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Introduction: Visfatin is involved in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis, with a possible role in spermatogenesis. We investigated seminal plasma visfatin levels and its possible correlations with sperm parameters (concentration, motility, morphology) and BMI. Materials and methods: We included 79 semen samples obtained from men from infertile couples presenting for sperm analysis. The samples were divided into 2 groups: a group of 35 samples with normal sperm parameters and another group of 44 samples with at least one abnormal sperm parameter. Seminal plasma visfatin levels were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: Demographic data and body mass index (BMI) were similar in our subjects. As expected, the sperm parameters were significantly different between the 2 groups we studied. Visfatin levels did not differ between groups (66.6 ng/ml in normal samples and 72.7 ng/ml in abnormal samples, p=0.114) and did not correlate with sperm motility, sperm morphology, and BMI. However, a negative correlation between visfatin levels and sperm concentration (r=−0.28; p=0.014) and sperm count (r=−0.3; p=0.009), respectively, was detected. Conclusions: Visfatin was detected in all human seminal plasma samples. Although its levels were similar in subjects with and without normal sperm parameters, a role for visfatin in sperm physiology cannot be ruled out at this point and further research is required. Copyright © by authors

The baseline levels of various inflammatory mediators and their changes during anesthesia in swine are not known. The aim of this animal study was to measure the baseline values and kinetics of interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in healthy Landrace-Large White swine anesthetized with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia. We included 8 healthy male pigs with an average weight of 19±2 kg (aged 10-15 weeks) that were subjected to propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia for 8 hours. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, and serum levels of interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were analyzed, and serum levels were quantified hourly. Blood was also collected for bacterial culturing. Baseline values of interleukin-6 and procalcitonin were 18 pg/ml and 21 ng/ml, respectively, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha was not detectable during collection of baseline samples. A statistically significant difference was observed in interleukin-6 levels between time points (p

Purpose: The efficacy of nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. However, real-world evidence on effectiveness remains limited. Patients and methods: The primary objective of this multicenter prospective study was to assess the overall response rate (ORR) of patients with MBC treated with nab-paclitaxel. Secondary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and quality of life, assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) instrument. Results: Eligible patients (N = 150; 36% with de novo MBC presentation) with a median age of 64.5 years were enrolled (86% were ER+, 33.3% (50/150) were ≥ 70 years of age and 53% were treated in the third or later line of treatment). A median of 6 cycles were administered but 26% of patients required dose reduction due to toxicity. The ORR was 26.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.6–33.7], the median PFS was 6.2 months (95% CI 5.2–7.3), and the median OS 21.1 months (95% CI 17.2-not estimable). There was no statistical significant difference in the median PFS of patients < and ≥ 70 years of age. The patients’ baseline FACT-B total score remained unchanged. The serious and non-serious adverse event incidence rates were 13% and 48%, respectively. Conclusions: This prospective study provides further evidence on quality of life, efficacy, and safety of nab-paclitaxel in patients with MBC and sheds more light in special subpopulations such as the elderly and those treated beyond the second line. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

The original version of this article contained mistakes, and the authors would like to correct them. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Assisted reproductive techniques including in vitro fertilization (IVF) are being used increasingly worldwide and screening for genital tract infections (GTIs) is recommended prior to treatment as their presence may affect the success rate of IVF. The current study aimed to assess the possible associations between GTI-associated factors and reproductive outcome in a group of reproductive age fertile females and infertile females receiving IVF. A total of 111 infertile women enrolled in an IVF programme (Group A) and 104 fertile women (mothers of at least one child; Group B) underwent microbiological screening of vaginal and cervical samples. All samples were cultured using different protocols for aerobic pathogens, bacterial vaginosis (BV), Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Chlamydia trachomatis and human papilloma virus (HPV). Although each group were comparable in age, more infertile women were >30 years (P=0.0064), had a higher education level (P=0.0001) and were smokers (P=0.007). Only BV (P=0.0013) was more prevalent in Group A. Of the 111 infertile females who were scheduled for IVF, 32 females had a successful pregnancy (Group C) and 79 females exhibited IVF failure (Group D). Tubal factor (P=0.012), estradiol-2 (E2) levels

