bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Geography of Nonviolence
Authors: Slate Nico
Published: January 2023

In the summer of 1954, the Highlander Folk School, a racially integrated institution located in the hills of Tennessee, hosted a series of workshops on the United Nations. Highlander’s UN workshops cultivated a grassroots globalism that aimed to connect the UN to local action on behalf of racial integration. Yet while the workshops helped raise awareness about the work of the UN, they failed to directly link such global awareness to local action and instead revealed the danger that a certain kind of global optimism would lead to local apathy. By contrast, Highlander’s radical integrationism, by challenging the borders of race, opened a space for other kinds of border crossing, particularly in regard to nonviolent civil disobedience. Audio recordings of Highlander’s workshops provide a rare perspective on the geography of nonviolence. By revealing the geographic imagination of local activists, these tapes allow us to reconceive the transnational history of the American civil rights movement as a grassroots endeavor.
307 The study design of a trial of dupilumab in adult patients with bullous pemphigoid (BP): LIBERTY-BP ADEPT
Authors: Murrell Dedee F , Joly Pascal , Werth Victoria P , Laws Elizabeth , Mannent Leda P , Beazley Bethany , Dubost-Brama Ariane , Shabbir Arsalan
Published: January 2023

BP is a rare autoimmune skin-blistering disorder with a profound negative impact on quality of life, associated with burdensome morbidity and possible mortality. There is a need for effective targeted therapies with a demonstrated safety profile for BP. Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation that may play a role in BP. Published case series describes the use of dupilumab in patients with BP, but it has not been formally assessed in a clinical trial for BP. We describe the design of the LIBERTY-BP ADEPT trial (NCT04206553) that aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in achieving sustained remission off oral corticosteroids (OCS) in patients with moderate-to-severe BP. LIBERTY-BP ADEPT is a global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study consisting of a 35-day screening period, a 52-week double-blind treatment period and a 12-week follow-up period. Inclusion criteria include age 18–90 years and clinical features of BP with a confirmed diagnosis based on histopathology, immunopathology, and serology. Exclusion criteria include previous treatment with IL-4 or IL-13 antagonists or systemic or medium-to-high potency topical corticosteroids within 7 days of the baseline visit. All patients receive standard OCS to control disease activity at the start of the treatment period. Post randomization, after 2 weeks of sustained remission, OCS is to be gradually tapered and discontinued as long as disease control is maintained. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients achieving sustained remission at week 36. Key secondary endpoints include total cumulative OCS dose, percent change in weekly average daily Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score, and proportion of patients with improved daily Peak Pruritus NRS score ≥4 from baseline to week 36. LIBERTY-BP ADEPT aims to enroll 98 patients; enrollment is ongoing and will include more than 17 sites in Europe. BP shares pathophysiological pathways with type 2 inflammatory diseases mediated by IL-4 and IL-13. The ongoing LIBERTY-BP ADEPT study is the first randomized, controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in patients with moderate-to-severe BP.
Plasma amyloid-β42/40 and apolipoprotein E for amyloid PET pre-screening in secondary prevention trials of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cullen Nicholas C , Janelidze Shorena , Stomrud Erik , Bateman Randall J , Palmqvist Sebastian , Hansson Oskar , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas
Published: January 2023

The extent to which newly developed blood-based biomarkers could reduce screening costs in secondary prevention trials of Alzheimer’s disease is mostly unexplored. We collected plasma amyloid-β42/40, apolipoprotein E ε4 status and amyloid PET at baseline in 181 cognitively unimpaired participants [the age of 72.9 (5.3) years; 61.9% female; education of 11.9 (3.4) years] from the Swedish BioFINDER-1 study. We tested whether a model predicting amyloid PET status from plasma amyloid-β42/40, apolipoprotein E status and age (combined) reduced cost of recruiting amyloid PET + cognitively unimpaired participants into a theoretical trial. We found that the percentage of cognitively unimpaired participants with an amyloid PET + scan rose from 29% in an unscreened population to 64% [(49, 79); P < 0.0001] when using the biomarker model to screen for high risk for amyloid PET + status. In simulations, plasma screening also resulted in a 54% reduction of the total number of amyloid PET scans required and reduced total recruitment costs by 43% [(31, 56), P < 0.001] compared to no pre-screening when assuming a 16× PET-to-plasma cost ratio. Total savings remained significant when the PET-to-plasma cost ratio was assumed to be 8× or 4×. This suggests that a simple plasma biomarker model could lower recruitment costs in Alzheimer’s trials requiring amyloid PET positivity for inclusion.
The use of hatch score for the prediction of post operative atrial fibrillation (poaf) after coronary artery bypass graft: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ramos O S
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background and Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia in post-cardiac surgery. It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, thus portending a significant burden to patients and the health economy. A HATCH score is a handy tool in predicting new onset atrial fibrillation which consists of (Hypertension <1 point>, Age >75 years old <1 point>, transient ischemic attack or stroke <2 points>, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] <1 point>, and heart failure <2 points>. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the role of HATCH score in predicting the occurrence of post-operative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of three studies. The study included patients undergoing cardiac surgery and using HATCH score as a predicting tool for post-operative atrial fibrillation.

