Cardio-Oncology: The Need of the Hour Subspeciality

There have been considerable advancements in cancer therapy in recent years. However, adverse effects often defeat the benefits, especially on the cardiovascular system. The effects of chemotherapeutic agents on the cardiovascular system can be directly on the heart by altering the coagulability state or by altering the hemodynamic system. Some drugs like Sunitinib and Bevacizumab show Heart Failure which is chemotherapy-induced. Other agents are notorious for showing QT prolongation like Vandetanib. Similarly, other agents with demonstrated cardiotoxicity would be molecular-targeted drugs (Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab) and cytostatic agents (Anthracycline antibiotics, Cyclophosphamide and 5-FU). These effects may present early or late, during or after the treatment. Most of the research has focused on the management and monitoring of patients for cancer who are under treatment, for example new biomarkers in the field of proteomics have been discovered for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients. While the upgrades have been successful in reducing mortalities, with the advent of better treatment outcomes, the several adverse effects on the cardiac system cannot be dismissed. For instance, damage to the cardiomyocytes is most frequently associated with the treatment. The damage can further expedite LV failure, valvular dysfunction, conduction abnormalities, etc. Hence, a better management plan for patients with cancer would be one that not only caters to primary cancer treatment but also incorporates ventricular systolic function evaluation using echocardiography, electrocardiography, and cardiac biomarkers for the well-being of patients. Our article focuses on introducing an ideal cardio-oncology team along with the components required for setting up the team. This needs a multidisciplinary approach to reduce patients’ cardiovascular morbidity, during and after the interventions. With the growing population of patients undergoing cancer therapy, the risk of developing cardiovascular problems has further escalated. Hence, development of a cardio-oncology multidisciplinary team would be of utmost importance to not only improve patient care but also to improve quality of life.

Self-adhesive pads in defi brillation or cardioversion: risks due to unfamiliarity and recommendations

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR),defibrillation,or cardioversion,the use of self-adhesive pads instead of conventional paddles has gradually become common.In particular,it was recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic,as it allows defibrillation or cardioversion to be performed without close contact between the rescuer and patient.[1,2]Self-adhesive pads can minimize the downtime of chest compressions before and after defibrillation and protect the patient from electric arc formation,skin burns,and fi re.Once the pads are attached,electrocardiographic rhythm analysis,defibrillation,synchronous cardioversion,and cardiovascular support are all possible.Unlike paddles,self-adhesive pads can save time because the application of conductive jelly,repeated positioning,and application of 10-12 kg of pressure on the chest are not needed.The European Resuscitation Council(ERC)Guidelines 2021 state that the use of self-adhesive pads is recommended in advanced cardiovascular life support(ACLS).[3]Nevertheless,some medical staff still tend to prefer the use of conventional paddles instead of self-adhesive pads in hospitals.

Deep Neural Network Based Cardio Vascular Disease Prediction Using Binarized Butterfly Optimization

In this digital era,Cardio Vascular Disease(CVD)has become the lead-ing cause of death which has led to the mortality of 17.9 million lives each year.Earlier Diagnosis of the people who are at higher risk of CVDs helps them to receive proper treatment and helps prevent deaths.It becomes inevitable to pro-pose a solution to predict the CVD with high accuracy.A system for predicting Cardio Vascular Disease using Deep Neural Network with Binarized Butterfly Optimization Algorithm(DNN–BBoA)is proposed.The BBoA is incorporated to select the best features.The optimal features are fed to the deep neural network classifier and it improves prediction accuracy and reduces the time complexity.The usage of a deep neural network further helps to improve the prediction accu-racy with minimal complexity.The proposed system is tested with two datasets namely the Heart disease dataset from UCI repository and CVD dataset from Kag-gle Repository.The proposed work is compared with different machine learning classifiers such as Support Vector Machine,Random Forest,and Decision Tree Classifier.The accuracy of the proposed DNN–BBoA is 99.35%for the heart dis-ease data set from UCI repository yielding an accuracy of 80.98%for Kaggle repository for cardiovascular disease dataset.

