Effects of Early versus Standard Central Line Removal on the Growth of Preterm Infants with Very Low Birth Weight: A Non-Inferiority,Randomized Clinical Trial

Very preterm infants are usually supported by parenteral nutrition delivered through central lines (CLs) while progressing with enteral intake, although the optimal time point for their removal is unclear. This study evaluated the impact of the CL discontinuation time on the short-term growth outcomes of preterm infants. A non-inferiority, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in four neonatal intensive care units in Poland. Preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) without congenital abnormalities were eligible. Patients were allocated to discontinue central access at an enteral feeding volume of 100 mL/kg/day (intervention group) or 140 mL/kg/day (control group). The study’s primary outcome was weight at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age, with a non-inferiority margin of −210 g. Overall, 211 patients were allocated to the intervention or control groups between January 2019 and February 2021, of which 101 and 100 were eligible for intention-to-treat analysis, respectively. The mean weight was 2232 g and 2200 g at 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The mean between-group difference was 32 g (95% confidence interval, −68 to 132; p = 0.531), which did not cross the specified margin of non-inferiority. No intervention-related adverse events were observed. Early CL removal was non-inferior to the standard type for short-term growth outcomes in VLBW infants.     

The Role of Stem Cells in the Therapy of Stroke

Background: Stroke is a major challenge in neurology due to its multifactorial genesis and irreversible consequences. Processes of endogenous post-stroke neurogenesis, although insufficient, may indicate possible direction of future therapy. Multiple research considers stem-cell-based approaches in order to maximize neuroregeneration and minimize post-stroke deficits. Objective: Aim of this study is to review current literature considering post-stroke stem-cell-based therapy and possibilities of inducing neuroregeneration after brain vascular damage. Methods: Papers included in this article were obtained from PubMed and MEDLINE databases. The following medical subject headings (MeSH) were used: “stem cell therapy”, “post-stroke neurogenesis”, “stem-cells stroke”, “stroke neurogenesis”, “stroke stem cells”, “stroke”, “cell therapy”, “neuroregeneration”, “neurogenesis”, “stem-cell human”, “cell therapy in human”. Ultimate inclusion was made after manual review of the obtained reference list. Results: Attempts of stimulating neuroregeneration after stroke found in current literature include supporting endogenous neurogenesis, different routes of exogenous stem cells supplying and extracellular vesicles used as a method of particle transport. Conclusion: Although further research in this field is required, post stroke brain recovery supported by exogenous stem cells seems to be promising future therapy revolutionizing modern neurology.     

Synthesis and antimycobacterial assay of some xanthone derivatives

A series of some derivatives of 2-xanthone was synthesized and evaluated for their activity against M. tuberculosis in primary and/or secondary microbiological assays. The cytotoxic activity of some compounds was also evaluated. The most active compounds were: [I] 2-(2-(4-(2-(4-chloro-3-methylphenoxy)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethoxy)-9H-xanthen-9-one, [III] 2-((4-(2-(4-chlor-3-methylphenoxy)ethyl)piperazin-1-yl)methyl)-9H-xanthen-9-one dihydrochloride and [XVIII] ethyl 4-(2-hydroxy-3-(9-oxo-9H-xanthen-2-yloxy)propyl) piperazine-1-carboxylate, which displayed 98%, 98% and 94% inhibition of M. tuberculosis growth, respectively. Furthermore, compounds III and XVIII revealed their cytotoxic activity (SI < 1). Other structures varied greatly in their anti M. tuberculosis activity, however, several trends in their structure in relation to their antituberculous activity have been observed.     

Complex one-stop investigation of infertility: transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy

One of the intensively discussed topics recently is investigation of infertile patients. A subject of particular interest is a new technique - transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (TVHL), which has already found its place amongst other methods of infertility exploration. Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy allows atraumatic investigation of reproductive organs in physiologic conditions, in ambulatory settings. Significant, for clinical practice, is the possibility of a combination of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy with other methods of investigation - sonohysterosalpinogography, hysteroscopy and salpingoscopy, which make possible integrated exploration of the reproductive system. Instillation of saline into the pelvic cavity through uterine tubes (or through puncture needle if needed) under ultrasonographic control and exposition of posterior fornix, allows better orientation in the pouch of Douglas, complex assessment of reproductive organs and determination of advisability of pelvioscopy - the relatively invasive technique as well as thorough control of the safe access to the pouch of Douglas.     

