Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor and survival in elective cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The study investigated the prognostic value of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery and calculated a simplified biomarker score comprising suPAR, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and age. METHODS AND RESULTS: Biomarkers were assessed in a cohort of 478 patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. After a median follow-up of 4.2 years, a total of 72 (15.1%) patients died. SuPAR, NT-proBNP and age were independent prognosticators of mortality in a multivariable Cox regression model after adjustment for EuroScoreII. We then calculated a simplified biomarker score comprising age, suPAR and NT-proBNP, which had a superior prognostic value compared to EuroScoreII (Harrel's C of 0.76 vs. 0.72; P for difference = 0.02). Besides long-term mortality, the biomarker score had an excellent performance predicting one-year mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure. CONCLUSION: The biomarker suPAR and NT-proBNP were strongly and independently associated with mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A simplified biomarker score comprising only three variables (age, suPAR and NT-proBNP) performed better than the established EuroScoreII with respect to intermediate and long-term outcome as well as hospitalization due to heart failure. As such, integration of established and upcoming biomarkers in clinical practice may provide improved decision support in cardiac surgery.

Early Initiation of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Acute Heart Failure: a Focus on Diuresis and Renal Protection.

PURPOSE: Acute heart failure (AHF) represents a critical and life-threatening condition characterized by the sudden onset or exacerbation of symptoms, such as dyspnea and fluid retention, due to impaired cardiac function. Despite advances in the treatment of chronic heart failure (HF), the management of AHF remains challenging, with limited therapeutic options available. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a promising drug class in AHF management. METHODS/RESULTS: The objective of this article was to conduct a comprehensive review of the existing literature in the domain of SGLT2 inhibitors and their relevance in the context of AHF. CONCLUSION: The existing evidence underscores the importance of SGLT2 inhibitors in enhancing decongestive therapy for AHF patients. Early initiation appears both practical and beneficial, leading to improved and sustained decongestion, a reduction in heart failure-related events, enhanced quality of life, and decreased mortality rates, all while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Consequently, it should be considered to initiate SGLT2 inhibitor treatment as early and as safely as possible to facilitate effective decongestion. However, careful patient selection and monitoring are essential when considering the use of these drugs in the management of AHF.

Rivaroxaban in Valvular Atrial Fibrillation - a Critical Appraisal of the INVICTUS Trial.

PURPOSE: The efficacy of factor Xa inhibitors in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is unknown. METHODS/RESULTS: The objective of this article was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the INVICTUS trial, an open-label randomized controlled study that compared vitamin K antagonists (VKA) to rivaroxaban in patients with AF and RHD while also considering the existing evidence from literature in this particular area of research. CONCLUSION: The findings of the INVICTUS trial indicated that rivaroxaban was found to be inferior in efficacy to VKA. However, it is important to note that the primary outcome of the trial was driven by sudden death and death caused by mechanical pump failure. As a result, it is necessary to approach the data from this study with caution, and it would be inappropriate to draw parallel conclusions for other causes of valvular AF. Particularly, the perplexing issue of how rivaroxaban could have contributed to both pump failure and sudden cardiac death requires further explanation. Additional data regarding changes in heart failure medication and ventricular function would be essential for proper interpretation.

Rivaroxaban After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Critical Appraisal of the GALILEO Trial.

PURPOSE: The anti-thrombotic approach in individuals undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) mirrors a controversial field in clinical practice. METHODS/RESULTS: The aim of this article was to critically appraise the randomized controlled GALILEO trial, where two different antithrombotic regimes (10 mg rivaroxaban + 3 months aspirin vs. aspirin + 3 months clopidogrel) were compared in patients who underwent TAVR as well as available evidence in literature in this field. CONCLUSION: The GALILEO trial was prematurely terminated as a consequence of increased risk of both death or thromboembolic complications and a higher risk of bleeding in the anticoagulation arm, compared to the antiplatelet-based strategy. Various concerns have been raised that the negative results of the GALILEO trial need to be regarded with caution. A routine use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) for the prevention of atherothrombotic events and valve thrombosis after TAVR in individuals who do not have an indication for oral anticoagulation, can currently not be recommended when considering the evidence base of available literature. However, the negative results of the GALILEO trial need to be interpreted with caution - especially in terms of dose of rivaroxaban - and should not discourage from performing further trials investigating safety and efficacy of this therapeutic approach. Additionally, further dose-finding trials for rivaroxaban should be considered.

