Fluorescence use in minimally invasive metabolic and bariatric surgery - a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: This review aims to explore and summarise current knowledge of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence application in metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) and assess its potential in improving patient safety. METHODS: The review was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Evidence from PubMed, ScienceDirect and Ovid MEDLINE databases was independently screened in October 2022. The primary information and outcomes were the type of fluorescence application with potential patient benefit and the complication rate. The secondary outcomes consisted of the kind of dye, the application protocol, and the equipment used. RESULTS: Thirteen publications were included, with six prospective observational studies, five case reports and two retrospective cohort studies and involved a total of 424 patients. The publications were categorized into four groups based on the method of fluorescence application. Sixty-six percent of the cases used fluorescence for LSG, 32.3% used it for RYGB, 1.2% for revisional surgery, 0.2% during removal of an adjustable gastric band, and 0.2% for LSG combined with Rossetti fundoplication. ICG was used on its own in the majority of studies, although in one case, it was used in combination with methylene blue. ICG administration protocols varied significantly. Complications occurred in three patients (0.71%): leaks were diagnosed in two cases, and one patient required a blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: The most popular type of use is intraoperative assessment of the blood supply. ICG application may reduce the risk of complications, with potential benefits in detecting ischemia and leaks, searching for bleeding in areas inaccessible to endoscopy, and non-invasive hepatopathy evaluation.

Epinephrine, Pregabalin, and Crizotinib as Three Medicines with Polish Implications over Three Last Centuries and in View of Three Different Drug Discovery Approaches.

The discovery of epinephrine (adrenaline) and its subsequent implications in medicine owes significant contributions to Cybulski across different centuries, who, in 1894, was pivotal in identifying the adrenal medulla's role in blood pressure regulation and naming the active substance "nadnerczyna", known today as adrenaline. His work demonstrated the adrenal glands' critical function in the body's regulatory mechanisms beyond the nervous system. Cybulski's groundbreaking research laid foundational knowledge for future endocrinological studies and pharmaceutical advancements. In the late 20th century, Andruszkiewicz collaborated with Silverman at Northwestern University to develop pregabalin, the active ingredient in Lyrica. Their innovative synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid derivatives led to a significant advancement in treating epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. Andruszkiewicz's expertise in organic chemistry and enzymology was crucial in this collaborative effort, resulting in the successful development and commercialization of Lyrica. Additionally, Mroczkowski's leadership at Pfizer contributed to the development of crizotinib, a notable anaplastic lymphoma kinase and proto-oncogene 1 tyrosine-protein kinase inhibitor used to treat specific types of non-small cell lung cancer. Her work exemplifies the continuing influence of Polish researchers in pioneering drug discovery and advancing therapeutic treatments over the past three centuries. These contributions highlight Poland's significant role in global pharmaceutical innovations and medical research.

Structure-Activity Relationships and Therapeutic Applications of Retinoids in View of Potential Benefits from Drug Repurposing Process.

Vitamin A, an essential micronutrient, is integral to various biological processes crucial for organismal development and maintenance. Dietary sources of vitamin A encompass preformed retinol, retinyl esters, and provitamin A carotenoids. Retinoic acid (RA), a key component, plays pivotal roles in vision, cell proliferation, apoptosis, immune function, and gene regulation. Drug repurposing, an effective strategy for identifying new therapeutic applications for existing drugs, has gained prominence in recent years. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape surrounding retinoids and drug repurposing. The scope of this review encompasses a comprehensive examination of retinoids and their potential for repurposing in various therapeutic contexts. Despite their efficacy in treating dermatological conditions, concerns about toxicity persist, driving the search for safer and more potent retinoids. The molecular mechanisms underlying retinoid activity involve binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), leading to transcriptional regulation of target genes. This review seeks to shed light on the possibilities for repurposing retinoids to cover a wider spectrum of therapeutic uses by exploring recent scientific progress. It also aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic prospects of retinoids and the broader impact of drug repositioning in contemporary medicine.

Unveiling a Dermatological Rarity: The Enigma of Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade III (HSIL) and the Role of p53 in Its Development.

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, also known as VIN, is a non-invasive squamous lesion and precursor of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva. There is no screening test for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. Diagnosis of VIN is made clinically and confirmed with a biopsy. We describe a 66-year-old woman with a condyloma-like tumour located in the skin on the vestibule of the vagina. A biopsy sample was taken from the nodule. The definitive diagnosis is supported by the histological examination (VIN III) and immunohistochemical examination of p16(+), p53(+), and a few cell nuclei. The case provides information on the importance of multidisciplinary cooperation. Lifelong surveillance is essential since the resection of individual lesions does not guarantee the prevention of invasive cancer.