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Serum sodium is an established prognostic marker in heart failure (HF) patients and is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We sought to study the prognostic value of serum sodium in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients and whether hyponatremia reflects worsening HF or an alternative mechanism. We identified HF patients that underwent LVAD implantation between 2008 and 2019. Hyponatremia was defined as Na ≤134 mEq/L at 3 months after implantation. We assessed for differences in hyponatremia before and after LVAD implantation. We also evaluated the association of hyponatremia with all-cause mortality and recurrent HF hospitalizations. There were 342 eligible LVAD patients with a sodium value at 3 months. Among them, there was a significant improvement in serum sodium after LVAD implantation compared to preoperatively (137.2 vs. 134.7 mEq/L, P0.0001). Patients with and without hyponatremia had no significant differences in echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements. In a multivariate analysis, hyponatremia was associated with a markedly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 3.69, 95% CI, 1.93-7.05, P0.001) when accounting for age, gender, co-morbidities, use of loop diuretics, and B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Hyponatremia was also significantly associated with recurrent HF hospitalizations (HR 2.11, 95% CI, 1.02-4.37, P = 0.04). Hyponatremia in LVAD patients is associated with significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality and recurrent HF hospitalizations. Hyponatremia may be a marker of ongoing neurohormonal activation that is more sensitive than other lab values, echocardiography parameters, and hemodynamic measurements.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis (ICI-myocarditis) often presents with arrhythmias, but the prognostic value of early electrocardiogram findings is unclear. Although ICI-myocarditis and acute cellular rejection (ACR) following cardiac transplantation use similar treatment strategies, differences in arrhythmia burden are unknown.To evaluate the association of electrocardiogram findings in ICI-myocarditis with myocarditis-related mortality and life-threatening arrhythmia.A total of 125 cases of ICI-myocarditis were identified retrospectively across 49 hospitals worldwide; 50 cases of grade 2R or 3R ACR were included as comparators. Two cardiologists blinded to clinical data interpreted electrocardiograms. Associations between electrocardiogram features, myocarditis-related mortality and the composite of myocarditis-related mortality and life-threatening arrhythmias were examined. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were calculated.The cohort had 78 (62.4%) men; median (interquartile range) age was 67 (58-76) years. At 30 days, myocarditis-related mortality was 20/124 (16.1%), and 28/124 (22.6%) met the composite endpoint. Patients who developed complete heart block (aHR by subdistribution hazards model [aHR(sh)] 3.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-8.68; P=0.02) or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (aHR(sh) 6.82, 95% CI: 2.87-16.21; P0.001) had a higher risk of myocarditis-related mortality. Pathological Q waves (aHR(sh) 3.40, 95% CI: 1.38-8.33; P=0.008), low QRS voltage (aHR(sh) 6.05, 95% CI: 2.10-17.39; P0.001) and Sokolow-Lyon index (aHR(sh)/mV 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30-0.97; P=0.04) on admission electrocardiogram were also associated with increased risk of myocarditis-related mortality. These associations were mirrored in the composite outcome analysis. Compared with ACR, ICI-myocarditis had a higher incidence of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (15/125 [12.0%] vs 1/50 [2%]; P=0.04) and third-degree heart block (19/125 [15.2%] vs 0/50 [0%]; P=0.004).Electrocardiograms in ICI-myocarditis with ventricular tachycardias, heart block, low-voltage and pathological Q waves were associated with myocarditis-related mortality and life-threating arrhythmia. Arrhythmia burden in ICI-myocarditis exceeds that of ACR after heart transplant.

Supplementary Tables - PDF file 33K, Supplementary Table 1. Dose levels, dose administered on each treatment day, days 1,3, and 5 of a 21-day cycle, and number of patients treated on each dose level. Supplementary Table 2. Romidepsin toxicities found in 9 patients enrolled at 9 mg/m2 during cycle 1 or in all cycles following treatment at 9 mg/m2. Supplementary Table 3. Cycle 1, Day 1 Romidepsin pharmacokinetic parameters (Mean plus-minus SD). Supplementary Table 4. ECG ST and T wave changes as pharmacodynamic marker

Supplementary Figure 1 - PDF file 176K, Supplementary Figure 1: Comparison of dose-normalized CMAX (A) and AUCLAST (B) for the present phase I trial versus data obtained on the phase II NCI1312 trial

Purpose: Romidepsin is a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDI) with activity in T-cell lymphoma. Given preclinical data showing greater induction of gene expression with longer exposures to HDIs, a phase I study of a day 1, 3, and 5 romidepsin schedule was evaluated. A secondary objective was to assess the effect of romidepsin on radioactive iodine (RAI) uptake in thyroid cancers.Experimental Design: Open-label, single-arm, phase I, 3 + 3 dose escalation study. Romidepsin was administered as a 4-hour infusion on days 1, 3, and 5 of a 21-day cycle. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) were assessed, including histone acetylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), RAI uptake in refractory thyroid cancer, and HDI-related ECG changes.Results: Twenty-eight patients with solid tumors, including 11 patients with thyroid cancer were enrolled. Six dose levels were explored, and 7 mg/m2 on days 1, 3, and 5 was identified as tolerable. No Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors–defined objective responses were recorded although 9 patients had stable disease a median 30 weeks (range, 21–112) including 6 with thyroid cancer a median of 33 weeks. PD studies detected acetylated histones in PBMCs and ECG changes beginning at low dose levels. Follow-up RAI scans in patients with RAI refractory thyroid cancer did not detect meaningful increases.Conclusions: A romidepsin dose of 7 mg/m2 administered on days 1, 3, and 5 was found tolerable and resulted in histone acetylation in PBMCs. Although there were no objective responses with romidepsin alone, this schedule may be useful for developing combination studies in solid tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 19(16); 4499–507. ©2013 AACR.