High-Intensity Interval Training v/s Steady-State Cardio in Rehabilitation of Neurological Patients

Neuropathy is nerve damage that can cause chronic neuropathic pain, which is challenging to cure and has a significant financial burden. Exercise therapies, including High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and steady-state cardio, are being explored as potential treatments for neuropathic pain. This systematic review compares the effectiveness of HIIT and steady-state cardio for improving function in neurological patients. This article provides an overview of the systematic review conducted on the effects of exercise on neuropathic patients, with a focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and steady-state cardio. The authors conducted a comprehensive search of various databases, identified relevant studies based on predetermined inclusion criteria, and used the EPPI automation application to process the data. The final selection of studies was based on validity and relevance, with redundant articles removed. The article reviews four studies that compare high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on various health outcomes. The studies found that HIIT can improve aerobic fitness, cerebral blood flow, and brain function in stroke patients;lower diastolic blood pressure more than MICT and improve insulin sensitivity and skeletal muscle mitochondrial content in obese individuals, potentially helping with the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. In people with multiple sclerosis, acute exercise can decrease the plasma neurofilament light chain while increasing the flow of the kynurenine pathway. The available clinical and preclinical data suggest that further study on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and its potential to alleviate neuropathic pain is justified. Randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise, which could lead to consensus and specific HIIT-based advice for patients with neuropathies.

Cardio-Renal Syndrome: Epidemiological, Clinical, Paraclinical, Etiological Aspects and Prognostic Factors in the Cardiology Department of the CHU Ignace Deen in Conakry

Introduction: Heart and kidney diseases are common among patients admitted to hospital and they coexist in a significant number of cases. The interactions between the cardiovascular system and the kidney have been known and described for many years and have led to the description of cardio-renal syndrome. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency;to describe the clinical, etiological and prognostic aspects of acute renal failure in patients hospitalized for chronic congestive heart failure. Method: This was a descriptive retrospective study from January 2, 2018 to December 31, 2022. Included in this study were all the complete records of patients hospitalized for chronic congestive heart failure with serum creatinine ≥120 μmol/I. We’re not included in this study, incomplete files, records of patients hospitalized for other pathologies, records of patients hospitalized for chronic congestive heart failure with normal renal function. Our study variables were qualitative and quantitative divided into clinical, paraclinical and prognostic data. Our data were analyzed using the EPI-info 7.2.2.6 software. Data entry and presentation were carried out using Word, Excel and PowerPoint from the 2016 Office Pack. Results: We collected 830 files of which 114 met our selection criteria, a frequency of 13.73%. The mean age of the patients was 47 ± 19 years. The F/M sex ratio was 1.23. The dominant etiologies were hypertension followed by diabetes with respectively 60.5% and 23.7%. Toxic factors including tobacco accounted for 7.9% of cases. Dyspnea accounted for 86.8%. Most of our patients were grade 3 or 36% based on systolic blood pressure on admission with an average of 164.16 ± 33.95 mmHg and an average diastolic blood pressure of 93.24 ± 20.40 mmHg. Biologically, the serum creatinine revealed a high frequency of 201 - 400 μmol/l (33% of cases) with an average value of 586.49 ± 631.44 μmol/l with the extremes 2.960 and 2448.68 μmol/I. Anemia was moderate in 34.2% of cases. Cardiac ultrasound was performed on 81 patients, the results of which showed dilated cardiomyopathy in 48.2% of cases. Renal ultrasound was performed only by 18 patients, renal suffering was found with 8.8%. Almost all (92.11%) of the patients had an acute renal failure of functional origin. More than half (65.80%) of our patients were at risk. Diuretics were the most prescribed antihypertensives with 87.71% followed by ACE inhibitors 78.94%. The average length of hospitalization was 13.81 ± 7.66 days with extremes of 24 hours and 41 days. Conclusion:The association of acute renal failure and chronic congestive heart failure is a frequent situation. The diagnostic approach must be guided by the context and the data of a meticulous examination supplemented by an appropriate paraclinical assessment. Kidney renal failure is mostly functional.

