Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine and inflammatory cytokines,markers and mediators of coronary artery disease progression in diabetes

This editorial refers to the article“Comparative analysis of Nε-carboxymethyllysine and inflammatory markers in diabetic and non-diabetic coronary artery disease patients”,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes 2023 is based on glucose metabolism,advanced glycation end products(AGEs),inflammation and adiposity on diabetes and coronary artery disease(CAD).This study has included CAD patients who were stratified according to glycosylated hemoglobin higher than 6.5 and sex-matched.A higher prevalence of hypertension,dyslipidemia,and non-vegetarian diet were found in the diabetic group.These risk factors might influence body weight and adiposity and explain the increment of the left atrium.Although this data was not supported by the study.The diet can also explain the non-enzymatic reactions on lipids,proteins,or nucleic acids and consequently an increment of AGEs.These molecules can emit fluorescence.However,one of the non-fluorescent and most abundant AGEs is Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine(CML).Its association with coronary artery stenosis and severity in the diabetic group might suggest its role as a player in CAD progression.Thus,CML,after binding with its receptor(RAGE),can induce calcification cascade through reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinase.Moreover,this interaction AGE-RAGE can cause activation of the transcription nuclear factor-kb and induce inflammatory cytokines.It might explain the relationship between CML and pro-inflammatory cytokines in diabetic and CAD patients.Although this is a population from one center,the determination of CML and inflammatory cytokines might improve the diagnosis of severe and progressive CAD.Future and comparative studies among glycosylated hemoglobin,CML,and other AGE levels according to diagnosis and prognosis value might modify the clinical practice.Although these molecules are irreversible,they can act through a specific receptor inducing a signal transduction that might be modulated by inhibitors,antibodies,or siRNA.Further mechanistic studies might improve the development of future preventive therapies for diabetic patients.

Myosteatosis is associated with coronary artery calcification in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND Myosteatosis,rather than low muscle mass,is the primary etiologic factor of sarcopenia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Myosteatosis may lead to a series of metabolic dysfunctions,such as insulin resistance,systematic inflammation,and oxidative stress,and all these dysfunctions are closely associated with the acceleration of T2DM and atherosclerosis.AIM To investigate the association between myosteatosis and coronary artery calcification(CAC)in patients with T2DM.METHODS Patients with T2DM,who had not experienced major cardiovascular events and had undergone both abdominal and thoracic computed tomography(CT)scans,were included.The mean skeletal muscle attenuation was assessed using abdominal CT images at the L3 level.The CAC score was determined from thoracic CT images using the Agatston scoring method.Myosteatosis was diagnosed according to Martin’s criteria.Severe CAC(SCAC)was defined when the CAC score exceeded 300.Logistic regression and decision tree analyses were performed.RESULTS A total of 652 patients with T2DM were enrolled.Among them,167(25.6%)patients had SCAC.Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that myosteatosis,age,duration of diabetes,cigarette smoking,and alcohol consumption were independent risk factors of SCAC.Myosteatosis was significantly associated with an increased risk of SCAC(OR=2.381,P=0.003).The association between myosteatosis and SCAC was significant in the younger patients(OR=2.672,95%CI:1.477-4.834,P=0.002),but not the older patients(OR=1.456,95%CI:0.863-2.455,P=0.188),and was more prominent in the population with lower risks of atherosclerosis.The decision tree analyses prioritized older age as the primary variable for SCAC.In older patients,cigarette smoking was the main contributing factor for SCAC,while in younger patients,it was myosteatosis.CONCLUSION Myosteatosis is a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM,especially in the population with younger ages and fewer traditional risk factors.

Intravascular photoacoustic and optical coherence tomography imaging dual-mode system for detecting spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A feasibility study

In this work,we present an intravascular dual-mode endoscopic system capable of both intravascular photoacoustic imaging(IVPAI)and intravascular optical coherence tomography(IVOCT)for recognizing spontaneous coronary artery dissection(SCAD)phantoms.IVPAI provides high-resolution and high-penetration images of intramural hematoma(IMH)at different depths,so it is especially useful for imaging deep blood clots associated with imaging phantoms.IVOCT can readily visualize the double-lumen morphology of blood vessel walls to identify intimal tears.We also demonstrate the capability of this dual-mode endoscopic system using mimicking phantoms and biological samples of blood clots in ex vivo porcine arteries.The results of the experiments indicate that the combined IVPAI and IVOCT technique has the potential to provide a more accurate SCAD assessment method for clinical applications.