Results

A total of 3 trials eligible for inclusion in our systematic review, giving a total of 908 participants. All three trials used the HATCH score to predict PoAF. The study was done retrospectively. The pooled RR’s showed an important risk for PoAF in patients with a HATCH score of 2 or more, indicating an approximately 2-fold greater risk (RR: 2.86 [95% CI 2.27-3.59], p = 0.00001.

Conclusion

This study investigated the development of PoAF with reference to the HATCH score. The study demonstrated a correlation of having a high HATCH score and PoAF who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery.
Implementation of point-of-care INR testing to improve effectiveness of anticoagulation clinic
Authors: Mohammad I N
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Oral Vitamin K antagonist (VKA) is still widely used for anticoagulation. Anticoagulation clinics are set up to monitor patients’ INR and adjust their VKA doses accordingly. Anticoagulation clinic in our centre introduced point-of-care (POC) INR testing in June 2021 to improve the effectiveness of the clinic.

Purpose

This audit was done to evaluate the effectiveness of anticoagulation since the introduction of the POC INR test into the clinic workflow.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort audit study. The study period was from 1st June 2021 to 31st July 2022. List of patients who attended the clinic from 1st – 31st January 2022 was taken from the clinic log and their electronic medical records were reviewed for the study period. Only patients who have been established on VKA for at least 3 months were included in the audit. The data collected included their basic demographics, indication for VKA, any complications / death during the study period and if their VKA had been stopped and why and serial INRs from the POC INR test during the study period. The time in therapeutic range (TTR) is calculated by Rosendaal method and all the results analysed on Microsoft Excel. The audit standard for safe and effective anticoagulation was a TTR ≥ 70%. Results were compared to an audit done previously for the centre’s anticoagulation clinic done in 2020.

Results

207 patients were included in this audit. Male patients accounted for 53.6% of the study population. Their ages ranged from 22 years to 102 years with a median age of 67 years. Majority of the patients were on VKA as stroke prevention for their atrial fibrillation (AF) (79.7%), followed by metallic valve replacement (13%). The median TTR for patients with AF had improved from 40.8% in 2020 to 51.05% in 2020-21 study period and this difference is significant (p = 0.017). Patients getting effective anticoagulation also improved from 23.26% in 2020 to 26.79% during this audit period. 13% of the study population developed complications on VKA in which 2.9% of patients developed gastrointestinal bleed and 1% developed intracranial haemorrhage. There were 4 fatalities, none were from gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage or stroke. 10% of patients had their VKA changed to a novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) as they were identified to have poor TTR during clinic review.

Conclusions

The introduction of POC INR test has proven to make significant improvement in patient’s median TTR for patients with AF. However, more efforts need to be made to further improve effectiveness of anticoagulation in our patients such as converting them to a NOAC if eligible or more thorough counselling and more frequent INR checks.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting with out of hospital cardiac arrest to a regional hospital
Authors: Sklavos T , Nguyen S , Sutcliffe S
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) carries a high rate of mortality and can be due to cardiac or non-cardiac causes. We reviewed consecutive patients presenting with OHCA to the emergency department of a regional hospital in Australia, between January 2019 and March 2022. Medical records were reviewed to assess presenting rhythm, final diagnosis, risk factors known at time of presentation, results of cardiac investigations and survival to hospital discharge.

Results

Over the study period, 107 patients presented with cardiac arrest, with an average age of 67 years (range 29 to 95 years). Most patients were male (70, 67%), although in those with a non-cardiac cause identified only 53% were male. An underlying cardiac cause was identified in 50 (47%), a non-cardiac cause was identified in 18 (17%), and 39 (36%) had no identifiable cause. The most common cardiac causes were ST-elevation myocardial infarction (18, 36%), followed by non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (9, 18%) and scar-related arrhythmia (7, 14%). Overall, ischaemic heart disease was responsible for 31 (62%) cases. Coronary angiography was performed in 36 (72%) of cardiac cases. Those who were diagnosed with ST-elevation myocardial infarction had an average time from presentation to coronary angiography of 61 minutes while the average was 38 hours for all patients presenting with OHCA. The most common presenting rhythm was ventricular fibrillation (39, 38%). The overall mortality rate was 61% for all OHCA. Among those with a cardiac cause, a non-cardiac cause or no cause identified for the OHCA, the mortality rates were 32%, 87% and 87% respectively. Data published by the regional Ambulance Service show that the survival to discharge from hospital of 39% in our regional hospital is comparable with state-wide outcomes.

