CD44, TGM2 and EpCAM as novel plasma markers in endometrial cancer diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive tract. Despite years of research, the accurate screening strategy is still not available in this disease and it is usually diagnosed only after the clinical signs are present. The recent technological advances in analytical methodologies enabled detection of multiple molecules in one, small sample of biological materials. Such approach was undertaken in the presented study. METHODS: Concentrations of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 (ALDH1A1), carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9), CD44, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), hepsin, kallikrein-6, mesothelin, midkine, neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM), and transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) were measured using MAGPIX®System in plasma samples of 45 EC, 20 healthy controls and 11 patients with endometriosis. RESULTS: Significantly increased concentration in EC as compared to healthy controls were found in case of CD44 (p <  0.001), EpCAM (p = 0.033) and TGM2 (p <  0.001). EpCAM and mesothelin concentrations differed based on FIGO stages. Regression analysis revealed marker panels with high accuracy in detection of EC. The highest AUC 0.937 was attributed to the 3-marker panel of CD44/TGM2/EpCAM (84% sensitivity, 100% specificity), FIGO IA samples were discriminated from more advanced stages of EC with the mesothelin/grade 1 model featuring AUC of 0.911 (95.24% sensitivity, 78.26% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Novel plasma biomarkers presenting good accuracy in diagnosing EC were found with TGM2 reported for the first time as plasma marker. It was also revealed that endometriosis may share similarities in the pattern of markers alterations characteristic for EC.

[Assessment of knowledge of women regarding sexual risk factors for cervical cancer].

Introduction: In Poland, reproductive system cancers are an important medical and social problem. Risky sexual behaviours such as early age of sexual initiation, or a large number of sexual partners increase the risk of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of women about sexual risk factors for cervical cancer. Materials and methods: The study included 200 women from the cities of Lublin and Radom, and the village of Jablonna. Respondents completed a diagnostic survey questionnaire specially developed for the purpose of this study. The results were statistically analysed. Results: statistically signi􀏐icant relationship was found between the knowledge of respondents about early start of sexual intercourse as a risk factor for cervical cancer and their marital status (p = 0.003), place of residence (p = 0.01) and type of professional activity (p = 0.03). There was also a statistically signi􀏐icant relationship between the knowledge of the surveyed women on a large number of sexual partners as a risk factor for cervical cancer and age (p = 0.002), marital status (p = 0.03), and the type of professional activity. Conclusions: Women know that the early age of sexual initiation and a large number of sexual partners is a risk factor for cervical cancer. On the other hand, they are not aware of the impact of a large number of sexual partners of their current partner on the risk of cervical cancer. There is a need to educate women about the impact of risky sexual behaviour on the potential development of cervical cancer.

An analysis of the feelings of pregnant women at risk of preterm labour.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was an analysis of the feelings of pregnant women at risk ofpreterm labour. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 313 expectant mothers aged between 18 to 44 years (ranges: 18-25, 26-30 and 31-44 years) with no psychological disorders, hospitalized and treated due to the risk of preterm labour were surveyed. All the examined pregnant women expressed voluntary and informed consent for the participation in the survey. Each of the questionnaires given to the examined pregnant women contained: a questionnaire form devised by the authors, to establish the characteristics of the surveyed expectant mothers, and the following research standardized tool - Negative and Positive Feelings Scale by P. Brzozowski. RESULTS: The value of the mean level of positive feel- ings state in the group of patients aged 31-44 years with higher education was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the mean value in the group of patients aged 26-30 years with secondary or primary/vocational education. Marital status and place of residence had no effect on the level of positive feelings as a condition of pregnant women in the study group (p > 0.05). There were no significant statistical differences (p > 0.05) between the level of negative feel- ings trait and age. It was found, however, that the level of negative feelings trait was significantly lower (p = 0.0009) in pregnant women with higher education than in pregnant women who had completed secondary education. CONCLUSION: 1. Among pregnant women at risk of pre- term labour, higher levels of positive feelings were found in pregnant women aged 31-44 years with higher education, being married and residents of a provincial city. 2. In order to reduce negative feelings in pregnant women at risk of preterm labour it seems important to implement appropriate psychological and prophylactic management, provide adequate care in the pregnancy pathology department, as well as support from the medical staff and the family. These activities should be targeted particularly at younger women with primary education or vocational training, not being married and living in rural areas.

[Assessment of anxiety in women during puerperium]. / Ocena poziomu leku u kobiet w pologu.

PURPOSE: Many women experience various emotional disorders during puerperium characterized by high levels of anxiety. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: To analyse the level of anxiety in women during puerperium depending on age, education, marital status, number of pregnancies, route of delivery, and family situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 120 women between day 10 and 15 of puerperium without any previous psychiatric disorders. Pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium were without any morbidity and the newborns were healthy. The level of anxiety was measured using C. D. Spilberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS: The level of anxiety as a trait in women during puerperium was within normal limits, whereas the level of anxiety as a state was elevated. Primipara and women up to 20 years of age require special attention during psycho-preventive treatment due to increased level of anxiety as a trait during puerperium. Employment and family situation determine the level of anxiety as a state after delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of women with a higher level of anxiety as a state during puerperium may provoke early medical intervention in this group of women and thus contribute to improvement in the quality of life of the woman and conditions for future development of the neonate.