Clinical utility of oesophageal temperature monitoring in AF ablation: An updated meta-analysis and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation can lead to oesophageal thermal injuries (ETI). These are thought to be the precursor of the much rarer but frequently fatal atrio-oesophageal fistulas. Many centers performing AF ablation routinely use oesophageal temperature monitoring (ETM). This meta-analysis aims to determine the utility of ETM in preventing ETI in the context of radiofrequency catheter ablation of AF. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase databases and Cochrane registry was performed comparing ETI between ETM and non-ETM strategies in AF ablation. Data on endoscopically determined ETI, AF recurrence, procedure time and ablation time were extracted. Statistical analyses including subgroup and covariate analyses were performed using random effect model in R platform. RESULTS: ETI were similar in both ETM (n = 864) and non- ETM groups (n = 639) (RR 1.04, 95 % CI 0.34-3.23) across 12 studies. AF recurrence was statistically similar in both groups (IRR 0.92, 95 % CI 0.73-1.17) but showed a lower trend in non-ETM group. Ablation time was numerically lower in the ETM group and procedure time was numerically higher trend in the ETM group; but they were not statistically significant. Covariate analysis found that posterior wall ablation power setting, additional linear ablation, BMI, use of GA or prophylactic PPI after ablation had no significant correlation in the incidence of ETI. CONCLUSION: ETM was not associated with a reduced incidence of ETI during AF ablation. Evidence supporting the routine use of ETM to reduce the risk of ETI or atrio-oesophageal fistulas is lacking.

Giant Aneurysms: Not So Giant in Behavior.

BACKGROUND: Giant intracranial aneurysms (GIAs) are very complex in their behavior and treatment procedure. There are various modalities of treatment. The annual rupture rate of GIA (6%) is higher than that of small aneurysms (1-3%). Neurosurgeons handle these aneurysms during operations. OBJECTIVE: We tried to analyze the intraoperative rupture rate (IRR) of GIA in relation to small aneurysms. IRR is concerned with the rupture of the aneurysms during operative handling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For conducting the study, we compared the IRR of 7 GIAs and 45 small aneurysms during a span of 10 years. All the operations were performed by the same team and the same principal surgeon. IRR was compared by statistical analysis. RESULT: Z-test was done to compare the two rates: Z = 0.68 and P = 0.49. According to our study, the IRR of GIA is not statistically different from small aneurysms. The IRR of GIA is not higher because of three factors which we have analyzed: 1) layers of intraaneurysmal thrombus, 2) fibrin deposition on the aneurysm wall, and 3) blocked neck of the aneurysm by thrombus. CONCLUSION: The IRR of GIA is not different from small aneurysms.

Coronary artery disease in patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease- An analysis from eastern India.

INTRODUCTION: There is insufficient information on the angiographic characteristics of individuals with rheumatic valvular heart disease (VHD) from eastern India. The objective of this research is to gather important data in this area to aid the best surgical outcomes for patients with rheumatic VHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 978 consecutive patients with rheumatic VHD, scheduled for surgical intervention, were recruited. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: Mitral valve involvement was observed in 66.1 %, aortic valve in 7.3 % and both valves in 26.6 %. Patients with CAD had significantly higher proportions of severe aortic stenosis (AS). Therefore, addressing the risk factors for CAD is crucial in patients with rheumatic VHD.

What Are "Bioplastics"? Defining Renewability, Biosynthesis, Biodegradability, and Biocompatibility.

Today, plastic materials are mostly made from fossil resources, and they are characterized by their long lifetime and pronounced persistence in the open environment. These attributes of plastics are one cause of the ubiquitous pollution we see in our environment. When plastics end up in the environment, most of this pollution can be attributed to a lack of infrastructure for appropriately collecting and recycling plastic waste, mainly due to mismanagement. Because of the huge production volumes of plastics, their merits of being cheap to produce and process and their recalcitrance have turned into a huge disadvantage, since plastic waste has become the end point of our linear economic usage model, and massive amounts have started to accumulate in the environment, leading to microplastics pollution and other detrimental effects. A possible solution to this is offered by "bioplastics", which are materials that are either (partly) biobased and/or degradable under defined conditions. With the rise of bioplastics in the marketplace, several standards and test protocols have been developed to assess, certify, and advertise their properties in this respect. This article summarizes and critically discusses different views on bioplastics, mainly related to the properties of biodegradability and biobased carbon content; this shall allow us to find a common ground for clearly addressing and categorizing bioplastic materials, which could become an essential building block in a circular economy. Today, bioplastics account for only 1-2% of all plastics, while technically, they could replace up to 90% of all fossil-based plastics, particularly in short-lived goods and packaging, the single most important area of use for conventional plastics. Their replacement potential not only applies to thermoplastics but also to thermosets and elastomers. Bioplastics can be recycled through different means, and they can be made from renewable sources, with (bio)degradability being an option for the mismanaged fraction and special applications with an intended end of life in nature (such as in seed coatings and bite protection for trees). Bioplastics can be used in composites and differ in their properties, similarly to conventional plastics. Clear definitions for "biobased" and "biodegradable" are needed to allow stakeholders of (bio)plastics to make fact-based decisions regarding material selection, application, and end-of-life options; the same level of clarity is needed for terms like "renewable carbon" and "bio-attributed" carbon, definitions of which are summarized and discussed in this paper.

