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Background. Diabetes mellitus affects almost all body systems, but the most dramatic complications occur in the lower extremities. Diabetic foot syndrome takes the leading position in the list of complications of diabetes mellitus, leading to early disability and mortality. At present, a new technology - photodynamic therapy is being intensively developed worldwide. This technique can be used in many different fields of medicine, including purulent surgery. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of using 5-aminolevulinic acid as an photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy in the complex treatment of chronic wounds in patients with ischemic and mixed forms of diabetic foot syndrome. Materials and Methods. In 2021, 10 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and ischemic and mixed forms of diabetic foot syndrome of both sexes, aged 52 to 75 years, were observed. As a preparation for photodynamic therapy, daily dressings with hydrogel were applied (3-5 days). During this period, limb revascularization was performed, the aim of which was to restore the blood flow to the foot, preferably through the anterior or posterior tibial artery. After the restoration of the main blood flow, photodynamic therapy was performed: after sanitation of the wound surface with physiological NaCl solution, Levuderm gel (6% gel phosphate of 5-aminolaevulinic acid) was applied and covered with occlusive dressing for 2 hours, after which the gel remains were removed and irradiation with Korobov photonic matrices "Barva Flex" with 660 nm wave length was carried out. Energy applied to the wound averaged 30-40 J/cm2. The light power density was between 0.1-1.0 W/cm2, and the exposure time varied according to the wound area. Results. After photodynamic therapy on days 2-3, perifocal oedema decreased. By days 5-7, the quality of granulation and the degree of wound epithelialization significantly improved. The wound healing rate on days5-7 of treatment was 1,58±0,44, and on days 10-12 - 4,72±0,63 (p

Physical activity can improve health as well as reduce stress and the risk of developing several widespread diseases. However, there exists no accepted standard biomedical examination-method for stress evaluation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of regular physical activity on stress and wellness as well as the evaluation of potential biomarkers in this field. This study included 105 people (mean age = 36.57 ± 1.4 years) who were randomly assigned into the exercise group 1 (EG-1) (n = 41), the exercise group 2 (EG-2) (n = 30), and the control group (CG) (n = 34). Measurements of stress and wellness were obtained by Multiscan BC-OXI before and after experimental period. This device presents a multifrequency segmental body composition 3D analyser with digital pulse oximeter. The key indicators of stress as well as for wellness were significantly improved in the EG-1. Parasympathetic activity showed significant changes as potential stress biomarker. Statistically significant gender differences were not observed in the comparable groups. The results suggest that the stress resistance and well-being significantly improved in the EG-1 due to regular physical activity. However, further research is necessary to determine effects of physical activity on integral health indicators.

Phosphorescence is considered one of the non-invasive glioblastoma testing methods based on studying molecular energy and the metabolism of L-tryptophan (Trp) through KP, which provides essential information on regulating immunity and neuronal function. This study aimed to conduct a feasibility study using phosphorescence in clinical oncology as an early prognostic test in detecting Glioblastoma. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted on 1039 patients who were operated on with follow-up between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2022, and retrospectively evaluated in participating institutions in Ukraine (the Department of Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Oncosurgery, and Palliative Care at the Kharkiv National Medical University). Method of protein phosphorescence detection included two steps. During the first step, of luminol-dependent phosphorescence intensity in serum was carried out after its activation by the light source, according to the spectrofluorimeter method, as follows. At a temperature of 30oC, serum drops were dried for 20 minutes to form a solid film. After that, we put the quartz plate with dried serum in a phosphoroscope of luminescent complex and measured the intensity. With the help of Max-Flux Diffraction Optic Parallel Beam Graded Multilayer Monochromator (Rigaku Americas Corporation) following spectral lines as 297, 313, 334, 365, 404, and 434 nm were distinguished and absorbed by serum film in the form of light quantum. The monochromator exit split width was 0.5 mm. Results and conclusion. Considering the limitations of each of the non-invasive tools currently available, phosphorescence-based diagnostic methods are ideally integrated into the NIGT platform: a non-invasive approach for visualizing a tumor and its main tumor characteristics in the spatial and temporal order. Because trp is present in virtually every cell in the body, these fluorescent and phosphorescent fingerprints can be used to detect cancer in many different organs. Using phosphorescence, it is possible to create predictive models for GBM in both primary and secondary diagnostics. This will assist clinicians in selecting the appropriate treatment option, monitoring treatment, and adapting to the era of patient-centered precision medicine.

