Interstitial Fibrosis and Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Unravelling Sex-Based Differences.

Background: Interstitial fibrosis as quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has been demonstrated in arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse (MVP), a condition with known female predominance. However, prior studies included only MVP cases with significant mitral regurgitation (MR) or mitral annular disjunction (MAD). We sought to evaluate the association between interstitial fibrosis and complex ventricular ectopy (ComVE) in MVPs unselected for MAD or severe MR, and to investigate the contribution of sex to this association. Methods: We performed contrast CMR in consecutive individuals with MVP between 2020 and 2022. Extracellular volume fraction (ECV%), a surrogate marker for interstitial fibrosis, was quantified using T 1 mapping. Replacement fibrosis was assessed using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). ComVE, defined as frequent premature ventricular contractions and/or non-sustained/sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), was detected using ambulatory ECG monitoring. Results: We identified 59 MVP cases without severe MR (49% women, 80% with mild or less MR) and available ECV% measurement. Among these, 23 (39%) had ComVE, including a case of aborted ventricular fibrillation (VF) and one with sudden arrhythmic death, both females. Global ECV% was significantly greater in ComVE versus non-ComVE (31%[27-33] vs 27%[23-30], p=0.002). In MVP-ComVE, higher segmental ECV% was not limited to the inferolateral/inferior LV wall, but was also demonstrated in atypical segments including the anterior/anterolateral wall (p<0.05). The association between ComVE and ECV% was driven by female sex (32%[30-33] vs 28%[26-30], p=0.003 in females; 31%[25-33] vs 26%[23-30], p=0.22 in males). ECV% remained independently associated with an increased risk of ComVE, including VT/VF, after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, MAD, and LGE (p<0.01). Conclusion: In MVP without significant MR, interstitial fibrosis by CMR is associated with an increased risk of ComVE, suggesting a primary myopathic process. The stronger association between interstitial fibrosis and ComVE in females may explain why severe arrhythmic complications are more prevalent among women.

Identifying Mitral Valve Prolapse at Risk for Arrhythmias and Fibrosis From Electrocardiograms Using Deep Learning.

BACKGROUND: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common valvulopathy, with a subset developing sudden cardiac death or cardiac arrest. Complex ventricular ectopy (ComVE) is a marker of arrhythmic risk associated with myocardial fibrosis and increased mortality in MVP. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate whether electrocardiogram (ECG)-based machine learning can identify MVP at risk for ComVE, death and/or myocardial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. METHODS: A deep convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to detect ComVE using 6,916 12-lead ECGs from 569 MVP patients from the University of California-San Francisco between 2012 and 2020. A separate CNN was trained to detect late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) using 1,369 ECGs from 87 MVP patients with contrast CMR. RESULTS: The prevalence of ComVE was 28% (160/569). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the CNN to detect ComVE was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83) and remained high after excluding patients with moderate-severe mitral regurgitation [0.80 (95% CI: 0.77-0.83)] or bileaflet MVP [0.81 (95% CI: 0.76-0.85)]. AUC to detect all-cause mortality was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77-0.87). ECG segments relevant to ComVE prediction were related to ventricular depolarization/repolarization (early-mid ST-segment and QRS from V1, V3, and III). LGE in the papillary muscles or basal inferolateral wall was present in 24% patients with available CMR; AUC for detection of LGE was 0.75 (95% CI: 0.68-0.82). CONCLUSIONS: CNN-analyzed 12-lead ECGs can detect MVP at risk for ventricular arrhythmias, death and/or fibrosis and can identify novel ECG correlates of arrhythmic risk. ECG-based CNNs may help select those MVP patients requiring closer follow-up and/or a CMR.

Quantitation of dietary dihydrochalcones in Indian crabapple (Malus sikkimensis) using validated high-performance liquid chromatography.

In the present study, a systematic validated method was developed for the determination of two key dietary dihydrochalcones (DHC) viz. phloridzin (PZ) and phloretin (PT) in the leaves of Sikkim crabapple (Malus sikkimensis) using HPLC-Photo Diode Array (PDA). Chromatographic separation was optimized on a C18 column using a gradient elution of water/acetonitrile with the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min at 25°C at 280 nm. Sample preparation approach is rapid and energy efficient, and it requires no pre-concentration before analysis. Validation showed a good analytical performance in terms of specificity, linearity (r2 > 0.999), precision (% RSD < 1.08), recovery (97-100.4%) and sensitivities (limits of detection: 12.48 and 14.95 ng/mL; limit of quantification: 41.61 and 49.85 ng/mL) of PZ and PT, respectively. Developed approach was employed for targeted phytochemical analysis in the bark and fruits of M. sikkimensis. The PZ content in the bark and leaves was highest (12-13 mg/100 mg), about 90-fold higher than fruits. PT was only present in the leaves (0.57 mg/100 mg). The comparative data on PZ and PT content in various wild apple species/cultivar from different countries have also been discussed. The reliability of the validated method was established by analyzing global and expanded uncertainties in two DHC determinations in wild apple. The present method fulfills the technical requirement of ISO 17025:2017 for quality control of M. sikkimensis.

