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There is limited evidence regarding intra-observer and inter-observer variations in echocardiographic measurements of diastolic function. This study aimed to assess this reproducibly within a population-based cohort study. Sixty subjects in sinus rhythm were randomly selected among 4th visit participants of the STANISLAS Cohort (Lorraine region, France). This 4th examination systematically included M-mode, 2-dimensional, DTI and pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiograms. Reproducibility of variables was studied by intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland Altman plots. Our population was on average middle-aged (50 ± 14 y), overweight (BMI = 26 ± 6 kg/m2) and non-smoking (87%) with a quarter of the participants having self-declared hypertension or treated with anti-hypertensive medication(s). Intra-observer ICC were > 0.90 for all analyzed parameters except for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) which was 0.89 (0.81-0.93). The mean relative intra-observer differences were small and limits of agreement of relative differences were narrow for all considered parameters (<5% and <15% respectively). Inter-observer ICC were > 0.90 for all analyzed parameters except for LVEF (ICC = 0.87) and both mitral and pulmonary A wave duration (0.83 and 0.73 respectively). The mean relative inter-observer differences were <5% for all parameters except for pulmonary A wave duration (mean difference = 6.5%). Limits of agreement of relative differences were narrow (<15%), except for mitral A wave duration and velocity (both <20%) as well as left ventricular mass and pulmonary A wave duration (both <30%). Intra-observer agreements with regard to the presence and severity of diastolic dysfunction were excellent (Kappa = 0.93 (0.83-1.00) and 0.88 (0.75-0.99), respectively). In this validation study within the STANISLAS cohort, diastolic function echocardiographic parameters were found to be highly reproducible. Diastolic dysfunction consequently appears as a highly effective clinical and research tool.

Higher serum bilirubin has been associated with poorer prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). We examined the association between serum bilirubin and clinical outcomes in patients with clinical signs of HF and/or left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction (MI). A total of 7,467 patients from the High-Risk Myocardial Infarction Database Initiative with an available baseline total bilirubin concentration were studied. The association between baseline bilirubin concentrations and the composite outcome of cardiovascular mortality (CVM), nonfatal stroke, nonfatal MI or hospitalization for HF, CVM, and all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models. An interaction with time was observed with associations present only in the first 90 days after randomization. The median (percentile25-75) baseline total bilirubin concentration was 11 (8 to 14) µmol/L and was above the “normal” range (>17.1 µmol/L) in 1,053 (14.1%) patients. In multivariable analysis, with adjustment for baseline characteristics (demographic, co-morbidities, Killip score, left ventricular ejection fraction, and laboratory variables), patients with a bilirubin concentration of >17.1 µmol/L had a significantly higher risk of all the studied outcomes at 90 days (e.g., CVM: adjusted hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.86, p = 0.003). The addition of bilirubin to a validated survival model modestly improved the risk reclassification to predict 90-day events (continuous net reclassification improvement for CVM 6.4%, 95% confidence interval 0.7% to 9.6%, p = 0.04). In patients with MI complicated with HF and/or systolic dysfunction, bilirubin concentration is an independent predictor of mortality and may improve risk stratification.

BackgroundDiastolic dysfunction (DD) is increasingly common. However, its metabolic determinants are poorly known. This study aims to determine which metabolic and inflammatory features predict DD in initially healthy adults.MethodsWe prospectively analyzed the association between metabolic features and DD in 728 initially healthy adults aged 30–60 from Eastern France enrolled in the STANISLAS population-based cohort. Clinical and biological cardiovascular features were collected at baseline (1994–1995). DD was assessed twenty years later (2011–2016) by echocardiography using current international guidelines. For replication purposes, 1463 subjects from the Malmö Preventive Project cohort were analyzed.ResultsIn the STANISLAS cohort, 191 subjects (26.2%) developed DD. In age-sex-adjusted logistic models, significant predictors of DD were body mass index (BMI, odds ratio for 1-standard-deviation increase (OR) 1.28, 95% CI 1.08–1.52), waist circumference (WC, OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.18–1.84), waist-hip ratio (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.16–2.02), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.00–1.43) and triglycerides (TG, OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.00–1.40). Subjects with elevated WC (> 80th percentile) and TG (> 50th percentile) had a twofold higher DD risk (age-sex-adjusted odds ratio 2.00, 95% CI 1.20–3.31, P = 0.008), whereas no such interplay was observed for BMI. In the Malmö cohort, BMI was similarly associated with DD; participants with both elevated BMI and TG were at higher DD risk (age-sex-adjusted odds ratio 1.61, 95% CI 1.18–2.20, P = 0.002).ConclusionsSubjects with elevated WC and TG may have a higher long-term DD risk. Prevention targeting visceral obesity may help reduce the incidence of DD.

Postinfarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is a devastating mechanical complication following acute myocardial infarction. The management of this pathology is quite challenging, especially in case of complicated cardiogenic shock. The difficulties lie in the timing and type of intervention. Debates exist with regard to immediate versus deferring repair, as well as open repair versus percutaneous closure. The anatomic characteristics and hemodynamic consequence of PIVSD are important elements determining which strategy to adopt, since large septal defect (>15 mm) cannot be appropriately treated by percutaneous occluder devices limiting by their available size, while compromised hemodynamics usually require emergent repair or mechanical support “bridging to surgery”. Herein, we report our experience of successful management of a case of cardiogenic shock complicating large PIVSD (38 mm) by delayed surgical repair bridged with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) during 7 days. We emphasize the importance of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography as a decision-making tool.

In recent decades, environmental degradation has gained considerable momentum. Researchers worldwide have focused on pollution because of its impact on billions of people. With the growing demand for fossil fuels on developing markets, little global consensus has been reached about reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Past literature suggests that international trade has positive socio-economic results, yet experts consider the scarcity of natural resources and environmental degradation caused by international trade. But empirical studies are not available on the links between energy productivity and carbon dioxide based on consumption in the environmental economic literature. The aim of this paper is to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing the impact on CO2 emissions for the G7 countries between 1990 and 2018 of international trade (imports and exports), eco-innovation, energy production, and renewable energy consumption by exports, imports, eco-innovation, GDP, renewable energy consumption, and energy productivity.

In today's competitive environment, supply chain performance has become a critical focus for managers in the textile and clothing industry. Achieving cost efficiency while meeting customer expectations presents a significant challenge for decision-makers seeking continuous improvement. This study examines the influence of key organizational and operational factors on supply chain performance within the sector. Empirical data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to 50 companies in a practical case based on firms operating in the textile and clothing industry in Tunisia. The data were analyzed using linear regression via SPSS, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied as a dimensionality reduction technique. The results support four hypotheses, confirming that quality management systems, information systems, supply chain integration, and workforce skills all have a statistically significant (P < 0.05) and positive impact on supply chain performance. Notably, workforce skills emerged as the most influential factor, with the potential to enhance performance by up to 49.4%. These findings highlight the strategic importance of investing in skill development to drive superior supply chain outcomes.

Objective The study compared the efficacy and tolerability of piroxicam gel and a new topical combination of medicinal plant products (Soulagel®; Belpharma Tunisia) to treat pain caused by soft tissue injuries. Methods Patients (n = 1,525) were assigned to receive piroxicam gel or Soulagel. Efficacy assessments included a change of at least 50% in the pain-on-movement visual numeric scale rating from emergency department discharge (baseline) to day 7 final assessment, as well as the time required to reach pain resolution criteria, the need for rescue analgesia, patients’ satisfaction, and the rate of adverse effects. Results At day 7, 1,216 patients (79.7%) achieved at least 50% reduction in visual numeric scale rating from baseline: 623 patients (82.4%) in the Soulagel group vs 593 patients (77.1%) in the piroxicam group (P = 0.01). Time to decrease pain on movement by 50% was significantly higher with piroxicam gel than with Soulagel (34 ± 1 vs 33 ± 1 days, respectively; P = 0.54). At day 7, 96.4% of patients in the Soulagel group declared being “very satisfied” to “satisfied,” vs 68% in the piroxicam group (P < 0.001). There were no major adverse events in either group. Conclusions Soulagel is not inferior to piroxicam gel for managing pain related to a soft tissue injuries. Further studies will help ascertain whether this new gel offers an alternative treatment option for this common emergency department condition.

Small cell osteosarcoma is a rare sub‐type of osteogenic malignant tumors. Rib localization is uncommon. Histological examination is an important step to make the difference with similar tumors like Ewing's sarcoma. Surgical resection is the unique curative treatment. The prognosis remains poor even with adjuvant treatment. Small cell osteosarcoma is a rare sub‐type of osteogenic malignant tumors. The difference with other types is retained on histological characteristics. A wrong diagnosis may cause a delay in the management of this type of cancer, mainly on surgical resection which is the unique curative treatment.