Volume 9, Issue 3

This article describes the role of protein fragments encoded by individual exons. Structural analysis of the hydrophobic core on the basis of the “fuzzy oil drop” model – in whole molecules as well as in fragments encoded by specific exons – indicates that, in each protein, at least one exon encodes a fragment, which is consistent with the theoretical distribution of hydrophobicity density. Quantitative assessment of the properties of such exons in selected proteins enables the model to be applied in identifying the structural (stabilizing) role of polypeptide chains encoded by individual exons. This is viewed as a preliminary step toward future exploitation of this technique in studying the alternative splicing phenomenon.

In this article, we present the conventional method and neuro-fuzzy model for the diagnosis and therapy of heart disease. The neuro-fuzzy system provides a basis for creating a decision support system that has a learning ability and the capacity to deal with vagueness and unstructuredness in disease management. The decision support engine carries out the cognitive and emotional filtering of the objective and subjective feelings of the medical practitioner. These filters further refine the diagnosis and therapy processes by taking care of the contextual elements.

Mutations in the human ether-à-go-go-related gene are linked with cardiomyocyte repolarization impairment, which, in combination with other factors, can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effect of selected mutations associated with protein trafficking problems on the action potential of the ventricular cell. To perform the simulations, the O’Hara-Rudy dynamic model was used. The modification of membrane permeability to rapid delayed rectifier current was based on data obtained from in vitro studies with the human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line transfected with human genes: wild type and one of the seven mutations (F805C, G601S, D456Y, I31S, R823W, F640V, and A561V). Simulations were carried out for each mutation on epicardial, endocardial, and M-cells with RR interval values of 500, 750, 1000, and 1500 ms. A positive correlation between the APD90 length and the percentage of current reduction and between APD90 and RR interval lengths was observed.

The aim of this study was to develop a three-dimensional (3D) animation of the heart that can show its components and function using electrocardiography. Another aim of the study was to increase knowledge on computer graphics and animation as well as to create a useful educational tool that, through play, will also teach. Because the heart is one of the most important organs and a very complex one, the authors decided to create a 3D model. This article presents the current state of knowledge in the use of computer-generated models of the human heart as a learning aid and for creating simulation. The authors describe the tools used to implement the program and sources that were used for modeling the heart. The result is presented in the form of descriptions and screenshots on how to use the program. At the end of the article, a description is placed of further developments that will be applied to the program.

The article explains the principles and goals in creating a computer-based system for the measurement of psychomotor functioning, its functionality, and user interface. To illustrate the capabilities of the system, the results of analysis of the selected psychomotor tests performed in different groups of patients are presented. The usefulness of the presented tool in the quantitative study of psychomotor functioning is assessed.

A training in the form of a computer game that aims at improving five cognitive functions in the elderly has been developed: visuospatial memory, attention, memory for prose, working memory and prospective memory. It was devised as a collaboration among the Department of Cognitive Psychology in Warsaw, Department of Individual Differences Psychology in Bydgoszcz, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science – Game Academy in Cracow, and Department of Human Psychology and Department of Psychiatry of Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz. This software is an example of the so-called serious games. To the best of our knowledge it is the first one to focus particularly on prospective memory. This is the first report concerning the present training, which is currently being elaborated. The next step in its development will be testing its validity.