Molecular analysis and genotyping of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from different clinical sources

Background

Investigating genetic relatedness between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains from humans and different animal species may clarify the epidemiological characteristic of MRSA infections together.

Aim

The aim of the study was to perform genotypic characterization and type strains of MRSA isolated from different clinical sources, by molecular techniques.

Materials and Methods

The molecular characterization of the strains was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using several specific oligonucleotides. These were as follows: S. aureus species-specific sau gene, mecA gene coding PBP2a responsible for methicillin resistance, femA gene coding for a protein, which influences the level of methicillin resistance of S. aureus, and is universally present in all MRSA strains; spa gene coding for protein A; coa gene coding for coagulase, and blaZ gene coding for the production of beta-lactamase. To determine the genetic diversity of these strains, random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was performed.

Results

Among the 415 S. aureus strains, 61 were phenotypically identified as MRSA, and confirmed as S. aureus by amplification of sau gene. However, 90.16% of the strains were mecA positive, while all were negative for femA gene. The presence and polymorphism of coa and spa genes were investigated and 83.60% and 18.03% strains were positive for coa and spa, respectively. While these strains were grouped into six coa-types by PCR, no polymorphism was found for spa gene among strains having only single 190 bp of the band. bla genes were found in 75.40% of strains. These strains were divided into 12 RAPD types.

Conclusions

The results showed the relatively high heterogeneity and variation of coa gene among MRSA strains, while further studies on sequencing of these strains may identify which sequence type is predominant in this region.

Calcium electroporation and electrochemotherapy for cancer treatment: Importance of cell membrane composition investigated by lipidomics, calorimetry and in vitro efficacy

Calcium electroporation is a novel anti-cancer treatment investigated in clinical trials. We explored cell sensitivity to calcium electroporation and electroporation with bleomycin, using viability assays at different time and temperature points, as well as heat calorimetry, lipidomics, and flow cytometry. Three cell lines: HT29 (colon cancer), MDA-MB231 (breast cancer), and HDF-n (normal fibroblasts) were investigated for; (a) cell survival dependent on time of addition of drug relative to electroporation (1.2 kV/cm, 8 pulses, 99 µs, 1 Hz), at different temperatures (37 °C, 27 °C, 17 °C); (b) heat capacity profiles obtained by differential scanning calorimetry without added calcium; (c) lipid composition by mass spectrometry; (d) phosphatidylserine in the plasma membrane outer leaflet using flow cytometry. Temperature as well as time of drug administration affected treatment efficacy in HT29 and HDF-n cells, but not MDA-MB231 cells. Interestingly the HT29 cell line displayed a higher phase transition temperature (approximately 20 °C) versus 14 °C (HDF-n) and 15 °C (MDA-MB231). Furthermore the HT29 cell membranes had a higher ratio of ethers to esters, and a higher expression of phosphatidylserine in the outer leaflet. In conclusion, lipid composition and heat capacity of the membrane might influence permeabilisation of cells and thereby the effect of calcium electroporation and electrochemotherapy.

The value of transient ischemic dilation for detecting restenosis after coronary artery revascularization

AIM

Transient ischemic dilation (TID) is a marker of severe coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to assess the incremental value of TID in a cohort of patients with known significant CAD who had recurrence of symptoms after revascularization.

METHODS

We identified in our databases 104 patients who had recent coronary revascularization and recurrence of symptoms. 62 patients had PCI (75 arteries) and 42 patients had CABG (104 arteries). All had follow-up stress SPECT MPI and repeat coronary angiography. Myocardial perfusion findings of ischemia and TID were correlated with presence of significant obstructive CAD (>70% stenosis).

RESULTS

Follow-up stress Tc-99m Sestamibi SPECT MPI revealed inducible ischemia in 38 patients (36.5%) and TID > 1.20 in 49 patients (47%). Subsequent coronary angiography showed significant obstructive CAD in 44 patients (42%). The sensitivity for detecting obstructive CAD was 61% for SPECT MPI alone, but increased significantly to 93% by the addition of TID as a diagnostic criterion (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this selected patient cohort with prior coronary revascularization, TID is an important marker of obstructive CAD and has incremental value over SPECT MPI alone.

Drug Adherence in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Taking Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Turkey: NOAC-TR

Adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) is an important factor for ensuring efficacy and safety in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). There are controversial results regarding NOAC adherence in real-world data and there are no data about NOAC adherence in Turkish population. This study investigated the NOAC adherence based on self-report, factors affecting nonadherence, and the relation of the adherence level with efficacy and safety outcomes. This multicenter cross-sectional study included 2738 patients (59% female) using NOAC (dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban) due to NVAF for more than 3 months with >30 days of supply between September 1, 2015, and February 28, 2016. To measure the adherence level, an 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale was used. The mean age of the patients was 70 ± 10 years. Of the 2738 patients, 44% were receiving dabigatran, 38% rivaroxaban, and 18% apixaban. A total of 630 (23%) patients had high medication adherence, 712 (26%) moderate adherence, and 1396 (51%) low adherence. Nonadherence had related to stroke (5.6% vs 2.5%, P < .001) and minor (21.2% vs 11.1%, P < .001) and major (6.1% vs 3.7%, P = .004) bleeding rates. The adherence to NOAC was found to be quite low in Turkey. Nonadherence is associated with bleeding and thromboembolic cardiovascular events. Age, taking NOAC twice a day, and the additional noncardiac diseases, depression, and dementia were the independent factors affecting poor medication adherence.

Comparison of coronary artery dimensions in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation or stenosis

OBJECTIVE

Effects of various conditions on coronary artery dimensions is an important research topic, and data regarding effect of aortic valvular diseases are limited. Aim of the present study was to investigate effects of aortic regurgitation (AR) and aortic stenosis (AS) on coronary artery dimensions.

METHODS

Coronary dimensions of 95 patients (35 with isolated AR, 30 with isolated AS, and 30 without any valvular disease) were calculated. Patients with severe coronary artery disease and concurrent moderate to severe additional valvular disease were excluded. Mean diameter of major coronary arteries was determined using quantitative coronary angiography.

RESULTS

The 3 study groups were similar in terms of baseline characteristics. Diameter of left main coronary artery was found to be greater in AR group than AS group (2.66±0.57 mm/m2 vs 2.36±0.49 mm/m2; p=0.015). Mean diameter of left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries were found to be similar in AR and AS groups, and greater than control group. Mean diameter of right coronary artery was found to be greater in AR group compared with controls; however, no significant difference was found in same measurement between AS group and controls.

CONCLUSION

Present study findings indicate that coronary dimensions in AR group tend to be greater than AS group. Further studies investigating factors that affect coronary dimensions would be beneficial in order to demonstrate mechanisms and differences in AR and AS groups.

Serum Irisin Level Can Predict the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Stable Angina

Background and Objectives

The recently discovered myokine irisin has a proposed role in adipose tissue metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum irisin level and the coronary artery severity in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Subjects and Methods

Sixty-three patients who underwent coronary angiography (CA) diagnosed with stable CAD and twenty-six patients with normal coronary artery (NCA) were enrolled in the study. Stable CAD patients were divided into two groups as high synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and cardiac surgery (SYNTAX) score (≥23) and lower SYNTAX score (<23). Serum irisin level measurement was carried out using human irisin colorimetric enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) commercial kit (AG-45A-0046EK-KI01, Adipogen, San Diego, CA, USA) as recommended by the manufacturer's protocol.

Results

The patients with stable CAD with a higher SYNTAX score (score ≥23) had significantly lower serum irisin levels (127.91±55.38 ng/mL), as compared the patients with a low SYNTAX score (score <23) (224.69±92.99 ng/mL) and control group (299.54±123.20 ng/mL). Irisin levels showed significant differences between all groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Serum irisin level is an independent predictor of coronary artery severity in patients with stable CAD.

Endocan and Non-Dipping Circadian Pattern in Newly Diagnosed Essential Hypertension

Background and Objectives

Non-dipper hypertension is frequently accompanied by endothelial dysfunction and activation. Previous studies suggested that endocan may be a novel endothelial dysfunction marker. This study aims to investigate the association between circadian blood pressure (BP) pattern and plasma endocan levels together with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in patients with newly diagnosed untreated hypertension.

Subjects and Methods

Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was recorded in 35 dipper, 35 non-dipper hypertensives and 35 healthy controls. Endocan levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum levels of hsCRP were also recorded.

Results

Despite similar daytime and 24-hour average BP values between dippers and non-dippers, statistically significant high nocturnal BP was accompanied by a non-dipping pattern (Systolic BP: 132±9 vs. 147±11 mmHg; Distolic BP: 80±7 vs. 91±9 mmHg, respectively, p<0.001 for both). Non-dipper patients demonstrated higher endocan levels compared to dippers and normotensives (367 (193-844) pg/mL, 254 (182-512) pg/mL and 237 (141-314) pg/ml, respectively, p<0.001). HsCRP levels were significantly higher in non-dippers than the other groups (p=0.013). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, endocan (p=0.021) and hsCRP (p=0.044) were independently associated with a non-dipping pattern.

Conclusion

Elevated endocan levels were found in non-dipper groups. Endocan and hsCRP were found to be independently associated with a non-dipping pattern. We suggest that elevated levels of endocan in non-dipper hypertensive patients might be associated with a longer duration of exposure to high BP. These results point to the possible future role of endocan in selection of hypertensive patients at higher risk or target organ damage.

Atrial Electromechanical Properties in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

There is much evidence linking inflammation to the initiation and continuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are chronic systemic inflammatory disorders. Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) has been known as an early marker of AF. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the atrial electromechanical properties in patients with IBD.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients with IBD and 26 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Twenty-five of patients with IBD were on active period, and the remaining 27 were on remission period. Atrial electromechanical properties were measured by using transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging and simultaneous surface ECG recording. Interatrial EMD, left intraatrial EMD, and right intraatrial EMD were calculated.

RESULTS

Patients on activation with IBD had significantly prolonged left and right intraatrial EMDs and interatrial EMD compared to patients on remission (P = 0.048, P = 0.036, P < 0.001, respectively) and healthy controls (P < 0.001, for all comparisons). Left and right intraatrial EMDs and interatrial EMD were also found to be higher when patients on remission with IBD compared with healthy controls. No statistical difference was observed between UC and CD in terms of inter- and intraatrial EMDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Atrial electromechanical conduction is prolonged in IBD, and exposure to chronic inflammation may lead to structural and electrophysiological changes in the atrial tissue that causes slow conduction. Measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used to predict the risk for the development of AF in patients with IBD.

Serum Paraoxonase Levels are Correlated with Impaired Aortic Functions in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

The correlation between aortic functions and paraoxonase levels has been previously demonstrated by several earlier studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between serum paraoxonase levels and aortic functions among patients with chronic kidney disease.

METHODS

Our study enrolled 46 chronic kidney disease patients and 45 healthy controls. From these patients, serum cholesterol, creatinine, hemoglobin, and paraoxonase-1 levels were analyzed.

RESULTS

Paraoxonase-1 levels were significantly lower in patients with chronic kidney disease compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Additionally, the extent of aortic stiffness index (%) was significantly higher in chronic kidney disease patients, but aortic strain and aortic distensibility were significantly higher in healthy controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). We further found that paraoxonase-1 levels were correlated with aortic stiffness index, aortic strain, and aortic distensibility (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that serum paraoxonase-1 levels were significantly correlated with impaired aortic functions. The results of this study highlight the impact of serum paraoxonase-1 activity on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular adverse events.

KEY WORDS

Aortic functions; Atherosclerosis; Chronic kidney disease; Echocardiography; Paraoxonase.

Atrial Electromechanical Properties in Coeliac Disease

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder of the small intestine. There is reasonable evidence linking inflammation to the initiation and continuation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in inflammatory conditions. Atrial electro-mechanic delay (EMD) was suggested as an early marker of AF in previous studies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate atrial electromechanical properties measured by tissue Doppler imaging and simultaneous electrocardiography (ECG) tracing in patients with CD.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with coeliac disease (CD), and 26 healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex, were enrolled in the study. Atrial electromechanical properties were measured by using transthoracic echocardiography and surface ECG. Interatrial electro-mechanic delay (EMD), left intraatrial EMD, right intratrial EMD were calculated.

RESULTS

There was no difference between CD patients and healthy volunteers in terms of basal characteristics. Patients with CD had significantly prolonged left and right intraatrial EMDs, and interatrial EMD compared to healthy controls (p= 0.03, p= 0.02, p<0.0001, respectively). Interatrial EMD was positively correlated with age, disease duration, anti-gliadin IgG, anti-endomysium and disease status. In multiple linear regression, interatrial EMD was independently associated with disease duration, anti-endomysium and disease status after adjusting for age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, atrial EMDs were found significantly higher in patients with CD compared with healthy individuals. Measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used to predict the risk of development of AF in patients with CD.

Manual Thrombus Aspiration and the Improved Survival of Patients With Unstable Angina Pectoris Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (30 Months Follow-Up)

The clinical effect of intracoronary thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with unstable angina pectoris is unknown. In this study, we aimed to assess how thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention affects in-hospital and 30-month mortality and complications in patients with unstable angina pectoris.We undertook an observational cohort study of 645 consecutive unstable angina pectoris patients who had performed percutaneous coronary intervention from February 2011 to March 2013. Before intervention, 159 patients who had culprit lesion with thrombus were randomly assigned to group 1 (thrombus aspiration group) and group 2 (stand-alone percutaneous coronary intervention group). All patients were followed-up 30 months until August 2015.Thrombus aspiration was performed in 64 patients (46%) whose cardiac markers (ie, creatinine kinase [CK-MB] mass and troponin T) were significantly lower after percutaneous coronary intervention than in those of group 2 (CK-MB mass: 3.80 ± 1.11 vs 4.23 ± 0.89, P = 0.012; troponin T: 0.012 ± 0.014 vs 0.018 ± 0.008, P = 0.002). Left ventricular ejection fraction at 6, 12, and 24 months postintervention was significantly higher in the group 1. During a mean follow-up period of 28.87 ± 6.28 months, mortality rates were 6.3% in the group 1 versus 12.9% in the group 2. Thrombus aspiration was also associated with significantly less long-term mortality in unstable angina pectoris patients (adjusted HR: 4.61, 95% CI: 1.16-18.21, P = 0.029).Thrombus aspiration in the context of unstable angina pectoris is associated with a limited elevation in cardiac enzymes during intervention that minimises microembolization and significantly improves both of epicardial flow and myocardial perfusion, as shown by angiographic TIMI flow grade and frame count. Thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention in unstable angina pectoris patients has better survival over a 30-month follow-up period.

The change in right ventricular systolic function according to the revascularisation method used, following acute ST -segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

The level of right ventricular (RV) systolic function has prognostic importance in right ventricular ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (RV-STEMI). This study aimed to evaluate the changes in RV systolic function in patients with RV-STEMI according to the revascularisation method used for their management.

METHODS

The first group consisted of 132 patients who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The 78 patients who had received thrombolytic therapy (TT) in external centres before referral to our centre for PCI within three to 12 hours of RV-STEMI were included in the second group. All patients were evaluated by conventional and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

RESULTS

There were 172 male patients and their mean age was 63.7 ± 11.8 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to right ventricular systolic parameters at admission and at the one-month follow-up visit. The echocardiographic changes between admission and the one-month follow up were investigated for the patients included in the study groups. Mean values of each parameter observed at the one-month follow up were significantly increased compared to those at admission within each group.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that PCI within three to 12 hours following TT provided similar benefits on right ventricular systolic function compared to PPCI in patients with RV-STEMI.

The change in right ventricular systolic function according to the revascularisation method used, following acute ST -segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

The level of right ventricular (RV) systolic function has prognostic importance in right ventricular ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (RV-STEMI). This study aimed to evaluate the changes in RV systolic function in patients with RV-STEMI according to the revascularisation method used for their management.

METHODS

The first group consisted of 132 patients who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The 78 patients who had received thrombolytic therapy (TT) in external centres before referral to our centre for PCI within three to 12 hours of RV-STEMI were included in the second group. All patients were evaluated by conventional and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

RESULTS

There were 172 male patients and their mean age was 63.7 ± 11.8 years. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to right ventricular systolic parameters at admission and at the one-month follow-up visit. The echocardiographic changes between admission and the one-month follow up were investigated for the patients included in the study groups. Mean values of each parameter observed at the one-month follow up were significantly increased compared to those at admission within each group.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that PCI within three to 12 hours following TT provided similar benefits on right ventricular systolic function compared to PPCI in patients with RV-STEMI.

Evaluation of heart rate recovery index in heavy smokers

Objective:

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular events. The heart rate recovery index (HRRI) is an indicator of autonomous nervous system function and is an independent prognostic risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate HRRI in heavy smokers.

Methods:

A total of 179 apparently healthy subjects (67 non-smokers as the control group and 112 heavy smokers) were enrolled into this prospective cross-sectional study. The presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and known cardiac or non-cardiac diseases was specified as the exclusion criteria. Heavy cigarette smoking was defined as the consumption of more than one packet of cigarette per day. All subjects underwent the maximal Bruce treadmill test. HRRIs of the heavy cigarette smoker group at 1, 2, 3, and 5 min after maximal exercise were calculated and compared to those of the control group. Student t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of covariance were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar, except for body mass index and high-density lipoprotein level. HRRIs at 1, 2, 3, and 5 min after maximal exercise were found to be significantly lower in the heavy smoker group (HRRI1: 26.78±8.81 vs. 32.82±10.34, p<0.001; HRRI2: 44.37±12.11 vs. 51.72±12.87, p<0.001; HRRI3: 52.73±11.54 vs. 57.22±13.51, p=0.018; and HRRI5: 58.31±10.90 vs. 62.33±13.02, p=0.029).

Conclusions:

In the present study, we found that HRRI was impaired in heavy smokers. Our results suggest that beside previously known untoward effects on vascular biology, heavy smoking also has deleterious effects on the neuro–cardiovascular system.

Evaluating functional capacity, and mortality effects in the presence of atrial electromechanical conduction delay in patients with systolic heart failure

Objective:

Atrial functions are relatively suppressed in heart failure (HF). We aimed to investigate the associations of intra- and inter-atrial electromechanical conduction delay (EMCD) with functional class and mortality over a 12-month follow-up period.

Methods:

The prospective study included 65 patients with systolic HF and 65 healthy subjects with normal sinus rhythm. Left ventricular (LV) systolic functions and left atrial (LA) dimensions and volumes were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) signals at the lateral border of the mitral annulus (lateral PA’), septal mitral annulus (septal PA’), and tricuspid annulus (tricuspid PA’) were measured. Intra- and inter-atrial EMCD were calculated.

Results:

Mitral inflow velocities were studied using pulsed-wave Doppler after placing the sample volume at the leaflets’ tips. The peak early (E wave) and late (A wave) velocities were measured. The septal annular E/E’ ratio was relatively higher and lateral, septal, and right ventricular S, E’, and A’ waves were significantly lower in the HF group than in the control group (12.49±6.03 – 7.16±1.75, pE/E’ <0.0001). Intra-atrial EMCD was detected as 117.5 ms and inter-atrial EMCD as 127.5 ms in patients with prolonged atrial EMCD. A significant increase was found in prolonged intra- and inter-atrial EMCD according to functional capacity increase (p=0.012 and p=0.031, respectively). The incidence of mortality was significantly higher in patients with prolonged atrial EMCD (p=0.025), and 5 patients in the HF group died during the study over the 12-month follow-up period.

Conclusions:

In this study, we found a relationship between prolonged atrial conduction time and increased functional class and mortality in patients with systolic HF. (Anatol J Cardiol 2016; 16: 579-86)

Atrial Electromechanical Properties in Coeliac Disease

BACKGROUND

Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder of the small intestine. There is reasonable evidence linking inflammation to the initiation and continuation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in inflammatory conditions. Atrial electro-mechanic delay (EMD) was suggested as an early marker of AF in previous studies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate atrial electromechanical properties measured by tissue Doppler imaging and simultaneous electrocardiography (ECG) tracing in patients with CD.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with coeliac disease (CD), and 26 healthy volunteers, matched for age and sex, were enrolled in the study. Atrial electromechanical properties were measured by using transthoracic echocardiography and surface ECG. Interatrial electro-mechanic delay (EMD), left intraatrial EMD, right intratrial EMD were calculated.

RESULTS

There was no difference between CD patients and healthy volunteers in terms of basal characteristics. Patients with CD had significantly prolonged left and right intraatrial EMDs, and interatrial EMD compared to healthy controls (p= 0.03, p= 0.02, p<0.0001, respectively). Interatrial EMD was positively correlated with age, disease duration, anti-gliadin IgG, anti-endomysium and disease status. In multiple linear regression, interatrial EMD was independently associated with disease duration, anti-endomysium and disease status after adjusting for age and sex.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, atrial EMDs were found significantly higher in patients with CD compared with healthy individuals. Measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used to predict the risk of development of AF in patients with CD.

Evaluation of Tp-E Interval and Tp-E/QT Ratio in Patients with Aortic Stenosis

BACKGROUND

The risk of syncope and sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias increased in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Recently, it was shown that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratio can be novel indicators for prediction of ventricular arrhythmias and mortality. We aimed to investigate the association between AS and ventricular repolarization using Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio.

METHODS

Totally, 105 patients with AS and 60 control subjects were enrolled to this study. The severity of AS was defined by transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram.

RESULTS

Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were significantly increased in parallel to the severity of AS (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). Also, it was shown that Tp-e/QTc ratio had significant positive correlation with mean aortic gradient (r = 0.192, P = 0.049). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, Tp-e/QTc ratio and left ventricular mass were found to be independent predictors of severe AS (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were increased in patients with severe AS. Tp-e/QTc ratio and left ventricular mass were found as independent predictors of severe AS.

Acute coronary syndrome secondary to clarithromycin: the first case and review of the literature

Kounis syndrome (KS) is characterized by concurrent acute coronary syndrome and allergic reaction, in which acute inflammatory mediators cause spasm and/or erosion and rupture of coronary atheromatous plaque. In this report, we remind clinicians to consider KS in patients who are subjected to allergenic substances and demonstrate acute chest pain. A 36-year-old woman had chest pain, severe dyspnea, hypotension, and symmetrical negative T waves on the anterior leads during electrocardiography approximately two hours after the use of clarithromycin. KS was considered as a possible diagnosis based on the presentation. Laboratory tests revealed an elevated level of troponin I, suggesting myocardial infarction, and an elevated level of serum tryptase level, suggesting an allergic reaction. The patient promptly underwent coronary angiography, which revealed only plaques in all main coronary arteries without any obstructive lesion. To the best of our knowledge, we report herein the first case in the literature describing an association between clarithromycin and KS.

Paget-von Schrötter syndrome: upper extremity deep vein thrombosis after heavy exercise

We present a 52-year-old man with swelling, tightness, heaviness, and redness in the right half of his neck, face, upper arm, and right precordial area after repetitive exercises. No etiological factors such as trauma, venous catheter, malignancy, hematologic disorder history, or any chronic disease were noted. A Doppler ultrasound of the upper extremities was performed, which showed a complete thrombotic occlusion in the right internal jugular vein, partial occlusion in the right brachiocephalic and subclavian veins with thrombosis, and chronic thrombosis occluding the left brachial vein. Complete blood cell count, coagulation profiles, and rheumatologic and tumor markers were normal. The patient reported that he had taken spinning classes for the last 18 months, and for the past 4 days he reported that he had done his spinning exercises harder and more frequently. The swelling and redness regressed partially on the 3rd day of therapy with enoxaparin sodium. In the first month follow-up visit we performed a control Doppler ultrasound and it showed partially thrombosed areas in the right brachiocephalic and internal jugular veins. Also, chronic thrombosis persisted in the left brachial and basilic veins. Computed tomography images showed no evidence for malignancy and some sections showed filling defects in the vena cava superior, which was attributed to thrombotic materials. The patient was successfully treated with anticoagulants for 6 months.

Unusual association of multiple congenital left ventricular diverticulum and cerebrovascular events in an adult

Congenital ventricular diverticulum is a rare and usually asymptomatic cardiac malformation which can cause major complications such as systemic thromboembolism, infective endocarditis, cardiac rupture, heart failure, arrhythmia and sudden death. We present a case with multiple congenital left ventricular diverticulum admitted to hospital with sudden onset right-sided hemiplegia and dysarthria.

The relationship between C-reactive protein and the lapse of time since the onset of the symptoms after acute myocardial infarction: an prospective-observational study

OBJECTIVE

It is important to know the elapsed symptom-to-door (StD) time between the emergence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) symptoms and admission to the hospital in terms of the selection of appropriate treatment and prognosis. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and StD time after STEMI.

METHODS

436 of the patients admitted to our center with STEMI between August 2012-February 2013 (338 male, mean age, 63.9±12.8) were included in this prospective-observational cohort study. Blood samples were obtained from laboratory results of the first reference period. Patients were divided into four groups according to the duration of StD time [0-1. hour; group 1 (G1), 1-3. hour; group 2 (G2), 3-6. hour; group 3 (G3), 6-12. hour; group 4 (G4)]. Statistical analysis was performed via chi-squre test, ANOVA test, Pearson's correlation analysis and receiver operator charecteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

As the time progressed, an increase in CRP levels was observed. The difference among the means of the G1-G3 (p=0.002), G1-G4 (p<0.001), G2-G4 (p<0.001) and G3-G4 (p<0.001) groups was found to be statistically significant. There was a good correlation between the StD time and CRP levels (r=0.676). ROC analysis of the predictive value of CRP for the third hour was determined as 0.78 mg/dL, respectively (AUC was 0.824; 95% C.I. was 0.785-0.859; 73.9% sensitivity, 78.1% specificity).

CONCLUSION

According to serum CRP levels after STEMI at hospital admission, StD time can be estimated.

[Prevalence and clinical features of microfistulas between the coronary artery and left ventricle: single-center experience]

OBJECTIVES

Coronary artery fistula is an infrequent malformation, and the prevalence was reported as approximately 0.1-0.4% in previous studies. However, the number of studies about microfistulas from coronary arteries to the left ventricle is inadequate, especially in the Turkish population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical features of microfistulas in subjects undergoing coronary angiography for the assessment of coronary artery disease.

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective study, we researched the cardiac catheterization laboratory database between January 2008 and July 2013. The presence of microfistulas was established according to the following criteria: 1) direct filling of the heart cavity during selective coronary injection without interposing "capillary" phase or venous filling, and 2) visualization of small vessels interposed between the epicardial coronary vessels and the heart cavity and emptying into the heart.

RESULTS

Microfistulas were found in 12 (0.11%) of the 11403 coronary angiographies. There were 7 (58.3%) female patients (mean age, 70.2±10.8 years), and contemporary severe coronary artery stenosis was noted in 2 (16.7%) patients. Chest pain was the most frequently encountered complaint, followed by dyspnea. Microfistulas originated from the left anterior descending artery (100%), circumflex artery (66.7%), and right coronary artery (58.3%). In addition, multiple microfistulas were seen in 6 (50%) patients, bilateral microfistulas in 3 (25%) patients and unilateral microfistula in 3 (25%) patients, and all of them terminated in the left ventricle.

CONCLUSION

Our study found an overall incidence of microfistulas of 0.11%. Microfistula is a rare cardiac anomaly that sometimes causes cardiac symptoms; otherwise, it is detected during routine coronary angiography.

Relationships between P wave dispersion, atrial electromechanical delay, left atrial remodeling, and NT-proBNP levels, in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the associations among the well-known atrial fibrillation (AF) predictors including P-wave dispersion (PWD), intra- and inter-atrial electromechanical dyssynchrony (EMD), left atrial (LA) phasic functions, and plasma N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

METHODS

Seventy patients with HCM and age and sex matched 70 subjects were enrolled. PWD, LA total emptying fraction (LATEFr), active emptying fraction (LAAEFr), passive emptying fraction (LAPEFr), expansion index (LAEI) intra- and inter-atrial EMD were calculated. Levels of NT-proBNP of all subjects were determined.

RESULTS

Higher PWD (p = 0.006), significantly decreased LAEI (p < 0.001), LATEFr, and LAPEFr (both p values < 0.001) values and significantly increased inter-atrial (p < 0.001), LA (p = 0.001), and right atrial dyssynchrony (p < 0.001) were observed in the HCM group compared to controls. PWD was negatively correlated with LAEI (r = -0.236, p = 0.005) and LATEFr (r = -0.242, p = 0.04), however not with LAPEFr (p = 0.7), or LAAEFr (p = 0.3). Except for the LA lateral wall PA' (r = 0.283, p = 0.02), PWD was not correlated with any atrial EMD parameter. Inter-atrial dyssynchrony was related to LAEI (r = -0.272, p = 0.001), LATEFr (r = -0.256, p = 0.03), and LAPEFr (r = -0.332, p = 0.006), but not, however, to LAAEFr (p = 0.4). The plasma NT-proBNP levels of patients were not correlated with either PWD (p = 0.927) or inter-atrial dyssynchrony (p = 0.102).

CONCLUSIONS

PWD and inter-atrial dysynchrony seem to independently promote AF, although both are associated with LA reservoir function in HCM populations. The NT-proBNP level is not associated with these two AF predictors in patients with HCM. NT-proBNP seems to be a poor marker of atrial electrical remodeling in HCM patients.

Effect of bauhinia bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor on endothelial proliferation and intracellular calcium concentration

OBJECTIVES

Proteinase inhibitors act as a defensive system against predators e.g. insects, in plants. Bauhinia bauhinioides kallikrein inhibitor (BbKI) is a serine proteinase inhibitor, isolated from seeds of Bauhinia bauhinioides and is structurally similar to plant Kunitz-type inhibitors but lacks disulfide bridges. In this study we evaluated the antiproliferative effect of BbKI on endothelial cells and its impact on changes in membrane potential and intracellular calcium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HUVEC proliferation was significantly reduced by incubation with BbKI 50 and 100 µM 12% and 13%. Furthermore, BbKI (100 µM) exposure caused a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration by 35% as compared to untreated control.

RESULTS

The intracellular rise in calcium was not affected by the absence of extracellular calcium. BBKI also caused a significant change in the cell membrane potential but the antiproliferative effect was independent of changes in membrane potential.

CONCLUSIONS

BBKI has an antiproliferative effect on HUVEC, which is independent of the changes in membrane potential, and it causes an increase in intracellular Ca2+.

Increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness is linked to aortic stiffness in patients with primary hypertension

AIMS

In patients with hypertension (HT), increased aortic stiffness is related to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent investigations have shown that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a new potential cardiometabolic risk factor. The aim of our study was to examine the relation between echocardiographically measured EAT thickness and aortic stiffness in patients with primary HT.

METHODS

The study included 144 newly diagnosed and untreated essential hypertensive outpatients. Transthoracic echocardiographic EAT thickness and aortic stiffness measurements were performed for all study participants. Afterwards patients were divided in two groups according to their median EAT thickness values. The patients with EAT thickness of < 7 mm were included in group 1 and patients with EAT thickness of ≥ 7 mm were included in group 2.

RESULTS

Aortic strain and distensibility parameters of group 2 were lower than in group 1. The aortic stiffness index of group 2 was found to be higher than group 1. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that EAT thickness was the only independent variable for all three parameters of aortic stiffness index, aortic strain and aortic distensibility.

CONCLUSION

In patients with newly diagnosed primary HT, increased EAT thickness was significantly linked to impaired aortic elastic properties independently of other conventional adiposity measurements.

Can Admission Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Infarct-Related Artery Patency in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objectives:

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and infarct-related artery (IRA) patency in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods:

A total of 349 patients with STEMI were recruited to this retrospective study. Baseline characteristics were reviewed. Patency of IRA was evaluated by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade.

Results:

Of all patients, 293 patients formed the occluded IRA group and 56 patients formed the patent IRA group. The NLR was significantly higher in occluded IRA group (4.4 ± 4.1 vs 1.9 ± 1.1, P < .001). Glucose levels were also higher in occluded IRA group (171.3 ± 78.0 vs 144.7 ± 49.7, P = .022). Regression analysis demonstrated admission NLR and plasma glucose levels as independent predictors of IRA patency.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found that admission NLR and glucose levels were higher in patients with occluded IRA than in patients with STEMI. We also found that NLR and glucose levels were independent predictors of IRA patency. Because hemogram is a cheap, fast, and widely available test, it can be used in daily practice as a predictor of IRA patency.

A case of multiple coronary microfistulas to the left ventricle and apical myocardial hypertrophy coexisting with stable angina

A coronary artery fistula consists of a communication between a coronary artery and a cardiac chamber, a great artery or the vena cava. It is the most common congenital anomaly that can affect coronary perfusion. However, coronary fistulas to one of the cardiac chambers and coexisting apical myocardial hypertophy are infrequent anomalies, and usually are found unexpectedly. Herein, we report a case in which all three major coronary arteries emptied into the left ventricle with apical hypertrophy, through multiple microfistulas.

Relationship Between Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Slow Coronary Flow

Objectives:

We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and slow coronary flow (SCF).

Methods:

A total of 180 participants were recruited to the present study. Of all the participants, 82 patients were with SCF and 98 participants were with normal coronary arteries. Basal characteristics were recorded. Coronary flow was quantified by thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count.

Results:

Basal characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The NLR was significantly higher in the SCF group when compared to the control group (2.3 ± 0.8 and 1.5 ± 0.4 respectively, P < .001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, NLR remained as the independent predictor of SCF ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Our findings showed that NLR was significantly higher in the SCF group when compared to the control group with normal coronary arteries. We also showed that NLR was related to the presence of SCF rather than the extent of SCF. Besides these findings, we also showed the NLR as an independent predictor of SCF.