Artificial intelligence for ultrasound scanning in regional anaesthesia: a scoping review of the evidence from multiple disciplines.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) for ultrasound scanning in regional anaesthesia is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field. There is a risk that work could be undertaken in parallel by different elements of the community but with a lack of knowledge transfer between disciplines, leading to repetition and diverging methodologies. This scoping review aimed to identify and map the available literature on the accuracy and utility of AI systems for ultrasound scanning in regional anaesthesia. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using Medline, Embase, CINAHL, IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Library. Clinical trial registries, a registry of doctoral theses, regulatory authority databases, and websites of learned societies in the field were searched. Online commercial sources were also reviewed. RESULTS: In total, 13,014 sources were identified; 116 were included for full-text review. A marked change in AI techniques was noted in 2016-17, from which point on the predominant technique used was deep learning. Methods of evaluating accuracy are variable, meaning it is impossible to compare the performance of one model with another. Evaluations of utility are more comparable, but predominantly gained from the simulation setting with limited clinical data on efficacy or safety. Study methodology and reporting lack standardisation. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of structure to the evaluation of accuracy and utility of AI for ultrasound scanning in regional anaesthesia, which hinders rigorous appraisal and clinical uptake. A framework for consistent evaluation is needed to inform model evaluation, allow comparison between approaches/models, and facilitate appropriate clinical adoption.

Siloxane Containing Polyether Groups-Synthesis and Use as an Anti-Biocorrosion Coating.

In the presented study, the effectiveness of a siloxane polyether (HOL7) coating on glass against microbiological colonization was assessed using microalgae as a key component of widespread aerial biofilms. The siloxane polyether was successfully synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction in the presence of Karstedt's catalyst. The product structure was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and GPC analysis. In addition, the thermal stability of HOL7 was studied by thermogravimetric measurement. Subsequently, the surfaces of glass plates were modified with the obtained organosilicon derivative. In the next step, a microalgal experiment was conducted. A mixture of four strains of algal taxa isolated from building materials was used for the experiment-Chlorodium saccharophilum PNK010, Klebsormidium flaccidum PNK013, Pseudostichococcus monallantoides PNK037, and Trebouxia aggregata PNK080. The choice of these algae followed from their wide occurrence in terrestrial environments. Application of an organofunctional siloxane compound on the glass reduced, more or less effectively, the photosynthetic activity of algal cells, depending on the concentration of the compound. Since the structure of the compound was not based on biocide-active agents, its effectiveness was associated with a reduction in water content in the cells.

Insulin Prevents Hypercholesterolemia by Suppressing 12α-Hydroxylated Bile Acids.

BACKGROUND: The risk of cardiovascular disease in type 1 diabetes remains extremely high, despite marked advances in blood glucose control and even the widespread use of cholesterol synthesis inhibitors. Thus, a deeper understanding of insulin regulation of cholesterol metabolism, and its disruption in type 1 diabetes, could reveal better treatment strategies. METHODS: To define the mechanisms by which insulin controls plasma cholesterol levels, we knocked down the insulin receptor, FoxO1, and the key bile acid synthesis enzyme, CYP8B1. We measured bile acid composition, cholesterol absorption, and plasma cholesterol. In parallel, we measured markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis in humans with type 1 diabetes treated with ezetimibe and simvastatin in a double-blind crossover study. RESULTS: Mice with hepatic deletion of the insulin receptor showed marked increases in 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, cholesterol absorption, and plasma cholesterol. This phenotype was entirely reversed by hepatic deletion of FoxO1. FoxO1 is inhibited by insulin and required for the production of 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, which promote intestinal cholesterol absorption and suppress hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Knockdown of Cyp8b1 normalized 12α-hydroxylated bile acid levels and completely prevented hypercholesterolemia in mice with hepatic deletion of the insulin receptor (n=5-30), as well as mouse models of type 1 diabetes (n=5-22). In parallel, the cholesterol absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, normalized cholesterol absorption and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with type 1 diabetes as well as, or better than, the cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, simvastatin (n=20). CONCLUSIONS: Insulin, by inhibiting FoxO1 in the liver, reduces 12α-hydroxylated bile acids, cholesterol absorption, and plasma cholesterol levels. Thus, type 1 diabetes leads to a unique set of derangements in cholesterol metabolism, with increased absorption rather than synthesis. These derangements are reversed by ezetimibe, but not statins, which are currently the first line of lipid-lowering treatment in type 1 diabetes. Taken together, these data suggest that a personalized approach to lipid lowering in type 1 diabetes may be more effective and highlight the need for further studies specifically in this group of patients.

