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We present results from an analysis of all data taken by the BICEP2, Keck Array, and BICEP3 CMB polarization experiments up to and including the 2018 observing season. We add additional Keck Array observations at 220 GHz and BICEP3 observations at 95 GHz to the previous 95/150/220  GHz dataset. The Q/U maps now reach depths of 2.8, 2.8, and 8.8  μK&#95;{CMB} arcmin at 95, 150, and 220 GHz, respectively, over an effective area of ≈600 square degrees at 95 GHz and ≈400 square degrees at 150 and 220 GHz. The 220 GHz maps now achieve a signal-to-noise ratio on polarized dust emission exceeding that of Planck at 353 GHz. We take auto- and cross-spectra between these maps and publicly available WMAP and Planck maps at frequencies from 23 to 353 GHz and evaluate the joint likelihood of the spectra versus a multicomponent model of lensed ΛCDM+r+dust+synchrotron+noise. The foreground model has seven parameters, and no longer requires a prior on the frequency spectral index of the dust emission taken from measurements on other regions of the sky. This model is an adequate description of the data at the current noise levels. The likelihood analysis yields the constraint r&#95;{0.05}<0.036 at 95% confidence. Running maximum likelihood search on simulations we obtain unbiased results and find that σ(r)=0.009. These are the strongest constraints to date on primordial gravitational waves.

We present results from an analysis of all data taken by the bicep2/Keck CMB polarization experiments up to and including the 2015 observing season. This includes the first Keck Array observations at 220 GHz and additional observations at 95 and 150 GHz. The Q and U maps reach depths of 5.2, 2.9, and 26  μK&#95;{CMB} arcmin at 95, 150, and 220 GHz, respectively, over an effective area of ≈400 square degrees. The 220 GHz maps achieve a signal to noise on polarized dust emission approximately equal to that of Planck at 353 GHz. We take auto and cross spectra between these maps and publicly available WMAP and Planck maps at frequencies from 23 to 353 GHz. We evaluate the joint likelihood of the spectra versus a multicomponent model of lensed-ΛCDM+r+dust+synchrotron+noise. The foreground model has seven parameters, and we impose priors on some of these using external information from Planck and WMAP derived from larger regions of sky. The model is shown to be an adequate description of the data at the current noise levels. The likelihood analysis yields the constraint r&#95;{0.05}<0.07 at 95% confidence, which tightens to r&#95;{0.05}<0.06 in conjunction with Planck temperature measurements and other data. The lensing signal is detected at 8.8σ significance. Running a maximum likelihood search on simulations we obtain unbiased results and find that σ(r)=0.020. These are the strongest constraints to date on primordial gravitational waves.

We present results from an analysis of all data taken by the BICEP2 and Keck Array cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization experiments up to and including the 2014 observing season. This includes the first Keck Array observations at 95 GHz. The maps reach a depth of 50 nK deg in Stokes Q and U in the 150 GHz band and 127 nK deg in the 95 GHz band. We take auto- and cross-spectra between these maps and publicly available maps from WMAP and Planck at frequencies from 23 to 353 GHz. An excess over lensed ΛCDM is detected at modest significance in the 95×150 BB spectrum, and is consistent with the dust contribution expected from our previous work. No significant evidence for synchrotron emission is found in spectra such as 23×95, or for correlation between the dust and synchrotron sky patterns in spectra such as 23×353. We take the likelihood of all the spectra for a multicomponent model including lensed ΛCDM, dust, synchrotron, and a possible contribution from inflationary gravitational waves (as parametrized by the tensor-to-scalar ratio r) using priors on the frequency spectral behaviors of dust and synchrotron emission from previous analyses of WMAP and Planck data in other regions of the sky. This analysis yields an upper limit r&#95;{0.05}<0.09 at 95% confidence, which is robust to variations explored in analysis and priors. Combining these B-mode results with the (more model-dependent) constraints from Planck analysis of CMB temperature plus baryon acoustic oscillations and other data yields a combined limit r&#95;{0.05}<0.07 at 95% confidence. These are the strongest constraints to date on inflationary gravitational waves.

