Category: News & Events

IL-6 and D-dimer Levels at Admission Predict Cardiac Injury and Early Mortality during SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. The activation of immune and thrombotic biomarkers at admission, and their ability to predict cardiac injury and mortality patterns in COVID-19, remains unclear.

This retrospective cohort study included 170 patients with COVID-19 with cardiac injury at the time of admission to Tongji Hospital in Wuhan between January 29, 2020, and March 8, 2020. The temporal evolution of inflammatory cytokines, coagulation markers, clinical treatment, and mortality were analyzed. Continuous variables are expressed as median (interquartile range). The Mann-Whitney test was used for two-group comparisons, whereas the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparisons among three groups. Categorical variables are expressed as proportions and percentages, and Fisher’s exact test was used to compare differences. A multivariate regression model was used to predict in-hospital death. A simple linear regression analysis was applied to examine the correlation between baseline biomarkers and peak cTnI levels.

Of the 170 patients, 60 (35.3%) died early (<21 d), and 61 (35.9%) died after a prolonged stay. The admission laboratory findings correlating with early death were elevated interleukin 6 (IL-6) (P < 0.0001), tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.0025), and C-reactive protein (P < 0.0001). We observed the trajectory of biomarker changes in patients after admission hospitalization, and determined that early mortality was associated with a rapidly increasing D-dimer level, and gradually decreasing platelet and lymphocyte counts. Multivariate and simple linear regression models indicated that the risk of death was associated with immune and thrombotic pathway activation. Elevated admission cTnI levels were associated with elevated IL-6 (P = 0.03) and D-dimer (P = 0.0021) levels.

In patients with COVID-19 with cardiac injury, IL-6 and D-dimer levels at admission predicted subsequently elevated cTnI levels and early death, thus highlighting the need for early inflammatory cytokine-based risk stratification in patients with cardiac injury.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2024.0009

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Kexin Peng, Beibei Du and Daoyuan Si et al. IL-6 and D-dimer Levels at Admission Predict Cardiac Injury and Early Mortality during SARS-CoV-2 Infection. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2024.0009

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Protocol for a Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Via Distal Transradial Access Versus Transradial Access

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. Although transradial access (TRA) has become the main vascular access for coronary intervention, its high radial artery occlusion rate limits its application in some patients. Studies have shown that compared with TRA, distal transradial access (dTRA) with the snuffbox area or the Hegu acupoint area as the puncture point significantly decreases the incidence of radial artery occlusion. However, no randomized controlled study has confirmed the safety and efficacy of coronary artery intervention via dTRA in China.

This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled, superiority open-label study will enroll 428 consecutive patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention as the study population. After preoperative evaluation, the participants will be randomly divided into a study group (dTRA) and control group (TRA) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary endpoint (radial artery occlusion at 24 hours after operation) and secondary endpoint events will be evaluated and recorded.

This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2300073902).

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2024.0015

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Minghao Liu, Huanhuan Wang and Lijian Gao et al. Protocol for a Single-Center Randomized Controlled Trial of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Via Distal Transradial Access Versus Transradial Access. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2024.0015

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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: Results from Pooled Cohort Studies and Mendelian Randomization Analysis

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. Observational research has indicated that individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an elevated likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation (AF). The authors of this article performed meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the correlation and potential causal relationship between RA and AF. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for cohort studies comparing AF risk among participants with and without RA. Quantitative synthesis of the adjusted risk ratio (RR) or hazard ratio was performed with the random-effects model. RA and AF were studied with two-sample MR analysis with the random-effects inverse variance weighted method. Patients with RA had a higher risk of AF than participants without RA [RR = 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23–1.43, P < 0.0001]. Genetically predicted RA was not associated with a significantly elevated risk of AF (odds ratio = 1.009, 95% CI: 0.986–1.032, P = 0.449). After adjustment for confounding factors in multifactorial MR, RA and AF still showed no correlation. Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results, thus indicating the robustness of the causal association. Overall, RA was associated with elevated risk of AF in this meta-analysis. However, genetically predicted RA may not be causal.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2024.0006

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Qiyuan Song, Luxiang Shang and Yujiao Zhang et al. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation: Results from Pooled Cohort Studies and Mendelian Randomization Analysis. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2024.0006

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Prognostic Value of Optical Flow Ratio among Patients with Coronary Artery Disease after Percutaneous Coronary Treatment: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Cohort Investigation

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal.  The goal of this study was to examine the prognostic performance of optical flow ratio (OFR) among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Patients with CAD undergoing optical coherence tomography (OCT)-directed PCI were recruited between January 2019 and June 2021 for a single-center, hospital-based, retrospective cohort investigation. The link between post-PCI OFR and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was assessed via multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the best post-PCI OFR threshold for MACE was 0.91, and introduction of OFR into the baseline profile and OCT results markedly enhanced MACE identification after PCI. On the basis of survival curves, patients with OFR ≤0.91 (P < 0.001) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (P = 0.007) exhibited higher MACE incidence, and myocardial infarction (MI) incidence was considerably greater among patients with OFR ≤0.91 (P < 0.001), compared with OFR >0.91. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that OFR ≤0.91 (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–10.44; P = 0.019), and TCFA (HR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.42–9.20; P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for MACE, and OFR ≤0.91 was independently associated with MI (HR: 14.64; 95% CI: 3.27–65.54; P < 0.001).

