CardiLect: A combined cross-species lectin histochemistry protocol for the automated analysis of cardiac remodelling.

Background: Cardiac remodelling, a crucial aspect of heart failure, is commonly investigated in preclinical models by quantifying cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area (CSA) and microvascular density (MVD) via histological methods, such as immunohistochemistry. To achieve this, optimized protocols are needed, and the species specificity is dependent on the antibody used. Lectin histochemistry offers several advantages compared to antibody-based immunohistochemistry, including as cost-effectiveness and cross-species applicability.

Pre-Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Computed Tomography-Based Fractional Flow Reserve Predicts Graft Failure: Implications for Planning Invasive Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease.

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether a pre-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) coronary computed tomography-based fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) result at the site of a future anastomosis would predict the graft failure in patients undergoing CABG.

Methods: In 43 patients who had coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) prior to the CABG, follow-up CCTA were acquired >12 months post-CABG procedure. The FFR-CT values were simulated on the basis of the pre-CABG CCTA.

Safety and efficacy of the Amplatzer™ Trevisio™ intravascular delivery system: Post-approval study results.

Background: The Amplatzer™ Trevisio™ Intravascular Delivery System (Trevisio DS; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) facilitates the delivery of Amplatzer™ Occluders and features an ultraflexible tip, which improves assessment of occluder position before release.

Aims: To assess the safety and efficacy of the Trevisio DS for transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defect.

Methods: The Amplatzer™ Trevisio™ Intravascular Delivery System Post-Approval Study was a prospective, postmarket, single-arm, multicentre, observational study of the Trevisio DS.

Outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary SAPIEN 3 valve implantation: an international registry.

Background And Aims: Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is indicated to treat right-ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction related to congenital heart disease (CHD). Outcomes of TPVI with the SAPIEN 3 valve that are insufficiently documented were investigated in the EUROPULMS3 registry of SAPIEN 3-TPVI.

Methods: Patient-related, procedural, and follow-up outcome data were retrospectively assessed in this observational cohort from 35 centres in 15 countries.

The role of pneumococcal vaccination in reducing cardiovascular risk in cardiac patients: Expert opinion of the Prevention Committee of the Polish Cardiac Society supported by the Polish Vaccinology Society.

Respiratory diseases have been the fourth most common cause of death in Poland in recent years. Respiratory infection, especially pneumonia, can lead to exacerbation of chronic cardiovascular disease.Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial pathogen causing community-acquired pneumonia.

Risks of Ventricular Arrhythmia and Heart Failure in Carriers of Variants.

Background: Variants in are reported in 2% to 6% of familial cases of dilated cardiomyopathy and may be associated with fatal ventricular arrhythmia and rapid heart failure progression. We sought to determine the risk of adverse events in variant carriers and the impact of sex on outcomes.

Methods: Consecutive probands and relatives carrying variants were retrospectively recruited from 12 cardiomyopathy units.

The quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis - Association with depressive symptoms and physical disability: A prospective and observational study.

Background: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience disabilities which significantly affect their quality of life (QOL) and mental health. Mood disorders and depressive symptoms are one of the most common psychiatric conditions in MS patients. This study aimed to evaluate the level of QOL in MS patients and to assess the influence of depressive symptoms and physical disability on QOL.

The Effect of Frailty Syndrome on the Quality of Life of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Observational and Multicenter Study on the Polish Population.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving decreased dopamine release and atrophy of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. Frailty syndrome (FS) is common in older adults, which, in combination with PD symptoms, can substantially affect the quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of FS among PD patients and to identify variables affecting their QOL with particular attention to FS.

The Quality of Life and Medication Adherence in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis-Cross-Sectional Study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, degenerative autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. MS is characterized by a wide range of symptoms and unpredictable prognosis, which can severely affect patient quality of life (QOL). The treatment strategy includes acute relapse treatment, disease-modifying treatment (DMT), and symptomatic therapy.