Background: Severe sepsis remains the most common cause of death in intensive care units (ICUs) according to many epidemiological studies. There are no data in Poland on the extent of severe sepsis cases treated in ICUs. The aim of the study was to analyse the course and outcome of severe sepsis patients treated in Polish ICUs., Methods: In 2003, the internet-based severe sepsis registry was created as a multicentre observational research project. An online questionnaire was made accessible to ICUs participating in the study. Questionnaires were completed after the discharge of patients and included demographic data, clinical and microbiological information about the cause, course, treatment and outcome of septic patients. All data were given voluntarily and anonymously., Results: During the 7-year period (2003-2009), 4999 cases of severe sepsis were registered for analysis. The mean age of septic patients was 57 years, and the majority of the patients were men (58%). The mean length of stay in the ICU was 10 days. A significant decrease in the mortality rate was observed from 54% in 2003 and 56% in 2004 to 46% in 2009 (P < 0.05). Most of the patients were admitted to the ICU for surgical reasons (56%), and intra-abdominal infections predominated (49%). Severe sepsis patients were admitted to ICUs in critical condition, and the majority of them (89%) had 3 or more organs dysfunction. The APACHE II score on admission was 26 points. Community acquired infections were the most frequent cause of severe sepsis (53%). Most of the pathogens responsible for infection were Gram-negative bacteria (58%). Gram-positive bacteria were identified in 34% of patients and fungi in 16%. A positive blood culture was detected in 41% of patients. Vasopressors were administered to most of the patients (86%). There was a marked increase in the frequency of administering noradrenaline and a decrease in administering dopamine. Renal replacement therapy was applied in 22% of the patients, and there was a marked increase in this type of therapy in the last two years of the study period., Conclusions: Patients with severe sepsis involved in the 7-year registry were critically ill in half of the cases because of intra-abdominal infections, and the majority of them had multi-organ dysfunction. The mortality of registered patients was high, but it significantly decreased during the observation time. Based on the results obtained from this voluntary registry, the authors conclude that mandated sepsis registries should be established in Polish hospitals to improve the strategy of diagnosing and managing this syndrome.

Introduction: Cholangitis and biliary sepsis are severe infectious diseases, which are often observed in patients with choledocholithiasis. The antimicrobial therapy is effective if started as soon as the diagnosis is made. Therefore, the profile of bile pathogens and its susceptibility to a number of antibiotics were evaluated., Material and Methods: Bile cultures and antibiograms from 92 patients hospitalized between January 2006 and December 2008 in a tertiary referral center for the treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases (Central Teaching Hospital, Medical University of Silesia) were reviewed. Specimens were obtained from patients with acute cholangitis and confirmed choledocholithiasis during endoscopic (i.e. ERCP) and surgical (i.e. percutaneus transhepatic biliary drainage) procedures. The bile specimens were examined for pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi., Results: Sixty-five of 92 analyzed cultures were positive. A total of 69 pathogens were isolated: 47 (68.1%) gram-negative bacteria, 18 (26.1%) gram-positive bacteria, 2 (2.9%) anaerobes and 2 (2.9%) Candida. The predominant gram-negative pathogens were Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumani complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae. The most effective antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria were imipenem, cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime (susceptibility 97.9%, 89.4%, 85.1% and 85.1%, respectively). The expenditure on antibiotics monotherapies and combined therapies was also analyzed., Conclusion: Our study shows that gram-negative bacteria were the predominant bile pathogens found in patients with acute cholangitis. Piperacillin/tazobactam or ceftazidime may be the alternative to ciprofloxacin therapeutic option. The addition of ticarcillin/clavulanic acid to ciprofloxacin could also be considered. However, imipenem should remain a back-up antibiotic in the treatment of acute cholangitis.

Background: The mortality in aortic abdominal aneurysm surgery remains in the 2-7% range. The aim of the study was to compare the results and safety of surgical aneurysm resection with grafting under general anaesthesia, using percutaneous insertion of a stent under local anaesthesia and intravenous analgesic sedation., Methods: The data from patients scheduled for elective subrenal abdominal aortic treatment was analysed retrospectively. Patients were allocated to two groups, according to their general condition, ASA status, presence of other pathologies and anatomical conditions. Patients in group I underwent open surgery with general anaesthesia; patients in group II received stents implanted using local anaesthesia and intravenous analgesic sedation., Results: One houndred twenty-seven patients were allocated either to group I (n=87) or to group II (n=40). Blood pressure, heart rate, the need for catecholamines, blood loss and fluid replacement were all higher in group I. More than 50% of patients from this group required mechanical ventilation in the early postoperative period, as well as longer hospitalization. All patients in group II survived, while 6 patients from group I died from postoperative complications., Conclusions: Endovascular repair of aortic abdominal aneurysms under local anaesthesia combined with i.v. sedation is a safe alternative in high-risk patients.

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of unilateral spinal anaesthesia and to compare this technique to the commonly used bilateral technique in a prospective, controlled, randomized study., Methods: Fifty-four ASA I-III adult patients, of both sexes, aged 18-75 years, and scheduled for elective unilateral surgery, were randomly allocated into two groups: a unilateral spinal anaesthesia group (group B, n=27, to receive 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine, 1.2 mL+0.1 mL per every 10 cm over 170 cm height); and a bilateral spinal anaesthesia group (group K, n=27, to receive 0.5% bupivacaine 2.4 mL+0.2 mL per every 10 cm over 170 cm height). The statistical analysis included haemodynamic parameters and side-effects. The t-test for independent trials, test for two structure indexes and chi2 test were used., Results: All blocks were fully effective. Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in the K group. Heart and respiratory rates did not differ between the groups. The total number of side effects (hypotension, bradycardia, apnoea) requiring intervention was similar in both groups., Conclusion: Unilateral spinal anaesthesia is safe. The dose of bupivacaine is lower and haemodynamic stability is better. The technique is more time consuming, compared to standard spinal anaesthesia and the patient's cooperation is essential.

Respiratory distress and the need for mechanical ventilation, have been the most common reasons for ITU hospitalization. Pulmonary pathology is sometimes difficult to diagnose and differentiate; therefore we are on a continuous search for diagnostic tools and markers. It has been suggested that in patients intubated for acute lung injury, lower concentrations of surfactant proteins A and D in bronchoalveolar fluid and higher concentrations in the plasma are associated with more severe lung injury and worse clinical outcomes. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays a crucial role in defense mechanisms and immunomodulation, binding with various pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and viruses. SP-D is a valuable marker in ARDS and other specific and non-specific pulmonary pathologies, and may find a place as a valuable marker of the severity of disease.

Unlabelled: Colonization of the tip of the intravenous catheter is often observed in the ICU practice and can be the source of dangerous bacteriemia (CRBSI--catheter related bloodstream bacteraemia) and sepsis with multiorgan failure. There are many cases conected with bacterial colonization of the tip of the catheter in the ICU practice, which could be the source of dangerous bacteriemia--CRBSI (catheter related bloodstream bacteriemia) and sepsis with organs failure., Material and Methods: 105 patients with sepsis were examined, which clinical state pointed, that CVC was the source of infection. We removed the CVC in this patient, and its tip and patient's blood were examined microbiologically. In the case of positive result, the antibiogram was made., Objective: Evaluation of colonisation and infections of central venous catheters and catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI) in general ICU patients' and with identification of most frequent microorganisms and their antibiotic sensibility. Results. After examining of 105 samples in 37 (35, 24%) cases we did not culture bacteria. From the rest of 68 (64, 76%) samples we cultured 110 bacterial colonies. 8 of them were admitted to be contaminated samples. 60 tips of the catheter were used to proper analysis from which we isolated 102 bacterial colonies: 44 (43.1%) Gram positive cocci, 32 (31.5%) Enterobacteriaceae, 23 (22.5%) glucose non-fermentative gram-negative rods rods Gram negative non glucose fermentation and 3 (2.9%) fungi (C. albicans). We analized 60 blood samples that derived from patients with confirmed catheter colonisation. It was found that 8 blood samples indicated bacteriemia, but only in 2 cases isolated bacteria came from the CVC. Conclusions. (1) The majority of central venous catheters on ICU are colonized by pathogenic microorganisms. (2) Aerobic Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria are responsible for CVCs' infection. (3) Bacterial colonization of CVCs' is not very often the reason of CRBSI. (4) Prolonged use of central venous catheters needs careful prophylactic standards of an microbiological monitoring.

