The influence of UV light on the course of fluorescent enzyme assays.

Experiments were carried out to illustrate the effect of UV light on the course of the enzymatic reaction of the coumarin derivative. Only the pulsating light of the UV diode gives the correct results for the determination of the kinetic constants of the enzymatic reaction. The enzyme concentration limit was found where the description of the M-M model breaks. It was shown that the system determines the kinetic parameters of enzymatic reactions: Vmax-the maximum rate of reaction and KM-the Michaelis constant. This method produces kinetic constants calculated from the changes in enzyme product concentration using the Michaelis-Menten model. To verify the results, we used a statistical analysis that checks the correctness of the model used.

New boron based salts for lithium-ion batteries using conjugated ligands.

A new anion design concept, based on combining a boron atom as the central atom and conjugated systems as ligands, is presented as a route for finding alternative Li-salts for lithium-ion batteries. The properties of a wide range of novel anions designed in this way have been evaluated by DFT calculations focusing on three different fundamental success factors/measures: the strength of the cation-anion interaction, ultimately determining both the solubility and the ionic conductivity, the oxidation limit, determining their possible use vs. high voltage cathodes, and the reduction stability, revealing a possible role of the anion in the SEI-formation at the anode. For a few anions superior properties vs. today's existing or suggested anions are predicted, especially the very low cation-anion interaction strengths are promising features. The design route itself is shown to be versatile in determining the correlation between different choices of ligands and the resulting overall properties - where the most striking feature is the decreased lithium cation interaction energy upon using the (1Z,3Z)-buta-1,3-diene-1,2,3,4-tetracarbonitrile ligands. This also opens avenues for the further design of novel anions beyond those with a boron central atom.

Comparative experimental and theoretical study of the rotational excitation of CO by collision with ortho- and para-D2 molecules.

A joint crossed beam and quantum mechanical investigation of the rotationally inelastic collisions of CO with ortho- and para-D2 molecules is reported. A new 4D potential energy surface (PES) averaged over the ground vibrational states of D2 and CO is used to calculate the rovibrational bound states of the ortho-D2-CO complexes. Close coupling calculations are then performed in the rigid rotor approximation for ortho- and para-D2 colliding with CO for the experimentally investigated transition of CO (j = 0 → 1) and for collision energies ranging from 0.1 to 25 cm-1. The agreement between theory and experiment is found to be very good for both the bound state energies of the ortho-D2-CO complexes and for the inelastic scattering cross-sections showing that the free rotation of two rigid rotors is a very good model of the D2-CO system in this low collision energy domain.

Bonding of microfluidic devices fabricated in polycarbonate.

A simple method for bonding polycarbonate, based on controlled exposure of the pieces to vapours of solvents, yields a tight seal and unmodified geometry of the channels.

Ascending aortic blood pressure waveform may be related to the risk of coronary artery disease in women, but not in men.

Recent studies have demonstrated that fractional pulse pressure and fractional diastolic pressure are related to the risk of coronary artery disease. However, the effect of the ascending aortic pressure waveform on the risk of coronary artery disease in men and women analyzed separately has not been reported. The objective of the study was to assess the relation between ascending aortic blood pressure waveform and the presence of coronary artery disease in men and in women. The study group consisted of 447 patients (302 men and 145 women; mean age: 57.6+/-9.8 years) with preserved left ventricular function who were undergoing first diagnostic coronary angiography. After multivariate stepwise adjustments, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) of having coronary artery disease in women was (OR are reported for standard deviation increase in each variable): pulse pressure OR 1.61 (95% CI 1.06-2.46); fractional systolic pressure OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.08-2.71); fractional diastolic pressure OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.37-0.92); fractional pulse pressure OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.08-2.71); and pulsatility index OR 1.74 (95% CI 1.09-2.78). None of the studied variables was independently related to the presence of coronary artery disease in men. In conclusion, fractional systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, fractional pulse pressure and the ratio of pulse pressure to diastolic pressure may be independently related to the risk of coronary artery disease in women, but not in men.

The effect of hormone replacement therapy on arterial blood pressure and vascular compliance in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension.

