A cross-sectional study on the association of red cell distribution width and Acute Coronary Syndrome among patients admitted to the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center

Introduction@#Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a parameter that is readily available as part of a standard complete blood count (CBC). Studies have shown that an elevated RDW is associated with increased cardiovascular events including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This cross- sectional retrospective study was conducted to determine the association of RDW in patients with ACS admitted to Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).@*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was performed in a 500-bed tertiary care hospital in Bataan, Philippines. The clinical medical records of patients with ACS were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 811 patients was admitted as cases of ACS from January 2017 to December 2019. Using Slovin’s formula, the computed sample size was 261 patients. However, only 205 cases were included in the study in accordance to the eligibility criteria. The baseline RDW were recorded from the CBC obtained upon admission of patients with ACS.@*Results@#Based on the data collected from January 2017 to December 2019 from patients admitted to BGHMC, there was no significant association between RDW and in-house morbidity and mortality and classification of ACS.@*Conclusions@#There were no significant association between RDW and in-house morbidity and mortality and classification of ACS. The authors recommend to conduct the study for a longer duration to have more population included and to include other parameters such as cardiac enzymes, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and presence of co-morbidities.

Effect of Acupuncture at “Zhibian （BL 54）-to-Shuidao （ST 28）” on Key Factors of Endogenous Exogenous Apoptotic Pathways in Asthenospermia Model Mice / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of acupuncture “Zhibian （BL 54）-to-Shuidao （ST 28）” on the reproductive function of asthenospermia model mice and to explore the possible mechanism. MethodsForty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， and acupuncture group， with 14 mice in each group. Cyclophosphamide 30 mg/（kg·d） was injected intraperitoneally for 7 days to establish model of asthenospermia for the model group and the acupuncture group， while 0.9% sodium chloride solution 10 ml/（kg·d） was injected intraperitoneally for 7 days in the blank group. After successful modeling， mice in the acupuncture group received acupuncture at “Zhibian （BL 54）-to-Shuidao （ST 28）” once a day for 20 minutes， 6 times a week for 3 weeks； the remaining two groups were fixed without acupuncture. Daily observations were made on the general conditions of mice in all groups， and changes in body weight after intervention were recorded. On the next day after completing the treatment， 6 male mice selected randomly from each group to test the sperm quality as well as testicular and epididymal weights， and calculate the corresponding indices； ELISA was used to test the levels of testosterone （T）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， and luteinizing hormone （LH） in serum； HE staining and TUNEL staining were performed to observe the pathological morphology and apoptosis of testicular and epididymal tissues； fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot were used to detect changes in the expression of apoptosis-related factors （Fas）， Fas-associated death domain protein （FADD）， B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， and cysteine-aspartic acid protease （caspase）-3 mRNA and protein in testicular tissue. The remaining 8 male mice in each group were housed with estrus-cycling mice of the same strain at 1∶1 ratio， and the pregnancy rate and number of embryos per litter in each group were determined after mating. ResultsIn comparison with the blank group， mice in the model group exhibited reduced body weight， decreased testicular mass， testicular index， epididymal mass， and epididymal index. Additionally， there was a decrease in total sperm count， sperm motility， and sperm viability. Serum levels of T， FSH， and LH were reduced. The apoptosis rate increased， and the expression levels of Fas， FADD， Bax， and Caspase-3 mRNA and proteins were elevated， while Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression levels decreased （P＜0.01）. Pathological abnormalities were observed in testicular and epididymal tissues， with disrupted arrangement of seminiferous tubules and a decreased number of spermatogenic cells within the tubular lumen. Furthermore， the pregnancy rate and the number of embryos per litter decreased significantly after mating （P＜0.01）. In comparison with the model group， mice in the acupuncture group showed improvements in testicular mass， testicular index， epididymal mass， epididymal index， total sperm count， sperm motility， and sperm viability. Serum levels of T， FSH， and LH increased. The apoptosis rate decreased， and the expression levels of Fas， FADD， Bax， and Caspase-3 mRNA and proteins decreased， while Bcl-2 mRNA and protein expression levels increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Morphological improvements were observed in testicular and epididymal tissues， with a compact arrangement of seminiferous tubules and an increased number of spermatogenic cells within the tubular lumen. Furthermore， the pregnancy rate and the number of embryos per litter increased significantly after mating （P＜0.01）. ConclusionAcupuncture “Zhibian （BL 54）-to-Shuidao （ST 28）” can improve testicular tissue apoptosis and enhance reproductive function in a mouse model of asthenospermia. Its mechanism may be associated with the modulation of key factors in the extrinsic membrane receptor pathway （Fas-mediated pathway） and the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway （Bcl-2/Bax-regulated pathway） in testicular tissue.

