bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract 4177: Quantitative Evaluation of Regional Myocardial Blood Flow Using Multi-detector Row Computed Tomography in Pre- and Post- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients; Assessment with Regional Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Imagawa Hiroshi , Shikata Fumiaki , Kido Teruhito , Kurata Akira , Higashino Hiroshi , Inoue Yuma , Ryugou Masahiro , Nagashima Mitsugi , Kawachi Kanji , Mochizuki Teruhito 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The advent of high resolution multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) created the potential to quantify myocardial blood flow (MBF) reduction. The effect in regional MBF produced by coronary artery bypass grafting has not been quantitatively evaluated. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that adenosine stress/rest MDCT can detect ischemia by measuring MBF differences in pre- versus post-CABG patients.
Methods: Ninety regional areas in 10 patients (median age 71; 65–79, 7 males), scheduled for CABG at our institution, were studied. Each patient underwent adenosine stress 64-slice MDCT perfusion imaging in both pre- and postoperative period. Myocardial blood flow was calculated with Patlak plots analysis. Regional left ventricular function (LVF) was assessed by Echocardiography.
Results: Preoperative mean MBF in ischemic and non-ischemic areas was 0.76±0.49 (ml/g/min) and 2.15±0.66, respectively (p<0.05). Postoperative MBF increased to 1.40±0.77 (ml/g/min) in ischemic areas (p<0.05), though the non-ischemic area showed no differences. The degree of ischemia on MDCT was correlated to change in regional LVF. Postoperative assessment revealed the improved regional LVF that was correlated with the increase in regional MBF.
Conclusions: The regional MBF can be quantitatively assessed by adenosine stress 64-slice MDCT perfusion imaging. This technique provides quantitative information about regional MBF in pre- and post- CABG patients, which may predict the regional LVF recovery after CABG.
Abstract 4307: New Insights into Surgical Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Therapy: Initial Experience with a Novel Permanently Implantable Heart Rhythm Monitor Device
Authors: Hanke Thorsten , Karlub Antje , Charitos Efstratios , Hagemann Axel , Graf Bernhard , Stierle Ulrich , Sievers Hans-H. 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) therapy is gaining widespread acceptance among cardiothoracic surgeons. However, assessment of therapy success is until now solely based on short time -“snapshot”-rhythm surveillance often at irregular time intervals. In order to evaluate the ablation’s success we intraindividually compared two different types of follow-up strategies: conventional 24h-Holter monitoring and direct long time rhythm surveillance achieved by a new implantable monitor device (IRMD).
Methods: 20 cardiac surgical patients (male 16, mean age 69±9y) with a mean AF of 30±48m (paroxysmal n=7, persistent n=9, long standing persistent n=4) were treated intraoperatively with epicardial high intensity focus ultrasound (HIFU) ablation (+CABG n=10, +AVR n=5, +AVR/CABG n=2, +valve preserving ascending aorta replacement n=2, +endoaneurymoraphy n=1, lone atrial fibrillation n=1). Postoperative heart rhythm monitoring was accomplished in all patients with a 24h-Holter-monitor at prescheduled time intervals and additionally with a new implantable monitor device (Reveal XT, Medtronic®, MN, USA). A more than 0.5% of “time in AF” as reported by the IRMD was considered as recurrence of AF. Telemetry of the IRMD was performed simultaneously after completion of 24h-Holter monitoring.
Results: During a mean FU of 8.7±1.4m a total of 29 24 h-Holter-monitors were obtained. Sinus rhythm was documented in 21, the IMRD however revealed AF recurrence in 11 of these cases. Thus, conventional 24 h ECG monitoring failed to identify AF recurrence in 59% of cases (p<0.027). Success rate after surgical ablation therapy (defined as freedom from AF recurrence of more than 0.5% of observational period) was 72% with 24h Holter monitoring, but only 35% using continuous ECG monitoring with IRMD.
Conclusion: In order to evaluate better “real life” outcomes after atrial fibrillation ablation therapy, long term continuous heart rhythm surveillance instead of -“snapshot” - heart rhythm monitoring is mandatory. This is particularly important for the decision to alter medical therapies, e.g. oral anticoagulation or antiarrhythmic treatment.
Abstract 4653: Isolation Of Pulmonary Veins Using A Novel Decapolar Catheter For Mapping And Ablation
Authors: Weber Stefan , Fredersdorf Sabine , Jilek Clemens , Heinicke Norbert , Jungbauer Carsten , Husser Oliver , Jeron Andreas 
Published: July 2021

