Polish Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the PREM-C9 Questionnaire for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease. The first PREM (patient-reported outcome measure)-type questionnaire that has been dedicated to assess the experience of care in COPD is the PREM-C9. Aim: The aim of this study was to create a Polish version of the PREM-C9 and determine its psychometric characteristics. Methods: The validation procedure involved forward and back translation. We included 42 patients with COPD. The psychometric properties were assessed using Cronbach's alpha, Bartlett's test, the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed using a principal component analysis for the extracted principal components. The validity of the factor analysis was demonstrated using Bartlett's sphericity test and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test. A factor analysis was performed using the Oblimin and Varimax rotation. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Results: The Polish version of the analyzed questionnaire met all the validation criteria: face, translation, psychometric, functional, and reconstruction equivalence. Spearman's correlation results between the Polish PREM-C9 and CAT were as follows: rho = 0.44, p = 0.003539; HADS-Anxiety: rho = 0.370864, p = 0.015612; and HADS-Depression: rho = 0.387405, p = 0.011253. Conclusions: The developed Polish PREM-C9 questionnaire is a reliable and valid tool that assesses Polish COPD patients' experiences of their disease and the care they receive.

How COVID-19 Broke the Barriers Related to the Implementation of Telecare-Patients' Experiences with a New form of Providing Health Services in Primary Health Care.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly contributed to accelerating the development of telemedicine and eHealth. The main aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of patients towards remote care implemented in general practice (GP) during the pandemic. METHODS: The study was a pilot study conducted in March-April 2021, considering technical aspects of using teleconsultations, and evaluating the difficulties, advantages and disadvantages for patients. When assessing opinions, a simple Likert scale was used, where a value of 1 meant the worst possible assessment or strong disagreement and the upper value the best or full agreement of the respondent. RESULTS: The study covered 408 respondents. Their biggest organizational challenge reaching GPs by telephone, regardless of the patients' home location (p = 0.23698). Obtaining e-documents was not problematic but was rated as worse by men (p = 0.048295). Respondents rated the overall effectiveness of teleconsultations more highly if they could speak directly with a doctor (p = 0.0005). There were no differences in willingness to recommend teleconsultations based on gender (p = 0.2432), place of residence (p = 0.7878), age (p = 0.290355) or education (p = 0.9109), but people assessing the overall effectiveness of telemedicine more highly were more willing to recommend it (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents assess teleconsultations in a differentiated way, noticing both positive and negative features of the remote form of providing health services.

Diverse PSMA expression in primary prostate cancer: reason for negative [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT scans? Immunohistochemical validation in 40 surgical specimens.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to immunohistochemically validate the primary tumor PSMA expression in prostate cancer (PCa) patients imaged with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA PET/CT prior to surgery, with special consideration of PET-negative cases. METHODS: The study included 40 men with newly diagnosed treatment-naïve PCa imaged with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA I&T PET/CT as part of the diagnostic work-up prior to radical prostatectomy. All primary tumors were routinely stained with H&E. In addition, immunohistochemical staining of PSMA was performed and the immunoreactive score (IRS) was computed as semiquantitative measure. Subsequently, imaging findings were correlated to histopathologic results. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent (33/40) of patients presented focal uptake of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA I&T in the primary tumor in at least one prostate lobe. Among PSMA-PET positive patients, one-third had lymph node metastases (LNM) detected by post-operative histopathology, while in PET negative patients, only 1 out of 7 presented with regional LN involvement; PSMA-avid distant lesions, predominantly in bones, were observed in 15% and 0% of patients, respectively. The median IRS classification of PSMA expression in tumor tissue was 2 (range, 1-3) both in PSMA-PET positive and negative prostate lobes, with significantly different interquartile range: 2-3 vs. 2-2, respectively (p = 0.03). The median volume of PSMA-PET positive tumors was 5.4 mL (0.2-32.9) as compared to 1.6 mL (0.3-18.3) of PET-negative tumors (p < 0.001). There was a significant but weak correlation between SUVmax and percentage of PSMA-positive tumor cells (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). A total of 35/44 (~80%) lobes were positive in PSMA-PET imaging, when a cut-off percentage of PSMA-positive cells was ≥ 90%, while 19/36 (~53%) lobes with < 90% PSMA-positive cells were PSMA-PET negative. CONCLUSION: Positive [68Ga]Ga-PSMA I&T PET/CT scan of primary tumor of PCa results from a combination of factors, such as homogeneity and intensity of PSMA expression, tumor volume and grade, with a cutoff value of ≥ 90% PSMA-positive cells strongly determining PET-positivity. Focal accumulation of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA in the primary tumor may correlate positively with aggressiveness of prostate cancer, harboring higher risk of regional LN involvement and distant metastatic spread.

