Influence of Physicochemical Properties of Ni/Clinoptilolite Catalysts in the Hydrogenation of Acetophenone

Heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation is an interesting alternative to conventional methods that use inorganic hydrides. The hydrogenation of acetophenone under heterogeneous conditions with the supported catalysts based on Ni is the most useful due to its redox properties and lower cost. As is well-known, catalyst support can significantly affect catalyst performance. We have investigated the influence of various physical-chemical parameters on the selective reaction of the hydrogenation of acetophenone by using different nickel catalysts on clinoptilolite supports, in four different forms: natural, previously modified with NH3 (Ni/Z+NH₄ ⁺), with HNO₃ (Ni/Z+H⁺), and thermally treated (Ni/Z 500 °C). In particular, our work focuses on determining the influence of the mentioned physical-chemical parameters on the percentages of conversion and the selectivity of the catalysis. This study aims to identify the combination of parameters that allows for obtaining the best catalytic results. The identification of the physical-chemical parameters that determine the percentages of conversion and selectivity allows us to design optimal catalysts.

Design and rationale of the inferior vena CAVA and Lung UltraSound-guided therapy in Acute Heart Failure (CAVAL US-AHF Study): a randomised controlled trial

Background

Between 25% and 30% of patients hospitalised for acute heart failure (AHF) are readmitted within 90 days after discharge, mostly due to persistent congestion on discharge. However, as the optimal evaluation of decongestion is not clearly defined, it is necessary to implement new tools to identify subclinical congestion to guide treatment.

Objective

To evaluate if inferior vena cava (IVC) and lung ultrasound (CAVAL US)-guided therapy for AHF patients reduces subclinical congestion at discharge.

Methods

CAVAL US-AHF is a single-centre, single-blind randomised controlled trial designed to evaluate if an IVC and lung ultrasound-guided healthcare strategy is superior to standard care to reduce subclinical congestion at discharge. Fifty-eight patients with AHF will be randomised using a block randomisation programme that will assign to either lung and IVC ultrasound-guided decongestion therapy (‘intervention group’) or clinical-guided decongestion therapy (‘control group’), using a quantitative protocol and will be classified in three groups according to the level of congestion observed: none or mild, moderate or severe. The treating physicians will know the result of the test and the subsequent adjustment of treatment in response to those findings guided by a customised therapeutic algorithm. The primary endpoint is the presence of more than five B-lines and/or an increase in the diameter of the IVC, with and without collapsibility. The secondary endpoints are the composite of readmission for HF, unplanned visit for worsening HF or death at 90 days, variation of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at discharge, length of hospital stay and diuretic dose at 90 days. Analyses will be conducted as between-group by intention to treat.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board and registered in the PRIISA.BA platform of the Ministry of Health of the City of Buenos Aires.

Trial registration number

NCT04549701.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on heart failure management: Global experience of the OPTIMIZE heart failure care network

During the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in heart failure (HF) hospitalizations have been widely reported, and there is an urgent need to understand how HF care has been reorganized in countries with different infection levels, vaccination rates and healthcare services. The OPTIMIZE Heart Failure Care program has a global network of investigators in 42 countries, with first-hand experience of the impact of the pandemic on HF management in different care settings. The national coordinators were surveyed to assess: 1) the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for continuity of HF care, from both a hospital and patient perspective; 2) the organizational changes enacted to ensure continued HF care; and 3) lessons learned for the future of HF care. Contributions were obtained from 37 national coordinators in 29 countries. We summarize their input, highlighting the issues raised and using the example of three very different settings (Italy, Brazil, and Taiwan) to illustrate the similarities and differences across the OPTIMIZE program.

Performance of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin: Systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

A rapid rule-out or rule-in protocol based on the 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC); recently multiple studies have validated it in their settings. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the 2015 ESC guidelines for management of acute coronary syndrome in patients without ST-segment elevation 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using hs-cTn for the early rule-out and rule-in of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on presentation.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to identify prospective studies from 2015 to October 2019 involving adults presenting to the emergency department with possible acute coronary syndrome in which hs-cTn measurements were obtained according to the ESC algorithm and AMI outcomes were adjudicated during the initial hospitalization.