Arterial pathology is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, morbidity and mortality. Women are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease after menopause. Arterial stiffness determined by pulse wave velocity, increases with age both in men and women, whereas arterial compliance in premenopausal women is greater than in men of similar age. This difference is lost in the postmenopausal years, with evidence of rapid decline in arterial compliance in the perimenopausal period. Loss of hormonal modulation is a likely explanation for reduced arterial compliance in postmenopausal women. Long-term treatment with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be expected to partially reverse the increase in arterial stiffness. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of HRT on blood pressure and arterial compliance in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension receiving hypotensive drugs. The results in the present study of postmenopausal women with mild to moderate arterial hypertension receiving HRT showed only a transient tendency towards lower blood pressure. In our study HRT was found to improve arterial compliance at 3 months after HRT, and the effect was maintained throughout 12 months. The increased arterial compliance in women receiving HRT was independent of blood pressure. In parallel with decreasing pulse wave velocity women receiving HRT had lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The conclusions were that after 1 year HRT in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension improves circadian blood pressure pattern, but it does not affect significantly blood pressure values and variability. The present study also shows that HRT significantly inhibits age-related rigidity of large arteries.

[Some ethical and historical aspects concerning placental blood transfusion]. / Kilka refleksji etycznych i historycznych na marginesie przetaczania krwi lozyskowej.

Recently, a greater interest is observed concerning the taking of placental blood in order to use it in future. This article pays attention to some ethical aspects like the ownership of the placenta or the possible commercial problems. We reminded the very first study on placental blood transfusion which took place before the World War II and also other abandoned methods used in transfusion in the past.

[Krakow Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease. Part I. Genesis and objectives]. / Krakowski Program Wtórnej Prewencji Choroby Niedokrwiennej Serca. Czesc I: geneza i cele.

In recent years a number of studies concerning ischaemic heart disease prevention have been published. Evidence from clinical and epidemiological research has led to the formation of new guidelines, especially in the field of secondary prevention. Polish Cardiac Society also published recommendations on prevention of ischaemic heart disease. Relatively little is known about how well physicians in Poland follow the guidelines. No comprehensive studies concerning risk factories management after myocardial infarction or myocardial revascularization has been conducted in Poland. Patients with established coronary heart disease were deemed to be the top priority for prevention. However, little is known about quality of medical care in this high risk population. Therefore the Cracovian Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease was planned. The aims of the Cracovian Program are: to monitor quality of clinical care (both in clinical and general practice) in the field of secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease, and to assess factors influencing quality of medical care. The secondary aim of the survey is to improve integration of secondary prevention into clinical practice through meetings with physicians from Cracow cardiology departments and general practitioners, as well as to improve patient compliance and motivating them to change their lifestyle. In the first stage, which was carried out in 1997-98, an evaluation was conducted to access the realization of recommendations concerning secondary prevention. An assessment of integration of ischaemic heart disease prevention into clinical practice can now be performed. The genesis, aims and methods of the Cracovian Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease are discussed in this paper. The quality of hospital, as well as postdischarge care in the field of secondary prevention is described in the next two publications.

[Cracovian Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease. The quality of care in the field of secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease depends on where patients are treated in the postdischarge period]. / Krakowski Program Wtórnej Prewencji Choroby Niedokrwiennej Serca. Realizacja wtornej prewencji choroby niedokrwiennej serca w zaleznosci od miejsca leczenia w okresie poszpitalnym.

UNLABELLED: Even though the majority of actions undertaken within the secondary prevention ischaemic heart disease should be initiated while the patient is still hospitalized, the maximal benefit (measured as decreased cardiovascular risk) achieved depends mostly on the continuation and modifications of those actions in the post-discharge period. There is not much known about the quality of medical care provided for patients after hospitalization due to ischaemic heart disease. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of post-discharge care in the field of secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease in patients treated in hospital outpatients (HO), private practice (PP), and by general practitioners (GP). METHODS: Consecutive patients (age>70 years; residing in the Cracow province) were identified according to the following clinical diagnoses or procedures: acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Risk factors and medication used were assessed 6-18 months after discharge. RESULTS: There was no significant differences in smoking, high blood pressure (>140/90 mmHg), and high fasting glucose (>6.0 mmol/l) between the study groups. High total cholesterol was found in 57.5%, 71.2% (p<0.05 vs HO) and 76.2% (p<0.05 vs HO) patients from HO, GP and PP group, respectively. Antiplatelet drugs were used in 83.5%,72.9% (p<0.05vs HO) and 67.4% (p<0.05vsHO), beta-blockers in 65.4%, 54.2% (p<0.05

[Stanols--a new perspective in treatment of hypercholesterolemia?]. / Stanole--nowa perspektywa w leczeniu hipercholesterolemii?

