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The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria and its cognitive sequelae remains controversial. Cerebral malaria is still the worst complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection, which is characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality. Even after recovery from infection due to antimalarial therapy, the development of cognitive impairment in survivors reinforces the need to seek new therapies that demonstrate efficacy in preventing long-lasting sequelae. During disease pathogenesis, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are produced after the established intense inflammatory response. Increased expression of the enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) seems to contribute to tissue injury and the onset of neurological damage. Elevated levels of NO developed by iNOS can induce the production of highly harmful nitrogen-reactive intermediates such as peroxynitrite. To address this, we performed biochemical and behavioral studies in C57BL6 mice, aminoguanidine (specific pharmacological inhibitor of the enzyme iNOS) treated and iNOS-/-, infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA), with the aim of clarifying the impact of iNOS on the pathogenesis of cerebral malaria. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of both strategies in reducing cerebral malaria and providing protection against the cognitive impairment associated with the disease. Here, the absence or blockade of the iNOS enzyme was effective in reducing the signs of cerebral malaria detected after six days of infection. This was accompanied by a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. In addition, nitrotyrosine (NT-3), a marker of nitrosative stress, was also reduced. Futher, cognitive dysfunction was analyzed fifteen days after infection in animals rescued from infection by chloroquine treatment (25 mg/kg bw). We observed that both interventions on the iNOS enzyme were able to improve memory and learning loss in mice. In summary, our data suggest that the iNOS enzyme has the potential to serve as a therapeutic target to prevent cognitive sequelae of cerebral malaria.

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OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the radiographic technical quality of root fillings in single-canal teeth performed over a decade (June 2013 to June 2023) by undergraduate dental students of the Federal University of Campina Grande. METHODS: All teeth underwent chemomechanical preparation using Gates-Glidden drills and hand instrumentation with stainless steel files up to 1 mm short of the root apex. Apical expansion was performed with up to two or three instruments above the initial anatomical apical diameter. The canal was filled in the absence of signs and symptoms of infection using gutta-percha cones and Sealer 26 or MTA Fillapex. A post-filling radiograph was routinely taken to assess the quality of root filling and coronal restoration. An experienced researcher trained and calibrated an examiner to evaluate post-operative periapical radiographs considering root-filling length, lateral adaptation and taper using ImageJ 1.52q software. Root filling was satisfactory when reaching acceptable classifications for the three parameters. The chi-squared test compared tooth type, dental arch and pulpal diagnosis at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The study assessed 124 canals, showing 90 (72.6%) satisfactory root fillings. The sub-analysis of individual parameters demonstrated that 105 (84.7%) root fillings had acceptable length, 113 (91.1%) adapted well to lateral canal walls, and 109 (87.9%) had proper taper. Most cases occurred in maxillary teeth (n = 99), pulp necrosis was the most frequent pulpal diagnosis (n = 89), and root-filling quality showed no association with tooth type, dental arch or pulpal diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The technical quality of root fillings in single-canal teeth treated by dental students was predominantly satisfactory.

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INTRODUÇÃO: Embora a hiperglicemia tenha valor prognóstico nas doenças cardiovasculares, há poucos dados disponíveis sobre seu valor prognóstico para pacientes em choque cardiogênico. OBJETIVO: Conduzir uma revisão sistemática e metanálise para avaliar os níveis glicêmicos no momento da admissão hospitalar em pacientes com choque cardiogênico decorrente de diversas causas etiológicas. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados Elsevier, PubMed e Cochrane de estudos que avaliassem o valor prognóstico de índices glicêmicos na admissão de pacientes com choque cardiogênico, sendo o desfecho primário mortalidade geral. Incluímos estudos que definiram como hiperglicemia valores de corte de 180 a 220 mg/dL. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o RevMan 5.1.7, e a heterogeneidade foi avaliada usando estatísticas I². RESULTADOS: Um total de 7 dos 5.214 estudos foram incluídos, resultando 3.504 pacientes, com média de idade variando entre 60 e 74 anos, sendo 2.242 (64%) homens. Desses pacientes, cerca de 926 (26%) tinham o diagnóstico prévio de Diabetes Mellitus. Estes pacientes foram divididos em subgrupos conforme seu índice glicêmico na admissão, Normoglicemia (<180mg/dL) e Hiperglicemia (180-220 mg/dL). O grupo hiperglicêmico foi associado a maior mortalidade (OR 2,14; IC 95% 1,53 - 3,00; p<0.00001; I²= 53%; Figura 1). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta revisão sistemática e metanálise, valores de glicemia entre 180 a 220 mg/dL foram associados a maior risco de mortalidade em pacientes em choque cardiogênico.

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Introdução: Evidências de estudos randomizados apoiam a revascularização completa em vez do culpado apenas para pacientes com síndrome arterial coronariana aguda (SCA) e doenças coronarianas multiarteriais. Se estes resultados se estendem a pacientes idosos, no entanto, não foi completamente explorado. Métodos: Realizamos uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise comparando os resultados clínicos de idosos (definidos como idade >;75 anos) com SCA e DMV submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) completa vs. parcial. Foram pesquisados ​​PubMed, Embase e Cochrane. Calculamos razões de risco agrupadas com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% para preservar os dados de tempo até o evento. Resultados: Incluímos 7 estudos, dos quais 2 eram RCT e 5 eram coortes ajustadas multivariáveis, compreendendo um total de 10 147, dos quais 43,8% foram submetidos à revascularização completa. Em comparação com PCI apenas parcial, a revascularização completa foi associada a uma menor mortalidade por todas as causas (razão de risco 0,71; IC 95% 0,60-0,85; P < 0,01), mortalidade cardiovascular (razão de risco 0,64; IC 95% 0,52-0,79; P < 0,01) e infarto do miocárdio recorrente (razão de risco 0,65; IC 95% 0,50-0,85; P < 0,01). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação ao risco de revascularizações (razão de risco 0,80; IC 95% 0,53-1,20; P = 0,28). Conclusão: Entre pacientes idosos com SCA e DAC multiarterial, a revascularização completa está associada a um menor risco de mortalidade por todas as causas, mortalidade cardiovascular e infarto do miocárdio recorrente.

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BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has shown promise in treating hematologic malignancies, yet its potential cardiotoxic effects require thorough investigation. OBJECTIVES: We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the cardiotoxic effects of CAR-T therapy in adults with hematologic malignancies. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies reporting cardiovascular outcomes, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: Our analysis of 20 studies involving 4789 patients revealed a 19.68% incidence rate of cardiovascular events, with arrhythmias (7.70%), heart failure (5.73%), and reduced LVEF (3.86%) being the most prevalent. Troponin elevation was observed in 23.61% of patients, while NT-Pro-BNP elevation was observed in 9.4. Subgroup analysis showed higher risks in patients with pre-existing conditions, such as atrial arrhythmia (OR 3.12; p < .001), hypertension (OR 1.85; p = .002), previous heart failure (OR 3.38; p = .003), and coronary artery disease (OR 2.80; p = .003). CONCLUSION: Vigilant cardiovascular monitoring is crucial for patients undergoing CAR-T therapy to enhance safety and treatment efficacy.Novelty Statements.

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BACKGROUND: Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has shown promise in treating hematologic malignancies, yet its potential cardiotoxic effects require thorough investigation. OBJECTIVES: We aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the cardiotoxic effects of CAR-T therapy in adults with hematologic malignancies. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies reporting cardiovascular outcomes, such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: Our analysis of 20 studies involving 4789 patients revealed a 19.68% incidence rate of cardiovascular events, with arrhythmias (7.70%), heart failure (5.73%), and reduced LVEF (3.86%) being the most prevalent. Troponin elevation was observed in 23.61% of patients, while NT-Pro-BNP elevation was observed in 9.4. Subgroup analysis showed higher risks in patients with pre-existing conditions, such as atrial arrhythmia (OR 3.12; p < .001), hypertension (OR 1.85; p = .002), previous heart failure (OR 3.38; p = .003), and coronary artery disease (OR 2.80; p = .003). CONCLUSION: Vigilant cardiovascular monitoring is crucial for patients undergoing CAR-T therapy to enhance safety and treatment efficacy.Novelty Statements.

