubation (24 hours) and of 1 and 3 µg/mL for monitoring dynamic elasticity changes of 1-, 3-, and 6-hour incubations. Surprisingly, a significant reduction in the cells elasticity modulus at lower number of passages exposed to silver nanoparticles used at 3 µg/mL for 24 hours was demonstrated. These results are in contrast to those obtained for endothelial cells in late (33-43) passages that may result from cellular aging in response to nanosilver. Furthermore, for short incubation times (1 and 3 hours), SNP-induced significant increase in the cell elasticity modulus was detected. In current work, we also attempted to answer the question whether the changes in cell elasticity were induced by the silver nanoparticles stabilized with polyvinyl pyrrolidone or by stabilizer itself. Elasticity measurements were supplemented by observations made with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, which confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles inside the cells and on the cell membrane. Additionally, activation of reactive oxygen species was detected for cells exposed to SNPs for 1 and 3 hours, which was accompanied by increased cell elasticity modulus suggesting a possible mechanism of observed phenomenon.

Profiling the endothelial function using both peripheral artery tonometry (EndoPAT) and Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LD) - Complementary studies or waste of time?

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) plays a key role in developing of cardiovascular diseases and is an important predictor of future cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, there is no established method assessing endothelial function in general population. The most popular protocol includes the ultrasound-flow-mediated-dilation, but its repeatability is operator-dependent. We intended to compare the two other operator-independent methods assessing endothelial function - the EndoPAT and Laser Doppler flowmetry (LD), and we endeavored to place them on current individual profile of biochemical cardiovascular risk and endothelial function. A total of 61 clinically healthy subjects (aged 29 ± 1y) were investigated. The blood was collected for conventional cardiovascular risk markers, the NO-pathway metabolites (ADMA, L-arginine, SDMA), oxidative-stress-markers (MDA, thiol-index) as well as endothelial and platelet activation markers (sICAM1, sVCAM1, PAI-1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, VEGF). Subsequently, all participants underwent examination by both EndoPAT and LD. There was a poor correlation between EndoPAT and LD results. No significant differences between participants with preserved and impaired endothelial function regarding endothelial activation nor cardiovascular risk markers were observed. Both methods assess endothelial function independently from the profile of endothelial pro/anti-inflammatory status and conventional risk factors, therefore further prospective studies are needed in order to verify their additional value in the cardiovascular risk stratification.

Endothelial Function in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) May Reflect the Clinical Outcome.

Endothelial dysfunction is a common feature of early complications of hemato-oncologic therapy. The aim of our study was to assess the profile of endothelial function at diagnosis time, then during initial treatment phase of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and to verify the presence of its correlation with early clinical outcome (ECO). 28 ALL children and 18 healthy age-matched control ones were recruited. Study group was examined at baseline and at 33rd and 78th day of treatment. At each protocol step the endothelial function was assessed by measurement of sP-selectin (CD62-P), PAI-1(serpinE1), sE-selectin (CD62E), sICAM-1(sCD54), sVCAM-1(sCD106), and VEGF concentrations. Higher baseline sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels and lower sP-selectin and VEGF were observed in children with ALL. sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and sE-selectin levels were decreasing following the treatment with protocol I. Higher sE-selectin and lower baseline sICAM-1 levels were observed in children treated unsuccessfully. Lower PAI-1 levels were observed in children who survived. Higher baseline sE-selectin levels and lower sICAM-1 and VEGF were observed in children treated unsuccessfully. A decrease in sE-selectin and lower PAI-1 at the 78th day of therapy were associated with better ECO. High baseline VEGF and sE-selectin levels, significant increase in PAI-1, and low initial sICAM-1 levels are prognostics for poorer prognosis in the ALL children.

Sing softly to evoke a response only from a recent intruder.

