Management Of Cardiovascular Disease Research Articles

Senescence-Induced Atherosclerosis: The Potency of Senolytic Therapy

The aging process is an inevitable occurrence that involves physiological changes at the cellular level. The presence of intrinsic and extrinsic stressors can cause cellular damage, leading to senescence and premature aging. Senescent cells undergo activation of the p53/p21 and p16INK4a pathways, induce cell cycle arrest, increased expression of senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal), and secretion of SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype), leading to "inflamm-aging" or chronic inflammation associated with senescence. These premature aging and “inflamm-aging” accelerates the occurrence of age-related diseases, one of which is atherosclerosis. The relationship between premature aging, senescence, and atherosclerosis has been a focus of research on pathogenesis, prevention, and therapy. Recent research has emphasized the crucial role of senolytics, compounds or agents capable of eliminating senescent cells, in inhibiting the progression of atherosclerosis and slowing down premature aging. Obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of the processes and effectiveness of senolytics in premature aging and atherosclerosis should facilitate the development of more potent medicines to mitigate side effects in the management of cardiovascular disease and extend longevity.

Comments on the guidelines (2023) of the ESC on the management of cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes

Comments on the guidelines (2023) of the ESC on the management of cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes

Lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, and antithrombotic effects of nattokinase combined with red yeast rice in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Nattokinase (NK) and red yeast rice (RYR) are both indicated for their potential in cardiovascular disease prevention and management, but their combined effects especially in coronary artery disease (CAD) are scarcely examined. This 90-day randomized, double-blind trial aims to investigate the effect of NK and RYR supplementations on cardiometabolic parameters in patients with stable CAD. 178 CAD patients were randomized to four groups: NK + RYR, NK, RYR, and placebo. No adverse effects due to the interventions were reported. In comparisons across groups, NK + RYR showed the maximum effect in reducing triglyceride (−0.39 mmol), total cholesterol (−0.66 mmol/L), diastolic blood pressure (−7.39 mmHg), and increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.195 mmol/L) than other groups (all p for multiple groups comparison<0.01). Both NK + RYR and NK groups had significantly better-improved lactate dehydrogenase than the others (−29.1 U/L and − 26.4 U/L). NK + RYR group also showed more potent reductions in thromboxane B2 and increases in antithrombin III compared to placebo (both p < 0.01). These improved markers suggest that combined NK and RYR may preferably alter antithrombin and COX-1 pathways, potentially reducing thrombosis risks in CAD patients. Overall, the combined NK and RYR supplementation is safe and more effective than separately in improving cardiometabolic markers among CAD patients with multiple heart medications use.

Synergistic integration of deep learning with protein docking in cardiovascular disease treatment strategies.

This research delves into the exploration of the potential of tocopherol-based nanoemulsion as a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) through an in-depth molecular docking analysis. The study focuses on elucidating the molecular interactions between tocopherol and seven key proteins (1O8a, 4YAY, 4DLI, 1HW9, 2YCW, 1BO9 and 1CX2) that play pivotal roles in CVD development. Through rigorous in silico docking investigations, assessment was conducted on the binding affinities, inhibitory potentials and interaction patterns of tocopherol with these target proteins. The findings revealed significant interactions, particularly with 4YAY, displaying a robust binding energy of -6.39 kcal/mol and a promising Ki value of 20.84 μM. Notable interactions were also observed with 1HW9, 4DLI, 2YCW and 1CX2, further indicating tocopherol's potential therapeutic relevance. In contrast, no interaction was observed with 1BO9. Furthermore, an examination of the common residues of 4YAY bound to tocopherol was carried out, highlighting key intermolecular hydrophobic bonds that contribute to the interaction's stability. Tocopherol complies with pharmacokinetics (Lipinski's and Veber's) rules for oral bioavailability and proves safety non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Thus, deep learning-based protein language models ESM1-b and ProtT5 were leveraged for input encodings to predict interaction sites between the 4YAY protein and tocopherol. Hence, highly accurate predictions of these critical protein-ligand interactions were achieved. This study not only advances theunderstanding of these interactions but also highlights deep learning's immense potential in molecular biology and drug discovery. It underscores tocopherol's promise as a cardiovascular disease management candidate, shedding light on its molecular interactions and compatibility with biomolecule-like characteristics.

