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Eur Heart J Case Rep 2022 May 28;6(5):ytac138. Epub 2022 Mar 28.

Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.

Background: Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is a subgroup of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) where vascular remodelling affects mainly the post-capillary vessels. It is characterized by a particularly worse prognosis and by the risk of developing life-threatening pulmonary oedema, especially after PAH-targeted therapy. Therefore, suspicion of PVOD is crucial to guide the patient's management. Read More

Aust Prescr 2022 Apr 1;45(2):53-57. Epub 2022 Apr 1.

Australian University Medical School, Canberra.

Troponins are proteins that are integral components of the contractile mechanism of muscle, including cardiac muscle. Cardiac troponins Iand T can be detected in the blood of most people after puberty, at concentrations reflecting cardiac mass, sex and age. Current laboratory assays are approximately 1000 times more sensitive than those used previously. Read More

PLoS One 2022 16;17(5):e0268330. Epub 2022 May 16.

Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Grenoble-Alpes, France.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD) is common and associated with poorer outcomes in patients with ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) and the index of hyperemic microvascular resistance (HMR) are both invasive indexes of microvascular resistance proposed for the diagnosis of severe CMVD after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). However, these indexes are not routinely assessed in STEMI patients. Read More

Front Cardiovasc Med 2022 27;9:815137. Epub 2022 Apr 27.

Department of Women Healthcare, Jinan Maternity and Child Care Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.

Background: Although congenital heart defect (CHD) was the dominating birth defect, the time trend analysis of CHD was largely unknown. In our study, the time trend analysis of CHD from 2005 to 2020 in Jinan was conducted, aimed to reveal the epidemiological characteristics in a city and provided the data basis for the government to make a policy intervention.

Methods: A multi-institutional and retrospective review of CHD for all births from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2020 was performed. Read More

Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022 Apr 25. Epub 2022 Apr 25.

Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Ankara, Turkey. Electronic address:

The term 'neuromuscular diseases' defines disorders of the extended motor unit. Newborns with disorders of peripheral nervous system (PNS) (motor neurons, nerve roots, plexuses, peripheral nerves, neuromuscular junction, and skeletal muscles) present most frequently with hypotonia, weakness, contractures, respiratory and feeding difficulties. Challenge in the newborn period is, hypotonia may also occur with more common central causes such as; electrolyte disturbances, sepsis, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), congestive heart failure, and inborn errors of metabolism. Read More

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2022 May 14:e12967. Epub 2022 May 14.

Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, Singapore.

Background: Cardiac amyloidosis is a protein misfolding disorder involving deposition of amyloid fibril proteins in the heart. The associated fibrosis of the conduction tissue results in conduction abnormalities and arrhythmias. "Classical" electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in cardiac amyloidosis include that of low voltage complexes with increased left ventricular wall thickness on echocardiography. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022 Apr 24;19(9). Epub 2022 Apr 24.

Fondazione CNR Regione Toscana G. Monasterio, 56124 Pisa, Italy.

Patients undergoing major surgery have a substantial risk of cardiovascular events during the perioperative period. Despite the introduction of several risk scores based on medical history, classical risk factors and non-invasive cardiac tests, the possibility of predicting cardiovascular events in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery remains limited. The cardiac-specific biomarkers, natriuretic peptides (NPs) and cardiac troponins (cTn) have been proposed as additional tools for risk prediction in the perioperative period. Read More

Indian J Pathol Microbiol 2022 May;65(Supplement):S277-S290

Neuropathology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Metabolic myopathies are a diverse group of genetic disorders that result in impaired energy production. They are individually rare and several have received the 'orphan disorder' status. However, collectively they constitute a relatively common group of disorders that affect not only the skeletal muscle but also the heart, liver, and brain among others. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2022 26;13:890078. Epub 2022 Apr 26.

State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.

Tetrahydropalmatine (THP), a tetrahydroproberine isoquinoline alkaloid, is widely present in some botanical drugs, such as H.S. Lo (Menispermaceae; Radix stephaniae epigaeae), (Y. Read More

Front Cardiovasc Med 2022 25;9:888269. Epub 2022 Apr 25.

Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Background: Contemporary Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) mainly operate at a constant speed, only insufficiently adapting to changes in patient demand. Automatic physiological speed control promises tighter integration of the LVAD into patient physiology, increasing the level of support during activity and decreasing support when it is excessive.

Methods: A sensorless modular control algorithm was developed for a centrifugal LVAD (HVAD, Medtronic plc, MN, USA). Read More

ESC Heart Fail 2022 May 12. Epub 2022 May 12.

Department of Cardiology, Hospital Group Twente (Almelo and Hengelo), Almelo, The Netherlands.

Aims: One of the bothersome symptoms that heart failure (HF) patients can experience is thirst. There are limited data on the association between thirst and fluid intake and clinical variables. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe severe thirst in stable HF patients and assess factors related to severe thirst, including actual fluid intake and sodium intake. Read More

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2022 May;47(9):2322-2329

Center for Evidence-based Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Tianjin 301617, China.

