The Effect of Potassium Canrenoate (Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist) on the Markers of Inflammation in the Treatment of COVID-19 Pneumonia and Fibrosis-A Secondary Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced a global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that presented mainly as an acute infection of the lower respiratory tract (pneumonia), with multiple long-term consequences, including lung fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of potassium canrenoate on inflammatory markers in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) of intravenous potassium canrenoate vs. placebo was performed between December 2020 and November 2021. This study is a secondary analysis of that RCT. In the final analysis, a total of 49 hospitalized patients were included (24 allocated to the potassium canrenoate group and 25 to the placebo group). Patients were assessed by serum testing and blood cell cytometry on day 1 and day 7 of the intervention. Age, sex, and body mass index were not significantly different between the placebo group and intervention group. Although there was a significantly higher rate of ischemic heart disease in the placebo group, rates of other preexisting comorbidities were not significantly different. There were no significant differences in the inflammatory parameters between the potassium canrenoate and placebo groups on day 1 and day 7. However, the intragroup comparisons using Wilcoxon's test showed significant differences between day 1 and day 7. The CD3% for potassium canrenoate increased significantly between day 1 and day 7 (12.85 ± 9.46; 11.55 vs. 20.50 ± 14.40; 17.80; p = 0.022), while the change in the placebo group was not significant (15.66 ± 11.39; 12.65 vs. 21.16 ± 15.37; 16.40; p = 0.181). The IL-1ß total count [%] increased over time for both potassium canrenoate (0.68 ± 0.58; 0.45 vs. 1.27 ± 0.83; 1.20; p = 0.004) and placebo (0.61 ± 0.59; 0.40 vs. 1.16 ± 0.91; 1.00; p = 0.016). The TNF-α total count (%) decreased significantly between day 1 and day 7 for potassium canrenoate (0.54 ± 0.45; 0.40 vs. 0.25 ± 0.23; 0.10; p = 0.031), but not for placebo (0.53 ± 0.47; 0.35 vs. 0.26 ± 0.31; 0.20; p = 0.056). Interleukin-6 (pg/mL) showed a significant decrease between day 1 and day 7 for potassium canrenoate (64.97 ± 72.52; 41.00 vs. 24.20 ± 69.38; 5.30; p = 0.006), but not the placebo group. This RCT has shown that the administration of potassium canrenoate to patients with COVID-19-induced pneumonia may be associated with significant changes in certain inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, CD3%, TNF-α), potentially related to pulmonary fibrosis. Although some positive trends were observed in the potassium canrenoate group, none of these observations reached statistical significance. Any possible benefits from the use of potassium canrenoate as an anti-inflammatory or antifibrotic drug in COVID-19 patients require further investigation.

Metabolic Syndrome in Aging Men as a Factor Affecting the Relationship between Mg, Ca, and P in Serum and Bone.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and selected hormonal disorders and concentrations of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) in both blood serum and bone tissue. This study involved 152 men with and without MetS. In the blood of the patients we examined, we determined levels of: testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), insulin (I), osteocalcin (OC), and concentrations of markers of bone turnover. The concentration of Mg, Ca, and P was determined in the serum and bone tissue. In patients with MetS, the serum Ca concentration correlated with procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Among patients without MetS, the serum Ca concentration correlated with SHBG and OC, while Ca concentration in bone correlated with the lipid accumulation product (LAP) index and the body mass index (BMI). After analyzing the serum Mg concentration, positive correlations were observed with E2, PINP, and PTH in patients with MetS. In patients without MetS, the Mg concentration in bone positively correlated with the BMI and the LAP index. Our study findings suggest that increased Mg levels could have an impact on bone tissue metabolism. Elevated serum Mg levels may be associated with changes in sex hormone concentrations and alterations in bone turnover markers.

The Impact of Major and Trace Elements in Serum and Bone on Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry-Derived Hip Strength.

The purpose of this study was to establish associations between both serum levels and bone content of a wide range of elements (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Pb), with hip strength (HS) indices derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The study population consisted of a number of male patients aged 56-77 years following hip replacement due to osteoarthritis of the hip. Bone specimens were taken from the femoral head and neck during arthroplasty. The elemental analyses were carried out using coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The following DXA-HS parameters were assessed: buckling ratio (BR), cross-sectional area (CSA) and its moment of inertia (CSMI), section modulus, and Femoral Strength Index (FSI). Age was positively correlated with Na, K, and Cu in the bone. Ca in the bone was positively associated with BR and negatively with SM and CSMI. Of all the DXA-HS parameters, the weakest associations of elements in the bone were found with FSI and the strongest with BR. Among the elements in the serum, the strongest negative associations were found for K, Cr, Mn, and Zn with CSA, while the majority of bone elements were associated either positively (Ca, P, Mg, Zn, and Cu) or negatively (Mn, Fe, Pb, and Cr) with BR. In conclusion, the interactions between individual elements in blood serum and bone with DXA-HS could not be unequivocally established.

