RF ablation of longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation in patient with familial dilated cardiomyopathy

A vicious circle of interactions between dilated cardiomyopathy and longstanding persistent AF/AFL may cause symptoms of advanced congestive heart failure. In a 31-year-old patient with diagnosis of familial dilated cardiomyopathy and permanent AF lasting for five years, gradually decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and increased diameter of heart chambers - left ventricular diastolic dimension (LVdD) 7.7 cm, left atrium (LA) 5.4 cm, and LVEF 15% were noted. Pharmacological treatment was ineffective Successful RF ablation of AF/AFL substrate (CTI block, PVs isolation, CFAE ablation, roof and MIG line, CS applications) reversed symptoms of significant heart remodeling (LVdD 5.9 cm, LA 4.3 cm, LVEF 50%).     

The effect of stable macromolecular complexes of ionic polyphosphazene on HIV Gag antigen and on activation of human dendritic cells and presentation to T-cells

Neonates and infants are susceptible to infection due to distinct immune responses in early life. Therefore, development of vaccine formulation and delivery systems capable of activating human newborn leukocytes is of global health importance. Poly[di(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene] (PCPP) belongs to a family of ionic synthetic polyphosphazene polyelectrolyte compounds that can form non-covalent interactions with protein antigens and demonstrate adjuvant activity in animals and in human clinical trials. However, little is known about their ability to activate human immune cells. In this study, we characterized the effects of PCPP alone or in combination with a model antigen (recombinant HIV-Gag (Gag)), on the maturation, activation and antigen presentation by human adult and newborn dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro. PCPP treatment induced DC activation as assessed by upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokine production. Studies benchmarking PCPP to Alum, the most commonly used vaccine adjuvant, demonstrated that both triggered cell death and release of danger signals in adult and newborn DCs. When complexed with Gag antigen, PCPP maintained its immunostimulatory characteristics while permitting internalization and presentation of Gag by DCs to HIV-Gag-specific CD4⁺ T cell clones. The PCPP vaccine formulation outlined here has intrinsic adjuvant activity, can facilitate effective delivery of antigen to DCs, and may be advantageous for induction of beneficial T cell-mediated immunity. Moreover, polyphosphazenes can further reduce cost of vaccine production and distribution through their dose-sparing and antigen-stabilizing properties, thus potentially eliminating the need for cold chain distribution.     

Evaluation of selected serum protein markers as early detectors of ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: an attempt to determine the value of the simultaneous quantization of osteopontin (OPN), insulin-growth factor II (IGF II), leptin, prolactin and CA 125 for early detection of ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 69 women including: 15 females with ovarian cancer; 33 females with benign ovarian neoplasm; 21 disease-free females; The levels of IGF II, prolactin, leptin and CA 125 were determined in serum, while the level of OPN was checked in plasma. RESULTS: The concentrations of IGF II, leptin and prolactin do not let us distinguish among disease-free females, females with ovarian cancer and those with benign ovarian neoplasms on the basis of biochemical markers. The comparison of OPN and CA 125 levels showed significant differences in the concentrations of the biomarkers between disease-free females and females with ovarian cancer, as well as between females with benign ovarian neoplasms and females with ovarian cancer. The ROC curves for two groups: disease-free females and females with ovarian cancer, proved the diagnostic value of OPN and CA 125. CONCLUSIONS: The simultaneous quantization of OPN, IGF II leptin and prolactin has not been proved useful for the early detection of ovarian cancer. Statistically significant increase of OPN & CA 125 levels was noted in case of women with ovarian cancer diagnosed through microscopic examination. The analysis of ROC curves showed comparable diagnostic usefulness of both markers. Quantization of OPN may have an additional value for treatment monitoring of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer but with concentration of CA 125 within the reference value.     

Cobalt-based Catalysts for Ammonia Decomposition

An effect of promoters such as calcium, aluminium, and potassium oxides and also addition of chromium and manganese on the structure of cobalt catalysts was examined. Studies of the catalytic ammonia decomposition over the cobalt catalysts are presented. The studies of the ammonia decomposition were carried out for various ammonia-hydrogen mixtures in which ammonia concentration varied in the range from 10% to 100%. Co(0) catalyst, promoted by oxides of aluminium, calcium, and potassium, showed the highest activity in the ammonia decomposition reaction. Contrary to expectations, it was found that chromium and manganese addition into the catalysts decreased their activity.     

Traumatic injuries to the oculomotor nerve

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: A collective summary of the pathogenesis, character and clinical significance of damage to the oculomuscular innervation, arising from closed head trauma, based on our own clinical observations, together with a review of literature on the topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and pathophysiological evaluation of injuries to the oculomotor (III) nerve based on a prospective study in our clinic, dating from 1994 onwards: the clinical material consisted of 600 patients admitted to our Department of Neurosurgery following head trauma, the subgroup consisted of 38 patients, who died following major head trauma. RESULTS: Few authors focus on damage to the innervation of oculomotor muscles, the diagnosis of damage being difficult due to the usually poor clinical condition of such patients, the interdisciplinary nature of the resulting damage, and their delayed ophthalmological evaluation. The oculomotor (III) nerve is the nerve most frequently damaged amongst the cranial nerves, taking into account the innervation of the ocular system nerves (II-VII). Of clinical importance is differentiating between the mechanism of damage, paying particular attention to intracranial damage. The mechanisms of damage can be distinguished by: 1) partial tearing of the parasympathetic fibres contused against the petroclinoid ligament, 2) total tearing of the parasympathetic nerve root, 3) complete tear of one or both oculomotor nerves at the interpeduncular base, 4) nerve root tear, resulting from vessel perforation. The oculomotor nerve has the ability to regenerate. The regenerative process should occur within 3 to 5 months, that is without pathological synkinesis. If this process prolongs, this may lead to unpleasant consequences, such as the "misdirection phenomenon". CONCLUSIONS: Primary damage to the oculomuscular innervation resulting from closed head trauma is an integral component of such conditions. Early diagnosis and neuroprotective therapy may prevent pathological regeneration.     

Somatostatin analogs in the treatment of carcinoid syndrome: a case report and review of literature

We report the case of 48-year old patient with carcinoid syndrome successfully treated with somatostatin analogues. We also present the review of published literature about the use of somatostatin analogues in the treatment of carcinoid syndrome. In addition, reported case shows difficulties in access to this treatment, caused by economical reasons.     

Immunologic aspects of phototherapy

The article collates selected subjects from the recent progress in the photoimmunology. Experimental detection of percentage of apoptotic cells in the circulation and among keratinocytes residing in the skin can be applied for following treatment of conducted phototherapies. Considerable progress was made in recognition of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines governing of suppressive immune response as a result of light therapies. The shift towards suppressive lymphocytes by change of cytokine profile of T cells circulating in the peripheral blood seems to be the principal physiologic reaction. The circulation of cytokines in the serum and their engulfing by nonirradiated cells consists a part of an intricated network of immune response of the whole system.