Serum Selenium Concentration as a Potential Diagnostic Marker for Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Selenium deficiency is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to determine selenium levels in blood samples obtained from colorectal cancer patients compared with the levels of this element in the blood of patients who had undergone hernia repair and cholecystectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 49 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at our institution. The comparison group consisted of 29 and 26 patients undergoing hernia repair and cholecystectomy, respectively. The histological staging level was evaluated on a 4-grade scale. Serum selenium concentration was quantified by inductively coupled mass spectrometry using methane to reduce polyatomic interference. RESULTS Colorectal cancer patients had significantly lower serum selenium concentration than the comparison patients (67.24±15.55 µg/L vs 78.81±12.93 µg/L; P<0.001), and selenium concentration was below the reference range in a high percentage of colorectal cancer patients. However, among the colorectal cancer patients, no significant difference in cancer grading was observed according to selenium concentration (P=0.235). Serum selenium concentration in the patients was evaluated on the basis of 5 independent variables (R=0.6250): age (P=0.011), number of leukocytes (P=0.010), family history of cancer (P=0.045), dietary supplements (P=0.023), and exposure to chemical factors (P=0.057). CONCLUSIONS This study supports findings from previous studies that low serum selenium levels are associated with colorectal cancer and that selenium deficiency may be a risk factor for colorectal cancer.

High Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi Antibodies in Jaworzno, Poland: A Retrospective Study Revealing Endemic Lyme Borreliosis.

BACKGROUND This retrospective study of 704 adult residents of Jaworzno, Poland, aimed to evaluate medical personnel awareness of episodes of Lyme borreliosis and serum antibody levels for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study included 704 residents of Jaworzno, Poland, who had no more than 12 months between tick bite and screening. The study consisted of a self-designed questionnaire survey and an analysis of IgG and IgM antibodies against B. burgdorferi sensu lato using an enzyme-linked assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis, when necessary, to confirm the results. RESULTS A total of 558 residents (79.3%) confirmed having contact with a tick, 84 (11.9%) responded that they did not remember having contact with a tick, and 62 (8.8%) denied having contact with a tick. Regarding IgG, the ELISA showed 183 (25.99%) positive, 440 (62.5%) negative, and 81 (11.5%) equivocal results. Regarding IgM, the ELISA showed 180 (25.57%) positive, 435 (61.79%) negative, and 89 (12.64%) equivocal results. Positive and equivocal results for the IgG and IgM classes using the ELISA test were confirmed in 36 cases (13.64%) for IgG and in 53 cases (19.70%) for IgM using Western blot analysis. CONCLUSIONS The ELISA method obtained similar values for positive, negative, and equivocal results in the serological test. This was reflected in the survey conducted on residents who reported a tick bite and later received a positive result in the ELISA test as well as an approximate time between the bite and removal of the tick.

The Role of the Gut Microbiome and Microbial Dysbiosis in Common Skin Diseases.

Dermatoses are an increasingly common problem, particularly in developed countries. The causes of this phenomenon include genetic factors and environmental elements. More and more scientific reports suggest that the gut microbiome, more specifically its dysbiosis, also plays an important role in the induction and progression of diseases, including dermatological diseases. The gut microbiome is recognised as the largest endocrine organ, and has a key function in maintaining human homeostasis. In this review, the authors will take a close look at the link between the gut-skin axis and the pathogenesis of dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and acne. The authors will also focus on the role of probiotics in remodelling the microbiome and the alleviation of dermatoses.

Expression Profiles of Dopamine-Related Genes and miRNAs Regulating Their Expression in Breast Cancer.

This study aimed to assess the expression profile of messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) related to the dopaminergic system in five types of breast cancer in Polish women. Patients with five breast cancer subtypes were included in the study: luminal A (n = 130), luminal B (n = 196, including HER2-, n = 100; HER2+, n = 96), HER2+ (n = 36), and TNBC (n = 43); they underwent surgery, during which tumor tissue was removed along with a margin of healthy tissue (control material). The molecular analysis included a microarray profile of mRNAs and miRNAs associated with the dopaminergic system, a real-time polymerase chain reaction preceded by reverse transcription for selected genes, and determinations of their concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The conducted statistical analysis showed that five mRNAs statistically significantly differentiated breast cancer sections regardless of subtype compared to control samples; these were dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2), dopamine receptor 3 (DRD3), dopamine receptor 25 (DRD5), transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-ß-2), and caveolin 2 (CAV2). The predicted analysis showed that hsa-miR-141-3p can regulate the expression of DRD2 and TGF-ß-2, whereas hsa-miR-4441 is potentially engaged in the expression regulation of DRD3 and DRD5. In addition, the expression pattern of DRD5 mRNA can also be regulated by has-miR-16-5p. The overexpression of DRD2 and DRD3, with concomitant silencing of DRD5 expression, confirms the presence of dopaminergic abnormalities in breast cancer patients. Moreover, these abnormalities may be the result of miR-141-3P, miR-16-5p, and miR-4441 activity, regulating proliferation or metastasis.