Percentage of hematocrit decrease after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass-clinical implications and affecting factors.

Decrease of patient's hematocrit level is a natural process which occurs during the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. To some extent it is a beneficial occurrence, but excessive hematocrit decrease can lead to many complications and increase patient's demand for blood transfusion. In this study authors investigated the causes and clinical implications of ≥30% hematocrit decrease after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Retrospective analysis of 172 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery procedures was conducted. It was concluded that 30% or greater hematocrit decrease (comparing to preoperative level) after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, is associated with an increased demand for blood transfusion. The most important factors influencing hematocrit decrease after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass proved to be: lower BMI, female gender, more advanced age and the usage of priming fluid of higher volume and lower osmolality.

Assessment of Selected Anthropometric Parameters Influence on Balance Parameters in Children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Balance is the ability of an organism to maintain its position in space. Balance disorders in children can lead to injuries and limited physical activity. Balance maintenance changes throughout puberty as well as in response to external factors. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of anthropometric parameters on balance in children aged 10 to 13 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 308 children were accessed to eligibility to participate in the study. After considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria the study included 223 participants (123 boys and 100 girls) aged 10 to 13 from elementary schools in Szczecin. The stabilometry of examineted children was performed using the SIGMA balance platform. RESULTS: It was shown that the balance parameters in children aged 10 to 13 worsen with increasing body mass and height, and do not correlate with age. CONCLUSION: Rapid diagnosis and identification of postural disorders in children make it possible to start targeted physical exercises and to make the therapeutic process more effective and complex. Future research is needed to obtain more data and draw conclusions crucial for physiotherapy practice.

Postoperative Delirium in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unclear. It seems that postoperative respiratory problems that may occur in COPD patients, including prolonged mechanical ventilation or respiratory-tract infections, may contribute to the development of delirium. The aim of the study was to identify a relationship between COPD and the occurrence of delirium after cardiac surgery and the impact of these combined disorders on postoperative mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an analysis of data collected from 4151 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in a tertiary cardiac-surgery center between 2012 and 2018. We included patients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria. The primary endpoint was postoperative delirium; Confusion Assessment Method in the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) was used for delirium assessment. RESULTS: Final analysis included 283 patients with COPD, out of which 65 (22.97%) were diagnosed with POD. Delirious COPD patients had longer intubation time (p = 0.007), more often required reintubation (p = 0.019), had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) three days after surgery (p = 0.009) and were more often diagnosed with pneumonia (p < 0.001). The CRP rise on day three correlated positively with the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia (r = 0.335, p = 0.005). The probability of survival after CABG was significantly lower in COPD patients with delirium (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study confirmed the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery. The probability of survival in COPD patients undergoing CABG who developed postoperative delirium was significantly decreased.

The Relationship between Selected Bioelements and Depressiveness Associated with Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome in Aging Men.

Background and Objectives: Abnormal concentrations of bioelements (magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, zinc) have been associated with physical and emotional dysfunctions, including depression. This association, however, has not been analyzed in testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) or patients with depressiveness, i.e., when individual symptoms do not form the picture of a full-syndrome depressive disorder. This study aimed to assess the relationship between concentrations of selected bioelements and the incidence of depressive symptoms in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. Material and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 314 men; the mean age of the population was 61.36 ± 6.38 years. Spectrophotometric method for biochemical analysis of magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) was used. The diagnosis of testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) was based on the total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels by ELISA. Each participant completed the Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire, as well as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-Ia) measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. Results: Emotional disturbances manifested as depressive symptoms were diagnosed in 28.7% of all participants and testosterone deficiency syndrome in 49.3%. In the TDS group, the analysis showed a significant correlation between the level of manganese (R = 0.225, p = 0.005) and chromium (R = 0.185, p = 0.021) with the incidence of depression. Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrated a relationship between manganese and chromium concentrations with the incidence of depression in men aged 50 years and older with a concurrent testosterone deficiency syndrome. This may indicate that there is a correlation between these bioelements, as well as emotional disorders manifested as depressive symptoms in aging men with a diagnosed testosterone deficiency.

