Effect of repeatedly applied cold water immersion on subclinical atherosclerosis, inflammation, fat accumulation and lipid profile parameters of volunteers

Significant acute cardiovascular, metabolic, and endocrine changes have been traced to short-lasting cold water immersion (CWI); however, the long-term impact of recurrent CWI on atherogenesis, lipid parameters, and fat distribution has not yet been studied. The goal of this study was to investigate the alleged protective effect. A total of 35 healthy volunteers were monitored for a period of 5 months during which the CWI was performed under standardized conditions (three times per week for 7-10 min, without neoprene equipment). Volunteers with measured weight or muscle mass increases of more than 5% were ineligible. An analogous control group (N = 30) was included. At the onset and completion of the study, blood samples were obtained, and clinical assessments took place. PCSK9 and hsCRP levels were measured together with other lipid-related and non-lipid-related indicators. Carotid intima-media thickness test (cIMT) and echo-tracking for the identification of arterial stiffness (PWV, AI, and β) were used to identify early vascular alterations. Hepatorenal index (HRI) calculations served to quantify liver steatosis, while changes in subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness were used to quantify fat distribution. The given protocol was successfully completed by 28 volunteers. Long-term repeated CWI resulted in a significant decline in cIMT (p = 0.0001), AI (p = 0.0002), Beta (p = 0.0001), and PWV (p = 0.0001). PCSK9 (p = 0.01) and hsCRP (p = 0.01) showed a significant decrease when compared to initial values. In comparison to the starting values, liver fat accumulation decreased by 11% on average (HRI p = 0.001). LDL, TC, TG, and VLDL levels all significantly decreased as well. We suggest that repeated CWI may have beneficial impact on lipid, non-lipid, and lipid-related indices, as well as atherogenesis and liver fat storage.

Effect of obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes on trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity in breast cancer

Background

Clinical trials have demonstrated an increased risk of cardiotoxicity in patients with breast cancer (bca) receiving trastuzumab-based therapy. Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Studies have yielded conflicting results about whether those factors increase the risk of cardiotoxicity in patients with bca receiving trastuzumab.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data were collected for 243 patients with bca positive for her2 (the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) who were receiving trastuzumab and who were referred to The Ottawa Hospital Cardio-oncology Referral Clinic between 2008 and 2013. The data collected included patient demographics, reason for referral, cardiac function, chemotherapy regimen (including anthracycline use), and 3 comorbidities (diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity). Rates of symptomatic cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction (sctcd) and asymptomatic decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (adlvef) were calculated for patients with and without the comorbidities of interest.

Results

Of the 243 identified patients, 104 had either diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obesity. In that population, the most likely reason for referral to the cardio-oncology clinic was adlvef. The combination of 2 or 3 comorbidities significantly increased the incidence of sctcd in our population, reaching a rate of 67% for patients with obesity and dyslipidemia [relative risk (rr): 2.2; p = 0.04], 69% for patients with obesity and diabetes (rr: 2.3; p = 0.02), and 72% for patients with all 3 risk factors (rr: 2.4; p = 0.08).

Conclusions

The combination of 2 or 3 comorbidities significantly increases the incidence of symptomatic cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity. Patients with bca experiencing cancer treatment-related cardiotoxicity who have a history of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity might require more proactive strategies for prevention, detection, and treatment of cardiotoxicity while receiving trastuzumab-based treatment.

Ammonium 2,2'-thiodiacetates - Selective and environmentally safe herbicides

2,2'-Thiodiacetic acid derivatives have a wide application potential, mainly in coordination chemistry. This research indicates that quaternary ammonium 2,2'-thiodiacetate salts may also be potent herbicidal agents used in agriculture. To provide a rationale for this statement, the toxic effect by a alkyl and aryl quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) on plant growth was investigated. The phytotoxicity of these compounds was tested against cultivated monocotyledonous (spring barley) and dicotyledonous (common radish) plants, whereas herbicidal activity was investigated in relation to popular weeds species (white goosefoot, sorrel and gallant-soldier). The results showed that aliphatic QASs possessed a low phytotoxicity to food crops and that some of them (in particular triethylammonium salt) had potent and selective herbicidal properties against common weeds, such as sorrel and gallant-soldier. However, the investigated compounds appeared to be ineffective herbicides against white goosefoot.

