Science and technology evaluation plays an important role in improving the hospital's science and technology innovation capabilities and academic discipline construction.The global Cardiovascular Academic Performance Evaluation(CAPE)system focuses on the development of cardiovascular specialties in hospitals,emphasizing the evaluation of international academic performance of cardiovascular specialties,and delving into the sub-specialty of cardiovascular diseases.CAPE system contributes to pioneering preliminary explorations in literature searching strategies,data standardization,disciplinary definitions and other aspects.

Objectives:To establish a comprehensive system of Cardiovascular Academic Performance Evaluation(CAPE)and rank global TOP100 medical institutions in the fields of cardiovascular diseases(CVD). Methods:CVD-related terms were extracted from Medical Subject Headings(MeSH),Embase thesaurus(EMtrees)and International Classification of Diseases(ICD)by CVD-related professionals,as well as by librarians and information professionals.Terminology databases(named as Fuwai Subject Headings)were established,and nine sub-disciplines were proposed,including ischemic heart diseases,hypertension,vascular diseases,arrhythmia,pulmonary vascular diseases,heart failure,congenital heart diseases,cardiomyopathy,and valvular heart diseases.The mapping patterns of sub-discipline,cardiovascular terminology and entry terms were pre-defined.The CVD-related research literature published from January 1,2016 to December 31,2022 were retrieved from Web of Science,PubMed and Scopus.Based on this,metadata were fused and duplicates were excluded.Fuwai Subject Headings were searched and matched into four respects for each literature,including subject words,titles,keywords,and abstracts,which was used to generate an information table of"Position—CVD terminology—Frequency",and to calculate CVD correlation scores and sub-discipline scores.We standardized the names of medical institutions and scholars,and make a ranking system for CAPE based on original articles with strong cardiovascular correlation(correlation score≥4).When evaluating the science and technological performance for Chinese hospitals in cardiovascular diseases,National Natural Science Foundation Projects,authorized invention patents,prize achievements,research platforms,and registered data of drug clinical trials in Center for Drug Evaluation(CDE)were considered besides research papers. Results:During 2016 and 2022,1 545 103 CVD research literatures were found worldwide.After excluding meeting abstracts,books,biographies,news,videos,audio texts,retracted publications,and corrections,1 178 019 CVD research literatures were further evaluated.518 058 literatures were indexed as"strongly correlated to CVD"using Fuwai Subject Headings.Besides papers,other data sources were also collected,including 11 143 CVD-related Natural Science Foundation Projects,19 382 CVD-related effective authorized invention patents,103 CVD-related national prize achievements,24 CVD-related national research platforms,and 2 084 CDE registered data of CVD-related drug clinical trials.Research teams from nine sub-disciplines reviewed and validated research literature in respective fields,and classification rules of corresponding sub-disciplines were created and improved based on their opinions.Finally,eleven individual indexes were chosen to construct CAPE system for ranking global TOP100 medical institutions in overall CVD field and TOP30 in nine sub-disciplines.From 2016 to 2022,the number of cardiovascular disease research papers published by Chinese institutes has increased by 123.5%,with a total of approximately 76.8 thousands papers published(about 30 papers per day on average),ranked the second under the United States(approximately 114.1 thousands papers).However,the proportion of papers published by the Chinese Journal Citation Reports(JCR)and the Chinese Academy of Sciences only ranked eighth in the world.In the comprehensive academic performance of original cardiovascular research papers in global hospitals from 2020 to 2022,only two Chinese medical institutions ranked in the TOP20 as evaluated by CAPE system. Conclusions:Based on multi-source data from 2016 to 2022,CAPE initiated to establish a cardiovascular academic performance evaluation system.

Objectives:Quantitative flow ratio(QFR)is a coronary angiography-derived functional test without the need of guidewire use.Fractional flow reserve(FFR)is used as the reference standard to verify the diagnostic value of QFR in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome(NSTE-ACS)with coronary critical lesion(40%-70%stenosis)and functional stenosis. Methods:This retrospective analysis included patients with NSTE-ACS who were admitted to Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from June 1,2018 to February 1,2023 and underwent coronary FFR examination.QFR values of target vessels were analyzed offline by AngioPlus(Shanghai Pulsation Medical Imaging Technology Co.,LTD.),the second-generation QFR detector,and anatomical parameters of the diseased vessels were recorded as follows:minimal luminal diameter(MLD),percent diameter stenosis(DS%),minimal luminal area(MLA),percent area stenosis(AS%).Functional coronary artery stenosis is defined as FFR≤0.80. Results:Using FFR as the gold standard,the AUC values of contrast-flow QFR(cQFR)and fixed-flow QFR(fQFR)for identifying functional coronary artery stenosis in NSTE-ACS patients were 0.829(95%CI:0.773-0.885,P<0.001)and 0.821(95%CI:0.766-0.875,P<0.001),respectively.The diagnostic accuracy,sensitivity and specificity of cQFR and fQFR were 81.30%,56.00%,98.63%and 76.83%,59.00%,99.04%,respectively.DeLong test showed that diagnostic performance of cQFR was significantly better than fQFR in diagnosing functional stenosis of coronary critical lesions in patients with NSTE-ACS. Conclusions:With FFR as the gold standard,QFR(especially cQFR)has certain diagnostic value in patients with NSTE-ACS with functional stenosis of coronary critical lesions.