Cardio-Renal Syndrome: Frequency and Associated Factors in the Abidjan Heart Institute’s Medical Department

Introduction: Cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) is a pathophysiological disorder of the heart and kidneys in which acute or chronic dysfunction of one organ can lead to acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. In Africa, particularly in C?te d’Ivoire, the incidence of cardio-renal syndrome is not precisely known. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of CRS and to contribute to a better understanding of the condition in the medical department of the Abidjan Heart Institute. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective analytical study including all patients with heart failure hospitalised in the medicine department of the Abidjan Heart Institute from March to October 2020. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 22. Results: We included 111 patients in the study. The incidence of CRS was 64%, with a predominance of males (sex ratio 1.8). The mean age was 53 ± 15 years. Patients’ medical history was dominated by hypertension (56.8%), diabetes (15%), dyslipidaemia (18%), obesity (17.1%) and smoking (14.4%). The main causes of heart failure were dilated cardiomyopathy (22.8%) and ischaemic heart disease (21.4%). Symptomatology was mainly congestive heart failure (42.8%). Mean evaluated clearance (MDRD) was 39.9 ± 17.1 ml/min/m2. Doppler echocardiography showed a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction in 74.3% of patients. Factors statistically associated with the occurrence of cardio-renal syndrome were: age > 60 years (p = 0.04), diabetes (p = 0.03), arterial hypertension (p = 0.001) and Hb Conclusion: The cardio-renal syndrome is a reality and marks an important point in the evolution of cardiac and renal diseases. It is highly frequent in the medical department of the Abidjan Heart Institute, as well as a high rate of CKD.

Cardio-facio-cutaneous综合征2例报告并文献复习

目的探讨Cardio-facio-cutaneous综合征(CFC)的临床表型及基因变异特征。方法提取2例CFC患儿及其父母外周血DNA,采用靶向基因高通量测序技术检测变异基因,并运用Sanger测序进行验证。结果 2例患儿均为汉族女性,分别为13个月和7岁半,有内眦赘皮、鼻梁塌平、头发稀疏等相似的颅面部特征,均伴有生长发育迟缓及癫痫发作史。1例心电图有T波变化,P-R间期正常高限;另1例心电图正常。基因检测显示,2例患儿在MAP2K1基因3号外显子上各有一处杂合的错义变异,分别为c.383G>T,p.Gly128Val和c.389A>G,p.Tyr130Cys,且均为新生突变(de novo),均系文献报道过的CFC变异位点。结论 2例为国内首次报道CFC病例,且均为MAP2K1基因突变型。因既往报道CFC患儿大多合并心脏病变,2例患儿均继续随访心脏功能。

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells as a therapeutic tool for cardiovascular disease

Adipose tissue-deried stem cells( ADSCs) are adult stem cells that can be easily harvested from subcutaneous adipose tissue. Many studies have demonstrated that ADSCs differentiate into vascular endothelial cells(VECs), vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs), and cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. However, ADSCs may fuse with tissue-resident cells and obtain the corresponding characteristics of those cells. If fusion occurs, ADSCs may express markers of VECs, VSMCs, and cardiomyocytes without direct differentiation into these cell types. ADSCs also produce a variety of paracrine factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1 that have proangiogenic and/or antiapoptotic activities. Thus, ADSCs have the potential to regenerate the cardiovascular system via direct differentiation into VECs, VSMCs, and cardiomyocytes, fusion with tissueresident cells, and the production of paracrine factors. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ADSC implantation in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction(AMI), ischemic cardiomyopathy(ICM), dilated cardiomyopathy, hindlimb ischemia, and stroke. Clinical studies regarding the use of autologous ADSCs for treating patients with AMI and ICM have recently been initiated. ADSC implantation has been reported as safe and effective so far. Therefore, ADSCs appear to be useful for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, the tumorigenic potential of ADSCs requires careful evaluation before their safe clinical application.