Next-Generation Cardiac Interfacing Technologies Using Nanomaterial-Based Soft Bioelectronics.

Cardiac interfacing devices are essential components for the management of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in terms of electrophysiological monitoring and implementation of therapies. However, conventional cardiac devices are typically composed of rigid and bulky materials and thus pose significant challenges for effective long-term interfacing with the curvilinear surface of a dynamically beating heart. In this regard, the recent development of intrinsically soft bioelectronic devices using nanocomposites, which are fabricated by blending conductive nanofillers in polymeric and elastomeric matrices, has shown great promise. The intrinsically soft bioelectronics not only endure the dynamic beating motion of the heart and maintain stable performance but also enable conformal, reliable, and large-area interfacing with the target cardiac tissue, allowing for high-quality electrophysiological mapping, feedback electrical stimulations, and even mechanical assistance. Here, we explore next-generation cardiac interfacing strategies based on soft bioelectronic devices that utilize elastic conductive nanocomposites. We first discuss the conventional cardiac devices used to manage cardiovascular diseases and explain their undesired limitations. Then, we introduce intrinsically soft polymeric materials and mechanical restraint devices utilizing soft polymeric materials. After the discussion of the fabrication and functionalization of conductive nanomaterials, the introduction of intrinsically soft bioelectronics using nanocomposites and their application to cardiac monitoring and feedback therapy follow. Finally, comments on the future prospects of soft bioelectronics for cardiac interfacing technologies are discussed.

Emergence of Cardiovascular Diseases and Inclusive Organization of Care in the Health District of Biyem-Assi, Yaounde Cameroon

Healthcare financing is one of the major challenges that faces the emergence of non-communicable diseases. This study describes and analyzes the inclusive organization of cardiovascular disease care in Biyem-Assi Health District. From December 2022 to February 2023, we conducted a qualitative study in the Biyem-Assi Health District. Medical anthropology research techniques were used to collect data through interview guides. The sample consisted of patients admitted and followed during the study period. The epidemiological variables studied included age, sex, diagnosis, length of hospital stay, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, knowledge, and modalities of cardiovascular disease (CVD) management, as well as practices aimed at eradicating this scourge. Cardiovascular disease mortality is currently the highest. It affects a young population, so diagnosis is often made late. Very few international technical and financial partners have a real strategy to support prevention and management programs for non-communicable diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. Faced with the growing incidence of cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa, mainly in Cameroon, it is urgent to develop a response or rethink a new organization of cardiovascular disease care, involving and mobilizing numerous technical and financial partners, public authorities, and directly concerned healthcare professionals.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activities, total phenolic and elemental contents of common herbs and spices (Moringa oleifera leaves, Allium sativum (Garlic) and Momordica charantia (ejinrin) leaves) in South-West Nigeria

Abstract Natural remedies are being widely utilized in some disease’s conditions including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. The therapeutic intervention of medicinal plants and spices cannot be overemphasized in the management and control of diseases but the exact modes of action of these herbs and plants have not been fully elucidated. This research work was designed to study the expression of selected elements, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd); the phytochemical and the in vitro antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves, Allium sativum (Garlic) and Momordica charantia (ejinrin) leaves for their potential involvement in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and cancer through different chemical methods. In vitro antioxidant properties were assayed by investigating 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals scavenging potentials and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP); total phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the elemental contents of these extracts was investigated through the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). All tests were run in triplicates and analysed. Our results revealed that the ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera leaves, A. sativum (Garlic) and M. charantia (ejinrin) leaves possess significant antioxidant activities and express important and beneficial elements (in marginal and trace amounts) and phytochemicals. These results suggest that the medicinal attributes of these plants may be linked to the radical scavenging abilities, beneficial elements and phytochemicals expression of their ethanolic extracts which may likely be a good direction in the area of drug discovery and development.

