Association of Subjective Global Assessment with outcomes in the intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study.

Aims: This retrospective audit was conducted to investigate the association between outcome and protein-energy malnutrition diagnosed using Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), to evaluate the predictive validity of Subjective Global Assessment in adults admitted to intensive care.

Methods: The audit analysed the medical records of 1034 consecutive adult patients who had nutrition assessment on admission to the intensive care unit between January 2017 and July 2018. Extracted data included patient demographics, nutritional status, outcomes, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score.

NeuroBox: Computational Mathematics in Multiscale Neuroscience.

The brain is a complex organ operating on multiple scales. From molecular events that inform electrical and biochemical cellular responses, the brain interconnects processes all the way up to the massive network size of billions of brain cells. This strongly coupled, nonlinear, system has been subject to research that has turned increasingly multidisciplinary.

Modeling membrane proteins: The importance of cysteine amino-acids.

Computational modeling of membrane proteins is critical to understand biochemical systems and to support chemical biology. In this work, we use a dataset of 448 non-redundant membrane protein chains to expose a "rule" that governs membrane protein structure: free cysteine thiols are not found accessible to oxidative compartments such as the extracellular space, but are rather involved in disulphide bridges. Taking as examples the 1018 three-dimensional models produced during the GPCR Dock 2008, 2010 and 2013 competitions and 390 models for a GPCR target in CASP13, we show that this rule was not accounted for by the modeling community.

Spine-to-Dendrite Calcium Modeling Discloses Relevance for Precise Positioning of Ryanodine Receptor-Containing Spine Endoplasmic Reticulum.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) forms a complex endomembrane network that reaches into the cellular compartments of a neuron, including dendritic spines. Recent work discloses that the spine ER is a dynamic structure that enters and leaves spines. While evidence exists that ER Ca release is involved in synaptic plasticity, the role of spine ER morphology remains unknown.

Analysis of Patient-Dependent and Trauma-Dependent Risk Factors for Persistent Brachial Plexus Injury after Shoulder Dislocation.

Brachial plexus injuries (BPIs) caused by shoulder dislocation usually have a transient character and tend to resolve spontaneously. However, in some patients the symptoms can persist and require operative intervention. This work aims to determine the risk factors for persistent BPIs resulting from shoulder dislocation.

Chitosan and its composites: Properties for use in bone substitution.

For many years, research has been carried out on finding an ideal bone substitute. Chitosan (CTS) is a naturally occurring polysaccharide, obtained mainly from, inter alia, the shells of crustaceans. It is characterized by its high level of biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties as well as its support in the healing of wounds.

Anatomically Detailed and Large-Scale Simulations Studying Synapse Loss and Synchrony Using NeuroBox.

The morphology of neurons and networks plays an important role in processing electrical and biochemical signals. Based on neuronal reconstructions, which are becoming abundantly available through databases such as NeuroMorpho.org, numerical simulations of Hodgkin-Huxley-type equations, coupled to biochemical models, can be performed in order to systematically investigate the influence of cellular morphology and the connectivity pattern in networks on the underlying function.

1D-3D hybrid modeling-from multi-compartment models to full resolution models in space and time.

Investigation of cellular and network dynamics in the brain by means of modeling and simulation has evolved into a highly interdisciplinary field, that uses sophisticated modeling and simulation approaches to understand distinct areas of brain function. Depending on the underlying complexity, these models vary in their level of detail, in order to cope with the attached computational cost. Hence for large network simulations, single neurons are typically reduced to time-dependent signal processors, dismissing the spatial aspect of each cell.

Results and biomechanical consideration of treatment of congenital lower limb shortening and deformity using the Ilizarov method.

One of the applications of the Ilizarov apparatus is the correction of congenital shortening and deformities. Ilizarov external fixator produces biomechanical structure with surrounding tissue, which is the reason why very important is correct stability of fixator. Large distraction in the case of high value of lengthening, and large deformity corection result in shear stresses that occur additionally in the regenerate, which can potentially lead to damage of the regenerating nutritive microcirculation of bone tissue and bone fragment displacements.

