New Phage-Derived Antibacterial Enzyme PolaR Targeting Rothia spp.

Rothia is an opportunistic pathogen, particularly life-threatening for the immunocompromised. It is associated with pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis and many other serious infections, including septicemia. Of note, Rothia mucilaginousa produces metabolites that support and increase overgrowth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the ESKAPE bacteria. Endolysins are considered as antibacterial enzymes derived from bacteriophages that selectively and efficiently kill susceptible bacteria without harming human cells or the normal microbiome. Here, we applied a computational analysis of metagenomic sequencing data of the gastric mucosa phageome extracted from human patients' stomach biopsies. A selected candidate anti-Rothia sequence was produced in an expression system, purified and confirmed as a Rothia mucilaginosa- and Rothia dentocariosa-specific endolysin PolaR, able to destroy bacterial cells even when aggregated, as in a biofilm. PolaR had no cytotoxic or antiproliferative effects on mammalian cells. PolaR is the first described endolysin selectively targeting Rothia species, with a high potential to combat infections caused by Rothia mucilaginosa and Rothia dentocariosa, and possibly other bacterial groups. PolaR is the first antibacterial enzyme selected from the gastric mucosa phageome, which underlines the biological complexity and probably underestimated biological role of the phageome in the human gastric mucosa.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Functional Status Following Intensive Neurorehabilitation in a Patient after Severe Head Injury with Spinal Epidural Hematoma: A Case Report.

Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a very rare condition associated with trauma or occurring as a complication of lumbar puncture and can appear spontaneously. It manifests with acute pain and neurological deficits, leading to severe and permanent complications. This study aimed to assess changes in health-related quality of life and functional status following long-term intensive neurorehabilitation in a patient after severe sport-related head injury with a related SEH. The 60-year-old male patient experienced bilateral weakness of lower limbs, loss of sensation, and sphincter dysfunction. A laminectomy was performed, followed by a slight superficial and deep sensation improvement. The patient underwent intensive neurological rehabilitation treatment. The proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) method, PRAGMA device exercises, and water rehabilitation were provided. The study outcomes were assessed using the validated questionaries World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL-14) for health-related quality of life as well as the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) for functional status. A beneficial clinical improvement was observed following the intensive rehabilitation using PNF techniques, training with a PRAGMA device, and water exercises in the case of SEH. The patient's physical condition significantly improved, with an increase in the FIM score from 66 to 122 pts. (by 56 pts.) and in the HAQ score from 43 to 16 pts. (by 27 pts.). Additionally, the QOL level increased after rehabilitation, with an increase in the WHOQOL-BREF from 37 to 74 pts. (by 37 pts.) and a decrease in unhealthy or limited days, as assessed using the HRQOL-14, from 210 to 168 (by 42 days). In conclusion, the improvement in QOL and functional level in the SEH patient were associated with high-intensity rehabilitation, simultaneous integration of three therapeutic modalities, and committed patient cooperation.

Relationship between the Levels of Calprotectin and Soluble Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diameter: A Preliminary Clinical Trial.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilatation of the abdominal aorta greater than 50% of the diameter of a healthy aorta. Previous experimental studies confirm the effect of calprotectin (CAL) on the onset of arterial pathology. It has been suggested that low levels of soluble receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGEs) increase levels of cytokines that lead to the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), affecting AAA formation. This study aimed to analyze the correlation of levels of RAGE and CAL with AAA diameter. A group of 32 patients aged 50−75 with diagnosed AAA was enrolled in the study. This group of patients was further divided into three subgroups based on AAA diameter: (1) <4.5 cm, (2) 4.5−5.5 cm, (3) >5.5 cm. Peripheral blood was drawn from all participants on admission to measure the serum CAL and RAGE levels. An enumeration survey was performed three months after AAA surgical treatment. CAL and RAGE plasma levels were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The median CAL levels were 2273.0 ng/mL before and 1217.0 ng/mL after treatment. There was a statistically significant decrease in CAL levels following the surgical treatment (p = 0.003). The correlation analysis between CAL levels and RAGE levels before and after surgical treatment showed no statistically significant correlations. In addition, there were no statistically significant correlations between CAL and RAGE levels with AAA size. In conclusion, CAL levels appear to be a significant marker in patients with AAA. There is an almost twofold decrease in CAL levels after AAA excision.