Release of Endocannabinoids into the Cerebrospinal Fluid during the Induction of the Trigemino-Hypoglossal Reflex in Rats.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in pain processing and modulation. Since the specific effects of endocannabinoids within the orofacial area are largely unknown, we aimed to determine whether an increase in the endocannabinoid concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) caused by the peripheral administration of the FAAH inhibitor URB597 and tooth pulp stimulation would affect the transmission of impulses between the sensory and motor centers localized in the vicinity of the third and fourth cerebral ventricles. The study objectives were evaluated on rats using a method that allowed the recording of the amplitude of evoked tongue jerks (ETJ) in response to noxious tooth pulp stimulation and URB597 treatment.

Effect of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitor URB597 on Orofacial Pain Perception in Rats.

Endocannabinoids act as analgesic agents in a number of headache models. However, their effectiveness varies with the route of administration and the type of pain. In this study, we assessed the role of the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 in an animal model of orofacial pain based on tooth pulp stimulation.

Functional CAD-RADS using FFR on therapeutic management and prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease.

Objectives: To propose a novel functional Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) category system integrated with coronary CT angiography (CCTA)-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR) and to validate its effect on therapeutic decision and prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: Firstly, we proposed a novel functional CAD-RADS and evaluated the performance of functional CAD-RADS for guiding treatment strategies with actual clinical treatment as a reference standard in a retrospective multicenter cohort with CCTA and invasive FFR performed in all patients (n = 466). Net reclassification improvement (NRI) of functional CAD-RADS over anatomical CAD-RADS was calculated.

Polish Nurses' Knowledge of Heart Failure Self-Management Principles.

Background: Only comprehensive care and structured education can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of treatment and prepare patients for self-care. Unfortunately, Polish nurses are not ready to perform comprehensive heart failure (HF) care tasks without careful preparation.The purpose of the study was to evaluate nurses' knowledge of patient education in general and topic-specific perceptions of basic information important for HF self-care, and also to determine the variables (workplace, education, internship) that may affect the implementation of educational tasks in the care of patients with HF.

Reintervention and Survival After Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

Background: Transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) replacement (TPVR) has become the standard therapy for postoperative pulmonary outflow tract dysfunction in patients with a prosthetic conduit/valve, but there is limited information about risk factors for death or reintervention after this procedure.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate mid- and long-term outcomes after TPVR in a large multicenter cohort.

Methods: International registry focused on time-related outcomes after TPVR.

Identifying Patients without a Survival Benefit following Transfemoral and Transapical Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) offers a novel treatment option for patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis, particularly for patients who are unsuitable candidates for surgical intervention. However, high therapeutical costs, socio-economic considerations, and numerous comorbidities make it necessary to target and allocate available resources efficiently. In the present study, we aimed to identify risk factors associated with futile treatment following transfemoral (TF) and transapical (TA) TAVR.

Usefulness of MCP-1 Chemokine in the Monitoring of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Subjected to Intensive Dietary Intervention: A Pilot Study.

Unlabelled: Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) plays an important role in the entire atherosclerotic process, from atherogenesis to destabilisation of the atherosclerotic plaque. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet in patients with coronary artery disease on the MCP-1 plasma concentration and to evaluate the potential usefulness of this chemokine as a marker of change in the volume and composition of coronary plaque.

Material And Method: As part of the dietary intervention to stop coronary atherosclerosis in computed tomography (DISCO-CT) study, patients were randomised to an intervention group ( = 40) in which the DASH diet was introduced, and to a control group ( = 39) with no dietary intervention.

Multicenter Study of Endocarditis After Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.

Background: Endocarditis has emerged as one of the most impactful adverse events after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR), but there is limited information about risk factors for and outcomes of this complication.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for and outcomes of endocarditis in a large multicenter cohort.

Methods: The authors established an international registry focused on characterizing endocarditis after TPVR, including the incidence, risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes.