Lower Extremity Arterial Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence and Associated Factors at the Libreville University Hospital Center

Introduction: Lower extremity arterial disease in diabetic patients has distinct characteristics. Objectives: To study the hospital frequency of lower extremity arterial disease and identify associated factors in diabetic patients at the Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, in the endocrinology department of the CHUL. All patients with type 2 diabetes over the age of 18 admitted to this department, regardless of the reason for hospitalization, who provided informed consent, were included. Socio-demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Personal and family cardiovascular history and functional symptoms were investigated. The physical examination included measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and the ankle-brachial index in all patients. Results: A total of 219 patients were included, of whom 75 had lower extremity arterial disease, representing a prevalence of 34.24%. It was compensated in 28 cases (37.33%) and decompensated in 39 patients (52%). In eight cases (10.67%), there was critical chronic ischemia. Cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes were physical inactivity (89.5%), hypertension (55.25%), overweight (49.77%), obesity (22.84%), and smoking (10.04%). In multivariate analysis, only hypertension (OR = 2.09;95% CI: 1.05 - 4.17;p = 0.035) and LDL cholesterol (OR = 2.75;95% CI: 1.10 - 6.85;p = 0.03) were significantly associated with lower extremity arterial disease in diabetics at the University Hospital of Libreville. Conclusion: Lower extremity arterial disease is common in diabetic patients at the University Hospital of Libreville. It is often asymptomatic, thus requiring systematic screening.[-rId11-]

Risk Stratification and Prognosis of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated with Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Current guidelines for managing pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)recommend a risk strati-fication approach.However,the applicability and accuracy of these strategies for PAH associated with congenital heart disease(PAH-CHD)require further validation.This study aims to validate the reliability and predictive accuracy of a simplified stratification strategy for PAH-CHD patients over a three-year follow-up.Additionally,new prognostic variables are identified and novel risk stratification methods are developed for assessing and managing PAH-CHD patients.Methods:This retrospective study included 126 PAH-CHD patients.Clinical and biochemical variables across risk groups were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher’s exact tests.Indepen-dent risk factors were identified using ordered logistic regression,while Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses evaluated their impact on all-cause mortality.A new stratification model for the PAH-CHD population was constructed based on these analyses.Results:Significant survival differences across stratified risk groups were observed(p<0.001),validating the effectiveness of the simplified risk stratification method in PAH-CHD patients.Prothrombin activity was a strong independent predictor of adverse outcomes of PAH-CHD patients(Hazard ratio 0.95,p<0.001,C-index 0.70).A model combining N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide,prothrombin activity,albumin,and right atrial area achieved an area under the curve of 0.89 and a C-index of 0.85.Conclusions:The simplified risk stratification method is applicable to PAH-CHD patients.Prothrombin activity is a strong independent predictor of adverse outcomes.A comprehensive risk stratification approach,incorporating both established and novel biomarkers,enhances accessibility and offers predictive efficacy during follow-up for PAH-CHD patients,comparable to established models.

Pilot study on the effect of flavonoids on arterial stiffness and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Flavonoids,the main class of polyphenols,exhibit antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.AIM To prospectively investigate the impact of flavonoids on arterial stiffness in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)stagesⅠ-Ⅳ.METHODS In this prospective,single-arm study,CKD patients with arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were enrolled.Baseline demographic,clinical,and laboratory variables were recorded.Patients received daily treatment with a phenol-rich dietary supplement for 3 months.Blood pressure,arterial stiffness(carotidfemoral pulse wave velocity,central pulse pressure),and oxidative stress markers(protein carbonyls,total phenolic compound,total antioxidant capacity)were measured at baseline and at study end.RESULTS Sixteen patients(mean age:62.5 years,87.5%male)completed the study.Following intervention,peripheral systolic blood pressure decreased significantly by 14 mmHg(P<0.001).Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity decreased from 8.9 m/s(baseline)to 8.2 m/s(study end)(P<0.001),and central pulse pressure improved from 59 mmHg to 48 mmHg(P=0.003).Flavonoids also reduced oxidative stress markers including protein carbonyls(P<0.001),total phenolic compound(P=0.001),and total antioxidant capacity(P=0.013).CONCLUSION Flavonoid supplementation in CKD patients shows promise in improving blood pressure,arterial stiffness,and oxidative stress markers.

