Mathematical model of aging in COVID-19.

Background: The aim was examination of the intimamedia thickness of carotid arteries in COVID-19 infection. Methods: In 50 patients, the thickness of the intimomedial complex (IMT) in the common carotid arteries was measured. The values were compared with the control group in 2006-9. The condition of the lungs was assessed by ultrasound score (It score) (0-42) as mild (0-14) or mediumsevere (15-28) Covid. IMT thickening risk factors and the value of fibrinogen, IL-6 and CRP were recorded. Two IMT prediction models were formed. The socio-epidemiological model predicts the development of IMT based on epidemiological factors. Apart from these factors, the second model also includes the values of the mentioned biomarkers. Results: It score 20±6, IMT values right: median 0.99 mm, p25=0.89, p75=1.14; left: 1±0.22 mm. Control: IMTright: median 0.7 mm, p25=0.68 mm; p75=0-9 mm; left: median=0.75 mm, p25=0.6 mm, p75=1.0 mm. The group/control difference is highly significant. Epide mio - logical model: logit (IMT)= 4.463+(2.021+value for GEN)+(0.055x AGE value)+(-3.419x RF value)+(-4.447x SM value)+(5.115x HTA value)+(3.56x DM value)+ (22.389x LIP value)+(24.206x CVD value)+(1.449x other value)+(-0.138x It score value)+(0.19xBMI value). Epidemiological-inflammatory model: logit (IMT)=5.204+ (2.545x GEN value)+(0.076x AGE value)+(-6.132x RF value)+(-7.583x SM value)+(8.744x HTA value)+(6.838x DM value)+(25.446x LIP value)+(28.825x CVD value)+ (2.487x other value)+(-0.218xIt score value)+(0.649x BMI value) +(-0.194x fibrinogen value)+(0.894x IL-6 value)+(0.659x CRP value). Values for both models Exp(B)=4.882; P of sample=0.83; logit=-0.19; OR= 23.84; model accuracy for the first model 87% and for the second 88%; Omnibus test of the first model c2=34.324; p=0.000; reliability coefficient -2LogLH=56.854; Omnibus test of the second model c2=39.774; p=0.000; and -2LogLH=51.403. Conclusions: The ageing of blood vessels in COVID-19 can be predicted.

Primary Metabolite Chromatographic Profiling as a Tool for Chemotaxonomic Classification of Seeds from Berry Fruits.

Research background: Considering the importance of consumption of berry fruits with proven health-beneficial properties and difficulties in quality control of products of specific botanical and geographic origin, a fingerprint method was developed, based on advanced data analysis (pattern recognition, classification), in order to relate the variability of nutrients in the selected cultivars to primary metabolite profile. Experimental approach: Forty-five samples of genuine berry fruit cultivars (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, black currant, blueberry, gooseberry, chokeberry, cape gooseberry and goji berry) were characterized according to chromatographic profiles of primary metabolites (sugars, lipids and fatty acids) obtained by three chromatographic techniques (high-performance thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection). Results and conclusions: Comprehensive analysis allowed monitoring and identification of metabolites belonging to polar lipids, mono-, di- and triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, free sterols, sterol esters, mono- to heptasaccharides and sugar alcohols. Chemical fingerprint of berry seeds showed the uniformity of primary metabolites within each fruit species, but revealed differences depending on the botanical origin. All three chromatographic methods provided a discriminative, informative and predictive metabolomics methodology, which proved to be useful for chemotaxonomic classification. Novelty and scientific contribution: A novel methodology for the identification of bioactive compounds from primary metabolites of natural products was described. The proposed untargeted metabolite profiling approach could be used in the future as a routine method for tracing of novel bioactive compounds. The knowledge of metabolite composition obtained in this study can provide a better assessment of genotypic and phenotypic differences between berry fruit species and varieties, and could contribute to the development of new breeding programs.

Platelet gel in wound treatment in patient with pemphigus vulgaris and Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Case report.

Treatment of wounds, especially in patients with systemic diseases, is very difficult and time consuming, and it represents great challenge. Complications like infections and impaired healing are regularly seen in these patients, sometimes leaving almost no other treating option, but amputation surgery. In wound healing process, platelets play one of key roles, both in hemostasis, and, by releasing many growth factors, in reepithelization and tissue remodeling. Platelet concentrates are defined as autologous or homologous platelet derivatives with a platelet concentration higher than it is usually in human blood. Concentration of platelets needed to affect wound healing should be 1,000,000/µl. This is a report about patient with pemphigus vulgaris and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, who got injury of the left lower leg. Traditional surgical methods of wound closure and vacuum-assisted closure therapy were ineffective. Homologous platelet gel was used topically, resulting in wound closure, without any adverse effects.

Cranial reconstruction with prefabricated 3D implant after a gunshot injury: A case report.