Research progress on the stress-strain index of Corvis ST / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology(Corvis ST)is currently the most commonly used clinical device for assessing in vivo corneal biomechanics. The new parameter stress-strain index(SSI)has been a hot topic of clinical research in recent years, which not only directly reflect corneal biomaterial stiffness, but also closely correlates with the progression of certain diseases. SSI was generated based on the predictions of corneal behavior using finite element(FE)numerical modeling to simulate the effects of intraocular pressure and Corvis ST jets. The SSI algorithm does not change with central corneal thickness(CCT), intraocular pressure, or biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure(BIOP), but it is clearly associated with altered collagen fibres in the corneosclera. The principles of SSI, the relationship between age and SSI, the relationship between axial length and SSI, the relationship between myopia and SSI, and the application of SSI are summarized and concluded.

Infarto agudo de miocardio prematuro con elevación del segmento ST: análisis de una cohorte en la década 2012-2022 / Premature acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation: a cohort study in the 2012-2022 decade

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivo: El infarto prematuro tiene un alto impacto socioeconómico y carecemos de estudios contemporáneos que analicen las características asociadas al desarrollo de estos eventos y a su evolución Material y meéodos: En un estudio observacional sobre una cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó pacientes menores de 46 años con un infarto entre junio de 2012 y junio de 2022, se analizaron las características sociodemográficas, factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, tóxicos, características del infarto, datos sobre infección e inmunización por SARS-CoV-2, se realizó un seguimiento retrospectivo a un anÌo mediante la historia electrónica y se compararon los resultados con los reportados en la literatura. Resultados: El 12.1% de las angioplastias primarias corresponded a infartos prematuros (103). Entre los factores de riesgo clásicos destacaron la dislipidemia y el sobrepeso. La hipertensión y la diabetes fueron significativamente menores que las cifras reportadas en población mayor. El consumo de tabaco fue significativamente mayor, aí como el de otros tóxicos entre los que destacaron el cannabis y la ocaína. Los antecedentes familiares estuvieron presentes en 27 pacientes. El 27.2% (28) tuvieron complicaciones durante el ingreso y la mortalidad fue del 4.9% (5). No se identificaron diferencias significativas entre los pacientes que iniciaron con un evento antes o despuéde la pandemia, a excepción de una tendencia a la disminción del hábito tabáquico. Conclusiones: El infarto prematuro es una patología al alza con una morbimortalidad considerable. La concienciación sobre los hábitos tóxicos y prevención de los factores de riesgo clásicos son tareas prioritarias en nuestro medio.

Abstract Background and purpose: Premature infarction has a high socioeconomic impact and we lack contemporary studies that analyze the characteristics associated with its development and evolution. Material and methods: In an observational study on a retrospective cohort of patients younger than 46 years old, who had suffered from an infarction from June 2012 to June 2022, sociodemographic characteristics, cardiovascular and toxic risk factors, infarction characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunization data were investigated. Indeed, a one-year retrospective follow-up was performed through their electronic health record and results were compared with the ones reported in literature. Results: 12.1% of primary angioplasties corresponded to premature infarctions (103). Among classical risk factors, dyslipidemia and overweight stood out, while hypertension and diabetes incidence was significantly lower than the one reported in older population. The consumption of tobacco and other drugs (especially cannabis and cocaine) was higher than that reported at older ages. Twenty-seven patients had a family history of ischemic cardiopathy or sudden cardiac death, 27.2% (28) had complications during admission and mortality was 4.9% (5). No significant differences were identified between the patients who debuted with an event before or after the pandemic, except for a tendency to smoking cessation. Conclusions: Premature infarction is a rising pathology with considerable morbidity and mortality. Raising awareness about toxic habits and prevention of the classical risk factors are priority tasks in this setting.