Do guidelines influence breathlessness management in advanced lung diseases? A multinational survey of respiratory medicine and palliative care physicians.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory medicine (RM) and palliative care (PC) physicians' management of chronic breathlessness in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD) and lung cancer (LC), and the influence of practice guidelines was explored via an online survey. METHODS: A voluntary, online survey was distributed to RM and PC physicians via society newsletter mailing lists. RESULTS: 450 evaluable questionnaires (348 (77%) RM and 102 (23%) PC) were analysed. Significantly more PC physicians indicated routine use (often/always) of opioids across conditions (COPD: 92% vs. 39%, fILD: 83% vs. 36%, LC: 95% vs. 76%; all p < 0.001) and significantly more PC physicians indicated routine use of benzodiazepines for COPD (33% vs. 10%) and fILD (25% vs. 12%) (both p < 0.001). Significantly more RM physicians reported routine use of a breathlessness score (62% vs. 13%, p < 0.001) and prioritised exercise training/rehabilitation for COPD (49% vs. 7%) and fILD (30% vs. 18%) (both p < 0.001). Overall, 40% of all respondents reported reading non-cancer palliative care guidelines (either carefully or looked at them briefly). Respondents who reported reading these guidelines were more likely to: routinely use a breathlessness score (χ2 = 13.8; p < 0.001), use opioids (χ2 = 12.58, p < 0.001) and refer to pulmonary rehabilitation (χ2 = 6.41, p = 0.011) in COPD; use antidepressants (χ2 = 6.25; p = 0.044) and refer to PC (χ2 = 5.83; p = 0.016) in fILD; and use a handheld fan in COPD (χ2 = 8.75, p = 0.003), fILD (χ2 = 4.85, p = 0.028) and LC (χ2 = 5.63; p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a need for improved dissemination and uptake of jointly developed breathlessness management guidelines in order to encourage appropriate use of existing, evidence-based therapies. The lack of opioid use by RM, and continued benzodiazepine use in PC, suggest that a wider range of acceptable therapies need to be developed and trialled.

68Ga-PSMA I&T PET/CT for primary staging of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The present study is based on a retrospective analysis of Gallium-68 (68Ga)-labelled prostate-specific membrane antigen (68Ga-PSMA I&T) PET/CT performed in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve prostate cancer (PCa) patients prior to definitive treatment. METHODS: A total of 82 men were included in the study and were imaged with 68Ga-PSMA I&T PET/CT to assess the distribution of PSMA-avid disease for staging purposes (11 with low-risk, 32 with intermediate-risk, and 39 with high-risk PCa). Forty patients (20 with intermediate- and 20 with high-risk disease) underwent subsequent radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection which allowed for correlation of imaging findings with histopathologic data. RESULTS: PSMA-positive disease was detected in 83% of patients with 66/82 (80.5%) primary tumours being visualized. PSMA-avid lymph nodes were recorded in 17/82 patients (20.7%, 3 with intermediate-risk and 14 with high-risk PCa); distant disease was found in 14/82 subjects (17.1%, 2 with intermediate-risk and 12 with high-risk PCa). No extraprostatic disease was found in low-risk PCa. SUVmax of primary tumours showed a weak but significant correlation with serum PSA values (r = 0.51, p < 0.001) and Gleason scores (GSC; r = 0.35, p = 0.001), respectively. In correlation with histopathology, calculated per-region sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for detection of lymph node metastases were 35.0%, 98.4%, 63.6%, 95.0%, and 93.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with initial diagnosis of intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, 68Ga-PSMA I&T PET/CT emerges as a relevant staging procedure by identifying nodal and/or distant metastases. Due to the low prevalence of extraprostatic disease, its value seems to be limited in low-risk disease.

