bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Bioanalysis of Fampridine Using Dried Blood Spot (DBS) Methodology: Application to Pharmacokinetic Study in Albino Rats
Authors: Chalil Sheba M K , Chandrasekharan Indukala P , Kathirvel Singaram , Katta Raja R 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Fampridine (dalfampridine) is used to improve walking in people who have multiple sclerosis (a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and may cause weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination and problems with vision, speech and bladder control). Measurement of fampridine plasma concentrations is not practical at sites lacking the facilities to prepare and process blood samples. A dried blood spot (DBS) sampling method, in which a few drops of blood, drawn by lancet from the finger, are applied onto specially manufactured absorbent filter paper, can be used as an alternative to plasma monitoring and would allow for simplified sample storage and transport. Using blood samples from pharmacokinetic studies, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography assay method for quantification of fampridine in DBS is developed and validated for specificity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility and stability. Method was specific and selective relative to endogenous compounds, with required process efficiency, and no matrix effect. Inaccuracy and precision for intra-day and inter-day analyses were tested at all concentrations. Quantification of fampridine in DBS assay was not affected by blood deposit volume and punch position within spot, and hematocrit level had a limited but acceptable effect on measurement accuracy. Fampridine was stable for at least 2 months at room temperature. The correlation between DBS and plasma concentrations with an average blood-to-plasma ratio is determined. DBS sampling is a simple and practical method for monitoring fampridine concentrations. The method is completely validated as per ICH guidelines and extended to the in vivo determination of fampridine in male albino rats.
Public connection repertoires and communicative figurations of publics: conceptualizing individuals’ contribution to public spheres
Authors: Hasebrink Uwe , Merten Lisa , Behre Julia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
As public sphere(s) have been ascribed core functions for democratic societies, correlating theories have a long tradition in communications research. Yet they often fail to bridge the conceptual gap between the macro level of public sphere(s) and the micro level of individual citizens. In this article, we propose a conceptual approach that helps to describe and explain the contribution of individuals to the construction of publics. Following Elias’ figurational approach, we propose a framework for the analysis of different kinds of publics as communicative figurations. To capture individuals’ contribution to these publics, we introduce the concept of public connection repertoires which represent individuals’ structured patterns of connection to different publics. This results in the figurational analysis of publics, based on the public repertoires of all individuals who connect to that public. We discuss implications of this approach for theoretical work on public spheres in changing media environments.
Genetic variation in solute carrier family 5 member 2 mimicking sodium-glucose co-transporter 2-inhibition and risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality: reduced risk not explained by lower plasma glucose
Authors: Bechmann Louise E , Emanuelsson Frida , Nordestgaard Børge G , Benn Marianne 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Aims
Treatment with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2)-inhibitors reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, but the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that a functional genetic variant in solute carrier family 5 member 2 (SLC5A2), known to be associated with familial renal glucosuria, would mimic pharmacological SGLT2-inhibition, and thus provide an opportunity to examine potential mediators of the effects on lower risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Methods and results
We examined 112 712 individuals from the Copenhagen City Heart Study and Copenhagen General Population Study (CCHS + CGPS), 488 687 from the UK Biobank, and 342 499 from FinnGen, genotyped for SLC5A2 rs61742739, c.1961A &gt; G; p.(Asn654Ser). The 2.0% heterozygotes and 0.01% homozygotes were pooled as carriers and compared with the 98% non-carriers. First, we examined the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality; second, whether carrying the variant was associated with potential mediators of the effect; and third, whether identified potential mediators could explain the observed reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. In the CCHS + CGPS, carriers vs. non-carries had a 31% lower risk of heart failure, 21% lower risk of myocardial infarction, 16% lower risk of ischaemic heart disease, and 22% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Corresponding values in meta-analyses of the three studies combined were lower risk by 10%, 6%, 6%, and 10%, respectively. The SLC5A2 rs61742739 variant was not associated with a risk of ischaemic stroke or cardiovascular mortality. Of the lower risks observed in CCHS + CGPS, lower plasma glucose mediated 2.0%(P = 0.004) on heart failure, 3.1%(P = 0.09) on myocardial infarction, 4.1%(P = 0.02) on ischaemic heart disease, and 6.0%(P = 0.39) on all-cause mortality; corresponding values in the UK Biobank were 2.9%(P = 0.70), 1.5%(P = 0.77), 4.1%(P = 0.23), and 3.1%(P = 0.21), respectively.