Evaluation of the concentration of growth associated protein-43 and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor in degenerated intervertebral discs of the lumbosacral region of the spine.

Important neurotrophic factors that are potentially involved in degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) disease of the spine's lumbosacral (L/S) region include glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43). The aim of this study was to determine and compare the concentrations of GAP-43 and GDNF in degenerated and healthy IVDs and to quantify and compare the GAP-43-positive and GDNF-positive nerve fibers. The study group consisted of 113 Caucasian patients with symptomatic lumbosacral discopathy (confirmed by a specialist surgeon), an indication for surgical treatment. The control group included 81 people who underwent postmortem examination. GAP-43 and GDNF concentrations were significantly higher in IVD samples from the study group compared with the control group, and the highest concentrations were observed in the degenerated IVDs that were graded 4 on the Pfirrmann scale. In the case of GAP-43, it was found that as the degree of IVD degeneration increased, the number of GAP-43-positive nerve fibers decreased. In the case of GDNF, the greatest number of fibers per mm2 of surface area was found in the IVD samples graded 3 on the Pfirrmann scale, and the number was found to be lower in samples graded 4 and 5. Hence, GAP-43 and GDNF are promising targets for analgesic treatment of degenerative IVD disease of the lumbosacral region of the spine.

Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management of Lower Back Pain Associated with Spinal Stenosis: A Narrative Review.

Lower back pain (LBP) is an extremely common symptom experienced by people of all ages and is also one of the most frequent causes of disability worldwide. This article aims to review the presentation, diagnosis, and management of lower back pain associated with spinal stenosis. The paper we prepared was classified as a "literature narrative review." Nonetheless, when searching for manuscripts included in our work and reviewing them critically, we concentrated on the keywords: "lower back pain", "lumbar spine stenosis", "diagnostic", "rehabilitation", "neurosurgery", "spine", and "elderly". The incidence of chronic lower back pain (CLBP) increases linearly starting with the third decade of life until 60 years old, and it more often affects women. The course of non-specific LBP above all depends on factors not connected with the spine, which include psychological, behavioral, and social factors, determined by the way the condition is perceived by the patient the environment. Lumbar spine stenosis (LSS) is an age-related process of degeneration of the intervertebral discs, ligamentum flavum, and facet joints, which results in narrowing of the space around the neurovascular structures of the spine. Diagnosis of spinal pain syndromes includes radiography (RTG), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based on the results of imaging studies, neurological examination, and the severity of the disease, treatment can consist of analgesics and rehabilitation, or, when conservative methods are insufficient, surgical treatment is indicated.

Impact of Alcohol Consumption, Smoking, and Diet on the Severity of Plaque Psoriasis: A Comprehensive Assessment using Clinical Scales and Quality of Life Measures.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alcohol intake, assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire, on the severity of plaque psoriasis using the Body Surface Area (BSA) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scales, and quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS The diagnosis of psoriasis was made based on the clinical picture. We enrolled 24 patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and the AUDIT test conducted at the time of follow-up indicated a possible risky/harmful pattern of alcohol consumption or alcohol dependence syndrome among the patients (>8 points). The comparison group consisted of 20 psoriatic patients and AUDIT <8 points. The BSA and PASI scales were used to determine the severity of psoriasis, and the DLQI questionnaire assessed patients' quality of life and how they felt during the week preceding the survey. RESULTS As the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed increased, the exacerbation of lesions measured according to the PASI and BSA scales was significantly higher (P<0.05), and the quality of life decreased (P<0.05). We noted that inadequate and excessive dietary intake of total protein, total fat, and assimilable carbohydrates were associated with statistically significantly higher values of BSA and PASI scores and, thus, more severe psoriatic lesions (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS An unbalanced diet, alcohol abuse, and smoking negatively affect the course of psoriasis vulgaris, hence the importance of patient education.

