Products of Selenite/Thiols Interaction Have Reducing Properties, Cleave Plasmid DNA and Decrease Rat Blood Pressure and Tension of Rat Mesenteric Artery.

Selenium compounds exert their antioxidant activity mostly when the selenium atom is incorporated into selenoproteins. In our work, we tested the possibility that selenite itself interacts with thiols to form active species that have reducing properties. Therefore, we studied the reduction of 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazol-1-yloxy-3-oxide radical (•cPTIO), damage of plasmid DNA (pDNA), modulation of rat hemodynamic parameters and tension of isolated arteries induced by products of interaction of selenite with thiols. We found that the products of selenite interaction with thiols had significant reducing properties that could be attributed mainly to the selenide and that selenite had catalytic properties in the access of thiols. The potency of thiols to reduce •cPTIO in the interaction with selenite was cysteine > homocysteine > glutathione reduced > N-acetylcysteine. Thiol/selenite products cleaved pDNA, with superoxide dismutase enhancing these effects suggesting a positive involvement of superoxide anion in the process. The observed •cPTIO reduction and pDNA cleavage were significantly lower when selenomethionine was used instead of selenite. The products of glutathione/selenite interaction affected several hemodynamic parameters including rat blood pressure decrease. Notably, the products relaxed isolated mesenteric artery, which may explain the observed decrease in rat blood pressure. In conclusion, we found that the thiol/selenite interaction products exhibited significant reducing properties which can be used in further studies of the treatment of pathological conditions caused by oxidative stress. The results of decreased rat blood pressure and the tension of mesenteric artery may be perspective in studies focused on cardiovascular disease and their prevention.

Probability of exposure to the wild measles virus in adult population - Estimation from seroepidemiology and historical data.

Vaccination against measles is one of the most effective public health interventions which has saved millions of lives and interrupted circulation of the natural virus in the population. However, it is widely accepted that the immunity after vaccination can wane, especially in those who have had no contact with the virus. This study aimed to classify the particular birth cohorts of adults with regard to their exposure to the wild measles virus in the population with a long history of mandatory vaccination. We introduced two methods. In the first, we estimated the probability of exposure to the wild virus through an analysis of antibody levels from the Immunologic Survey performed in the Slovak Republic in 2018, while the second was based on historical epidemiological data. Both methods resulted in similar estimations. Cohorts born in Slovakia before 1964 can be considered to be cohorts in which most people were exposed to the wild measles virus. Cohorts born after 1977 can be designated as cohorts that most likely did not come into the contact with the wild virus. Cohorts born between 1965 and 1976 are composed of a mixture, with a decreasing proportion of people exposed to the wild virus with increasing year of birth. The proposed methods can help identify potential immunity gaps in the adult population. They can be applied in other countries with high measles vaccination coverage to estimate the probability of exposure to the wild measles virus in particular birth cohorts.

Use of a rat model to characterize 35 arterial pulse wave parameters in a comparative study of isoflurane and Zoletil/xylazine anesthesia and the effect of Acanthopanax senticosus extract.

BACKGROUND: Information obtained from arterial pulse waveforms (APW) can be useful for characterizing the cardiovascular system. To achieve this, it is necessary to know the detailed characteristics of APWs in different states of an organism, which would allow APW parameters (APW-Ps) to be assigned to particular (patho)physiological conditions. Therefore, our work aimed to characterize 35 APW-Ps in rats under the influence of isoflurane (ISO) and Zoletil/xylazine (ZO/XY) anesthesia and to study the effect of root extract from Acanthopanax senticosus (ASRE) in these anesthetic conditions. METHODS: The right jugular vein of anesthetized rats was cannulated for the administration of ASRE and the left carotid artery for the detection of APWs from which 35 APW-Ps were evaluated. RESULTS: We obtained data on 35 APW-Ps, which significantly depended on the anesthesia, and thus, they characterized the cardiovascular system under these two conditions. ASRE transiently modulated all 35 APW-Ps, including a transient decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) and heart rate or increases in pulse BP, dP/dtmax , and systolic and diastolic areas. Whereas the transient effects of ASRE were similar, the extract had prolonged disturbing effects on the cardiovascular system in rats under ZO/XY but not under ISO anesthesia. This negative effect can result from the disturbance caused by ZO/XY anesthesia on the cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: We characterized 35 APW-Ps of rats under ISO and ZO/XY anesthesia and found that ASRE contains compounds that can modulate the properties of the cardiovascular system, which significantly depended on the status of the cardiovascular system. This should be considered when using ASRE as a nutritional supplement by individuals with cardiovascular problems.

