Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease最新文献

The detection and assessment of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular calcification can inform risk stratification and therapies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this review, we provide an overview of current and emerging imaging techniques for assessing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular calcification in animal models. Traditional imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), offer non-invasive approaches of visualizing atherosclerotic calcification in vivo; integration of these techniques with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging adds molecular imaging capabilities, such as detection of metabolically active microcalcifications with ¹⁸F-sodium fluoride. Photoacoustic imaging provides high contrast that enables in vivo evaluation of plaque composition, yet this method is limited by optical penetration depth. Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy provides high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging of cardiovascular structures and has been used for ex vivo assessment of atherosclerotic calcification, but its limited tissue penetration and requisite complex sample preparation preclude its use in vivo to evaluate cardiac tissue. Overall, with these evolving imaging tools, our understanding of cardiovascular calcification development in animal models is improving, and the combination of traditional imaging techniques with emerging molecular imaging modalities will enhance our ability to investigate therapeutic strategies for atherosclerotic calcification.

Background: Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) may help prevent stroke. However, heterogeneity can be found in the conclusions of different studies. The relevant evidence was summarized in this systematic review and meta-analysis to further clarify the role of XOIs in the prevention and treatment of stroke, with a focus on evaluating the effects of XOIs in primary and secondary prevention of stroke, acute stroke treatment, and reduction of post-stroke complications.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies on the effect of XOIs in the prevention and treatment of stroke were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from inception to 3 March 2024, along with hand searching. The analyses were carried out using Review Manager 5.4.

Results: The analysis included 14 studies (115,579 patients). While XOIs did not significantly reduce the risk of stroke (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.59-1.34), they improved post-stroke functional outcomes, with a reduction in the modified Rankin scale scores (mean difference: -0.6; 95% CI: -0.8 to -0.4), decreased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels (mean difference: -15.2 ng/mL; 95% CI: -22.3 to -8.1), improved augmentation index (AIx) by 4.2% (95% CI: 2.5-5.9%), reduced central blood pressure (mean reduction: 4.8 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.6-6.9), and delayed carotid intima-media thickness progression (mean difference: -0.05 mm/year; 95% CI: -0.08 to -0.02).

Following a coronary ischaemic event, it is essential to promote empowerment in self-care decision making. Primary care nursing is crucial for intensive follow-up to promote adherence to the therapeutic regimen. Objective: To ascertain whether adherence to a protocolised follow-up programme, with the support of a patient notebook, improves compliance behaviours in terms of physical activity, prescribed diet and medication. This is a quasi-experimental multicentre pre/post study. Population: Individuals aged 40-70 years, diagnosed with cardiac ischaemia in the last 18 months with a follow-up from March 2017 to January 2019, were included in a protocolised follow-up programme consisting of 11 visits over 12 months. A total of 194 patients started the programme and 132 completed it. Of these, 67.4% exhibited good adherence to follow-up, 31.8% exhibited medium adherence, and 0.8% exhibited poor adherence. Therefore, the patients were recoded into two variables: Medium-Low Adherence and High. The Nursing Outcomes Classification variables were significantly different between the Poor-Medium and Good Adherence groups and were always higher in the Good Adherence group (p-values < 0.05 t-student). There was a significant relationship between level of adherence and compliance behaviour. Good adherence to a follow-up plan led by primary care nurses improves compliance behaviours in terms of prescribed diet, physical activity, and medication. Early, intensive and protocolised follow-up by primary care nurses is essential to improve adherence to the therapeutic regimen and compliance behaviour among individuals with cardiac ischaemia. The use of a cardiovascular self-care notebook promotes adherence.

Maintaining the physiological function of the vascular endothelium and endothelial glycocalyx is crucial for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Damage to these structures can lead to atherosclerosis, hypertension, and other cardiovascular problems, especially in individuals with risk factors such as diabetes and obesity. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with ischemic disease and has a negative impact on overall cardiovascular health. The aim of this review was to comprehensively summarize the crucial role of the vascular endothelium and glycocalyx in cardiovascular health and associated thrombo-inflammatory conditions. It highlights how endothelial dysfunction, influenced by factors such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and obesity, leads to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure. Recent evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may offer therapeutic benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular risk factors and disease. This review presents the current evidence on the mechanisms by which HBOT promotes angiogenesis, shows antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects, enhances antioxidant defenses, and stimulates stem cell activity. The latest findings on important topics will be presented, including the effects of HBOT on endothelial dysfunction, cardiac function, atherosclerosis, plaque stability, and endothelial integrity. In addition, the role of HBOT in alleviating cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, aging, obesity, and glucose metabolism regulation is discussed, along with its impact on inflammation in cardiovascular disease and its potential benefit in ischemia-reperfusion injury. While HBOT demonstrates significant therapeutic potential, the review also addresses potential risks associated with excessive oxidative stress and oxygen toxicity. By combining information on the molecular mechanisms of HBOT and its effects on the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, this review provides valuable insights into the development of innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at protecting and restoring endothelial function to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a significant cardiovascular event caused by the decrease in or complete cessation of blood flow to a portion of the myocardium. It can arise from a variety of etiological factors, including pharmacological triggers. This review aims to explore the diverse drugs and substances that might lead to drug-induced myocardial infarction, focusing on their mechanisms of action and the pathophysiological processes involved. Various established and emerging pharmacological agents that could elevate the risk of myocardial infarction, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal therapies, anticoagulants, and antipsychotic medications, are discussed. The role of drug-induced endothelial dysfunction, coronary artery spasm, and thrombosis are presented in order to highlight the underlying mechanisms. This review emphasizes the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals to mitigate the risks associated with different pharmacological therapies to improve patient outcomes.

