Pandemic bordering: domestic politicisation, European coordination, and national border closures in the COVID-19 crisis.

When the member states imposed unilateral restrictions on the cross-border movement of persons and goods in their initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU appeared to relapse into the 'politics trap' of earlier integration crises. However, our analysis of entry restrictions for persons in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland from the end of 2019 to the summer of 2022 shows no systematic relationship between domestic politicisation and national border closures. Rather, border closures followed the course of the pandemic as well as EU recommendations. Our findings suggest that the EU was able to escape the 'politics trap' thanks to the exogenous and symmetrical nature of the crisis and effective EU-level policy coordination.

Short and Long-Term Prognostic Significance of Galectin-3 in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

This study evaluated the short and long-term prognostic value of galectin-3 in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients (n = 143) were admitted with STEMI and followed up for 2 years. The study population was divided into high and low galectin-3 groups based on the admission median value of serum galectin-3. Primary clinical outcomes consisted of cardiovascular (CV) mortality, non-fatal reinfarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization (TVR). CV events were recorded in hospital and at 1 and 2 years. The primary clinical outcomes (in-hospital, 1 year and 2 year) were significantly higher in the high galectin-3 group. (P = .008, P = .004, P = .002, respectively). High galectin-3 levels were also associated with heart failure development and re-hospitalization at both 1 year (P = .029, P = .009, respectively) and 2 years (P = .019, P = .036, respectively). According to Cox multivariate analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was an independent predictor of 2-year cardiovascular mortality (P = .009), whereas galectin-3 was not (P = .291). Although high galectin-3 levels were not independent predictors of long-term CV mortality in patients with acute STEMI who underwent primary PCI, it was associated with short-term and long-term development of adverse CV events, heart failure, and re-hospitalization.

Assessment of the relationship between endocan and obstructive sleep apnea severity.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and endothelial dysfunction are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and the development of atherosclerosis. Endocan is a marker of endothelial dysfunction, while obstructive sleep apnea is one of the causes of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the relationship between endocan and obstructive sleep apnea severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 179 patients with snoring complaints were included. All patients underwent polysomnography, and based on the results, the participations were allocated to the control group (n = 39) or to the obstructive sleep apnea group (n = 140). The OSA group was classified as having mild (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) = 5-15; n = 43), moderate (AHI = 15-30; n = 42), or severe OSA (AHI > 30; n = 55). All participations had their endocan levels measured. RESULTS: Endocan levels in OSA patients were significantly higher than in the control group (11.8 (3.13-200) vs 3.13 (3.13-23) ng/ml, p < 0.001). Also, endocan levels were significantly higher in the severe OSA group than moderate and mild obstructive OSA (13.2 (3.13-200), 12.6 (3.13-200) and 8.44 (3.13-50.5) ng/ml, p = 0.015, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, age and endocan levels were independent predictors of OSA severity (p = 0.024, p = 0.037, p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Endocan seems to be a potential risk stratification marker in this patient population.

The importance of the injury severity scores and revised trauma scores for moderate traumas: A state hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: The degree of damage presents a pressing issue in determining trauma severity. Various trauma-scoring systems, such as the injury severity and revised trauma scores, are used worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the functionalities of these two trauma scoring systems, which are presently used frequently and have scientifically evolved at the state hospital level. METHODS: Following approval from the ethics committee to conduct clinical studies with retrospective archive screening, data between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017, were retrospectively analysed for determining the factors affecting mortality in all patients diagnosed with traumatic injury in 29 Mayis State Hospital. Incomplete or unclear data were excluded from this study. Mean and standard deviation were used for continuous variables; percentage and frequency values were used for binary variables. For evaluating continuous variables, Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used in independent groups based on their distribution status. Dichotomous variables were evaluated using the chi-square test. The results and significant in univariate analyses were evaluated again by the linear and binary logistic regression model. RESULTS: Mean age of all patients was 37.53±14.47 years [male (35.68±13.9) versus female (40.61±15.1) (p=0.116)]. Mean injury trauma score for the general population was 3.18±8.46. No dissimilarity was noted regarding gender for the injury severity score (ISS) [(3.93±10.49 versus 1.91±2.34) (p=0.727)]. Regarding age, for revised trauma score (RTS), no statistical significance was noted [(7.60±0.91 versus 7.81±0.16) (p=0.207)]. Regarding the injury mechanism, we detected a difference between the two trauma scores; both ISS and RTS also had statistical significance. The results were found for ISS [penetrant (6.56±6.47) versus blunt (2.45±8.68) (p=0.002)] and for RTS [penetrant (7.41±0.54) versus blunt (7.74±0.79) (p=0.001)]. After the final statistics with logistic linear regression, the respiratory rate was statistically significant for penetrant injury [AOR 0.22 (0.001, 0.47) (p≤0.05)]. In the detailed subanalysis for RTS score components, respiratory rate was also significant in moderate traumas [AOR 0.22 (0.001, 0.47) (p=0.004)]. CONCLUSION: Both ISS and RTS are nonsignificant in all moderate injury types. On the other hand, respiratory rate is an important marker, especially in penetrant moderate injuries.

