Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Performance Measure for Activities of Daily Living-8 for Patients with Mild Symptomatic Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVE: The Performance Measure for Activities of Daily Living-8 (PMADL-8) for patients with congestive heart failure is an International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-based Activities of Daily Living (ICF) questionnaire to evaluate disease-specific functional limitations in chronic heart failure (CHF). The purpose of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the PMADL-8 in CHF patients. METHODS: In this study, 50 patients with CHF were included. Test-retest reliability of the PMADL-8 was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach's alpha was calculated for internal consistency. Correlation coefficients between the PMADL-8 and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire (CHQ), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) were analyzed for construct validity. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha value of the PMADL-8 test and retest scores were recorded as 0.996, indicating that the scale is highly reliable. Test-retest reliability results of the PMADL-8 (mean intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.996) were excellent. The PMADL-8 score was moderately correlated with the NHP total score (r = 0.629, P < .001) and NHP physical abilities score (r = 0.517, P < .001). The PMADL-8 score was weakly correlated with the NYHA functional class (r = 0.385, P < .006), CHQ dyspnea (r = -0.475, P < .001), CHQ fatigue (r = -0.340, P = .016), and total score (r = -0.367, P = .009). CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of PMADL-8 is a reliable and valid assessment tool that could be used to determine activity limitations in CHF. The PMADL-8 is also useful for health professionals during the ICF evaluation of CHF patients.

The use of systemic immune-inflammation index to predict new onset atrial fibrillation in the context of acute coronary syndrome.

Aim    The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and new onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and to assess the use of this relation, if any, to predict NOAF in the context of ACSMaterial and Methods    A total of 622 patients diagnosed with ACS and followed up between September 2019 and September 2021 were included in this study. 35 (5.6 %) of these patients, suffering from NOAF, were designated as the patient group, and the remaining 577 (94.4 %) patients were designated as the control group. SII was calculated with the formula [ (platelet count x neutrophil count) / lymphocyte count] in all patients.Results    SII was significantly increased in the NOAF group [1641 (778-4506) vs. 660 (54-2835); p<0.001. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that SII [OR: 1.002, 95 %CI: 1.001-1.002, p<0.001] is one of the independent predictors for NOAF, in addition to age (p=0.003) and left atrium size (p=0.005).Conclusion    The SII index is an independent predictor of NOAF in ACS patients. This index can be used as an easily accessible value in the clinic. Assessment of risk factors for NOAF may permit early treatment and close follow-up of patients with poor prognosis who may develop AF.

Abnormal Circadian Blood Pressure Variation is Associated with SYNTAX Scores in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. / A Variação Anormal da Pressão Arterial Circadiana está Associada aos Escores SYNTAX em Pacientes Hospitalizados com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda.

BACKGROUND: Blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) reduction, referred to as non-dipper hypertension, is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between non-dipper hypertension and the severity and complexity of coronary artery disease using SYNTAX score in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: A total of 306 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome were screened. Patients who were clinically stable and admitted to the intermediate intensive care unit at least 24 hours after angiography and/or successful revascularization. After the exclusion criteria, 141 patients (34 female and 107 male; mean age 61 ± 11 years) were included. Non-dipper hypertension has been defined as a 0% to 10% decrease in average systolic BP at nighttime compared to daytime, measured at hourly intervals using the same automatic BP measuring device on bedside monitors (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tokyo, Japan). SYNTAX score was calculated with an online calculator. The independent predictors of SYNTAX score were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The patients with non-dipper hypertension had higher SYNTAX score than the patients with dipper hypertension (11.12 ± 6.41 versus 6.74 ± 6.45, p < 0.0001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, non-dipper hypertension status (odds ratio: 5.159; 95% confidence interval: 2.246 to 11.852, p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.012) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.008) emerged as independent predictors of high SYNTAX score. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study provide a possible additional mechanism linking abnormal circadian BP profile with coronary artery disease severity and complexity in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

FUNDAMENTO: Menor redução da pressão arterial (PA) noturna, conhecida como hipertensão não-dipper, é um forte preditor de morbimortalidade cardiovascular. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo visou investigar a relação entre a hipertensão não-dipper e a gravidade e complexidade da doença arterial coronariana usando o escore SYNTAX em pacientes hospitalizados com síndrome coronariana aguda. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 306 pacientes consecutivos com síndrome coronariana aguda. Pacientes clinicamente estáveis internados na unidade de terapia intensiva intermediária pelo menos 24 horas após a angiografia e/ou revascularização bem sucedida. Após os critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos 141 pacientes (34 mulheres e 107 homens; idade média 61 ± 11 anos). A hipertensão não-dipper foi definida como uma queda de 0% a 10% na PA sistólica média durante a noite em comparação com o dia, medida em intervalos de 1 hora, usando o mesmo dispositivo automático de medição de PA em monitores de beira de leito (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tóquio, Japão). O escore SYNTAX foi calculado com uma calculadora online. Os preditores independentes do escore SYNTAX foram avaliados por meio de análise de regressão logística multivariada. P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com hipertensão não-dipper apresentaram escore SYNTAX maior do que os pacientes com hipertensão dipper (11,12 ± 6,41 versus 6,74 ± 6,45, p < 0,0001). Em um modelo de regressão logística multivariável, o status de hipertensão não dipper (odds ratio: 5,159; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 2,246 a 11,852, p < 0,001), sexo (p = 0,012) e colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (p = 0,008) emergiram como preditores independentes de alto escore SYNTAX. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do nosso estudo fornecem um possível mecanismo adicional ligando o perfil anormal da PA circadiana à gravidade e à complexidade da doença arterial coronariana em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda.