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BACKGROUND: The association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and mental health is well-documented, but the relative benefits of catheter ablation versus medical therapy on mental health and quality of life are not clearly understood. This study assesses the impact of these interventions on AF patients' mental health and quality of life. METHODS: Through a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing catheter ablation to medical therapy for AF were analyzed. The study focused on a range of outcomes, particularly mental health and quality of life, measured by tools including the SF-36 mental component, HADS, SF-36 physical component, and AFEQT scores, among others. Analyses were stratified by AF type (paroxysmal versus persistent) and synthesized using random or fixed-effects models to calculate mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: From 24 RCTs totaling 6,353 patients (51.4% receiving catheter ablation, 71.1% male, average age 59), catheter ablation was found to significantly improve mental health (SMD 0.34; 95% CI 0.05-0.63; p = 0.02) and quality of life as indicated by PCS SF-36 (MD 2.64; 95% CI 1.06-4.26; p < 0.01) and AFEQT scores (MD 6.24; 95% CI 4.43-8.05; p < 0.01), with no significant difference in outcomes between AF subtypes. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation offers significant improvements in mental health and quality of life over medical therapy for AF patients, demonstrating its efficacy across different types of AF.

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INTRODUÇÃO: Os fatores relacionados ao paciente que contribuem para a restenose do stent ainda não estão claros. A espessura da gordura epicárdica é proposta como um marcador potencial para pacientes de maior risco. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma revisão sistemática e metanálise comparando a média da espessura da gordura medida por ecocardiografia em pacientes que desenvolveram versus pacientes que não desenvolveram restenose intrastent durante o acompanhamento após intervenção coronariana percutânea. Foram pesquisados PubMed, Cochrane e Embase. Um modelo de efeitos aleatórios foi usado para calcular as diferenças médias (MDs), com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95%. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas usando o Review Manager 5.4.1. RESULTADOS: Quatro estudos observacionais compreendendo 820 pacientes foram incluídos, dos quais 61,3% eram do sexo masculino e 25,6% desenvolveram restenose; a idade média variou de 57,6 a 63,0 anos. O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 12 meses. A espessura média da gordura epicárdica variou de 3,8 a 10,4 mm no grupo de restenose e de 3,2 a 7,9 mm no grupo sem restenose. Pacientes que desenvolveram restenose do stent coronariano durante o acompanhamento mostraram uma espessura basal significativamente maior da gordura epicárdica do que aqueles sem restenose (MD = 1,02 mm; IC 95% 0,23; 1,80; p= 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados apontam para uma associação significativa entre o aumento da espessura da gordura epicárdica e a incidência de restenose intrastent coronariana. Dada a possível relevância prognóstica dessa medida, recomendamos sua consideração para inclusão nos relatórios de exames, especialmente em pacientes com doença aterosclerótica.