Since the unfavorable impact of hypercholesterolemia on the cardiovascular system has been proven, effective, inexpensive and easy to use cholesterol-lowering treatment options have been looked for. In the 1990s as the effect of a few decades of research, stanols have been introduced as new cholesterol-lowering agents. Stanols are derivates of plant sterols, which act through inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption. Their incorporation into normal diet fats has led to a significant reduction of both total and LDL cholesterol in investigated subjects, also in those on cholesterol-lowering diet or taking cholesterol-lowering drugs. When the dose considered optimal, i.e. 2-3 g/d, was used, the average reduction was 10% for total and 14% for LDL cholesterol. So far no adverse effects of stanols and no influence on the taste of food have been observed. The possible role of stanols in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases still remains to be verified. It seems, however, that stanols have a potential to become a significant element in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and in preventing its consequences.

[Instruction of patients and a delay of treatment in myocardial infarction and unstable angina in the Krakow Program of Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease (IHD)]. / Instruowanie chorych a opóznienie leczenia w zawale serca i w niestabilnej dusznicy w ramach krakowskiego programu wtórnej prewencji choroby niedokrwiennej serca (ChNS).

Shortening the time between the onset of pain and start of the efficacious treatment is an important mean to lower case-fatality in myocardial infarction (MI). The goal of this publication was to assess: 1) current time between the onset of pain and: a) calling medical service by the patient b) first examination by a doctor, and c) first administration of intravenous treatment, 2) reasons of the delay in calling medical service by the patient, 3) whether patients with a diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) prior to hospitalization were instructed how to behave in case of chest pain, and 4) whether instructing how to behave in case of chest pain was related with a time between the onset of pain and calling medical service by the patient. Studied group were 515 patients hospitalised in 6 in-patient clinics of cardiology with MI or unstable angina (UA) or hospitalised for first PTCA or CABG, 427 (83%) agreed to participate, out of whom 184 had MI or UA including 110 patients having typical chest pain. In hospitalized patients with MI or UA with typical chest pain 62% received intravenous treatment within first 4 hours after the pain onset. 35% patients received first intravenous treatment later than 6 hours after the onset of pain and out of them 2/3 after 12 hours. The main component of the delay was the long time between the onset of pain and the call for medical service. 46% patients called for medical service later than 1 hour after the onset and in 80% of them the reason was lack of knowledge on the risk and how to behave in case of chest pain. Patients who earlier received instruction had four times higher chance to call medical service within the first hour after the onset of pain (Odds Ratio = 4.11, 95% confidence interval 1.13-15.0). Only half of all patients hospitalised due to acute episode of IHD or for revascularization procedures received intensive instructions from a doctor. Adopting a detailed instruction on how to behave in case of chest pain as a standard procedure for patients with IHD may be an important mean to lower case-fatality in MI.

[Influence of hormone replacement therapy on the quality of life in postmenopausal women with hypertension]. / Wplyw hormonalnej terapii zastepczej na jakosc zycia kobiet z pierwotnym nadcisnieniem tetniczym w okresie pomenopauzalnym.

AIM: The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the quality of life in women with hypertension is still not clear. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of hormone replacement therapy on quality of life in postmenopausal women with essential hypertension by using a battery of standardized questionnaires. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 53 women (mean age 50.9 +/- 6.3 years) with mild and moderate essential hypertension (mean duration 6.4 +/- 6.4 years). The postmenopausal status was defined as the absence of menstrual blood loss during > 6 months and blood estradiol concentration < 50 pg/ml, accompanied by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels > 21 U/I. Twenty seven women were blindly randomised to transdermal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and received 17-beta-estradiol and noretisterone acetate, TTS. Twenty six women were randomly selected as controls. The subjects were evaluated at baseline (after 2 weeks' wash-out from hypotensive drug period) and after three months of HRT using self-administered standardized quality of life questionnaires: the Psychological General Well-being Index (PGWB) and the Subjective Symptoms Assessment Profile (SSA-P). RESULTS: No differences were found in blood pressure values, heart rate, body mass index and distribution of body fat tissue between women receiving HRT and controls at baseline and after 3 months of follow-up. There were no significant differences in the baseline total PGWB score as well as in its subscale between two groups. Similarly, the frequency and intensity of subjective symptoms assessed by SSA-profile were the same in both groups at baseline. After 3 months, a significant improvement in PGWB total score was observed in women receiving HRT. This effect was due to improvement in anxiety, positive well-being and vitality. Moreover, emotional distress, symptoms of flushing, sweating and trembling hands also diminished and sexual capacity improved in women treated with HRT. CONCLUSION: A three-month hormone replacement therapy in hypertensive postmenopausal women slightly improves the general well-being, seems to decrease emotional tension, increase sexual capacity and markedly relieves some vasomotor symptoms.

