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Background
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous clinical trials were initiated. Although concerns were raised regarding the quality of the trials, the eventual research output yielded from the trials remains unknown. The objective of this study was to include all clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov during the first 6 months of the pandemic and assess if and where their results had been reported, their completion and discontinuation rates, achieved enrolment and changes made to the primary outcome after trial registration.
Methods
We included all interventional studies related to COVID-19 first registered on ClinicalTrials.gov between 1 January 2020 and 1 July 2020. We systematically searched for trial results, reported through 15 May 2023, in scientific publications, preprints and ClinicalTrials.gov. We assessed the achieved trial enrolment, trial discontinuation (reaching
Objectives
To examine trajectories of functional limitations, fatigue, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and societal costs of patients referred to long COVID clinics.
Design
A population-based longitudinal cohort study using real-time user data.
Setting
35 specialised long COVID clinics in the UK.
Participants
4087 adults diagnosed with long COVID in primary or secondary care deemed suitable for rehabilitation and registered in the Living With Covid Recovery (LWCR) programme between 4 August 2020 and 5 August 2022.
Main outcome measures
Generalised linear mixed models were fitted to estimate trajectories of functional limitations, using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS); scores of ≥20 indicate moderately severe limitations. Other outcomes included fatigue using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F) reversed score (scores of ≥22 indicate impairment), HRQL using the EQ-5D-5L, and long COVID-related societal costs, encompassing healthcare costs and productivity losses.
Results
The mean WSAS score at 6 months after registration in the LWCR was 19.1 (95% CI 18.6, 19.6), with 46% of the participants (95% CI 40.3%, 52.4%) reporting a WSAS score above 20 (moderately severe or worse impairment). The mean change in the WSAS score over the 6-month period was –0.86 (95% CI –1.32, –0.41). The mean reversed FACIT-F score at 6 months was 29.1 (95% CI 22.7, 35.5) compared with 32.0 (95% CI 31.7, 32.3) at baseline. The mean EQ-5D-5L score remained relatively constant between baseline (0.63, 95% CI 0.62, 0.64) and 6 months (0.64, 95% CI 0.59, 0.69). The monthly societal cost per patient related to long COVID at 6 months was £931, mostly driven by the costs associated with working days lost.
Conclusions
Individuals referred to long COVID clinics in the UK reported small improvements in functional limitations, fatigue, HRQL and ability to work within 6 months of registering in the LWCR programme.
New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 391, Issue 19, Page 1860-1862, November 14, 2024.
This Viewpoint summarizes the factors contributing to increased risk of severe outcomes and hospitalization associated with COVID-19 among older adults, stresses the importance of assessing COVID-19 risk before infection occurs, calls for all immunocompromised older adults to be considered for COVID-19 treatment, and details 3 recommended COVID-19 therapies.
Annals of Internal Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Objective
Squalene epoxidase (SQLE) promotes metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (MASH-HCC), but its role in modulating the tumour immune microenvironment in MASH-HCC remains unclear.
Design
We established hepatocyte-specific Sqle transgenic (tg) and knockout mice, which were subjected to a choline-deficient high-fat diet plus diethylnitrosamine to induce MASH-HCC. SQLE function was also determined in orthotopic and humanised mice. Immune landscape alterations of MASH-HCC mediated by SQLE were profiled by single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry.
Results
Hepatocyte-specific Sqle tg mice exhibited a marked increase in MASH-HCC burden compared with wild-type littermates, together with decreased tumour-infiltrating functional IFN-+ and Granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells while enriching Arg-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Conversely, hepatocyte-specific Sqle knockout suppressed tumour growth with increased cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and reduced Arg-1+ MDSCs, inferring that SQLE promotes immunosuppression in MASH-HCC. Mechanistically, SQLE-driven cholesterol accumulation in tumour microenvironment underlies its effect on CD8+ T cells and MDSCs. SQLE and its metabolite, cholesterol, impaired CD8+ T cell activity by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. Cholesterol depletion in vitro abolished the effect of SQLE-overexpressing MASH-HCC cell supernatant on CD8+ T cell suppression and MDSC activation, whereas cholesterol supplementation had contrasting functions on CD8+ T cells and MDSCs treated with SQLE-knockout supernatant. Targeting SQLE with genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibitor, terbinafine, rescued the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment in MASH-HCC models.