Formando médicos para el siglo XXI: El rol crucial de la educación basada en competencias / Training physicians for the 21st century: The crucial role of competency-based education

A lo largo de la historia, el campo de la medicina se ha adaptado a las necesidades cambiantes de la sociedad y del sistema sanitario. Ante esa situación, surge la necesidad de plantear la transformación de la formación médica mediante un enfoque basado en las competencias y así definir el perfil de un médico para el siglo XXI. El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar y describir el rol de la formación basada en competencias en la formación médica en la preparación de los estudiantes de medicina. Para tal fin, se ha llevado a cabo una exhaustiva revisión bibliográfica en la que se analizan los conceptos clave de la formación médica basada en competencias. Los resultados destacan la importancia de integrar el desarrollo de habilidades en la formación médica teniendo en cuenta los factores sociales y culturales, así como fomentar la reflexión crítica en la formación médica. Se concluye que la educación médica debe adaptarse a las demandas cambiantes del campo, con la participación de diversas partes interesadas y la evolución de los métodos de enseñanza.

Throughout history, the field of medicine has adapted to the changing needs of society and the healthcare system. Faced with this situation, the need arises to consider the transformation of medical education through a competency-based approach and thus define the profile of a physician for the 21st century. The aim of this article is to analyze the role of competency-based training in medical education and its impact on the preparation of medical students. To this end, an exhaustive literature review has been carried out in which the key concepts of competency-based medical education are analyzed. The results highlight the importance of integrating skills development in medical education taking into account social and cultural factors, as well as encouraging critical reflection in medical education. It is concluded that medical education must adapt to the changing demands of the field, involving diverse stakeholders and evolving teaching methods.

Registro ARGEN-IAM-ST: infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST en el "nuevo" adulto mayor / ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry: ST-elevation myocardial infarction in "new" older adults

RESUMEN Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) considera adulto mayor (AM) a las personas que tienen 60 años o más. Es sabido que la mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) aumenta a edades más avanzadas, pero siempre se han utilizado umbrales de edad mayores que el propuesto por la OMS, por lo cual describir las características y evolución intrahospitalaria de este subgrupo (de acuerdo con la definición de la OMS) se torna relevante. Objetivos: 1) conocer la prevalencia de los AM según la OMS, con IAM con elevación del segmento ST en Argentina y 2) com- parar sus características, tratamientos de reperfusión y mortalidad con los adultos jóvenes. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los pacientes ingresados en el Registro Nacional de Infarto (ARGEN-IAM-ST). Se compara- ron las características clínicas, tratamientos y evolución de los AM y los adultos jóvenes. Resultados: Se incluyeron 6676 pacientes, de los cuales 3626 (54,3%) eran AM. Los AM fueron más frecuentemente mujeres (37,6% vs. 31,4%, p <0,001), hipertensos (67,8% vs. 47%, p <0,001), diabéticos (26,1% vs. 19,9%, p <0,001), dislipidémicos (45,4% vs. 37%, p <0,001), y tuvieron más antecedentes coronarios (16% vs. 10,3%, p <0,001). El tiempo a la consulta de los AM fue mayor (120 min vs. 105 min, p <0,001) con similar tiempo total de isquemia (314 min vs. 310 min, p = 0,33). Recibi- eron menos tratamiento de reperfusión (89,9% vs. 88,6%, p = 0,04) y más angioplastia primaria (91 % vs. 87,4%, p <0,001). Tuvieron más insuficiencia cardíaca (27,3% vs. 18,5%, p <0,001), similar incidencia de sangrado (3,7 vs. 3,1%, p = 0,33) y una mortalidad significativamente mayor (11,4% vs. 5,5%, p <0,001). Ser AM fue predictor independiente de mortalidad. Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los IAM en nuestro país ocurren en AM. Los pacientes mayores tienen menor probabilidad de recibir reperfusión, más insuficiencia cardíaca y el doble de la mortalidad que los pacientes menores de 60 años.