[New opportunities of renal diseases diagnostics using gas chromatography].

During the last decade the amount of patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased. The physicians' efforts are focused on early CKD diagnosis and reduction of the end-stage renal diseases incidence. The breath test seems to be a promising diagnostic device offering early noninvasive diseases detection.

Study of interaction between PEG carrier and three relevant drug molecules: piroxicam, paclitaxel, and hematoporphyrin.

Molecular dynamics simulation has been used to study the specific interactions between poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and three drug molecules for which PEG is used to aid delivery: paclitaxel and piroxicam, where PEG is a carrier agent, and hematoporphyrin, where PEG is covalently attached to form a "stealth shield". Simulating at physiological salt concentration, we found no evidence of any specific interaction between paclitaxel or piroxicam with PEG, but found a strong interaction for the case of hematoporphyrin. This interaction is lipophilic in nature, between the nonpolar (CH(2))(2) groups of the PEG and the porphin ring of the hematoporphyrin.

Interaction of hematoporphyrin with lipid membranes.

Natural or synthetic porphyrins are being used as photosensitizers in photodiagnosis (PD) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) of malignancies and some other diseases. Understanding the interactions between porphyrins and cell membranes is therefore important to rationalize the uptake of photosensitizers and their passive transport through cell membranes. In this study, we consider the properties of hematoporphyrin (Hp), a well-known photosensitizer for PD and PDT, in the presence of a 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayer that we use as a model system for protein-free cell membranes.

Molecular dynamics simulation of PEGylated bilayer interacting with salt ions: a model of the liposome surface in the bloodstream.

PEGylation is an effective mechanism to prolong the bloodstream lifetime, and thus efficacy, of drug delivery liposomes. The mechanism through which poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) increases bloodstream lifetime is, however, not completely understood. The interaction with salt ions found in the bloodstream is known to play a role in this.

Analysis of cause of failure of new targeting peptide in PEGylated liposome: molecular modeling as rational design tool for nanomedicine.

Drug nanocarriers are often derivatized with targeting moieties to achieve site specific delivery, however, the results from this approach have, as yet, not reached expectations. We have tested a new phage display based targeting moiety, the activated endothelium targeting peptide (AETP), for its vascular endothelium directed targeting efficiency, when anchored to a PEGylated liposome via maleimide chemistry. Our results have, however, not shown any evidence of improved targeting.

Study of PEGylated lipid layers as a model for PEGylated liposome surfaces: molecular dynamics simulation and Langmuir monolayer studies.

We have combined Langmuir monolayer film experiments and all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a bilayer to study the surface structure of a PEGylated liposome and its interaction with the ionic environment present under physiological conditions. Lipids that form both gel and liquid-crystalline membranes have been used in our study. By varying the salt concentration in the Langmuir film experiment and including salt at the physiological level in the simulation, we have studied the effect of salt ions present in the blood plasma on the structure of the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) layer.

Antioxidant activity of beta-carboline derivatives.

The investigated beta-carboline derivatives were synthesized to elucidate their activity as 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) receptor ligands. Compounds containing a carboline ring system belong to a large family of biological active indoles, which are very important for the function of the central nervous system. The research was carried out to determine antioxidative or oxidative properties of these derivatives.

Behavior of 2,6-bis(decyloxy)naphthalene inside lipid bilayer.

Interactions between small organic molecules and lipid or cell membranes are important because of their role in the distribution of biologically active substances inside the membrane and their permeation through the cell membranes. In the current paper, we have explored the effect of the attachment of long hydrocarbon tails on the behavior of small organic molecule inside the lipid membrane. Naphthalene with two decyloxy groups attached at the opposite sites of the ring (2,6-bis(decyloxy)naphthalene, 3) was synthesized and incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC) vesicles.

Effects of the lipid bilayer phase state on the water membrane interface.