Challenging situation of coronary artery anomaly associated with ischemia and/or risk of sudden death

Coronary artery anomaly is known as one of the causes of angina pectoris and sudden death and is an important clinical entity that cannot be overlooked.The incidence of coronary artery anomalies is as low as 1%-2%of the general population,even when the various types are combined.Coronary anomalies are practically challenging when the left and right coronary ostium are not found around their normal positions during coronary angiography with a catheter.If there is atherosclerotic stenosis of the coronary artery with an anomaly and percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)is required,the suitability of the guiding catheter at the entrance and the adequate back up force of the guiding catheter are issues.The level of PCI risk itself should also be considered on a caseby-case basis.In this case,emission computed tomography in the R-1 subtype single coronary artery proved that ischemia occurred in an area where the coronary artery was not visible to the naked eye.Meticulous follow-up would be crucial,because sudden death may occur in single coronary arteries.To prevent atherosclerosis with full efforts is also important,as the authors indicated admirably.

The Role of Electrocardiogram DETERMINE Score in Prediction of Coronary Artery Disease Severity

Background: A major cause of mortality and disability on a global scale is myocardial infarction (MI). These days, the most reliable way to detect and measure MI is via cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Electrocardiogram DETERMINE Score in predicting the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who have experienced an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) & to assess improvements in left ventricular function at 6 months following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Subjects and Methods: This Observational cohort study was done at the Cardiology and Radiology department and cardiac surgery department, Al-Azhar university hospitals and Helwan University hospital. The study involved 700 cases who patients diagnosed with Acute Myocardial Infarction and fulfilled specific criteria for selection. Result: There was highly statistically significant relation between Myocardial infarction size and ECG Marker Score as mean infarct size elevated When the number of ECG markers increased. There was a highly statistically significant relation between myocardial infarct segments, myocardial infarction size and improvement of cardiac function 6 months post-CABG. Conclusion: The study found that larger myocardial infarctions corresponded with higher DETERMINE Scores. It concluded that an ECG-based score better estimates infarct size than LVEF alone. Additionally, there was a significant statistical correlation between the size and segmentation of myocardial infarction and better cardiac function six months after CABG.

High Prevalence of Anatomical Variations and Anomalies of the Coronary Arteries Detected by CT Angiography in Symptomatic Patients

Objective:Coronary artery anatomical variations and anomalies are an important topic due to their potential clinical manifestations.This study aims to investigate the prevalence of coronary artery anatomical variations and anomalies in symptomatic patients with coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA).Methods:This is a retrospective study that included all symptomatic patients who had CCTA in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia during a period of seven years.Results:The total number of included patients was 507(60%males)with a mean age of 57.4 years.Approximately 41%had luminal stenoses,averaging 49.7%.The total num-ber of patients with coronary anatomical variations(CAV)and coronary artery anomalies(CAA)was 217(43%).CAV prevalence was 26%,which included 14%non-right coronary dominance,5%short left main coronary artery(LMCA),and 7%division variations(trifurcation and quadrifurcarion)of the LMCA.The prevalence of CAA was 29%,which included 5%origin anomalies,22%myocardial bridge,and 2%course anomalies.Conclusions:A high prevalence of coronary artery anatomic variations and anomalies in symptomatic patients is reported in this study.Systematic reviews,meta-analyses,reporting guidelines,and unified definitions and classifications of cor-onary variations and anomalies are lacking in the literature,presenting potential opportunities for future research and publications.

