The Effect of Nonthermal Pretreatment on the Drying Kinetics and Quality of Black Garlic.

Black garlic is obtained from regular garlic (Allium sativum L.) through the aging process and consequently gains many health-promoting properties, including antidiabetic and antioxidant. However, the material is still prone to microbiological deterioration and requires a long time to dry due to its properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of various drying methods on the quality of black garlic as well as determine the influence of selected nonthermal pretreatments on the drying kinetics and quality of black garlic, which is especially important in the case of the materials that are difficult to dry. The Weibull model was chosen to describe drying kinetics. Additionally, color, water activity together with antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and antidiabetic potential were determined. This study found that the application of a pulsed electric field (PEF), a constant electric field (CEF) as well as a magnetic field (MF) significantly reduced the time of drying (by 32, 40, and 24 min for a PEF, a CEF, and a MF, respectively, compared to combined drying without the pretreatment), and resulted in high antidiabetic potential. However, the highest content of phenolic compounds (1123.54 and 1125.36 mg/100 g dm for VMD125 and CD3h-VMD, respectively) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS = 6.05 and 5.06 mmol Trolox/100 g dm for VMD500 and CD6h-VMD, respectively) were reported for black garlic treated by vacuum-microwave drying and combined convective pre-drying followed by vacuum-microwave drying. Overall, the nonthermal pretreatment decreased the time of drying and showed very good efficiency in maintaining the antidiabetic potential of black garlic, especially in the case of the materials pretreated by a constant electric field (IC50 = 99 and 56 mg/mL, for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively).

[Ocena zwiazku stezenia kwasu moczowego z przebiegiem zakazenia SARS-CoV-2]. / Ocena zwiazku stezenia kwasu moczowego z przebiegiem zakazenia SARS-CoV-2.

The disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is currently one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death. It has been shown that early assessment of selected laboratory parameters: blood count parameters, concentration of protein C (CRP), D-dimers, ferritin, cardiac troponins or interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients hospitalized due to COVID- 19 may facilitate predicting its severe course. However, the relationship between uric acid (UA) levels and the prognosis in COVID-19 is unclear. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between hyperuricemia and the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the prognosis of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, taking into account concomitant cardiovascular diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive COVID- 19 patients admitted to the hospital, whose parameters of inflammation were measured on admission: C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), procalcitonin, interleukin-6, d-dimers, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and UA concentration. The clinical course of the infection was assessed in regard to the presence of comorbidities. Based on the concentration of UA in the blood serum (greater than 360 emol/l), the group of patients with hyperuricemia was selected. Analysis of the interaction between arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases and the concentration of UA and the course of COVID-19 was performed. In all statistical analyzes, a significant level of p <0.05 was assumed. RESULTS: The analysis included 252 patients,101 (40.0%) with hyperuricemia. Patients with hyperuricemia had lower hs-CRP and eGFR values compared to patients with normal UA levels. Hyperuricemia did not affect the course of COVID-19 infection or increase mortality. People with comorbid cardiovascular diseases (ischemic heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, a history of stroke) had twofold higher in-hospital mortality (31% vs 15%) compared to subjects without these diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of hyperuricemia on admission to hospital is not associated with a worse prognosis in patients with COVID-19. The presence of overt cardiovascular diseases is the strongest risk factor for death in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Higher concentration of UA is associated with the presence of cardiovascular diseases, however, it is not an independent factor affecting the course and mortality in COVID-19.

Impact of acute total occlusion of the culprit artery on outcome in NSTEMI based on the results of a large national registry.