Background: Recombinant human activated protein C (drotrecogin alfa [activated]--DAA) demonstrated in Phase III controlled clinical studies significant reduction of mortality in patients with severe sepsis and high risk of death. The aim of the study was to assess the therapeutic efficacy of DAA in patients included in the National Severe Sepsis Register in Poland., Material/methods: The analysis included 3233 cases of severe sepsis reported between 04.2003 and 11.2005. 302 patients (9.3%) were treated with DAA. The clinical course of the disease in DAA and non-DAA treatment groups was compared. Logistic regression models for the effects of independent variables on the risk of death (dependent variable) were developed., Results: In the patients treated with DAA, the relative risk of death was lower by 31% than in those who were not treated. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the use of DAA was, independently of the patient's age, severity of the clinical condition and type of organ dysfunction, the most significant mortality-reducing factor in severe sepsis., Conclusions: The use of DAA in the treatment of severe sepsis proved to be a very effective method of mortality reduction. Controlled nationwide surveillance program contributed to its effective utilization. The National Severe Sepsis Register proved to be a very useful instrument for assessment of the course of the disease and treatment efficacy.

More often we are faced with the cases of young people (who are in a serious condition) who land in ICU, because of severe narcotics intoxication, which they took occasionally on the concerts, discotheques and social events. From 1997 we observed rapid increase of admission to hospitals due to amphetamine, MDMA (2,3-methylenedeoxymethamphetamine which is a main component of a tablet called ecstasy) and THC (9-d tetrahydrocannabinols which are a component of sunn hemps) intoxication and decrease of opioid's poisoning. 23 years old patient was admitted to ICU in critical condition after severe narcotics intoxication. Patient was deeply unconscious (GCS 3) with tetraplegia and high temperature (39.6 degrees C). He had endotracheal tube (artificially ventilated) and hypovolemic shock with circulatory insufficiency (blood pressure was supported by 3 catecholamines). We observed many petechias and ecchymoses which suggested vascular haemorrhagic diathesis. It was found that the patient had disseminated intravascular coagulation and rhabdomyolysis with acute renal failure which was treated by dialysis. After 26 days of intensive treatment the patient was conscious, he had also efficient circulatory and respiratory system but with slight improvement of neurological state. In this condition he was admitted on nephrology ward to continue the treatment and start rehabilitation. The presence of high concentration of amphetamine, MDMA and THC in blood, extreme dehydration and electrolytes disturbances caused rhabdomyolysis, DIC syndrome and acute renal failure which make the prognosis worse and complicate the treatment. Estimating probability of death of this patient in SAPS II scale (Simplified Acute Physiology Scale) he has bad prognosis (86 points gives 95% of death probability). The patient is alive (what is a big success), probably thanks to quick arrival to specialized medical centre and dialysis treatment which was started early.

