Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Screening and Preventive Practice Recommendations from the CIBMTR and EBMT

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and all-cause mortality. Long-term survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have a substantial risk of developing MetS and cardiovascular disease, with an estimated prevalence of MetS of 31% to 49% among HCT recipients. Although MetS has not yet been proven to impact cardiovascular risk after HCT, an understanding of the incidence and risk factors for MetS in HCT recipients can provide the foundation to evaluate screening guidelines and develop interventions that may mitigate cardiovascular-related mortality. A working group was established through the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research and the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation with the goal to review literature and recommend practices appropriate to HCT recipients. Here we deliver consensus recommendations to help clinicians provide screening and preventive care for MetS and cardiovascular disease among HCT recipients. All HCT survivors should be advised of the risks of MetS and encouraged to undergo recommended screening based on their predisposition and ongoing risk factors

Microhardness of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy and thermoplastic polyimide composites

5 pags. 4 figs.We have examined the micro indentation hardness of a series of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy and thermoplastic polyimide (TPI) composites. In the epoxy systems, the influence of Nylon particles was studied. The effect of crystallization of the thermoplastic polyimide upon the microhardness values of the resin was also investigated. The microstructure of the TPI‐composites was characterized by X‐ray diffraction. The results show that the addition of carbon fibers to the neat resins greatly increases the microhardness and thus the yield stress of the composite. The value of the microhardness technique is highlighted in emphasizing the heterogeneity of the CFRC. Copyright © 1995 Society of Plastics Engineer