BACKGROUND: The impact of acute total occlusion (TO) of the culprit artery in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is not fully established. We aimed to evaluate the clinical and angiographic phenotype and outcome of NSTEMI patients with TO (NSTEMITO) compared to NSTEMI patients without TO (NSTEMINTO) and those with ST-segment elevation and TO (STEMITO). METHODS: Demographic, clinical and procedure-related data of patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2014 and 2017 from the Polish National Registry were analysed. RESULTS: We evaluated 131,729 patients: NSTEMINTO (n = 65,206), NSTEMITO (n = 16,209) and STEMITO (n = 50,314). The NSTEMITO group had intermediate results compared to the NSTEMINTO and STEMITO groups regarding mean age (68.78 ± 11.39 vs 65.98 ± 11.61 vs 64.86 ± 12.04 (years), p < 0.0001), Killip class IV on admission (1.69 vs 2.48 vs 5.03 (%), p < 0.0001), cardiac arrest before admission (2.19 vs 3.09 vs 6.02 (%), p < 0.0001) and death during PCI (0.43 vs 0.97 vs 1.76 (%), p < 0.0001)-for NSTEMINTO, NSTEMITO and STEMITO, respectively. However, we noticed that the NSTEMITO group had the longest time from pain to first medical contact (median 4.0 vs 5.0 vs 2.0 (hours), p < 0.0001) and the lowest frequency of TIMI flow grade 3 after PCI (88.61 vs 83.36 vs 95.57 (%), p < 0.0001) and that the left circumflex artery (LCx) was most often the culprit lesion (14.09 vs 35.86 vs 25.42 (%), p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The NSTEMITO group clearly differed from the NSTEMINTO group. NSTEMITO appears to be an intermediate condition between NSTEMINTO and STEMITO, although NSTEMITO patients have the longest time delay to and the worst result of PCI, which can be explained by the location of the culprit lesion in the LCx.

Using Geiger Dosimetry EKO-C Device to Detect Ionizing Radiation Emissions from Building Materials.

The purpose of the article is to check and assess what radiation is emitted by particular building materials with the passage of time. The analysis was performed with the EKO-C dosimetry device from Polon-Ekolab. The scope of the work included research on sixteen selected construction materials, divided into five groups. The analysis of the results showed that samples such as bricks (first group) and hollow blocks (second group) emit the highest radiation in the tested objects. When comparing these materials, the highest value was recorded when measuring the ceramic block of 15.76 mSv·yr-1. Taking into account the bricks, the highest value of radiation was shown by a full clinker brick, 11.3 mSv·yr-1. Insulation materials and finishing boards are two other groups of building materials that have been measured. They are characterised by a low level of radiation. In the case of materials for thermal insulation, the highest condition was demonstrated by graphite polystyrene of 4.463 mSv·yr-1, while among finishing boards, the highest value of radiation was recorded for the measurement of gypsum board of 3.76 mSv·yr-1. Comparing the obtained test results to the requirements of the Regulation of the Council of Ministers on ionizing radiation dose limits applicable in Poland, it can be noted that the samples examined individually do not pose a radiation risk to humans. When working with all types of samples, the radiation doses are added up. According to the guidelines of the regulation, the total radiation dose does not exceed 50 mSv·yr-1 and does not constitute a threat to human health.

Prototype of a Textronic Sensor Created with a Physical Vacuum Deposition Process for Staphylococcus aureus Detection.

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium which people have been in contact with for thousands of years. Its presence often leads to severe disorders of the respiratory and circulatory systems. The authors of this article present a prototype of a textronic sensor enabling the detection of this bacterium. This sensor was created using a process of physical vacuum deposition on a flexible textile substrate which can be implemented on clothing. With increasing numbers of bacterial colonies, changes in the sensor's electrical parameters were observed. The sensor's resistance reduced by 50% and the capacitance more than doubled within the first two days of starting bacterial cultures. Extensive changes in electrical parameters were observed at 100 Hz and 120 Hz of the measurement signal.

Effect of pulsed electric field treatment on shelf life and nutritional value of apple juice.

The aim of this study was to assess shelf life and nutritional value of apple juice, including the content of bioactive compounds, after pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment, taking into account different number of cycles: 4, 6, 8 (total 200, 300, and 400 pulses, respectively). Determination of vitamin C and polyphenols concentration, antioxidant activity as well as microbiological analysis were conducted immediately after PEF process and after 24, 48 and 72 h of storage. The results showed that PEF did not affect the content of bioactive compounds. PEF-treated juice did not show changes in the amount of vitamin C and total polyphenols during the storage for 72 h under refrigeration. PEF treatment was effective method for inactivation of a wide range of most common food spoilage microorganisms. PEF process can be used as an effective method of food preservation, allowing prolongation of shelf life and protection of nutritional value. This brings new opportunities for obtaining safe, healthy and nutritious food.

