Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in aortic regurgitation and its influence on outcomes.

Objective: Aortic regurgitation (AR) can lead to pulmonary hypertension (PHT). There is a paucity of data on the prognostic importance of PHT in these patients. We therefore aimed to describe the prevalence and prognostic importance of PHT in such patients.

Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in aortic stenosis and its influence on outcomes.

Objective: The significance of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) complicating aortic stenosis (AS) is poorly characterised. In a large cohort of adults with at least moderate AS, we aimed to describe the prevalence and prognostic importance of PHT in such patients.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we analysed the National Echocardiography Database of Australia (data from 2000 to 2019).

Targeting leukotriene biosynthesis to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As such, new treatments are needed to prevent the onset and progression of atherosclerosis to improve outcomes in patients with coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral arterial disease. In this regard, inflammation is known to be a critical driver of atherosclerosis formation and progression, thus it is a viable target for vascular protection in patients at risk of developing ASCVD.

Exercise-Induced Left Atrial Hypertension in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Background: Many patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction have no overt volume overload and normal resting left atrial (LA) pressure.

Objectives: This study sought to characterize patients with normal resting LA pressure (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP] <15 mm Hg) but exercise-induced left atrial hypertension (EILAH).

Methods: The REDUCE LAP-HF II (A Study to Evaluate the Corvia Medical, Inc.

Effects of fitting methods, high b-values and image quality on diffusion and perfusion quantification and reproducibility in the calf.

Purposes: The study aimed to optimize diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) image acquisition and analysis protocols in calf muscles by investigating the effects of different model-fitting methods, image quality, and use of high b-value and constraints on parameters of interest (POIs). The optimized modeling methods were used to select the optimal combinations of b-values, which will allow shorter acquisition time while achieving the same reliability as that obtained using 16 b-values.

Methods: Test-retest baseline and high-quality DWI images of ten healthy volunteers were acquired on a 3T MR scanner, using 16 b-values, including a high b-value of 1200 s/mm, and structural T1-weighted images for calf muscle delineation.

IL11 (Interleukin-11) Causes Emphysematous Lung Disease in a Mouse Model of Marfan Syndrome.

Background: Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the FBN1 (fibrillin-1) gene. Lung abnormalities are common in MFS, but their pathogenesis is poorly understood. IL11 (interleukin-11) causes aortic disease in a mouse model of MFS and was studied here in the lung.

The relationship between midlife dyslipidemia and lifetime incidence of dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Introduction: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to review the relationship between midlife dyslipidemia and lifetime incident dementia.

Methods: The databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched from inception to February 20, 2022. Longitudinal studies examining the relationship between midlife lipid levels on dementia, dementia subtypes, and/or cognitive impairment were pooled using inverse-variance weighted random-effects meta-analysis.

Autonomic and respiratory consequences of altered chemoreflex function: clinical and therapeutic implications in cardiovascular diseases.

The importance of chemoreflex function for cardiovascular health is increasingly recognized in clinical practice. The physiological function of the chemoreflex is to constantly adjust ventilation and circulatory control to match respiratory gases to metabolism. This is achieved in a highly integrated fashion with the baroreflex and the ergoreflex.

A hidden problem: peripheral artery disease in women.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has a huge social and economic burden and is an important contributor to the global health burden. Sex differences in PAD are apparent, with recent data suggesting equal if not greater prevalence in women, and women having worse clinical outcomes. Why this occurs is not clear.

Destabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque by Bilirubin Deficiency.

Background: The rupture of atherosclerotic plaque contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease. Plasma concentrations of bilirubin-a byproduct of heme catabolism-inversely associate with risk of cardiovascular disease, although the link between bilirubin and atherosclerosis remains unclear.

Methods: To assess the role of bilirubin in atherosclerotic plaque stability, we crossed with mice and used the tandem stenosis model of plaque instability.

The influence of growth mindset, discipline, flow and creativity on innovation: Introducing the M.D.F.C. model of innovation.

In times of change, such as during periods wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic, organisations must innovate, as otherwise, they will perish. The only acceptable way forward now is about exploring avenues for increasing innovation in order for businesses to survive. The purpose of our paper is to put forward a conceptual model of factors with the potential to positively influence innovations to assist aspiring leaders and managers in addressing challenges in the future when uncertainty may be the norm rather than the exception.

General practitioners' perceptions on opportunistic single-time point screening for atrial fibrillation: A European quantitative survey.

Background: There is no clear guidance on how to implement opportunistic atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in daily clinical practice.

