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The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how much of a global threat animal-borne viruses pose to human health and life. Despite increased hygiene practices, interspecies transmission of viruses can still occur. Pathogens undergo mutations, which makes it difficult to develop effective vaccines and targeted therapies. The tendency of viruses to mutate, their virulence and the ease of spreading in populations make it necessary to develop methods for neutralization and drugs against these pathogens. The paper presents an overview of substances effective in disinfecting surfaces contaminated with viruses transmitted by cats, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV -2) that may be transmitted by these animals. Ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, octenisept 4-phenoxyethanol, IV ammonium salts and mixtures of these substances effectively eliminate feline viruses. The article also discusses drugs used to treat infections and draws attention to misconceptions spread among cat owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Popliteal artery aneurysm (PPA) belongs to the most commonly recognized peripheral artery aneurysms. The presence of PPA complications especially the presence of PPA related acute leg ischemia significantly increase the risk of leg amputation. In the study, the population of the elective and emergency patients with PPA treated in the Department of General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology of the Medical University of Silesia was analyzed. In the study protocol the primary and secondary patency as well as the predictive factors for the PAA revascularization success were evaluated in the patients with and without acute leg ischemia due to PAA. Material and methods: 97 patients with PAA were recruited into the study including 38 patients with acute leg ischemia (ALI). In both groups (elective and ALI) the surgical procedures related to the anatomy and extend of PAA were performed. In the elective group in 66.1% of the cases posterior (prosthesis or vein interposition) and in 33.9% medial approach (saphenous vein or prosthetic by pass implantation) was used. In the ALI 57% of the patients underwent PAA surgery from the posterior approach and in 41% the medial approach was used. In the ALI patients the following stages of the ischemia according to the SVS classification were recognized: stage I -- 21.2%, stage IIa -- 65.6%, stage IIb 13.3%. In 5 patients from this group preoperative thrombolytic treatment was performed. In the elective PAA group in 67% of the patients intermittent claudication was noticed and in 5% critical leg ischemia was recognized. The patients were followed 36 months and in the evaluation the patency of the reconstruction, amputation rate as well as potential factors influencing on the reconstruction success, including run off vessel status (assessed by run off score) were taken into account. Results: In the elective group in the 3 year follow up 2 amputations were performed. 3 patients from this group (5.1%) died. In the ALI group, 9 amputations (23.7%), including 4 early amputation -- 10.5% in the early postoperative period) as well as 3 deaths (7.9%) were noticed. The patency of the performed reconstructions was significantly better in the group of the elective reconstructions -- 3 years secondary patency in this group was 61% (vs 31,5% in the ALI patients. In both groups, the significantly better results were achieved when using autologous material (saphenous vein) with no result difference related to the type of performed procedure (interposition from posterior approach vs by pass procedure) in the early period as well as in the long term follow up. The poor run off status of the below the knee arteries had the significant impact on the long term patency in the elective group as well as on the early reconstruction thrombosis and leg amputation in the ALI group. In the patients with the higher advancement of the leg ischemia, both chronic and acute, the significantly worse patency rate in the late follow up was noticed. Among the other identified factors influencing on the long term results, the advanced age in the elective and thrombotic occlusion of the popliteal artery in the ALI group were noticed. Conclusions: PAA related acute leg ischemia significantly increases the risk of the early amputation rate. In the planning of the treatment procedure in the patients with PAA and ALI, the use of the autologous material as well as the proper run off vessel assessment and, if needed, run off vessel patency restoration should be taken into consideration. In contrary to ALI patients, in the elective PAA treatment the run off vessel score assessment, the stage of the leg ischemia as well as the presence of the possible popliteal artery occlusion have limited value in the direct prediction of the early revascularization results. Independently from the type of the reconstruction, in both groups, elective and ALI, the optimal results can be achieved when using the revascularization based on the own saphenous vein implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the most dangerous complications of cancer. Oncological treatment, surgeries and advanced-stage cancer are only some of the risk factors for VTE, which is still one of the most common causes of death in the population of cancer patients. Differences in the risk of deep-venous thrombosis and its complications, including risk of bleeding, between particular oncological patient groups suggests that there is a need for individual risk assessment and prophylaxis dedicated to specific clinical situations and patients. Cancer-related thrombosis (CAT) is the second most common cause of death in cancer patients. In view of the dynamically growing body of evidence on CAT in recent years, there is a need to update the guidelines for prevention and treatment offered to cancer patients, as evidenced by this document, which is an update of the guidelines published in 2016. This document contains data published after 2016 and the most recent indications for prevention and treatment in the population of cancer patients, with