Coronary Artery Patterns in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Angiography-Data from a Major Cardiac Center in Yemen

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, including coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a shared burden disease and the leading cause of death in developed and developing countries. We aimed to assess the angiographic patterns of coronary arteries in patients with DM in a developing country (Yemen) as the first study. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, prospective, observational study that includes a total of 250 patients who were admitted for elective diagnostic coronary angiography. Results: 96 (38.4%) patients were diabetics;68% were male;mean age was 57 ± 11 years. The incidence of three-vessel disease was 31.2% of patients. Considering the severity of lumen occlusion, (11.2%) of patients had non-significant lesions, (37.6%) of patients had significant lesions, and (32%) had total occlusive lesions. Lesions were of LAD in 76%, RCA in 60%, and LCX in 52% of the population. Among diabetics, two and 3-vessel diseases (33.3% vs. 20.8% & 50% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.001), left main lesion (10.4% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.012), significant stenosis (41.7% vs. 35.1%, P = 0.032), total occlusion of coronary arteries (43.8% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.032) and type C lesion (66.7% vs. 35.1%, P = 0.010) were more frequent than non-DM patients. Conclusion: The burden of significant and severe coronary lesions is more common among DM, which may be the major cause of morbidity and mortality of DM in developing countries.

Fate of Right Coronary Artery Occlusion after a Surgically Repaired Aorto- Ventricular Tunnel in a Neonate

The aorto-ventricular tunnel is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly.We present a case of aorto-ventricular tunnel diagnosed via fetal echocardiography.Emergency surgery was performed on the 2nd day of life to close the tun-nel,located just in front of the right coronary ostium,due to the patient’s unstable health condition.The post-operative period revealed complete occlusion of the right coronary artery.Due to the patient’s stability,we opted not to reintervene on the right coronary artery.The patient fully recovered without the need for further coronary intervention.In cases of patients with an aorto-ventricular tunnel(AVT)and associated coronary lesions,it is crucial to exercise caution when intervening in the coronary arteries.

Correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to severity of coronary artery disease and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A prospective observational study

Objective:To explore correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)to severity of coronary artery disease(CAD)and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Methods:In this prospective and observational study,we recruited 500 patients with ACS.For all the eligible patients,demographic details were collected,and laboratory parameters were evaluated.The CAD severity was evaluated in terms of the number of involved vessels.The NLR was calculated based on neutrophils and lymphocytes and the correlation of various risk factors and severity and outcome of CAD was performed.Results:77.2%of Patients was male,and 52%of the patients aged between 55-70 years.Based on the type of ACS,396 out of 500 patients had ST-elevation myocardial infarction.An ascending trend in the white blood cell levels and NLR value was noted as the severity of the ACS increased and the highest white blood cell levels and NLR was noted among classⅣpatients.The mean NLR value among the non-survivors were higher compared to the survivors(9.52±5.72 vs.4.76±2.36;P<0.01).Receiver operating curve showed that the cut-off NLR value was 5.76 with a sensitivity of 75.0%and a specificity of 77.3%.Conclusions:The NLR can be used as an independent prognostic marker in ACS.An elevated NLR value serves as a reliable predictor for short-term complications,notably in-hospital mortality.

Coronary artery disease and heart failure:Late-breaking trials presented at American Heart Association scientific session 2023

The late-breaking science presented at the 2023 scientific session of the American Heart Association paves the way for future pragmatic trials and provides meaningful information to guide management strategies in coronary artery disease and heart failure(HF).The dapagliflozin in patient with acute myocardial infarction(DAPA-MI)trial showed that dapagliflozin use among patients with acute MI without a history of diabetes mellitus or chronic HF has better cardiometabolic outcomes compared with placebo,with no difference in cardiovascular outcomes.The MINT trial showed that in patients with acute MI and anemia(Hgb<10 g/dL),a liberal transfusion goal(Hgb≥10 g/dL)was not superior to a restrictive strategy(Hgb 7-8 g/dL)with respect to 30-day all-cause death and recurrent MI.The ORBITA-2 trial showed that among patients with stable angina and coronary stenoses causing ischemia on little or no antianginal therapy,percutaneous coronary intervention results in greater improvements in anginal frequency and exercise times compared with a sham procedure.The ARIES-HM3 trial showed that in patients with advanced HF who received a HeartMate 3 levitated left ventricular assist device and were anticoagulated with a vitamin K antagonist,placebo was noninferior to daily aspirin with respect to the composite endpoint of bleeding and thrombotic events at 1 year.The TEAMMATE trial showed that everolimus with low-dose tacrolimus is safe in children and young adults when given≥6 months after cardiac transplantation.Providing patients being treated for HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF)with specific out-of-pocket(OOP)costs for multiple medication options at the time of the clinical encounter may reduce‘contingency planning’and increase the extent to which patients are taking the medications decided upon.The primary outcome,which was cost-informed decisionmaking,defined as the clinician or patient mentioning costs of HFrEF medication,occurred in 49%of encounters with the checklist only control group compared with 68%of encounters in the OOP cost group.

Implications of Elevated Serum Cortisol in the Onset of Postoperative Delirium Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights from a Bangladesh-Based Single Center Experience

Background: Following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), delirium emerges as a prevalent complication. This study aimed to assess the correlation between elevated serum cortisol levels and the occurrence of postoperative delirium subsequent to off-pump CABG. Methods: Conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at BSMMU from October 2020 to September 2022, this comparative cross-sectional study included a total of 44 participants. Subjects, meeting specific criteria, were purposefully assigned to two groups based on off-pump CABG. Group A (n = 22) consisted of patients with normal serum cortisol levels, while Group B (n = 22) comprised individuals with high serum cortisol levels on the first postoperative day. Delirium onset was assessed at the bedside in the ICU on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative days using standard tools, namely the Richmond Agitation Sedation score (RASS) and The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM-ICU). Data were collected based on the presence or absence of delirium. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0, employing an independent Student’s t-test for continuous data and chi-square and Fischer’s exact test for categorical data. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group-A had a mean age of 54.50 ± 17.97, and Group-B had a mean age of 55.22 ± 15.45, both with a male predominance (81.81% and 86.36% respectively). The mean serum cortisol level was significantly higher in Group B (829.71 ± vs. 389.98 ± 68.77). Postoperative delirium occurred in 27.3% of Group B patients, statistically significant compared to the 4.5% in Group A. However, patients in Group B who developed delirium experienced significantly longer postoperative ICU and hospital stays (79.29 ± 12.27 vs. 11.44 ± 2.85, p ≤ 0.05). There was one mortality in Group B, which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study observed a significant association between elevated serum cortisol levels in the postoperative period and the occurrence of postoperative delirium after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Spontaneous coronary artery rupture after lung cancer surgery:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Spontaneous coronary artery rupture(SCAR)is a rare and life-threatening complication after lung cancer surgery.We present a case of SCAR following left upper lobectomy,successfully managed through emergency thoracotomy and coronary artery ligation.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old male patient underwent left upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer.The surgery was performed using singleport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery,and there were no observed complications during the procedure.However,19 h after surgery,the patient experienced chest discomfort and subsequently developed severe symptoms,including nausea,vomiting,and a drop in blood pressure.Urgent measures were taken,leading to the diagnosis of SCAR.The patient underwent emergency thoracotomy and coronary artery ligation,successfully stopping the bleeding and stabilizing the condition.Despite postoperative complications,the patient made a successful recovery and was discharged from the hospital.CONCLUSION SCAR is a rare but life-threatening complication following lung cancer surgery.Immediate thoracotomy has been shown to be a life-saving measure,while stenting is not the preferred initial approach.

Inflammatory markers,oxidative stress,and mitochondrial dynamics:Repercussions on coronary artery disease in diabetes

Inflammatory markers and mediators that affect the development of cardiovascular diseases have been the focus of recent scientific work.Thus,the purpose of this editorial is to promote a critical debate about the article titled“Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine and inflammatory cytokines,markers,and mediators of coronary artery disease progression in diabetes”,published in the World Journal of Diabetes in 2024.This work directs us to reflect on the role of advanced glycation end products,which are pro-inflammatory products arising from the metabolism of fatty acids and sugars whose main marker in tissues is Nε-carboxymethyllysine(NML).Recent studies have linked high levels of pro-inflammatory agents with the development of coronary artery disease(CAD),especially tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukins,and C-reactive protein.These inflammatory agents increase the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS),of which people with diabetes are known to have an increased production.The increase in ROS promotes lipid peroxidation,which causes damage to myocytes,promoting myocardial damage.Furthermore,oxidative stress induces the binding of NML to its receptor RAGE,which in turn activates the nuclear factor-kB,and consequently,inflammatory cytokines.These inflammatory cytokines induce endothelial dysfunction,with increased expression of adhesion molecules,changes in endothelial permeability and changes in the expression of nitric oxide.In this sense,the therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies(inflammatory reducers such as statins and sodium-glucose transport inhibitors)has demonstrated positive results in the regression of atherogenic plaques and consequently CAD.On the other hand,many studies have demonstrated a relationship between mitochondrial dynamics,diabetes,and cardiovascular diseases.This link occurs since ROS have their origin in the imbalance in glucose metabolism that occurs in the mitochondrial matrix,and this imbalance can have its origin in inadequate diet as well as some pathologies.Photobiomodulation(PBM)has recently been considered a possible therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases due to its effects on mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative stress.In this sense,therapies such as PBM that act on pro-inflammatory mediators and mitochondrial modulation could benefit those with cardiovascular diseases.

Early diagnostic value of carotid artery ultrasound parameters combined with epicardial adipose layer thickness in coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is associated with coronary atherosclerosis indicated by carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT)thickening and altered vascular elasticity.The epicardial adipose layer can secrete proinflammatory factors that promote the formation of coronary atherosclerosis.Thus,the epicardial fat layer thickness(EAT)may also predict coronary heart disease.AIM To determine the role of common carotid artery ultrasound parameters and EAT in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease.METHODS Based on coronary angiography,patients with newly suspected coronary heart disease were divided into case(n=107)and control(n=41)groups.The carotid ultrasound parameters,including vascular stiffness(β),elastic coefficient(EP),pulse wave conduction velocity(PWV-β),CIMT,and EAT were compared between the case and control groups and among patients with different lesion numbers in the case group.Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the early diagnostic value of EAT,common carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT for coronary heart disease.RESULTS EP,β,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT were significantly higher in the case group compared with the levels in the control group(all P<0.001).In the case group,lesions were detected in one vessel in 34 patients,two vessels in 38 patients,and three vessels in 35 patients.Within the case group,β,EP,PWV-β,CIMT,and EAT levels significantly increased with an increased number of lesions(all P<0.001).EAT positively correlated withβ,EP,PWV-β,and CIMT(all P<0.01).The area under the curve for diagnosing coronary heart disease using EAT combined with CIMT and carotid elasticity was 0.893,and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.890 and 0.837.CONCLUSION EAT correlated well with changes in carotid artery elasticity and CIMT in patients with coronary heart disease.The combination of EAT,carotid artery elasticity,and CIMT facilitates the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease.

Unroofing Technique for Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Right Sinus of Valsalva: Report of a Case

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery (AOLCA) from the right sinus of Valsalva constitutes a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly. Patients with an anomalous left main coronary artery face a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with an anomalous right coronary artery. The anomalous coronary artery traversing between the ascending aorta and the pulmonary artery markedly heightens the risk of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia, and sudden death. Symptomatic patients often exhibit a longer intramural course of the coronary artery, which may necessitate earlier intervention or influence the choice of surgical repair method. Surgical intervention is advocated for patients with this anomaly, even in the absence of symptoms. For anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva with an intramural course, coronary unroofing is the preferred revascularization procedure. This report presents a case of AOLCA originating from the right sinus of Valsalva, treated surgically using the unroofing technique for the aortic intramural segment of the anomalous coronary artery traversing between the great vessels. The unroofing technique is recommended for treating AOLCA with an extensive intramural course that does not involve the commissure.

Impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on postcoronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND Some patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease experience major adverse cardiac events(MACE)and require readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG)surgery.This is often attributed to patients'unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits,inadequate understanding of the disease,and poor disease management compliance.Thus,searching for more targeted nursing intervention models that can enhance patients'self-management abilities and reduce the risk of readmission after CABG surgery is significant.AIM To observe the impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on patients after CABG surgery.METHODS A total of 103 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our hospital between April 2021 and April 2022 comprised the study sample.The patients were divided into two groups using an odd-even number grouping method.The control group received routine nursing care,while the case management group received specialized nursing outpatient case management.The differences in psychological status,adherence to medical treatment,self-care ability,knowledge mastery,quality of life scores,and the occurrence rate of MACE were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After the intervention,the case management group had lower scores on the selfrating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale and lower MACE rate,as well as higher scores for adherence to a healthy diet,medication adherence,good lifestyle habits,regular exercise,and timely follow-up,higher scores on the Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management Scale,higher scores for managing adverse habits,symptoms,emotional cognition,emergency response,disease knowledge,general lifestyle,and treatment adherence,higher scores for understanding coronary heart disease,recognizing the importance of medication adherence,understanding selfcare points after CABG surgery,and being aware of post-CABG precautions,higher scores for physical well-being,disease condition,general health,social-psychological well-being,and work-related aspects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Specialized nursing outpatient case management can enhance patient adherence to medical treatment,knowledge mastery,psychological well-being,and overall quality of life in patients after CABG surgery.

Efficacy of laparoscopic low anterior resection for colorectal cancer patients with 3D-vascular reconstruction for left coronary artery preservation

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic low anterior resection(LLAR)has become a mainstream surgical method for the treatment of colorectal cancer,which has shown many advantages in the aspects of surgical trauma and postoperative rehabilitation.However,the effect of surgery on patients'left coronary artery and its vascular reconstruction have not been deeply discussed.With the development of medical imaging technology,3D vascular reconstruction has become an effective means to evaluate the curative effect of surgery.AIM To investigate the clinical value of preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction in LLAR of rectal cancer with the left colic artery(LCA)preserved.METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 146 patients who underwent LLAR for rectal cancer with LCA preservation from January to December 2023 in our hospital.All patients underwent LLAR of rectal cancer with the LCA preserved,and the intraoperative and postoperative data were complete.The patients were divided into a reconstruction group(72 patients)and a nonreconstruction group(74 patients)according to whether 3D vascular reconstruction was performed before surgery.The clinical features,operation conditions,complications,pathological results and postoperative recovery of the two groups were collected and compared.RESULTS A total of 146 patients with rectal cancer were included in the study,including 72 patients in the reconstruction group and 74 patients in the nonreconstruction group.There were 47 males and 25 females in the reconstruction group,aged(59.75±6.2)years,with a body mass index(BMI)(24.1±2.2)kg/m^(2),and 51 males and 23 females in the nonreconstruction group,aged(58.77±6.1)years,with a BMI(23.6±2.7)kg/m^(2).There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05).In the submesenteric artery reconstruction group,35 patients were type Ⅰ,25 patients were type Ⅱ,11 patients were type Ⅲ,and 1 patient was type Ⅳ.There were 37 type Ⅰ patients,24 type Ⅱ patients,12 type Ⅲ patients,and 1 type Ⅳ patient in the nonreconstruction group.There was no significant difference in arterial typing between the two groups(P>0.05).The operation time of the reconstruction group was 162.2±10.8 min,and that of the nonreconstruction group was 197.9±19.1 min.Compared with that of the reconstruction group,the operation time of the two groups was shorter,and the difference was statistically significant(t=13.840,P<0.05).The amount of intraoperative blood loss was 30.4±20.0 mL in the reconstruction group and 61.2±26.4 mL in the nonreconstruction group.The amount of blood loss in the reconstruction group was less than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-7.930,P<0.05).The rates of anastomotic leakage(1.4%vs 1.4%,P=0.984),anastomotic hemorrhage(2.8%vs 4.1%,P=0.672),and postoperative hospital stay(6.8±0.7 d vs 7.0±0.7 d,P=0.141)were not significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION Preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction technology can shorten the operation time and reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss.Preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction is recommended to provide an intraoperative reference for laparoscopic low anterior resection with LCA preservation.

