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.

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.

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.

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).

Impact of concomitant COVID-19 on the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing coronary artery angiography.

Background: The impact of COVID-19 on the outcome of patients with MI has not been studied widely. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between concomitant COVID-19 and the clinical course of patients admitted due to acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: There was a comparison of retrospective data between patients with MI who were qualified for coronary angiography with concomitant COVID-19 and control group of patients treated for MI in the preceding year before the onset of the pandemic. In-hospital clinical data and the incidence of death from any cause on 30 days were obtained. Results: Data of 39 MI patients with concomitant COVID-19 (COVID-19 MI) and 196 MI patients without COVID-19 in pre-pandemic era (non-COVID-19 MI) were assessed. Compared with non-COVID-19 MI, COVID-19 MI was in a more severe clinical state on admission (lower systolic blood pressure: 128.51 ± 19.76 vs. 141.11 ± 32.47 mmHg, p = 0.024), higher: respiratory rate [median (interquartile range), 16 (14-18) vs. 12 (12-14)/min, p < 0.001], GRACE score (178.50 ± 46.46 vs. 161.23 ± 49.74, p = 0.041), percentage of prolonged (>24 h) time since MI symptoms onset to coronary intervention (35.9 vs. 15.3%; p = 0.004), and cardiovascular drugs were prescribed less frequently (beta-blockers: 64.1 vs. 92.8%, p = 0.009), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers: 61.5 vs. 81.1%, p < 0.001, statins: 71.8 vs. 94.4%, p < 0.001). Concomitant COVID-19 was associated with seven-fold increased risk of 30-day mortality (HR 7.117; 95% CI: 2.79-18.14; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients admitted due to MI with COVID-19 have an increased 30-day mortality. Efforts should be focused on infection prevention and implementation of optimal management to improve the outcomes in those patients.

Impact of Arterial Hypertension and Use of Antihypertensive Pharmacotherapy on Mortality in Patients Hospitalized due to COVID-19: The CRACoV-HHS Study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases including arterial hypertension are common comorbidities among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. We assessed the influence of preexisting hypertension and its pharmacological treatment on in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS: We studied all consecutive patients who were admitted to the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, due to COVID-19 between March 2020 and May 2021. Data of 5191 patients (mean age 61.9±16.7 years, 45.2% female) were analyzed. RESULTS: The median hospitalization time was 14 days, and the mortality rate was 18.4%. About a quarter of patients had an established cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease (16.6%) or stroke (7.6%). Patients with hypertension (58.3%) were older and had more comorbidities than patients without hypertension. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, age above median (64 years), male gender, history of heart failure or chronic kidney disease, and higher C-reactive protein level, but not preexisting hypertension, were independent risk factors for in-hospital death in the whole study group. Patients with hypertension already treated (n=1723) with any first-line antihypertensive drug (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or thiazide/thiazide-like diuretics) had a significantly lower risk of in-hospital death (odds ratio, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.2-0.3]; P<0.001) compared to nontreated hypertensives (n=1305). CONCLUSIONS: Although the diagnosis of preexisting hypertension per se had no significant impact on in-hospital mortality among patients with COVID-19, treatment with any first-line blood pressure-lowering drug had a profound beneficial effect on survival in patients with hypertension. These data support the need for antihypertensive pharmacological treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

[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.

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.

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.

Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Association With Aircraft Noise Exposure:Long-Term Observation and Potential Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown.