Dosimetrically administered nebulized morphine for breathlessness in very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Systemic morphine has evidence to support its use for reducing breathlessness in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effectiveness of the nebulized route, however, has not yet been confirmed. Recent studies have shown that opioid receptors are localized within epithelium of human trachea and large bronchi, a target site for a dosimetric nebulizer. The aim of this study was to compare any clinical or statistical differences in breathlessness intensity between nebulized 2.0% morphine and 0,9% NaCl in patients with very severe COPD. METHODS: The study was a double-blind, controlled, cross-over trial. Participants received morphine or NaCl during two 4-day periods. Sequence of periods was randomized. The primary outcome measure was reduction of breathlessness intensity now by ≥20 mm using a 100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after daily administration, during normal activities. RESULTS: Ten of 11 patients included completed the study protocol. All patients experienced clinically and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) breathlessness reduction during morphine nebulization. Mean VAS changes for morphine and 0.9% NaCl periods were 25.4 mm (standard deviation (SD): 9.0; median: 23,0; range: 14.0 to 41,5; confidence interval (CI): 95%) and 6.3 mm (SD: 7.8; median: 6.8; range: -11,5 to 19,5; CI: 95%), respectively. No treatment emergent adverse effects were noted. DISCUSSION: Our study showed superiority of dosimetrically administered nebulized morphine compared to NaCl in reducing breathlessness. This may have been achieved through morphine's direct action on receptors in large airways, although a systemic effect from absorption through the lungs cannot be excluded. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered (07.03.2017), ISRCTN14865597.

Altered Expression of Genes Encoding Cornulin and Repetin in Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: It is assumed that beside alterations in the filaggrin gene (FLG), disturbances within genes encoding other cornified envelope proteins are also involved in atopic dermatitis (AD). To identify new potential markers of AD, we studied the polymorphisms of genes encoding repetin (RPTN), cornulin (CRNN), and their expression in the skin of AD patients. METHODS: Polymorphisms in CRNN (rs941934), RPTN (rs284544, rs28441202, rs3001978, and rs12117644), and FLG mutations (R2447X, S3247X) were analyzed by TaqMan genotyping assay and by PCR-RFLP in the blood samples of 159 AD patients and 108 healthy subjects. The expression levels of CRNN and RPTN were determined by qRT-PCR in 34 AD skin samples (17 lesional and 17 nonlesional) and in 27 skin biopsies from healthy volunteers. The AD patients were recruited from the clinic of the university hospital between 2012 and 2014. RESULTS: CRNN rs941934 (A allele) was associated with AD (OR 2.095, p = 0.008), a severe course of disease (p = 0.041), elevated IgE levels (p = 0.047), eosinophilia (p = 0.018), and concomitant asthma (p = 0.004). The mRNA level of CRNN was decreased in the AD skin (p = 0.041). In the AD patients without FLG mutations, the CC genotype of RPTN rs3001978 was associated with AD (OR 0.39, p = 0.037), early age at onset (p = 0.033), pruritus (p = 0.021), severity of AD (p = 0.045), and concomitant asthma (p = 0.041). The elevated mRNA levels of RPTN in lesional (p < 0.001) and nonlesional (p = 0.017) AD skin were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The single-nucleotide polymorphisms of CRNN (rs941934) and RPTN (rs3001978, rs28441202) may contribute to AD development, but further studies on a larger group of AD patients are needed to verify this assumption.

Efficacy of clinical diagnostic criteria for familial hypercholesterolemia genetic testing in Poland.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which leads to premature cardiovascular events, still remains underrecognized and undertreated in most countries. Untreated FH individuals aged 20-39 years are at 100-fold higher risk of mortality from coronary heart disease compared to those of a general population. Therefore, special efforts should be implemented to diagnose FH patients at early stages of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the revised Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria proposed by the Polish Lipid Experts Forum to select index FH patients for DNA mutational analysis in Poland. METHODS: The study included 193 unrelated adult patients (mean age 48 ± 13 years) with clinical diagnosis of FH based on the revised DLCN score, tested sequentially for mutations in LDLR and APOB genes using bidirectional Sanger sequencing and MLPA techniques. The cut-off points of the clinical FH criteria score were assessed by ROC statistics to identify patients with the highest probability of carrying an FH-causing mutation. RESULTS: The causal heterozygous LDLR or APOB mutation was identified in 41% (80/193) of probands. Adults aged <40 years were more likely to carry an FH-causing mutation compared to subjects aged ≥40 years (65% vs. 33%; p < 0.001). LDL-C thresholds for the molecular diagnosis of FH were 5.79 mmol/l for individuals aged<40 and 6.7 mmol/l for subjects ≥40 years old. The threshold values of the clinical diagnostic score for efficient selection of patients for genetic testing were 5 and 7 points for individuals aged <40 and ≥40 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study validated the efficacy of proposed clinical FH criteria for the disease diagnosis in Poland. The clinical criteria score thresholds for positive FH molecular diagnosis differ depending on age (<40 and ≥40 years). We propose that in the healthcare systems with limited genetic testing resources individuals younger than 40 years, who fulfill the clinical criteria for possible, probable or definite FH should qualify for the FH mutation testing. The index patients aged ≥40 years with clinical diagnosis of probable or definite FH should also qualify for the genetic testing.

Association of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in a Late Cornified Envelope-like Proline-rich 1 Gene (LELP1) with Atopic Dermatitis.

There is some evidence that genes involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, in addition to the filaggrin (FLG) gene, may be located at chromosome region 1q21. The aim of this study was to examine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the region of the late cornified envelope-like proline-rich 1 (LELP1), hornerin (HRNR) and FLG genes with the course and risk of atopic dermatitis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations were genotyped by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism and real-time PCR in a group of 152 patients with atopic dermatitis and 104 healthy volunteers. CC genotype and C-allele of LELP1 rs7534334 were found in patients with atopic dermatitis and were associated with elevated levels of serum immunoglobulin E, severity of atopic dermatitis and concomitant asthma. LELP1 rs7534334 enhanced the risk of atopic dermatitis nearly 2.5-fold. This pilot study suggests that rs7534334 SNP, located in the LELP1 region, may be a potential genetic marker for the risk and course of atopic dermatitis.