RESULTS

Eleven studies, involving 19,213 patients, were identified. Pooled prevalence of AMI during the index hospitalization was 11.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9-18.8%). Summary sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing AMI were 99% (95% CI 98-99%; I2 63%) and 91% (95% CI 91-92%; I2 96%) respectively. The summary positive likelihood ratio was 11.6 (95% CI 8.5-15.8; I2 97%) and the pooled likelihood ratio negative 0.02 (0.01-0.03; I2 52%). Cumulative all-cause mortality at 30 days in the rule-out group was 0.11%, and 2.8% in the rule-in group, and 30 days AMI in the rule-out group was 0.08%.

CONCLUSION

The ESC 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin has high diagnostic accuracy; it allows safe rule-out as well as accurate rule-in of AMI, with low cumulative 30-day mortality and AMI in patients assigned the rule-out zone.

[Acute myocardial infarction in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia]

Coronary involvement in COVID-19 infection usually presents as type 2 acute myocardial infarction (AMI), due to increased 02 consumption and reduction of oxygen supply, and less frequently as type 1 (STEMI). In that cases, thrombogenicity of the infection may contribute to acute coronary occlusion. We present 2 cases of middle-aged men, with few or none cardiovascular risk factors, who were in hospital during 10 days because pneumonia due to COVID-19 with good evolution. In the convalescent phase, one day after hospital discharge, and enoxaparin suspension, they went back to hospital because STEMI. Both were treated by direct angioplasty using pharmacologic stent. Discussion is related to treatment of AMI at discharge, if anticoagulation should be added to double antiplatelet therapy, and if any prophylactic antithrombotic treatment should be considered at discharge from COVID-19 pneumonia in some patients.

The HEART score in the era of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm

Background:

The European Society of Cardiology’s 0/1-hour algorithm improves the early triage of patients towards “rule-out” or “rule-in” of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The HEART score is a risk stratification tool for patients with undifferentiated chest pain. We sought to evaluate the performance of the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm and the HEART score to evaluate chest pain patients in the emergency department.

Methods:

In this prospective study, we applied the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm and the HEART score in 1355 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation. Patients were followed for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions and major adverse cardiac events at 30 days: death, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, or unplanned coronary revascularization.

Results:

The European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm classified 921 (68.0%) patients as “rule-out” and the HEART score classified 686 (50.6%) patients as “low-risk”. The 30-day incidence of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions was 0.32% in the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm “rule-out” patients versus 0.29% in the HEART score “low-risk” patients ( p=0.75). The rate of major adverse cardiac events was 7.7% in the European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm “rule-out” patients versus 1.1% in the HEART score “low-risk” patients ( p<0.001).

Conclusion:

The European Society of Cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm identified more patients with low risk of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions at 30 days whereas for major adverse cardiac events, the HEART score had a greater capacity to detect low-risk patients.

P578Use of a smartphone application to increase adherence to medical treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial

Background

Adherence to cardiovascular medications following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) hospitalization is generally poor and is associated with increased risk of rehospitalization and mortality. There are still significant opportunities to identify simple and low-cost interventions that improve medication adherence and clinical outcomes.

Purpose

To evaluate the use of a digital platform for smartphones to improve adherence to medical treatment and outcomes for 90-days post discharge in patients hospitalized for ACS with or without ST-elevation.

Methods

This was a unicentric, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial enrolling 90 patients with an ACS event requiring hospitalization. The intervention consisted of a smartphone application which allowed for the loading of medication prescription together with reminder of the daily compliance. Patients in the intervention group (n=46) were equipped with the smartphone application. Patients in the control group (n=44) received written and oral instructions as per standard of care. The primary outcome was adherence to medical treatment measured at 90-days post discharge using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The secondary outcome was a composite of re-hospitalizations for ACS, consultations to the emergency department (ED), or unplanned visits to the clinic.

Results

The mean age of the population was 63.2±9.9 and 75.6% were male. At 90 days, 64.7% of patients using the smartphone application were adherent compared with 20.5% of patients in the control group (p<0.001). Patients in the intervention group had higher adherence (mean MMAS-8 score 7.52±1.25) compared with the control group (mean MMAS-8 score 6.47±1.23; p<0.001). The secondary outcome measures showed that there were no significant differences in patients using the smartphone application versus the standard of care (4.3% vs 15.9%, p=0.07, respectively).

Table 1 Variables Global (n=90) Control (n=44) Intervention (n=46) p MMAS-8 score 7±1.34 6.47±1.23 7.52±1.25 <0.001 Adherents 40 (44.4%) 9 (20.5%) 31 (67.4%) <0.001 Events 9 (10.1%) 7 (15.9%) 2 (4.3%) 0.071 ED consultations 9 7 2 Score assessment 8.85±1.4

Conclusions

In patients with ACS, the use of a smartphone application increased the medication adherence compared with the standard of care. These data suggest that there is potential for a simple, low-cost intervention to help patients adhere to medications.

