On the impact of side methyl groups on the structure and vibrational properties of ß-carotenoids. The case of butadiene and isoprene.

Theoretical consideration about the impact of methyl groups on the structure and vibrational properties of ß-carotenoids, using medium size molecules of trans-butadiene and trans-isoprene, are reported. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations with correlation-consistent and polarization-consistent basis sets were applied to trans-1,3-butadiene and trans-isoprene as the smallest building bricks of ß-carotenoids. Their structure and harmonic vibrations were estimated in the complete basis set limit (CBS) using the non-linear least square fit. Optimized geometries and harmonic frequencies, obtained with B3LYP and BLYP density functionals and large basis sets, were favorably reproduced by a significantly faster approach, using a recently modified STO(1M)-3G Slater-type basis set. Selected density functionals with STO(1M)-3G and 6-311++G** basis sets were also successful in predicting ß-carotene structures and harmonic vibrations. This work demonstrates the potential applicability of the proposed level of theory for larger molecules, including ß-carotenoids, present in numerous natural food sources. The proposed scheme of molecular modeling, applied to biologically active compounds in food, could provide a deeper insight into their function in vivo, which is directly related to their structure and spectroscopic properties. It could also support the experimental qualitative analysis, based on peak assignment of ß-carotenoids in various food sources.

Change of Mechanical Properties of Repair Mortars after Frost Resistance Rests.

The use of repair mortars for concrete structures repair with no or limited resistance to the impact caused by freeze and thaw cycles is often the primary repair failure cause. This is particularly important in Poland. Due to the geographical location of the country, there is a large temperature difference between summer and winter. The number of passes through the threshold temperature of 0 °C throughout the year in the winter season exceeds 100. The article presents a comparison of the frost resistance results of tests of repair mortars. The first method was performed according to the Polish Guidelines (without the use of de-icing salts) and the second method according to PN-EN 1504-3 (with the use of de-icing salts). The results obtained were inconsistent in many areas. In particular, significant differences in the results for the change in compressive strength and the change in bending strength were observed. In the case of the frost resistance testing without the use of de-icing salts, a decrease in compressive strength was usually accompanied by a decrease in bending strength. In the case of frost resistance tests with the use of de-icing salts, an increase in the bending strength of mortars was observed (even by a dozen or so percent) with a decrease in the compressive strength of mortars (even by several dozen percent).

Sleepwalking episodes are preceded by arousal-related activation in the cingulate motor area: EEG current density imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate local arousal fluctuations in adults who received ICSD-2 diagnosis of somnambulism. METHODS: EEG neuroimaging (eLORETA) was utilized to compare current density distribution for 4s epochs immediately preceding sleepwalking episode (from -4.0 s to 0 s) to the distribution during earlier 4s epochs (from -8.0 s to -4.0 s) in 20 EEG segments from 15 patients. RESULTS: Comparisons between eLORETA images revealed significant (t>4.52; p<0.05) brain activations before onset of sleepwalking, with greater current density within beta 3 frequency range (24-30 Hz) in Brodmann areas 33 and 24. CONCLUSIONS: Sleepwalking motor events are associated with arousal-related activation of cingulate motor area. SIGNIFICANCE: These results support the notion of blurred boundaries between wakefulness and NREM sleep in sleepwalking.

Manganese-induced Parkinsonism among ephedrone users and drug policy in Poland.

A recent government's prohibition policy in Poland was partially successful with a reduction of the synthetic drugs market and a decrease in drug-related poisoning mortality rates. However, a new threatening trend is observed. There are a growing number of individuals in Poland and other European countries using legal pharmaceuticals containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to produce stimulants. This case report describes a history of a male patient with polysubstance dependence who administered self-designed ephedrone derived from Sudafed using potassium permanganate. He revealed significant clinical symptoms of manganese-induced parkinsonism. No effective treatment could be recommended. Awareness of this severe neurological and social consequences should lead to prevention efforts including educational programs and initiatives reducing availability of the legal medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. More research is needed to enhance our knowledge about manganism and potential treatment regimens.

Bone mineral density changes after total knee arthroplasty: one-year follow-up.

The study involved analysis of differences in bone mineral density (BMD) in the region of knee arthroplasty in 106 female patients. BMD was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a follow-up time schedule: before surgery and 2 weeks postoperatively (baseline), 5, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after knee joint arthroplasty. Four assessment regions A, B, C, and D were determined in immediate proximity to the arthroplasty site. A year after surgery, a decrease in BMD was observed in all determined regions-(9.9%, 13.8%, 9.9%, and 7.6% respectively) in comparison with the baseline value. The most significant BMD decrease was observed in the period between 5 and 12 weeks after the knee joint arthroplasty. In our opinion, the decrease in BMD at the knee joint arthroplasty site is a result of the postoperative increased bone resorption and decreased patient motor activity.

Intramedullary nailing in treatment of complications of long bone union following fracture - case studies.

Open osteosynthesis of long bones fractures carries high risk of complications, the most common of which are plate breakage, slow union, delayed union and non-union. The paper analysis of 3 cases of bone union complications treated by locked intramedullary nailing. The aim was to show differences in the therapeutic management of different bones and non-unions following different types of osteosynthesis. Although bone union took longer to complete than in acute fractures, a good functional result was obtained in each case. Locked intramedullary nailing permits stable bone fixation. Intramedullary canal reaming stimulates bone consolidation since it is the source of autologous bone graft. Similar to its use in the treatment of acute fractures, the method permits early, active and efficient patient rehabilitation.