Conclusion
A functional genetic variant in SLC5A2, mimicking SGLT2-inhibition, was associated with a lower risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, ischaemic heart disease, and all-cause mortality. These effects were at most minimally mediated through lower plasma glucose.
The effect of mastic mouthwash on halitosis and oral hygiene in orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Tsironi Konstantina , Mylonopoulou Ioulia-Maria , Pandis Nikolaos , Vassilopoulos Spyridon , Sifakakis Iosif , Papaioannou William 
Published: July 2023

Summary

Background/Objectives
The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of mastic mouthwash on halitosis using as a proxy the levels of the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs), and the effect on plaque and gingival indices in adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed conventional labial appliances.

Subjects/Methods
The study was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Thirty patients with fixed orthodontic appliances were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio, to either the mastic-mouthwash or the placebo-mouthwash group. Eligibility criteria included ages between 13 and 18, active orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, good general health, and total initial VSCs levels above 150 ppb. The primary outcome was the objective hydrogen sulfide (H2S) level, measured with the Oral ChromaTM device. The secondary outcomes were (1.) the methyl-mercaptan (CH3SH) and (2.) dimethyl sulfide [(CH3)2S] levels, measured with the same device, (3.) the subjective perception of the own malodour via questionnaires, and (4.) the oral hygiene assessed with the use of the Modified Silness and Löe Plaque Index (PI-M) and the Silness and Löe Gingival Index (GI) at baseline (T0) and after 2 weeks (T1). Stratified randomization by gender was used, and allocation was concealed with opaque numbered sealed envelopes.

Results
H2S level dropped from 221.00 ppb (T0) to 125.00 ppb (T1), and the difference between treatment groups was statistically significant in favour of the mastic group (coef: 72.34, 95% CI: 8.48, 136.27, P = 0.03). The levels of the other VSCs, the subjective measurements of oral malodour, and the oral hygiene indices did not differ between treatment arms.

Limitations
The objective organoleptic assessment by a calibrated examiner was not performed.

Conclusions/Implications
Mastic mouthwashes could be an alternative treatment for adolescent patients suffering from halitosis during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.

Registration
The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05647369).
Infective endocarditis in octogenarians: a retrospective study in a single, high-volume surgical centre
Authors: Scheggi V , Menale S , Giovacchini J , Del Pace S , Tamburini M , Musmeci S , Alterini B , Stefano P L , Marchionni N 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe disease associated with high morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the best management of elderly patients with IE. In these patients, surgery may be challenging. Our study aimed to describe IE’s features in octogenarians and to identify the independent predictors of mortality, focusing on the prognostic impact of disability.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 551 consecutive patients admitted to a single surgical centre with a definite diagnosis of non-device-related infective endocarditis; of these, 97 (17.6%) were older than 80 years.

Results
In patients under eighty, males were mostly involved with a sex ratio exceeding 2:1. This ratio was inverted in older people, where the female gender represented 53.6% of the total. Enterococci (29.8 vs 17.4%, p = 0.005) were significantly more frequent than in younger people. Comorbidities were more frequent in elderly patients; consequently, EUROSCORE II was higher (median ± IQR 16.4 ± 21.1 vs 5.0 ± 10.3, p = 0.001). In octogenarians, IE was more frequently left-sided (97.9 vs 89.8%, p = 0.011). Octogenarians were more often excluded from surgery despite indication (23.7 vs 8.1%, p = 0.001) and had higher three-year mortality (45.3 vs 30.6%, p = 0.005) than younger patients. In elderly patients, age did not independently predict mortality, while exclusion from surgery and a high grade of disability did.

Conclusions
Octogenarians with IE have specific clinical and microbiological characteristics. Older patients are more often excluded from surgery, and the overall prognosis is poor. Age per se should not be a reason to deny surgery, while disability predicts futility.
The value of plasma NGAL and NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of type 1 cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Phan H A O 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The presence of acute kidney injury in the setting of acute heart failure (AHF) is common occurrence and was termed type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS1). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is one of the earliest biomarkers of acute kidney injury due to ischemia or renal toxicity. NT-proBNP has a role in the diagnosis of acute heart failure. Does the combination of NGAL and NT-proBNP increase diagnostic value of CRS1? This study was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of plasma NGAL and NT-proBNP in diagnosis of CRS1.

Methods
there were 139 patients with AHF in the department of Cardiovascular resuscitation and Interventional cardiology Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 115 People Hospital from September 2018 to March 2019. This was a prospective cohort study.

Results
the optimal cut-off plasma NGAL to diagnosing CRS1 was 353.23 ng/ml, Area Under Curve (AUC) 0.732 (95% CI 0.65-0.80, p &lt; 0.001), sensitivity 74.47%, specificity 68.48%, positive predictive value 54.7%, negative predictive value 84%. The optimal cut-off NT-proBNP to diagnosing CRS1 was 17681 pg/ml, AUC 0.710 (95% CI 0.627-0.784, p &lt; 0.001), sensitivity 54.2%, specificity 80.2%, positive predictive value 59.1%, negative predictive value 76.8%. Combination of plasma NGAL and NT-proBNP in diagnosing CRS1 with AUC 0.756 (95% CI 0.676-0.825, p &lt; 0.001), sensitivity 77.1%, specificity 69.2%, positive predictive value 56.9%, negative predictive value 85.1%.

Conclusions
Combination of plasma NGAL and NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of type 1 cardiorenal syndrome with higher sensivity than each biomarker.
Cardiac rehabilitation and caregivers challenges A scoping review
Authors: Loureiro M , Parola V P , Duarte J P , Oliveira I O , Coutinho G C , Martins M M M , Novo A N , Delgado B D 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Objective
Map the interventions directed to the caregiver of heart disease (HD)patients in cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) that promote their role and health.

Methods
Scoping Review guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute method. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for relevance and extracted and synthesized data. Inclusion criteria comprised articles published in English, Spanish and Portuguese since 1950. The following databases were searched: CINAHL Complete (Via EBSCO); Medline (via PubMed); Scopus, PEDro, e Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP).

Results
From 351 articles retrieved, ten were included in the review. Different interventions were identified directed to the caregiver of HD patients: educational interventions and lifestyle changes, physical exercise, psychological interventions/stress management, and a category "Other" with training interventions in basic life support, elaboration of guidelines/recommendations and training for the role of caregiver. Regarding the population, heart failure patient caregivers are the primary intervention targets, followed by caregivers of patients with ischemic disease and integrated into CRP. Regarding the context, there is a concern that the professional intervention with the caregivers should be mainly at home (home-based), using face-to-face and telehealth monitoring, often combined, with references also to the hospital context, primary health care and rehabilitation center.
Conclusions and implications for the clinical practice: It was found that most of the identified cardiac rehabilitation interventions are aimed at the dyad HD patient and caregiver/family. Including specific interventions targeting caregivers improves the caregiver’s health and empowers him/her. Patients care planning should include interventions specifically aimed at them that result into health gains for caregivers and patients, aiming at the quality of care.
The transition to adult care for patients with congenital heart disease: Nurses' experiences. A qualitative study
Authors: Braanaas K , Lie I , Jerpseth H 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Most children with congenital heart disease survive into adulthood. The transition from pediatric care to adult care can be experienced as abrupt and uncomprehensive for these patients. The nurses play a critical role in the transition process. There is a lack of research highlighting the perspective of the nurses caring for grown-ups with congenital heart disease (GUCH).

Purpose
To explore the nurses’ experiences related to the transition to adult care for patients with congenital heart disease.

Methods
Qualitative methods with three focus group interviews were conducted at one university hospital in Norway. We included ten nurses from both the adult outpatient clinic and the cardiac ward. Data were collected between October 2022 and January 2023, and transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke.

Results
Three themes were defined; i) transition without communication, ii) nurses lacking knowledge about the transition process, and iii) challenges in interaction with GUCH patients. The first theme illustrates that communication regarding the transition is experienced as unpredictable. Secondly, the ward nurses identified the need for knowledge about the routines and the transition process. Thirdly, the nurses lack knowledge about the patient’s individual transition experiences.

Conclusion
Our study showed that the nurses request more communication and knowledge regarding the transition process to be prepared and able to care for patients with congenital heart disease into adulthood.
To include the patient perspective, there is also a need for improved knowledge about the patients’ and parents' perspectives for a successful transition of GUCH patients.
Health-related quality of life and psychosocial effects of the diagnosis of aortovascular manifestations in Marfan syndrome patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Magboo R , Oo A , Gibbs D , Owens G , Sanders J 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Barts Charity

Background
Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is a rare autosomal-dominant connective tissue disorder with serious and life-threatening cardiovascular manifestations. Despite the severity of this life-long condition, there is very little evidence on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial effects of living with MFS and no available evidence on the effect of the aortovascular manifestations.

