Topic Review
β-Blockers in Heart Failure
Cardiac β-receptor dysfunction in HFrEF is characterized by a reduced β1-receptor density and by the uncoupling of β1- and β2-receptors from the membrane G proteins, resulting in their functional desensitization. This mechanism is mediated by increased G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 activity, resulting in reduced cardiac β-receptor density and reactivity, with consequent reduced cardiac inotropic reserve. In addition, catecholamines themselves are cardiotoxic, contributing to myocardial damage.
  • 433
  • 02 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Zinc Homeostasis
Research has indicated that zinc plays a consequential mechanistic role in the protection against oxidative stress as zinc is required for the proper functioning of the antioxidant system, the suppression of inflammatory mediators, and the modulation of zinc transporters. Recently, the mechanisms surrounding ZnT8, ZIP7, and metallothionein have shown to be of particular pathogenic importance and are considered as potential therapeutic targets in disease management. The literature has shown that zinc dysregulation is associated with diabetes and may be considered as a leading contributor to the deleterious vascular alterations exhibited by the disease. Although further investigation is required, studies have indicated the favorable use of zinc supplementation in the protection against and prevention of oxidative stress and its consequences over the course of the condition.
  • 551
  • 29 Mar 2022
Topic Review
Zero-Fluoroscopy Cardiac Ablation
Electrophysiological procedures are mainly performed using fluoroscopy, exposing both healthcare staff and patients to a non-negligible dose of radiation. To date, simple ablation procedures have often been approached with zero fluoroscopy. In complex ablation procedures, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, zero fluoroscopy is still challenging mainly because of transseptal puncture. We report a workflow to perform a complete zero-fluoroscopy AF ablation using a 3D electro-anatomical mapping system, intracardiac echocardiography and a novel steerable guiding sheath visible on the mapping system. We describe two cases, one with paroxysmal AF and the other with persistent AF during which this novel workflow was successfully applied with complete zero-fluoroscopy exposure and achieving pulmonary vein isolation.
  • 419
  • 16 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Zebrafish Models of Fibrotic Disease
Zebrafish models of fibrotic disease include, among others, cardiovascular disease models, liver disease models (categorized into Alcoholic Liver Diseases (ALD) and Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease (NALD)), and chronic pancreatitis models.
  • 502
  • 20 Jan 2022
Topic Review
XBP1 Modulates the Aging Cardiorenal System
X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a unique basic-region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor. Over recent years, the powerful biological functions of XBP1 in oxidative stress have been gradually revealed. When the redox balance remains undisturbed, oxidative stress plays a role in physiological adaptations and signal transduction. However, during the aging process, increased cellular senescence and reduced levels of endogenous antioxidants cause an oxidative imbalance in the cardiorenal system.
  • 230
  • 15 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Women with Ischemic Heart Disease
Cardiac diseases are the main cause of death for both sexes worldwide. Treatment varies widely according to the sex of a patient, as there are differences in physiopathology, epidemiology, clinical presentation and management.
  • 196
  • 29 Aug 2023
Topic Review
Wearable Sensors and Machine Learning for Hypovolemia Problems
Hypovolemia is a physiological state of reduced blood volume that can exist as either (1) absolute hypovolemia because of a lower circulating blood (plasma) volume for a given vascular space (dehydration, hemorrhage) or (2) relative hypovolemia resulting from an expanded vascular space (vasodilation) for a given circulating blood volume (e.g., heat stress, hypoxia, sepsis). The external environment and the user's level of physical activity can exacerbate hypovolemic challenges to the body. Noninvasive, wearable sensing systems are being developed to track a user's ability to compensate for these challenges. 
  • 685
  • 13 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Wearable Sensing Technologies
Standards for the fatigue testing of wearable sensing technologies are lacking. The majority of published fatigue tests for wearable sensors are performed on proof-of-concept stretch sensors fabricated from a variety of materials. Due to their flexibility and stretchability, polymers are often used in the fabrication of wearable sensors. Other materials, including textiles, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and conductive metals or inks, may be used in conjunction with polymers to fabricate wearable sensors.
  • 632
  • 10 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Warfarin
Warfarin has been utilized for decades as an effective anticoagulant in patients with a history of strong risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE).
  • 2.3K
  • 05 May 2021
Topic Review
Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque
Atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, coronary and cerebral artery diseases, are the most common cause of death worldwide. The main pathophysiological mechanism for these complications is the rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and subsequent thrombosis. Pathological studies of the vulnerable lesions showed that more frequently, plaques rich in lipids and with a high level of inflammation, responsible for mild or moderate stenosis, are more prone to rupture, leading to acute events. Identifying the vulnerable plaques helps to stratify patients at risk of developing acute vascular events. Traditional imaging methods based on plaque appearance and size are not reliable in prediction the risk of rupture. Intravascular imaging is a novel technique able to identify vulnerable lesions, but it is invasive and an operator-dependent technique.
  • 306
  • 25 Nov 2022
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