Pathomorphological Changes in Mammary Glands of 16 Patients Who Underwent Surgical Aquafilling® Removal: A Single-Center Study.

BACKGROUND Aquafilling® is a soft-tissue filler used in various procedures, including breast plastic surgery. Proponents claim it to be safe and effective without causing serious adverse effects. This study aimed to describe histological changes in breast tissue resulting from potentially harmful effects of Aquafilling®. MATERIAL AND METHODS Tissue samples were collected from 16 patients who underwent surgical removal of Aquafilling®. Histopathological evaluations were performed on hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides, with photographs captured using an Olympus BX 43 light microscope and an XC 30 digital camera at 40×, 100×, and 400× total magnification. RESULTS Inflammatory infiltrates, mainly consisting of macrophages and lymphocytes, were observed in the images. Tissue necrosis was visible in some areas. Fibrosis foci and blood vessels with thickened walls and detached endothelium were identified within mammary adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS Due to the variety of clinical symptoms and presence of inflammation in all examined women, we recommend histopathological examinations for all cases of Aquafilling® surgical removal. The examination should include information on the extent of inflammation, progression of adipose and muscle tissue damage, and assessment of fibrosis severity. This will help clinicians make informed decisions about Aquafilling® use in patients and improve patient outcomes.

Comparison of Vision Correction and Corneal Thickness at 180-Day Follow-Up After Femtosecond Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK), and Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE): A Study from a Single Center in Poland of 120 Patients with Myopia.

BACKGROUND This study from a single center in Poland included 120 patients with myopia, and the aim was to compare vision correction and corneal thickness at the 180-day follow-up after femtosecond laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), or small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). MATERIAL AND METHODS The effectiveness and safety of laser vision correction (LVC) procedures were evaluated by determining pre- and post-procedure uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) values on the Snell chart. Twenty patients with diagnosed mild myopia (sphere maximum -3.0 diopters D; cylinder maximum 0.5 D) were qualified for PRK surgery. Fifty patients with diagnosed intolerance (sphere maximum -6.0 D; cylinder maximum 5.0 D) were eligible for the FS-LASIK procedure. Fifty patients with diagnosed myopia (sphere maximum -6.0 D cylinder 3.5 D) were qualified for the SMILE procedure. RESULTS Regardless of which procedure was performed, both UDVA and CDVA improved significantly postoperatively (P<0.05). In addition, the UDVA and CDVA values were similar in the postoperative period (P>0.05). For each procedure, the EI was no less than 0.94. Regardless of which type of LVC procedure was performed, CET at the center and 1.5 mm from the center in 4 meridians thickened, and this change was not statistically significant over the observation period (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our analysis demonstrated similar effectiveness of the 3 methods - PRK, FS-LASIK, and SMILE - in patients with mild and moderate myopia.

Usefulness of Detecting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration of the Lumbosacral Spine.

BACKGROUND In determining the etiology of pain of discogenic origin, attention is paid to the role of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Considering the potential role of BDNF in the etiology of pain during intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), this study aimed to assess changes in the number of BDNF-positive nerve fibers and levels of BDNF in IVDD of the lumbosacral spine in comparison to intervertebral discs (IVDs) of the control group (cadavers). MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group comprised 113 patients with IVDD of the lumbosacral spine. The control group consisted of 81 people (cadavers). We performed hematoxylin-eosin staining to assess IVD structures (degeneration), immunohistochemistry to determine the number of BDNF-positive nerve fibers, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot to quantify BDNF levels in IVDs. RESULTS Levels of BDNF in the study group were significantly higher than in the control group (17.91±19.58 pg/mg; P<0.05). Furthermore, BDNF levels were significantly higher in the annulus fibrosus compared to the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc (5.50±6.40 pg/mg; P<0.05). Neither the number of BDNF-positive nerves (P=0.359) nor BDNF concentration (P=0.706) were significantly correlated with the degree of perceived pain. The number of BDNF-positive fibers per 1 mm2 was not found to differ significantly according to the radiological degree of degeneration of the lumbosacral spine based on the Pfirrmann scale (P=0.735). CONCLUSIONS The level of BDNF expression may be indicative of IVD degeneration, although it does not predict the degree of this degeneration.