[B-type natriuretic peptide as a marker of cardiac dysfunction in children with chronic kidney disease]. / Peptyd natriuretyczny typu B jako marker uszkodzenia serca u dzieci z przewlekla choroba nerek.

Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most common organ damage in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the usefulness of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) as a marker of heart injury in children with CKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 66 children (41 boys and 25 girls) aged 0.7 to 18.6 (median 11.6) years with CKD stage 1-5. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, cystatin C and BNP in blood serum were assessed, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from the Schwartz and Filler formulas. Patients were divided into groups depending on the CKD stage [group 1: CKD stages 1 + 2 (GFR> 60 ml/min/1.73 m2), group 2: stage 3 (GFR = 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2), group 3: CKD stage 4 (GFR 15-29 ml/min/ 1.73 m2), group 4 - stage 5 (dialyzed children)]. On the basis of echocardiography, the left ventricular mass (LVM) was calculated, which was indexed for height (left ventricular mass index, LVMI). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was diagnosed if the LVMI value was > 95th percentile for sex and age. RESULTS: Depending on the CKD stage the median BNP concentrations for group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4 were 2.5 pg/ml, 6.0 pg/ml, 9.3 pg/ml and 18.0 pg/ml, and the LVH prevalence 27.3%, 33.3%, 60.0% and 63.6% , respectively. Significant correlations between BNP concentration and LVH expressed by LVMI (R=0.256, p=0.038), creatinine (R=0.453, p<0.001), cystatin (R=0.494, p<0.001) and eGFR (R=-0.473, p<0.001) were found. CONCLUSIONS: In children with chronic kidney disease, BNP is an indicator of heart failure correlating with renal function parameters and left ventricular mass index.

Blood pressure changes in patients with chronic heart failure undergoing slow breathing training.

BACKGROUND: Slow breathing training (SBT) has been proposed as a new non-pharmacological treatment able to induce favorable effects in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, no information is available regarding its effects on orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes in these patients, an issue of practical relevance given the reported BP-lowering effect of SBT. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of SBT on BP and whether SBT induces orthostatic hypotension (OH) or changes in quality of life (QoL) in CHF patients. METHODS: The analysis was performed as part of an ongoing crossover open trial aimed at assessing the clinical effectiveness of SBT in treated patients with CHF. The patients underwent 10-12 weeks of SBT with the RESPeRATE device and 10-12 week follow-up under usual care. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group I began with SBT, followed by usual care; group II began with usual care, followed by SBT. Patients undergoing SBT were asked to perform each day two separate 15 min sessions of device-guided SBT at a breathing frequency of 6 breaths/min. In all patients, before the enrollment and after each study phase, clinical data collection and BP measurements in sitting, supine and standing position were performed. OH was defined as a decrease of ≥ 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or ≥ 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 3 min of standing. QoL was assessed three times at the beginning, and after each phase of the study by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) questionnaire. RESULTS: Forty patients (two equal groups) completed the study, with the following baseline characteristics: 32 males/eight females, age 63.3 ± 13.4 years, 25 with ischemic CHF, 37 in New York Heart Association class II and three in class III, left ventricular ejection fraction 30.8 ± 6.7%, mean BP 138.7 ± 16.5/83.1 ± 11.5 mmHg, 23 with arterial hypertension and four with a history of stroke. There were no significant differences between the groups in clinical characteristics, SBP and DBP at rest, while seated and before and after standing up. OH prevalence was low and did not change during the study (10% vs 10%). No significant difference in average SBP and DBP changes secondary to body position were found when comparing the two study phases. Decrease in MLHF score was observed in group I during SBT (p = 0.002), but not in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that SBT is safe, does not affect the prevalence of OH in CHF patients and shows a non-significant tendency to improve QoL. These results should be confirmed in a larger sample of patients to support the safety of SBT and its possible benefits as a novel component of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation programs in CHF.

[Office and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements in hypertension assessment in children with chronic kidney disease].