Effect of Spontaneous and Water-Based Passivation on Components and Parameters of Ti6Al4V (ELI Grade) Surface Tension and Its Wettability by an Aqueous Solution of Sucrose Ester Surfactants.

Solid wettability is especially important for biomaterials and implants in the context of microbial adhesion to their surfaces. This adhesion can be inhibited by changes in biomaterial surface roughness and/or its hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance. The surface hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance can be changed by the specifics of the surface treatment (proper conditions of surface preparation) or adsorption of different substances. From the practical point of view, in systems that include biomaterials and implants, the adsorption of compounds characterized by bacteriostatic or bactericidal properties is especially desirable. Substances that are able to change the surface properties of a given solid as a result of their adsorption and possess at least bacteriostatic properties include sucrose ester surfactants. Thus, in our studies the analysis of a specific surface treatment effect (proper passivation conditions) on a biomaterial alloy's (Ti6Al4V ELI, Grade 23) properties was performed based on measurements of the contact angles of water, formamide and diiodomethane. In addition, the changes in the studied solid surface's properties resulting from the sucrose monodecanoate (SMD) and sucrose monolaurate (SML) molecules' adsorption at the solid-water interface were also analyzed. For the analysis, the values of the contact angles of aqueous solutions of SMD and SML were measured at 293 K, and the surface tensions of the aqueous solutions of studied surfactants measured earlier were tested. From the above-mentioned tests, it was found that water environment significantly influences the components and parameters of Ti6Al4V ELI's surface tension. It also occurred that the addition of both SMD and SML to water (separately) caused a drop in the water contact angle on Ti6Al4V ELI's surface. However, the sucrose monolaurate surfactant is characterized by a slightly better tendency towards adsorption at the solid-water interface in the studied system compared to sucrose monodecanoate. Additionally, based on the components and parameters of Ti6Al4V ELI's surface tension calculated from the proper values of components and parameters of model liquids, it was possible to predict the wettability of Ti6Al4V ELI using the aqueous solutions of SMD and SML at various concentrations in the solution.

Markers of cholesterol synthesis are elevated in adolescents and young adults with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Changes in cholesterol absorption and cholesterol synthesis may promote dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). OBJECTIVE: To assess cholesterol synthesis and absorption in lean individuals, obese individuals, and individuals with T2DM. METHODS: We measured lathosterol and lanosterol (markers of cholesterol synthesis) as well as campesterol and ß-sitosterol (markers of cholesterol absorption) in the serum of 15 to 26 years old individuals with T2DM (n = 95), as well as their lean (n = 98) and obese (n = 92) controls. RESULTS: Individuals with T2DM showed a 51% increase in lathosterol and a 65% increase in lanosterol compared to lean controls. Similarly, obese individuals showed a 31% increase in lathosterol compared to lean controls. Lathosterol and lanosterol were positively correlated with body mass index, fasting insulin and glucose, serum triglycerides, and C-reactive protein, and negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol. In contrast, campesterol and ß-sitosterol were not altered in individuals with T2DM. Moreover, campesterol and ß-sitosterol were negatively correlated with body mass index, fasting insulin, and C-reactive protein and were positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents and young adults with T2DM show evidence of increased cholesterol synthesis compared to non-diabetic lean controls. These findings suggest that T2DM may promote cardiovascular disease by increasing cholesterol synthesis, and provide additional rationale for the use of cholesterol synthesis inhibitors in this group.

Thermodynamic Analysis of Trisiloxane Surfactant Adsorption and Aggregation Processes.

The trisiloxane polyether surfactant (3-[3-(hydroxy)(polyethoxy)propyl]-1,1,1,3,5,5,5 -heptamethyltrisiloxane) (TS-EO12) was successfully synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction in the presence of Karstedt catalyst. The structural analysis of the surfactant was done by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 29Si-NMR and FT-IR analysis. In addition the thermal stability of TS-EO12 was studied by the thermogravimetric measurements. On the one hand the surface properties of TS-EO12 at the water-air interface were investigated by surfactant aqueous solutions surface tension measurements carried out at 293 K, 303 K and 313 K, and on the other the aggregation properties were analyzed based on the solubilization properties of TS-EO12 aggregates at different temperatures. On the basis of the obtained thermodynamic parameters of adsorption and micellization of studied surfactant the temperature impact on its surface and volume properties were deduced. It was proved that the tendency of the studied surfactant molecules to adsorb at the water-air interface and to form micelles weakens with decreasing temperature. It was also concluded that the structure of the adsorption layer changes with temperature. Optical microscopy measurements were used for the TS-EO12 micelle morphology determination.

Temperature Effect on the Adsorption and Volumetric Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Kolliphor®ELP.

Density, viscosity and surface tension of Kolliphor® ELP, the nonionic surfactant aqueous solutions were measured at temperature T = 293-318 K and at 5K interval. Steady-state fluorescence measurements have been also made using pyrene as a probe. On the basis of the obtained results, a number of thermodynamic, thermo-acoustic and anharmonic parameters of the studied surfactant have been evaluated and interpreted in terms of structural effects and solute-solvent interactions. The results suggest that the molecules of studied surfactant at concentrations higher than the critical micelle concentration act as structure makers of the water structure.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Properties of Some Surfactants and Biosurfactants.

The adsorption of surfactants at the water-air and solid-water interfaces and their wetting properties decide their practical applications. Therefore the adsorption of monorhamnolipid, surfactin, n-octyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside, sucrose monodecanoate, sucrose monododecanoate, Tween 20, Tween 60, and Tween 80 at the water-air, polytetrafluoroethylene-water, polyethylene-water, poly(methyl methacrylate)-water, polyamide-water, and quartz-water interfaces, their tendency to form micelles as well as their wetting properties, were considered in the light of their microscopic properties. For this purpose, the components and parameters of the surfactant tail and head, water and solids surface tension, and surfactant contactable area with adherent medium were applied for prediction of surfactant-surfactant and surfactant-solid interactions through the water phase with regard to their adsorption, micellization, and wetting processes. Next, the Gibbs free energy of interactions was compared to the Gibbs free energy of surfactant adsorption at the water-air and solid-water interfaces as well as the micellization. It appeared that from the surfactant-surfactant and surfactant-solid interactions through the water phase determined on the basis of the tail and head of surfactant surface tension, it is possible to predict the surfactant tendency to adsorb at the water-air and solid-water interfaces, as well as to form micelles.

Solid Wettability Modification via Adsorption of Antimicrobial Sucrose Fatty Acid Esters and Some Other Sugar-Based Surfactants.

Solid⁻liquid interface properties play a crucial role in the adsorption and adhesion of different microorganisms to the solid. There are some methods to inhibit microorganisms' adsorption at the solid⁻liquid interface and their adhesion to the solid. These methods can be divided into bulk phase and surface modification. They are often based on the surfactants' effect on the wettability of the solid in a given system, due to the fact that adsorption and wetting properties of the food additive antimicrobial surfactants (sucrose monolaurate and sucrose monodecanoate as well as some other sugar-based ones (n-octyl-ß-d-glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-ß-d- glucopyranoside, n-dodecyl-ß-d-maltoside)) in the solid-aqueous solution of surfactant-air system were considered. Quantitative description of adsorption of the studied compounds at the solid⁻liquid interface was made based on the contact angle of the aqueous solutions of studied surfactants on polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyamide and quartz surface and their surface tension. From the above-mentioned considerations, it can be seen that during the wettability process of the studied solids, surfactants are oriented in a specific direction depending on the type of the solid and surfactant. This specific orientation and adsorption of surfactant molecules at the solid⁻water interface cause changes of the solid surface properties and its wettability, which was successfully predicted in the studied systems.

Astrocytes Regulate GLP-1 Receptor-Mediated Effects on Energy Balance.