[Personality and restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty]. / Osobowosc a restenoza po zabiegu przezskórnej angioplastyki wiencowej.

The paper is an attempt to find out which personality traits predispose to increased risk of restenosis in patients after first percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) was used in 87 consecutive men (31 persons with university education, 26 secondary, and 20 occupational education; mean age 50 years, range from 32 to 72) on the second day after PTCA. Raw data were used in statistical analysis of EPQ-R. Restenosis was identified in coronary angiography within several weeks to 6 months after PTCA. Restenosis was detected in 25 patients. Groups with and without restenosis were compared with respect to EPQ-R parameters referring to neurotism (14.8 +/- 3.26 vs. 12.4 +/- 5.63; p < 0.01), extroversion (13.7 +/- 3.82 vs. 13.7 +/- 3.95; NS) and psychotism (5.7 +/- 3.20 vs. 7.2 +/- 4.8; p = 0.08). There was positive correlation between the level of neurotism and the frequency of restenosis (logistic regression coefficient = 0.225; OR = 1.252; p = 0.03), but not with age and the level of education. In contrast, psychotism did not correlate significantly with frequency of restenosis. In conclusion, neurotism appears to affect the frequency of restenosis, which means that emotional imbalance through reducing immunity to stress and skills of effective coping with it increases the risk of restenosis. Psychological intervention directed at developing the skills of coping with stress should be a part of the therapy in patients after PTCA.

[Pulse pressure as a predictor of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty]. / Wartosc cisnienia tetna w przewidywaniu czestosci wystepowania restenozy po zabiegach angioplastyki wiencowej.

UNLABELLED: The tension of the arterial wall increases the proliferation of the vascular smooth muscle cells which is one of the basic mechanisms of the reocclusion after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the study was to evaluate the significance of the pulse pressure (PP) in predicting the restenosis after PCI. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 84 patients (average age 53.9 +/- 10.1; 69 males and 15 females)--35 patients with angiographically proved restenosis and 49 patients without restenosis matched according to age and gender. The pulse pressure in the ascending aorta was measured before PCI. The standard angiographic measurements took place before PCI and immediately after it. The restenosis was defined as recurrent stenosis > 50% on the follow-up angiogram which was performed up to 9 months after PCI. RESULTS: The mean pulse pressure was significantly higher in patients with restenosis (76.9 +/- 24.2 mmHg vs 61.3 +/- 17.5 mmHg, p < 0.001). The incidence rate of restenosis was 28.6% for the patients with the lowest PP and 55.2% for the patients with the highest PP (p < 0.05). The odds ratio after adjustment for sex, age, smoking status, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, the type of lesions that underwent the PCI, maximal inflation pressure, time of inflation, minimal lumen diameter before and after the PCI, reference lumen diameter, stent implantation and mean blood pressure was 1.0, 2.83 (0.59-13.72) and 7.36 (1.12-68.11) for the patients with the lowest, middle and highest PP, respectively. The multiple-adjusted analysis showed that 10 mmHg increase in PP is associated with 72% increase in risk of restenosis (OR 1.72, CI 1.14-2.60, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ascending aortic pulse pressure is an independent predictive factor for restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

[Krakow Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease. Part III. Secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease after discharge]. / Krakowski Program Wtórnej Prewencji Choroby Niedokrwiennej Serca. Czesc III: Wtórna prewencja choroby niedokrwiennej serca w okresie poszpitalnym.

UNLABELLED: Even though the majority of actions undertaken within the secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease should be initiated while the patient is still hospitalized, the maximum benefit (measured as decreased cardiovascular risk) achieved depends mostly on the continuation and modification of these actions in the postdischarge period. There is not much known about the quality of medical care provided for patients after hospitalization due to ischaemic heart disease. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of postdischarge care in the field of secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease. METHODS: Consecutive patients (age > or = 70 years; residing in the Cracow province) were identified according to the following clinical diagnoses or procedures: acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, CABG and PCI. Out of 536 patients 418 took part in the control visit 6-18 months after discharge. Risk factors and medication used were assessed. RESULTS: High total cholesterol (> or = 5.2 mmol/l) was found in 65.8% of patients, high blood pressure (> or = 140/90 mmHg) in 46.2%, obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) in 24.6%, fasting glucose over 6.0 mmol/l in 17.7% and smoking in 16.3%. The frequency of antiplatelet drugs and beta-blockers use decreased whereas that of lipid-lowering drugs increased in the postdischarge period. The highest frequency of use of antiplatelets and lipid-lowering drugs, as well as the best control of hypercholesterolemia was found in the PCI group, whereas the lowest frequency of smoking was found in the CABG group. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient control of risk factors and the frequency of secondary prevention using drugs was found. There is a need to intensify secondary prevention in patients with ischaemic heart disease in the postdischarge period.

