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This study examines the impact of the reward system on the performance of talented staff in Vietnamese commercial banks. We obtained data from a structured questionnaire distributed to 330 Vietnamese bankers. The partial least square structural equation model, which includes employee recognition programs, performance incentives, promotion opportunities, employee performance, and work satisfaction variables, is used to analyze these data. According to the findings, although performance incentives and recognition programs have no impact on an employee's performance, promotion opportunities may assist bright workers in improving their output. These elements do, however, indirectly influence the performance of talented employees via job satisfaction. This study contributes to the previous literature by concentrating on the aspect of talent management in commercial banks, instead of researching all of the employees in companies. The results offer commercial banks vital approaches for managing their brilliant personnel in today's dynamic business environment, therefore enhancing their competitiveness and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular data from samples encompassing 22 nominal species of Poropuntius indicate that the species-level diversity in the genus has been vastly overestimated, likely due to inadequate taxon and geographic sampling and reliance on morphological characters that vary intra-specifically. The latter includes discrete mouth morphologies related to alternate feeding strategies (ecomorphs) within populations. One new species is described, Poropuntius anlaoensis Hoàng, Phạm & Trần, sp. nov., and 17 synonyms of six valid species names of Poropuntius, P. krempfi, P. alloiopleurus, P. huangchuchieni, P. laoensis, P. kontumensis, and P. deauratus, are recognised. Additional taxonomic changes in this widespread and generally poorly known genus are likely as more molecular and morphological data become available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In order to study the phenotype-genotype relationship and to better understand the early consequences of the mutation, we would report the spectrum of electrocardiographic and genetic features in the relatives of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. Methods: Participants underwent a comprehensive clinical assessment, electrocardiography, standardized and echocardiography and genetic testing. In probands, next-generation sequencing was performed using the gene panel associated with HCM, while in relatives, Sanger sequencing was used to screen for mutations identified in their individual probands. Results: A total of 84 participants were included in this study. The interventricular septal and posterior wall thickness was highest in the G+/LVH+ group, followed by the G+/LVH− group, and was lowest in G−/LVH− group. Compared to the normal control group, the pathologic Q wave was statistically more prevalent in the G+/LVH− group. The prevalence of repolarization abnormalities and major abnormalities was highest in the G+/LVH+ group, followed by the G+/LVH− group, and lowest in G−/LVH− group. Conclusion: Our results suggested that sarcomere mutations have early consequences on myocardial biology. These findings suggest the possibility of implementing a mutation carrier detection model within families affected by HCM, where ECG could play a central role when combined with other relevant clinical factors. Longitudinal studies on a cohort of G+/LVH− patients are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a rare genetic disease that causes sudden cardiac death (SCD) and arrhythmia. SCN5A pathogenic variants (about 30% of diagnosed patients) are responsible for BrS. Aims: Lack of knowledge regarding molecular characteristics and the correlation between genotype and phenotype interfere with the risk stratification and finding the optimal treatment in Vietnam. Therefore, we identified SCN5A variants and evaluated the genotype–phenotype correlation of BrS on 117 Vietnamese probands. Materials and Methods: The clinical characteristics and blood samples of BrS patients were collected. To determine SCN5A variants, Sanger sequencing was conducted, and subsequently, these variants were analyzed by bioinformatic tools. Results: In this cohort, the overall rate of detected variants in SCN5A was 25.6%, which could include both pathogenic and benign variants. In genetic testing, 21 SCN5A variants were identified, including eight novels and 15 published variants. Multiple bioinformatic tools were used to predict variant effect with c.551A>G, c.1890+14G>A, c.3338C>T, c.3578G>A, and c.5484C>T as benign, while other variants were predicted as disease‐causing. The family history of SCD (risk ratio [RR] = 4.324, 95% CI: 2.290–8.269, p < 0.001), syncope (RR = 3.147, 95% CI: 1.668–5.982, p = 0.0004), and ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (RR = 3.406, 95% CI: 1.722–5.400, p = 0.0035) presented a significantly higher risk in the SCN5A (+) group, consisting of individuals carrying any variant in the SCN5A gene, compared to SCN5A (−) individuals. Conclusion: The results contribute to clarifying the impact of SCN5A variants on these phenotypes. Further follow‐up studies need to be carried out to understand