Atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of engine oil additive components.

Rationale: The efficiency of lubricants strongly depends on the content of functional additives. In order to assess the chemical and structural changes taking place in the lubricating oil and its additives during operation, it is essential to develop a method for simple and prompt analysis.

Methods: Two single additives as well as a fully formulated engine oil were analysed using an atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (AP-MALDI) source coupled to a linear trap quadrupole Orbitrap XL hybrid tandem mass spectrometer and compared with results obtained by means of electrospray ionization (ESI) including additional low-energy collision-induced dissociation (LE-CID).

Calculation of left ventricular volumes and systolic indices in monitoring the therapeutic effect of levothyroxine replacement therapy in subclinical hypothyroidism.

Background/aim: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is defined as high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and normal thyroxine (T4) levels. Data on the effects of early substitution with levothyroxine on psychophysical health in SCH are not consistent enough to support its general administration. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 3-months levothyroxine (LT4) treatment on cardiovascular function in symptomatic SCH with TSH <10 mIU/L.

Modified-Atmospheric Pressure-Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Identification of Friction Modifier Additives Oleamide and Ethoxylated Tallow Amines on Varied Metal Target Materials and Tribologically Stressed Steel Surfaces.

For many tasks in failure and damage analysis of surfaces deteriorated in heavy tribological contact, the detailed characterization of used lubricants and their additives is essential. The objective of the presented work is to establish accessibility of tribostressed surfaces for direct characterization via modified atmospheric pressure-matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (m-AP-MALDI-MS). Special target holders were constructed to allow target samples of differing shape and form to fit into the desorption/ionization chamber.

[Impact of heart myxoma localization upon its clinical course and outcome].

Introduction: Primary heart tumors are very rare. They can be benign and malignant. Benign ones make about two thirds of all heart tumors.

Effects of a short-term differently dosed aerobic exercise on maximum aerobic capacity in breast cancer survivors: a pilot study.

Background/aim: Regular physical activity and exercise improves quality of life and possibly reduces risk of disease relapse and prolongs survival in breast cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a 3-week moderate intensity aerobic training, on aerobic capacity (VO2max) in breast cancer survivors.

Methods: A prospective, randomized clinical study included 18 female breast cancer survivors in stage I-IIIA, in which the primary treatment was accomplished at least 3 months before the study inclusion.

[Diagnosis and results of treatment of heart myxoma].

Background/aim: Myxoma is the most common benign primary cardiac neoplasm, and usually originates from the left atrial septum. Early diagnosis of cardiac myxomas depends on a high index of a clinical suspicion. Surgical management must be done as soon as possible after diagnosis.

[Intimomedial thickness of the vertebral arteries complex: a new useful parameter for the assessment of atheroclerotic process?].

Background/aim: An integral part of Doppler ultrasound examination of cervical blood vessels is determination of intimomedial thicknes (IMT) of the common carotid. The aim of the study was to estimate the relations between IMT of the common carotid and vertebral arteries in order to determine if the value of IMT obtained on the vertebral artery could be applied in clinical practice.

Methods: We measured IMT in a randomized, prospective and cross-sectional study, performed on 50 persons both sexes (29 men and 21 women), at the age from 18 to 79 years (mean age 52.

[Management of refractory angina pectoris].

An increasing number of patients with coronary artery disease have ischemic symptoms that are unresponsive to both conventional medical therapy and revascularization techniques. The objective of this study was to define the population of patients with refractory angina pectoris and to present the therapeutic options currently available for this condition. Among many techniques, the enhanced external counterpulsation, transmyocardial laser revascularization and neurostimulation have been shown to reduce angina and to improve objective measures of myocardial ischemia in patients with refractory angina.