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Recurrent bacterial infections are a common cause of death for patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Herein, we present the development of the degradable poly(sebacic acid) (PSA) microparticles loaded with different concentrations of azithromycin (AZ) as a potential powder formulation to deliver AZ locally to the lungs. We characterized microparticle size, morphology, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, interaction PSA with AZ and degradation profile in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The antibacterial properties were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method against Staphylococcus aureus. Potential cytotoxicity was evaluated in BEAS-2B and A549 lung epithelial cells by the resazurin reduction assay and live/dead staining. The results show that microparticles are spherical and their size, being in the range of 1-5 μm, should be optimal for pulmonary delivery. The AZ encapsulation efficiency is nearly 100 % for all types of microparticles. The microparticles degradation rate is relatively fast - after 24 h their mass decreased by around 50 %. The antibacterial test showed that released AZ was able to successfully inhibit bacteria growth. The cytotoxicity test showed that the safe concentration of both unloaded and AZ-loaded microparticles was equal to 50 μg/ml. Thus, appropriate physicochemical properties, controlled degradation and drug release, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial behavior showed that our microparticles may be promising for the local treatment of lung infections., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

One of the major goals of vascular tissue engineering is to develop much-needed materials that are suitable for use in small-diameter vascular grafts. Poly(1,8-octamethylene citrate) can be considered for manufacturing small blood vessel substitutes, as recent studies have demonstrated that this material is cytocompatible with adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) and favors their adhesion and viability. The work presented here is focused on modifying this polymer with glutathione (GSH) in order to provide it with antioxidant properties, which are believed to reduce oxidative stress in blood vessels. Cross-linked poly(1,8-octamethylene citrate) (cPOC) was therefore prepared by polycondensation of citric acid and 1,8-octanediol at a 2:3 molar ratio of the reagents, followed by in-bulk modification with 0.4, 0.8, 4 or 8 wt.% of GSH and curing at 80 °C for 10 days. The chemical structure of the obtained samples was examined by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, which confirmed the presence of GSH in the modified cPOC. The addition of GSH increased the water drop contact angle of the material surface and lowered the surface free energy values. The cytocompatibility of the modified cPOC was evaluated in direct contact with vascular smooth-muscle cells (VSMCs) and ASCs. The cell number, the cell spreading area and the cell aspect ratio were measured. The antioxidant potential of GSH-modified cPOC was measured by a free radical scavenging assay. The results of our investigation indicate the potential of cPOC modified with 0.4 and 0.8 wt.% of GSH to produce small-diameter blood vessels, as the material was found to: (i) have antioxidant properties, (ii) support VSMC and ASC viability and growth and (iii) provide an environment suitable for the initiation of cell differentiation.

Inhalation-administrated drugs remain an interesting possibility of addressing pulmonary diseases. Direct drug delivery to the lungs allows one to obtain high concentration in the site of action with limited systemic distribution, leading to a more effective therapy with reduced required doses and side effects. On the other hand, there are several difficulties in obtaining a formulation that would meet all the criteria related to physicochemical, aerodynamic and biological properties, which is the reason why only very few of the investigated systems can reach the clinical trial phase and proceed to everyday use as a result. Therefore, we focused on powders consisting of polysaccharides, lipids, proteins or natural and synthetic polymers in the form of microparticles that are delivered by inhalation to the lungs as drug carriers. We summarized the most common trends in research today to provide the best dry powders in the right fraction for inhalation that would be able to release the drug before being removed by natural mechanisms. This review article addresses the most common manufacturing methods with novel modifications, pros and cons of different materials, drug loading capacities with release profiles, and biological properties such as cytocompatibility, bactericidal or anticancer properties., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Bone infections are a serious problem to cure, as systemic administration of antibiotics is not very effective due to poor bone vascularization. Therefore, many drug delivery systems are investigated to solve this problem. One of the potential solutions is the delivery of antibiotics from poly(L-actide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles suspended in the gellan gum injectable hydrogel. However, the loading capacity and release kinetics of the system based on hydrophilic drugs (e.g., gentamycin) and hydrophobic polymers (e.g., PLGA) may not always be satisfying. To solve this problem, we decided to use hydrophobized gentamycin obtained by ion-pairing with dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT). Herein, we present a comparison of the PLGA nanoparticles loaded with hydrophobic or hydrophilic gentamycin and suspended in the hydrogel in terms of physicochemical properties, drug loading capacity, release profiles, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties. The results showed that hydrophobic gentamycin may be combined in different formulations with the hydrophilic one and is superior in terms of encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, release, and antibacterial efficacy with no negative effect on the NPs morphology or hydrogel features. However, the cytocompatibility of hydrophobic gentamycin might be lower, consequently more extensive study on its biological properties should be provided to evaluate a safe dose.