Discussion

These data reflect the significant mortality and wide spectrum of disease underlying OHCA, and thus the challenge of managing patients presenting with OHCA. Cardiac disease accounts for almost half of all cases of OHCA, and also encompasses a wide spectrum of disease. However, the mortality in patients with OHCA due to an underlying cardiac cause, while still significant, is better than those patients in whom no cardiac cause is identified.
HbA1c variability is associated with adverse outcomes in heart failure patients with and without diabetes
Authors: Xu X , Ren Q W , Yiu K H
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Glycemic control is an important clinical issue in the management of patients with heart failure (HF). Variability of Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) has been proven to be a predictor of cardiovascular events. However, previous studies mainly focused on general population and patients with coronary artery disease, while less is known about the effect of long-term HbA1c variability on clinical outcomes in HF patients.

Purpose

To evaluate the association of HbA1c variability and the risk of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in patients with HF irrespective of their diabetic status.

Methods

By using the data from the well-validated Clinical Data Analysis Reporting System (CDARS), HF patients from 2003-2020 who had more than 3 times HbA1c measurements after the diagnosis of HF were included (N=65950, mean age was 66.5±12.0 years and 39409 (52.9%) were male). Average successive variability (ASV) ( average absolute difference between successive values), standard deviation (SD) of HbA1c were calculated. Hazard ratio (HR) of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization were estimated using competing risk regression with Cox proportional-hazard model.

Results

During a median follow-up of 7.2 years, 52446 (79.5%) patients developed HF rehospitalization and 34508 (52.3%) died. After adjusting for confounders, each unit change of HbA1c ASV or SD was significantly associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality, as well as higher risk of HF-rehospitalization (Figure 1). Among the study population, 48673 (73.8%) was diabetic while the remaining 17277 (26.2%) were non-diabetic. Interestingly, HbA1c variability had a stronger impact to non-diabetic compared to diabetic patients (P for interaction <0.001) in predicting all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization (Table 1).

Conclusion

In patients with HF, a greater HbA1c variability was associated with an increased risk of HF rehospitalization and all-cause mortality. Such effect was stronger in non-diabetic compared with diabetic. HbA1c variability, irrespective of baseline diabetic status, should be evaluated in HF patients for better risk-stratification.
Efficacy of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for heart failure with preserved and mildly reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cordovez R A B , Rivera K A , Denila R W , Patricio M D
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

SGLT2 inhibition has been a breakthrough approach in the treatment for heart failure. A most recent trial of Dapagliflozin has shown its robust benefit in patients with HFpEF and HFmrEF. However, the positive outcomes of other SGLT2i have yet to be elucidated to establish its class effect.

Purpose

We evaluated the cardiovascular outcomes of SGLT2i for HFpEF and HFmrEF.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials on SGLT2i versus placebo in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of more than 40% reporting CV outcomes were searched using Pubmed, CENTRAL, and ScienceDirect. Primary outcome was the composite of hospitalization for heart failure or CV death. Secondary outcomes were the individual HHF, CV death, as well as all-cause mortality. Pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used as effect estimates using fixed-effects model.

Results

Seven studies were included with a total of 16,713 patients. In the combined HFmrEF and HFpEF population, there was a significant reduction in composite of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in the SGLT2i group (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.87, p<0.00001) compared to placebo, driven by a significant reduction in heart failure hospitalization (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.83, p< 0.00001). In the distinct HFpEF population, there was a significant reduction in composite of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in the SGLT2i group (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.87, p<0.0001) compared to placebo.

Conclusion

SGLT2i provides significant risk reduction in HF hospitalization or CV death among patients with HFpEF compared to placebo.
Key comorbidities and laboratory findings: insights from first prospective, observational and Multi-Center Malaysia Heart Failure (MYHF) registry
Authors: Mohd Ghazi A , Abdul Ghapar A K , Abdul Malek A M , Ross N T , Zainal Abidin I , Mat Lawi F , Foo Y W , Mahadevan G , Muthusamy T S , Queck G T , Cham Y L , Abdul Wahab M J , Mohamed M S , Zainal Abidin S K , Wan Ahmad W A
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novartis Corporation Sdn Bhd

Background

In real world settings, factors that may affect prognosis of HF patients include comorbidities, lack of guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT) and laboratory findings in particular elevated cardiac biomarkers.

Purpose

This report aimed to provide insights into these important clinical characteristics in hospitalized HF patients.

Methods

MYHF registry is a prospective, observational study of symptomatic HF patients (NYHA II-IV) hospitalized in 18 tertiary care centers in Malaysia over a period of 3 years starting in 2019. The key comorbidities, GDMT and natriuretic peptides (NP) utilization in hospitalized HF patients enrolled in MYHF Registry will be analyzed.