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CONTEXTO: A doença de Chagas continua sendo uma das principais causas não isquêmicas de cardiomiopatia na América Latina. No entanto, nossa compreensão dos parâmetros ecocardiográficos prognósticos além da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) permanece limitada. Objetivo: Conduzir uma revisão sistemática e metanálise para avaliar a relação entre o strain longitudinal global do ventrículo esquerdo (GLS-VE), o diâmetro diastólico final do ventrículo esquerdo (DDFVE) e a FEVE com o risco de mortalidade por todas as causas, transplante cardíaco ou necessidade de dispositivo de assistência ventricular mecânica. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma busca sistemática nas bases de dados Elsevier, PubMed e Cochrane por estudos que avaliassem GLS-VE, DDFVE e FEVE em pacientes com doença de Chagas, abrangendo tanto as fases indeterminada quanto de cardiomiopatia. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o RevMan 5.1.7, e a heterogeneidade foi avaliada usando estatísticas I². Calculamos razões de risco (HR) combinadas com intervalos de confiança (IC) de 95% sob um modelo de efeitos aleatórios. Também realizamos uma análise de subgrupos de análises multivariáveis para minimizar o efeito de variáveis de confusão. RESULTADOS: Incluímos 1.277 pacientes de 10 estudos observacionais, com idade média variando de 53 a 66 anos, sendo 60,3% do sexo masculino. Desses pacientes, 1.138 (89%) apresentavam cardiomiopatia chagásica, enquanto 139 estavam na fase indeterminada. A FEVE média variou de 26% a 52%. A redução do GLS-VE (HR 1,14; IC 95% 1,01-1,29; p= 0,04; Figura 1A) e o aumento do DDFVE (HR 1,07; IC 95% 1,02-1,12; p< 0,0001; Figura 1B) foram associados a maior risco de mortalidade por todas as causas, transplante cardíaco ou necessidade de dispositivo de assistência ventricular mecânica. Em contrapartida, maiores índices de FEVE foram associados a menor risco desse desfecho composto (HR 0,93; IC 95% 0,90-0,96; p= 0,002), o que permaneceu estatisticamente significativo após análise de subgrupos com apenas resultados ajustados por multivariáveis (HR 0,95; IC 95% 0,91- 0,99; p= 0,001; Figura 1C). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta revisão sistemática e metanálise de pacientes com doença de Chagas, a redução do GLS-VE e o aumento do DDFVE foram associados a maior risco de mortalidade por todas as causas, transplante cardíaco ou necessidade de dispositivo de assistência ventricular mecânica, enquanto o aumento da FEVE foi fator protetor prognóstico independente para esse desfecho.

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BACKGROUND: The association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and mental health is well-documented, but the relative benefits of catheter ablation versus medical therapy on mental health and quality of life are not clearly understood. This study assesses the impact of these interventions on AF patients' mental health and quality of life. METHODS: Through a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing catheter ablation to medical therapy for AF were analyzed. The study focused on a range of outcomes, particularly mental health and quality of life, measured by tools including the SF-36 mental component, HADS, SF-36 physical component, and AFEQT scores, among others. Analyses were stratified by AF type (paroxysmal versus persistent) and synthesized using random or fixed-effects models to calculate mean differences (MDs) or standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: From 24 RCTs totaling 6,353 patients (51.4% receiving catheter ablation, 71.1% male, average age 59), catheter ablation was found to significantly improve mental health (SMD 0.34; 95% CI 0.05-0.63; p = 0.02) and quality of life as indicated by PCS SF-36 (MD 2.64; 95% CI 1.06-4.26; p < 0.01) and AFEQT scores (MD 6.24; 95% CI 4.43-8.05; p < 0.01), with no significant difference in outcomes between AF subtypes. CONCLUSION: Catheter ablation offers significant improvements in mental health and quality of life over medical therapy for AF patients, demonstrating its efficacy across different types of AF.

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BACKGROUND Evidence from randomized studies support complete over culprit-only revascularization for patients with acute coronary artery syndrome (ACS) and multivessel coronary artery diseases (MVD). Whether these findings extend to elderly patients, however, has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes of elderly individuals (defined as age ≥75 years) with ACS and MVD submitted to complete vs partial-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched. We computed pooled hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to preserve time time-to-event data. RESULTS We included 7 studies, of which 2 were RCT and 5 were multivariable adjusted cohorts, comprising a total 10 147, of whom 43.8% underwent complete revascularization. As compared with partial-only PCI, complete revascularization was associated with a lower all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.71; 95% CI 0.60­0.85; P < 0.01), cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio 0.64; 95% CI 0.52­0.79; P < 0.01), and recurrent myocardial infarction (hazard ratio 0.65; 95% CI 0.50­0.85; P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between groups regarding the risk of revascularizations (hazard ratio 0.80; 95% CI 0.53­1.20; P = 0.28). CONCLUSION Among elderly patients with ACS and multivessel CAD, complete revascularization is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and recurrent myocardial infarction.