Objective: Introduction: Numerous risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are modifiable, therefore understanding their effects has a significant impact on lowering the incidence and mortality. The "Małopolska Cardiovascular Preventive Intervention Study (M-CARPI)" aims to educate the inhabitants of the voivodeship regarding preventative measures for developing CVD. The aim: To examine the effectiveness of the seminars regarding preventative measures for developing CVD according to the M-CAPRI among the inhabitants of Lesser Poland., Patients and Methods: Material and methods: The seminars were carried out by a doctor with a specialization in cardiology, in the form of presentations, based on materials prepared by experts in accordance with European and Polish guidelines. Both initially and after the course, participants completed questionnaires regarding the subjects discussed., Results: Results: The study covered 558 people (137 men, 411 women). The analysis was based on the sub-populations of retirees and non-retirees. The knowledge of risk factors was checked, the respondents most often indicated incorrect judgment of nutrition, physical activity and smoking (45.9%, 39%, 44.2% for non-retirees and 22.8%, 27.6%, 16.5% for retirees, respectively). A significant increase in the number of people who indicated individual risk factors after the training was found (p=0,047 for HDL level and for others)., Conclusion: Conclusions: Educating and creating awareness towards the prevention of CVD according to the M-CAPRI survey protocol is an effective tool for prevention. Due to the limited knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors, it is necessary to carry out activities to raise awareness of the importance of cardiological disease prevention. Preventive interventions are equally effective regardless of age or profession.

Background and Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a progressive nature, leading to structural, functional, and electrical changes in the left atrium (LA). Enhanced response to treatment in patients with AF can be achieved through improved knowledge of atrial structure and a better understanding of its function. The aim of this study was to assess LA strain and its determinants in patients with paroxysmal (PAF), persistent (PsAF), and permanent AF (PmAF)., Methods: Fifty-eight patients with registered non-valvular AF were divided into 3 groups depending on the type of AF. The participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography to assess the anatomy and function of heart chambers. Left atrial longitudinal strain (LALS) was measured in four-chamber projections using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography., Results: Patients with PAF had higher LALS (15.7±12.0) when compared to those with PsAF (4.3±7.9) and PmAF (5.8±7.8, all P=0.003). Multiple linear regression showed that the independent predictors of LALS were diastolic blood pressure (β=0.95, R2=0.88) in the PAF group; left atrial area (β=-0.56) and creatinine (β=-0.63, R2=0.58) in the PsAF group; AF duration (β=0.89) in the PmAF group (R2=0.72)., Conclusion: LA strain has different determinants depending on AF type. LA size, renal function, and AF duration determine LALS in long-lasting AF. LA strain is a simple and accurate technique to estimate LA dysfunction in patients with long-lasting AF.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the type and frequency of prevalence of cardiac symptoms in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis., Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 54 patients (21 female, 33 male), with biopsy-proven pulmonary sarcoidosis. Mean age was 45.85 +/-11.77 years. According to time passed from diagnosis of sarcoidosis patients were divided into 2 subgroups. Additionally, age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction, cigarette smoking and comorbidities were analyzed. Course and stage of sarcoidosis were also included in the analysis., Results: The frequency of cardiovascular symptoms in the study group was 87.04%. 59.26% of patients reported chest pain, the same subjects reported dyspnoea. 48.15% of respondents reported heart palpitations, 33.33% pre-syncope states, 12.96% syncope, and 37.04% edema of lower limbs. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of analyzed symptoms, depending on the duration of lung sarcoidosis., Conclusions: Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis who report cardiovascular symptoms require further diagnostics.