ABSTRACT Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines an Older Adult (OA) as any individual aged 60 or older. It is known that mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increases with age, but age thresholds higher than those proposed by the WHO have been consistently used; therefore, describing the characteristics and in-hospital progress of this subgroup of patients, in accordance with the WHO definition, becomes relevant. Objectives: 1) To know the prevalence of OA with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Argentina according to the WHO, and 2) to compare their characteristics, reperfusion treatments, and mortality against those in young adults. Methods: Patients included in the National Registry of ST- Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Registro Nacional de Infarto con Elevación del ST, ARGEN-IAM-ST) were analyzed. Clinical features, therapies, and progress were compared in OA versus young adults. Results: A total of 6676 patients were enrolled, 3626 of which (54.3%) were OA. OA were mostly female (37.6% vs 31.4%, p <0.001), had hypertension (67.8% vs 47%, p <0.001), diabetes (26.1% vs 19.9%, p <0.001), dyslipidemia (45.4% vs 37%, p <0.001), and a longer coronary artery disease history (16% vs 10.3%, p < 0.001). The time to consultation in OA was longer (120 min vs 105 min, p <0.001), with a similar total ischemic time (314 min vs 310 min, p = 0.33). They received less reperfu- sion treatment (89.9% vs 88.6%, p = 0.04) and more primary angioplasty (91% vs 87.4%, p <0.001). Heart failure was more common in OAs (27.3% vs 18.5%, p <0.001), with a similar bleeding incidence (3.7% vs 3.1%, p = 0.33), and significantly higher mortality (11.4% vs 5.5%, p<0.001). Being an OA was an independent mortality predictor. Conclusions: More than half the cases of AMI in our country occur in OA. Older patients are less likely to receive reperfusion, more likely to have heart failure, and show twice the rate of mortality as compared to patients under 60.

Efecto del posacondicionamiento isquémico remoto sobre la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST sometidos a intervención coronaria percutánea primaria / Effect of remote ischemic postconditioning on left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Resumen Antecedentes: En los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST), el acondicionamiento isquémico puede ayudar a limitar la remodelación ventricular. Objetivos: Investigar el efecto del posacondicionamiento isquémico remoto (PAIR) en la función del ventrículo izquierdo durante la intervención coronaria percutánea primaria (ICPP) en pacientes con IAMCEST. Material y métodos: Estudio de intervención pre y posprueba con un total de 60 pacientes con IAMCEST. Los pacientes fueron divididos en dos grupos: con y sin PAIR. Resultados: En el seguimiento de seis meses se observó una diferencia significativa en la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con ICPP, la cual fue mayor en el grupo con PAIR en comparación con el grupo sin PAIR: 1.0 (−1.0 a 4.3) versus −1.0 (−4.0 a –1.3), p = 0.033. En la medición de seis meses, el volumen sistólico final del ventrículo izquierdo en los pacientes sin PAIR fue mayor en comparación con el grupo homólogo: 79.3 ± 30.5 mL versus 64.4 ± 21.4 mL, p = 0.032. Conclusiones: PAIR muestra efectos favorables en la función ventricular izquierda y, por lo tanto, en el futuro podría ser una estrategia cardioprotectora potencial contra la lesión por isquemia-reperfusión en pacientes con IAMCEST.