the functional effects of these SCN5A variants on the severity of BrS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As mentioned by the author, there is an association between patients with kidney disease and frailty in the elderly, not in the group of patients with acute coronary syndrome. Hung Manh Pham, SP 1, sp SP 2 sp Anh Phuong Nguyen, SP 1, sp SP 2 sp Huong Thi Thu Nguyen, SP 3, sp SP 4 sp Tam Ngoc Nguyen, SP 3, sp SP 4 sp Thanh Xuan Nguyen, SP 3, sp SP 4 sp Thu Thi Hoai Nguyen, SP 3, sp SP 4 sp Huong Thi Thanh Nguyen, SP 5, sp SP 6 sp Anh Trung Nguyen, SP 3, sp SP 4 sp Quang Ngoc Nguyen, SP 1, sp SP 2 sp Giang Song Tran, SP 1 sp Huyen Thi Thanh Vu SP 3, sp SP 4 sp SP 1 sp Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; SP 2 sp Department of Cardiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; SP 3 sp Department of Geriatrics, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; SP 4 sp Scientific Research Department, National Geriatric Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; SP 5 sp Physiology Department, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam; SP 6 sp Dinh Tien Hoang Institute of Medicine, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam Correspondence: Anh Phuong Nguyen, Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam, Tel +84 989314464, Email [email protected] View the original paper by Dr Pham and colleagues This is in response to the Letter to the Editor Dear editor We would like to thank doctor Xinyue Li for comments on our paper and the Editor for the opportunity to respond.[1],[2] Here is point-by-point response to the author's comments and concerns. Viewpoint on "The Frail Scale - A Risk Stratification in Older Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome" [Response to Letter]. [Extracted from the article]

In this paper, we propose a new approach to implement a reliable softcore processor on SRAM-based FPGAs, which can mitigate radiation-induced temporary faults (single-event upsets (SEUs)) at moderate cost. A new Enhanced Lockstep scheme built using a pair of MicroBlaze cores is proposed and implemented on Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA. Unlike the basic lockstep scheme, ours allows to detect and eliminate its internal temporary configuration upsets without interrupting normal functioning. Faults are detected and eliminated using a Configuration Engine built on the basis of the PicoBlaze core which, to avoid a single point of failure, is implemented as fault-tolerant using triple modular redundancy (TMR). A softcore processor can recover from configuration upsets through partial reconfiguration combined with roll-forward recovery. SEUs affecting logic which are significantly less likely than those affecting configuration are handled by checkpointing and rollback. Finally, to handle permanent faults, the tiling technique is also proposed. The new Enhanced Lockstep scheme requires significantly shorter error recovery time compared to conventional lockstep scheme and uses significantly smaller number of slices compared to known TMR-based design (although at the cost of longer error recovery time). The efficiency of the proposed approach was validated through fault injection experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Telemedicine is an effective method to monitor patients at home and improve outcomes of heart failure (HF), especially HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, little is known about the impact of telemedicine on the quality of life (QoL) among outpatients with HFrEF in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: In this single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, open, and parallel-group clinical trial in northern Vietnam, patients with HFrEF were allocated to either telemedicine or control groups. Participants in the experimental arm underwent a home-based telemedicine program with regular telephone follow-ups and consultations. Participants in the control group received usual care. Both groups were followed for 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score from baseline. The analysis was conducted on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: A total of 223 participants were randomized into two groups-the telemedicine group and the usual care group. Of the 223, 170 patients [mean age: 61.5 ± 15.0 years; female: 122 (71.8%)] completed follow-up and were included in the final analysis (87 in the telemedicine group and 83 in the usual care group). At baseline, the MLHFQ scores were equivalent between the two groups (median [interquartile range]: 81 [73-92] vs. 81 [74-92]; p = 0.992). After 6-month follow-up, the telemedicine group showed greater improvement in MLHFQ total scores than the usual care group (mean change in MLHFQ score: -15.5 ± 14.0 vs. -1.3 ± 6.2; difference in change: -14.2 [95% confidence interval, CI: -17.5, -11.0]; p < 0.0001). Similar results were found for the MLHFQ physical dimension score (difference in change: -5.8 [95% CI: -7.4, -4.1]; p < 0.0001) and the MLHFQ emotional dimension score (difference in change: -3.2 [95% CI: -4.2, -2.2]; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: In this study, a telemedicine intervention significantly improved QoL compared with usual care among patients with HFrEF in an LMIC.

