Publications by authors named "N Plonka"

This global study analyzed data from the largest dataset ever studied in the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback field, comprising 1.8 million user sessions collected from users of a mobile app during 2019 and 2020. We focused on HRV Coherence, which is linked to improved emotional stability and cognitive function.

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Various high-efficiency hemodialysis techniques exist, including different online high- volume hemodiafiltration (HDF) modes and expanded hemodialysis (HDx) utilizing dialyzers with medium cut-off (MCO) membranes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of uremic toxin removal among four modalities: (I) HDx, (II) pre-dilution HDF (PRE-HDF), (III) mixed-dilution HDF (MIX-HDF), and (IV) post-dilution HDF (POST-HDF), each applied for 1 week in a randomized order. This research was a single-center, prospective, open-label, exploratory crossover study.

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Article Synopsis
  • Vitamin D plays a role in Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD), particularly affecting secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and while cholecalciferol is recommended for vitamin D deficiency, its effects on CKD-MBD are not entirely clear.
  • An observational study involved 22 HD patients with vitamin D levels between 30-50 ng/mL receiving cholecalciferol to boost their levels above 75 ng/mL, comparing baseline biochemical markers with those at higher vitamin D levels.
  • The study found that 73% of participants achieved the target vitamin D level in about 7.5 weeks with a total dose of 525,000
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Heart rhythm measurements over time reflect important elements of Autonomic Nervous System dynamics. Synchronization among the heart rhythms of multiple participants has been observed, but this study uses the first global dataset collected that measures synchronization at several locations across the globe continuously for multiple weeks. For 15 days, 104 participants located in California (USA), Lithuania, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and England underwent continuous ambulatory heart rhythm monitoring.

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Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are highly prevalent in CKD, affecting over 80% of hemodialysis (HD) patients and requiring therapeutic intervention. Nephrological societies suggest the administration of cholecalciferol according to the guidelines for the general population. The aim of the observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the therapy with a high dose of cholecalciferol in HD patients with 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency to reach the target serum 25(OH)D level > 30 ng/mL.

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