Levels Of CH Research Articles

Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis: role of inflammation, cholesterol, hypertensive load and sex in rotational shift work in the Arctic

Objective. To study feasibility of atherosclerotic plaque (AP) detection in individuals working in the Arctic via rotating shifts (ARS) regarding sex, arterial hypertension (HTN), immune inflammation. Design and methods. In Yamburg village (68° 21’ 40” N), 99 males (M) and 81 females (F) with HTN 1,2 stages and normotensive individuals, comparable in age, work experience in ARS, office blood pressure (BP) were examined. Ultrasound examination of carotid arteries, biochemical blood test was performed. Statistica 8,0 (Stat Soft, USA), IBM SPSS Statistics 23 (IBM, USA). Results. Analysis was conducted in M and F groups with AP (n = 98) / without AP (n = 82): among them 57 M (58%), 41 F (51%) were with AP, Рχ2 = 0,6116; with/without HTN. In HTN M, more often than in normotensive M, AP was visualized in carotid arteries lumen: 72% (44 out of 61) vs 34% (13 out of 38), Рχ2 = 0,0209. Probability of AP in M was associated with highly sensitive C-reactive protein (p = 0,052), level of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL CH) (p = 0,038), C-peptide (p = 0,004), interleukin IL‑6 (p = 0,048); with level of VLDL CH (p = 0,052) in F only. In M with AP, strong association with mean daily BP parameters was found. Conclusions. Carotid AP associated with HTH in ARS was frequently detected in M. Regardless of PB, AP in M was associated with systemic inflammation, raise of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increase in VLDL CH level. According to logistic regression data in W, lipid metabolism disorders, hormonal changes and metabolic changes, but not immune inflammation, increased the chance of AP imaging in carotid arteries. In HTN M and F, AP was associated with systemic inflammation, pro-inflammatory cytokines due to HTN presence.

Optimization of Antibacterial, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Novel Chitosan/Olibanum Gum Film for Food Packaging Application.

Chitosan-based films are promising active biodegradable materials with the ability to be enhanced by different materials, including gums. This study aims to optimize the physical (transmittance, water vapor permeability and water solubility), mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break) and antibacterial (against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Typhimurium) properties of newly fabricated chitosan/olibanum gum (CH/OG) films as a function of different levels of CH (0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25 and 1.5% w/v) and OG (0.125, 0.25, 0.375, 0.5 and 0.625% w/v), using response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to better characterize the fabricated films. RSM analysis results showed the significant fitting of all dependent variable responses to the quadratic polynomial model. To attain the desirable physical, mechanical and antibacterial responses, the optimal concentrations were 1.31% (w/v) CH and 0.3% (w/v) OG. The encouraging antibacterial, physical and mechanical properties of the developed composites support the application of chitosan/gum blends in active food packaging, particularly for perishable foodstuffs, such as meat and horticultural products.

Mild‐to‐Moderate Chronic Hypercapnia Impairs Adaptation of Acute CO2/H+ Chemosensitivity but Not Steady‐State Ventilation