particular emphasis on thromboprophylaxis in those undergoing surgical treatment. Moreover, it was extended to include indications in patients under 18 years of age. The recommendations for the treatment of cancer-related VTE and the use of thromboprophylaxis in the population of children with cancer who are scheduled for surgery were analyzed. The current recommendations confirm the leading role of low-molecular-weight heparins in the pharmacological prevention of VTE in cancer patients and indicate direct oral anticoagulants as an alternative to low-molecular-weight heparin in the treatment of CAT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protective effect on the vascular endothelium, downregulation of the inflammatory reaction, inhibition of the metalloproteinase expression and free radical production, as well as several other pluripotential proprieties of glycosaminoglycans open new perspectives in the effective treatment of the venous, arterial and microcirculation diseases. In the paper, an overview of the current knowledge concerning vasoprotective effects of the glycosaminoglycans is discussed, including beneficial effects on the chronic venous disease (CVD) as well as vascular complications of diabetes. According to the laboratory, as well as clinical study results, the biological proprieties as well as clinical efficacy, position currently sulodexide among the venoactive drugs. The clinical efficacy concerning the CVD symptom reduction, leg swelling decrease, as well as venous leg ulcer healing improvement corresponds with the basic science study results and data about the sulodexide influence on the several processes related to the CVD and its complication occurrence. Vasoprotective effect of the glycosaminoglycans related to the high affinity of the drug to the vascular endothelium as well as to the possibility of the microcirculation homeostasis control recovery were also documented in other clinical conditions such as diabetic nephropaty and retinopathy. According to the literature, discussed in the current publication, an influence of sulodexide on the intermittent claudication distance in the PAOD patients should be mentioned, together with several other potential clinical conditions where the clinically beneficial effect of the glycosaminoglycans can be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction. The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of endovascular mechanochemical ablation of the Great Saphenous vein and the Small Saphenous vein (GSV/SSV) using the use of Flebogrif® catheter and method, based on results obtained from the analysis of 200 patients. Material and methods. 200 patients underwent mechanochemical ablation using the Flebogrif® technique, of the 200 patients, 172 patients experienced insufficiency of the GSV and 28 experienced insufficiencies of the SSV. Follow-up assessment was established by outpatient appointments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. During each subsequent visit, the result of the procedure was evaluated with the use of ultrasound. Furthermore, the intensity of clinical manifestations was assessed with the use of VCSS, CEAP, VASP scales. Any complications were also noted. Results. During 12-month follow-up the number of participants decreased to 168 (152 female, 16 male). Complete closure of the vein was achieved in 154 patients (140 female, 14 male). According to adopted criteria, 15 cases of recanalization were detected (10 complete and 5 partial). Based on the obtained results the effectiveness of the method was assessed at 92%. Conclusions. The statistical analysis of the 12-month follow-up data allowed us to conclude the following the procedural method had 92% of effectiveness at 12-month follow-up, vein diameter was not a significant limitation for the application of the technique, there was a low rate of serious complications, and adverse cosmetic effect was minimal. However, the method requires further long-term follow-up to allow for a complete assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Angiologica is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although venous thromboembolism (VTE) is quite common in patients suffering from different stages of cancer, it is still an underestimated problem. Oncological treatment, surgeries, and advanced-stage cancer are only some risk factors for VTE, which is one of the most common causes of death in cancer patients. Differences in the risk of deep-venous thrombosis and its complications, including risk of bleeding, between particular oncological patient groups suggests that there is a need for individual risk assessment and prophylaxis dedicated to specific clinical situations and patients. They also give grounds for constant update of guidelines on prophylaxis in cancer patients. This document contains venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines in oncology patients with focus on surgical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of new non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC) has had a significant impact on the treatment regimen of patients with venous thromboembolism. Phase 3 studies with the use of this group of drugs, including both direct factor II inhibitors and direct factor Xa inhibitors, have shown that the safety and effectiveness of this type of treatment are similar to vitamin K antagonists that have been used for a long time. Due to the eligibility of randomly selected patients that meet strict and specific inclusion criteria for pre-marketing studies, studies based on the assessment of the effectiveness and clinical safety of the above-mentioned drugs in the routine clinical practice are becoming extremely important. XALIA, the first international, multicenter, prospective clinical study on the use of the direct coagulation inhibitor -- rivaroxaban in the routine clinical practice is an example of these types of studies. The aim of the study was to compare the results of the anticoagulant therapy in patients with deep vein thrombosis and patients with combined deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism using rivaroxaban and standard anticoagulation regimen in the routine clinical