Microbial PolyHydroxyAlkanoate (PHA) Biopolymers-Intrinsically Natural.

Global pollution from fossil plastics is one of the top environmental threats of our time. At their end-of-life phase, fossil plastics, through recycling, incineration, and disposal result in microplastic formation, elevated atmospheric CO2 levels, and the pollution of terrestrial and aquatic environments. Current regional, national, and global regulations are centered around banning plastic production and use and/or increasing recycling while ignoring efforts to rapidly replace fossil plastics through the use of alternatives, including those that occur in nature. In particular, this review demonstrates how microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a class of intrinsically natural polymers, can successfully remedy the fossil and persistent plastic dilemma. PHAs are bio-based, biosynthesized, biocompatible, and biodegradable, and thus, domestically and industrially compostable. Therefore, they are an ideal replacement for the fossil plastics pollution dilemma, providing us with the benefits of fossil plastics and meeting all the requirements of a truly circular economy. PHA biopolyesters are natural and green materials in all stages of their life cycle. This review elaborates how the production, consumption, and end-of-life profile of PHAs are embedded in the current and topical, 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, which constitute the basis for sustainable product manufacturing. The time is right for a paradigm shift in plastic manufacturing, use, and disposal. Humankind needs alternatives to fossil plastics, which, as recalcitrant xenobiotics, contribute to the increasing deterioration of our planet. Natural PHA biopolyesters represent that paradigm shift.

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm due to Infective Endocarditis managed by device closure - a case report.

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSOV) is an uncommon cause of high output heart failure. RSOV most commonly opens into the right ventricle followed by the right atrium and non-coronary cusp involvement is relatively uncommon. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare cause of RSOV. We report an interesting clinical scenario of IE causing RSOV managed by device closure. A 16-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with acute chest pain, fever, and engorged neck veins. On cardiorespiratory system examination he had features of left ventricular failure. Blood culture revealed growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Echocardiography and computed tomography aortography confirmed the diagnosis of 9 mm type IV RSOV (non-coronary cusp to right atrium) with vegetation (5 × 6 mm). The patient refused surgery. When there was no apparent visible vegetation after 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy, we proceeded with 12-mm Amplatzer duct occluder II closure of the anatomical defect. Monthly follow up has been uneventful for 6 months. As per our knowledge this is the first ever reported case of documented definitive IE by S. aureus causing Sakakibara and Konno ruptured Type IV RSOV that has been managed successfully by device closure. .

A New Wave of Industrialization of PHA Biopolyesters.

The ever-increasing use of plastics, their fossil origin, and especially their persistence in nature have started a wave of new innovations in materials that are renewable, offer the functionalities of plastics, and are biodegradable. One such class of biopolymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), are biosynthesized by numerous microorganisms through the conversion of carbon-rich renewable resources. PHA homo- and heteropolyesters are intracellular products of secondary microbial metabolism. When isolated from microbial biomass, PHA biopolymers mimic the functionalities of many of the top-selling plastics of petrochemical origin, but biodegrade in soil, freshwater, and marine environments, and are both industrial- and home-compostable. Only a handful of PHA biopolymers have been studied in-depth, and five of these reliably match the desired material properties of established fossil plastics. Realizing the positive attributes of PHA biopolymers, several established chemical companies and numerous start-ups, brand owners, and converters have begun to produce and use PHA in a variety of industrial and consumer applications, in what can be described as the emergence of the "PHA industry". While this positive industrial and commercial relevance of PHA can hardly be described as the first wave in its commercial development, it is nonetheless a very serious one with over 25 companies and start-ups and 30+ brand owners announcing partnerships in PHA production and use. The combined product portfolio of the producing companies is restricted to five types of PHA, namely poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), poly(4-hydroxybutyrate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), even though PHAs as a class of polymers offer the potential to generate almost limitless combinations of polymers beneficial to humankind. To date, by varying the co-monomer type and content in these PHA biopolymers, their properties emulate those of the seven top-selling fossil plastics, representing 230 million t of annual plastics production. Capacity expansions of 1.5 million t over the next 5 years have been announced. Policymakers worldwide have taken notice and are encouraging industry to adopt biodegradable and compostable material solutions. This wave of commercialization of PHAs in single-use and in durable applications holds the potential to make the decisive quantum leap in reducing plastic pollution, the depletion of fossil resources, and the emission of greenhouse gases and thus fighting climate change. This review presents setbacks and success stories of the past 40 years and the current commercialization wave of PHA biopolymers, their properties, and their fields of application.