An influence of structural changes in ammonium cations on ecotoxicity of 2,2'-thiodiacetate mono and bis-salts

2,2'-Thiodiacetates with their excellent complexing properties may be used as metal extraction agents, fluorescent and superparamagnetic materials, antibacterial and anticancer medical agents, however there are no data concerning the environmental impact of 2,2'-thiodiacetates derivatives and data definying the potential hazard connected with their use. This study describes the ecotoxicity assessment of seven 2,2'-thiodiacetates with non-metallic, alkyl and aryl ammonium cations, which were obtained in an environmentally friendly, solvent-free syntheses. The ecotoxicity of these water soluble compounds was tested in aquatic and benthic environments using luminescent marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri (Microtox^® test) and the crustaceans Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracodtoxkit F™), respectively. The antimicrobial and antifungal activity against Trichoderma viridis, Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia solani and Escherichia coli was also investigated. The results showed how structural changes within ammonium cations themselves influence ecotoxicity: the QASs with alkylammonium cations exhibited a similar, rather low toxicity both to Vibrio fischeri and Heterocypris incongruens, and they would not pose a risk to these organisms in case of leakage. Higher toxicity was observed in case of two isoquinolinium salts, however it was rather associated with the heteroaromatic cation, than with the 2,2'-thiodiacetate anion.

Degradation Processes of Pesticides Used in Potato Cultivations

Potato is one of the most important crops, after maize, rice and wheat. Its global production is about 300 million tons per year and is constantly increasing. It grows in temperate climate and is used as a source of starch, food, and in breeding industry.Potato cultivation requires application of numerous agro-technical products, including pesticides, since it can be affected by insects, weeds, fungi, and viruses. In the European Union the most frequently used pesticides in potato cultivations check are: thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin (insecticides), rimsulfuron (herbicide) and metalaxyl (fungicide).Application of pesticides improves crop efficiency, however, as pesticides are not totally selective, it affects also non-target organisms. Moreover, the agrochemicals may accumulate in crops and, as a consequence, negatively influence the quality of food products and consumer health. Additional risks of plant protection products are related to their derivatives, that are created both in the environment (soil, water) and in plant organisms, since many of these compounds may exhibit toxic effects.This article is devoted to the degradation processes of pesticides used in potato crop protection. Attention is also paid to the toxicity of both parent compounds and their degradation products for living organisms, including humans. Information about the level of pesticide contamination in the environment (water, soil) and accumulation level in edible plants complement the current knowledge about the risks associated with widespread use of thiamethoxam, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin, rimsulfuron and metalaxyl in potato cultivation.

Ottawa Cardiac Oncology Program wins 2013 Cancer Quality Council of Ontario Innovation Award

The Ottawa Cardiac Oncology Program (ocop) has won the 2013 Innovation award from the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario [...]

[The surgical procedure of mini-sling antiincontinence procedure AJUST, recommendations and ways of solution of possible special situations]

The objective of our work was to present and summarize the course of a joint meeting of surgeons with experience with AJUST in SUI anti-incontinence treatment. We would like to discuss the operation procedure and its individual steps. Further aim was to determine the optimal operation procedure, step by step, avoiding possible complications in the course of the procedure; simplifying the technique and publishing the recommendations how to solve possible complications in the course of, or after, the operation procedure, was important outcome of the meeting.

Simulations of ionization in a hot cavity surface ion source

A new numerical Monte Carlo method based model of a hot cavity surface ionization ion source is presented in this paper. The model, intended to support the studies on ionization phenomena in a widely used class of ion sources, takes into account geometry of the ion source and extraction system, ionizer temperature and other features. The results of ion source efficiency calculations for various configurations of the extraction field are reviewed. The dominant role of the ionizer region near the extraction opening is described. Simulated dependences of ionization efficiency on the working parameters like ionizer length and temperature, ionization potential of the substance, and extraction voltage are discussed. A good agreement of the experimental data (e.g., influence of ionizer temperature, current-voltage curve) and the predictions of the model is found. It is also shown that the contribution to the ionization yield from impact of thermionic electrons accelerated by the extraction field may be significant, especially for the substances of small surface ionization coefficient. The simulation results are compared to the predictions of different theoretical models of the ion source--the obtained simulation data are in accordance both with a well-known Kirchner formula and the so called spherical ionizer model.

All-electrical measurement of the density of states in (Ga,Mn)As

We report on electrical measurements of the effective density of states in the ferromagnetic semiconductor material (Ga,Mn)As. By analyzing the conductivity correction to an enhanced electron-electron interaction the electrical diffusion constant was extracted for (Ga,Mn)As samples of different dimensionality. Using the Einstein relation allows us to deduce the effective density of states of (Ga,Mn)As at the Fermi energy.

Arc discharge ion source for europium and other refractory metals implantation

The best method for the impurity doping to the host material is the ion implantation. Due to high melting point of the rare earth standard metal ion sources are useless. One of the solution is to use chemical compounds of rare earths characterized by low melting point. In this paper we describe the novel design of the ion source suitable for refractory metal (e.g., rare earths) ion implantation. The dependencies of Eu(+) current on cathode and arc currents as well as on hydrogen flow are presented. Europium (III) chloride as the source of the europium atoms was used. Europium ions were produced during collisions of evaporated and decomposed EuCl(3) molecules with fast electrons. The typical current of the europium ion beam extracted from the ion source was 25 microA for the extraction voltage of 25 kV. The ion source works without maintenance breaks for approximately 50 h, which enables high dose implantation. The presented ion source needs neither advanced high power supplies nor high vacuum regime.

Response of canine cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma to lomustine (CCNU): a retrospective study of 46 cases (1999-2004)

BACKGROUND

Epitheliotropic lymphoma (ELSA) is an uncommon cutaneous canine malignancy of T lymphocytes. A consensus regarding the therapeutic standard of care is lacking, warranting evaluation of chemotherapeutic agents traditionally employed against canine nodal lymphoma in the treatment of ELSA.

HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this retrospective, multi-institutional study was to evaluate the efficacy of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-l-nitrosourea (CCNU) in the treatment of ELSA.

ANIMALS

Forty-six dogs with adequate follow-up and treatment response information.

METHODS

All cases were diagnosed histopathologically. Immunohistochemisty (CD3, CD79a) was performed on 42/46 samples.

RESULTS

Presenting skin lesions included generalized scales (25/46), plaques or nodules (22/46), mucocutaneous lesions (14/ 46), and corneal involvement (1/46). Lymph node involvement and Sézary syndrome were documented in 7 and 2 dogs, respectively. The median number of CCNU treatments was 4 (range, 1-11), with a median starting dose of 60 mg/m(2) (range, 30-95). Of the 46 dogs, 15 achieved complete remission, 23 achieved partial remission, 5 had stable disease, and 3 had progressive disease, for an overall response rate of 83%. The median number of treatments to achieve a response was 1 (range, 1-6). The overall median duration of response was 94 days (range, 22-282). Sixteen dose reductions were required because of neutropenia (10/46), thrombocytopenia (1/46), anemia (1/46), increased liver enzyme activity (3/46), or unspecified reasons (1/46).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Given the high response rate and well tolerated protocol, prospective studies are warranted to investigate the utility of CCNU alone or in multi-agent protocols for the treatment of ELSA.

Boron removal from wastewater using adsorbents

In the present study, boron adsorption on activated alumina and activated carbon impregnated with calcium chloride, tartaric acid and mannitol was investigated. The adsorbate in question was the wastewater from the chemical landfill in Tarnowskie Gory of 25-70 mg l(-1) boron content. The removal of boron from the above-described wastewater was examined in the static (batch) and dynamic (column) experiments. The static experiments were carried out to assess boron adsorption isotherms, based on which the most efficient adsorbent as well as the rough resin load was determined. On the basis of the dynamic experiment results, the boron adsorptive capacities of the examined resins were deduced. It was concluded that the use of the impregnants increased the ability of activated carbon to adsorb boron. Granulated activated carbon WG-12 impregnated with mannitol was found to be the most promising for the boron removal from wastewater of the Chemical Wastewater Plant in Tarnowskie Gory.

Experimental apparatus for investigation of sputtering and secondary ion emission induced by energetic ion beams

The construction of an experimental apparatus, for investigation of implantation, secondary ion emission and sputtering processes, during irradiation of samples with an ion beam of up to 70 keV energy, is described. The basis of the apparatus is an electromagnetic mass separator equipped with a quadrupole mass spectrometer located in the collector chamber. The computer data acquisition control system makes it possible to perform the experimental measurements with high accuracy and precision. Preliminary results of secondary ion mass spectral measurements, obtained for C, Al, Si and Cu targets bombarded with Ar(+) and Kr(+) ions, are presented.

