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Lipid oxidation is an important cause of food quality deterioration. However, while many methods are available to detect and quantify lipid oxidation, few are nondestructive. A new study investigates using solid sample autofluorescence spectroscopy as a method for the nondestructive assessment of lipid oxidation in minced poultry meat. It is shown that autofluorescence spectroscopy is well suited for the nondestructive determination of lipid oxidation levels in such foods.

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a useful diagnostic respiratory system for children. However, the final value of the FOT in the diagnosis of bronchoconstriction is still open. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the FOT vs. body plethysmography tests in the measure of bronchoconstriction in asthmatic children. A total of 102 children aged 2 to 6 years diagnosed with early-onset asthma and 52 healthy controls were included in this prospective, randomized study. All asthmatic patients and healthy controls underwent a basic FOT as one measurement, according to the recommendation of the Resmon Pro FOT. Then, the reversibility test was performed 20 min after the administration of 200 mg salbutamol using the FOT and body plethysmography in all patients. The mean basic Rrs, Xrs and sRaw in asthmatic patients were, respectively, 11.13 ± 1.28 kPa sL−1, −4.6 ± 1.18 kPa sL−1 and 1.72 ± 0.58 kPa s. Similar parameters were significantly better in the control group (p < 0.05). A total of 73 (71.6%) asthmatic patients had a positive test using the FOT according to Calogero. In 4 (7.7%) patients in the control group, a positive test was obtained. In body plethysmography, similar results were reached, with a positive test in 76 (74.5%) study patients and 5 (9.6%) control patients. A bronchial reversibility test with the use of the FOT is useful for the diagnosis of bronchial asthma, especially with the use of an Rrs parameter, such as the body plethysmography test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front face fluorescence spectroscopy method used to measure lipid oxidation in meat is evaluated. Lipid oxidation leads to meat spoilage.