Astrocytes are well established modulators of extracellular glutamate, but their direct influence on energy balance-relevant behaviors is largely understudied. As the anorectic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are partly mediated by central modulation of glutamatergic signaling, we tested the hypothesis that astrocytic GLP-1R signaling regulates energy balance in rats. Central or peripheral administration of a fluorophore-labeled GLP-1R agonist, exendin-4, localizes within astrocytes and neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), a hindbrain nucleus critical for energy balance control. This effect is mediated by GLP-1R, as the uptake of systemically administered fluorophore-tagged exendin-4 was blocked by central pretreatment with the competitive GLP-1R antagonist exendin-(9-39). Ex vivo analyses show prolonged exendin-4-induced activation (live cell calcium signaling) of NTS astrocytes and neurons; these effects are also attenuated by exendin-(9-39), indicating mediation by the GLP-1R. In vitro analyses show that the application of GLP-1R agonists increases cAMP levels in astrocytes. Immunohistochemical analyses reveal that endogenous GLP-1 axons form close synaptic apposition with NTS astrocytes. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of NTS astrocytes attenuates the anorectic and body weight-suppressive effects of intra-NTS GLP-1R activation. Collectively, data demonstrate a role for NTS astrocytic GLP-1R signaling in energy balance control. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists reduce food intake and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obesity, but the cellular mechanisms underlying the anorectic effects of GLP-1 require further investigation. Astrocytes represent a major cellular population in the CNS that regulates neurotransmission, yet the role of astrocytes in mediating energy balance is largely unstudied. The current data provide novel evidence that astrocytes within the NTS are relevant for energy balance control by GLP-1 signaling. Here, we report that GLP-1R agonists activate and internalize within NTS astrocytes, while behavioral data suggest the pharmacological relevance of NTS astrocytic GLP-1R activation for food intake and body weight. These findings support a previously unknown role for CNS astrocytes in energy balance control by GLP-1 signaling.

Bio-based succinate from sucrose: High-resolution 13C metabolic flux analysis and metabolic engineering of the rumen bacterium Basfia succiniciproducens.

Succinic acid is a platform chemical of recognized industrial value and accordingly faces a continuous challenge to enable manufacturing from most attractive raw materials. It is mainly produced from glucose, using microbial fermentation. Here, we explore and optimize succinate production from sucrose, a globally applied substrate in biotechnology, using the rumen bacterium Basfia succiniciproducens DD1. As basis of the strain optimization, the yet unknown sucrose metabolism of the microbe was studied, using 13C metabolic flux analyses. When grown in batch culture on sucrose, the bacterium exhibited a high succinate yield of 1molmol-1 and a by-product spectrum, which did not match the expected PTS-mediated sucrose catabolism. This led to the discovery of a fructokinase, involved in sucrose catabolism. The flux approach unraveled that the fructokinase and the fructose PTS both contribute to phosphorylation of the fructose part of sucrose. The contribution of the fructokinase reduces the undesired loss of the succinate precursor PEP into pyruvate and into pyruvate-derived by-products and enables increased succinate production, exclusively via the reductive TCA cycle branch. These findings were used to design superior producers. Mutants, which (i) overexpress the beneficial fructokinase, (II) lack the competing fructose PTS, and (iii) combine both traits, produce significantly more succinate. In a fed-batch process, B. succiniciproducens ΔfruA achieved a titer of 71gL-1 succinate and a yield of 2.5molmol-1 from sucrose.

Nutritional Status of Hematological Patients before Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and in Early Posttransplantation Period.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an aggressive method of treatment affecting patient's homeostasis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the initial nutritional status of HSCT patients and nutritional status in early posttransplantation period. The prospective study included 100 consecutive patients with hematological malignancies subjected to HSCT. The nutritional status evaluation was made using the nutritional screening scales, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, as well. On the day +7 following HSCT significant decrease in concentration of total protein (5.8 g/dl), albumin (3.6 g/dl) and transferrin (165 mg/dl) were observed (P < 0.001), although the mean body mass/BMI were within the normal range. On the day +14, the biochemical parameters of the nutritional status were even lower (P < 0.001). Poorer nutritional status was associated with worse performance status and mucositis escalation. The adequate nutritional support plan is important element of the whole transplantation procedure.

Metabolic and nutritional aspects of cancer.

Cancer, being in fact a generalized disease involving the whole organism, is most frequently associated with metabolic deregulation, a latent inflammatory state and anorexia of various degrees. The pathogenesis of this disorder is complex, with multiple dilemmas remaining unsolved. The clinical consequences of the above-mentioned disturbances include cancer-related cachexia and anorexia-cachexia syndrome. These complex clinical entities worsen the prognosis, and lead to deterioration of the quality of life and performance status, and thus require multimodal treatment. Optimal therapy should include nutritional support coupled with pharmacotherapy targeted at underlying pathomechanisms of cachexia. Nevertheless, many issues still need explanation, and efficacious and comprehensive therapy of cancer-related cachexia remains a future objective.

Characterization of new class III lantibiotics--erythreapeptin, avermipeptin and griseopeptin from Saccharopolyspora erythraea, Streptomyces avermitilis and Streptomyces griseus demonstrates stepwise N-terminal leader processing.