Objectives:This study aims to investigate the impact of different Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels on progression of intermediate coronary stenosis,and the associated risk factors leading to the progression of such lesions. Methods:Data were collected on 219 consecutive patients admitted at the Fuwai Central China Vascular Hospital from January 2020 to February 2021,underwent angiographic examinations and diagnosed with intermediate coronary stenosis,with at least one follow-up angiography after 11 months.Offline quantitative flow ratio(QFR)analysis was performed on these cases.Patients were divided into two groups:LDL-C controlled group(LDL-C<1.8 mmol/L,148 patients with 191 vessels)and LDL-C uncontrolled group(LDL-C≥1.8 mmol/L,71 patients with 98 vessels).Coronary artery QFR and anatomical indicators such as minimal lumen diameter,minimal lumen area,percentage diameter stenosis,percentage area stenosis were compared within and between the groups.Further analysis was performed to identify influencing factors leading to changes in coronary physiological parameters derived from QFR. Results:Within the LDL-C controlled group,there was no significant difference in the QFR values of the vessels compared to baseline(P>0.05),whereas in the LDL-C uncontrolled group(P<0.05),a notable decline in QFR was observed.Patients in the LDL-C controlled group had lower rates of maximum diameter and area stenosis and higher minimum lumen diameter and area(all P<0.05).Through multifactorial Logistic regression analysis,it was found that a body mass index＞28 kg/m2,LDL-C≥1.8 mmol/L,and a history of myocardial infarction were independent risk factors leading to the decline in QFR(all P<0.05). Conclusions:It was found that patients in the LDL-C controlled group had higher coronary artery QFR,minimum lumen diameter and area,lower rates of maximum diameter and area stenosis.

Objectives:To investigate the impact of baseline non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C)levels on new-onset cardiovascular disease(CVD)in postmenopausal women. Methods:This prospective cohort study selected 8 893 postmenopausal women who participated from 2006 to 2018 employee health examination of Kailuan Group and had complete total cholesterol(TC)and HDL-C data and no history of CVD.Participants were followed up to 31 December,2021.The primary endpoint was the occurrence of CVD or death.According to the Chinese Lipid Management Guidelines(2023),the participants were divided into non-HDL-C<4.1 mmol/L group(n=6 079),4.1 mmol/L≤non-HDL-C<4.9 mmol/L group(n=1 824)and non-HDL-C≥4.9 mmol/L group(n=990).The cumulative incidence of CVD in different groups of non-HDL-C levels was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and tested by log-rank analysis.Multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the effects of different non-HDL-C levels on CVD. Results:The mean follow-up time was(10.78±4.48)years,the cumulative incidence of CVD in different non-HDL-C level groups was 1.82%,3.24%and 2.89%,respectively.Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a statistically significant difference in cumulative incidence among the three groups(log-rank P<0.0001).The results of Cox regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors such as age and sex,the HR(95%CI)values for CVD in the 4.1≤non-HDL-C<4.9 mmol/L group and the non-HDL-C≥4.9 mmol/L group were 1.40(1.13-1.74)and 1.35(1.03-1.78),respectively. Conclusions:High non-HDL-C levels are an independent risk factor for new-onset CVD in postmenopausal women.