CO2 retention (hypercapnia, CH) presents in a number of etiologies including sedative use, chronic lung disease, and central/peripheral neuromuscular disorders. Acute‐on‐chronic hypercapnia can develop in these disorders during times of acute stress (i.e., infection and postoperative states). Recurrent acute‐on‐chronic CH may lead to respiratory failure and transient, life‐threatening worsening of the hypercapnia. We previously established in awake goats that exposure to mild CH (PaCO2 ~55mmHg) elicits changes across multiple physiologic systems but does not impair the response to acute increases in inspired CO2(InCO2).Herein, we test the hypothesis that progressive exposure from mild‐to‐moderate CH (~55‐to‐65mmHg CO2) results in secondary adaptations across several physiologic systems but increases the risk of pathological responses during acute‐on‐chronic exacerbations. Utilizing our established large animal model of CH, female goats (n=7) were exposed to 7 days (d) of 6% InCO2 followed by 7d of 8% InCO2. Throughout the protocol, we regularly assessed steady‐state cardiorespiratory function (i.e., VI, f, VT, HR, and BP) and acute CO2/H+ chemosensitivity. During 6% InCO2, the temporal pattern of physiologic adaptations was consistent with that previously reported (J. Physiol. 2018). As expected, increasing steady‐state (SS) InCO2 resulted in a sustained 10 mmHg increase in PaCO2 and an increase in arterial [H+] that decreased over the 7d at 6%. During 6% InCO2 there was a transient decrease (6%‐Day 2) in acute chemosensitivity (DVI/DCO2) that returned to control values by Day 5 at 6%. Upon increasing SS InCO2from 6% to 8%, minute ventilation (VI) increased from 23±3.4L/min on Day 7 at 6% InCO2 to 34±2.2L/min on Day 1 at 8% InCO2,which was primarily driven by an increase in breathing frequency. By 24h at 8% InCO2, VIhad declined from the 8%‐Day 1 values and remained at or near that level thereafter. This temporal pattern of adaptation is comparable to that observed during 6% CO2. A similar pattern of adaptation in [H+] occurred during 8% as occurred at 6%, while [HCO3‐] continually increased. PaCO2remained elevated throughout the 8% InCO2 exposure, compared to 6% InCO2. Finally, when SS InCO2 was increased to 8% the acute chemoreflex remained suppressed throughout the 7d. Our results suggest that progressive worsening of chronic hypercapnia results in similar SS adaptations compared to initial hypercapnic exposure. However, more severe levels of CH, such as 8% InCO2, perturb the acute chemoreflex, creating a risk for consequences such as CO2 narcosis and cardiorespiratory failure in patients with pre‐existing CH.

A genealogy of tiger nationalism in Korea: post-colonial discourse, Ch'oe Namsŏn and the Seoul Olympics

AbstractThis study applies a genealogical mode of enquiry to the history of tigers as a symbol of Korea and the Korean people. The zoomorphic idea of Korea as a tiger is conventionally traced to the writings of the intellectual, Ch'oe Namsŏn (1890–1957). However, we argue that while Ch'oe was the first to link tigers with modern Korean nationalism, low levels of literacy and Ch'oe's later ambiguous status as a Japanese “collaborator” meant his promotion of the tiger symbol failed to gain traction. Instead, we locate the making of the modern Korean tiger metaphor in multiple post-colonial sites of cultural inscription, including national newspapers, zoos and museums, which generate and diffuse narratives about the ancient and continuous origins of the Korean people. In particular, it was during the 1980s that the successful Seoul Olympic bid and the Chŏn dictatorship's cultural policy converged to facilitate the “rediscovery” of the tiger as a national symbol with a supposedly ancient heritage, and with Ch'oe and his problematic legacy effaced. We also observe a continuing resistance to Japanese hegemony and a post-colonial construction of Korean identity through the recasting of the tiger – originally a Japanese symbol of Korea – in a new light.

Intramolecular Vibration Energy-Transfer-Driven Cascaded Stimulated Raman Scattering and Four-Wave Mixing in Benzene Series.

Cascaded stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of benzene, bromobenzene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, and toluene was investigated by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with 532 nm wavelength. The results showed that the third-order Stokes SRS of the ring skeleton vibration (CC at 3006 cm-1) accompanied by another higher-frequency Stokes SRS of the CH stretching vibration (at 3066 cm-1), which arose only when the third-order Stokes SRS of the ring skeleton was produced, can be attributed to the vibration energy transfer between vibration energy levels of CC and CH. The Stokes and anti-Stokes SRS rings, which originated from the intramolecular energy-transfer-enhanced four-wave mixing (FWM) processes, can be observed only in the forward direction along different angles apart from the pump beam direction. The phenomenon also existed in other derivatives of benzene. We propose the intramolecular energy-transfer-enhanced SRS for the first time, which can be used for a broadband Raman laser.