Prospective Safety Evaluation of the Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Keratomileusis Procedure in Correcting Residual Ametropia in Patients After Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND This prospective study, from a single center in Poland, aimed to evaluate the correction of residual ametropia, or refractive errors, after corneal grafting using femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (Femto-LASIK) in 60 patients (96 eyes) who had previously undergone deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) compared with that achieved in 60 patients (108 eyes) who underwent vision correction using Femto-LASIK alone. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group included 60 patients (96 eyes) whose residual ametropia was corrected using the Femto-LASIK procedure after having previously undergone DALK. The comparison group consisted of 60 patients (108 eyes) who underwent vision correction with the Femto-LASIK procedure without previously having undergone DALK. Uncorrected vision acuity, best-corrected vision acuity, and intraocular pressure were measured for both groups before the procedures and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after the procedures. Corneal endothelial cell density was evaluated by non-contact specular microscopy before the procedures and at 6, 12, and 24 months after the procedures. RESULTS In the study group, within the 24-month observation period, no transplant rejection, transplant decompensation, or corneal ectasia were noted. Statistical analysis did not show any significant differences between the best-corrected vision acuity values in the study group in the preoperative and postoperative periods (P>0.05). In contrast, uncorrected vision acuity values were significantly higher in patients during the postoperative period than the preoperative period (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The effects of vision correction with the Femto-LASIK procedure after DALK demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the procedure for patients.

Efficacy of Continuous-Wave Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation Post-Pars Plana Vitrectomy in Glaucoma Patients: A Retrospective Study from Poland.

BACKGROUND Glaucoma, a vision-threatening condition, results from optic nerve damage and affects millions of people worldwide. Often asymptomatic, it is hereditary, with risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and steroid use. Despite its link with intraocular pressure (IOP), not everyone with high IOP develops glaucoma. After pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), patients face increased IOP risks. Traditional treatment includes pharmacotherapy, and, when ineffective, surgical interventions. Continuous-wave transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CW-TSCPC) is an alternative for refractory glaucoma but can have complications. Our study compares the efficacy and safety of CW-TSCPC after PPV. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 18 patients diagnosed with glaucoma who underwent the CW-TSCP procedure as the first-choice therapy after conservative treatment of glaucoma proved ineffective. The comparison group consisted of 12 patients who underwent the CW-TSCP procedure after conservative drug treatment and in whom surgical treatment of glaucoma had been unsuccessful. All patients had inadequate control of IOP after PPV. RESULTS Study and comparison group patients showed a decrease in IOP during the follow-up, independent of the type of endotamponade used (P<0.05). When the indication for PPV was retinal detachment hemorrhage into the vitreous chamber, a significant decrease in IOP between 0 days and 180 days was only found in the study group (P<0.05). In contrast, when the indication for PPV was the state after uveitis or proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a significant decrease in IOP was found at 180 days in the study and comparison groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The analysis showed that the CW-TSCPC procedure can be recommended as the first-choice invasive treatment in patients with increased IOP after PPV.

Dynamics of Microbiome Changes in the Endometrium and Uterine Cervix during Embryo Implantation: A Comparative Analysis.

BACKGROUND The microbiome is the collection of all micro-organisms and their genes, which naturally live in and on the body. The cervical and endometrial bacterial microbiome has previously been reported to affect fertility and influence the outcomes of assisted reproductive therapy (ART), including embryo transfer. This study aimed to evaluate the cervical and endometrial bacterial microbiome in 177 women treated for infertility before, during, and after embryo implantation, and the outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cervical and endometrial swabs were collected from 177 women diagnosed with infertility at 3 time points: (1) during the initial examination, (2) during implantation, (3) 10-14 days after implantation. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to analyze the bacterial microbiome. Taxonomic identification was performed with the Usearch algorithm. RESULTS There was a significant change in the number of patients with Escherichia coli depending on the collection time. For the first swab collection, there were significant negative relationships between the percentage of Gardnerella vaginalis and Lactobacillus spp. For the second collection, there was a negative relationship between Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus jensenii. For the third collection, negative relationships were found between Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus spp. A similar distribution of the bacterial microbiome was observed in all 3 swab collections. CONCLUSIONS Lactobacillus spp. were the main bacteria identified in the cervix and endometrium, present before, during, and after successful embryo transfer. E. coli and G. vaginalis reduced the protective effect of Lactobacilli before, during, and after embryo transfer.