International audience; Purpose: Immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) associated myocarditis (ICB-myocar-ditis) may present similarly and/or overlap with other cardiac pathology including acute cor-onary syndrome presenting a challenge for prompt clinical diagnosis.Methods: An international registry was used to retrospectively identify cases of ICB-myocarditis. Presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was defined as coronary artery steno-sis >70% in patients undergoing coronary angiogram.Results: Among 261 patients with clinically suspected ICB-myocarditis who underwent a coro-nary angiography, CAD was present in 59/261 patients (22.6%). Coronary revascularization was performed during the index hospitalisation in 19/59 (32.2%) patients. Patients undergoing coro-nary revascularization less frequently received steroids administration within 24 h of admission compared to the other groups (p = 0.029). Myocarditis-related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularised cohort, compared to 5/31 (16.1%) in those not revascularized and 25/156 (16.0%) in those without CAD (p = 0.001). Immune-related adverse event-related 90-day mortality was 9/17 (52.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 6/31 (19.4%) in those not revascularized and 31/156 (19.9%) in no CAD groups (p = 0.007). All-cause 90-day mortality was 11/17 (64.7%) in the revascularized cohort, compared to 13/31 (41.9%) in no revas-cularization and 60/158 (38.0%) in no CAD groups (p = 0.10). After adjustment of age and sex, coronary revascularization remained associated with ICB-myocarditis-related death at 90 days (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84-8.84, p < 0.001) and was margin-ally associated with all-cause death (HR = 1.88, 95% CI, 0.98-3.61, p = 0.057).Conclusion: CAD may exist concomitantly with ICB-myocarditis and may portend a poorer outcome when revascularization is performed. This is potentially mediated through delayed diag-nosis and treatment or more severe presentation of ICB-myocarditis.

Highlights • Intravenous iron supplementation provides symptomatic relief in patients with heart failure and concomitant iron deficiency. • The current definition of iron deficiency based on ferritin, Summary To date, 3 clinical trials have shown symptomatic benefit from the use of intravenous (IV) iron in patients with heart failure (HF) with low serum iron. This has led to recommendations in support of the use of IV iron in this population. However, the systemic and cellular mechanisms of iron homeostasis in cardiomyocyte health and disease are distinct, complex, and poorly understood. Iron metabolism in HF appears dysregulated, but it is still unclear whether the changes are maladaptive and pathologic or compensatory and protective for the cardiomyocytes. The serum markers of iron deficiency in HF do not accurately reflect cellular and mitochondrial iron levels, and the current definition based on the ferritin and transferrin saturation values is broad and inclusive of patients who do not need IV iron. This is particularly relevant in view of the potential risks that are associated with the use of IV iron. Reliable markers of cellular iron status may differentiate subgroups of HF patients who would benefit from cellular and mitochondrial iron chelation rather than IV iron.

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a complication beyond the first-year post-heart transplantation (HTx). We aimed to test the utility of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to detect functional/structural changes in HTx recipients with CAV.Seventy-seven prospectively recruited HTx recipients beyond the first-year post-HTx and 18 healthy controls underwent CMR, including cine imaging of ventricular function and T1- and T2-mapping to assess myocardial tissue changes. Data analysis included quantification of global cardiac function and regional T2, T1 and extracellular volume based on the 16-segment model. International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation criteria was used to adjudicate CAV grade (0-3) based on coronary angiography.The majority of HTx recipients (73%) presented with CAV (1: n = 42, 2/3: n = 14, 0: n = 21). Global and segmental T2 (49.5 ± 3.4 ms vs 50.6 ± 3.4 ms, p0.001;16/16 segments) were significantly elevated in CAV-0 compared to controls. When comparing CAV-2/3 to CAV-1, global and segmental T2 were significantly increased (53.6 ± 3.2 ms vs. 50.6 ± 2.9 ms, p0.001; 16/16 segments) and left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly decreased (54 ± 9% vs. 59 ± 9%, p0.05). No global, structural, or functional differences were seen between CAV-0 and CAV-1.Transplanted hearts display functional and structural alteration compared to native hearts, even in those without evidence of macrovasculopathy (CAV-0). In addition, CMR tissue parameters were sensitive to changes in CAV-1 vs. 2/3 (mild vs. moderate/severe). Further studies are warranted to evaluate the diagnostic value of CMR for the detection and classification of CAV.

Case Presentation: A 23-year-old previously healthy man presented with progressive dyspnea. Physical examination revealed jugular venous distension and lower extremity edema. Laboratory testing demonstrated elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (193 pg/mL) and normal high sensitivity troponin. Echocardiogram revealed small pericardial effusion, respiratory variation in diastolic flow across the mitral valve, diastolic septal bounce, and annulus reversus ( Figure ). The differential diagnosis for constrictive pericarditis was broadly considered in the context of a recent febrile illness and frequent travel to Hawaii and Vietnam; we included infectious, autoimmune, and malignant etiologies. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed thickening and diffuse enhancement in the pericardium as well as ventricular interdependence. Chest CT identified hilar and anterior mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Laboratory testing was positive for QuantiFERON gold and negative for COVID-19, HIV, and ANA. Transbronchial biopsy demonstrated non-necrotizing granulomas with negative acid-fast bacilli smear, culture, and polymerase chain reaction for mycobacterial DNA. Re-examination identified a red-brown plaque on the patient’s thigh; biopsy showed granulomatous inflammation and rod-shaped organism with positive FITE staining. A presumed unifying diagnosis was made of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) complicated by constrictive pericarditis. Discussion: Despite being a primarily pulmonary disease, systemic involvement can occur with TB with the heart being one of the most common extrapulmonary sites. This case highlights 1) the utility of extra-cardiac diagnostic testing (e.g., dermatologic biopsy) in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis, and 2) the diagnostic challenge associated with extrapulmonary TB, particularly paucibacillary disease that requires a detailed social history with “out-of-the-box” thinking.

Construction and demolition waste (CDW), as the main consequence of construction and demolition (C&amp, D) activities, has severely affected our sustainability needs. However, construction and demolition waste management (CDWM) lacks the integration of sustainability concepts. Thus, there is a great need to include sustainability dimensions in CDWM to reach sustainable construction and demolition waste management (SCDWM). This study aims at empirically investigating SCDWM by analyzing the impacts of factors that contribute to sustainability aspects of CDWM on waste management hierarchy (WMH), including reduce, reuse, recycle, and disposal strategies. According to the literature, 26 factors were initially identified and grouped under four categories, namely environmental, economic, social, and administrative, that contribute to sustainability aspects of CDWM. Subsequently, a pilot test was performed to assess the significance and applicability of these factors in the Malaysian construction industry by implementing the express analytic hierarchy process (EAHP). Then, a questionnaire survey was performed to collect data from 132 construction companies involved in CDWM. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothetical relationships by applying SmartPLS software. Results demonstrated that the economic aspect of CDWM (main category) and “public environment contamination due to illegal waste dumping” (sub-category) were the most influential factor in SCDWM in Malaysia.