Irisin, a novel exercise-induced myokine, has been implicated in different aspects of human metabolism and could be connected to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to investigate serum and follicular fluid (FF) irisin levels in PCOS and normal women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and correlate them to the lipid and lipoprotein levels as well as with other metabolic parameters. Serum and FF irisin, together with serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were assessed in 70 women with diagnosed PCOS and 70 non-PCOS controls, under in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Regardless of BMI, PCOS women had a significantly increased number of oocytes retrieved, fertilized oocytes and transferred embryos, although the number of women achieving pregnancies did not differ between groups. No correlation between FF irisin levels and pregnancy could be established. Serum and FF irisin levels were significantly higher in PCOS and overweight women and were positively associated with BMI and dyslipidemia. FF irisin levels correlated positively to and were lower than serum irisin levels. Further research would be helpful to analyze irisin’s role in female reproduction, if any, as well as in human metabolism and the pathophysiology of PCOS. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Christophoros N Foroulis,1 Athanassios D Kleontas,1 George Tagarakis,1 Chryssoula Nana,1 Ioannis Alexiou,1 Vasilis Grosomanidis,1 Paschalis Tossios,1 Elena Papadaki,2 Ioannis Kioumis,2 Sofia Baka,3 Paul Zarogoulidis,2 Kyriakos Anastasiadis11Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aristotle University School of Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 2Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, “G. Papanikolaou” General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 3Oncology Department, European Interbalkan Medical Center, Thessaloniki, GreeceObjective: Malignant chest wall tumors are rare neoplasms. Resection with wide-free margins is an important prognostic factor, and massive chest wall resection and reconstruction are often necessary. A recent case series of 20 consecutive patients is reported in order to find any possible correlation between tumor histology, extent of resection, type of reconstruction, and adjuvant treatment with short- and long-term outcomes.Methods: Twenty patients were submitted to chest wall resection and reconstruction for malignant chest wall neoplasms between 2006 and 2014. The mean age (ten males) was 59±4years. The size and histology of the tumor, the technique of reconstruction, and the short- and long-term follow-up records were noted.Results: The median maximum diameter of tumors was 10cm (5.4–32cm). Subtotal sternal resection was performed in nine cases, and the resection of multiple ribs was performed in eleven cases. The median area of chest wall defect was 108cm2 (60–340cm2). Histology revealed soft tissue, bone, and cartilage sarcomas in 16 cases (80%), most of them chondrosarcomas. The rest of the tumors was metastatic tumors in two cases and localized malignant pleural mesothelioma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in one case. The chest wall defect was reconstructed by using the “sandwich technique” (propylene mesh/methyl methacrylate/propylene mesh) in nine cases of large anterior defects or by using a 2mm polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) mesh in nine cases of lateral or posterior defects. Support from a plastic surgeon was necessary to cover the full-thickness chest wall defects in seven cases. Adjuvant oncologic treatment was administered in 13 patients. Local recurrences were observed in five cases where surgical reintervention was finally necessary in two cases. Recurrences were associated with larger tumors, histology of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and initial incomplete resection or misdiagnosis made by nonthoracic surgeons. Three patients died during the study period because of recurrent disease or complications of treatment for recurrent disease.Conclusion: Chest wall tumors are in their majority mesenchymal neoplasms, which often require major chest wall resection for their eradication. Long-term survival is expected in low-grade tumors where a radical resection is achieved, while big tumors and histology of malignant fibrous histiocytoma are connected with the increase rate of recurrence.Keywords: chest wall tumors, chest wall resection, chest wall reconstruction, soft tissue sarcomas, sternal tumors, chondrosarcoma&nbsp

The comparative analysis of legislative acts of Ukraine regulating the procedure of realization of scientific and technical cooperation has been conducted in this article, in particular, the processes of academic mobility between Ukraine and other countries of the world. The pros and cons of such cooperation has been analyzed, also suggestions for establishing effective processes of academic mobility in Ukraine has been laid out.

Introduction: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is an important cause of neonatal infections. Maternal GBS colonization screening and intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis of colonized women can prevent neonatal diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of GBS colonization in pregnant and non-pregnant women and to compare the performance of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with the established as gold standard technique, culture method, used for the detection of this microorganism. Methodology: Vaginal and rectal samples collected from 857 pregnant and 370 non-pregnant women were examined through cultures, while the samples collected from 452 pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation were assayed by culture and PCR method targeting the cfb gene. Results: GBS colonization was present in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. The colonization rate was similar in non-pregnant and first trimester pregnant women and then increased from first to the third trimester of pregnancy. GBS cultures for vaginal and rectal samples were positive in 13.2% and 14.3% in non-pregnant women, while in pregnant women 13.2% and 13.7% in the first trimester, and 15.0% and 16.5% in the second trimester, respectively. In third trimester pregnant women, compared to culture method, PCR identified a significantly increased number of GBS positive vaginal (18.4% vs 22.6%, p = 0.0006) and rectal (18.1% vs 21.2%, p = 0.01) samples. Conclusions: GBS colonization rate was higher in the third trimester. PCR proved to be a rapid and useful GBS screening method allowing a shorter detection time, while identifying more colonized women than culture. © 2018 Gerolymatos et al.

