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Background: The extent of scar or viable hypocontractile myocardial tissue determines postinfarction left ventricle remodeling. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the revascularization effect in a group of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and LV systolic dysfunction indicated for surgical revascularization, based on evidence for multivessel disease on coronarography and viable myocardium (CMR, SPECT). Aims: To evaluate the revascularization effect in patients with ischemic LV systolic dysfunction and to find preoperative predictors of revascularization effect. Methods: 33 patients (64±11 years) with baseline LVEF 34.9±9.3 % were included in the study. After a follow-up of 10.7±1.2 months, ECHO and SPECT were performed again. The whole group of patients was divided according to revascularization effect (postoperative increase LVEF > 5 % and postoperative decrease LVESV > 5 % compared with baseline) into revascularization responders (R, n = 22) and nonresponders (NR, n = 11). Results: At baseline there was no difference between the subgroups in LVEF (R = 35.7±11.0 % vs. NR = 34.3±8.2 %), EDV (R = 183.6±43.2 vs. NR = 180.2±80.5 ml), ESV (R = 118.5±40.4 vs. NR = 119.7±55.2 ml). The responders showed in a revascularization effect subanalysis differences in the values of LVEF (+9.8±8.1 %, p < 0.009), reduction of EDV (-39.9±50.9 ml, p = 0.05) and ESV (-35.4±42.6 ml, p = 0,002) compared with baseline. The only preoperative parameters predicting LV reverse remodeling were the T_E-Em (R = -10.6±44.1 vs. NR = 29.7±43.7 ms, p = 0.037) and the size of fixed perfusion defect (FPD) (R = 11.9±13.5 vs. NR = 22.9±15.3 % of LV, p = 0.044). Conclusions: Patients with ischemic LV systolic dysfunction with a preoperatively determined myocardial viability develop LV reverse remodeling. The only preoperative parameters predicting LV reverse remodeling were echocardiographic T_E-Em and FPD on SPECT.

Aim: Surgical-site infections are very serious complications of cardiac operations. Use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with profound physiological changes, which affects the pharmacokinetic behaviour of prophylactic antibiotics. The aim of this study was to monitor tissue concentrations of cefuroxime in peripheral tissue (skeletal muscle) during cardiac surgery using CPB by means of a microdialysis. Methods: Eleven adult patients operated on using CPB were included in the study. Cefuroxime was the prophylactic antibiotic and study drug given. Microdialysis was performed by probe CMA 60 inserted into the patient's left deltoid muscle. Samples of dialysates were collected at intervals: before CPB, each 30 minutes of CPB and at the end of CPB. Samples of blood were collected at intervals: incision, start of CPB, each 30 minutes of CPB, at the end of CPB and at the end of surgery. Results: The mean (± S.D.) concentrations of cefuroxime in peripheral tissue were 105.4±41.1, 81.7±32.8, 74.6±26.0, 70.4±34.7, 60.5±27.2, 138.0±42.6 (mg l^-1). Total plasma concentrations of cefuroxime were 154.4±41.6, 73.3±20.7, 67.1±20.4, 59.2±21.0, 49.0±16.4, 110.9±33.6 (mg l^-1) and concentrations of free plasma fraction were 110.7±37.1, 62.2±18.8, 58.9±18.6, 48.4±16.6, 41.7±15.6, 97.6±28.6 (mg l^-1). The plasma and tissue concentrations exceed throughout the operation time the minimum inhibitory concentration for most common suspected pathogens in cardiac surgery. Conclusions: Results show that CPB can modify the time course of cefuroxime tissue and plasma concentrations. Microdialysis is suitable for antibiotic tissue measurement in cardiac surgery.