The management of patients with shock is extremely challenging because of the myriad of possible clinical presentations in cardiogenic shock, septic shock and hypovolemic shock and the limitations of contemporary therapeutic options. The treatment of shock includes the administration of endogenous catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) as well as various vasopressor agents that have shown efficacy in the treatment of the various types of shock. In addition to the endogenous catecholamines, dobutamine, isoproterenol, phenylephrine, and milrinone have served as the mainstays of shock therapy for several decades. Recently, experimental studies have suggested that newer agents such as vasopressin, selepressin, calcium-sensitizing agents like levosimendan, cardiac-specific myosin activators like omecamtiv mecarbil (OM), istaroxime, and natriuretic peptides like nesiritide can enhance shock therapy, especially when shock presents a more complex clinical picture than normal. However, their ability to improve clinical outcomes remains to be proven. It is the purpose of this review to describe the mechanism of action, dosage requirements, advantages and disadvantages, and specific indications and contraindications for the use of each of these catecholamines and vasopressors, as well as to elucidate the most important clinical trials that serve as the basis of contemporary shock therapy.

Introduction: Adverse events (AEs) associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) cause significant morbidity and mortality. Little is known about patient-specific factors that contribute to rates of AEs. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of cigarette smoking history and AEs following LVAD implantation. Methods: This study was a single-center, observational examination of 355 consecutive patients who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation from May 1, 2008 to July 1, 2018. Based on self-report, 348 patients with available data were categorized as never, former, or current smokers. Pre-LVAD implantation baseline characteristics were obtained, and summary characteristics were calculated. Hospitalizations for gastrointestinal bleeds, driveline infections, strokes, pump thromboses, and acute heart failure were evaluated. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the association of smoking and AE-related hospital admissions. The cumulative incidence competing risk method was used for survival analysis. Results: Current (8.22%, p 0.006) and former (4.75%, p 0.026) smokers had a greater proportion of admissions for pump thrombosis compared to never smokers (2.22%). Former smoking was associated with admission for driveline infection (HR 2.43, CI 1.08–5.46, p 0.03) on multivariate analysis. There were no significant associations between smoking and the other AEs of interest. There was no difference in survival among the three groups. Conclusions: Smokers had a higher proportion of admissions for pump thrombosis compared to never smokers, and former smoking was associated with admission for driveline infections in patients with LVADs.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) has recently been examined in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT); however, the data is limited to relatively small cohorts [(1–3)][1]. The objective of this study was to examine natural

Purpose For patients with end stage heart failure, orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) remains the definitive management. Advances in immunosuppression have led to improved long-term survival. Malignancy is an important cause of long-term morbidity and mortality with a reported rate of occurrence between 20-40% within 10 years of transplant. To date, significant evidence into mechanisms and risk profiles for post OHT malignancy is lacking. The purpose of this study is to identify patient and donor related factors associated with post OHT malignancy. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 51,218 OHT recipients captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry. Included in this analysis were adults 18 years and older who received a heart transplant between 1987 and 2019. The patients were categorized by the presence of post OHT malignancy (“yes”, “no”). Baseline characteristics were compared using chi-squared analysis for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. Logistic regressions were applied to evaluate the association between post OHT malignancy and the risk factors. Results Within the study period (1987-2019), 13,060 OHT recipients (25.5%) developed a malignancy. Denovo solid tumors comprised 82% of all malignancy types. OHT recipients with malignancy were older (56 vs 50.9 years, p= Conclusion In this study, we reported the prevalence of post OHT malignancy as well as recipient and donor factors associated with post OHT malignancy. Further analysis based on malignancy subtype should be performed to aid in risk stratification and surveillance.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare short term results of patients undergoing a third generation (HVAD™or HeartMate™ 3) Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation through either minimally-invasive, thoracotomy approach or standard median sternotomy. Methods We prospectively collected data on all patients at our institution that received an LVAD from September 2008 to February 2020. Surgical approach was decided by the implanting surgeon. We used 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching to compare the sternotomy versus thoracotomy groups. A logistic regression model based on 19 explanatory variables was used to estimate the propensity score. Overall survival post-implantation was summarized using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using the log-rank test. Results A total of 272 patients were included, of whom 194 had sternotomy and 78 had either left thoracotomy and hemi-sternotomy or bilateral thoracotomies. Using PS matching, 128 (64/64) patients were selected. Demographics and operative characteristics were well balanced between groups. Overall, there was a trend towards better survival in thoracotomy group (33.1% vs 66.4%, p=0.06) at 5 years, but higher stroke rate (11% in sternotomy group vs 21% in thoracotomy group, p = 0.035). Following PS-matching, however, there was no difference in early or late mortality (Graph 1) but there was a higher rate of pump exchange in the thoracotomy group (2% vs 9%, p = 0.052). There was no difference in perioperative stroke rates (sternotomy 6% vs thoracotomy 9%), extubation time (2.5 days vs 2.5 days), right ventricular failure (13% vs 14%), renal failure (8% vs 5%) or hospital readmissions (81% vs 88%). Conclusion Minimally invasive LVAD implantation is feasible and safe in the current LVAD era. In a PS matched analysis, patients in the minimally invasive group displayed lower overall mortality, but without reaching statistical significance. Adverse events were similar in both groups.

Purpose Heart transplantation candidates are often bridged to transplantation with medical therapy (MT) or mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Recent changes were made in the UNOS adult heart allocation system, partly based on bridging strategy, and potential effects remain uncertain. We compared outcomes of patients bridged to OHT with durable VAD (dVAD), intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), and MT prior to the new allocation system. Methods A retrospective review was performed on 513 consecutive patients listed for OHT between April 2004 and December 2018. Patients were excluded if bridged with extracorporeal ventricular assist devices or multiple concomitant MCS devices. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative characteristics were compared between the BTT strategies. Continuous variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median (Q1-Q3) while categorical variables are expressed as number (%). Results A total of 501 patients were included (age 54.5(42.5-62.0) years, 104(30%) female). Of these, 348(69.5%) were transplanted (dVAD 175(50.3%), IABP 69(19.8%), and 104(29.9%) MT). Overall, 30-day mortality was 4% and 2-year mortality was 11%. dVAD had longer CPB minutes (dVAD 155.9±42.9, IABP 145.3±65.7, MT 139.7±52.6, p=0.031), but donor ischemic minutes were similar (dVAD 179.9±44.4, IABP 188.2±49.1, MT 179.9±53.7, p=0.44). IABP patients had longer overall LOS (IABP 55.0(31.0-90.0) days, dVAD 16.0(11.0-26.0) days, MT 40.0(20.5-75.0) days, p Conclusion In this study, OHT outcomes were similar between the three bridging strategies, but overall LOS was higher in the IABP group. Further study is needed to determine the long-term effects of the new UNOS allocation system in regards to waiting-time, death on waiting list, transplant survival and cost-effectiveness of these bridging strategies.