A cardioembolic stroke

A 76-year-old woman with unspecified congenital heart disease was admitted on April 25th for TIA. She had a possible history of atrial fibrillation. A slight fever was noted on admission. Her ECG was abnormal, as well as her transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Troponin I was slightly increased. On May 11th, a stroke occurred, in relation with an occlusion of the basilar artery. The patient was transferred to our institution for an emergency desobstruction. A dramatic improvement allowed her to be discharged to a rehabilitation center on May 18th. However, she was re-hospitalized on June 5th, due to sepsis and neurological worsening. MRI showed new ischemic brain lesions. Several episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were documented, as well as pulmonary hypertension. Effective heparin therapy was initiated and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was requested this time. It revealed a congenital valvular heart disease (a subaortic membrane), complicated by infective endocarditis. Despite a monitoring of aPTT, a fatal hemorrhagic shock occurred. We report this unfortunately remarkable case to address the following important points: 1) In the setting of a neurological event, abnormal ECG and/or abnormal TTE and/or Troponin I elevation may indicate a cardioembolic mechanism and therefore seek a cardiac source of embolism. 2) When TTE fails to identify a cardiac source of embolism, TEE should be performed, especially when a preexisting heart disease is suspected or known. 3) The multiplicity in space (infarcts in both the anterior and posterior circulation, or bilateral) and/or the multiplicity in time (infarcts of different age) may indicate a cardioembolic stroke. 4) Congenital subaortic membrane predisposes to infective endocarditis. 5) When anticoagulant therapy is initiated on strong arguments in a septic patient (much discussed in infective endocarditis), aPTT monitoring alone may not be enough. An anti-Xa monitoring may be more appropriate.

Multi-target mechanism of triphala in cardio-cerebral vascular diseases based on network pharmacology

OBJECTIVE Numerous references made clear that triphala is revered as a multiuse therapeutic and perhaps even panacea historically.Nevertheless,the protective mechanism of triphala on cardio-cerebral vascular diseases(CCVDs)remains not comprehensive understanding.Hence,a network pharmacology-based method was suggested in this study to address this problem.METHODS This study was based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis.Information on compounds in herbal medicines of triphala formula was acquired from public databases.Oral bioavailability as well as drug-likeness were screened by using absorption,distribution,metabolism,and excretion(ADME)criteria.Then,components of triphala,candidate targets of each component and known therapeutic targets of CCVDs were collected.Compound-target gene and compounds-CCVDs target networks were created through network pharmacology data sources.In addition,key targets and pathway enrichment were analyzed by STRING database and DAVID database.Moreover,we verified three of the key targets(PTGS2,MMP9 and IL-6)predicted by using Western blotting analysis.RESULTS Network analysis determined 132 compounds in three herbal medicines that were subjected to ADME screening,and 23 compounds as well as 65 genes formed the principal pathways linked to CCVDs.And 10 compounds,which actually linked to more than three genes,are determined as crucial chemicals.Core genes in this network were IL-6,TNF,VEGFA,PTGS2,CXCL8,TP53,CCL2,IL-10,MMP9 and SERPINE1.And pathways in cancer,TNF signaling path⁃way,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,etc.related to CCVDs were identified.In vitro experiments,the results indi⁃cated that compared with the control group(no treatment),PTGS2,MMP9 and IL-6 were up-regulated by treatment of 10μg·L^-1 TNF-α,while pretreatment with 20-80 mg·L^-1 triphala could significantly inhibit the expression of PTGS2,MMP9 and IL-6.With increasing Triphala concentration,the expression of PTGS2,MMP9 and IL-6 decreased.CON⁃CLUSION Complex components and pharmacological mechanism of triphala,and obtained some potential therapeutic targets of CCVDs,which could provide theoretical basis for the research and development of new drugs for treating CCVDs.

Assessment of causal direction between thyroid function and cardiometabolic health:a Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Growing evidence have demonstrated that thyroid hormones have been involved in the processes of cardiovascular metabolism.However,the causal relationship of thyroid function and cardiometabolic health remains partly unknown.METHODS The Mendelian randomization(MR)was used to test genetic,potentially causal relationships between instrumental variables and cardiometabolic traits.Genetic variants of free thyroxine(FT4)and thyrotropin(TSH)levels within the reference range were used as instrumental variables.Data for genetic associations with cardiometabolic diseases were acquired from the genome-wide association studies of the FinnGen,CARDIoGRAM and CARDIoGRAMplusC4D,CHARGE,and MEGASTROKE.This study was conducted using summary statistic data from large,previously described cohorts.Association between thyroid function and essential hypertension(EHTN),secondary hypertension(SHTN),hyperlipidemia(HPL),type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),ischemic heart disease(IHD),myocardial infarction(MI),heart failure(HF),pulmonary heart disease(PHD),stroke,and non-rheumatic valve disease(NRVD)were examined.RESULTS Genetically predicted FT4 levels were associated with SHTN(odds ratio=0.48;95%CI=0.04−0.82,P=0.027),HPL(odds ratio=0.67;95%CI=0.18−0.88,P=0.023),T2DM(odds ratio=0.80;95%CI=0.42−0.86,P=0.005),IHD(odds ratio=0.85;95%CI=0.49−0.98,P=0.039),NRVD(odds ratio=0.75;95%CI=0.27−0.97,P=0.039).Additionally,genetically predicted TSH levels were associated with HF(odds ratio=0.82;95%CI=0.68−0.99,P=0.042),PHD(odds ratio=0.75;95%CI=0.32−0.82,P=0.006),stroke(odds ratio=0.95;95%CI=0.81−0.97,P=0.007).However,genetically predicted thyroid function traits were not associated with EHTN and MI.CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests FT4 and TSH are associated with cardiometabolic diseases,underscoring the importance of the pituitary-thyroid-cardiac axis in cardiometabolic health susceptibility.