Background: Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most time consuming procedures in interventional electrophysiology. Currently, the selection of catheters and ablation techniques is still a matter of debate. Due to the rapidly increasing demand of ablation procedures, technical advances would be helpful to reduce complexity and procedure time in AF ablation. Therefore we investigated the feasibility of a novel decapolar ablation catheter (PVAC) combined with a duty-cycled, low-power RF generator for pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. The system does not require 3D mapping and is the first to enable mapping, pacing and circular as well as segmental ablation with a single catheter.
Methods: AF mapping and ablation was performed in 15 consecutive patients with intermittent AF (mean age 58±12 years, 6 males) using the PVAC- catheter. To visualize the pulmonary vein anatomy, CT or MRI scan was performed in addition to PV angiography before ablation procedure. Additionally all patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography to rule out left atrial (LA) thrombi. Ablation procedure was performed by introducing the PVAC to the LA via single transseptal puncture. An optimal and stable catheter position for mapping and ablation was achieved by using a steerable sheath and an over the wire technique. RF energy was typically delivered for 60s for circular and 30 to 60s for segmental ablations. Ablation success was defined by disappearance of PV signals and complete exit block obtained by PVAC stimulation.
Results: Isolation of all four PVs could be achieved in 59/60 veins (98%). A very small and hypoplastic right inferior PV could not be reached. The median RF application time until all PV were isolated successfully was 23±7 min. First half of ablations were performed by circular RF application, second half with segmental applications until isolation. Procedure time for ablation was 81±14 min. Total fluoroscopy time was 31±9 min. There were no procedural complications.
Conclusion: Mapping and ablation of pulmonary veins can be performed safe and fast, with low procedure times using a single catheter without 3D navigation or assisted steering. Thus this system may be of high interest not only for high volume but all centers performing AF ablation.
Abstract 4833: Protective Effect of a Quinazoline-Type Poly(ADP-Ribose)Polymerase Inhibitor Against the Development of Hypertensive Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure
Authors: Bartha Eva , Magyar Klara , Solti Izabella , Kereskai Laszlo , Kalai Tamas , Hideg Kalman , Sumegi Balazs , Toth Kalman 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a suitable model for studies of hypertension and consequential left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and heart failure. It is known, that activation of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase enzyme (PARP) plays a role in the development of postinfarction myocardial remodeling. In our work we examined the effect of a PARP inhibitor (L-2286) against the development of hypertensive cardiopathy and heart failure in SHRs.
Methods: Male 6-week-old SHR rats were treated with L-2286 (n=32, SHR-L) or placebo (n=32, SHR-C) for 50 weeks. Male CFY rats were used as aged-matched, normotensive controls (n=7, CFY). The phosphorylation state of signal transduction proteins were monitored by Western blotting. To detect the extent of fibrosis, histologic samples were stained with Masson’s trichrome. Plasma BNP activity was also determined. Before the study, after 24 weeks, and at the end of the treatment period echocardiography was performed.
Results: L-2286 treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of the prosurvival factors Akt-1/GSK-3β and PKC ϵ (p<0.01), while phosphorylation of JNK, p-38 MAPK, PKC pan (p<0.01), PKC α/β, δ (p<0.05) were significantly ameliorated in SHR-L group. Interstitial collagen accumulation and plasma BNP activity were significantly elevated (p<0.05) in SHR-L and SHR-C groups compared to the CFY group. These parameters were improved due to L-2286 treatment (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Echocardiography showed that the measured parameters did not differ significantly among the three groups at baseline. After 24 weeks, LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and LV wall thickness increased (p<0.05 SHR-L and SHR-C vs. CFY). All these parameters decreased by L-2286 treatment (p<0.05 SHR-L vs. SHR-C). At the end of the study in SHR-L group LV hypertrophy with preserved LV ejection fraction, however in the SHR-C group an excentric hypertrophy with poor systolic function was observable. As a hard endpoint, the survival rate was significantly better in SHR-L group (p<0.05) compared to SHR-C group.
Conclusions: We demonstrated that PARP inhibition has a beneficial effect against the development of LV hypertrophy and heart failure in SHRs, due to the activation of PKC ϵ, and Akt-1/GSK-3β signaling pathways.
Abstract 4880: The Common Variant Rs9939609 In The FTO Gene Is Associated With Early-onset Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Merlini Piera A , Berzuini Carlo , Mannucci Pier M , Peyvandi Flora , Tubaro Marco , Lina Daniela , Notarangelo Maria F , Foco Luisa , Bernardinelli Luisa , Ardissino Diego 
Published: July 2021