The present study systematically collected, analyzed, and evaluated randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of heart failure to provide references for follow-up clinical research design, guideline update, and policy formulation, and promote the improvement of clinical evidence quality. On the basis of the collection in the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Clinical Evidence Database System(EVDS), CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of heart failure from database inception to December 31, 2020. The di-sease type, publication time, sample size, intervention/control setting, course of treatment, evaluation indexes, and methodological quality were analyzed and evaluated. Read More

Int J Prev Med 2022 12;13:41. Epub 2022 Mar 12.

Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Identifying factors that impact physical function in older populations is important for the maintenance of good health with aging. Age-related hyperkyphosis, an excessive curvature in the thoracic spine, affects up to 40% of the older adults and is more common in older females than males. An association of age-related hyperkyphosis with impaired physical function has been reported in numerous studies, however, other studies have reported that a greater magnitude of kyphosis did not associate with impaired physical function. Read More

Can J Cardiol 2022 May 4. Epub 2022 May 4.

Division of Cardiology, Yasmin and Amir Virani Provincial Adult Congenital Heart Program, St.Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Electronic address:

Over time the long-term survival has dramatically increased for patients with complex congenital heart disease who undergo the Fontan operation. With this increased survival, it has become apparent that such a circulation has important consequences for other organ systems, particularly the liver and kidney. The adverse milieu created by chronic venous hypertension, low cardiac output and an inflammatory state contribute to the pathologic changes observed in the liver and kidneys over the long-term in Fontan patients. Read More

Cureus 2022 Apr 3;14(4):e23795. Epub 2022 Apr 3.

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, USA.

When hypovolemia is left uncorrected, it can lead to poor tissue oxygenation and organ dysfunction. On the other hand, excessive fluid administration can increase the risk of complications. Assessing volume responsiveness in critically ill patients is therefore crucial. Read More

Front Cardiovasc Med 2022 19;9:718114. Epub 2022 Apr 19.

Department of Congenital Heart Disease, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Although disease etiologies differ, heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF and HFrEF, respectively) both present with clinical symptoms when under stress and impaired exercise capacity. The extent to which the adaptation of heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO) under stress conditions is altered can be quantified by stress testing in conjunction with imaging methods and may help to detect the diminishment in a patient's condition early. The aim of this meta-analysis was to quantify hemodynamic changes during physiological and pharmacological stress testing in patients with HF. Read More

JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2022 05 16;15(5):796-808. Epub 2022 Feb 16.

Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Cardiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland. Electronic address:

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association of diabetes and glycemic control with myocardial fibrosis (MF).

Background: MF is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and death. Diabetes may influence the development of MF, but evidence is inconsistent. Read More

Yonsei Med J 2022 May;63(5):413-421

Division of Cardiology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea.

Purpose: Platelet function test (PFT) results and genotype hold unique prognostic implications in East Asian patients. The aim of the PTRG-DES (Platelet function and genoType-Related long-term proGnosis in Drug-Eluting Stent-treated Patients with coronary artery disease) consortium is to assess the clinical impact thereof on long-term clinical outcomes in Korean patients with coronary artery disease during dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) including clopidogrel.

Materials And Methods: Searching publications on the PubMed, we reviewed clopidogrel treatment studies with PFT and/or genotype data for potential inclusion in this study. Read More

Lancet Haematol 2022 May 2. Epub 2022 May 2.

Radiation Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

In potentially curable cancers, long-term survival depends not only on the successful treatment of the malignancy but also on the risks associated with treatment-related toxicity, especially cardiotoxicity. Malignant lymphomas affect patients at any age, with acute and late toxicity risks that could have a severe effect on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Although our understanding of chemotherapy-associated and radiotherapy-associated cardiovascular disease has advanced considerably, new drugs with potential cardiotoxicity have been introduced for the treatment of lymphomas. Read More

Prostate Int 2022 Mar 9;10(1):68-74. Epub 2021 Mar 9.

Department of Urology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

The expansion of the indication to use androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) to treat patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer has dramatically increased over the recent decades, resulting in the progress of patients' survival. However, chronic health implications can become more apparent as the number of long-term cancer survivors is expected to be increased along with the adverse effect of ADT. In particular, interest in investigating ADT, especially luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist association with cognitive dysfunction has been growing. Read More

Lancet Infect Dis 2022 Apr 29. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

Department of Health Studies, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA.