Successful transcatheter mitral valve replacement in a patient with bioprosthetic valvular degeneration and severe regurgitation.

The implantation of aortic transcatheter heart valves has been successfully performed throughout the world in hundreds of patients with severe dysfunction of a degenerated mitral bioprosthesis or those at high surgical risk for re-operation. The transseptal approach may be more technically challenging, but is a less invasive procedure and may have a lower mortality rate compared with a transapical approach, and also offers a quick patient recovery. This report is a description of a rare case in Turkey: a successful transseptal mitral valve replacement in a case of a failed bioprosthetic valve. This case illustrates the feasibility and safety of percutaneous valve-in-valve implantation to treat a degenerated bioprosthesis.

Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty in a Pregnant Patient Under Guidance of Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiography and Right Atrial Mapping, without Using Fluoroscopy.

Mitral stenosis is the most common valvular pathology complicating pregnancy. Herein are reported the details of a 26-week pregnant patient with severe mitral stenosis and NYHA class 3-4 symptoms. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty was performed under guidance of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and right atrial mapping, without using fluoroscopy. Video 1: Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography. The four-chamber view shows limited opening of the rheumatic mitral valve. Video 2: Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography while the balloon is inflated. Video 3: Live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography showing the uninflated balloon passing through the mitral valve. Video 4: Live/real time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography showing the inflated balloon passing through the mitral valve.

Assessment of the association between the presence of fragmented QRS and the predicted risk score of sudden cardiac death at 5 years in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) is associated with poor prognosis in many cardiovascular diseases and in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, no study has shown an association with the absolute risk score of sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between QRS and the predicted risk score of sudden cardiac death at 5 years (HCM Risk-SCD) in HCM patients. METHODS: In total, 115 consecutive HCM patients were included in this prospective observational study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence [fQRS(+) group (n=65)] or absence [fQRS(-) group (n=50)] of fQRS on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). RESULTS: The HCM Risk-SCD (%) HCM Risk-SCD (>6%) values and some echocardiographic parameters, including ventricular extrasystole, ventricular tachycardia, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, appropriate shock, and heart failure at the time of admission, were significantly higher in the fQRS(+) group than in the fQRS(-) group (all p<0.05). Both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed fQRS and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class as independent predictors of HCM Risk-SCD. In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, an HCM Risk-SCD value of >4 was identified as an effective cut-off point in fQRS for HCM. An HCM Risk-SCD value of >4 yielded a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 76%. CONCLUSION: fQRS is determined to be an independent high-risk indicator of HCM Risk-SCD. It seems to be associated with increased ventricular arrhythmias and some echocardiographic parameters.

The importance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have demonstrated the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in many cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to assess whether NLR is associated with echocardiographic or electrocardiographic parameters, or with predicted five-year risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). METHODS: This prospective observational study included 74 controls and 97 HCM patients. Three years of follow-up results for HCM patients were evaluated. RESULTS: NLR was significantly higher in patients with fragmented QRS, ventricular tachycardia, and presyncope than in those without (p=0.031, 0.030, and 0.020, respectively). NLR was significantly higher in patients whose predicted five-year risk of SCD was more than 6% and whose corrected QT interval was greater than 440 ms (p=0.022 and 0.001, respectively). It was also significantly higher in patients whose left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was <60% than in those with LVEF >60% (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: NLR was significantly higher in patients with HCM compared to the control group. A high NLR is associated with a higher five-year risk of SCD in patients with HCM.

Easily measurable, noninvasive, and novel finding for pulmonary hypertension: Hypertrophy of the basal segment of septomarginal trabeculation of right ventricle.

BACKGROUND: Effect of pulmonary hypertension (PH) on right ventricular (RV) geometry constitutes an ideal target to assess both pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and its physiological importance. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic power of the basal segment of septomarginal trabeculation (SMT) in predicting the PH and RV hypertrophy by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and Eisenmenger's syndrome (ES). METHODS: Eleven patients with IPAH, seven patients with ES, and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. CMR was used to measure the area and the thickness of the basal segment of SMT and right ventricular free wall (RVFW). Pulmonary artery systolic pressures (PASPs) were estimated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with continuous-wave Doppler analysis measuring maximal tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) findings of CMR and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were also obtained in all patients and control group. RESULTS: The area and the thickness of the basal segment of SMT were higher in patients with IPAH and ES than control group (P<.001). Pulmonary artery dimension, end-diastolic diameter of RV, RVFW thickness, and BNP levels were found to be significantly correlated with PAP (P<.001). LGE was present at the insertion point of RV only in patients group (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased area and thickness of the basal segment of SMT are easily measurable noninvasive markers of PH in patients with IPAH and ES.