Speciation and removal of zinc from composted municipal solid wastes

This paper presents composting of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste containing 50,000 mg/kg of cellucotton and 7980 mg/kg of zinc carried out under laboratory conditions. In the initial material as well as the compost obtained, zinc, cadmium, copper, nickel, and lead were analyzed, and their forms were determined by means of sequential extraction. It was found that 65% of zinc occurs in the organically bound form. Removal of zinc from the waste through leaching and subsequent electrochemical separation from the leaching solution was also examined. A double extraction of the waste with sodium diphosphate(V) enables a reduction of zinc content to 1240 mg/kg. As a result of electrolysis of the leaching solution, 90.2% of Zn is separated on the cathode. This paper suggests a method for processing municipal solid waste with high zinc content based on extraction of the waste with sodium diphosphate(V) and composting. The leaching solution is recovered electrochemically.

Diagnostic value of the electrocardiogram in suspected pulmonary embolism

The electrocardiogram is shown to be of limited diagnostic value for determining pulmonary embolism in a prospective cohort study of unselected patients with suspected pulmonary embolism.

Aortitis with multiple aneurysms mimicking infective endocarditis

Aortitis usually produces aortic insufficiency by aortic root dilation. In rare cases the inflammation may involve the aortic valve cusps, causing valvular insufficiency. A patient in whom aortitis produced valvular masses, with aortic and peripheral arterial aneurysms, embolic episodes and aortic insufficiency is described. Valve replacement for suspected infective endocarditis was complicated by homograft dehiscence and multiple false aneurysms. Although immunosuppression was successful in decreasing the patient's vasculitis, he became infected and died of complications of aspergillus infection.

Cervical artery dissection is associated with widened aortic root diameter

OBJECTIVE

Dissection of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries is a well recognized cause of stroke, especially in the middle-aged. The exact etiology of this condition is controversial. According to one theory there is an underlying vasculopathy originating from disturbed development of the neural crest. The neural crest gives rise to several tissues, including the tunica media of large cervical arteries and the outflow tract of the heart. We attempted to test the theory that developmental abnormality at the level of the neural crest may play a role in dissection of the large cervical arteries.

METHODS

We designed a retrospective case control study. By means of transthoracic echocardiography we measured the aortic root diameter in a group of patients with radiographically determined dissection of at least one large artery in the neck. The results were compared to a control group.

RESULTS

In comparison to age matched controls, male patients were found to have a significantly larger aortic root. Although a similar trend was apparent in females, the difference between the patient and control group of females was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with cervical artery dissections may have other abnormalities in other organs arising from the neural crest. A larger prospective clinical study and further research are needed to establish a firm link between dissection of the cervical arteries and abnormalities in other organs.

Aortic dissection and Turner's syndrome: case report and review of the literature

Cardiovascular abnormalities are frequently encountered in patients with Turner's syndrome. These include coarctation of the aorta, aortic root dilatation, bicuspid aortic valve, atrial and ventricular septal defects. Aortic dissection is a rare but devastating complication of Turner's syndrome that usually occurs in adulthood. We report a case of Turner's syndrome with coarctation of the aorta and chronic aortic dissection, and review the relevant literature. There have been 21 prior reported cases of aortic dissection in patients with Turner's syndrome. Possible etiologic factors contributing to the occurrence of aortic dissection in this syndrome are protean. They include the presence of cystic medial necrosis, coarctation of the aorta, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic root dilatation, and hypertension, although cases of aortic dissection and Turner's syndrome have been described in patients without any risk factors. As our knowledge of the natural history of congenital heart defects and risk factors for aortic dissection in Turner's syndrome is limited, periodic cardiac evaluation of these patients may be warranted. Early recognition and treatment of this potentially lethal complication of Turner's syndrome is essential.