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This study evaluated the use of essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum (EOOG) for anesthesia and in transport of Colossoma macropomum. Experiment 1, Test 1, anesthesia induction and recovery times were determined using different EOOG concentrations (0, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300 mg L-1), with two size classes: Juveniles I (0.86 g) and Juveniles II (11.46 g) (independent tests in a completely randomized design). Based on the results of Test 1, in Test 2 Juveniles II were exposed to EOOG concentrations: 0, 20, 100 mg L-1. Tissue samples were collected immediately after induction and 1 h post-recovery, to assess oxidative status variables. Experiment 2, Juveniles I (0.91 g) and Juveniles II (14.76 g) were submitted to transport in water with different concentrations of EOOG (0, 5, 10 mg L-1) (independent tests in a completely randomized design). The effects on oxidative status variables were evaluated. Concentrations between 50 and 200 mg L-1 EOOG can be indicated for Juveniles I, while concentrations between 50 and 100 mg L-1 EOOG for Juveniles II. The concentration of 100 mg L-1 EOOG was able to prevent oxidative damage in the liver. In Experiment 2, the concentrations of 5 and 10 mg L-1 EOOG added to the transport water caused sedation for both studied size classes of juveniles and did not cause oscillations in water quality variables nor any mortality. The concentration of 10 mg L-1 EOOG improved the oxidative status. It can be concluded that EOOG can be used for anesthesia and transport of C. macropomum.

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Phototherapies are promising for noninvasive treatment of aggressive tumors, especially when combining heat induction and oxidative processes. Herein, we show enhanced phototoxicity of gold shell-isolated nanorods conjugated with toluidine blue-O (AuSHINRs@TBO) against human colorectal tumor cells (Caco-2) with synergic effects of photothermal (PTT) and photodynamic therapies (PDT). Mitochondrial metabolic activity tests (MTT) performed on Caco-2 cell cultures indicated a photothermal effect from AuSHINRs owing to enhanced light absorption from the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). The phototoxicity against Caco-2 cells was further increased with AuSHINRs@TBO where oxidative processes, such as hydroperoxidation, were also present, leading to a cell viability reduction from 85.5 to 39.0%. The molecular-level mechanisms responsible for these effects were investigated on bioinspired tumor membranes using Langmuir monolayers of Caco-2 lipid extract. Polarization-modulation infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) revealed that the AuSHINRs@TBO incorporation is due to attractive electrostatic interactions with negatively charged groups of the Caco-2 lipid extract, resulting in the expansion of surface pressure isotherms. Upon irradiation, Caco-2 lipid extract monolayers containing AuSHINRs@TBO (1:1 v/v) exhibited ca. 1.0% increase in surface area. This is attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their interaction with Caco-2 lipid extract monolayers, leading to hydroperoxide formation. The oxidative effects are facilitated by AuSHINRs@TBO penetration into the polar groups of the extract, allowing oxidative reactions with carbon chain unsaturations. These mechanisms are consistent with findings from confocal fluorescence microscopy, where the Caco-2 plasma membrane was the primary site of the cell death induction process.