Gastric tonometry is relatively non-invasive technique to assess gastric perfusion and to monitor oxygen metabolism in visceral system. The technique utilizes the PCO2 of the gastric fluid to calculate intramucosal pH (pHi). The calculation is assessed by a modified Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The combination of a high intramural PCO2 and mucosal acidosis may result from decreased splanchnic perfusion. The values of pHi and regional PCO2 (PrCO2) based on gastric tonometry reflect indirect index of visceral blood flow. In clinical practice the PCO2 of the gastric fluid is collected from saline sampled in the penetrable by carbon dioxide balloon. The silicon balloon is a part of tonometric probe placed in the gastric lumen. Device TONOCAP (Datex-Ohmeda, Helsinki, Finland) allows for full automatic measurement of the carbon dioxide regional pressure (PrCO2). Presented experimental and clinical studies confirmed the usefulness of gastric tonometry in visceral blood perfusion assessment during perioperative and critical ill stage. Finally, the technique allows to decrease the number of complications, treatment expenses and mortality.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the city of Katowice, Poland, during a period of 1 year prior to the planned reorganization of the national emergency system. Data were collected prospectively according to a modified Utstein style. To ensure accurate data collection, a special method of reporting resuscitation events with the use of a tape-recorder was introduced. Patients were followed for a 1-year period. Between 1 July 2001 and 30 June 2002, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was confirmed in 1153 patients. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was attempted in 188 patients. Cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac aetiology (147) was bystander witnessed in 105 (71%) cases and lay-bystander basic life support was performed in 35 (24%). In the group of bystander witnessed arrest ventricular fibrillation (VF) or tachycardia was documented in 59, asystole in 40 and other non-perfusing rhythms in six patients. Of 147 patients with cardiac aetiology, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved in 64 (44%) patients, 15 (10%) were discharged alive and 9 (6%) were alive 1 year later. Most of these patients had a good neurological outcome. Time to first defibrillatory shock was significantly shorter for survivors (median 7 min) compared to non-survivors (median 10 min). The most important resuscitation and patient characteristics associated with survival were VF as initial rhythm, arrest witnessed, and lay-bystander CPR.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a usefulness of thoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB) in following adaptive haemodynamic adjustments to postural change and isometric exercise. Sixteen subjects with intact cardiovascular system took part in this study. Haemodynamic parameters were obtained in recumbency and after taking up erect posture. Besides, TEB was performed during handgrip test and the results were compared with baseline resting data. Each time the radionuclide ventriculography (RV) was performed concurrently with TEB to obtain an independent measurement of ejection fraction (EF). Active orthostasis was associated with a change in stroke volume, cardiac output and total vascular resistance by -29.7%, -3.4%, +3.9%, respectively. The handgrip produced a significant increase in cardiac output by 16.3%, however it was not associated with an enhancement of stroke volume. Although there was a moderate correlation between EF calculated by TEB and RV in supine position (r=0.66; p < 0.001), TEB failed to reflect changes of EF in orthostasis and isometric exercise. In conclusion, our results suggest that TEB offers in subjects with normal cardiovascular function a valuable alternative to cardiovascular monitoring of stroke volume and cardiac output, but calculation of EF is associated with a risk of serious error.

The new standards of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), being the result of the World Health Organisation and the European Resuscitation Council studies, should be introduced to the hospital practice everywhere. The aim of this study is to create the project of organisation of the effective CPR system in the big, multidisciplinary hospital--Central Teaching Hospital of the Silesian University of Medicine in Katowice. We propose to establish the interdisciplinary Hospital Resuscitation Council (HRC) consisted of competent representatives of doctors and nurses from all departments with the head of department of anaesthesiology and intensive therapy as a leader of this group. The HRC will be responsible for introducing the effective teaching program of cardiac arrest assessment and basic life support for the whole hospital staff including physicians, nurses, nursing students and lay people. Clear rules of CPR-Alarm, call-system and "do not resuscitate" patients should be established and introduced. There is a need of elaboration of the uniform documentation system and continuous analysis of the effects of CPR activity in the hospital. Anticipated costs of this project are high but the safety of our patients and quality of medical service in the hospital will improve significantly.

An anorectic drug, dexfenfluramine (dF) is commonly used in obesity treatment. The aim of our study was to investigate if dexfenfluramine used alone or together with alpha 2-adrenolitic yohimbine (Y), can change cardiovascular state in obese women.

