Abstract Anatomical model of fragment of lumbar spine and rod fixator with screw attachment were made. Numerical analyses (use of finite element method) were executed. Results show that stresses in the analyzed structure depend on the size of the fixator used. Authors suggest further research.

Abstract Background: While researching new algorithms for computer graphics, we focused on the ones that are useful in modeling biological formations. Iterated function systems (IFS) are commonly used to visualize fractals or 3D self-similar objects. Their main advantage is the brevity. In the simplest cases, it is enough to define the shape of the base module and the set of transformations to create a multimodular object. In the literature, models of shells, horns, and beaks are described. To model more complex formations, the modified method was introduced in which parameters of the transformation depend on the number of iteration. Methods: The presented method combines IFS with a new approach to modeling compound objects, which uses positioners. The positioner itself and its possible applications were described in papers that do not refer to IFS models. Results: We show here how to use positioners with IFS models, including branched ones (as models of the bronchial tree). The achieved models can be simplified or more accurate depending on the variant of the algorithm. Thanks to the positioners, these models have a continuous lateral surface regardless of used shape of cross-section. The algorithm is described along with the requirements for a base module. Conclusions: It is indicated that positioners simplify the work of a graphic designer. Obtained models of bronchial trees can be used (e.g. in 3D interactive visualizations for medicine students).

Abstract Electroencephalography (EEG) has become more popular, and as a result, the market grows with new EEG products. The new EEG solutions offer higher mobility, easier application, and lower price. One of such devices that recently became popular is Emotiv EEG. It has been already tested in various applications concerning brain-computer interfaces, neuromarketing, language processing, and detection of the P-300 component, with a general result that it is capable of recording satisfying research data. However, no one has tested and described its usefulness in long-term research. This article presents experience from using Emotiv EEG in two research projects that involved 39 subjects for 22 sessions. Emotiv EEG has significant technical issues concerning the quality of its screw threads. Two complete and successful solutions to this problem are described.

Abstract The shape of a protein chain may be analyzed at different levels of details. The ultimate shape description contains three-dimensional coordinates of all atoms in the chain. In many cases, a description of the local shape, namely secondary structure, is enough to determine some properties of proteins. Although obtaining the full three-dimensional (3D) information also defines the secondary structure, the problem of finding this precise 3D shape (tertiary structure) given only the amino acid sequence is very complex. However, the secondary structure may be found even without having the full 3D information. Many methods have been developed for this purpose. Most of them are based on similarities of the analyzed protein chain to other proteins that are already analyzed and have a known secondary structure. The presented paper proposes a method based on dictionaries of known structures for predicting the secondary structure from either the primary structure or the so-called structural code. Accuracies of up to 79% have been achieved.

Abstract Background: Simulation training in medical education is a valuable tool for skill acquisition. Standard audio/video-feedback systems for training surveillance and subsequent video feedback are expensive and often not available. Methods: We investigated solutions for a low-budget audio/video-feedback system based on consumer hardware and open source software. Results: Our results indicate that inexpensive, movable network cameras are suitable for high-quality video transmission including bidirectional audio transmission and an integrated streaming platform. In combination with a laptop, a WLAN connection, and the open source software iSpyServer, one or more cameras represent the easiest, yet fully functional audio/video-feedback system. For streaming purposes, the open source software VLC media player yields a comprehensive functionality. Using the powerful VideoLAN Media Manager, it is possible to generate a split-screen video comprising different video and audio streams. Optionally, this system can be augmented by analog audio hardware. In this paper, we present how these different modules can be set up and combined to provide an audio/video-feedback system for a simulation ambulance. Conclusions: We conclude that open source software and consumer hardware offer the opportunity to build a low-budget, feature-rich and high-quality audio/video-feedback system that can be used in realistic medical simulations.

Abstract Occupational medicine (OM), especially the ability to recognize potentially workplace-related diseases or accidents, is important for medical students to learn. The assessment in OM at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University is implemented as a paper-based, multiple-choice question exam that does not assess the students’ ability to remember occupational aspects in clinical contexts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to create and evaluate an online exam based on 19 virtual patients to assess the aspects of OM in an interdisciplinary setting. Thirty-nine medical students participated in the exam with an average score of 65%. The score for freetext questions assessing OM aspects was low (39%). The study showed that the implementation of an interdisciplinary VP-based exam is feasible. The integration of such an interdisciplinary exam would be feasible, for example, as an open-book assessment.

Abstract In this paper, we presented the problem of predicting response to recombinant human growth hormone (GH) treatment in GH-deficient children. Such a prediction can be done by techniques of mathematical modelling and is important because the therapy consists of daily injections and is expensive; thus, it should be administered only to those patients who will, with high probability, benefit from it. Until now, the leading methodological approach to this problem was multiple regression analysis. Several authors demonstrated that it is possible to derive useful models by this method; however, it has some obvious limitations that can be avoided with the use of the proposed neural network approach.

Abstract The transition state ensemble during the folding process of globular proteins occurs when a sufficient number of intrachain contacts are formed, mainly, but not exclusively, due to hydrophobic interactions. These contacts are related to the folding nucleus, and they contribute to the stability of the native structure, although they may disappear after the energetic barrier of transition states has been passed. A number of structure and sequence analyses, as well as protein engineering studies, have shown that the signature of the folding nucleus is surprisingly present in the native three-dimensional structure, in the form of closed loops, and also in the early folding events. These findings support the idea that the residues of the folding nucleus become buried in the very first folding events, therefore helping the formation of closed loops that act as anchor structures, speed up the process, and overcome the Levinthal paradox. We present here a review of an algorithm intended to simulate in a discrete space the early steps of the folding process. It is based on a Monte Carlo simulation where perturbations, or moves, are randomly applied to residues within a sequence. In contrast with many technically similar approaches, this model does not intend to fold the protein but to calculate the number of non-covalent neighbors of each residue, during the early steps of the folding process. Amino acids along the sequence are categorized as most interacting residues (MIRs) or least interacting residues. The MIR method can be applied under a variety of circumstances. In the cases tested thus far, MIR has successfully identified the exact residue whose mutation causes a switch in conformation. This follows with the idea that MIR identifies residues that are important in the folding process. Most MIR positions correspond to hydrophobic residues; correspondingly, MIRs have zero or very low accessible surface area. Alongside the review of the MIR method, we present a new postprocessing method called smoothed MIR (SMIR), which refines the original MIR method by exploiting the knowledge of residue hydrophobicity. We review known results and present new ones, focusing on the ability of MIR to predict structural changes, secondary structure, and the improved precision with the SMIR method.

Abstract 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.