The purpose of this study was to examine prognostic value of T1- and T2-mapping techniques in heart transplant patients.Myocardial characterization using T2 mapping (evaluation of edema/inflammation) and pre- and post-gadolinium contrast T1 mapping (calculation of extracellular volume fraction [ECV] for assessment of interstitial expansion/fibrosis) are emerging modalities that have been investigated in various cardiomyopathies.A total of 99 heart transplant patients underwent the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans including T1- (n = 90) and T2-mapping (n = 79) techniques. Relevant clinical characteristics, MRI parameters including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and invasive hemodynamics were collected. Median clinical follow-up duration after the baseline scan was 2.4 to 3.5 years. Clinical outcomes include cardiac events (cardiac death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and heart failure hospitalization), noncardiac death and noncardiac hospitalization.Overall, the global native T1, postcontrast T1, ECV, and T2 were 1,030 ± 56 ms, 458 ± 84 ms, 27 ± 4% and 50 ± 4 ms, respectively. Top-tercile-range ECV (ECV29%) independently predicted adverse clinical outcomes compared with bottom-tercile-range ECV (ECV 25%) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07 to 7.68; p = 0.04) in a multivariable model with left ventricular end-systolic volume and LGE. Higher T2 (T2 ≥50.2 ms) independently predicted adverse clinical outcomes (HR: 3.01; 95% CI: 1.39 to 6.54; p = 0.005) after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and LGE. Additionally, higher T2 (T2 ≥50.2 ms) also independently predicted cardiac events (HR: 4.92; CI: 1.60 to 15.14; p = 0.005) in a multivariable model with left ventricular ejection fraction.MRI-derived myocardial ECV and T2 mapping in heart transplant patients were independently associated with cardiac and noncardiac outcomes. Our findings highlight the need for larger prospective studies.

Magnetic resonance tissue phase mapping (TPM) measures three-directional myocardial velocities of the left and right ventricle (LV, RV). This noninvasive technique may supplement endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) in monitoring grafts post-heart transplantation (HTx).To assess biventricular myocardial velocity alterations in grafts and investigate the relationship between velocities and acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes.Prospective.Twenty-seven patients within 1 year post-HTx (49 ± 13 years, 19 M) and 18 age-matched controls (49 ± 15 years, 12 M).1.5T, 2D balanced steady-state free precession, and TPM.Ventricular function: end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, stroke volumes, ejection fraction (EF), and myocardial mass. TPM velocities: peak-systolic and peak-diastolic velocities, cardiac twist, and interventricular dyssynchrony. ACR rejection episodes: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grading of EMB specimens.The Lilliefors test for normality, unpaired t-tests, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for normally and nonnormally distributed data, respectively, were used, as well as multivariate regression for confounding variables and Pearson's correlation for associations between TPM velocities and global function.Compared to controls, HTx patients demonstrated reduced biventricular systolic longitudinal velocities (LV: 5.2 ± 2.1 vs. 4.0 ± 1.5 cm/s, P 0.05; RV: 4.2 ± 1.3 vs. 3.1 ± 1.2 cm/s, P 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships for biventricular EF with radial peak velocities of the same ventricle in both systole and diastole (LV systole: r = 0.48, P 0.01; LV diastole: r = 0.28, P 0.05; RV systole: r = 0.35, P 0.01; RV diastole: r = 0.36, P 0.01). Segmentally, longitudinal velocities were impaired in 7/16 LV segments and 5/10 RV segments in systole and 7/10 RV segments in diastole. TPM analysis in studies with4 preceding ACR episodes showed globally reduced RV and LV systolic radial velocity, and segmentally reduced radial and longitudinal systolic velocities.Biventricular global and segmental velocities were reduced in HTx patients. Patients with4 rejection episodes showed reduced myocardial velocities. The TPM sequence may add functional information for monitoring graft dysfunction.2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:920-929.

Introduction The management of patients with heart failure who contract COVID-19 and those who develop heart failure as a consequence of the disease is challenging. The use of advanced therapies in the form of durable left ventricular assist device or heart transplant in this patient population remains a data free zone. We present, to our knowledge, the first case of durable LVAD implantation in a recovered COVID-19 patient. Case Report A 63-year old, previously healthy, male was admitted to OSH with COVID-19 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. This hospitalization was complicated by anterior STEMI, cardiomyopathy with severe LV dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. Due to widespread COVID-19 pandemic, invasive evaluation was deferred and the patient was medically managed. He was then transferred to our institution after re-admission for recurrent cardiogenic shock. Echocardiogram revealed dilated LV cavity (6.3 cm), LVEF 10% and large apical aneurysm. Chest CT showed sequelae of prior COVID-19 with changes suggestive of fibrosis. CMR which showed LV dilatation, severe LV systolic dysfunction, LVEF 7% and large apical aneurysm with evidence of thrombus. A large transmural infarct in the LAD territory without viability was confirmed. Cardiogenic shock was managed with Dobutamine and attempts to wean inotrope resulted in worsening hemodynamic and clinical profile. Axillary IABP was placed to facilitate physical and respiratory rehabilitation. The patient underwent placement of HeartMate™ 3 device as DT and LV aneurysm repair. Post-operative course was uneventful and he was ultimately discharged to acute rehabilitation in stable condition. Summary As the global case rate continues to climb and the threat of an exponential surge of long-term cardiac complications looms in the not so distant future, the use of durable MCS in recovered COVID-19 patients may evolve. This case highlights LVAD as a feasible option in end-stage HF and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in assessing candidacy for advanced HF therapies in post-COVID-19 patients. Continued international collaboration and further study regarding use of MCS will be paramount in optimizing care and outcomes in this growing patient population.

The aim of this study is to identify the 100 most cited papers and their characteristics in the field of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) management, which were published in the Web of Knowledge database of the Institute for Science Information (ISI) from the period of 2000 until 28 February 2016. Citation analysis is the identification of literatures from peer-reviewed scholarly community, which is the most common approach in identifying major works. To date, this study is the first of its kind to cite studies related to CDW. This study was carried out by utilizing the Web of Science from the ISI for the most cited studies in each of the related journals in the area of CDW from the Journal Citation Report (JCR). The Cited Reference search tool of the ISI Web of Science database was utilized to analyse the chosen journals and the information was collected from the papers as follows: the type of study as well as the methodology, names and the number of authors and journal names and publication year. The findings from this analysis reveal that the number of citations in the 100 selected articles varies from 8 to 108; these articles have been published in 26 peer-reviewed journals under the classification of CDW. The frequency of citations does not represent the quality of the study; nevertheless, this study provides several guidelines in addressing the topics and authors who have contributed significantly to the body of knowledge in the area of CDW management.

