Evaluation of early clinical failure criteria for gram-negative bloodstream infections.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was the development of early clinical failure criteria (ECFC) to predict unfavourable outcomes in patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN-BSI). METHODS: Adults with community-onset GN-BSI who survived hospitalization for ≥72 hr at Prisma Health-Midlands hospitals in Columbia, SC, USA from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2015 were identified. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between clinical variables between 72 and 96 hr after GN-BSI and unfavourable outcomes (28-day mortality or hospital length of stay >14 days from GN-BSI onset). RESULTS: Among 766 patients, 225 (29%) had unfavourable outcomes. After adjustments for Charlson Comorbidity Index and appropriateness of empirical antimicrobial therapy in multivariable model, predictors of unfavourable outcomes included systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg or vasopressor use (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-2.9), heart rate >100 beats/minute (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.5), respiratory rate ≥22 breaths/minute or mechanical ventilation (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4-3.3), altered mental status (aOR 4.5, 95% CI 2.8-7.1), and white blood cell count >12 000/mm3 (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.8-4.1) between 72 and 96 hr after index GN-BSI. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve of ECFC model in predicting unfavourable outcomes was 0.77 (0.84 and 0.71 in predicting 28-day mortality and prolonged hospitalization, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Risk of 28-day mortality or prolonged hospitalization can be estimated between 72 and 96 hr after GN-BSI using ECFC. These criteria may have clinical utility in management of GN-BSI and may improve methodology of future investigations assessing response to antimicrobial therapy based on a standard evidence-based definition of early clinical failure.

Cumulative Effect of an Antimicrobial Stewardship and Rapid Diagnostic Testing Bundle on Early Streamlining of Antimicrobial Therapy in Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections.

The use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) enhances antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) interventions in optimization of antimicrobial therapy. This quasi-experimental cohort study evaluated the combined impact of an ASP/RDT bundle on the appropriateness of empirical antimicrobial therapy (EAT) and time to de-escalation of broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents (BSAA) in Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GNBSI). The ASP/RDT bundle consisted of system-wide GNBSI treatment guidelines, prospective stewardship monitoring, and sequential introduction of two RDTs, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and the FilmArray blood culture identification (BCID) panel. The preintervention period was January 2010 through December 2013, and the postintervention period followed from January 2014 through June 2015. The postintervention period was conducted in two phases; phase 1 followed the introduction of MALDI-TOF MS, and phase 2 followed the introduction of the FilmArray BCID panel. The interventions resulted in significantly improved appropriateness of EAT (95% versus 91%; P = 0.02). Significant reductions in median time to de-escalation from combination antimicrobial therapy (2.8 versus 1.5 days), antipseudomonal beta-lactams (4.0 versus 2.5 days), and carbapenems (4.0 versus 2.5 days) were observed in the postintervention compared to the preintervention period (P < 0.001 for all). The reduction in median time to de-escalation from combination therapy (1.0 versus 2.0 days; P = 0.03) and antipseudomonal beta-lactams (2.2 versus 2.7 days; P = 0.04) was further augmented during phase 2 compared to phase 1 of the postintervention period. Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program and RDT intervention bundle in a multihospital health care system is associated with improved appropriateness of EAT for GNBSI and decreased utilization of BSAA through early de-escalation.

Fechamento do Canal Arterial Persistente Tipo Janela Com o Oclusor Septal AMPLATZER® / Percutaneous Closure of Window-Type Patent Ductus Arteriosus With the AMPLATZERTM Septal Occluder

Há vários anos, a oclusão percutânea do canal arterial persistente é uma técnica factível e eficaz na maioria das variantes morfológicas descritas por Krishenko. O tipo B, em janela, caracterizado por ser curto, permanece um desafio, devido ao maior risco de embolizações das próteses e das oclusões incompletas. Descrevemos aqui o uso bem-sucedido de oclusores septais AMPLATZER® em três pacientes com canal arterial em janela, dois casos tratados com dispositivos de 5 mm e um com o de 7 mm. O dispositivo AMPLATZER® desenhado para a oclusão da comunicação interatrial mostrou-se eficaz para o tratamento percutâneo dessa variante morfológica de canal arterial persistente.