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This study evaluated the anesthetic and sedative effects of the essential oil of Zingiber officinale (EOZO) on juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Experiment 1 evaluated concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1 EOZO for times of induction and recovery from anesthesia. Furthermore, hematological responses and residual components of EOZO in plasma were determined immediately after anesthesia. Experiment 2 evaluated the effect of 0, 10, 20 and 30 mg L-1 EOZO on water quality, blood variables and residual components of EOZO in plasma and tissues (muscle and liver) immediately after 2 h of transport. Survival was 100%. The three main compounds of EOZO [zingiberene (32.27%), ß-sesquiphellandrene (18.42%) and ß-bisabolene (13.93%)] were observed in animal plasma and tissues (muscle and liver) after anesthesia and transport, demonstrating a direct linear effect among the evaluated concentrations. The concentration of 200 mg L-1 EOZO promoted surgical anesthesia of pacu and prevented an increase in monocyte and neutrophil levels, yet did not alter other hematological parameters. The use of 30 mg L-1 EOZO has a sedative effect on juvenile pacu, thereby reducing oxygen consumption during transport. Furthermore, the use of 30 mg L-1 EOZO in transport water prevented an increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit, with minimal influences on other blood variables.

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BACKGROUND: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has improved catheter ablation procedures, reducing reliance on fluoroscopy. Yet, the efficacy and safety of zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) procedures remain uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing ZF ablation procedures guided by ICE vs. conventional techniques regarding efficacy and safety outcomes. PubMed, Cochrane, and embase were searched. A random-effects model was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs), odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We includedfourteen studies with 1,919 patients of whom 1,023 (58.72%) performed ZF ablation using ICE. We found a significant reduced ablation time (SMD -0.18; 95% CI -0.31;-0.04; p=0.009), procedure time (MD -7.54; 95% CI -14.68;-0.41; p=0.04), fluoroscopic time (MD -2.52; 95% CI -3.20;-1.84; p<0.001) in patients treated with ZF approach compared with NZF approach. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in acute success rate (RR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99-1.01; p=0.85), long-term success rate (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.93-1.05; p=0.77) and complications (RR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.48-1.46; p = 0.54). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that among patients undergoing arrhythmia ablation, fluoroscopy-free ICE-guided technique reduces procedure time and radiation exposure with comparable short and long-term success rates and complications.

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BACKGROUND: Randomized studies support complete over culprit-only revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) However,whether these findings extend to elderly patients has not been thoroughly explored. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing clinical outcomes of elderly individuals (defined as age > 75 years) with ACS and multivessel coronary artery disease submitted to complete vs. culprit-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched. We computed pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to preserve time-to-event data RESULTS: We included 7 studies, of which 2 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising 7,409 patients, of whom 3225 (43.5%) underwent complete revascularization. As compared with culprit lesion only PCI, complete revascularization was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.68-0.85; p<0.001), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.54-0.82; p<0.001), and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) (HR 0.65; 95% CI 0.50-0.85; p=0.002). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the risk of recurrent revascularizations (HR 0.79; 95% CI 0.54-1.16; p=0.23). CONCLUSION: Among elderly patients with ACS and multivessel CAD, complete revascularization is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and recurrent MI.

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BACKGROUND: Reflex syncope reduces quality of life and leads to fall-related injuries, with no highly effective treatment. In this context, cardioneuroablation (CNA) presents as a promising therapy for these patients. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central for studies that evaluated safety and efficacy outcomes related to CNA procedures. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction and assessment of bias. Generalized linear mixed models was used. We performed a single-arm meta-analysis using R version 4.2.3. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies comprising 871 patients were included. The mean follow-up ranged from 8 to 40 months. Mean age ranged from 32.9 to 53.9 years and 541 (62.1%) were female. The ablation target was biatrial in 302 patients (34%), left atrium only in 433 (49%), and right atrium only in 136 (15%). The freedom from syncope was 94% (95% confidence interval (CI) 90.13-97.00; P<0.01). Left and right atrial CNA was associated with a significant higher freedom from syncope (96.03%; 95% CI 93.13-97.73) than left atrial ablation only (94.61%; 95% CI 82.88-98.45) and right ablation only (84.53%; 95% CI 74.30-91.18). Peri-procedural adverse event occurred on 1.4% (95% CI 0.44- 4.50). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that in patients with reflex syncope, CNA is a procedure associated with a significant reduction in syncope incidence and with low complication rates. Among the procedures used, both right and left ablation were more effective.