Preoperative Serum Albumin Levels and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Single-Center Study in Bangladesh

Background: Serum albumin, a vital plasma protein, helps maintain intravascular colloidal osmotic pressure, cardiac output, and renal function. Low preoperative serum albumin is linked to poor outcomes, including acute kidney injury (AKI), after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. This study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative serum albumin levels and early postoperative renal injury. Methods: This prospective comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to February 2021 at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Bangladesh. It included 160 adult patients with normal preoperative renal function undergoing OPCAB. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (serum albumin ≥ 4.0 gm/dl) and Group B (serum albumin Results: Preoperative serum albumin was significantly different between groups (Group A: 4.21 ± 0.05 gm/dl, Group B: 3.69 ± 0.04 gm/dl, p = 0.028). Group B had a higher incidence of hypertension (71.25% vs. 51.25%, p st and 3rd postoperative days were higher in Group B (p th day. Postoperative AKI occurred in 18.75% of Group A and 36.25% of Group B. Multivariate regression indicated that low preoperative serum albumin is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI (p = 0.012, OR = 1.815, CI: 0.675 - 1.162). Conclusion: Preoperative serum albumin level is a valuable predictor of postoperative renal function. Ensuring high normal serum albumin levels before surgery can help minimize the risk of postoperative AKI.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Short-Term Results from a Single Center in Bangladesh

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is considered a safer alternative to on-pump surgery, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Objectives: This study assessed short-term outcomes and functional improvements in LVD patients post-OPCAB. Methods: The study included 200 coronary artery disease patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients were categorized into Group 1, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30% - 39%, and Group 2, with an LVEF of 40% or higher. Echocardiographic assessments of left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and one month postoperatively. Results: In Group 1, preoperative left ventricular internal dimensions during diastole (LVIDd) and systole (LVIDs) were 53.48 ± 4.40 mm and 44.23 ± 3.93 mm, respectively, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.28% ± 2.26%. At discharge, these values improved to 51.58 ± 4.04 mm (LVIDd), 41.23 ± 5.30 mm (LVIDs), and 39.25% ± 3.75% (LVEF). One month postoperatively, further improvements were observed: 46.29 ± 3.76 mm (LVIDd), 37.45 ± 3.68 mm (LVIDs), and 43.22% ± 4.67% (LVEF). Group 2 showed similar positive outcomes, with preoperative values of 47.09 ± 5.06 mm (LVIDd), 35.11 ± 5.25 mm (LVIDs), and 50.13% ± 7.25% (LVEF), improving to 42.37 ± 4.18 mm (LVIDd), 31.05 ± 4.19 mm (LVIDs), and 55.33% ± 7.05% (LVEF) at one month postoperatively. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in left ventricular function and NYHA class, with most patients moving from class III/IV to I/II. Complications were minimal, and no mortality was observed. Conclusion: OPCAB is safe and effective for patients with LVEF 30% - 39% and LVEF ≥ 40%, providing significant short-term functional improvements without increased risk.

Role of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as a predictive marker for diabetic coronary artery disease: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND The lymphocyte to monocyte ratio(LMR)is considered a marker of systemic inflammation in cardiovascular disease and acts as predictor of mortality in coronary artery disease.AIM To investigate the predictive role of LMR in diabetic coronary artery disease patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care super-specialty hospital at New Delhi,India.A total of 200 angiography-proven coronary artery disease(CAD)patients were enrolled and grouped into two categories:Group I[CAD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels≥6.5%],and Group II(CAD patients without T2DM and HbA1c levels<6.5%).Serum lipoproteins,HbA1c,and complete blood count of enrolled patients were analyzed using fully automatic analyzers.RESULTS The logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio of 1.48(95%CI:1.28-1.72,P<0.05)for diabetic coronary artery disease patients(Group I)in unadjusted model.After adjusting for age,gender,diet,smoking,and hypertension history,the odds ratio increased to 1.49(95%CI:1.29-1.74,P<0.01)in close association with LMR.Further adjustment for high cholesterol and triglycerides yielded the same odds ratio of 1.49(95%CI:1.27-1.75,P<0.01).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed 74%sensitivity,64%specificity,and 0.74 area under the curve(95%CI:0.67-0.80,P<0.001),suggesting moderate predictive accuracy for diabetic CAD patients.CONCLUSION LMR showed positive association with diabetic coronary artery disease,with moderate predictive accuracy.These findings have implications for improving CAD management in diabetics,necessitating further research and targeted interventions.