Background: Cardiotrophin-1 is newly discovered chemokin with a lot of functions. Aim of our work was to describe most important of them. Methods: systematically scan of available scientific resources. Results: Cardiotrophin-1 stimulates the proliferation of cardiomyocytes. Cardiotrophin-1 expression and plasma values are elevated in individuals with heart failure and have high diagnostic efficacy for the heart failure. Plasma values are also an independent prognostic factor. Preliminary findings suggest that the determination of plasma cardiotrophin-1 may be useful for the follow-up of hypertensive heart disease in routine clinical practice. Cardiotrophin-1 also plays an important cardioprotective effect on myocardial damage, is a potent regulator of signaling in adipocytes in vitro and in vivo and potentiates the elevation the acute-phase proteins. Cardiotrophin-1 may play also an important protective role in other organ systems (such as hematopoietic, neuronal, developmental). Conclusion: Cardiotrophin is a newly discovered chemokin with a lot of system effects and is stable in system circulation hence permitting its development in the routine clinical investigation.

AIMS: To judge whether and how the character of the visual stimulus and type of cognitive task affects brain event-related potentials (ERPs). METHODS: ERPs to three types of visual stimuli (white blank oval on a dark background, unfolded cube and net of sixteen small squares) were recorded from nine scalp sites and saved on a computer. Special software was used for off-line analysis of the ERPs. RESULTS: The presentation of each of the three visual stimuli used was followed by ERPs consisting of two negative (N160, N340) and one positive (P220) components. The character of the stimulus did not affect the latency of ERPs components. However, the type of visual stimuli affected the amplitude. The most conspicuous changes were shown by the N340 ERPs component. Its average amplitude in comparison with reference amplitude was always significantly higher during the first cognitive task ("Choose the cube that can be folded up from the unfolded cube!") and significantly lower than reference amplitude during the second cognitive task ("Complete the missing part of a figure with the appropriate item!"). It was also shown that subjective personality traits such as nervousness, spontaneous aggressivity and emotional lability had an influence on the recovery phase of the experiment affecting the average amplitude of N340 CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the cognitive processes underlying successful resolution of two pictorial cognitive tasks affected differently the activity of systems giving rise to visual ERPs.

Plastination is in some cases unsuccessful. The goal of this work was to monitor, to describe and to analyse the reasons of S10 plastination method failure. We prepared the silicone-impregnated specimens using the standard silicone method S 10. The causes of bad preparation are numerous. Usual defects produced during plastination process are the changes in the bulk, the changes in the colour and other visible defects (e.g. deformations, spots on the organs surface). The frequent reasons for these defects are: unsuitable temperature, using of old bad fixed formaldehyde specimens and too long gas - curing procedure. The knowledge of reasons of unsuccessful plastination is important condition for achievement the good results.

At present surgery in comparison with other medical fields does not fulfil our ambitions and we are not happy with this state. Surgery is not developing as fast as oncology, haematology, immunology and other branches, which are based on rapidly developing molecular biology. Surgeons are aware of this situation and they do not want to lose. We want to play a part in this new development without losing our position and distinctive surgical goals. To seek these new ways is a goal of the Petřivalský – Rapant Day and we are proud that in our country we are one of the first who want to make this historical change. Therefore in this conference we include topics that should increase our knowledge of malignancies and influence their therapy according to the newest molecular-biological findings.

Background: Treatment of leg length inequality via lengthening of the shorter extremity is an infrequent orthopedic procedure due to the requirement of special distraction devices and possible serious complications. Essential qualitative changes in operative technique development are associated with the name of G. A. Ilizarov, who paved the way for the autoregenerate gradual distraction method in the 1950s. Material and Methods: In the years 1990 through 2006 a total of 57 patients underwent femur lengthening via gradual distraction using various types of external fixators at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Orthopedics, and Traumatology, Faculty Hospital in Brno. The quality of bone healing was monitored and a number of parameters followed and statistically evaluated using regularly scheduled X-ray examinations. Results: In 11 cases we had to remove the external fixator following the distraction phase, perform an osteosynthesis via a splint and fill the distraction gap via spongioplasty. The bone healing was satisfactory in the remaining 46 patients and the lengthened bone required no other fixation method. The analysis showed statistically significant deceleration in bone healing following distraction in female patients over 12 years of age, and in boys over 14 years of age. Lack of periosteal callus five weeks after surgery always signified serious problems in further healing. Severe complications were recorded in 11 cases during the distraction phase, and in 9 cases after the removal of the distraction apparatus. Conclusions: The aim of this report was to present the results of our study of distraction gap bone healing using the gradual lengthening approach.