Lantibiotics are a large group of ribosomally synthesized peptides post-translationally modified to incorporate the amino acid lanthionine. They are classified, according to their biosynthetic pathway and bioactivity, into three major subtypes. Of Actinomycetes type III lantibiotics, only four peptides (SapB, SapT, LabA1, and LabA2) have been described and structurally characterized, although homologous gene clusters are abundant in other Actinomycetes. All these gene clusters share a similar architecture with a characteristic Ser/Ser/Cys motif in precursor peptides, which has previously been suggested to act as a precursor for lanthionine (SapB) and labionin (LabA2) rings. Mass spectrometry screening led to the discovery and characterization of three new representatives of type III lantibiotics: Avermipeptin (Avi), Erythreapeptin (Ery), and Griseopeptin (Gri) from Streptomyces avermitilis DSM 46492, Saccharopolyspora erythraea NRRL 2338, and Streptomyces griseus DSM 40236, respectively. Apart from the assignment of these peptides to their corresponding gene clusters, additional investigations on Avi, Ery and Gri peptides indicate stepwise leader processing by putative aminopeptidase-like protease(s), thus yielding mixtures of differently N-terminal-processed lantibiotic peptides. Similar peptide processing was observed for a heterologously expressed eryth biosynthetic gene cluster expressed in a Streptomyces host system. Remarkably, all isolates of the new type III lantibiotics contain both the amino acids lanthionine and labionin, thus implying dual-mode cyclase activity of the processing lyase-kinase-cyclase enzymes. These findings have implications for the structures and maturation of other type III lantibiotics from Actinomycetes.

Relationship between lipid peroxidation or carcinoembryonic antigen and risk factors for non-communicable diseases in women at midlife and beyond.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitute leading cause of morbidity, disability and premature mortality. Oxidative processes are involved in the pathogenesis of NCDs. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between lipid peroxidation (LPO), an index of oxidative damage to membrane lipids, or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a tumor marker, and potential risk factors for NCDs in women at midlife and beyond. METHODS: Data on lifestyle, such as dietary habits, smoking, physical activity, etc. and medical history, were assessed by a questionnaire in 323 female outpatients of the Regional Centre of Menopause and Osteoporosis - Outpatient Department of Endocrinology, Lodz (Poland), at midlife and beyond. Blood serum LPO and CEA levels, as well as anthropometric measurements were evaluated. RESULTS: Positive correlations between LPO level and body mass or body mass index or hip circumference were found. LPO level was increased in women who did not declare regular menstrual cycles. CEA level was increased in women who smoked (and positively correlated with duration of smoking), who consumed pickled food every day and over-consumed animal fats, who had not breastfed in the past, as well as in women with malignancy in anamnesis. Logistic regression analysis has revealed that LPO constitutes the independent positive determinant, whereas CEA constitutes the independent negative determinant, of obesity. Moreover, CEA was independently associated with malignancy in anamnesis, cigarette smoking and animal fat over-consumption. CONCLUSION: Both LPO and CEA are independently associated with certain modifiable risk factors for NCDs.

Thrombocytosis in patients with pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine - does it have clinical significance? Description of 6 cases.

Gemcitabine is a cytostatic drug from the pyrimidine antimetabolite group. It is used in treatment of some neoplasms, among them inoperable pancreatic cancer. The most common undesirable effects of gemcitabine include pancytopenia, with thrombocytopenia associated with gemcitabine's myelosuppressive activity. This study contains a description of six cases of patients with pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine, who - contrary to expectations - showed increased levels of thrombocytes. The number of thrombocytes ranged from 424 to 1059 × 109 (mean 470 × 109). It was highest during the 2(nd) and 3(rd) chemotherapy cycles and it normalized after completion of treatment. One patient suffered from a cardiac infarction on the 15(th) day of the 3(rd) cycle of treatment, despite a normal level of thrombocytes on the day; however, the patient indicated thrombocytosis on the 1(st) day of the cycle. No thromboembolic complications were observed in the remaining patients. These patients were not subjected to any antithrombotic prophylaxis. The mechanism by which thrombocytosis occurs after administration of gemcitabine and the clinical significance of this fact remain unknown.

Lichenicidin biosynthesis in Escherichia coli: licFGEHI immunity genes are not essential for lantibiotic production or self-protection.