Diagnostic usefulness of selected proteases and acute phase factors in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled growth and loss of control over basic metabolic functions, leading to invasive proliferation and metastases, are the salient traits of malignant tumors in general and colorectal cancer in particular. Invasion and metastases hinder effective tumor treatment. While surgical techniques and radiotherapy can be used to remove tumor focus, only chemotherapy can eliminate dispersed neoplastic cells. However, the efficacy of the latter method is limited in the advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, recognition of the mechanisms involved in neoplastic cell spreading is indispensable for developing effective therapies. AIM: To use a number of biomarkers involved in cancer progression and identify a panel that could be used for effective early diagnosis. METHODS: We recruited 185 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma (98 men, 87 women with median age 63). Thirty-five healthy controls were sex and age-matched. Dukes' staging was as follows: A = 22, B = 52, C = 72, D = 39. We analyzed patients' blood serum before surgery. We determined: (1) Cathepsin B (CB) with Barrett's method (fluorogenic substrate); (2) Leukocytic elastase (LE) in a complex with alpha 1 trypsin inhibitor (AAT) using the immunoenzymatic MERCK test; (3) Total sialic acid (TSA) with the colorimetric periodate-resorcinol method; (4) Lipid-bound sialic acid (LASA) with the colorimetric Taut's method; and (5) The antitrypsin activity (ATA) employing the colorimetric test. RESULTS: In patients, the values of the five biochemical parameters were as follows: CB = 16.1 ± 8.8 mU/L, LE = 875 ± 598 µg/L, TSA = 99 ± 31 mg%, LASA = 0.68 ± 0.33 mg%, and ATA = 3211 ± 1504 U/mL. Except for LASA, they were significantly greater than those of controls: CB = 11.4 ± 6.5 mU/L, LE = 379 ± 187 µg/L, TSA = 71.4 ± 15.1 mg%, LASA = 0.69 ± 0.28 mg%, and ATA = 2016 ± 690 U/mL. For CB and LASA, the differences between the four Dukes' stages and controls were not statistically significant. The inter-stage differences for CB and LASA were also absent. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed the potential diagnostic value of CB, TSA, and ATA. The area under ROC, sensitivity, and specificity for these three parameters were: 0.85, 72%, 90%; 0.75, 66%, 77%; and 0.77, 63%, 84%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for the three-parameter panel CB-TSA-ATA were equal to 88.2% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The increased value of CB, TSA, and ATA parameters are associated with tumor biology, invasion, and metastasis of colorectal cancer. The presented evidence suggests the potential value of the CB-TSA-ATA biochemical marker panel in early diagnostics.

The Role of Serum Calprotectin as a New Marker in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms - A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) remains a surgical challenge. There are many recognizable markers associated with the formation of AAA. Previous experiments carried out on animal models have shown a correlation between serum calprotectin and the occurrence of AAA. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the level of calprotectin as a potential diagnostic biomarker in patients with diagnosed AAA. METHODS: The study group consisted of 75 patients aged 35-75 years assigned to two groups: a control group (n=43) of healthy subjects without AAA and a study group (n=32) of patients with a diagnosed AAA. The first calprotectin test was performed upon patient admission to the hospital, and the second control test was performed after three months. The concentration of calprotectin in plasma was determined using the Immunoenzymatic Method (ELISA) with the commercially available Assaypro Kit (AssayMax™ Human Calprotectin ELISA Kit), as well as the sandwich method with polyclonal antibodies to human calprotectin and peroxidase enzyme. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: Serum calprotectin levels in AAA patients were three times higher than in healthy subjects (p<0.05). A statistically significant twofold decrease in calprotectin concentration was observed after AAA surgery compared to the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Calprotectin levels can be an important marker in the detection of AAA. In conclusion, AAA patients showed a threefold increase in serum calprotectin level and a twofold decrease in this marker after AAA surgery.

Application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing in Helicobacter pylori detection.

Helicobacter pylori is one of the major stomach microbiome components, promoting development of inflammation and gastric cancer in humans. H. pylori has a unique ability to transform into a coccoidal form which is difficult to detect by many diagnostic methods, such as urease activity detection, and even histopathological examination. Here we present a comparison of three methods for H. pylori identification: histological assessment (with eosin, hematoxylin, and Giemsa staining), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of urease (ureA specific primers), and detection by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study employed biopsies from the antral part of the stomach (N = 40). All samples were assessed histologically which revealed H. pylori in eight patients. Bacterial DNA isolated from the bioptates was used as a template for PCR reaction and 16S rRNA gene sequencing that revealed H. pylori in 13 and in 20 patients, respectively. Thus, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was the most sensitive method for detection of H. pylori in stomach biopsy samples.