Background: Recent data showing that glucan elicited defense responses in grapevine and induced protection via induction of resveratrol production led us to evaluate the possible synergetic effects of glucan and resveratrol complex on immune reactions. Methods: We measured phagocytosis using HEMA particles, expression of cell surface markers via fl ow cytometry, expression of cytokines using ELISA, recovery after fl uouracil-induced leucopenia and effects on gene expression via RT-PCR. Results: Our results showed that both glucan and resveratrol complex stimulated phagocytosis of blood leukocytes, caused increase in surface expression of CD⁺ splenocytes and showed higher restoration of spleen recovery after experimentally induced leucopenia. In all these cases, strong synergetic effects were observed. When we measured the effects of these substances on expression level of NF-κB2, Cdc42 and Bcl-2 in breast cancer cells, upregulation of Cdc42 expression was evident only using both immunomodulators in combination. Conlusions: In conclusion, our data suggest significant synergy in stimulation of immune reactions and support further studies of these natural immunomodulators.

Background: Monoclonal antibodies have dramatically changed the treatment possibilities for follicular lymphoma. ⁹⁰Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) is the first radioimmunotherapy agent approved for the treatment of relapsed and resistant follicular lymphoma patients. Long-term benefit was observed especially for patients achieving CR after radioimmunotherapy. Methods and Results: A 65-year-old female patient with the second relapse of CD20 positive follicular lymphoma and multiple concomitant diseases was treated with four weekly doses of rituximab (375 mg/m²). ¹⁸F-fl uoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT) demonstrated only partial response to therapy with persistent PET scan positivity in enlarged abdominal lymph nodes. Therefore, it was decided to treat her with a 1200-MBq (32-mCi) dose of ⁹⁰Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy. No acute complications were noted afterwards. Hematological nadirs were reached 4 weeks later, with a platelet count of 24x10⁹/l that normalized within the next 2 weeks. The patient had neither infection nor bleeding complications. Eight weeks after radioimmunotherapy, the PET-CT scans documented only 3 lymph nodes around the abdominal aorta, maximum size 2x1 cm. The PET scan analysis proved no accumulation of ¹⁸F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose in any lymph nodes or other organs and tissues. Conclusions: Sequential treatment with rituximab and ⁹⁰Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan may be an interesting alternative in cases of relapsed follicular or other indolent lymphomas in pretreated or older patients with other concomitant diseases.