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BACKGROUND: Selective cardiac myosin inhibitors (CMI) are promising therapies for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Yet, the extent of their benefits remains unclear due to the limited population studied. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CMI vs. placebo in patients with obstructive HCM. PubMed, Cochrane, and embase were searched. We calculated risk ratios (RRs), mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Four RCTs with 485 patients with obstructive HCM were included, of whom 261 (53.8%) were prescribed CMI (10.7% were aficamten and 89.3% were mavacamten). CMI significantly reduced resting left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient (SMD -1.4, 95% CI -1.6,-1.2, p<0.001), but also reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD -5.1%, 95% CI -7.6,-2.6, p<0,001). Patients receiving CMI had a higher rate of study-defined complete hemodynamic response (RR 16.8, CI 95% 5.5, 51.4, p<0,001; Figure 1A) with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 8; and improvement of at least one point in NYHA functional class (RR 2.29, CI 95% 1.8,2.9, p<0,001; Figure 1B). Conclusion: In this meta-analysis of RCTs including patients with obstructive HCM, CMI led to a significant reduction in LVOT gradient and symptomatic improvement. The NNT to achieve one complete hemodynamic response was 8. There was a significant, albeit modest, decrease in LVEF in the CMI group.

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BACKGROUND: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among athletes has been linked to pathological structural and functional cardiac changes. However, the studies are small, and the results are inconsistent. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of echocardiographic outcomes comparing athletes with prolonged use of AAS (at least 2 years of use) versus sex and age- matched athletes who were did not use AAS. PubMed, Cochrane, and embase were searched. A random-effects model was used to calculate mean differences (MDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1. RESULTS: We included 17 studies comprising 1,023 athletes, of whom 543 (53%) were AAS users. The mean age ranged to 24.2 to 43 years. Compared with non-AAS users, athletes who used AAS exhibited a significant increase in interventricular septal wall thickness (MD 1.33 mm; 95% CI [0.8,1.89], p<0.001), a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (MD 2.77 %; 95% CI [-4.2,-1.34], p<0.001;Figure 1B) , and worsening of global longitudinal strain (MD 3.39%; 95% CI [2.88,3.91], p<0.001;Figure 1B). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the E/A ratio (MD -0.21; 95% CI [-0.35,-0.07], p=0.003) and an increase in the E/e' ratio (MD 1.71; 95% CI [0.96,2.46], p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that prolonged use of AAS in athletes is associated with increased left ventricular wall thickness and worsening of systolic and diastolic parameters.

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In the present study, we identified and characterized two defensin-like peptides in an antifungal fraction obtained from Capsicum chinense pepper fruits and inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum scovillei, which causes anthracnose. AMPs were extracted from the pericarp of C. chinense peppers and subjected to ion exchange, molecular exclusion, and reversed-phase in a high-performance liquid chromatography system. We investigated the endogenous increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), the loss of mitochondrial functioning, and the ultrastructure of hyphae. The peptides obtained from the G3 fraction through molecular exclusion chromatography were subsequently fractionated using reverse-phase chromatography, resulting in the isolation of fractions F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5. The F1-Fraction suppressed C. scovillei growth by 90, 70.4, and 44% at 100, 50, and 25 µg mL-1, respectively. At 24 h, the IC50 and minimum inhibitory concentration were 21.5 µg mL-1 and 200 µg mL-1, respectively. We found an increase in ROS, which may have resulted in an oxidative burst, loss of mitochondrial functioning, and cytoplasm retraction, as well as an increase in autophagic vacuoles. MS/MS analysis of the F1-Fraction indicated the presence of two defensin-like proteins, and we were able to identify the expression of three defensin sequences in our C. chinense fruit extract. The F1-Fraction was also found to inhibit the activity of insect α-amylases. In summary, the F1-Fraction of C. chinense exhibits antifungal activity against a major pepper pathogen that causes anthracnose. These defensin-like compounds are promising prospects for further research into antifungal and insecticide biotechnology applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

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