Ion beam plume and efflux characterization flight experiment study

A flight experiment and flight experiment package for a shuttle-borne flight test of an 8-cm mercury ion thruster was designed to obtain charged particle and neutral particle material transport data that cannot be obtained in conventional ground based laboratory testing facilities. By the use of both ground and space testing of ion thrusters, the flight worthiness of these ion thrusters, for other spacecraft applications, may be demonstrated. The flight experiment definition for the ion thruster initially defined a broadly ranging series of flight experiments and flight test sensors. From this larger test series and sensor list, an initial flight test configuration was selected with measurements in charged particle material transport, condensible neutral material transport, thruster internal erosion, ion beam neutralization, and ion thrust beam/space plasma electrical equilibration. These measurement areas may all be examined for a seven day shuttle sortie mission and for available test time in the 50 - 100 hour period

Arterial hypertension as a risk factor for myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA)

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) as a relatively new disease entity distinguished from the group of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is not a rare clinical problem and it requires in-depth diagnostics. MINOCA accounts for 5–10% of all ACS cases. MINOCA is most common between the ages of 50–60 and predominates in females. Coronary microvascular dysfunction and coronary vasospasm are among the potential mechanisms. The latest guidelines for the treatment of ACS in patients presenting without persistent ST-segment elevation emphasize the importance of searching for the causes of angina in patients with insignificant lesions in the coronary arteries by extending invasive diagnostics (e.g., acetylcholine provocation test) and using noninvasive diagnostics (e.g., CMR or SPECT). In the context of MINOCA, among the typical risk factors for coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension (HTN) seems to be the most important by inducing coronary microcirculation remodeling (mostly hypertrophy) and hence the narrowing of the lumen. Studies comparing patients with MINOCA and obstructive coronary artery disease (MI-CAD) in the context of risk factors, in particular HTN, were analyzed. In five out of nine analyzed studies, HTN occurred significantly more often in patients with MINOCA compared to patients with MI-CAD. The current pharmacotherapy recommendations focus on slowing the progression of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), i.e., adequate treatment of risk factors and comorbidities, such as HTN. Therefore, it seems reasonable to conduct studies directly analyzing the relationship between HTN and MINOCAin order to improve diagnostics and establish appropriate pharmacotherapy that will improve prognosis

Comments on the High Pressure Preservation of Human Milk

The current state of studies on the high pressure preservation of the human milk is briefly presented. It is indicated that reaching (i) the antimicrobial safety, (ii) antiviral safety, and (iii) high nutritional, metabolic and immunological quality, may be difficult for a “classical” single pressure pulse High Pressure Preservation (HPP) treatment. It is shown that the sudden decompression leads to additional physical processes, which can be important for supporting the HPP technology. Additional advantages were reached due to the two-pulse compression, with subsequent values: P = 200 MPa and 400 MPa. Tests included the microbiological insight for the two-weeks storage. It is also shown that the decay of the number of microorganisms under the high pressure follows the relation n(t) = n0exp(At)exp(Bt2). Finally, issues regarding containers for the high pressure preservation of human milk are discussed

Effect of ASA dose doubling versus switching to clopidogrel on plasma inflammatory markers concentration in patients with type 2 diabetes and high platelet reactivity: The AVOCADO study

