Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute heart failure

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have demonstrated the role of inflammation in acute heart failure. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was found to be a useful inflammatory marker for predicting adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio would be associated with increased mortality in acute heart failure patients. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 167 acute heart failure patients with an ejection fractio

Azerbaidžano vyno įėjimo į Lietuvą rinkodaros strategija

The main aim of the work is by using the analyzed theoretical models to develop an international marketing strategy for Azerbaijani wine company Tovuz-Baltiya. The work consists of three main parts – the theoretical, the analytical and practical. The first part of this work was to overview theoretical aspects of marketing strategy in entering a foreign market. In this part the strategic planning for international marketing is being analyzed, target market selection and evaluation is done, the methods of entering a foreign market are being chosen, formation of marketing strategy and marketing mix elements are being analyzed and theoretical model of the company entering a foreign market is being presented. The second part is devoted to the research of company‘s Tovuz-Baltiya export activities and entrance to a Lithuanian market. One export interview and one research is carried out by analyzing the possibilities for Tovuz-Baltiya to enter the Lithuanian wine market. Kaunas city was chosen for the research, because Tovuz-Baltiya wants to open its wine shop there. The third part of the work presents different marketing strategies for Tovuz-Baltiya – positioning, target market and marketing complex elements strategies. This master thesis has a practical significance because the results of it can be used for the other same size companies that want to enter foreign markets.Pagrindinis darbo tikslas yra naudojant analizuojamus teorinius modelius sukurti tarptautinę rinkodaros strategiją Azerbaidžano vyno įmonei Tovuz-Baltiya. Darbą sudaro trys pagrindinės dalys – teorinė, analitinė ir praktinė. Pirmoji šio darbo dalis skirta apžvelgti teorinius rinkodaros strategijos aspektus įėjimui į užsienio rinką. Šioje dalyje analizuojamas strateginis tarptautinės prekybos planavimas, nustatoma ir įvertinama tikslinė rinka, pasirenkami įėjimo į užsienio rinką būdai, analizuojami marketingo strategijos ir rinkodaros komplekso elementai bei pateikiamas teorinis bendrovės, įeinančios į užsienio rinką, modelis. Antroji darbo dalis skirta įmonės Tovuz-Baltiya eksporto veiklo ir įėjimo į Lietuvos rinką tyrimams. Vienas tyrimas buvo ekspertų interviu, o kitas – anketinis tyrimas – atliekamas analizuojant Tovuz-Baltiya galimybes patekti į Lietuvos vyno rinką. Tyrimo objektu pasirinktas Kauno miestas, nes šiame mieste Tovuz-Baltiya nori atidaryti savo vyno parduotuvę. Trečioji darbo dalis pristato skirtingas rinkodaros strategijas Tovuz-Baltiya – pozicionavimo, tikslinės rinkos ir rinkodaros komplekso elementų strategijas. Šis magistrinis darbas turi praktinės reikšmės, nes jo rezultatai gali būti naudojami kitoms panašaus dydžio kompanijoms, norinčioms įeiti į užsienio rinkas.Ekonomikos ir vadybos fakultetasVytauto Didžiojo universiteta

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute heart failure

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have demonstrated the role of inflammation in acute heart failure. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was found to be a useful inflammatory marker for predicting adverse outcomes. We hypothesized that an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio would be associated with increased mortality in acute heart failure patients. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 167 acute heart failure patients with an ejection fraction <50%. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, and the patients were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In a multivariate regression analysis, including baseline demographic, clinical, and biochemical covariates, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio remained an independent predictor of mortality (OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.001 - 1.334, p= 0.048). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, an elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio seems to be a predictor of short-term mortality in patients with acute heart failure and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Aktywność gamma-glutamylotransferazy w surowicy a śmiertelność wewnątrzszpitalna u chorych z ostrą niewydolnością serca

Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major cause of hospitalisation, morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme responsible for the extracellular catabolism of antioxidant glutathione and a potential risk indicator of cardiac mortality. Limited data exists on the prognostic value of circulating levels of GGT in patients hospitalized due to AHF. Aim: To study the association between baseline GGT activity and in-hospital mortality in AHF patients. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 183 AHF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &lt; 50%. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality. The relationship between GGT activity and in-hospital mortality was tested using logistic regression models, adjusting for clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings. Results: After adjustment for possible confounders, GGT level was significantly related (OR 1.056, 95% CI 1.018–1.096, p = 0.04) to in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: Elevated GGT activity is an independent predictor of short-term mortality in patients with AHF and reduced LVEF. Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major cause of hospitalization, morbidity and mortality in the world. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme responsible for the extracellular catabolism of antioxidant glutathione and a potential risk indicator of cardiac mortality. Limited data exists on the prognostic value of circulating levels of GGT in patients hospitalized due to AHF. Aim: We studied the association between baseline GGT activity and in hospital mortality in AHF patients. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 183 AHF patients with ejection fraction &lt;50%. The primary end point was in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into two groups according to in hospital mortality. The relationship between GGT activity and in hospital mortality was tested using logistic regression models, adjusting for clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings. Results: After adjustment for possible confounders, GGT level was at significantly related (OR 1.056, 95% CI 1.018 – 1.096, p = 0.04) with in-hospital mortality Conclusions: In conclusion, an elevated GGT activity is a independent predictor of short-term mortality in patients with AHF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction