The aim of the study was to investigate relationships between the concentrations of macroelements (Ca), microelements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) and heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Pb) in the placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord. ‪Furthermore, we examined relationships between the concentrations of these metals in the studied afterbirths and maternal age, gestational age, placenta parameters (breadth, length, weight) and newborn parameters (length, weight and Apgar score). This study confirms previously reported Zn-Cd, Pb-Cd and Ni-Pb interactions in the placenta. New types of interactions in the placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord were also noted. Analysis of the correlations between metal elements in the afterbirths (placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord) and biological parameters showed the following relationships: maternal age and Mn (in the fetal membrane); gestational age and Cr, Fe, Zn (in the fetal membrane), Ag and Cu (in the umbilical cord); newborn’s length and Sr (in the placenta), Ag (in the umbilical cord); newborn’s weight and Sr (in the placenta), Cu (in the fetal membrane), Ag (in the umbilical cord); Apgar score and Ca, Cr and Ni (in the umbilical cord); placenta’s length and Cr and Sn (in the fetal membrane), Cu (in the umbilical cord); placenta’s width and Mo, Pb (in the placenta) and placenta weight and Sr (in the placenta), Ag, Fe, Mn (in the fetal membrane). The results show the influence of metals on the placenta, mother and newborn parameters, and the same point indicates the essential trace elements during the course of pregnancy.

Purpose: To compare the 27G versus 25G vitrectomy in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM). Patients and methods: Sixty pseudophakic eyes of 60 consecutive patients treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) using 27G (30 eyes) or 25G (30 eyes) were prospectively evaluated including eye’s inflammation, surgery time, ERM + ILM removal time and complications. Additionally, 1, 3, 7, 14, 30, 90 and 180 days after PPV, the following were estimated: intraocular pressure (IOP), sclerotomy wound closure time, distance best corrected visual acuity (DBCVA), foveal macular thickness (FMT) and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). Results: The eye’s inflammation resolved within 30 days after surgery in both groups. The surgery and ERM + ILM times were longer in the 27G group (p ≤ 0.02). The most common postoperative complication was hypotony in both groups, more common in 25G group (23.3% vs. 10% of eyes). In 27G group, the mean IOP prior to 180 days postoperatively was higher (p < 0.05) and the sclerotomy wound closure time was shorter (p < 0.001). Mean DBCVA values (7, 14, 30 days after surgery) were significantly better in 27G group (p < 0.001). The mean FMT values were similarly and significantly reduced in both groups 1 day postoperatively (p < 0.05) as compared to preoperative values and then stabilized during follow-up. Mean SIA was lower in 27G group 30, 90 and 180 days after surgery (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of 27G PPV in patients with ERM significantly reduced sclerotomy wound closure time and surgically induced astigmatism, better stabilized intraocular pressure and allowed to achieve faster visual acuity improvement, as compared to 25G PPV.

