Evolving Role of Coronary Collaterals in STEMI Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis of Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Phases.

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition where coronary collaterals can mitigate myocardial damage. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic introduced unique challenges in STEMI management, potentially affecting outcomes. This study evaluates the efficacy of coronary collaterals during the pandemic compared to the post-pandemic period.

Management of Intramyocardial Dissecting Hematoma Following Myocardial Infarction.

Intramyocardial dissecting hematoma (IDH) is a rare condition mostly seen following acute myocardial infarction, chest trauma, and cardiac surgery. It is described as an incomplete rupture caused by hemorrhagic dissection within the myocardium, rather than extending to the epicardial layer. Management strategies for IDH are controversial due to limited reports.

The impact of using SGLT-2 inhibitor on left ventricular longitudinal strain and NT-proBNP levels during six-month follow-up in diabetic patients with and without coronary artery disease with preserved ejection fraction.

Background: Optimal glycemic control is necessary to prevent cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. The positive impact of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on cardiovascular events and mortality in these patients has been demonstrated by previous studies although the mechanism is unclear.

Aims: We aimed to compare the influence of SGLT2i on left ventricular remodeling and strain in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and without CAD during 6-month follow-up.

Relationship between fragmented QRS complex and early left ventricular dysfunction after mitral valve repair.

Background: Preoperative left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (PreLVEF) and preoperative LV end-systolic diameter (PreESD) are known predictors for postoperative LV dysfunction after mitral valve repair (MVR). Fragmented QRS (fQRS) evaluated in 12-derivation electrocardiography has widely been accepted as a sign of myocardial fibrosis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between fQRS in preoperative 12‑lead electrocardiography (ECG) and postoperative LV dysfunction that develop after MVR in patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

Kinesiophobia, physical performance, and health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease.

Introduction: Kinesiophobia is an important risk factor for physical activity and exercise restrictions. It is important to assess kinesiophobia and identify high-risk patients to help prevent sedentary behaviour and increase exercise participation among cardiac patients.

Aim: To evaluate kinesiophobia and its association with physical performance, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), patients' limitations and symptoms, and disease history in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Angio-Seal Used as a Bailout for Incomplete Hemostasis After Dual Perclose ProGlide Deployment in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Background: The failure rate of vascular closure devices remains a significant cause of major vascular complications in contemporary transcatheter aortic valve implantation practice.

Methods: This research aimed to evaluate use of the Angio-Seal device in a bailout context in the setting of incomplete hemostasis following use of dual Perclose ProGlide devices in patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation. A total of 185 patients undergoing transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation with either dual Per-close ProGlide (n = 139) or a combination of dual Perclose ProGlide and Angio-Seal (n = 46) were retrospectively analyzed.

The effects of IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphism on hepatitis B infection.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms with the clinical, histological, and virological outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) also the treatment responses of patients who received Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) therapy.

Methods: This study included 152 CHB patients who were underwent liver parenchymal biopsy. The IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphism were genotyped using the TaqMan assay.

How accurate are manufacturers' recommendations in determining ineligibility for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation?

Introduction: Up to one-third of patients indicated for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may be unsuitable for transfemoral TAVI (TF-TAVI) according to manufacturers' recommendations and numerous professional societies.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of manufacturers' guidelines for major vascular access site complications using the Perclose ProGlide device.

Methods: Among 208 patients undergoing TF-TAVI, 144 patients (69.

Association of eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with coronary slow-flow phenomenon in patients undergoing coronary angiography.

Introduction: The current investigation intended to evaluate the correlation between eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (ELR) and the coronary slow-flow phenomenon (CSFP) in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography.

Material And Methods: A case-control investigation was conducted on 200 individual CSFP patients and another 200 individuals with normal coronary arteries and who were matched for age, gender, and body mass index. ELR was computed by dividing the number of eosinophils by the number of lymphocytes.

Comparison of S gene mutations in patients with occult and chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Background And Aim: This study aimed to detect mutations in the HBV S gene and evaluate their relationship to occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI).

Methods: The study included 32 patients with negative serum HBsAg and HBV DNA who underwent liver biopsy due to different clinical indications defined as the OBI group and 32 patients who underwent liver biopsy due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) as the comparison group. The HBV S gene region was amplified by Nested PCR, and Sanger sequencing was performed.