Assessment of the Relationship between Selected Factors and Stress-Coping Strategies in Handcyclists-A Preliminary Study.

Background and Objectives: Playing competitive sports is associated with stress, especially during the starting season. Disabled athletes are additionally burdened with physical and/or emotional factors, resulting from the trauma they have experienced. The aim of the work was to assess the relationship between strategies of coping with stress and the level of education, category of disability and its duration of handcyclists before the competition. Materials and Methods: 44 handcyclists with a mean age of 41.8 ± 11.6, from European countries, were divided according to the severity of mobility impairments, education and duration of the disability. The participants were asked to fill in the Mini-COPE Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress, which provided answers in writing to some sociodemographic questions regarding age, sex, education, type of mobility impairment and duration of the disability. Results: The subjects who had suffered spinal injury at the cervical section obtained the lowest scores regarding their subjective assessment of their active stress management in difficult situations (p = 0.007). They scored the lowest, 1.5 points, when asked about acceptance in difficult circumstances compared to those with university education (p = 0.02). A statistically significant correlation was found to exist between education levels and positive revaluation, acceptance and seeking instrumental support. A negative correlation was observed between education and sustained use of psychoactive substances and denial. Conclusions: Highly educated cyclists with short-lasting disability, damage to the lower spine section or amputations tend to cope better with stress than other study participants.

Acute and Chronic Pain Learning and Teaching in Medical School-An Observational Cross-Sectional Study Regarding Preparation and Self-Confidence of Clinical and Pre-Clinical Medical Students.

Background and objectives: Adequate pain management is a major challenge of public health. The majority of students graduating from medical schools has insufficient education and experience with patients suffering pain. Not enough is being taught regarding pain in non-verbal patients (children, critically ill in the intensive care unit, demented). Chronic pain is the most difficult to optimize and requires appropriate preparation at the level of medical school. Our aim was to evaluate attitudes, expectations and the actual knowledge of medical students at different levels of their career path regarding the assessment and treatment of acute and chronic pain. Materials and Methods: We performed an observational cross-sectional study that was based on a survey distributed among medical students of pre-clinical and post-clinical years at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. The survey included: demographic data, number of hours of formal pain teaching, actual knowledge of pain assessment, and pain treatment options in adults and children. Results: We received responses from 77/364 (21.15%) students and 79.2% of them rated the need to obtain knowledge regarding pain as very important (10/10 points). Post-clinical group declared having on average 11.51 h of acute pain teaching as compared to the 7.4 h reported by the pre-clinical group (p = 0.012). Graduating students also reported having significantly more classes regarding the treatment of chronic pain (6.08 h vs. 3.79 h, p = 0.007). The average level of comfort in the post-clinical group regarding treatment of acute pain was higher than in the pre-clinical group (6.05 vs. 4.26, p = 0.006), similarly with chronic pain treatment in adults (4.33 vs. 2.97, p = 0.021) and with pain treatment in children (3.14 vs. 1.97, p = 0.026). Conclusions: This study shows that education about pain management is a priority to medical students. Despite this, there continues to be a discrepancy between students' expectations and the actual teaching and knowledge regarding effective pain management, including the vulnerable groups: chronic pain patients, children, and critically ill people.

Concentrations of Bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, Mn) in Serum and Bone Tissue of Aging Men Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: Implications for Erectile Dysfunction.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) stands out as one of the most prevalent sexual disorders in men, with its incidence progressively escalating with age. As delineated by the International Consultation Committee for Sexual Medicine on Definitions/Epidemiology/Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction, the prevalence of ED among men under 40 years is estimated to be within the range of 1-10%. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men with and without erectile dysfunction. Materials and methods: The retrospective cohort study included 152 men who underwent total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis at the Department of Orthopaedic Traumatology and Musculoskeletal Oncology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Certain exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the integrity of the study. These included individuals with diabetes, a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, liver or kidney failure, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure, and those taking medications that affect bone metabolism, such as mineral supplements, neuroleptics, chemotherapeutic agents, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or antidepressants. Patients with hypogonadism or infertility were excluded from the study. Results: The study showed an association between bioT concentrations and Cu concentrations in both patients with and without erectile dysfunction. A correlation between bioactive testosterone and Cr concentrations was also observed in both groups. Patients with erectile dysfunction showed a relationship between bioT concentration and Zn concentration, TT concentration and Mn concentration, FT concentration and Zn concentration, and E2 concentration and Cr concentration. An analysis of elemental concentrations in bone tissue showed an association between FT and Mg and Mn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between FT and Cu concentrations. A correlation was also observed between bioT concentrations and Mg, Mn, and Zn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between bioT and Cu concentrations. Conclusions: Studying the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men may be important in explaining the etiology of the problem. The study of the concentration of Zn and Cu in bone tissue and serum showed that these two elements, regardless of the place of accumulation, may be related to the concentration of androgens in men.

