| 1. |
- Fransen, M. F., et al.
(författare)
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A Restricted Role for FcgammaR in the Regulation of Adaptive Immunity
- 2018
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Ingår i: Journal of Immunology. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 200:8, s. 2615-2626
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- By their interaction with IgG immune complexes, FcgammaR and complement link innate and adaptive immunity, showing functional redundancy. In complement-deficient mice, IgG downstream effector functions are often impaired, as well as adaptive immunity. Based on a variety of model systems using FcgammaR-knockout mice, it has been concluded that FcgammaRs are also key regulators of innate and adaptive immunity; however, several of the model systems underpinning these conclusions suffer from flawed experimental design. To address this issue, we generated a novel mouse model deficient for all FcgammaRs (FcgammaRI/II/III/IV(-/-) mice). These mice displayed normal development and lymphoid and myeloid ontogeny. Although IgG effector pathways were impaired, adaptive immune responses to a variety of challenges, including bacterial infection and IgG immune complexes, were not. Like FcgammaRIIb-deficient mice, FcgammaRI/II/III/IV(-/-) mice developed higher Ab titers but no autoantibodies. These observations indicate a redundant role for activating FcgammaRs in the modulation of the adaptive immune response in vivo. We conclude that FcgammaRs are downstream IgG effector molecules with a restricted role in the ontogeny and maintenance of the immune system, as well as the regulation of adaptive immunity.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Wagenaar, Kim P., et al.
(författare)
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Effectiveness of the European Society of Cardiology/Heart Failure Association website heartfailurematters.org and an e-health adjusted care pathway in patients with stable heart failure: results of the e-Vita HF randomized controlled trial
- 2019
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Ingår i: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : WILEY. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 21:2, s. 238-246
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Efficient incorporation of e-health in patients with heart failure (HF) may enhance health care efficiency and patient empowerment. We aimed to assess the effect on self-care of (i) the European Society of Cardiology/Heart Failure Association website on top of usual care, and (ii) an e-health adjusted care pathway leaving out in person routine HF nurse consultations in stable HF patients. Methods and results In a three-group parallel-randomized trial in stable HF patients from nine Dutch outpatient clinics, we compared two interventions ( website and an e-health adjusted care pathway) to usual care. The primary outcome was self-care measured with the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale. Secondary outcomes were health status, mortality, and hospitalizations. In total, 450 patients were included. The mean age was 66.8 +/- 11.0 years, 74.2% were male, and 78.8% classified themselves as New York Heart Association I or II at baseline. After 3 months of follow-up, the mean score on the self-care scale was significantly higher in the groups using the website and the adjusted care pathway compared to usual care (73.5 vs. 70.8, 95% confidence interval 0.6-6.2; and 78.2 vs. 70.8, 95% confidence interval 3.8- 9.4, respectively). The effect attenuated, until no differences after 1 year between the groups. Quality of life showed a similar pattern. Other secondary outcomes did not clearly differ between the groups. Conclusions Both the website and an e-health adjusted care pathway improved self-care in HF patients on the short term, but not on the long term. Continuous updating of e-health facilities could be helpful to sustain effects.
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| 4. |
- Knol, Jeroen J, et al.
(författare)
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A study on the use of empirical models to predict the formation of acrylamide in potato crisps
- 2008
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Ingår i: Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. - : Wiley. - 1613-4133 .- 1613-4125. ; 52:3, s. 313-321
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The formation of acrylamide in potato crisps was fitted by empirical mathematical models. Potato slices were fried under the same experimental conditions for different times. Besides the content of precursors in the raw potato slices, acrylamide and water content in the potato crisps were quantified after predetermined times (2-6 min). The temperature developments in the surrounding oil and outer cell layer of the potato slices were monitored, giving more insight in the frying process and making future comparisons between studies possible. The pattern found for the formation of acrylamide, which was similar to earlier studies, was fitted to three empirical models. Statistical methods were used to compare the performance of the models, with the "Logistic-Exponential" and "Empirical" model performing equally well. The obtained model parameters were in the range of earlier reported studies, although this comparison is not unequivocal as the experimental conditions differed between studies. The precision of parameter estimates was problematic; this should be improved by better experimental design. Nevertheless, the approach of this study will make it possible to truly compare acrylamide formation patterns and model parameters in the future, with the ability to develop a tool to predict acrylamide formation in potato crisps.
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| 5. |
- Luttik, M. L. A., et al.