Alcohol consumption and leukocyte telomere length.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and mortality generally exhibits a U-shaped curve. The longevity observed with moderate alcohol consumption may be explained by other confounding factors, and, if such a relationship is present, the mechanism is not well understood. Indeed, the optimal amount of alcohol consumption for health has yet to be determined. Leukocyte telomere length is an emerging quantifiable marker of biological age and health, and a shorter telomere length is a predictor of increased mortality. Because leukocyte telomere length is a quantifiable and objectively measurable biomarker of aging, we sought to identify the amount of alcohol consumption associated with the longest telomere length and least telomere length attrition. Among over 2,000 participants from two distinct cohort studies, we found no pattern of alcohol consumption that was associated with longer telomere length or less telomere length attrition over time. Binge drinking may reduce telomere length. Using telomere length as a marker of age and health, these data fail to demonstrate any benefits of alcohol consumption, even when consumed in moderation.

Synthesis, characterization, computational studies and biological activity evaluation of Cu, Fe, Co and Zn complexes with 2-butanone thiosemicarbazone and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands as anticancer and antibacterial agents.

Mixed-ligand metal (II) (M=Cu, Fe, Co and Zn) complexes containing 2-butanone thiosemicarbazone and 1, 10-phenanthroline have been synthesized and characterized by melting point, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, UV-spectrophotometry and molar conductance measurements. All the complexes were soluble in DMSO and DMF. They were thermally stable with high melting points. The computational studies of the complexes were also performed to assess toxicity potential, bioactivity score prediction and drug likeliness assessment based on various drug filters. All the complexes showed no Veber's violations whereas only Cu complex showed one Lipinski's violation. Almost all synthesized compounds were predicted to have no toxic effects. Some of them showed positive bioactivity as enzyme inhibitors. Molecular docking of the complexes was also performed against ribonucleotide diphosphate reductase (RR) and topoisomerase II (Topo II) for minimum binding energy (kcal/mol) calculations. Cu complex was found to have minimum binding energy (-101.13 kcal/mol) released on interaction with Topo II showing a high affinity towards the enzyme, whereas Fe complex had the lowest binding energy (-99.8349 kcal/mol) when docked with RR. The results were compared with two standard drugs i.e. doxorubicin HCl and tetracycline. The ligand was tested for its potential anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231 cell line using MTT assay. Antibacterial activity of the complexes was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the disc diffusion method. Cu (II) complex showed maximum activity against the MDA cells and also exhibited mild antibacterial activity against S. aureus.

Sleep characteristics that predict atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between sleep disruption, independent of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether poor sleep itself is a risk factor for AF. METHODS: We first performed an analysis of participants in the Health eHeart Study and validated those findings in the longitudinal Cardiovascular Health Study, including a subset of patients undergoing polysomnography. To determine whether the observed relationships readily translated to medical practice, we examined 2005-2009 data from the California Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. RESULTS: Among 4553 Health eHeart participants, the 526 with AF exhibited more frequent nighttime awakening (odd ratio [OR] 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.89; P = .003). In 5703 Cardiovascular Health Study participants followed for a median 11.6 years, frequent nighttime awakening predicted a 33% greater risk of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.33; 95% CI 1.17-1.51; P <.001). In patients with polysomnography (N = 1127), every standard deviation percentage decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was associated with a 18% higher risk of developing AF (HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.00-1.38; P = .047). Among 14,330,651 California residents followed for a median 3.9 years, an insomnia diagnosis predicted a 36% increased risk of new AF (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.30-1.42; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Sleep disruption consistently predicted AF before and after adjustment for OSA and other potential confounders across several different populations. Sleep quality itself may be important in the pathogenesis of AF, potentially representing a novel target for prevention.

Correction: Past alcohol consumption and incident atrial fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185228.].

Past alcohol consumption and incident atrial fibrillation: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

BACKGROUND: Although current alcohol consumption is a risk factor for incident atrial fibrillation (AF), the more clinically relevant question may be whether alcohol cessation is associated with a reduced risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied participants enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) between 1987 and 1989 without prevalent AF. Past and current alcohol consumption were ascertained at baseline and at 3 subsequent visits. Incident AF was ascertained via study ECGs, hospital discharge ICD-9 codes, and death certificates. Of 15,222 participants, 2,886 (19.0%) were former drinkers. During a median follow-up of 19.7 years, there were 1,631 cases of incident AF, 370 occurring in former consumers. Former drinkers had a higher rate of AF compared to lifetime abstainers and current drinkers. After adjustment for potential confounders, every decade abstinent from alcohol was associated with an approximate 20% (95% CI 11-28%) lower rate of incident AF; every additional decade of past alcohol consumption was associated with a 13% (95% CI 3-25%) higher rate of AF; and every additional drink per day during former drinking was associated with a 4% (95% CI 0-8%) higher rate of AF. CONCLUSIONS: Among former drinkers, the number of years of drinking and the amount of alcohol consumed may each confer an increased risk of AF. Given that a longer duration of abstinence was associated with a decreased risk of AF, earlier modification of alcohol use may have a greater influence on AF prevention.