The Phthalic Selenoanhydride Decreases Rat Blood Pressure and Tension of Isolated Mesenteric, Femoral and Renal Arteries.

Phthalic selenoanhydride (R-Se) solved in physiological buffer releases various reactive selenium species including H2Se. It is a potential compound for Se supplementation which exerts several biological effects, but its effect on the cardiovascular system is still unknown. Therefore, herein we aimed to study how R-Se affects rat hemodynamic parameters and vasoactive properties in isolated arteries. The right jugular vein of anesthetized Wistar male rats was cannulated for IV administration of R-Se. The arterial pulse waveform (APW) was detected by cannulation of the left carotid artery, enabling the evaluation of 35 parameters. R-Se (1-2 µmol kg-1), but not phthalic anhydride or phthalic thioanhydride, transiently modulated most of the APW parameters including a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, dP/dtmax relative level, or anacrotic/dicrotic notches, whereas systolic area, dP/dtmin delay, dP/dtd delay, anacrotic notch relative level or its delay increased. R-Se (~10-100 µmol L-1) significantly decreased the tension of precontracted mesenteric, femoral, and renal arteries, whereas it showed a moderate vasorelaxation effect on thoracic aorta isolated from normotensive Wistar rats. The results imply that R-Se acts on vascular smooth muscle cells, which might underlie the effects of R-Se on the rat hemodynamic parameters.

Lipid-coated ruthenium dendrimer conjugated with doxorubicin in anti-cancer drug delivery: Introducing protocols.

One of the major limitations for the treatment of many diseases is an inability of drugs to cross the cell membrane barrier. Different kinds of carriers are being investigated to improve drug bioavailability. Among them, lipid or polymer-based systems are of special interest due to their biocompatibility. In our study, we combined dendritic and liposomal carriers and analysed the biochemical and biophysical properties of these formulations. Two preparation methods of Liposomal Locked-in Dendrimers (LLDs) systems have been established and compared. Carbosilane ruthenium metallodendrimer was complexed with an anti-cancer drug (doxorubicin) and locked in a liposomal structure, using both techniques. The LLDs systems formed by hydrophilic locking had more efficient transfection profiles and interacted with the erythrocyte membrane better than systems using the hydrophobic method. The results indicate these systems have improved transfection properties when compared to non-complexed components. The coating of dendrimers with lipids significantly reduced their hemotoxicity and cytotoxicity. The nanometric size, low polydispersity index and reduced positive zeta potential of such complexes made them attractive for future application in drug delivery. The formulations prepared by the hydrophobic locking protocol were not effective and will not be considered furthermore as prospective drug delivery systems. In contrast, the formulations formed by the hydrophilic loading method have shown promising results where the cytotoxicity of LLD systems with doxorubicin was more effective against cancer than normal cells.

Quantification of Waning Immunity After Measles Vaccination-Evidence From a Seroprevalence Study.