Background: Diarrhea frequently occurs after vascular organ transplantation, including kidney transplants. This may result from non-infectious factors, adverse effects of immunosuppressive medications, or infections caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, for example, intestinal protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp., which are particularly dangerous for immunocompromised patients. Methods: This review is based on scientific articles sourced from validated databases such as PubMed, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The primary search was conducted on 12–13 July 2024, using the keywords ‘Cryptosporidium’ AND ‘cryptosporidiosis’ AND ‘kidney’ AND ‘transplant’ AND ‘adult’. Inclusion criteria encompassed human studies, case reports, peer-reviewed journal publications, review articles, and research articles in English. Exclusion criteria included studies not in English, gray literature (e.g., conference proceedings and abstracts), and data related to pediatric patients (under 18 years old) and HIV patients. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis have highlighted an often-overlooked connection between Cryptosporidium spp. infections in adult kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Furthermore, it includes an analysis of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in these patients, based on available case reports. Our study demonstrates that adult kidney transplant patients are at a significantly higher risk of acquiring Cryptosporidium spp. compared to healthy participants. Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp. infections can be asymptomatic, making it essential to screen both symptomatic and asymptomatic kidney transplant recipients. The clinical presentation of cryptosporidiosis typically involves digestive symptoms and can be complicated by biliary tract involvement. In KTR patients presenting with diarrhea, it is crucial to not only test for Cryptosporidium spp. but also to rule out bacterial and viral etiologies, including infections such as C. difficile, C. colitis, Clostridium spp., and rotavirus. The diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. infections primarily relies on microscopic methods, which are known for their low sensitivity. Therefore, diagnostic approaches should include both direct methods and, where possible, molecular techniques. Based on the analyzed cases, the most effective treatment results were achieved with reduction in immunosuppression if possible (strong, very low) and nitazoxanide at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for 14 days. Considering the public health implications of our findings, the current epidemiological data underscore the need for further research to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies against cryptosporidiosis. Preventive measures, regular screening programs, and the treatment of Cryptosporidium spp. infections should be integrated into the clinical care of transplant patients. It is also important that patients are informed about environmental risk factors.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have limited mobility. A disease that lasts for many years may harm the musculoskeletal system. Knowledge about changes in body posture in these patients is essential in preventing its degradation. In this work, we wanted to draw attention to the changes in the spatial arrangement of the spine and the entire torso in dialysis patients. The study group consisted of 22 female and 32 male dialysis patients. The posture was examined using the moiré projection technique with a portable Computer-Aided System for Posture Assessment which calculated 82 angular and linear parameters of the spine, scapulae, and pelvis in the frontal and sagittal planes. A significant sexual dimorphism was observed for each spine segment. Asymmetry of the scapulae and pelvis was observed in both sexes. Abnormalities may help to establish an accurate exercise plan for dialysis patients. Proper stimulation of the locomotor system can prevent further degradation of body posture. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have limited mobility. A disease that lasts for many years may harm the musculoskeletal system. Knowledge about changes in body posture in these patients is essential in preventing its degradation. In this work, we wanted to draw attention to the changes in the spatial arrangement of the spine and the entire torso in dialysis patients. The study group consisted of 22 female and 32 male dialysis patients. The posture was examined using the moiré projection technique with a portable Computer-Aided System for Posture Assessment which calculated 82 angular and linear parameters of the spine, scapulae, and pelvis in the frontal and sagittal planes. A significant sexual dimorphism was observed for each spine segment. Asymmetry of the scapulae and pelvis was observed in both sexes. Abnormalities may help to establish an accurate exercise plan for dialysis patients. Proper stimulation of the locomotor system can prevent further degradation of body posture.

COVID-19 remains a significant clinical issue worldwide, with frequent neurological manifestations. In this study, the authors combine data obtained from the patient’s medical history, physical examinations, and additional test results in the pursuit of any clinically relevant connections. Fifty-eight adult patients hospitalized in the Department of Neurology and Infectiology over a five-months period were retrospectively enrolled in this study. On admission, all patients included in this study were classified as mild or moderate COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Laboratory tests, Electroencephalography (EEG), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) were performed. There was no statistically significant difference in the Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients who reported to the hospital within a week from the symptoms’ onset and in those who reported later. In total, 49.06% of patients with eligible EEG recordings presented abnormal brain activity, while 27.59% of the study population had COVID-19-associated MRI findings. EEG and MRI abnormality occurrence did not correlate with the incidence of mild neurological symptoms (headache, olfactory, and gustatory disorders) of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. In three patients in this study population, unprovoked generalized epileptic seizures occurred for the first time in their life. Non-severe SARS-CoV-2 infection causes functional and structural abnormalities within the central nervous system. Brain microhemorrhages are frequently present in non-severe COVID-19 patients. There is no significant association between mild neurological symptoms of COVID-19 and additional test abnormalities. The time from SARS-CoV-2 infection’s onset to hospital admission does not seem to influence the prognostic value of CRP, IL-6, and NLR in non-severe COVID-19. Mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection can be a trigger factor for epilepsy and epileptic seizures.

Background: Pregnancy significantly increases the demand for iron (Fe) in the female body to facilitate maternal blood volume expansion, placental development, and fetal growth. As Fe flux in pregnancy is significantly influenced by the placenta, the aim of this study was to determine the dependencies between the Fe concentration in the placenta, the infant’s morphometric parameters and the woman’s morphological blood parameters in the last trimester. Methods: The study was conducted on 33 women with multiple (dichorionic–diamniotic) pregnancies from whom the placentas were drawn, and their 66 infants, including pairs of monozygotic (n = 23) and mixed-sex twins (n = 10). Fe concentrations were determined based on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) using ICAP 7400 Duo, Thermo Scientific. Results: The results of the analysis showed that lower placental Fe concentrations were associated with deteriorated morphometric parameters of infants, including weight and head circumference. Although we found no statistically significant dependencies between Fe concentration in the placenta and the women’s morphological blood parameters, higher Fe concentration in the placenta of mothers supplemented with Fe correlated with better morphometric parameters in infants compared to those whose mothers received no Fe supplementation. Conclusions: The research adds additional knowledge for placental iron-related processes during multiple pregnancies. However, many limitations of the study do not allow detailed conclusions to be assessed, and statistical data should be assessed conservatively.