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 activities by peroxynitrites in term placentas from type 2 diabetic patients

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes related to a proinflammatory environment in several diseases, including diabetes, which can be activated by reactive nitrogen species. This work aimed to determine MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and nitration in term placentas from type 2 diabetic patients and verify the hypothesis that peroxynitrites are positive regulators of placental MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. For this purpose, term placentas from healthy and type 2 diabetic patients were analyzed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels and activities, protein nitration, and nitration of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Villous explants were cultured in the presence of peroxynitrites for further evaluation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. We found that MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were increased in term placentas from diabetic patients. These changes were found even when MMP-2 protein concentrations were diminished and MMP-9 protein concentrations were not changed in the diabetic group. Increased protein nitration and specific nitration of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found in term placentas from diabetic patients. Peroxynitrites were able to increase the activity of placental MMP-2 and MMP-9. Taken together, this study has shown for first time that peroxynitrites can nitrate and activate MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the placenta, a nitrative pathway possibly related to MMPs overactivity in the placentas from type 2 diabetic patients.     

Thyroid cancer in adolescents and young adults

In adolescents and young adults, thyroid cancer accounts for 13% of all invasive neoplasms, being three times more frequent in females, but overdiagnosis and overtreatment are common. There are two therapeutic approaches, one radical and no longer preferred in all instances, and the other conservative. Permanent complications of surgery and metabolic irradiation can affect quality of life and carry an economic burden. The overall survival rate approaches 100% for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer regardless of the extent of treatment. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a very different entity, occurring most frequently in the context of hereditary tumor susceptibility syndromes.     

Trace Element Contents in Petrol-Contaminated Soil Following the Application of Compost and Mineral Materials

The global use of petroleum hydrocarbons as raw materials and an energy source in industry results in serious environmental, health, and ecological problems. Consequently, there is growing interest in the development of technologies for the rehabilitation of contaminated areas. This study was undertaken in order to determine the effect of different phytostabilising materials (compost, bentonite, and CaO) on the trace element content in soil contaminated with unleaded petroleum 95 (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 cm³ kg⁻¹ of soil). The doses of petroleum applied to the soil were based on the previously conducted preliminary experiment. The highest petroleum dose (10 cm³ kg⁻¹ of soil) significantly reduced the chromium, zinc, and cobalt contents in the soil. Petroleum increased the cadmium, lead, nickel, and copper contents in the soil. The materials used for phytostabilisation (compost, bentonite, calcium oxide) had a significant effect on the trace element content in the soil. The application of mineral materials (bentonite and calcium oxide) was more effective than the application of compost, compared to the control series (without soil amendments) as they reduced the contents of cadmium, chromium, nickel, and cobalt in the soil to the greatest extent. The reduction effect of bentonite and calcium oxide on the content of these trace elements in the soil was stronger than compost.     

Extracellular vesicles mediate the communication between multiple myeloma and bone marrow microenvironment in a NOTCH dependent way

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic neoplasm, whose poor prognosis is deeply affected by the propensity of tumor cells to localize in the bone marrow (BM) and induce the protumorigenic activity of normal BM cells, leading to events associated with tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and the spread of osteolytic bone lesions. The interplay between MM cells and the BM niche does not only rely on direct cell-cell interaction, but a crucial role is also played by MM-derived extracellular vesicles (MM-EV). Here, we demonstrated that the oncogenic NOTCH receptors are part of MM-EV cargo and play a key role in EV protumorigenic ability. We used in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the role of EV-derived NOTCH2 in stimulating the protumorigenic behavior of endothelial cells and osteoclast progenitors. Importantly, MM-EV can transfer NOTCH2 between distant cells and increase NOTCH signaling in target cells. MM-EV stimulation increases endothelial cell angiogenic ability and osteoclast differentiation in a NOTCH2-dependent way. Indeed, interfering with NOTCH2 expression in MM cells may decrease the amount of NOTCH2 also in MM-EV and affect their angiogenic and osteoclastogenic potential. Finally, we demonstrated that the pharmacologic blockade of NOTCH activation by γ-secretase inhibitors may hamper the biological effect of EV derived by MM cell lines and by the BM of MM patients. These results provide the first evidence that targeting the NOTCH pathway may be a valid therapeutic strategy to hamper the protumorigenic role of EV in MM as well as other tumors.