Analysis of the temperature influence on Langmuir probe measurements on the basis of gyrofluid simulations

The influence of the temperature and its fluctuations on the ion saturation current and the floating potential, which are typical quantities measured by Langmuir probes in the turbulent edge region of fusion plasmas, is analysed by global nonlinear gyrofluid simulations for two exemplary parameter regimes. The numerical simulation facilitates a direct access to densities, temperatures and the plasma potential at different radial positions around the separatrix. This allows a comparison between raw data and the calculated ion saturation current and floating potential within the simulation. Calculations of the fluctuation-induced radial particle flux and its statistical properties reveal significant differences to the actual values at all radial positions of the simulation domain, if the floating potential and the temperature averaged density inferred from the ion saturation current is used.Comment: Submitted to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusio

Biochemical markers and assessment of cardiotoxicity during preparative regimen and hematopoietic cell transplantation in acute leukemia

Introduction: Cardiotoxicity is a relatively frequent and potentially serious complication of antitumor treatment. Anthracyclines and other high-dose chemotherapy represent the greatest risk. The aim of the study was to assess cardiotoxicity during preparative regimen (PR) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in acute leukemia (AL) with biochemical markers — “N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide” (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB mass). Methods: Nineteen adult AL patients previously treated with anthracyclines — idarubicine, daunorubicine, mitoxantrone with standard doses for a cycle as 3 х 12 mg/m2, 3 х 50 mg/m2, 3 х 10 mg/m2 accordingly were studied. PR consisted of high-dose cyclophosphamide (HD-C) in combination with busulphan or total body irradiation (TBI). Plasma NT-proBNP, cTnT and CK-MB mass concentrations were measured the day before PR, the day after PR, the day after HCT and 14 days after HCT. Results: Before PR, mean plasma NT-proBNP value was 106.3 ± 55.7 ng/l. After PR, it increased to 426.1 ± 391.5 ng/l. After HCT, a further increase to 847.6 ± 780.6 ng/l was observed. Fourteen days after HCT, the mean NT-proBNP was 330.8±236.8 ng/l. The differences were statistically significant in comparison with the baseline values (p < 0.01). The NT-proBNP elevations were more pronounced in patients with cumulative doses (CD) of anthracyclines above 450 mg/m2 (p < 0.05), in patients with PR containing HD-C and TBI (p < 0.05). In all patients, plasma cTnT and CK-MB mass concentrations remained unchangable during PR and HCT. Conclusion: Our results suggest that administration of PR and HCT is in most AL patients associated with acute neurohumoral activation (significant rise in NT-proBNP). Persistent NT-proBNP elevations, in our study in 12 (63.2 %) patients, indicate subclinical cardiotoxicity (risk for development of heart failure) and require further follow-up. More pronounced NT-proBNP elevations in patients with higher CD of anthracyclines and in patients with PR containing combination of HD-C and TBI confirm that these therapeutic procedures seem to be more cardiotoxic and not very appropriate for patients with cumulation of risk factors for cardiotoxicity. Negative plasma cTnT and CK-MB mass concentrations show no detectable damage of cardiomyocyte structure during PR and HCT.Введение: кардиотоксические осложнения — это относительно частые и потенциально опасные последствия противоопухолевой терапии. Наибольшую кардиотоксичность отмечают при применении высоких доз химиопрепаратов, в частности антибиотиков антрациклинового ряда. Целью данного исследования была оценка кардиотоксичности при лекарственной подготовке пациентов с острым лейкозом (ОЛ) и проведении им трансплантации гематопоэтических стволовых клеток (ГСК), а также определение следующих биохимических маркеров – N-терминального промозгового натрийуретического пептида (NT-proBNP), сердечного тропонина T (cTnT) и креатинкиназы MB (CK-MB). Методы: обследованы 19 взрослых пациентов с ОЛ, прошедших предварительное лечение (ПЛ) с применением антрациклиновых антибиотиков (АА) – идарубицина, даунорубицина, митотриксантрона в дозах 3 х 12 мг/м2 , 3 х 50 мг/м2 , 3 х 10 мг/м2 соответственно. Кроме применения АА, ПЛ включало высокие дозы циклофосфамида (ВД-Ц) в сочетании с бусульфаном или радиолучевой терапией (РЛТ). Концентрацию NT-proBNP, cTnT и CK-MB определяли в плазме крови за день до и через день после проведения ПЛ, а также за день до и через 14 дней после трансплантации ГСК. Результаты: уровень NT-proBNP перед проведением ПЛ составил 106,3 ± 55,7 нг/л, а после повышался до 426,1 ± 391,5 нг/л. После трансплантации ГСК отмечали дальнейшее возрастание исследуемого показателя до 847,6 ± 780,6 нг/л. Через 14 дней после трансплантации ГСК концентрация NT-proBNP достигла 330,8 ± 236,8 нг/л, при этом разница была статистически достоверна по сравнению с исходными значениями (p < 0,01). Повышение уровня NT-proBNP в плазме крови более выражено у пациентов, получавших АА в суммарной дозе (СД) выше 450 мг/м2 (p < 0,05), а также у больных, получавших ВД-Ц и РЛТ (p < 0,05). Концентрация cTnT и CK-MB при проведении ПЛ и трансплантации ГСК не изменялась по отношению к исходному уровню. Выводы: показано, что применение ПЛ и трансплантация ГСК у большинства пациентов с ОЛ сопровождается острой нейрогуморальной активацией, что проявлялось в существенном повышении уровня NT-proBNP. Постоянно высокий уровень NTproBNP, отмеченный у 12 (63,2%) пациентов, свидетельствует о бессимптомной кардиотоксичности (риске развития сердечной недостаточности) и требует последующего врачебного наблюдения больных. Более выраженное повышение уровня NT-proBNP у пациентов с более высокой СД АА и у больных, получавших ВД-Ц и РЛТ, свидетельствует о том, что такое лечение является более кардиотоксичным и не рекомендовано для применения в случае наличия факторов риска проявления кардиотоксичности

Theory-based scaling laws of near and far scrape-off layer widths in single-null L-mode discharges

Theory-based scaling laws of the near and far scrape-off layer (SOL) widths are analytically derived for L-mode diverted tokamak discharges by using a two-fluid model. The near SOL pressure and density decay lengths are obtained by leveraging a balance among the power source, perpendicular turbulent transport across the separatrix, and parallel losses at the vessel wall, while the far SOL pressure and density decay lengths are derived by using a model of intermittent transport mediated by filaments. The analytical estimates of the pressure decay length in the near SOL is then compared to the results of three-dimensional, flux-driven, global, two-fluid turbulence simulations of L-mode diverted tokamak plasmas, and validated against experimental measurements taken from an experimental multi-machine database of divertor heat flux profiles, showing in both cases a very good agreement. Analogously, the theoretical scaling law for the pressure decay length in the far SOL is compared to simulation results and to experimental measurements in TCV L-mode discharges, pointing out the need of a large multi-machine database for the far SOL decay lengths

Biochip array technology and evaluation of serum levels of multiple cytokines and adhesion molecules in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

Aim: Evaluation of serum levels of 17 cytokines and 5 adhesion molecules in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and in healthy subjects using biochip array technology. Methods: A total of 15 AML patients and 15 healthy subjects (blood donors) were studied. Serum samples were analyzed by biochip based immunoassays on the Evidence Investigator analyzer. This approach allows multi-analytical determination from a single sample. T-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: In newly diagnosed AML patients, we found significant increase (p < 0.01) in serum VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, L-selectin, and significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum IL-6, IL-8. No significant differences were found in the levels of other evaluated cytokines and adhesion molecules. Conclusion: Our results indicate that serum levels of specific cytokines and adhesion molecules ­(­VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, L-selectin, IL-6, IL-8) are significantly altered in patients with newly diagnosed AML, showing activity of the disease. Whether these alterations could serve as a prognostic marker for AML is not known. Further studies will be needed to define the potential role of these and additional markers in the risk stratification of AML. Key Words: cytokines, adhesion molecules, biochip array, acute myeloid leukemia