The Prognostic Impact of Anti-thrombotic Treatment Strategies After Biological Aortic Valve Replacement.

PURPOSE: Optimal antithrombotic therapy in patients who underwent surgical biological aortic valve replacement (AVR) represents an issue of ongoing discussion. Additionally, the prognostic impact of anti-thrombotic treatment strategies after biological AVR and real-life data on anticoagulation strategies (AC) of patients presenting with short-term postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) has not clearly been investigated so far. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of therapeutic AC after biological AVR on patient outcome and whether the presence of POAF affects decision making on anti-thrombotic management. METHODS: Within this prospective observational study, 200 individuals that underwent biological AVR surgery were enrolled. Participants were followed prospectively until the primary study endpoint was reached. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate the effect of therapeutic AC on outcome. RESULTS: Overall, 106 individuals received therapeutic AC at the time of discharge. The fraction of patients presenting with POAF was balanced between individuals receiving AC and the non-AC subgroup (p = 0.617). After a median follow-up time of 1418 days, 31 (15.5%) individuals died, referring to 15 (13.9%) POAF-free patients and 16 (17.4%) with POAF. We observed a strong inverse association of therapeutic AC and cardiovascular mortality, which remained stable after adjustment for potential confounders showing a HR of 0.437 (95% CI 0.202-0.943; p = 0.035), while bleeding risk was comparable (p = 0.680). CONCLUSION: Within this investigation, therapeutic AC showed a strong and independent inverse association with long-term mortality in patients that underwent biological AVR. Although POAF is associated with thromboembolic adverse events, the development of this arrhythmia did not affect decision-making of the anti-thrombotic management.

Prescription Patterns of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure.

PURPOSE: The benefit of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been unequivocally proven in randomized, controlled trials. However, real-world evidence assessing the implementation of SGLT2i in clinical practice and their benefit in HF outside of highly selected study populations is limited. METHODS: Patients with HF and T2DM admitted to the cardiology ward of the Medical University of Vienna between 01/2014 and 04/2020 were included in the present analysis. All first-time prescriptions of SGLT2i were identified. The outcome of interest was cardiovascular mortality. The median follow-up time was 2.3 years. RESULTS: Out of 812 patients with T2DM and HF (median age 70.4 [IQR 62.4-76.9] years; 70.3% males), 17.3% received an SGLT2i. The frequency of SGLT2i prescriptions significantly increased over the past 6 years (+ 36.6%, p < 0.001). In propensity score-adjusted pairwise analyses, SGLT2i treatment was inversely associated with long-term cardiovascular mortality in patients with HFrEF presenting with an adjusted HR of 0.33 (95%CI: 0.13-0.86; p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Despite large outcome trials showing a cardiovascular benefit, SGLT2i remain underutilized in clinical practice in patients with T2DM and HF. National and European Medical Agency remuneration regulations would allow more patients at high risk to receive these cardiovascular protective drugs. Most importantly, an SGLT2i therapy was associated with a survival benefit in patients with HFrEF.

An enzymatic tandem reaction to produce odor-active fatty aldehydes.

Aldehydes represent a versatile and favored class of flavoring substances. A biocatalytic access to odor-active aldehydes was developed by conversion of fatty acids with two enzymes of the α-dioxygenase pathway. The recombinant enzymes α-dioxygenase (α-DOX) originating from Crocosphaera subtropica and fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH) from Vibrio harveyi were heterologously expressed in E. coli, purified, and applied in a coupled (tandem) repetitive reaction. The concept was optimized in terms of number of reaction cycles and production yields. Up to five cycles and aldehyde yields of up to 26% were achieved. Afterward, the approach was applied to sea buckthorn pulp oil as raw material for the enzyme catalyzed production of flavoring/fragrance ingredients based on complex aldehyde mixtures. The most abundant fatty acids in sea buckthorn pulp oil, namely palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic acid, were used as substrates for further biotransformation experiments. Various aldehydes were identified, semi-quantified, and sensorially characterized by means of headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS-O). Structural validation of unsaturated aldehydes in terms of double-bond positions was performed by multidimensional high-resolution mass spectrometry experiments of their Paternò-Büchi (PB) photoproducts. Retention indices and odor impressions of inter alia (Z,Z)-5,8-tetradecadienal (Z,Z)-6,9-pentadecadienal, (Z)-8-pentadecenal, (Z)-4-tridecenal, (Z)-6-pentadecenal, and (Z)-8-heptadecenal were determined for the first time. KEY POINTS: • Coupled reaction of Csα-DOX and VhFALDH yields chain-shortened fatty aldehydes. • Odors of several Z-unsaturated fatty aldehydes are described for the first time. • Potential for industrial production of aldehyde-based odorants from natural sources.

