The Importance of Subcellular Structures to the Modeling of Biological Cells in the Context of Computational Bioelectromagnetics Simulations.

Numerical investigation of the interaction of electromagnetic fields with eukaryotic cells requires specifically adapted computer models. Virtual microdosimetry, used to investigate exposure, requires volumetric cell models, which are numerically challenging. For this reason, a method is presented here to determine the current and volumetric loss densities occurring in single cells and their distinct compartments in a spatially accurate manner as a first step toward multicellular models within the microstructure of tissue layers.

Particle Size-Dependent Onset of the Tunneling Regime in Ideal Dimers of Gold Nanospheres.

We report on the nanoparticle-size-dependent onset of quantum tunneling of electrons across the subnanometer gaps in three different sizes (30, 50, and 80 nm) of highly uniform gold nanosphere (AuNS) dimers. For precision plasmonics, the gap distance is systematically controlled at the level of single C-C bonds via a series of alkanedithiol linkers (C-C). Parallax-corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) imaging and subsequent tomographic reconstruction are employed to resolve the nm to subnm interparticle gap distances in AuNS dimers.

A self-matched leaky-wave antenna for ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance imaging with low specific absorption rate.

The technology of magnetic resonance imaging is developing towards higher magnetic fields to improve resolution and contrast. However, whole-body imaging at 7 T or even higher flux densities remains challenging due to wave interference, tissue inhomogeneities, and high RF power deposition. Nowadays, proper RF excitation of a human body in prostate and cardiac MRI is only possible to achieve by using phased arrays of antennas attached to the body (so-called surface coils).

Probing the SERS brightness of individual Au nanoparticles, hollow Au/Ag nanoshells, Au nanostars and Au core/Au satellite particles: single-particle experiments and computer simulations.

Different classes of plasmonic nanoparticles functionalized with the non-resonant Raman reporter molecule 4-MBA are tested for their SERS signal brightness at the single-particle level: gold nanoparticles, hollow gold/silver nanoshells, gold nanostars, and gold core/gold satellite particles. Correlative SERS/SEM experiments on a set of particles from each class enable the unambiguous identification of single particles by electron microscopy as well as the characterization of both their elastic (LSPR) and inelastic (SERS) scattering spectra. Experimental observations are compared with predictions from FEM computer simulations based on 3D models derived from representative TEM/SEM images.

[Serious manifestation of primary hypothyroidism].

Thyroid gland diseases are the most frequent endocrinopathy and can be often seen in adult population. They occur at least by 5% of the population and the occurence increases with age, in females aging 45 and more, as thyroid gland diseases in this age group are represented approximately by 20%. Due to a complex influence of thyroid hormones in humans, diagnosis of thyroid disease may remain unsuspected under other disease with typical symptoms; the most serious of them is cardiogenic manifestation.

[GBV-C/HGV, a new virus as one possible cause of hepatitis of unknown etiology].

For etiologically obscure (some 4%) viral hepatitis agents are sought and tested to make elucidation of their cause possible. One of the candidates is since 1995 the newly discovered virus GBV-C/HGV. Despite intense research its relationship to viral hepatitis of obscure origin (VHN) has not been elucidated so far.

[Is antibiotic prophylaxis necessary in patients on chronic dialysis and with recurrent endocarditis?].

The authors present a group of 77 patients with chronic dialysis treatment during the period from 1/92 to 4/95 with regard to the prevalence of infectious endocarditis. This disease was detected in 8 instances in 6 patients whereby one patient had three relapses. In 75% staphylococci were the infectious agent.

[Candida sepsis. II. Laboratory methods and their clinical importance].

The authors present experience assembled at the septic station of the infectious department and mycological laboratory as regards interpretation of results of laboratory examinations in invasive Candida infections and they summarize the most important data from the literature on the correct collection of material, evaluation of microscopic and cultivation findings, the importance of examinations and haemocultures, venous catheters, urine, faeces and sputum. They analyze problems of serological examination and direct detection of antigen, they recommend mycological monitoring of patients at risk. In the conclusion they summarize the most frequent mistakes as regards the evaluation of laboratory results and indications of treatment.

[Candida sepsis. I. Risk factors, pathogenesis and the clinical picture].

Candida sepsis is a serious and ever increasing complication in patients with a reduced defense capacity. At the intensive care unit of the infectious department in 1978-1990 from a total of 430 patients with the diagnosis of sepsis 20 (4.7%) had a Candida aetiology.

[Captopril in the treatment of congestive heart failure in acute myocardial infarct].

The extent of affection of the heart muscle by infarction with subsequent left-ventricular dilatation, remodelling and congestive failure is the decisive prognostic indicator of mortality. Inhibitors of ACE influence congestive heart failure in a favourable way and captopril reduces the morbidity and mortality in patients with still asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction. The authors administered to a group of 23 patients with acute myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure (grade II according to Killip) small doses of captopril (4 x 6.

Anti-hantavirus antibodies in human sera in Czechoslovakia.

By indirect immunofluorescence using antigens of hantavirus Hantaan and CG 18-20 on Vero E6 cells were examined 5,827 samples of sera from 5,299 probands of Czechoslovakia. In 49 persons (0.94%) were found antibodies of titres 1:32 and higher.

[Mucosal candidiasis].

The authors demonstrate the case of a female patient with a prolonged mucosal form of candidosis caused by different biotypes of Candida albicans. Despite the fact the long-term and repeated treatment with Nizoral and transfer factor was applied, relapses of the disease developed. Marked improvement of clinical manifestations occurred only after a change of the dietary habits and long-term administration of immunomodulating agents.

[Thrombosis of the superior vena cava as a complication of permanent cardiac pacing].

The authors present an account of thrombosis of the superior vena cava which developed in two patients with permanent cardiac pacing and led to the development of superior vena cava syndrome. The cause was loosening of the impaired stimulating electrode from fixation and its penetration into the superior vena cava with subsequent formation of a thrombus on the bare surface of the spiral. Contemporary therapeutic procedures are reviewed.

[Long-term prognosis of patients after successful embolectomy in the upper mesenteric artery].

The authors describe case-histories of two patients after successful embolectomy from the mesenteric artery, in one combined with resection of the small intestine with survival of 1 and 13 years resp. without sings of malnutrition. The authors discuss the prognosis of embolectomised patients with regard to the basic disease, relapsing embolization and nutritional disorders.

[Conn's adenoma as a cause of hypertension].

The authors describe two observations of primary hyperaldosteronism, caused by a cortical adrenal adenoma (Conn's adenoma). Both patients were treated by unilateral adrenalectomy from lumbotomy. (In the second patient subtotal resection).

[Takayasu's disease. Detection of the early systemic stage of the disease in a pregnant woman].

The authors describe the case of Takayasu's disease detected in the non-obliterating systemic stage. The disease developed in a 24-year-old woman in the 8th month of gestation and was associated with severe pain of the back and upper extremities, subfebrile temperatures, later fever and tachycardia. The authors describe the difficult diagnosis of the disease and discuss the relationship of the case with so-called fever of unknown aetiology and the development of the disease during pregnancy.

[Intradermal method of vaccination with a human diploid cell tissue culture vaccine for preexposure antirabies immunization].

The authors provide evidence of seroconversion in 16 subjects (100%) following intradermal administration of antirabies vaccine from a tissue culture of human diploid cells [Rabivac, Behring, FRG] for the purpose of pre-exposure immunization. The immunomodulating preparation Levamisol [Decaris Richter, Hungary] did not influence the mean antibody titre during administration by the intradermal route.