This study aimed to investigate serum and follicular fluid (FF) adropin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normal women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and correlate them with the lipid and lipoprotein levels. We included 60 women (30 lean and 30 overweight) with diagnosed PCOS, and 60 age and weight-matched non-PCOS controls (30 lean and 30 overweight), under in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were assessed by the Abbott Architect c8000 autoanalyzer while adropin levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Serum and FF adropin levels were significantly lower in PCOS women compared with controls and FF adropin levels were lower than serum levels. Significantly higher serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a) and homocysteine were encountered in PCOS subjects, while HDL-C and apolipoprotein A1 were significantly lower compared with controls. According to univariate and multivariate analysis, serum and FF adropin levels were positively correlated with BMI and HDL-C levels and negatively correlated with LDL-C levels. Women with polycystic ovaries exhibit lipid lipoprotein alterations increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. Our findings suggest a probable involvement of adropin both in human metabolism and in the pathophysiology of PCOS. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

This is a case description of a female patient, 77 years-old, who presented with progressive dyspnea and cough. She had a mild hypoxemia in the arterial blood gases (PaO2 72 mmHg) and normal spirometry. The chest computer tomography revealed diffuse “ground glass” opacities, segmental alveolitis, bronchiectasis, fibrotic lesions and numerous micronodules. A thoracoscopy was performed and the obtained biopsy showed carcinoid tumorlets, with positive CK8/18, CD56, TTF-1 and synaptophysin immunohistochemical markers. Pulmonary carcinoid tumorlets are rare, benign lesions and individuals with tumorlets are typically asymptomatic. Our report presents a symptomatic clinical case of carcinoid tumorlet. © 2017 The Authors

Aim. Primary ovarian non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a very rare disease. Median age at diagnosis is estimated at 42 years, something that leads to fertility preservation issues in many cases. This was a case report study, presenting a rare case of bilateral primary ovarian non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Case report. A 38-year old nulliparous woman, underwent exploratory laparotomy because of bilateral ovarian masses. Left salpingooophorectomy, partial omentectomy and excision of an ovarian mass of the right ovary was performed. Great effort in order to preserve healthy ovarian tissue of the right ovary as well as the right fallopian tube was given, due to fertility reasons. Final histology showed bilateral diffuse large B-cell primary ovarian non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Postoperatively, the patient underwent chemotherapy with the CHOP regimen in combination with rituximab. Five years after initial diagnosis, the patient remains well with normal menstrual cycle, without evidence of recurrence. Discussion. Fertility preservation issues in some cases of rare gynecological malignancies could be managed via minimally invasive oncological approach. © 2017, CIC Edizioni Internazionali, Roma.

Lung cancer being the most prevalent malignancy in men and the 3rd most frequent in women is still associated with dismal prognosis due to advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Novel targeted therapies are already on the market and several others are under investigation. However non-specific cytotoxic agents still remain the cornerstone of treatment for many patients. Central airways stenosis or obstruction may often complicate and decrease quality of life and survival of these patients. Interventional pulmonology modalities (mainly debulking and stent placement) can alleviate symptoms related to airways stenosis and improve the quality of life of patients. Mitomycin C and sirolimus have been observed to assist a successful stent placement by reducing granuloma tissue formation. Additionally, these drugs enhance the normal tissue ability against cancer cell infiltration. In this mini review we will concentrate on mitomycin C and sirolimus and their use in stent placement. © Ivyspring International Publisher.

Background/aim Excessive fetal growth is associated with increased adiposity and reduced insulin sensitivity at birth. Copeptin, a surrogate marker of arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion, is upregulated in states of hyperinsulinemia and is considered one of the mediators of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate cord blood concentrations of copeptin (C-terminal fragment of AVP pro-hormone) in healthy large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants at term. Methods This prospective study was conducted on 30 LGA (n = 30) and 20 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA, n = 20) singleton full-term healthy infants. Cord blood copeptin and insulin concentrations were determined by ELISA and IRMA, respectively. Infants were classified as LGA or AGA, based on customized birth-weight standards adjusted for significant determinants of fetal growth. Results Cord blood copeptin concentrations were similar in LGA cases, compared to AGA controls, after adjusting for delivery mode. However, in the LGA group, cord blood copeptin concentrations positively correlated with birth-weight (r = 0.422, p = 0.020). In the AGA group, cord blood copeptin concentrations were elevated in cases of vaginal delivery vs elective cesarean section (p = 0.003). Cord blood insulin concentrations were higher in LGA cases, compared to AGA controls (p = 0.036). No association was recorded between cord blood copeptin concentrations and maternal age, parity, gestational age or fetal gender in both groups. Conclusions Cord blood copeptin concentrations may not be up-regulated in non-distressed LGA infants. However, the positive correlation between cord blood copeptin concentrations and birth-weight in the LGA group may point to the documented association between AVP release and increased fat deposition. Vaginal delivery vs elective cesarean section is accompanied by a marked stress-related increase of cord blood copeptin concentrations. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Pneumothorax is a situation where air is inserted in the pleural space that separates the lung from the chest wall. Pneumothorax can be primary or secondary. There is also a third type called; tensioned. Based on the concentration of air and type of pneumothorax the proper treatment has to be selected. There are cases where the concentration is minimal and observation is enough and more severe cases where surgery is required. Currently there are many techniques used for the biopsy of lung lesions. The bronchoscope (forceps, fine needle aspiration), fine needle aspiration under computed tomography scan and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) are commonly used. However, all these techniques have in common a possible side effect; pneumothorax. In our current issue we will focus on the different minimally invasive techniques of pneumothorax management. Moreover, a presentation will be made for several systems that are being used for air or fluid aspiration. © Annals of Translational Medicine.

