The utility of the predictive scores in polytrauma with abdomino-pelvic injuries: a series of 38 patients.

UNLABELLED: Trauma is the principal cause of mortality among the population under 40 years. The aim of our study was to compare predictive trauma scores and demonstrate their utility in the evaluation of the quality of care in polytrauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed between 2000-2011 including polytrauma patients with abdominal lesions and pelvic fracture who under went emergency laparotomy. We calculated ISS, GCS, RTS,TRISS, ASCOT trauma scores and W score for evaluation of treatment quality. RESULTS: We obtained the necessary data to calculate the predictive scores in 38 cases. Comparing the scores of the survivals and non-survivals we noted the following regarding mortality predictive scores: GCS 13.74 vs. 6.13 (p 0.0001),ISS 28.52 vs. 35 (p=0.0169), RTS 6.96 vs. 3.07 (p 0.0001),TRISS 84.67% vs. 28.7% (p 0.0001), ASCOT 10.34% vs.64.32% (p 0.0001). The W score in TRISS and ASCOT methodology was -2.05 (p=0.7997) and -7.81 (p=0.336),respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between actual and predicted mortality, the former being 39.47%. CONCLUSION: We did not observe differences between the two methodologies TRISS and ASCOT in mortality prediction (p=0.5401). Both of them can be used to predict polytrauma patient evolution. The W score is useful in treatment quality assessment.

The effect of respiratory diseases on serum lactate dehydrogenase and its isoenzyme patterns in calves.

In this study we examined the serum activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzyme patterns in 28 calves of a lowland black spotted breed and its crossbreeds at the age of 2-6 months suffering from clinically noticeable manifested respiratory diseases--bronchopneumonia (BRD Group). As a control group we used 35 clinically healthy calves of the same age, breed and nutrition (Healthy Group). The sick calves did not show clinical signs or pathological lesions on other organ systems. The results found in sick calves showed a significantly higher total activity of LDH than in clinically healthy animals (P < 0.01). The mean activity of LDH was 2012 U/I in healthy calves and in calves with respiratory diseases 2529 U/1. The differences in all LDH isoenzyme patterns between both groups of animals were significant (P < 0.001) and in calves with respiratory diseases are characterized by a marked increase of the LDH 1 fraction and a decrease in the proportion of the other four LDH isoenzymes. Our results differ from those observed and presented in respiratory diseases in human medicine or in sheep. The explanation for the obtained results in calves and the determination of their diagnostic significance needs further studies and investigations using more animals with various severity of clinical signs and pathological changes, including analysis and determination of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns in healthy and affected cattle lung tissue.

The serum protein electrophoretic pattern and acute phase protein concentrations in calves with chronic respiratory diseases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum protein electrophoretic pattern and the concentrations of acute phase proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen) in 28 calves with clinical signs of chronic respiratory diseases and 36 healthy calves as a control group. In sick calves we found significantly higher serum concentrations of total proteins (P < 0.001), lower concentrations of albumin (P < 0.001) and marked shift in the concentrations of the most of protein fractions with significantly higher values of alpha1-, beta1-, beta2-, and gamma-globulins (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01). The affected calves had significantly higher values of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A, and fibrinogen as well (P < 0.05, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Molecular mechanism and chemical kinetic description of nitrobenzene liquid membrane oscillator containing benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride surfactant.