Late-life cynical hostility is associated with white matter alterations and the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Cynical hostility (CH), a specific dimension of hostility that consists of a mistrust of others, has been suggested as a high-risk trait for dementia. However, the influence of CH on the incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains poorly understood. This study investigated whether late-life CH is associated with AD risk and structural neuroimaging markers of AD. In community-dwelling older adults from the French ESPRIT cohort (n = 1388), incident dementia rate according to CH level was monitored during an 8-year follow-up and analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Brain magnetic resonance imaging volumes were measured at baseline (n = 508). Using automated segmentation procedures (Freesurfer 6.0), the authors assessed brain grey and white volumes on all magnetic resonance imaging scans. They also measured white matter hyperintensities volumes using semi-automated procedures. Mean volumes according to the level of CH were compared using ANOVA. Eighty-four participants developed dementia (32 with AD). After controlling for potential confounders, high CH was predictive of AD (HR 2.74; 95% CI 1.10-6.85; p = 0.030) and all dementia types are taken together (HR 2.30; 95% CI 1.10-4.80; p = 0.027). High CH was associated with white matter alterations, particularly smaller anterior corpus callosum volume (p < 0.01) after False Discovery Rate correction, but not with grey matter volumes. High CH in late life is associated with cerebral white matter alterations, designated as early markers of dementia, and higher AD risk. Identifying lifestyle and biological determinants related to CH could provide clues on AD physiopathology and avenues for prevention strategies.

High-fat, high-carbohydrate diet-induced experimental model of metabolic syndrome in rats

Purpose. The study is focused on development of high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet-induced experimental model of metabolic syndrome (MS) in rats. Materials and methods. The 6-week old Wistar rats ( n = 20) were used for study. Rats were separated into control and experimental groups. The rats from the control group were fed standard rat chow. The rats from the experimental group had a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet rich in lard (17%) and fructose (17%) and drank 20% fructose solution. At the end of the study, body weight and blood pressure (BP) were assessed. After 12 weeks of a diet load, an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were carried out. Lipid and protein biochemical parameters in plasma were analyzed. Adipose tissue and liver were measured at the end of the study. The levels of triacylglycerol (TAG) and cholesterol (Сh) in the liver were determined by enzymatic methods. Results. High-fat, high-carbohydrate diet feeding in rats for 12 weeks led to BP elevation and increase in the adipose tissue/body weight ratio. Hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were found in rats with MS by means of GTT and ITT. Elevation of plasma TAG level was observed in the experimental group, although plasma total Сh and HDL-Ch did not differ from those of controls. Liver/body weight ratio and the level of TAG and Ch in the liver were elevated in rats with MS. Conclusion. Experimental rat model of diet-induced MS reproduces many aspects of MS in humans. This model may be useful for studying the pathophysiology of MS and methods for its prevention and treatment.

Factors affecting the exposure to physicochemical and microbiological pollutants in vehicle cabins while commuting in Lisbon.

Commuters are exposed to a variety of physicochemical and microbiological pollutants that can lead to adverse health effects. This study aims to evaluate the indoor air quality (IAQ) in cars, buses and trains in Lisbon, to estimate inhaled doses while commuting and to evaluate the impacts of cleaning and ventilation on the IAQ. Particulate matter with diameter lower than 1, 2.5 and 10μm (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10), black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2) volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde (CH2O) and total airborne bacteria and fungi were measured and bacterial isolates were identified. Results showed that the type of ventilation is the main factor affecting the IAQ in vehicle cabins. Under the fan off condition, the concentration of BC was lower, but the concentration of gases such as CO2, CO and VOC tended to accumulate rapidly. When the ventilation was used, the coarse particles were filtered originating the decrease of indoor concentrations. Commuters travelling in trains received the lowest dose for all chemical pollutants, except VOC, mainly because railways are further away from the direct vehicular emissions. Commuters travelling in cars without ventilation received the highest inhaled dose for almost all pollutants despite having the lowest travel duration. Airborne microbiota was highly affected by the occupancy of the vehicles and therefore, the fungi and bacterial loads were higher in trains and buses. Most of the isolated species were human associated bacteria and some of the most abundant species have been linked to respiratory tract infections.

Study on methane oxidation affected by dimethyl ether oxidation at low temperatures using a micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile

The present study aims to identify cross-reactions of methane and dimethyl ether (DME) at low temperatures. A weak flame in a micro flow reactor with a controlled temperature profile (MFR) for a stoichiometric methane/DME/air mixture with 90% CH 4 and 10% DME (hereinafter expressed as 90%/10% CH 4 /DME) was used and analyzed. The weak flame structure was investigated by chemiluminescence observation and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of OH and CH 2 O. Measured chemiluminescence and fluorescence intensity profiles were compared to computations with five detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms. Both experimentally and computationally obtained results showed the weak flame position of 90%/10% CH 4 /DME shifted to lower temperature in MFR compared to that of 100% CH 4 reported earlier, indicating methane reactivity enhancement by the small DME addition. CH 2 O-LIF showed extensive formation of CH 2 O at low temperatures. Each mechanism predicted different levels of CH 2 O formation. The four mechanisms among five which include intermediate-temperature oxidation chemistry for methane , CH 3 → CH 3 O 2 → (CH 3 O 2 H) → CH 3 O → CH 2 O, predicted two-staged formation of CH 2 O at 650 and 730 K, whereas another mechanism predicted single-stage formation of CH 2 O at 650 K. Rate-of-production analysis revealed that OH radicals formed from low-temperature oxidation of DME initiate H-atom abstraction from methane; then intermediate-temperature oxidation chemistry for methane proceeds even at low temperatures. The contribution of intermediate-temperature oxidation chemistry for methane to CH 2 O formation at 730 K is stronger than that at 650 K, causing two-stage formation of CH 2 O.

Coriolis coupling effects on the H(2S) + CH+(X1Σ+) reaction dynamics in the ground electronic state

We investigated the effect of Coriolis coupling (CC) on the initial state-selected dynamics of the H(2S) + CH+() reaction in its electronic ground state () using a time-dependent wavepacket approach. Here, the exact dynamical calculations were carried out by considering the CC terms and the results were compared with our previous study within the centrifugal sudden (CS) approximation. All partial wave contributions up to the total angular momentum J = 60 were required to obtain the converged integral cross section upto collision energy ∼1.0 eV, and the rotational (j) level of CH+ reagent was varied upto 3. The projection quantum number Ω, ], facilitates the coupling between the neighboring substates Ω ± 1. There is no noticeable effect of CC in the dynamics for low-J values when compared to the CS result. As J increases, they effectively reduce the threshold shift observed in the CS probabilities and also vanish the resonance oscillations. The CC treats CH+ destruction (R1) and CH+ retention (R2) channels in the ratio of ∼(3:1), whereas the CS favors only R1 channel even for high-J values. The CC increases the dynamical quantities such as cross sections and rate constants with j-excitations and the values are generally higher than the CS result. Finally, we conclude that neglecting the CC terms generally underestimates the dynamical results for the title reaction which proceeds via the complex-forming mechanism, on the other hand, CC predicts the exact rate constants on par with the experimental results especially at low-T ranges of the astrochemical interest.