Pediatric biobanks are an indispensable resource for the research needed to bring advances in personalized medicine into pediatric medical care. It is unclear how or when these advances in medical care may reach children, but it is unlikely that research in adults will be adequate. We conducted the screening for a hypothetic problem in various European and American pediatric biobanks based on online surveys through e-mail distribution based on the Biobank Economic Modeling Tool (BEMT) questionnaire model. Participants in the survey had work experience in biobanking for at least 3 years or more. Contact information about the survey participants was confirmed on the social networks profiles (LinkedIn), as well as on generally available websites. First, we tried creating a model which can show the pediatric preclinical and basic clinical phase relationship and demonstrate how pediatric biobanking is linked to this process. Furthermore, we tried to look for new trends, and the final goal is to put the acquired knowledge into practice, so medical experts and patients could gain usable benefit from it. We concluded that leading positions must take into account ethical and legal aspects when considering the decision to include children in the biobank collection. However, communication with parents and children is essential. The biobank characteristics influence the biobank's motives to include children in the consent procedure. Moreover, the motives to include children influence how the children are involved in the consent procedure and the extent to which children are able to make voluntary decisions as part of the consent procedure.

Aim Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is still a disease with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to analyse retrospectively whether the introduction of a multi‐modal three‐component enteral medication regimen resulted in a change in morbidity and mortality in neonates with NEC. Methods When diagnosis of NEC was established, the following multi‐modal three‐component enteral medication regimen was administered enterally (via nasogastric tube): an antibiotic, an antifungal agent and a probiotic. The primary outcome parameters were intestinal perforation, surgical interventions and mortality during the observational periods. Results In the study period, 2212 patients were admitted to the NICU, out of which 200 (9%) developed NEC. Significantly fewer infants died in the Intervention Group (13 of 104 infants, 13%) compared to the Control Group (38 of 96 infants, 40%) (P = .0001). No infant in the Intervention Group (0%) presented with an intestinal perforation, as compared to 15 infants (16%) within the Control Group (P = .0001). In the Control Group, 21 infants (22%) needed surgical intervention, whereas 0 (0%) infants needed this in the Intervention Group. Conclusion The introduction of an enteral multi‐modal three‐component medication regimen resulted in a significant reduction of mortality and of need for surgical intervention in infants suffering from NEC.

Magnesium-deficiency is implicated in many metabolic disorders, e.g., type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, representing risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aims to investigate the contribution of magnesium-restriction to the development of NAFLD. Magnesium-deficiency was induced in C57BL/6 mice by feeding a magnesium-deficient-diet. Metabolic markers as well as markers of inflammation and liver function were assessed. Furthermore, liver tissue was examined histopathologically and compared with specimens from high-fat-diet fed and control mice. Finally, the hepatic inflammatory response was quantified by determining hepatic IL-6, TNFα, and MCP-1. Magnesium-restriction resulted in at least a 2-fold significant reduction of serum magnesium levels compared to the high-fat-diet fed and control mice, whereas the hepatic magnesium content was decreased due to high-fat-diet feeding. No changes in metabolic markers in magnesium-restricted mice were observed, while the cholesterol content was elevated in high-fat-diet fed mice. Magnesium-restricted mice additionally featured inflammation and enlarged hepatocytes in liver histology. Furthermore, magnesium-restricted and high-fat-diet fed mice exhibited elevated hepatic TNFα levels compared to control mice. Accordingly, our data suggest that magnesium is involved in hepatic inflammatory processes and hepatocyte enlargement, key histological features of human NAFLD, and may therefore contribute to development and progression of the disease.

The administration of risks is usually an important corner stone of professional operations. Nevertheless, specifically for biobanking organizations, risk recognition, control, management, and easing are inevitably extremely critical elements of everyday operations. The costly kind of unique samples/cell lines, data and also other high-pitched value biobanking products and services such as cell-based drugs, and biologically active pharmaceutical materials call for tremendously precise planning--including the full spectrum of risks. In this chapter, we have included the common risks in biobanking and the management way and methods of risks in a biobanking institution.

