Aggravation of Cancer,Heart Diseases and Diabetes Subsequent to COVID-19 Lockdown via Mathematical Modeling

The global populationhas beenandwill continue to be severely impacted by theCOVID-19 epidemic.The primary objective of this research is to demonstrate the future impact of COVID-19 on those who suffer from other fatal conditions such as cancer,heart disease,and diabetes.Here,using ordinary differential equations(ODEs),two mathematical models are developed to explain the association between COVID-19 and cancer and between COVID-19 and diabetes and heart disease.After that,we highlight the stability assessments that can be applied to these models.Sensitivity analysis is used to examine how changes in certain factors impact different aspects of disease.The sensitivity analysis showed that many people are still nervous about seeing a doctor due to COVID-19,which could result in a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of various ailments in the years to come.The correlation between diabetes and cardiovascular illness is also illustrated graphically.The effects of smoking and obesity are also found to be significant in disease compartments.Model fitting is also provided for interpreting the relationship between real data and the results of thiswork.Diabetic people,in particular,need tomonitor their health conditions closely and practice heart health maintenance.People with heart diseases should undergo regular checks so that they can protect themselves from diabetes and take some precautions including suitable diets.The main purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of regular checks,to warn people about the effects of COVID-19(including avoiding healthcare centers and doctors because of the spread of infectious diseases)and to indicate the importance of family history of cancer,heart diseases and diabetes.The provision of the recommendations requires an increase in public consciousness.

Recent Advances for Global Perspectives on Etiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentations, and Management of Moyamoya Disease

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a condition characterized by the gradual narrowing and blockage of blood vessels in the brain, specifically those in the circle of Willis and the arteries that supply it. This results in reduced blood flow and oxygen to the brain, leading to progressive symptoms and potential complications. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism remains elucidated. However, recent studies have highlighted numerous etiologic factors: abnormal immune complex responses, susceptibility genes, branched-chain amino acids, antibodies, heritable diseases, and acquired diseases, which may be the great potential triggers for the development of moyamoya disease. Its clinical presentation has varying degrees from transient asymptomatic events to significant neurological deficits. Moyamoya disease (MMD) shows different patterns in children and adults. Children with MMD are more susceptible to ischemic events due to decreased blood flow to the brain. Conversely, adults with MMD are more prone to hemorrhagic events involving brain bleeding. Children with MMD may experience a range of symptoms including motor impairments, sensory issues, seizures, headaches, dizziness, cognitive delays, or ongoing neurological problems. Although adults may present with similar clinical symptoms as children, they are more prone to experiencing sudden onset intraventricular, subarachnoid, or intracerebral hemorrhages. One of the challenges in moyamoya disease is the potential for misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, particularly when physicians fail to consider MMD as a possible cause in stroke patients. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent global studies on the pathophysiology of MMD, along with advancements in its management. Additionally, the review will delve into various surgical treatment options for MMD, as well as its rare occurrence alongside atrioventricular malformations. Exciting prospects include the use of autologous bone marrow transplant and the potential role of Connexin 43 protein treatment in the development of moyamoya disease.

DNA Methylation Variation Is Identified in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Congenital Heart Diseases

Aims:Multiple genes and environmental factors are known to be involved in congenital heart disease(CHD),but epigenetic variation has received little attention.Monozygotic(MZ)twins with CHD provide a unique model for exploring this phenomenon.In order to investigate the potential role of Deoxyribonucleic Acid(DNA)methyla-tion in CHD pathogenesis,the present study examined DNA methylation variation in MZ twins discordant for CHD,especially ventricular septal defect(VSD).Methods and Results:Using genome-wide DNA methylation profiles,we identified 4004 differentially methylated regions(DMRs)in 18 MZ twin pairs discordant for CHD,and 2826 genes were identified.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis revealed a list of CHD-associated pathways.To further investigate the role of DNA methylation in VSD,data from 7 pairs of MZ twins with VSD were analyzed.We identified 1614 DMRs corresponding to 1443 genes associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy,cyclic guanosine monopho-sphate-protein kinase G(cGMP-PKG)signaling pathway by KEGG analysis,and cell-cell adhesion,calcium ion transmembrane transport by GO analysis.A proportion of DMR-associated genes were involved in calcium signaling pathways.The methylation changes of calcium signaling genes might be related to VSD pathogenesis.Conclusion:CHD is associated with differential DNA methylation in MZ twins.CHD may be etiologically linked to DNA methylation,and methylation of calcium signaling genes may be involved in the development of VSD.