Conclusion
SQLE induces an impaired antitumour response in MASH-HCC via attenuating CD8+ T cell function and augmenting immunosuppressive MDSCs. SQLE is a promising target in boosting anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for MASH-HCC.
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4136984-A4136984, November 12, 2024. .Background:Third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) is the most common manifestation of Anti-Ro antibody associated fetal cardiac disease. Extranodal findings of isolated cardiac echogenicity, valvulitis with insufficiency and AV interval prolongation have been reported but not described in large prospective series.Aims:To report the occurrence and outcomes of extranodal findings in subjects followed prospectively since 2020 in STOP BLOQ (Surveillance and Treatment to Prevent Fetal AV block Likely to Occur Quickly) and the Registry for Neonatal Lupus (RNL).Methods:We reviewed fetal echo reports from pregnant STOP BLOQ and RNL Anti-Ro antibody subjects. Pregnancies with high ( >1000 EU for anti-Ro52 or 60) antibody titers measured in a core research lab underwent surveillance with home fetal heart rate monitoring (FHRM) 3x/day and weekly or bi-weekly fetal echos from 17- 26 gestational weeks. Low titer subjects underwent echo or no surveillance based on local site protocol. We evaluated cardiac function, effusions, cardiac echogenicity and its location, any tricuspid (TV) or mitral (MV) insufficiency trivial or >trivial) and AV conduction times (170 ms)Results:Echo reports were available in 622 prospectively followed pregnancies (376 high (40/376 with a previously affected child) and 246 low-titer pregnancies. All had subjectively normal ventricular function and none had effusions. Seven fetuses, 2 low and 5 high titer at 19 (range 16.7-21.7) weeks demonstrated cardiac echogenicity (n=6), AV or semilunar valve insufficiency (n=2) or AV interval 150-170 ms (n=2) (Table). Subjects 1 and 2, both high titer and treated with prophylactic Plaquenil (400 mg/d before 10 gestational weeks), had prior fetal AVB. Subject #1 had normal AV conduction but MV and TV echogenicity and moderate insufficiency of both valves which resolved in days after IVIG and dexamethasone (dex) treatment, but 3° AVB developed at 19 weeks after dex wean. Subjects 2-7 received no treatment and extranodal findings did not progress to cardiac dysfunction or AVB. During the same time period, 10 high titer subjects developed 2° or 3° AVB.Conclusion:Anti-Ro associated extranodal findings are rare, occurring in 1% of pregnancies overall and in 5% of pregnancies with a previously affected child. Unlike AVB, extranodal findings can occur in low titer pregnancies. The role of treatment for isolated extranodal findings in the absence of cardiac dysfunction is unclear.
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4126987-A4126987, November 12, 2024. Background:COVID-19 infection has been associated with a broad range of clinical manifestations. There are very few reported cases of COVID-19 patients presenting with syncope as an initial symptom. We present an extraordinary case of recurrent neurocardiogenic syncope in a COVID-19 patient.Case:A 66-year-old male presented after experiencing two episodes of syncope. He denied any prodromal or anginal symptoms. His medications included propranolol 10 mg twice daily for essential tremors. He had no family history of unexplained syncope or sudden cardiac death. He was hemodynamically stable and had one episode of fever at 102°F. Telemetry recording showed vagal-mediated sinus arrest and pauses without escape. Blood work showed normal cell counts, electrolytes, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, with a slightly elevated C-reactive protein of 22.2 mg/L. He tested positive for COVID-19 and had negative Lyme and Ehrlichia serologies.Decision Making:Due to symptomatic long sinus pauses, propranolol was discontinued, and he received a temporary pacemaker set at 50 beats per minute (bpm). He had another syncopal episode while being paced at 50 bpm, suggesting a neurocardiogenic mechanism, so the pacing rate was increased to 70 bpm. An echocardiogram showed a normal ejection fraction without any significant valvular disease. The syncope was determined to be vasovagal due to autonomic dysfunction in the setting of COVID-19. After 72 hours without further syncope, the temporary pacemaker was removed, and he was discharged home with an implantable loop recorder (ILR). A one-month follow-up showed no syncope, and ILR interrogation showed no bradycardia or pauses.Conclusion:Neurocardiogenic syncope with prolonged asystole and sinus pauses is an uncommon presentation of COVID-19 infection. The clinical course of autonomic dysfunction following COVID-19 is not very clear, and monitoring with an ILR is reasonable before considering permanent pacemaker implantation.