To investigate the effect of fatty acid composition on broiler meat selenium concentration and antioxidative capacity, 60 broiler chickens were individually fed one out of three high-selenium diets, based on either soybean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO) or a RO/linseed oil (LNO) mix. Breast muscle total selenium concentration was significant decreased (P=0.007) in the SO compared to RO and LNO dietary groups, while no differences were observed for antiradical power, glutathione peroxidise values or sensory evaluation for the three groups. LNO resulted in an almost five times lower ratio between arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid and a three times lowern-6/n-3 ratio compared to the SO group. These results indicate that dietary fatty acid composition may affect broiler meat total selenium concentration and suggest that a loweredn-6/n-3 ratio and increased level ofn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in broiler meat may increase total selenium in meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some of the most important factors that reduce the shelf life of many foods are oxygen, light, spoilage bacteria and inadequate cooling. The strategies followed by Matforsk -- Norwegian Food Research Institute in efforts to prevent or limit the damage caused by these factors are 1) to understand the effects of oxygen and light of varying wavelengths on different foods and 2) to develop protection for the food using adequate light and oxygen barrier packaging and protective cultures and antioxidative marinades. Application of the right packaging gas for different types of food, including the use of an active packaging concept such as a CO2-emitter, is also crucial for ensuring sensory and microbial shelf life. Fighting spoilage and pathogenic bacteria may also be done by means of protective, bacteriocin-producing bacterial cultures. Inadequate cooling may be detected by means of an intelligent packaging concept such as Time-Temperature Indicators. This paper is a review of seven recent studies conducted at Matforsk that were undertaken in an effort to extend the shelf life of different types of food, including extruded oats, cheese, butter, fresh salmon, smoked salmon, fresh cod, ground beef and cooked poultry meat cuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-secretory multiple myeloma (NSMM) accounts for approx. 2-3% of multiple myeloma (MM) cases. Due to the rare occurrence and ineligibility of patients with NSMM to participate in clinical trials, we have limited data on treatment efficacy and the clinical course in these patients. Most of the literature consists of case reports and small retrospective studies., Objectives: The study aimed to analyze patient characteristics, prognostic factors and treatment outcomes in newly diagnosed (ND) NSMM., Material and Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective analysis of 43 patients with NSMM diagnosed between June 2010 and September 2021, conducted in 8 Polish hematology centers., Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 103 months (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 20-72). The most common cause of death was MM disease progression. The overall response rate (ORR) was 84.6%; complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR), partial response (PR), and no response (NR) rates were 20.5%, 46.2%, 17.9%, and 15.4%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, factors contributing to worse OS included International Staging System stage 3 (ISS-3) (p = 0.0277), anemia (Hb <10 g/dL or >2 below upper limit of normal value (ULN), p = 0.0270), renal insufficiency (RI, serum creatinine >2 mg/dL, p = 0.0476), and serum albumin <5.5 mg/L (0.0408)., Conclusions: Non-secretory multiple myeloma is a rare subtype of MM. This small study demonstrates that outcomes are comparable to secretory MM. However, the inclusion of this subset of patients in clinical trials is essential to assess prognosis, treatment efficacy and clinical outcomes.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine optimal radiological parameters for assessment of the round window approach in cochlear implantation surgery., Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing cochlear implantation at the Department of Otolaryngology in Szczecin, between 2015 and 2022 inclusive, were eligible for the study. Radiological assessments were performed according to eight parameters (seven proposed in the literature) and visibility clinical assessments were made intra-operatively on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 - not visible, 5 - fully visible). Visibility assessments of the round window niche (RWN) and round window membrane (RWM) allowed the difference (RWN minus RWM) to be used as a clinical assessment of the size of the overhang over the round window., Results: Computed tomography images of 57 ears from 52 patients were analyzed in terms of round window access. The study group included 26 females and 26 males, ranging in age from 1 year to 80 years, with a median age of 41 years. In clinical assessment, round window visibility was rated as 5, after removal of the bone overhang, in 69% of patients. Cochlear access through the round window was achieved in 39 (68%) cases, extended access through the round window in 13 (23%) cases and cochleostomy was performed in 5 (9%) cases. Statistically significant ordinal correlations with round-window access were found using one parameter from the literature (Chen&#95;Angle) and from our proposal (RWM&#95;prediction). From parameters describing the bone overhang of the round window, positive correlations (using Kendall rank tests) were found using parameters from the literature (Sarafraz&#95;OH and Mehanna&#95;OH)., Conclusions: Radiological measurements describing access to the round window which determine the angle based on the anatomy of the posterior wall of the auditory canal and the position of the facial nerve were found to be of the highest value., Clinical Relevance Statement: In the future, the use of algorithms for computed tomography evaluation and robot-assisted surgery will require parameters for assessing round window access, for surgery planning and choice of electrode. The parameters proposed by various authors are summarized, allowing researchers to assess their usefulness in further clinical practice., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Belantamab mafodotin had single-agent activity in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, a finding that supports further evaluation of the agent in combination with standard-care therapies., Methods: In this phase 3, open-label, randomized trial, we evaluated belantamab mafodotin, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (BVd), as compared with daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (DVd), in patients who had progression of multiple myeloma after at least one line of therapy. The primary end point was progression-free survival. Key secondary end points were overall survival, response duration, and minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative status., Results: In total, 494 patients were randomly assigned to receive BVd (243 patients) or DVd (251 patients). At a median follow-up of 28.2 months (range, 0.1 to 40.0), median progression-free survival was 36.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.4 to not reached) in the BVd group and 13.4 months (95% CI, 11.1 to 17.5) in the DVd group (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.53; P<0.001). Overall survival at 18 months was 84% in the BVd group and 73% in the DVd group. An analysis of the restricted mean response duration favored BVd over DVd (P<0.001). A complete response or better plus MRD-negative status occurred in 25% of the patients in the BVd group and 10% of those in the DVd group. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 95% of the patients in the BVd group and 78% of those in the DVd group. Ocular events were more common in the BVd group than in the DVd group (79% vs. 29%); such events were managed with dose modifications, and events of worsening visual acuity mostly resolved., Conclusions: As compared with DVd therapy, BVd therapy conferred a significant benefit with respect to progression-free survival among patients who had relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma after at least one line of therapy. Most patients had grade 3 or higher adverse events. (Funded by GSK; DREAMM-7 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04246047; EudraCT number, 2018-003993-29.)., (Copyright © 2024 Massachusetts Medical Society.)