Nonlinear oscillations of electric potential differences caused by mass transfer of benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride through a nitrobenzene liquid membrane containing picric acid are investigated. The physical chemistry of this liquid membrane oscillator is described in detail, and limitations of applicability of some physicochemical laws are pointed out. It is shown that the oscillations are of chemical origin. The role of the accompanying hydrodynamic effects is critically examined. In order to understand the oscillation mechanism at the molecular level, a new mechanistic scheme based on ion pairs mass transfer is proposed. Oscillations appear at the membrane-aqueous acceptor phase interface, and they are caused by the autocatalytic adsorption of surfactant molecules to this interface. Inclusion of cross-catalytic molecular events shows interesting coupling between diffusion fluxes and the two oscillating subsystems present. It is demonstrated that the proposed mechanistic scheme is quite general and versatile. Time evolution of the oscillator is described by using the laws of deterministic chemical kinetics. The results obtained by numerical integration of the corresponding system of first-order autonomous differential equations are in fairly good agreement with experimental time series. It is postulated accordingly that the nonlinear oscillations observed for liquid membrane systems are originating from molecular events and are further amplified by hydrodynamic effects.

Modelling and dynamic simulation of a pilot-scale moving bed bioreactor for the treatment of municipal wastewater: model concepts and the use of respirometry for the estimation of kinetic parameters.

A model for the simulation of a moving bed bioreactor (MBBR) used for the treatment of municipal wastewater is proposed. The model includes attachment of particulates to the biofilm and detachment of biofilm into the bulk liquid. The growth kinetics are modelled with the activated sludge model no. 1 (ASM1). Respirometry was used for the estimation of kinetic parameters. The resulting respirograms featured the typical endogenous and exogenous respiration phases and the respirogram shapes were as expected from analogous respirometry with activated sludge. The estimated parameter set was used for modelling and simulation of the pilot-scale MBBR. The main proportion of biomass in the MBBR was found to be attached as biofilm on the carrier elements (4.1 -4.6 g dm-3) and only a small amount was suspended in the bulk liquid (0.15gdm(-3)). Attachment and detachment rates were estimated to be 4.8-7.5g m(-2) d(-1) 1for attachment and 6.5-7.5g m(-2) d(-1) for detachment. The biofilm age was estimated to be 1.8-2.7d. The model was used to predict effluent quality parameters and a good fit of the simulated data to the measured data originating from a four-days-long measurement campaign was obtained.

Dopaminergic contribution to cognitive sequence learning.

Evidence suggests that dopaminergic mechanisms in the basal ganglia are important in feedback-guided habit learning. To test hypothesis, we assessed cognitive sequence learning in 120 healthy volunteers and measured plasma levels of homovanillic acid [HVA] (a metabolite of dopamine), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid [5-HIAA] (a metabolite of serotonin), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxypheylglycol [MHPG] (a metabolite of norepinephrine). Results revealed a significant negative relationship between errors in the feedback-guided training phase of the sequence learning task and the plasma HVA level. The HVA level accounted for 10.5% of variance of performance. Participant who had lower HVA level than the median value of the whole sample committed more errors during the training phase compared with participants who had higher HVA plasma level than the median value. A similar phenomenon was not observed for the context-dependent phase of the task and for 5-HIAA and MHPG. These results suggest that dopamine plays a special role in feedback-guided cognitive sequence learning.

Contribution to the mechanism of liquid membrane oscillators involving cationic surfactant.

It is shown that liquid membrane oscillators with cationic surfactants have more complex oscillation patterns than observed previously. The actual details of the oscillations depend strongly on the nature of the membrane material, disclosing even the presence of parallel molecular events. It appears that sampling topology also has a great influence on the observed oscillatory behavior. Variation of oscillation patterns with diffusion path length in the membrane demonstrated the decisive role played by the actual timing of molecular events. The new evidences produced complete usefully the actual views concerning the mechanism of oscillations.

The effect of arterial blood sampling sites on blood gases and acid-base balance parameters in calves.