ClinicalTrials.gov unique identifier: NCT03766789.

3297Real-world outcome of applying the ESC 0/1-hour algorithm in clinical routine

Background

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends the use of a 0/1h-algorithm for rapid triage of patients with suspected non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). To date, its impact on patient management and ultimately also safety when routinely applied in emergency departments (ED) is unknown. We therefore aimed to determine these important real-world outcome data.

Methods

In a prospective international multicenter study enrolling unselected patients presenting with suspected NSTEMI to the ED, we assessed the real-world feasibility, adherence, efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T embedded in routine clinical care. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions were excluded. Safety was quantified by the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction including the index event) in the rule-out group and in outpatients.

Results

Among 2296 patients, NSTEMI prevalence was 9.8% (224/2296). Feasibility was very high with a median time to the “1h-draw” of 65 minutes [q1 61, q3 72]. Adherence was very high with 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93–95) of patients managed without protocol violations. Effectiveness was very high: 98% (95% CI, 97–98) of patients triaged towards rule-out by the ESC 0/1h-algorithm did not require additional cardiac investigations including hs-cTnT measurements at later time points (e.g. 3–12h) or coronary CT-angiography in the ED. Median time to discharge from the ED was 150 [q1134, q3235] minutes in the overall population. The ESC 0/1h-algorithm triaged 62% (95% CI, 60–64) of patients towards rule-out and 13% (95% CI, 12–14) towards rule-in of NSTEMI. Overall, 71% (95% CI, 69–72) of patients underwent outpatient management (Figure 1). Safety of rule-out and outpatient management were very high with a 30-day MACE incidence of 0.2% (95% CI, 0–0.5) and 0.1% (95% CI, 0–0.2), respectively. These findings were consistent in several predefined subgroups.

Figure 1

Conclusions

These real-world data document the excellent feasibility, adherence, effectiveness, efficacy and safety of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm for the rapid management of patients presenting with suspected NSTEMI to the ED when applied in routine clinical practice.

P1579Impact of Renal Dysfunction on Real-world Outcome of the ESC 0/1-hour Algorithm

Background

The ESC recommends the use of a 0/1h-algorithm for rapid triage of patients with suspected non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) concentrations irrespective of renal function. Patients with renal dysfunction (RD, defined as a GFR <60ml/min) are at higher risk of NSTEMI and are presenting more often with elevated levels of hs-cTn even in absence of NSTEMI, which may contribute to an impaired efficacy and safety of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm.

Purpose

We aimed to assess and directly compare the real-world adherence, effectiveness, efficacy, and ultimately safety of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm when applied in patients with RD and normal renal function.

Methods

In a prospective international multicenter study enrolling unselected patients presenting with suspected NSTEMI to the ED, patients were assessed according to the ESC 0/1h-algorithm embedded in routine clinical care. Safety was quantified by the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction including the index event) in the rule-out group and in outpatients.

Results

Among 2296 enrolled patients, RD was present in 129 (6%) patients. NSTEMI prevalence was substantially higher in RD as compared with normal renal function (19% versus 9%, p<0.001). Adherence to the ESC 0/1h-algorithm protocol was excellent with no violations observed in patients with RD as compared with 132 (6%) violations in patients with normal renal function (p=0.004). Effectiveness was very high in RD and comparable to normal renal function: 94% of patients triaged towards rule-out by the ESC 0/1h-algorithm did not require additional cardiac investigations including hs-cTnT measurements at later time points (e.g. 3–12h) or coronary CT-angiography in the ED as compared with 98% in normal renal function. Median time to discharge or transfer from the ED was significantly longer in RD (285 minutes [q1174, q3392]) as compared with normal renal function (150 minutes [q1132, q3222]). Efficacy of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm was lower in RD as it triaged 13% of patients towards rule-out and 34% towards rule-in of NSTEMI as compared with 65% and 12% in normal renal function, respectively (p<0.001). Overall, 30% of patients with RD underwent outpatient management as compared with 73% in normal renal function (p<0.001). Safety of rule-out and outpatient management were excellent in RD with a 30-day MACE incidence of both 0% and comparable with 0.2% and 0.1% in normal renal function, respectively (p=0.010).