We aimed to quantify rates of waning immunity after measles vaccination from seroprevalence data collected in a study of a population with high vaccination coverage and a fixed vaccination schedule. Data were collected during a national survey (the Immunological Survey) carried out in the Slovak Republic in 2018. The average rate of waning immunity against measles after the first dose of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (ages 1.5-10 years) was 9.7% per year from the geometric mean titer value of 2,634 mUI/mL. The average waning rate after the second dose of MMR vaccine (ages 10-33 years) was significantly lower: 4.8% per year from the lower geometric mean titer of 1,331 mUI/mL. This decline in antibody levels suggests that vaccine-induced protection may be compromised and results in an increase in the proportion of seronegative/borderline individuals. These outcomes may provide a valuable source for critical assessment of direct and indirect effects of MMR vaccination.

Influence of autoimmune thyroiditis on the prognosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The association of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been studied for over 60 years, yet their causal relationship has not been elucidated. Most published papers report a better prognosis of the patients with tumour in the field of thyroiditis. In our work we aimed to find out the differences in the clinical behaviour of PTC depending on the presence of autoimmune inflammation. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed a group of 1,201 patients with PTC dispensed in St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute and Faculty of Medicine from 2000 to 2015. We divided patients with AIT according to the time of diagnosis of inflammation into the AIT1 subgroup, which included patients monitored for AIT before tumour detection. In them, we assumed that the factor of long-term endocrinological monitoring could speed up the diagnosis of the tumour and thus improve the prognosis. The AIT2 subgroup consisted of patients with both tumour and inflammation diagnosed simultaneously, thus eliminating the factor of prior monitoring. RESULTS: PTC in the AIT1 subgroup had better prognostic parameters (TNM stage, persistence, disease remission). Patients in the AIT2 group had all monitored parameters comparable with patients with tumours without autoimmune inflammation. CONCLUSION: AIT alone does not have a protective effect on the course of PTC, the cause of a better prognosis in the AIT1 subgroup is a different pathomechanism of carcinogenesis, as well as previous endocrinological monitoring and earlier detection of malignancy (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 27).

Dichloroacetate as a metabolic modulator of heart mitochondrial proteome under conditions of reduced oxygen utilization.

Myocardial compensatory mechanisms stimulated by reduced oxygen utilization caused by streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) and treated with dichloroacetate (DCA) are presumably associated with the regulation of mitochondria. We aimed to promote the understanding of key signaling pathways and identify effectors involved in signal transduction. Proteomic analysis and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements revealed significantly decreased membrane potential and upregulated protein amine oxidase [flavin-containing] A (AOFA) in DM mitochondria, indicative of oxidative damage. DCA in diabetic animals (DM + DCA) downregulated AOFA, increased membrane potential, and stimulated thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase, a protein with antioxidant function. Furthermore, the DM condition was associated with mitochondrial resistance to calcium overload through mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTPs) regulation, despite an increased protein level of voltage-dependent anion-selective protein (VDAC1). In contrast, DM + DCA influenced ROS levels and downregulated VDAC1 and VDAC3 when compared to DM alone. The diabetic myocardium showed an identical pattern of mPTP protein interactions as in the control group, but the interactions were attenuated. Characterization of the combined effect of DM + DCA is a novel finding showing that DCA acted as an effector of VDAC protein interactions, calcium uptake regulation, and ROS production. Overall, DM and DCA did not exhibit an additive effect, but an individual cardioprotective pathway.

In Vitro Interactions of Amphiphilic Phosphorous Dendrons with Liposomes and Exosomes-Implications for Blood Viscosity Changes.

Drug delivery by dendron-based nanoparticles is widely studied due to their ability to encapsulate or bind different ligands. For medical purposes, it is necessary (even if not sufficient) for these nanostructures to be compatible with blood. We studied the interaction of amphiphilic dendrons with blood samples from healthy volunteers using standard laboratory methods and rheological measurements. We did not observe clinically relevant abnormalities, but we found a concentration-dependent increase in whole blood viscosity, higher in males, presumably due to the formation of aggregates. To characterize the nature of the interactions among blood components and dendrons, we performed experiments on the liposomes and exosomes as models of biological membranes. Based on results obtained using diverse biophysical methods, we conclude that the interactions were of electrostatic nature. Overall, we have confirmed a concentration-dependent effect of dendrons on membrane systems, while the effect of generation was ambiguous. At higher dendron concentrations, the structure of membranes became disturbed, and membranes were prone to forming bigger aggregates, as visualized by SEM. This might have implications for blood flow disturbances when used in vivo. We propose to introduce blood viscosity measurements in early stages of investigation as they can help to optimize drug-like properties of potential drug carriers.