Loiasis, also called African eye worm, is not currently on WHO's list of priority neglected tropical diseases, even though the risk that individuals with high Loa loa microfilarial densities will develop potentially fatal encephalopathy when they take ivermectin has complicated efforts to use mass drug administration for onchocerciasis (river blindness) and lymphatic filariasis control in co-endemic areas. At least 10 million residents of central and west Africa are thought to have loiasis, which causes painful and itchy subcutaneous oedema, arthralgia, and discomfort when adult helminths that are 3-7 cm in length are present under the conjunctiva of the eye. High levels of microfilaraemia are associated with renal, cardiac, neurological, and other sequelae, and an increased risk of death. Read More

JTO Clin Res Rep 2022 May 30;3(5):100316. Epub 2022 Mar 30.

Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Introduction: Durvalumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 1 year after chemoradiation has improved overall survival (OS) in unresectable stage III NSCLC. Subsequently, a 20 mg/kg 4-weekly regimen was approved. The study goal was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of the two regimens. Read More

Cardiovasc Digit Health J 2022 Apr 28;3(2):89-95. Epub 2022 Jan 28.

Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.

Background: Telehealth (TH) visits have been growing with exponential increased utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the implementation and early experience of a pediatric electrophysiology (EP) TH program implemented during the pandemic, assessing patient satisfaction, patient equity and inclusion (measured by geographical outreach), and sustainability.

Methods: A retrospective chart review study was performed and data were collected from the medical record, including demographic, testing, and billing data from scheduled TH encounters between March and August 2020 of a single pediatric EP group in the Midwest. Read More

BMJ Open 2022 Apr 29;12(4):e054274. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

University of Leeds Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Leeds, UK.

Introduction: Heart failure affects 26 million people globally, approximately 900 thousand people in the UK, and is increasing in incidence. Appropriate management of medicines for heart failure at the time of hospital discharge reduces readmissions, improves quality of life and increases survival. The Improving the Safety and Continuity Of Medicines management at Transitions (ISCOMAT) trial tests the effectiveness of the Medicines at Transition Intervention (MaTI), which aims to enhance self-care and increase community pharmacy involvement in the medicines management of heart failure patients. Read More

Sports Med 2022 Apr 29. Epub 2022 Apr 29.

Neuromuscular Assessment Laboratory, Physical Education School, Federal University of Pelotas, Luís de Camões Street, No. 625, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.

Background: Physical properties of water cause physiological changes in the immersed human body compared with the land environment. Understanding the magnitude of cardiorespiratory alterations might ensure adequate intensity control during aquatic exercise programs.

Objective: We aimed to compare the oxygen uptake (VO), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) parameters during aquatic and land incremental tests. Read More

PLoS One 2022 28;17(4):e0267716. Epub 2022 Apr 28.

College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.

Background: For the past few years, only a few monovalent EV71 vaccines have been developed, while other enterovirus vaccines are in short supply. We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis to explore the epidemiological characteristics, routine laboratory diagnosis, clinical signs and risk factors for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD).

Methods: PubMed, Embase and the Web of Science were searched for eligible reports published before April 16, 2021, with no publication time or language restrictions. Read More

Front Psychol 2022 11;13:833136. Epub 2022 Apr 11.

Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milan, Italy.

Introduction: Executive dysfunctions constitute a significant public health problem: their high impact on everyday life makes it a priority to identify early strategies for evaluating and rehabilitating these disorders in a real-life context. The ecological limitation of traditional neuropsychological tests and several difficulties in administering tests or training in real-life scenarios have paved the way to use Virtual Reality-based tools to evaluate and rehabilitate Executive Functions (EFs) in real-life.

Objective: This work aims to conduct a systematic review to provide a detailed description of the VR-based tools currently developed for the evaluation and rehabilitation of EFs. Read More

Neurocrit Care 2022 Apr 26. Epub 2022 Apr 26.

Cambia Palliative Care Center of Excellence, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Background: Effective shared decision-making relies on some degree of alignment between families and the medical team regarding a patient's likelihood of recovery. Patients with severe acute brain injury (SABI) are often unable to participate in decisions, and therefore family members make decisions on their behalf. The goal of this study was to evaluate agreement between prognostic predictions by families, physicians, and nurses of patients with SABI regarding their likelihood of regaining independence and to measure each group's prediction accuracy. Read More

Transfus Apher Sci 2022 Apr 20:103450. Epub 2022 Apr 20.

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. Electronic address:

ABO antibodies occur naturally and usually exist as alloantibodies. They are the most clinically significant in cases of transfusions. However, there are very few reports on auto-anti-A or B. Read More

J Alzheimers Dis 2022 Apr 22. Epub 2022 Apr 22.

Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.

Neuropsychological assessment using the Boston Process Approach (BPA) suggests that an analysis of the strategy or the process by which tasks and neuropsychological tests are completed, and the errors made during test completion convey much information regarding underlying brain and cognition and are as important as overall summary scores. Research over the last several decades employing an analysis of process and errors has been able to dissociate between dementia patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia associated with MRI-determined white matter alterations, and Parkinson's disease; and between mild cognitive impairment subtypes. Nonetheless, BPA methods can be labor intensive to deploy. Read More