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Annals of the New York Academy of... Sep 2022Electrical conductivity is of great significance to cardiac tissue engineering and permits the use of electrical stimulation in mimicking cardiac pacing. The development... (Review)
Review
Electrical conductivity is of great significance to cardiac tissue engineering and permits the use of electrical stimulation in mimicking cardiac pacing. The development of biomaterials for tissue engineering can incorporate physical properties that are uncommon to standard cell culture and can facilitate improved cardiomyocyte function. In this review, the PICOT question asks, "How has the application of external electrical stimulation in conductive scaffolds for tissue engineering affected cardiomyocyte behavior in in vitro cell culture?" The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, with predetermined inclusion and quality appraisal criteria, were used to assess publications from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results revealed carbon nanotubes to be the most common conductive agent in biomaterials and rodent-sourced cell types as the most common cardiomyocytes used. To assess cardiomyocytes, immunofluorescence was used most often, utilizing proteins, such as connexin 43, cardiac α-actinin, and cardiac troponins. It was determined that the modal average stimulation protocol comprised 1-3 V square biphasic 50-ms pulses at 1 Hz, applied toward the end of cell culture. The addition of electrical stimulation to in vitro culture has exemplified it as a powerful tool for cardiac tissue engineering and brings researchers closer to creating optimal artificial cardiac tissue constructs.
Topics: Actinin; Biocompatible Materials; Connexin 43; Electric Conductivity; Electric Stimulation; Myocytes, Cardiac; Nanotubes, Carbon; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; Troponin
PubMed: 35676231
DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14812 -
European Journal of Emergency Medicine... Jun 2022Chest pain is one of the most common presentations to the emergency department (ED) and HEART score (history, ECG, age, risk factors, and cardiac troponin) is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Chest pain is one of the most common presentations to the emergency department (ED) and HEART score (history, ECG, age, risk factors, and cardiac troponin) is recommended for risk stratification. It has been proposed that the sum of four items with no troponin (HEAR score) below 2 can be used safely to lower testing and reduce length of stay. To assess the performance of the HEAR score in hospital and prehospital settings, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. English studies on the performance of the HEAR score in patients with acute chest pain were included. They were excluded if data are inaccessible. MEDLINE, Embase, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, Scopus, and web of science were searched from 1946 to July 2021. The quality of studies was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies version 2. Acute coronary syndrome or major adverse cardiac events prediction were outcomes of interest. The performance indices with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted. Inverse variance and the random-effects model were used to report the results. Of the 692 articles on the HEAR score, 10 studies were included in the analysis with 33 843 patients. Studies were at low to moderate risk of bias. Three studies were in prehospital and three were retrospective. The pooling of data on the HEAR score showed that the sensitivity at the HEAR<2, <3, and <4 cutoffs in the ED were 99.03% (95% CI, 98.29-99.77), 97.54% (95% CI, 94.50-100), and 91.80% (95% CI, 84.62-98.98), respectively. The negative predictive values (NPVs) for the above cutoffs were 99.84% (95% CI, 99.72-99.95), 99.75% (95% CI, 99.65-99.85), and 99.57% (95% CI, 99.11-100), respectively. Of note, for the HEAR<2, negative likelihood ratio was 0.07 (95% CI, 0.02-0.12). In the prehospital, at the HEAR<4 cutoff, the pooled sensitivity and NPV were 85.01% (95% CI, 80.56-89.47) and 91.48% (95% CI, 87.10-95.87), respectively. This study showed that in the ED, the HEAR score<2 can be used for an early discharge strategy. Currently, this score cannot be recommended in prehospital setting. Prospero (CRD42021273710).
Topics: Acute Coronary Syndrome; Chest Pain; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Troponin
PubMed: 35446265
DOI: 10.1097/MEJ.0000000000000921 -
Journal of the Peripheral Nervous... Jun 2022Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy characterised by a high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. While most cases were... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy characterised by a high clinical and genetic heterogeneity. While most cases were described in populations with Caucasian ancestry, genetic research on CMT in Africa is scant. Only a few cases of CMT have been reported, mainly from North Africa. The current study aimed to summarise available data on CMT in Africa, with emphasis on the epidemiological, clinical, and genetic features.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and the African Journal Online for articles published from the database inception until April 2021 using specific keywords. A total of 398 articles were screened, and 28 fulfilled our selection criteria.