Background and objective Type 2 diabetes and increase in body mass index (BMI) are major risk factors for myocardial infarction. Recently the common variant rs9939609 in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene was reported to associate with type 2 diabetes only through an effect on body mass index (BMI). In the present study we investigated whether rs9939609 variant in the FTO gene is directly associated with early-onset myocardial infarction.
Method The Italian genetic study of early-onset myocardial infarction is a nationwide prospective case-control study involving 1842 patients hospitalised for a first myocardial infarction before the age of 45 years, and 1842 healthy subjects matched for age, gender and geographical origin. The following baseline data were collected for each case and control: age, gender, family history, body mass index, smoking habits, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, cocaine use, physical activity and alcohol consumption. Genotyping was performed using a Sequenome MassARRAY platform.
Results The rs9939609 variant in FTO gene was significantly associated with early-onset myocardial infarction (odds ratio 1,25, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.45; p=0.000015) with a multiplicative model of the effect. After adjusting for diabetes, BMI, hypercholesterolemia and smoking the rs9939609 risk allele was still significantly associated with early-onset myocardial infarction (odds ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.38; p=0.006), thus indicating that this variant has a direct effect on myocardial infarction, not mediated by BMI. As previously reported FTO genotype was also associated with an increase in BMI, more specifically the p-value of no association in the control group is equal to 0,01.
Conclusions The rs9939609 variant in the FTO gene was significantly associated with the risk of early-onset myocardial infarction and with the increase in BMI. The rs9939609 variant in the FTO gene directly influences the risk of early-onset myocardial infarction.
Abstract 4954: Risk Factors for Death or Transplant in Chronic Symptomatic Heart Failure in Children: Subanalysis of Pediatric Carvedilol Study
Authors: Blume Elizabeth D , Boucek Mark M , Hsu Daphne , LaSalle Bernie , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Shaddy Robert E 
Published: July 2021