Cardiovascular changes associated with infusion of hematopoietic cell grafts in oncohematological patients — impact of cryopreservation with dimethylsulfoxide

Aim: Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is the most frequently used agent for hematopoietic cell (HC) graft cryopreservation. This study aimed to monitor blood pressure and heart rate (HR) during HC graft infusion and assess the impact of cryopreservation with DMSO. Methods: 153 HC graft infusions in 153 consecutive hematological patients (mean age 49.1 ± 12.6 years; 80 males) were evaluated. Cryopreservation with DMSO was used in 133 grafts (DMSO group). Twenty grafts were infused directly without cryopreservation (control group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR were measured immediately before and after HC graft infusion. Results: SBP and DBP increased significantly after graft infusions cryopreserved with DMSO (p 10 mmHg) in SBP were seen in 42 (31.6%) patients; in DBP in 31 (23.3%) patients. Changes in HR were non-significant in DMSO group. Increases in BP and HR correlated with increasing DMSO dose (p < 0.01; p < 0.05, respectively). Changes in SBP, DBP and HR were non-significant in control group. Conclusion: HC graft infusions cryopreserved with DMSO could cause statistically significant increases in SBP and DBP, without changes in HR. These changes were mostly transient and asymptomatic, not requiring therapeutic intervention. However, they might cause complications, especially in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease, who should be monitored closely during HC transplantation

Baseline serum levels of multiple cytokines and adhesion molecules in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: results of a pivotal trial

Aim: Evaluation of serum levels of 17 cytokines and 5 adhesion molecules in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using biochip array technology. We searched for links between baseline levels and age, hyperleukocytosis, secondary origin of AML, resistance to induction therapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin and standard risk stratification according to cytogenetics and molecular genetics. Methods: We evaluated the sera of 51 consecutive patients. Serum samples were analyzed by biochip based immunoassays on the Evidence Investigator analyzer. T-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: We found that higher age is associated with lower levels of interleukin (IL)-12. Patients with secondary disease were older, had higher levels of EGF and IL-7, and lower levels of E-selectin, IL-12 and IL-13. In hyperleukocytosis, the levels of IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ­E-selectin and L-selectin were increased, whereas levels of IFN-γ and MCP-1 were decreased. In patients who failed to achieve complete remission after induction therapy, we found lower E-selectin and P-selectin levels. High risk patients had lower levels of IFN-γ. Conclusion: Some leukemic cell subpopulations have the ability to produce cytokines that modulate the microenvironment by inducing inflammation. This causes endothelial cells to be activated and overexpress adhesion molecules. Hyperleukocytosis and secondary origin of the disease are the major factors influencing the cytokine and adhesion molecule profile in newly diagnosed AML patients. Key Words: cytokines, adhesion molecules, biochip array, acute myeloid leukemia

Cooking and Meal Planning as Predictors of Fruit and Vegetable Intake and BMI in First-Year College Students

The objective was to determine if cooking skills and meal planning behaviors are associated with greater fruit and vegetable intake and lower body mass index (BMI) in first-year college students who are at risk for excessive weight gain. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data from a multi-state research project aimed at preventing weight gain in first-year college students. Cooking type, frequency and confidence, self-instruction for healthful mealtime behavior intention, self-regulation of healthful mealtime behavior, and cup equivalents of fruits and vegetables (FV) were measured using validated surveys. BMI was calculated from measured height and weight. First-year students (n = 1108) considered at risk for weight gain from eight universities completed baseline assessments within the first month of entering college. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations among independent variables of cooking patterns, meal planning behaviors, and dependent variables of fruit and vegetable intake and BMI, after controlling for the influence of sex. Cooking more frequently, cooking with greater skills, and practicing meal planning behaviors are associated with greater fruit and vegetable intake and lower BMI in first-year college students. Interventions aimed at improving health in college students may be enhanced by incorporating cooking and meal planning components

Redesign, Field-Testing, and Validation of the Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports (PACES) Audit.