Research infrastructures remain the key for state-of-the-art and successful research. In the last few decades, biobanks have become increasingly important in this field through standardization of biospecimen processing, sample storage, and standardized data management. Research infrastructure in cohort studies and other sample collection activities are currently experiencing a lack of long-term funding. In this article, the Biobank Graz discusses these aspects of sustainability including the definition of sustainability and necessity of a business plan, as well as cost calculation model in the field of biobanking. The economic state, critical success factors, and important operational issues are reviewed and described by the authors, using the example of the Biobank Graz. Sustainability in the field of biobanking is a globally important matter of necessity, starting from policy making and ending with security and documentation on each operational level.

Human tissue samples collected and stored based on standardized processes enable high quality research in the field of biomedicine and life sciences Most of the tissue biospecimens used in medical research are derived from patients and are collected processed and stored by clinical biobanks Clinical biobanks are usually situated in hospitals and operate directly at the interface between research and clinical care This position requires specific steps adapted to the demands of both clinicians and researchers This review aims to provide a short overview of the six most significant steps in sample handling and sample logistics in a clinical biobank The described steps are crucial stages in the sample preservation process and have significant impact on quality of tissue biospecimens used in diagnostics and research Biobank Graz one of the largest clinical biobanks in Europe collects processes and stores tissue samples according to this workflow to provide high quality samples and data for research and development

Due to increased utilization of biospecimens for research and emergence of new technologies, the availability and quality of biospecimens and their collection are coming more and more into focus. However, the long-term economic situation of biobanks is still mostly unclear. Also, the common sustainable utilization of various international biobanks is challenging due to local differences in sample processing, law and ethics.This article discusses possible strategies to achieve a sustainable utilization of biospecimens as part of the business plan of biobanks.The following questions were addressed as part of a business plan: (1) How can a biobank build up and maintain an up-to-date infrastructure? (2) What kind of funding can support the sustainability of a biobank? (3) Is there an international solution for informed consents to enable sample and data sharing? (4) How can a biobank react during economically unstable periods? (5) Which kind of biobanking research is innovative? (6) What kind of education could be most needful for knowledge transfer in biobanking? (7) Does an expiration date for a biobank make sense according to the period of funding?A strategy for optimal utilization begins with sharing of resources, infrastructure, and investments at the planning stage of a biobank, and continues to the transfer of knowledge and know-how by education. For clinical biobanks in particular, a long-term funding and cost recovery strategy is necessary for sustainable utilization.

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now acknowledged as a complex public health issue linked to sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and related disorders like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Aims. We aimed to retrieve its trends out of the huge amount of published data. Therefore, we conducted an extensive literature search to identify possible biomarker and/or biomarker combinations by retrospectively assessing and evaluating common and novel biomarkers to predict progression and prognosis of obesity related liver diseases. Methodology. We analyzed finally 62 articles accounting for 157 cohorts and 45,288 subjects. Results. Despite the various approaches, most cohorts were considerably small and rarely comparable. Also, we found that the same standard parameters were measured rather than novel biomarkers. Diagnostics approaches appeared incomparable. Conclusions. Further collaborative investigations on harmonizing ways of data acquisition and identifying such biomarkers for clinical use are necessary to yield sufficient significant results of potential biomarkers.

Purpose – Biobanks are collections of biological samples (e.g. tissue samples and body fluids) and their associated data intended for various approaches in medical research. The field of biobanking evolves rapidly as an interdisciplinary branch of research and requires educational efforts to provide skilled experts in Europe and beyond. New ways in research and research education play a pivotal role in the future of biobanking. Design/methodology/approach – The increasing of requests and potential uses of biospecimens from biobanks necessitates an international and national intensified transfer of forward looking knowledge and know-how. In Austria, this could be realized by special trainings as well as a postgraduate education. Furthermore, the forward looking research and further development of infrastructure will play a pivotal role in biobanks in the future. Findings – Few opportunities are available for specific education on biobanking in Europe. This could be remedied by the creation networks of ISO-certified biobanks and co-operation with interested parties. Research limitations/implications – The current research focuses on the situation of information transfer in the field of biobanking in Europe. A wider investigation in better harmonization and standardization of methods in other parts of the world would be beneficial. Originality/value – The value of biomolecular resources such as biobanks has previously been discussed in detail, e.g. by the Time magazine. The paper focuses on demonstrating the importance for education in the future of biobanking in general.