Introduction: Hypertension (HT) is one of the major risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and cardiovascular complications. The aim of the study was to analyze blood pressure (BP) values and assess the usefulness of clinical measurements in BP monitoring in children with chronic kidney disease. Material and methods: The study was conducted in 62 children (40 boys and 22 girls) aged 4,2-18,6 years (median age 12.4 (9.1; 16.0) with CKD stages 1 + 2 (n = 9), 3 (n = 17), 4 (n = 15) and 5. Creatinine concentration was measured and glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the Schwartz formula. Each of the patients underwent clinical BP measurements and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Results: Based on clinical meaurements elevated BP values were found in 25 patients (40.3%): in stages 1 + 2 in 33.3%, in stage 3 in 41.2%, in stage 4 in 46.6% and in stage 5 in 38.1% patients. Hypertension was diagnosed with ABPM in 30 patients (48.4% of the studied population): in stages 1 + 2 - 3 patients (33.3%), in stage 3 - 8 patients (47, 1%), in stage 4 - 7 patients (46.7%) and stage 5 - 12 patients (57.1%). Only 12 patients (19.4%) had hypertension diagnosed in both clinical and ABPM measurements. White coat effect was found in 13 children (21.0%) and masked HT in 18 children (29.0%). In 24-hour BP monitoring the highest values of systolic, diastolic and mean BP values were found in children with masked HT. In children with masked HT higher values of 24-hour systolic (120 vs. 105.5 mmHg, p<0.001) and diastolic (75 vs. 65 mmHg, p<0.001) BP compared with clinical values were detected. Children with masked HT had significantly higher nighttime diastolic BP compared with children with HT (1.43 vs. 0.74 z-score, p<0.001). Conclusions: The large percentage of children with masked hypertension is an indication for frequent ABPM measurements in children with chronic kidney diseses. Office measurements are not sufficient to detect HT in children with CKD. The best diagnostic method to confirm and monitor hypertension in patients with CKD is 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Should abdominal CT scan be performed routinely prior to CRT insertion?

Introduction: Cancer appears to be a major noncardiovascular factor affecting morbidity and mortality of heart failure (HF) patients. Risk of developing cancer seems to increase over time. It is well documented that patients with cancer treated with chemiotherapy are at risk of developing HF and therefore they should be screened for HF on regular basis. There is limited data whether the opposite should be done, namely routinely screen each HF patient for cancer. Purpose: We hypothesized that in HF patients cancer might be responsible for some symptoms that are incorrectly diagnose as HF related. Material and Methods: The data from "Renal Denervation in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Resynchronization Therapy" study of 18 patients (22% women) aged 73.2 (±9.1 years) with HF in NYHA Class II-IV and resynchronization pacemaker implanted according to current ESC guideliness at least 6 months earlier were analyzed. Patients had symptoms of heart failure despite optimal HF therapy including pharmacotherapy and CRT. Medical history including current symptoms of HF was taken, patients' demographics and vital signs were assessed. Diagnostic tests in the study group included echocardiography, abdominal CT scan and laboratory tests. Results: Only in 5 patients CT scan did not show any abnormalities. Renal cysts were present in 5 patients, adrenal glands adenomas were observed in 3 patients and both changes were present in 1 patient. Tumors suspected of malignancy were diagnosed in 4 patients - 2 had a tumor in adrenal glands, 1 had kidney tumor and 1 had tumors both in kidney and adrenal gland. All patients with malignancy were directed for further oncological evaluation. Conclusion: Considering the complex physiology of HF, there is possibility that some HF related mechanisms might trigger cancer development and presence of cancer may aggrevate the symptoms of HF. One should consider evaluation of HF patients on optimal medical therapy, yet still symptomatic to identify some common forms of cancer.

Relationship between water compartments, body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis and blood pressure in school children.