RESULTS
A total of 107 families totalling 185 patients were reported. Most studies were reported from North Africa (n = 22). The demyelinating form of CMT was the commonest subtype, and the phenotype varied greatly between families, and one family (1%) of CMT associated with hearing impairment was reported. The inheritance pattern was autosomal recessive in 91.2% (n = 97/107) of families. CMT-associated variants were reported in 11 genes: LMNA, GDAP1, GJB1, MPZ, MTMR13, MTMR2, PRX, FGD4/FRABIN, PMP22, SH3TC2, and GARS. The most common genes reported are LMNA, GDAP1, and SH3TC2 and have been found mostly in Northern African populations.
INTERPRETATION
This study reveals that CMT is not rare in Africa, and describes the current clinical and genetic profile. The review emphasised the urgent need to invest in genetic research to inform counselling, prevention, and care for CMT in numerous settings on the continent.
Topics: Africa; Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease; Genes, Recessive; Humans; Microfilament Proteins; Mutation; Phenotype; Proteins
PubMed: 35383421
DOI: 10.1111/jns.12489 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Jun 2022Cardiac troponin (cTn) is a specific biomarker of cardiac injury and elevation of cTn is related to increased mortality. However, prognostic value of cTn in patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Cardiac troponin (cTn) is a specific biomarker of cardiac injury and elevation of cTn is related to increased mortality. However, prognostic value of cTn in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) still remains to be elucidated. The aim of this review is to explore the strength of association between elevated cTn and mortality after AIS onset.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to July 12, 2021 without language restriction. All studies reporting the association between cTn on admission and mortality in AIS patients have been included in this review. Meta-analysis was performed for overall and pre-specified subgroup risk ratios (RR) were obtained using a random effect model. Study quality was assessed for each included study.
RESULTS
There were 20 studies included in this meta-analysis with 9779 AIS patients met the inclusion criteria. There was significant association between elevated cTn and mortality in patients with AIS (RR 3.87; 95% CI 3.24-4.63). The association was consistent across the pre-specified subgroup analyses by type of troponin (cTnT or cTnI), assay of troponin (conventional or high-sensitivity), region (Asian or Non-Asian), definite exclusion of ACS/AMI patients or not (yes or not mentioned), adjusted AF, HF and impaired renal function or not (yes or no).
CONCLUSIONS
AIS patients with elevated cTn at baseline has an increased risk of mortality. Early and routine evaluation of cTn may contribute to timely detection of comorbid cardiac injury and prevent unfavorable outcomes in patients with AIS.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020160912.
Topics: Biomarkers; Humans; Ischemic Stroke; Prognosis; Troponin I; Troponin T
PubMed: 35339855
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106444 -
Indian Heart Journal 2022To assess the safety and efficacy of omecamtiv mecarbil compared with placebo in heart failure (HF) patients. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
To assess the safety and efficacy of omecamtiv mecarbil compared with placebo in heart failure (HF) patients.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS until August 15th, 2021. We included all randomized controlled studies comparing omecamtiv mecarbil with placebo in heart failure patients. The meta-analysis was carried out using Rev Man software V5.4.
RESULTS
A total of eight studies were included in our systematic review. Pooled analysis showed that omecamtiv mecarbil is not associated with increased incidence of death, any adverse events, hypotension, heart failure, ventricular tachyarrhythmia, dyspnea, dizziness, and serious adverse events. Regarding the efficacy, omecamtiv mecarbil significantly reduced heart rate with some studies demonstrating its significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and systolic function.
CONCLUSION
Omecamtiv mecarbil is a well-tolerated drug in heart failure patients. The limited data regarding the efficacy suggested that it may improve ejection fraction and systolic function.