Aim: The aim of this contribution is to present the formant chart of the Czech vowels a, e, i, o, u and show that this can be achieved by means of digital methods of sound processing. Method: A group of 35 Czech students of the Pedagogical Faculty of Palacky University was tested and a record of whispered vowels was taken from each of them. The record was digitalized and processed by the Discrete Fourier Trasform. The result is the power spectrum of the individual vocals - the graphic output consists of a plot of the relative power of individual frequencies in the original sound. The values of the first two maxima which represent the first and the second formants were determined from the graph. The values were plotted on a formant chart. Results: Altogether, 175 spectral analyses of individual vowels were performed. In the resulting power spectrum, the first and the second formant frequencies were identified. The first formant was plotted against the second one and pure vocal formant regions were identified. Conclusion: Frequency bands for the Czech vowel "a" were circumscribed between 850 and 1150 Hz for first formant (F1) and between 1200 and 2000 Hz for second formant (F2). Similarly, borders of frequency band for vowel "e" they were 700 and 950 Hz for F1 and 1700 and 3000 Hz for F2. For vowel "i" 300 and 450 Hz for F1 and 2000 and 3600 Hz for F2, for vowel "o" 600 and 800 Hz for F1 and 600 and 1400 Hz for F2, for vowel "u" 100 and 400 Hz for F1 and 400 and 1200 Hz for F2. Discussion: At low frequencies it is feasible to invoke the source-filter model of voice production and associate vowel identity with frequencies of the first two formants in the voice spectrum. On the other hand, subject to intonation, singing or other forms of exposed voice (such as emotional speech, focused speech), the formant regions tend to spread. In spectral analysis other frequencies dominate, so specific formant frequency bands are not easily recognizable. Although the resulting formant map is not much different from the formant map of Peterson, it carries basic information about specific Czech vowels. The results may be used in further research and in education.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Mammography is considered the "gold standard" in the evaluation of the breast from an imaging perspective. Apart from mammography, ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging are being offered as adjuncts to the preoperative workup. Recently, other new modalities like positron emission tomography, 99mTc-sestamibi scintimammography, and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) are also being offered. However, there is still controversy over the most appropriate use of these new modalities. Based on the literature, this review evaluates the role of various modalities used in the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. Methods and Results: Based on relevant literatures this article gives an overview of the old and new modalities used in the field of breast imaging. A narrative literature review of all the relevant papers known to the authors was conducted. The search of literatures was done using pubmed and ovid search engines. Additional references were found through bibliography reviews of relevant articles. It was clear that though various new technics and methods have emerged, none have substituted mammography and it is still the only proven screening method for the breast as of date. Conclusion: From the literature it is clear that apropos modern radiology's impact on diagnosis, staging and patient follow-up, only one imaging technique has had a significant impact on screening asymptomatic individuals for cancer i.e.; low-dose mammography. Mammography is the only screening test proven in breast imaging. Positron emission tomography (PET) also plays an important role in staging breast cancer and monitoring treatment response. As imaging techniques improve, the role of imaging will continue to evolve with the goal remaining a decrease in breast cancer morbidity and mortality. Progress in the development and commercialisation of EIT breast imaging system will definitely help to promote other systems and applications based on the EIT and similar visualization methods. Breast ultrasound and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently used adjuncts to mammography in today's clinical practice and these techniques enhance the radiologist's ability to detect cancer and assess disease extent, which is crucial in treatment planning and staging.

Abstract: A philosopher and teacher, F. M. (Ladimir) Klacel (1808-1882), educated in what is now the Czech Republic, developed his own explanation for the origin and interaction of living organisms. Klácel, a member of the Augustinian Monastery in Brno, infl uenced his younger colleague, Friar Gregor Mendel, who went on to formulate concepts in heredity that are still recognized for their profound insight. A mutual interest in the natural sciences of these two friends provided a basis for their discussions of the relationship between religion, evolution, and society. Klacel's outspoken defense of his proposals caused him to lose favor with both the Church and the authorities, and he immigrated to America in 1869. His failing health and inability to communicate with the English-speaking populace, unfortunately, limited his infl uence in his new environs. In this paper we trace the roots of Klacel's philosophy and elucidate his incorporation of ideas from Hegel, Darwin, and others. An investigation of Klacel's recipe for a successful society reveals his belief in the universality of life and his optimistic hope for human achievement.

Background: Papillary pineocytoma is an extremely rare tumor usually with a poor outcome. Case report: We report a case of a 10-year-old-girl with pineal gland tumor and obstructuve hydrocephalus diangnosed using MRI. The child was successful treated by insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and consecutive tumor resection by supracerebellar-infratentorial approach. Histopathological examination showed a papillary structure of the pineocytoma. As such, tumors are considered to be aggressive the child was subjected to radio- and chemotherapy. Conclusion: At six year follow-up after surgery, the patient is symptom-free and the MRI shows no tumor recurrence.

Historically, establishment of a medical facility in Ostrava dates from 14th August 1912 when the municipalities of Vítkovice and Zábřeh nad Odrou opened a jointly built but not very large Epidemiological Hospital.The hospital then underwent developments which were infl uenced by two world wars and the social and political events of the past century. A new step in its mission was achieved with a decision of the Ministry of Health to grant it the status of a University Hospital on 8th April 1992.

Currently, invasive candidal infections represent an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in seriously ill hospitalised patients. Because the accurate diagnosis of candidiasis remains difficult, a fast and reliable assay for characterization of fungal pathogens is critical for the early initiation of adequate antifungal therapy and/or for introduction of preventive measures. As novel molecular genetic techniques are continuously introduced, their role in the management of infectious diseases has also been growing. Today, molecular strategies complement conventional methods and provide more accurate and detailed insight. It can be expected that future technical development will improve their potential furthermore. In this article, we provide a critical review on the value and limitations of molecular tools in pathogenic Candida species identification and strain typing regarding their sensitivity, discriminatory power, reproducibility, cost and ease of performance.