BACKGROUND: Electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is becoming more widely used in clinical practice as a method of body composition analysis. In healthy children blood pressure (BP) changes with age, body mass and height. Until now the relation between water compartments and BP in healthy children has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body composition as well as water compartments (measured by electrical bioimpedance) and BP. METHODS: The study was performed in 72 children (32 girls and 40 boys) aged: 6-7 and 12-13 years. BIA measurements were taken using Nutriguard Data Input device with Bianostic electrodes and following parameters were calculated: total body water (TBW), lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), intra- and extracellular water (ICW, ECW) and phase angle alpha. BP was measured twice using the oscillometric method. RESULTS: Elevated BP > 95th percentile for gender, age and height were observed in 9 children. A significant correlation between systolic (S)BP and TBW (R = 0.4023, p < 0.001), LBM (R = 0.3600, p = 0.002), FM (R = 0.4725, p < 0.001), ECW (R = 0.4598, p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) (R = 0.4089, p < 0.001) was found. Furthermore, diastolic (D)BP significantly correlated with TBW (R = 0.3056, p = 0.011), LBM (R = 0.2783, p = 0.021), FM (R = 0.3956, p < 0.001), ECW (R = 0.3869, p = 0.001) and BMI (R = 0.3550, p = 0.002). In the studied group malnutrition (weight < 3rd percentile) was found in 8 children and 2 had obesity (BMI > 95th percentile). Growth disorders were found in 6 children (5 of them being undernourished). CONCLUSIONS: In the studied children SBP and DBP correlated with water compartments, lean body and fat masses derived from BIA. The problem of unrecognized hypertension and malnutrition in children and adolescents is still underestimated in the Polish population.

[Do we successfully treat anemia and calcium-phosphate disorders in children with chronic kidney disease at the beginning of the twenty-first century?]. / Czy na poczatku XXI wieku skutecznie leczymy niedokrwistosc i zaburzenia wapniowo-fosforanowe u dzieci z przewlekla choroba nerek?

UNLABELLED: In children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) anemia and calcium-phosphate disturbances are already present at early stages of the disease and require a comprehensive treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment of biochemical disturbances, depending on the severity of CKD in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 71 children (44 boys, 27 girls) with CKD stage 1-5. Mean age was 11 ± 5 years, mean height: 135.7 ± 28 cm and mean eGFR 32 ml/min/1.73 m2. The serum hemoglobin, urea, creatinine, cystatin C, calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured. eGFR was calculated according to Schwartz and Filler formulas, employing creatinine and cystatin C as markers. Patients were divided into groups depending on the stage of CKD [group 1: CKD stage 1+2 (GFR > 60), group 2: CKD stage 3 (GFR = 30-59) Group 3: CKD stage 4 (GFR = 15-29 ml/min/1.73 m2), group 4 - dialyzed children]. RESULTS: The concentration of he- moglobin depending on the stage of CKD (group 1 vs. group 2 vs. group 3 vs group 4) was 12.95 vs. 12.68 vs. 12.47 vs. 11.3 g/dI, respectively. The concentration of total and ionized calcium was significantly lower in children on dialysis compared to patients treated conservatively. With the progression of CKD the concentration of phosphorus (1.39 vs. 1.4 vs. 1.49 vs. 1.82 mmolI) and PTH (21.7 vs 48.6 vs 99.9 vs. 219 pg/ml) significantly increased. Treatment with erythropoietin was used in 48% of children, calcium carbonate in 55% and alphacalcidol in 56% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of regular treatment, with the progression of CKD a progression of anemia, increased serum phosphate and parathyroid hormone and a decrease in calcium levels in studied children was observed. The severity of metabolic disorders in dialyzed children indicates the need for administration of new and more effective drugs, to prevent early enough complications of CKD in the form of mineral bone disease and cardiovascular complications.

[New non-pharmacological treatment methods in heart failure]. / Nowe metody niefarmakologicznego leczenia niewydolnosci serca.

The incidence of chronic heart failure (CHF) increases with the aging of the population and with the improvement in survival of patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes, diseases which constitute the most common causes for the development of CHF. Despite the significant improvement in the treatment of patients with CHF, mortality in recent years has improved slightly. The primary treatment method for chronic heart failure is pharmacotherapy, but it has limitations. The existing data encourages to look for new treatment methods for CHF, replacing or enhancing traditional ones while constituting a low nuisance for patients. New non-pharmacological methods, including therapies based on the use of stem cells, molecular therapy, modern devices supporting the heart such as cardiac contractility modulation, spinal cord stimulation, carotid sinus nerve stimulation, cervical and intracardiac atrioventricular nodal vagal stimulation, implantable monitoring devices and wearable cardioverter-defibrillator or the treatment of comorbid diseases such as hypertension and sleep dis- orders could be of particular importance.