Topics: Cardiac Myosins; Heart Failure; Humans; Stroke Volume; Urea; Ventricular Function, Left
PubMed: 35301008
DOI: 10.1016/j.ihj.2022.03.005 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... 2021The aim of this study is to review studies evaluating the role of genetics in skeletal class II malocclusion. (Review)
Review
AIM
The aim of this study is to review studies evaluating the role of genetics in skeletal class II malocclusion.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the scientific evidence associating the role of genes in skeletal class II malocclusion. Materials and Methods: A complete search across the electronic database through PubMed, Cochrane, LILACS, BMC and manual hand search of orthodontic journals were done till May 2019. The keywords for the search included: "Genetics", "class II malocclusion", "maxillary prognathism", "mandibular retrognathism".
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Studies were selected based on PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
Articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 11 cross-sectional studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were analyzed for the role of genes in skeletal class II malocclusion. Almost all the studies except for one revealed a positive correlation of genes with skeletal class II malocclusion.
CONCLUSIONS
Out of the 11 studies included, a positive correlation of the genes with the skeletal II malocclusion was found in 10 studies. Genes FGFR2, MSX1, MATN1, MYOH1, ACTN3, GHR, KAT6B, HDAC4, AJUBA were found to be positively linked to skeletal class II malocclusion.
Topics: Actinin; Cephalometry; Cross-Sectional Studies; Histone Acetyltransferases; Humans; LIM Domain Proteins; Malocclusion; Malocclusion, Angle Class II; Malocclusion, Angle Class III
PubMed: 35229783
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.IJDR_59_20 -
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology... May 2022The initial description of a heterozygous dominant ACTG2 variant in familial visceral myopathy was followed by the identification of additional variants in other forms...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The initial description of a heterozygous dominant ACTG2 variant in familial visceral myopathy was followed by the identification of additional variants in other forms of intestinal dysmotility disorders. we aimed to describe the diverse phenotype of this newly reported and rare disease.
METHODS
Report of 4 new patients, and a systematic review of ACTG2-related disorders. we analyzed the population frequency and used in silico gene damaging predictions. Genotype-phenotype correlations were explored.
RESULTS
One hundred three patients (52% girls), from 14 publications, were included. Twenty-eight unique variants were analyzed, all exceedingly rare, and 27 predicted to be highly damaging. The median Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) score was 29.2 (Interquartile range 26.3-29.4). Most patients underwent abdominal surgery (66%), about half required intermittent bladder catheterization (48.5%), and more than half were parenteral nutrition (PN)-dependent (53%). One-quarter of the patients died (25.7%), and 6 required transplant (5.8%). Girls had a higher rate of microcolon (P = 0.009), PN dependency (P = 0.003), and death/transplant (P = 0.029) compared with boys, and early disease onset (<2 years of age) was associated with megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) features. There was no statistical association between disease characteristics and CADD scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Damaging ACTG2 variants are rare, often associated with MMIHS phenotype, and overall have a wide phenotypic variation. Symptoms usually present in the perinatal period but can also appear at a later age. The course of the disease is marked by frequent need for surgical interventions, PN support, and mortality. Poor outcomes are more common among girls with ACTG2 variants.
Topics: Abnormalities, Multiple; Actins; Colon; Female; Humans; Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction; Male; Phenotype; Pregnancy; Urinary Bladder
PubMed: 35149643
DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000003400 -
Otology & Neurotology : Official... Mar 2022To review the characteristics and progression of hearing loss in MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) patients and present a unique case of bilateral non-simultaneous sudden...
OBJECTIVES
To review the characteristics and progression of hearing loss in MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) patients and present a unique case of bilateral non-simultaneous sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in an MYH9-RD patient. MYH9-RD is a rare autosomal dominant platelet disorder. Patients with this disorder have a variable risk of developing SNHL.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search for scientific articles in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that reported hearing loss outcomes in MYH9-RD patients.