Aortitis, defined as inflammation of the aorta, can lead to aneurysms and dissections. Intra-operative sampling is essential for diagnosis, with many cases presenting asymptomatically as clinically isolated aortitis. Previous studies investigating aortitis in major aortic surgery have been limited by low intra-operative sampling. We performed an 11-year, retrospective, cross-sectional study to investigate the true prevalence of aortitis in thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections by analysing all major aortic operations performed in a single centre. We collected medical histories, histological reports, post-operative outcomes and follow-up data; 537 patients met the inclusion criteria, representing an 88% histological sampling rate. The prevalence of aortitis was 10.6% (n = 57), of which 75% were clinically isolated. The re-operation rate in aortitis was twice that of non-aortitis patients (17.5% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.054). Multivariate logistic regression identified increased age, female sex, current smoking, and other inflammatory diseases as significantly associated with aortitis, with a bicuspid aortic valve associated with a significantly decreased likelihood of aortitis. The true prevalence of aortitis is likely higher than reported in previous studies, with our study showing twice the prevalence found in previous studies with lower sampling rates. Due to the increased re-intervention in aortitis, specialist multi-disciplinary follow-up and aortitis centres should be formed.

Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) has become a well-established alternative to traditional median sternotomy at high-volume surgical centers. Advancements in surgical instruments have led to further refinement of MIMVS. However, MIMVS remains limited to select patients in select settings. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the evolution of MIMVS, as well as a technical description of the most relevant aspects of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.

Background: Major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) are rare remnants of pulmonary circulation embryological development usually associated with complex congenital anomalies of the right ventricular outflow tract and pulmonary arteries. Effective management requires surgical unifocalization of MAPCAs and native pulmonary arteries (NPAs). Traditional imaging may lack the spatial clarity needed for precise surgical planning.

Aim: This study evaluated the feasibility of integrating three-dimensional (3D) printing and virtual reality (VR) into preoperative planning to improve surgical precision, team communication, and parental understanding. In a prospective cohort study, nine infants undergoing MAPCA unifocalization were included. Four patients underwent conventional imaging-based planning (control), while five were additionally assessed using VR and 3D-printed models (intervention). The outcomes measured included operative times, team confidence, collaboration, and parental satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using standard tests.

Results: The intervention group had shorter operative and cardiopulmonary bypass times compared to the control group. Intraoperative complications were absent in the VR/3D group but occurred in the control group. Medical staff in the VR/3D group reported significantly improved understanding of anatomy, surgical preparedness, and team collaboration (p < 0.05). Parents also expressed higher satisfaction, with better comprehension of their child's anatomy and surgical plan.

Conclusions: VR and 3D printing enhanced preoperative planning, surgical precision, and communication, proving valuable for complex congenital heart surgery. These technologies offer promising potential to improve clinical outcomes and patient-family experiences, meriting further investigation in larger studies.

Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is under-utilised in detecting coronary artery disease (CAD) in obese patients due to concerns about non-evaluable testing. We hypothesise that these concerns are predominantly related to smaller and branch coronary vessels, and CTCA remains adequate for proximal segment stenosis interpretation, which has significant clinical implications. This retrospective cohort study, on consecutive patients referred for CTCA for suspected CAD, grouped patients by body mass index. A 4-point Likert scale assessed image quality, with any poorly visualised segment at the per-patient level resulting in the CTCA being subsequently analysed for proximal coronary artery segment evaluability. Of the 703 patients, 93.5% of the studies were fully evaluable. Patients with a BMI ≥ 40, diabetic patients, and patients with an elevated acquisition heart rate were associated with suboptimal studies. Of the 46 suboptimal studies, 163/182 (90%) of proximal segments were fully evaluable. Non-evaluable segments were derived from seven patients (one with a BMI ≥ 40). Reasons for proximal segment non-evaluability were predominantly due to calcific blooming (12/19 segments). While CTCA may be less reliable for distal and side-branch artery evaluation in obese patients, it remains highly evaluable for stenosis severity of the proximal main coronary segments, which carries prognostic significance. It may therefore be considered a suitable non-invasive anatomic test for patients, regardless of BMI.