Anthocyanin of Black Highland Barley Alleviates H2O2-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury and Myocardial Infarction via Activating the Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog/Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B Pathway.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a substantial global health challenge, with its impact on mortality and morbidity rates surpassing that of cancer. The present study was designed to explore the cardioprotective properties of anthocyanin (ACN), a compound derived from black barley, against oxidative stress-induced damage in myocardial cells and to uncover the molecular mechanisms at play. Utilizing both in vitro and in vivo experimental models, our findings indicate that ACN notably reduced cell damage caused by oxidative stress and effectively prevented apoptosis. High-throughput RNA sequencing analysis has shed light on the mechanism by which ACN achieves its antioxidative stress effects, implicating the PTEN-Akt signaling pathway. ACN was found to modulate PTEN expression levels, which in turn influences the Akt pathway, leading to a reduction in apoptotic processes. This novel insight lays the groundwork for the potential clinical utilization of ACN in the management of CVD. While this study has shed light on some of the functions of ACN, it is important to recognize that natural compounds often interact with multiple molecular targets and engage in intricate signaling cascades. Future research endeavors will concentrate on further elucidating the regulatory mechanisms by which ACN influences PTEN expression, with the goal of enhancing our comprehension and expanding the therapeutic potential of ACN in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions.

Advancement in AI-Based Devices for Monitoring Heart Health in Patients with Cardiac Conditions

In the contemporary landscape of cardiac healthcare, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into monitoring devices represents a groundbreaking shift towards enhancing patient outcomes and streamlining the management of heart health. This review paper delves into the burgeoning domain of AI-based devices designed for the meticulous monitoring of heart patients, elucidating the methodologies behind their operation, the breadth of their applications, and the palpable impact they have had on both clinical practices and patient experiences. Through a meticulous selection and analysis of current studies, we uncover the transformative capabilities of AI technologies in detecting and predicting heart-related anomalies, offering a personalized approach to cardiac care. The findings underscore the paramount importance of AI in facilitating early intervention, reducing the incidence of heart-related morbacies, and ultimately, charting a course towards a more responsive and adaptive healthcare ecosystem. The significance of this review lies not only in its comprehensive synthesis of existing research but also in its exploration of future potentials, highlighting the ongoing evolution of AI as a pivotal ally in the quest for improved heart health monitoring. This paper aims to contribute to the academic and medical discourse surrounding AI applications in healthcare, offering insights that may guide future innovations and research directions. Keywords--- AI-driven Cardiac Monitoring, Wearable Health Technology, Remote Heart Health Monitoring, Smart Health Devices, Cardiovascular Disease Management, Machine Learning in, Cardiology, Digital Health Solutions, Real-time Heart Health Analytics, Sensor Technology in Cardiac Care, Patient-Centric Heart Monitoring, AI-based Cardiac Diagnostics, Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring, Mobile Health Applications, Personalized Cardiac Care, Telemedicine in Cardiology.

Development of a recommendation system and data analysis in personalized medicine: an approach towards healthy vascular ageing.

Understanding early vascular ageing has become crucial for preventing adverse cardiovascular events. To this respect, recent AI-based risk clustering models offer early detection strategies focused on healthy populations, yet their complexity limits clinical use. This work introduces a novel recommendation system embedded in a web app to assess and mitigate early vascular ageing risk, leading patients towards improved cardiovascular health. This system employs a methodology that calculates distances within multidimensional spaces and integrates cost functions to obtain personalized optimisation of recommendations. It also incorporates a classification system for determining the intensity levels of the clinical interventions. The recommendation system showed high efficiency in identifying and visualizing individuals at high risk of early vascular ageing among healthy patients. Additionally, the system corroborated its consistency and reliability in generating personalized recommendations among different levels of granularity, emphasizing its focus on moderate or low-intensity recommendations, which could improve patient adherence to the intervention. This tool might significantly aid healthcare professionals in their daily analysis, improving the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases.