Meta-analysis comparing outcomes of high-power short-duration and low-power long-duration radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: High power short duration (HPSD) ablation strategy is proposed to be more effective than low power long duration (LPLD) for radiofrequency ablation of atrial fibrillation. Although small trials abound, data from a large cohort are lacking. This meta-analysis compares all the existing studies comparing these two approaches to evaluate perceived advantages of one over the other. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases identified studies comparing HPSD to LPLD ablation. All the analyses used the random-effects model. RESULTS: Ablation settings varied widely across 20 studies comprising 2,136 patients who underwent HPSD and 1,753 patients who underwent LPLD. The pooled incidence of atrial arrhythmia recurrence after HPSD ablation was 20% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.25; I2=88%]. Atrial arrhythmia recurrences were significantly less frequent with HPSD ablation (incidence risk ratio=0.66; 95% CI: 0.49-0.88; I2=72%; p=0.004). Procedural, fluoroscopy, and ablation times were significantly shorter with HPSD ablation. First-pass pulmonary vein isolations (PVIs) were significantly more [odds ratio (OR)=2.94; 95% CI: 1.50-5.77; I2=89%; p=0.002), and acute pulmonary vein reconnections (PVRs) were significantly lesser (OR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.28-0.62; I2=62%; p<0.001) in the HPSD group. Although radiofrequency energy was significantly higher, esophageal thermal injuries (ETI) were lower with HPSD ablation. Acute complications, including steam-pops, were rare and statistically similar in both the groups. CONCLUSION: HPSD ablation enables faster first-pass PVI with fewer PVRs, similar ETI rates, rare collateral damage, and lower recurrence of atrial arrhythmia in the long term than LPLD. Randomized controlled studies with a larger cohort are indicated both to confirm the benefit of HPSD ablation and standardize the ablation protocol.

A Comprehensive Review of Yoga Research in 2020.

Objectives: Accumulated evidence garnered in the last few decades has highlighted the role of yoga in health and disease. The overwhelming mortality and morbidity mediated by noncommunicable epidemics such as heart disease and cancer have fostered a search for mechanisms to attenuate them. Despite overwhelming success in acute care, the efficacy of modern medicines has been limited on this front. Yoga is one of the integrative therapies that has come to light as having a substantial role in preventing and mitigating such disorders. It thus seems trite to analyze and discuss the research advancements in yoga for 2020. The present review attempts to distill recent research highlights from voluminous literature generated in 2020. Methods: This review was conducted on the articles published or assigned to an issue in 2020. The authors searched the PubMed database for clinical studies published in the English language, using yoga (including meditation) as the intervention, and having an adequate description of the intervention. Then, they extracted data from each study into a standardized Google sheet. Results: A total of 1149 citations were retrieved in the initial search. Of these, 46 studies met eligibility criteria and were finally included. The studies were predominantly on mental health and neuropsychology, addressing various issues such as anxiety, postural balance, migraine, academic performance, and childhood neglect. Anxiety, stress, and depression were other common denominators. Eight studies were on cardiorespiratory systems, including exercise capacity, cardiac rehabilitation, myocardial infarction, and hypertension. Three studies were on diabetes, evaluating the effect of yoga. Five studies focused on cognition, health status, and autonomic regulation and few others included cancers, infertility, ulcerative colitis, urinary incontinence, restless leg syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, and metabolic syndrome. Finally, most studies were on noncommunicable diseases with one exception, human immunodeficiency virus; two randomized controlled trials were dedicated to it. Conclusions: Yoga has been studied under a wide variety of clinicopathological conditions in the year 2020. This landscape review intends to provide an idea of the role of yoga in various clinical conditions and its future therapeutic implications.