Percutaneous coronary intervention in octogenarians:10-year experience from a primary percutaneous coronary intervention centre with off-site cardiothoracic support

OBJECTIVE To examine the trends in patient characteristics and clinical outcomes over a ten-year period and to analyse the predictors of mortality in octogenarians undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in our centre.METHODS A total of 782 consecutive octogenarians(aged 80 and above)were identified from a prospectively collected PCI database within our non-surgical,medium volume centre between 1st January 2007 and 31st December 2016.This represented 10.9%of all PCI procedures performed in our centre during this period.We evaluated the demographic and procedural character-istics of the cohort with respect to clinical outcomes(all-cause in-hospital and 1-year mortality,in-hospital complication rates,duration of hospital admission,coronary disease angiographic complexity and major co-morbidities).The cohort was further stratified into three chronological tertiles(January 2007 to July 2012,261 cases;August 2012 to May 2015,261 cases;June 2015 to December 2016,260 cases)to assess for differences over time.Predictors of mortality were identified through a multivariate re-gression analysis.RESULTS The number of octogenarians undergoing PCI increased nearly ten-fold over the studied period.Despite this,there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes or patient characteristics,except for the increased use of trans-radial vascular access[11.9%in first tertile vs.73.2%in third tertile(P<0.0001)].The all-cause in-hospital(5.8%vs.4.6%vs.3.8%,P=0.578)and 1-year mortality(12.4%vs.12.5%vs.14.4%,P=0.746)remained constant in all three tertiles respectively.Six independent predict-ors of mortality were identified-increasing age[HR=1.12(1.03−1.22),P=0.008],cardiogenic shock[HR=16.40(4.04-66.65),P<0.0001],severe left ventricular impairment[HR=3.52(1.69−7.33),P=0.001],peripheral vascular disease[HR=2.73(1.22−6.13),P=0.015],diabetes[HR=2.59(1.30−5.17),P=0.007]and low creatinine clearance[HR=0.98(0.96−1.00),P=0.031].CONCLUSION This contemporary observational study provides a useful insight into the real-world practice of PCI in octogen-arians.

Effect of heavy load carriage on cardiorespiratory responses with varying gradients and modes of carriage

Background: The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of different uphill and downhill gradients on cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses of soldiers while carrying heavy military loads in two different modes.Methods: Eight physically fit male soldiers with a mean age 32.0±2.0 years, a mean height of 169.5±4.9 cm, and a mean weight of 63.8±8.4 kg volunteered for this study. Each volunteer completed treadmill walking trials at a speed of 3.5 km/h while carrying no external load, 31.4 kg load in a distributed mode(existing load carriage ensembles) and compact mode(new back pack) over 5 different downhill and uphill gradients(–5%, –10%, 0%, 5%, 10%) for 6 min at each gradient. During the walking trials, heart rate(HR), oxygen uptake(VO_2), respiratory frequency(RF) and energy expenditure(EE) were determined by the process of breath-by-breath gas analysis using a K4 b2 system. The average of the last 2 min data from each 6 min walking trial for each individual was subjected to statistical analysis.Results: All parameters(HR, VO_2, RF, and EE) gradually increased with the change in gradient from downhill to level to uphill. The distributed mode showed higher values compared to compact mode for all gradients, e.g., for VO_2, there was a 10.7, 7.4, 5.1, 28.2 and 18.7% increase in the distributed mode across the 5 different gradients.Conclusions: It can be concluded from the present study that the compact mode of load carriage is more beneficial than the distributed mode in terms of cardiorespiratory responses while walking on downhill and uphill surfaces with a 31.4 kg load.

Introduction to Journal of Geriatric Cardiology

Journal of Geriatric Cardiology(J Geriatr Cardiol,IGC,ISSN 1671-5411/CN 11-5329/R)is a monthly,open-access(OA),international,and peer-reviewed journal sponsored and published by the Institute of Geriatric Cardiology affiliated with Chinese PLA General Hospital.

Study the Effect of Different Levels of Zucchini (<i>Cucurbita pepo</i>L.) on the Biological Indicators for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Rats Fed High-Fat Diets

The effects of fresh zucchini on nutritional status, and biological indicators for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in rats fed high-fat diets investigated in this study. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two main groups the first, negative control group Co (-) (n = 6), fed basal diet, The second group (n = 24) fed high-fat diet (containing basal diet + 5% tallow + 1% cholesterol + 0.02% bile salt). This group was divided into four subgroups each group 6 rats: group positive control co (+) fed high-fat diet only, group 1 (G (1)) fed high-fat diet plus 10% zucchini, group 2 (G (2) fed high-fat diet plus 15% zucchini and group 3 (G (3)) fed high-fat diet plus 20% zucchini. The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured after eight wk. of experimental treatment. The pathologic changes of the heart, spleen and kidney were evaluated. SPSS, one way ANOVA was used to analyze the results. The results indicated that the mean values of body weight gain (BWG) and feed efficiency ratio (FIR) in G (2) and G (3) showed significant decrease compared to co (-), co (+) and G 1. The results showed that in groups (G1, G2 and G3) the relative weight of heart had significant increase when compared with control negative group. But liver and spleen weight had no significant difference when compared with control negative and positive group, the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were significantly increased in co (+) (P < 0.05) Compared to co (-), all groups fed on high fat diet containing different levels of zucchini (10%, 15% and 20%) had significant decrease in TC and LDL-C compared with co (+), also G2 and G3 had improve significant in HDL-C when compared with co. (+). The groups fed on zucchini give results similar to group co. (-). The best treatment was zucchini (15% and 20%) which had lowest values of total lipid cholesterol and LDL-C, and the best values of HDL-C, HDL-C/TC % for all groups fed on high fat diet and zucchini increased non significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the HDL-C/TC % index compared to group co. (+). while, G2 and G3 gave significant decrease in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio compared to group co. (+). Morphologic changes of heart, spleen and kidney revealed that groups G2 and G3 had a similar preventive effect against CHD in this experimental model. In conclusion, results showed that zucchini had similar potential to attenuate CHD-related parameters in a mild oxidative stress induced by high-fat diet in rats.

Myotomy with Omentum Covering and Cardio-valvoplasty for Treatment of Achalasia

Thirty one cases of the achalasia underwent myotomywith omentum covering and cardio-valvoplasty from 1983to 1988 at our hospital. Follow-up study, one to 4 yearspostoperatively, showed that 29 cases (93.5%) of themwith excellent results, only 2 cases(6.5%)showed slightdysphagia. The advantages of this procedure are as fol-lows: 1. relief of obstruction at lower end of esophagusand cardia preventing the recurrence of stenosis; 2. pre-vention of occurence of reflux esophagitis; 3. no altera-tion of normal anatomy of the esophagocardia region andno intervention of mucosa; 4. simplicity and safety ofthis procedure.

Value of increased fetal cardio thoracic ratio in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome in 11-13^(+6)weeks