Background: Numerous types of glucans have been isolated from almost every species of yeast, grain, and fungi. These products have been extensively studied for their immunological and pharmacological effects. Aim: In this paper we evaluated the possibility whether individual glucans will be similarly active against each of the tested biological properties or if each glucan will affect different reactions. Methods: Immunological effects of glucans were measured by evaluation of phagocytosis of HEMA particles by peripheral blood leukocytes and production of IL-2 by mouse splenocytes. Next we measured the effects of long-term treatment with glucan on levels of blood glucose and blood cholesterol. Four different glucans differing in origin (yeast, grain and mushroom) were used. Results: Our results showed that the same glucan, yeast-derived insoluble #300 glucan, stimulated phagocytosis of peripheral blood leukocytes, production of IL-2 by mouse splenocytes, lowered the cholesterol levels in mice with experimentally-induced cholesterolemia and lowered the level of blood sugar after induced hyperglycaemie. The remainder of tested glucans were only marginally active. Conclusion: Taken together, our study showed that with respect to natural glucans, there is a yes-or-no effect suggesting that highly purified and highly active glucans will have pleiotropic impact, whereas poorly isolated and/or less active glucans will have only mediocre biological properties.

Background: Different methods of temporomandibular joint imaging are presented and discussed. Research reports published from 1979 to 2002 have been evaluated. Method and Results: The aim of this paper is to summarize the main findings from research. Basic X-ray examination is the most readily available method of imaging which usually does not have any contraindication. The use of computer tomography offers all advantages of tomographic scanning in different layers and projections, imaging soft tissues close to the joint and the possibility of "3D" reconstruction of bone structures. In case of joint dysfunctions and internal joint derangement, it is more preferable to use nuclear magnetic resonance for the depiction of the joint structures. To make a diagnosis more efficient, miniinvasive diagnostic methods are becoming necessary. Arthroscopy allows direct visual control of the joint space with the possibility of therapeutic help in cases when conservative treatment has failed. Ultrasonography, as a completely non-invasive procedure, is applied even in diagnosing functional temporomandibular defects. In these cases the diagnostic value of ultrasonography is almost comparable with this of nuclear magnetic resonance. Conclusions: So it is possible that, together with the improvement of the equipment, development of the diagnostic methods used during the treatment of temporomandibular joint defects could continue in this direction.

Aims: The purpose of the study was to demonstrate autonomic nervous system (ANS) changes associated with treatment in hypertensive patients and utilization of these measurements in practice. Methods: Hypertensive patients were examined before the start of treatment and after blood pressure compensation. The telemetric system VarCor PF 5 was used for non-invasive heart rate registration and automatic evaluation of heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. The supine-standing-supine test with ortho-clinostatic loading in standard conditions was used for HRV evaluation. Results: The influence of antihypertensive therapy on ANS was demonstrated in two cases. The first was a case of a responder to therapy and the second case was example of a non-responder to monotherapy regarding more therapeutic steps for blood pressure control. Different modes of results presentation are demonstrated: 3D graph, numeric form of standard parameters of HRV, computer interpretation of results by means of complex parameters and indices in numeric, graphic and verbal form with functional age calculation, cross graph of vagal activity index versus sympatho-vagal balance index was used for repeated measurements and follow-up. The increased spectral performance with augmented vagal activity and slope down of sympatho-vagal ratio are evident after blood pressure control achievement. Improvement of functional age parameter associated with blood pressure compensation is visible using a complex age-dependent parameters interpretation. Conclusions: HRV evaluation in hypertensive patients provides new parameters for patient's examination. These parameters are influenced by both the illness itself and by pharmacotherapy. Such an approach offers more complex information about patient.