Organic fertilizer amendment increases methylmercury accumulation in rice plants

Rice grains are a methylmercury (MeHg) intake route for humans, especially in certain mercury (Hg)-contaminated areas. For rice plant growth, animal manure is commonly used as an organic fertilizer; however, its role in the formation of MeHg in paddy soils remains poorly understood. The aims of this study were thus to explore 1) the effect of chicken manure (CH) and cow manure (CO) addition on the production of soil MeHg and the accumulation of MeHg in rice plants and 2) the mechanism by which CH and CO addition affect the bioaccumulation of MeHg in grains. A pot experiment with different levels of CH and CO was carried out with newly deposited Hg-contaminated paddy soil. Two microcosm experiments were performed to explore the associated mechanisms. The results of the pot experiment showed that 0.1–1% CH and CO addition promoted the biomass of rice plants by 10–23% and increased the soil MeHg concentration by 34–143%, which exhibited a significant positive correlation with brown rice MeHg content. Organic fertilizer addition significantly increased MeHg bioaccumulation in rice plants and the ratio of MeHg to total Hg (THg) in brown rice. Organic fertilizer also increased the abundance of microbial methylators. The results of the microcosm experiments showed that organic fertilizer addition enhanced dissolved THg concentrations in soil and consequently increased the soil MeHg concentration. These results suggested that applying organic fertilizer to newly deposited Hg-contaminated soil may increase MeHg accumulation in grains due to enhanced Hg release and microbial methylator activity, leading to environmental health concerns.

The association of lipid profile and uric acid levels in normotensive, preeclamptic pregnancy – A hospital-based study

Background: Eclampsia is a severe complication of preeclampsia (PE). This can create additional complications during pregnancy. It is a rare but serious condition where high blood pressure (BP) results in seizures during pregnancy and associated with risk for mother and fetus. The investigations of serum lipid profile serum uric acid are and BP with body mass index (BMI) highly suggested the feature of disease. Objective: The objective of the study is to find out the association between serum lipid profile and serum uric acid level in normotensive and preeclamptic pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A prospective case–control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi (Meghe) Wardha, Maharashtra, India, with individuals suffering with severe PE to the obstetric unit of hospital. Serum lipid profile and uric acid levels were done by 159 patients suffer from PE and compare with 150 age-matched normotensive controls. Results: The average BMI in study group (preeclamptic pregnant women) was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.001). The BP was high in preeclamptic pregnant women than normal women. Statistically significant difference was observed in the levels of CH, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and uric acid in the age group up to 25 and 26–32 years. There was no statically significantly difference observed in the age group of 33–39 years. HDL level was statically insignificant in both the groups. Conclusion: Serum lipid profile and serum uric acid are very useful markers for early detection, to identification of complications, and reduce the risk of occurrence in PE. Early detection is going to aid in better management which is important to improve the maternal and fetal complications.

Evaluation of Choline and Acetylcholine Levels in Responders and Nonresponders to Anticholinergic Therapy for Overactive Bladder Syndrome.

This study aimed to determine whether levels of choline (Ch) and acetylcholine (Ach) differ between responders and nonresponders to anticholinergic therapy. Patients prescribed an anticholinergic were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score; Medical, Epidemiologic and Social Aspects of Aging and Incontinence Questionnaire; and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7. A 1-day voiding diary and a urine sample were collected. After treatment for 12 weeks, the questionnaires were administered and 1-day voiding diary was completed. Levels of Ach and Ch were measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Subjects were divided into responders and nonresponders. Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher exact test were used to express differences between groups. Spearman ρ correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between Ach and Ch and symptom severity, patient demographics, and questionnaire scores. Thirty-one women were included in the analysis. The treatment response rate was 48.8%. The median age was 67 years (interquartile range, 50-76 years), and median body mass index was 32.3 kg/m2 (27.5-40.6 kg/m2), with 41.2% having an additional complaint of stress incontinence. There were no significant differences in symptom severity or questionnaire scores between groups.The median Ch and Ach levels were higher in responders (28.6 vs 9.2 μL, P = 0.04) and (83.1 vs 18.7 nL, P = 0.02), respectively. Levels of both Ch and Ach had moderate positive correlations with the Medical, Epidemiologic and Social Aspects of Aging and Incontinence Questionnaire urgency urinary incontinence score (ρ = 0.533 [P = 0.002] and ρ = 0.453 [P = 0.01], respectively). In women with overactive bladder, urinary Ach and Ch levels are higher in responders to anticholinergic therapy compared with nonresponders.