The Pediatric Carvedilol Study trial offers a unique opportunity to investigate patient characteristics and risk factors associated with death or transplant in a population of children with moderate heart failure symptoms. The database from the Pediatric Carvedilol Study trial includes 157 children enrolled with symptomatic heart failure (NYHA II–IV) and ejection fraction (EF)<40%. For this analysis, the patients were divided into by outcome into 2 groups: those who died or underwent heart transplant during the study period (D/HTx) and those who did not (non-D/HTx). Baseline variables were compared using standard parametric and non-parametric testing. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression
Results: Of the 157 children, the median age at enrollment was 3 yrs (0.2–17.8yrs). Fifty-two percent were male, and 116/157 (74%) had a left ventricle (LV) as the systemic ventricle. All pts except 3 were NYHA/Ross class II-III, with a median EF of 25.7%, median BNP of 111, and median LVEDD z-score of 6.04. Overall incidence of D/HTx in the enrolled patients over the study period was 30/157 (19%), with 12 deaths and 18 transplants. Risk factors for D/HTx were older age (8.1yrs vs 2.1 yrs, p< 0.006), higher BNP levels at enrollment (250 vs 80, p<0.003) and worse AVV regurgitation (p<0.012), but not diagnosis of congenital heart disease, ventricular morphology, or qualitative assessment of systemic ventricular dysfunction. In the subgroup of patients with a systemic LV, the D/HTx group had a significantly larger EDD z-score (7.7 vs 5.8, p=0.05), but no difference in ejection fraction (25.9 vs 25.6, p=0.8) compared to the non D/HTx. In a multi-variate model after adjusting for age, LV EDD z-score and BNP at enrollment were significantly related to risk for D/HTx. For this pediatric population with chronic symptomatic heart failure, risk factors for death or transplant included older age, higher BNP, and AVVR. In the subgroup of patients with a systemic left ventricle, larger LV EDD z-score, but not lower EF, was significantly related to short term risk for death or transplant.
Abstract 4955: Analysis of Heart Transplant Waitlist Mortality for Children
Authors: Mahle William T , Vincent Robert N 
Published: July 2021

Background: The outcomes following pediatric heart transplantation (tx) have continued to improve, but pre-tx attrition has been a major concern. Historically, the risk of death while awaiting tx has been greater in children than adults. We sought to determine if recent advances in medical management have reduced the risk of death for children awaiting heart tx.
Methods. An analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients was undertaken to determine the risk of death while awaiting tx for children as compared to adults. Deaths were determined from the Social Security Death Master File and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Service.

Results: During the 10 yr study period the number of children listed for heart tx increased by an average of 1% each year. Over the same time the number of pediatric donors decreased slightly. The number of deaths per patient listed decreased significantly in the non-infant pediatric patients and adults (table

). In the infant population the proportion of deaths did not change over time and generally exceeded 20%. In the most recent era–for the first time–non-infant pediatric patients had proportionally fewer waiting list deaths than adults. When one examines the annual death rates expressed per 1,000 patient-yrs at risk the non-infant pediatric pts also showed a marked reduction from 409.4 to 185.7, p<.01, whereas the rates for infants showed no improvement 1688.8 to 1788.9.

Conclusion: For children ages 1–17yrs waiting list mortality has improved dramatically in spite of a static rate of pediatric organ donation, suggesting that improved medical management has contributed to improved survival. There has been no improvement in waiting list mortality in the infant population. Whether the increased use of ABO incompatible donor organs and the advent of ventricular assist devices for this population will reduce waitlist mortality for this vulnerable group remains to be determined.

Waiting List Mortality
Abstract P096: Excess Sodium and Inadequate Potassium Dietary Intake by Italian Children and Adolescents: Results of the MINISAL Survey
Authors: Campanozzi Angelo , Avallone Sonia , Galeone Daniela , Strazzullo Pasquale 
Published: July 2021

Introduction:
The MINISAL survey aimed to assess the age-, gender- and region-specific habitul sodium and potassium intake and its association with relevant anthropometric characteristics in a national sample of Italian healthy children and adolescents referred to centers recognised by the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and Pediatric Nutrition.

Methods:
The study population included 1422 6 to 18 yrs. old subjects from ten regions. Main anthropometric indexes, blood pressure (BP) and 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretion (as proxy for habitual sodium and potassium intake) were measured using carefully standardised procedures.

Potentially incomplete 24h collections were identified and excluded from the analysis based on values of urinary creatinine/Kg body weight and/or a urinary volume below the 5
th
percentile of the overall distribution. The analysis was carried out upon stratification by gender (M=788, F=644), puberal age category: <9 yrs, 9-11 yrs. and 5 months, >11 yrs. and 5 mo. (male); < 8 yrs., 8-10 yrs. and 2 mo., > 10 yrs. and 2 mo. (female), and scholar age category: 6-10 yrs., 11-13 yrs. and 14-18 yrs (both male and female participants).

The relationships among body weight, sodium, potassium and creatinine excretion were analysed using Z-scores as an index of body mass.