Assessment of Changes in Concentration of Total Antioxidant Status, Acute-Phase Protein, and Prolactin in Patients with Osteoarthritis Subjected to a Complex Spa Treatment with Radon Water: Preliminary Results.

Spa treatment brings many clinical benefits such as improved physical activity, pain relief, and improved quality of life. In the literature, there are only few objective studies evaluating changes in metabolism possibly influencing clinical outcomes. The main purpose of our study was the assessment of the effect of spa treatment on changes in concentration of TAS, CRP, and PRL in patients with osteoarthritis. Patients receiving spa treatment were enrolled. TAS, CRP, and PRL levels were obtained using standard tests before the beginning of treatment as well as on days 5 and 18. The study group consisted of n = 35 patients with peripheral joint and spinal osteoarthritis. The control group consisted of 15 people selected from the resort staff, who also suffered from osteoarthritis and had no contact with radon. An increase in TAS concentration was found in the study group following therapy while the control group was characterized by a significant decrease in TAS. On day 5, an increase in TAS concentration was found in both groups, however, with much worse result in the control group. No changes in CRP concentration were statistically significant. PRL concentration was proven to decrease in a statistically significant way after treatment in the study group. This trial is registered with NCT03274128.

Muscle torque production and kinematic properties in post-stroke patients: a pilot cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Stroke-related hemiplegia is an important factor influencing parameters of gait. So far, limited papers have assessed temporo- spatial capabilities and their correlations with gait parameters in the early post-stroke stage. This pilot study evaluated the temporospatial parameters of gait and assessed the maximal isometric and isokinetic torque production of the plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles. METHODS: 15 patients with lower limb spasticity and 15 healthy controls were included. Stroke severity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale and the Barthel Index. Gait cadence, gait speed, and gait cycle were assessed using inertial sensors during a Timed Up and Go test. Maximal isometric and isokinetic torque production of the ankle plantar flexor and dorsiflexor muscles were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer device. RESULTS: Post-stroke patients had statistically significantly lower gait cadence than healthy participants (17%, p < 0.05). Statistically significantly lower values of vertical acceleration were also noted during a sit-to-stand movement task (42%, p < 0.05). Plantar flexion torque of the affected limb was significantly different during isometric (63%, p ≤ 0.01) and isokinetic work for 30o/s (49%, p = 0.04), 60o/s (58%, p = 0.01) and 20 °/s (53%, p = 0.01). Dorsiflexor muscles' torque production was significantly different in isometric activity (38%, p = 0.04). A statistically significant positive correlation occurred between the absolute peak torque of the dorsiflexor muscles in both static and speed phases of gait (Rs = 0.65, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low intensity of spasticity and early phase after stroke, differences in the muscle torque production and temporo-spatial parameters, as well as the correlations between them, were noticeable.

Calprotectin and Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products as a Potential Biomarker in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Experiments conducted in recent years on animals and research works worldwide show a linkage between calprotectin and occurrence and development of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Additionally, a correlation between the level of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and the diameter of the abdominal aorta was found. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether calprotectin and the RAGE plasma level may be a biomarker of human AAA occurrence. We determined two groups of research participants: a group of 32 patients aged 53-88 undergoing primary endovascular aneurysm repair and a control group of 43 volunteers aged 59-82 without the AAA. All the patients from the study group had their blood samples drawn in order to determine the level of calprotectin and RAGE in plasma. The second follow-up examination was carried out after three months. The concentration of calprotectin and RAGE in plasma was determined with the use of the immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). The study showed that patients with the AAA had significantly higher mean calprotectin and RAGE plasma levels (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0002, respectively) as compared to the control group. After the AAA repair operations, the level of concentration of the calprotectin decreased significantly (p = 0.0002). So far, no studies on the connection between the increase of the calprotectin and RAGE in the patient's plasma with the AAA have been published. Calprotectin may be a promising biomarker related to the occurrence of AAA. Larger studies are needed to fully elucidate and confirm the role of calprotectin in the development and progression of the aneurysm.

