Gdańsk Medical University

About: Gdańsk Medical University is a education organization based out in Gdańsk, Poland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 4893 authors who have published 11216 publications receiving 260523 citations.

Randomized clinical trial comparing a polypropylene with a poliglecaprone and polypropylene composite mesh for inguinal hernioplasty.

Abstract: BACKGROUND : The aim was to assess whether a partially absorbable monofilament mesh could influence postoperative pain and time to return to normal activity after Lichtenstein hernioplasty. METHODS : The study randomized patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair in 15 centres into two groups according to mesh type: lightweight (poliglecaprone-polypropylene composite) and heavyweight (polypropylene). A modified suture technique was used in the lightweight group. Follow-up on day 7 and at 3, 6 and 12 months evaluated the incidence of early and late complications, recurrence rate, quality of life, postoperative pain and return to physical activity. RESULTS : A total of 600 patients were randomized and, after monitoring visits (leading to the exclusion of seven hospitals), 392 qualified for assessment. At 12 months, the recurrence rate did not differ (1.9 versus 0.6 per cent; P = 0.493). The lightweight group reported less pain on day 7 (55.2 versus 36.2 per cent; P < 0.001) and at 3 months (17.1 versus 9.8 per cent; P = 0.033) but pain was similar for both groups at 1 year. General health and physical activity according to Short Form 36 scores increased in both groups. CONCLUSION : Use of partially absorbable mesh reduced postoperative pain in the short term. No difference in pain or recurrence rates were observed at 12 months. REGISTRATION NUMBER CCT-NAPN-17412 (http://www.controlled-trials.com) Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Somatostatin receptor biology in neuroendocrine and pituitary tumours: part 1 – molecular pathways

Abstract: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) may occur at many sites in the body although the majority occur within the gastroenteropancreatic axis. Non-gastroenteropancreatic NETs encompass phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas, medullary thyroid carcinoma, anterior pituitary tumour, broncho-pulmonary NETs and parathyroid tumours. Like most endocrine tumours, NETs also express somatostatin (SST) receptors (subtypes 1–5) whose ligand SST is known to inhibit endocrine and exocrine secretions and have anti-tumour effects. In the light of this knowledge, the idea of using SST analogues in the treatment of NETs has become increasingly popular and new studies have centred upon the development of new SST analogues. We attempt to review SST receptor (SSTR) biology primarily in neuroendocrine tissues, focusing on pituitary tumours. A full data search was performed through PubMed over the years 2000–2009 with keywords ‘somatostatin, molecular biology, somatostatin receptors, somatostatin signalling, NET, pituitary’ and all relevant publications have been included, together with selected publications prior to that date. SSTR signalling in non-neuroendocrine solid tumours is beyond the scope of this review. SST is a potent anti-proliferative and anti-secretory agent for some NETs. The successful therapeutic use of SST analogues in the treatment of these tumours depends on a thorough understanding of the diverse effects of SSTR subtypes in different tissues and cell types. Further studies will focus on critical points of SSTR biology such as homo- and heterodimerization of SSTRs and the differences between post-receptor signalling pathways of SSTR subtypes.

Borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA) - a more common problem than expected?

Abstract: Borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA) represents a quite poorly understood and inadequately defined phenotype of methicillin resistance. BORSA strains show low, borderline resistance to penicillinase-resistant penicillins (PRPs), with oxacillin MICs typically equal to 1–8 µg ml−1, and in contrast to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), do not have an altered penicillin-binding protein, PBP2a, encoded by the mecA or mecC gene. Their resistance is typically associated with hyperproduction of beta-lactamases or, in some cases, point mutations in PBP genes. BORSA cannot be classified as either truly methicillin-resistant or truly methicillin-susceptible strains. However, they are frequently misidentified, which poses an obvious epidemiological and therapeutic threat. BORSA strains are commonly isolated from humans and animals, and are found both in hospitals and in a community setting. The epidemiology and clinical presentation of BORSA infections seem to be similar to those for MRSA; these infections are usually more severe than those caused by methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). Treatment of severe infections caused by BORSA may be ineffective, even with larger doses of oxacillin. The available evidence suggests that BORSA represent a frequently neglected problem, and their emergence in new environments implies that they need to be monitored and accurately distinguished from MSSA and MRSA.

Emerging role of alternative splicing of CRF1 receptor in CRF signaling

Abstract: Alternative splicing of mRNA is one of the most important mechanisms responsible for an increase of the genomic capacity. Thus the majority of human proteins including G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) possess several isoforms as a result of mRNA splicing. The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors are the most proximal elements of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) - the central machinery of stress response. Moreover, expression of CRF and regulated activity of CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) can also play an important role in regulation of local stress response in peripheral tissues including skin, gastrointestinal tract or reproductive system. In humans, expression of at least eight variants of CRF1 mRNA (alpha, beta, c, d, e, f, g and h) was detected and alternative splicing was found to be regulated by diverse physiological and pathological factors including: growth conditions, onset of labor, during pregnancy or exposure to ultraviolet irradiation. The pattern of expression of CRF1 isoforms is cell type specific and recently has been linked to observed differences in responsiveness to CRF stimulation. In the proposed model of regulation of CRF-signaling, isoform CRF1alpha plays a central role. Other isoforms modulate its activity by oligomerization, leading to alteration in receptor trafficking, localization and function. Co-expression of CRF1 isoforms modulates sensitivity of cells to the ligands and influences downstream coupling to G-proteins. The other possible regulatory mechanisms include fast mRNA and/or protein turnover or decoy receptor function of CRF1 isoforms. Taken together, alternative splicing of CRF1 can represent another level of regulation of CRF-mediated stress responses at the central and peripheral levels. Chronic stress or malfunction of the HPA-axis have been linked to numerous human pathologies, suggesting that alternative splicing of CRF1 receptor could represent a promising target for drugs development.