Neurodegenerative Genes Polymorphisms of the -491A/T APOE,the -877T/C APP and the Risk of Primary Open-angle Glaucoma in the Polish Population

Background: Glaucoma is characterized by optic neuropathy of the retinal ganglion cell. It may be possible that β-amyloid (Aβ) and apolipoprotein E (APOE), the main proteins of the pathogenesis of AD, play a role in glaucoma development. The aim of this study was to evaluate a relationship between the APP and APOE gene polymorphisms and the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) occurrence.

Materials and methods: The study consisted of 183 patients with POAG and 209 healthy subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. Analysis of the gene polymorphisms was performed using PCR-RFLP.

Results: We found a statistically significant increase of the -491?T allele frequency (p?=?0.02; OR?=?1.48; 95% CI?=?1.06–2.08) of APOE in POAG compared to healthy controls. There were no differences in the genotype and allele distributions and odds ratios of the APP polymorphism between patients and controls group. We also found an association between APOE polymorphic variant and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). There was a statistically significant difference in the APOE gene A/T genotype frequency in the early POAG stage and middle-advanced POAG stage in comparison to the advanced POAG stage (p?=?0.04; OR?=?3.38; 95% CI?=?1.04–10.97).

Conclusions: The -491?T allele of APOE polymorphism may be associated with a risk of POAG occurrence in the Polish population.     

Effect of cobalt addition on the corrosion behavior of near equiatomic NiTi shape memory alloy in normal saline solution: electrochemical and XPS studies

The electrochemical and corrosion (uniform and localized) behavior of a binary Ni₅₂Ti₄₈ shape memory alloy (SMA) and two ternary Ni₅₂Ti_48−xCo_x (x = 1.5 and 4.0 wt%) SMAs were studied. Measurements were conducted in 0.9% NaCl solution at 37 °C employing various electrochemical methods. These include: linear polarization resistance (LPR), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), chronoamperometry and dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (DEIS). Such measurements were complemented with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Results revealed that the addition of alloyed Co to NiTi significantly reduced the uniform corrosion rate of the studied SMA and greatly enhanced its pitting corrosion resistance. XPS measurements evidenced high stability of the passive layer and limited adsorption of chloride ions. Additionally, it was found that the passive layer remained primarily composed of titanium oxides. Microstructure changes accompanying the addition of Co were also used to account for its role in improving the corrosion resistance of these materials.

The electrochemical and corrosion (uniform and localized) behavior of a binary Ni₅₂Ti₄₈ shape memory alloy (SMA) and two ternary Ni₅₂Ti_48−xCo_x (x = 1.5 and 4.0 wt%) SMAs were studied.     

Effect of Asthma Call-back Survey methodology changes on work-related asthma estimates, 19 states, 2007–2012

Objective: Asthma Call-back Survey methodology has been changed recently, as a new sampling design, weights calculation (2011–2012), and revised work-related asthma (WRA) section (2012) were implemented. To assess the effect of these changes on the WRA and possible WRA estimates among ever-employed adults with current asthma, we analyzed 2007–2012 data for 37?505 ever-employed adults (≥18 years) collected from 19 US states (representing an estimated 10 million adults each year). Methods: Using data from landline telephone (LLP) households, we calculated estimates applying poststratification weights (2007–2010) and “raking” weights (2011–2012). Also, using data from LLP/cellular telephone (CP) households combined, we calculated estimates applying “raking” weights (2012). Results: Based on LLP household data, the WRA estimates ranged from 7.8% to 9.7% during 2007–2010, was 9.1% in 2011 and 15.4% in 2012. Possible WRA estimates ranged from 35.1% to 38.1% during 2007–2010, was 38.1% in 2011 and 39.8% in 2012. Using the 2012 LLP/CP household data, the WRA and possible WRA estimates were 15.4% and 38.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Implementation of “raking” weights did not substantially change the WRA or possible WRA estimates among ever-employed adults with current asthma. The WRA and possible WRA estimates based on LLP and LLP/CP samples in 2012 were comparable, as CP users are younger and less likely to have WRA. The substantial upward shift in the 2012 WRA estimates likely was associated with the revision to the WRA section.     