Objectives:To evaluate the learning curve of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)in a single center by single operator using Venus A valve. Methods:A total of 150 patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR using Venus A valve in Fujian Provincial Hospital from July 2018 to May 2022 were selected.According to the time order of TAVR,the 1st-50th patients were included in group A,the 51st-100th patients were included in group B and the 101st-150th patients were included in group C.The basic clinical data,perioperative parameters and postoperative follow-up data of the three groups were analyzed. Results:All high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis had an average STS score(7.9±1.5)and were treated with Venus A valve.The total operation time of group A,group B and group C was(226.2±86.3)min,(115.2±47.1)min,(108.2±38.1)min;the peripheral path operation time was(45±10)min,(20±7)min,(18±6)min;the valve release time was(13.0±2.3)min,(5.0±2.1)min,(3.0±1.7)min;the X-ray fluoroscopy time was(24±8)min,(11±5)min,(10±3)min;the radiation dose was(1 266±227)mGy,(532±132)mGy,(519±108)mGy;and the total incidence of perioperative adverse events was 46%,18%,16%,respectively.The differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).The total incidence of adverse events during follow-up within 6 months for patients in group A,group B,and group C were 6%,2%,and 0%(P>0.05).With the increase of TAVR cases,the correlation curve of each time node of TAVR and radiation dose tended to be stable after the 50th-60th cases. Conclusions:With the increase of procedural experience,the total operation time,operative time nodes,radiation dose and perioperative adverse events of TAVR with Venus A valve decreases gradually,and the operator usually needs 50-60 cases to cross the TAVR learning curve.

Objectives:To explore the effect and possible mechanisms of mild hypothermia on interferon(IFN)-α2b-induced AC16 cardiomyocytes apoptosis. Methods:Cardiomyocytes were stimulated in ordinary temperature and mild hypothermia by IFN-α2b under different concentrations for different times.Proliferation activity of cardiomyocytes was detected by CCK-8 assay.Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry technique.The effects of different interventions on mitochondrial morphology were examined using Mito-Tracker Green and laser scanning confocal microscope,respectively.The mitochondrial membrane potentials under different intervention conditions were detected by flow cytometry.The fusion of dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1)and mitochondria,and the effects of different interventions on the mitochondria was examined by Drp1 or mitochondrial fluorescent probes and laser scanning confocal microscope.The effects of different intervention conditions on the protein expression level of Phospho-Drp1(p-Drp1)Ser616,Drp1,cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase1(cleaved-PARP1),poly ADP-ribose polymerase1(PARP1)were detected by Western blot. Results:CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry results showed that IFN-α2b inhibited the proliferation and enhanced the apoptosis of AC16 cardiomyocytes in a time and dose-dependent manner,these effects could be attenuated by mild hypothermia.Mito-Tracker Green,laser scanning confocal microscope and flow cytometry results showed that the extent of damage of mitochondria with different interventions were attenuated in the setting of mild hypothermia as compared with ordinary temperature.The morphology of mitochondria remained intact and the mitochondrial membrane potentials were the highest in mild hypothermia group.Injured AC16 cardiomyocytes released Drp1 from cytoplasm to mitochondria and increased mitochondrial fission,these effects were abolished after mild hypothermia.p-Drp1 Ser616/Drp1 ratio and cleaved-PARP1/PARP1 ratio were decreased after mild hypothermia,and above effects could be reversed by mitochondrial division inhibitor-1(Mdivi-1)pretreatment. Conclusions:Mild hypothermia inhibits IFN-α2b-induced AC16 cardiomyocytes apoptosis via improving mitochondrial function.

The formation of collaterals is a characteristic feature in the pathogenesis of chronic total occlusion of the coronary arteries.Myocardial viability distal to the lesion maintained by collaterals is critical in facilitating subsequent myocardial revascularization.Comprehensive research on the pathological and pathophysiological processes of the collaterals will help to understand the morphological and functional evaluation methods of the collaterals,which will lead to the timely diagnosis and effective treatment of chronic total occlusion.In this article,we intend to review research advances on collaterals in chronic total occlusion,focusing on the pathophysiological mechanisms,the methods of morphological and functional evaluation,as well as the clinical implication.

The prevalence rate of heart failure is increasing year by year,posing a significant threat to human health,partly due to the rapid growth of overweight and obese populations.Obesity,as an independent risk factor of heart failure,affects hemodynamics,cardiac structure and cardiac function through mechanisms such as adipocyte release of adipokines,insulin resistance and accumulation of epicardial adipose tissue.Although the results of whether weight loss can reduce heart failure incidence are inconsistent,weight loss is associated with benefits such as reduced symptoms and comorbidities,and improved quality of life.Weight loss thus plays an indispensable role in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases in obese individuals.Currently,effective weight loss strategies confirmed by evidence-based studies mainly include lifestyle interventions,medication therapy and weight loss surgery.

Vasovagal syncope is one of the most common forms of syncope.There are limited drug therapy options for patients with cardiosuppressive syncope,and permanent pacemaker therapy is recommended.This article reviews the tortuous development of pacemaker implication in the treatment of vasovagal syncope and summarizes the underlying reasons,and potential patients,who might benefit from pacing therapy and the limitations of its application according to the current guidelines.In the future,cardioneuroablation might become a therapeutic choice for patients with vasovagal syncope,the safety,efficacy and suitable patinets groups need to be validated in coming large sample randomized controlled clinical trials.