The Two TpsB-Like Proteins in Anabaena sp. Strain PCC 7120 Are Involved in Secretion of Selected Substrates.

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria acts as an initial diffusion barrier that shields the cell from the environment. It contains many membrane-embedded proteins required for functionality of this system. These proteins serve as solute and lipid transporters or as machines for membrane insertion or secretion of proteins. The genome of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 codes for two outer membrane transporters termed TpsB1 and TpsB2. They belong to the family of the two-partner secretion system proteins which are characteristic of pathogenic bacteria. Because pathogenicity of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 has not been reported, the function of these two cyanobacterial TpsB proteins was analyzed. TpsB1 is encoded by alr1659, while TpsB2 is encoded by all5116 The latter is part of a genomic region containing 11 genes encoding TpsA-like proteins. However, tpsB2 is transcribed independently of a tpsA gene cluster. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of at least 22 genes in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 putatively coding for substrates of the TpsB system, suggesting a rather global function of the two TpsB proteins. Insertion of a plasmid into each of the two genes resulted in altered outer membrane integrity and antibiotic resistance. In addition, the expression of genes coding for the Clp and Deg proteases is dysregulated in these mutants. Moreover, for two of the putative substrates, a dependence of the secretion on functional TpsB proteins could be confirmed. We confirm the existence of a two-partner secretion system in Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 and predict a large pool of putative substrates.IMPORTANCE Cyanobacteria are important organisms for the ecosystem, considering their contribution to carbon fixation and oxygen production, while at the same time some species produce compounds that are toxic to their environment. As a consequence, cyanobacterial overpopulation might negatively impact the diversity of natural communities. Thus, a detailed understanding of cyanobacterial interaction with the environment, including other organisms, is required to define their impact on ecosystems. While two-partner secretion systems in pathogenic bacteria are well known, we provide a first description of the cyanobacterial two-partner secretion system.

The impact of CD4+CD28null T lymphocytes on atrial fibrillation: a potential pathophysiological pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common cardiac arrhythmia in daily clinical practice and substantially impacts affected patients by elevation of both morbidity and mortality. Previous investigations proved that inflammatory processes are closely linked to this multifactorial pathogenesis-especially autoreactive CD4+CD28null T cells received in-depth attention. PURPOSE: Consequently, a potential pathophysiological pathway of the impact of CD4+CD28null T lymphocytes on the development and progression AF can be outlined. CONCLUSION: Considering the available data in the literature, it needs to be assumed that CD4+CD28null T lymphocytes are mainly involved in the development of AF and disease progression. Of utmost importance, it can be considered as the result of a T-cell-mediated auto-immune reaction among myocardial tissue. However, mechanisms which recruit CD4+CD28null cells in cardiac tissue remain unclear and need further investigation.

Prescription Patterns of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

PURPOSE: To assess real-world data on the clinical implementation of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in cardiovascular patients and to investigate barriers to prescribe these agents. METHODS: Patients presenting with coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) between 01/2014 and 04/2020 were included in the present analysis and followed prospectively. All first-time prescriptions of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA were identified. RESULTS: Among 1498 patients with CAD and T2DM, 17.6% of patients received an SGLT2i and 5.5% a GLP-1RA. The prescription of SGLT2i (+38.7%; p < 0.001) and GLP-1RA (+8%; p = 0.007) significantly increased during the observation period. Considering remuneration criteria for SGLT2i therapy, lowering the GFR cut-off to 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 would allow additional 26.6% of patients to qualify for an SGLT2i therapy. While SGLT2i therapy was inversely associated with CV mortality (adjusted hazard ratio of 0.18 [95% CI: 0.05-0.76]; p = 0.019), GLP-1RA therapy showed a trend for risk reduction. CONCLUSION: The present analysis revealed an infrequent prescription of SGLT2i and GLP-1RAs in patients with T2DM and CAD in clinical practice. Remuneration regulations that better reflect the inclusion criteria of the CV outcome trials would allow more patients at high risk to receive these CV protective drugs. Most importantly, while GLP-1RA therapy showed a trend for risk reduction of cardiovascular mortality, the use of SGLT2i had a strong inverse impact on cardiovascular mortality from a long-term perspective.