Femoral Access with Ultrasound-Guided Puncture and Z-Stitch Hemostasis for Adults with Congenital Heart Diseases Undergoing Electrophysiological Procedures

Aims:Although the application of ultrasound-guided vascular puncture and Z-stitch hemostasis to manage femoral access has been widely utilized,there is limited data on this combined application in adult congenital heart disease(ACHD)patients undergoing electrophysiological(EP)procedures.We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis for ACHD patients under-going EP procedures.Methods and Results:The population of ACHD patients undergoing transfemoral EP pro-cedures at the University of Zurich Heart Center between January 2019 and December 2022 was observed and analyzed.During the study period,femoral access(left/right,arterial/venous)was performed under real-time ultrasound guidance.At the end of the procedure,a single Z-stitch was performed at the puncture site.We eval-uated the incidence of in-hospital complications associated with femoral access puncture in this population.Among 101 patients who had a total of 147 previous ipsilateral vascular punctures(mean 1.5 per person),100 patients underwent successful femoral vascular access for EP procedures.The median age of the patients was 47±15 years and 34(34%)were male.Z-stitches were performed after the procedure in 100 patients with 303 femoral vascular accesses(mean 3 punctures per person).No patient developed vascular puncture relevant inguinal hematoma,pseudo aneurysm,arteriovenousfistula,venous or arterial thrombosis.Conclusion:In ACHD patients undergoing EP procedures,optimal femoral access management can be achieved with ultra-sound-guided puncture and postprocedural Z-stitch hemostasis.

Exploring kidney biopsy findings in congenital heart diseases:Insights beyond cyanotic nephropathy

BACKGROUND The association between congenital heart disease and chronic kidney disease is well known.Various mechanisms of kidney damage associated with congenital heart disease have been established.The etiology of kidneydisease has commonly been considered to be secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS),however,this has only been demonstrated in case reports and not in observational or clinical trials.AIM To identify baseline and clinical characteristics,as well as the findings in kidney biopsies of patients with congenital heart disease in our hospital.METHODS This is a retrospective observational study conducted at the Nephrology Depart-ment of the National Institute of Cardiology“Ignacio Chávez”.All patients over 16 years old who underwent percutaneous kidney biopsy from January 2000 to January 2023 with congenital heart disease were included in the study.RESULTS Ten patients with congenital heart disease and kidney biopsy were found.The average age was 29.00 years±15.87 years with pre-biopsy proteinuria of 6193 mg/24 h±6165 mg/24 h.The most common congenital heart disease was Fallot’s tetralogy with 2 cases(20%)and ventricular septal defect with 2(20%)cases.Among the 10 cases,one case of IgA nephropathy and one case of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with immune complexes were found,receiving specific treatment after histopathological diagnosis,delaying the initiation of kidney replacement therapy.Among remaining 8 cases(80%),one case of FSGS with perihilar variety was found,while the other 7 cases were non-specific FSGS.CONCLUSION Determining the cause of chronic kidney disease can help in delaying the need for kidney replacement therapy.In 2 out of 10 patients in our study,interventions were performed,and initiation of kidney replacement therapy was delayed.Prospective studies are needed to determine the usefulness of kidney biopsy in patients with congenital heart disease.

Application of Structured Health Education and Combined 5A Nursing Model in Self-control of Vulnerable Chronic Diseases: Take Coronary Heart Disease as an Example

Objective:To explore the intervention effect of the Structured Health Education course and 5A nursing model for self-control of elderly patients with coronary heart disease.Methods:Using the random sampling method,124 elderly CAD patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group.The control group line routine health education,experimental group take structured health education combined with 5A nursing before and after the intervention using a coronary heart disease assessment questionnaire,coronary heart disease self-control scale evaluation of two groups of intervention,compare two groups before and after intervention blood pressure,blood sugar,body mass index,lipid index level and complications within 8 months after discharge.Results:After the course intervention,the disease cognition and self-behavior of the experimental group were higher than that of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.1).Conclusion:This course is suitable for elderly patients with coronary heart disease.The 5A model improves the cognitive and management ability of elderly patients to a certain extent,which is worthy of clinical application.

Health Systems Strengthening to Tackle the Global Burden of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease: A Diagonal Approach

1 Background Congenital heart disease(CHD)is the most common major congenital anomaly,affecting approximately one in every 100 live births[1].Among congenital anomalies,66%of preventable deaths are due to CHD,and 58%of the avertable morbidity and mortality due to congenital anomalies would result from scaling congenital heart surgery services[2].Every year,nearly 300,000 children and adults die from CHD,the majority of whom live in low-and middle-income countries(LMICs)[3].Approximately 49%of all individuals with CHD will require surgical or interventional care at some point in their lifetime[4];as a result of advances in access to and the delivery of such services,over 95%of children born with CHD in high-income countries now live into adulthood[3].Here,adults have surpassed children in the number of CHD cases at a ratio of 2:1[5].

Machine Learning-Based Intelligent Auscultation Techniques in Congenital Heart Disease:Application and Development

Congenital heart disease(CHD),the most prevalent congenital ailment,has seen advancements in the“dual indi-cator”screening program.This facilitates the early-stage diagnosis and treatment of children with CHD,subse-quently enhancing their survival rates.While cardiac auscultation offers an objective reflection of cardiac abnormalities and function,its evaluation is significantly influenced by personal experience and external factors,rendering it susceptible to misdiagnosis and omission.In recent years,continuous progress in artificial intelli-gence(AI)has enabled the digital acquisition,storage,and analysis of heart sound signals,paving the way for intelligent CHD auscultation-assisted diagnostic technology.Although there has been a surge in studies based on machine learning(ML)within CHD auscultation and diagnostic technology,most remain in the algorithmic research phase,relying on the implementation of specific datasets that still await verification in the clinical envir-onment.This paper provides an overview of the current stage of AI-assisted cardiac sounds(CS)auscultation technology,outlining the applications and limitations of AI auscultation technology in the CHD domain.The aim is to foster further development and refinement of AI auscultation technology for enhanced applications in CHD.

Use of Patient-Specific “4D” Tele-Education to Enhance Actual and Perceived Knowledge in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Patients

Background:Patients with congenital heart disease(CHD)will transition to lifelong adult congenital cardiac care.However,their structural heart disease is challenging to convey via two-dimensional drawings.This study utilized a tele-educational environment,with personalized three-dimensional(3D)modeling and health Details(3D+Details=“4D”),to improve actual and perceived knowledge,both important components of transition readiness in CHD patients.Methods:Participants aged≥13 years with a history of CHD and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)studies were eligible.Cardiac MRI datasets were then used to segment and create 3D heart models(using Mimics,Materialize Inc.).Participantsfirst completed the MyHeart Questionnaire,a validated survey of actual knowledge.A tele-educational session was then scheduled,during which participants were shown a 3D model of a normal heart,followed by their personal 3D heart model and specific health details.Participants then repeated the actual knowledge survey,in addition to questionnaires assessing perceived knowledge pre-and post-session,as well as a satisfaction survey.Results:Twenty-two patients were included.Actual knowledge increased from 75%±15%to 89%±20%(p=0.00043)and perceived knowledge increased infive of seven questions.Actual knowledge correlated with perceived knowledge(r=0.608,p<0.0001).Ninety-one percent of participants ranked the 3D model as“very satisfactory”and ninety-five percent ranked the educational session as“very help-ful”or“extremely helpful.”Conclusions:The use of“4D”tele-education increased both actual and perceived knowledge and may help improve transition readiness in CHD patients.

Long-Term Mortality of Children with Congenital Heart Disease Admitted to the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou/Alibori from 2011 to 2022

Background: Congenital heart disease is a public health issue due to its incidence and mortality rate. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term mortality of children with congenital heart disease admitted to the Departmental University Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUD-B/A) from 2011 to 2022. Methods: This descriptive longitudinal study with analytical aims covered 11 years (April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2022). It consisted of a review of the records of children under 15 years of age with echocardiographically confirmed congenital heart disease. This was followed by an interview with the parents to assess the children’s current condition. Data were entered using Kobocollect software and analyzed using R Studio 4.2.2. software. Results: A total of 143 complete files were retained. The median age at diagnosis was 14 months (IIQ: Q1 = 4;Q3 = 60) with a range of 2 days and 175 months, and the sex-ratio (M/F) was 0.96. Left-to-right shunts were the most frequent cardiopathy group (62.9%). Only 35 children (24.5%) benefited from restorative treatment. The mortality rate was 31.5%. Median survival under the maximum bias assumption was 114 months and 216 months under the assumption of minimum bias. Survival was significantly better in children with right-to-left shunts (p = 0.0049) under the assumption of minimum bias. The death risk factors were: age at diagnosis less than 12 months (aHR = 7.58;95% CI = 3.36 - 17.24;p Conclusion: The long-term mortality of congenital heart disease is high and favoured by the absence of restorative treatment. Local correction of congenital heart disease and medical follow-up will help to reduce this mortality.

Interest of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Heart Disease in a Cardiology Department in Senegal

Cardiac rehabilitation helps improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients with heart disease. To show its interest in the African context, in the management of heart disease, a prospective study was carried out. Its objective was to evaluate the effects of physical rehabilitation on cardiac function. Methods: Patients were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of cardiovascular rehabilitation by cardiovascular, biological, and echocardiographic parameters including the size of the heart chambers, the kinetics of the walls, and the systolic function of the ventricles. Results: The study involved 12 patients, 67% of whom were men. After cardiac rehabilitation, the mean hemodynamic constants had not been significantly modified. However, a significant decrease in Total-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and triglyceride levels was noted. Mean fasting blood sugar decreased from 1.25 ± 0.48 g/L to 0.92 ± 0.18 g/L and glycated hemoglobin from 7.72% ± 0.01% to 6.45% ± 0.008%. The echocardiographic parameters studied showed an improvement in the dilation of the heart chambers in 8.33% of the patients, the normalization of the ejection fraction of the left ventricle in 16% patients, the improvement of the kinetic disorders in 16% of patients and recovery of right ventricular systolic function in all patients. Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation as a secondary preventive measure for cardiovascular disease has contributed significantly to improving the clinico-biological parameters of the disease.

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and heart disease:Current perspectives

Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors(SGLT-2i)are antidiabetic medications with remarkable cardiovascular(CV)benefits proven by multiple randomised controlled trials and real-world data.These drugs are also useful in the prevention of CV disease(CVD)in patients with diabetes mellitus(DM).Although DM as such is a huge risk factor for CVD,the CV benefits of SGLT-2i are not just because of antidiabetic effects.These molecules have proven beneficial roles in prevention and management of nondiabetic CVD and renal disease as well.There are various molecular mechanisms for the organ protective effects of SGLT-2i which are still being elucidated.Proper understanding of the role of SGLT-2i in prevention and management of CVD is important not only for the cardiologists but also for other specialists caring for various illnesses which can directly or indirectly impact care of heart diseases.This clinical review compiles the current evidence on the rational use of SGLT-2i in clinical practice.

Transcatheter Closure of Postoperative Residual Atrial or Ventricular Septal Shunts in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Transcatheter closure(TCC)has emerged as the preferred treatment for selected congenital heart disease(CHD).While TCC offers benefits for patients with postoperative residual shunts,understanding its mid-and long-term efficacy and safety remains crucial.Objective:This study aims to assess the mid-and long-term safety and efficacy of TCC for patients with residual atrial or ventricular septal shunts following CHD correction.Methods:In this consecutive retrospective study,we enrolled 35 patients with residual shunt who underwent TCC or surgical repair of CHD between June 2011 to October 2022.TCC candidacy was determined based on established criteria.Echocardiography and electrocardiogram were conducted during the perioperative period and continued as part of long-term follow-up.Results:Among the patients,5(14.3%)exhibited interatrial shunt-ing,while 30(85.7%)had interventricular shunting.TCC was successfully implemented in 33 of 35 patients,with exceptions in two cases of post-ventricular septal defect repair due to anatomical challenges involving the shape and aortic angulation.This resulted in a TCC success rate of 94.3%.Trace residual shunt was detected in two interventricular shunting cases and a mild residual shunt in one interventricular shunting case;all resolved by the three-month follow-up after TCC.Minor complications included one hematoma at the puncture site and one transient junctional rhythm during the perioperative period.During a median follow-up of 73 months,there were no instances of residual shunt,device embolization,occluder displacement,valve insufficiency,malignant arrhythmia,infective endocarditis,death,or other serious complications.Conclusion:TCC is an effective and safe therapy for patients with residual atrial or ventricular septal shunts following CHD correction.Thesefindings support the consideration of TCC as the preferred treatment option for appropriate patient populations.

Congenital Heart Disease Referred for Surgery: Analysis and Epidemiological Description in the Cardiology Department of CHU Ignace Deen

Introduction: Congenital heart disease includes all cardiac and vascular malformations. It accounts for approximately one third of all congenital malformations and is a public health problem, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects of congenital heart disease. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study based on the records of 135 patients referred for surgery and followed up in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital, collected in November 2022. Results: Hospital prevalence was 5%. The mean age was 71 months, ranging from 1 month to 19 years. The age group over 24 months was the most represented (62%). The M/F sex ratio was 1.36. Urban origin was predominant (58%). The rate of children not attending school or dropping out was high (16%). Siblings with fewer than 4 children were the most common (88%). A heart murmur was the most frequent sign (78%), followed by cyanosis (36%) and heart failure (29%). The association between heart murmurs and CHD was proven with a p-value Conclusion: CHDs represent the main indication for paediatric cardiac surgery and follow-up (95%). We stress the importance of implementing a screening and management strategy for congenital heart disease.

Contribution of Stress Testing to the Management of Ischemic Heart Disease in Mali

Introduction: Exercise stress testing (on a treadmill or ergometer bicycle) is an important test in cardiology for diagnosing myocardial ischemia. This test in Mali is still in its beginning compared to other countries in the sub-region. The lack of data in Mali prompted this study, which aimed to evaluate the indications of this activity and its diagnostic contribution to cardiology in Mali. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study. The study was conducted at the “TOUCAM” medical clinic in Kati based on the analysis of stress test reports between January 2016 and August 2022. Result: During the study period, we documented 73 patients who underwent exercise testing on a bicycle ergometer for suspected coronary heart disease. The mean age of our patients was 47.5 ± 13.8 years (14 and 79 years). Males accounted for the majority (78.1%). The sex ratio is 3.5. More than half of our patients were overweight or obese (77.1%). Hypertension and diabetes affected 52.1% and 25.8% of patients, respectively. 20.8% of patients had coronary artery disease. renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers (56.8%) and beta-blockers (51.3%). The main indications were chest pain (63.0%) and ischemia detection (15.1%). A modified STEEP protocol was used. The majority of our patients (71.2%) achieved at least 85% of their maximum theoretical heart rate. The main reason for the termination of the study was fatigue (57.3%). The average duration was 11.3 ± 4.2 minutes. 24.7% thought the stress tests were positive and 17.8% thought they were controversial. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of stress testing in the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic heart disease, especially in settings where we have very limited access to coronary angiography.

Changes in the etiology of liver cirrhosis and the corresponding management strategies

We read with interest the article by Xing Wang,which was published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Hepatology 2023;15:1294-1306.This article focuses particularly on the prevalence and trends in the etiology of liver cirrhosis(LC),prognosis for patients suffering from cirrhosis-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and management strategies.The etiology of cirrhosis varies according to geographical,economic,and population factors.Viral hepatitis is the dominant cause in China.Vaccination and effective treatment have reduced the number of people with viral hepatitis,but the overall number is still large.Patients with viral hepatitis who progress over time to LC and HCC remain an important population to manage.The increased incidence of metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption is likely to lead to a potential exponential increase in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)-associated LC and alcoholic liver disease in the future.Investigating the evolution of the etiology of LC is important for guiding the direction of future research and policy development.These changing trends indicate a need for greater emphasis on tackling obesity and diabetes,and implementing more effective measures to regulate alcohol consumption in order to reduce the occurrence of MASLD.In an effort to help cope with these changing trends,the authors further proposed countermeasures for healthcare authorities doctors,and patients.

Managing end-stage carcinoid heart disease:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms(GEP-NENs)are rare tumors,often diagnosed in an advanced stage when curative treatment is impossible and grueling symptoms related to vasoactive substance release by tumor cells affect patients’quality of life.Cardiovascular complications of GEP-NENs,primarily tricuspid and pulmonary valve disease,and right-sided heart failure,are the leading cause of death,even compared to metastatic disease.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 35-year-old patient with progressive dyspnea,back pain,polyneuropathic leg pain,and nocturnal diarrhea lasting for a decade before the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary with extensive liver metastases.During the initial presentation,serum biomarkers were not evaluated,and the patient received five cycles of doxorubicin,which he did not tolerate well,so he refused further therapy and was lost to follow-up.After 10 years,he presented to the emergency room with signs and symptoms of right-sided heart failure.Panneuroendocrine markers,serum chromogranin A,and urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were extremely elevated(900 ng/mL and 2178µmol/L),and transabdominal ultrasound confirmed hepatic metastases.Computed tomo-graphy(CT)showed liver metastases up to 6 cm in diameter and metastases in mesenteric lymph nodes and pelvis.Furthermore,an Octreoscan showed lesions in the heart,thoracic spine,duodenum,and ascendent colon.A standard trans-thoracic echocardiogram confirmed findings of carcinoid heart disease.The patient was not a candidate for valve replacement.He started octreotide acetate treatment,and the dose escalated to 80 mg IM monthly.Although biochemical CONCLUSION Carcinoid heart disease occurs with carcinoid syndrome related to advanced neuroendocrine tumors,usually with liver metastases,which manifests as right-sided heart valve dysfunction leading to right-sided heart failure.Carcinoid heart disease and tumor burden are major prognostic factors of poor survival.Therefore,they must be actively sought by available biochemical markers and imaging techniques.Moreover,imaging techniques aiding tumor detection and staging,somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/CT,and CT or magnetic resonance imaging,should be performed at the time of diagnosis and in 3-to 6-mo intervals to determine tumor growth rate and assess the possibility of locoregional therapy and/or palliative surgery.Valve replacement at the onset of symptoms or right ventricular dysfunction may be considered,while any delay can worsen right-sided ventricular failure.

Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Impact of continuous care on cardiac function in patients with lung cancer complicated by coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND Despite sharing similar pathogenic factors,cancer and coronary heart disease(CHD)occur in comparable populations at similar ages and possess similar susceptibility factors.Consequently,it is increasingly commonplace for patients to experience the simultaneous occurrence of cancer and CHD,a trend that is steadily rising.AIM To determine the impacts of continuing care on lung cancer patients with CHD following percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).METHODS There were 94 lung cancer patients with CHD following PCI who were randomly assigned to the intervention group(n=38)and the control group(n=41).In the intervention group,continuing care was provided,while in the control group,routine care was provided.An evaluation of cardiac and pulmonary function,medication compliance,a 6-min walk test,and patient quality of life was performed.RESULTS Differences between the two groups were significant in left ventricular ejection fraction,6-min walk test,oxygen uptake,quality of life and medication compliance(P<0.05).In comparison with the control group,the enhancement in the intervention group was more significant.The intervention group had more patients with high medication compliance than the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).CONCLUSION After undergoing PCI,lung patients with CHD could benefit from continued care in terms of cardiac and pulmonary function,medications compliance,and quality of life.

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Self-Perceived Resilience: An Exploratory Study of Two Cohorts of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Social determinants of health(SDOH)affect quality of life.We investigated SDOH impacts on self-perceived resilience among people with adult congenital heart disease(ACHD).Secondary analysis of data from two com-plementary studies:a survey study conducted May 2021–June 2022 and a qualitative study conducted June 2020–August 2021.Resilience was assessed through CD-RISC10 score(range 0–40,higher scores reflect greater self-perceived resilience)and interview responses.Sociodemographic and SDOH(education,employment,living situa-tion,monetary stability,financial dependency,area deprivation index)data were collected by healthcare record review and self-report.We used linear regression with robust standard errors to analyze survey data and performed a thematic analysis of interview data.Survey participants(N=127)mean age was 42±14 years;51%were female,87%white.ACHD was moderate(75%)or complex(25%);41%functional class C or D.Resilience(mean 30±7)varied by monetary stability:compared to people with difficulty paying bills,resilience was 15.0 points higher(95%CI:6.9–23.1,p<0.001)for people reporting having enough money and 14.2 points higher(95%CI:5.9–22.4,p=0.001)for those reporting just enough money.Interview participants’(N=25)mean age was 32 years(range 22–44);52%were female,72%white.ACHD was moderate(56%)or complex(44%);76%functional class C or D.Participants discussed factors affecting resilience aligned with each of the major SDOH,prominently,economic stability and healthcare access and quality.Financial stability may be important for supporting self-perceived resi-lience in ACHD.This knowledge can inform the development of resilience interventions for this population.