[Revision hip arthroplasty management tactics--own experience]. / Taktyka postepowania w endoprotezoplastyce rewizyjnej stawu biodrowego--doswiadczenia wlasne.

INTRODUCTION: Aseptic loosening of hip prosthesis is one of the most serious complications after primary joint arthroplasty. Due to the aging of societies, lengthening of the average life span and increasing number of primary arthroplasty procedures, it can be assumed that the number of revision procedures will be continuously increasing by the year. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: presentation of own experience in operative management tactics and early results of treatment after the revision hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND THE METHOD: The analysis included 182 patients at the average age of 68, who underwent the revision hip arthroplasty procedure. The procedures of this type were performed most often after cement arthroplasty performed using the Weller's method (45%). The average observation period was 2.3 years. A clinical evaluation of the patients was performed using the Harris scale. A preoperative radiological evaluation was performed using Paprosky classification (for an acetabulum) and Mallory classification (for a femoral bone shaft). Bone defects were evaluated using AAOS classification. A postoperative radiological evaluation was performed on the basis of: radiolucent lines of the acetabulum area in DeLee-Charnley zones and in the area of the endoprosthesis stem in Gruen zones, acetabulum migration and settling of the endoprosthesis stem. RESULTS: During the 2-year observation there were 88.5% of good results reported. According to the Harris scale an improvement was achieved from the average of 46 points before the operation to 85 points after the procedure. 11.5% of bad radiological and functional results were reported including: 11 cases (6.0%) with bad radiological results, and 10 cases (5.5%) with bad clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: Revision hip arthroplasty procedures require individual planning, selection of implants and additional implants. Intraoperative evaluation is required due to lack of an objective image analysis of prosthesis element loosening and a level of bone stock damage determining the scope of the procedure, selection of implants and number of allogenic grafts. Our management tactics is an effective method of aseptic loosening of acetabulum and stem treatment after primary hip arthroplasty.

Use of densitometric examination after cemented total knee arthroplasty.

Background. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, DEXA) is one of many ways of measuring bone mineral density (BMD). Considering the fact that it is possible using DXA analysis to distinguish metal elements from bone, this method seems to be optimal in the assessment of bone mineral density in the area of an inserted implant. The aim of our study was to examine the usefulness of DXA examination of the knee joint area after cement arthroplasty. Material and methods. A BMD analysis of four areas surrounding the knee prosthesis was performed using the author's own method. Results. After a series of densitometry analyses, the coefficient of variation (CV) and the least significant difference (LSD) were determined. Conclusions. DXA analysis of the knee joint after arthroplasty using the method described here shows high repeatability. Periodic DXA analysis of the vicinity of the knee prosthesis may be useful in assessing the dynamics of change occurring around the implant.

An integrated system for the management of decubitus ulcers.

Background. The purpose of this article is to draw closer attention to a particularly important orthopedic problem: the prevention and early treatment of decubitus ulcers (bedsores). Material and methods. We retrospectively analyzed medical documentation for all orthopedic patients seen in our clinic during the period 1997-2003 (a total of 13,710 patients), and treated in accordance with an in-house protocol. Results. There were 3,061 patients (22.3% of all hospitalized) classified as high risk for decubitus ulcers. During the 7-year observation period, decubitus ulcers began to form in 103 patients, which comes to 0.42-1.49% of all orthopedic patients hospitalized each year. We observed a decreased incidence during the period in question; in the last year, 2003, 4.7% of the high-risk patients developed decubitus ulcers. Conclusions. Therapeutic success depends on effective cooperation between physicians and nurses.

[Locked intramedullary nailing in treatment of femur and tibia delayed union and pseudoarthrosis]. / Gwozdziowanie sródszpikowe z ryglowaniem w leczeniu zrostu opóznionego oraz stawów rzekomych kosci udowej i piszczelowej.

Five patients treated operatively on account of tibia and femur shaft delayed union and pseudoarthrosis were re-operated by locked intramedullary nailing. The method permits stable bone fixation. Intramedullary canal reaming stimulates bone union, as it refreshes fracture site and is a source of bone graft. Intramedullary nail covers anatomical axis of bone and, in the case of femur, is close to its mechanical axis. It diminishes the risk of implant breakage. The method permits active and efficient rehabilitation. Some fractures stabilised with external fixator or operated by Zespol or Polfix method can be re-operated by close technic. It shortens time of operation and diminishes its aggressiveness. In our opinion locked intramedullary nailing is an efficient method in treatment of tibia and femur shaft delayed union and pseudoarthrosis.

[Infections of the male urogenital tract and the problem of infertility in the couple]. / Infekcje meskiego ukladu moczowo-plciowego a problem nieplodnosci malzenskiej.

The retrospective analysis of group of 164 men from sterile couples was made. Authors compared spermiograms with bacteriological investigations' results (sperm bacteriology and blots from urethra for present of Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma). The statistical signification of coincidence of leucospermia and one-species bacterial infection and dependence between leucospermia and pathological spermiogram were found. The positive results of sperm bacteriological investigations were found in normospermic patients too.