Near-infrared transillumination back scattering sounding--new method to assess brain microcirculation in patients with chronic carotid artery stenosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to assess the responses of pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ) and subarachnoid width (sas-TQ) to acetazolamide challenge in patients with chronic carotid artery stenosis and relate these responses to changes in peak systolic velocity (PSV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), mean transit time (MTT) and time to peak response (TTP). METHODS: Fifteen patients with carotid artery stenosis ≥ 90% on the ipsilateral side and <50% on the contralateral side were enrolled into the study. PSV was assessed using colour-coded duplex sonography, CBF, CBV, MTT and TTP with perfusion computed tomography, cc-TQ and sas-TQ with near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS). RESULTS: Based on the ipsilateral/contralateral cc-TQ ratio after acetazolamide challenge two groups of patients were distinguished: the first group with a ratio ≥ 1 and the second with a ratio <1. In the second group increases in CBF and CBV after the acetazolamide test were significantly higher in both hemispheres (ipsilateral: +33.0% ± 8.1% vs. +15.3% ± 4.4% and +26.3% ± 6.6% vs. +14.3% ± 5.1%; contralateral: +26.8% ± 7.0% vs. +17.6% ± 5.6% and +20.0% ± 7.3% vs. +10.0% ± 3.7%, respectively), cc-TQ was significantly higher only on the ipsilateral side (+37.3% ± 9.3% vs. +26.6% ± 8.6%) and the decrease in sas-TQ was less pronounced on the ipsilateral side (-0.7% ± 1.5% vs. -10.2% ± 1.5%), in comparison with the first group. The changes in sas-TQ following the acetazolamide test were consistent with the changes in TTP. CONCLUSIONS: The ipsilateral/contralateral cc-TQ ratio following acetazolamide challenge may be used to distinguish patient groups characterized by different haemodynamic parameters. Further research on a larger group of patients is warranted.

The impact of MRI white matter hyperintensities on dementia in Parkinson's disease in relation to the homocysteine level and other vascular risk factors.

BACKGROUND: The role of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and homocysteine (Hcy) and other vascular risk factors in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) dementia (PDD) remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of WMH, Hcy and other biochemical and vascular risk factors on PDD. METHODS: A total of 192 patients with PD and 184 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. A semistructured interview was used to assess demographic and clinical variables with respect to vascular risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, obliterative atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, alcohol intake). Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score, Hoehn-Yahr staging and the Schwab-England activities of daily living scale were used to assess motor abilities and activities of daily living. A complex neuropsychological examination with a battery of tests was used to classify patients into a group with dementia (PDD) and a group without dementia (PD). Neuroradiological examination of MRI scans included visual rating scales for WMH (according to the Wahlund and Erkinjunntti rating scales) and the Scheltens scale for hippocampal atrophy. Blood samples for Hcy, folate, vitamin B12, fibrinogen, lipids, glucose, creatinine, transaminases and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were examined. RESULTS: Among all patients, 57 (29.7%) fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for dementia. Significantly higher Hcy plasma levels were noted in PD and PDD groups compared to controls (p < 0.05) and in PDD when compared to PD (p < 0.05). According to multivariate regression analysis, WMH (Erkinjuntti scale), high Hcy, low vitamin B12 and folate plasma levels were independent risk factors for PDD. Vascular risk factors did not play any role in the pathogenesis of PDD and WMH. CONCLUSIONS: WMH along with Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 may impact cognition in PD. Therapy with vitamin B12, folate and catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors may play a potential protective role against PDD.

Effects of acute hypercapnia on the amplitude of cerebrovascular pulsation in humans registered with a non-invasive method.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess non-invasively the effects of acute hypercapnia on the amplitude of cerebrovascular pulsation (CVP) in humans. METHODS: Experiments were carried out in four male volunteers aged 25, 26, 31 and 49. Changes in blood flow through the pial arteries were induced using two interventions: (A) breathing a gas mixture containing 5% CO(2) for 2 minutes and (B) intravenous administration of 1g acetazolamide. The amplitude of CVP and width of subarachnoid space (SAS) were measured non-invasively using near-infrared transillumination/backscattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS), while cerebral blood flow was assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and mean blood flow velocity in the left anterior cerebral artery by transcranial Doppler. RESULTS: Inhalation of a gas mixture containing 5% CO(2) evoked an increase in the amplitude of CVP (202.5% ± SE 10.1), normalized number of counts (22.6% ± SE 3.5%) and mean blood flow velocity in the left cerebral anterior artery (37.6%± SE 11.7%), while resistive index decreased (-8.7% ± SE 2.3%) and the width of SAS decreased (-8.0 ± SE 0.45). Acetazolamide also produced an increase in the amplitude of CVP (23.7% ± SE 5.4%), normalized number of counts (7.9% ± SE 1.1%), and mean blood flow velocity in the left cerebral anterior artery (62.8% ± SE 13.7%), while resistive index decreased (-7.9% ± SE 1.7%), and the width of SAS decreased (-13.4% ± SE 3.4%). CONCLUSION: Acute hypercapnia causes an increase in the amplitude of CVP pulsation in humans. NIR-T/BSS allows for non-invasive bedside monitoring of the amplitude of CVP. NIR-T/BSS is consistent with transcranial Doppler and SPECT.