Statins in chronic liver disease: review of literature and future role.

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major contributor to global mortality, morbidity, and healthcare burden. Progress in pharmacotherapeutic for CLD management is lagging given its impact on the global population. While statins are indicated for the management of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease, their role in CLD prevention and treatment is emerging. Beyond their lipid lowering effects, their liver-related mechanisms of action are multifactorial and include anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and immune-protective effects. In this review, we highlight what is known about the clinical benefits of statins in viral and non-viral etiologies of CLD and HCC, and explore key mechanisms and pathways targeted by statins. While their benefits may span the spectrum of CLD and potentially HCC treatment, their role in CLD chemoprevention is likely to have the largest impact. As emerging data suggest that genetic variants may impact their benefits, the role of statins in precision hepatology will need to be further explored.

Amrita: The ancient herb with modern healing potential and safety features

Tinospora cordifolia Willd commonly known, as “Amrita” or “Guduchi”, is a large deciduous, extensively spreading climbing shrub with several coiling branches, a dioecious medicinal herb. It is designated as Rasayana in Ayurveda as it enhances general body resistance and promotes longevity, an anti-stress, adaptogen, and a potential plant for providing resistance against infections. The plant is well known as Indian bitter and is generally prescribed for fever, diabetes, dyspepsia, jaundice, urinary problems, skin diseases, gastrointestinal diseases including dyspepsia, flatulence, gastritis, jaundice, chronic diarrhea and dysentery, splenomegaly, and hemorrhoids. The herb has been reported to be significant for the management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and the treatment of leprosy, helminthiasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the most significant formulations in which Guduchi is prime ingredient are Guduchyadi churn, Guduchi taila, Dashmoolarishtha, Sanjivani vati, Punchnimba churana, Guduchi ghrita, Amritaguggulu, Amritashtaka churna, Kantakari avaleha, Chyavanaprasha, Guduchi sattva, Brihat guduchi taila, Stanyashodhana kashaya churana. The most dominant constituents in guduchi include terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, lignans, steroids, C6-C3 derivatives and polysaccharides along with other components. There are no adverse effects of any kind reported so far as prescribed under reasonable dose application. It has promising potential as a tonic in infants and stimulates immunity in children besides facilitating growth. Due to the presence of immense medicinal properties, this plant has been over-exploited by pharmaceutical companies and folk people for traditional remedies. This in turn has led to the acute scarcity of this plant. Therefore, it is of prime importance and urgent need for its conservation.

A Systematic Review of Herbal Interventions for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases.

Cardiovascular diseases represent a significant global health burden, necessitating diverse approaches for effective management. Herbal interventions have gained attention as potential adjuncts or alternatives to conventional therapies due to their perceived safety and therapeutic potential. This structured abstract provides a comprehensive review of herbal interventions for the management of CVDs, summarising key findings, mechanisms of action, and clinical implications. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of various herbal interventions employed for managing cardiovascular diseases. We conducted an extensive literature search across electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception to 2022. Studies were included if they investigated the use of herbal remedies for preventing or treating CVDs. Data extraction and synthesis focused on botanical sources, active compounds, mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes. Numerous herbal interventions have demonstrated promising cardiovascular benefits. A number of medicinal herbs well identified to treat CVD are Moringaoleifera, Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Celosia argentea, Gongronematrifolium, Gynostemmapentaphyllum, Bombaxceiba, Gentianalutea, Allium sativum, Crataegusspp, Curcuma longa, Camellia sinensis, and Zingiberofficinale. Mechanistic insights reveal that herbal interventions often target multiple pathways involved in CVD pathogenesis. These mechanisms encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, and lipid-lowering effects. Additionally, some herbs enhance endothelial function, promote nitric oxide production, and exert vasodilatory effects, contributing to improved cardiovascular health. Clinical studies have provided evidence of the efficacy of certain herbal interventions in reducing CVD risk factors and improving patient outcomes. However, more rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are needed to establish their long-term safety and effectiveness. It is crucial to consider potential herb-drug interactions and standardise dosages for reliable therapeutic outcomes. This comprehensive review highlights the potential of herbal interventions as valuable adjuncts or alternatives for managing cardiovascular diseases. Herbal remedies offer diverse mechanisms of action, targeting key CVD risk factors and pathways. While promising, their clinical utility warrants further investigation through well-designed trials to establish their safety and efficacy, paving the way for integrated approaches to cardiovascular disease management. Healthcare providers and patients should engage in informed discussions about the use of herbal interventions alongside conventional therapies in the context of CVD prevention and treatment.