Abstract Background: Ischemic conditioning may help patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to limit ventricular remodeling. Objectives: To investigate the effect of remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPC) on left ventricular function during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in patients with STEMI. Material and methods: Pre- and post-test intervention study with a total of 60 STEMI patients. Patients were divided in two groups: with and without RIPC. Results: At 6-month follow-up evaluation, a significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction was observed in patients who underwent PPCI, which was higher in the group with RIPC in comparison with the group without RIPC: 1.0 (−1.0 to 4.3) vs. −1.0 (−4.0 to –1.3), p = 0.033. In addition, at 6-month measurement, left ventricular end-systolic volume in patients without RIPC: was higher in comparison with their counterparts: 79.3 ± 30.5 mL versus 64.4 ± 21.4 mL, p = 0.032. Conclusions: RIPC shows favorable effects on left ventricular function and, therefore, in the future, it could be a potential cardioprotective strategy against ischemia-reperfusion injury in STEMI patients.

Utilización de la estrategia farmacoinvasiva en Argentina. Análisis del registro ARGEN-IAM ST / Use of the Pharmacoinvasive Strategy in Argentina. ARGEN-IAM ST Registry Analysis

RESUMEN Introducción : La angioplastia primaria (ATCp) es el tratamiento de elección para el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST). En nuestro país, de tanta extensión territorial y con tiempos a la reperfusión subóptimos, la estrategia farmacoinvasiva (Finv) podría considerarse. Material y métodos : El ARGEN-IAM-ST es un registro prospectivo, multicéntrico, nacional y observacional. Se incluyen pacien tes con IAMCEST dentro de las 36 horas de evolución. Se definió en el mismo la utilización de Finv y las variables asociadas. Resultados : Se analizaron 4788 pacientes de los cuales en el 88,56 % se realizó ATCp, en el 8,46 % trombolíticos con reperfusión positiva (TL+), y solo en un 2,98% Finv. La mediana y rango intercuartílico (RIC) del tiempo total de isquemia fueron menores en aquellos que recibieron TL+ (165 min, RIC 100-269) y los que fueron a Finv (191 min, RIC 100-330) que en aquellos que fueron a ATCp (280 min, RIC 179- 520), p <0,001. No existieron diferencias en mortalidad intrahospitalaria, en el grupo Finv 4,9%, 5,2% en el grupo TL + y en el grupo ATCp 7,8% (p = 0,081). No hubo diferencias en término de sangrados mayores. Se observó que un 57% de los pacientes con TL+ reunían características de alto riesgo, y no recibieron Finv acorde a lo recomendado Conclusiones : Solo 3 de cada 100 pacientes con IAMCEST que se reperfunden reciben Finv. Su implementación no está ligada en forma sistemática al alto riesgo de eventos. Pese a esta subutilización, por presentar un menor tiempo total de isquemia que la ATCp, sin aumento en los sangrados clínicamente relevantes persiste como una opción a considerar en nuestra realidad.

ABSTRACT Background : Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In Argentina, a country with a large area and suboptimal reperfusion times, the pharmacoinvasive (PI) strategy might be considered. Methods : ARGEN-IAM-ST is a national prospective, multicenter, and observational registry that includes STEMI patients with less than 36 hours of progression. The PI strategy usage and its associated variables were defined. Results : In this registry, 4788 patients were analyzed, of which 88.56% underwent PPCI, 8.46% received thrombolytics with positive reperfusion (TL+), and only 2.98% received PI strategy. Median and interquartile range (IQR) of total ischemia time were lower in patients receiving TL+ (165 min, IQR 100-269) and PI (191 min, IQR 100-330) than in patients undergoing PPCI (280 min, IQR 179-520), p <0.001. No differences in intra-hospital mortality were observed: 4.9% in the PI strategy group, 5.2% in the TL+ group and 7.8% in the PPCI group (p = 0.081). No differences in major bleeding events were observed. It was observed that 57% of the TL+ patients met the criteria for high cardiovascular risk, but they did not receive PI strategy, as recommended. Conclusions : Only 3 out of 100 reperfused STEMI patients received PI strategy. Its administration is not systematically associated to high cardiovascular risk. Despite the under-usage, it remains an option to be considered due to its total ischemia time lower than in the PPCI, with no increase in clinically significant bleedings.