In a cross-sectional analysis of a case-control study in 2015, we revealed the association between increased arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) and aircraft noise exposure. In June 2020, we evaluated the long-term effects, and the impact of a sudden decline in noise exposure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown, on blood pressure and pulse wave velocity, comparing 74 participants exposed to long-term day-evening-night aircraft noise level >60 dB and 75 unexposed individuals. During the 5-year follow-up, the prevalence of hypertension increased in the exposed (42% versus 59%, P=0.048) but not in the unexposed group. The decline in noise exposure since April 2020 was accompanied with a significant decrease of noise annoyance, 24-hour systolic (121.2 versus 117.9 mm Hg; P=0.034) and diastolic (75.1 versus 72.0 mm Hg; P=0.003) blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity (10.2 versus 8.8 m/s; P=0.001) in the exposed group. Less profound decreases of these parameters were noticed in the unexposed group. Significant between group differences were observed for declines in office and night-time diastolic blood pressure and pulse wave velocity. Importantly, the difference in the reduction of pulse wave velocity between exposed and unexposed participants remained significant after adjustment for covariates (-1.49 versus -0.35 m/s; P=0.017). The observed difference in insomnia prevalence between exposed and unexposed individuals at baseline was no more significant at follow-up. Thus, long-term aircraft noise exposure may increase the prevalence of hypertension and accelerate arterial stiffening. However, even short-term noise reduction, as experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown, may reverse those unfavorable effects.

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.

Plasma renin activity, serum aldosterone concentration and selected organ damage indices in essential arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the relations between plasma renin activity (PRA), serum aldosterone concentration (ALDO) and selected asymptomatic organ damage (AOD) indices in mild primary arterial hypertension (AH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured PRA, ALDO, and selected AOD indices (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), central aortic pulse pressure (cPP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)) in 122 patients with untreated AH. RESULTS: Patients with high PRA (≥ 0.65 ng/ml/h) were characterized by lower plasma sodium and aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR), higher ALDO, but a similar level of AOD indices compared to patients with low PRA. cfPWV (p = 0.04) and cPP (p = 0.019) increased with ARR, while eGFR decreased with ALDO (p = 0.008). Only eGFR was independently correlated with ALDO. In subjects with simultaneously high PRA and ARR values, we found significantly higher cfPWV (p = 0.02) and cPP (p = 0.04) and lower eGFR (p = 0.02) than in those with high PRA but low ARR values. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of the influence of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) on AOD should include the relationship between renin and aldosterone. The PRA itself has no predictive value for AOD. More advanced arterial stiffness and renal impairment are associated with increased PRA and ARR. The RAAS activity might be useful in AOD prediction and hypertension severity assessment.

Selected matrix metalloproteinases activity and hypertension-mediated organ damage in relation to uric acid serum level.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is as a systemic inflammatory disease associated with the activationof many mediators, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and may be amplified by abnormal high serum uric acid (UA) concentration (hyperuricemia, HU). The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between serum UA concentration and activity of MMPs and their correlation with the hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) intensity. METHODS: One hundred and nine patients untreated with antihypertensive, hypolipemic or uratelowering drugs with diagnosed stage 1-2 essential hypertension were included in this study. In all participants blood pressure (BP) was measured, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), intima-media thickness (IMT), echocardiography and blood tests including UA, lipids and serum concentrations of MMPs (1, 2, 3, 9) were observed. The participants were divided into hyper- and normuricemic groups. RESULTS: Uric acid concentration in the whole study group positively correlated with some HMOD parameters (IMT, PWV, left ventricular mass index, left atrial dimension). Among the studied metalloproteinases only MMP-3 activity positively correlated with serum UA concentration independently of age, body mass index and serum lipids (R2 = 0.11, p = 0.048). Multivariate regression analysis showed positive association between IMT and BP, UA concentration and MMP-3 activity, independently of waist circumference and serum lipids (R2 = 0.328, p < 0.002). Patients with HU were characterized by higher activity of MMP-3 than those without (19.41 [14.45; 21.74] vs. 13.98 [9.52; 18.97] ng/mL, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The present results may support the thesis that UA and the increased by UA activity of MMPs may take part in the development of HMOD, especially IMT.

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.