This study demonstrated, for the first time, that immunity genes licFGEHI are not essential for self-protection and production of the two-component lantibiotic lichenicidin in the Gram-negative heterologous host Escherichia coli BLic5. Additionally, it was experimentally demonstrated that lichenicidin lantibiotics are active against the E. coli imp4213 strain, a mutant strain possessing a permeable outer membrane.

Similar prevalence but different characteristics of pain in kidney transplant recipients and chronic hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is frequent in both hemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients but its detailed characteristics have never been thoroughly investigated. AIM: To compare prevalence of pain, its locations and characteristics, and analgesics use in chronic HD and KTx patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative study in 164 HD patients and 114 stable deceased donor KTx recipients. All participants completed the modified McGill Pain Questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 63% of HD patients and 62% of KTx patients reported pain. Fifty-four percent of HD patients and 67% of KTx patients indicated more than one location of pain. Severe pain was more common in HD patients, and prevalence of pain-associated symptoms from major body systems was higher in HD patients. Pain in both groups was mostly local, paroxysmal and/or chronic. Fifteen percent of HD patients and 37% of KTx patients with chronic pain were not receiving pain relief drugs. The general feeling of illness was lower in KTx than HD patients (4.54 ± 2.1 vs. 5.6 ± 0.7; p < 0.0001); however, in the former group, it was systematically increasing with the time after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: A successful kidney transplantation does not lead to a significant reduction in the prevalence of pain when compared to chronic HD patients. Pain relief medications are underused in KTx patients.

External hydrogen peroxide is not indispensable for experimental induction of lipid peroxidation via Fenton reaction in porcine ovary homogenates.

OBJECTIVE: Substrates of Fenton reaction (Fe(2+)+H(2)O(2)-->Fe(3+)+*OH+OH-) may be used to experimentally induce oxidative damage to macromolecules. The study aimed at evaluating effects of Fe(2+) and/or H(2)O(2) on lipid peroxidation in porcine ovary homogenates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ovary homogenates were incubated in the presence of either H2O2 (100, 50, 25, 10, 5.0, 2.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25, 0.01, 0.001 mM) or FeSO(4) (Fe2+) (300, 150, 75, 30, 15, 7.5, 3.0, 1.5, 0.75 microM), or of those two factors used together: Fe(2+) (30 microM) plus H(2)O(2) (concentrations as above), or H(2)O(2) (0.5 mM) plus Fe(2+) (concentrations as above). The concentration of malondialdehyde+4-hydroxyalkenals constituted the lipid peroxidation index. RESULTS: H(2)O(2) alone did not affect lipid peroxidation in porcine ovary homogenates at all, whereas Fe(2+) (300, 150, 75, 30, and 15 microM) alone increased lipid peroxidation in a concentration dependent manner. When Fe(2+) and H(2)O(2) were applied together, lipid peroxidation increased significantly without any concentration related effect of H(2)O(2), but with a clear concentration dependent effect of Fe(2+); the damaging effect of Fe(2+), used together with H(2)O(2), was the same as the one, obtained after Fe(2+) was applied alone. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, external H(2)O(2) is not indispensable for experimental induction of lipid peroxidation by Fenton reaction in porcine ovary homogenates.

[The influence of training on rehabilitation and keep-fit tables on the chosen parameters of body weight]. / Wplyw treningu na stolach rehabilitacyjno-rekondycyjnych na wybrane wskazniki masy ciala.

UNLABELLED: More and more people in the world contend with overweight or obesity, and this phenomenon at the moment is being recognized as one of the most important problems of modern civilization observed in many developed countries. Change of the lifestyle connected with turning from the active life to the more sedentary one and bad eating habits led to the development of overweight and obesity at an alarmingly fast rate with the parallel development of interests directed on conducting the research and looking for the effective methods of fighting against the overweight and obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate some parameters of body weight among people being put on the healthy training on the rehabilitation and keep-fit tables Slender-Life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 50 patients treated in sanatorium were included into the observation. Double measurement of body weight and thickness of the skin and fat were performed during the first and last days of the fifteen day training on the formerly mentioned tables. RESULTS: The statistically important decrease of examined parameters including the real body weight, fat mass, the BMI indication and the thickness of the skin and fat folds was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The healthy training on the rehabilitation and keep-fit tables Slender-Life causes the increase of the body fat-free weight. The positive acceptation of the rehabilitation on tables Slender-Life proves it should be applied.