For several years the percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus has been a reliable and effective technique for most of the morphologic variants described by Krichenko. Type B, or window-type, patent ductus arteriosus remains a challenge due to the higher risk of device embolizations and incomplete occlusions. We report the successful use of AMPLATZERTM septal occluder in three patients with window-type patent ductus arteriosus, two cases treated with a 5-mm device and one case with a 7-mm device. The AMPLATZERTM device designed for the occlusion of atrial septal defects is effective for the percutaneous treatment of this morphological variant of patent ductus arteriosus.

Zeeman shift of two-dimensional optical signals of Mg-porphyrin dimers with circularly polarized beams.

Two-dimensional (2D) electronic spectra of Mg-porphyrin dimers with circularly polarized laser pulses are simulated for two molecular geometries. The Zeeman shift of the non-chiral 2D spectra induced by a magnetic field highlights spectral regions that are dominated by exciton states with large total angular momentum, and are particularly sensitive to the geometry. These 2D shifts show much higher sensitivity to the molecular array than the absorption spectrum shifts. For different molecular geometries, only the intensity of the 2D spectrum peaks changes while the form of the Zeeman shifts in the 2D frequency space is modified.

Probing ring currents in Mg-porphyrins by pump-probe spectroscopy.

Theoretical studies of Manz et al. have shown that upon excitation of a Mg-porphyrin molecule with a circularly polarized laser pulse, a ring current can be generated that is much stronger than what can be induced by means of an external magnetic field with present technology. We show that the circular dichroism signal of a Mg-porphyrin molecule that has been excited to a state with an inner ring current is proportional to the magnitude of the probability of this ring current and can be used for the detection of this current. In analogy to magnetic circular dichroism, it probes the symmetry of degenerate excited states.

Dissecting two-dimensional ultraviolet spectra of amyloid fibrils into beta-strand and turn contributions.

We present an analysis of the contributions of various secondary structure elements of the amyloid ß-protein to the two-dimensional far ultraviolet (2DFUV) signal of an amyloid fibril model. The contributions of the turns and the ß-strands are affected by the geometry of the backbone peptide amide π → π* transition dipoles, the backbone interamide coupling in the excited state, and the exciton delocalization. These contributions are clearly distinguishable in the xyxy-xyyx pulse polarization configuration. The differences are attributed to the smaller splitting of the exciton energies and the larger fluctuations of the geometry of the peptide amide π → π* transition dipoles at the turns, while making the 2DFUV signal sensitive to the secondary structure. This signal may be used to determine the proportion of turns and ß-strands.

On the influence of nonlocal molecular vibrations and charge transfer on the spectra of aggregated push-pull chromophores.

Through their fluorescence spectrum, aggregates of push-pull chromophores are good reporters of their microenvironment temperature and polarity. The understanding of the fluorescence and charge-separation dynamics in arrays composed of this type of species is consequently of considerable interest. In this article, we study the effect of charge fluctuations induced by molecular nonlocal vibrations on the electronic coupling between a pair of linear push-pull chromophores, for side-to-side or head-to-tail orientations, using a valence-bond charge-transfer (VB-CT) model and the Redfield equation. The results show that the exciton-vibrational dynamics along the bond length alternation coordinate can significantly modify the inter-molecular electronic coupling, which determines the fluorescence spectral band redshift due to aggregation. Numerical results for the electronic and exciton-vibrational contributions to the Coulombic coupling between two of these chromophores are obtained using experimentally based parameters for polyene linker species. The exciton-vibrational contribution is significant relative to the electronic contribution at room temperature in some ranges of the energy gap between the VB and CT states, and it is more important for the side-to-side than for the head-to-tail configuration. Our calculations also show that, even without including solvation effects, the spectral band associated with an S(0) → S(1) transition is redshifted with increasing temperature.

Effect of medium chirality on the rate of resonance energy transfer.

Resonance energy transfer (RET) between two chromophores in an absorptive and dispersive chiral medium is investigated using a quantum electrodynamical formulation. To accurately describe such an environment involves the introduction of electric displacement and auxiliary magnetic field operators that are solutions of the Drude-Born-Fedorov equations and the time-harmonic Maxwell equations. Perturbation theory within the electric and magnetic dipole approximation is used in the derivation of the probability amplitude for energy transfer. Expressions for the contributions to the RET rate arising from the pure electric dipole term, replacing one of the chiral chromophores by its corresponding enantiomer in the mixed electric-magnetic dipole term, and the pure magnetic dipole contribution are obtained. In the near-zone limit in a nonabsorptive medium, the medium chirality amplifies the pure electric dipole contribution to the rate relative to that in a racemic mixture and also increases the discriminatory contribution, but to a lesser extent relative to the pure electric dipole term. On the other hand, under the same conditions, the medium chirality does not affect the pure magnetic dipole contribution to the rate. Measurements of the rate could be used to obtain information on the magnitude of the chirality admittance or concentration of chiral species, by comparing with the rate in an environment comprised of a racemic mixture of the enantiomers. This method could allow for the analysis of macroscopically heterogeneous systems that are comprised of enantiomers and where the chromophores experiencing RET are located in regions of interest.

On the role of dissipation on the Casimir-Polder potential between molecules in dielectric media.

An expression for the Casimir-Polder potential between molecules in a homogeneous dispersive and absorptive dielectric medium is derived. The effect of retardation on the interaction energy is discussed by examining the wave-zone and nonretarded limits of the potential. Unlike Lifshitz theory, the interaction energy is not derived from the potential between macroscopic bodies. In this work, a Green function that explicitly accounts for absorption in the medium is obtained. This function leads to possible dissipation effects and presents a near-zone form that vanishes in the limit of nonabsorptive medium. Employing a two-level model, it is shown that the retarded van der Waals dispersion potential in a medium may become repulsive as a consequence of absorption by the medium. It is suggested that the repulsive dispersion force may delay precipitation of nonpolar molecules from a dielectric solvent or even inhibit chemical reaction between them.

Structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of amino-adamantane and rimantadine isomers.

We performed a first principles total energy investigation on the structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of adamantane molecules, functionalized with amine and ethanamine groups. We computed the vibrational signatures of amantadine and rimantadine isomers with the functional groups bonded to different carbon sites. By comparing our results with recent infrared and Raman spectroscopic data, we discuss the possible presence of different isomers in experimental samples.

[Antiadrenergic rescue therapy with amiodarone in children with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to scorpion envenomation]. / Terapia de resgate com amiodarona em crianças com grave disfunção ventricular esquerda causada por veneno de escorpião.

BACKGROUND: Children with scorpion envenomation have massive sympathetic activation and variable degrees of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a rescue protocol for children with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to scorpion envenomation. METHODS: Four children, after scorpion envenomation, were subjected to a rescue protocol for acute left ventricular dysfunction: Endotracheal intubation and respiratory assistance, electrocardiograms, chest x-Ray, echocardiograms and blood samples for norepinephrine and troponin I serum levels. Samples and echocardiograms were repeated at 12, 24 and 48 hours. Intravenous medications: Dobutamine: 4-6 microg/kg/min. Amiodarone: 3 mg/kg during a 2 hour period. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg/day. Furosemide: 0.5 mg/kg/dose. Diuretics were given when the systemic blood pressure was above percentile fifty. Amiodarone, Dobutamine and Furosemide were administered during the first 48 hours. Beta-adrenergic blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme were given, at 48 hours after admission, once the left ventricular Ejection fraction > 0.35 and the clinical status had improved. RESULTS: On admission, norepinephrine was 1,727.50 +/-794.96 pg/ml, troponin I 24.53 +/- 14.09 ng/ml and left ventricular ejection fraction 0.20 +/- 0.056. At twelve hours, norepinephrine and troponin I serum levels were down to half of the initial values and the ejection fraction increased to 0.32 +/- 0.059. During the next 24 and 48 hours, the ejection fraction rose to 0.46 +/- 0.045, (p<0.01) and norepinephrine and troponin diminished to 526.75 +/- 273.73 (p < 0.02) and 2.20 +/- 2.36 (p<0.02) respectively. CONCLUSION: Amiodarone, by acting as a neuromodulator, is very likely responsible for the early and progressive decrease of serum norepinephrine.