RESULTS
Initial search yielded 270 studies. Eight studies with a total of 23 patients met inclusion criteria and were used for data analysis. MYH9-RD patients typically present with progressive bilateral SNHL affecting predominantly the high frequencies. Mean age of hearing loss onset was 17.1 years, progressing to severe-profound SNHL over a mean period of 14.4 years. Seventeen of the 23 patients received cochlear implant (CI) at a mean age of 37.9 years. In comparison, the study patient presented initially with bilateral progressive SNHL as a teenager and developed bilateral non-simultaneous sudden SNHL, first in her right ear at the age of 31 and 7 months later in her left ear at the age of 32. She is now a successful bilateral CI user.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first systematic investigation of the relationship between MYH9-RD patients and SNHL. Hearing loss in MYH9-RD patients is generally characterized as progressive SNHL. However, the study patient presented with the unique feature of bilateral non-simultaneous sudden SNHL, potentially expanding the hearing loss sequela associated with this disorder.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cochlear Implantation; Deafness; Female; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Humans; Myosin Heavy Chains; Thrombocytopenia
PubMed: 35147601
DOI: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003450 -
Clinical Cardiology Feb 2022A significant proportion of patients (pts) with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have concomitant coronary artery disease and polyvascular involvement contributes to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cardiac troponins predict mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of adjusted observational studies.
BACKGROUND
A significant proportion of patients (pts) with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have concomitant coronary artery disease and polyvascular involvement contributes to increased risk of death and unfavorable cardiovascular events.
HYPOTHESIS
Cardiac troponins are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in PAD pts.
METHODS
We systematically searched Medline and Scopus to identify all observational cohort studies published before June 2021 (combining terms "troponin," "peripheral artery disease," "peripheral arterial disease," "intermittent claudication," and "critical limb ischemia") that evaluated the prognostic impact of troponin rise on admission on all-cause mortality and/or major cardiovascular events (MACEs; composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death) in PAD pts followed up at least 6 months. A meta-analysis was conducted using the generic inverse variance method. Heterogeneity between studies was investigated using Cochrane's Q test and I statistic.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included in the final analysis (5313 pts) with a median follow-up of 27 months (interquartile range: 12-59 months). The prevalence of troponin positivity was 5.3% (range: 4.4%-8.7%) in pts with intermittent claudication, and 62.6% (range: 33.6%-85%) in critical limb ischemia. Elevated troponins were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.28-3.57; I = 50.97%), and MACE (HR: 2.58, 95% CI: 2.04-3.26; I = 4.00%) without publication bias (p = .24 and p = .10, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Troponin rise on admission is associated with adverse long-term cardiovascular outcomes in symptomatic PAD.
Topics: Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Myocardial Infarction; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Risk Factors; Stroke; Troponin
PubMed: 35132665
DOI: 10.1002/clc.23776 -
Experimental and Clinical... Jul 2022Cardiac troponin is a highly specific biomarker of myocardial injury that is of prognostic significance in a range of cardiovascular diseases. However, the prognostic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Cardiac troponin is a highly specific biomarker of myocardial injury that is of prognostic significance in a range of cardiovascular diseases. However, the prognostic value of elevated troponin in cardiac transplant recipients is uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of elevated cardiac troponin in predicting adverse recipient outcomes following heart transplant.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and the Cochrane Library from inception until December 2020 and included studies reporting associations between elevated recipient troponin and outcomes after cardiac transplant. We generated summary odds ratios for associations with short- and long-term adverse events and used descriptive analyses where meta-analyses were inappropriate.
RESULTS
We included 15 studies involving 1830 patients undergoing cardiac transplant. The risk of primary graft failure was greater in recipients with elevated troponin than in those without (odds ratio = 3.09; 95% CI, 1.08-8.87). Considerable interstudy heterogeneity (I2 statistic 98%) was partially explained by variations in study design, troponin subtype, and overall risk of bias. Descriptive analyses suggested associations between elevated recipient troponin and long-term adverse cardiac events, coronary artery disease, and mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated cardiac troponin in cardiac transplant recipients may be prognostic for primary graft failure, adverse cardiac events, coronary artery disease, and mortality. Further high-quality, prospective, and multicenter research is needed to demonstrate the clinical applicability of these findings.
Topics: Adult; Coronary Artery Disease; Heart Transplantation; Humans; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Troponin
PubMed: 35037610
DOI: 10.6002/ect.2021.0386