Introduction Comorbidities including pulmonary disease are common in patients undergoing LVAD implantation. The impact of pre-implant pulmonary function on post-implant LVAD outcomes has not been comprehensively explored. In this study, we examined the association between pre-implant pulmonary function on post-implant outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of 415 primary LVAD implants at our center between 2008 and 2019 identified 251 patients with pre-implant pulmonary function tests (PFT), of which 248 had pre-implant chest CT scans. PFT results were classified as obstructive or restrictive and were sub-stratified by severity. Chest CT scan findings were assessed for presence of fibrosis or emphysema. Our primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included reintubation, days on mechanical ventilation, post-operative pneumonia, ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and 30-day mortality. Continuous variables were evaluated using two-sample Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test. Categorical variables were evaluated using χ2 test or Fisher's exact test. The group comparison in outcomes were assessed using logistics regression and linear regression. Results PFTs and chest CT scans were completed at a median of 42 days (IQR 18-127 days) and 26 days (IQR 10-63 days), respectively, prior to LVAD implantation. 84 patients (35%) had obstructive lung disease (52% moderately severe or severe) and 132 patients (55%) had restrictive lung disease (23% moderately severe or severe). Lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was normal in 23% of patients and reduced in others by mild (29%), moderate (41%) or severe (7%) degrees. Presence or severity of either obstructive or restrictive lung disease on PFTs were not associated with primary or secondary outcomes. Severe reduction in DLCO and presence of fibrosis on chest CT scan were both strongly predictive of mortality at 30 days (OR 10.0, CI 1.52-65.63, p Conclusions Pulmonary disease is common in patients undergoing LVAD implantation. The presence and severity of obstructive or restrictive lung disease on pre-implant PFTs were not predictive of post LVAD outcomes. However, a severe reduction of DLCO and pulmonary fibrosis on pre-implant chest CT scan were associated with 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Introduction Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD), however predicting RVF remains challenging. Hypothesis We hypothesized that an analysis of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) patterns on pre-operative cardiac MRI (cMRI) could identify patients at risk for RVF after LVAD. Methods We analyzed reports for cMRIs performed on patients within one year prior to LVAD at our institution and abstracted LGE patterns using the 17-segment model. Patients were then grouped into clusters by similarities in LGE patterns using an unsupervised machine learning (ML) algorithm of hierarchical agglomerative clustering. Statistical comparison of the resulting clusters was then performed. Results Patients (N=31) were grouped into 3 clusters (Figure) with varying patterns of LGE. Cluster 1 patients (n=16) had no LGE or atypical LGE patterns and were significantly younger (age 42 ± 18) than other clusters (p=0.029). Cluster 2 patients (n=11) had extensive transmural LGE patterns and were more likely to have hypertension (p=0.006) and dyslipidemia (p=0.002) than other groups. Cluster 3 patients (n=4) had some degree of subendocardial LGE but no extensive transmural LGE patterns. No patients in cluster 2 developed RVF after LVAD, while 4 patients (25%) in cluster 1 and 2 patients in cluster 3 (50%) had RVF after LVAD, though the difference between groups did not reach statistical significance due to small number of patients in the cohort overall (p=0.058). Importantly, traditional factors associated with RVF including hemodynamics and echocardiographic/MRI parameters of LV and RV function were not significantly different between clusters. Further, LGE enhancement of the RV myocardium or RV insertion points were not associated with RVF after LVAD. Conclusions Unsupervised ML of LGE patterns on cMRI can identify clusters of patients at risk for RVF. LGE patterns on cMRI may identify patients with non-ischemic (cluster 1) and mixed (cluster 3) etiologies of their heart failure who are at higher risk for developing RVF due to global biventricular myocardial involvement than patients with a truly ischemic etiology of their heart failure (cluster 2). Future research in a larger cohort is needed to confirm this hypothesis. Figure: Dendrogram produced from agglomerative hierarchal clustering of LGE analysis of cardiac MRIs using standardized myocardial segmentation

Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). For patients who progress to end stage HF and require orthotropic heart transplant (OHT), irreversible PH is a relative contraindication as it may lead to post-operative right HF. The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplant (ISHLT) recommends that transplantation be pursued in patients with a pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) Methods This was an analysis of OHT recipients captured in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) transplant registry. We included OHT recipients with a PVR ≤ 3 Woods Units for analysis. The cohort was further categorized by PASP (PASP > 50 mmHg and PASP ≤ 50 mmHg). Primary outcome was survival. We classified survival as short term (0-5 years), Intermediate (6-10 years) and long-term (>15 years). Secondary outcome was graft failure. Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups using the chi-squared analysis. Unadjusted associations between PASP and patient survival were determined using the Kaplan-Meier estimations and confounding was addressed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Results Our study included 62,793 OHT recipients (7,187 PASP>50 mmHg, 55,606 PASP ≤50 mmHg) from 1999-2019. The PASP >50 mmHg group had a mean PASP of 60 ±8 mmHg, were older (50.9 vs 44.9 years, p= Conclusions In this large multicenter study of OHT recipients, patients with PASP>50 mmHg have similar outcomes to patients with lower PASP. OHT should be considered an option for patients with this hemodynamic derangement. Studies into factors that affect long-term outcomes is warranted.

Background Right ventricular failure (RVF) following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is an important source of morbidity and mortality but is difficult to predict. Right atrial (RA) strain by echocardiography is a novel hemodynamic parameter likely indicative of atrial functional capacity and RV diastolic function. Previous studies have suggested that pre-LVAD RV strain may be a predictor of RVF, but no studies have systematically evaluated the association of RA strain with outcomes after LVAD. We hypothesized that pre-LVAD RA strain may improve the ability to predict RVF after LVAD. Methods We evaluated 31 adults who received continuous flow LVAD between 2008-2018. Peak RA and RV strain values were measured by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. RA strain was measured during three phases: reservoir phase (end-diastole to onset of ventricular filling), conduit phase (onset of ventricular filling to onset of atrial contraction), and contractile phase (onset of atrial contraction to end-diastole). RVF was defined as need for inotropic support longer than 14 days, inhaled nitric oxide for longer than 48 hours, or unplanned RVAD. Pearson correlation was used to compare RA and RV strain parameters. Logistic regression was performed for the outcome of RVF. Cox-proportional hazards modelling was performed for the outcome of survival free from transplant or device explant/exchange and hazard ratios were calculated per standard deviation change in regressors. Results Four patients (13%) developed RVF. Median time from echo to LVAD was 31 days. Correlation between RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) and RA reservoir (R=-0.45, p=0.01), conduit (R=-0.30, p=0.10), and contractile strain (R=-0.27, p=0.15) was modest at best. None of the RA strain parameters were associated with RVF. Lower RA reservoir strain (HR 2.26, p=0.003) and RA conduit strain (HR 3.63, p=0.004) were associated with decreased survival free from transplant or device explant/exchange, while RA contractile strain was not. Conclusions In this small cohort, RA strain parameters were not associated with early RVF following LVAD implant. However, RA reservoir strain and RA conduit strain were strongly associated with post LVAD long term survival. RA strain parameters may represent a form of RV diastolic dysfunction that impacts long term outcomes more so than early post operative events. The utility of RA strain parameters for predicting outcomes following LVAD implant deserves further investigation and validation in a larger cohort.