Terapia de resgate com amiodarona em crianças com grave disfunção ventricular esquerda causada por veneno de escorpião / Antiadrenergic rescue therapy with amiodarone in children with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to scorpion envenomation / Terapia de rescate con amiodarona en niños con severa disfunción ventricular izquierda ocasionada por veneno de escorpión

Fundamentos: As crianças picadas por escorpião, pressintam ativação maciça do sistema nervoso simpática com vários graus de disfunção sistólica ventricular esquerda. Oobjetivo: Testar um protocolo de resgate em crianças com grave disfunção ventricular esquerda causada por picada de escorpião. Métodos: Quatro crianças após serem picadas por escorpião foram submetidas a: Encubação endotraqueal e suporte respiratório, eletrocardiograma, radiografia de tórax, ecocardiograma e determinação sérica da norepinefrina e troponina I. As análises foram repetidas após 12, 24 e 48 horas. As seguintes medicações intravenosas foram administradas: dobutamina 4-6 μg/kg/min; amiodarona 3 mg/kg durante duas horas, com dose de manutenção de 5 mg/kg/dia; e furosemida 0,5 mg/kg. Amiodarona, dobutamina e furosemida foram administradas durante as primeiras 48 horas. Bloqueadores beta-adrenérgicos e inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina foram administrados até 48 após a internação, uma vez que o estado clínico havia melhorado e a fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda encontrava-se acima de 0,35 por cento. Resultados: Na admissão, a dosagem da norepinefrina foi 1.727,50± 794,96 pg/ml, a de troponina I 24,53 ± 14,09 ng/ml e a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo foi 0,20 ± 0,056. Após 12 horas, os níveis séricos de norepinefrina e de troponina I diminuíram para a metade dos valores iniciais e a fração de ejeção aumentou para 0,32 ± 0,059. Durante as 24 e 48 horas subseqüentes, a fração de ejeção elevou-se para 0,46 ± 0,045 (p<0,01) e a norepinefrina e de troponina I diminuíram para 526,75 ± 273,73 (p< 0,02) e 2,20 ± 2,36 (p<0,02) respectivamente. Conclusão: É bem provável que a amiodarona, ao agir como neuromodulador, seja responsável pela redução rápida e progressiva dos níveis séricos de norepinefrina.

Background: Children with scorpion envenomation have massive sympathetic activation and variable degrees of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Objective: To evaluate a rescue protocol for children with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to scorpion envenomation. Methods: Four children, after scorpion envenomation, were subjected to a rescue protocol for acute left ventricular dysfunction: Endotracheal intubation and respiratory assistance, electrocardiograms, chest x-Ray, echocardiograms and blood samples for norepinephrine and troponin I serum levels. Samples and echocardiograms were repeated at 12, 24 and 48 hours. Intravenous medications: Dobutamine: 4-6 μg/kg/min. Amiodarone: 3 mg/kg during a 2 hour period. Maintenance: 5 mg/kg/day. Furosemide: 0.5 mg/kg/dose. Diuretics were given when the systemic blood pressure was above percentile fifty. Amiodarone, Dobutamine and Furosemide were administered during the first 48 hours. Beta-adrenergic blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme were given, at 48 hours after admission, once the left ventricular Ejection fraction > 0.35 and the clinical status had improved. Results: On admission, norepinephrine was 1,727.50 ±794.96 pg/ml, troponin I 24.53 ± 14.09 ng/ml and left ventricular ejection fraction 0.20 ± 0.056. At twelve hours, norepinephrine and troponin I serum levels were down to half of the initial values and the ejection fraction increased to 0.32 ± 0.059. During the next 24 and 48 hours, the ejection fraction rose to 0.46 ± 0.045, (p<0.01) and norepinephrine and troponin diminished to 526.75 ± 273.73 (p < 0.02) and 2.20 ± 2.36 (p<0.02) respectively. Conclusion: Amiodarone, by acting as a neuromodulator, is very likely responsible for the early and progressive decrease of serum norepinephrine.

