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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Atrial Mechanics in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Discriminating between Ventricular Hypertrophy and Fibrosis

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2022 Jan;118(1):77-87. doi: 10.36660/abc.20200890.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to systemic hypertension (HTN) may be associated with left atrial (LA) functional abnormalities.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize LA mechanics in HCM and HTN and determine any correlation with the extent of left ventricular (LV) fibrosis measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in HCM patients.

METHODS: Two-dimensional speckle tracking-derived longitudinal LA function was acquired from apical views in 60 HCM patients, 60 HTN patients, and 34 age-matched controls. HCM patients also underwent CMR, with measurement of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extension. Association with LA strain parameters was analyzed. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS: Mean LV ejection fraction was not different between the groups. The E/e’ ratio was impaired in the HCM group and preserved in the control group. LA mechanics was significantly reduced in HCM, compared to the HTN group. LA strain rate in reservoir (LASRr) and in contractile (LASRct) phases were the best discriminators of HCM, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8, followed by LA strain in reservoir phase (LASr) (AUC 0.76). LASRr and LASR-ct had high specificity (89% and 91%, respectively) and LASr had sensitivity of 80%. A decrease in 2.79% of LA strain rate in conduit phase (LASRcd) predicted an increase of 1cm in LGE extension (r2=0.42, β 2.79, p=0.027).

CONCLUSIONS: LASRr and LASRct were the best discriminators for LVH secondary to HCM. LASRcd predicted the degree of LV fibrosis assessed by CMR. These findings suggest that LA mechanics is a potential predictor of disease severity in HCM.

PMID:35195213 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20200890

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Reduced CTRP3 Levels in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease and Related with the Presence of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2022 Jan;118(1):52-58. doi: 10.36660/abc.20200669.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Serum Complement C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 (CTRP3) levels and the relationship with atrial fibrillation (AF) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are not clearly known.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the change in serum CTRP3 levels and its relationship with paroxysmal AF in stable CAD.

METHOD: The study included 252 patients with CAD and 50 age-sex matched healthy control subjects. Serum CTRP3 levels were measured in addition to routine anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory and echocardiography examinations. The patients were divided into groups with and without CAD and CAD patients with and without paroxysmal AF. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05.

RESULTS: Serum CTRP3 levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with CAD than in the control group (p<0.001). AF was detected in 38 patients (15.08%) in the CAD group. The frequency of hypertension and female gender, hs-CRP, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and left atrial end-diastolic (LAd) diameter were higher (p<0.05 for each one), and CTRP3 levels were lower in patients with AF (p <0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, serum CTRP3 levels and LAd diameters were independently determined the patients with AF (p<0.01 for each one). In this analysis, we found that every 1 ng/mL reduction in CTRP3 levels increased the risk of AF by 10.7%. In the ROC analysis of CTRP3 values for detecting patients with AF, the area under the ROC curve for CTRP3 was 0.971 (0.951-991) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). When the CTRP3 cut-off value was taken as 300 ng/mL, it was found to predict the presence of AF with 87.9% sensitivity and 86.8% specificity.

CONCLUSION: Serum CTRP3 levels were significantly reduced in patients with stable CAD and decreased CTRP3 levels were closely related to the presence of paroxysmal AF in these patients.

PMID:35195208 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20200669

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Thrombolytic Therapy in Octogenarians with Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2022 Jan;118(1):68-74. doi: 10.36660/abc.20201060.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the high proportion of octogenarians with acute pulmonary embolism, there is little information indicating the optimal management strategy, mainly therapeutic measures, such as lytic therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The number of elderly patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism increases constantly. However, the role of thrombolytic treatment is not clearly defined among octogenarians. Our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of lytic therapy in octogenarian patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism.

METHODS: One hundred and forty eight subjects (70.3% women, n=104) aged more than eighty years were included in the study. The patients were divided in two groups: thrombolytic versus non-thrombolytic treatment. In-hospital mortality rates and bleeding events were defined as study outcomes. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistical significance.

RESULTS: In-hospital mortality decreased significantly in the thrombolytic group compared to the non-thrombolytic group (10.5% vs. 24.2% p=0.03). Minor bleeding events were more common in the arm that received thrombolytic treatment, but major hemorrhage did not differ between the groups (35.1% vs. 13.2%, p<0.01; 7% vs. 5.5% p=0.71, respectively). High PESI score (OR: 1.03 95%CI; 1.01-1.04 p<0.01), thrombolytic therapy (OR: 0.15 95%CI; 0.01-0.25, p< 0.01) and high troponin levels (OR: 1.20 95%CI; 1.01-1.43, p=0.03) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality rates in the multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSION: Thrombolytic therapy was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality at the expense of increased overall bleeding complications in octogenarians.