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143130-A4143130, November 12, 2024. Background:Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, leads to chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy, one of the deadliest and most debilitating cardiopathies. Benznidazole (BZN) is the medication of choice in Brazil, effective during the acute phase, but its efficacy during the chronic phase is unclear.Aims:To determine if BZN treatment reduces cardiac inflammation and fibrosis via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and its association with the circulating immune profile of CD patients.Methods:We collected cardiac images and plasma from a cohort of CD patients before and 6 months after BZN treatment. We performed: 1- MRI of left and right ventricle function and volumes, T1 (MAPA T1), T2 mapping (MAPA T2), and extracellular volume (ECV); 2- analysis of soluble factors including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors using the Bio-48 Plex Human Cytokine Screening Panel kit. Changes in the variables MAPAT1, MAPAT2, and ECV were used to classify the improvement of CD patients undergoing BZN therapy. Patients with the greatest reductions in these variables post-therapy, compared to pre-therapy, were considered to have greater clinical improvement. Thus, patients were divided into two groups: greater clinical improvement (GCI; n=15) and smaller clinical improvement (SCI; n=15) (figure 1). Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8 software with statistical significance set at p
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4142935-A4142935, November 12, 2024. Background.Post-COVID syndrome is related to a multisystem disorder that affects in part the cardiovascular system. This disease involves symptoms, and conditions that continue or develop after acute COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection of immune and endothelial cells are associated with NETosis, microthrombosis and endothelial dysfunction that could persist several weeks after acute phase of infection. Damaged endothelial cells can expose the vessel pro-coagulant area leading to platelet and neutrophil clumps. Increased levels of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) have been described as biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we hypothesize that CECs and microthrombosis are potential biomarkers of vascular dysfunction in Long COVID.Methods.A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Miami VA long COVID clinic. Long COVID cases and controls were recruited according to WHO definition for long COVID. A total of 23 patients and 7 controls were included in this study. Blood samples were collected in Heparin and Sodium Citrate tubes. Cell immunophenotyping and NETosis markers (MPO) were quantified on a Cytek Aurora spectral flow cytometer system. Microclots (CD62P+PAC-1+) and platelet response were assessed by flow cytometry and response to Adenosine di-phosphate (ADP), respectively. A ttest was used for statistical analysis. Differences were considered significant when p < 0.05.Results.The age and gender were similar between cases and controls while their symptom score was significantly different. There was a significant increase in the number of CECs (CD31+CD309+CD45-CD133-) in Long COVID cases. MPO expression in neutrophils (CD11b+CD66b+CD15+) and classical monocytes (CD14+CD16-) was significantly higher in Long COVID. Microclots were significantly elevated, and the platelet aggregation response was dysregulated in Long COVID.Conclusions.CECs and microthrombosis including NETosis are present in Long COVID and may serve as potential biomarkers or causative mechanisms for vascular dysfunction.
