bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential beneficial effects of polysaccharide peptide on oxidative stress and lipid profile in post myocardial infarction patients: a double-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Adrian L H , Sargowo D , Sugita P 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Indonesia"s Ministry of Research and Technology grants

Background
Inflammation, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation activities contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis leading to myocardial infarction (MI). These sustainable cascade are considered to remain, in fact after the episode of MI. Polysaccharide peptide is renowned to exert anti-oxidative and lipid-lowering effects, thus may impair subsequent post-infarction plaque accumulation.

Purpose
To evaluate the role of polysaccharide peptide of Ganoderma lucidum mycelium extracts (β-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan) as potent protective antioxidant and lipid-lowering agent in post MI patients.

Methods
This was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial in 45 post MI patients who had undergone reperfusion or conservative therapy. The eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) into two groups i.e. treated group (TG) and control group (CG). Treated group was given 180 mg β-1,3/1,6-D-Glucan thrice a day for 90 days, and control group received placebo. Variables measured were nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides. All measurements were conducted at baseline and after 90-days. All patients received guideline-driven therapy throughout the study.

Results
There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (all p &gt; 0.05). At 90 days, allocation to polysaccharide peptide demonstrated significant increase in NO and SOD (p = 0.020, p = 0.023; respectively) and also significant reduction in MDA (p = 0.001) as compared to placebo. Treated group compared with placebo revealed significant reduction in LDL-C (p = 0.036), but not in total cholesterol, HDL-C and triglycerides (p = 0.105, p = 0.398, p = 0.843; respectively).

Conclusions
Polysaccharide peptide exhibits potent protective anti-oxidative and lipid-lowering properties in post MI patients. It may offer benefit on top of standard medical treatment. Abstract Figure. Results among treated and control groups Abstract Figure. Box plot comparison among TG and CG
AEPEI scoring system to predict mortality among patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis after surgery at the philippine heart center: a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Gatuz M , Cuenza L 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening disease which continues to pose significant challenges in clinical practice. Surgery for IE while curative can be associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine the utility of a French based risk score in determining outcomes of patients with IE undergoing surgery.

Methodology
This was a retrospective analytical cross-sectional study. Patients admitted and diagnosed with definite Infective endocarditis based on the modified Duke’s criteria at our Heart Center who underwent surgical treatment. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were described and the sensitivity and specificity of the AEPEI score was analyzed.

Results
Sixty six patients were included in the study and underwent surgical intervention. The most common type of endocarditis involves the native valve (90.9%, n = 60). Multivalvular involvement was also noted in 12 patients (18.1%). Acute kidney injury and pneumonia were the most common major adverse events of patients. The post-surgery in-hospital mortality rate was 10.6%. The sensitivity and specificity of AEPEI is 100% and 50% in predicting in hospital mortality

Conclusion
In patients with IE undergoing surgery, mortality rate in our institution is lower compared to previous data. Our results suggest that the AEPEI is a useful tool to predict in hospital mortality to help in prognostication as well as clinical and surgical decision making Abstract Figure. Baseline Characteristics
The effects of Kaatsu training on an acute angiogenic response in post-interventional rehabilitation of peripheral arterial disease patients
Authors: Wlodarczyk A , Wachsmann-Maga A , Schonborn M , Trynkiewicz A , Cebenko M , Maga P , Nowobilski R , Maga M 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Atherosclerosis as the main cause of death in adults is one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition with worldwide increasing occurrence affecting more than 20% of Europeans and North Americans in the age group&gt; 55 years, and in the group&gt; 70 years of age affects as much as 60% of the population. Among many treatment forms the endovascular treatment remains the most common treatment method, however the most non-invasive, but still effective is rehabilitation by physical training. Recently, innovative solutions have been introduced concerning this form of treatment by combining anaerobic interval exercises with venous blood flow restriction (BFR) and cooling.

Purpose
The aim of the research is to evaluate the endothelial and angiogenic response to the aforementioned type of exercise.

Methods
Study was divided into 2 stages: with healthy volunteers and non-CLI patients. 35 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the 1st stage. They performed a 21-minute interval training using a cross trainer with cooling liquid pressure cuffs (arms: 40 mmHg; legs: 65 mmHg) providing vein occlusion and cooling seat. Angiogenic processes and endothelial functions were monitored by laboratory parameters - vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), clusters of differentiation (CD31, CD34) as well as imaging examinations – flow mediated dilatation (FMD), stiffness index (SI), reflexion index (RI), reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AI). All measurements were performed before, as well as 20 to 30 minutes after the training.