PMID:35195211 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20201060

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Effects of Smoking on Very-Long Term Mortality after First ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2022 Jan;118(1):24-32. doi: 10.36660/abc.20201036.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The smoking paradox has been a matter of debate for acute myocardial infarction patients for more than two decades. Although there is huge evidence claiming that is no real paradox, publications supporting better outcomes in post-MI smokers are still being released.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of smoking on very long-term mortality after ST Elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS: This study included STEMI patients who were diagnosed between the years of 2004-2006 at three tertiary centers. Patients were categorized according to tobacco exposure (Group 1: non-smokers; Group 2: <20 package*years users, Group 3: 20-40 package*years users, Group 4: >40 package*years users). A Cox regression model was used to estimate the relative risks for very long-term mortality. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS: There were 313 patients (201 smokers, 112 non-smokers) who were followed-up for a median period of 174 months. Smokers were younger (54±9 vs. 62±11, p: <0.001), and the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors were more prevalent in non-smokers. A univariate analysis of the impact of the smoking habit on mortality revealed a better survival curve in Group 2 than in Group 1. However, after adjustment for confounders, it was observed that smokers had a significantly increased risk of death. The relative risk became higher with increased exposure (Group 2 vs. Group 1; HR: 1.141; 95% CI: 0.599 to 2.171, Group 3 vs Group 1; HR: 2.130; 95% CI: 1.236 to 3.670, Group 4 vs Group 1; HR: 2.602; 95% CI: 1.461 to 4.634).

CONCLUSION: Smoking gradually increases the risk of all-cause mortality after STEMI.

PMID:35195205 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20201036

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Metformin versus glyburide in treatment and control of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2022 Feb 16;20:eRW6155. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2022RW6155. eCollection 2022.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare the major outcomes of use of metformin and glyburide in treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus.

METHODS: Studies published in English, in the last 10 years, in the databases MEDLINE®, SciELO, LILACS and Cochrane Library were analyzed, and randomized controlled trials were selected. Health Sciences Descriptors were used to compose the search phrase, and the keywords “Gestational diabetes”, “Glyburide”, “Metformin” and their variations were searched in the Medical Subject Headings. PRISMA systematization was used to prepare this review, and a meta-analysis was conducted aiming to mathematically show the results of fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, birth weight and weight gain during pregnancy after using metformin and glyburide.

RESULTS: The studies evaluated birth weight, neonatal hypoglycemia, mode of delivery, need for intensive care, Apgar score, macrosomia, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose and weight gain during pregnancy. In 60% of studies, there were no statistically significant differences regarding safety and efficacy of administration of metformin and glyburide. Meta-analysis demonstrated the absence of statistical differences between these drugs in fasting blood glucose (p=0.821), postprandial blood glucose (p=0.217) and birth weight (p=0.194). However, significant differences were shown in weight gain during pregnancy (p=0.036).

CONCLUSION: The methods are effective, but the adverse effects of glyburide are more common; therefore, the use of metformin should be recommended, if in monotherapy.

PMID:35195193 | DOI:10.31744/einstein_journal/2022RW6155

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Lower Serum Fetuin-A Levels are Associated with a Higher Ten-Year Mortality Risk in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2022 Jan;118(1):14-21. doi: 10.36660/abc.20201057.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fetuin-A is an anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification factor involved in the course of coronary artery disease (CAD). In line with these functions, fetuin-A has been investigated as a cardiovascular risk marker in many studies. However, the association between fetuin-A and the prognosis of CAD patients is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to identify the association between serum fetuin-A level and long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS: One hundred eigthy consecutive patients with STEMI were enrolled in the study. The study population was divided into subgroups (lower, ≤288 µg/ml; and higher, >288 µg/ml) according to the median fetuin-A level. Clinical follow-up data was obtained by annual contact with the patients or family members by telephone. The causes of death were also confirmed by the national health database. Two-sided p-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 10 years, 71 deaths were recorded , 62 of whom died from CVD. Both CVD and all-cause mortality were found to be significantly higher in the lower fetuin-A group than the higher fetuin-A group (44% vs 24%, p= 0.005; 48% vs 31%, p= 0.022, respectively). In Cox regression proportional hazard analyses, fetuin-A was found to be an independent predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: Low fetuin-A concentration is associated with a poor long-term prognosis after STEMI, regardless of the traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Our findings have strengthened previous studies that consistently demonstrate the determining role of anti-inflammatory mediators in acute coronary syndromes.