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of 2 strategies of antiplatelet treatment (i.e., 150 mg ASA vs. 75 mg clpoidogrel) on plasma level of inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with high platelet reactivity (HPR).Methods: Study cohort consisted of 304 T2DM patients on chronic ASA therapy (75 mg per day) participating in the Aspirin Versus/Or Clopidogrel in Aspirin-resistant Diabetics inflammation Outcomes (AVOCADO) study. Patients with HPR defined as Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100 collagene/epinephrine closure time (CEPI-CT) < 193 s (n = 80) were randomized to 150 mg of ASA or 75 mg of clopidogrel in 2:3 ratio, respectively. Concentrations of the selected inflammatory markers, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, solubleCD40 ligand (sCD40L), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), were measured and compared in both treatment groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment in both groups.Results: Out of 234 patients included into final analysis, the total of 34.2% (n = 80) patients displayed HPR, of which 14.1% (n = 33) were randomized into 150 mg of ASA group and 20.1% (n = 47) into 75 mg of clopidogrel group. Treatment with clopidogrel was a positive predictor (stepwise multiple regression analysis) of reduction of sCD40L concentration (odds ratio [OR] 4.15; p = 0.013), while treatment with 150 mg ASA was a positive predictor of reduction of IL-6 concentration (OR 4.38; p = 0.033). There was no statistically significant differences between clopidogrel and ASA 150 mg treatment in respect to predictive value for decreased hsCRP concentrations or increased TNF-α concentrations.Conclusions: Increasing the dose of ASA from 75 mg to 150 mg daily or switching ASA 75 mg to clopidogrel 75 mg daily may reduce concentrations of some inflammatory markers (in particular hsCRP, IL-6 and CD40L) in T2DM patients with HPR treated previously with 75 mg of ASA

Association of plasma concentrations of salicylic acid and high on ASA platelet reactivity in type 2 diabetes patients

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between plasmaconcentrations of salicylic acid (SA) and other minor acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) metabolitesand high on ASA platelet reactivity assessed with different methods in type 2 diabetic patients(T2DM).Methods: Study cohort consisted of 293 T2DM patients on chronic ASA therapy. Plateletfunction inhibition was analyzed using measurements of serum thromboxane B2 (S-TxB2),VerifyNow Aspirin and Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA)-100 assays. The concentration of ASAmetabolites in plasma was measured with a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Results: In logistic regression analysis both ASA dose/kg of body weight and plasma SAconcentration were found to be predictive of S-TxB2 concentrations above 0.72 ng/mL cut-offpoint (OR 16.9, 95% CI 2.29–125.8, p = 0.006 and OR 5.34, 95% CI 2.67–10.68, p < 0.001,respectively). When using the VerifyNow Aspirin Assay, the concentrations of SA were signifi -cantly lower (p = 0.007) in the group with high on ASA platelet reactivity when compared withthe group with normal on ASA platelet reactivity. In logistic regression analysis plasma SAconcentration was found to be predictive of VerifyNow Aspirin Reaction Units (ARU) ≥ 550(OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.86–8.00, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Our study suggests that disturbances of pharmacokinetic mechanisms mightcontribute to lower plasma SA levels, and subsequently incomplete inhibition of thromboxane A2synthesis as measured with S-TxB2 concentrations and increased platelet reactivity measuredwith VerifyNow in T2DM patients

Are adipokines associated with atrial fibrillation in type 2 diabetes?

Introduction: The potential effect of adipokines on the development of AF is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of baseline serum adipokines with 1) the presence of AF at baseline and 2) future risk of AF development. Material and methods: The current study is a sub-analysis of the prospective, randomised AVOCADO (Aspirin Vs./Or Clopidogrel in Aspirin-resistant Diabetics inflammation Outcomes) trial. The AVOCADO study included patients with type 2 DM burdened with at least two additional cardiovascular risk factors and receiving acetylsalicylic acid. In patients included in the current analysis adipokines and inflammatory biomarker levels were measured. Information on the subsequent AF diagnosis was collected after a median of 5.4 years of follow-up. Results: A total of 273 patients with type 2 DM (median age 68 years; 52% male) were included in the initial analysis comparing patients with and without AF at baseline. Patients with diagnosed AF (12%) had higher levels of serum resistin [8.5 (5.8–10.5) vs. 6.9 (5.6–8.7) ng/mL; p = 0.034], adiponectin [6.9 (5.6–8.7) vs. 2.7 (1.8–4.2) ng/mL; p = 0.032], and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [336 (148–473) vs. 108 [45–217]; p < 0.001) than non-AF patients. There were no significant differences in serum leptin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha concentrations between the two groups. From subjects without known AF at study entry, 19% developed AF at follow-up. In logistic regression analysis, baseline adipokine levels did not predict AF development. Conclusion: In type 2 DM, patients with AF have higher resistin and adiponectin concentrations than patients with no AF. None of the studied adipokines proved a predictor of future AF development.

