Risk Factors for Weaning Failure in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Data on risk factors associated with mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning failure among SARS-CoV2 ARDS patients is limited. We aimed to determine clinical characteristics associated with weaning outcome in SARS-CoV2 ARDS patients under MV.

Objectives: To determine potential risk factors for weaning outcome in patients with SARS-CoV2 ARDS.

The Role of Right Ventriculo-Arterial Coupling in Symptoms Presentation of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiomyopathy. The hallmark of HCM is myocardial fibrosis which contributes to heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Objective: To identify the factors implicated in heart failure symptoms and functional capacity of patients with HCM.

Interleukin-6 Signaling in Atherosclerosis: From Molecular Mechanisms To Clinical Outcomes.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine centrally involved in several immune responses and it has been recognized as a driver of enhanced atherothrombotic risk. Immunity and inflammation are intrinsically involved in atherosclerosis progression. This generated 'inflammation hypothesis', which is now validated in large-scale clinical trials.

Prolonged impact of anti-cancer therapy on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in breast cancer patients.

Background: Cardiotoxicity restricts anthracycline and trastuzumab treatment of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 positive early breast cancer. Endothelial dysfunction and arteriosclerosis are significant cardiovascular risk factors.

Objectives: We studied the effect of anthracycline-based chemotherapy, with or without trastuzumab, on endothelium and arteriosclerosis in patients with breast cancer.

Efficacy, Safety and Feasibility of Superior Vena Cava Isolation in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation: An Up-to-Date Review.

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation; yet, the role of arrhythmogenic superior vena cava (SVC) is increasingly recognized and different ablation strategies have been employed in this context. SVC can act as a trigger or perpetuator of AF, and its significance might be more pronounced in patients undergoing repeated ablation. Several cohorts have examined efficacy, safety and feasibility of SVC isolation (SVCI) among AF patients.

Left atrial appendage morphofunctional indices could be predictive of arrhythmia recurrence post-atrial fibrillation ablation: a meta-analysis.

Background: Left atrium changes are implicated in atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate and are predictive of AF outcomes. Left atrial appendage (LAA) is an integral component of left atrial structure and could be affected by atrial cardiomyopathy. We aimed to elucidate the association between LAA indices and late arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA).

Lipoprotein(a) and calcific aortic valve disease initiation and progression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although evidence indicates the association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] with atherosclerosis, the link with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the connection between Lp(a) and aortic valve calcification and stenosis (AVS). We included all relevant studies, indexed in eight databases, up to February 2023.

The Role of Shear Stress in Coronary Artery Disease.

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developed countries, with an increasing incidence in developing countries. Despite the advances in cardiology, there are yet many unanswered questions about the natural history of coronary atherosclerosis. However, it has not been fully explained why some coronary artery plaques remain quiescent over time, whereas others evolve to a high-risk, "vulnerable" plaque with a predisposition to destabilize and induce a cardiac event.

The Role of Rehabilitation in Arterial Function Properties of Convalescent COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease, although arterial function involvement has been documented. We assess the impact of a post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation program on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and arterial wall properties. We enrolled 60 convalescent patients from COVID-19 and one-month post-acute disease, who were randomized at a 1:1 ratio in a 3-month cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (study group) or not (control group).

Advances in the Management of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction; The Role of SGLT2is, ARNI, Myotropes, Vericiguat, and Anti-inflammatory Agents: A Mini-review.

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been associated with poor prognosis, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare expenditure. Despite tremendous advances in HFrEF management, reduced survival and a high rate of hospitalization remain unsolved issues. Furthermore, HFrEF morbidity and economic burden are estimated to increase in the following years; hence, new therapies are constantly emerging.

Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications of Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Heart Failure.

Heart failure is a complex medical syndrome that is attributed to a number of risk factors; nevertheless, its clinical presentation is quite similar among the different etiologies. Heart failure displays a rapidly increasing prevalence due to the aging of the population and the success of medical treatment and devices. The pathophysiology of heart failure comprises several mechanisms, such as activation of neurohormonal systems, oxidative stress, dysfunctional calcium handling, impaired energy utilization, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, which are also implicated in the development of endothelial dysfunction.

Lipoprotein(a) in Atherosclerotic Diseases: From Pathophysiology to Diagnosis and Treatment.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol-like particle bound to apolipoprotein(a). Increased Lp(a) levels are an independent, heritable causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) as they are largely determined by variations in the Lp(a) gene (LPA) locus encoding apo(a). Lp(a) is the preferential lipoprotein carrier for oxidized phospholipids (OxPL), and its role adversely affects vascular inflammation, atherosclerotic lesions, endothelial function and thrombogenicity, which pathophysiologically leads to cardiovascular (CV) events.