Most patients with non-hypertensive diseases at a critical care resuscitation unit require arterial pressure monitoring: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND:Blood pressure(BP)monitoring is essential for patient care.Invasive arterial BP(IABP)is more accurate than non-invasive BP(NIBP),although the clinical signifi cance of this diff erence is unknown.We hypothesized that IABP would result in a change of management(COM)among patients with non-hypertensive diseases in the acute phase of resuscitation.METHODS:This prospective study included adults admitted to the Critical Care Resuscitation Unit(CCRU)with non-hypertensive disease from February 1,2019,to May 31,2021.Management plans to maintain a mean arterial pressure>65 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)were recorded in real time for both NIBP and IABP measurements.A COM was defined as a discrepancy between IABP and NIBP that resulted in an increase/decrease or addition/discontinuation of a medication/infusion.Classification and regression tree analysis identified significant variables associated with a COM and assigned relative variable importance(RVI)values.RESULTS:Among the 206 patients analyzed,a COM occurred in 94(45.6%[94/206])patients.The most common COM was an increase in current infusion dosages(40 patients,19.4%).Patients receiving norepinephrine at arterial cannulation were more likely to have a COM compared with those without(45[47.9%]vs.32[28.6%],P=0.004).Receiving norepinephrine(relative variable importance[RVI]100%)was the most signifi cant factor associated with a COM.No complications were identifi ed with IABP use.CONCLUSION:A COM occurred in 94(45.6%)non-hypertensive patients in the CCRU.Receiving vasopressors was the greatest factor associated with COM.Clinicians should consider IABP monitoring more often in non-hypertensive patients requiring norepinephrine in the acute resuscitation phase.Further studies are necessary to confi rm the risk-to-benefi t ratios of IABP among these high-risk patients.

Tongxinluo promotes endothelium-dependent arteriogenesis to attenuate diabetic peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND Peripheral arterial disease(PAD)has become one of the leading causes of disability and death in diabetic patients.Restoring blood supply to the hindlimbs,especially by promoting arteriogenesis,is currently the most effective strategy,in which endothelial cells play an important role.Tongxinluo(TXL)has been widely used for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and extended for diabetes-related vascular disease.AIM To investigate the effect of TXL on diabetic PAD and its underlying mechanisms.METHODS An animal model of diabetic PAD was established by ligating the femoral artery of db/db mice.Laser Doppler imaging and micro-computed tomography(micro-CT)were performed to assess the recovery of blood flow and arteriogenesis.Endothelial cell function related to arteriogenesis and cellular pyroptosis was assessed using histopathology,Western blot analysis,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays.In vitro,human vascular endothelial cells(HUVECs)and human vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)were pretreated with TXL for 4 h,followed by incubation in high glucose and hypoxia conditions to induce cell injury.Then,indicators of HUVEC pyroptosis and function,HUVECVSMC interactions and the migration of VSMCs were measured.RESULTS Laser Doppler imaging and micro-CT showed that TXL restored blood flow to the hindlimbs and enhanced arteriogenesis.TXL also inhibited endothelial cell pyroptosis via the reactive oxygen species/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.In addition,TXL restored endothelial cell functions,including maintaining the balance of vasodilation,acting as a barrier to reduce inflammation,and enhancing endothelial-smooth muscle cell interactions through the Jagged-1/Notch-1/ephrin-B2 signaling pathway.Similar results were observed in vitro.CONCLUSION TXL has a pro-arteriogenic effect in the treatment of diabetic PAD,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of endothelial cell pyroptosis,restoration of endothelial cell function and promotion of endothelial cell-smooth muscle cell interactions.