Evaluation of Outcomes in Patients with Previous Stroke History following Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Study.

Background: The aim of the study to analyze the risk of complications, including neurological sequelae, alongside early and late mortality among patients with antecedent stroke subjected to cardiac surgical interventions with extracorporeal support. Material and methods: A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 10,685 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation at the Department of Cardiac Surgery. The first group comprised all patients eligible for cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation. The second group consisted of patients with a preoperative history of stroke. Results: In the study, a statistically significant association was observed between preoperative stroke and the occurrence of postoperative pneumonia (OR = 1.482, p = 0.006), respiratory failure (OR = 1.497, p = 0.006), renal failure (OR = 1.391, p = 0.019), 30-day mortality (OR = 1.528, p = 0.026), 90-day mortality (OR = 1.658, p < 0.001), and one-year mortality (OR = 1.706, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with a history of preoperative stroke more frequently experienced renal failure and respiratory-system complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. The survival time of patients with a history of preoperative stroke was shorter compared to that of the control group during the analyzed 30-day, 90-day, and one-year observation periods.

Psychosocial Functioning of Individuals at Risk of Developing Compulsive Buying Disorder.

(1) Background: This study aimed to establish the connection between depressiveness, workaholism, eating disorders, and personality traits, according to the five-point model called the Big Five, in women with a risk of compulsive buying disorder. (2) Methods: The study was conducted on 556 Polish women from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The study employed the diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique including Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, the Buying Behaviour Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory I-II, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and a self-questionnaire. (3) Results: The analysis revealed the risk of compulsive buying being accompanied by a higher median score for depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and a risk of workaholism. A lower score in the respondents in the compulsive buying risk group was observed in an assessment of agreeableness and conscientiousness. Work addiction was exhibited by 26% of people with compulsive buying disorder vs. 12% of people without it. (4) Conclusion: This study found that a high risk of compulsive buying disorder is accompanied by a high risk of moderate depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and workaholism. It also confirmed the view that compulsive buying is a behavioural addiction which is a consequence of ineffective coping and being dissatisfied with one's social life.

The spectrum of psychological disorders in family members of patients suffering from delirium associated with critical illness: a prospective, observational study.

During intensive care unit admission, relatives of critically ill patients can experience emotional distress. The authors hypothesized that families of patients who are diagnosed with intensive care unit (ICU) delirium experience more profound depression and anxiety disorders related to stress than do families of patients without delirium. We performed a prospective observational single-center study including families of adult patients (age above 18 years) hospitalized in a 17-bed ICU of a university hospital for at least 48 h who completed research questionnaires at day 2 after admission and day 30 after initial evaluation using dedicated questionnaires (HADS, CECS, IES, PTSD-C). A total of 98 family members of patients hospitalized in the ICU were included in the final analysis (50 family members whose relatives were CAM-ICU positive (DEL+), and 48 family members of patients without delirium (DEL-)). No statistically significant differences in demographics and psychosocial data were found between the groups. In the follow-up 30 days after the first conversation with a family member, the mean PTSD score for the relatives of patients with delirium was 11.02 (Me = 13.0; SD = 5.74), and the mean score for nondelirious patients' family members was 6.42 (Me = 5.5; SD = 5.50; p < 0.001). A statistically significant increase in IES scores for family members of patients with delirium was observed for total PTSD (p = 0.001), IES-intrusion (p < 0.001), and IES-hyperarousal (p = 0.002). The prevalence of anxiety symptoms, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was higher in families of patients diagnosed with ICU delirium within 48 h of admission to the ICU. No factors increasing the depth of these disorders in family members of patients with ICU delirium were identified. Taking appropriate actions and thus providing families with appropriate support will contribute to the understanding of unfavorable emotional states, including anxiety, stress, depression, anger, agitation, or avoidance.

Association analysis of ADRB3:rs4994 with urodynamic outcome, six months after a single intra-detrusor injection of botulinum toxin, in women with overactive bladder.