Características y evolución clínica de pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio y elevación del segmento ST con y sin bloqueo interauricular

Fundamento resulta novedoso establecer la relación entre bloqueo interauricular e infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST debido a los pocos estudios que abordan el tema. Objetivo evaluar las características y evolución clínica de pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST con y sin bloqueo interauricular. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y correlacional en unidades de cuidados progresivos del Hospital General Universitario Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima de Cienfuegos. Se seleccionaron 169 sujetos con diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST divididos en dos grupos con y sin bloqueo interauricular. Se analizaron como variables demográficas: edad, sexo, color de la piel y entre las clínicas hábitos tóxicos (fumador, exfumador); antecedentes patológicos (infarto de miocardio, angina, enfermedad arterial periférica, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, enfermedad renal crónica; localización del infarto (anterior, inferior, bloqueo de rama izquierda); complicaciones: insuficiencia cardíaca, fibrilación auricular, taquicardia ventricular/fibrilación ventricular, trastornos de conducción aurículo ventricular, complicación mecánica, angina postinfarto, embolismo arterial) y estado al egreso (vivo o fallecido). Resultados el 52,17 % de los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST con bloqueo interauricular desarrollaron insuficiencia cardíaca, vs el 29,45 % de los pacientes sin bloqueo con significación estadística (p = 0.03). La relación entre la ocurrencia o no de complicaciones (así como el estado al egreso) y la presencia o no de bloqueo resultó muy significativa (p=0.01). Conclusiones el análisis minucioso en este contexto, de otros aspectos no habituales como la onda p, debe ser también rutinario, pues la documentación de bloqueo interauricular pudiera relacionarse con el curso clínico de los pacientes.

Foundation: it is novel to establish the relationship between interatrial block and acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation due to the few studies that address the subject. Objective: to evaluate the characteristics and clinical evolution of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction with and without interatrial block. Methods: a descriptive and correlational study was carried out in progressive care units of the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguía Lima University General Hospital in Cienfuegos. 169 subjects with a diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction divided into two groups with and without interatrial block were selected. Demographic variables were analyzed: age, sex, skin color and between clinics: toxic habits (smoker, ex-smoker); medical history (myocardial infarction, angina, peripheral arterial disease, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease; infarct location (anterior, inferior, left bundle branch block); complications: heart failure, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation, atrioventricular conduction disorders, mechanical complication, post infarction angina, arterial embolism) and discharge status (alive or deceased). Results: 52.17 % of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with interatrial block developed heart failure, vs 29.45 % among patients without block with statistical significance (p = 0.03). The relationship between the occurrence or not of complications (as well as the state at discharge) and the presence or not of blockade was highly significant (p=0.01). Conclusions: the detailed analysis, in this context, of the p wave of the electrocardiogram should be routine, since the documentation of interatrial block could be related to the clinical course of the patients.

The Predictive Value of R Wave Peak Time to Detect Thrombus Burden in St-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Tertiary Medical Center

Abstract Background: Patients with higher thrombus burden have higher procedural complications and more long-term adverse cardiac events. Detecting patients with high thrombus burden (HTB) before coronary intervention could help avoid procedural complications. Objective: The research aimed to analyze the R wave peak time (RWPT) on the electrocardiogram to predict thrombus burden before coronary angiography in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and Methods: A total of 159 patients with STEMI were included in the study conducted at a tertiary medical center. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus scale was applied to assess the thrombus burden. TIMI thrombus grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were accepted as low; 4 and 5 had HTB. RWPT was measured from the beginning of the QRS complex to the R-peak from the leads pointing to the infarct-related artery. Results: Patients were divided into two groups according to their angiographically defined thrombus burden as low and high. The low thrombus burden group (LTB) comprised fifty-four patients, whereas the HTB group comprised 105 patients. In the LTB group, RWPT was 47.96 ± 9.17 ms, and in the HTB group was 53.58 ± 8.92 ms; it was significantly longer (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a cut-off value of preprocedural RWPT of > 46.5 ms predicted the occurrence of HTB with a sensitivity and specificity of 87.62% and 51.85%, respectively (AUC 0.682, 95% CI 0.590-0.774, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The present study evaluated the relationship between the RWPT and thrombus burden in STEMI patients. Based on the results, RWPT is an independent predictor of HTB.