Results

A total of 2,717 patients, mean age 60.17 years (SD 13.62) and predominantly males (66.8%) were recruited. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 36.5% (SD 15.3); with 64.6% HFrEF (LVEF ≤40%), 21.6% HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%) and 11.3% HFmrEF (LVEF 41-49%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (71.5%), followed by diabetes (59.8%), ischemic heart disease (55.9%), dyslipidemia (46.6%) and chronic kidney disease (30.9%). At admission, mean SBP was 137.6 mmHg (SD 29), with 5.9% and 42.6% of patients with SBP < 100 mmHg and ≥ 140 mmHg, respectively. Mean HbA1c value was 7.56% (SD 2.0). Mean total cholesterol and LDL-C were 4.30 mmol/L (SD 1.66) and 2.62 mmol/L (SD 1.34), respectively. At admission, mean serum creatinine was 145.76 umol/L (SD 119.64) and 1 out of 2 patients (55.1%) had eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Utilization of natriuretic peptide as biomarker was low (16.5%), with NTproBNP being more commonly used (81.5%). Half (49.2%) of patients with NT-proBNP measured had values >=5000 pg/ml. Hospitalization has been known to provide good opportunity for GDMT optimization. Although about two third (59.2%) of patients in this registry had previous history of heart failure hospitalization, only 33.7% of patients were on dual GDMT (ACEi/ARB/ARNI +BB) and 1 out of 10 (13.5%) were on triple GDMT (ACEi/ARB/ARNI+BB+MRA) during admission.

Conclusions

Hospitalized HF patients in MYHF registry are generally young, with high prevalence of co-morbidities, worse laboratory findings and had under-utilization of GDMT. The knowledge gained will be crucial for guiding management of HF patients to improve the prognosis.
Heart failure (MYHF) registry: shedding light on lipid profiles and in-hospital outcome of heart failure patients
Authors: Wan Azman W A , Abdul Ghapar A K , Abdul Kader M A S K , Ross N T , Loch A , Ramli A W , Che Hassan H H , Kumar S , Zainal Abidin H A , Karthikesan D , Mohd Amin N H , Ong T K , Liew H B , Wan Isa W Y H , Mohd Ghazi A
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Novartis Corporation Sdn Bhd

Background

Heart failure is a debilitating disease associated with multiple comorbidities and poor prognosis. Dyslipidemia, is the top 5 most common comorbidities, including HF patients. Nonetheless, the lipid profiles in HF population is scarcely available and poorly understood.

Purpose

This report aimed to describe the lipid profiles and in-hospital outcome of hospitalized HF patients.

Methods

MYHF registry is a prospective, observational study of symptomatic HF patients (NYHA II-IV) hospitalized in 18 tertiary care centers in Malaysia over a period of 3 years starting in 2019. Lipid profiles will be described, and in-hospital outcome will be analyzed using univariate and multivariate models.

Results

In MYHF registry, 1 out of 2 hospitalized HF patients (55.7%) had ischemic heart disease, significantly higher in patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF, as compared to HFpEF (p<0.001). Similarly, 1 in 2 (46.6%) patients had dyslipidemia as comorbidity but was comparable across EF subgroups (p=0.365). Statin utilization at discharge increased by 20% from admission (from 62.2% to 74.6%), indicating that hospitalization provides good opportunity for statin initiation in indicated HF patients. At admission, the mean total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL, and TG levels were 4.30 mmol/L (SD 1.66), 2.62 mmol/L (SD 1.34), 1.05 (SD 0.46), and 1.37 (SD 1.08), respectively. Of those with measured LDL-C level, only 31.4% achieved LDL-C goal of <1.8 mmol/L and 39.8% of patients had LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L. With univariate analysis, patients with LDL-C goal of ≥ 1.8 mmol/L had lesser risk of in-hospital mortality [OR 0.42 (0.21,0.86), p-value = 0.018], indicating LDL-C paradox. Further analysis with multivariate model revealed that patients with LDL-C goal of ≥ or < 1.8 mmol/L did not differ in in-hospital mortality outcome (p-value = NS).

Conclusion

Dyslipidemia is highly common in general population and in HF patients. With statin therapy, only 31.4% achieved LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/L at admission. The finding highlights the unmet need for combination lipid lowering therapies to get patient to LDL-C target goal. Hospitalization also provided good opportunity of statin therapy initiation. The knowledge gained will be crucial for guiding management of HF patients with common comorbidity like dyslipidemia.
Vaccination status and knowledge of CPR do not affect medical students' decision to perform BLS during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bantolo A P , Naranjilla R G A
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

To address the risks of transmission by COVID-19, various recommendations been released by medical societies, which include strongly advocating for the use of personal protective equipment. In addition, hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has also been promoted among cardiac arrest victims.

Some studies which evaluated healthcare practitioners’ attitudes towards CPR during the pandemic showed negative attitudes in responding to those who have unknown COVID-19 status citing safety as the primary reason. At present, there is no study which evaluates the attitudes of medical students towards Basic Life Support (BLS) during the pandemic.

Purpose

The study aimed to determine the factors associated with willingness of medical students to perform basic life support in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study using online surveys. We performed face validation and pilot study on 39 medical students. The main survey was disseminated in Metro Manila schools wherein 349 medical students participated. Questions included demographic data, prior BLS training, and vaccination status, evaluated knowledge of CPR, and determined their attitudes on CPR during the pandemic.