The predictive value of complete blood count-derived indices for major adverse cardiovascular events in MINOCA patients at 5-year follow-up

Introduction: The authors analysed the potential of red blood cell and platelet indices such as red cell distribution width (RDW), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean platelet volume (MPV) as predicting factors in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) patients of 5-year outcomes. Material and methods: Between 2010–2015 were identified 112 patients who had final MINOCA diagnosis and available laboratory findings. The primary endpoint was the 5-year major adverse cardiovascular events rate, defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization due to angina. Results: Only RDW had a significant impact on long-term outcomes. 93 (83%) patients had RDW ≤ 14.5 (group 1), and 19 (17%) patients had RDW > 14.5 (group 2). The mean RDW value was 13.58 ± 1.11%. In group 1 and group 2, mean RDW values were 13.18 ± 0.55%, and 15.54 ± 1.06% (p < 0.001), respectively. Patients with abnormal RDW values (group 2) characterized lower value of left ventricular eject fraction (60 ± 8% vs. 53 ± 13%, p = 0.024), and higher NT-proBNP values (3,170 ± 5,285 pg/mL vs. 6,200 ± 4,223 pg/mL, p = 0.013) as well as troponin levels (501–2500 ng/mL: 31% vs. 53%, p = 0.02). A statistically significant difference was observed only for all-cause death. All-cause death rates for no RDW ≤ 14.5% vs. RDW > 14.5% were 2.2% vs. 21.1% (HR 5.09, 95% CI 1.03–25.2, p = 0.046), respectively. Conclusions: RDW was significantly associated with the increased risk of all-cause mortality in MINOCA patients at 5 years

Coronary slow flow is not an adverse prognostic factor in MINOCA patients in the 5-year follow-up

Introduction: The research aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) patients with coronary slow flow (CSF) vs. normal coronary flow (no CSF) in a 5-year follow-up. Material and methods: Between 2010–2015 were identified 111 patients as having final MINOCA diagnosis and available calculated corrected TIMI frame count (cTFC). CSF was defined as cTFC greater than 27 frames per second in any of the three coronary arteries. The primary endpoint was the 5-year major adverse cardiovascular events rate, defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or hospitalization due to angina. Results: The mean cTFC was 28.9 ± 6.1 frames per second (median: 28, IQR 24–33; min-max: 19–58). 62 (55.9%) patients had normal coronary flow, and 49 (44.1%) had CSF. Patients did not differ in sex (females no CSF vs. CSF: 58% vs. 61%, p = 0.7) or age (63 ± 15 years vs. 63 ± 13 years, p = 0.8). Patients with CSF characterized higher rates of chronic kidney disease (0 vs. 8.2%, p = 0.035). No statistically significant difference was observed for any of the analysed points. MACE rates for no CSF vs. CSF were 9.6% vs. 14.3% (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.28–2.96, p = 0.7), respectively. Conclusions: CSF was not associated with a higher risk of adverse events among MINOCA patients at five years

Metabolic control of type 2 diabetes in cardiac patients — with respect to the changing Diabetes Poland guidelines