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140585-A4140585, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Stroke-related mortality poses significant challenges in the US. Increased at-home deaths since COVID-19 pandemic prompted changes in the provision of end-of-life care.Question:What were the settings of stroke deaths in the US during COVID-19 pandemic?Methods:Decedent-level mortality data from death certificates in CDC repository were obtained for the year 2020 (pandemic) and 2019 (comparison). Demographic data include age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and place of stroke death, including inpatient, outpatient/emergency room (ER), hospice/nursing facilities (H/NF), and at-home. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed demographic impact on stroke mortality by place-of-death, yielding odds ratios (OR) with significance threshold of p65 years were more likely to die in H/NF (OR 10.05, p
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4139928-A4139928, November 12, 2024. Background:Ketone body metabolism, known for its multifaceted effects, is gaining attention as a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. However, the impact of ketone bodies on cardiac hypertrophy and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear.Research Questions:To elucidate the effects of ketone bodies on cardiac hypertrophy.The aim of the present research is to investigate the impact of ketone bodies on cardiac hypertrophy induced by metabolic abnormalities using organ-specific ketone body synthesis-deficient mice.Methods:Obesity and hypertension were induced by a high-fat diet combined with NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) (Combined Stress), and the resultant cardiac hypertrophy and ketone body synthesis were evaluated. Subsequently, organ-specific knockout mice of HMG-CoA synthase 2 (Hmgcs2), a rate-limiting enzyme in ketone body synthesis, were subjected to Combined Stress to assess the impact on cardiac hypertrophy. To conduct a metabolism-focused analysis, cell type-specific nuclei were isolated and subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and comprehensive metabolomics analysis. To evaluate the direct effects of ketone bodies, H9C2 cells, rat cardiac cells ,were treated with β-hydroxybutyrate, followed by analysis of oxygen consumption and metabolomics.Results:Combined Stress resulted in increased myocardial cross-sectional area and enhanced ketone body synthesis in the liver and heart. Hepatocyte-specific Hmgcs2 knockout mice (Hmgcs2ΔHep) subjected to Combined Stress exhibited exacerbated myocardial hypertrophy (cardiomyocyte cell size;Hmgcs2flox: 322.8 ± 88.3 μm2:Hmgcs2ΔHep: 444.0 ± 118.5 μm2; p < 0.0001). RNA-seq analysis revealed that the upregulation of glycolytic genes induced by Combined Stress did not occur inHmgcs2ΔHepmice, and a metabolic phenotype favoring fatty acid oxidation persisted. In the liver, hepatocyte destruction and increased serum fatty acid levels were observed. Additionally, H9C2 cells treated with β-hydroxybutyrate showed decreased fatty acid utilization and increased glucose utilization.Conclusion:In cardiac hypertrophy induced by obesity and hypertension, ketone body synthesis mitigates fatty acid overload and promotes glucose utilization, thereby exerting an anti-hypertrophic effect.
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4143186-A4143186, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Statins are lipid-lowering agents with anti-inflammatory effects. Data surrounding the benefits of statins in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are conflicting. We sought to better understand the impact of statins in the context of Covid-19-related inflammation.Methods:We leveraged the International Study of Inflammation in Covid-19, a prospective multicenter cohort study of patients hospitalized specifically for Covid-19 between February 1, 2020 and October 30, 2022. Participants underwent systematic assessment of biomarkers of inflammation. We used logistic regression modeling and inverse probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW) to examine the association between prior statin use and the composite outcome of in-hospital death, need for mechanical ventilation, and need for renal replacement therapy.Results:A total of 4,464 patients were included in the study, of whom 1,364 (27.5%) were taking a statin prior to admission. There were 1,061 primary outcome events, including 540 deaths, 854 mechanical ventilation and 313 renal replacement therapy. Amongst biomarkers of inflammation, statin use was associated solely with lower levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) after adjusting for known confounders. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, statin use was associated with lower odds of the composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.63, 95%CI[0.53-0.76]) compared to patients not on statins. Findings were consistent with IPTW (aOR 0.92, 95%CI [0.89- 0.95]). The proportion of the effect of statin on the primary outcome mediated by suPAR was estimated at 31.5%.Conclusion:Prior statin use is associated with improved outcomes and lower inflammation as measured by suPAR levels in patients hospitalized for Covid-19.