We performed 200 ns MD simulations of phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayers in the liquid crystalline (L(α)) and gel (L(β)') states to compare the properties of the water-membrane interfaces in these two thermotropic bilayer phases. Our simulations show that the membrane phase determines the behavior of water, ions, and PC head groups. When the membrane was in the gel phase, we found partial dehydration (fewer PC-water interactions), particularly in the carbonyl groups region, as well as an almost complete lack of ionic penetration into this region as compared with the bilayer in the liquid-crystalline phase.

[Obesity and its' influence on reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the blood of patients with varicose veins of the lower limbs].

Introduction: Oxidative stress is considered as a probable mechanism in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, including chronic venous disease (CVD). Local increased production of reactive oxygen species is taken into account as a mediator in vessel wall changes leading to damage of the endothelium and may be the mechanism leading to its' decreased blood flow and venous stasis. Obesity is a known clinical factor influencing venous blood flow from the lower limbs.

Correlation of endothelin 1 plasma levels with plasma antioxidant capacity in elderly patients treated for hypertension.

Unlabelled: Experimental studies confirmed that reactive oxygen species increase endothelin-1 (ET-1) synthesis, and modulate ET-1 signaling pathway resulting in vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma ET-1 concentration and antioxidant status in patients with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: 78 hypertensive patients, 53.

Restrictive left ventricular filling pattern and its effect on the clinical course of systolic heart failure in patients receiving carvedilol.

Background: To analyze differences in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels depending on mitral flow pattern (MFP) and to assess the effects of carvedilol on changes in MFP, left ventricular function and exercise capacity.

Methods And Results: The study population consisted of 73 patients with symptomatic heart failure in NYHA classes II and III and LVEF < 40% without prior beta-blockade. In all patients at baseline, before carvedilol, and then at 3 and 12 months after initiation of treatment, the following parameters were assessed: HR(s), serum BNP, echocardiographic parameters, and exercise capacity with gas monitoring during cardiopulmonary stress test.

Use of thermography to monitor the bone regenerate during limb lengthening--preliminary communication.

Background: Bone regenerate is routinely assessed on X-ray images obtained every 7 to 14 days in the distraction period and every 14 to 28 days during the stabilisation period. Tissue reconstruction during new bone formation and increased metabolism in the tissues being lengthened are associated with an increase in the temperature of the limb. The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between the bone regenerate, assessed on the basis of X-ray evidence, and thermographic images of the limb registered in a non-invasive manner with a thermographic camera.

Concentration of BNP, endothelin 1, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure treated with carvedilol.

Background: Recent studies on the pathophysiology of heart failure indicate the role of neurohormones and immune and inflammatory processes as potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis and clinical course of chronic heart failure (CHF).

Aim: To analyse the relationship between concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) and cardiopulmonary stress test parameters, and to evaluate their changes during carvedilol treatment.

Methods: The study included 86 patients (81 men and 5 women) aged from 35 to 70 years (56.

The results of treatment of bone defects and non-union within the femoral shaft with shortening of femur using Ilizarov method.

Background: The non-union within the femur with shortening of the limb as a consequence of trauma is an indication to choose external stabilisation as a method of treatment for that reason, that healing of the bone and surrounded soft tissues is disordered.

Materials And Methods: Authors discuss the results of treatment of 16 patients with post-traumatic bone defect and pseudarthroses with femur shortening. The injury was located in femur shaft in 8 cases, distal epiphysis in 5 cases and proximal epiphysis in 3 cases.

Preliminary evaluation of antioxidant activity of some 1-(phenoxyethyl)-piperazine derivatives.

The antioxidant properties of appropriate 1-(phenoxyethyl)-piperazine derivatives possessing significant hypotensive activity in normotensive rats were measured in human venous blood samples, in vitro. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) was measured in plasma, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in red blood cell hemolysates. Antioxidant profile of 1-(phenoxyethyl)-piperazine derivatives was compared to Trolox and Resveratrol.