Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a heterogeneous group of hematologic malignancies characterized by abnormal proliferation of immature lymphoid cells. It is the most commonly diagnosed childhood ...cancer with an almost 80% cure rate. Despite favorable survival rates in the pediatric population, a significant number of patients develop resistance to therapy, resulting in poor prognosis. ALL is a heterogeneous disease at the genetic level, but the intensive development of sequencing in the last decade has made it possible to broaden the study of genomic changes. New technologies allow us to detect molecular changes such as point mutations or to characterize epigenetic or proteomic profiles. This process made it possible to identify new subtypes of this disease characterized by constellations of genetic alterations, including chromosome changes, sequence mutations, and DNA copy number alterations. These genetic abnormalities are used as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers that play an important role in earlier disease detection, more accurate risk stratification, and treatment. Identification of new ALL biomarkers, and thus a greater understanding of their molecular basis, will lead to better monitoring of the course of the disease. In this article, we provide an overview of the latest information on genomic alterations found in childhood ALL and discuss their impact on patients' clinical outcomes.
Herbal medicine is currently widely practiced, since natural resources are reported to alleviate side effects during oncological treatment while modifying cancer cell responses at the same time. ...Allium vegetables and their constituents have recently been extensively investigated due to the numerous possible beneficial properties, establishing them as an additional treatment modality in different cancers. According to the epidemiological evidence, as well as many in vivo and in vitro studies, the abovementioned substances seem to be effective in the prevention and inhibition of the progression of carcinogenesis. Due to high concentrations of organosulfur compounds, which exhibit anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, as well as anti-inflammatory properties, Allium constituents are believed to constitute a promising prevention and supportive therapy for oncological patients. Besides, it was demonstrated that a combination of Allium extracts with chemotherapy provided satisfactory clinical outcomes while at the same time being cost-effective. The aim of this review was to present and discuss currently investigated Allium extracts and their effects on several gastrointestinal cancers including gastric, colon, liver, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer.
Gynecological neoplasms pose a serious threat to women's health. It is estimated that in 2020, there were nearly 1.3 million new cases worldwide, from which almost 50% ended in death. The most ...commonly diagnosed are cervical and endometrial cancers; when it comes to infertility, it affects ~48.5 million couples worldwide and the number is continually rising. Ageing of the population, environmental factors such as dietary habits, environmental pollutants and increasing prevalence of risk factors may affect the reproductive potential in women. Therefore, in order to identify potential risk factors for these issues, attention has been drawn to trace elements. Trace mineral imbalances can be caused by a variety of causes, starting with hereditary diseases, finishing with an incorrect diet or exposure to polluted air or water. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge regarding trace elements imbalances in the case of gynecologic cancers as well as female fertility and during pregnancy.
Recent data on the distribution and influence of copper, zinc and cadmium in glial cells are summarized. This review also examines the relationship between those metals and their role in ...neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which have become a great challenge for today's physicians. The studies suggest that among glial cells, iron has the highest concentration in oligodendrocytes, copper in astrocytes and zinc in the glia of hippocampus and cortex. Previous studies have shown neurotoxic effects of copper, iron and manganese, while zinc can have a bidirectional effect, i.e., neurotoxic but also neuroprotective effects depending on the dose and disease state. Recent data point to the association of metals with neurodegeneration through their role in the modulation of protein aggregation. Metals can accumulate in the brain with aging and may be associated with age-related diseases.
Introduction: Ovarian cancer ranks seventh in terms of incidence and eighth in terms of mortality among women worldwide. It is divided into several subtypes. The epithelial type of ovarian cancer is ...responsible for 90% of cases. The clinical picture is usually an appendage tumor detected by palpation or during pelvic imaging. Symptoms are usually non-specific such as abdominal pushing or bloating.
State of knowledge: Ovarian cancer is usually detected at an advanced stage due to the long duration of absence of symptoms. Therefore, there is an urgent need to look at existing and identify potential biomarkers that can lead to the development of new and more effective predictors for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer. The ability of these biomarkers to predict the existence and stages of ovarian cancer could improve early diagnosis and survival of ovarian cancer patients. Currently, the biomarkers CA-125 and HE4 play the most important role in diagnosis. However, there are an increasing number of reports on other biomarkers such as kallikreins, bikunin, VEGF, and mesothelin.
Summary: Partly due to the lack of effective screening, ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in the final stages. This is why ongoing research into new biomarkers that could contribute to faster detection of the disease is so important. They would also increase the effectiveness of the therapies used and enable a better prognosis of the course of the disease.
Introduction and objective: In recent years, depression and diabetes have become more and more serious medical issues. The number of patients suffering from one or both of these disorders increases ...year by year, which significantly worsens their quality of life. The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on the basic mechanisms and risk factors influencing the development of depression in patients with diabetes, as well as the bidirectional relationship between these illnesses. The study was based on a literature review and an analysis of publications available on PubMed and Google Scholar platforms. The search has been conducted with the use of a combination of keywords like: “diabetes type 1”, “diabetes type 2”, “depression”, “mental health”.
An abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: Every third patient with diabetes shows depressive symptoms. These psychological disorders are more common in people with type 1 diabetes. The most vulnerable group of patients are single women with low socioeconomic status and comorbidities. Numerous biochemical and psychosocial changes in the life of diabetic patients, significantly increase the risk of developing depression. The latest scientific reports also draw attention to the two-way relationship between diabetes and depression. The inclusion of cognitive-behavioral therapy brings positive results in managing diabetes with comorbid depression.
Summary: The available scientific data clearly shows the existence of psychological and biological links between these two disease entities. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders can improve the course of diabetes.
Introduction and purpose: More and more reports suggest that diabetes plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding this link may provide a new approach to ...modulating the onset and progression of sporadic AD cases. The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on the basic mechanisms and factors influencing the development of AD in patients with type 2 diabetes in the context of clinical practice.
State of knowledge: It is estimated that up to 80% of Alzheimer's patients have glucose intolerance or diabetes. Impaired insulin signaling can lead to abnormal processing and accumulation of beta-amyloid protein, which can result in memory deficits and cognitive decline. Insulin deficiency can also cause over-activity of the GSK3 enzyme, leading to tau hyperphosphorylation and senile plaque accumulation. Diabetes can also cause fibrotic changes in cerebral vessels, disrupting brain metabolism and potentially leading to hippocampus atrophy. The release of cytokines during the metabolic syndrome can also cause oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which may contribute to neuronal atrophy. It has been reported that healthy diet, physical exercises and prevention of metabolic diseases may reduce the incidence of AD.
Conclusions: Epidemiological data and pathophysiological studies indicate a significant relationship between these diseases that AD is sometimes called Type 3 diabetes. Early detection of hyperglycemia and its proper management, may be crucial in the context of the clinical prevention of dementia diseases. It is essential to pay attention to the cognitive abilities of patients with metabolic diseases.
Introduction: Varicella is an acute infectious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It is among one of the most contagious infectious diseases. The main symptoms of the disease are an itchy, ...papular and vesicular rash on the trunk, face, scalp, extremities, mucous membranes. In addition, there is fever, malaise, headache and muscle aches, enlargement of lymph nodes. In most cases, varicella is mild, but 2-6% of patients may develop dangerous complications. The most common complications include bacterial skin infections, neurological symptoms and acute thrombocytopenia.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to present the severe and complicated course of varicella in a 12-month-old patient.
Results: On the day of admission, the patient presented symptoms of an exacerbation of the course of varicella. The main symptoms were smallpox eruptions, increasing fever track, and enlarged and painful lymph nodes. During his stay, the patient's condition indicated a severe course of varicella. It was complicated by infection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and lymph nodes. In addition, tests showed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and positivity for cat scratch disease. He also developed zoster during his hospitalization. Throughout his stay in the hospital, many tests and consultations were carried out to clarify his symptoms. With appropriate treatment, the patient's condition improved and he was able to be discharged home after a 3-week hospitalization.
Conclusions: The presented case shows the severe course of varicella. Due to recommendations and the patient's too young age, he could not be vaccinated against VZV. In each patient, the course of the disease is unpredictable. Vaccination protects against severe symptoms, and also reduces the risk of developing zoster in the future. In addition, long-term immunity can be acquired through vaccination.
ABSTRACT
Introduction and purpose: COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (type 2 acute respiratory syndrome virus). Globally, as of 14 July ...2021, there have been more than 4 million deaths and almost 190 million confirmed cases of infection. Mental health disorders are sets of behaviours, ways of thinking or perceiving and other mental activities and relations with other people which are a source of suffering or impediments to the individual functioning of the affected person. The most common mental health disorders are anxiety disorders, insomnia, depression and somatic disorders.
State of knowledge: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's lives around the world through the rapid spread of the disease, high mortality and negative health effects. Over time, there is growing public concern that health systems may become overburdened and that adequate medical care will not be available to everyone affected by the disease. There are also concerns that isolation and reduced mobility will be long-term with serious consequences for mental health and well-being.
Summary: There is already evidence of the negative psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents, as well as the elderly who have been isolated, making these individuals more susceptible to developing long-term psychiatric disorders.
To date, many studies have proved that COVID-19 increases the incidence of thrombus formation and coagulopathies but the exact mechanism behind such a disease outcome is not well known. In this ...review we collect the information and discuss the pathophysiology of thrombus formation in patients with pulmonary embolism in the course of COVID-19 disease and the role of zinc and copper in the process. Supplementation of zinc and copper may be beneficial for COVID-19 patients due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. On the other hand, excess of those microelements in the organism may be harmful, that is why marking the level of those micronutrients should be done at first. We also propose further investigation of diagnostic and therapeutic options of zinc and copper in course of COVID-19 thrombus formation to their potential in patient care, with particular emphasis on the dosage and the duration of their misbalance.
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