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4129709-A4129709, November 12, 2024. Background:The current unmet needs for aspirin usage in atherosclerosis lie in its short half-life and narrow indication for anti-platelet effects. Daily aspirin intake is mandatory, and the anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin for atherosclerosis have not successfully translated to clinical practice. Nanoparticles remain in circulation for 2-3 days, with a large portion being cleared by splenic monocytes, which are known to inherently target inflamed sites.Hypothesis:By altering the pharmacokinetics of aspirin through loading into nanoparticles, aspirin-nanoparticles can exert prolonged anti-platelet effects and target atherosclerosis sites via monocyte carriers for anti-inflammatory effects, resulting in dual therapies.Methods:Splenic monocytes were loaded with aspirin-liposomes and co-cultured with endothelial cells or platelets to examine the interactions between them using high-resolution time-series microscopy. Prolonged anti-platelet effects and targeted anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin were validated in intact mice and hindlimb ischemia models, respectively. Furthermore, the dual therapies of aspirin-liposomes were validated in an atherosclerotic mouse model created by partial carotid ligation and a western diet in apoE gene knock-out mice.Results:When splenic monocytes were loaded with aspirin-liposomes, they emitted extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with aspirin towards endothelial cells or platelets. As inflamed cells upregulate caveolin expression, they uptake an increased amount of transferred EVs compared to non-inflamed cells. Additionally, aspirin-liposomes showed prolonged circulation time and increased splenic accumulation compared to aspirin itself, resulting in prolonged anti-platelet effects ( >7 days) and targeted anti-inflammatory effects at inflamed sites. Compared to the daily oral aspirin group in the atherosclerosis model, the weekly intravenous aspirin-liposome group showed superior therapeutic effects, including attenuated systemic and local inflammation and patent lumen in atherosclerotic sites.Conclusion:Aspirin-nanoparticles can exert prolonged anti-platelet effects combined with targeted anti-inflammatory effects, resulting in superior therapeutic effects on atherosclerosis.
Circulation, Volume 150, Issue Suppl_1, Page A4140381-A4140381, November 12, 2024. Introduction:Post-heart Transplant (HTx) ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is associated with an increased risk of rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). It has been suggested that induction therapy with anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) may protect against immediate (in the first 30 days) IRI post-HTx. Additionally, ATG has been associated with reduced first-year coronary plaque progression as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) among HTx recipients. Whether ATG can decrease first-year intimal thickening in patients experiencing IRI has not been investigated. Therefore, we aim to examine the clinical outcomes of patients who received ATG induction therapy and experienced immediate IRI post-HTx.Methods:Between 2010 and 2020, we assessed 241 patients undergoing HTx and were noted to have immediate post-HTx IRI on their endomyocardial biopsy. Patients were divided into those who received ATG (n=105) induction therapy vs. non-receivers (n=136). In our program, ATG is given to sensitized patients or those with baseline serum creatinine >2.0 mg/dL to delay the initiation of tacrolimus, which may introduce bias to this study. Endpoints included 1-year freedom from any treated rejection (ATR), acute cellular rejection (ACR, grade 2R or 3R), and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR, pAMR grade ≥1, 3-year survival, and 3-year freedom from non-fatal major adverse cardiac events (NF-MACE, including myocardial infarction, new congestive heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, implantable cardioverter defibrillator/pacemaker implant, and stroke). IVUS was performed at 4-8 weeks (baseline) and at 1 year post-HTx. Studied IVUS parameters included first-year average change in maximum initial thickness (MIT) and change in MIT ≥0.5mm.Results:Among patients with immediate post-HTx IRI, patients who received ATG induction therapy (57% were sensitized pre-HTx) remained at high immunological risk at 1 year with significantly lower freedom from ATR and AMR but had similar 3-year survival as compared to those who did not receive ATG (Table 1). No between-group differences were observed in the average 1-year change in MIT or the percentage of patients with ≥0.5mm change in MIT.Conclusion:Induction therapy with ATG did not appear to decrease first-year intimal thickening in patients experiencing IRI immediately post-HTx. Future studies are warranted to mitigate immunological complications and reduce coronary plaque progression in high-risk HTx patients.