Background: AF is a global health concern, with systemic complications including renal dysfunction. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the effects of rivaroxaban, a Factor Xa inhibitor, and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) on renal outcomes in AF patients., Methods: The study protocol is registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023462756). We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from 1 January 2017 to 30 June 2023 for real-world studies comparing the effects of rivaroxaban and VKAs on renal outcomes in AF patients, including acute kidney injury, a .30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate, doubling of serum creatinine and worsening renal function. Subgroup analyses targeted diabetes, pre-existing kidney disease, the elderly (age .65 years) and Asian populations. The risk of bias was assessed used the Robins-I tool. HRs and 95% CIs were synthesised through a random-effects model. Two sensitivity analyses were performed, using a fixed-effects model and excluding conference abstracts., Results: We identified 1,666 records. After screening, 14 studies comparing rivaroxaban and VKAs were included. Rivaroxaban exhibited superiority over VKAs in preventing: acute kidney injury (HR 0.68; 95% CI [0.61.0.77]; p<0.00001); a .30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.71; 95% CI [0.60.0.84]; p<0.0001); doubling of serum creatinine (HR 0.50; 95% CI [0.36.0.70]; p<0.0001); and worsening renal function (HR 0.56; 95% CI [0.45.0.69]; p<0.00001). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses consistently confirmed rivaroxaban's favourable effects on renal outcomes in diabetes, pre-existing kidney disease, the elderly and Asian populations., Conclusion: Our findings support the preference of rivaroxaban over VKAs for renal outcomes in AF. The findings endorse rivaroxaban as the preferred anticoagulant to mitigate renal complications, offering clinicians valuable insights for tailored strategies., Competing Interests: Disclosure: PPD has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca, Novartis, Medtronic, Abbott, Daiichi Sankyo, Pfizer, Sanofi and Merck Serono. THHQ has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca and Menarini. HPM has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Servier, Boehringer Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, Elixir, Biotronic and Merck Serono. SHV has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca, Menarini, Servier, Merck Serono, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Gedeon Richter. HNH has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Merck Serono, Novartis, Sanofi an Roche. NVQ has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer. MTT has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Merck Serono and Medtronic. SLC has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca, Novartis, Medtronic, Viatris, Daiichi Sankyo, Pfizer, Otsuka and Merck Serono. All other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Funding: The article processing fee was funded by Bayer Vietnam. The funder had no role in the design, execution, interpretation or writing of the study. Data availability: The data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Trial registration number: CRD42023462756, (Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Radcliffe Group Ltd.)

In Asia, especially Vietnam, AF is a common arrhythmia and is linked to a higher risk of stroke and systemic embolism. Anticoagulation therapy for stroke prevention in AF patients can result in bleeding complications. To effectively manage AF, adopting appropriate anticoagulation and addressing modifiable risk factors are crucial. Vietnamese clinicians are particularly interested in non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), a recent development in AF treatment. However, the lack of head-to-head trials comparing NOACs makes selecting a specific NOAC challenging. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available clinical evidence on NOACs for stroke prevention in AF to assist clinicians in making informed decisions and improving treatment outcomes in patients with AF. The first part of this review will present the current landscape of AF in Vietnam, focusing on AF prevalence and highlighting gaps in clinical practice. Furthermore, this part extensively discusses the anticoagulation strategy for both primary and secondary stroke prevention in AF., Competing Interests: Disclosure: THQH has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Pfizer. MTT, VLN and HMP have received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim and Daiichi Sankyo. SVH, NTV and TNH have received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim. TQN and LTP have received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer and Boehringer Ingelheim. TDM has received grants from Bayer for research and honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim. Funding: The medical writing fee and article processing charge were funded by Bayer Vietnam. The funder had no role in the design, execution, interpretation or writing of the study., (Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Radcliffe Group Ltd.)