Results

Results showed that 338 (97%) were willing to do CPR during the pandemic. Majority are fully vaccinated (99%) and are BLS-trained (75%). The median total knowledge score was 7 out of 10. Of all participants, 37 (11%) had a perfect score. Most (79%) had a passing mark. Majority (61%) claimed that a victim’s vaccination status does not play a role in deciding to perform CPR. Among the unwilling, 55% factored in a victim’s vaccination status. Most who agreed to perform CPR will do so if they are provided with adequate protection (55%).

Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses showed that students who will do CPR on a patient who is not fully vaccinated or has unknown vaccination status have about 5 times higher odds of having the will to perform BLS during the pandemic. It also found that there is no correlation between knowledge, vaccination status, and prior training with choosing to perform BLS during the pandemic. This means that if a student is willing to do CPR on a victim wherein chances of contracting COVID-19 infection are higher, then their likelihood of performing BLS regardless of victim status, during the pandemic is five times more likely.

Conclusion

Most Filipino medical students are willing to perform BLS during the pandemic and in spite of risks of COVID-19 transmission. Their adequate knowledge, full vaccination status, or prior training did not influence their decision. In a pandemic situation, the students’ willingness to perform CPR among those with unknown COVID-19 status influences their decision to perform BLS in general.
Predictors of mortality in Vietnamese patients with infective endocartis
Authors: Tran Cong D , Hoang Van S
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Infective endocarditis (IE) has been associated with an elevated mortality rate despite major advances in diagnostic and therapeutic methods for the past decades.

Purpose

to evaluate predictors of in-hospital all-cause mortality in patients with IE.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study among patients who were 15 years of age or older with the definite or probable diagnosis of IE according to the modified Duke criteria admitted to Cho Ray Hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Patients whose medical records with insufficient data to collect were excluded from the study. The minimum sample size of the study was 99 patients.

Results

Of the 201 hospitalized patients with IE, 157 patients (78.1%) had definite diagnosis and 44 patients (21.9%) had probable diagnosis according to the modified Duke criteria. Men accounted for 65.2% and women accounted for 34.8%. The mean age of patients was 42.2±15.3. All-cause in-hospital mortality rate was 15.9%. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in univariate analysis included sex, chronic kidney disease, prior heart failure, cough, Streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, white blood cell count, estimated glomerular filtration rate, acute heart failure, septic shock, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and surgical treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that five independent prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality were male gender (OR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.11–0.97; P=0.043); prior heart failure (OR=5.29; 95% CI: 1.42–19.65; P=0.013); estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR=0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99; P=0.045); septic shock (OR=9.53; 95% CI: 1.76–51.76; P=0.009); and surgical treatment (OR=0.20; 95% CI: 0.05–0.75; P=0.017).

Conclusions

The rate of mortality in IE has remained high and its predictors should be taken into consideration to improve outcomes.
Pathophysiologic mechanism for MYOcarditis in COVID-19 VAccinations ("MYOVAx" Study)
Authors: Tan J Y , Chia Y W , Chan M , Lim S L , Chin C , Yap J , Richards A M , Teo Z W , Amanullah M R , Peck K H , Choo T L J , Sim H W , Young B E , Macary P , Yeo K K
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NMRC COVID-19 Research Fund

Objective

This is the first prospective cohort study in Singapore to investigate the COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis to understand its pathophysiology.

Introduction

Acute myocarditis and other cardiovascular symptoms have been observed to be associated with the two mRNA-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines—namely Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 and Moderna mRNA-1273)—currently in-use in Singapore. The mechanisms through which myocarditis occurs are unknown, hence our study aims to understand the pathophysiology of myocarditis associated with COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

Patients with onset of cardiac manifestations were recruited from multiple hospital outpatient clinics between November 2021 and September 2022. Clinical history and physical examination data was collected with blood sample collection, echocardiography, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), coronary angiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at recruitment and 6-month follow-up. Analysis of biomarkers, genetic, serological and MRI data was conducted.

Results

As of 6 September 2022, a total of 5 patients have been enrolled (4 males, 1 female). The most commonly reported symptoms across all patients were chest pain/discomfort (80%), followed by palpitations (40%). MRI evidence of myocarditis has been detected in 2 (50%) of the male patients, of which both reported two or more symptoms occurring 1-2 days post-vaccination. Both patients have each received at least two doses of either the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine or Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine. Their MRI findings were consistent with myocarditis. On late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging, epicardial enhancement at the basal inferolateral segment and mid-wall enhancement at the apical anterior, lateral and inferior walls were observed in one patient. Patchy, mid-wall LGE in the basal inferior/inferolateral wall was observed in the other patient. No MRI evidence of myocarditis was available for the sole female patient.

