The submitted article deals with the evaluation of the somatotype of persons and determination of a suitable somatotype for selected sports. In the introduction the method for determining and evaluating a somatotype according to Carter and Heath is characterised. The processes used for calculating the individual components - endomorphy, mesomorphy, ectomorphy - are presented as well as a description of these elements. The calculated components are subsequently put into a somatograph. The evaluation of a somatotype is of great benefit and offers a guideline with the selection of sporting activities; it subsequently helps assign athletes into a suitable position where they will be able to best develop their talents in view of their bodily construction. In this work two types of sports are evaluated - basketball and bodybuilding. With each sport the measurements which give the prerequisites for the given sport are presented. The selection of the presented sports was made with regard to the different requirements and demands in the scope of bodily constitution. The aim of the presented paper is to assess physical parameters of subjects groups in relation to selected sports (basketball and bodybuilding). Based on the body constitution to determine the conditions for developing the physical condition and success in the appointed sports. Another objective is to compare the rating form and equation methods for somatotype determination. The sample consist 32 subjects with age between 22-28 years of both sexes, who are dedicated to basketball, or bodybuilding at amateur level.

Background: Cardiovascular surgery is confronted by a lack of suitable materials for patch repair. Acellular animal tissues serve as an abundant source of promising biomaterials. The aim of our study was to explore the bio-integration of decellularized or recellularized pericardial matrices in vivo. Methods: Porcine (allograft) and ovine (heterograft, xenograft) pericardia were decellularized using 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate ((1) Allo-decel and (2) Xeno-decel). We used two cell types for pressure-stimulated recellularization in a bioreactor: autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASCs) isolated from subcutaneous fat of pigs ((3) Allo-ASC and (4) Xeno-ASC) and allogeneic Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJCs) ((5) Allo-WJC and (6) Xeno-WJC). These six experimental patches were implanted in porcine carotid arteries for one month. For comparison, we also implanted six types of control patches, namely, arterial or venous autografts, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE Propaten^® Gore^®), polyethylene terephthalate (PET Vascutek^®), chemically stabilized bovine pericardium (XenoSure^®), and detoxified porcine pericardium (BioIntegral^® NoReact^®). The grafts were evaluated through the use of flowmetry, angiography, and histological examination. Results: All grafts were well-integrated and patent with no signs of thrombosis, stenosis, or aneurysm. A histological analysis revealed that the arterial autograft resembled a native artery. All other control and experimental patches developed neo-adventitial inflammation (NAI) and neo-intimal hyperplasia (NIH), and the endothelial lining was present. NAI and NIH were most prominent on XenoSure^® and Xeno-decel and least prominent on NoReact^®. In xenografts, the degree of NIH developed in the following order: Xeno-decel > Xeno-ASC > Xeno-WJC. NAI and patch resorption increased in Allo-ASC and Xeno-ASC and decreased in Allo-WJC and Xeno-WJC. Conclusions: In our setting, pre-implant seeding with ASC or WJC had a modest impact on vascular patch remodeling. However, ASC increased the neo-adventitial inflammatory reaction and patch resorption, suggesting accelerated remodeling. WJC mitigated this response, as well as neo-intimal hyperplasia on xenografts, suggesting immunomodulatory properties.

(1) Background: Decellularized xenogeneic tissues are promising matrices for developing tissue-engineered cardiovascular grafts. In vitro recellularization of these tissues with stromal cells can provide a better in vivo remodelling and a lower thrombogenicity of the graft. The process of recellularization can be accelerated using a cultivation bioreactor simulating physiological conditions and stimuli. (2) Methods: Porcine pericardium was decellularized using a custom-built decellularization system with an optimized protocol. Autologous porcine adipose-derived stromal cells (PrASCs), isolated from the subcutaneous fat tissue, were used for recellularizing the decellularized pericardium. A custom cultivation bioreactor allowing the fixing of the decellularized tissue into a special cultivation chamber was created. The bioreactor maintained micro-perfusion and pulsatile pressure stimulation in order to promote the ingrowth of PrASCs inside the tissue and their differentiation. (3) Results: The dynamic cultivation promoted the ingrowth of cells into the decellularized tissue. Under static conditions, the cells penetrated only to the depth of 50 µm, whereas under dynamic conditions, the tissue was colonized up to 250 µm. The dynamic cultivation also supported the cell differentiation towards smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In order to ensure homogeneous cell colonization of the decellularized matrices, the bioreactor was designed to allow seeding of the cells from both sides of the tissue prior to the stimulation. In this case, the decellularized tissue was recolonized with cells within 5 days of dynamic cultivation. (4) Conclusions: Our newly designed dynamic bioreactor markedly accelerated the colonization of decellularized pericardium with ASCs and cell differentiation towards the SMC phenotype.

This paper focuses on research in expert elicitation as a part of the early stage health technology assessment (eHTA). The current state of affairs is analysed and two elicitation approaches are compared—the four fixed intervals method and the histogram method—as applied to an example of early assessment of clinical effectiveness of artificial thymus for patients with DiGeorge syndrome. A survey was carried out consisting of four questions concerning the topic, with the aim to apply the elicitation methods. Eight experts answered the questions using both elicitation methods. Based on their answers, the methods were compared visually and by means of statistical tests. In order to compare the perception of the two elicitation methods, the survey also included questions regarding the experts’ subjective preferences. The results of the comparison of the two elicitation approaches did not clearly confirm which method was more beneficial and better; however, it was possible to indicate which of the two methods is better suited for different types of experts. Before selecting an elicitation method as a part of eHTA, it is advisable to effectively consider the technology to be assessed and the type of experts to be invited to share their opinion.

Purpose: The study deals with eHTA of new technology for STEMI patients indicated for PCI treatment, which contains diagnostic of rVF risks and medication to prevent rVF in at-risk patients above standard approved procedure. Due to the recommended medication procedure for STEMI patients with identified high rVF risks during PCI and its effectiveness have not been established the goal is to find out what level of medication effectiveness which will be sufficient for the cost-effectiveness of the new technology. Methods: Scenarios where the effectiveness of rVF protecting medication administered to predisposed STEMI patients undergoing PCI varies from 5 to 95% were analyzed. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated by the CEA. Results: The determined minimum effectiveness of rVF protecting medication to achieve the technology and procedure cost-effectiveness is 7.54%. Even if medication efficacy is at least 39.58%, the technology is “dominant” and the ICER is in the South-east [SE] quadrant. Conclusions: Cost-effectiveness analysis show that for all scenarios modeled, except the 5% medication effectiveness scenario, the technology appears to be cost-effective. so such new technology will probably be very attractive for investors.