BCG and SARS-CoV-2-What Have We Learned?

Despite controversy over the protective effect of the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine in preventing pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in adults, it has been used worldwide since 1921. Although the first reports in the 1930s had noted a remarkable decrease in child mortality after BCG immunization, this could not be explained solely by a decrease in mortality from TB. These observations gave rise to the suggestion of nonspecific beneficial effects of BCG vaccination, beyond the desired protection against .

Dual Nature of Relationship between Mycobacteria and Cancer.

Although the therapeutic effect of mycobacteria as antitumor agents has been known for decades, recent epidemiological and experimental studies have revealed that mycobacterium-related chronic inflammation may be a possible mechanism of cancer pathogenesis. and non-tuberculous complex infections have been implicated as potentially contributing to the etiology of lung cancer, whereas has been correlated with skin carcinogenesis. The risk of tumor development with chronic mycobacterial infections is thought to be a result of many host effector mechanisms acting at different stages of oncogenesis.

Hemodynamic characteristics and the occurrence of renal biopsy-related arteriovenous fistulas in native kidneys.

Purpose: Renal biopsy-related arteriovenous fistula (RB-AVF), although usually asymptomatic, may sometimes result in serious clinical implications. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the incidence of RB-AVF in native kidneys, together with the assessment of hemodynamic characteristics and the impact of the histopathological results of biopsy.

Methods: The study included 138 patients (age 46.

Absence of inferior vena cava in 14-year old boy associated with deep venous thrombosis and positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae serum antibodies--a case report.

Background: Absence of the inferior vena cava is a rare vascular anomaly, which usually remains asymptomatic in childhood. It is recognized as the risk factor for deep venous thrombosis, since the collateral circulation does not provide adequate drainage of the lower limbs. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in school-aged children and adolescents.

[Usefulness of the multislices computed tomography in post-operative anatomy assessment in patients after bariatric surgery].

Obesity is a systemic disease, which, together with complications and comorbidities is a major health problem of a large percentage of the world population. Because of the failure of behavioral and pharmacological treatment the new branch of surgery has been developed - the so-called bariatric surgery, dealing with operative treatment of obesity. Rapid increase of performed bariatric procedures requires the ability to interpret correctly the multislice CT imaging studies of patients treated with this innovative procedures.

[Influence of environmental risk factors on the development of chronic vein insufficiency].

In European countries, vein diseases pose a serious social problem; as many as 35% of professionally active population, 50% of pensioners, and every second female suffer from this disease. Chronic vein insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most frequent forms of vein diseases, particularly in developed countries; it is thought to concern one third of the population. This paper presents basic information on CVI epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology and also reviews the literature on the following CVI risk factors: obesity, lack of physical activity, dietary habits, including constipation, pregnancy, genetic factors as well as prolonged sedentary or upright position during job performance.