Relationship between the Expression of CHK2 and p53 in Tumor Tissue and the Course of Papillary Thyroid Cancer in Patients with CHEK2 Germline Mutations.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of CHK2 and p53 in tumor tissue in carriers of germline CHEK2 mutations can serve as a prognostic marker for PTC, and whether CHEK2 and TP53 copy numbers correlates with the course of PTC disease. This study included 156 PTC patients previously tested for the presence of CHEK2. Clinicopathological features, treatment response, disease outcome, and germline mutation status of the CHEK2 gene were assessed with respect to CHK2 and p53 expression, and CHEK2 and TP53 gene copy statuses. In patients with and without a germline mutation in CHEK2 and with higher CHK2 expression, the chances of an excellent treatment response and no evidence of disease were lower than in patients without or with lower CHK2 expression. TP53 deletion was associated with angioinvasion. In patients with a truncating mutation, the chance of a CHEK2 deletion was higher than in patients with WT CHEK2 alone or those with WT CHEK2 and with the missense I157T mutation. Higher CHK2 expression was associated with poorer treatment responses and disease outcomes. Higher CHK2 expression and positive p53 together with a TP53 deletion could be a prognostic marker of unfavorable disease outcomes in patients with germline truncating mutations in CHEK2.

[Hypertension in early school aged children born prematurely with extremely low birth weight]. / Nadcisnienie u dzieci w wieku wczesnoszkolnym urodzonych ze skrajnie mala masa urodzeniowa.

BACKGROUND: Infants born with extremely low birth weight < or =1000 g (ELBW) are endangered by many complications. AIM: To assess whether infants born prematurely with ELBW are pre. disposed to arterial hypertension (HT) in a 7-year follow up examination. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 57 children (38 girls, 19 boys) at the age of 6.6+/-0.4 years was analyzed. Mean gestational age was 27.4+/-2 Hbd. All infants were born with ELBW (the mean weight was 861+/-127 g). The con. trol group consisted of 36 children (19 girls and 15 boys; the mean age was 7+/-0.9 years) born on time, with the mean birth weight 3559 g. The Ambu. latory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) was performed in both groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), the night blood pressure (BP) decrease, BP. load, heart rate (HR) and presence of HT were analyzed. RESULTS: Children born prematurely were significantly shorter than children from the control group (116 vs 125 cm; p<0.0001). HT diagnosis based both on MAP (15% vs 0%; p<0.02) and on BP loads (51% vs 22%; p<0.006), was significantly more common in the group of preterm infants. Moreo. ver, systolic BP-load (28% vs 17%; p<0.01), diastolic BP-load (27% vs 18%; p<0.01), daytime HR (99 vs 94/ min; p=0.01), nighttime HR (86 vs 791 min; p<0.001) and daily HR (93 vs 87/ min; p<0.001) were also significantly higher in the preterm group. Difference in night BP drops in both groups did not reach statistical significance. In the group of former preterms there was no correlation between birth weight or intrauterine growth and BP value. BP values: systolic (105 vs 100 mm Hg; p<0.02), diastolic (66 vs 63 mm Hg; p<0.01) and MAP (80 vs 76 mm Hg; p<0.01) were significantly higher in girls than in boys born prematurely with ELBW. CONCLUSION: Infants born with ELBW are latterly predisposed to HT. Hypertension is more frequent in prematurely born girls. It is important to control BP in this group of children because early diagnose helps to decrease the risk of multiple organ complications caused by HT.