Incidence and Predictors of Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Therapies After Generator Replacement-A Pooled Analysis of 31,640 Patients' Data.

Among primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients, 75% do not experience any appropriate ICD therapies during their lifetime, and nearly 25% have improvements in their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during the lifespan of their first generator. The practice guidelines concerning this subgroup's clinical need for generator replacement (GR) remain unclear. We conducted a proportional meta-analysis to determine the incidence and predictors of ICD therapies after GR and compared this to the immediate and long-term complications. A systematic review of existing literature on ICD GR was performed. Selected studies were critically appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Outcomes data were analyzed by random-effects modeling using R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), and covariate analyses were conducted using the restricted maximum likelihood function. A total of 31,640 patients across 20 studies were included in the meta-analysis with a median (range) follow-up of 2.9 (1.2-8.1) years. The incidences of total therapies, appropriate shocks, and anti-tachycardia pacing post-GR were approximately 8, 4, and 5 per 100 patient-years, respectively, corresponding to 22%, 12%, and 12% of patients of the total cohort, with a high level of heterogeneity across the studies. Greater anti-arrhythmic drug use and previous shocks were associated with ICD therapies post-GR. The all-cause mortality was approximately 6 per 100 patient-years, corresponding to 17% of the cohort. Diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and the use of digoxin were predictors of all-cause mortality in the univariate analysis; however, none of these were found to be significant predictors in the multivariate analysis. The incidences of inappropriate shocks and other procedural complications were 2 and 2 per 100 patient-years, respectively, which corresponded to 6% and 4% of the entire cohort. Patients undergoing ICD GR continue to require therapy in a significant proportion of cases without any correlation with an improvement in LVEF. Further prospective studies are necessary to risk-stratify ICD patients undergoing GR.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care centre of eastern India: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Handful studies report the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among medical students from India and none from the eastern part of the country. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of risk factors of CVD and their correlation with CVD risk ratio among the MBBS students from eastern India. METHODS: 433 students were studied. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-long form was used for assessment of physical activity and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to elicit psychological stress levels. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was calculated. Total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio was calculated as the CVD risk ratio. RESULTS: 39.3% were women and 68.6% of the subjects were in junior classes. 22.4% subjects had high PSS while 30% performed low physical activity. Tobacco and alcohol intake was prevalent in 29.3% and 21.0% respectively. High CVD risk ratio was found in 14.3%. Most risk factors were more prevalent among juniors except diabetes. Among the non-overweight and non-obese subjects there was a significant positive correlation between WHtR and CVD risk score (R = 0.33, p < 0.001). 82.7% of the variance in CVD risk ratio could be explained by WHtR, Body mass index, Triglycerides and Low-density lipoprotein (F(7, 425) = 296.085), of which LDL (ß = 0.755) contributed the most. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of different modifiable CVD risk factors revealed among the subjects in this study is concerning. WHtR appears promising as an independent early predictor of CVD risk in Indian population. A dedicated CVD risk assessment tool for the young population is necessary.

A Network Meta-Analysis Comparing Osteoporotic Fracture among Different Direct Oral Anticoagulants and Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: There are limited studies comparing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures between different direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKA) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Using a network meta-analysis (NMA), we compared osteoporotic fractures among 5 different treatment arms, viz. dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and VKA. METHODS: Ten studies, including 5 randomized control trials and 5 population-based studies, with a total of 321,844 patients (148,751 and 173,093 in the VKA and DOAC group, respectively) with a median follow-up of 2 years, were included. A Bayesian random-effects NMA model comparing fractures among the treatment arms was performed using MetInsight V3. Sensitivity analysis excluded studies with the highest residual deviances from the NMA model. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 70 years. The meta-analysis favored DOACs over VKA with significantly lower osteoporotic fracture (odds ratio [OR], 0.77; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.70-0.86). The NMA demonstrated that fractures were significantly lower with apixaban compared with dabigatran (OR, 0.64; 95% CrI, 0.44-0.95); however, fractures were statistically similar between apixaban and rivaroxaban (OR, 0.84; 95% CrI, 0.58-1.24) and dabigatran and rivaroxaban (OR, 1.32; 95% CrI, 0.90-1.87). Based on the Bayesian model of NMA, the probability of osteoporotic fracture was highest with VKA and lowest with apixaban, followed by rivaroxaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to prescribe anticoagulants in elderly patients with AF should be made not only based on thrombotic and bleeding risks but also on the risk of osteoporotic fracture; these factors should be considered and incorporated in contemporary cardiology practice.