A Variação Anormal da Pressão Arterial Circadiana está Associada aos Escores SYNTAX em Pacientes Hospitalizados com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda / Abnormal Circadian Blood Pressure Variation is Associated with SYNTAX Scores in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Resumo Fundamento Menor redução da pressão arterial (PA) noturna, conhecida como hipertensão não-dipper, é um forte preditor de morbimortalidade cardiovascular. Objetivos Este estudo visou investigar a relação entre a hipertensão não-dipper e a gravidade e complexidade da doença arterial coronariana usando o escore SYNTAX em pacientes hospitalizados com síndrome coronariana aguda. Métodos Foram selecionados 306 pacientes consecutivos com síndrome coronariana aguda. Pacientes clinicamente estáveis internados na unidade de terapia intensiva intermediária pelo menos 24 horas após a angiografia e/ou revascularização bem sucedida. Após os critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos 141 pacientes (34 mulheres e 107 homens; idade média 61 ± 11 anos). A hipertensão não-dipper foi definida como uma queda de 0% a 10% na PA sistólica média durante a noite em comparação com o dia, medida em intervalos de 1 hora, usando o mesmo dispositivo automático de medição de PA em monitores de beira de leito (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tóquio, Japão). O escore SYNTAX foi calculado com uma calculadora online. Os preditores independentes do escore SYNTAX foram avaliados por meio de análise de regressão logística multivariada. P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Os pacientes com hipertensão não-dipper apresentaram escore SYNTAX maior do que os pacientes com hipertensão dipper (11,12 ± 6,41 versus 6,74 ± 6,45, p < 0,0001). Em um modelo de regressão logística multivariável, o status de hipertensão não dipper (odds ratio: 5,159; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 2,246 a 11,852, p < 0,001), sexo (p = 0,012) e colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (p = 0,008) emergiram como preditores independentes de alto escore SYNTAX. Conclusões Os resultados do nosso estudo fornecem um possível mecanismo adicional ligando o perfil anormal da PA circadiana à gravidade e à complexidade da doença arterial coronariana em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda.

Abstract Background Blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) reduction, referred to as non-dipper hypertension, is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between non-dipper hypertension and the severity and complexity of coronary artery disease using SYNTAX score in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods A total of 306 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome were screened. Patients who were clinically stable and admitted to the intermediate intensive care unit at least 24 hours after angiography and/or successful revascularization. After the exclusion criteria, 141 patients (34 female and 107 male; mean age 61 ± 11 years) were included. Non-dipper hypertension has been defined as a 0% to 10% decrease in average systolic BP at nighttime compared to daytime, measured at hourly intervals using the same automatic BP measuring device on bedside monitors (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tokyo, Japan). SYNTAX score was calculated with an online calculator. The independent predictors of SYNTAX score were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The patients with non-dipper hypertension had higher SYNTAX score than the patients with dipper hypertension (11.12 ± 6.41 versus 6.74 ± 6.45, p < 0.0001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, non-dipper hypertension status (odds ratio: 5.159; 95% confidence interval: 2.246 to 11.852, p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.012) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.008) emerged as independent predictors of high SYNTAX score. Conclusions The results of our study provide a possible additional mechanism linking abnormal circadian BP profile with coronary artery disease severity and complexity in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Effect of biofilm formation, and biocorrosion on denture base fractures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the destructive effects of biofilm formation and/or biocorrosive activity of 6 different oral microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different heat polymerized acrylic resins (Ivocap Plus, Lucitone 550, QC 20) were used to prepare three different types of samples. Type "A" samples with "V" type notch was used to measure the fracture strength, "B" type to evaluate the surfaces with scanning electron microscopy and "C" type for quantitative biofilm assay. Development and calculation of biofilm covered surfaces on denture base materials were accomplished by SEM and quantitative biofilm assay. According to normality assumptions ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis was selected for statistical analysis (α=0.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were obtained among the adhesion potential of 6 different microorganisms and there were significant differences among their adhesion onto 3 different denture base materials. Compared to the control groups after contamination with the microorganisms, the three point bending test values of denture base materials decreased significantly (P<.05); microorganisms diffused at least 52% of the denture base surface. The highest median quantitative biofilm value within all the denture base materials was obtained with P. aeruginosa on Lucitone 550. The type of denture base material did not alter the diffusion potential of the microorganisms significantly (P>.05). CONCLUSION: All the tested microorganisms had destructive effect over the structure and composition of the denture base materials.

The effect of different fiber concentrations on the surface roughness of provisional crown and fixed partial denture resin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate surface roughness in provisional crown acrylics, after polishing, reinforced with different concentrations of glass fibers. METHODS: A total of 48 disk-shaped specimens were prepared using autopolymerizing acrylic resin. These specimens were divided into four groups according to the level of glass fiber added: Group A (no fiber), Group B (0.5%), Group C (1%) and Group D (2%). After polishing the specimens, an average surface roughness (Ra) value was calculated using a profilometer from four randomly selected points on the surface. RESULTS: A significant difference was determined among the surface roughness values of provisional crown resins to which different concentrations of fiber had been added (P<.001). Tukey's test was then used to perform paired comparisons of the data between the different groups, and a significant difference was found between Group A (no fiber) and the other groups, between Group B (0.5%) and Group D (2%) and between Group C (1%) and Group D. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between Group B and Group C. CONCLUSIONS: The reinforcement of provisional crown and fixed partial denture resin with glass fibers increases surface roughness.

The effect of fiber reinforcement type and water storage on strength properties of a provisional fixed partial denture resin.

Fracture resistance of provisional restorations is an important clinical concern. This property is directly related to transverse strength. Strengthening of provisional fixed partial dentures may result from reinforcement with various fiber types. This study evaluated the effect of fiber type and water storage on the transverse strength of a commercially available provisional resin under two different conditions. The denture resin was reinforced with either glass or aramid fiber or no reinforcement was used. Uniform samples were made from a commercially available autopolymerizing provisional fixed partial denture resin. Sixteen bar-shaped specimens (60 x 10 x 4 mm) were reinforced with pre-treated epoxy resin-coated glass fibers, with aramid fibers, or with no fibers. Eight specimens of each group, with and without fibers, were tested after 24 h of fabrication (immediate group), and after 30-day water storage. A three-point loading test was used to measure the transverse strength, the maximal deflection, and the modulus of elasticity. The Kruskal-Wallis Analysis of Variance was used to examine differences among the three groups, and then the Mann-Whitney U Test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test were applied to determine pair-wise differences. The transverse strength and the maximal deflection values in the immediate group and in the 30-day water storage group were not statistically significant. In the group tested immediately, the elasticity modulus was found to be significant (P = 0.042). In the 30-day water storage group, all the values were statistically insignificant. The highest transverse strength was displayed by the glass-reinforced resin (66.25MPa) in the immediate group. The transverse strength value was 62.04MPa for the unreinforced samples in the immediate group. All the specimens exhibited lower transverse strength with an increase in water immersion time. The transverse strength value was 61.13 MPa for the glass-reinforced resin and was 61.24 MPa for the unreinforced resin. The aramid-reinforced resin decreased from 62.29 to 58.77 MPa. The addition of fiber reinforcement enhanced the physical properties (the transverse strength, the maximal deflection, the modulus of elasticity) of the processed material over that seen with no addition of fiber. Water storage did not statistically affect the transverse strength of the provisional denture resin compared to that of the unreinforced resin. The transverse strength was lowered at water storage but it was not statistically significant. The transverse strength was enhanced by fiber addition compared to the unreinforced resin. The glass fiber was superior to the other fiber. Also the modulus of elasticity was enhanced by fiber addition compared to the unreinforced resin.

Comparison of the fracture resistance of six denture base acrylic resins.

Fracture strength of denture base resins is of great concern, and many approaches have been used to strengthen acrylic resin dentures. Fracture resistance of six commercially available acrylic resin denture base materials were compared, through impact and transverse strength tests. Three rapid heat-polymerised resins (QC 20, Meliodent and Trevalon), two high-impact strength resins (Trevalon Hi and Lucitone 199) and a strengthened injection-moulded acrylic resin (SR Ivocap plus) were included in the study. Twenty acrylic resin test specimens were fabricated from each resin. For impact strength test, ten notched specimens were tested in a Charpy-type impact tester. The other ten specimens were used for transverse strength tests, deflection and modulus of elasticity values were also determined, which were assessed with three-point bending tests using an Universal Testing Machine. Impact test values showed significant differences among acrylic resins (F= 4.817 p = 0.0). SR Ivocap resin showed the highest impact strength values, followed by Trevalon Hi and Lucitone 199. The transverse strength test values were not significant when six acrylic resins were compared (F= 1.705 p = 0.151). High-impact resins can be recommended to increase the impact strength of denture base. If the cause of fracture is mechanical or anatomical, strengthened acrylic resins and conventional acrylic resins have similar fracture resistance.