Galectin-3 is associated with coronary plaque burden and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome severity.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is reported to be associated with hypertension, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Galectin-3 plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation, development of cardiac fibrosis, and remodelling. A significant relationship between galectin-3 and the total number of coronary plaques and the macrocalcified plaque structures of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between galectin-3 level and coronary plaque burden as well as OSAS severity in patients with OSAS. METHODS: A total of 87 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of OSAS and 21 age- and gender-matched control subjects were recruited for the present study. The patients with OSAS were also categorised according to their apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) as follows: mild (AHI = 5-15), moderate (AHI = 15-30), and severe (AHI > 30). All study subjects underwent coronary computed tomography angiography to detect coronary atherosclerosis. Also, all participants of serum galectin-3 concentrations were measured. RESULTS: Mean galectin-3 level was significantly higher in patients with OSAS compared to control subjects (p < 0.001) and in the severe OSAS group, compared to the moderate and mild OSAS groups (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated significant positive relationships between galectin-3 concentrations and the total number of coronary plaques (p < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.001), and severity of OSAS (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, galectin-3 (p = 0.01) and age (p = 0.025) were significant independent predictors of coronary atherosclerosis, after adjusting for other risk factors. Also, it has been found that galectin-3 concentration is a predictor of OSAS severity (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Galectin-3 is associated with coronary atherosclerosis and OSAS severity in OSAS patients.

Visfatin levels are increased in patients with resistant hypertension and are correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible correlation of serum visfatin levels with resistant hypertension (RHT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) during the outpatient controls were prospectively recruited. Seventy-one patients with RHT and 94 patients with controlled hypertension (CHT) were included in the study. RHT was defined as 'uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite using three antihypertensive agents including a diuretic or need of four or more drugs to control BP'. The demographic properties, medications used, and laboratory parameters including visfatin levels were recorded. RESULTS: In the RHT group, left ventricular mass index was significantly higher compared with the CHT group (108.13±26.86 vs. 89.46±24.09 g/m, P<0.01). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and visfatin levels were significantly higher in the RHT group [4.0 (5.2) vs. 2.3 (3.0) mg/l, P<0.01, and 12.87±4.98 vs. 9.46±4.69 ng/ml, P<0.01, respectively] compared with the CHT group. In the multivariate linear regression model, visfatin level remained as an independent predictor for office systolic BP [B: 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-2.98, P<0.01]; office diastolic BP (B: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.27-1.16, P<0.01); mean 24-h systolic ABPM (B: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.79-2.13, P<0.01); and mean 24-h diastolic ABPM (B: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.42-1.34, P<0.01) and was also correlated independently with left ventricular mass index (B: 3.13, 95% CI: 2.58-3.99, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of RHT patients diagnosed with ABPM, we have found an independent correlation between higher visfatin levels and the presence of RHT and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Surgical Transapical Approach for Prosthetic Mitral Paravalvular Leak Closure: Early Results.

The objective is to demonstrate safety and early clinical results of surgical transapical closure of paravalvular leaks (PVLs) following mitral valve replacement in significant regurgitation. Between March 2014 and February 2015, 12 patients (mean age 52.1 ± 6.0 years, 66.6% male) with severe symptomatic mitral PVLs (n = 13) underwent surgical transapical closure procedure through left mini-thoracotomy. All patients were in NYHA functional class III-IV and median logistic EuroSCORE was 24.2 ± 6.4% (range, 13.5-34.6%). Indications were heart failure (n = 10) and symptomatic hemolysis (n = 2) due to severe mitral regurgitation (MR). Amplatzer Vascular Plug-III devices (n = 9) were used for smaller and regular defects; whereas Atrial Septal Defect closure devices (n = 4) were used for larger defects. Technical success was achieved in 10 (83.3%) patients. One (8.5%) patient with 2 + MR was treated medically. A patient with residual 4 + MR underwent re-operation. There was no procedure-related complication including mortality, device migration, embolization, or cardiac laceration. Mean procedure and fluoroscopy times were 166.4 ± 39.5 (range, 90-210) and 25.7 ± 17.3 (range, 16-64) minutes, respectively. The mean intensive care and hospital stays were 2.1 ± 1.3 and 10.3 ± 6.5 days, respectively. Clinical efficacy was achieved in 9 (75%) of 12 patients at early follow-up of 8.5 ± 2.1 months. NYHA status was class II in two patients, and no hemolytic anemia was diagnosed. Echocardiographic studies revealed a significant reduction of preoperative MR (3-4+) to less than 1+ MR after operations (P < 0.05). Surgical transapical approach to PVL closure is a safe and effective procedure following mitral valve replacement. Early results show that this procedure can be an alternative to re-operation for high-risk patients. Further studies are needed to prove its effectiveness in the long term.