Conclusions

These real-world data document for the first time the excellent adherence, effectiveness, and safety of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm when routinely applied in patients with RD. Compared with patients with normal renal function, fewer patients with RD could be triaged towards rule-out or were treated as outpatients, most likely due to the higher prevalence of NSTEMI and comorbidities in RD.

P1881High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in patients with acute atrial fibrillation

Background

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice and confers a significant burden to morbidity and mortality. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels have provided a significant contribution in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular events; however, the significance of hs-cTnT elevation in the setting of acute AF is not clearly understood.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with hs-cTnT elevation and its prognostic implication in patients with acute AF.

Methods

This single-center prospective study included 406 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute AF. Acute AF was defined as a rapid, irregular, and chaotic atrial activity of <48 hours' duration including both the first symptomatic onset of chronic or persistent AF, and episodes of paroxysmal AF. The association between hs-cTnT and outcomes were evaluated using multivariate analyses.

Results

The mean age of the population was 67.3±12.2 and 74% were male. The median time from the onset of symptoms to ED consultation was 230 minutes (interquartile range: 123–450 minutes). The median hs-cTnT value was 12 ng/L, with 39% of patients with values above the 99 thpercentile. AF was reverted to sinus rhythm in 76% of the patients (83% attempted cardioversion). At one-year, AF recurrence was observed in 38% of the patients and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (death, myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome or stroke) were observed in 6% of the patients. After adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics in multivariate analysis, hs-cTnT elevation was associated with increasing age and left atrial area (p=0.001). Hs-cTnT levels were not associated with 1-year AF recurrence (p=0.132) or with AF reversion (p=0.869). Hs-cTnT levels were significantly higher in patients who experienced MACE at 1-year (12 ng/L vs 24 ng/L, p=0.001) and hs-cTnT was a predictor of MACE on multivariate analysis (OR 3.486, 95% CI 1.256–5.379, p=0.009).

Variable Result AF rate 110 (90–118) Atrial area, cm2 22 (19–27) Cardioversion attemped 82.5%

Conclusions

Hs-cTnT elevation accounted for a large proportion of patients with acute AF. Elevated levels of hs-cTnT were not associated with AF reversion or with 1-year AF recurrence, however hs-cTnT was highly predictive of MACE at 1-year.

P831Effect of high-dose statin pretreatment in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

Current guidelines recommend the use of high doses of statins in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, up to now, there is not enough evidence about the time of its onset in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation (STEMI) undergoing primary angioplasty. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of evaluating the efficacy of pre-treatment with statins in high doses in the short term in patients with STEMI treated with primary angioplasty.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in Pubmed, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane database, LILACS, and references of relevant articles were searched manually. We included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing pretreatment with high doses of statins (rosuvastatin/atorvastatin) with low doses or without treatment published until April 2018. We evaluated the incidence of MACE (death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization and stroke) at 30 days. In addition the presence of final TIMI III flow, TIMI blush grade, CPK peak, stent thrombosis and death from any cause during follow-up were evaluated. The data were combined as relative risk (RR) or difference of means (DM) with their 95% confidence interval (CI), using RevMan software. The meta-analysis was performed with the fixed effects model or random effects according to the heterogeneity.

Results

Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria with a total of 1454 patients. The pretreatment with statins in high doses was associated with a decrease in MACE (RR 0.52 CI 95% 0.37–0.77, I2=0%, P=0.001). The pretreatment was not associated with a reduction of the final TIMI III flow (RR 1.03 CI 95% 0.98–1.09, I2=0%, P=0.1), CPK peak (MD 13.99 CI95% −12.68 to 40.6; I2=0%; P=0.3), or stent thrombosis (RR 0.54 CI95% 0.1–2.85; I2 = 0%; P=0.46), neither death in the follow-up (RR 0.52 CI95% 0.16–1.68, I2=0%, P=0.27). In addition, an improvement in the degree of myocardial blush TIMI was observed (MD 0.36 CI95% 0.20–0.52, I=0%, P<0.0001),

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, treatment with high doses of statins prior to primary angioplasty in STEMI significantly reduced adverse cardiac events at 30 days. In addition, an improvement in the degree of myocardial blush was observed in the pretreatment group with high-dose statins. Therefore, the findings of this meta-analysis can help guide medical decision making regarding the time of onset of statins in STEMI.