Part 1 of this review provided an overview of AF in Vietnam, with a particular focus on primary and secondary stroke prevention. Part 2 explores the management of AF in special, high-risk and clinically common patient populations, including those with renal impairment, diabetes, the elderly, and those with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, Part 2 addresses the challenges posed by patients with AF who have a bioprosthetic valve, a group situated in a grey area of consideration. Managing AF in these patient groups presents unique clinical challenges that require careful consideration. Physicians are tasked with addressing specific clinical questions to identify the optimal anticoagulation strategy for each individual. To inform these decisions, subgroup analyses from pivotal studies are presented alongside real-world data derived from clinical practice. By synthesising available information and considering the nuanced clinical context, the aim is to provide informed perspectives that align with current medical knowledge and contribute to the enhancement of patient care in these challenging scenarios., Competing Interests: Disclosure: THQH has received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer and Pfizer. MTT, VLN and HMP have received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim and Daiichi Sankyo. SVH, NTV and TNH have received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim. TQN and LTP have received honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer and Boehringer Ingelheim. TDM has received grants from Bayer for research and honoraria for scientific presentations from Bayer, Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim. Funding: The medical writing fee and the article processing charge were funded by Bayer Vietnam. The funder had no role in the design, execution, interpretation or writing of the study., (Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Radcliffe Group Ltd.)

Background: Insufficient data exists regarding the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the prognosis of chronic heart failure (CHF) specifically within low- and middle-income Asian countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of BMI on adverse outcomes of ambulatory patients with CHF in Vietnam., Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, we prospectively enrolled consecutive outpatients with clinically stable CHF in an observational cohort, single-center study. The participants were stratified according to Asian-specific BMI thresholds. The relationships between BMI and adverse outcomes (all-cause death and all-cause hospitalization) were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional-hazards model., Results: Among 320 participants (age 63.5 ± 13.3 years, 57.9% male), the median BMI was 21.4 kg/m 2 (IQR 19.5-23.6), and 10.9% were underweight (BMI <18.50 kg/m 2 ). Over a median follow-up time of 32 months, the cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality and hospitalization were 5.6% and 19.1%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, underweight patients had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than patients with normal BMI (adjusted hazard ratios = 3.03 [95% CI: 1.07-8.55]). Lower BMI remained significantly associated with a worse prognosis when analyzed as a continuous variable (adjusted hazard ratios = 1.27 [95% CI: 1.03-1.55] per 1 kg/m 2 decrease for all-cause mortality). However, BMI was not found to be significantly associated with the risk of all-cause hospitalization ( p  > 0.05)., Conclusion: In ambulatory patients with CHF in Vietnam, lower BMI, especially underweight status (BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 ), was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. These findings suggest that BMI should be considered for use in risk classification, and underweight patients should be managed by a team consisting of cardiologists, nutritionists, and geriatricians., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Nguyen, Ha, Tran, Nguyen, Pham, Tran, Pham, Allison, Reid and Kirkpatrick.)