Lipoprotein (a) measurement - potential for personalized cardiovascular disease management in a patient with acute myocardial infarction

Lipoprotein (a) measurement - potential for personalized cardiovascular disease management in a patient with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract PO4-12-07: INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY BREAST CANCER WHO RECEIVED CARDIOTOXIC THERAPY IN CARDIONCOLOGY UNIT

Abstract Introduction: Early breast cancer (eBC) is the most frequent malignancy diagnosed in women worldwide; fortunately, survival is increasing related to early diagnosis and the incorporation of new drugs. In this scenario, preventing long-term toxicities become essential. Cardiac adverse events related to anthracyclines or trastuzumab such as reduction in left ventricular (LV) systolic function and clinical heart failure (HF), are well known and are the leading cause of morbidity in breast cancer survivors. Cardioprotective strategies and early diagnoses of asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction are essential to optimized management and prevention of overt cardiovascular (CV) disease. We made a specific cardiac assessment within an Oncocardiology multidisciplinary Unit in patients receiving anticancer therapies. We present the experience in patients with eBC treated with anthracyclines, trastuzumab or both in the past five years. Materials and Methods: We conducted an institutional, interventional, prospective study in patients who received anthracyclines, trastuzumab or both according to the standard of care (SoC) in eBC. Basal CV risk stratification included lipid profile, glycated haemoglobin, high-sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT) and N-terminal ProB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) was done. Image assessment was done by echocardiogram (echo), including myocardial deformation assessed by speckle tracking (STRAIN). Follow-up was done according to anthracycline or trastuzumab therapy with echo and cardiac biomarkers during the systemic therapy and at the end of anticancer treatment, 1, 2 and 5 years after. Patients with uncontrolled CV risks factors according to local protocol, asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction defined as decreased strain (>15% compared with baseline) or increased cardiac biomarkers (Hs-TnT >14 at baseline or x3 basal value during the follow-up; NT-ProBNP > 300 in patients with < 50y; > 600 in patients between 50-75-y or >900 in patients > 75 years or older) or patients who develop heart failure during the treatment or follow-up were referred to cardiologist. Results: between 2018 and 2022, 1125 patients were diagnosed with eBC in our institution, and 435 patients received systemic treatment with anthracyclines, trastuzumab or both. During the study period, 165 of these patients were referred to the cardio-oncologist. 60% received treatment with anthracyclines, 36% with trastuzumab and 4.1% with both. The median age was 58(±23.2), 60% had previous CV risk factors. The main reason to refer patients to the cardio-oncologist was asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction and uncontrolled CV risk factors. (Table 1). 60% of patients initiated angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or Beta-blockers, and only two patients stopped anticancer therapy due to severe cardiac dysfunction. The period of high risk of developing cardiotoxicity was the first year after the end of treatment. Conclusion: multidisciplinary evaluation within a cardio-oncology unit is useful to optimize CV risk factors and to detect asymptomatic cardiac dysfunction in patients receiving cardiotoxic drugs. Table 1. Main reasons to refer patients to cardiologist. Citation Format: Tamara Martos, Laia Carla Belarte-Tornero, Mireia Ble, Eva Gimeno, Laura Sanhauja, Felicidad Martines-Medina, Maria Martinez-García, Maria Castro-Henriques, Joan Albanell, Sonia Servitja. INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE IN PATIENTS WITH EARLY BREAST CANCER WHO RECEIVED CARDIOTOXIC THERAPY IN CARDIONCOLOGY UNIT [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-12-07.