Conclusion

While more data is needed to definitively prove the association of the two mRNA-based Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 and Moderna mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccines with post-vaccination myocarditis, we believe our findings may support further investigations to enable risk stratification for vaccine-associated myocarditis and identify potential preventative strategies accordingly.
Association of left atrial ejection fraction and cardiovascular outcomes in Asian patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sari N Y , Li T Y W , Yeo S , Ngiam N J H , Lee C H , Evangelista L K M , Lee E C Y , Yeo T C , Yip J W L , Poh K K , Kong W K F , Lin W Q , Lim Y C , Sia C H , Wong R C C
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine's Junior Academic Fellowship Scheme

Background

The optimal method of risk stratification of hyp­ertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, especially in the Asian population, is unknown. Left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF) is an emerging risk marker for cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to investigate whether LAEF was associated with cardiovascular outcomes in Asian patients with HCM.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary academic centre involving 291 consecutive patients diagnosed with HCM between 2010 and 2017. We collected the relevant clinical characteristics of these patients and retrospectively analysed the index transthoracic echocardiograms for novel left atrial indices including LAEF. We obtained the maximum (LAVmax) and minimum left atrial volumes (LAVmin) using the biplane method of disks in apical 4- and 2-chamber views. LAEF was derived by dividing the difference between LAVmax and LAVmin by LAVmax. We assessed the patients for outcomes of (1) heart failure requiring admission, and (2) a composite of adverse outcomes including all-cause mortality, ventricular tachycardia / ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) events, appropriate device therapy if an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted, stroke and heart failure hospitalization.

Results

The patients had a mean age of 59.0 ± 16.7 years-old at diagnosis and had a male preponderance (71.2%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease. On univariable logistic regression analysis, maximum and minimum left atrial volume index (LAVI) as well as LAEF showed a significant association with heart failure and the predefined composite outcome. On Cox regression analysis adjusting for variables of age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular maximal wall thickness >30mm, significant left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient of > 30mmHg and more than moderate mitral regurgitation, maximum and minimum LAVI as well as LAEF retained an association with heart failure admission but only minimum LAVI and LAEF were associated with the composite outcome [(OR 0.019, 95% CI 0.02-0.230, p=0.002), (OR 0.226, 95% CI 0.053-0.960, p=0.044), (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.016-1.045, p<0.001), and (OR 1.016, 95% CI 1.005-1.026, p=0.004) respectively].

Conclusion

LAEF was an independently associated with congestive heart failure as well as a composite of adverse outcomes in Asian patients with HCM.
Multicenter registry of the Watchman left atrial appendage closure device for patients with atrial fibrillation in Japan: The TERMINATOR registry
Authors: Matsumoto T , Nakajima Y , Kubo S , Fukunaga M , Saito S , Hara H
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Boston Scientific Japan

Background

Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) provides an alternative to oral anticoagulation for thromboembolic risk reduction in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). A meta-analysis of previous two randomized trials reported improved rates of hemorrhagic stroke, cardiovascular/unexplained death, and nonprocedural bleeding compared to warfarin (1). Recently, the next-generation LAAC device, the Watchman FLX system, became available, and showed a low incidence of adverse events and a high incidence of anatomic closure (2). This transcatheter stroke prevention has already been approved in Asian countries. However, there is little data of LAAC in Asian population.

Purpose

This study sought to assess efficacy and safety of LAAC for patients with nonvalvular AF in Asia.

Methods

The TERMINATOR (Transcatheter Modification of Left Atrial Appendage by Obliteration with Device) registry is a multicenter nonrandomized study in Japan. This enrolled patients who underwent LAAC in 23 Japanese institutions. The LAAC was indicated for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in whom oral anticoagulation is required, but who have a risk of bleeding (history of BARC type 3 bleeding or HAS-BLED score ≥3 points). Baseline patient and procedural characteristics and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

A total of 729 patients were enrolled between September 2019 and November 2021. The mean age was 74.9±8.8 years and the mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.7±1.5. The Watchman generation 2.5 and FLX system were used in 469 (64.3%) and 260 patients (35.7%), respectively. Procedural success was achieved in 722 patients (99.0%). In-hospital adverse events were as follows; 6 tamponades (0.8%), 3 pericardial effusion (0.4%), 2 device embolization (0.3%), no stroke (0%), and no death (0%). During follow-up, device-related thrombus and all-cause death were reported in 16 (2.2%) and 23 patients (3.2%), respectively.

Conclusions

LAAC with the Watchman system provides compatible efficacy and safety outcomes in Asian population.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) evaluation of culprit lesions in patients with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes (NSTE-ACS)
Authors: Sagar H , George J , Joseph V , Joseph J , Abdullakutty J , Mathew R
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

OCT is an excellent tool to determine plaque morphology in Acute Coronary Syndromes. While plaque rupture has been determined to be the dominant morphology in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, there is paucity of literature in NSTE-ACS, which includes Non–ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and Unstable angina (UA).

Purpose

To characterize culprit lesion morphology by OCT in NSTE-ACS and to evaluate the frequency of each type of lesion in patients presenting with NSTEMI and UA.