Prevalence and clinical implications of atrial fibrillation in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19: Data from a registry in Poland.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with increasing prevalence with respect to age and comorbidities. AF may influence the prognosis in patients hospitalized with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to assess the prevalence of AF among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 and the association of AF and in-hospital anticoagulation treatment with prognosis. Methods and results: We assessed the prevalence of AF among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 and the association of AF and in-hospital anticoagulation treatment with prognosis. Data of all COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, between March 2020 and April 2021, were analyzed. The following outcomes: short-term (30-days since hospital admission) and long-term (180-days after hospital discharge) mortality, major cardiovascular events (MACEs), pulmonary embolism, and need for red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion, as a surrogate for major bleeding events during hospital stay were assessed. Out of 4,998 hospitalized patients, 609 had AF (535 pre-existing and 74 de novo). Compared to those without AF, patients with AF were older and had more cardiovascular disorders. In adjusted analysis, AF was independently associated with an increased risk of short-term {p = 0.019, Hazard Ratio [(HR)] 1.236; 95% CI: 1.035-1.476} and long-term mortality (Log-rank p < 0.001) as compared to patients without AF. The use of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) in AF patients was associated with reduced short-term mortality (HR 0.14; 95% CI: 0.06-0.33, p < 0.001). Moreover, in AF patients, NOAC use was associated with a lower probability of MACEs (Odds Ratio 0.3; 95% CI: 0.10-0.89, p = 0.030) without increase of RBCs transfusion. Conclusions: AF increases short- and long-term risk of death in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. However, the use of NOACs in this group may profoundly improve prognosis.

Serial echocardiographic evaluation of COVID-19 patients without prior history of structural heart disease: a 1-year follow-up CRACoV-HHS study.

Background: It is a well-known fact that COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system by exacerbating heart failure in patients with preexisting conditions. However, there is a poor insight into the cardiovascular involvement and sequelae in patients without preexisting conditions. The aim of the study is to analyse the influence of COVID-19 on cardiac performance in patients without prior history of structural heart disease. The study is part of the CRACoV project, which includes a prospective design and a 12-month follow-up period. Material and methods: The study included 229 patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of COVID-19 (median age of 59 years, 81 were women). A standard clinical assessment and laboratory tests were performed in all participants. An extended echocardiographic image acquisition was performed at baseline and at a 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. All analyses were performed off-line. A series of echocardiographic parameters was compared using repeated measures or Friedman analysis of variance. Results: In all subjects, the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction at baseline was preserved [63.0%; Q1:Q3 (60.0-66.0)]. Elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T were detected in 21.3% of the patients, and elevated NT-proBNP levels were detected in 55.8%. At the 1-year follow-up, no significant changes were observed in the LV diameter and volume (LV 48.0 ± 5.2 vs. 47.8 ± 4.8 mm, p = 0.08), while a significant improvement of the parameters in the biventricular strain was observed (LV -19.1 ± 3.3% vs. -19.7 ± 2.5%, p = 0.01, and right ventricular -19.9 ± 4.5% vs. -23.2 ± 4.9%, p = 0.002). In addition, a decrease in the LV wall thickness was also observed (interventricular septum 10.4 ± 1.6 vs. 9.7 ± 2.0 mm, p < 0.001; LV posterior wall 9.8 ± 1.4 vs. 9.1 ± 1.5 mm, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In an acute phase of COVID-19, the elevation of cardiac biomarkers in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction is a frequent occurrence; however, it does not translate into clinically significant cardiac dysfunction after 1 year. The serial echocardiographic evaluations conducted in patients without preexisting structural heart disease demonstrate an overall trend towards an improved cardiac function and a reduced myocardial thickening at 1-year follow-up. This suggests that the acute cardiac consequences of COVID-19 are associated with systemic inflammation and haemodynamic stress in patients without preexisting conditions.

Removal of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) Ions from Groundwater by Nonthermal Plasma.

The removal of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) ions from aqueous solutions by means of nonthermal plasma with a dielectric barrier discharge is investigated. Aqueous solutions with metal ion concentrations from 10 to 100 mg/dm3 in spring water were used. In the first stage, the optimization of the solution flow rate, generator modulation frequency and duty cycle was made in terms of the removal efficiency of the considered metals. The removal was then investigated as a function of the number of passes of the solution through the cold plasma reactor. The effect of the initial concentration of ions in the solution was studied. Techniques such as composite central design, least squares method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used. The physical and chemical parameters of the solutions, such as electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, concentration of metal ions and the content of other substances (e.g., total organic carbon), were measured, and the presence of microorganisms was also examined. It was found that each pass of the solution through the cold plasma reactor causes a decrease in the concentration of Cd(II) and Ni(II); the concentration of Pb(II) drops rapidly after one pass, but further passes do not improve its removal. The removal percentage was 88% for Cd(II) after six passes and 72% for Pb(II) after one pass, whereas 19% for Ni(II). The purification mechanism corresponds to the precipitation of metal ions due to the increasing pH of the solution after exposure to cold plasma.