Objectives: This study evaluated the perception of general practitioners (GPs) about value and practicalities of implementing screening for AF, focusing on opportunistic single-time point screening with a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) device.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with a survey developed to assess overall perception concerning AF screening, feasibility of opportunistic single-lead ECG screening and implementation requirements and barriers.

Exercise as therapy for neurodevelopmental and cognitive dysfunction in people with a Fontan circulation: A narrative review.

People with a Fontan circulation are at risk of neurodevelopmental delay and disability, and cognitive dysfunction, that has significant implications for academic and occupational attainment, psychosocial functioning, and overall quality of life. Interventions for improving these outcomes are lacking. This review article discusses current intervention practices and explores the evidence supporting exercise as a potential intervention for improving cognitive functioning in people living with a Fontan circulation.

FK506-Binding Protein like (FKBPL) Has an Important Role in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Pathogenesis with Potential Diagnostic Utility.

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalisations worldwide, with only 35% of patients surviving the first 5 years after diagnosis. The pathogenesis of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is still unclear, impeding the implementation of effective treatments. FK506-binding protein like (FKBPL) and its therapeutic peptide mimetic, AD-01, are critical mediators of angiogenesis and inflammation.

Personalized care of patients with heart failure: are we ready for a REWOLUTION? Insights from two international surveys on healthcare professionals' needs and patients' perceptions.

Aims: Guidelines for the management of heart failure (HF) are evolving, and increasing emphasis is placed on patient-centred care. As part of the REWOLUTION HF (REal WOrLd EdUcaTION in HF) programme, we conducted two international surveys aimed at assessing healthcare professionals' (HCPs) educational needs and patients' perspectives on the care of HF.

Methods And Results: Anonymous online questionnaires co-developed by HF experts and patients assessed HCPs' educational needs (520 respondents, mostly cardiologists, in 67 countries) and patients' perceptions on HF impact and management (98 respondents in 18 countries).

The Importance of Mitral Valve Prolapse Doming Volume in the Assessment of Left Ventricular Stroke Volume with Cardiac MRI.

There remains a debate whether the ventricular volume within prolapsing mitral valve (MV) leaflets should be included in the left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume, and therefore factored in LV stroke volume (SV), in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) assessments. This study aims to compare LV volumes during end-systolic phases, with and without the inclusion of the volume of blood on the left atrial aspect of the atrioventricular groove but still within the MV prolapsing leaflets, against the reference LV SV by four-dimensional flow (4DF). A total of 15 patients with MV prolapse (MVP) were retrospectively enrolled in this study.

Interaction of Cardiovascular Nonmodifiable Risk Factors, Comorbidities and Comedications With Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Cardioprotection by Pharmacological Treatments and Ischemic Conditioning.

Preconditioning, postconditioning, and remote conditioning of the myocardium enhance the ability of the heart to withstand a prolonged ischemia/reperfusion insult and the potential to provide novel therapeutic paradigms for cardioprotection. While many signaling pathways leading to endogenous cardioprotection have been elucidated in experimental studies over the past 30 years, no cardioprotective drug is on the market yet for that indication. One likely major reason for this failure to translate cardioprotection into patient benefit is the lack of rigorous and systematic preclinical evaluation of promising cardioprotective therapies prior to their clinical evaluation, since ischemic heart disease in humans is a complex disorder caused by or associated with cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities.

The effect of a game-based mobile app 'MyHeartMate' to promote lifestyle change in coronary disease patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Aims: Secondary prevention reduces coronary heart disease (CHD) progression. Traditional prevention programs including cardiac rehabilitation are under-accessed, which smartphone apps may overcome. To evaluate the effect of a game-based mobile app intervention (MyHeartMate) to improve cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle behaviours.

Exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation establishes a novel immune suppressive lipidome in skin-draining lymph nodes.

The ability of ultraviolet radiation to suppress the immune system is thought to be central to both its beneficial (protection from autoimmunity) and detrimental (carcinogenic) effects. Previous work revealed a key role for lipids particularly platelet-activating factor and sphingosine-1-phosphate in mediating UV-induced immune suppression. We therefore hypothesized that there may be other UV-induced lipids that have immune regulatory roles.

The global syndemic of metabolic diseases in the young adult population: A consortium of trends and projections from the Global Burden of Disease 2000-2019.

Background: A significant proportion of premature deaths globally are related to metabolic diseases in young adults. We examined the global trends and mortality of metabolic diseases in individuals aged below 40 years using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019.

Methods: From 2000 to 2019, global estimates of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were described for metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM], hyperlipidemia, hypertension, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]).