PMID:35195203 | DOI:10.36660/abc.20201057

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Metabolomics in clinical and forensic toxicology, sports anti-doping, and veterinary residues

Drug Test Anal. 2022 Feb 23. doi: 10.1002/dta.3245. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Metabolomics is a multidisciplinary field providing workflows for complementary approaches to conventional analytical determinations. It allows for the study of metabolically related groups of compounds or even the study of novel pathways within the biological system. The procedural stages of metabolomics; experimental design, sample preparation, analytical determinations, data processing and statistical analysis, compound identification and validation strategies, are explored in this review. The selected approach will depend on the type of study being conducted. Experimental design influences the whole metabolomics workflow and thus needs to be properly assessed to ensure sufficient sample size, minimal introduced and biological variation and appropriate statistical power. Sample preparation needs to be simple, yet potentially global in order to detect as many compounds as possible. Analytical determinations need to be optimised either for the list of targeted compounds or a universal approach. Data processing and statistical analysis approaches vary widely and need to be better harmonised for review and interpretation. This includes validation strategies which are currently deficient in many presented workflows. Common compound identification approaches have been explored in this review. Metabolomics applications are discussed for clinical and forensic toxicology, human and equine sports anti-doping and veterinary residues.

PMID:35194967 | DOI:10.1002/dta.3245

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Surgical site infection following minimally invasive lobectomy: Is robotic surgery superior?

Cancer Med. 2022 Feb 23. doi: 10.1002/cam4.4609. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) in thoracic surgery remains a significant cause of morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has significantly reduced the risk of SSI. We intended to compare whether there was difference between video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) in SSI and highlight possible factors influencing SSI in lobectomy.

METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent minimally invasive lobectomy from January 2018 to December 2019. All patients’ clinical characteristics and surgery-related information which may be related to the likelihood of SSI were recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 1231 patients’ records were reviewed with 806 VATS and 425 RATS. SSI was classified as deep or superficial SSI. Eighty-six (7.0%) patients were found to develop an SSI with 62 patients having deep infections and 24 had superficial infection. No statistical difference in the incidence rate and category of SSI was observed between patients undergoing VATS and RATS.

CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the incidence of SSI between VATS and RATS lobectomy. Male gender, heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, body mass index (BMI) > 27.9, more blood loss, and the higher National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) risk index score (1 or 2) were the independent risk factors of SSI following minimally invasive lobectomy, while male gender, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, BMI > 27.9, more blood loss and the higher NHSN risk index score (1 or 2) were the main predictors of deep SSI.

PMID:35194968 | DOI:10.1002/cam4.4609

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Necrotising Otitis Externa Antibiotic therapy complications: A retrospective cohort analysis

Clin Otolaryngol. 2022 Feb 23. doi: 10.1111/coa.13921. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

NOE is a rare but life-threatening condition. Treatment is long-term intravenous antibiotics. However, there is no evidence on the complications of antibiotic treatment in this complex cohort of patients In our study, patients on average are treated with two different antibiotic regimes 63% of these changes in regimen are due to direct adverse effects from treatment including drug intolerance and lack of significant clinical response leading to deterioration and morbid complications Patients requiring multiple antibiotic regimes have a statistically longer duration of treatment. These adverse effects appear to occur more frequently in patients with additional comorbidities. This novel data provides information clinicians can use when initiating treatment for NOE and counsel patients appropriately.

PMID:35194951 | DOI:10.1111/coa.13921

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Heterotrimetallic Double Cavity Cages: Syntheses and Selective Guest Binding

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2022 Feb 22. doi: 10.1002/anie.202201700. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A strategy for the generation of heterotrimetallic double cavity (DC) cages [PdnPtmL4]6+ (DC1: n = 1, m = 2; and DC2: n = 2, m = 1) is reported. The DC cages were generated by combining an inert platinum(II) tetrapyridylaldehyde complex with a suitably substituted pyridylamine and Pd(II) ions. 1H and DOSY nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) data were consistent with the formation of the DC architectures. DC1 and DC2, were shown to interact with several different guest molecules. The structure of DC1, which features two identical cavities, binding two 2,6-diaminoanthraquinone (DAQ) guest molecules was determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. In addition, DC1 was shown to bind two molecules of the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in a statistical (non-cooperative) manner. In contrast, DC2, which features two different cage cavities was found to interact with two different guests, 5-FU and cisplatin, selectively.

PMID:35194905 | DOI:10.1002/anie.202201700