Interleukin-13 promoter gene polymorphism -1112 C/T is associated with atopic dermatitis in Polish patients.

Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is one of the major cytokines involved in the IgE synthesis in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). IL-13 gene has been mapped on chromosome 5q31-33 region associated with atopic conditions, where several polymorphisms are described. The aims of the study were to establish the frequency of the IL-13 gene polymorphism and its relation to serum IgE and IL-13 levels and SCORAD. In 180 AD patients and 167 healthy volunteers, the -1112 C/T IL-13 gene polymorphism was genotyped using allele-specific PCR method. Serum total IgE (tIgE) level was measured by Uni-CAP 100 and IL-13 level using ELISA standard kit. The -1112T allele frequency was significantly higher in AD patients compared to controls (P=0.00001). The TT and CT genotypes were correlated with increased serum tIgE concentration (P=0.0004). The TT genotype was associated with severe, CT genotype with moderate and CC genotype with mild course of AD (P=0.0008). Both CT and TT genotypes predominated in cases of AD with concomitant asthma, while CC genotype was not found in any case in this group (P=0.03). The mean levels of serum IL-13 and tIgE were significantly higher in AD with concomitant asthma than in cases without asthma (IL-13 P=0.03 and tIgE P=0.0001). There was positive correlation between serum concentration of IL-13 (P=0.0005) and tIgE (P=0.0000001) and severity of AD as assessed by SCORAD index. Our results confirmed the significant role of -1112 C/T IL-13 gene polymorphism in the pathogenesis of AD.

Flow-induced changes in pial artery compliance registered with a non-invasive method in rabbits.

AIM: This study was performed: 1) to assess the relationship between blood flow velocity in the internal carotid artery (CBF(ICA)) and pial artery pulsation (cc-TQ) and 2) to evaluate flow-induced changes in pial artery compliance. METHODS: Experiments were performed on 10 crossbred male rabbits. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), CBF(ICA), the systolic-diastolic blood volume fraction in the brain circulation (CBF(SDF)) and cc-TQ were recorded after glucagon and acetazolamide administration. cc-TQ was measured with near-infrared transillumination back scattering sounding (NIR-T/BSS), LVEF and CBF(SDF) with gated scintigraphy and BP and CBF(ICA) with electromagnetic pressure and flow transducers, respectively. Doses of drugs were chosen to exert a haemodynamic effect but not change BP or intracranial pressure. RESULTS: Acetazolamide and glucagon evoked significant increases in cc-TQ, CBF(SDF), CBF(ICA), LVEF and HR. The following interdependencies were found: 1) changes after acetazolamide administration compared to baseline: CBF(SDF) vs. LVEF (r=0.73, p<0.05), cc-TQ vs. CBF(SDF) (r=-0.67, p<0.05), cc-TQ vs. LVEF (r=-0.76, p<0.05), 2) changes after glucagon administration compared to baseline: CBF(ICA) vs. BP (r=0.73, p<0.05), CBF(SDF) vs. LVEF (r=0.87, p<0.05), cc-TQ vs. HR (r=0.85, p<0.05), cc-TQ vs. CBF(ICA) (r=-0.74, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In the absence of systemic BP changes, pial arteries are significantly affected by changes in CBF(ICA). Pial arteries counteract changes in CBF(ICA) and CBF(SDF). The ability of pial arteries to stabilise CBF(ICA) is impaired after acetazolamide administration. Changes in cardiac output directly affect the brain's microcirculation. NIR-T/BSS recordings allow for non-invasive assessment of changes in pial artery compliance.