The Prognostic Impact of Circulating Regulatory T Lymphocytes on Mortality in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) constitutes a global health issue. While proinflammatory cytokines proved to have a pivotal role in the development and progression of HFrEF, less attention has been paid to the cellular immunity. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) seem to have an important role in the induction and maintenance of immune homeostasis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of Tregs on the outcome in HFrEF. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 112 patients with HFrEF and performed flow cytometry for cell phenotyping. Individuals were stratified in ischemic (iHFrEF, n = 57) and nonischemic etiology (niHFrEF, n = 57) and nonischemic etiology (niHFrEF. RESULTS: Comparing patients with iHFrEF to niHFrEF, we found a significantly lower fraction of Tregs within lymphocytes in the ischemic subgroup (0.42% vs. 0.56%; p = 0.009). After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years, 32 (28.6%) patients died due to cardiovascular causes. We found that Tregs were significantly associated with cardiovascular survival in the entire study cohort with an adjusted HR per one standard deviation (1-SD) of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92; p = 0.009). After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years, 32 (28.6%) patients died due to cardiovascular causes. We found that Tregs were significantly associated with cardiovascular survival in the entire study cohort with an adjusted HR per one standard deviation (1-SD) of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92; p = 0.009). After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years, 32 (28.6%) patients died due to cardiovascular causes. We found that Tregs were significantly associated with cardiovascular survival in the entire study cohort with an adjusted HR per one standard deviation (1-SD) of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92; p = 0.009). After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years, 32 (28.6%) patients died due to cardiovascular causes. We found that Tregs were significantly associated with cardiovascular survival in the entire study cohort with an adjusted HR per one standard deviation (1-SD) of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.39-0.92. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a potential influence of Tregs in the pathogenesis and progression of iHFrEF, fostering the implication of cellular immunity in iHFrEF pathophysiology and proving Tregs as a predictor for long-term survival among iHFrEF patients. A preview of this study has been presented at a meeting of the European Society of Cardiology earlier this year.

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Correlates with Fibrotic Atrial Myopathy in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

Background: The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is high. Impaired left atrial (LA) function is a major determinant in HFpEF. However, the extent of electrical LA tissue degeneration in HFpEF is unknown. Therefore, we sought to investigate the amount of arrhythmogenic and fibrotic LA tissue degeneration in HFpEF patients presenting for AF ablation. Methods: We prospectively screened consecutive patients presenting for first time AF ablation. The HFA-PEFF score was used to identify HFpEF patients. Bipolar high-density voltage mapping was created in sinus rhythm prior to ablation to evaluate the general LA bipolar voltage and quantify areas of low voltage. LVAs were defined as areas with bipolar voltage < 0.5 mV. Results: In total, 187 patients were prospectively enrolled (age 65 ± 11 years, 45% female, 46% persistent AF, 25% HFpEF) in this study. HFpEF patients were older and had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (70 ± 9 vs. 63 ± 11 years and 3.2 ± 1.5 vs. 2.3 ± 1.5, each p < 0.001, respectively). Overall, low-voltage areas (LVAs) were present in 97 patients (52%), whereas 76% of the HFpEF population had LVA, as compared to 44% of patients without HFpEF (p < 0.001). HFpEF was associated with generally decreased LA bipolar voltage (1.09 ± 0.64 vs. 1.83 ± 0.91 mV; p < 0.001) and predictive of the presence of low-voltage areas (76% vs. 44% p < 0.001). The HFA-PEFF score inversely correlated with LA bipolar voltage (=-0.454; p < 0.001). Conclusions: HFpEF closely relates to generally decreased LA bipolar voltage and to the existence of fibrotic and arrhythmogenic LA tissue degeneration.

Fermentation of cocoa pod husks with Pleurotus salmoneo-stramineus for food applications.