Comparison of original and modified Q risk 2 risk score with Framingham risk score - An Indian perspective.

OBJECTIVE: No study among Indian population has proposed modification of existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk scores or novel risk scores as risk estimation using conventional risk calculators can't be generalized because of epidemiological differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A single center observational study was performed at a tertiary care center among participants having no evidence of CVD. Prevalence of various cardiac risk factors were analysed and 10-year risk was estimated using Framingham risk score (FRS), Q risk 2 score calculator (QRISK2) and Modified Q risk 2 (mQRISK2) which included smokeless tobacco consumption. QRISK2 and mQRISK2 were compared with FRS and participant's eligibility for statin therapy as primary preventive measure was assessed. RESULTS: Total of 4045 participants were enrolled from August 2016 to July 2019. 3520(87%) had no history of smoking in their lifetime while smokeless tobacco consumption was seen in 1153(28.5%), diabetes in 422(10.4%), hypertension in 1096(27.1%), obesity in 2035(50.3%), and family history of CVD in 353(8.7%) participants. High risk participants were found to be 826(20.4%), 627(15.5%), and 509(12.6%) by using FRS, mQRISK2 and QRISK2, whereas those eligible for statin therapy were maximum by mQRISK2 among 1323(32.7%) participants compared to QRISK2 (n = 1191; 29.4%) and FRS (n = 826; 20.4%) model. Krippendorff's alpha for mQRISK2 was in better agreement with body mass index (BMI) and lipid FRS CVD scoring system as compared to QRISK2 risk model. CONCLUSION: CVD risk stratification based on smokeless tobacco use is first of its kind from this part of world and should be part of CV risk assessment.

Outcomes of uninterrupted vs interrupted Periprocedural direct oral Anticoagulants in atrial Fibrillation ablation: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate that uninterrupted anticoagulation (UA) is superior to interrupted anticoagulation (IA) in the periprocedural period during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Still IA is followed in many centers considering the bleeding risk. This meta-analysis compares interrupted and uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: A systematic search into PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases was performed and five studies were selected that directly compared IA vs UA before ablation and reported procedural outcomes, embolic, and bleeding events. The primary outcome of the study was major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular events. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 840 patients with UA and 938 patients with IA. Median follow-up was 30 days. Activated clotting time (ACT) before first heparin bolus was significantly longer with UA (P = .006), whereas mean ACT was similar between the two groups (P = .19). Total heparin dose needed was significantly higher with IA (mean, ‒1.61; 95% CI, ‒2.67 to ‒0.55; P = .003). Mean procedure time did not vary between groups (P = .81). Overall complication rates were low, with similar major adverse cerebro-cardiovascular event (P = .40) and total bleeding (P = .55) rates between groups. Silent cerebral events (SCEs) were significantly more frequent with IA (log odds ratio, ‒0.90; 95% CI, ‒1.59 to ‒0.22; P < .01; I 2, 33%). Rates of major bleeding, minor bleeding, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and puncture complications were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: UA during atrial fibrillation ablation has similar bleeding event rates, procedural times, and mean ACTs as IA, with fewer SCEs.

A study on normal reference values of echocardiographic chamber dimensions in young eastern Indian adults.

OBJECTIVE: Various studies have shown racial differences in adult cardiac chamber measurements by echocardiography. There is lack of any large scale data from India regarding the echocardiographic chamber measurements in cardiologically healthy individuals. In this study we present the normal reference values of echocardiographic chamber dimensions in young eastern Indian adults and compare it with the data in present guidelines and recent studies involving Indian subjects. METHODS: This study was performed on 1377 healthy adults aged 18-35 years. Standard transthoracic echocardiographies were performed to obtain basic measurements. All measurements were indexed to body surface area. RESULTS: The mean maximal aortic valve cusp separation (ACS) and indexed ACS were significantly more in females (p = 0.002, p = 0.03). Mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV fractional shortening were marginally higher in females. Upper normal reference limit of LV end diastolic dimension (LVEdD) is slightly more for males. Comparing to ASE data, LVEdD, LV end systolic dimension, LV end diastolic volume, indexed LV end systolic volume, left atrial anteroposterior dimension, aortic root dimension and right ventricle outflow diameter were significantly lower in study population while LVEF was significantly higher (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study reconfirms that Indian subjects have smaller cardiac chamber measurements compared to western population where as LVEF is higher in the Indian population and also demonstrates the wide variation of normal echocardiographic measurements within Indian subcontinent. No previous data from eastern India makes this research a singular experience.