Introduction: A thrombus straddling the patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a very rare clinical entity. Optimal management remains unclear due to the availability of various therapeutic options; thus, an individualized approach is recommended., Case Presentation: The authors describe a case presenting with recurrent cerebral embolism and a large and mobile thrombus straddled in the PFO. Historically, cardiac surgery, thrombolysis or anticoagulation were possible management options for this patient. However, there are no guidelines on what the optimal treatment is. Our patient was a poor surgical candidate because of advanced age and multiple comorbidities. Furthermore, she had a recent ischaemic stroke which was a relative contraindication to thrombolysis. After consulting the Heart Team, medical treatment alone with systemic anticoagulation was administered. Subsequent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) after 1 week showed complete thrombus resolution. After 4 months, the PFO was successfully occluded with an Amplatzer device. The patient received rehabilitation therapy and had good functional recovery., Clinical Discussion: Anticoagulant therapy alone was chosen because of high risk for surgery. Complete thrombus resolution was achieved after 1 week although the initial thrombus size was quite large. Nevertheless, this approach may not be applicable to every patient. In addition to TTE, multimodality imaging using transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance is helpful to identify the mechanism of stroke, which in our case is a thrombus-straddled PFO, and to make early treatment decisions. Serial TTEs help assess the response to anticoagulation. An individualized approach should be made with a multidisciplinary Heart Team., Conclusion: Echocardiography plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment evaluation for patients with a thrombus straddling a PFO. An individualized approach to manage the patient should be made with a multidisciplinary Heart Team., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) shock classification has been shown to predict mortality in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, data on the transition of SCAI stages and their association with mortality after AMI are limited. All patients with AMI admitted to Vietnam National Heart Institute between August 2022 and February 2023 were classified into SCAI stages A, B, and C/D/E at admission and were reevaluated in 24 hours. We used Kaplan-Meier estimate and multivariable Cox regression analysis to assess the association between SCAI stages transition and 30-day mortality. We included 139 patients (median age 69 years, 29.5% female). On admission, 50.4%, 20.1%, and 29.5% of patients were classified as SCAI stage A, B, and C/D/E, respectively. The proportion of patients whose SCAI stage improved, remained stable, or worsened after 24 hours was 14.4%, 66.2%, and 19.4%, respectively. The 30-day mortality in patients with initial SCAI stages A, B, and C/D/E on admission was 2.9%, 21.4%, and 61.0%, respectively (P < .001). The 30-day mortality was 2.4% for patients with baseline SCAI stage A/B who remained unchanged or improved, 30.0% for patients with baseline SCAI stage C/D/E who remained unchanged or improved, and 92.6% for patients with SCAI stage B/C/D/E who worsened at 24 hours after admission (log-rank P < .001). In patients with AMI, evaluating the SCAI stage shock stage on admission and reevaluating after 24 hours added more information about 30-day mortality., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of two-dimensional and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the detection of pannus and thrombus in left mechanical valve obstruction (LMVO) compared with surgical and histopathology findings., Materials and Methods: Patients with suspected LMVO on transthoracic echocardiography were enrolled consecutively. All patients underwent two-dimensional and three-dimensional TEE, and open-heart surgery to replace obstructed valves. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the excised masses was used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of thrombus and/or pannus., Results: Forty-eight patients [34 women (70.8%), age 49±13 years, New York Heart Association II: 68.8%, New York Heart Association III: 31.2%] were enrolled. In the diagnostic of thrombus, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of three-dimensional TEE were 89.2, 72.7, 85.4, 91.7, and 66.7%, respectively, compared with those of two-dimensional TEE (42.2, 66.7, 43.8, 95, and 7.1%, respectively). In the diagnosis of pannus, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of three-dimensional TEE were 53.3, 100, 85.4, 100, and 82.5%, respectively; compared with those of two-dimensional TEE (7.4, 90.5, 43.8, 50, and 43.2%, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curves depict that the area under the curves of three-dimensional TEE was higher than the area under the curves of two-dimensional TEE in both diagnoses of thrombus and pannus (0.8560 vs. 0.7330, P =0.0427 and 0.8077 vs. 0.5484, P =0.005, respectively)., Conclusions: This study indicated that three-dimensional TEE had a higher diagnostic value than two-dimensional TEE in the detection of thrombus and pannus in patients with LMVO, and can be a reliable imaging modality to identify the causes of LMVO., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial conflict of interest with regard to the content of this report., (Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Cardiac echinococcosis is a potentially fatal form of hydatid disease; yet, its diagnosis and treatment are challenging due to the variability in its clinical manifestations and due to its various unpredictable preoperative complications. Multi-modality imaging is shown to provide important guidance for the treatment and decision-making. We report a rare case of a 50-year-old woman who had concomitant cardiac and hepatic hydatid cysts. She presented with abdominal pain and elevated eosinophilic white blood cells. The initial abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography revealed a large cyst in the liver. An intramyocardial cyst was detected by two-dimensional echocardiography. Three-dimensional echocardiography increased the confidence level of two-dimensional echocardiography by displaying the three-dimensional volume of the cyst and allowing visualization of its spatial characteristics and the relationships with adjacent cardiac structures, which was subsequently confirmed at surgery. Multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging helped localize and define the typical morphological features of the cyst. Serology and antigen detection were used for diagnosis. This rare case underlines the integration of clinical, multi-modality imaging, and pathological data in the diagnosis of concomitant intramyocardial and hepatic hydatid cysts. Surgical resection of cysts and anthelmintic medication were successful in the management of this patient., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Nguyen, Pham, Duong, Kirkpatrick, Taylor and Pham.)