Cocoa pod husks (CPHs), the major side-stream from cocoa production, were valorized through fermentation with Pleurotus salmoneo-stramineus (PSS). Considering ergosterol as a biomarker for the fungal content, the mycelium accounted for 54% of the total biomass after 8 days in submerged cultures. The crude protein content of fermented CPH (CPHF) increased from 7.3 g/100 g DM in CPH to 18.9 g/100 g DM. CPH fermentation resulted in a high biological value of 86 for the protein. The water and oil binding capacities of CPHF were 3.5 mL/g and 2.1 mL/g, respectively. The particle diameter dv,0,90 of CPHF was 373 µm as compared to 526 µm for CPH. The total dietary fiber was 73.4 g/100 g DM in CPHF and 63.6 g/100 g DM in CPH. The amount of soluble fiber was 2.3 g/100 g DM in CPHF and 10.1 g/100 g DM in CPH; the insoluble fraction accounted for 71.1 g/100 g DM and 53.6 g/100 g DM, respectively. Bread doughs with CPH or CPHF were characterized for texture, color, and farinographic properties. The dough hardness, consistency, and browning index increased with the concentration of CPH, whereas for CPHF, springiness and peak viscosities declined. We demonstrate the upcycling of CPH into nutritious and functional ingredients through PSS fermentation.

Adherence to Secondary Prevention Measures after Acute Myocardial Infarction and Its Impact on Patient Outcome-A Nationwide Perspective.

Objectives: Secondary prevention is crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality in patients following acute myocardial infraction (MI). However, adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and pharmacotherapy remains suboptimal despite strong guideline recommendations. This study investigated the adherence to CR, dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), and statins following acute MI and evaluated their impact on patient outcomes from a nationwide perspective in Austria. Methods: In this national observational study, all patients diagnosed with acute MI, defined as STEMI or NSTEMI, between April 2011 and August 2015 in Austria were included. Patient characteristics and comorbidities were derived from the Austrian national health insurance system using ICD-10 codes. Adherence to CR, high-intensity statins, and DAPT was assessed based on health insurance records and pharmacy prescription submissions. Cox Regression hazard analysis was used to explore the impact of non-adherence to CR on mortality. Results: Among 16,518 acute MI patients, only 13.4% adhered to the recommended CR programs, which was associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54-0.98; p = 0.036). In contrast, 66.4% of 23,240 patients did not comply with high-intensity statin therapy, correlating with an increased mortality risk (adjusted HR 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06-1.25; p < 0.001). Furthermore, among 22,331 patients analyzed for DAPT adherence, only 29.3% followed the guidelines, yet this adherence was linked to a 21% reduction in mortality over the observation period (adjusted HR 0.79; 95% CI: 0.72-0.88; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This nationwide study reveals alarmingly low adherence to CR and secondary preventive medications among acute MI patients, which is significantly linked to higher mortality rates. Enhanced efforts to promote awareness and adherence are crucial, involving structured referrals and personalized follow-ups to improve patient outcomes. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive healthcare strategies could substantially enhance cardiovascular health.

Exploring the Impact of Solid-State Fermentation on Fava Bean Flour: A Comparative Study of Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus.

Fava bean (Vicia faba L.) is a protein-rich pulse with high nutritional value, but its functional and sensory characteristics limit its application in foods. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) can modify the composition of plant proteins, modulate its functionality, and enhance the sensory aspects. In this study, fava bean flour (FB) was fermented with Aspergillus oryzae and Rhizopus oligosporus to produce FBA and FBR, respectively, ingredients with distinct nutritional, functional, and aroma characteristics. The protein content increased by 20% in FBA and 8% in FBR, while fat levels rose more significantly in FBR (+40%). The overall content of fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) decreased by 47% (FBA) and 57% (FBR), although polyol production by A. oryzae was observed. SSF improved the nutritional profile of FBA and FBR, with a notable increase in the concentration of essential amino acids observed, and a reduction in most antinutrients, with the exception of trypsin inhibitors. SSF resulted in the formation of aggregates, which increased the particle size and reduced protein solubility. Emulsions prepared with the fermented ingredients separated faster, and the foaming capacity of both FBA and FBR was decreased, but an increase in water-holding capacity was observed. SSF resulted in the production of predominantly savoury-associated aroma compounds, with compounds characteristic of metallic and mouldy aromas reduced. These results indicate the potential of SSF to transform FB with enhanced nutritional value and improved sensory and functional properties.