BACKGROUND: Intra-detrusor injection of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is recommended as a possible treatment for patients with overactive bladder (OAB) in whom first-line therapies have failed. The c.190T > C (rs4994) polymorphism in the gene encoding the beta-3 adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) has been suggested to be associated with predisposition to OAB or with response to OAB treatment via a cholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonist. This prospective study aimed to use a urodynamic parameter-based assessment of response, six months after a single intra-detrusor injection of BoNT/A in female OAB patients, to elucidate possible association with the ADRB3 polymorphism. METHODS: The study group consisted of 138 consecutive, Polish, adult, female OAB patients. Urodynamic parameters were recorded before injection of BoNT/A and at six months after administration. ADRB3:rs4994 variants were identified by the sequencing of genomic DNA extracted from buccal swabs. RESULTS: Apart from baseline, and relative, increase in Maximum Cystometric Capacity (MCC) six months after BoNT/A injection, no significant differences were found in urodynamic parameters between reference TT homozygotes and women with at least one C allele. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not exclude that ADRB3:rs4994 variants are associated with a positive urodynamic test-based response to intra-detrusor injection of BoNT/A in females with OAB.

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Bone Mass in Men: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Studies to date have yielded conflicting results on associations between components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and bone mineral density (BMD), particularly in men. This current systematic review and meta-analysis addresses the existing gap in the literature and aims to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) in men diagnosed with MetS. The two study authors independently searched PubMed, Cinahl, Embase, and Web of Science up to 8 February 2022 for studies in English. The inclusion criteria were (i) diagnosis of MetS according to the NCEP-ATP III 2001 criteria; (ii) adult male demographic; (iii) analyzable data on BMD in at least two sites using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and (iv) original observational studies. Case reports and non-English articles were excluded. We analyzed the results of seven studies providing data on bone density in men with MetS. Results: Based on random effect weights, the mean BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar spine were 0.84 and 1.02, respectively. The mean lumbar spine T-score was -0.92. In meta-regression analysis, the variances in mean BMD in the lumbar spine and femoral neck could not be significantly explained by BMI (lumbar BMD: Q = 1.10, df = 1, p = 0.29; femoral neck BMD: Q = 0.91, df = 1, p = 0.34). Our meta-analysis suggests normal bone mass in adult males with MetS. Due to the high heterogeneity in the seven analyzed studies and the lack of control groups in these studies, further research is needed to fully elucidate the associations between MetS and its components and BMD in men.

Does Exercising with the Use of Virtual Reality during Haemodialysis Have an Impact on Plasma Levels of Interleukin 1ß, Interleukin 6, and Interleukin 8?

Cytokines are a group of fine proteins which play a key role in the regulation of various biological processes, including inflammatory reactions. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 8 (IL-8), are produced in response to various stimuli, including infections, tissue damage, and oxidative stress. Virtual reality (VR) use during intradialytic exercises improves physical activity. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationship between exercising regularly with the use of virtual reality during haemodialysis and the levels of selected cytokines (Il-1, Il-6, Il-8). The study and the control groups consisted of end-stage renal disease patients who underwent haemodialysis as a renal replacement treatment. The study group comprised patients subject to haemodialysis as a renal replacement therapy who were to work out with the use of a prototype of the NefroVR system for 20 min when undergoing haemodialysis (HD). Statistical analyses utilised Statistica 13. The conducted research demonstrated that regular exercises with the use of virtual reality might be related to a decrease in inflammation in patients included in the chronic haemodialysis programme. It is key to encourage patients with end-stage renal disease treated with haemodialysis to exercise regularly because of the possibility of their proinflammatory parameters becoming reduced.

The Rate of Postoperative Mortality and Renal and Respiratory Complications are Increased in Patients with Extreme Obesity Undergoing Cardiac Surgery - A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study of 8848 Patients.