In 21 healthy calves, 1-6 months old, the interrelationship and comparability of acid-base balance variables (pH, HCO3-, BE) and blood gases (pCO2, pO2, and sat-O2) were evaluated in arterial blood collected from a larger, centrally localised (the a. axillaris) and a smaller peripheral artery (the a. auricularis caudalis). Sampling was done by direct puncture of the vessels without local anaesthesia. Except for blood pH, significant differences were observed in the average values of pCO2, pO2, HCO3-, sat-O2 (P < 0.001), and BE (P < 0.05). Analyses of blood from the a. axillaris showed higher pH, pO2, and sat-O2 values, and lower pCO2, HCO3-, and BE values compared with that from the a. auricularis caudalis. Despite statistically significant differences between some variables, in all indices high and significant correlation relationships were recorded (R = 0.928-0.961; P < 0.001). Therefore, from the biological and clinical point of view, these differences are unimportant and the presented method of peripheral arterial blood sampling can be considered suitable for evaluating blood gases and acid-base status.

[Acid-base profile evaluation in central and peripheral arterial and venous blood in cattle]. / Centrálna a periférna arteriálna a venózna krv u hovädzieho dobytka z hl'adiska hodnotenia acidobázického profilu.

In veterinary medicine mainly venous blood is used for acid-base balance determinations. This blood, however, does not allow to evaluate the respiratory component, therefore arterial blood samples have to be taken and examined in cases requiring such measurements (respiratory tract diseases, assessment of the degree of compensation in disturbed acid-base conditions). For this reason, central and peripheral arterial blood samples from the a. axillaris and a. subclavia, and the a. auricularis, respectively, were taken from 14 head of cattle, and the values of selected acid-base parameters (pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3, BE and SAT) were compared. Simultaneously, venous blood samples (v. jugularis) were also examined. Comparison of arterial and venous blood samples (Tab. I) revealed statistically significant differences in pH (p < 0.01) as well as in pCO2, pO2 and SAT values (p < 0.001). In HCO3 and BE, no significant differences were observed. Comparison of arterial blood samples in relation to sampling sites (peripheral and central) disclosed no significant differences in the single parameters; all values correlated at a high level (Tab. II, Figs. 1-6). The highest correlation levels were determined for BE (r = 0.984), HCO3 (r = 0.959), pH (r = 0.944) and pCO2 (r = 0.938) whereas those recorded for SAT (r = 0.877) and pO2 (r = 0.874) were lower. Arterial blood sampling from the a. auricularis caudalis seems to be simpler than sampling from the more central parts that are difficult to approach mainly in fat animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Paroxysmal hemoglobinuria in calves and its effect on hematologic and acid-base profiles]. / Experimentálna paroxyzmálna hemoglobinúria teliat a jej dosah na hematologický a acidobázický profil.

Water intoxication is considered to be one of the possible causes of haemoglobinuria in calves. As to predisposing factors, prognosis and particularly differential diagnosis, uncertainty is rather frequent. Therefore we tried to provoke this state in an experiment, in which the disiony-induced changes of the acid-base balance (pH, pCO2, HCO3, pO2, BE, SAT of venous blood) were determined in addition to clinical observations (general behaviour, respiratory and pulse rates, body temperatures) and blood analysis (red and white blood cells, PCV and haemoglobin). Experimental paroxysmal haemoglobinuria was induced in eight 2-months-old male calves of the Black Pied breed weighing 55-70 kg that were held on a green diet. After the animals had been given cold water (12-14 degrees C) at an amount of 12% of their body weight, increased volume of the abdominal cavity, muscle tremor, and a stooping posture could be seen, and in 45-60 min. following water administration the first spontaneous haemoglobinuria occurred. Except the first 20 minutes following water gavage, when pronounced tachycardia accompanied by arythmia (100-130 per min.) was recorded, a tendency towards hypothermy, mild bradycardia and bradypnoe was observed; correction of these values occurred within 24 hours. Haematological indices revealed a hydraemic trend that was most pronounced and long-lasting in haemoglobin. Twenty-four hours after water gavage haemoglobin, red blood cells and PCV values were still below their starting levels; the tendency toward leucopoenia changed into leucocytosis. The acid-base balance revealed a slight acidemic trend with decreasing pH, actual bicarbonate and BE levels in the first hour; later, equilibration and increase within the physiological range occurred.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Experimental paroxysmal hemoglobinuria in calves and selected biochemical indicators in the blood and urine]. / Experimentálna paroxyzmálna hemoglobinúria teliat a vybrané biochemické ukazovatele v krvi a moci.