Wstęp. Cukrzyca istotnie zwiększa ryzyko wystąpienia zdarzeń sercowo-naczyniowych. Celem pracy była ocena wyrównania cukrzycy u pacjentów z cukrzycą typu 2, obciążonych kardiologicznie. Materiał i metody. Analizą objęto 293 pacjentów z cukrzycą typu 2, obciążonych dodatkowymi czynnikami ryzyka sercowo-naczyniowego, wyselekcjonowanych spośród uczestników prospektywnego badania AVO­CADO (2008–2011). Przeprowadzono ocenę wyrównania cukrzycy zgodnie z wytycznymi Polskiego Towarzystwa Diabetologicznego z 2008, 2011 i 2014 roku. Wyniki. Średnia wieku w badanej grupie wynosiła 67,4 roku, a mediana czasu trwania cukrzycy — 8 lat. Wyłącznie doustnymi lekami przeciwcukrzycowymi leczonych było 66,6% pacjentów, wyłącznie insuliną — 13,7%, a leczenie skojarzone otrzymywało 19,8% chorych. Nadciśnienie tętnicze występowało u 91,5%, choroba wieńcowa u 54,6%, przebyty zawał serca u 30,7%, a przebyty udar mózgu lub przejściowy epizod niedokrwienny ośrodkowego układu nerwowego u 9,9% chorych. Mediana odsetka hemoglobiny glikowanej (HbA1c) wynosiła 6,6%. Odsetek HbA1c mniejszy lub równy 7,0% stwierdzono u 74,4% pacjentów. Kryterium wyrównania gospodarki węglowodanowej zgodnie z wytycznymi PTD z 2008 roku spełniało 46,1% pacjentów, a z lat 2011 i 2014 — 57,3% chorych. Docelowe wartości stężenia cholesterolu całkowitego, LDL, HDL i triglicerydów osiągnięto odpowiednio u: 62,1%, 43,4%, 53,9% i 67,9% chorych. Kryterium wyrównania ciśnienia tętniczego zgodnie w wytycznymi PTD z 2008, 2011 i 2014 roku spełniało odpowiednio 13,7%, 39,6% i 34,5% pacjentów. Jedynie 2,1% (PTD 2008), 6,5% (PTD 2011) i 4,8% (PTD 2014) chorych spełniało jednocześnie wszystkie kryteria wyrównania cukrzycy. Prawidłowy wskaźnik masy ciała stwierdzono u 10,3% pacjentów. Wnioski. W porównaniu z innymi polskimi badaniami i rejestrami w analizowanej grupie pacjentów z cukrzycą typu 2 ze współistniejącymi chorobami układu krążenia stwierdzono stosunkowo dobre wyrównanie cukrzycy. Najrzadziej osiąganym kryterium wyrównania metabolicznego była redukcja stężenia cholesterolu LDL. Niezależnie od zastosowanych wytycznych, jedynie niewielki odsetek chorych spełniał jednocześnie wszystkie kryteria wyrównania cukrzycy.Introduction. Diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events. The aim of the study was to assess diabetes control in type 2 diabetic patients with coexisting cardiovascular disease.   Material and methods. A total of 293 type 2 diabetic patients with coexisting additional cardiovascular risk factors, recruited from the prospective AVOCADO study (2008–2011), were included in the analysis. Evaluation of diabetes control was conducted in accordance with the 2008, 2011 and 2014 Diabetes Poland guidelines.   Results. Mean patient age was 67.4 years, and median duration of diabetes was 8 years. Two-thirds of patients were treated solely with oral antidiabetic drugs, 13.7% of patients were on insulin monotherapy and 19.8% of patients received a combination of oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin. Hypertension was present in 91.5%, coronary artery disease in 54.6%, previous myocardial infarction in 30.7% and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack in 9.9% of patients. Median glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 6.6%. A proportion of HbA1c of ≤ 7% was achieved in 74.4% of patients. Glycemic compensation according to 2008 Polish Diabetes guidelines was achieved in 46.1% of patients, and according to 2011 and 2014 guidelines — in 57.3% of patients. Therapeutic goals in terms of total cholesterol concentration were achieved in 62.1%, LDL cholesterol concentration in 43.4%, HDL cholesterol concentration in 53.9%, triglyceride concentration in 67.9% of patients. Therapeutic goals in terms of blood pressure values were achieved in 13.7%, 39.6% and 34.5% of patients according to Polish Diabetes 2008, 2011 and 2014 guidelines, respectively. Only 2.1%, 6.5% and 4.8% of patients fulfilled all the compensation criteria according to Polish Diabetes 2008, 2011 and 2014 guidelines, respectively. Only 10.3% of patients had a normal body mass index. Conclusions. In comparison to other polish studies and registries, the study group of type 2 diabetic patients with coexisting cardiovascular diseases was characterized by a relatively good diabetes control. Out of all the metabolic therapeutic goals, reduction in LDL cholesterol concentration was the most difficult to achieve. Only a small proportion of patients fulfilled all the compensation criteria, irrespective of the guidelines used for diabetes control assessment