Introduction: Complex defects of skull bones with different etiology, still present the challenge in reconstructive surgery. The goldstandard for cranioplasty is the autologous calvarial bone graft removed during surgery which cannot be always applied, especially in gunshot wounds for sometimes complete bone destruction. Autologous reconstruction with split calvarial, rib bones or iliac bone graft is also possible. Materials routinely used for reconstructions like titanium mesh, polymethyl metacrylate (PMMA), and other have numerous disadvantages and limitations. Case report: We presented a patient with gunshot injury to the head with residual large bone defect in the frontal region, with involvement of the skull base, and open frontal sinus. After conservative treatment, six months after the injury, reconstruction of the residual bone defect was performed. The chosen material was computerdesigned PEEK-OPTIMA® implant, manufactured on the basis of MSCT scan. This material has not been used in this region so far. The postoperative and follow-up period of the next 12 months passed without surgical complications, neurological deficit, with satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. Conclusion: Implanted bone replacement was designed and manufactured precisely according to the skull defect, and we found it suitable for the treatment of complex defects of the cranium. Early results are in favor of this cranioplasty method over standardized materials. Therefore, this material is expected to become a method of choice for reconstructive surgery of bony defects of the face and skull especially in complex cases.

Chemical profile and antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of juices and extracts of 4 black currants varieties (Ribes nigrum L.).

UNLABELLED: The aim of this article was to determine the chemical composition (anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents, total phenols, and tannins), and the antioxidative, and antimicrobial activities of the juices and methanol extracts of 4 varieties-Tenah, Triton, Ben Sarek, and Ometa. The juices were made during 2008, 2009, and 2010 from the berries grown on the same location. Statistically significant differences were found in all the tested parameters of each variety for every year. Ometa variety exhibited the best antioxidative activity. The highest ascorbic acid value had Tenah juice from 2010 (211 mg/100 g) and Ben Sarek methanol extract (656 mg/100 g). Delphinidin-3-ruthenoside was the dominant anthocyanin in Triton, Tenah, and Ben Sarek variety during all 3 y and Ometa in 2010 where Ometa in 2008 and 2009 had slightly higher content of cyanidin-3-ruthenoside. The minimum inhibitory and microbicidal concentrations ranged from MIC/MBC(MFC) = 62.5 to 500 mg/mL for juices and 0.4 to 500 mg/mL for extracts. There was no significant difference in the effect of the juices against Gram(+) and Gram(-) bacteria. All the extracts acted in lower concentrations than juices. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Data contained in this article provide an insight into the effects the weather condition has on the content of the bioactive compounds in genetically different types of black currants, during the 3-y observation period. This article is relevant to the commercial application of black currants-based dietary supplements.

Variation in the fatty-acid content in seeds of various black, red, and white currant varieties.

Currant seeds, a by-product of juice production, are recognized as a valuable source of oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. We have evaluated 28 currant varieties for their oil content and fatty-acid composition. The oil content in the seeds ranged from 18.2-27.7%, and no statistical difference between varieties of different fruit color were recorded. Furthermore, the estimated oil yields in the field production ranged from 26.4-212.4 kg/ha. The GC and GC/MS chemical profiles of the seed oils extracted from all examined varieties were common for currants. Linoleic acid (LA) was the major component, with contents ranging from 32.7-46.9% of total fatty acids, followed by α-linolenic acid (ALA; 2.9-32.0 %), oleic acid (OA; 9.8-19.9%), γ-linolenic acid (GLA; 3.3-18.5%), palmitic acid (PA; 4.4-8.1%), stearidonic acid (SDA; 2.2-4.7%), and stearic acid (SA; 1.2-2.4%). Quantitative differences in the fatty-acid profiles between varieties of different fruit color were observed. Blackcurrant varieties showed significantly higher contents of LA, GLA, and PA than red and white currant varieties, whereas significantly higher amounts of ALA and OL were detected in the red and white varieties. Cluster analysis based on the chemical oil profiles joined the blackcurrants in one group, while most of the red and white cultivars joined in a second group at the same linkage distance.

Chemical composition of currant seed extracts and their protective effect on human lymphocytes DNA.

UNLABELLED: On the basis of LC/UV/MS analysis, 35 compounds from the extracts of seeds of black, red, and white currants (2 cultivars of each) were identified. Black currants cultivars contained protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and traces of nitril containing phenolic acids. The presence of synapoyl glucoside was characteristic for cv. Malling Jewel. Sesquiterpenoid glycosides and carboxymethylindol glycosides were present mainly in white and red currant cultivars. Blackcurrant seeds contained higher amounts of flavonoids, especially rutin, isoquercetin, and taxifolin. The currant seed extracts were tested for in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes using cytochalasin-B blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The frequency of MN was scored in binucleated cells, and the cultivars of black currants showed the best antioxidant potential. At a concentration of only 0.17 mg/mL, extract of the seed cv. Malling Jewel effected a decrease in the frequency of MN of 60% compared with control cell cultures. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our results provide evidence of protective effects of currant seed extracts and isolated pure compounds on cytogenetic damages in human lymphocytes. Thus, currant seed extracts could exert beneficial effects in quite a few diseases, for many of the biological actions have been attributed to their antioxidant properties.