When examining diseased calves, sporadically pronounced haemoglobinuria with dark red urine can be observed. In serious cases the clinical picture may be manifold but peculiar; in easy cases, however, when there are no distinct clinical symptoms, a larger scale of examinations is needed to aid differential diagnosis. Eight roughage-fed bulls aged two months, weighing 55-71 kg were used in this experiment. Selected biochemical indices of the mineral, enzymatic, hepatic, energetic and urinary profile were determined in the blood serum and urine of the animals. After the administration of cold water at an amount representing 12% of the animal's body weight, ionogram values were determined. In all indices a positive correlation with hydraemia and a decrease in Na, Cl, Ca, Mg and P levels were observed. Correction of the above levels occurred within 24 hours, with the exception of Na and P concentrations that did not reach starting values. As to the enzymatic profile (AST, ALT, GGT), no pronounced disturbances could be observed. The most profound changes were seen in AST activity that increased in the 5th hour of the experiment. A slight tendency towards hypoproteinaemia was observed to continue even in 24 hours. Hypoglobulinaemia reached its starting value in the 24th hour while simultaneously albumin levels slightly increased. The increasing bilirubin levels reached their maximum in the 5th and 6th hour; correction of the former occurred within 24 hours. The urinary profile revealed polyuria, aciduria, aquaeous urine and haemoglobinuria, the latter reaching its peak between hours 1 and 3 following water administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Dynamics of the acid-base balance of venous and arterial blood in clinically healthy calves]. / Dynamik des Säure-Basen-Haushaltes des venösen und arteriellen Blutes bei klinisch gesunden Kälbern.

Values of the acid base balance were examined in both venous and arterial blood of healthy calves (n = 6) of the Slovak Spotted breed aged, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, and 24 weeks, respectively. Until week 4 of age the animals were fed milk only, until the age of 9 weeks a milk-roughage transition fodder and from week 10 on they were given classical herbage. Blood samples were taken from the V. jugularis and A. carotis communis or A. axillaris, respectively. The results achieved were corrected to a body temperature of 39 degrees C. During the examination period the following values were stated for both arterial and venous blood: actual acidity (pH) 7.391 +/- 0.014 and 7.362 +/- 0.013 logmolc, pCO2 6.35 +/- 0.15 and 7.35 +/- 0.11 kPa, HCO3-28.38 +/- 1.42 and 30.32 +/- 1.02 mmol. l(-1), ABE 3.57 +/- 1.44 and 4.34 +/- 1.09 mmol. l(-1); pO2 12.63 +/- 1.15 and 5.21 +/- 0.73 kPa, SAT 95.8 +/- 1.03 and 61.2 +/- 9.59%, respectively. A gradual increase in most indices of the acid base balance could be stated both in arterial and venous blood. The trends either revealed a parallel increase (HCO3-, pH) or they were more pronounced either in venous blood (SAT) or in arterial blood (ABE, pO2). Some trends were almost balanced (pCO2 and pO2 in venous blood and SAT and pCO2 in arterial blood). Thus pH, pO2 and SAT indices of the acid base balance were higher in arterial blood as compared to venous blood while pCO2, HCO3- and ABE values were higher in venous blood.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Application of a simple fluorometric method on absorption of canrenone.

The absorption of canrenone, the major metabolite of spironolactone, was studied by a simple fluorometric method in 30 healthy subjects. Two different pharmaceutical formulations were compared on absorption, and only a negligible difference was found between the micronized and balled-milled form. Canrenone in both formulations was well absorbed, whereas spironolactone absorption was slower. Mattingly's fluorometric assay proved to be a simple method to evaluate the absorption of canrenone.