practice. The results of the XALIA study confirm the findings of previous prospective, randomized studies in the population characterized by a broad spectrum of patients, indicating the safety and effectiveness of rivaroxaban in the treatment of venous thromboembolism in the routine clinical practice. The incidence of major bleeding complications in the group of patients receiving rivaroxaban was 0.7% compared to 0.8% of patients treated using standard anticoagulants. The proportion of recurrence of venous thromboembolism was low and similar to the results obtained in the EINSTEIN DVT study [XALIA -- 1.4% vs. EINSTEIN DVT -- 2.1%]. No cases of fatal bleeding were reported in the XALIA study and the calculated proportion of major bleeding complications in patients taking rivaroxaban was 1.2 per year, the proportion of recurrence and death from any cause was 2.4% and 0.8%, respectively. The obtained results confirm previous observations suggesting a low risk of recurrence as well as a high safety of the anticoagulant therapy in patients with deep vein thrombosis using rivaroxaban -- this time in the study related to the routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Angiologica is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Societies, especially in well-developed countries, are growing old, a fact which challenges their health services. A specific dimension has appeared regarding surgery with the number of necessary surgical interventions significantly increasing in patients aged sixty five years and older. In this article the authors try to analyze the possibilities of safe operative treatment in this group of patients. At the same time, one must take note doubts regarding the value of chronological age as a decisive factor in qualification and preparation for surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to daily practice, as well as some reports in the literature, vascular complica- tions can also concern the venous system in patients undergoing vascular reconstruction of the lower extremity arterial system. In the absence of antithrombotic prophylaxis, DVT can be expected in 15-25% of "major" vascular surgery patients. The aim of the study was to determine the risk of DVT occurrence after femoro-popliteal bypass implantation in patients with chronic leg ischaemia. Material and methods: The study was performed on a group of 50 patients with intermittent claudication and chronic leg ischemia, aged from 48 to 82 years old and qualified for dacron graft implantation in the femoro-popliteal segment. All the patients were assessed clinically while the deep vein system of the lower extremity was assessed by the means of the Doppler US preoperatively, as well as on the 1st, 4-5th an 30th day after surgery. Preoperatively, all the patients underwent the VTE risk factor assessment. In all the cases, anticoagulant treatment followed by antiplatelet agents was administered perioperatively. Results: Among 50 patients examined up until the 30th postoperative day, there were no clinically-symptomatic cases of DVT of the operated extremity recognized. Asymptomatic DVT was found in 4 cases (8%) of those operated upon and in 1 case (2%) of the contralateral leg (within a 30 day follow-up). In the period until hospital discharge, DVT was diagnosed in only 2 patients (4%), other 3 cases (6%) occurred during the follow-up to 30 days after surgery. Conclusions: Despite the use of perioperative heparin/low molecular weight heparin (also in therapeutic doses), revascularization in the femoral-popliteal segment by means of a surgical bypass is not free from thrombotic events in the deep venous system. The lack of obvious clinical signs, as well as an asymptomatic course of the disease often occurring, emphasize the need of control imaging studies (Doppler US) in any case of clinical suspicion. Due to the risk of thromboembolic complications, each patient qualified for vascular reconstruction of the arterial system should be evaluated in terms of indications for the implementation of VTE prophylaxis. Due to the occurrence of complications in VTE events, which also may occur during the period after being discharged from hospital, the final definition of an adequate duration of the prophylaxis requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Polish Surgery / Chirurgia Polska is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: In patients with chronic critical leg ischaemia (CCLI) the lesions of other (except leg arteries) vascular system regions are often observed. Aim of study: The aim of the study was to assess clinical usefulness of troponin I (cTnI) measurement in patients hospitalised due to chronic critical leg ischemia (CCLI). Material and methods: The study included 72 patients at the age of 76.3 ± 9.4 years with CCLI. The level of cTnI and enzymes: creatine kinase (CPK), CK isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were measured in all patients during the day of admission and on the first and the second day after vascular procedure. On the same days an electrocardiogram was also performed. Patients with symptomatic and unstable coronary heart disease were not included into the study. Results: Increased cTnI values (> 0.014 ng/ml) were found before vascular procedure in 4.2% of patients and in 12.5% of patients after procedure. There was a direct relationship between CPK, CK-MB levels, electrocardiogram result and positive (increased) cTnI before and after surgery. There were no significant differences concerning mortality rate between the group of cTnI positive and negative patients, however, a statistically significant higher myocardial infarction rate occurred in the group with positive cTnI (22.2% v. 0%; p = 0.0067). Other (extracardiac) reasons that influenced on increased cTnI troponin level during postoperative period were: perioperative decrease of the blood cell count that required ransfusion and acute renal failure. Conclusions: Troponin I measurement in patients with CCLI has significant value to identify patients with high risk of cardiologic complications, particularly useful to diagnose silent myocardial ischemia during perioperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]