Effects of Combined Inhalation of Budesonide,Formoterol,and Tiotropium Bromide on Arterial Blood Gas and Pulmonary Function Indexes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To analyze the effect of combined inhalation of budesonide formoterol and tiotropium bromide on arterial blood gas and pulmonary function indexes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:100 patients with COPD treated from January to December 2022 were selected as observation objects,and were divided into a control group(n=50,in which budesonide and formoterol were administered)and an experimental group(n=50,the treatment drug was budesonide formoterol combined with tiotropium bromide)according to the computer grouping method,and compared the treatment results.Results:(i)Before treatment,there was no difference in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and partial pressure of oxygen between the control group and the experimental group(P>0.05);after treatment,the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and partial pressure of oxygen in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group,with significant differences(P<0.05).(ii)Before treatment,there was no difference in forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),FEV1/FVC between the control group and the experimental group(P>0.05);after treatment,the FVC,FEV1,and FEV1/FVC in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).(iii)There was no difference in the levels of CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αbetween the control group and the experimental group(P>0.05);after treatment,the levels of CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αin the experimental group were lower than those in the control group,with significant differences(P<0.05).(iv)Compared to the total incidence of adverse reactions in the control group(28.00%),the incidence of total adverse reactions in the experimental group was lower at 10.00%,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combined inhalation of budesonide and formoterol with tiotropium bromide has demonstrated a clear therapeutic efficacy and safety in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.This treatment approach effectively enhances arterial blood gas levels and lung function,showing promising potential for widespread application.

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.

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.

Radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for recurrent liver cancer

BACKGROUND The recurrence rate of liver cancer after surgery is high.Radiofrequency ablation(RFA)combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is an effective treatment for liver cancer;however,its efficacy in recurrent liver cancer remains unclear.AIM To investigate the clinical effect of TACE combined with RFA in the treatment of recurrent liver cancer.METHODS Ninety patients with recurrent liver cancer were divided into 2 groups according to treatment plan:Control(RFA alone);and experimental[TACE combined with RFA(TACE+RFA)].The incidence of increased alanine aminotransferase levels,complications,and other indices were compared between the two groups before and after the procedures.RESULTS One month after the procedures,the short-term efficacy rate and Karnofsky Performance Status scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and total bilirubin levels were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);The overall response rate was 82.22%and 66.67%in the experimental and control groups,respectively;The disease control rate was 93.33%and 82.22%in the experimental and control groups,respectively,the differences are statistically significant(P<0.05).And there were no statistical differences in complications between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION TACE+RFA was effective for the treatment of recurrent liver cancer and significantly reduced AFP levels and improved various indices of liver function.

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.

Old, the new, more or less and the conundrum for biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases?

Biomarkers are critical for diagnostic,monitoring and management of cardio-vascular diseases.Opportunities to improve how biomarkers are used are important.This editorial on biomarkers in coronary artery disease provides commentary on the study as well as broad benchmarks on what make ideal bio-markers.Biomarker discovery is difficult and opportunities to expand and improve their use should be encouraged.

Screening for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) in Hypertensive Black Patients: Ankle-Brachial Index in a Senegalese Primary Care Setting

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) poses a significant health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its prevalence is increasing. [1] Despite its significance, there is limited understanding of PAD among hypertensive patients in this region, highlighting a critical gap in knowledge. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PAD and associated factors in black hypertensive patients. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over two years at a primary care center in Senegal using their ankle-brachial index (ABI) database. Data collection was strictly retrospective, and sociodemographic characteristics and clinical parameters were retrieved from the local patient database. We included all hypertensive patients who had benefited from an ABI. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 18.0 software program. Results: Among the 220 hypertensive patients enrolled, PAD prevalence was 35%. Significant associations were observed between PAD occurrence and older age (>75 years, p = 0.008) and triple therapy (p = 0.015). Multivariate analysis confirmed age >75 years as a strong predictor of PAD in hypertensive patients (p = 0.01, OR = 4.6). Furthermore, PAD prevalence increased with the severity of hypertension (p = 0.03), emphasizing the need for targeted screening strategies in this population. Conclusion: Despite its limits, this study underscores the urgent need for improved access to healthcare services and tailored screening programs. The findings highlight the growing burden of PAD in Sub-Saharan Africa and the essential role of early detection and intervention, particularly in high-risk populations such as hypertensive individuals. Collaborative efforts involving healthcare providers, policymakers, and community stakeholders are crucial to implement effective interventions and reduce the impact of PAD on population health outcomes.

Imperative for long-term management and surveillance in Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease(KD)is a significant pediatric vasculitis known for its potential to cause severe coronary artery complications.Despite the effectiveness of initial treatments,such as intravenous immunoglobulin,KD patients can experience long-term cardiovascular issues,as evidenced by a recent case report of an adult who suffered a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to previous KD in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.This editorial emphasizes the critical need for long-term management and regular surveillance to prevent such complications.By drawing on recent research and case studies,we advocate for a structured approach to follow-up care that includes routine cardiac evaluations and preventive measures.

