Volume 10, Issue 3

Two of the key problems plaguing humanity – aging and carcinogenesis – are inexorably linked. While their nature seems different, their mechanisms have a lot in common. Evidence suggests that aging is the result of spontaneous synthesis and accumulation of improperly folded proteins in cells, leading to a variety of pathologies. As for carcinogenesis, it is tied to genetic mutations – permanent, covalent changes in the DNA. Both processes are random in character; however, unlike mutations, the accumulation of malformed proteins is not genetically determined. Instead, control over this process hinges upon regulating the protein exchange rate – a phenomenon that seems a likely candidate for the basic aging control mechanism. Although mutations themselves may be counteracted in a controlled manner, their effects typically cannot. The mechanisms of aging and carcinogenesis, while functionally different, remain correlated: an aging cell is rendered more susceptible to mutational changes. The rapidly growing body of information regarding aging and carcinogenesis enables a systemic approach to both these phenomena – an approach that is attempted in this review.

For many decades now, the solution to the protein folding problem has been sought within the thermodynamic hypothesis of Anfinsen. Instead, the work discussed here is concerned with protein folding in vivo and assumes that the solution lies within a generalization of the kinetic, nonequilibrium mechanism first proposed by Levinthal. Accordingly, two different initial conditions, namely, a fully extended and a helical chain, are tested and pathways to the native state are generated via targeted molecular dynamics. The energetic and structural analysis indicates that a helical initial condition is to be preferred over an extended one. These results are set against the broader context of in vitro protein refolding experiments and theories and are found to be in agreement with the recent experimental observations about the influence of the ribosome on the structure of, and on the folding from, nascent chains.

The state-of-the-art in the production of hyperpolarized 3 He gas for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the human lungs is reviewed. The paper is focused on the metastability exchange optical pumping (MEOP) method, which is preferable in medical applications, because the polarized 3 He gas is free of any contaminants. Two strategies, namely, “centralized” and “on-site” production, are compared from the point of view of efficiency, level of achievable polarization, and the cost. A novel design of the polarizer that is based on MEOP operating in nonstandard conditions is also presented. It is the most promising solution for the implementation of the technique in medical clinics, as it uses the magnetic field of the MRI scanner and operates at elevated 3 He gas pressure.

Minimally invasive surgery revolutionized operative procedures in the last 20 years. Much of the progress in minimally invasive surgery can be attributed to the development of robot-based systems. The most apparent changes are found in laparoscopy procedures. Procedures in which only small skin incisions are made have revolutionized operating theaters. The learning curve, although long in itself, allows for the development of procedures with reduced perioperative risk (i.e., bleeding, pain) or shorter postoperative period. Convalescence after endoscopy procedures is significantly shorter compared with classic laparotomy. However, certain limitations apply to laparoscopy. Apart from the long learning curve, movements executed with long and rigid tools cannot strictly translate the precision of an operator’s hand. The body position of the surgeon is often forced by the reach of the endoscope instrument. It is related to a significant physical load of personnel, especially during long operating procedures. For this reason, some therapeutic procedures are still executed using the laparotomy approach.

The aim of the study was to present a case of virtual patient with urinary incontinence (UI), the treatment especially based on the new muscle-derived stem cell (MDSC) procedure. With the use of e-learning systems, the UI patient’s classical follow-up as well as MDSC sphincter injection therapy are shown. The “Virtual Patient” case allowed us to demonstrate the main results and the creation of a robotic system from the MDSC study. In this way, the authors will disseminate the new procedure developed in Collegium Medicum JU in UI patients. The “Virtual Patient” case may help students get involved in this new procedure along the main program.

E-learning programs based on the “Virtual Patient” paradigm familiarize students with the process of combining information derived from different branches of medical science. In addition, medical practice often requires paralegal knowledge – for example, when determining the degree of disability or taking part in medical malpractice proceedings. This paper serves as an introduction to inclusion of modern IT tools in teaching curricula. Such tools are available to almost every student of medical sciences and frequently employ the “Virtual Patient” concept mentioned above. For the purposes of our study, we have prepared a selection of training materials using the CASUS software. The specific features of our study include involvement in legal proceedings based on a retrospective approach, i.e., reconstruction of past events.