A Retrospective Population Study of 385 191 Positive Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests For SARS-CoV-2 from a Single Laboratory in Katowice, Poland from April 2020 to July 2022.

BACKGROUND This retrospective population study identified 385 191 positive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a single laboratory in Katowice, Poland, from April 2020 to July 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS The material was nasopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal swab or bronchial lavage, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to confirm or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection with the RT-PCR technique. Personal data are use according to the Provisions on the Protection of Personal Data by the Gyn-Centrum laboratory. RESULTS In 9 months of 2020, the number of SARS-CoV-2 results was 88 986; in 2021, it was 168 439, and in the first 7 months of 2022, it was 12 786. In 2020, the highest number of positive results was recorded in the third quarter (83 094 cases); 2021, in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters (58 712; 37 720; and 71 753 cases, respectively), and in 2022, in the 1st quarter (127 613 cases) of the year. A positive result was observed more often in women and people aged 30-39, followed by those 40-49 years. Patients aged 10-19 years comprised the smallest population of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases. CONCLUSIONS In the Polish population studied, from April 2020 to July 2022, the detection rates of SARS-CoV-2 positivity were significantly higher for women than for men and in the 30-49 age group for both sexes. Also, the infection detection rate of 385 191 out of 1 332 659 patient samples, or 28.9%, supports that the Polish society adhered to public health recommendations for infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reinfections from SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective Study from the Gyncentrum Genetic Laboratory in Sosnowiec, Poland, April 2020 to July 2022.

BACKGROUND The increasing number of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfections has opened a new research direction related to analyzing long-term immune response and accurately characterizing individual cases of reinfection to understand its mechanism and estimate the risk of widespread reinfection both locally and globally. This retrospective study from the Gyncentrum Genetic Laboratory in Sosnowiec, Poland aimed to evaluate reinfections from SARS-CoV-2 between April 2020 and July 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study extended the previously published report on SARS-CoV-2 infection cases in Poland by analyzing 8041 reinfections diagnosed with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Data were collected on the amount of time elapsed from the first infection to the next and, based on these data, all results were divided into several groups for statistical analysis: 0-44, 45-90, 91-200, 201-310, 311-420, and >420 (days). RESULTS The study showed that of the 8041 patients who experienced reinfection, the vast majority (5505) became reinfected more than 310 days after the original infection, even though the average time between infections was 354.3 days. Statistical analysis revealed that the risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection increases with time and that this relationship becomes statistically significant after the 200th day following the initial infection (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS We have shown that acquired immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection is relatively short-lived - it starts diminishing about 6 months after the initial positive test. Moreover, the risk of reinfection is very high more than 1 year after the initial infection.

Clinical analysis of tethered cord syndrome and gene expression profiling of wound healing surgery.

Introduction: The method to prevent progression of symptoms in tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is neurosurgery. However, postoperative wound healing is a lengthy process and is hindered by the release of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through the wound. To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no study evaluating the changes in the expression of factors involved in the wound healing process after neurosurgery for TCS. Aim: To clinically analyse 2 cases of TCS and evaluate the change in expression of selected genes during the postoperative wound healing process. Material and methods: Determination of TCS in two adult patients (woman, aged 26 years; man, aged 53 years) was based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After confirming the initial diagnosis, a neurosurgical procedure was performed to remove the intrathecal spreading adipoma and transect the medullary terminal thread in patients. In the postoperative period, impaired wound healing was noted as a result of CSF secretion through the surgical wound. Results: Molecularly, there was an increase in expression of all genes assessed in skin biopsy specimens compared to skin samples. Impaired postoperative wound healing after neurosurgery for TCS is expected due to CSF leakage through the surgical wound. The greatest changes were noted for metalloproteinases (MMPs) and four isoforms (A-D) of vascular endothelial growth factor A-D (VEGF-A-D; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Changes in the expression of our selected genes can be used to monitor and predict the process of wound healing and scar formation, which occurred in our cases at 19 and 20 days after surgery.

A crossroads between dietary habits, alcohol consumption, and smoking in the clinical course of psoriasis: a narrative review.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects 1-3% of the population. The pathomechanism of psoriasis development is complex, but genetic (non-modifiable) factors play a key role. However, the importance of environmental factors and lifestyle choices, such as the diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking, is increasing. The objective of this review was to analyse the influence of dietary habits, alcohol consumption, and smoking on the clinical course of psoriasis. Stress, a poor diet, alcohol abuse, and smoking can trigger psoriasis or cause its exacerbation. Therefore, in addition to the correct selection of therapy, it is extremely important to educate patients about the impact of these factors on the onset and progression of psoriasis. This literature review confirms that a holistic and multidisciplinary approach is required for patients with psoriasis, further emphasizing Hippocrates' thesis, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food".