Renal denervation in patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure despite resynchronization therapy - a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Renal denervation (RD) has been shown to decrease sympathetic function in patients with hypertension. Its efficacy in symptomatic chronic heart failure (CHF) patients not responding to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has not been evaluated. AIM: To assess whether a less invasive treatment method - renal denervation - is safe in symptomatic heart failure patients despite optimal medical treatment and resynchronization therapy and whether it is associated with an improvement in clinical status, exercise capacity and hemodynamic parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was an open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Patients were divided into an intervention (RD) and a control group. Clinical data collection, blood pressure (BP) measurements, echocardiography, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and laboratory tests were performed before, 6 and 12 months after RD. The patients were followed-up to 24 months. RESULTS: We included 20 patients aged 52.0 to 86.0 years (median age: 71.5 years), 15 males and 5 females with median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 32.5%, body mass index 31.3 kg/m2. Renal denervation was safe, no significant adverse effects were registered. There were no significant differences in LVEF, BP, 6MWT and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration 6 and 12 months after RD or control. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that RD in CHF patients not responding to CRT is safe and does not worsen exercise capacity and hemodynamic parameters.

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.

Relationship among long-term aircraft noise exposure, blood pressure profile, and arterial stiffness.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of long-term exposure to aircraft noise on blood pressure (BP), prevalence of arterial hypertension, and indices of asymptomatic organ damage. METHODS: Using acoustic maps, we selected and further compared people living (average 35 years) in areas exposed to high, more than 60 dB (n = 101), and low aircraft noise, less than 55 dB (n = 100). Medical history taking, office BP measurement, ambulatory BP monitoring, and echocardiographic and arterial stiffness measurements were performed. RESULTS: Exposure to aircraft noise did not increase the prevalence of arterial hypertension (50%, both groups) but was associated with higher office (88.3 ±â€Š11.4 vs. 79.8 ±â€Š8.6 mmHg, P < 0.001) and night-time DBP (66.6 ±â€Š9.5 vs. 63.6 ±â€Š7.3 mmHg, P < 0.01). Participants exposed to a high aircraft noise level had a higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) (10.3 ±â€Š1.8 vs. 9.4 ±â€Š1.4 m/s, P < 0.01) and lower early mitral annulus velocity (e') (8.4 ±â€Š2.9 vs. 9.2 ±â€Š3.4 cm/s, P = 0.047). These differences were independent of age, sex, BMI, education, time spent at home, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and antihypertensive treatment. Higher office and night-time DBP, PWV, and e' values were explicitly observed in exposed normotensive participants. PWV in aircraft noise-exposed normotensive participants was equal to that of two decades older unexposed normotensive participants and was significantly associated with noise annoyance. CONCLUSION: Long-term aircraft noise exposure is related to higher office and night-time DBP, more advanced arterial stiffness, and unfavourable left ventricle diastolic function changes. Accelerated arterial stiffening was observed in those exposed to aircraft noise, even normotensive participants, to a degree depending on noise annoyance.

The relationship between plasma renin activity and serum lipid profiles in patients with primary arterial hypertension.

INTRODUCTION:: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and biochemical differences between patients with low-renin and high-renin primary arterial hypertension (AH), mainly in reference to serum lipids, and to identify factors determining lipid concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS:: In untreated patients with AH stage 1 we measured plasma renin activity (PRA) and subdivided the group into low-renin (PRA < 0.65 ng/mL/h) and high-renin (PRA ⩾ 0.65 ng/mL/h) AH. We compared office and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, serum aldosterone, lipids and selected biochemical parameters between subgroups. Factors determining lipid concentration in both subgroups were assessed in regression analysis. RESULTS:: Patients with high-renin hypertension ( N = 58) were characterized by higher heart rate ( p = 0.04), lower serum sodium ( p < 0.01) and aldosterone-to-renin ratio ( p < 0.01), and significantly higher serum aldosterone ( p = 0.03), albumin ( p < 0.01), total protein ( p < 0.01), total cholesterol ( p = 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ( p = 0.04) than low-renin subjects ( N = 39). In univariate linear regression, only PRA in the low-renin group was in a positive relationship with LDL-C ( R2 = 0.15, ß = 1.53 and p = 0.013); this association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and serum albumin and aldosterone concentrations. CONCLUSIONS:: Higher serum levels of total and LDL-C characterized high-renin subjects, but the association between LDL-C level and PRA existed only in low-renin primary AH.