Methods

In this single-centre observational study, OCT imaging of culprit lesion was acquired during coronary angioplasty of culprit lesions of 50 patients presenting with NSTE-ACS between August 2020 to July 2021. A comparison of the frequency of each type of lesion between NSTEMI and UA was performed.

Results

OCT of culprit vessel in the entire cohort of NSTE-ACS showed plaque erosion in 32% (n=16), plaque rupture in 32% (n=16), tight stenosis in 26% (n=13) and calcific nodule in 10% (n= 5) patients. Lipid plaque was seen in a higher number of patients with plaque erosion and plaque rupture (93.8% and 87.5% respectively). Comparison of the frequency of these lesions in NSTEMI and UA, revealed that among NSTEMI patients (n=25), 48% had plaque erosion, 36% had plaque rupture, 12% had tight stenosis and 4% had calcific nodule whereas, among UA patients (n=25), 16% had plaque erosion, 28% had plaque rupture, 40% had tight stenosis and 16% had calcific nodule. There was a statistically significant increase in plaque erosion in NSTEMI compared to UA (p=0.015) while tight stenosis was significantly more common in UA (p=0.024). Similarly, red thrombus and spotty calcium (p=0.002 and 0.008 respectively) were higher in NSTEMI compared to UA. There was no significant difference in frequency of thin cap fibroatheroma, macrophages, cholesterol crystals, white thrombus, and neovascularization among the two groups.

Conclusions

OCT provides unique insights into the mechanisms of NSTE-ACS. In our study plaque erosion and plaque rupture were both equally seen in patients presenting with NSTE- ACS. However, NSTEMI patients had a higher frequency of plaque erosion, red thrombus, and spotty calcium when compared to UA. While UA patients had a higher incidence of tight stenosis.
Prioritization of invasive coronary angiogram for deserving patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) using an Angiogram Eligibility Scoring (AES) system - A Clinical Audit
Authors: Sajeev S , Sovis W F R D , Jayasinghe V P , Ponnamperuma C J , Ranasinghe W G
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Many patients with CCS are usually referred for invasive treatment early on first come first serve basis. Proper clinical assessment of the severity of symptoms and optimization of the medical therapy lack before referral for invasive therapy due to increased workload and less man power. Patients with non-limiting symptoms are noticed to receive invasive therapy over medical therapy more. Recent ISCHAEMIA trial showed that invasive therapy is not associated with reduction in adverse ischaemic events compared to optimal medical therapy in CCS. Therefore, We implemented a scoring system to identify high risk CCS patients to receive invasive therapy

Methods

Angiogram eligibility scoring (AES) is given to patients according to age, gender, atherosclerotic risk factors, symptom profile, stress test findings and the history of myocardial infarction. Similar numbers of patients who underwent invasive angiography through first come first serve basis group and AES group over three consecutive months are compared. Patients in the AES group were called for invasive angiogram according to score in descending order. Each group of patients were analyzed for cardiometabolic risk factors, anginal symptoms, ejection fraction, angiography findings and revascularization plan.

Results

Patients came for invasive angiogram through AES had significant risk factors such as diabetes and dyslipidaemia (P<0.01). Limiting symptoms (Class 3-4 angina) and strongly positive stress test (P<0.01) are significantly high in AES group than first come first serve group. Ejection fraction is normal range in AES group (P<0.01). No significant difference found in the significant LMCA (>50%) plaque disease, severe (>70%) LAD and proximal LAD disease frequency, complexity in coronary artery disease and revascularization strategies between two groups (P>0.01).

Conclusion

AES system facilitated us to prioritize patients with limiting symptoms, strongly positive stress test and multiple atherosclerotic risk factors who would benefit from early invasive angiogram and revascularization over other patients with non-limiting symptoms and without non-invasive investigation before invasive angiography.
High thrombotic risk is associated with higher prevalence of suboptimal stent results in patients with high bleeding risk
Authors: Nagata T , Minami Y , Muramatsu Y , Asakura K , Katamine M , Katsura A , Kinoshita D , Ako J
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation is required in patients with high bleeding risk (HBR) irrespective of the presence of concomitant high thrombotic risk (HTR). The prevalence of post-stent suboptimal findings in patients with HBR remains unclear.

Purpose

To clarify the prevalence of post-stent suboptimal findings assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with HBR according to the presence of HTR.

Methods

A total of 607 consecutive patients with stable coronary disease, who underwent OCT imaging of the culprit lesion were included. HBR was defined based on the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR). HTR was defined as lesions with diffuse long (≧60 mm), treated with more than three stents, chronic total occlusion or diffuse long lesion (≧32 mm) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Post-stent suboptimal OCT criteria was defined as minimum stent area (MSA) <4.5 mm2, edge dissection and stent malapposition.