Effects of uric acid-lowering therapy in patients with essential arterial hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) is elevated serum uric acid (UA) without symptoms. This study aimed to determine the effects of AHU treatment with allopurinol on selected hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) indices in patients with uncomplicated essential arterial hypertension (AH). METHODS: Patients aged 30-70 years with AHU and AH grade 1-2 with adequate blood pressure (BP) control, without previous urate-lowering therapy (ULT), were divided into two groups: (a) ULT (receiving allopurinol) and (b) control (age- and sex-matched patients without ULT). Both received a UA-lowering diet. BP (office, 24 h and central), echocardiographic parameters, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and lab tests [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] were measured at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS: Of 100 participants, 87 (44 ULT, 43 controls) completed the study. At 6 months follow-up, there was a greater reduction in serum UA concentration in the ULT group than in the control group. Patients receiving allopurinol had significant reductions in office systolic and diastolic BP, central systolic BP, pulse pressure, IMT (0.773 ± 0.121 vs. 0.752 ± 0.13 mm, P = 0.044) and hs-CRP (3.36 ± 2.73 vs. 2.74 ± 1.91 mg/L, P = 0.028) compared to controls. Multivariate regression analysis revealed the independent relationship between reduction in IMT and UA lowering (P < 0.026). CONCLUSION: In patients with AH and AHU, treatment with allopurinol leads to improvement in BP control and reduction in HMOD intensity, in particular IMT. The decrease in hs-CRP concentration associated with ULT may have a beneficial effect on a patient's long-term prognosis.

Prognostic value of acid­base balance parameters assessed on admission in peripheral venous blood of patients with myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral venous blood sample may be used to obtain acid­ base balance parameters (PVA­BP) measured in rapid point­of­care test (POCT) analyzers on admission to an emergency department (ED). Thus, lactates, anion gap (AG), and base excess (BE) may be early prognostic markers in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). OBJECTIVES: We aimed to confirm the relationship between PVA­BP on admission and the outcome in patients with MI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational analysis of MI patients admitted primarily to an ED and secondly transferred to PCI department. RESULTS: A total of 336 patients (41.1% ST­elevated MI, 58.9% non-ST­elevated MI) were divided according to their lactate level, that is, G1 group with lactate below or equal to 2.0 mmol/l (n = 207) and G2 group with lactate above >2.0 mmol/l (n = 129). G2 patients had higher values of AG (mean, [SD], 9.6 [4.3] vs 6.8 [3.2] mEq/l; P <0.001) and lower BE (median [interquartile range], -0.7 [-3.9 to 0.8] vs 1.0 [-0.2 to 2.4] mEq/l; P <0.001). In­hospital nonsurvivors had higher values of lactates (4.0 [2.0-8.7] vs 1.7 [1.3-2.4] mmol/l; P <0.001), AG (10.5 [4.6] vs 7.7 [3.8] mEq/l; P <0.001), and lower BE (-4.8 [-10.6 to -1.8] vs 1.5 [-0.8 to 2.3] mEq/l; P <0.001) than the survivors. Lactates, AG, and BE correlated with Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score (r = 0.361, P <0.001; r = 0.158, P = 0.004; r = -0.383, P <0.001, respectively). Only BE independently predicted both 30- and 365­day mortality in the whole group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.95; P = 0.01 and HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-0.99; P = 0.04, respectively) as well as in­hospital mortality among patients without infarct­related out­of­hospital cardiac arrest (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.97; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In the patients admitted to the ED with MI treated with PCI the evaluation of PVA­BP in POCT analyzers may be a reliable tool for early risk stratification.