Low caloric diet is a commonly accepted treatment in obesity. However, owing to moderate results, a pharmacological support has been proposed. As some efficacious drugs activate overall sympathetic activity, they might modify functions of the cardiovascular system. Three groups of subjects were studied: (1) nine obese women receiving only a standard hypocaloric diet; (2) nine obese women receiving a standard hypocaloric diet and ephedrine (2 x 25 mg) with caffeine (2 x 200 mg); (3) nine obese women receiving a standard hypocaloric diet and ephedrine (2 x 25 mg) with caffeine (2 x 200 mg) and yohimbine (2 x 5 mg). The cardiovascular state was evaluated by thoracic electrical bioimpedance, automatic sphygmomanometry and continuous ECG recording. In each patient, the haemodynamic study was performed twice: at rest, i.e. before treatment; and after 10 days of treatment. On the same days in each patient, the haemodynamic tests were performed during physical exercises (handgrip stress and cycloergometer exercise). Caffeine and ephedrine had no haemodynamic effect in resting patients. These two drugs led to an increase in ejection fraction during cycloergometer exercise. Addition of yohimbine increased diastolic pressure and heart rate but decreased ejection fraction and stroke index during rest. We also observed that addition of yohimbine decreased ejection fraction during the handgrip and cycloergometer exercise and increased cardiac load during dynamic exercise. Pharmacological supplement of ephedrine and caffeine to a low caloric diet modified the cardiovascular system weakly, but the addition of yohimbine to this regimen attenuated cardiac performance during rest and handgrip and increased cardiac work during dynamic exercise.

It seems that hypervolemia and vasodilatation coincide in compensated cirrhosis, but neither rank nor importance of these factors has been fully clarified in adaptive response to postural change. We studied, with gated equilibrium radionuclide angiography and thoracic electrical bioimpedance the hemodynamic status of 19 patients with compensated cirrhosis and 18 healthy subjects in upright and supine positions. In the upright position, the cirrhotic patients were hypotensive and had decreased peripheral vascular resistance despite increased cardiac output. The transition to the supine position was accompanied by a significant fall in the heart rate and an increase in the stroke volume in both controls (92 +/- 22 to 63 +/- 10 beats/min, and 38 +/- 9 to 62 +/- 19 ml/m2, respectively) and cirrhotic patients (101 +/- 20 to 79 +/- 13 beats/min, and 44 +/- 15 to 63 +/- 19 ml/m2, respectively). Besides, the diastolic arterial pressure fell in controls from 89 +/- 9 mmHg to 81 +/- 11 mmHg; p < 0.01, while it remained unchanged in cirrhotic patients (77 +/- 17 vs 82 +/- 13 mmHg). In the supine position, the cirrhotic patients presented tachycardia and left ventricular hyperkinesy (increased velocity of left ventricular filling and emptying). In conclusion, these results show that in compensated cirrhosis the decreased arterial tone and peripheral blood pooling are important factors of adaptive hemodynamic reaction to postural change.

In 12 experiments on dogs heterotopic cardiac allotransplantation on the recipient's neck has been performed. During the transplant survival its electrical activity and the coronary blood flow (CBF) were recorded with an implanted sensor of electromagnetic flowmeter. The combination of relatively low CBF and the amplitude of R wave during the first hours after transplantation with a high heart rate is a poor prognostic sign. Oscillations of CBF run parallel to changes of ECG when the viability of the transplant is retained, during the rejection crisis these changes do not correlate. The significance of comprehensive assessment of the cardiac function with the use of ECG and CBF measurement and comparison of their absolute figures and dynamics is shown to be of importance for the early diagnosis of the rejection crisis.

The paper studies electrical activity of the heart during the anti-ischemic protection by cool high-potassium cardioplegic solution based on the blood. Parametres characterising automatism function and the myocardial state of the ventricles practically did not differ from the control data obtained during the experiments without ischemia. Atrioventricular conduction and the atrium myocardium were worse preserved. The positive effects of the papaverine addition to the cardioplegic perfusate has been also shown. The author came to the conclusion that it is necessary to pay special attention to the electrical activity of the supraventricular area of the heart for the adequate evaluation of the cardioplegia.