Introduction: Low level of knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is related to higher risk of death and health educational programs are of particular importance in CVD prevention. Monitoring the level of knowledge of CVD risk factors is necessary to verify the effectiveness of education and to facilitate the right choice of education methods., Aim: to compare the assessment of knowledge of CVD risk factors in the population of Małopolska Voivodeship from the two independent cross-sectional studies., Material and Methods: Data of 973 respondents of M-CAPRI Study and 333 respondents of WOBASZ II Study, at age 20-69, were included to analysis. M-CAPRI study was carried out in 2014 and WOBASZ II - in the years 2013-2014. Knowledge of CVD risk factors was assessed by the same standard questionnaire in both studies. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the differences in knowledge of CVD risk factors between participants of M-CAPRI and WOBASZ II studies., Results: There were 80% of women and 71% of men, respondents of M-CAPRI Study who recognized theterm ,,risk factor” compared to 73% and 78% respectively in respondents of WOBASZ II Study. However, after adjustment for age and education the difference was statistically significant only in men. Respondents of M-CAPRI Study had knowledge of hypertension, high level of blood cholesterol, alcohol and unhealthy diet less frequently compared to respondents of WOBASZ II Study. Men from M-CAPRI Study had knowledge of diabetes and smoking less frequently but knowledge of low physical activity more frequently compared to men from WOBASZ II Study., Conclusions: The use of standard questionnaire in two independent cross-sectional studies appeared to be not sufficient to obtain reliable information on knowledge of CVD risk factors in Małopolska Voivodeship. In the studies that differed in the method of recruitment, participation and the technique of interview, the differences in the assessment of knowledge were substantial and it is impossible to assess which assessment was closer to the reality. However, the results of both M-CAPRI and WOBASZ II studies indicate that knowledge of CVD risk factors in Małopolska Voivodship is poor and there is a strong need to intensify health education.

Recently a lot of authors have been trying to determine the usefulness of 3-dimensional echocardiography (TTE 3D) in evaluation of ejection fraction and left ventricular volume, but few attempt to compare it to the current gold standard of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). 3D imaging technics allows to avoid errors caused by geometry of the heart chambers and foreshortened views. American Echocardiographic Guidelines recommend the use of 3-dimensional echocardiography in daily clinical practice., Aim: The aim of the study was to establish clinical usefulness of automated 3D TTE software to calculate left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricle end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricle end systolic volume (LVESV), and to compare those measurements calculated in CMR and in 3D TTE., Materials and Methods: The aim of the study was to establish clinical usefulness of automated 3D TTE software to calculate left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricle end diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricle end systolic volume (LVESV), and to compare those measurements calculated in CMR and in 3D TTE., Results: The mean LVEF in 3D TTE was 65% +/- 12%; LVEDV 123 ml +/- 67 ml, LVESV 42 ml +/- 29 ml. The CMR LVEF in the study group was 61% +/- 9%, LVEDV 134 ml +/- 51ml, LVESV 54 ml +/- 33 ml. Wilcoxon rank test showed no difference between medians of the measurements, the correlation coefficient between LVEF in 3D TTE and CMR was R = 0.84 (p = 0.036). LVEF calculated in 3D TTE shows good correlation with LVEF computed in CMR. However good visualization of the endocardium, especially in the apex, is essential. The volume of left ventricle is underestimated in 3D TTE. In previous studies underestimation of LVEDV and LVESV was explained by exclusion of endocardial trabeculae from the left ventricle cavity in automated measurement., Conclusions: The automated 3D TTE software allows simple, fast and precise evaluation of parameters of the left ventricle - especially LVEF. Automated 3D TTE software gives hope for the inclusion of 3D TTE in routine clinical practice due to its repeatability and easy use of the Heart Model software.

INTRODUCTION The current guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in clinical practice emphasizes the importance of education in the media for population-‑based approaches. OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between knowledge of CVD risk factors and watching educational television materials in the adult population. PATIENTS AND METHODS After 22 months of repeated broadcasting of educational television materials, which addressed problems related to CVD, a postal survey was conducted on a random sample of 5000 persons aged 18 years or older. The questionnaire included information on demographics, personal and family history of CVD, educational materials, and knowledge of the risk factors. A multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the knowledge of each risk factor and watching educational materials. RESULTS A total of 1129 questionnaires were sent back and used for the analysis. There were 208 participants (18%) who watched the educational materials. The median number of the risk factors listed was 4 (interquartile range, 2-5) for persons who watched the materials and 2 (interquartile range, 0-4) for those who did not watch them. After adjustment for age, sex, education, place of residence, and personal and family history of CVD, the participants who watched the educational materials were 2 to 5 times more likely to have knowledge on particular risk factors, with the exception of hypercholesterolemia for which the relationship was not significant. CONCLUSIONS A strong, plausible relationship revealed by our study supports the idea that in the adult population, better knowledge of CVD risk factors was the effect of watching educational materials.

Exertional dyspnea is a common manifestation of sarcoidosis. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a useful tool to evaluate exercise tolerance of sarcoid patients., Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate of exercise capacity in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis with regard to duration of the disease. Analysis of differences in physical tolerance between patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and without cardiac sarcoidosis., Materials and Methods: 39 patients diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis were enrolled to our study. Cardiopulmonary exercise test was used to assess exercise capacity. According to time passed from diagnosis of sarcoidosis patients were grouped into 2 groups. Cardiac sarcoidosis was diagnosed in 9 subjects (23.07%). The control group consisted of 33 healthy volunteers., Results: The results of the ergospirometry test in patients with lung sarcoidosis showed statistically significant differences in comparison to the control group. The age of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis correlated negatively with maximal heart rate, oxygen consumption at peak exercise and at anaerobic threshold, breathing frequency at peak exercise, minute ventilation at peak exercise and metabolic equivalent. There was a negative, statistically significant correlation between the oxygen pulse at the peak of exercise and the treatment of steroids in the past., Conclusions: Exercise limitation in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis is a consequence of both ventilatory and cardiocirculatory impairment. Patients with longer disease history of sarcoidosis achieved worse results at cardiopulmonary exercise test than patients with shorter disease history. Trend towards worse exercise tolerance in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis compared to patients without cardiac sarcoidosis was observed.

Our objective was to evaluate the short-term effects of calcium fructoborate (CFB) on gait, joint range of motion, serum inflammatory markers, and owner perception of pain in client-owned dogs. We used 59 osteoarthritic dogs with impairment, with dogs being randomly assigned to 4 treatments: placebo (60 mg fructose; = 15), low dose (69 mg CFB; = 14), high dose (127 mg CFB; = 14), or combination (69 mg CFB, 500 mg glucosamine hydrochloride and 200 mg chondroitin sulfate; = 16). Dogs up to 22.9 kg received 1 capsule/d, while dogs weighing 23 to 50 kg received 2 capsules/d. A physical examination, radiographs, goniometry measurements, gait analysis, blood sample collection, and a canine brief pain inventory questionnaire were performed on d 0 and 28. Change from baseline values were statistically analyzed among groups. After 28 d, dogs fed the low and high doses had an improved ( < 0.05) ability to rise from a lying position compared to placebo. Dogs fed the high dose also had a greater ( = 0.05) increase in soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products concentration than dogs fed the placebo. Sub-analysis of only large dogs (> 23 kg) showed that dogs fed the low dose had decreased ( < 0.05) pain severity score and pain at its worst compared to dogs fed the placebo. Large dogs fed the low dose also were shown to improve ( < 0.05) in their ability to rise from a lying position compared to dogs fed the placebo. Overall, CFB supplementation was well-tolerated and may aid in mitigating joint discomfort in dogs.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death in Poland. The prevalence of CVD risk factors is regionally differentiated. Awareness of their presence in the population is crucial for identification of high-risk patients and implementation of appropriate preventive intervention. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and knowledge of modifiable CVD risk factors among patients of primary health care in Malopolska., Material and Methods: The study was conducted among participants of Małopolska CArdiovascular Preventive Intervention Study (M-CAPRI). Standardized questionnaire and clinical evaluation was conducted in a total of 978 consecutive patients (aged 45.7±13.0) without known CVD in randomly selected primary care units in Małopolska., Results: The most common major modifiable CVD risk factor was hypercholesterolemia (648; 66.3%) while predisposing was incorrect nutrition (890; 91.0%). The prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and obesity was increased with age but cigarette smoking, low physical activity and poor nutrition remain unchanged. CVD risk assessed using Pol-SCORE charts was high or very high in 104 (16.9%) and moderate in 369 (59.5%) patients. Each of the modifiable CVD risk factors was often identified by people with higher education and educated beforehand by a doctor or nurse. The presence of a particular CVD risk factor was not associated with better knowledge of it except for diabetes (OR 3.44, 95% CI 0.996-11.863)., Conclusions: Educated patients have better knowledge on CVD risk factors. Identification of CVD risk factors and education about them should be implemented during visits in primary health care.

Background: The most important way to reduce the incidence of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is prevention, which should include modification of risk factors., Aim: To define knowledge of primary CVD prevention, and to rate compliance with prevention rules among students'., Material and Methods: The study included 275 first year (ly) students and 161 sixth year (6y) students of the Faculty of Medicine (303 Females and 133 Males; aged 18-29 years). Anonymous questionnaire on acquaintance with the primary prevention, compliance with it and correct values and units of blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol level was conducted among survey participants., Results: 6y students indicated risk factors of CVD significantly more correctly than ly students. The proper value of male and female waist circumference was indicated correctly more often by 6y students than ly students. When compared to ly students, 6y students more often marked properly the heart attack symptoms, tests which are necessary to diagnose ACS, and markers of the myocardial necrosis. Respectively, among the ly and 6y students the mean BMI was: 20.82 kg/m2 vs. 21, 74 kg/m2, mean waist circumference: 70.00 cm vs.74.81 cm. 6y students more often than ly students eat regular meals, eat fruits and vegetables more than 4 times a week, exercise more than 30 minutes a day., Conclusions: Sixth year medical students' knowledge about the prevention of CVD is greater than the first year students' but still is unsatisfactory. Sixth year students slightly often follow the rules of primary prevention than first year students.

Objective: To compare 4 therapeutic techniques to reduce soft tissue swelling after cranial cruciate ligament repair in the dog., Study Design: Prospective study., Animals: Twenty-four dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR)., Methods: Dogs with naturally occurring CCLR, were surgically repaired by an extracapsular technique and randomly divided into 4 treatment groups (cold compression [CC], modified Robert Jones bandage [B], cold compression and bandage [CCB], and microcurrent electrical therapy and bandage [METB]) each with 6 dogs. Data were collected at 2 time points, the morning after surgery before the 1st treatment and 72 hours later after the last treatment. Limb girth was measured at 3 anatomic locations to assess soft tissue swelling and all affected limbs were evaluated for presence (or absence) of pitting edema and bruising. Analysis of covariance was used to determine effect of treatment on the percent change in circumference. Duncan's multiple-range test was used to determine differences in treatment groups circumferential percent change over 72 hours. Statistical significance was set at P<.05., Results: Use of a Robert Jones bandage had the least effect on reducing postoperative soft tissue swelling with CC, METB, and CCB being equally effective in reducing swelling by 72 hours after surgery., Conclusion: Use of cold compresses alone or with a bandage, or using microcurrent electrical therapy in combination with a bandage decreases soft tissue swelling over 72 hours more than a bandaging alone after extracapsular repair of CCLR., Clinical Relevance: CC, METB, and CCB should be considered as viable options to limit soft tissue swelling after extracapsular repair of CCLR in dogs.

During intense physical exercise, the cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway is upregulated which contributes to soreness. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a clinical affect of deracoxib (COX-2 selective antagonist) on dogs engaged in intense rehabilitation following tibial plateau levelling osteotomy for cranial cruciate ligament rupture. Our hypothesis was that dogs receiving deracoxib would demonstrate less lameness, better range-of-motion (ROM), and faster muscle mass recovery than the control dogs. Thirty dogs were randomised to the treatment (deracoxib at 1-2 mg/kg once daily by mouth) or control (no treatment) group. Outcomes including gait analysis, thigh circumference, and goniometry, were measured by one investigator, who was masked to group preoperatively, and at the end of each intense rehabilitation week (3, 5, and 7 weeks postoperatively). The only difference between groups for any outcome measure at any time point was a greater preoperative stifle ROM in the group receiving deracoxib (p = 0.04). This study showed that treatment with deracoxib did not provide better outcomes when dogs were subjected to intense rehabilitation after tibial plateau levelling osteotomy. Each patient should be evaluated individually to determine if administration of deracoxib is appropriate.