Reperfusion injury as a target for diminishing infarct size.

Therapies for preventing reperfusion injury (RI) have been widely studied. However, the attempts to transfer cardioprotective therapies for reducing RI from experiments into clinical practice have been so far unsuccessful. Pathophysiological mechanisms of RI are complicated and compose of many pathways e.g. hypercontracture-mediated sarcolemma rupture, mitochondrial permeability transition pore persistent opening, reactive oxygen species formation, inflammation and no-reflow phenomenon. Based on research, it cannot be determined which mechanism dominates, probably they cooperate with a domination of one or another in different clinical circumstances. Our hypothesis is, that only intervention that at the same time interferes with different (all?) pathways of RI may turn out to be effective in decreasing the final area of infarction.

Stability training of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex influence stiffness of the hamstrings: a preliminary study.

An analysis of data obtained in an experiment investigating the influence of stability training of the lumbo-pelvo-hip complex (LPHC) on stiffness of the hamstrings is presented. Randomized controlled trial. The study included 30 subjects (aged 18-42 years) with increased stiffness of the hamstrings at baseline. Over a period of 4 weeks, stability training aiming to activate the deep stabilizing muscle subsystem and to integrate its action with the superficial subsystem was introduced in the experimental group. The control group remained unaffected. Three series of measurements were applied (baseline, after 2 weeks, and after 4 weeks). A digital inclinometer was used to measure outcomes of passive knee extension in the supine test. In the experimental group, a tendency to decrease stiffness of the hamstrings was observed. It was the opposite in the control group. Significant intra-group differences in the experimental group between series 1 and 3 measurements for both the right and left lower extremities were revealed. Stability training of the LPHC showed a tendency to be effective in reducing stiffness of the hamstrings.

[Abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptured into duodenum]. / Pekniecie tetniaka aorty brzusznej do dwunastnicy.

We described a case of abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptured into duodenum. It was diagnosed successfully before laparotomy using duodenoscopy. We think that gastrointestinal endoscopy allows to make a correct diagnosis.

[Is a post-cholecystectomy syndrome the result of inappropriate preoperative diagnosis?]. / Czy tzw. zespól po cholecystektomii moze byc wynikiem niedokladnej diagnostyki przedoperacyjnej?

The occurrence of the postcholecystectomy syndrome is very often connected with inappropriate preoperative diagnostics. One of the reasons might be the presence of gastric or duodenal ulcer, what can be connected with peri- and late postoperative complications. The prospective analysis of 250 patients admitted to the Department because of cholelithiasis was performed. In 28.8% of cases endoscopical changes in the upper alimentary tract were recognized. That is why, in patients qualified for cholecystectomy the upper alimentary tract endoscopy should be performed.