A chest tube is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space or mediastinum. It is used to remove air in the case of pneumothorax or fluid such as in the case of pleural effusion, blood, chyle, or pus when empyema occurs from the intrathoracic space. It is also known as a Bülau drain or an intercostal catheter. Insertion of chest tubes is widely performed by radiologists, pulmonary physicians and thoracic surgeons. Large catheters or small catheters are used based on each situation that the medical doctor encounters. In the current review we will focus on the chest drain systems that are in use. © Annals of Translational Medicine.

The Heimlich valve is a small one-way valve used for chest drainage that empties into a flexible collection device and prevents return of gases or fluids into the pleural space. The Heimlich valve is less than 13 cm (5 inches) long and facilitates patient ambulation. Currently there are several systems in the market. It can be used in many patients instead of a traditional water seal drainage system. The Heimlich chest drainage valve was developed so that the process of draining the pleural cavity could be accomplished in a safe, relatively simple, and efficient manner. This valve system has replaced the cumbersome underwater drainage bottle system. Moreover; the Heimlich valve system connects to chest tubing and allows fluid and air to pass in one direction only. This system functions in any position, and it does not ever need to be clamped, a regulated suction can be attached to it if necessary. The valve drains into a plastic bag that can be held at any level, allowing the patient undergoing chest drainage to be ambulatory simply by carrying the bag. In the current mini review we will present the Heimlich valve system and method of insertion. © Annals of Translational Medicine.

The pneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air or gas in the pleural space that separates the lung from the chest wall. Like pleural effusion where a large abnormal concentration of fluid (>100 mL) is liquid buildup in that space, pneumothorax may interfere with normal breathing. A medical term that it is used is the collapsed lung, although that term may also refer to atelectasis. There are two major types of pneumothorax; there is one that occurs without an apparent cause and in the absence of significant lung disease, while the so called; "secondary" pneumothorax occurs in the presence of existing lung pathology. In a minority of cases, the amount of air in the chest increases markedly when a one-way valve is formed by an area of damaged tissue, leading to a third type of pneumothorax, called "tensioned". © Annals of Translational Medicine.

Purpose: Somatostatin is a peptide with a potent and broad antisecretory action, which makes it an invaluable drug target for the pharmacological management of pituitary adenomas and neuroendocrine tumors. Furthermore, somatostatin (SST) receptors (SSTR1, 2A and B, 3, 4 and 5) belong to the G protein coupled receptor family and are overexpressed in tumors. Since, human small-cell lung cancer overexpresses somatostatin receptors (STTR), they could be legitimate targets for treating SCLC. The aim of this study was the evaluation of cytotoxicity of somatostatin in combination with several anticancer drugs in HTB-175 cell line (Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell line that expresses neuron specific enolase). Methods: Docetaxel, Paclitaxel, Carboplatin, Cisplatin, Etoposide, Gemzar, Navelbine, Fluorouracil, Farmorubicin are the chemotherapeutic drugs that we used for the combination before and after adding somatostatin in SCLC cell culture. HTB-175 cell line was purchased from ATCC LGC Standards. At indicated time-point, 48h after the combination, cell viability and apoptosis were measured with Annexin V staining by flow cytometry. Results: Flow cytometry showed that Docetaxel, Paclitaxel, Gemzar and Cisplatin induced apoptosis more when they were added before somatostatin, whereas etoposide induced apoptosis more after somatostatin treatment. Navelbine alone or in combination with somatostatin showed no differences in apoptosis. Farmorubicin showed equal toxicity in all combinations. Fluorouracil and Carboplatin induced apoptosis more when added alone in HTB-175 cell line. However, increased apoptosis was also observed when Carboplatin was administered before somatostatin in higher concentrations. Conclusion: Our results indicated that depending on the drug, somatostatin treatment before or after chemotherapeutic drugs increased apoptosis in small cell lung cancer cells. We suggest that long acting somatostatin analogues could be used as additive and maintenance therapy in combination to antineoplastic agents in SCLC patients. © 2015 Ivyspring International Publisher.