Fundamento: Los niños con picaduras de escorpión sufren activación masiva del sistema nervioso simpático con varios grados de disfunción sistólica ventricular izquierda. Objetivo: Probar un protocolo de rescate en niños con disfunción ventricular severa izquierda ocasionada por picadura de escorpión. Métodos: Cuatro niños tras un escorpión picarlas se sometieron a: incubación endotraqueal y soporte respiratorio, electrocardiograma, radiografía de tórax, ecocardiograma y determinación sérica de la norepinefrina y troponina I. Los análisis se repitieron tras 12, 24 y 48 horas. Las siguientes medicaciones intravenosas se administraron: dobutamina 4-6 mcg/kg/min; amiodarona 3 mg/kg durante dos horas, con dosis de mantenimiento de 5 mg/kg/día; y furosemida 0.5 mg/kg. Amiodarona, dobutamina y furosemida se administraron durante las primeras 48 horas. Bloqueante betaadrenergicos e inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina se administraron hasta 48 tras la internación, una vez que el estado clínico había mejorado y la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda se hallaba superior a un 0,35 por ciento. Resultados: Al ingreso, la dosificación de la norepinefrina fue 1727,50± 794,96 pg/ml, la de troponina I 24,53 ± 14,09 ng/ml y la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo fue 0,20 ± 0,056. Tras 12 horas, los niveles séricos de norepinefrina y de troponina I disminuyeron para la mitad de los valores iniciales y la fracción de eyección aumentó para 0,32 ± 0,059. Durante las 24 y 48 horas subsiguientes, la fracción de eyección se elevó para 0,46 ± 0,045 (p<0,01) y la norepinefrina y de troponina I se redujeron para 526,75 ± 273,73 (p< 0,02) y 2,20 ± 2,36 (p<0,02) respectivamente. Conclusión: Es bien probable que la amiodarona, al actuar como neuromodulador, sea responsable de la reducción rápida y progresiva de los niveles séricos de norepinefrina.

Crystal engineering using functionalized adamantane.

We performed a first-principles investigation on the structural, electronic and optical properties of crystals made of chemically functionalized adamantane molecules. Several molecular building blocks, formed by boron and nitrogen substitutional functionalizations, were considered to build zinc blende and wurtzite crystals, and the resulting structures presented large bulk moduli and cohesive energies, wide and direct bandgaps, and low dielectric constants (low-κ materials). Those properties provide stability for such structures up to room temperature, superior to those of typical molecular crystals. This indicates a possible road map for crystal engineering using functionalized diamondoids, with potential applications ranging from space filling between conducting wires in nanodevices to nano-electromechanical systems.

Anomalous compressibility of ferropericlase throughout the iron spin cross-over.

The thermoelastic properties of ferropericlase Mg(1-x)Fe(x)O (x = 0.1875) throughout the iron high-to-low spin cross-over have been investigated by first principles at Earth's lower mantle conditions. This cross-over has important consequences for elasticity such as an anomalous bulk modulus (K(S)) reduction. At room temperature the anomaly is somewhat sharp in pressure but broadens with increasing temperature. Along a typical geotherm it occurs across most of the lower mantle with a more significant K(S) reduction at approximately 1,400-1,600 km depth. This anomaly might also cause a reduction in the effective activation energy for diffusion creep and lead to a viscosity minimum in the mid-lower mantle, in apparent agreement with results from inversion of data related with mantle convection and postglacial rebound.

Percutaneous closure of Blalock-Taussig shunts using Gianturco coils.

Permeability of a Blalock-Taussig shunt can increase the risk of endocarditis and ventricular overload. Percutaneous embolization of these shunts gives variable results. We report our experience in 10 patients with percutaneous closure of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts using retrograde arterial embolization with Gianturco coils. The patients' median age was 2.8 years, and their median weight was 12 kg. Most patients had minor stenosis of the distal portion of the anastomosis. In all cases, complete closure of the shunt was achieved without complications using a median of one coil per patient. The technique was feasible, safe, effective, and inexpensive.

Percutaneous Closure of Blalock-Taussig Shunts Using Gianturco Coils

Permeability of a Blalock-Taussig shunt can increase the risk of endocarditis and ventricular overload. Percutaneous embolization of these shunts gives variable results. We report our experience in 10 patients with percutaneous closure of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts using retrograde arterial embolization with Gianturco coils. The patients’ median age was 2.8 years, and their median weight was 12 kg. Most patients had minor stenosis of the distal portion of the anastomosis. In all cases, complete closure of the shunt was achieved without complications using a median of one coil per patient. The technique was feasible, safe, effective, and inexpensive.