Background: To prospectively examine the dynamic evolution of fibrotic processes within a one-year in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)., Methods: Between May 2019 and September 2020, 102 DCM patients (mean age 45.2 ± 11.8 years, EF 29.9 ± 11.6%) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR-1). After 13.9 ± 2.9 months, 92 of these patients underwent a follow-up CMR (CMR-2). Replacement fibrosis was assessed via late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), quantified in terms of LGE mass and extent. Interstitial fibrosis was evaluated via T1-mapping and expressed as extracellular volume fraction (ECV). This data, along with left ventricular (LV) mass, facilitated the calculation of LV matrix and cellular volumes., Results: At CMR-1, LGE was present in 45 patients (48.9%), whereas at CMR-2 LGE was detected in 46 (50%) (p = 0.88). Although LGE mass remained stable, LGE extent increased from 2.18 ± 4.1% to 2.7 ± 4.6% (p < 0.01). Conversely, ECV remained unchanged [27.7% (25.5-31.3) vs. 26.7% (24.5-29.9); p = 0.19]; however, LV matrix and cell volumes exhibited a noteworthy regression. During a subsequent follow-up of 19.2 ± 9 months (spanning from CMR-2 to April 30th, 2023), the composite primary outcome (all-cause mortality, HTX, LVAD or heart failure worsening) was evident in 18 patients. Only the LV matrix volume index at follow-up was an independent predictor of outcome (OR 1.094; 95%CI 1.004-1.192; p < 0.05)., Conclusions: In optimally managed DCM patients, both replacement and interstitial fibrosis remained stable over the course of one year. In contrast, LV matrix and cell volumes displayed significant regression. LV matrix volume index at 12-month follow-up was found to be an independent predictor of outcome in DCM., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None declared., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is distinguished by left ventricle (LV) dilation accompanied by systolic dysfunction. However, some studies suggested also a high prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), similar to a general cohort of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF). The bulk of evidence, mostly arising from basic studies, suggests a causative link between cardiac fibrosis (CF) and LVDD. However, still, there remains a scarcity of data on LVDD and CF. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the association between CF and LVDD in DCM patients., Methods: The study population was composed of 102 DCM patients. Replacement CF was evaluated qualitatively (late gadolinium enhancement - LGE) and quantitively (LGE extent); interstitial cardiac fibrosis was assessed via extracellular volume (ECV). Based on echocardiography patients were divided into normal and elevated left atrial pressure (nLAP, eLAP) groups., Results: 42 % of patients had eLAP. They displayed higher troponin and NT-proBNP. Both groups did not differ in terms of LGE presence and extent; however, eLAP patients had larger ECV: 30.1 ± 5.6 % vs. 27.8 ± 3.9 %, p = 0.03. Moreover, ECV itself was found to be an independent predictor of LVDD (OR = 0.901; 95 %CI 0.810-0.999; p = 0.047; normalised for LVEF and RVOT diameter)., Conclusions: More than two-in-five DCM patients had at least moderate LVDD. The mere presence or extent of replacement cardiac fibrosis is similar in patients with nLAP and eLAP. On the other hand, interstitial cardiac fibrosis is more pronounced in those with a higher grade of LVDD. ECV was found to be an independent predictor of LVDD in DCM., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Introduction: Multiple Myeloma (MM), a prevalent hematological malignancy, poses significant treatment challenges due to varied patient responses and toxicities to chemotherapy. This study investigates the predictive value of pretreatment serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for chemotherapy-induced toxicities in newly diagnosed MM patients. We hypothesized that these cytokines, pivotal in the tumor microenvironment, might correlate with the incidence and severity of treatment-related adverse events., Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study with 81 newly diagnosed MM patients, analyzing serum cytokine levels using the multiplex cytometric bead assay (CBA) flow cytometry method. The study used non-parametric and multivariate analysis to compare cytokine levels with treatment-induced toxicities, including lymphopenia, infections, polyneuropathy, and neutropenia., Results: Our findings revealed significant associations between cytokine levels and specific toxicities. IL-8 levels were lower in patients with lymphopenia (p=0.0454) and higher in patients with infections (p=0.0009) or polyneuropathy (p=0.0333). VEGF concentrations were notably lower in patients with neutropenia (p=0.0343). IL-8 demonstrated an 81% sensitivity (AUC=0.69; p=0.0015) in identifying infection risk. IL-8 was an independent predictor of lymphopenia (Odds Ratio [OR]=0.26; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=0.07-0.78; p=0.0167) and infection (OR=4.76; 95% CI=0.07-0.62; p=0.0049). High VEGF levels correlated with a 4-fold increased risk of anemia (OR=4.13; p=0.0414)., Conclusions: Pre-treatment concentrations of IL-8 and VEGF in serum can predict hematological complications, infections, and polyneuropathy in patients with newly diagnosed MM undergoing chemotherapy. They may serve as simple yet effective biomarkers for detecting infections, lymphopenia, neutropenia, and treatment-related polyneuropathy, aiding in the personalization of chemotherapy regimens and the mitigation of treatment-related risks., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Mielnik, Podgajna-Mielnik, Szudy-Szczyrek, Homa-Mlak, Mlak, Gorący and Hus.)