Hyperfine excitation of CH and OH radicals by He

Context. Because of their high reactivity, the CH and OH radicals are of particular interest in astrochemistry. Modeling of CH and OH molecules requires the calculation of accurate radiative Einstein coefficients and rate coefficients for (de)excitation by collisions with the most abundant species such as H2 and He. Aims. The present paper focuses on the calculation of inelastic rate coefficients among the lowest OH/CH hyperfine levels in their ground vibrational state induced by collisions with He atoms. Methods. Calculations of hyperfine (de)excitation of CH/OH by He were performed using the close-coupling and recoupling methods from the most recent ab initio potential energy surfaces. Results. Cross sections for transitions among the 60 and 56 lowest hyperfine levels of CH and OH, respectively, were calculated for collision energies up to 2500 cm−1. These cross-sections were used to calculate the rate coefficients for temperatures between 10 and 300 K. A propensity rule for transitions with ΔF = Δj was observed. Conclusions. The new rate coefficients will help significantly in interpreting the CH/OH spectroscopic data observed with current and future telescopes, and help to accurately describe the OH masers and the hyperfine anomalies in CH emission spectra.

Fracture toughness properties of HIC susceptible carbon steels in sour service conditions

Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC) in carbon steels is a well-studied mechanism, where diffusing hydrogen atoms accumulates at the steel imperfections/laminations to create gaseous hydrogen with very high pressure, leading to initiation and growth of internal cavities, so-called HIC. Measurements of relevant fracture toughness properties of non-HIC resistant steels in hydrogen environment is critical to predict and assess the initiation and growth of HIC. The present work attempts to quantify the effect of hydrogen on the fracture toughness properties (KQ and CTOD) of an API X42 pipeline steel under simulated H2S in-service conditions. The fracture toughness properties are measured in TL and SL directions: perpendicular and parallel to the pipeline wall thickness, respectively, following ASTM E1820, standard. Since the X42 is a non-HIC resistant steel, the measurement of the fracture toughness properties in the SL direction is more relevant in terms of HIC initiation and growth than fracture toughness properties in the TL direction. Indeed, parallel to the thickness of the pipeline wall, X42 steel shows microstructural features prone to HIC formation and growth. Steady state H2S in-service conditions were simulated by charging the specimen for 48 h using a special electrolytic solution and then tested (ex-situ) to evaluate the fracture toughness properties. The steady state H2S environment was obtained by measuring the Hydrogen Concentration (CH) in the bulk of the specimen, using Thermal desorption Spectroscopy at three levels of CH. It was observed that the KQ was not affected in the SL direction, while it was reduced in the TL direction for 1.5 ppmw of CH. The CTOD showed mixed results in the TL direction while it was significantly reduced in the SL direction reaching a saturation at 1 ppmw of CH. Besides, microstructural analyses showed that the presence of inclusions coalescence in form of dimples promote the early failure, which is more pronounced in the hydrogen environment especially at higher levels of CH.

A laser diagnostic at 427 nm for quantitative measurements of CH in a shock tube

The methylidyne radical (CH) is a hydrocarbon combustion intermediate of great importance in the prompt formation of NO, a highly regulated pollutant. Recent work in modeling the combustion chemistry of NO has highlighted the need for further study of CH and its associated high-temperature chemistry. This paper details the new development of a fixed-wavelength, cw laser absorption diagnostic for measurements of CH at high temperatures behind reflected shock waves. A detailed spectroscopic model was utilized to predict CH absorption within the A ← X band of CH, and the broadening coefficient of the selected blended transition was measured in a series of fixed-wavelength measurements. A demonstration of the diagnostic was performed in highly Ar-diluted C2H6/O2 and CH4/O2 mixtures between 1750 and 3050 K near 101 kPa. For both mixtures, experimental peak levels of CH were found to be generally overestimated by 40–80% by two chemical kinetics mechanisms. Such discrepancies highlight the need for further refinement of CH chemistry, which could be facilitated through future applications of this diagnostic and through the data provided herein. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study provides the first CH profiles measured in C2H6 oxidation.