Results:
The 24h sodium and potassium excretion were higher in male than in female participants (respectively, 130±63 vs 119±56 mmol; p=0.001 and 39±18 vs 37±16 mmol; p=0.003).

Upon stratification by puberal age and gender, 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretion were respectively 109±54 and 36±19 mol in category 1, 134±60 and 40±16 in category 2 and 152±69 and 43±17 in category 3 for male subjects (p<0.01); 98±39 and 33±13 in category 1, 105±45 and 34±13 in category 2 and 137±63 and 40±18 mmol in category 3 for female individuals (p<0.05).
The expected gender difference in 24h urinary creatinine was observed in all age categories (p<0.05).
Male individuals had consistently greater sodium, potassium and creatinine excretion than female individuals (p between <0.001 and <0.05).
Upon stratification of the study population in four body weight categories (BMI Z-score <0, 0 to <0,9, 1 to <1,9 and ≥2), 24h sodium excretion was significantly greater in obese compared to normal weight children.
24h potassium excretion was also greater in obese children and adolescents compared with their normal weight counterparts (p=0.002).
No significant difference was observed in either sodium or potassium excretion by geographical area.

Conclusions:
The MINISAL survey indicates a substantial age-, gender- and body mass-related variation with average values of sodium intake definitely high when related to true physiological needs or to the “adequate intakes” defined by the health institutions. By contrast, the habitual potassium intake was relatively low and such to indicate an inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption.
Abstract P152: Obesity Susceptibility Loci and Longitudinal BMI from Adolescence to Young Adulthood in an Ethnically Diverse Cohort
Authors: Graff Mariaelisa , North Kari E , Richardson Andrea S , Young Kristin L , Mohlke Karen L , Lange Leslie A , Lange Ethan M , Harris Kathleen M , Gordon-Larsen Penny 
Published: July 2021

Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have identi[[Unable to Display Character: &#64257;]]ed nearly 50 common variants for obesity, many of which influence body mass index (BMI), a common proxy for obesity assessed in large epidemiological studies.
The associations of these variants with change in BMI across the life course are not well understood, but are of particular interest during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, a high risk period for weight gain. The current study assessed the association of 41 established obesity SNPs with change in BMI during the period between adolescence and young adulthood in an ethnically diverse, nationally representative cohort, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, followed for 13 years. Race/ethnicity-stratified linear mixed models accounted for sampling design, family relatedness, and repeated measures of BMI. Models included a SNP-by-year interaction term and adjusted for sex, age at baseline, current smoking, and geographic region. Analyses included 6383
European American (EA), 2252 African American (AA) and 1700 Hispanic American (HA) participants with measurements from 1996 (ages 12-21 y) to 2008 (ages 24-34 y), with an average of 2.6 observations per individual. For analyses in AA we excluded SNPs (n=14) that failed to capture signal of functional variant in a recent African

American population genome-wide association study (Monda et al 2012). Average BMI gain over the 13-year period was 4.9 (SD=5.0) kg/m
2
, with higher increases in AA 5.8 (SD=5.7) kg/m
2
and HA 5.5 (SD=5.6) kg/m
2
. Model results for the 41 SNPs in EA and HA and 27 SNPs in AA suggest that SNP by year interactions show nominal significance (p<0.05) for 12 SNPs in EA, 2 SNPs in HA and 1 SNP in AA. After correction for multiple testing (n=41 tests, p<0.0012), 1 SNP remained significant for EA (rs2287019, near
QPCTL
) and none in AA or HA. Each effect allele for rs2287019 contributed an increase of 0.030(SE=0.009) kg/m
2
per year to BMI in EA. These findings suggest that the locus near
QPCTL
and possibly other obesity loci play a role in the trajectory of BMI across the period from adolescence to young adulthood, a period with high risk for subsequent adult obesity. These findings may help inform the biological processes that influence weight gain at this vulnerable period of the life cycle and may provide information that is useful for the design of effective interventions to prevent weight gain.