Background: The primary objective of this study was to analyze middle ear structures critical for cochlear implantation using computed tomography., Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent cochlear implantation at the Department of Otolaryngology in Szczecin between 2015 and 2022 were eligible for the study. We analyzed computed tomography images of 57 ears in 52 patients. The following parameters were assessed: mastoid aeration, tegmen tympani height, sigmoid sinus position, posterior tympanotomy width, the distance between the facial nerve and chorda tympani, modified facial recess distance, and the prediction line described by other authors., Results: In 69% of patients, after the removal of the round window bony overhang, the round window membrane became fully visible. There were no statistically significant correlations found for parameters describing mastoid process anatomy or those rating the width of the posterior tympanotomy concerning round window access. The prediction lines, according to Kashio and Jwair, were found to be relevant. In cases where patients' access to the niche and membrane of the window was rated as good or very good during clinical evaluation, they were more likely to describe the window as being located posteriorly or medially in the radiological evaluation. Using a binary Jwair scale provided a better correlation with the clinical assessment. In cases where the windows were graded as posterior, the clinical assessment indicated better surgical access, especially to the RWM (Round Window Membrane)., Conclusions: Evaluating middle ear anatomy on a computed tomography scan is useful for preparing for middle ear surgery but does not significantly affect the ability to access the round window. For such access, the position of the window in relation to the facial nerve is the most relevant factor, and measurements based on this relationship hold the highest clinical value.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological neoplasm. Cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors, induced by the microenvironment of MM, participate in tumor growth, the attraction of leukocytes, cell homing, and bone destruction. This study aimed to assess the correlation between the pretreatment serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), angiogenic chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the clinical outcomes and survival of patients newly diagnosed with MM. The study group consisted of 82 individuals. The IL-8 concentration was significantly positively correlated with the age of onset ( p = 0.007), the International Staging System (ISS) stage ( p = 0.03), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ( p < 0.001), the degree of anemia before treatment ( p < 0.0001), the degree of kidney disease ( p < 0.001), and VEGF ( p = 0.0364). Chemotherapy responders had significantly lower concentrations of IL-8 ( p < 0.001), IL-6 ( p < 0.001), and VEGF ( p = 0.04) compared with non-responders. Patients with treatment-induced polyneuropathy had significantly higher levels of IL-8 ( p = 0.033). Patients with a high level of IL-6 had a 2-fold higher risk of progression-free survival (PFS) reduction (17 vs. 35 months; HR = 1.89; p = 0.0078), and a more than 2.5-fold higher risk of overall survival (OS) reduction (28 vs. 78 months; HR = 2.62; p < 0.001). High levels of IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF demonstrated significant predictive values for some clinical conditions or outcomes of newly diagnosed MM patients. Patients with an early response to chemotherapy had a significantly lower concentration of these cytokines. A high pretreatment IL-6 concentration was an independent negative prognostic marker for newly diagnosed MM patients.