Dental Care and Education Facing Highly Transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Prospective Biosafety Setting: Prospective, Single-Arm, Single-Center Study.

With the arrival of the highly transmissible Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5), dentistry faces another seasonal challenge to preserve the biosafety of dental care and education. With the aim of protecting patients, students, teachers and healthcare professionals, this paper introduces a prospective sustainable biosafety setting for everyday dental care and education. The setting developed by dental clinicians, epidemiologists, and teachers of dentistry consists of a combination of modern technologies focused on the air-borne part of the viral pathway. The introduced biosafety setting has been clinically evaluated after 18 months of application in the real clinical environment. The protocol has three fundamental pillars: (1) UVC air disinfection; (2) air saturation with certified virucidal essences with nebulizing diffusers; (3) complementary solutions including telehealth and 3D printing. A pseudonymous online smart form was used as the evaluation method. The protocol operates on the premise that everybody is a hypothetical asymptomatic carrier. The results of a clinical evaluation of 115 patient feedbacks imply that no virus transmission from patient to patient or from doctor to nurse was observed or reported using this protocol, and vice versa, although nine patients retrospectively admitted that the clinic visit is likely to be infectious. Despite these promising results, a larger clinical sample and exposition to the current mutated strains are needed for reliable conclusions about protocol virucidal efficiency in current dental environments.

Overweight and Fertility: What We Can Learn from an Intergenerational Mouse Obesity Model.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of being overweight on the ability to conceive, fertilization rate, and in vivo development of embryos in regularly cycling, spontaneously ovulating, and naturally mated female mice. The study was based on statistical analysis of data collected during 14 experiments with identical design, performed on 319 control and 327 obese mice, developed in an intergenerational model of obesity induction which eliminates the impact of aging and high-fat feeding. Six-week-old mice with a vaginal sperm plug were slaughtered on embryonic days 2, 3, or 4, and the flushed contents of the oviducts and uteri were assessed by stereomicroscopy. The results showed no association between being overweight and the proportion of ovulating or fertilized females. On the other hand, a strong association was found between being overweight and ovulation yield. On embryonic day 2, significantly higher numbers of eggs were recovered from the oviducts of fertilized obese mice. Maternal overweight status was also associated with higher developmental capacities of preimplantation embryos. In conclusion, contrary to studies based on the high-fat-diet model, in female mice fed regular chow, being overweight was associated with an increased ovulation quota and higher developmental rate of fertilized oocytes. Being overweight did not impact ability to conceive. On the other hand, as documented in our previous studies, the quality of oocytes and blastocysts recovered from overweight mice developed in an intergenerational model of obesity was low.

Sleep Problems and 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin as Possible Predictors of Symptom Severity, Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sleep disturbances are a frequent comorbidity with an adverse effect on their behavior and functioning. It was suggested that melatonin deficit is at least partly responsible for the sleep problems. The study aimed to investigate, in a sample of 56 children with ASD aged 2.8-13.3 years, if the sleep problems and melatonin secretion can serve as predictors of adaptive functioning and severity of the ASD core symptoms. We demonstrated that, after adjustment for age, the Sleep score assessed by the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire predicts the Adaptive behavior composite score only in children younger than 6 years, and the preferred predictive model is for the domain Socialization. The age-adjusted Sleep score predicted Externalizing and Internalizing maladaptive behavior, with a near-zero contribution of age to the relationship between the Internalizing maladaptive behavior and Sleep score. After adjustment for age, the reduced night-time melatonin secretion predicted a higher severity of ASD symptoms in the domain Social affect and the Calibrated Severity Score, but not the sleep problems. Our results emphasize the importance of assessing sleep problems as a modifiable predictor of behavior in children with ASD and support the hypothesis about the role of melatonin in pathophysiology of ASD.