Intracellular levels of phosphorylation are regulated by the coordinated action of protein kinases and phosphatases. Disregulation of this balance can lead to cellular transformation. Here we review knowledge of the mechanisms of one protein phosphatase, the tumour suppressor PTEN/MMAC/TEP 1 apropos its role in tumorigenesis and signal transduction. PTEN plays an important role in the phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase (PI3-K) pathway by catalyzing degradation of phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-triphosphate generated by PI3-K. This inhibits downstream targets mainly protein kinase B (PKB/Akt), cell survival and proliferation. PTEN contributes to cell cycle regulation by blockade of cells entering the S phase of the cell cycle, and by upregulation of p27^Kip1 which is recruited into the cyclin E/cdk2 complex. PTEN also modulates cell migration and motility by regulation of the extracellular signal-related kinase - mitogen activated protein kinase (ERK-MAPK) pathway and by dephosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). We also emphasize the increasingly important role that PTEN has from an evolutionary point of view. A number of PTEN functions have been elucidated but more information is needed for utilization in clinical application and potential cancer therapy.

The vocal apparatus serves phonation. It represents a biocybernetic self-regulating system, disposing of a feedback network of the central nervous system. The larynx is a self-induced vibrating system. The larynx, functioning as the phonation apparatus of the vocal apparatus, is a source of human voice. In every individual its frequency range corresponds to about eight semitones in speech and about two octaves of the so-called chest register in singing, denoted also as a thoracic or modal voice. This is followed by one more octave of the so-called cranial register or falsetto voice. We were interested in changes of the larynx positions at intonation in the fundamental singing registers, both modal and falsetto, in professional male singers. At our disposal were 11 professional male singers. We investigated changes in the position of the laryngeal structures simultaneously with the aid of an X-ray apparatus, the acoustic and mechanical signals registered by means of the B & K 4369 acceleration recorder. It has been found that at phonation with the modal voice a change in the position of the laryngeal structures takes place in two different ways, whereas the larynx movements at falsetto remain the same. It has been suggested that a complex fixation apparatus participates in the phonation larynx movements. Of the same complex character are also the problems connected with the examination of the entire vocal apparatus. For the purpose of compiling the present pieces of knowledge in the field of human voice studies, we have made the most advantageous use of the presently most complex system Authorware for the production of some interactive multimedial programmes on personal computers.

Background and objective: To determine the prevalence of markers of inherited thrombophilia in patients with severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) Design and methods: Blood samples were analysed for markers of thrombophilia (mutation of factor V - Leiden, mutation of methylentetrahydrofolat reductase (MTHFR) C677T and mutation of prothrombin G20210A). The study group consisted of women who had undergone controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF complicated by severe OHSS (group A, n = 50). Results were compared with two controls groups - women who underwent ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF without developing OHSS (group B, n = 93) and healthy pregnant women with no history of infertility (group C, n = 196). Results: We have found 7 out of 50 patients from group A positive for Leiden mutation (heterozygous) 11 out of 93 from group B (heterozygous), p = 0.71 OR 1.21 (0.39 3.70) and 10 out of 196 from group C (heterozygous), p = 0.03 OR 3.03 (0.97 9.28). Polymorphism of MTHFR 677T gene was detected in 17 out of 50 patients (heterozygous) from group A, in 36 out of 93 patients from group B (35 heterozygous, 1 homozygous) and in 93 out of 196 patients from the group C (86 heterozygous, 7 homozygous) with no statistical significance. Conclusions: We found an increased prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation in Czech infertile women. However carriers of Leiden mutation had no enhanced risk of development severe form of OHSS during stimulation.

Background: The exact origin of focal dystonias has not been elucidated so far. Aberrant plasticity of the brain cortex is suspected to be a crucial factor in the development of this group of movement disorders. The aim of this article is to summarize recent findings on the etiopathogenesis of focal hand dystonias with a focus on the role of abnormal cortical plasticity. Methods And Results: A search of the literature mainly from 1995 to 2005 was done using the PubMed and Ovid search engines. English-language articles were identified using the following keywords: focal hand dystonia or writer's cramp and cortical plasticity, sensorimotor, imaging. Additional references were found through bibliography reviews of relevant articles. The data from neurophysiological and imaging studies, as well as clinical observation, in focal hand dystonia suggest multiple failures at different levels of the somatosensory and motor systems, particularly in the brain cortex. This disorders lead to attenuation of inhibitory and fortification of excitatory processes. Conclusions: The emerging theory presumes that a maladaptive plasticity of brain cortex with abnormal sensorimotor intergration can evolve in predisposed individuals. Consequent methods of management of focal hand dystonias are outlined.