Objectives: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly performed. Physically small Asians have smaller aortic root and peripheral vessel anatomy. The influence of gender of Asian patients undergoing TAVR is unknown and may affect outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess sex differences in Asian patients undergoing TAVR., Methods: Patients undergoing TAVR from eight countries were enrolled. In this retrospective analysis, we examined differences in characteristics, 30-day clinical outcomes and 1-year survival between female and male Asian patients., Results: Eight hundred and seventy-three patients (54.4% women) were included. Women were older, smaller and had less coronary artery and lung disease but tended to have higher logistic EuroSCOREs. Smaller prostheses were used more often in women. Major vascular complications occurred more frequently in women (5.5% vs 1.8%, p<0.01); however, 30-day stroke and mortality (women vs men: 1.5% vs 1.6%, p=0.95% and 4.3% vs 3.4%, p=0.48) were similar. Functional status improvement was significant and comparable between the sexes. Conduction disturbance and permanent pacemaker requirements (11.2% vs 9.0%, p=0.52) were also similar as was 1-year survival (women vs men: 85.6% vs 88.2%, p=0.25). The only predictors of 30-day mortality were major vascular injury in women and age in men., Conclusions: Asian women had significantly smaller stature and anatomy with some differences in clinical profiles. Despite more frequent major vascular complications, women had similar 30-day stroke or mortality rates. Functional status improvement was significant and comparable between the sexes. Conduction disturbance and permanent pacemaker requirements were similar as was 1-year survival., Competing Interests: Competing interests: PTLC, KH, YW, W-HY, MKYL, MC, WJK, KC, M-SL and HSK have served as proctors for Edwards Lifesciences. PTLC, YW, W-HY, H-LK, MKYL, WB, Dy, KC, M-SL, KWH and HSK have served as proctors for Medtronic. WJK has served as a consultant for Medtronic., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Two new species of large shovel-jaw carps in the genus Onychostoma are described from the upper Krong No and middle Dong Nai drainages of the Langbiang Plateau in southern Vietnam. These new species are known from streams in montane mixed pine and evergreen forests between 140 and 1112 m. Their populations are isolated in the headwaters of the upper Sre Pok River of the Mekong basin and in the middle of the Dong Nai basin. Both species are differentiated from their congeners by a combination of the following characters: transverse mouth opening width greater than head width, 14-17 predorsal scales, caudal-peduncle length 3.9-4.2 times in SL, no barbels in adults and juveniles, a strong serrated last simple ray of the dorsal fin, and small eye diameter (20.3-21.5% HL). Onychostoma krongnoensis sp. nov. is differentiated from Onychostoma dongnaiensis sp. nov. by body depth (4.0 vs. 3.2 times in SL), predorsal scale number (14-17 vs. 14-15), dorsal-fin length (4.5 vs. 4.2 times in SL), caudal-peduncle length (3.9 vs. 4.2 times in SL), colour in life (dark vs. bright), and by mitochondrial DNA (0.2% sequence divergence). Molecular evidence indicates that both species are members of Onychostoma and are distinct from all congeners sampled (uncorrected sequence divergences at the 16S rRNA gene of &gt;2.0% for all Onychostoma for which homologous 16S rRNA sequences are available).