Analysis of efficacy and safety of multiple intravenous infusion of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha monoclonal antibody (Remicade) combined with methotrexate compared with sodium aurothiomalate and intramuscular depot methylprednisolone in rheumatoid arthritis

The objective of the paper was compare the effects and tolerability of combined therapy of multiple intravenous infusions of anti-tumour necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-alfa) monoclonal antibody (Remicade) with methotrexate versus treatment with sodium aurothiomalate and intramuscular depot methylprednisolone in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigate also the interval necessary to obtain the improvement in both treatment groups. 36 patients commencing intramuscular sodium aurothiomalate therapy with intramuscular depot methylprednisolone acetate at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12 in addition to chrysotherapy were compared in retrospective analysis with 32 patients starting with multiple intravenous infusions of infliximab, anti-TNF-alfa monoclonal antibody (Remicade) and methotrexate at a stable dose. Patients were assessed by composite clinical score (DAS 28) and C-reactive protein during 22 weeks of therapy. At week 2 and 6 a significantly greater percentage of infliximab-treated than gold-treated RA patients achieved improvement in each clinical measurement of disease activity. At 22 week of treatment moderate and good response according to EULAR criteria was achieved in 91% of infliximab-treated patients and 58% gold treated patients (p < 0.001). Adverse events were more frequently observed in infliximab-treated patients, but only gold-treated patients discontinued treatment because adverse events (2 patients due to proteinuria, 2 patients due to mucocutaneous changes and one patient due to leucopenia). The higher percentage of adverse events in infliximab-treated patients was caused mainly by the occurrence of infusion reactions (23 reactions out of 160 infusions); most of them were mild (somnolentia and headache) and transient. Viral infections (including herpes simplex and zoster) were more common in patients treated with infliximab and methotrexate. Combination therapy of infliximab and methotrexate is more effective in reducing clinical and biochemical disease activity than gold with methylprednisolone treatment in RA patients during 22 weeks of treatment, especially in the first 6 weeks.     

Threshold parameters of left main coronary artery stem stenosis based on intracoronary ultrasound examination

INTRODUCTION: The left main coronary stem (LMS) provides blood supply to the left ventricle, and its stenosis is associated with serious clinical consequences. The accurate assessment of LMS stenosis determines appropriate treatment and long term prognosis. So far no criteria have been established to correctly estimate the magnitude of problematic lesions as indicated by quantitative angiography (QCA). AIM: An attempt to establish intracoronary ultrasound (ICUS) threshold values of significant LMS stenosis. METHODS: The studied group consisted of 197 patients (mean age 69.72+/-8.51) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the left coronary artery. Group 1 (G1) consisted of 99 patients who had LMS diameter reduction (%DS) of less than 30%. Group 2 (G2) consisted of 77 patients with %DS between 30% and 50%, and the remaining 21 patients with %DS higher than 50% were classified as Group 3 (G3). The quantitative angiography (QCA) analysis included lumen diameter (Ldmin) which was LMS lumen diameter at the most stenotic segment as well as LMS diameter reduction (%DS). The parameters that were analysed during ICUS study included maximum plaque burden (%) (Pbmax), minimal lumen area (LAmin) and lumen stenosis (%LS) calculated according to the formula: (LAmin/LAref) x 100%. Additionally, correlations between the corresponding parameters measured using QCA and ICUS were investigated. RESULTS: Both diagnostic techniques showed the most advanced degree of atherosclerosis in G3. All the G3 patients and 5 G2 patients had MLD values less than or equal to 2 mm. In G1 LAmin values exceeded 9 mm(2) in all patients, whereas among G2 patients 12 (15.5%) had LAmin lower than 6 mm(2), 29 pts. (37.66%) within the range of 6-9 mm(2) and in the remaining 36 pts. (46.75%) it exceeded 9 mm(2). In G3 LAmin values in 17 pts. (80.95%) did not exceed 6 mm(2) and in the remaining 4 pts. (19.05%) were slightly higher. Lumen reduction higher than 50% was noted in all G3 patients and 3 G2 patients (in all these 3 G2 patients LAmin values were lower than 6 mm(2)). All G3 pts. and 3 G2 pts. with LAmin value <6 mm(2) and %LS >50% had angina and a positive stress ECG test. All of these patients (n=24) underwent LMS stent implantation. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Minimal lumen diameter of LMS < or = 2 mm in quantitative angiography indicates a very high probability of significant stenosis of this vessel. 2. Ultrasound data analysis shows that besides LMS lumen area (<9 mm(2)) stenosis significance is determined by lumen reduction of more than 50%.     

Obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension

There is growing evidence of a causal relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension. Untreated OSA may have direct and deleterious effects on cardiovascular function and structure through several mechanisms, including sympathetic activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. OSA may contribute to or augment elevated blood pressure levels in a large proportion of the hypertensive patient population. It is important to consider OSA in the differential diagnosis of hypertensive patients who are obese. OSA should be especially considered in those hypertensive patients who respond poorly to combination therapy with antihypertensive medications.