Results

The prevalence of HBR was 55.8%. The prevalence of HTR was significantly higher in patients with HBR than in those without HBR (35.0 vs. 26.6%, p=0.028) (Figure A). Among patients with HBR, the prevalence of post-stent suboptimal OCT criteria was significantly higher in patients with HTR than in those without HTR (86.2 vs. 64.7%, p<0.001), mainly due to the higher prevalence of MSA <4.5 mm2 (Figure B) in patients with HTR.

Conclusions

HTR was associated with a higher prevalence of post-stent suboptimal findings among patients with HBR. The present results may suggest the importance of optimal stenting in patients with HBR, particularly in those with concomitant HTR.
The use of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in Malaysian patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): Does the age tertile affect the platelet reactivity?
Authors: Akkaif M A , Daud N A A , Noor D A M , Sha'aban A , Sk Abdul Kader M A , Wahab M J A , Ibrahim B
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is related to the patient's age and gender differences, but the effect of age on platelet function remains controversial. Platelet function should be tested and its efficacy correlates with the age of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using vasodilator-associated stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). VASP is a gold standard to assess P2Y12 receptor inhibition among patients using ticagrelor or clopidogrel.

Purpose

We sought to compare the effect of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel on the platelet function of patients undergoing PCI and the correlation of age in this effect.

Method

This study was a prospective, randomized, parallel design, an open-label investigation conducted on Malaysian patients undergoing PCI. It included 84 patients (40 patients taking ticagrelor, and 44 patients taking clopidogrel). The induced platelet reactivity was assessed by measuring total whole blood at one standardized time point after 4 hours of loading dose of ticagrelor 180 mg or clopidogrel with 600 mg and by age tertiles.

Result

The study population consisted of 23 (57.5%) patients in Tertile 1 <60 years of age, 11 (27.5%) patients in Tertile 2 between 60-70 years of age and 6 (15.0%) patients in Tertile 3 >70 years of age. The number of patients who used ticagrelor was 17 (38.64%) in Tertile 1, 21 (47.73%) in Tertile 2, and 6 (13.64%) in Tertile 3 of those who used clopidogrel. The results of platelet reactivity index was high in the patients who used clopidogrel compared to the ticagrelor group, which were 52.3% and 2.5 %, P <0.001. This effect in the clopidogrel group included all age groups without exception and at different rates (52.9%, 52.4%, and 50%, P= 0.992), respectively, but this effect was numerical and not statistically significant. In contrast to the ticagrelor group, no numerical or significant effect was observed in all age groups (4.3%, 0.0%, and 0.0%, P= 0.259), respectively (Figure 1). In addition, the results of the current cross-sectional age classification study showed no statistical differences between the clopidogrel and ticagrelor groups based on non high platelet reactivity (NHPR) (P = 0.284, P = 0.270, P = 0.796 respectively) (Figure2).

Conclusion

Our study showed that age could not be considered a risk factor in the Malaysian population, as it did not significantly affect platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Machine learning accurately quantifies epicardial adipose tissue from non-contrast CT images in coronary artery disease
Authors: Cheng N , Tan E W P , Leng S , Baskaran L , Teo L , Yew M S , Singh M , Huang W M , Chan M Y Y , Ngiam K Y , Vaughan R , Chua T , Tan S Y , Lee H K , Zhong L
Published: January 2023

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Industry Alignment Fund – Pre-positioning Programme

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is the visceral fat deposit within the pericardium that surrounds the heart and the coronary arteries. EAT volume measured from non-contrast CT (NCCT) has been demonstrated to be significantly associated with adverse cardiovascular risk,1 particularly in patients with coronary artery disease.2 However, routine measurement of EAT volume is still challenging in clinical practice, as it is a tedious manual process and prone to human error.

Purpose

We aimed to develop a fully automated AI toolkit (i.e., AI EAT) for the quantification of EAT from routine NCCT scans and assess its performance in reference to clinical ground truth.

Methods

This is a multicenter study which performs CT scans in 5000 Asian Admixture patients (APOLLO study NCT05509010). In the current stage of this study, NCCT data analysis were conducted in 551 patients with 26,037 images. AI EAT was developed via a novel deep learning framework using an ensemble region-based UNet. The region-based UNet uses 2 component UNet models to perform segmentation of pericardium at the apex region and non-apex region (middle and basal). EAT volume was obtained by automated thresholding of the voxels (-190 to -30 Hounsfield Unit) within the pericardium (Figure 1). The network was trained in 501 patients with 23,712 NCCT images and tested in 50 patients with 2,325 NCCT images. The performance of AI EAT was evaluated with respect to clinical ground truth using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

The AI EAT quantification process took less than 10 seconds per subject, compared with 20-30 minutes for expert readers. Compared to clinical ground truth, our AI EAT achieved a DSC of 0.96±0.01 and 0.91±0.02 for pericardium and EAT segmentations, respectively. There was strong agreement between the AI EAT and clinical ground truth in deriving the EAT volume (r=0.99, P<0.001) with minimal error of 7±5%.

Conclusion

End-to-end deep learning system accurately quantifies epicardial adipose tissue in standard NCCT images without manual segmentation.