Guanylins and uroguanylins are natriuretic peptides with different effects in many of tissues. In context with guanylins, the intestine-renal axis is presented. The overproduction of guanylin or uroguanylin leads to secondary diarrhea with stimulation of Cl^- secretion. A diet high in salt lead especially to increased guanylin and uroguanylin secretion. Interesting applications with guanylins measurement could to be in hypertension diagnosis, monitoring of heart dysfunction treatment, intensive care etc.

Sixty years ago on the 21st February 1946, the University of Palacký in Olomouc was re-established as an educational institution for students of theology, medicine and philosophy. ‘Biomedical Papers’, formerly ‘Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis Facultatis Medicae‘, a specialist periodical of the Faculty of Medicine, also celebrates this year since its 150th volume is coming out in 2006....

Aim: The aim of the work is to objectify the functional effectiveness of these operations and their influence on the quality of life of handicapped patients. Method: The authors evaluate the results of reconstructive surgery restoring hand grip in a group of 15 tetraplegic patients (3 women and 12 men) with complete spinal cord lesion of C5-C7 segments. The average age of patients in the group is 33 (22-50) years old. The reconstructions were performed using tendon transfer and tenodesis in the forearm and hand area. The effectiveness of the transfer was assessed objectively with regard to muscle strength by measuring the restored "thumb-index finger" grip and "into fist" grip. The range of motion achieved was also evaluated. Transfer effectiveness was evaluated on the basis of subjective patients' evaluation. An ADL (activities of daily living) questionnaire by Mohammed's (1992) took into account the effect of the surgery in a whole range of common daily activities. Results: An extended range of daily activities was evident mainly in the fields of: communication, eating and drinking and operations associated with increase in general selfcare of the patient. There was no deterioration of condition in any of the activities. Conclusions: Up to 80 % of tetraplegic patients are suitable candidates for transfers and, to a certain extent, it is possible to improve the upper limb function. In a partial function restoration of the upper limbs there is immense potential for improvement in the quality of life of these patients.

Aims: The goal of the experiment was to verify bioavailability of immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine after oral administration, to determine, in particular, effect of triglycerides and polyglycerol esters on bioavailability of this lipophilic, poorly soluble drug. Methods: 1) Absorption of cyclosporine A from soya oil and polyglycerol-3-oleate was tested after intra-duodenal application to rats. This method enable to administer dispersion directly to the site of absorption and avoid problems with potential precipitation of active substances in the stomach. Samples were pre-dispersed in water and diluted on concentration 1mg/ml prior administration. In defined time intervals a blood sample was taken in a volume of 0.5 ml from the cannuled carotid. Blood was sampled in time 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 minutes after application. For the comparison, Equoral® oral solution diluted and pre-dispersed in the same manner was used. 2) 100 mg of cyclosporin in form of 1% dispersion in water was administered orally to dogs under fasting condition. The blood level of cyclosporine was evaluated from samples taken in time 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 5, 8, 12 and 24 hours following application. Formulations containing different ratio of polyglycerol esters / olive oil were compared. Results: The experiments conducted indicate that cyclosporine is 19x more available from polyglycerol-3-oleate than from soya oil. When applying cyclosporine in polyglycerol-3-oleate the average maximum blood level is 10x higher then in application of cyclosporine in oil. If polyglycerols are fully substituted with plant oils in the formula observed, its pharmacokinetic parameters decrease to 1/10 of the initial values. Conclusions: The right selection of a type of excipient accompanying cyclosporine affects significantly cyclosporine availability and thus its efficiency.