Results
All of the laboratory parameters were significantly elevated after the BFRT- CD34 (ΔCD34: 0.13 vs 0.01 p &lt; 0,001), CD31 (ΔCD31: 1.11 vs 0.37 p &lt; 0,001) and VEGFR (ΔVEGFR: 6.35 vs 2.86 p &lt; 0.001).Only FMD and RI of all endothelial imaging parametrs significantly changed after BFRT compared to regular training (FMD: 8.9% vs 7.41 p &lt; 0,001 ΔFMD: 2.89 vs 1.33 p &lt; 0,01; RI: 63.43 vs 69.49 p &lt; 0,001, ΔRI: 4.0 vs 2.0, p &gt; 0,001). RHI and AI weren’t significantly influenced by any exercise type.

Conclusions
BFR training successfully stimulates acute angiogenic response and moderately influences certain endothelial functions. This 1st stage results are being now implemented into the 2nd part of project involving PAD patients.
Effect of profilin-1 on the asymmetric dimethylarginine-induced vascular lesion associated hypertension
Authors: Ni G 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
Guohua Ni

Objective
Previous studies have demonstrated that the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, are strongly associated with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Proﬁlin-1, an actin-binding protein, has been documented to be involved in endothelial injury and in the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) resulting from hypertension. However, the role of profilin-1 in ADMA-induced vascular injury in hypertension remains largely unknown.

Methods
Forty healthy subjects and forty-two matched patients with essential hypertension were enrolled, and the related indexes of vascular injury in plasma were detected. Rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) were treated with different concentrations of ADMA for different periods of time and transfected with profilin-1 shRNA to interrupt the expression of profilin-1. To determine the role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway, RASMCs were pretreated with AG490 or rapamycin. The expression of profilin-1 was tested using real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was measured by flow cytometry and MTT assays.

Results
Compared with healthy subjects, the levels of ADMA and profilin-1 were markedly elevated in hypertensive individuals, while the levels of NO were significantly decreased(P &lt; 0.05). In vitro, studies showed ADMA induced profilin-1 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in RASMCs (P &lt; 0.05), concomitantly with promoting the proliferation of RASMCs. Furthermore, ADMA-mediated proliferation of RASMCs and up-regulation expression of profilin-1 were inhibited by blockade of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway or knockdown of profilin-1.

Conclusions
Profilin-1 implicated in the ADMA-mediated vascular lesions in hypertension. Abstract Figure 12 Abstract Figure 3
Epidemiology of obstructive sleep apnea in older patients with stable cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Efremova E , Shutov A M , Serov V A , Gabriel" O V 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is diagnosed late, especially in older people. The presence of chronic hypoxia and glomerular hypertension decrease renal function in patients with OSAS, which causes the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) [3]. The aim of the study was to investigate epidemiological aspects of OSA in older patients with stable cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease.

Materials and methods
80 older patients with stable cardiovascular disease (43 males, mean age was 67.6 ± 6.1 years) were studied. CKD was diagnosed and classified according to the KDIGO guidelines (2012). OSA was observed according to Clinical Guidelines for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Insomnia (U.S., 2020). Berlin Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale, cardiorespiratory monitoring for screening and diagnosis of OSA were used. Follow-up period was 12 months.

Results
Chronic kidney disease was observed in 48 (60%) patients. There were no patients with stages 1 and 2 of CKD, stage 3a was detected in 35 (43.8%), 3b - in 10 (12.5%), stage 4 - in 3 (3.8%) patients. Significant daytime sleepiness was observed in every fourth elderly and senile patient with CKD (12; 25%). A high risk of OSA was observed in the majority of patients with CKD - 34 (70.8%). OSA was first diagnosed in 31 (64.5%) patients with CKD. Moreover, the frequency did not depend on gender (p = 0.39) and age (p = 0.48). There were no differences between elderly (60-74 years old) and senile patients (75-89 years old) in the prevalence of OSAS (p&gt; 0.05).More than half had an average degree of OSA (19; 61.3%). Mild and severe degrees were observed with the same frequency in 6 (19.4%) older patients with CKD. Severity of OSA in men and women did not differ (p&gt; 0.05). The average level of oxygen saturation was higher in men: 93.4 (92.4; 94.15) and 92.3 (91.7; 93.1)%, respectively, p = 0.02. There were no differences in the frequency of OSA detection depending on the stage of CKD (p&gt; 0.05). Only 2 (6.5%) patients with OSA and CKD was consulted a somnologist after 12 months of observation