(författare)
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Design and methodology of the COACH-2 (Comparative study on guideline adherence and patient compliance in heart failure patients) study: HF clinics versus primary care in stable patients on optimal therapy
- 2012
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Ingår i: NETHERLANDS HEART JOURNAL. - : Springer Verlag (Germany). - 1568-5888 .- 1876-6250. ; 20:7-8, s. 307-312
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Since the number of heart failure (HF) patients is still growing and long-term treatment of HF patients is necessary, it is important to initiate effective ways for structural involvement of primary care services in HF management programs. However, evidence on whether and when patients can be referred back to be managed in primary care is lacking. To determine whether long-term patient management in primary care, after initial optimisation of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment in a specialised HF clinic, is equally effective as long-term management in a specialised HF clinic in terms of guideline adherence and patient compliance. The study is designed as a randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial. Two-hundred patients will be randomly assigned to be managed and followed in primary care or in a HFclinic. Patients are eligible to participate if they are (1) clinically stable, (2) optimally up-titrated on medication (according to ESC guidelines) and, (3) have received optimal education and counselling on pre-specified issues regarding HF and its treatment. Furthermore, close cooperation between secondary and primary care in terms of back referral to or consultation of the HF clinic will be provided.The primary outcome will be prescriber adherence and patient compliance with medication after 12 months. Secondary outcomes measures will be readmission rate, mortality, quality of life and patient compliance with other lifestyle changes. The results of the study will add to the understanding of the role of primary care and HF clinics in the long-term follow-up of HF patients.
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| 6. |
- Luttik, Marie Louise A., et al.
(författare)
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Long-term follow-up in optimally treated and stable heart failure patients: primary care vs. heart failure clinic. Results of the COACH-2 study
- 2014
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Ingår i: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B / Wiley: 12 months. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 16:11, s. 1241-1248
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AimsIt has been suggested that home-based heart failure (HF) management in primary care may be an alternative to clinic-based management in HF patients. However, little is known about adherence to HF guidelines and adherence to the medication regimen in these home-based programmes. The aim of the current study was to determine whether long-term follow-up and treatment in primary care is equally effective as follow-up at a specialized HF clinic in terms of guideline adherence and patient adherence, in HF patients initially managed and up-titrated to optimal treatment at a specialized HF clinic. Methods and resultsWe conducted a multicentre, randomized, controlled study in 189 HF patients (62% male, age 72 11 years), who were assigned to follow-up either in primary care (n = 97) or in a HF clinic (n = 92). After 12 months, no differences between guideline adherence, as estimated by the Guideline Adherence Indicator (GAI-3), and patient adherence, in terms of the medication possession ratio (MPR), were found between treatment groups. There was no difference in the number of deaths (n = 12 in primary care and n = 8 in the HF clinic; P = 0.48), and hospital readmissions for cardiovascular (CV) reasons were also similar. The total number of unplanned non-CV hospital readmissions, however, tended to be higher in the primary care group (n = 22) than in the HF clinic group (n = 10; P = 0.05). Conclusionsless thanp id="ejhf173-para-0003"greater thanPatients discharged after initial management in a specialized HF clinic can be discharged to primary care for long-term follow-up with regard to maintaining guideline adherence and patient adherence. However, the complexity of the HF syndrome and its associated co-morbidities requires continuous monitoring. Close collaboration between healthcare providers will be crucial in order to provide HF patients with optimal, integrated care.
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| 7. |
- van Veldhuisen, Dirk J., et al.
(författare)
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B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Prognosis in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved and Reduced Ejection Fraction
- 2013
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Ingår i: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 61:14, s. 1498-1506
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objectives This study sought to determine the prognostic value of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF), in comparison to data in HF patients with reduced left ventricular (LV) EF (andlt;= 40%). less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanBackground Management of patients with HFPEF is difficult. BNP is a useful biomarker in patients with reduced LVEF, but data in HFPEF are scarce. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods In this study, 615 patients with mild to moderate HF (mean age 70 years, LVEF 33%) were followed for 18 months. BNP concentrations were measured at baseline and were related to the primary outcome, that is, a composite of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, and to mortality alone. The population was divided in quintiles, according to LVEF, and patients with reduced LVEF were compared with those with HFPEF. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults There were 257 patients (42%) who had a primary endpoint and 171 (28%) who died. BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with reduced LVEF than in those with HFPEF (p andlt; 0.001). BNP was a strong predictor of outcome, but LVEF was not. Importantly, if similar levels of BNP were compared across the whole spectrum of LVEF, and for different cutoff levels of LVEF, the associated risk of adverse outcome was similar in HFPEF patients as in those with reduced LVEF. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusions BNP levels are lower in patients with HFPEF than in patients with HF with reduced LVEF, but for a given BNP level, the prognosis in patients with HFPEF is as poor as in those with reduced LVEF. (J Am Coll Cardiol 2013;61:1498-506)
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| 8. |
- Jackson, Alice M., et al.
