Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) of leptin receptor gene with endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) of leptin receptor gene and to assess the influence this DNA marker has on endometrial cancer (EC) with respect to total body fat content. METHODS: The study comprised 120 patients treated for endometrial cancer and 90 controls treated for uterine fibroids. In total, 210 patients were included in this research. DNA was isolated from archival post-operative specimens. Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism was employed to analyze the SNP. RESULTS: In this paper we have demonstrated that heterozygous genotype AG of SNP LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) is statistically less frequent in women with endometrial cancer (EC) than in controls: 33 versus 57%, respectively. Similarly, this heterozygous genotype is statistically significantly less frequent in obese (BMI > 30) women with EC than in lean controls (BMI < 25): 30 versus 63%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: AG polymorphic variant of SNP LEP-R c.668A>G (p.Gln223Arg, rs1137101) in LEP-R may be considered a protective factor in the development of endometrial cancer.

Persistent homology as a new method of the assessment of heart rate variability.

Heart rate variability (hrv) is a physiological phenomenon of the variation in the length of the time interval between consecutive heartbeats. In many cases it could be an indicator of the development of pathological states. The classical approach to the analysis of hrv includes time domain methods and frequency domain methods. However, attempts are still being made to define new and more effective hrv assessment tools. Persistent homology is a novel data analysis tool developed in the recent decades that is rooted at algebraic topology. The Topological Data Analysis (TDA) approach focuses on examining the shape of the data in terms of connectedness and holes, and has recently proved to be very effective in various fields of research. In this paper we propose the use of persistent homology to the hrv analysis. We recall selected topological descriptors used in the literature and we introduce some new topological descriptors that reflect the specificity of hrv, and we discuss their relation to the standard hrv measures. In particular, we show that this novel approach provides a collection of indices that might be at least as useful as the classical parameters in differentiating between series of beat-to-beat intervals (RR-intervals) in healthy subjects and patients suffering from a stroke episode.

A Capacitive 3-Axis MEMS Accelerometer for Medipost: A Portable System Dedicated to Monitoring Imbalance Disorders.

The constant development and miniaturization of MEMS sensors invariably provides new possibilities for their use in health-related and medical applications. The application of MEMS devices in posturographic systems allows faster diagnosis and significantly facilitates the work of medical staff. MEMS accelerometers constitute a vital part of such systems, particularly those intended for monitoring patients with imbalance disorders. The correct design of such sensors is crucial for gathering data about patient movement and ensuring the good overall performance of the entire system. This paper presents the design and measurements of a three-axis accelerometer dedicated for use in a device which tracks patient movement. Its main focus is the characterization of the sensor, comparing different designs and evaluating the impact of the packaging and readout circuit integration on sensor operation. Extensive testing and measurements confirm that the designed accelerometer works correctly and allows identifying the best design in terms of sensitivity/stability. Moreover, the response of the proposed sensor as a function of the applied acceleration demonstrates very good linearity only if the readout circuit is integrated in the same package as the MEMS sensor.

Is Single Nucleotide Polymorphism ADIPOQ (NM_004797.4):c.214+62G>T (rs1501299) Associated With Uterine Leiomyomas? A Pilot Study.

Objective: Although polymorphisms of adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) in obesity-related conditions have been the target of research efforts, little is known about this genetic marker in uterine leiomyomas. The aim of this pilot study was to analyze the frequencies of alleles and genotypes of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism ADIPOQ (NM_004797.4):c.214+62G>T (rs1501299) and to correlate it with the risk of uterine fibroids. Study Design: The Test Group comprised 90 women treated surgically for uterine leiomyomas in the Department of Operative Gynecology, Endoscopy and Gynecologic Oncology, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital-Research Institute. 90 disease-free individuals were used as Controls. Patients within both groups were additionally stratified into lean, overweight and obese, according to Body Mass Index. Statistical analysis was performed between the two major groups and, furthermore, within the abovementioned subgroups. Results: The study revealed no statistically significant differences in the distribution of alleles and genotypes of SNP ADIPOQ (NM_004797.4):c.214+62G>T (rs1501299) between the two main groups. A weak correlation within distributions of alleles was observed between obese Test Patients and lean Controls. Conclusion: This pilot study has revealed no association between SNP ADIPOQ (NM_004797.4):c.214+62G>T (rs1501299) and uterine fibroids. Further studies on larger groups are warranted to elucidate whether this SNP may be correlated with uterine leiomyomas.

Serum concentrations of CCL20/MIP-3alpha in women with endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a chronic disease defined by the presence of uterine mucosa outside the uterine cavity. Abnormal levels of cytokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules and metalloproteinases have been found in patients with endometriosis. A review of the literature revealed no papers on CCL20 serum levels in women with endometriosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 32 women who underwent laparoscopy in the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the study and control group. The study group was divided into three subgroups according to endometriosis form. Twenty patients were included in the study group and 12 patients acted as controls. CCL20 concentrations value were determined using a quantitative sandwich ELISA kit (R&D Systems). Results were statistically analyzed by SPSS STATISTICS 24.0.0 software. A significance level of 0.05 was used. RESULTS: The mean serum level of CCL20 in the study group was 7.4 pg/ml. In controls the mean value was 10.95 pg/ml. The concentration of CCL20 was statistically significantly lower in the study group than in controls (p = 0.004). Within the study group the highest values were reported in patients with endometrial ovarian cysts (8.55 pg/ml), intermediate in the DIE subgroup (8.24 pg/ml) and the lowest in patients with peritoneal endometriosis (6.74 pg/ml). Differences between subgroups were not statistically significant (p = 0.385). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed statistically significantly decreased CCL20 serum levels in women with endometriosis. No significant differences of CCL20 serum levels between patients with different forms of endometriosis were observed.

Assessment of the usefulness of bacterial cellulose produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus E25 as a new biological implant.

Bionanocellulose (BNC) is a clear polymer produced by the bacterium Gluconacetobacter xylinus. In our current study, "Research on the use of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) in regenerative medicine as a function of the biological implants in cardiac and vascular surgery", we carried out material analysis, biochemical analysis, in vitro tests and in vivo animal model testing. In stage 1 of the project, we carried out physical and biological tests of BNC. This allowed us to modify subsequent samples of bacterial bionanocellulose. Finally, we obtained a sample that was accepted for testing on an animal model. That sample we define BNC1. Patches of BNC1 were then implanted into pigs' vessel walls. During the surgical procedures, we evaluated the technical aspects of sewing in the bioimplant, paying special attention to bleeding control and tightness of the suture line and the BNC1 bioimplant itself. We carried out studies evaluating the reaction of an animal body to an implantation of BNC1 into the circulatory system, including the general and local inflammatory reaction to the bioimplant. These studies allowed us to document the potential usefulness of BNC as a biological implant of the circulatory system and allowed for additional modifications of the BNC to improve the properties of this new implantable biological material.