Skin vascularisation field by the ascending branch of the peroneal artery ramus perforans.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Soft tissue defects in the distal third of the lower leg are persistent and constitute a major problem in the reconstructive surgery. This study presents an analysis of the anatomical vascularization filed of ascending branch of the peroneal artery ramus perforans (PARS). The aim of this study was to assess reliability of the distal flap on the antero-lateral aspect of a lower leg distal third. METHODS: Direct gentiana violet injection into the interosseal perforator of ten fresh cadaveric lower legs with subsequent corrosion acrylic preparation was performed to reveal vascularization filed of the ascending branch of the PARP. Height, length, diameter and communication of perforating branch and its subsequent smaller ascending and descending branches were determined. The CAMIA software was used. RESULTS: Our results show that the PARP is always present. Its origin from the peroneal artery is at the medial height of 66 mm when measured from the inferior border of the lateral malleolus. Medium length of ramus perforans is 51.7mm. After transition through the interosseous membrane, ramus perforans divides into ascending and descending branches. The diameter proximal to the level of bifurcation is 1.37 mm (variation 1.0-1.8 mm), and the diameter of the ascending branch distal to the level of bifurcation is 1 mm. Using CAMIA software, the medium length, width and area of the vascularization filed labeled with gentian violet were calculated to be 164 mm (variation 125-210 mm), 66 mm (57-77 mm), and 10,305 mm2 (6,385 mm2-14,341 mm2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results support the use of fasciocutaneous distal flap, vascularized by the ascending branch of the PARP for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the distal third of the lower limb, malleolar regions and dorsum.

Phenolic content and radical scavenging capacity of berries and related jams from certificated area in Serbia.

Chemical composition and the effects of domestic processing and storage were studied in organically cultivated or wild growing berries, harvested in certificated area in Serbia. The total phenolics content in fresh berries ranged from 380 to 1660 mg GAE/100 g. The phenolic content decreased during the processing to jams, and storage in almost all samples, except in black currant. Among fresh berries, the highest amount of total anthocyanins was found in bilberry (0.61 +/- 0.03 %). Processing and storage caused decrease in anthocyanin content. The most ubiquitous anthocyanin aglycone was found to be cyanidin. Ellagic acid was detected in fresh and frozen black raspberries and related jams, and its content increases during thermal processing to jam. Among fresh berries, bilberry showed the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC(50) value of 0.82 mg/ml. However, frozen as well as processed berries in our study still showed comparable high values of radical scavenging activity. After 9 months of storage all investigated jams were microbiologicaly correct. Regardless of the losses in the amount of total phenolics, total anthocyanins and radical scavenging activity, frozen berries and related jams are still excellent sources of nutritional substances with antioxidant potential.

[Breast reconstruction by pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap]. / Rekonstrukcija dojke peteljkastim transverznim miokutanim reznjem m.rectus abdominisa.

Reconstruction of the amputated breast in female patients after surgical management of breast carcinoma is possible with the use of autologous tissue, synthetic implants, or by combining autologous tissue and synthetic materials. Autologous tissue provides soft and sufficiently elastic tissue, which is usable for breast reconstruction and eventually obtains original characteristics of the surrounding tissue on the chest wall. The use of the TRAM flap for breast reconstruction was introduced in 1982 by Hartrampf, Scheflan, and Black. The amount of the TRAM flap tissue allows breast reconstruction in the shape most adequate to the remaining breast. The possibilities of using the TRAM flap as pedicled myocutaneous flap or as free TRAM flap make this flap a superior choice for breast reconstruction in comparison with other flaps.

[Reconstruction of the thumb using a forearm osseofasciocutaneous reverse flap]. / Rekonstrukcija palca podlakatnim osteofasciokutanim reverznim reznjem.

This paper presents the experiences of the thumb reconstruction with osteofasciocutaneous reverse flap (OFCR flap). In the period between 1987 and 2000 the OFCR flap was used in 15 patients. The youngest of them was 18 and the oldest was 38 years of age. The average age was 25.4. All the patients had posttraumatic amputations. Defects on proximal phalangae and a part of metacarpal bone occurred in two cases. In one case there was an amputation on the base level of proximal phalanx and the metacarpophalangeal (MPH) joint was preserved. In all cases of reconstruction the OFCR flap was used, which included antebrachial skin nervs that were anastomosed with digital nerv. The flap nutrition was carried out through the reverse circulation of a. radialis, and the venous drainage through the comitant vein of a. radialis. Superficial veins were not anastomosed. Secondary defects were covered with a free skin graft. All the flaps survived. The bone graft was healed in the period of eight weeks. The sensibility of this flap was regained in the period of three to six months after the surgery. The distance of two-point discrimination (TPD) was increased for 30% compared to the same region on the other hand after six months. The opposition of the reconstructed thumb to the other fingers was possible, as well as abduction, adduction and normal grasp. The method of reconstruction of the amputated thumb with the OFCR flap was better than other classical methods because it allowed the reconstruction of all the structures in one surgical operation. The sensibility that was regained represented good protection from injuries. There were no functional damages on the secondary defect. The esthetic result was not good due to the lack of a fingernail.