Utilization of a 3D Printed Orthodontic Distalizer for Tooth-Borne Hybrid Treatment in Class II Unilateral Malocclusions.

This paper introduces a novel method of 3D designing and 3D printing of a hybrid orthodontic tooth-borne personalized distalizer for treatment of unilateral Class II malocclusion. Research objectives were to clinically utilize 3D printed distalizers, appraise feasibility of this technique and compare two different biocompatible photopolymers (white and transparent). Frequency of distalizers' debonding and patients' aesthetical perception was evaluated on the set of 12 complete orthodontic treatments. The mean duration of treatment period with a bonded distalizer was 6.4 months. All cases were adults with unilateral Class II malocclusion managed with a hybrid approach as a part of Invisalign® comprehensive treatment. Results showed that such perspective practice is feasible for 3D design and in-office 3D printing of a personalized distalizer. Results also showed no clinically significant differences between both studied biopolymers. The paper discusses an evaluation of such personalized distalizer functionality with regard to the current state of the art and compares to conventional prefabricated alternatives like a Carriere® Distalizer™ appliance. Research showed a preference of patients towards transparent biocompatible photopolymer instead of the white A2 shade. The paper concludes that additive manufacturing from dental resins is a viable method in personalization and in-office 3D printing of orthodontic auxiliaries, particularly distalizers. New materials for orthodontic 3D printing endow enhanced individualization, thus more efficient treatment.

Analysis of biometric parameters of 2340 eyes measured with optical biometer Lenstar LS900 in a Caucasian population.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the pattern and mutual relationships between basic biometric characteristics of the eye in a Central European Caucasian population. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study of 2340 patients (965 males, 1375 females) scheduled for cataract surgery between 2014 and 2016. Measurements using laser interferometry included AL (axial length), K (average corneal curvature), ACD (anterior chamber depth), LT (lens thickness), CCT (central corneal thickness), AST (astigmatism) and WTW (white to white). Subjects were stratified by gender and controlled for age. Descriptive, correlation and regression analyses were performed on the data. RESULTS: The mean AL was 23.33 ± 1.01 mm - higher in males (23.59 ± 0.99 mm), in comparison to females (23.15 ± 0.99 mm). The elderly had lower ACD and higher LT, while males had higher AL independent of age. Furthermore, LT and K decreased with AL, while ACD decreased with LT and increased with AL independent of age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: The estimates of the biometrics are obtained on a large sample of subjects and can serve as normative values for Lenstar LS900 in the Central European Caucasian population.

Blood Compatibility of Amphiphilic Phosphorous Dendrons-Prospective Drug Nanocarriers.

Dendrons are branched synthetic polymers suitable for preparation of nanosized drug delivery systems. Their interactions with biological systems are mainly predetermined by their chemical structure, terminal groups, surface charge, and the number of branched layers (generation). Any new compound intended to be used, alone or in combination, for medical purposes in humans must be compatible with blood. This study combined results from in vitro experiments on human blood and from laboratory experiments designed to assess the effect of amphiphilic phosphorous dendrons on blood components and model membranes, and to examine the presence and nature of interactions leading to a potential safety concern. The changes in hematological and coagulation parameters upon the addition of dendrons in the concentration range of 2-10 µM were monitored. We found that only the combination of higher concentration and higher generation of the dendron affected the selected clinically relevant parameters: it significantly decreased platelet count and plateletcrit, shortened thrombin time, and increased activated partial thromboplastin time. At the same time, occasional small-sized platelet clumps in blood films under the light microscope were observed. We further investigated aggregation propensity of the positively charged dendrons in model conditions using zwitterionic and negatively charged liposomes. The observed changes in size and zeta potential indicated the electrostatic nature of the interaction. Overall, we proved that the low-generation amphiphilic phosphorous dendrons were compatible with blood within the studied concentration range. However, interactions between high-generation dendrons at bulk concentrations above 10 µM and platelets and/or clotting factors cannot be excluded.