Cierre percutáneo de la fístula de Blalock-Taussig con espirales de Gianturco / Percutaneous closure of blalock–taussig shunts using gianturco coils

La permeabilidad de una fístula de Blalock-Taussig incrementa el riesgo de endocarditis y sobrecarga ventricular. Los resultados de la embolización percutánea de estos cortocircuitos son variables. Presentamos la experiencia en el cierre percutáneo de la fístula de Blalock-Taussig modificada, utilizando la embolización arterial retrógrada con espirales de Gianturco, en 10 pacientes. Las medianas de edad y peso fueron 2,8 años y 12 kg, respectivamente. La mayoría presentaba una zona de disminución del diámetro en el extremo distal de la conexión. En todos se consiguió un cierre completo del cortocircuito, con una mediana de 1 dispositivo por paciente, y no se registraron complicaciones. La técnica es factible, segura, efectiva y económica (AU)

Permeability of a Blalock-Taussig shunt can increase the risk of endocarditis and ventricular overload. Percutaneous embolization of these shunts gives variable results. We report our experience in 10 patients with percutaneous closure of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts using retrograde arterial embolization with Gianturco coils. The patients' median age was 2.8 years, and their median weight was 12 kg. Most patients had minor stenosis of the distal portion of the anastomosis. In all cases, complete closure of the shunt was achieved without complications using a median of one coil per patient. The technique was feasible, safe, effective, and inexpensive (AU)

Síndrome de kawasaki: presentación de un caso poco común / Kawasaki syndrome: presentation of an uncommon case

La enfermedad de Kawasaki es un proceso vasculítico multisistémico cuya etiología es poco conocida. La presentación clínica es florida y su evolución está condicionada al inicio temprano de la terapia específica con gammaglobulinas, de allí la importancia de un diagnóstico precoz. Habitualmente estos casos cursan con dilatación del lecho arterial coronario siendo excepcional la aparición de alteraciones a nivel de arterias de mayor calibre, menos común aneurismas a nivel cerebral, que confiere un peor pronóstico para estos pacientes. Presentamos el caso de lactante de 3 meses de edad con aneurisma de ambas arterias coronarias, arteria subclavia izquierda, cerebral media derecha y ambas Iliacas, y obstrucción de las mismas.

Kawasaki disease, a multisystem vasculitis of unknown etiology can present in various ways. It is crucial to make an early diagnosis, and consequently give gamma globulin in order to abort its insidious evolution and not infrequently fatal outcome. Aneurysms and obstruction of the coronary arteries are the most characteristic presentations. Other large vessels may be involved, with the cerebral circulation being affected least often but having the worst prognosis. We present a clinical case of a 3 month old breast fed infant with aneurysms and obstructions in both coronary arteries, the left subclavian, right middle cerebral, and both iliac arteries.

Effect of enzymatic treatment of extracted sunflower proteins on solubility, amino acid composition, and surface activity.

Industrial proteins from agriculture of either animal or vegetable origin, including their peptide derivatives, are of great importance, from the qualitative and quantitative point of view, in food formulations (emulsions and foams). A fundamental understanding of the physical, chemical, and functional properties of these proteins is essential if the performance of proteins in foods is to be improved and if underutilized proteins, such as plant proteins (and their hydrolysates and peptides derivatives), are to be increasingly used in traditional and new processed food products (safe, high-quality, health foods with good nutritional value). In this contribution we have determined the main physicochemical characteristics (solubility, composition, and analysis of amino acids) of a sunflower protein isolate (SPI) and its hydrolysates with low (5.62%), medium (23.5%), and high (46.3%) degrees of hydrolysis. The hydrolysates were obtained by enzymatic treatment with Alcalase 2.4 L for DH 5.62 and 23.5% and with Alcalase 2.4 L and Flavorzyme 1000 MG sequentially for DH 46.3%. The protein concentration dependence on surface pressure (surface pressure isotherm), a measure of the surface activity of the products (SPI and its hydrolysates), was obtained by tensiometry. We have observed that the degree of hydrolysis has an effect on solubility, composition, and content of the amino acids of the SPI and its hydrolysates. The superficial activity and the adsorption efficiency were also affected by the degree of hydrolysis.