Iron is a key element for normal cellular function and plays a role in many cellular processes including mitochondrial respiration. The role of iron deficiency (ID) in heart failure (HF) has been a subject of debate amid increasing advocacy for intravenous (IV) supplementation. Both the definition and the approach to treatment of ID in HF have been adapted from the experience in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this review, we highlight the differences in regulatory mechanisms as well as pathophysiology of ID in CKD and HF population both at the systemic and cellular levels. We will review the major clinical trials in HF patients that have shown symptomatic benefit from IV iron supplementation but without effect on clinical outcomes. Intravenous iron loading bypasses the mechanisms that tightly regulate iron uptake and can potentially cause myocardial and endothelial damage by releasing reactive oxygen species. By contrast, newer oral iron preparations do not have similar toxicity concerns and might have a role in heart failure.

Intro : Solid organ transplantation (SOT) is uncommon in persons living with HIV infection (PLWHIV), as historically, HIV infection was a contraindication to transplantation. However, advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and immunosuppression has led to successful organ transplantation, including heart, in PLWHIV. Here, we present a case of dual-organ transplant in a PLWHIV. Case Report : A 46 yo African American man with Stage D heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on peritoneal dialysis (PD), and longstanding HIV infection (CD4 726 cells/µl, HIV RNA less than 20 copies/mL) presented in cardiogenic shock. On hospital day 5, an axillary intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was placed, and the patient was upgraded to a status 2 on the UNOS waitlist for heart-kidney transplantation. On hospital day 33, he received a heart transplant, followed the next day with a deceased donor renal transplant from the same donor. He underwent induction with basiliximab 20 mg, on POD#0 and #4, followed by immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil 1g BID, tacrolimus 3mg BID, and prednisone 10mg BID. The pre-transplant ART with dolutegravir/rilpivirine was resumed and he was initiated on standard anti-infective prophylaxis with valganciclovir, atovaquone, and clotrimazole. Hospital course was complicated by hospital-acquired pneumonia and delayed kidney graft function with acute tubular necrosis, initially requiring hemodialysis. There was no evidence of antibody mediated or acute cellular rejection on endomyocardial biopsies. Two months after transplant, the patient was found to have BK viremia, initiated on cidofovir. Four months post-transplant, he was no longer requiring dialysis, had preserved graft function on echocardiogram, and transitioned from atovaquone to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim for a lifelong course. Most recent labs notable for sCr 1.66 mg/dL, eGFR 54 mL/min/1.73m2, CD4 890 cells/µl, HIV RNA less than 20 copies/mL, BK virus quantitative PCR 23,875 copies/mL. His current immunosuppressive regimen includes mycophenolate mofetil 250mg BID and tacrolimus 2mg BID. Summary Patients with advanced heart failure who are concomitantly HIV+ are a unique and growing population. Multi-organ transplantation involving heart and kidney in this patient population has not been reported in the literature. As demonstrated in this case, with special considerations to patient selection, immunosuppression, and anti-infective regimens, and collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of heart and kidney transplant physicians and surgeons, along with infectious disease specialists, a successful multi-organ heart-kidney transplant in PLWHIV is feasible with excellent outcomes early after transplant.

Introduction Right heart function impacts outcomes in left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) but a comprehensive exploration of changes in right heart function over time and its effects on outcomes has not been fully elucidated. We sought to characterize changes in right heart function according to hemodynamic, imaging, and laboratory data at multiple time points and evaluate how pre-implant function compares to postoperative function in predicting heart failure (HF) outcomes. We hypothesized that postoperative (pre-discharge) right ventricular (RV) systolic function would be more predictive of HF readmissions compared to preoperative RV function. Methods In this single-center study, we included consecutive patients (n=298) who received primary LVADs between May 2008 and December 2018. Invasive hemodynamics, echocardiography (ECHO), and laboratory data were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months following LVAD implantation. Post-implant readmission data were also collected up to 12 months post hospital discharge. Results Compared to pre-implant values, significant and persistent improvements in right atrial pressure (RAP), pulmonary artery (PA) pressures, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and RAP/PCWP occurred at 3, 6, and 12 months post-implant respectively (figure 1a). On the other hand, PA pulsatility index (PAPi) fluctuated over time and RV stroke work index (RVSWI) decreased over time (figure 1a). In addition, the proportion of patients with moderate-severe/severe RV dilation, tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and RV systolic function reduction eventually decreased on average by 12 months post-implant (figure 1b). Significant improvements in BNP and bilirubin levels occurred (figure 1c). Finally, we found that postoperative (pre-discharge) RV systolic function by ECHO was significantly predictive of readmissions due to HF (p=.03) whereas preoperative RV systolic function was not (p=0.81). Conclusions Right heart function metrics generally improve and persist at various time points post-implant compared to preoperative values. However, normalization of right heart function is rarely achieved, highlighting the need to redefine “normal” in LVAD patients. Additionally, the superior predictive value of postoperative RV function on HF readmissions underscores the importance of re-assessing right heart function post-implant for improved risk stratification.