Predictive model using hemoglobin, albumin, fibrinogen, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio to distinguish patients with colorectal cancer from those with benign adenoma.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with inflammation, activation of coagulation, and mild anemia. Hematological parameters reflecting ongoing cancer may have the potency to be effective for early diagnostics of CRC. The aim of this study was to examine the validity and relationship between some biochemical and hematological parameters for the early diagnosis of CRC. We designed a prospective observational cohort study to analyze whether these laboratory markers have the potency to distinguish benign tumors from malignant before planned surgery. The clinical data were collected from 208 patients with suspected benign or malignant colorectal tumors who were eligible for elective surgery between September 2018 and January 2020. Blood samples were collected one day before surgery, examined parameters included: complete blood count, hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, albumin (ALB), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrinogen (FG). Absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were used for the calculation of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. The 197 patients were divided into the group of benign (B group = 52 patients) or malignant tumors (CRC group = 145 patients). ROC curves and cut-off values of NLR, HGB, FG, and ALB concentration, serum CRP and IL-6 levels. In the cohort of 197 adult patients submitted for the elective colorectal surgery, the complete blood samples drawn one day before surgery showed significant differences between patients with benign tumors and colorectal carcinoma: HGB (mean 139.9 g/l vs. 129.9; p<0.001), FG (mean 3.36 g/l vs. 3.94 g/l; p<0.001), ALB (mean 43.4 g/l vs. 41.1 g/l; p=0.001), NLR (mean 2.73 vs. 3.88; p=0.016), respectively. CRP (mean 2.9 mg/l vs. 4.4 mg/l; p=0.011), thrombocyte count (mean 235×109/l vs. 265×109/l; p<0.029). Differences in IL-6 concentrations were not significant (2.9 pg/ml vs. 4.15 pg/ml; p=0.052). Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, four valid parameters (HGB, FG, ALB, and NLR) were suitable for the construction of a diagnostic predictive model for the identification of CRC. In conclusion, a panel of routinely examined blood parameters like HGB, FG, ALB, and NLR has the potency to distinguish patients with benign tumors from malignant by applying a diagnostic predictive model for early laboratory detection of CRC.

Dendrimeric HIV-peptide delivery nanosystem affects lipid membranes structure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nature and mechanisms of interaction between HIV peptide/dendrimer complexes (dendriplex) and artificial lipid membranes, such as large unilayered vesicles (LUV) and lipid monolayers in the air-water interface. Dendriplexes were combined as one of three HIV-derived peptides (Gp160, P24 and Nef) and one of two cationic phosphorus dendrimers (CPD-G3 and CPD-G4). LUVs were formed of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or of a mixture of DMPC and dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG). Interactions between dendriplexes and vesicles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorescence anisotropy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Langmuir-Blodgett methods. The morphology of formed systems was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results suggest that dendriplexes interact with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of lipid bilayers. The interactions between dendriplexes and negatively charged lipids (DMPC-DPPG) were stronger than those between dendriplexes and liposomes composed of zwitterionic lipids (DMPC). The former were primarily of electrostatic nature due to the positive charge of dendriplexes and the negative charge of the membrane, whereas the latter can be attributed to disturbances in the hydrophobic domain of the membrane. Obtained results provide new information about mechanisms of interaction between lipid membranes and nanocomplexes formed with HIV-derived peptides and phosphorus dendrimers. These data could be important for the choosing the appropriate antigen delivery vehicle in the new vaccines against HIV infection.