Background: Cardiac fibrosis is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and has confirmed unfavorable clinical significance. Replacement fibrosis is better known and has already been studied on a larger scale, whereas interstitial fibrosis is less explored., Aims: We aimed to analyze the relationship between serum biomarkers and interstitial fibrosis, as assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HCM patients., Methods: We performed 3T CMR scans in 50 HCM patients to assess interstitial fibrosis as expressed by extracellular volume (ECV). In all patients, we determined levels of serum cardiac-specific (troponin T [TnT], N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP]) and fibrosis-specific (procollagen I C-terminal propeptide, procollagen III N-terminal propeptide, transforming growth factor β1, galectin-3) biomarkers. Patients were divided based on their median value of ECV., Results: The final study population included 49 patients. The median value of ECV in our cohort was 28.1%. Patients stratified according to median ECV differed in terms of several variables: body mass index, late gadolinium extent, NT-proBNP, and galectin-3 levels (all P <0.05). Cardiac biomarkers (TnT and NT-proBNP) and galectin-3 were significantly correlated with ECV (rS = 0.34; P = 0.02; rS = 0.39; P = 0.006; rS = 0.43; P = 0.002, respectively). Galectin-3 and body mass index were found to be independent predictors of ECV (odds ratio [OR], 2.29 [1.07-4.91]; P = 0.03; OR, 0.81 [0.68-0.97]; P = 0.02, respectively)., Conclusions: Galectin-3 was an independent predictor of interstitial fibrosis in HCM patients expressed as elevated ECV values. The other measured fibrosis-specific biomarkers were not useful in detecting interstitial fibrosis in HCM. In addition, there was a positive correlation between classical cardiac biomarkers and interstitial fibrosis in HCM patients.

In the case of historic buildings, especially those under protection, it is important to replace elements of the roof covering, while maintaining current technical standards, to meet the requirements of the conservator. The authors of the article present alternatives to commonly used solutions, based on their experience with replacing historic building roofing with ceramic tiles made according to the production and firing technology of the nineteenth century. They emphasize that the correct/specialized restoration of existing tiles in a building makes it possible to preserve and reuse them, which is in line with the principles of historic preservation. However, due to the preservation of the roof tiles, it is not always possible to revitalize them. As a solution to the problem, the use of clay roof tiles manufactured according to 19th-century firing technology, including handmade methods, is presented, which preserves the geometry of the historic roof tiles. The approach presented by the authors meets both the requirements of conservation theory and the building standards for roofing elements. Although it is much more expensive than the solutions currently commonly used that result from modern technical requirements and tile-manufacturing technology, in the case of objects of significant cultural heritage, it is a solution that meets modern technical requirements while not compromising the original appearance of the monument.

Upconversion (UC) is a process that describes the emission of shorter-wavelength light compared to that of the excitation source. Thus, UC is also referred to as anti-Stokes emission because the excitation wavelength is longer than the emission wavelength. UC materials are used in many fields, from electronics to medicine. The objective of using UC in medical research is to synthesize upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) composed of a lanthanide core with a coating of adsorbed dye that will generate fluorescence after excitation with near-infrared light to illuminate deep tissue. Emission occurs in the visible and UV range, and excitation mainly in the near-infrared spectrum. UC is observed for lanthanide ions due to the arrangement of their energy levels resulting from f-f electronic transitions. Organic compounds and transition metal ions are also able to form the UC process. Biocompatible UCNPs are designed to absorb infrared light and emit visible light in the UC process. Fluorescent dyes are adsorbed to UCNPs and employed in PDT to achieve deeper tissue effects upon irradiation with infrared light. Fluorescent UCNPs afford selectivity as they may be activated only by illumination of an area of diseased tissue, such as a tumor, with infrared light and are by themselves atoxic in the absence of infrared light. UCNP constructs can be monitored as to their location in the body and uptake by cancer cells, aiding in evaluation of exact doses required to treat the targeted cancer. In this paper, we review current research in UC studies and UCNP development.