This paper describes the redesign, field-testing, and convergent validity of a practical tool-Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports (PACES) audit. Methods. The audit includes two parts: (1) PACES-Programs, which is comprised of questions regarding populations served, fees, programs (recreation/fitness classes and intramurals), proximity, adequacy of facilities, and marketing, and (2) PACES-Facilities, which is comprised of questions regarding built environment (aesthetics, bike racks, stairs, and universal design), recreation equipment, staff, amenities, and access. Each item criterion is specifically scored using a five-point, semantic-differential scale ranging from limited to extensive environmental support. A few questions utilize select all that apply for a summed score. PACES training, interrater reliability, and data collection are all accessible via an online portal. PACES was tested on 76 college campuses. Convergent validity was examined by comparing the PACES-Programs questions to Healthy Campus Initiatives-Programs questions (HCI-Programs) and comparing the PACES-Facilities questions to questions contained in the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) Instrument. Statistical analyses included Cronbach\u27s alpha, ANOVA, latent profile analysis, and Spearman correlations. Results.The PACES-Programs audit includes 10 items for a potential total of 73 points (α = 0.72) and PACES-Facilities audit includes 15 items for a potential total of 77 points (α = 0.837). Most (77.8%) of the 153 facilities assessed scored in the most healthful range (20-42), which was mainly due to the extensiveness of the aerobic equipment/amenities and the competence/accessibility of staff. Significant differences in PACES-Total and PACES-Programs scores were associated with campus size and PACES-Facilities across regions. For the paired validation assessments, correlations were significant between PACES-Programs and HCI-Programs ((n=41) r=0.498, p \u3c 0.001) and PACES-Facilities and PARA (n=29) for both features (r=0.417, p=0.024) and amenities (r=0.612, p \u3c 0.001), indicating moderate convergent validity. Conclusion. The PACES audit is a valid, reliable tool for assessing the quality of recreation facilities and programs in a variety of college campus environments

Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling of Students\u27 Dietary Intentions/Behaviors, BMI, and the Healthfulness of Convenience Stores.

BACKGROUND: When dietary behaviors are habitual, intentions are low, and environmental cues, such as the consumer food environment, might guide behavior. How might intentions to eat healthily and ultimately actual dietary behaviors, be influenced by the consumer food environment (including the availability and affordability of healthy foods) in convenience stores? This study will determine pathways between the healthfulness of convenience stores and college students\u27 dietary intentions/behaviors, and body mass index (BMI).METHODS: Through multilevel structural equation modeling, a comparison was made of students\u27 healthful meal intentions (HMI); intake (fruits/vegetables, %kcal/fat, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and whole-grains); and measured BMI; as well as the healthfulness of convenience stores (fruits/vegetables availability/quality, healthy food availability/affordability). Data was collected on 1401 students and 41 convenience stores across 13 US college campuses.RESULTS: Controlling for gender, HMI was negatively associated with SSBs (β = -0.859) and %kcal/fat (β = -1.057) and positively with whole-grains (β = 0.186) and fruits/vegetables intake (β = 0.267); %Kcal/fat was positively (β = 0.098) and fruits/vegetables intake (β = -0.055) negatively associated with BMI. Campus level, fruits/vegetables availability were positively associated to HMI (β = 0.214, β = 0.129) and directly/negatively to BMI (β = -2.657, β = -1.124).CONCLUSIONS: HMI modifies dietary behaviors, with energy from fat and fruit/vegetable intake the most predictive of weight. Availability of fruit/vegetables in convenience stores make it easier for young adults to eat well