Pretreatment Levels of Chromogranin A and Neuron-specific Enolase in Patients With Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chromogranin A (CgA) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are applied in the diagnosis of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), especially non-functional ones. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive values of CgA and NSE in long-term survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our retrospective analysis included 65 patients with histologically verified gastroenteropancreatic NEN between 2005 and 2019. We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses to evaluate the relationship between CgA and NSE values before histological assessment and overall survival. Distribution of time-to-event was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and modelled by Cox regression models. RESULTS: Elevated NSE levels prior to histology were significantly associated with worse survival (HR=1.13, p=0.004) and were associated with low-differentiated NENs (rs=0.321, p=0.0338). CgA was associated with well-differentiated tumors (rs=0.233), but not significantly. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment serum levels of NSE can serve as a valuable additional predictor of long-term survival in patients with NEN.

Effect of Blue Light Filtering Intraocular Lenses on Visual Perception.

Background and Objectives: This retrospective consecutive case control study compares best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mesopic contrast sensitivity (CS), color vision, and glare between a group of eyes with blue-light-filtering intraocular lenses and another with UV-light-filtering intraocular lenses. Materials and Methods: We used Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts to compare BCVA, Rabin charts for mesopic CS testing, Oculus HMC Anomaloscope MR to test for chromatic discrimination, and Oculus Mesotest II to measure scotopic CS with glare. For analysis, we used descriptive statistics and compared means with parametric and non-parametric tests. The level of significance was set as α = 0.05. Results: For the group with the blue-light-filtering intraocular lens, the average results were BCVA = 0.96 (SD ± 0.09), CS = 1.78 log (SD ± 0.12), chromatic discrimination results M = 63.91 (SD ± 11.88), R = 60.07 (SD ± 7.89). For mesopic CS with glare, the group achieved on average 2.54 (SD ± 1.50) points out of 4. For the group with the UV-light-filtering intraocular lens, the average results were BCVA = 0.93 (SD ± 0.14), CS = 1.79 log (SD ± 0.13), chromatic discrimination results M = 65.38 (SD ± 17.14), R = 60.79 (SD ± 10.39). For mesopic CS with glare, this group achieved an average of 2.79 (SD ± 1.53) points out of 4. Conclusion: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in any of the tested parameters between the analyzed groups. Slight shift in color vision was observed, although not statistically significant.

Stage I testicular seminoma risk-adapted therapeutic management.

Following orchiectomy, patients with clinical stage I (CSI) testicular seminoma may be managed by active surveillance (S) or adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy or chemotherapy). In view of the published data on long-term toxicity, especially second malignant neoplasms (SMNs), adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) is currently no longer recommended as an adjuvant therapy option for these patients. The purpose of our recent study was to compare the impact of two selected treatment approaches - S versus adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) on the survival of patients with CSI testicular seminoma. This cross-sectional study analyzed a total of 139 patients collected at a single center between 10/2011-5/2020, with CSI testicular seminoma, stratified into two groups according to risk-adapted therapeutic approaches. In the S group (low-risk - without rete testis invasion - RTI, primary tumor size <4 cm), consisting of 77 patients, who underwent S, relapse occurred in 10 (13.0%) patients after a mean follow-up of 14.3 months. In the ACT group (high-risk - RTI and/or primary tumor size >4 cm), consisting of 62 patients, who were treated with ACT, relapse occurred in 5 (8.1%) patients after a mean follow-up of 11.6 months. Overall survival of patients in both groups was 100% with a mean follow-up of 43.9 months. A statistically significant difference in progression-free survival (PFS) between these two groups was not found. Based on our findings, ACT seems to be an adequate treatment for patients with a high risk of relapse, as well as S for those with a low risk of relapse. Despite its excellent prognosis, optimal management of CSI testicular seminoma remains controversial, with variations in expert opinion and international guidelines.