(författare)
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Sacubitril-valsartan as a treatment for apparent resistant hypertension in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
- 2021
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Ingår i: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press. - 0195-668X .- 1522-9645. ; 42:36, s. 3741-3752
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: Patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) frequently have difficult-to-control hypertension. We examined the effect of neprilysin inhibition on apparent resistant hypertension in patients with HFpEF in the PARAGON-HF trial, which compared the effect of sacubitril-valsartan with valsartan.Methods and results: In this post hoc analysis, patients were categorized according to systolic blood pressure at the end of the valsartan run-in (n=4795). Apparent resistant hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure >= 14 0mmHg (>= 135 mmHg if diabetes) despite treatment with valsartan, a calcium channel blocker, and a diuretic. Apparent mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA)-resistant hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure >= 140 mmHg (>= 135 mmHg if diabetes) despite the above treatments and an MRA. The primary outcome in the PARAGON-HF trial was a composite of total hospitalizations for heart failure and death from cardiovascular causes. We examined clinical endpoints and the safety of sacubitril-valsartan according to the hypertension category. We also examined reductions in blood pressure from the end of valsartan run-in to Weeks 4 and 16 after randomization. Overall, 731 patients (15.2%) had apparent resistant hypertension and 135 (2.8%) had apparent MRA-resistant hypertension. The rate of the primary outcome was higher in patients with apparent resistant hypertension [17.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 15.6-19.1 per 100 person-years] compared to those with a controlled systolic blood pressure (13.4; 12.7-14.3 per 100 person-years), with an adjusted rate ratio of 1.28 (95% CI 1.05-1.57). The reduction in systolic blood pressure at Weeks 4 and 16, respectively, was greater with sacubitril-valsartan vs. valsartan in patients with apparent resistant hypertension [-4.8 (-7.0 to -2.5) and 3.9 (-6.6 to -1.3) mmHg] and apparent MRA-resistant hypertension [-8.8 (-14.0 to -3.5) and -6.3 (-12.5 to -0.1) mmHg]. The proportion of patients with apparent resistant hypertension achieving a controlled systolic blood pressure by Week 16 was 47.9% in the sacubitril-valsartan group and 34.3% in the valsartan group [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.78, 95% CI 1.30-2.43]. In patients with apparent MRA-resistant hypertension, the respective proportions were 43.6% vs. 28.4% (adjusted OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.18-5.89).Conclusion: Sacubitril-valsartan may be useful in treating apparent resistant hypertension in patients with HFpEF, even in those who continue to have an elevated blood pressure despite treatment with at least four antihypertensive drug classes, including an MRA.
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Lesman-Leegte, Ivonne, et al.
(författare)
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Depressive symptoms are prominent among elderly hospitalised heart failure patients.
- 2006
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Ingår i: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 8:6, s. 634-40
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalised elderly HF patients and demographic and clinical characteristics associated with depressive symptoms are not known. METHODS: A sample of 572 HF patients (61% male; age 71+/-12 years; LVEF 34%+/-15) was recruited from 17 Dutch hospitals during HF admission. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the CES-D. Demographic, clinical variables and HF symptoms were collected from patient chart and interview. RESULTS: Forty one percent of the patients had symptoms of depression with women significantly more often reporting depressive symptoms than men 48% vs. 36% (chi(2)=8.1, p<0.005). HF patients with depressive symptoms reported more clinical HF symptoms than patients without depressive symptoms. Even after deleting HF related symptoms (sleep disturbances and loss of appetite) from the CES-D scale, 36% of patients were still found to have symptoms of depression. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that depressive symptoms were associated with female gender (odds 1.68, 95% CI 1.14-2.48), COPD (odds 2.11, 95% CI 1.35-3.30), sleep disturbance (odds 3.45, 95% CI 2.03-5.85) and loss of appetite (odds 2.61, 95% CI 1.58-4.33). CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are prominent in elderly hospitalised HF patients especially in women. Depressive symptoms are associated with more pronounced symptomatology, despite the fact that other indices of severity of left ventricular dysfunction are similar.
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