Conclusion
A high prevalence of OSA was observed in most older patients with stable cardiovascular disease and CKD (34; 70.8%), significant daytime sleepiness was observed in every fourth patient. OSA was first diagnosed in 31 (64.5%) patients with CKD, despite the high risk and clinical symptoms. The severity of OSAS did not depend on gender, age, and the presence of CKD in older patients with stable cardiovascular disease . Subsequently only 2 (6.5%) patients in a sleep consulted, which reflects a low level of overall patient health awareness and availability of quality somnological aid.
Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors and adverse cardiovascular events: a population-based study
Authors: Lee S , Zhou J , Lakhani I , Yang L , Liu T , Zhang Y , Xia Y , Wong W T , Chan E W Y , Wong I C K , Tse G , Zhang Q 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
Cardiovascular Analytics Group

Background
Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors are major classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors that are increasingly used for cancer treatment. However, they are associated with adverse cardiovascular events.

Purpose
To evaluate the cardiotoxicity of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, the present study aims to examine the incidence of new-onset cardiac complications in patients receiving PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors.

Methods
Patients receiving PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors since their launch up to December 31st, 2019 without pre-existing cardiac complications were included. Patient data were obtained using a territory-wide electronic health record database. The primary outcome was a composite of incident heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter followed up to August 31st, 2020. Propensity score matching between PD-L1 and PD-1 inhibitor use with a 1:1 ratio for patient demographics and comorbidities was performed.

Results
A total of 1925 patients were included. Over a median follow-up of 136 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 42-279), 318 (16.51%) patients met the primary outcome after PD-1/PD-L1 treatment: 242 (incidence rate [IR]: 12.57%) with HF, 38 (IR: 1.97%) with AMI, 53 (IR: 2.75%) with AF, 6 (IR: 0.31%) with atrial flutter. Compared with PD-1 inhibitor treatment, PD-L1 inhibitor treatment was significantly associated with a lower risk of composite outcome after matching (HR: 0.78, 95% CI: [0.62-0.99], P value = 0.0417). Patients who developed cardiovascular complications had shorter average readmission intervals and more hospitalization episodes after treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors both before and after matching (P value &lt; 0.0001).

Conclusions
Compared with PD-1 inhibitor users, PD-L1 inhibitor users had a significantly lower risk of new-onset composite cardiovascular complications. Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier survival curve
Pharmacological evaluation of the use of dexrazoxane in preventing anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer
Authors: Maqsood H , Ashraf T , Younus S , Rasool M W , Hameed A 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Anthracyclines and trastuzumab are extensively used for the treatment of breast cancer but are associated with an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy. Dexrazoxane is an iron-chelating agent used to reduce the risk of cardiotoxicity, but it is seldom used in clinical practice.

Purpose
A meta-analysis was performed to check the efficacy of dexrazoxane in patients with breast cancer who were treated with anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab.

Methods
Online databases were searched from January 2000 up to October 31, 2019, for clinical trials on the use of dexrazoxane for the prevention of cardiomyopathy in patients with breast cancer receiving anthracyclines with or without trastuzumab. Risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a mixed-effects model meta-analysis.

Results
Five randomized trials and 2 retrospective trials with a total of 1,587 patients were included. Dexrazoxane reduced the risk of clinical heart failure (p &lt; 0.001) and cardiomyopathy (p &lt; 0.001) irrespective of previous exposure to anthracyclines. The overall survival rate, progression-free survival and the rate of partial or complete oncological response were not affected by dexrazoxane.

Conclusion
Our study concludes that dexrazoxane reduced the risk of heart failure and cardiomyopathy in the patients who were treated with anthracycline chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab and did not impact cancer outcomes significantly. However, the area of our study is limited and further studies should be done before the systematic application of this therapy in clinical practice. Abstract Figure.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiology services in the second year at a South Asian cardiac centre
Authors: Cader F A , Haq M M , Khan S R 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Little has been reported on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new delta variant, on cardiology services and catheterization volumes in South Asia, during the second year of the pandemic.

Purpose
We aimed to assess this impact during the second year of the pandemic on cardiology services, procedures and catheterization volumes at a tertiary cardiac centre in Bangladesh.

Methods
Data on patient visits (outpatient and emergency), admissions, procedures and catheterization volumes were collected for January to June 2020 and 2021 via hospital electronic records. Comparisons for each corresponding month were made between 2021 and 2020. The differences were expressed as a percentage (%Δ).