Age-related variations in corneal stress-strain index in the Indian population

Purpose: To report age?related variations in corneal stress–strain index (SSI) in healthy Indians. Methods: It was a retrospective study where healthy Indian individuals aged between 11 and 70 years who had undergone corneal biomechanics assessment using Corvis ST between January 2017 and December 2021 were enrolled. Composite corneal biomechanical parameters and corneal SSI were abstracted from Corvis ST and compared across different age groups using one?way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Also, Pearson’s correlation was used to evaluate the association between age and SSI. Results: Nine hundred and thirty?six eyes of 936 patients with ages between 11 and 77 years with mean ± SD intraocular pressure (IOP) and pachymetry of 16.52 ± 2.10 mmHg and 541.13 ± 26.39 ?s, respectively. Composite corneal biomechanical parameters such as deformation amplitude ratio max at 1 mm (P < 0.001) and 2 mm (P < 0.001), biomechanically corrected IOP (P = 0.004), stiffness parameter at A1 (P < 0.001, Corvis biomechanical index (P < 0.018), and SSI (P < 0.001) were found to be significantly different as a function of age group. We noted a statistically significant positive association of SSI with age (P < 0.001), spherical equivalent refractive error (P < 0.001), and IOP (P < 0.001) and a significant negative association with anterior corneal astigmatism (P < 0.001) and Anterior chamber depth (ACD) (P < 0.001). Also, SSI was positively associated with SPA1 and bIOP, whereas negatively associated with integrated radius, max inverse radius, and Max Deformation amplitude (DA) ratio at 1 mm and 2 mm. Conclusion: We noted a positive association of corneal SSI with age in normal healthy Indian eyes. This information could be helpful for future corneal biomechanical research.

Perception of first MBBS students toward online formative assessment in biochemistry

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected all the educational activities including medical education and there is a substantial shift from direct classes to online platforms.In competency-based medical education (CBME), the formative assessment orchestrates a prominent role in increasing the student’s capacity of learning. This method of teaching guides the students to measure the performance over a period of time and also improves the students’ knowledge gap. Aim and Objectives: The present study was carried to evaluate the perception and attitude of students toward online assessment during the formative assessment in 1st year MBBS degree in biochemistry subject. The study also aimed to assess practical difficulty and feasibility of conducting online assessment as a part of formative assessment as per CBME curriculum. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 124 1st year MBBS students and the students were informed about the assessment in 15 days advance. The perception and attitude of the students toward online assessment was done using 20 items structured questionnaire administered through Google forms. The students’ response was measured using 5-point Likert scale. Results: Among the 124 students, 42 (39.6%) were aware about online assessment. About 57.5% of students preferred any type of gadgets such as desktops, laptops, and smart phones. Most of the students 84.5% obtained 50–75% for a total score of 25. Around, 51.9% of students responded that online teaching is more feasible, and 74.5% reported that there is connectivity problem during online platform. In this study, 46.2% online assessment is safe and 41.5% strongly disagree that distraction from home environment did not affect the online assessment. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the students are more interested in MCQ-based question assessment for the knowledge assessment. Further, they opined in favor of online education but with some demerits.