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.

A 63-Year-Old Male with D-Transposition of the Great Arteries Who Had an Early Form of the Arterial Switch Operation

We describe a 63-year-old male who appears to have undergone an early form of the arterial switch operation for D-transposition of the great arteries performed in the mid-1960s.We review the clinical and imaging data that support our conclusion.He had a diagnostic cardiac catheterization which demonstrated severe pulmonary hypertension responsive to epoprostenol and oxygen.Our case may represent one example of the experimental surgical work done prior to Dr.Adibe Jatene’s description of thefirst successful arterial switch performed in 1975.

Safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney patients with gross hematuria: Six case reports

BACKGROUND To retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease(ADPKD)patients with gross hematuria.CASE SUMMARY The purpose of this study is to retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating ADPKD patients with gross hematuria.Materials and methods:During the period from January 2018 to December 2019,renal transcatheter arterial embolization was carried out on 6 patients with polycystic kidneys and gross hematuria.Renal arteriography was performed first,and then we determined the location of the hemorrhage and performed embolization under digital subtraction angiography monitoring.Improvements in routine blood test results,routine urine test results,urine color and postoperative reactions were observed and analyzed.Results:Renal transcatheter arterial embolization was successfully conducted in 6 patients.The indices of 5 patients and the color of gross hematuria improved after surgery compared with before surgery.No severe complication reactions occurred.CONCLUSION For autosomal dominant polycystic kidney syndrome patients with gross hematuria,transcatheter arterial embolization was safe and effective.

Enhanced Wolf Pack Algorithm (EWPA) and Dense-kUNet Segmentation for Arterial Calcifications in Mammograms

Breast Arterial Calcification(BAC)is a mammographic decision dissimilar to cancer and commonly observed in elderly women.Thus identifying BAC could provide an expense,and be inaccurate.Recently Deep Learning(DL)methods have been introduced for automatic BAC detection and quantification with increased accuracy.Previously,classification with deep learning had reached higher efficiency,but designing the structure of DL proved to be an extremely challenging task due to overfitting models.It also is not able to capture the patterns and irregularities presented in the images.To solve the overfitting problem,an optimal feature set has been formed by Enhanced Wolf Pack Algorithm(EWPA),and their irregularities are identified by Dense-kUNet segmentation.In this paper,Dense-kUNet for segmentation and optimal feature has been introduced for classification(severe,mild,light)that integrates DenseUNet and kU-Net.Longer bound links exist among adjacent modules,allowing relatively rough data to be sent to the following component and assisting the system in finding higher qualities.The major contribution of the work is to design the best features selected by Enhanced Wolf Pack Algorithm(EWPA),and Modified Support Vector Machine(MSVM)based learning for classification.k-Dense-UNet is introduced which combines the procedure of Dense-UNet and kU-Net for image segmentation.Longer bound associations occur among nearby sections,allowing relatively granular data to be sent to the next subsystem and benefiting the system in recognizing smaller characteristics.The proposed techniques and the performance are tested using several types of analysis techniques 826 filled digitized mammography.The proposed method achieved the highest precision,recall,F-measure,and accuracy of 84.4333%,84.5333%,84.4833%,and 86.8667%when compared to other methods on the Digital Database for Screening Mammography(DDSM).

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.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors in peripheral artery disease:A review of efficacy,safety,and outcomes

Peripheral artery disease(PAD)is a common condition characterized by atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries,associated with concomitant coronary and cerebrovascular diseases.Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9)inhibitors are a class of drugs that have shown potential in hypercholesterolemic patients.This review focuses on the efficacy,safety,and clinical outcomes of PCSK9 inhibitors in PAD based on the literature indexed by PubMed.Trials such as FOURIER and ODYSSEY demonstrate the efficacy of evolocumab and alirocumab in reducing cardiovascular events,offering a potential treatment option for PAD patients.Safety evaluations from trials show few adverse events,most of which are injection-site reactions,indicating the overall safety profile of PCSK9 inhibitors.Clinical outcomes show a reduction in cardiovascular events,ischemic strokes,and major adverse limb events.However,despite these positive findings,PCSK9 inhibitors are still underutilized in clinical practice,possibly due to a lack of awareness among care providers and cost concerns.Further research is needed to establish the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of PCSK9 inhibitors in PAD patients.