Organoprotection with arterial hypertension 2-3 degrees

Objective. Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the most common and socially significant diseases worldwide. Despite years of experience gained in studying hypertension, the problems concerning selection of antihypertensive therapy with pleiotropic organ-protecting effects are still of current importance. Purpose - to assess therapeutic efficacy and pleiotropic organ-protective capability of third-generation calcium antagonist lercanidipine in patients with stage 2-3 hypertension. Materials and methods. Our study enrolled a total of ninety-two 31-to-84-year-old patients. Of these, 72 patients diagnosed as having stage 2 or 3 AH composed the Study Group and 20 apparently healthy subjects were included into the Control Group. At baseline and after 6 months, all patients of the Study Group underwent examinations consisting in measuring biochemical parameters [total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL CH), uric acid, urea, creatinine, glucose], 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, echocardiography in order to assess the dimensions and volume of the cardiac chambers, thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) and left-ventricular myocardium mass index (LVMMI), studying microalbuminuria (MAU), a known marker of endothelial dysfunction and early renal lesion; assessing the state of the vascular wall by the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and pulse pressure (PP). Antihypertensive therapy consisted in lercanidipine alone taken at a dose of 10-20 mg/day, failure to thereby achieve the target BP level was followed by additionally prescribing an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalapril, given at a dose of 5-20 mg twice daily. Results. All patients by the end of the study achieved the target level of AP (p≤0.05), also demonstrating significantly improved (p≤0.01) parameters of endothelial dysfunction and an early marker of renal damage (MAU), indices of elastic properties of the vascular wall ABI (p≤0.05) and PP (p=0.01). Significantly positive dynamics was observed for the following parameters: decreased creatinine concentration (p≤0.001), increased GFR (p≤0.001), decreased levels of TCH (p≤0.01) and LDL CH (p≤0.001). Conclusion. Lercanidipine therapy of patients with stage 2-3 AH proved highly efficient, well tolerated, metabolically neutral with pleiotropic organprotecting properties in the form of improved condition of the vascular wall, correction of endothelial dysfunction, nephroprotective action

Effective end-organ protection in arterial hypertension: possibilities of third-generation calcium antagonists

Objective:Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the most common and socially significant diseases worldwide. Despite years of experience gained in studying hypertension, the problems concerning selection of antihypertensive therapy with pleiotropic organ-protecting effects are still of current importance. The purpose of the study was to assess therapeutic efficacy and pleiotropic organ-protective capability of third-generation calcium antagonist lercanidipine in patients with stage 2-3 hypertension.Method:Our study enrolled a total of ninety-two 31-to-84-year-old patients. Of these, 72 patients diagnosed as having stage 2 or 3 AH composed the Study Group and 20 apparently healthy subjects were included into the Control Group. At baseline and after 6 months, all patients of the Study Group underwent examinations consisting in measuring biochemical parameters [total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL CH), uric acid, urea, creatinine, glucose], 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, echocardiography (EchoCG) in order to assess the dimensions and volume of the cardiac chambers, thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW) and left-ventricular myocardium mass index (LVMMI), studying microalbuminuria (MAU) , a known marker of endothelial dysfunction and early renal lesion; assessing the state of the vascular wall by the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and pulse pressure (PP). Antihypertensive therapy consisted in lercanidipine alone taken at a dose of 10-20 mg/day, failure to thereby achieve the target BP level was followed by additionally prescribing an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalapril, given at a dose of 5-20 mg twice daily.Results:All patients by the end of the study achieved the target level of AP (p<0.05), also demonstrating significantly improved (p<0.01) parameters of endothelial dysfunction and an early marker of renal damage (MAU), indices of elastic properties of the vascular wall ABI (p<0.05) and PP (p=0.01). Significantly positive dynamics was observed for the following parameters: decreased creatinine concentration (p<0.001), increased GFR (p<0.001), decreased levels of TCH (p<0.01) and LDL CH (p<0.001).Conclusion:Lercanidipine therapy of patients with stage 2 - 3 AH proved highly efficient, well tolerated, metabolically neutral with pleiotropic organ-protecting properties in the form of improved condition of the vascular wall, correction of endothelial dysfunction, nephroprotective action.