Choosing a career in radiation oncology in India: A survey among young radiation oncologists.

BACKGROUND: Radiation oncology in India is much debated as a career option to take up. This survey among young radiation oncologists (YROs), the first of its kind, attempts to assess the career expectations and concerns that affect most of us. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This survey was conducted using the online survey tool of SurveyMonkey in October 2018. The Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI) members' database was used to send the survey link over E-mail to recipients (AROI life member after 2004). RESULTS: Out of 1685 invitees, 492 (29.19%) recipients took the survey. Most (69.14%) of the respondents were males who worked as senior residents and junior consultants and employed in private hospitals and state-level teaching institutes. Postspecialization (MD/DNB) experience was mostly <3 years (56.52%). Most of YROs worked in Tier-I city (48.9%) mostly in telecobalt-based facilities. Most of our respondents (73.01%) aspired to work in academic teaching hospital/research institute, and the primary concern was academics/research (39.88%) followed by income (23.31%). There was a similar distribution of respondents with respect to their desire to shift to medical oncology. There was marked dissatisfaction over remuneration, job openings, job security, and poor scope of career improvement. 56.50% of respondents believed that they need to move abroad to improve their quality of life. However, 76.69% of respondents still felt very passionate about their professional choice. Finally, 61.97% of professionals believed that this survey will correctly reflect the present scenario among YROs. CONCLUSIONS: The survey portrays a mixed picture as expected. Major policy changes are required to improve the infrastructure and job opportunities of this profession.

Rhythm Control of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Systolic Heart Failure: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background and Objectives: Persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) with heart failure (HF) arguably constitutes the sickest subset of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Methods: A systematic search was made in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. Network meta-analysis (NMA) of PeAF patients with systolic HF comparing all-cause mortality, change in HF-related quality of life (QoL) and hospitalization due to heart failure (HHF) were performed among catheter ablation (CA) of AF, rate-controlling drugs (RCDs), anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs), and atrio-ventricular nodal ablation (AVNA) using Bayesian random effect model. Results: Ablation strategies resulted significantly lower mortality than medical therapies (odds ratio [OR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35 to 0.76). CA of AF was associated with lower trend of mortality (OR, 0.78; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.08 to 7.63) in comparison to AVNA in the Bayesian NMA. Rhythm control strategies resulted significantly higher improvement of QoL than rate control strategies (mean difference [MD], -12.78; 95% CI, -21.26 to -4.31). Bayesian NMA showed that CA of AF was better than AAD (MD, -7.98; 95% CrI, -27.68 to 8.27), however ranked AVNA to be lowest. Ablation strategies provided significantly lower HHF than medical therapies (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.58). Bayesian NMA showed that CA of AF performed not only better than AAD (OR, 0.33; 95% CrI, 0.09 to 1.3) to reduce HHF, but also than AVNA (OR, 0.20; 95% CrI, 0.00 to 4.76). Of note, RCD ranked lowest with regard to mortality and HHF. Conclusions: CA of AF remains the best strategy even for the sickest group of PeAF patients with systolic HF in regards to all-cause mortality, HF-related QoL and HHF.

Meta-analysis comparing outcomes of catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmia in ischemic versus nonischemic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation is an effective treatment for ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). However, results in non-ICM (NICM) patients are not satisfactory, and studies comparing differences between NICM and ICM are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis of procedural characteristics and long-term outcomes of catheter ablation for VA, comparing results between ICM and NICM. METHODS: Studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed. Four studies reporting comparison of catheter ablation of VA between ICM and NICM were examined. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to appraise study quality. A random-effects model with inverse variance method was used for comparisons. RESULTS: Epicardial approach was significantly more undertaken for the NICM group than in the ICM group (odds ratio [OR]: 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09-0.18; P < .00001). Mean ablation time (P = .54), fluoroscopy time (P = .55), and procedural time (P = .18) did not differ significantly between the ICM and NICM groups. Procedural failure rates (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.24-0.89; P = .02) and VA recurrence rates (risk ratio [RR]: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.46-1.01; P = .06) were significantly higher in the NICM group than in the ICM group. However, all-cause mortality (RR: 1.37; 95% CI: 0.75-2.49; P = .31) did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Procedural failure and VA recurrence rates were significantly higher in the NICM group, despite significantly more frequent epicardial access. These highlight the limitations of catheter ablation for VA in NICM, given our current knowledge.