Assessment of Changes in Lipids Metabolism in Patients with Degenerative Joints and Discs Diseases Subjected to Spa Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: High levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and, connected with them, lipoprotein fractions may result in atherosclerosis. There are various forms of therapy used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as balneophysiotherapy, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by numerous scientific publications. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of balneophysiotherapeutic procedures on the systemic metabolism of lipids in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the motor organ. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the Health Resort Swieradów-Zdrój. Observation included patients undergoing radon water therapy. Before therapy and after 21 days of treatment, lipid profile was assessed with the use of standard colorimetric assay. Study group consisted of n=34 patients with degenerative joints and disc disease. The mean age of patients was 56.5l. The control group consisted of 17 people selected among the employees of the spa also suffering from osteoarthritis. The mean age was 54.2 years. RESULTS: The results of the study are based on a single, 21-day health resort stay period in April/May. A statistically significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels was observed in female patients having undergone health resort treatment (P<0.01). Statistically significant drops in LDL cholesterol and TG levels were observed in the control group (P<0.01). An increase in HDL levels was observed in the male and female control subjects, with P<0.05. CONCLUSIONS: (1) After the end of therapy, there were no changes in lipid metabolism in men, while in the group of women an increase in HDL level was observed. (2) In the control group, statistically significant changes in the field of lipid metabolism may be related to lifestyle changes as a result of educational activities conducted prior to the research. (3) Due to the divergent results, it is advisable to conduct randomized studies in a larger population. This trial is registered with NCT03274128.

A comparative clinical and functional assessment of cortical button versus suture anchor in distal biceps brachii tendon repair.

PURPOSE: The studies comparing the fixation methods being used for the ruptured distal biceps brachii tendon reinsertion show similar outcomes of cortical button and suture anchors usage, however, longer follow-up studies remain necessary. The goal of this study was to compare the clinical and functional three-year outcomes of the cortical button in contrast to the suture anchor fixation. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study comprised of 28 males on average 3 years after surgical reinsertion of the distal biceps brachii tendon with the use of a cortical button (Group I, n = 11) or a suture anchor (Group II, n = 17). The outcomes assessed were range of elbow joint and forearm motion (ROM), arm circumferences, visual analogue scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) and forearm flexor and supinator muscle torques measured under isometric and isokinetic conditions. RESULTS: The comparison between the two studied groups revealed no statistically significant differences in ROM (p = 0.24-1.00), circumferences (p = 0.15-0.50), VAS (p = 0.71), MEPI (p = 0.23), Quick DASH (p = 0.61) or in the obtained muscle torque values (p = 0.07-1.00). However, differences in supination ROM between the surgical and non-surgical side were found in both groups (p = 0.01-0.02), and differences in pronation (p = 0.02) were found in Group II. The muscle torque values obtained in the surgical, dominant limb were lower than those in the nonsurgical, nondominant limb. CONCLUSION: The comprehensive comparison of three-year outcomes of cortical button versus suture anchor fixations did not favour one fixation method over the other, and the results justify the clinical usage of both methods.

The Assessment of the Integrated Antioxidant System of the Body in the Course of Radon Therapy: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: The sources of Reactive Oxidative Species (ROS) in the organism are the respiratory processes occurring in cells catalyzed by different enzymes. Operation of ROS is balanced by antioxidants, the compounds; although present in low concentrations, they significantly inhibit the degree of oxidation of particular molecules. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the integrated antioxidant system under the influence of radon therapy in osteoarthritis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observation included 35 patients suffering from degenerative joints and disc disease (mean age 56.5 years) undergoing radon water therapy and control group that consisted of 15 osteoarthritis patients (mean age 54.2) without contact with radon water. Before therapy and after 18 days of treatment, serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was assessed with the use of standard colorimetric assay. RESULTS: In the study group, we observed trends to increase TAS concentration, whereas, in the control group, TAS concentration was decreasing. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Radon waters treatment influenced the level of TAS of osteoarthritis patients treated with the radon water. (2) The change in TAS concentrations in the study group may be the result of low doses of ionizing radiation, but further studies on larger patient's groups are demanded. This study is registered with number NCT03274128.

High antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori and its effect on tailored and empiric eradication of the organism in Lower Silesia, Poland.

BACKGROUND: At present, the resistance to antibiotics is considered the most important reason for Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication failure. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance of HP strains and to evaluate tailored and empiric therapeutic regimens in patients with peptic ulcer disease associated with infection of this microorganism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2011 and February 2013, 185 consecutive Polish patients with at least one positive Helicobacter pylori test (urease test, histopathologic examination, and/or culture) underwent eradication therapy. Those with positive culture were prescribed a tailored triple regimen, whereas those with no culture available received an empiric quadruple concomitant regimen or levofloxacin-containing triple therapy. RESULTS: There were no HP strains resistant to amoxicillin; however, 56.7% were resistant to metronidazole, 55.2% to clarithromycin, and 5.9% to levofloxacin. Dual resistance was detected in 32.8% of individuals. Tailored and empiric therapies achieve cure rates, respectively, 95.5% and 86.6% by intention-to-treat and 95.5% and 91.3% by per-protocol analysis (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic resistance is notably high in Poland currently, but both tailored and empiric therapies can achieve acceptable cure rates equal to or higher than 90%.

Secondary Aortoenteric Fistula After Abdominal Aortic Graft Implementation in Our Own Material.

BACKGROUND: Secondary aortoenteric fistula is a rare but severe complication occurring after abdominal aortic graft implementation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to review the clinical presentation, diagnosis and postoperative course of patients with aortoenteric fistulas following vascular operations on the abdominal aorta in the years 2000-2014. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among all the patients treated in our center, during a 10-year period, aortoenteric fistulas were observed in 24 cases. The first symptoms occurred between 4 weeks and 8 years after the procedure (3.4 years on average). The most common clinical presentation was gastrointestinal bleeding in 16 cases (66.7%). All patients underwent surgical repair of an aortoenteric fistula, with graft removal and replacement in situ using silver impregnated prosthesis. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate after surgical treatment of SAEF was 37.5% (9 patients). Causes of death included: hemorrhagic shock, multi-organ failure and myocardial infarction. The early complications after the surgical repair of an aortoenteric fistula occurred in 19 (79.2%) patients. Mortality during the one-year follow-up period was 38.5% (5 patients) and the one-year complication rate was 69.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Each patient with a history of abdominal aortic graft implementation and presenting symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding requires careful diagnosing for aortoenteric fistula. New methods of surgical treatment offering lower mortality should be developed.

Comparison of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with Open Repair in Patients with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Our Own Material in Years 2002-2011.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair has become an alternative to open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm since the early 1990s. The conventional method remains the gold standard in the treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA); however, a large percentage of patients do not qualify for this treatment due to the high risk of perioperational death and complications. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this work was to compare AAA surgeries performed by both classical and endovascular methods in years 2002-2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical documentation of elective AAA patients undergoing surgical treatment was retrospectively analyzed on the basis of archive- and computer database data. The analysis included the patients' demographics, internal disease burden, as well as causes of deaths and complications within 30 days after the procedure and 1 year follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty-day and 1-year mortality rates in patients treated in the elective setting were 1.5% and 8.7% for endovascular method and 4.0% and 15.7% for the open method. The comparison of mortality rates in 115 high-risk patients undergoing elective OR treatment with 275 high-risk treatment patients undergoing EVAR surgery (7.8% vs. 1.5%, 8.7% vs. 15.7%, p<.01) showed that the endovascular method significantly reduced the mortality in the latter group. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment is an attractive option in AAA; especially in heavily burdened patients, because it definitely reduces mortality. EVAR was found to be advantageous over OR in case of high-risk patients.

ß-adrenergic antagonists influence abdominal aorta contractility by mechanisms not involving ß-adrenergic receptors.