[Differences in reference values in 2-dimensional echocardiography in men and women]

A total of 126 voluntary blood donors (90 men, mean age 30 +/- 0.5 yrs, and 36 women, mean age 34 +/- 0.5 yrs) were examined to establish standards for two-dimensional echocardiography. The maximal width of the left ventricle (LV), the thickness of the interventricular septum (IVS) and of the posterior wall (PW) during systole (s) and diastole (d), the systolic dimension of the left atrium (LA) and the diastolic dimension of the aorta (Ao) and right ventricle (RV) were determined. The measurements were performed from the short parasternal axis. Significantly larger dimensions for LV(s), LV(d), IVS(s), IVS(d)(p less than 0.001) and for LA(s) and PW(d) (p less than 0.01) were measured in men as compared to women. No significant intersexual differences were observed in the other parameters studied or in their calculated ratios (LA/Ao, IVS/PW, ejection fraction and fractional shortening LV, IVS, PW). It can be concluded that exact measurements in correlation studies with two-dimensional echocardiography require corresponding parameter values for body surface area.

[Left ventricular function in patients with recent onset of type I diabetes mellitus]

Left ventricular heart function was investigated by means of two dimensional (2D) echocardiography and pulsed Doppler (PD) echocardiography in 17 young consecutive patients aged 17-38 years (mean 26.6 y.) with type I diabetes mellitus of short duration (mean 5.5 y.) whose stress ECG showed no signs of ischemic heart disease and who had no other organic complications of diabetes. The series was compared with 13 healthy volunteers (mean age 25.5 y.). No differences were found between diabetics and controls in systolic function parameters (left ventricular fractional shortening, interventricular septum shortening, left ventricular posterior wall shortening, left ventricular endsystolic dimension) as established by 2D. The parameters of left ventricular diastolic filling (maximal velocity of the rapid filling period E, its maximal time and duration of the whole phase) were established by PD and computer assisted approach. These parameters were studied also during atrial systole A and the E/A ratio was determined. All findings were comparable in the group of diabetics and controls, with the only statistically significant difference (p less than 0.05) in the duration of A which was shortened in the diabetics.

[Use of 35-lead mapping of the precordium in the evaluation of left ventricular function in patients after myocardial infarct]

The aim of the investigation was to assess the ejection fraction and regional wall dyssynergy from 35-lead precordial or trunk back ECG taken from 18 consecutive patients after anterior and/or posterior myocardial infarction two months after the acute episode. The percentages of Q waves (% Q) and scores of Q and/or QS waves obtained from 35-lead ECG were compared with the ejection fraction and regional wall dyssynergy recorded by 2D echocardiography. A very good correlation (r = 0.82, SEE = 14.4, p = 0.01) was found between Q% and regional wall dyssynergy in patients with anterior myocardial infarction. There was also a good inverse correlation between ejection fraction and Q% (r = -0.71, SEE = 11.2, p = 0.05) in patients with anterior myocardial infarction. In patients with posterior myocardial infarction no significant correlation was observed by 35-precordial-lead ECG.

Sex-specific criteria for interpretation of thallium-201 myocardial uptake and washout studies

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of gender on criteria for the quantitative analysis of exercise-redistribution 201Tl myocardial scintigraphy. The studies of 26 normal females and 23 normal males were subjected to bilinear interpolative background subtraction and horizontal profile analysis. Significant sexual differences were found in both regional uptake ratios and washout rates. These differences primarily reflected a proportionately decreased anterior and upper septal uptake in females, and faster washout in females. Faster myocardial 201Tl washout rates in females could not be clearly ascribed to either a physiological or artifactual explanation. It is concluded that since important differences exist between males and females in the detected pattern of 201Tl myocardial uptake and washout, sex-specific criteria may enhance the predictive accuracy of exercise-redistribution 201Tl myocardial scintigraphy.

Retinal tumours in neurofibromatosis

A 45-year-old male with von Recklinghausen's disease was noted to have hamartomatous lesions of the retinae similar to those more commonly described in Bourneville's disease and von Hippel-Lindau's disease. These findings would appear to support the concept that the retinal changes in neurofibromatosis occupy an intermediate position between those seen in the other two phakomatoses.

Pre-operative short intensive radiation therapy of T3-T4 laryngeal carcinoma

A group of 33 patients with T3-T4 laryngeal carcinomas received in the period 1968 to 1972 pre-operative irradiation with 60Co followed by surgery. A total dose of 2 500 rad was given in 5 equal sesssions. The tumour free survival rates of these patients are compared to those of a comparable group of 57 patients receiving radiation therapy only. The overall results in the pre-operative group (64%) are superior to those in the group irradiated only. In glottic tumours the results were similar in both groups, but significantly superior in supraglottic tumours receiving pre-operative radiation therapy. The treatment schedule proposed is well-tolerated and surgery is usually performed before the onset of reaction.