Heart rate recovery at 1st min after graded exercise an indicator of parasympathetic function in healthy obese young adults

Background: Heart rate recovery at 1st min (HRR 1 min) after graded treadmill exercise (GTX) is a predictor of parasympathetic function. Impaired HRR 1 min and obesity are strong predictors of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders. This study is done to asses HRR 1 min on apparently healthy obese young adults with body mass index (BMI) ?30, without any other metabolic syndrome components. Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the parasympathetic function by estimating HRR 1 min after exercise in apparently healthy obese young adults of 18–30 years of age without any metabolic syndrome components and is compared with age- and gender-matched controls with normal BMI. Materials and Methods: Fifty obese young adults with BMI ?30 without any other metabolic syndrome component and 50 age- and gender-matched controls with BMI ?24.9 were selected and subjected to GTX according to modified Bruce protocol. Maximum heart rate reached during exercise (HRmax) and heart rate at 1st min of recovery phase (HR1min) were recorded. HRR 1 min was calculated as HRmax-HR1min and was analyzed. Results: This study showed significantly attenuated HRR 1 min in obese young adults compared to age- and gender-matched controls (mean 24.02 ± 8.87 vs. 42.42 ± 5.3, P < 0.001). Conclusion: HRR 1 min was significantly decreased in obese young adults, indicating attenuated parasympathetic function, who are at higher risk of developing chronic cardiovascular and other metabolic disorders.

Performance Measures in STEMI after COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the RECUIMA Registry

Abstract Background To offer proper medical care to patients with ST-segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income settings (LMIS) is challenging. However, it is not known if performance indicators have changed back after the epidemiological recovery. Objective to describe performance measures (PM) in patients with STEMI during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Observational study of patients with STEMI, from an LMIS, with analysis of PM suggested in the 2017 AHA-ACC Performance Measures for Adults with STEMI. COVID-19 period was determined from January 2020 to October 2021, and from November 2021 to February 2022 as the post-COVID-19 period. Baseline characteristics, treatments and selected PM were compared using the χ2 test or Mann-Whitney U test. All tests were two-sided, and statistical significance was considered as p-value <0.05. Coronary interventionism-related PM were not reported. Results Administration of thrombolysis decreased (71.2% vs 51.6% (p: 0.001)), while the delay time for its administration (Median (Interquartile Range)) increased considerably (30 min (16-60) to 45 min (35- 60) (p: 0.003)). Aspirin at admission was administered in each period at 92.9% vs 94.2% (p: 0.62); and at discharge to 97.8% vs 98.9% (p: 0.48). Beta-blockers, P2Y12 inhibitors, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with heart failure were administered to 67.1% vs 85.1% (p: 0.01), 96.4% vs 84% (p: 0.001), 96.2 % vs 95.7% (p: 1), and 81.2% vs 94.3% (p: 0.14), respectively. Conclusion Despite this being a current period of epidemiological recovery, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact the care of patients with STEMI.

Quality of Life in Patients After Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the acute coronary syndrome with the highest severity and mortality. It can affect physical health and well-being of patients, and consequently their quality of life (QoL). Objective: To describe the QoL of patients at 30 days and 180 days after STEMI, focusing on sex differences and repercussions on physical and mental dimensions. Methods: Observational study with 174 STEMI patients included in the study on STEMI conducted in the city of Salvador, Brazil (PERSISST). The QoL of patients at 30 days (D30) and 180 days (D180) after the coronary event was assessed using the 12-item short form health survey (SF-12). Physical and mental components of QoL were calculated using the SF-12 OrthoToolKit. Descriptive analysis of data was made using the IBM SPSS software, version 25.0. Results: Mean age of participants at D30 and D180 was 57.1±11.4 years and 60.5±10.9 years, respectively, with a higher prevalence of men (55.8% and 56.8%). In general, patients had a poor QoL at both time points (scores 49.1±8.9 and 49.9±8.4, respectively). Analysis by sex, however, showed that men had a good QoL at both 30D (score 51.8±7.4) and 180 D (score 51.3±7.7), whereas a poor QoL was found among women at these time points (45.7±9.6 and 48.1±9.0, respectively). Men showed higher physical and mental health scale scores than women at both D30 and D180, and there was a greater impairment of the physical component in both sexes. Conclusion: Patients had poor QoL at 30 days and 180 days after STEMI, with a greater impairment of the physical component and a worse QoL perception among women than men at both time points.