Background Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a common congenital anomaly in which the aorta arises from the morphological systemic right ventricle (SRV), and the pulmonary artery arises from the morphologic left ventricle. With surgical and medical advancements, TGA patients are living longer and as a result failure of the SRV is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) has been shown to be a successful strategy for TGA patients that progress to end stage heart failure. Candidacy for OHT is often jeopardized due to allosensitization, pulmonary hypertension, or hemodynamic instability. Little is known about long term outcomes of Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVAD) in patients with TGA. In this study we present long term outcomes of TGA patients with LVADs. Methods This was a single center retrospective analysis of 309 consecutive patients who underwent LVAD placement from May 2008 to February 2020. Our primary outcome of interest was Post LVAD survival. Secondary outcomes of interest were hospitalizations for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds, driveline infections (DLI), pump thromboses, acute heart failure, and right ventricular (RV) failure were outcomes of interest. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the association of TGA and AE-related hospital admissions. The cumulative incidence competing risk method was used for survival analysis. Results From May 2008 - February 2020, 10 patients with TGA underwent LVAD placement. Mean follow up was 1.3 years. TGA patients were younger, Caucasian and more likely to be male. TGA patients had similar likelihood of LVAD mortality (HR 1.35, CI 0.70-2.61, p= 0.37), RV failure (1.8, CI 0.35-10.16, p= 0.46), GI bleeding (OR 1.76, CI .33-9.47, p= 0.51), Heart failure hospitalizations (OR 1.12, CI 0.13-9.84, p= 0.55), DLI (OR 0.63, CI 0.07-5.40, p=0.64) and VAD thrombosis (OR 1.23, CI 0.28-6.68, p=0.69) as non TGA patients. Conclusions In this analysis of TGA patients with end stage heart failure, we report that TGA patients have similar outcomes to non-TGA patients post LVAD. LVAD should be considered a durable option for TGA patients who progress to end stage HF. Further studies with a larger population is warranted to further assess LVAD associated adverse events in this patient population.

Purpose Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) cause morbidity and mortality following heart transplantation (HT). Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are often used as a bridge to HT. We sought to determine the incidence and risk factors for developing AKI and CKD following HT in LVAD patients. Methods We examined the ISHLT Transplant Registry for heart alone transplant patients between 2000-15. We compared patients bridged with durable continuous-flow LVAD to those without LVAD bridging. Primary outcomes were AKI (defined as post-HT dialysis prior to discharge) and CKD (defined as creatinine >2.5 mg/dL, chronic dialysis, or renal transplant) within 3 years. Chi-squared and Gray's tests compared incidence rates while accounting for competing risk of death. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used. Results There were 21,432 total patients, with 5,038 having LVAD support. LVAD patients had a higher incidence of AKI and CKD at 1 year, but a similar incidence of CKD at 3 years (Table). Multivariable regression analysis showed that non-LVAD patients had OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.63-0.86; p=0.0001) for AKI at discharge and HR 0.90 (95% CI 0.80-1.01; p=0.0635) for CKD at 3 years. Among LVAD patients, certain characteristics were significantly associated with development of AKI and CKD (Fig). Conclusion LVAD patients had higher incidence of AKI at hospital discharge and CKD at 1 year after HT compared to patients without LVAD bridging, but development of CKD was similar by 3 years. Baseline renal function, BMI, ischemic time, and diabetes can identify LVAD patients at risk for post-HT AKI or CKD.

Intracardiac and pulmonary artery (PA) pressures are currently assessed by cardiac catheterization (CC). Tissue phase mapping (TPM) is a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) 2D phase contrast technique for 3-directional myocardial velocity calculation. This study aims to verify correlations between LV/

Cellular rejection (CR) causes mortality during the first year post-heart transplantation (HTx). Endomyocardial biopsy is the current diagnostic gold standard. Currently only ≥2R grade episodes are treated. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has been explored as a diagnostic adjunct.

T2-mapping (T2M) by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a validated diagnostic biomarker in cardiac conditions. In heart transplantation (HTx), T2M has been studied as an adjunct to biopsy in diagnosing cellular rejection. However, no studies explored the prognostic value of T2M. Seventy-nine

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) for the detection of acute cardiac allograft rejection (ACAR).ACAR is currently diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy, but CMR may be a noninvasive alternative because of its capacity for regional myocardial structure and function characterization.Fifty-eight transplant recipients (mean age 47.0 ± 14.7 years) and 14 control subjects (mean age 47.7 ± 16.7 years) were prospectively recruited from August 2014 to May 2017 and underwent 97 CMR studies (83 transplant recipients, 14 control subjects) for assessment of global left ventricular function and myocardial T2, T1, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV). CMR studies were divided into 4 groups on the basis of biopsy grade: control subjects (n = 14), patients with no ACAR (no history of ACAR; n = 36), patients with past ACAR (history of ACAR; n = 24), and ACAR+ patients (active grade ≥1R ACAR; n = 23).Myocardial T2 was significantly higher in patients with past ACAR compared with those with no ACAR (51.0 ± 3.8 ms vs. 49.2 ± 4.0 ms; p = 0.02) and in patients with no ACAR compared with control subjects (49.2 ± 4.0 ms vs. 45.2 ± 2.3 ms; p 0.01). ACAR+ patients demonstrated increased T2 compared with the no ACAR group (52.4 ± 4.7 ms vs. 49.2 ± 4.0 ms, p 0.01) but not compared with the past ACAR group. In contrast, ECV was significantly elevated in ACAR+ patients compared with transplant recipients without ACAR regardless of history of ACAR (no ACAR: 31.5 ± 3.9% vs. 26.8 ± 3.3% [p 0.01]; past ACAR: 31.5 ± 3.9% vs. 26.8 ± 4.0% [p 0.01]). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a combined model of age at CMR, global T2, and global ECV was predictive of ACAR (area under the curve = 0.84).The combination of CMR-derived myocardial T2 and ECV has potential as a noninvasive tissue biomarker for ACAR. Larger studies during acute ACAR are needed for continued development of multiparametric CMR for transplant recipient surveillance.

We present a 43-year-old woman with a nonischemic cardiomyopathy implanted with a ventricular assist device (VAD) as bridge to transplant due to severe, “fixed” pulmonary hypertension (PH). Within three months of VAD implant, her “fixed” PH had resolved entirely. Nearly two years later, still supported with a VAD because of severe HLA allosensitization, she developed dyspnea and “moderate” aortic insufficiency (AI) by standard criteria. Invasive hemodynamics revealed recurrence of severe PH in the setting of elevated left-sided filling pressures. We concluded the AI was indeed severe and the cause of her symptoms and recurrent PH. Despite her noncalcified aortic valve and small body habitus, after a thorough assessment, including meticulous annular measurements and appropriate valve sizing, she underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with complete resolution of both her AI and recurrent, severe PH. This case highlights, in a single patient, reversal of “fixed” PH with adequate left ventricular unloading, that “moderate” AI by standard criteria is often “severe” and must be considered in a VAD patient with recurrent PH, and the need for meticulous pre-procedural planning for TAVR in patients with VADs, including accurate measurements of the aortic annulus to ensure adequate oversizing of the valve.