Objective:To explore the value of increased fetal cardio thoracic ratio(CTR)in predicting adverse fetal pregnancy outcome during 11-13+6 weeks.Methods:The ultrasonographic features,chromosome or gene detection and the pregnancy outcome of 86 fetuses with increased CTR at 11-13+6 weeks’gestation were retrospectively analyzed.Fetuses were divided into non-structural malformation group(46 cases)and structural malformation group(40 cases)according to results of fetal ultrasound examination.The differences of CTR and nuchal translucency thickness(NT)between the two groups were compared by t test.The area under the curve(AUC)was calculated by constructing the receiver operating curve(ROC)to determine the best diagnostic threshold,sensitivity and specificity of CTR and NT in predicting chromosomal abnormalities.Results:All the 86 fetuses had serious problems such as chromosome or gene abnormalities,or structural malformations.The CTR and NT of the structural malformation group were significantly higher than those of the non-structural malformation group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Through villous biopsy of 60 fetuses,47 cases(78.3%,47/60)with haemoglobin Bart’s disease,10 cases(16.7%,10/60)with chromosomal abnormalities were detected,and none abnormalities were detected in other 3 cases.According to the ROC curve,the AUC for CTR and NT to predict chromosomal abnormalities are 0.691 and 0.954,respectively,and the diagnostic cut-off values are 0.57 and 3.6 mm,respectively.The sensitivity is 60.0%and 100%,the specificity is about 79.6%and 85.7%,respectively.Follow-up showed that 5 cases of fetal were death intrauterine,and the remaining 81 cases were induced to labor.The specificity of CTR increase in predicting adverse pregnancy outcome was 100%.Conclusion:The increase of CTR in 11-13+6 weeks of gestation indicates that the fetus may have serious problems and poor clinical prognosis.Attention should be paid to the accurate evaluation of CTR in early pregnancy so as to provide reference for the prediction of fetal pregnancy outcome.

Insights into cardio-oncology:Polypharmacology of quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor antagonists

New uses of cardiovascular drugs with proven experience are emerging,including for treating cancer.Quinazoline is a compound made up of two fused six member simple aromatic rings,benzene and pyrimidine rings,with several biological effects.Cardiologists first used quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin,doxazosin,and terazosin; currently available data support their use as safe,well tolerated,and effective add-on therapy in uncontrolled hypertension with additional favourable metabolic effects.Recent findings highlight the anticancer effects of quinazoline-based α1-adrenoceptor antagonists,indicating that they may have a significant role in uncontrolled hypertensive cancer patients without signs of ischemia.

Before the Jury Is out on Cinacalcet’s Cardiovascular Effects in Hemodialysis Patients: Is Troponin a Missing Link?

Raised levels of the cardiac biomarker, Troponin I, are frequently encountered in hemodialysis patients and appear to be prognostic indicators for cardiovascular risk. Though evidence suggests that control of secondary hyperparathyroidism may reduce cardiac endpoints, the effect of the calcimimetic agent, cinacalcet, remains controversial. This retrospective study aimed at evaluating troponin levels in hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyper parathyroidism (SHPT) who are on cinacalcet vs controls on conventional treatment. In addition, clinical outcomes including all-cause, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality were compared among both groups. A decline in Troponin I levels was observed in the cinacalcet group, this however was not translated clinically into improved survival. In fact, all-cause and cardiac mortality was similar in the two groups. Conversely, comparison of the incidence of cardiovascular events revealed lower rates in the cinacalcet group including cardiac, cerebral and peripheral vascular complications. Given some of our study limitations, further long-term, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to definitively establish the effect of cinacalet on cardiac biomarkers and ultimately its impact on clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of a New Formula for Calculating Heparin Dose for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Patients

Introduction: Anticoagulation is essential during CPB in cardiac surgery. It is generally performed using heparin;however the widely used formula for its dosing is based solely on body weight. Although the formula assumes activated clotting time (ACT) to be within normal range, baseline ACT varies in each patient. Thus, we developed an original formula, which takes into account baseline ACT in addition to body weight to calculate a more proper dose for initial administration of heparin. In this study, we monitored the ACT to examine if the dose of heparin calculated using our formula can prolong the ACT to the target range, and we determined the factors which interfere with the prolongation of ACT. Methods: Between October 2010 and April 2011, 141 consecutive patients underwent cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass at our hospital. We measured ACT 3 minutes after the initial administration of heparin and considered ACT values >400 seconds as appropriate for safe initiation of CPB. Results: Using the proposed formula, administered heparin dose was 241 ± 27 IU/kg and target ACT was achieved in 86.4% of patients. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the effect of patient background factors on target ACT achievement. Body weight, age, and preoperative heparin therapy, which showed significant differences, were further analyzed. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that our newly developed formula could be used to properly calculate the optimal initial dose of heparin.