We report here a case of a newborn with hypotrophy and somatic stigmatization: microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, heart defect and immunodeficiency syndrome. The proband's karyotype was 46,XY,dup(4)(q28q35.2) de novo with chromosomal breaks in 4% of metaphases. We demonstrate the usefulness of a combination of physical examination, classical cytogenetics, FISH and PCR techniques in order to establish correct diagnosis because of overlap of some clinical and cytogenetic features of Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) and duplication 4q in our patient. Although FISH technique detected translocation t(14q;21q) in 4 metaphases, deletion 657del5 in exon 6 of the NBS1 gene associated with NBS in Slavic population was not confirmed. We compare in this report similarity of the clinical picture of our patient, NBS cases and other patients carrying a duplication of the distal part of 4q as described in the literature.

Solar light is the primary source of UV radiation for all living systems. UV photons can mediate damage through two different mechanisms, either by direct absorption of UV via cellular chromophores, resulting in excited states formation and subsequent chemical reaction, or by phosensitization mechanisms, where the UV light is absorbed by endogenous (or exogenous) sensitizers that are excited and their further reactions lead to formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These highly reactive species can interact with cellular macromolecules such as DNA, proteins, fatty acids and saccharides causing oxidative damage. Direct and indirect injuries result in a number of harmful effects such as disrupted cell metabolism, morphological and ultrastructural changes, attack on the regulation pathways and, alterations in the differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis of skin cells. Processes like these can lead to erythema, sunburn, inflammation, immunosuppression, photoaging, gene mutation, and development of cutaneous malignancies. The endogenous and exogenous mechanisms of skin photoprotection are discussed.

Aims: To compare the pharmacodynamics of cisatracurium and rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block following single dose, allowing either spontaneous or neostigmine-accelerated complete recovery. Methods: Following the ethics committee approval and informed consent, 120 patients scheduled for elective surgery under TIVA with tracheal intubation were randomized into 4 groups with different cisatracurium (CIS, 0.10 or 0.15 mg.kg^-1) or rocuronium (ROC, 0.60 or 0.90 mg.kg^-1) doses administered. For each patient, the onset time for 95 % depression of T₁, clinical duration until 25 % recovery, recovery index (T₁ from 25 to 75 %) and time from T₁ 25 % to TOF-ratio 0.9 were determined allowing either spontaneous or induced recovery. Results: The onset times were 277 (SD 58), 220 (46), 91 (16) and 77 (16) s for the CIS 0.10, CIS 0.15, ROC 0.60 and ROC 0.90 groups (p < 0.05), respectively, with lower variability in both ROC groups (p < 0.05). The clinical durations were 42 (7), 52 (7), 35 (11) and 52 (12) min, respectively (p < 0.05 for lower doses). Recovery index was identical in all groups allowing either spontaneous recovery - 15.9 (1.8), 15.5 (1.7), 16.1 (3.7) and 16.1 (4.0) min, or following neostigmine administration - 4.4 (0.9), 4.5 (0.8), 4.3 (0.8) and 4.7 (0.7) min for respective groups. During spontaneous recovery, the variability of DUR25-TOF90 was twice as great for ROC than CIS groups (p < 0.05), while after neostigmine administration it was uniform in all groups. Conclusions: For equipotent doses, the onset times for CIS were approximately three times longer than for ROC. The average clinical duration for both relaxants ranged from 35 to 52 min with acceptable variability. Neostigmine administration accelerated the recovery and reduced its variability. When allowing for spontaneous recovery, less scatter was demonstrated for both CIS groups than for ROC ones.

Background: N1,N12-diacetylspermine, a diacetylpolyamine which was recently identified in urine, appeared to be a useful tumor marker for a number of cancers. No valid data on urine diacetylspermine concentration in patients with urinary bladder cancer exist. Aim: Evaluation of urine N1,N12-diacetylspermine concentrations in individuals with urinary bladder cancer. Methods: Urine samples were used from 36 patients with urothelial tumors of the urinary bladder and from 30 patients with benign urological diseases. Urine was collected before cystoscopy. Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays (ELISA) were performed for diacetylspermine from urine. Results: Urine diacetylspermine did not differentiate in individuals with urinary bladder cancer from controls (medians 171.5 vs 143.8, p = 0.64). Its efficacy for urinary bladder cancer detection was not shown. Conclusions: Urine N1,N12-diacetylspermine is probably not a useful marker for urinary bladder cancer.