MiRNA-8074 is a molecule with the potential to regulate the expression of key genes related to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM), i.e., TP53 , MYC , MAPK1 , and KIAA . We analyzed the predictive and prognostic value of miRNA-8074 expression in MM patients. In total, 105 newly diagnosed MM patients treated with thalidomide (n = 27), bortezomib (n = 41) and bortezomib with thalidomide (n = 37) were studied. For miRNA analysis, the column method and the Real-Time PCR technique with specific TaqMan Fast Advanced Master Mix and TaqMan probes were used. Factors that were associated with a significant reduction in progression-free survival (PFS) included: ECOG > 1, ISS stage III, low hemoglobin, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, abnormal renal function, elevated creatinine, GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , elevated LDH, del(17p), t(11;14), the use of a single drug regimen (thalidomide or bortezomib) and high miRNA-8074 expression (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.16-3.49; p = 0.0233). In addition to the known prognostic factors, such as ECOG > 1, Durie-Salmon stage III, diagnosis of light chain disease or non-secreting MM, renal failure, hypoalbuminemia, hypercalcemia, high β2-microglobulin, elevated LDH, and t(14;16), a high expression of miRNA-8074 was significantly associated with a higher risk of death (HR = 4.12, 95% CI: 2.20-7.70; p = 0.0009). In summary, miRNA-8074 may be a useful diagnostic tool to assess the prognosis in MM patients.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are on the frontline, struggling with the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To describe recent or past infections, the serological assays enabled the assessment of the immune response developed in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the period when testing was hardly available. In this study, we investigated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in HCWs in a Polish teaching hospital and the Regional Occupational Medicine Center after both the first and the second waves. ELISA-based tests for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG were used to determine immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in volunteer HCWs who worked in those institutions in May 2020 (208 participants aged 47.1 ± 12.5, 88% women) and in December 2020 (179 participants aged 45.2 ± 12.4, 86% woman). Risk factors for seropositivity were also assessed using a questionnaire filled out by all participants. We reported a significant increase in seroprevalence after the second wave (22.9%) compared with the first outbreak (2.4%) (OR 12.1; 95%CI 4.6-31.3; p < 0.0001). An association between IgG seroprevalence and severity of infections was noted. Furthermore, we demonstrated that amongst medical personnel, nurses exhibited a proportionally higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Moreover, given the high seroprevalence in non-clinical group of HCWs, we suggest that community transmission can play a superior role to workplace exposure.

Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (nsVT) creates the electrical basis for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between interstitial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and nsVT in HCM. A total of 50 HCM patients underwent CMR with a 3 T scanner to determine the presence of replacement fibrosis expressed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and interstitial fibrosis expressed by native T₁, post-contrast T₁, and extracellular volume (ECV). The incidence of nsVT was assessed by Holter monitoring. We detected nsVT in 14 (28%) out of 50 HCM patients. Replacement fibrosis expressed by LGE was present in 37 (74%) patients and only showed a trend towards a differentiation between the groups with and without nsVT ( p = 0.07). However, the extent of LGE was clearly higher in the nsVT group (3.8 ± 4.9% vs. 7.94 ± 4.5%, p = 0.002) and was an independent predictor of nsVT in a multivariable regression analysis (OR 1.2; 95%CI 1.02-1.4; p = 0.02). No relationship was observed between interstitial fibrosis and nsVT. To conclude, it was found that it is not the mere presence but the actual extent of LGE that determines the occurrence of nsVT in HCM patients; the role of interstitial fibrosis remains unclear.

Infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) worsens the prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but the underlying mechanisms are not yet established. We intended to assess whether EBV affects the course of CLL by the deregulation of the CTLA-4/CD86 signaling pathway. We used polymerase chain reaction to measure the load of EBV DNA in the blood of 110 newly diagnosed patients with CLL. The expression of CTLA-4 and CD86 antigen on lymphocytes was assessed with flow cytometry. Additionally, CTLA-4 and CD86 serum concentrations were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Fifty-four percent of the patients had detectable EBV DNA [EBV(+)]. In EBV(+) patients the CTLA-4 and CD86 serum concentrations and their expressions on investigated cell populations were significantly higher than in EBV(-) patients. EBV load correlated positively with unfavorable prognostic markers of CLL and the expression of CTLA-4 on CD3+ lymphocytes (r = 0.5339; p = 0.027) and CD86 on CD19+ cells (r = 0.6950; p < 0.001). During a median follow-up period of 32 months EBV(+) patients were more likely to require treatment or have lymphocyte doubling ( p < 0.001). Among EBV(+) but not EBV(-) patients, increased expressions of CTLA-4 lymphocytes were associated with elevated risks of progression. We propose that EBV coinfection may worsen prognosis in CLL patients, partly due to EBV-induced up-regulation of CTLA-4 expression.

The current stratification of arrhythmic risk in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is sub-optimal. Cardiac fibrosis is involved in the pathology of arrhythmias; however, the relationship between cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) derived extracellular volume (ECV) and arrhythmic burden (AB) in DCM is unknown. This study sought to evaluate the presence and extent of replacement and interstitial fibrosis in DCM and to compare the degree of fibrosis between DCM patients with and without AB. This is a prospective, single-center, observational study. Between May 2019 and September 2020, 102 DCM patients underwent CMR T1 mapping. 99 DCM patients (88 male, mean age 45.2 ± 11.8 years, mean EF 29.7 ± 10%) composed study population. AB was defined as the presence of VT or a high burden of PVCs. There were 41 (41.4%) patients with AB and 58 (58.6%) without AB. Replacement fibrosis was assessed with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), whereas interstitial fibrosis with ECV. Overall, LGE was identified in 41% of patients. There was a similar distribution of LGE (without AB 50% vs. with AB 53.7%; p = 0.8) and LGE extent (without AB 4.36 ± 5.77% vs. with AB 4.68 ± 3.98%; p = 0.27) in both groups. ECV at nearly all myocardial segments and a global ECV were higher in patients with AB (global ECV: 27.9 ± 4.9 vs. 30.3 ± 4.2; p < 0.02). Only indexed left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (HR 1.1, 95%CI 1.0-1.2; p < 0.02) and global ECV (HR 1.12, 95%CI 1.0-1.25; p < 0.02) were independently associated with AB. The global ECV cut-off value of 31.05% differentiated both groups (AUC 0.713; 95%CI 0.598-0.827; p < 0.001). Neither qualitative nor quantitative LGE-based assessment of replacement fibrosis allowed for the stratification of DCM patients into low or high AB. Interstitial fibrosis, expressed as ECV, was an independent predictor of AB in DCM. Incorporation of CMR parametric indices into decision-making processes may improve arrhythmic risk stratification in DCM., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

