Children can represent complex social status hierarchies: Evidence from Indonesia.

Children's ethnicity-status associations are often studied in societies where one ethnic group possesses status across multiple dimensions, such as political influence and wealth. This study examined children's (6-12 years) and adults' representations of more complex hierarchies in Indonesia (N = 341; 38% Native Indonesian, 33% Chinese Indonesian, and 27% other ethnicities; 55% female, 36% male; 2021-2022), a society where ethnic groups hold distinct forms of status (on average, Native Indonesians have political influence; Chinese Indonesians have wealth). By 6.

Regional fractionation and dominant frequency in persistent atrial fibrillation: effects of left atrial ablation and evidence of spatial relationship.

Aims: The aim was to study regional fractionation and dominant frequency (DF) to determine if any relationship exists between the two parameters and also to assess the impact of limited left atrial ablation.

Methods And Results: Patients undergoing catheter ablation of persistent AF using three-dimensional navigation were studied. Regional left atrial electrograms were analysed in the frequency domain by assessing DF and organization index (OI), and for degree of fractionation [using complex fractionated electrograms (CFE)-mean] before and after circumferential pulmonary vein and left atrial roof ablation.

Soluble CD40 ligand, platelet surface CD40 ligand, and total platelet CD40 ligand in atrial fibrillation: relationship to soluble P-selectin, stroke risk factors, and risk factor intervention.

Background: Abnormal levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) have been reported in patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and stroke, all of which are conditions that are associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized the following: (1) CD40 ligand (CD40L)-related indexes (ie, platelet surface expressed CD40L, the soluble fragment of CD40L [sCD40L], and the total amount of CD40L per platelet [pCD40L]) are elevated in patients with AF compared to control subjects; (2) these indexes correlate with soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), which is an established platelet marker; and (3) these indexes differentiate "high-risk" from "low-risk" subjects.

Methods: We performed a case-control study of 121 AF patients, 71 "disease control subjects," and 56 "healthy control subjects.

Soluble, platelet-bound, and total P-selectin as indices of platelet activation in congestive heart failure.

Background: Many complications associated with congestive heart failure (CHF) have a thrombosis-related aetiology. Platelets play an important role in thrombogenesis, but it is not clear whether circulating platelets actively participate in thrombosis-related complications associated with CHF.

Objective: To determine whether soluble P-selectin, platelet surface P-selectin, and total platelet P-selectin as indices of platelet activation in CHF patients-compared to 'disease controls' and 'healthy controls'-and to assess their prognostic value in CHF.

Platelet surface CD62P and CD63, mean platelet volume, and soluble/platelet P-selectin as indexes of platelet function in atrial fibrillation: a comparison of "healthy control subjects" and "disease control subjects" in sinus rhythm.

Objectives: The aim of this work was to comprehensively study the role of platelets in atrial fibrillation (AF), in relation to the underlying cardiovascular diseases and type of AF, and to analyze the effect of antithrombotic treatment on different aspects of platelet activation.

Background: Platelet activation is present in nonvalvular AF, but there is debate whether this is due to AF itself and/or to underlying cardiovascular diseases.

Methods: A total of 121 AF patients were compared with 65 "healthy control subjects" and 78 "disease control subjects" in sinus rhythm.

Elevated platelet microparticle levels in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: relationship to p-selectin and antithrombotic therapy.

Background: Platelet microparticles (PMPs), are procoagulant membrane vesicles that are derived from activated platelets, the levels of which are elevated in patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, and stroke, all of which are conditions that lead to (and are associated with) atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized the following: (1) PMP levels are elevated in patients with AF compared to levels in both healthy control subjects (ie, patients without cardiovascular diseases who are in sinus rhythm) and disease control subjects (ie, patients with hypertension, CAD, diabetes or stroke, but who are in sinus rhythm); (2) PMP levels correlate with levels of soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) [a marker of platelet activation]; and (3) PMP levels are related to the underlying factors in patients with AF that contribute to the overall risk of stroke secondary to AF.

Methods: We performed a case-control study of 70 AF patients, 46 disease control subjects and 33 healthy control subjects.

Platelet activation in acute, decompensated congestive heart failure.

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke and sudden death. This may be related to abnormalities of thrombogenesis and platelet activation. A comprehensive assessment of platelet (dys)function in acute decompensated heart failure (AHF) is lacking, and we hypothesised that such patients would show greater abnormalities in platelet indices, compared to stable CHF and healthy controls.

Platelet adhesion in atrial fibrillation.

Background: Increased platelet activation has been reported in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) but it remains unclear whether or not this is due to the underlying cardiovascular diseases, clinical subtype of AF and the influence of anti-thrombotic therapy.

Methods: Platelet adhesion in AF patients was assessed using a 'platelet adhesion assay', and compared to both 'healthy controls' and 'disease controls' (patients with hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes or stroke but in sinus rhythm).

Results: AF patients on no anti-thrombotic treatment (N=20) had increased platelet adhesion compared to 'healthy controls' (N=57) (p=0.

Raised leptin concentrations among South Asian patients with chronic heart failure.

Background: The disease presentation of chronic heart failure (CHF) is considered to progress with metabolic deterioration, underlined by changes in adipose associated hormones (adipocytokines). However, little is known about ethnic variations of adipocytokines amongst CHF patients, in particular South Asians, who are at an increased risk of CHF.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, South Asians (n=106) and Caucasians (n=105) living in the UK were compared by CHF status.

Platelets and heart failure.

Heart failure is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke, and sudden death. Platelet abnormalities have been well described in heart failure but the significance of platelets in contributing to the thromboembolic complications of heart failure remains uncertain. Furthermore, the role of antiplatelet agents in heart failure remains unclear.

Virchow's triad revisited: blood constituents.

An update of Virchow's triad for thrombogenesis can be considered by reference to abnormalities in the endothelium/endocardium ('abnormal vessel wall'), abnormalities of haemorhelogy and turbulence at bifurcations,atheroma at vessel wall ('abnormal bloodflow') and abnormalities in platelet as well as the coagulation and fibrinolytic pathways ('abnormal blood constituents'). The constituents of the blood are many and varied, but soluble coagulation factors (such as fibrinogen and tissue factor) and cells (such as platelets)are clearly important. Clearly, 'a continuum exists between health, 'statistically' increased haemostatic abnormalities in prothrombotic or hypercoagulable states and 'overtly' increased clotting in acute thrombosis.