Background and Objectives: Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) tend to be accompanied by biventricular impairment. We hypothesized that the combination of the aortic pulsatility index (API) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI) could refine risk stratification in DCM. Methods: We studied 120 consecutive patients with advanced DCM who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year after RHC. We used the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the optimal cut-off of API and PAPI to predict outcomes. Results: The optimal cut-offs of API (1.02) and PAPI (2.16) were used to classify patients into four groups. There were significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among the four groups (both p<0.05).When delineating API by LVEF above or below the median (28%), the cumulative rate of survival in patients with API <1.02 was lower than that of those with API ≥1.02 in both higher and lower LVEF groups (both p<0.05). Similar trends were observed when delineating PAPI using TAPSE higher or lower than the cut-off (17 mm) (both p<0.05). The cumulative rate of survival in the API <1.02 and PAPI <2.16 group was lower than that in the API ≥1.02 and/or PAPI ≥2.16 (all p<0.05). Conclusions API and PAPI could add additional prognostic value to LVEF and TAPSE, respectively. The combination of API and PAPI could provide a comprehensive assessment of biventricular function and refine risk stratification.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) tend to be accompanied by biventricular impairment. We hypothesized that the combination of the aortic pulsatility index (API) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI) could refine risk stratification in DCM. Methods: We studied 120 consecutive patients with advanced DCM who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year after RHC. We used the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the optimal cut-off of API and PAPI to predict outcomes. Results: The optimal cut-offs of API (1.02) and PAPI (2.16) were used to classify patients into four groups. There were significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among the four groups (both p<0.05).When delineating API by LVEF above or below the median (28%), the cumulative rate of survival in patients with API <1.02 was lower than that of those with API ≥1.02 in both higher and lower LVEF groups (both p<0.05). Similar trends were observed when delineating PAPI using TAPSE higher or lower than the cut-off (17 mm) (both p<0.05). The cumulative rate of survival in the API <1.02 and PAPI <2.16 group was lower than that in the API ≥1.02 and/or PAPI ≥2.16 (all p<0.05). Conclusions API and PAPI could add additional prognostic value to LVEF and TAPSE, respectively. The combination of API and PAPI could provide a comprehensive assessment of biventricular function and refine risk stratification.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) tend to be accompanied by biventricular impairment. We hypothesized that the combination of the aortic pulsatility index (API) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI) could refine risk stratification in DCM. Methods: We studied 120 consecutive patients with advanced DCM who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year after RHC. We used the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the optimal cut-off of API and PAPI to predict outcomes. Results: The optimal cut-offs of API (1.02) and PAPI (2.16) were used to classify patients into four groups. There were significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among the four groups (both p<0.05).When delineating API by LVEF above or below the median (28%), the cumulative rate of survival in patients with API <1.02 was lower than that of those with API ≥1.02 in both higher and lower LVEF groups (both p<0.05). Similar trends were observed when delineating PAPI using TAPSE higher or lower than the cut-off (17 mm) (both p<0.05). The cumulative rate of survival in the API <1.02 and PAPI <2.16 group was lower than that in the API ≥1.02 and/or PAPI ≥2.16 (all p<0.05). Conclusions API and PAPI could add additional prognostic value to LVEF and TAPSE, respectively. The combination of API and PAPI could provide a comprehensive assessment of biventricular function and refine risk stratification.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) tend to be accompanied by biventricular impairment. We hypothesized that the combination of the aortic pulsatility index (API) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPI) could refine risk stratification in DCM. Methods: We studied 120 consecutive patients with advanced DCM who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year after RHC. We used the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the optimal cut-off of API and PAPI to predict outcomes. Results: The optimal cut-offs of API (1.02) and PAPI (2.16) were used to classify patients into four groups. There were significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among the four groups (both p<0.05).When delineating API by LVEF above or below the median (28%), the cumulative rate of survival in patients with API <1.02 was lower than that of those with API ≥1.02 in both higher and lower LVEF groups (both p<0.05). Similar trends were observed when delineating PAPI using TAPSE higher or lower than the cut-off (17 mm) (both p<0.05). The cumulative rate of survival in the API <1.02 and PAPI <2.16 group was lower than that in the API ≥1.02 and/or PAPI ≥2.16 (all p<0.05). Conclusions API and PAPI could add additional prognostic value to LVEF and TAPSE, respectively. The combination of API and PAPI could provide a comprehensive assessment of biventricular function and refine risk stratification.

Background and Objectives: There is no dedicated occlusive device for closing coronary artery fistulas (CAFs), and specific efficacy and safety data of various off-label occlusive devices for CAFs closure are scarce. Methods: Patients undergoing transcatheter closure of CAFs from January 2011 to December 2022 were included in the single-center retrospective study. The study population was divided into 2 groups: coils group (n=35) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluders group (n=66). Results: No significant intergroup differences were observed in demographic characteristics except age. The presence of multiple CAF origins (54.3% vs. 4.5%, p<0.001) and multiple draining sites (51.4% vs. 3.0%, p<0.001) were more common in the coils group. In contrast, the presence of aneurysm (72.7% vs. 14.3%, p<0.001), and large fistula (75.8% vs. 37.1%, p<0.001) were more prevalent in the PDA occluders group. The acute procedural success rate of the PDA occluders group was higher compared to that of the coils group (87.9% vs.62.9%, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 7.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.59–32.64; p=0.01).In addition, no significant intergroup differences were noted in both the recanalization rate (7.8% vs. 20%, p=0.107) and the reintervention rate (3.1% vs. 8.6%, p=0.342). Conclusions Transcatheter closure of CAFs using PDA occluders was associated with significantly higher acute procedural success rates compared to coil embolization with comparable late outcomes.

Objective To explore the utility of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) in screening risk factors for osteosarcopenia (OS) among older adults (≥80 years old) and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of CGA-guided integrated interventions for OS. Methods A total of 420 patients aged ≥80 years, recruited from the Department of Geriatrics, General Practice of The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Nantong University, and community health centers from January 2022 to October 2024, were enrolled. Participants were classified into OS (n＝139) and non-OS (n＝281) groups based on diagnostic criteria. CGA was utilized to compare differences in general characteristics, laboratory indicators, comorbidities between groups. Binary logistic regression analysis identified independent risk and protective factors. Subsequently, 40 OS patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n＝20) receiving integrated interventions including nutritional support, exercise training, and psychological management or a control group (n＝20, receiving routine care). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, gait speed, and bone mineral density (BMD) T-score were compared between groups after 3 months. Results The prevalence of OS in this cohort was 33.1%. Compared to the non-OS group, the OS group exhibited significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, comorbidity index, concomitant medication, cognitive impairment, visual and hearing impairment, sleep disorders, depression, marital status, social participation, activities of daily living, nutritional risk, total cholesterol, uric acid, and constipation (P＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified age and comorbidity index as significant risk factors for OS, while BMI, married status, total cholesterol, and activities of daily living (assisted and independent) served as protective factors. The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in grip strength, gait speed, BMD T-score, and male ASMI compared to controls (P＜0.05). Conclusions CGA demonstrates clinical utility in systematically identifying risk factors for OS in the old population. Multimodal interventions guided by CGA effectively improve musculoskeletal function in elderly OS patients.

Objective: To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents. Results: In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14)，and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05). Conclusions The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.