The relationship between circulating fibrosis-related molecules and magnetic resonance-assessed cardiac fibrosis in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is poorly understood. To compare circulating biomarkers between DCM patients with high and low fibrosis burdens, we performed a prospective, single-center, observational study. The study population was composed of 100 DCM patients (87 male, mean age 45.2 ± 11.8 years, mean ejection fraction 29.7% ± 10.1%). Replacement fibrosis was quantified by means of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), whereas interstitial fibrosis was assessed via extracellular volume (ECV). Plasma concentrations of cardiotrophin-1, growth differentiation factor-15, platelet-derived growth factor, procollagen I C-terminal propeptide, procollagen III N-terminal propeptide, and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen were measured. There were 44% patients with LGE and the median ECV was 27.7%. None of analyzed fibrosis serum biomarkers were associated with the LGE or ECV, whereas NT-proBNP was independently associated with both LGE and ECV, and troponin T was associated with ECV. None of the circulating fibrosis markers differentiated between DCM patients with and without replacement fibrosis, or patients stratified according to median ECV. However, cardiac-specific markers, such as NT-proBNP and hs-TnT, were associated with fibrosis. Levels of circulating markers of fibrosis seem to have no utility in the diagnosis and monitoring of cardiac fibrosis in DCM.

Peptide hormones play a prominent role in controlling energy homeostasis and metabolism. They have been implicated in controlling appetite, the function of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, energy expenditure, and reproduction. Furthermore, there is growing evidence indicating that peptide hormones and their receptors contribute to energy homeostasis regulation by interacting with white and brown adipose tissue. In this article, we review and discuss the literature addressing the role of selected peptide hormones discovered in the 21st century (adropin, apelin, elabela, irisin, kisspeptin, MOTS-c, phoenixin, spexin, and neuropeptides B and W) in controlling white and brown adipogenesis. Furthermore, we elaborate how these hormones control adipose tissue functions in vitro and in vivo.

Background: The risk of proximal humerus fractures increases with age and deterioration of bone quality over time, and the treatment of these injuries may be clinically challenging.The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between local bone quality and the morphology of proximal humerus fractures., Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 187 patients diagnosed with proximal humerus fractures. X-ray images of all patients were analysed, and on this basis, bone quality was assessed, using the Deltoid Tuberosity Index (DTI), average cortical bone thickness (CBTavg) and the Tingart measurement. The type of fracture was classified according to Neer's and Association for Osteosynthesis (AO) classifications. Moreover, the caput-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) angle was measured and the relationships between valgus or varus fractures and the DTI, CBTAVG and Tingart parameters were investigated in all patients., Results: Using the Neer classification, the most common fracture type was type 3, found in 90 patients (48.1%). A total of 51 patients (27.3%) sustained an AO B1 fracture. Significantly lower mean DTI values were noted in patients with a Neer 4 fracture compared to those with Neer 3 (p = 0.02) and Neer 2 fractures (p = 0.03). Moreover, significantly higher mean DTI (p &lt;0.00) and CBTAVG (p &lt;0.025) values were noted in the group of patients with valgus fractures (CCD&gt; 140º)., Conclusions: 1. In the group of patients diagnosed with a four-part fracture according to Neer, bone quality assessed using the Deltoid Tuberosity Index was significantly worse than in two- and three-part fractures. 2. Significantly higher bone quality, assessed on the basis of the DTI and CBTAVG indices, was observed among patients with valgus fractures compared to those with varus fractures.

Neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) and platelets to lymphocytes ratio (PLR) are considered as laboratory markers of inflammation. They can be potentially useful in predicting the course of multiple neoplasms including selected hematological cancers. The aim of the study was to assess the value of NLR and PLR in predicting the effects of therapy and prognosis in multiple myeloma patients treated with thalidomide-based regimen. The study group consisted of 100 patients treated with the first line CTD (cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone) chemotherapy. The NLR and PLR were calculated before treatment. High NLR was observed in patients with higher stage of the disease, with poor performance status, hypercalcemia, and high CRP. High PLR was associated with low BMI and high CRP. In patients with high NLR, significantly shorter PFS was observed (17 vs. 26 months, p = 0.0405). In addition, high values of NLR and PLR were associated with significantly shorter OS (38 vs. 79 months, p = 0.0010; 40 vs. 78 months, p = 0.0058). Summarizing, NLR and PLR have a significant independent prognostic value for multiple myeloma patients. Furthermore, the NLR can be a predictive marker for the outcome of thalidomide-based chemotherapy.