Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr Virus Co-Infection in Polish Patients with Gastric Cancer - A Pilot Study.

The infectious agents may be the etiological factor of up to 15-20% of cancers. In stomach cancer, attention is paid to Helicobacter pylori and Epstein-Barr virus, both of which cause gastritis and can lead to tumor development. In co-infection, the inflammatory process is much more intense. We assessed the seroprevalence towards H. pylori and EBV in 32 patients with diagnosed gastric cancer. H. pylori antibodies were found in 69% patients, and anti-EBV - in all of them. The study confirmed that co-infection of H. pylori and EBV seems to be important in etiopathology of gastric cancer.

Understanding the Associations of Prenatal Androgen Exposure on Sleep Physiology, Circadian Proteins, Anthropometric Parameters, Hormonal Factors, Quality of Life, and Sex Among Healthy Young Adults: Protocol for an International, Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The ratio of the second finger length to the fourth finger length (2D:4D ratio) is considered to be negatively correlated with prenatal androgen exposure (PAE) and positively correlated with prenatal estrogen. Coincidentally, various brain regions are sensitive to PAE, and their functions in adults may be influenced by the prenatal actions of sex hormones. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the relationship between PAE (indicated by the 2D:4D ratio) and various physiological (sex hormone levels and sleep-wake parameters), psychological (mental health), and sexual parameters in healthy young adults. METHODS: This study consists of two phases. In phase 1, we will conduct a survey-based study and anthropometric assessments (including 2D:4D ratio and BMI) in healthy young adults. Using validated questionnaires, we will collect self-reported data on sleep quality, sexual function, sleep chronotype, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In phase 2, a subsample of phase 1 will undergo polysomnography and physiological and genetic assessments. Sleep architecture data will be obtained using portable polysomnography. The levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, melatonin, and circadian regulatory proteins (circadian locomotor output cycles kaput [CLOCK], timeless [TIM], and period [PER]) and the expression levels of some miRNAs will be measured using blood samples. The rest and activity cycle will be monitored using actigraphy for a 7-day period. RESULTS: In Poland, 720 participants were recruited for phase 1. Among these, 140 completed anthropometric measurements. In addition, 25 participants joined and completed phase 2 data collection. Recruitment from other sites will follow. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from our study may help to better understand the plausible role of PAE in sleep physiology, mental health, and sexual quality of life in young adults. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/29199.

EVALUATION OF THE TREATMENT COSTS OF ASTHMA EXACERBATIONS IN OUTPATIENTS.

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the costs of controlled and uncontrolled asthma therapy in outpatients care. To determine the efficacy of the medicinal care there was performed a retrospective study on a group of 150 patients. Thirty eight patients have been enrolled to study group. Drug costs were estimated on the basis of documentation of patients. The assessment takes into account the cost of the retail price of drugs, the cost of diagnostic tests and outpatient care. Evaluation of the costs of treatment of patients was performed from a societal perspective. In the study there was calculated the value of the daily, monthly and annual treatment of the patient depending on the degree of asthma control. There was analyzed the frequency of reception of certain preparations in the study group. It was compared the annual cost of therapy for the given preparation in both examined groups. The total annual costs of therapy in patients with controlled and uncontrolled asthma were compared. Properly controlled asthma is potential source of savings. Treatment of asthma in an outpatient setting allow to avoid exacerbation of the disease, reducing and limiting direct and indirect costs of disease and improving the quality of patient's life.