In the course of mitochondrial diseases standard care mostly focuses on treatment of symptoms, while therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function are currently still in development. The transfer of healthy or modified mitochondria into host cells would open up the possibilities of new cell therapies. Therefore, in this study, a novel method of mitochondrial transfer is proposed by anti-TOM22 magnetic bead-labeled mitochondria with the assistance of a magnetic plate. In comparison to the passive transfer method, the magnetomitotransfer method was more efficient at transferring mitochondria into cells (78–92% vs 0–17% over 3 days). This transfer was also more rapid, with a high ratio of magnetomitotransferred cells and high density of transferred mitochondria within the first day of culture. Importantly, transferred mitochondria appeared to be functional as they strongly enhanced respiration in magnetomitotransferred cells. The novel method of magnetomitotransfer may offer potential for therapeutic approaches for treatment of a variety of mitochondria-associated pathologies, e.g. various neurodegenerative diseases.

BACKGROUND: Adiponectin, the most abundant adipocytokine of adipose tissue cells, has recently been found to be decreased in coronary artery disease (CAD). Data concerning adiponectin in different stages of CAD are rare, and it was not investigated if adiponectin levels are influenced by the severity of angina pectoris. METHODS: Thus, we measured adiponectin serum levels by means of ELISA in 1626 male probands, including 273 control subjects, 367 subjects with silent CAD, 608 patients with stable, and 378 patients with unstable angina. RESULTS: As compared to controls (8.56; 5.85 to 12.85 microg/ml) and subjects with silent CAD (8.60; 5.99 to 12.64 microg/ml), adiponectin was significantly decreased in patients with stable (7.22; 5.06 to 10.41 microg/ml; p < 0.001 for both) and unstable angina (6.72; 4.08 to 10.08 microg/ml; p < 0.001 for both). By a logistic regression analysis, low adiponectin levels were identified as a significant independent predictor for stable and unstable angina (p < 0.001 for both). No significant differences of adiponectin were observed, neither between the stable and unstable angina group, nor between any classes of angina according to the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) Angina Score for stable angina. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest, that decreased adiponectin levels are indicative for symptomatic CAD, but are not further influenced by the progression of this disease.

We had the idea of this research, when we learned, that the children’s book about special needs: R.J. Palacio “Wonder” was translated into Armenian for the first time. Books on this topic have not been written yet by Armenian authors. The point is that during Soviet years the working assumption was that all the people were “like each other”, perfect, beautiful, without problems, without disorders; all those, who did not meet those criteria (who had visual, auditory, physical, mental, even speech and communication limitations), grew up and spent their lives in special boarding institutions, segregated from their families and society. Being ashamed of their children, who were not ideal, the parents kept them at home, hidden from acquaintances, neighbours, sometimes even from relatives. Attitudes have begun to change since then, and inclusive education has been a goal in Armenia since 2001. Despite the 15-year history of efforts at inclusive education, acceptance of people with special needs is still not evident in all corners of Armenian society. One of the most prevalent shortcomings is the stereotyping of people with special needs. We decided to use the reading of the book R.J. Palacio “Wonder” for the purpose of helping people confront their attitudes and stereotypes about disabilities as they explored the lives in this unique book.

Oncocytic tumors, also called oxyphilic tumors, are characterized by hyperproliferation of mitochondria, which histologically presents as a fine granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. In accordance with the high mitochondrial density in oncocytomas, transcript levels of subunits of complexes of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system are increased. Hence, for a long time oncocytomas were presumed to have a highly active aerobic mitochondrial energy metabolism. Recently, detailed analysis of all OXPHOS complexes in a variety of oncocytomas revealed loss of complex I and compensatory up-regulation of the other complexes. In half of the oncocytoma cases examined the absence of complex I is caused by disruptive mutations in mitochondrial DNA encoding complex I subunits. The new data presented here on rare oncocytomas and the accompanying review of the literature clearly indicate that complex I deficiency in combination with up-regulation of mitochondria can be regarded as a hallmark of oncocytic tumor cells. Therefore, complex I of the respiratory chain has to be added to the growing list of mitochondrial tumor suppressors.