[Krakow Program for Secondary Prevention of Ischaemic Heart Disease. Part II. Secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease during hospitalization]. / Krakowski Program Wtórnej Prewencji Choroby Niedokrwiennej Serca. Czesc II: Wtórna prewencja choroby niedokrwiennej serca w okresie hospitalizacji.

UNLABELLED: Hospitalization due to ischaemic heart disease provides a possibility to introduce patients education, to initiate non-pharmacological treatment and to assure patient compliance. The aim the study was to assess the frequency of risk factors and the quality of care in the field of secondary prevention in patients hospitalized due to acute coronary syndromes or subjected to myocardial revascularization. METHODS: The study was carried out in cardiac departments of six hospitals serving the area of the city. Consecutive patients (age < or = 70 years; residing in the Cracow province) were identified according to the following clinical diagnoses or procedures: first or recurrent acute myocardial infarction, first or recurrent unstable angina, first coronary artery bypass grafting or first percutaneous coronary intervention. RESULTS: Data of 536 patients (140 women and 396 men; mean age--56.6 +/- 8.4 years; hospitalized from 1.07.1996 to 30.09.1997) were collected from medical records. The rate of blood pressure measurement during the first 24-hours of hospitalization was 88.8%. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were assessed in 32.8%, 30.2%, and 32.3% of patients respectively during the first 24-hours of hospitalization. The height and weight were found in 54.9% and 85.1% of medical records. Obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) was found in 20.3% of patients, 36.7% smoked, 56.0% had hypertension, 15.5% diabetes and 79.5% had hyper-cholesterolemia. Medication at discharge was: antiplatelet drugs 86.7%, beta-blockers 66.4%, ACE inhibitors 50.2% and lipid lowering drugs 27.1%. CONCLUSION: There is a need to initiate a comprehensive programme in order to improve quality of care in the field of secondary prevention of ischaemic heart disease.

[About the beginnings of otolaryngology in Poland in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Teodor Heryng's birthday and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first Laryngology Ward in Warsaw]. / O poczatkach otolaryngologii polskiej w 150 rocznice urodzin Teodora Herynga i 100 rocznice powolania pierwszego oddzialu laryngologicznego w Warszawie.

In this study was remain biography of two pioneers of polish laryngology--Teodor Heryng and Leopold Lubliner. The first laryngological subdivision in Warsaw was localised in St. Roch hospital. The first full equipment laryngological division where was open in Jewish hospital.

Functionalization of polycarbonate with proteins; open-tubular enzymatic microreactors.

This paper examines a set of techniques for the immobilization of enzymes on the surface of microchannels fabricated in polycarbonate (PC). Our experiments identify the method that uses combined physico-chemical immobilization on a layer of polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a reproducible vista for the robust immobilization of proteins. As an example, we demonstrate the fabrication, throughput and stability of an open-tubular reactor draped with alkaline phosphatase (ALP, EC 3.1.3.1) as a model enzyme. As PC is suitable for industrial applications the method could potentially be used to immobilize proteins in numbered-up implementations.

Pleiotropic effects of drugs inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade is a key component in the modern management of cardiovascular diseases. Agents that interfere with the different components of this system such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, sartans and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists represent valuable therapeutic tools to reduce cardiovascular risk in brachial blood pressure independent mechanisms. Indeed, antagonists of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system reduce inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular remodeling in hypertension beyond blood pressure reduction and have demonstrated better cardiovascular protection compared with some of the other antihypertensive agents, especially in selected populations such as patients with diabetes and renal failure. These advantages were confirmed recently in several large-scale randomized trials. Latest evidence suggests that the effect of some antihypertensive drugs on central blood pressure is greater when compared with the effect on peripheral pressure. Nowadays, there is growing agreement that relatively greater influence of agents blocking renin-angiotensin system on central blood pressure may at least partly explain their advantages over other antihypertensives in many clinical situations. Clinical consequences of overestimation of the antihypertensive effect of some drug classes and underestimation blood pressure changes in patients treated with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors when analyzing brachial instead of central blood pressure is being increasingly recognized recently.