Effect of Mycophenolate Mofetil on Plasma Bioelements in Renal Transplant Recipients

The proper concentrations of plasma bioelements may favorably reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders, which often occur during immunosuppressive therapy. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is currently one of the most frequently administered immunosuppressive agents; however, MMF treatment is often related to gastrointestinal side effects. The aim of this study was thus to verify whether the MMF treatment itself, or its metabolite pharmacokinetics, has an effect on the concentrations of plasma bioelements. To determine this, the effect of MMF on the levels of both major (sodium [Na], potassium [K], calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg]), and trace (iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu]) plasma bioelements in 61 renal transplant recipients was assessed in comparison to a control group (n = 45). The pharmacokinetic parameters of mycophenolic acid were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography method. All patients filled out a 24-h diet history questionnaire. The results showed high plasma concentrations of Fe and low plasma concentrations of Mg and Zn as compared with diagnostic norms. The patients treated with MMF had significantly lower plasma Na (P < 0.001) and significantly higher plasma Zn (P = 0.030) and Cu concentrations (P < 0.001). In conclusion, MMF treatment was found to affect plasma Fe, Zn, and Cu levels by increasing their concentrations while decreasing the plasma Na concentration. Mg and Zn deficiencies, as well as excessive Fe levels, are frequently observed irrespective of the immunosuppressive regimen applied, which suggests that monitoring of these bioelements may be favorable

Research method of dynamic capability of an actuating block of the SSP-FK aircraft fire suppression system in false alarm aspect

Numerous cases of self-activation of the SSP-FK aircraft fire suppression system (including commissioning of valves and extinguishing tanks) testify about the fact that it is not yet fully understood in the technical aspect, and because of the performed role on the aircraft is the basic element to ensure flight safety. Solving problems with false fire signalling of the SSP-FK system is an important issue for the safe operation of aircraft and military helicopters, because it is preventive (to warn the crew of the possibility of fire) and rescue system (aiming at extinguish the fire) in each phase of a flight. In addition, the SSP-FK system is used on many types of military aircraft (including helicopters from W-3/3W/3WA/3PL and Mi/8/14/17/24 family as well as An-28 and Tu-154M aircraft. The paper presents selected results of work in the Air Force Institute of Technology in the study of SSP-FK fire suppression system (as one of the main protection systems on-board) used on many types of military aircraft operated in the Polish Armed Forces. In determining the conditions of the false signalling of fire, simulation models of action blocks implementing of the SSP-FK fire suppression system were developed. The research on simulation models was performed in Matlab-Simulink and Circuit-Maker computing packages. The results of these works were used to diagnose selected modules and blocks of the SSP-FK system during the study of actual cases of their false activation

A mathematical model to optimize the pilot training process

In most NATO countries, pilots are prepared in accordance with a modern system of three-stage training: selection, basic and advanced. For each phase, the purpose and scope of the training shall be defined and the aviation equipment together with training support systems should be appropriate selected. The practical training in the air is performed according to the parallelism of the training, which describes the technological relationships between the individual exercises. The purpose of this contribution is to propose a mathematical model which would enable the selection of exercises for each pilot, the appropriate selection of the aircraft and the moment of beginning of each exercise, so that all required exercises are carried out in the shortest possible time. Additionally, in this paper the concept of pilot’s habits and skills improvements is presented

Risk assessment system in the production process of medical devices on the basis of dynamics spine corrector

The article presents the methodology involved in creating a risk analysis of medical devices. General regulations contained in the PN-EN ISO 14971 provide manufacturers of medical basis for the concretization of standards in the form of risk assessment system for a particular process and product. However, there is no top-down regulations defining the level of acceptable risk and the decision to determine its value rests with the manufacturer. Effectiveness of taken measures was tested on the example of a analysis of dynamics spine corrector – medical device that is allowing independent rehabilitation under the supervision of a physiotherapist and current control of the kinematics and dynamics of the human spine

Prolonged-Release Once-Daily Formulation of Tacrolimus Versus Standard-of-Care Tacrolimus in de novo Kidney Transplant Patients Across Europe

Background: Tacrolimus is the calcineurin inhibitor of choice for preventing acute rejection episodes in kidney transplant patients. However, tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic range that requires regular monitoring of blood concentrations to minimize toxicity. A new once-daily tacrolimus formulation, LCP-tacrolimus (LCPT), has been developed, which uses MeltDose (TM) drug-delivery technology to control drug release and enhance overall bioavailability. Our study compared dosing of LCPT with current standard-of-care tacrolimus [immediate-release tacrolimus (IR-Tac) or prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-Tac)] during the 6 months following de novo kidney transplantation. Comparisons of graft function, clinical outcomes, safety, and tolerability for LCPT versus IR-Tac/PR-Tac were also performed. Methods: Standard immunological risk patients with end-stage renal disease who had received a de novo kidney transplant were randomized (1:1) to LCPT (N = 200) or IR-Tac/PR-Tac (N = 201). Results: Least squares (LS) mean tacrolimus total daily dose from Week 3 to Month 6 was significantly lower for LCPT than for IR-Tac/PR-Tac. Although LS mean tacrolimus trough levels were significantly higher for LCPT than IR-Tac/PR-Tac, tacrolimus trough levels remained within the standard reference range for most patients. There were no differences between the groups in treatment failure measures or safety profile. Conclusion: LCPT can achieve similar clinical outcomes to other tacrolimus formulations, with a lower daily dose