Low-amplitude soft songs have been described in many birds, but in most species, research has addressed only broadcast songs. Soft songs may have a similar or distinctive structure in comparison to broadcast songs produced in order to defend a territory and attract females. In some species, such soft songs were found to be produced in an aggressive context and were the best predictors of conflict escalation and later physical attack. However, such observations are not consistent across all species studied. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the function(s) of soft songs and why they are so quiet. Studies on the ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana) show that males produce soft songs similar in structure to broadcast songs during close interactions with conspecific intruders. However, experiments with the playback of loud and soft songs as well as taxidermic mount presentation revealed that soft song in this species does not fulfil aggressive signal criteria. Here we performed an experiment with two loudspeakers simulating movements of the intruder in order to test whether the soft songs are used to evoking a response from a nearby but not localised rival. We found that males responded with similar strength to songs played back from single and double speaker systems. Simultaneously, males produced more soft songs during and just after the phase of the experiment in which we simulated short flights of the intruder. Our results indicate that soft songs might be used during close interactions with rivals without being an aggressive signal and are used as short-range signals to check if the rival is still around. Our results also provide an alternative explanation of soft song behaviour in comparison to the hypotheses of eavesdropping avoidance and readiness to fight.

Sensing of silver nanoparticles on/in endothelial cells using atomic force spectroscopy.

Endothelial cells, due to their location, are interesting objects for atomic force spectroscopy study. They constitute a barrier between blood and vessel tissues located deeper, and therefore they are the first line of contact with various substances present in blood, eg, drugs or nanoparticles. This work intends to verify whether the mechanical response of immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EA.hy926), when exposed to silver nanoparticles, as measured using force spectroscopy, could be effectively used as a bio-indicator of the physiological state of the cells. Silver nanoparticles were characterized with transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques. Tetrazolium salt reduction test was used to determine cell viability after treatment with silver nanoparticles. An elasticity of native cells was examined in the Hanks' buffer whereas fixed cells were softly fixed with formaldehyde. Additional aspect of the work is the comparative force spectroscopy utilizing AFM probes of ball-shape and conical geometries, in order to understand what changes in cell elasticity, caused by SNPs, were detectable with each probe. As a supplement to elasticity studies, cell morphology observation by atomic force microscopy and detection of silver nanoparticles inside cells using transmission electron microscopy were also performed. Cells exposed to silver nanoparticles at the highest selected concentrations (3.6 µg/mL, 16 µg/mL) are less elastic. It may be associated with the reorganization of the cellular cytoskeleton and the "strengthening" of the cell cortex caused by presence of silver nanoparticles. This observation does not depend on cell fixation. Agglomerates of silver nanoparticles were observed on the cell membrane as well as inside the cells.

Song duration mediates responses of territory owner in a songbird species with a small song repertoire.

Song is a sexually selected trait that is involved in mate attraction and territory defence in birds. Songs may convey information about different male quality components. They are flexible in terms of frequency, amplitude, and duration. Although changes in song duration are common, the function of this behaviour has been studied less strongly. It is known that song duration changes within a singing bout and may provide information about aggressive motivation. We tested whether the elongation and shortening of songs affects the responses of territorial ortolan bunting males to neighbour song playback. If changing song duration signals level of aggressiveness, then songs differing solely in duration may elicit behavioural responses of different strength. We performed two tests with different males assigned to two experimental groups and measured approaching and vocal response. In Experiment 1, we tested 18 males, which responded to the playbacks of elongated and normal (control) neighbour songs. In Experiment 2, we tested 17 males, which responded to the playbacks of shortened and normal (control) neighbour songs. Males responded significantly stronger to longer songs in both experiments as measured by the approach variable. Vocal response was not affected by treatment, but it was affected by the order of playback presentation. Our results indicate that song duration might be used for signalling current aggressive motivation during close interactions with rivals.

Elevated plasma ADMA contributes to development of endothelial dysfunction in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors are at higher cardiovascular risk than the general population, which may result from anthracycline-related endothelial dysfunction (ED). However, a few studies indirectly show that ED may appear in ALL children before treatment begins. Hence, in this study we intended to verify the hypothesis that ED is part of the ALL phenotype. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty-eight ALL children and 14 healthy age-matched control children were recruited. The study group was examined at baseline, then at the 33rd and 78th day of treatment. At each step of the protocol endothelial vasodilative function was assessed by a laser Doppler flowmeter, which was followed by blood collecting for subsequent analyses. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the study group at baseline was characterized by significantly lower endothelial vasodilative responsiveness, accompanied by elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations, which were correlated with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Initial ALL treatment restored endothelial function, which followed changes in ADMA and LDH concentrations. DISCUSSION: This is the first demonstration that functionally assessed ED is present in ALL children at the diagnosis and results from elevated ADMA and parallel inflammatory ED.