Results
Trends showed that admissions in cardiology and cardiac surgery units, outpatient visits, procedures and cardiac catheterization volumes had reached almost pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2021, as compared to 2020. However, ER visits showed &gt;50% reductions in February (Δ-58.7%) and March (Δ -51.9%) 2021, compared to 2020. Admissions and procedures showed a steep decline from March to April 2021, coinciding with the COVID19 surge owing to the Delta variant. A gradual increase in numbers of admissions, patient visits, and procedures were seen in May and June 2021, as compared with corresponding months in 2020. In terms of catheterization volumes, a sharp decline was seen in angiographies and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from March to April 2021, similar to 2020. Cath lab procedures showed an increasing trend in May-June 2021, and were greater in numbers, compared to corresponding volumes in 2020 [May: Δ+36.9%; June: Δ+33.2% in 2021]. A greater increase was seen for PCI (May Δ+ 46.8%; June Δ+367%) than angiographies (May Δ+32.5%; June Δ+32.5%).

Conclusion
Cardiology services and cath lab volumes had reached almost pre-pandemic levels in January and February 2021. The surge caused by the delta variant resulted in reduced admissions, outpatient and cath lab volumes beginning from April 2021, however numbers remained greater in 2021 than corresponding months in March-June 2020, possibly indicating an adaptation of the healthcare system to the prevailing pandemic.
Pervasiveness of the symbiont Serratia symbiotica in the aphid natural environment: distribution, diversity and evolution at a multitrophic level
Authors: Pons Inès , Scieur Nora , Dhondt Linda , Renard Marie-Eve , Renoz François , Hance Thierry 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Symbioses are significant drivers of insect evolutionary ecology. Despite recent findings that these associations can emerge from environmentally derived bacterial precursors, there is still little information on how these potential progenitors of insect symbionts circulate in trophic systems. Serratia symbiotica represents a valuable model for deciphering evolutionary scenarios of bacterial acquisition by insects, as its diversity includes gut-associated strains that retained the ability to live independently of their hosts, representing a potential reservoir for symbioses emergence. Here, we conducted a field study to examine the distribution and diversity of S. symbiotica found in aphid populations, and in different compartments of their surrounding environment. Twenty % of aphid colonies were infected with S. symbiotica, including a wide diversity of strains with varied tissue tropism corresponding to different lifestyle. We also showed that the prevalence of S. symbiotica is influenced by seasonal temperatures. We found that S. symbiotica was present in non-aphid species and in host plants, and that its prevalence in these samples was higher when associated aphid colonies were infected. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses suggest the existence of horizontal transfers between the different trophic levels. These results provide a new picture of the pervasiveness of an insect symbiont in nature.
Correlates of Elevated C-Reactive Protein Among Black Older Adults: Evidence From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Farmer Heather R , Thomas Tobin Courtney S , Thorpe Roland J 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Substantial evidence documents gender and racial disparities in C-reactive protein (CRP), a measure of systemic inflammation, among older adults. Yet, the comparative approaches of these studies may obscure distinct risk and protective factors associated with elevated CRP among older Black Americans. To pinpoint opportunities for intervention, this study utilizes a “within-group approach” to identify the sociodemographic, psychosocial, behavioral, and health-related correlates of elevated CRP among older Black women and men.

Method
The sample consisted of 2,420 Black respondents aged 51 and older in the Health and Retirement Study (2006–2016). Gender-stratified, random effects logistic regression models were used to examine correlates of elevated CRP (&gt;3.0 mg/L).

Results
More than 50% of Black women had elevated CRP, and younger age, Medicaid, lower mastery, religiosity, overweight/obesity, physical inactivity, and activities of daily living (ADLs) contributed to elevated CRP among this group. In contrast, elevated CRP was reported among only 37.25% of Black men, for whom financial distress was associated with lower odds of elevated CRP; religiosity, less neighborhood cohesion, current smoking, overweight/obesity, ADLs, and more chronic conditions were associated with greater odds of elevated CRP among this group.

Discussion
Sociodemographic factors had a limited association with elevated CRP among older Black Americans. Rather, a range of psychosocial, behavioral, and health-related factors were more influential determinants of elevated CRP among older Black Americans. Most notably, findings demonstrate distinct correlates of CRP among Black women and men, underscoring the critical need to further evaluate the risk and protective mechanisms undergirding disparities among this aging population.