OFR after PCI is an independent MACE bio-indicator among patients with CAD. Adding OFR to post-PCI OCT results may potentially enhance MACE prediction.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2024.0012

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Chuliang Hong, Sicheng Chen and Tianyu Hu et al. Prognostic Value of Optical Flow Ratio among Patients with Coronary Artery Disease after Percutaneous Coronary Treatment: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Cohort Investigation. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2024.0012

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Overview of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) for General Cardiologists

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal.  Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic autonomic disorder characterized by excessive heart rate elevation upon standing or head-up tilt, in the absence of orthostatic hypotension. This debilitating condition affects primarily young to middle-aged individuals, particularly women, and substantially influences quality of life. The main presenting symptoms are lightheadedness, palpitations, exercise intolerance, and cognitive impairment. POTS is of particular importance to cardiologists, given its prominent cardiovascular symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for POTS include a sustained heart rate increase of more than 30 beats per minute upon standing or head-up tilt; symptoms of orthostatic intolerance lasting at least 3 months; and exclusion of other causes. The exact etiology of POTS is unknown, but multiple possible etiologies leading to a similar clinical phenotype have been proposed. Early intervention and appropriate management can improve symptoms. Treatment strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and tailored conditioning programs. Non-pharmacologic options are the first line treatment. Prognosis varies widely: POTS can be a temporary condition for some individuals but a chronic and debilitating condition for others. Further research is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimize treatment strategies for this condition.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2023.0098

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Ali Nassereddin, Ethan Kramer and Artur Fedorowski et al. Overview of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) for General Cardiologists. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2023.0098

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Clinical Features and Etiology of Recurrent Hypertension after Adrenalectomy

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal.

Patients who undergo adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA) may still develop post-surgery hypertension; however, the clinical characteristics and etiology of patients developing recurrent hypertension after adrenalectomy are unclear. We analyzed the records of 43 patients with recurrent elevated blood pressure after adrenalectomy, who were treated at our center. Standard routine clinical screening workup was used to identify the cause of recurrent hypertension. Causes of recurrent hypertension after adrenalectomy included essential hypertension, primary aldosteronism, obstructive sleep apnea, renal artery stenosis, and Takayasu arteritis. Before adrenalectomy, 39.5% of patients were diagnosed with confirmed or suspected PA, primarily through CT imaging.

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) tests were not conducted on any patients, and 72.1% patients underwent partial adrenalectomy. Among all patients, elevated blood pressure was observed in 44.2% immediately post-operation, 18.6% within 1 month, 16.3% in 1–6 months, and 20.9% >6 months after operation. Most patients had hypertension of grade 2 and above. Standard endocrine functional assessment and AVS tests should be performed before adrenalectomy to ensure more accurate diagnosis and favorable post-operative outcomes. Additionally, individuals often develop essential hypertension regardless of past adrenal disease.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2023.0092

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Xilan Dong, Qianhui Ling and Jin Bian et al. Clinical Features and Etiology of Recurrent Hypertension after Adrenalectomy. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2023.0092

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Canagliflozin Alleviates Atherosclerosis Progression through Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Autophagy in Western Diet-fed ApoE −/− Mice

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of canagliflozin (Cana) on atherosclerosis and further exploring its potential mechanism. ApoE−/− mice were fed a Western diet (WD) and randomly divided into a WD group and WD+Cana group. After 15 weeks of canagliflozin treatment, serum levels of fasting insulin and inflammatory cytokines were determined with ELISA kits. HE, Oil Red O, and Masson staining were used to estimate the extent of atherosclerosis. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ROS staining, and RT-PCR were used to further investigate Cana’s potential mechanism.

Histological analysis indicated that Cana restrained atherosclerotic plaque development. Furthermore, Cana decreased the percentage of F4/80 positive cells, and the areal density of ROS and relative fluorescence intensity of P62, but enhanced the relative fluorescence intensity of LC3 in the aortic root. Analysis of factors associated with the inflammatory response mediated by AP-1, oxidative stress mediated through the ROS/Nrf2 pathway, and autophagy in the aorta indicated elevated mRNA levels of F4/80, MCP-1, VCAM-1, AP-1, ROS, NOX4, P62, NLRP3, and IL-1β, but diminished mRNA levels of Nrf2, GST, eNOS, and LC3, in the WD+Cana group.

Canagliflozin may attenuate atherosclerosis by decreasing the inflammatory response mediated by AP-1, alleviating oxidative stress through the ROS/Nrf2 pathway, and enhancing autophagy in WD-fed ApoE−/− mice.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2023.0093

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Qingjuan Zuo, Lili He and Sai Ma et al. Canagliflozin Alleviates Atherosclerosis Progression through Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Autophagy in Western Diet-fed ApoE−/− Mice. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2023.0093

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Unveiling Mysteries in Congenital Diseases: A Case Report of Williams-Beuren Syndrome

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal.      Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder closely associated with cardiovascular malformations, distinctive facial features, impaired cognitive ability, abnormal growth and development, endocrine dysfunction, and other related systems.

In patients with WBS, the presence of cardiovascular malformations often necessitates genetic testing. This testing not only confirms the diagnosis but also facilitates the identification of associated syndromic features. Early and accurate diagnosis through genetic testing is instrumental for guiding further investigations, and initiating targeted therapies and support services. Such proactive management can substantially improve prognosis and quality of life for patients with WBS. Although surgery remains the most effective approach for repairing cardiovascular malformations, its implementation entails notable surgical risks.

Clinicians should prioritize the identification and diagnosis of WBS, and strive to develop an effective management model involving collaboration among hospitals, families, and society. Here, we presented a case report of a patient with WBS and congenital heart disease, to contribute to a deeper understanding of this condition.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2024.0005

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Zixi Zhang, Cancan Wang and Qiuzhen Lin et al. Unveiling Mysteries in Congenital Diseases: A Case Report of Williams-Beuren Syndrome. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2024.0005

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Feasibility of an Integrated Digital and Pharmacological Approach Targeting Blood Lipids in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Management

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal.     Strong evidence supports the importance of lipid-lowering and exercise therapies in the long-term therapy of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Establishing efficient comprehensive intervention programs that combine pharmacological and exercise prescription is crucial to investigate with the aid of digital technologies.

A convenience sample of 25 ASCVD patients (57.8 ± 9.5 years, 76% males) was gathered. All participants were prescribed with 12-week home exercise program supervised by an app and bimonthly 75mg alirocumab subcutaneous injections. Follow up visits were scheduled at the end of 4th and 12th week.

Nineteen participants completed the program with a retention rate of 76%. Sixteen (84.2%) participants received all six doses of alirocumab. The total management time of the 12-week program added up to 65.47 minutes per patient. Satisfaction score was 4.2 ± 0.6 and the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS) overall objective quality score on the app was 3.4 ± 0.7. At the 4-week and 12-week follow-ups, LDL-C levels reduced compared to baseline (−1.5 ± 0.8 mmol/L, P < 0.001, −1.6 ± 0.8 mmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively), along with TC (−1.8 ± 1.2 mmol/L, P < 0.001, −1.6 ± 1.3 mmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively), but not TG, HDL-C, GAD-7 and PHQ-9.

The integrated pharmaceutical and digital ERx intervention program was feasible and well accepted in ASCVD patients.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2024.0002

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Xu Yi, Qiu Weiyu and Li Yan et al. Feasibility of an Integrated Digital and Pharmacological Approach Targeting Blood Lipids in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Management. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2024.0002

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Clinical Characteristics and Features of Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Contractions with an Enlarged Left Atrium in Patients Without Structural Heart Diseases

Announcing a new article publication for Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal. Idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may cause subtle changes in left atrium (LA) structure and function. The authors of this article investigated whether serum sodium, body mass index (BMI), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and other characteristics might be associated with LA in these patients.

A total of 268 consecutive patients diagnosed with idiopathic PVCs were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed associations of enlarged LA and with the clinical features obtained from 24-hour Holter monitoring, electrocardiography and serum data in patients with PVCs.

Patients with an enlarged LA (n = 101), compared with a normal LA (n = 167), had significantly lower serum sodium (140.9 ± 3.0 mmol/L vs 141.7 ± 2.8 mmol/L; P = 0.022), higher BMI (24.5 ± 2.7 kg/m2 vs 21.7 ± 2.5 kg/m2; P < 0.001), higher NT-proBNP [99.3 (193.6) pg/mL vs 77.8 (68.8) pg/mL; P < 0.001] and lower average heart rates (73.0 ± 8.0 bpm vs 75.3 ± 7.6 bpm; P = 0.019). No significant differences were observed in P-wave dispersion, QRS duration, PVC coupling interval, pleomorphism, circadian rhythm, non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, serum potassium, serum magnesium, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, symptoms and PVC duration.

Beyond the burden of PVCs, attributes such as serum sodium, BMI, NT-proBNP and average heart beats may potentially correlate with LA enlargement in individuals with idiopathic PVCs.

https://www.scienceopen.com/hosted-document?doi=10.15212/CVIA.2023.0094

CVIA is available on the ScienceOpen platform and at Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications. Submissions may be made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. There are no author submission or article processing fees. Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications is indexed in the EMBASE, EBSCO, ESCI, OCLC, Primo Central (Ex Libris), Sherpa Romeo, NISC (National Information Services Corporation), DOAJ, Index Copernicus, Research4Life and Ulrich’s web Databases. Follow CVIA on Twitter @CVIA_Journal; or Facebook.

Xue Kuang, Yuxiang Long and Jinhang Che et al. Clinical Characteristics and Features of Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Contractions with an Enlarged Left Atrium in Patients Without Structural Heart Diseases. CVIA. 2024. Vol. 9(1). DOI: 10.15212/CVIA.2023.0094

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