Molecular docking, PASS analysis, bioactivity score prediction, synthesis, characterization and biological activity evaluation of a functionalized 2-butanone thiosemicarbazone ligand and its complexes.

2-Butanone thiosemicarbazone ligand was prepared by condensation reaction between thiosemicarbazide and butanone. The ligand was characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR, mass spectrometry and UV spectroscopic studies. Docking studies were performed to study inhibitory action against topoisomerase II (Topo II) and ribonucleoside diphosphate reductase (RR) enzymes. Inhibition constants (Ki ) of the ligand were 437.87 and 327.4 µM for the two enzymes, respectively. The ligand was tested for its potential anticancer activity against two cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and A549 using MTT assay and was found to exhibit good activity at higher doses with an IC50 = 80 µM against human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. On the other hand, no significant activity was obtained against the lung carcinoma cell line A549. Antibacterial activity of the ligand was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli using the disc diffusion method. Ligand did not exhibit any significant antibacterial activity. Four complexes of Co(III), Fe(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) were prepared with the ligand and characterized by various spectroscopic studies. Low molar conductance values were obtained for all complexes displaying non-electrolyte nature except in Co(III) complex. As expected, complexation with metal ions significantly increased the cytotoxicity of the ligand against the tested cell lines viz. IC50 values of <20 µM for Co, Fe, and Zn complexes and approx. 80 µM against MDA cells versus IC50 value of <20 µM for Co and Cu complexes and that of 30 and 50 µM for Fe and Zn complexes, respectively, against A549 cells. The Cu complex was found to be active against E. coli and S. aureus with MIC values in the range of 6-10 mg/mL. Other than Cu, only Co complex was found to possess antibacterial activity with MIC values of 5-10 mg/mL when tested against S. aureus. Bioactivity score and Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) analysis also depicted the drug-like nature of ligand and complexes.

Secondhand smoke and atrial fibrillation: Data from the Health eHeart Study.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), but whether secondhand smoke (SHS) impacts the risk of AF remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine if SHS exposure is associated with an increased risk of AF. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from participants enrolled in the Health eHeart Study, an internet-based, longitudinal cardiovascular cohort study, who completed baseline SHS exposure and medical conditions questionnaires. SHS was assessed through a validated 22-question survey, and prevalent AF was assessed by self-report, with validation of a subset (n = 42) by review of electronic medical records. RESULTS: Of 4976 participants, 593 (11.9%) reported having AF. In unadjusted analyses, patients with AF were more likely to have been exposed to SHS in utero, as a child, as an adult, at home, and at work. After multivariable adjustment for potential confounders, having had a smoking parent during gestational development (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.08-1.73, P = .009) and residing with a smoker during childhood (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-1.79, P = .007) were each significantly associated with AF. Both positive associations were more pronounced among patients without risk factors for AF (P values for interaction <.05). CONCLUSIONS: SHS exposure during gestational development and during childhood was associated with having AF later in life. This association was even stronger in the absence of established risk factors for AF. Our findings indicate that SHS in early life may be an important, potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of AF.

Consumption of Caffeinated Products and Cardiac Ectopy.

BACKGROUND: Premature cardiac contractions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Though experts associate premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) with caffeine, there are no data to support this relationship in the general population. As certain caffeinated products may have cardiovascular benefits, recommendations against them may be detrimental. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied Cardiovascular Health Study participants with a baseline food frequency assessment, 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter) monitoring, and without persistent atrial fibrillation. Frequencies of habitual coffee, tea, and chocolate consumption were assessed using a picture-sort food frequency survey. The main outcomes were PACs/h and PVCs/hour. Among 1388 participants (46% male, mean age 72 years), 840 (61%) consumed ≥1 caffeinated product per day. The median numbers of PACs and PVCs/h and interquartile ranges were 3 (1-12) and 1 (0-7), respectively. There were no differences in the number of PACs or PVCs/h across levels of coffee, tea, and chocolate consumption. After adjustment for potential confounders, more frequent consumption of these products was not associated with ectopy. In examining combined dietary intake of coffee, tea, and chocolate as a continuous measure, no relationships were observed after multivariable adjustment: 0.48% fewer PACs/h (95% CI -4.60 to 3.64) and 2.87% fewer PVCs/h (95% CI -8.18 to 2.43) per 1-serving/week increase in consumption. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest study to evaluate dietary patterns and quantify cardiac ectopy using 24-hour Holter monitoring, we found no relationship between chronic consumption of caffeinated products and ectopy.