The Effect of Peppermint and Thyme Oils on Stabilizing the Fatty Acid Profile of Sunflower Oil.

Presently, there is an increasing shift towards the utilization of natural antioxidants and compounds with protective attributes for fatty acids in order to replace synthetic counterparts that may pose health risks. This transition aligns with the growing emphasis on promoting healthy and organic food choices. Essential oils stand out in this context due to scientific validations of their antioxidant properties. There are few published research results concerning changes in the fatty acid composition in model systems with the addition of essential oils. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating peppermint and thyme oils on inhibiting changes in the fatty acid profile of sunflower oil stored at both room temperature with exposure to daylight and in a thermostat set at 40 °C. The experimental procedure involved the addition of peppermint and thyme oils, along with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), to batches of sunflower oil. The samples were then stored for 11 months. The study observed a detrimental influence of storage conditions on the quantitative changes in the fatty acid profile of the sunflower oil. The addition of BHA stabilized the content of linoleic acid in the sunflower oil (approximately 53 g/100 g of linoleic acid compared to approximately 58 g/100 g in the control sample). Meanwhile, the model system of sunflower oil with the addition of peppermint and thyme oils (40 °C) exhibited a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of linoleic acid to approximately 8 g/100 g after eleven months of thermostating. Similar trends to those observed for linoleic acid were noted for the total fatty acid content in the sunflower oil. Notably, the efficacy of the selected substances in inhibiting adverse transformations in fats was contingent upon their concentration and the storage temperature.

Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. Fruits against Multidrug-Resistant Strains: Inhibition of Efflux Pumps and ß-Lactamase.

Antimicrobial resistance has become a growing public health concern in recent decades, demanding a search for new effective treatments. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the phytochemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial activity of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of Piper tuberculatum Jacq. (EOPT) against strains carrying different mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of EOPT and its ability to inhibit antibiotic resistance was evaluated through the broth microdilution method. The GC-MS analysis identified 99.59% of the constituents, with ß-pinene (31.51%), α-pinene (28.38%), and ß-cis-ocimene (20.22%) being identified as major constituents. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOPT was determined to assess its antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (IS-58, 1199B, K2068, and K4100). The compound showed a MIC of ≥ 1024 µg/mL, suggesting a lack of intrinsic antibacterial activity. However, when the EOPT was associated with antibiotics and EtBr, a significant decrease in antibiotic resistance was observed, indicating the modulation of efflux pump activity. This evidence was corroborated with the observation of increased fluorescent light emission by the bacterial strains, indicating the involvement of the NorA and MepA efflux pumps. Additionally, the significant potentiation of ampicillin activity against the S. aureus strain K4414 suggests the ß-lactamase inhibitory activity of EOPT. These results suggest that the essential oil from P. tuberculatum fruits has antibiotic-enhancing properties, with a mechanism involving the inhibition of efflux pumps and ß-lactamase in MDR S. aureus strains. These findings provide new perspectives on the potential use of EOPT against antibiotic resistance and highlight the importance of Piper species as sources of bioactive compounds with promising therapeutic activities against MDR bacteria. Nevertheless, further preclinical (in vivo) studies remain necessary to confirm these in vitro-observed results.

The Significance of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in Urinary Bladder Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary bladder cancer is a serious oncological problem that is the cause of many deaths worldwide. The processes of metastasis and origination of local tumor invasion depend on the extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. The cancer microenvironment, particularly the ECM, may be considered a key factor in cancer progression. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are classified as the main factors responsible for the degradation of ECM components. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in urinary bladder cancer according to different stages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Urinary bladder tissue samples were analyzed. Cancer patients were divided into two groups: low-grade tumors (LG; Group I) and high-grade tumors (HG; Group II). Control tissue was obtained from the opposite site to the tumor. MMPs content and activity (actual and specific) were evaluated using ELISA and Western blot methods, respectively. RESULTS: Both MMPs are present in high and low molecular complexes in healthy or bladder cancer tissues. The content of MMP-9 is enhanced in comparison with MMP-2, particularly in HG cancer tissue. The actual activity of MMP-2 was highest in LG cancer tissue whereas the actual activity of MMP-9 was highest in HG cancer. Specific activity of both MMPs was highest in LG cancer, but the activity of MMP-9 was higher in comparison with MMP-2. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the content and specific activity of MMP-9 were increased in comparison with MMP-2. The revealed differences in content and activity of both MMPs demonstrate their different participation in ECM remodeling at different stages of cancer development. Moreover, it seems that MMP-9 has higher clinical utility than MMP-2 as a potential therapeutic option and a diagnostic biomarker of urinary bladder cancer.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of overall survival and cancer advancement in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Introduction: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has proven to be promising as a prognostic factor in many malignancies. We investigated the prognostic significance of NLR in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BC). Material and methods: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 134 consecutive patients with BC who underwent RC between 2011 and 2017 at a single center. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between NLR subpopulations using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify the variables affecting OS. Results: At a median follow-up of 2.2 years, high NLR (>2.7) correlated with worse a survival outcome (p = 0.0345 in log-rank test), higher tumor stage (p = 0.0047), and higher frequency of positive lymph nodes (p = 0.0285). The univariate model showed that a high NLR (p = 0.038528), advanced pathological tumor stage (p = 0.000763), lymph node involvement (p = 0.013384), a high grade of cancer (p = 0.015611), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (p = 0.001530), positive margins (p = 0.000890) and ureterocutaneostomy as urinary diversion (p = 0.038854) had a negative impact on OS. Tumor extending beyond the submucosa (>pT1) (hazard ratio 2.161, confidence interval 1058-4411, p = 0.0345) and lymphatic infiltration (hazard ratio 1.599, confidence interval 1028-2482, p = 0.037) have been recognized as independent risk factors of poor prognosis in multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: In our cohort, an elevated NLR is associated with worse OS and adverse histopathological findings. Consequently, the NLR is an easily acquired biomarker, which may be useful in pretreatment patient risk stratification.

Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Prostatectomy in a Prostate Cancer Patient Undergoing Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis.

Radical prostatectomy (RP) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a challenging procedure. The following key points need to be considered: the peritoneal cavity integrity, adjustment of the trocar positions to the peritoneal dialysis (PD) tube location, and the oncological and functional outcomes. We present a clinical case of a patient on CAPD, incidentally diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) during the pre-transplant evaluation. The patient suffered from LUTS, due to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). A transurethral bladder neck incision (TUNI), with median lobe resection, was performed. A PCa Gleason score of six (3 + 3) was found in the histopathological specimen. The primary procedure was complicated by bladder neck sclerosis and acute urinary retention (AUR), resolved by suprapubic cystostomy. After proper staging determination, the patient was qualified for laparoscopic extraperitoneal RP. The standard trocar placement was modified to align with the route of the PD tube, and Retzius' space scarring was released to allow extraperitoneal prostatectomy. There were no signs of peritoneal wall damage or dialysis tube displacement. Peritoneal dialysis was resumed after 4 weeks. Laparoscopic extraperitoneal RP should be considered as an acceptable treatment method for selected patients with localized prostate cancer, allowing CAPD resumption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of retroperitoneal laparoscopic RP being used in the PD population.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the kidney in patient with nephron-sparing surgery. Case report and review of the literature.

According to the WHO classification, mesenchymal tumors of the kidney are divided into mesenchymal tumors occurring mainly in adults and children. Accumulating evidence suggests that renal mesenchymal tumors represent a group of histologically heterogeneous diseases. We are reporting the case of a 58-year-old man with a history of nephron-sparing surgery due to renal cell carcinoma in 2014 in his left kidney. He was urgently admitted to the hospital due to left-sided nephrotoxic and anuria. Computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed and revealed irregular tumor mass. He underwent left-sided nephrectomy. Microscopic appearance and immunoprofile allowed to diagnose the tumor as an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the kidney. According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the urinary system and male genital organs, IMT is a benign mesenchymal tumor with malignant potential. Typical locations are the liver and biliary tract, lung, and gastrointestinal tract. In the urogenital system, IMT occurs mainly in the bladder. So far, 48 cases have been reported in the kidney.

Urinary Incontinence in Adulthood in a Course of Ectopic Ureter-Description of Two Clinical Cases with Review of Literature.

Urinary tract pathologies are the most common congenital abnormalities. Duplex colleting system occurs at different stages of completion and is usually asymptomatic. Ureteral ectopia is an associated anomaly which may manifest as continuous incontinence. The aim of this article is to present two patients with duplex kidney and ureteral ectopia. Both patients presented symptoms of continuous urinary incontinence and became symptomatic in the adult life.

Concurrent Bilateral Emphysematous Pyelonephritis and Emphysematous Cystitis: A Case Report of Glomerulonephritis Severe Complication.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) and emphysematous cystitis (EC) are severe, necrotizing emphysematous urinary tract infections (EUTI) characterized by the presence of gas in the lumen and wall of the urinary tract and renal parenchyma. EUTIs are quite uncommon, but combination of bilateral EPN and EC is extremely rare. We report a case of 57-year-old diabetic female diagnosed with septic shock due to concurrent bilateral EPN and EC. Patient was successfully treated with a drainage of pelvicalyceal systems and the bladder combined with a conservative approach. This unique case presents a possible association between glomerulonephritis and EUTI.