Introduction: The importance of obesity as a potential risk factor in open heart surgery is well known. The epidemic of extreme obesity is an increasing public health concern and raises alerts regarding postoperative complications and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The study aimed to analyze the impact of extreme obesity (BMI≥40) on the frequency of postoperative complications, as well as early and delayed mortality compared to patients with a lower body mass. Materials and Methodology: This retrospective observational cohort study involved patients, over the age of 18, undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at the Cardiac Surgery Department of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2018. The patients included in the study were allocated into two subgroups depending on the BMI index (Group I BMI≥40 vs Group II BMI<40). Results: A total of 8848 adult patients of both genders were included. Baseline characteristics for Group I and Group II were mean age 64.07±7.76 vs 65.10±9.68 years (p=0.123), mean BMI 42.13±2.44 vs 28.55±4.23 (p<0.001), with more females in Group I (58.04% vs 29.06%) and more males in Group II (70.94% vs 29.06%), p<0.001. The predicted perioperative risk using the EuroScore Logistics scale was higher in a group with BMI≥40 (p<0.001). Regression analysis with adjustment for confounding factors showed a statistically significant relationship between BMI≥40 and postoperative respiratory failure (OR=1.760, p=0.043), acute kidney injury AKIN2 (OR=2.082, p=0.044) and AKIN3 (OR=2.743, p=0.039). 30-day mortality in the univariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship, however, after modifying the results with interfering factors, no statistical significance was obtained. Conclusion: The risk of postoperative acute respiratory failure and acute renal injury was increased in patients with BMI≥40. The probability of 30-day survival of patients after cardiac surgery was much lower in people with extreme obesity, although it was related to the dominant comorbidities. The 10-year survival was comparable in both groups.

Effects of Comprehensive Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Function in Patients Recovering from COVID-19.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of inpatient rehabilitation on pulmonary function in patients recovering from COVID-19, a multifaceted disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This aspect of recovery is crucial, as pneumonia associated with this disease can cause lung-function abnormalities with varying degrees of hypoxemia. This study involved 150 patients qualified for inpatient rehabilitation following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Functional assessment of the lungs was performed by spirometry. The mean age of patients was 64.66 (±11.93) years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.16 (±5.68). The tests showed a statistically significant improvement in spirometric parameters. The rehabilitation program based on aerobic, strength, and endurance exercises improved lung-function parameters in the long term. The improvement in spirometric parameters in patients after COVID-19 may be related to body mass index (BMI).

Impact of virtual reality exercises on anxiety and depression in hemodialysis.

Renal replacement therapy is associated with reduced physical activity. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between regular physical activity performed with the use of virtual reality and the occurrence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients. The study involved 85 patients from the dialysis station at the Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine PUM. The examined patients were randomly divided into study group and control group. The study group consisted of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy by hemodialysis, whose task was to perform VR exercises using the prototype of the NefroVR system for 20 min during hemodialysis. The control group consisted of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy by hemodialysis who were not assigned an intervention. An intragroup analysis was performed for the Beck and GAD scales. After the end of the exercise cycle in the study group there was a decrease in the score while in the control group there was an increase in comparison to the first result. The research showed that after a 3-month exercises on a bicycle with the use of low-intensity virtual reality, a decrease in depression symptoms measured by the Beck Depression Inventory was observed. The research showed that regular physical activity using virtual reality may be associated with a reduction in the occurrence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients included in the chronic hemodialysis program.

Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate (CHO) Supplementation Is Beneficial for Clinical and Biochemical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery under Spinal Anaesthesia-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative fasting and surgery cause metabolic stress, insulin resistance with ketosis, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Oral carbohydrate loading strategy (CHO) improves outcomes in labor and general surgery. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of CHO with standard fasting in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery (CD) under spinal anesthesia. METHODS: A single-center, parallel, prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in a tertiary university obstetrics department at Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to the CHO group (oral carbohydrate 2 h before elective CD, n = 75) or the SF group (control-standard fasting, n = 73). The main outcome measures were incidence and severity of PONV at 6 and 24 h after CD, time to the first peristalsis, time to first bowel movement, and biochemical parameters indicating ketosis in mothers and their children. RESULTS: A total of 148 adult females with singleton pregnancies undergoing elective CD under spinal anesthesia (ASA I and II) were included in the final analysis. At 24 h after CD, 8.0% from the CHO group vs. 20.55% reported three or more episodes of vomiting or dry retching as compared to patients in the SF group (p = 0.041). Preoperative CHO supplementation decreased preoperative feelings of hunger (p < 0.001) and thirst (p < 0.001). Laboratory results in the CHO group showed higher plasma pH (p = 0.001) and glucose (p < 0.001), lower F2-isoprostane in plasma (p = 0.049) and urine (p = 0.018), lower urine F2-isoprostane/creatinine ratio (p = 0.045) than in the SF group. HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) and lactate (p < 0.001) were higher in the CHO group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the incidence or severity of early PONV at 6 h. The incidence of vomiting or dry retching at 24 h after cesarean delivery was lower in the CHO group as compared to standard starvation, but the combined results of PONV frequency and severity on the Wengritzky scale did not differ between the two study groups. Preoperative CHO supplementation decreased preoperative feelings of hunger and thirst, enhancing the comfort of pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04069806.