Purpose
This study is part of a programme of work aiming to identify the HRQoL and the psychosocial factors affecting MFS patients following the diagnosis of an aortovascular manifestation.

Methods
This single site qualitative exploratory study was designed to identify quality of life issues affected by the aortovascular diagnosis in MFS from patients’ lived experience. Convenience sampling was employed for this study, with an expected sample size of 20 adult participants who had validated diagnosis of MFS using the revised Ghent criteria[1] and diagnosed with aortovascular manifestations. Interviews, lasting up to 1 hour, were conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule. Each interview was audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Data saturation assessment was done using the Guest et al.[2] method. Data analysis was undertaken using the Framework method[3], which follows a seven-stage process

Results
Twenty interviews were undertaken, transcribed and analysed. Participants ranged from 24 to 71 years old (M = 39.6); were 55% male, were primarily Caucasian (n=17, 85%), and 80% completed secondary and post-secondary education. Majority were employed (n=12, 70%) and 40% had greater than average household income.
The results identified that patient reported HRQoL and psychosocial factors affecting MFS patients following aortovascular diagnosis include: social and self-stigma, depression, social and health anxiety, loss of personal efficacy, financial burden, loss of self-esteem, worry in building a relationship or family and vital exhaustion. However, patients also expressed that the diagnosis led to disease acceptance, constructive engagement in coping with the condition and self-acceptance.

Conclusion
These results assist in better understanding the HRQoL and psychosocial factors that affect patients with MFS. This information can support the development of a patient care pathway that includes HRQoL and psychosocial aspects of care to provide a holistic and comprehensive service for this patient group.
The impact of the frailty syndrome on the functioning of patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Banaszak-Zak B , Domin K , Mlynarska A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias, which are related to the patient's health condition in progressive treatment.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the frailty syndrome and the functioning of patients with atrial fibrillation.

Material and methods
98 patients (64 women and 34 men) over 65 years of age suffering from atrial fibrillation were included in the study. In the study 2 questionaries have been used: The Frailty Indicator (TFI) and The Functioning in the Chronic Illness Scale (FCIS). The frailty syndrome was recognized at values of 5 or more.

Results
Frailty syndrome was recognized in 96,94% of cases. The total value of the frailty syndrome correlates negatively and significantly with all components of functioning in a chronic illness. A similar correlation is also found in the physical domain and the components of functioning in chronic illness. The social domain correlates statistically negatively with the patient's impact on the illness. Exact results are presented in the table below.

Conclusions
Atrial fibrillation has an indirect impact on the lives of patients. The attitude of patients has an indirect influence on the course of atrial fibrillation, and patients are pessimistic about the future. Frailty syndrome worsens the functioning of patients in atrial fibrillation.The correlation between FCIS and TFI
Anxiety, age, education and activities of daily living as predictors of the occurrence of frailty syndrome in patient with heart rhythm disorders
Authors: Mlynarska A , Mlynarski R 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Cardiac arrhythmias associated with psychological changes that occur in the conducting system and frequent coexistence of coronary artery disease and hypertension are more common in elderly patients than in younger ones. Aim of the study was to evaluate the relationships between anxiety and depression and the presence of frailty syndrome in patients with heart rhythm disorder who had been qualified for pacemaker implantation.

Methods
171 consecutive patients (mean age 73,91 ± 6,72; 48,5% woman) with qualified to pacemaker implantation were included into the study. Patients were divided according type of heart rhythm disorders: 90 patients with atrio-ventricular blocks (AVB) and 81 with sinus node dysfunction (SND). To evaluate frailty syndrome we used Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), to recognize anxiety and depression Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used. Obtained data were analyzed and multiple regression model using stepwise input was created.

Results
Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 54,46% of the included patients. Average general TFI score was 4,60 ± 2,34: in the physical component 2,90 ± 1,65; in the psychological component 0,69 ± 0,76 and 1.05 ± 0,74 in the social components. Age, number of years education anxiety and activities of daily living were found to be important predictors of the higher level of frailty syndrome. Detail results are presented in table below.

Conclusion
Anxiety, age, education and the activities of daily living can be predictors factors of the occurrence of frailty syndrome in patients with heart rhythm disorders who have been qualified for pacemaker implantation.