The role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in prognostic evaluation of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a growing challenge in the Asia Pacific region. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-established tool for diagnosis of HF; however, it is relatively underutilized in predicting adverse outcomes in HF. Multiple studies have demonstrated the prognostic role of NT-proBNP in HF. A single value of NT-proBNP >5000 pg/mL predicts a worse outcome in hospitalized patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In stable outpatients with HFrEF, NT-proBNP > 1000 pg/mL predicts a poorer prognosis. NT-proBNP provides the same prognostic information in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) as in those with HFrEF. An expert panel composed of cardiologists mainly from Asia Pacific region was convened to discuss the utility of NT-proBNP in HF prognostication. This article summarizes available scientific evidence and consensus recommendations from the meeting

2020 Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology Consensus Recommendations on the Use of P2Y12 Receptor Antagonists in the Asia-Pacific Region

The unique characteristics of patients with acute coronary syndrome in the Asia-Pacific region mean that international guidelines on the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) cannot be routinely applied to these populations. Newer generation P2Y12 inhibitors (i.e. ticagrelor and prasugrel) have demonstrated improved clinical outcomes compared with clopidogrel. However, low numbers of Asian patients participated in pivotal studies and few regional studies comparing DAPTs have been conducted. This article aims to summarise current evidence on the use of newer generation P2Y12 inhibitors in Asian patients with acute coronary syndrome and provide recommendations to assist clinicians, especially cardiologists, in selecting a DAPT regimen. Guidance is provided on the management of ischaemic and bleeding risks, including duration of therapy, switching strategies and the management of patients with ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation MI or those requiring surgery. In particular, the need for an individualised DAPT regimen and considerations relating to switching, de-escalating, stopping or continuing DAPT beyond 12 months are discussed

AROMATASE INHIBITORY AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS FROM THE VIETNAMESE MEDICINAL PLANT BAN-CHI-LIEN (SCUTELLARIA BARBATA D. DON)

Aromatase inhibitory and cytotoxic activities were determined for apigenin, luteolin and the new diterpene named scutebarbalactone VN, which were obtained by bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation from the methanol extract of the Vietnamese medicinal plant Banchi-lien (Scutellaria barbata D. Don). In the aromatase inhibition assay, an IC50 value of 3.36 mM was found for scutebarbalactone VN, while IC50  values of 7.2 mM and 7.95 mM were found for the positive controls aminoglutethimide and b-estradiol, respectively. In the cytotoxicity  assays using a panel of human cancer cell lines, scutebarbalactone VN showed promising anticancer activity with IC50  ranging from 2.15 to 8.3 mM compared with those of the positive control ellipticine ranging from 1.0 to 2.1 mM. Apigenin and luteolin were found to be inactive  in both assays

sj-docx-1-npx-10.1177_1934578X231224995 - Supplemental material for The Leaf Oils of Beilschmiedia tonkinensis (Lecomte) Ridl. and Lindera gracilipes H. W. Li: Chemical Composition, Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial Activity, and Docking Study

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-npx-10.1177_1934578X231224995 for The Leaf Oils of Beilschmiedia tonkinensis (Lecomte) Ridl. and Lindera gracilipes H. W. Li: Chemical Composition, Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial Activity, and Docking Study by Duong Quang Huan, Nguyen Dinh Luyen, Nguyen Xuan Ha and Do Ngoc Dai, Nguyen Quang Hop, Do Thi Lan Huong, Ninh The Son in Natural Product Communications</p

Predicting atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery using a simplified risk index

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery and can lead to increased risk of postoperative adverse events. However, atrial fibrillation and postoperative adverse events are preventable. In this study, a risk index was developed to predict atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Methods: A prospective cohort study of 405 patients who had undergone adult cardiac surgery from 2015 September to 2016 August at Heart Institute of HCMC and Cho Ray Hospital were obtained. In order to predict POAF, a logistic regression model was developed, and a risk score was derived and validated by bootstrap. Results: In our study, 98 patients developed POAF (24.2%). The risk score included three significant risk factors (age ≥ 60, left atrial diameter > 41 mm, Coronary Artery Bypass Graft with concomitant mitral valve replacement or repair) that were consistent with other reports. Each of these risk factors was assigned one point. The total risk score ranges from 0 to 3 (AUC = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.63–0.75) with the best cutoff point at 1. According to this scoring system, the incidences of POAF in patients associated with each score of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 8.6%, 30.1%, 40.8%, and 58.3% respectively. Bootstrapping with 5000 samples confirmed the final model provided was consistent with predictions. Conclusions: We developed and validated a simple risk score based on clinical variables that can be obtained before surgery in order to accurately predict the risk of POAF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.Journal of Electrocardiology, 67, pp.45-49; 202

Enhanced mechanical properties and wear resistance of cold-rolled carbon nanotubes reinforced copper matrix composites

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/Cu composite containing 0.5 vol% MWCNTs were prepared by a high energy ball milling followed by conventional sintering and finally cold rolling. Microstructure studies showed that MWCNTs were uniformly dispersed and implanted inside the Cu matrix. The MWCNT/Cu composites showed an improvement in hardness and tensile strength up to 37% and 44% respectively compared to those of pure Cu. The enhancement is attributed to the uniform dispersion and strengthening due to the addition of MWCNTs. The yield strength of the composite has been quantified by several strengthening mechanisms including grain boundary strengthening, dislocation strengthening, Orowan strengthening and load transfer. The calculated results indicated that the load transfer strengthening has the largest contribution to the yield strength of the composite which implied the key role of the interfacial bond strength between MWCNTs and Cu matrix on the strengthening behaviors. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate of the composites were reduced with the addition of MWCNT content due to the self-lubrication effect of CNTs and high mechanical properties