Vascular complications after transcatheter transfemoral aortic valve implantation: Modified sheath-to-femoral artery ratio as a new predictor.

Objective: Vascular complications (VCs) contribute to increased morbidity and mortality in patients who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI); however, studies on their incidence and predictors show conflicting results. In this study, we sought to assess the incidence, impact, and predictors of VCs in transfemoral (TF) TAVI and also investigated the predictive role of manufacturer's size charts and a new predictor modified sheath-to-femoral artery ratio.

Methods: A total of 223 patients undergoing TF-TAVI were categorized into 2 groups.

Evaluation of NAFLD fibrosis, FIB-4 and APRI score in diabetic patients receiving exenatide treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

There is a closely relationship between the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and obesity and diabetes. NAFLD fibrosis scores should be routinely used to rule out patients with advanced fibrosis. High scores may help identify patients at higher risk of all causes andliverrelated morbidity and mortality.

Long-term results of long segment coronary artery lesions overlapped with novolimus-eluting DESolve scaffold: Disappointment or futuristic?

Objective: The data on using novolimus-eluting DESolve bioresorbable scaffolds (BVS) for long-segment coronary artery lesions remains insufficient. In this study, our main objective was to assess the long-term effects of the overlapping applications of both DESolve-DESolve and the drug-eluting stent (DES)-DESolve.

Methods: A single-centered study of 103 patients scheduled for DESolve placement for long-segment lesions (>28 mm) was conducted (October 2013 to November 2016).

The effect of recanalization of a chronic total coronary occlusion on P-wave dispersion.

P-wave dispersion (PWD) obtained from the standard 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is considered to reflect the homogeneity of the atrial electrical activity. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of percutaneous chronic total occlusion (CTO) revascularization on the parameters of P wave duration and PWD on ECG in cases before and after procedure at 12 months. We analyzed 90 consecutive CTO cases who were on sinus rhythm and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Switching Ticagrelor to 600 mg or 300 mg Clopidogrel Loading Bridge in Patients with Unstable Angina.

Ticagrelor is believed to be a more potent and faster antiplatelet agent compared with clopidogrel and may result in lower ischemic outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, the best strategy of switching from ticagrelor to clopidogrel is unclear. Current guidelines advocate clopidogrel bridging with a 600 mg loading dose (LD).

Fragmented QRS on surface electrocardiography as a predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Aims: Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is mainly a respiratory system disease, recent studies reported that cardiac injury is associated with poor outcomes in this population. There are few studies which assessed standard electrocardiogram (ECG) as a prognostic tool during the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between of ECG parameters and prognosis of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Evaluation of Changes in Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

Background: Weight loss after bariatric surgery has been associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality and overall mortality in obese patients. In this study, we aimed to analyze the changes between pre-operation and post-operation ventricular arrhythmia predictors in patients who underwent bariatric surgery.

Materials And Methods: The study included 58 patients who underwent bariatric surgery.

Long-term comparison of everolimus- vs. novolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in real world patients.

Introduction: Elevated risk of adverse events in comparison to metallic stents resulted in withdrawal of everolimus-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds (eBVS), known as the most intensively studied BVS. There is a paucity of data comparing the two different BVS.

Aim: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of the novolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold (nBVS) compared with eBVS.

Long-term outcomes of Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold using predilation, sizing, and postdilation protocol in a real-world patient population.

Objective: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVSs) have been a disappointment in the evolution of drug-eluting stents used in percutaneous coronary intervention because an excessive number of thrombotic complications have been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes of the Absorb BVS in patients treated using a predilation, proper sizing, and post-dilation implantation technique.

Methods: The records of 110 patients who had a total of 150 Absorb BVSs implanted were retrospectively analyzed.

Association of vitamin D deficiency with arterial stiffness in newly diagnosed hypertension.

Objective: Vitamin D has beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function, blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness increases in early-stage hypertensive patients and it is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH D) levels and arterial stiffness in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

Cystatin C and uncontrolled hypertension.

Objective: Increased serum level of cystatin C, a sensitive biomarker for renal function, seems to predict adverse cardiovascular events. We investigated the predictive value of serum cystatin C for controlling hypertension in an observational study.

Methods: We screened 1037 adults residing in both rural and urban communities.