Life-Threatening Hypotension in a Brain-Injured, Multi-Trauma Patient With Unilateral Adrenal Gland Damage: How a Single Hydrocortisone Dose Revealed Relative Corticosteroid Insufficiency.

We report a case of a multi-trauma, brain-injured young patient with unilateral adrenal gland injury presenting with refractory shock. Acute adrenal insufficiency was revealed after an abrupt hemodynamic response to a corticosteroid; the resistant shock was quickly resolved with IV hydrocortisone. Although available data do not support the use of empiric steroids in trauma patients (with or without brain injury), this case demonstrates that adrenal insufficiency must be considered in the differential diagnosis when shock exists; adrenal gland injury, even unilateral, may play an additional factor.

Adhesion Molecules as Prognostic Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease.

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease, culminating in the production of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries through intricate pathophysiological processes. The progression of this disorder is based on the effect of triggering factors -mainly hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and smoking- on the endothelium. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an atherosclerotic disease with a higher prevalence among individuals.

Lipoprotein (a) Levels and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Several studies have linked high Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) concentrations to cardiovascular events, including the formation of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA). We review and meta-analyze existing evidence on the association of Lp(a) levels with AAA.

Methods: Studies evaluating the link of Lp(a) with AAA, up to December 27th 2021, were identified by a systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases.

Impact of secondary sepsis on mortality in adult intensive care unit patients.

Rationale: Septic patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) suffer from immune dysregulation, potentially leading to a secondary sepsis episode. This study aims to (i) assess the secondary sepsis rate, (ii) compare the second with the first episodes in terms of demographics, clinical and laboratory characteristics, and outcomes, and iii) evaluate the outcome of secondary sepsis.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective study (2014-2017) was conducted in a Greek ICU, including consecutive cases of adult patients admitted to the ICU for at least 48 h with a principal admission diagnosis of sepsis and stayed for at least 48 h.

Association of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 with Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Function in Subpopulations of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

Background: Growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a biomarker belonging to the transforming growth factor-beta cytokine superfamily, which is linked to many pathological conditions, including inflammation and myocardial injury. Pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx) are indices of arterial stiffness, which are associated with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is a well-studied surrogate marker of endothelial-dependent dysfunction and systemic inflammation.

Residual Right-to-Left-Shunt Following Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure: The Role of Antithrombotic Treatment.

Background: Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a highly effective therapy for patients with left circulation thromboembolism, not attributable to other conditions.

Objectives: This retrospective cohort study investigates the impact of baseline foramen ovale anatomy on the severity of the postclosure shunt.

Methods: Patients with PFO, who underwent percutaneous closure, were followed up for at least 5 years postimplantation.

Daily Physical Activity in Asthma and the Effect of Mepolizumab Therapy.

For the various asthma-specific beneficial effects of physical activity, daily physical activity (DPA) and the potential of asthma therapies on DPA require better characterization. Hence, we aimed to determine (a) the DPA of asthma patients, and (b) the effect of add-on mepolizumab on the DPA of severe asthma patients. Adult outpatients with mild-to-moderate or severe asthma had accelerometer assessment of DPA.

COVID-19, Endothelium and the Cardiometabolic Patient: A Possible Role for Capillary Leak Syndrome.

Capillary leak syndrome is an under-diagnosed condition leading to serious hypoalbuminemia with diffuse edema, pulmonary edema, severe hypotension, and possibly death. Sepsis leading to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a major risk factor; however, capillary hyper-permeability is the core underlying pathophysiological mechanism. Endothelial dysfunction plays a major role in cardiometabolic disease through insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, and, eventually, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease.

Atherosclerosis and one of its most serious consequences, coronary artery disease, are important sources of morbidity and mortality globally, necessitating early detection and treatment. Considering their complex pathophysiology, including several harmful processes, a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy is very desirable. Extracellular matrix remodeling is a major component of this dangerous cascade, including the cleavage of constituents (collagen, elastin, proteoglycans) and the propagation or exacerbation of the inflammatory response.

Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 Protects from COVID-19-induced Endothelial Dysfunction.

Background: Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is implicated in endotheliitis, which adversely affects cardiovascular events. The impact of vaccination with COVID-19 on the clinical outcome of patients is documented.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of vaccination with COVID-19 on the severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection-related endothelial impairment.

Interleukin-1 in Coronary Artery Disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Inflammation has long been established as a key component in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. The interleukin-1 family consists of 11 members that regulate the inflammatory response through both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties with the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome having a pivotal role in the process of converting interleukin-1 beta and interleukin- 18, two key inflammatory mediators, into their mature forms.