Unlocking the gut-heart axis: exploring the role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular health and disease.

Gut microbiota has emerged as a pivotal player in cardiovascular health and disease, extending its influence beyond the gut through intricate metabolic processes and interactions with the immune system. Accumulating evidence supports a significant association between gut microbiota and cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure. Dietary patterns have been identified as key factors shaping the composition of the gut microbiota and exerting notable impacts on cardiovascular health. Probiotics and prebiotics have shown promise in mitigating the risks of cardiovascular disease by modulating key cardiovascular parameters. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has recently emerged as a novel and intriguing therapeutic strategy. This review paper aims to explore and elucidate the multifaceted role of gut microbiota in cardiovascular health. It will also address the prevailing challenges and limitations in gut microbiota studies, emphasizing the importance of future research in overcoming these obstacles to expand our understanding of the gut-heart axis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases including ClinicalTrials, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, and Ovid Resources. The search strategy included utilizing keywords such as "Gut microbiota," "Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)," "Gut-heart axis," "Dysbiosis," "Diet," "Probiotics," "Prebiotics," "Faecal Microbiota transplantation," "cardiovascular disease," "Meta-analyses," and other compatible terms thereof. Only articles written in English were considered, and selection criteria included relevance to the research objectives, reasonable sample sizes, and robust methodology. In addition to the identified articles, meta-analyses, animal models and studies, and references from the selected articles were also examined to ensure a comprehensive review of the literature. Dietary patterns exert a significant influence on the composition of the gut microbiota, and certain diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been associated with a favourable gut microbiota profile and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Probiotics and prebiotics have emerged as potential interventions to mitigate CVD risks by modulating blood pressure, glycemic control, lipid profiles, and gut dysbiosis. Another innovative therapeutic approach is FMT, which involves transferring faecal material from a healthy donor to restore a balanced gut microbiota. FMT holds promise for improving cardiometabolic parameters in individuals with CVD, although further research is needed to elucidate its precise mechanisms and assess its effectiveness. The gut microbiota is emerging as a potential therapeutic target for CVD prevention and management. However, current research has limitations, including the need for larger and more diverse studies, the challenges of establishing causality, and concerns regarding the long-term consequences and safety of gut microbiota modulation. Despite these limitations, understanding the gut-heart axis holds promise for the development of personalized therapies and interventions for cardiovascular health. Further research is needed to expand our knowledge and address the ethical and safety issues associated with gut microbiota modification.

Segmentation and Volumetric Analysis of Heart from Cardiac CT Images.

Cardiac CT is a valuable diagnostic tool in evaluating cardiovascular diseases. Accurate segmentation of the heart and its structures from cardiac CT and MRI images is essential for diagnosing functional abnormalities, treatment plans and cardiovascular diseases management. Accurate segmentation and quantitative assessments are still a challenge. Manual delineation of the heart from the scan images is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and error prone as it depends on the radiologist's experience. Thus, automated techniques are highly desirable as they can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of image analysis. This work addresses the above problems. A new, image-driven, fast, and fully automatic segmentation method was developed to segment the heart from CT images using a processing pipeline of adaptive median filter, multi-level thresholding, active contours, mathematical morphology, and the knowledge of human anatomy to delineate the regions of interest. The algorithm proposed is simple to implement and validate and requires no human intervention. The method is tested on the 'Image CHD' DICOM images (multi-centre, clinically approved single-phase de-identified images), and the results obtained were validated against the ground truths provided with the dataset. The results show an average Dice score, Jaccard score, and Hausdorff distance of 0.866, 0.776, and 33.29mm, respectively, for the segmentation of the heart's chambers, aorta, and blood vessels. The results and the ground truths were compared using Bland-Altmon plots. The heart was correctly segmented from the CT images using the proposed method. Further this segmentation technique can be used to develop AI based solutions for segmentation.

Recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases through artificial intelligence and other innovative approaches

Recent developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases through artificial intelligence and other innovative approaches

Natural resources can help reducing cardiovascular risk: randomized controlled study

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally accounting for 32 % of all global deaths. Addressing modifiable risk factors, including hypertension and stress, remains paramount in the prevention of CVD. This study aimed to assess the impact of the balneotherapy on blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram parameters, utilization of antihypertensive medications, and stress levels. Methodology. Multicenter randomized controlled single-blind parallel group trial was made in 6 Lithuania resort centers. 373 participants with the stress level > 3 (10, VAS) randomly divided into 6 groups in two clusters for receiving a 6- or 11-day complex treatment using natural resources – mineral waters, peloids, salt, nature therapy; follow-up period was 6 months. The BP, HR, ECG, stress level and other parameters were analyzed in 131 participants who passed a full course of investigation. Results. The significant reduction of systolic blood pressure after treatment (7.8 mmHg) and during 6 months (7.3 mmHg) together with diastolic 5.5 after 6 month and heart rate (4 b/min) was achieved in 11-day ambulatory balneotherapy group. Increase in the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system was observed, which is reflected by an increase in the duration of the ECG indicators. The stress level decreased by up to 43%, and stress management improved by up to 41% following inpatient treatment. Conclusion. Therapy using natural resources could stand for additional cardiovascular disease prevention and management method in integrative therapy.

Target Cell Extraction and Spectrum-Effect Relationship Coupled with BP Neural Network Classification for Screening Potential Bioactive Components in Ginseng Extract with a Protective Effect against Myocardial Damage.

Cardiovascular disease has become a common ailment that endangers human health, having garnered widespread attention due to its high prevalence, recurrence rate, and sudden death risk. Ginseng possesses functions such as invigorating vital energy, enhancing vein recovery, promoting body fluid and blood nourishment, calming the nerves, and improving cognitive function. It is widely utilized in the treatment of various heart conditions, including palpitations, chest pain, heart failure, and other ailments. Although numerous research reports have investigated the cardiovascular activity of single ginsenoside, there remains a lack of systematic research on the specific components group that predominantly contribute to cardiovascular efficacy in ginseng medicinal materials. In this research, the spectrum-effect relationship, target cell extraction, and BP neural network classification were used to establish a rapid screening system for potential active substances. The results show that red ginseng extract (RGE) can improve the decrease in cell viability and ATP content and inhibit the increase in ROS production and LDH release in OGD-induced H9c2 cells. A total of 70 ginsenosides were identified in RGE using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Chromatographic fingerprints were established for 12 batches of RGE by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A total of 36 common ingredients were found in 12 batches of RGE. The cell viability, ATP, ROS, and LDH of 12 batches RGE were tested to establish gray relationship analysis (GRA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA). BP neural network classification and target cell extraction were used to narrow down the scope of Spectral efficiency analysis and screen the potential active components. According to the cell experiments, RGE can improve the cell viability and ATP content and reduce the oxidative damage. Then, seven active ingredients, namely, Ginsenoside Rg1, Rg2, Rg3, Rb1, Rd, Re, and Ro, were screened out, and their cardiovascular activity was confirmed in the OGD model. The seven ginsenosides were the main active substances of red ginseng in treating myocardial injury. This study offers a reference for quality control in red ginseng and preparations containing red ginseng for the management of cardiovascular diseases. It also provides ideas for screening active ingredients of the same type of multi-pharmacologically active traditional Chinese medicines.