BACKGROUND: Following heart transplantation (Tx), recipients are closely monitored using endomyocardial biopsy, which is limited by cost and invasiveness, and echocardiography, which is limited regarding detailed structural and functional evaluation. PURPOSE: To test the feasibility of comprehensive structure-function cardiac MRI as a noninvasive modality to assess changes in myocardial structure and function. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. SUBJECTS: MR was performed in 61 heart transplant recipients (age 47.9 ± 16.3 years, 39% female) and 14 age-matched healthy controls (age 47.7 ± 16.7 years, 36% female). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5T; 2D CINE steady state free precession (SSF)P imaging, T(2)-mapping, pre- and postgadolinium contrast T(1)-mapping, and tissue-phase mapping (TPM). ASSESSMENT: Quantification of myocardial T(2) (as a measure of edema), pre- and post-Gd T(1) (allowing calculation of extracellular volume (ECV) to estimate interstitial expansion), and TPM-based assessment of peak regional left ventricular (LV) velocities, dyssynchrony, and twist. STATISTICAL TESTS: Comparisons between transplant recipients and controls were performed using independent samples t-tests. Relationships between structural (T(2), T(1), ECV) and functional measures (myocardial velocities, dyssynchrony, twist) were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: T(2) and T(1) were significantly elevated in transplant recipients compared to controls (global T(2): 50.5 ± 3.4 msec vs. 45.2 ± 2.3 msec, P < 0.01; global T(1): 1037.8 ± 48.0 msec vs. 993.8 ± 34.1 msec, P < 0.01). Systolic longitudinal function was impaired in transplant recipients compared to controls (reduced peak systolic longitudinal velocities, 2.9 ± 1.1 cm/s vs. 5.1 ± 1.2 cm/s, P < 0.01; elevated systolic longitudinal dyssynchrony, 60.2 ± 30.2 msec vs. 32.1 ± 25.1 msec, P < 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between T(2) and ECV (r = 0.45,P < 0.01). In addition, peak systolic longitudinal velocities demonstrated a significant inverse relationship with T(2) (global r = −0.29, P = 0.02), and systolic radial dyssynchrony was positively associated with peak T(2) and peak T(1) (r = 0.26,P = 0.04; r = 0.27,P = 0.03). DATA CONCLUSION: MR techniques are sensitive to structural and functional differences in transplant recipients compared to controls. Structural (T(2), T(1)) and functional (peak myocardial velocities, dyssynchrony) measures were significantly associated, suggesting a structure-function relationship of cardiac abnormalities following heart transplant.

Background Few studies have evaluated sex differences in LVAD morbidity and mortality, and they have yielded mixed results. A likely explanation is these studies have relied on ‘time to first event’ analysis, which ignores recurrent events that are clinically meaningful and add statistical power. We sought to compare outcomes after LVAD in women vs. men including the burden of hospital readmissions. Methods We included consecutive adult patients implanted with LVAD at our institution from 2008-2018. We used propensity score matching to match men and women on clinically relevant preoperative characteristics. We used a competing risks regression with cause-specific hazards to compare the risk of death and transplant between men and women. We used a joint frailty model to simultaneously model recurrent hospitalizations and competing terminal events of death, cardiac transplant, and device explant. Results The overall cohort included 338 patients (77 women, 261 men). After propensity score matching, there were 77 women and 77 men with balanced pre-operative characteristics. There was a non-significant trend towards increased risk of death (HR 1.49, p=0.12) and no significant difference in transplant (HR=0.87, p=.58) in women compared to men. We found a non-significant trend towards increased all-cause hospitalization in women (RR=1.30, p=0.12). This was driven by a significantly increased rate of “late” readmissions in women occurring more than 1 year post-implant (RR=2.38, p=0.01; figure 1). When evaluating reasons for hospital admission, women had a non-significant increase in rates of all causes with the exception of uncontrolled hypertension and subtherapeutic INR (figure 2). Women were at significantly higher risk of being admitted for anemia evaluation (RR=3.12, p=0.04). Conclusions We found a strong trend towards an increase in recurrent all-cause hospitalizations in women vs. men, driven primarily by a significantly higher rate of late readmissions after the first year post implant in women. These findings require further study in a larger cohort and if confirmed, deserve further investigation to better understand the underlying reasons for such disparities in outcomes in women supported by LVADs.

Today energy consumption is one of the controversial issues in the world. The rapid growing world energy consumption has already increased concern about the supply problems, heavy environmental effects such as global warming, climate change and etc. One of the most users of energy is residential buildings that consume the biggest share of energy. Growth in population, rising demand for buildings together causes to increase the upward trend in energy consumption. Therefore, energy efficiency in buildings plays a significant role to decrease the environmental effect. The goal of this paper is optimizing the main elements which are window, ceiling and wall by considering the effect of uncontrollable factors such as humidity , temperature and pressure in residential buildings using statistical method namely Taguchi method (JMP 11 software). A two-storey house in Malaysia was selected to simulate by means of BIM application. Based on the result, the optimum energy saving will be achieved when the type of material which are used for wall ,ceiling and window to be Brick Plaster , Acoustic Tile Suspended and Single Glazed Alum Frame respectively.

Introduction Serum sodium is an important prognostic marker in heart failure patients, with lower values associated with increased risk of mortality. However, prognostic value of serum sodium has not been assessed in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients. Hypothesis We hypothesized lower serum sodium is associated with increased risk of mortality in LVAD patients. Methods We retrospectively identified 253 consecutive patients that had LVAD implantation at a single center between 2008-2016. To minimize confounding by peri-operative factors, we evaluated serum sodium at 3 months after implantation and time to all-cause mortality with a univariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. A secondary outcome was time to hospital readmission. Groups were defined as having lower and higher sodium levels relative to the median value. Censoring occurred at death, transplant, or pump exchange. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis included estimated GFR and bicarbonate levels to account for effects of renal dysfunction and acid-base disturbance on sodium levels. Results There were 195 eligible LVAD patients with a sodium value at 3 months. Average age was 53 ± 14 yrs, 77% were male, 26% black. Half (50%) received a Heartmate II device and 50% received a Heartware HVAD. Median serum sodium was 137 mmol/L. Median follow-up was 346 days with 26 deaths (13%). In a univariate analysis, increasing serum sodium at 3 months was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.826, p=0.006). Pre-operative sodium levels were not associated with mortality (HR 1.004, p=0.941). Serum sodium at 3 months remained predictive of mortality in a multivariate model with estimated GFR and HCO3 (Table). When stratified by the median, the lower sodium group had a significantly shorter time to all-cause mortality (Figure). Sodium levels at 3 months were not associated with time to readmission. Conclusions Hyponatremia in LVAD patients (sodium