Soluble ST2 is associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) represents the most common complication following cardiac surgery. Approximately one-third of patients experiencing POAF transition to atrial fibrillation within a year, challenging the notion of POAF as merely a transient event. Soluble ST2 (sST2) is an established biomarker regarding fibrosis and myocardial stretch, however, its role in predicting the onset of POAF remains unclear. METHODS: Preoperative sST2 levels have been assessed in 496 individuals with no prior history of AF who underwent elective cardiac surgery, including valve, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or a combined procedure. RESULTS: The average age was 70 years, and 29.4 % were female. Overall, 42.3 % developed POAF. sST2 levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with POAF. Interestingly, sST2 was only predictive of POAF in females with an adjusted OR of 1.894 (95 %CI:1.103-3.253; p = 0.021) and not males (OR:1.091; 95 %CI:0.849-1.402; p = 0.495). Furthermore, within a linear regression model it was observed that for every 1 ng/mL increase in sST2 levels, the average POAF duration extended by 39.5 min (95 %CI:15.8-63.4 min; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: sST2 predicts the onset of POAF in women but not men undergoing cardiac surgery. Furthermore, sST2 levels were associated with the subsequent burden of POAF. Thus, assessment of sST2 in addition to clinical risk factors could improve risk stratification for development of POAF following elective cardiac surgery.

Biocatalytic Production of Odor-Active Fatty Aldehydes from Fungal Lipids.

Odor-active fatty aldehydes are important compounds for the flavor and fragrance industry. By a coupled enzymatic reaction using an α-dioxygenase (α-DOX) and an aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH), scarcely available aldehydes from the biotransformation of margaroleic acid [17:1(9Z)] were characterized and have shown highly interesting odor profiles, including citrus-like, soapy, herbaceous, and savory notes. In particular, (Z)-8-hexadecenal and (Z)-7-pentadecenal exhibited notable meaty odor characteristics. Submerged cultivation of Mortierella hyalina revealed the accumulation of the above-mentioned, naturally uncommon fatty acid 17:1(9Z). Its production was significantly increased by the modulation of culture conditions, whereas the highest accumulation was observed after 4 days at 24 °C and l-isoleucine supplementation. The lipase-, α-DOX-, and FALDH-mediated biotransformation of M. hyalina lipid extract resulted in a complex aldehyde mixture with a high aldehyde yield of ∼50%. The odor qualities of the formed aldehydes were assessed by means of gas chromatography-olfactometry, and several of the obtained fatty aldehydes have been sensorially described for the first time. To assess the aldehyde mixture's potential as a flavor ingredient, a sensory evaluation was conducted. The obtained product exhibited intense citrus-like, green, and soapy odor impressions.

Relationship of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 With Hospitalization for Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

Background Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is crucial in regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism and is moreover associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The specific objective of this study was to investigate the influence of FGF-23 on cardiovascular outcomes, including hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), postoperative atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular death, in an unselected patient population after cardiac surgery. Methods and Results Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft and/or cardiac valve surgery were prospectively enrolled. FGF-23 blood plasma concentrations were assessed before surgery. A composite of cardiovascular death/HHF was chosen as primary end point. A total of 451 patients (median age 70 years; 28.8% female) were included in the present analysis and followed over a median of 3.9 years. Individuals with higher FGF-23 quartiles showed elevated incidence rates of the composite of cardiovascular death/HHF (quartile 1, 7.1%; quartile 2, 8.6%; quartile 3, 15.1%; and quartile 4, 34.3%). After multivariable adjustment, FGF-23 modeled as a continuous variable (adjusted hazard ratio for a 1-unit increase in standardized log-transformed biomarker, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.34-2.46]) as well as using predefined risk groups and quartiles remained independently associated with the risk of cardiovascular death/HHF and the secondary outcomes, including postoperative atrial fibrillation. Reclassification analysis indicated that the addition of FGF-23 to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide provides a significant improvement in risk discrimination (net reclassification improvement at the event rate, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.34-0.81]; P<0.001; integrated discrimination increment, 0.03 [95% CI, 0.01-0.05]; P<0.001). Conclusions FGF-23 is an independent predictor of cardiovascular death/HHF and postoperative atrial fibrillation in individuals undergoing cardiac surgery. Considering an individualized risk assessment, routine preoperative FGF-23 evaluation may improve detection of high-risk patients.