Relevance of TNF-α, IL-6 and IRAK1 gene expression for assessing disease severity and therapy effects in tuberculosis patients.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TBC) is a contagious chronic respiratory disease which despite the known cause, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and many decades of successful therapy, remains one of the leading global health problems. Immune responses against Mtb infection involve both of types of immunity, but cellular immunity, in which certain cytokines and Th1 cells play a key role, is crucial. A better understanding of the functions of the cytokine network involved in the state and progression of TBC could identify specific molecular markers for monitoring of disease activity as well as therapy outcomes in TBC patients.

Rare histological subtype of pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma diagnosed by multidisciplinary approach.

Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma (PAS) is a rare mesenchymal tumor mostly diagnosed in middle-aged women. In a 63-year-old female, the radiological findings showed cavitation in the left upper lobe of the lung and infiltrative tumor mass around the left pulmonary artery. PAS consisted of small, round tumor cells with about 80% of mitotic activity and with myxoid background and specific immunoprofile and diagnosed as undifferentiated sarcoma with round cell features type.

Endotracheal stent increased survival length in patients with invasive thymic adenocarcinoma.

We reported the first case of inoperative thymic adenocarcinoma successfully palliative treated by the double-stent procedure. In a patient who expressed stridor, computed tomography was done and necrotic mediastinal mass, which protrudes into a trachea, was demonstrated. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy showed tracheal infiltration and 70% stenosis; therefore, surgical resection was inapplicable.

Clinical features of infection caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria: 7 years' experience.

Introduction: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms associated with various infections. The aim of the study was to determine the most relevant clinical characteristics of NTM during the 7-year period.

Methodology: A retrospective study of NTM infections was conducted between January 2009 and December 2016.