Influence of adalimumab on interleukin 12/23 signalling pathways in human keratinocytes treated with lipopolysaccharide A.

Introduction: The interleukin-12/23 (IL-12/23) signalling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In addition, even molecularly targeted therapy has been reported to lose adequate response to treatment. Aim: To determine the expression patterns of mRNAs and miRNAs related to IL-12/23 signalling pathways in the human keratinocyte culture exposed to liposaccharide A (LPS) and then adalimumab in comparison with untreated cells. Material and methods: Human, adult, low-Calcium, high-Temperature keratinocyte (HaCaT) cultures were exposed to 1 µg/ml LPS for 8 h, and then adalimumab was added to the cultures at a concentration of 8 µg/ml and incubated for 2, 8, and 24 h. We used mRNA and miRNA microarray, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Results: STAT1, STAT3, STAT5, IL-6, IL-6R, SOCS3, and JAK3 genes differentiated HaCaT cultures with the drug from controls regardless of the time the cells were exposed to the drug. The addition of adalimumab to a culture previously exposed to LPS resulted in silencing of SOCS3 and IL-6 expression compared to the control, while for the other transcripts they were found to be overexpressed compared to the control culture. The assessment indicated the strongest connections between JAK3 and hsa-miR-373-5p (target score 96); SOCS3, STAT5, and hsa-miR-1827 (target score 96). Conclusions: Our study indicates that adalimumab has the strongest modulating effect on mRNA and miRNA expression of JAK/STAT and IL-6-dependent IL-12/23 pathways.

Comparison of Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets Onto the Tooth Enamel of 120 Freshly Extracted Adult Bovine Medial Lower Incisors Using 4 Adhesives: A Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Adhesive, a Composite Adhesive, a Liquid Composite Adhesive, and a One-Step Light-Cured Adhesive.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to compare the bond strength of orthodontic brackets onto the tooth enamel of 120 freshly extracted adult bovine medial lower incisors using 4 adhesives: a resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive, a composite adhesive, a liquid composite adhesive, and a one-step light-cured adhesive. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group (120 freshly extracted bovine medial lower incisors) was divided into equal subgroups depending on the type of adhesive used to fix the brackets to the tooth enamel (n=30), and then according to the observation time (n=10). Orthodontic brackets were fixed onto the tooth enamel for 24 hours (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) using 4 types of adhesives: resin-modified glass ionomer adhesive Fuji Ortho LC, composite adhesive Transbond Plus Light Cure Band, flowable composite adhesive Transbond Supreme Low Viscosity, and a one-step light-cured adhesive GC Ortho Connect. Shear tests and fracture plane analyses were performed. RESULTS Statistically significant differences at time T1 were noted in the comparison of shear stress values when brackets were fixed with GC Ortho Connect adhesive compared to other adhesives (P<0.05), except for the Transbond Plus adhesive (P>0.05). At time T3, significant statistical differences occurred between GC Fuji Ortho LC and the other 3 adhesives (P<0.05). The fracture analysis showed that, regardless of the time function, adhesive-cohesive fractures without damage to the enamel were the most common for all the assessed materials. CONCLUSIONS Of the adhesives evaluated, GC Ortho Connect appears to be the most appropriate choice for bonding orthodontic brackets to the enamel surface.

Recent Multiomics Approaches in Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancers in developed countries. Many of the mechanisms involved in its initiation and progression remain unclear. Analysis providing comprehensive data on the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and epigenome could help in selecting molecular markers and targets in endometrial cancer. Multiomics approaches can reveal disturbances in multiple biological systems, giving a broader picture of the problem. However, they provide a large amount of data that require processing and further integration prior to analysis. There are several repositories of multiomics datasets, including endometrial cancer data, as well as portals allowing multiomics data analysis and visualization, including Oncomine, UALCAN, LinkedOmics, and miRDB. Multiomics approaches have also been applied in endometrial cancer research in order to identify novel molecular markers and therapeutic targets. This review describes in detail the latest findings on multiomics approaches in endometrial cancer.