Student's plagiarism--a challenge for paramedic educators.

Student's plagiarism is a growing problem not only in the writing of controlling essays, but above all in the writing in BSc./MSc. diploma theses, which sometimes can be simply bought from ghost-writers. This is a major challenge for medical educators, particularly in paramedic professions. The aim of this paper is to overview the frequency of plagiarism among students, the factors influencing plagiarism, the ways of detecting it and potential countermeasures.

Evaluation of surgical gamma probes for sentinel node localization in cervical and vulvar cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel node (SN) scintigraphy for cervical and vulvar cancer guides the gynaecological oncologist in finding the metastatic lymph nodes during lymphadenectomy. The role of the surgical gamma probe in the sentinel node concept in gynaecological oncology is to localise (SN) both intra-operatively and transcutaneously. Intra-operative hand-held collimated gamma probes are increasingly used for detection of the sentinel lymph node. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative evaluation of hand held gamma probes: Neoprobe 1,500, Europrobe, Gamma Finder, Gamma Ray Prospector GRP1 and GPR2 was performed using different detection methods. Laboratory tests were performed in which sensitivity, spatial resolution and angular sensitivity were evaluated. RESULTS: The results for each gamma probe were summarised and discussed. CONCLUSION: Awareness of a gamma probeís capabilities and limitations should be considered in the appropriate selection of a device.

Artificial neural networks in nuclear medicine.

An analysis of the accessible literature on the diagnostic applicability of artificial neural networks in coronary artery disease and pulmonary embolism appears to be comparative to the diagnosis of experienced doctors dealing with nuclear medicine. Differences in the employed models of artificial neural networks indicate a constant search for the most optimal parameters, which could guarantee the ultimate accuracy in neural network activity. The diagnostic potential within systems containing artificial neural networks proves this calculation tool to be an independent or/and an additional device for supporting a doctor's diagnosis of artery disease and pulmonary embolism.

The usefulness of CBF brain SPECT in forensic medicine: the civil law code cases. A description of four cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this report was to assess the usefulness of cerebral blood flow (CBF) scanning utilising the SPECT technique in forensic medicine cases in the area of civil law cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CBF SPECT scanning was performed in four patients utilising (99m)Tc-ECD and a triple-head gammacamera. In the analysis both the asymmetry index and cerebellar normalisation were applied. Reference values were obtained by studying 30 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: In those cases CBF SPECT scanning played an important role in forensic argument. It influenced the sentence and the amount of financial compensation. CONCLUSIONS: CBF SPECT scanning may provide valuable information in forensic medicine argument in civil law cases, but only when taken together with psychometric tests and other neuroimaging methods (CT, MRI). The value of CBF SPECT scanning alone may be limited in judicial proceedings.

Undergraduate teaching of nuclear medicine: a comparison between Central & Eastern Europe and European Union countries.

This paper overviews the curricula of nuclear medicine (NM) undergraduate training in 34 Central & Eastern European (CEE) and 37 European Union (EU) medical faculties. The data show enormous variation in the number of hours devoted to nuclear medicine, varying between 1-2 to 40 hours and highly differentiated concepts/ideas of nuclear medicine training in particular countries. In most EU countries this teaching is integrated with that of radiology or clinical modules, also with training in clinical physiology. In many CEE countries teaching and testing of NM are independent, although integration with other teaching modules is frequent. The paper discusses the differences in particular approaches to nuclear medicine teaching.

Application of rhenium-188 HEDP in bone metastases therapy.

Radionuclide bone metastases therapy is a major achievement of nuclear medicine. Development of less radiotoxic and more effective radiopharmaceuticals is therefore a challenge for radiopharmacists and industry. This paper reviews the application of rhenium-188 HEDP as a reactor- or generator-produced nuclide for bone metastases therapy.