Preoperative Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Overall Survival in Patients with Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as an indicator of the systemic inflammatory response, predicts adverse outcomes in many malignancies. We investigated its prognostic significance in patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data of 196 consecutive non-metastatic RCC patients who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy between 2010 and 2012 at a single center. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. We applied univariate and multivariate Cox regression models to evaluate the prognostic value of dichotomized NLR for OS.   Results: At a median follow up of 68 months, high NLR (? 2,69) correlated with worse survival outcome (P = .006 in log-rank test) and higher tumor stage (P = .035). Univariate and multivariate analysis identified elevated NLR (P = .039), as well as age (P = .002), high Fuhrmann grade (P = .002) and high pathologic T stage (P < .001), as significantly associated with overall survival. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is significantly associated with worse OS on univariate and multivariate analysis. Consequently, the NLR is an easily acquired biomarker, which may be useful in pretreatment patient risk stratification.

Mapping of the three-dimensional lymphatic microvasculature in bladder tumours using light-sheet microscopy.

BACKGROUND: Cancers are heterogeneous and contain various types of irregular structures that can go undetected when examining them with standard two-dimensional microscopes. Studies of intricate networks of vasculature systems, e.g., the tumour lymphatic microvessels, benefit largely from three-dimensional imaging data analysis. METHODS: The new DIPCO (Diagnosing Immunolabeled Paraffin-Embedded Cleared Organs) imaging platform uses three-dimensional light-sheet microscopy and whole-mount immunolabelling of cleared samples to study proteins and micro-anatomies deep inside of tumours. RESULTS: Here, we uncovered the whole three-dimensional lymphatic microvasculature of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumours from a cohort of 30 patients with bladder cancer. Our results revealed more heterogeneous spatial deviations in more advanced bladder tumours. We also showed that three-dimensional imaging could determine tumour stage and identify vascular or lymphatic system invasion with higher accuracy than standard two-dimensional histological diagnostic methods. There was no association between sample storage times and outcomes, demonstrating that the DIPCO pipeline could be successfully applied on old FFPE samples. CONCLUSIONS: Studying tumour samples with three-dimensional imaging could help us understand the pathological nature of cancers and provide essential information that might improve the accuracy of cancer staging.

Publisher Correction: Whole-tissue biopsy phenotyping of three-dimensional tumours reveals patterns of cancer heterogeneity.

In this Article originally published, owing to a technical error, author affiliations were incorrectly assigned in the HTML version; the PDF was correct. These errors have now been corrected.

Whole-tissue biopsy phenotyping of three-dimensional tumours reveals patterns of cancer heterogeneity.

Intratumoral heterogeneity is a critical factor when diagnosing and treating patients with cancer. Marked differences in the genetic and epigenetic backgrounds of cancer cells have been revealed by advances in genome sequencing, yet little is known about the phenotypic landscape and the spatial distribution of intratumoral heterogeneity within solid tumours. Here, we show that three-dimensional light-sheet microscopy of cleared solid tumours can identify unique patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity, in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and in angiogenesis, at single-cell resolution in whole formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy samples. We also show that cleared FFPE samples can be re-embedded in paraffin after examination for future use, and that our tumour-phenotyping pipeline can determine tumour stage and stratify patient prognosis from clinical samples with higher accuracy than current diagnostic methods, thus facilitating the design of more efficient cancer therapies.

The influence of hypomagnesemia on erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme defence system in mice.

The effect of magnesium deficiency on antioxidant defence system was studied in RBC of mice suffering from hypomagnesemia. The animals were kept for 8, 15 and 22 days on magnesium-deficient diet with consequent reduction of magnesium level in plasma by 38% at the first 8 days and by 64% after 22 days of experiment. The activities of the most important antioxidant enzymes, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutahione S-transferase were assayed in hemolysates. The level of reduced glutathione in erythrocytes was measured as well. Apart from catalase, the activities of antioxidant enzymes were decreasing. The activity of superoxide dismutase decreased gradually during the experiment and on the 15th and 22nd day of experiment was significantly (P < 0, 05) lowered by 30 and 32% respectively. The catalase activity was increased on each point of the experiment with the peak value up to 149% on 15th day, and by 32% on 22nd day. Glutathione peroxidase activity was insignificantly reduced. The reduction of Glutatione reductase and Glutathione S-transferase activities by 24 and 21%, respectively, were observed after 8 days of the experiment with a further downward tendency. The reduced glutathione was significantly depleted after 8 days by 33% and was kept on that level in the course of the study. These findings support previous reports on the hypomagnesemia--induced alteration in endogenous enzyme antioxidant defences and glutathione redox cycle of mice.