Intracoronary electrocardiogram detects coronary microvascular dysfunction and ischemia in patients with no obstructive coronary arteries disease.

Background: Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is the leading cause of ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries disease (INOCA) disease. Diagnosis of CMD relies on surrogate physiological indices without objective proof of ischemia.

Objectives: Intracoronary electrocardiogram (icECG) derived hyperemic indices may accurately and objectively detect CMD and reversible ischemia in related territory.

A novel method that can be used in both the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral arterial disease in diabetics: vibration-mediated dilation.

Objective: The growing incidence of diabetes and the increasing life expectancy of the diabetic population worldwide has increased the number of diabetic vascular complications occurring in cardiology practice. As current treatment and prevention methods are less effective in this patient group, there is a need for new treatment methods in this area. Exercise, which reduces metabolic and vascular problems associated with diabetes, often becomes impossible, especially in advanced-stage patients who need exercise the most.

Artificial intelligence-derived cardiac ageing is associated with cardiac events post-heart transplantation.

Aims: An artificial intelligence algorithm detecting age from 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been suggested to reflect 'physiological age'. An increased physiological age has been associated with a higher risk of cardiac mortality in the non-transplant population. We aimed to investigate the utility of this algorithm in patients who underwent heart transplantation (HTx).

Gradual Versus Abrupt Reperfusion During Primary Percutaneous Coronary Interventions in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (GUARD).

Background Intramyocardial edema and hemorrhage are key pathological mechanisms in the development of reperfusion-related microvascular damage in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. These processes may be facilitated by abrupt restoration of intracoronary pressure and flow triggered by primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We investigated whether pressure-controlled reperfusion via gradual reopening of the infarct-related artery may limit microvascular injury in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

FcεR1-expressing nociceptors trigger allergic airway inflammation.

Background: Lung nociceptor neurons amplify immune cell activity and mucus metaplasia in response to an inhaled allergen challenge in sensitized mice.

Objective: We sought to identify the cellular mechanisms by which these sensory neurons are activated subsequent to allergen exposure.

Methods: We used calcium microscopy and electrophysiologic recording to assess whether vagal neurons directly respond to the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA).

The Interplay between Features of Plaque Vulnerability and Hemodynamic Relevance of Coronary Artery Stenoses.

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) may not be immune from hemodynamic perturbations caused by both vessel and lesion related factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of plaque- and vessel wall-related features of vulnerability on the hemodynamic effect of intermediate coronary stenoses. Methods and Results: In this cross-sectional study, patients referred to catheterization laboratory for clinically indicated coronary angiography were prospectively screened for angiographically intermediate stenosis (50-80%).

Reducing Aortic Barotrauma and Vascular Extracellular Matrix Degradation by Pacemaker-Mediated QRS Widening.

Background The extent of pressure-related damage might be related to acceleration rate of the applied pressure (peak dP/dt) in the vascular system. In this study, we sought to determine whether dP/dt applied to the aortic wall (aortic dP/dt) and in turn vascular extracellular matrix degradation can be mitigated via modulation of left ventricular (LV) contractility (LV dP/dt) by pacemaker-mediated desynchronization. Methods and Results First, in 34 patients, changes in aortic dP/dt values in 3 aortic segments in response to pacemaker-mediated stepwise QRS widening leading to gradual desynchronization of the LV contraction by means of steadily changed atrioventricular delay (AVD) with temporary dual-chamber pacing was examined before and after beta-blocker (15 mg IV metoprolol) administration.