ß-adrenergic receptors (ß-AR) are widely distributed in the cardiovascular system, where they considerably contribute to the control of its functions. ß-blockers are commonly used in the treatment of disorders of the circulatory system. They act primarily by inhibiting cardiac ß-receptors. However, there are also reports of pleiotropic action of ß-blockers as well as of new compounds created to study ß3 adrenergic receptors. The study aimed to investigate additional mechanisms of action of ß-AR inhibitors in the rabbit abdominal aorta with emphasis on their action on α-adrenergic receptors and calcium influx. Responses to propranolol, betaxolol, metoprolol and SR59230A were evaluated in phenylephrine and PGF(2alpha) precontracted aortic rings. The effect of propranolol on the phenylephrine concentration-contraction curve was examined. Propranolol (≥ 10 µM) and SR59230A (≥ 0.1 µM) induced relaxations in phenylephrine-precontracted rings, while betaxolol and metoprolol had little effect. The ß-AR inhibitors produced further contraction of tissues preincubated with PGF(2alpha), excluding SR59230A, which after initial contraction, elicited marked relaxation at a concentration above 1 eM. 100 µM of propranolol caused a significant rightward shift of the concentration-contraction curve to phenylephrine with no reduction in the maximum response. Incubation of aortic rings in phentolamine reduced the maximal contraction to propranolol; verapamil pretreatment by contrast enhanced contractile response. In conclusion, SR59230A and propranolol most probably act as α1-AR competitive antagonists in the presence of phenylephrine in rabbit abdominal aortic rings. After α-ARs blockade, propranolol exerts a weak relaxing activity connected with Ca2+ channel inactivation. SR59230A at a high concentration acts on the rabbit aorta by an additional mechanism needing further investigation.

Nonspecific effects of ligands on the beta-adrenergic receptors in rabbit abdominal aorta in vitro.

The study was conducted on 30 New Zealand rabbits weighing 3-4 kg from which sample strips of the abdominal aorta were collected. The study investigated the in vitro reaction of rabbit aorta smooth muscle to ligands binding to beta-adrenergic receptors. The response of aortic strips to beta-adrenergic receptor agonists (dobutamine, isoproterenol, salbutamol) and the influence of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists (propranolol, betaxolol) on contractile activity was determined. All tested agonists induced contraction of the rabbit abdominal aorta muscle in a concentration-dependent manner (dobutamine >> isoproterenol > salbutamol). Enhanced reaction to low concentrations of agonists (dobutamine, isoproterenol) after administration of propranolol and inhibition of contractility in the presence of high concentrations thereof (dobutamine, salbutamol) was observed. Maximal reaction to agonists decreased after betaxolol pretreatment. The results indicate that all the substances with beta-agonist activity also possess contracting properties (presumably by acting at alpha-adrenergic receptors), but are much weaker in the case of isoproterenol and salbutamol than for dobutamine. Propranolol and betaxolol reduce the contractile response of smooth muscle using probably other mechanisms than those associated with adrenergic receptors.

[Surgical problems of homeless people]. / Problemy chirurgiczne ludzi bezdomnych.

UNLABELLED: Estimated quantity of homeless people in Poland is about 30.000. Health conditions of homeless depends on poor living conditions, alcohol abuse and lack of medical care. The aim of the study was to present surgical problems of homeless people at St. Brother Albert's Aid Society Shelter in Szczodre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In years 2009-2011 in St. Brother Albert's Aid Society Shelter in Szczodre 1053 homeless were provided outpatient surgical care. The frequency of occurrence of diseases rated on the basis of the medical examination, medical history and medical records. RESULTS: The patients were aged 20-82 years (median: 46 years). The most common surgical problem of homeless people was skin infectious such as scabies, lice, tinea and lower limb ulceration due to underlying chronic vanous insufficiency or due to sustained injury. Other problems requiering surgical care were: frostbite, abscesses, phlegmon, unhealed wounds, back pain and pain due to sustained injuries. Most frequent causes of homelessness were family problems, alcohol abuse, conflict with the law, loss of ocupation or loss of home. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical diseases of homeless people have multifactorial etiology. The most frequent diseases in our patients were skin infectious and lower limb ulcerations. Medical care oriented on specific needs of homeless people is particulary important because poor health condition is not only consequence but could also be the cause of homelessness.

[Effect of atherosclerotic plaque on the contractility of human abdominal aorta sections]. / Wplyw blaszki miazdzycowej na kurczliwosc skrawków ludzkiej aorty brzusznej.

The study was performed on 18 sections of the aneurysm-like abdominal aorta sampled during elective procedures of aneurysm correction in humans, and 10 sections of pig abdominal aorta. We examined the extent to which the presence of atherosclerotic plaque impaired the aorta contractile function and measured the thickness and weight of atherosclerosis plaque and arterial wall. We observed reduced tissue response to adrenaline in human aneurysm-like aorta in comparison to the control group. In the sections of human aorta devoid of atherosclerotic plaque the response to adrenaline was about 30% higher than in those with atherosclerotic changes but 35% lower than in normal aorta sections from pigs. The wall of aneurysm-like human aorta sections was thinner when compared to normal aorta.