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Energy plays a crucial role in everyday life and thus is one of the most essential inputs in all economic activities. Nowadays, the EU energy market has changed mainly due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The EU countries had to suddenly adapt to the new situation and secure energy supply for their citizens. But even before that, energy issues had been raised on a global scale through the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. One of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy. Therefore, this paper aims to examine energy productivity in EU countries as it should be at the heart of the ongoing debate on energy security across the EU. This study uses two sources of data: the Eurostat and OECD. The first one provides users with a composite indicator of energy productivity, which results from the division of the GDP by the gross available energy (primary production + recovered & recycled products + imports – exports + stock changes) for a given calendar year. The latter delivers an indicator of energy productivity measured in GDP per unit of total energy supply. This paper applies the β-convergence model to investigate the disparities between the EU countries in energy productivity and to see if they are widening or narrowing over time. The results show that although there are significant initial disparities, the EU countries have been converging over time; however, the speed of that process is not satisfyingly fast.

Abstract Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the mechanism(s) by which DM affects AF prevalence remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the impact of diabetes mellitus severity (expressed as its known duration), antihyperglycemic treatment regimen and glycaemic control on AF prevalence. From the representative sample of 3014 participants (mean age 77.5, 49.1% female) from the cross-sectional NOMED-AF study, 881 participants (mean age 77.6 ± 0.25, 46.4% female) with concomitant DM were involved in the analysis. AF was screened using a telemonitoring vest for a mean of 21.9 ± 9.1 days. The mean DM duration was 12 ± 0.35 years, but no significant impact of DM timespan on AF prevalence was observed. No differences in the treatment pattern (oral medication vs insulin vs both oral + insulin) among the study population with and without AF were shown (p = 0.106). Metabolic control reflected by HbA1c levels showed no significant association with AF and silent AF prevalence (p = 0.635; p = 0.094). On multivariate analyses, age (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.35, 95%CI: 1.18–1.53, p

Although Western Balkan economies are still on the list of EU candidates or potential candidate countries, they do have some integration with EU economies. The EU is the leading trading partner of the Western Balkans and is one of the top destinations for the fl ow of people. The Western Balkan economies have been trying to address their populations’ ongoing emigration (the so-called “brain drain” phenomenon) by implementing targeted economic policies. Since one of the main contributors to economic growth is the ability to create innovation, it is crucial to building innovation potential. The main challenge for innovation policy is to provide a favourable environment for entrepreneurship and economic growth to create jobs. Thus, this paper aims to examine innovation potential – an innovation input – as it creates the conditions needed for innovation development. The results of analysing the data (on research and development spending, human resources, an environment friendly to innovation, and intellectual property rights) indicate that the Western Balkan countries are lagging behind the EU in many aspects of innovation potential, so they should still develop their strategies towards creating higher innovation potential. Thus, they will be able to have a higher level of innovation and, as a result, be more competitive in economic terms.

The clinical context of drug interactions detected by automated analysis systems is particularly important in older patients with multimorbidities. We aimed to provide unique, up-to-date data on the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in the Polish geriatric population over 80 years old and determine the frequency and the most common PIMs involved in DDIs. We analyzed all non-prescription and prescription drugs in a representative national group of 178 home-dwelling adults over 80 years old with excessive polypharmacy (≥10 drugs). The FORTA List was used to assess PIMs, and the Lexicomp® Drug Interactions database was used for DDIs. DDIs were detected in 66.9% of the study group, whereas PIMs were detected in 94.4%. Verification of clinical indications for the use of substances involved in DDIs resulted in a reduction in the total number of DDIs by more than 1.5 times, as well as in a nearly 3-fold decrease in the number of interactions requiring therapy modification and drug combinations that should be strictly avoided. The most common PIMs involved in DDIs were painkillers, and drugs used in psychiatry and neurology. Special attention should be paid to DDIs with PIMs since they could increase their inappropriate character. The use of automated interaction analysis systems, while maintaining appropriate clinical criticism, can increase both chances for a good therapeutic effect and the safety of the elderly during treatment processes.

The Balkan countries undergoing the transition must advance their economies to be more competitive. The aim of this paper is to analyse economic growth with a primary focus on the analysis of economic convergence in the Balkan region in the period of 1997–2020. The research analyses the following Balkan economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. This study applies Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of economic growth and is based on the neoclassical economic growth model: the Solow's convergence concept. The results show that the Balkan countries experienced economic convergence with a speed of 1.82% in the cross-sectional model and 7.87% in the panel data model. It means that the initially less developed economies noted higher economic growth than those richer.

BackgroundIt is a well-known fact that COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system by exacerbating heart failure in patients with preexisting conditions. However, there is a poor insight into the cardiovascular involvement and sequelae in patients without preexisting conditions. The aim of the study is to analyse the influence of COVID-19 on cardiac performance in patients without prior history of structural heart disease. The study is part of the CRACoV project, which includes a prospective design and a 12-month follow-up period.Material and methodsThe study included 229 patients hospitalised with a diagnosis of COVID-19 (median age of 59 years, 81 were women). A standard clinical assessment and laboratory tests were performed in all participants. An extended echocardiographic image acquisition was performed at baseline and at a 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. All analyses were performed off-line. A series of echocardiographic parameters was compared using repeated measures or Friedman analysis of variance.ResultsIn all subjects, the left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction at baseline was preserved [63.0%; Q1:Q3 (60.0–66.0)]. Elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T were detected in 21.3% of the patients, and elevated NT-proBNP levels were detected in 55.8%. At the 1-year follow-up, no significant changes were observed in the LV diameter and volume (LV 48.0 ± 5.2 vs. 47.8 ± 4.8 mm, p = 0.08), while a significant improvement of the parameters in the biventricular strain was observed (LV −19.1 ± 3.3% vs. −19.7 ± 2.5%, p = 0.01, and right ventricular −19.9 ± 4.5% vs. −23.2 ± 4.9%, p = 0.002). In addition, a decrease in the LV wall thickness was also observed (interventricular septum 10.4 ± 1.6 vs. 9.7 ± 2.0 mm, p

Abstract Background The use of doxorubicin is associated with an increased risk of acute and long-term cardiomyopathy. Despite the constantly growing number of cancer survivors, little is known about the transcriptional mechanisms which progress in the time leading to a severe cardiac outcome. It is also unclear whether long-term transcriptomic alterations related to doxorubicin use are similar to transcriptomic patterns present in patients suffering from other cardiomyopathies. Methods We have sequenced miRNA from total plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) from 66 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors and 61 healthy controls (254 samples in total). We then analyzed processes regulated by differentially expressed circulating miRNAs and cross-validated results with the data of patients with clinically manifested cardiomyopathies. Results We found that especially miRNAs contained within EVs may be informative in terms of cardiomyopathy development and may regulate pathways related to neurotrophin signaling, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) or epidermal growth factor receptors (ErbB). We identified vesicular miR-144-3p and miR-423-3p as the most variable between groups and significantly correlated with echocardiographic parameters and, respectively, for plasma: let-7g-5p and miR-16-2-3p. Moreover, vesicular miR-144-3p correlates with the highest number of echocardiographic parameters and is differentially expressed in the circulation of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. We also found that distribution of particular miRNAs between of plasma and EVs (proportion between compartments) e.g., miR-184 in ALL, is altered, suggesting changes within secretory and miRNA sorting mechanisms. Conclusions Our results show that transcriptomic changes resulting from doxorubicin induced myocardial injury are reflected in circulating miRNA levels and precede development of the late onset cardiomyopathy phenotype. Among miRNAs related to cardiac function, we found vesicular miR-144-3p and miR-423-3p, as well as let-7g-5p and miR-16-2-3p contained in the total plasma. Selection of source for such studies (plasma or EVs) is of critical importance, as distribution of some miRNA between plasma and EVs is altered in ALL survivors, in comparison to healthy people, which suggests that doxorubicin-induced changes include miRNA sorting and export to extracellular space.

Abstract Background COVID-19 has affected older persons the most. The propensity to have severe COVID-19 or die of the infection was especially prevalent among older subjects with multimorbidity, frailty and sarcopenia. The aim of our study was to check which of the simple clinical biomarkers, including the assessment of muscle and frailty, would associate with the survival and the length of hospital stay in older patients with COVID-19. An additional aim was to report the influence of chronic diseases, chronic medication use, and COVID-19 signs and symptoms on the aforementioned outcome measures. Methods The CRACoV study was a prospective single-center (University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland) observational study of clinical outcomes in symptomatic COVID-19 patients that required hospital treatment. We analysed data of persons aged ≥ 65 years. We assessed muscular parameters in accordance with EWGSOP2, frailty with the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale. We used the data of the initial and 3-month assessment. Demographic characteristics, past medical history, and baseline laboratory values were gathered as a part of routine care. We calculated sex and age, and additionally number-of-diseases adjusted odds ratios of mortality associated with studied factors and betas of the relation with these factors and the length of hospital stay. Results The mean (standard deviation, SD) age of 163 participants (44.8% women, 14.8% died) was 71.8 (5.6) years, age range 65–89 years. One score greater SARC-F was associated with 34% (p = 0.003) greater risk of death, and 16.8 h longer hospital stay (p = 0.01). One score greater Rockwood was associated with 86% (p = 0.002) greater risk of death, but was unrelated to the length of hospital stay. Hand grip strength and dynapenia were unrelated to mortality, but dynapenia was related to longer hospital stay. Probable sarcopenia was associated with 441% (p = 0.01) greater risk of death. Conclusions In conclusion, the patient assessment with SARC-F and the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale may significantly improve the prediction of outcomes in older patients with COVID-19 and by extension might be of use in other acute severe infections. This, however, requires further research to confirm.

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with increasing prevalence with respect to age and comorbidities. AF may influence the prognosis in patients hospitalized with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to assess the prevalence of AF among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 and the association of AF and in-hospital anticoagulation treatment with prognosis.Methods and resultsWe assessed the prevalence of AF among patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 and the association of AF and in-hospital anticoagulation treatment with prognosis. Data of all COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, between March 2020 and April 2021, were analyzed. The following outcomes: short-term (30-days since hospital admission) and long-term (180-days after hospital discharge) mortality, major cardiovascular events (MACEs), pulmonary embolism, and need for red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion, as a surrogate for major bleeding events during hospital stay were assessed. Out of 4,998 hospitalized patients, 609 had AF (535 pre-existing and 74 de novo). Compared to those without AF, patients with AF were older and had more cardiovascular disorders. In adjusted analysis, AF was independently associated with an increased risk of short-term {p = 0.019, Hazard Ratio [(HR)] 1.236; 95% CI: 1.035–1.476} and long-term mortality (Log-rank p

Objectives The study explores the direct and indirect associations (i.e., through the extent of the level of loneliness and perceived social support) between internet use for instrumental purposes and the quality of life (QoL) among elderly females and males in Poland. Material and Methods The analysis was based on 2001 face-to-face interviews performed among randomly selected individuals aged ≥65 years from the general population. The collected data was weighted to generalize the study sample for the reference population. The analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression models. The mediation effect was tested according to the Baron and Kenny approach. Results The obtained results indicate that internet use for instrumental purposes is directly related to a better QoL of elderly Polish males. This positive effect among men also occurs indirectly, through the decrease in loneliness levels as well as the increase in social support scores. It has also been shown that among elderly females, the effect of internet use for instrumental purposes is not related to a better QoL, either directly or indirectly. Conclusions Internet use for instrumental purposes seems to be important in enhancing a successful life among elderly male adults. However, these technologies are not associated with better QoL among females. Practitioners should be aware of these gender differences. The study adds to the previous studies by demonstrating that the feeling of loneliness and social support mediates the relationship between internet use for instrumental purposes and QoL among elderly males, whereas among elderly females this effect does not occur. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):169–85

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with systemic inflammation. A wide range of adipokines activities suggests they influence pathogenesis and infection course. The aim was to assess concentrations of chemerin, omentin, and vaspin among COVID-19 patients with an emphasis on adipokines relationship with COVID-19 severity, concomitant metabolic abnormalities and liver dysfunction. Serum chemerin, omentin and vaspin concentrations were measured in serum collected from 70 COVID-19 patients at the moment of admission to hospital, before any treatment was applied and 20 healthy controls. Serum chemerin and omentin concentrations were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy volunteers (271.0 vs. 373.0 ng/ml; p

Abstract Background The global burden of atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is constantly rising, leading to an increasing healthcare burden of stroke. AF often remains undiagnosed due to the occurrence in an asymptomatic, silent form, i.e., silent AF (SAF). The study aims to evaluate the relationships between DM and AF prevalence using a mobile long-term continuous ECG telemonitoring vest in a representative Polish and European population ≥ 65 years for detection of AF, symptomatic or silent. Methods A representative sample of 3014 participants from the cross-sectional NOMED-AF study was enrolled in the analyses (mean age 77.5, 49.1% female): 881 (29.2%) were diagnosed with DM. AF was screened using a telemonitoring vest for a mean of 21.9 ± 9.1days. Results Overall, AF was reported in 680 (22.6%) of the whole study population. AF prevalence was higher among subjects with concomitant DM (DM+) versus those without DM (DM−) [25%, 95% CI 22.5-27.8% vs 17%; 95% CI 15.4–18.5% respectively, p

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in breast cancer survivors. Chemotherapy contributes to this risk. We aimed to define the mechanisms of long-term vascular dysfunction caused by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and identify novel therapeutic targets. We studied arteries from postmenopausal women who had undergone breast cancer treatment using docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (NACT) and from women with no history of such treatment matched for key clinical parameters. We explored mechanisms in WT and Nox4–/– mice and in human microvascular endothelial cells. Endothelium-dependent, NO-mediated vasodilatation was severely impaired in patients after NACT, while endothelium-independent responses remained normal. This was mimicked by a 24-hour exposure of arteries to NACT agents ex vivo. When applied individually, only docetaxel impaired endothelial function in human vessels. Mechanistic studies showed that NACT increased inhibitory eNOS phosphorylation of threonine 495 in a Rho-associated protein kinase–dependent (ROCK-dependent) manner and augmented vascular superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production and NADPH oxidase activity. Docetaxel increased expression of the NADPH oxidase NOX4 in endothelial and smooth muscle cells and NOX2 in the endothelium. A NOX4 increase in human arteries may be mediated epigenetically by diminished DNA methylation of the NOX4 promoter. Docetaxel induced endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in mice, and these were prevented in Nox4–/– mice and by pharmacological inhibition of Nox4 or Rock. Commonly used chemotherapeutic agents and, in particular, docetaxel alter vascular function by promoting the inhibitory phosphorylation of eNOS and enhancing ROS production by NADPH oxidases.

Abstract Background The long‐term consequences of chemotherapy and radiotherapy result in a high prevalence and early onset of age‐related chronic diseases in survivors. We aimed to examine whether childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CS) demonstrate biomarkers of accelerated aging. Methods We evaluated 50 young adult CS at 11 [8–15] years after cancer diagnosis, and 30 healthy, age and sex‐matched controls, who were unexposed to cancer therapy. Using a machine‐learning approach, we assessed factors discriminating CS from controls and compared selected biomarkers and lymphocyte subpopulations with data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) cohort and the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) project. Results Survivors compared with controls had higher levels of C‐reactive protein and fibrinogen. The surface expression of CD38 on T cells was increased, and there was an increase in the percentage of memory T cells in survivors, compared with the unexposed group. The relationships between above cell subpopulations and age were consistent in CS, FHS, and GTEx cohorts, but not in controls. Conclusions Young pediatric cancer survivors differ from age‐related controls in terms of activation of the adaptive immune system and chronic, low‐grade inflammation. These changes resemble aging phenotype observed in older population. Further research in biomarkers of aging in young, adult childhood cancer survivors is warranted, as it may facilitate screening and prevention of comorbidities in this population.

Advanced heart failure (HF) is a complex entity with a clinical course difficult to predict. However, most patients have a poor prognosis. This document addresses the modification of cardiovascular drugs in patients with advanced HF that are not candidates to heart transplantation or ventricular assist device and are in need of palliative care. The adjustment of cardiovascular drugs is frequently needed in these patients. The shift in emphasis from life-prolonging to symptomatic treatments should be a progressive one. We establish a series of recommendations with the aim of adjusting drugs in these patients, in order to adapt treatment to the needs and wishes of each patient. This is frequently a difficult process for patients and professionals, as drug discontinuing needs to balance treatment benefit with the psychological adaption to having a terminal illness. We encourage the use of validated assessment tools to assess prognosis and to use this information to take clinical decisions regarding drug withdrawal and therapeutic changes. The golden rule is to stop drugs that are harmful or non-essential and to continue the ones that provide symptomatic improvement.

Introduction Population ageing constitutes an increasing medical, social, and economic burden worldwide. Optimal senior policy should be based on well-assessed knowledge on the prevalence and control of age-related diseases, multimorbidity, disabilities, and their social determinants. The objective of this paper is to describe the assumptions, methods, and sampling procedures of the PolSenior2 survey, which was aimed at characterising the health status of old and very-old adults in Poland. Material and methods The project was conducted in the period 2018–2019 as a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of people aged 60 years and over. Subjects were selected using three-stage stratified and proportional random sampling in seven equally sized (n = 850) age groups. The study protocol consisted of face-to-face interviews, specific geriatric scales and tests, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements performed by well-trained nurses at participants homes as well as blood and urine sample laboratory tests. Results In the Polsenior2 study a group of 5987 subjects underwent the questionnaire parts of the survey, and almost all (n = 5823) agreed to blood or urine sample collection. Conclusions In recent decades several studies focused on various aspects of elderly health and life conditions had been carried out in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. However, none of them is so complex and has covered so many issues as PolSenior2, which is the largest study devoted to the health status of older persons in Poland and one of the largest and the most comprehensive in Europe. The results of the study will help to improve health policy targeted at the elderly population in Poland.

Purpose: The parameters of cerebral blood flow are modulated by many factors. The aim of the study was to prospectively assess the relationship between the number of the established cardiovascular risk factors and hemodynamic parameters of cerebral blood flow. Material and methods: The study was cross-sectional baseline and 6-year follow-up data analysis. We analyzed data regarding cardiovascular risk factors, medications use, and ultrasonographically (transcranial Doppler) obtained mean cerebral blood flow velocity (mCBFV), pulsatility (PI), resistance (RI) indexes of middle cerebral artery. Results: After 6.0 ± 0.6 years of follow-up, there was increase in systolic (p = .047), and decrease in diastolic (p = .005) blood pressure, resulting in greater pulse pressure (p

Agriculture is a very important sector of the economy that has a great influence on rural areas. Almost sixty years of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in the European Union (EU) may impose a question on the impact of this policy on job creation and economic growth in rural areas. By analyzing key indicators, one should note that although there are still many problems to tackle, the CAP has been successful to some extend in increasing employment rate and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita as well as decreasing poverty rate in the EU rural areas. There are also more and more households connected to the next-generation broadband network and there is still a significant number of bed places in the EU rural areas. Although, the situation in specific EU Member States and their rural regions may be different, the overall performance of the EU is satisfactory and shows positive prognostics for the current EU financial perspective of 2021-2027. This paper also provides an empirical approach which checks whether there is a connection between the employment rate and the rural development measured in GDP per capita based on the data from the Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania in the period of 2000-2020. This research confirms that when increasing the level of rural employment, the economic growth rises in rural areas.

Abstract Background Dozens of scales and questionnaires have been used in the detection of frailty; however, a generalized method for its screening and diagnosis is still lacking in clinical settings. FRAILTOOLS´ main objective is to evaluate the usefulness of frailty scales in the detection of frailty in different clinical and social settings, and its integration in management algorithms for the frail older patient. Methods FRAILTOOLS is an observational, longitudinal and prospective study with a follow-up of 6, 12 and 18 months. People older than 75 years old will be recruited from three separate clinical settings (acute geriatric wards, geriatric outpatient clinics and primary care) and one social setting (nursing homes). Exclusion criteria include Mini-mental State Examination

Abstract Background In hospital settings, delirium affects as many as 50% of older patients, aggravating their symptoms and worsening their condition, and therefore increasing the risk of in-hospital complications and death. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of structured, non-pharmacological care, delivered to older hospitalised patients by trained volunteers (students of medical fields), on the reduction of incidence of adverse health-related outcomes. Methods/design This trial will be a randomised, investigator-blind, controlled trial conducted in an internal medicine and geriatric ward in Poland. We aim to include 416 patients who are 70 years of age and have been hospitalised for medical reasons. Eligible patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive structured, non-pharmacological care delivered by students of medicine, psychology and nursing, together with standard medical treatment or standard medical care alone. The protocol of interventions has been designed to cover nine main risk factors for delirium, with the scope of multidisciplinary interventions being individualised and tailored. The protocol will be aimed at immobilisation, vision and hearing impairment, cognitive impairment and disorientation, stress and anxiety, sleep–wake cycle disturbances, dehydration and malnutrition, and pain. A structured evaluation of patients’ cognition, mood, anxiety and functional performance is planned to be carried out twice, on the day of group allocation and at discharge; structured screening assessment for delirium will be conducted daily using the Confusion Assessment Method. The primary outcome will be the incidence of delirium in hospital; secondary outcomes will be in-hospital changes in cognition, mood and anxiety, and functional status, occurrence of falls and death. Discussion Delirium prevention programmes are being introduced worldwide. A particular novelty of our project, however, is that invitations for voluntary work with older patients at risk for delirium will be addressed to medical students. With the use of the service learning method, the students will shape their attitudes, increase their knowledge and understanding of hospital care, and master competencies to work within interdisciplinary teams, which establishes the originality and practicality of the project. Trial registration Polish Science Database, 317484. Registered on 23 October 2016.

Background: Organizational and educational activities in primary care in Poland have been introduced to improve the chronic heart failure (CHF) management. Objectives: To assess the use of diagnostic procedures, pharmacotherapy and referrals of CHF in primary care in Poland. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2013, involving 390 primary care centres randomly selected from a national database. Trained nurses contacted primary care physicians who retrospectively filled out the study questionnaires on the previous year’s CHF management in the last five patients who had recently visited their office. The data on diagnostic and treatment procedures were collected. Results: The mean age ± SD of the 2006 patients was 72 ± 11 years, 45% were female, and 56% had left ventricular ejection fraction

Analysis of liver biopsy specimens showed that SARS-CoV-2 might have led to liver damage. This study aimed to evaluate the role of selected hepatokines and myokines in the development and progression of COVID-19. Seventy patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Irisin, pentraxin 3, fetuin-A, and FGF-21 serum concentrations and biochemical parameters were assessed using an immunoenzymatic method with commercially available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Serum fetuin-A concentrations were significantly decreased in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy volunteers. The serum concentration of FGF-21 was significantly increased in obese COVID-19 patients compared to overweight ones. Moreover, the FGF-21 level was higher in COVID-19 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome than in patients without metabolic syndrome. PTX3 concentration was higher in COVID-19 patients with higher HOMA-IR values than those with lower HOMA-IR values. COVID-19 patients with HOMA-IR ≤ 3 and >3 had significantly lower fetuin-A levels than the control group. Irisin concentration was significantly decreased in the HOMA-IR ≤ 3 COVID-19 subgroup when comparing with the control group. Lower levels of fetuin-A observed in COVID-19 patients despite higher HOMA-IR, CRP, and ferritin levels, pneumonia, patients requiring ICU care suggests that fetuin-A deficiency predisposes to more severe COVID-19 course. Upregulated pentraxin 3 may be used as a potential predictor of COVID-19 severity.

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with hyperinflammation leading to organ injury, including respiratory failure. Galectin-3 was implicated in innate immunological response to infections and in chronic fibrosis. The aim of our preliminary study was the assessment of the diagnostic utility of serum galectin-3 in patients with COVID-19. The prospective observational study included adult patients admitted with active COVID-19 and treated in tertiary hospital between June and July 2020. The diagnosis was confirmed by the quantitative detection of nucleic acid of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in nasopharyngeal swabs. Galectin-3 was measured by enzyme immunoassay in serum samples obtained during the first five days of hospital stay. We included 70 patients aged 25 to 73 years; 90% had at least one comorbidity. During the hospital stay, 32.9% were diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and 12.9% required treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). Serum galectin-3 was significantly increased in patients who developed pneumonia, particularly those who required ICU admission. Positive correlations were found between galectin-3 and inflammatory markers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, ferritin, pentraxin-3), a marker of endothelial injury (soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1), and a range of tissue injury markers. Serum galectin-3 enabled the diagnosis of pneumonia with moderate diagnostic accuracy and the need for ICU treatment with high diagnostic accuracy. Our findings strengthen the hypothesis that galectin-3 may be involved in severe COVID-19. Further studies are planned to confirm the preliminary results and to verify possible associations of galectin-3 with long-term consequences of COVID-19, including pulmonary fibrosis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of CV events. The aim of the study was to assess arterial stiffness and inflammatory markers in patients with short duration chronic arthritis. We assessed carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), traditional CV risk factors and inflammatory and endothelial markers in 71 chronic arthritis patients (RA and AS) and in 29 healthy controls. We did not find differences in PWV (for RA, AS and controls, respectively: 10 [8.8–10.9] versus 10.7 [9.1–11.8] versus 9.2 [8.3–11.4] m/s; p = .14) and AIx (for RA, AS and controls, respectively: 24.3 ± 11.5 versus 5.7 ± 12.4 versus 10 ± 12.8%; p = .22). Both groups of arthritis patients had active disease with significantly elevated inflammatory markers compared to controls. There were no correlations between endothelial and inflammatory markers and parameters of arterial stiffness in arthritis patients. When analyzing arthritis patients according to median of PVW, there were no significant differences in inflammatory and endothelial markers. We found that in patients with short duration active RA and AS arterial stiffness was not increased and furthermore, there was no association between markers of systemic inflammation and arterial stiffness.

Introduction: Patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) are at high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. The aim of the analysis was to compare time trends in the extent to which cardiovascular prevention guidelines have been implemented by primary care physicians and specialists. Material and methods: Five hospitals with cardiology departments serving the city and surrounding districts in the southern part of Poland participated in the study. Consecutive patients hospitalized due to an acute coronary syndrome or for a myocardial revascularization procedure were recruited and interviewed 6–18 months after hospitalization. The surveys were carried out in 1997–1998, 1999–2000, 2006–2007 and 2011–2013. Results: The proportion of smokers increased from 16.0% in 1997–1998 to 16.4% in 2011–2013 among those who declared that a cardiologist in a hospital outpatient clinic decided about the treatment, from 17.5% to 34.0% (p < 0.01) among those treated by a primary care physician, and from 7.0% to 19.7% (p = 0.06) among patients treated in private cardiology practices. The corresponding proportions were 44.6% and 42.4% (p < 0.01), 47.7% and 52.8% (p = 0.53), 44.2 and 42.2% (p = 0.75) for high blood pressure, and 42.5% and 71.2% (p < 0.001), 51.4% and 79.6% (p < 0.001), 52.4% and 72.4 (p < 0.01)% for LDL cholesterol level not at recommended goal. The proportion of patients prescribed cardioprotective medications increased in every analyzed group. Conclusions : The control of cardiovascular risk in CAD patients has only slightly improved since 1997/98 in all health care settings. The greatest potential for further improvement was found among patients whose post-hospital care is provided by primary care physicians. It is associated with promotion of a no-smoking policy and enhanced prescription of guideline-recommended drugs.

Introduction: Bariatric surgery in extremely obese patients has influence on metabolic variables and body weight however data about influence on flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of brachial artery are inconsistent. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilatation. Material and methods: We examined 35 patients with extreme obesity who met the eligibility criteria and underwent bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y Bypass). Brachial flow-mediated dilatation was performed using linear-array transducer (GE Vivid 3, GE Healthcare Medical Diagnostics, Little Chalfont, UK). Results: Data from 35 patients (34% men; age: 45+/−10) were collected. BMI decreased form 47,5 +/− 6 kg/m2 before surgery to 35,5 +/−5kg/m2 six months after surgery. FMD after six months has significantly improved. Median flow mediated dilatation before intervention was 6,5% (IQR 2–10,7) and after operation 8,5% (IQR 6,2–16,8). Improvement in FMD was higher in patients who underwent by-pass surgery (median 142% (IQR: 85–453)) in comparison to sleeve gastrectomy intervention (median 118% (IQR 67–246) but no statistical significance was observed between two groups. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery resulted in significant improvement in endothelial function and may have potential impact on reduction of cardiovascular risk.

Left ventricular diastolic function declines with aging and hypertension. It is well known that elevated blood pressure results in increased arterial stiffness. The study aims to determine the relationship between arterial stiffness and left ventricular diastolic function in general population. Methods: We recruited 303 (mean age, 46.9 years; 167 women, 155 normotensives) members of randomly recruited families. Normotension and hypertension were diagnosed based on both office and ambulatory blood pressure measurements, or history of antihypertensive treatment. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), peripheral and central pulse pressure (pPP; cPP) were evaluated by means of pulse wave analysis. Left ventricle (LV) diastolic function was determined by measuring transmitral (early (E) and late (A) diastolic peak velocities and E/A ratio) and pulmonary (peak systolic (S) and diastolic (D) velocity and S/D ratio) flow velocities and diastolic velocities of septal and lateral mitral annulus (E′ wave and E/E′ ratio) obtained in tissue doppler. Additionaly we measured left atrium diameter (LAd). Results: After adjusting for relatedness, pPP, cPP and PWV were negatively associated with E/A, and positively with E/E′ and S/D (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis the most closely related parameters were: cPP with E/E′(β = 0.04, P = 0.001), cPP with S/D (β = −0.004, P = 0.011), and pPP with E/E′ (β = −0.03, P = 0.003). Additionally pPP was associated with LAd (β = 0.058, P = 0.011). In hypertensives pPP and cPP related both to E/E′ and S/D (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our study suggested that increased arterial stiffness as estimated by pulse pressure measurement might be considered as a determinant of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular and echocardiographic markers of hypertension (HT) in subjects with newly diagnosed HT before treatment started. We studied 32 patients with newly diagnosed HT without pharmacological therapy (HT group) and 31 healthy ones (control group). ABPM were performed to exclude or confirm HT. Cardiovascular risk factors and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. Measurements of left ventricle, size of left atrium and parameters of diastolic function of left ventricle were measured using echocardiography. The student’s T-test, U Mann-Whitney and Chi2 tests were used to compare differences between groups. There were no significant differences in cardiovascular risk factors (sex, age, total cholesterol level, HbA1c) between groups with exception of BMI (p

Background: Arterial stiffening is an age-related change and is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor but its association with physical decline is rarely evaluated. The aim of this analysis was to assess the association of arterial stiffness as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) with gait performance in older subjects. Methods: PWV was measured with Complior device. In all subjects was assessed: gait speed (V), Timed Up&Go test (TUG), handgrip strength, personal (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Body composition was assessed with DXA, nutritional status with Mini Nutritional Assessment. Standard blood laboratory tests and markers of inflammation (hsCRP, IL-6, pentraxin3-PTX3, osteoprotegerin-OPG, TNFα soluble receptor2-sTNFR2) were determined. Results: Mean age of 69 subjects (53–96 yrs) was 72.5 ± 9.8 yrs. Mean number of diseases was 5.3 ± 2.2, and of used medications was 7.0 ± 2.5. Subjects with PWV < 10 m/s and ≥10 m/s did not differ in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, number of diseases and medications, IADL, ADL, handgrip strength. Patients with PWV < 10 m/s were younger (67.8 ± 6.4vs74.8 ± 10.4 yrs; p = 0.004), had higher V (1.02 ± 0.31vs0.798 ± 0.23 m/s; p = 0.006), lower TUG (9.69 ± 2.6vs11.81 ± 4.56; p = 0.02), higher mdrd (76.3 ± 21.4 vs 62.87 ± 20.3 ml/min/m2) and lower legs’ fat content (LEfat) (6433.1 ± 1934.2vs 8046.4 ± 3187.5g; p = 0.047). PWV correlated positively with age (r = .47, p < 0.0001), TUG (r = 0.26, p = 0.037), negatively with V (r = −0.37, p = 0.003), handgrip strength (r = −0.30, p = 0.015), ADL (r = −0.28, p = 0.02). In multiple regression analysis gait speed was negatively associated with PWV (β = −0.37; p = 0.0075), female gender (β = −0.36; p = 0.045) and TUG (β = −0.443; p = 0.0038), and positively with Hb (β = 0.30; p = 0.045), PTX3 (β = 0.608; p = 0.001), sTNFR2 (β = 0.374; p = 0.035). Conclusions: Artery stiffness, apart from female gender and inflammation, may be associated with poorer gait performance in older subjects.

Objectives: To evaluate factors influencing resistive index (RI) and intima-media thickness of common carotid artery (IMT-CCA) as indices of arterial atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients. Methods: 56 treated hypertensive outpatients (mean age 68.9 ± 9.7 years; 31 diabetics) were examined. Fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, and HbA1c concentration and glomerular filtration rate were measured. Systolic (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure were estimated during ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Ultrasonography of the CCA was performed with determination of IMT-CCA and RI. Results: With diabetes IMT-CCA was significantly (1.025 ± 0.17 vs 0.928 ± 0.18 mm, p = 0.04) and RI not significantly (0.71 ± 0.06 vs 0.68 ± 0.08, p = 0.07) higher. A correlation between HbA1c and RI, IMT-CCA and the age was found. After dividing the whole group into subgroups corresponding to the tertiles of HbA1c levels, mean IMT-CCA values in I and II tertile were significantly lower than in III tertile (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002 respectively), while RI was significantly higher in III tertile than in I tertile (p = 0.03). On multiple regression analysis IMT-CCA was significantly influenced by the age (β = 0.343, p = 0.04), SBP (β = 0.430, p = 0.03) and HbA1c (β = 0.369, p = 0.01), while RI was influenced by SBP (β = 0.696, p = 0.0006), DBP (β = −0.618, p = 0.003) and HbA1c (β = 0.279, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus had significantly increased IMT and not significantly higher RI. Concentration of HbA1c, next to the age, SBP and DBP values was independently associated with IMT-CCA and RI – parameters determining indirectly the degree of atherosclerosis of common carotid artery.