P2678Performance of the European society cardiology 0/1-hour algorithm in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T: meta-analysis

Introduction

A rapid rule-out or rule-in protocol based on the 0-hour/1-hour algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), and recently multiple studies have validated it in their settings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of assess the diagnostic accuracy of the 2015 ESC guidelines for management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients without ST-segment elevation's 0-/1-hour algorithm using hs-cTnT for the early rule-out and rule-in of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on presentation. For the secondary analysis we evaluate cumulative mortality at 30 days.

Methods

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies involving adults presenting to the emergency department with possible ACS in which hs-cTnT measurements were obtained according to the ESC algorithm and AMI outcomes were adjudicated during the initial hospitalization. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane database and LILACS, and unpublished abstracts presented in international congresses from 2015 to November 2018.To obtain estimates of sensitivity and specificity, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), we used a bivariable random-effects model. Summary receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn, plotting individual studies as well as the summary estimate.

Results

Seven studies involving 9251 patients were identified. The summary sensitivity of these tests in diagnosing acute MI at presentation to the emergency department was estimated to be 99.1% (95% CI 97.2–99.7%) and the summary specificity was 92.5% (95% CI 86.6–95.9%). With a false positive rate of 0.075 (95% CI 0.041–0.134), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 1293.1 (95% CI −52.48 to 2638.5), and Likelihood Ratio (LR) +13.193 (95% CI 5.3–21, and LR −0.010 (95% CI −0.001 to 0.021). Cumulative mortality at 30 days in the rule-out group was 0,08% (4 studies; n=3715).

Conclusion

The European Society Cardiology 0-Hour/1-Hour Algorithm using High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T has high diagnostic accuracy, it allows safe rule-out as well as accurate rule-in of acute myocardial infarction. With low cumulative 30-day mortality in patients assigned the rule-out zone.

248Real-world Outcome of the ESC 0/1-hour Algorithm when Routinely Applied in Early Presenters

Background

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends the use of a 0/1h-algorithm for rapid triage of patients with suspected non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn). Concerns were articulated about its efficacy and particularly safety when applied in patients presenting early (≤3 hours) after chest pain onset, as hs-cTn concentrations might still be very low or even undetectable in these high-risk patients.

Purpose

We aimed to assess the real-world effectiveness, efficacy, and ultimately safety of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm when routinely applied in early presenters.

Methods

In a prospective international multicenter study enrolling unselected patients presenting with suspected NSTEMI to the ED, patients were assessed according to the ESC 0/1h-algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T embedded in routine clinical care. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions were excluded. Safety was quantified by the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE, defined as the composite of cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction including the index event) in the rule-out group and in outpatients.

Results

Among 2296 patients, 819 (36%) were early presenters. NSTEMI prevalence in early presenters was 11%. Effectiveness was very high as 97% of patients triaged towards rule-out by the ESC 0/1h-algorithm did not require additional cardiac investigations including hs-cTnT measurements at later time points (e.g. 3–12h) or coronary CT-angiography in the ED. Median time to discharge or transfer from the ED was 150 minutes [q1130, q3215]. Efficacy of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm was very high: 67% of patients were triaged towards rule-out and 14% towards rule-in of NSTEMI. Overall, 75% of early presenters underwent outpatient management. Safety of rule-out and outpatient management were excellent in early presenters with a 30-day MACE incidence of both 0% and comparable with 0.3% and 0.1% in late presenters, respectively (p=ns).

Conclusions

These real-world data document for the first time the excellent effectiveness, efficacy and particularly safety of the ESC 0/1h-algorithm when routinely applied in early presenters. No differences in safety could be observed when compared with late presenters.

Differences in the extent of fibrosis in obstructive and nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

AIMS

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is a key feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) that identifies patients at increased risk of adverse outcomes. Previous studies have hypothesized that LVOT obstruction enhances myocardial fibrosis and increases left ventricular (LV) filling pressures, producing greater clinical deterioration. However, this hypothesis has not been demonstrated in a clinical cohort comparing obstructive and nonobstructive patients.

METHODS

Patients with HCM in whom Doppler echocardiography was performed within 30 days of cardiac MRI were enrolled, using the E/e' ratio to assess LV diastolic function and late gadolinium enhancement to evaluate the extent of fibrosis. Data were assorted according to LVOT obstruction status at rest.

RESULTS

The current study enrolled 67 patients who were mostly middle-aged (56.8 ± 13.2 years old) men (75%) with preserved ejection fraction. Obstructive HCM presented a significant association with a high fibrosis extent [odds ratio (OR) 3.33; P = 0.034] which was maintained after adjusting for sex and age (OR 4.37; P = 0.016) but not for maximum LV wall thickness (OR 2.13; P = 0.225). Obstructive HCM was also associated with a clinically significant E/e' ratio more than 14 (OR 7.8; P = 0.001) which decreased slightly after adjusting for age, sex and maximum LV thickness (OR 6.54; P = 0.014). There was a significant association between an E/e' ratio more than 14 and the extent of fibrosis (OR 1.29; P < 0.001) which was maintained after adjusting for age, sex and maximum LV wall thickness (OR 1.36; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

LVOT obstruction may play a role in the extent of fibrosis in HCM, possibly conditioning greater diastolic dysfunction.

The Significance Of Troponin Elevation In Atrial Fibrillation

Cardiac troponin assays have provided a significant contribution for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular events. There is significant evidence about the association between the absolute value of elevated cardiac troponin levels with the prognosis of patients with chest pain. However, it is well-known that elevated cardiac troponin levels may occur in situations other than acute coronary syndromes, as it happens with atrial fibrillation. The significance and prognosis of this elevation are not entirely clear. We review the evidence about the meaning of such elevation in the setting of atrial fibrillation.

Estimation of Prevalence of the Left Ventricular Noncompaction Among Adults

The prevalence of left ventricular noncompacted myocardium (LVNC) is not clearly defined yet. The goal of this study was to prospectively assess the prevalence of LVNC in a population of patients assessed for cardiovascular disease and to analyze the coincidence between observers using the echocardiographic criteria for diagnosis of LVNC. We included patients prospectively during a 1-year period. To analyze the concordance between different observers, we performed a blind analysis of 50 patients between 7 operators to calculate Kappa index for each criteria. The analysis of concordance for final diagnosis of LVNC was free-marginal kappa: 0.94. A total of 10,857 patients underwent echocardiography; 2,931 (27%) were normal. LVNC was found in 26 patients (prevalence = 0.24%), 16 patients were women, mean age of 52.6 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups; group A: ejection fraction (EF) <50% (n = 20) and group B: normal systolic function (n = 6). Among abnormal studies, 294 (2.7%) were dilated cardiomyopathies (DCs) Patients with LVNC and EF <50% comprised 6.8% of DC (20 of 294) and 24% (20 of 75) of patients with idiopathic DC (p <0.0001). Group A patients were older and with less presence of women (both p <0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of LVNC in a population assessed for cardiovascular diseases is low. In contrast, it is very high in the subgroup of patients with idiopathic DC. The group of patients with LVNC and normal LVEF is younger and with a higher presence of women than those with LVNC and depressed LVEF. Coincidence between operators is very good for the identification of echocardiographic criteria.

[Clopidogrel versus prasugrel in acute coronary syndrome treated with coronary angioplasty]

Greater antithrombotic potency new antiplatelet agents have been added such as prasugrel (PR) and ticagrelor to the traditional use of clopidogrel (CL) in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study was aimed at comparing the incidence of long term ischemic and hemorrhagic events in patients treated with CL or PR during hospitalization. Retrospective ACS data base analysis performed by our cardiology service was completed prospectively. There were consecutively included all patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during hospitalization due to ACS from December 2011 thru December 2012. A total of 398 ACS patients who underwent PCI with stent implantation were recruited. No differences in cardiovascular related deaths were observed in both groups (PR 2.9% vs. CL 2.5%, p=0.48). PR group showed less re-infraction (1.9% vs. 6.8%, p=0.01) with more total bleedings (18.5% vs. 8.5%, p=0.001) and minor bleedings (12.4% vs. 3.4%, p<0.001) with no differences in major and life threatening bleedings (p=ns). Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality were age (OR 1.08, CI 95% 1.02-1.16) and renal failure (OR 6.98, CI 95% 1.23-39.71). Independent predictors for total bleeding were age (OR 1.06, CI 95% 1.02-1.09),ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR 1.99, CI 95% 1.05-3.79), renal failure (OR 3.32, CI 95% 1.62-6.78) and prasugrel use (OR 3.97, CI 95% 1.87-8.41). Use of prasugrel, in the ACS that requires PCI with stent, is associated with a lower myocardial infarction a year after follow-up, and it also leads to an increase of milder hemorrhage. No significant differences were observed in the cardiovascular mortality of both groups.

Influence of dynamic obstruction and hypertrophy location on diastolic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a disease with marked genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. It is well known that obstructive septal forms of this disease entail worse clinical outcome compared with nonobstructive septal and apical forms. The objective of this study was to analyze the differences in left ventricular diastolic function in different subgroups of HCMs and to assess the influence of the location of myocardial hypertrophy and the presence of dynamic obstruction on impairment of diastolic function and its correlation with the clinical status.

METHODS

We studied 86 patients with HCM; 27 with the obstructive asymmetric septal type (OAS), 37 with the nonobstructive asymmetric septal type (NOAS) and 22 with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM). Patients underwent conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography and were assessed applying the latest recommendations regarding diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac magnetic resonance was used to study the various morphologic subtypes and quantify left ventricular mass (LVM).

RESULTS

The early diastolic annular velocity (e') was significantly lower in OAS with a median of 5 cm/s compared with NOAS with 7 cm/s and ApHCM with 7.5 cm/s (P = 0.0002), and the E/e' ratio was 8.5 in ApHCM, 10 in NOAS and 14 in OAS (P = 0.0001); no significant differences were found in LVM or maximal wall thickness.

CONCLUSION

In HCM, the location of left ventricular hypertrophy and the presence of dynamic obstruction affect the degree of diastolic dysfunction; impairment is greater in patients with the OAS type, and markedly less in patients with apical involvement.

Determination of maize hardness by biospeckle and fuzzy granularity

In recent years there has been renewed interest in the development of novel grain classification methods that could complement traditional empirical tests. A speckle pattern occurs when a laser beam illuminates an optically rough surface that flickers when the object is active and is called biospeckle. In this work, we use laser biospeckle to classify maize (Zea mays L.) kernel hardness. A series of grains of three types of maize were cut and illuminated by a laser. A series of images were then registered, stored, and processed. These were compared with results obtained by floating test. The laser speckle technique was effective in discriminating the grains based on the presence of floury or vitreous endosperm and could be considered a feasible alternative to traditional floating methods. The results indicate that this methodology can distinguish floury and vitreous grains. Moreover, the assay showed higher discrimination capability than traditional tests. It could be potentially useful for maize classification and to increase the efficiency of processing dry milling corn.

Island analysis of low-activity dynamic speckles

In this work we present a method to evaluate activity in low dynamic speckle patterns. It consists of binarizing the speckle image and analyzing the displacements and deformations of the resulting speckle grain regions, here called islands. Numerical simulations and controlled experiments were used to study the variations of the island features with the aim of finding a correlation with the activity of the speckle pattern. From the obtained results it was possible to conclude that the developed method can be useful for the analysis of low activity speckle patterns with the advantage of requiring only pairs of frames, thus permitting the assessment of nonstationary processes. In the case of stationary phenomena, so that stacks of frames registers are representative of them, dilute activity images can also be constructed.

Conversion of Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: Which Drug is the Best?

Introduction: Vernakalant is a new, safe and effective drug used intravenously. It has proven to be more rapid in converting recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm compared to placebo, amiodarone, propafenone and flecainide in clinical studies with few patients. At present no study has been conducted comparing these three drugs with a more substantial number of patients. The aim of our study is to compare the time to conversion to sinus rhythm, hospital stay and adverse events between vernakalant versus flecainide and propafenone in patients with a recent-onset AF. Materials and Methods: 150 hemodynamically stable patients with recent onset AF without structural heart disease were prospectively included. A single oral dose of propafenone 600 mg was administered to 50 patients; 50 patients received intravenous vernakalant; and 50 patients received a single oral dose of flecainide 300 mg. Clinical and laboratory variables were recorded. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar in the three groups.Time to conversion to sinus rhythm was 12 minutes in the vernakalant group versus 151 minutes in the propafenone group and 162 minutes in flecainide group (p< 0.01) The hospital stay was 243 minutes in the vernakalant group versus 422 minutes in the propafenone group and 410 minutes in flecainide group (p<0.01) (Figure 2). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: The time to conversion to sinus rhythm and hospital stay were statistically shorter in vernakalant group compared to flecainide and to propafenone. There were no adverse events in the three groups.

Probability mapping images in dynamic speckle classification

We propose the use of a learning procedure to identify regions of similar dynamics in speckle image sequences that includes more than one descriptor. This procedure is based on the application of a naïve Bayes statistical classifier comprising the use of several descriptors. The class frontiers can be depicted so that the proportion of identified regions may be measured. To demonstrate the results, assembly of an RGB image, where each plane (R, G, and B) is associated with a particular region (class), was labeled according to its biospeckle dynamics. A high brightness in one color means a high probability of the pixel belonging to the corresponding class, and vice versa.

Discrimination of motile bacteria from filamentous fungi using dynamic speckle

We present a dynamic laser speckle method to easily discriminate filamentous fungi from motile bacteria in soft surfaces, such as agar plate. The method allows the detection and discrimination between fungi and bacteria faster than with conventional techniques. The new procedure could be straightforwardly extended to different micro-organisms, as well as applied to biological and biomedical research, infected tissues analysis, and hospital water and wastewaters studies.

[Blood glucose control during cardiac surgery. Report of the Emergency Council of the Argentine Society of Cardiology]

Hyperglycemia after cardiac surgery is a common finding associated with the worse outcomes affecting both diabetic and non diabetic patients. Despite the large number of publications available, there is no universally accepted approach to this problem. In an initiative of the Emergency Council of the Argentine Society of Cardiology, local experts gathered to discuss the management of hyperglycemia after adult cardiac surgery. The main objective of the present paper is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding glycemic control in postoperative cardiac surgery.

[Echocardiographic predictors of exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction: role of mitral regurgitation]

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with heart failure and similar left ventricular systolic dysfunction have differing exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to identify echocardiographic predictors of exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction.

METHODS

We included 150 patients with class II (70%) or III (30%) heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%. Six-minute walking test and cardiac color Doppler-echo, including tissue Doppler of mitral and tricuspid rings, were performed. Moderate and severe mitral regurgitation were considered as significant. Two groups were divided according to the median walking distance (290 m): Group 1, <290 m and Group 2, ≥290 m.

RESULTS

Mitral regurgitation was detected in 112 patients (75%), which was significant in 40 (27%). Group 1 showed more significant mitral regurgitation (35 vs 18%), increased left atrium area (27±1 vs 24±1cm(2)), mitral E amplitude (88±5 vs 72±3cm/s) and systolic pulmonary pressure (37±1 vs 32±1mmHg, all P<.05). By logistic regression analysis, only the presence of significant mitral regurgitation was independently associated with less walked distance (odds ratio: 3.44 95% confidence interval 1.02-11.66, P<.05). By multiple linear regression, the only independent predictor of walked distance was left atrium area (r=0.25, beta coefficient: -6.52±2, P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with class II-III heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, the main echocardiographic predictors of exercise capacity are related to the presence of significant mitral regurgitation.

Biospeckle image stack process based on artificial neural networks

This paper proposes the identification of regions of interest in biospeckle patterns using unsupervised neural networks of the type Self-Organizing Maps. Segmented images are obtained from the acquisition and processing of laser speckle sequences. The dynamic speckle is a phenomenon that occurs when a beam of coherent light illuminates a sample in which there is some type of activity, not visible, which results in a variable pattern over time. In this particular case the method is applied to the evaluation of bacterial chemotaxis. Image stacks provided by a set of experiments are processed to extract features of the intensity dynamics. A Self-Organizing Map is trained and its cells are colored according to a criterion of similarity. During the recall stage the features of patterns belonging to a new biospeckle sample impact on the map, generating a new image using the color of the map cells impacted by the sample patterns. It is considered that this method has shown better performance to identify regions of interest than those that use a single descriptor. To test the method a chemotaxis assay experiment was performed, where regions were differentiated according to the bacterial motility within the sample.

Time to Stable ST-Segment Recovery Following Primary Angioplasty is Predictive of Regional Wall Motion Score and Clinical Outcome

We report the time to stable ST-segment reperfusion (TSTR) after primary angioplasty and its relationship with the clinical results; 137 patients who underwent primary angioplasty were included as part of the analysis. All patients had 24 hours ST-segment monitoring. Time to stable STR was defined as the beginning of ST-segment reperfusion (STR) lasting >4 hours without ST-segment reelevation. Six-month mortality was associated with slower TSTR (median 166.5 vs 6 minute, P = .001). Time to stable STR cutoff value of 136.5 minutes was identified as the best mortality predictor (area under the curve: 0.86, P = .001). Multivariate analysis identified Killip class ≥2 (P = .042), TSTR cutoff value (P = .002), and final thrombolysis myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade III (P = .067) as predictors of 6-month mortality. Time to stable STR may be a novel continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) parameter following primary angioplasty, which can identify high-risk patients that need to be considered for additional treatments.