Indices of solid Wastes Environmental Impacts in Ilorin East Local Government Area using GaBi, modeling Tool

The problems of solid waste in Ilorin East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kwara State are uncontrolled dumping of wastes in the environment, lack of standard landfill and poorly located dumpsites. In this paper, the life-cycle of solid wastes in Horin East Local Government Area of Kwara State was examined using GaBi, modeling tool and the implications of their environmental impacts were identified. Three major dumpsites viz: Apado, Agbeyangi, and Oke-Oyi were selected and the concentration levels of CH, CO, SO, and CO gases were measured using ToxiRae gas sampler. Two waste management scenarios were developed and compared using GaBi,software version. Scenario 1 involved collection, transportation and landfilling, while Scenario 2 involved collection, transportation, and incineration. The impact indices determined for both scenarios were Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP) and Ozone layer Depletion Potential (ODP) using the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Methodology of the Centre for Environmental Studies (CML) of the University of Leiden in the GaBi, software version. The impact indices of landfilling scenario for GWP, AP, EP, and ODP were 2.63(kgCO, Equiv.), 1.50E-03 (kgSO,Equiv.), 3.22E-03(kg Phosphate Equiv.) and 9.98E-12(kg CFC 11-Equiv.), respectively. Those of the impacts of incineration scenario for GWP, AP, EP, and ODP were 3.32(kgCO, Equiv.), 9.20E-04(kgSO,Equiv.), 3.72E-04(kg Phosphate Equiv.) and 2.49E-08(kg CFC 11-Equiv.), respectively. Landfilling of wastes poses a lesser burden on the environment, using ODP index, as compared to incineration and therefore recommended for use in the study area.

Prevention of cholesterol gallstone disease by schaftoside in lithogenic diet-induced C57BL/6 mouse model

Schaftoside (SS) is a bioactive compound present in the Herba Desmodii Styracifolii (DS), a herb that has been used to treat cholelithiasis and urolithiasis in Chinese medicine. Whether SS inhibits cholesterol (Ch) gallstone formation has not been investigated. This study examined the effects of oral intake of SS on Ch gallstone formation in C57BL/6 mice fed a lithogenic diet. The rate of gallstone formation was recorded. Levels of Ch, triglycerides (TG) and bile salts (BS) were measured in the bile and serum. Liver histopathology was examined microscopically, and mRNA expression levels of key genes involved in cholesterol and bile metabolism were determined by qPCR. Mice fed SS were protected against gallstone formation, had increased biliary levels of BS, and reduced biliary Ch levels, resulting in a lower Ch saturation index (CSI). In addition, mice fed SS had lower serum TG and Ch levels, increased mRNA expression of liver X receptor α, ATP binding cassette transporter 5/8 (ABCG5/8), and ileal bile acid binding protein (IBABP) in the ileum, and of farnesoid X receptor and bile salt export protein (BSEP) in the liver and ileum. SS also protected against histologically determined liver damage. Overall, these data indicate that SS protects against Ch gallstone formation in mice, and that the effect is mediated by activation of ileal liver X receptor α and hepatic farnesoid X receptor.