Walking test on Glulam-concrete composite floor

Glulam-concrete composite floor (GCC) is a hybrid flooring system which adopted from timber-concrete (TCC) flooring system concrete by replacing the sawn timber joist to Glulam timber joist. The concrete topping was poured on the concrete topping with stiffness connectors were installed to prevent the slip behaviour. Glulam timber is engineered timber that has a bigger strength compared to swan timber. This study is aims to identify the vibration behaviour of 7.6 m × 4.05 m Glulam Concrete Composite (GCC) floor. The walking tests were performed to get the vibration excitation on the floor. The person was walked horizontal and diagonal from one edge to another edge of the floor. The vibration data was recorded by accelerometer and analysis using ARTeMIS software package. The first natural frequency that obtained from both walking tests, (horizontally and diagonally walking test) were 12.9 Hz and 12.39 Hz, respectively. The natural frequencies were higher that 8 Hz as recommended by Eurocode 5, as acceptable value of limitation of vibration serviceability on the flooring system. As conclusion, the vibration behaviour of GCC floor was acceptable and the floor is comfortable to be used.

Left ventricle geometry, atrial strain, ventricle strain, and hemodynamics across aortic valve before and after transcatheter aortic valve replacements

INTRODUCTION

Transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs) has become widespread throughout the world. To date, there are no echocardiographic studies of TAVR patients from Southeast Asia (SEA). We sought to evaluate (1) changes in echocardiographic and strain values pre- and post-TAVR (2) relationship between aortic stenosis (AS) severity and strain values, (3) left ventricle geometry in severe AS, (4) relationship of flow rate to dimensionless index (DVI) and acceleration time (AT), and (5) effect of strains on the outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of 112 TAVR patients in our centre from 2009 to 2020. The echocardiographic and strain images pre (within 1 month), post (day after), and 6 months post-TAVR were analyzed by expert echocardiographer.

RESULTS

The ejection fraction (EF) increased at 6 months (53.02 ± 12.12% to 56.35 ± 9.00%) (p=0.044). Interventricular septal thickness in diastole (IVSd) decreased (1.27 ± 0.21 cm to 1.21 ± 0.23 cm) (p=0.038) and left ventricle internal dimension in diastole (LVIDd) decreased from 4.77 ± 0.64 cm to 4.49 ± 0.65 cm (p=0.001). No changes in stroke volume index (SVI pre vs 6 months p=0.187), but the flow rate increases (217.80 ± 57.61 mls/s to 251.94 ± 69.59 mls/s, p<0.001). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) improved from -11.44 ± 4.23% to -13.94 ± 3.72% (p<0.001), left atrial reservoir strain (Lar-S) increased from 17.44 ± 9.16% to 19.60 ± 8.77% (p=0.033). Eight patients (7.5%) had IVSd < 1.0 cm, and 4 patients (3.7%) had normal left ventricle (LV) geometry. There was linear relationship between IVSd and mean PG (r=0.208, p=0.031), between GLS to aortic valve area (AVA) and aortic valve area index (AVAi) (r = - 0.305, p=0.001 and r= - 0.316, p= 0.001). There was also relationship between AT (r=-0.20, p=0.04) and DVI (r=0.35, p<0.001) with flow rate. Patients who died late (after 6 months) had lower GLS at 6 months. (Alive; -13.94 ± 3.72% vs Died; -12.43 ± 4.19%, p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

At 6 months, TAVR cause reverse remodelling of the LV with the reduction in IVSd, LVIDd, and improvement in GLS and LAr-S. There is a linear relationship between GLS and AVA and between IVSd and AVA.

Predictors of in-hospital mortality due to heart failure hospitalisation and trends of guideline-directed medical therapy usage

Background

The burden of heart failure (HF) is immense, from reducing quality of life (QoL) to increasing mortality risks and additional financial implications. The risk of adverse outcomes get higher with each HF hospitalisation (HFH).

Purpose

To look at predictors of in-hospital mortality outcomes during HFH and the prescription trends in conventional guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HF.

Methods

Retrospective analyses were performed for 7405 HFH cases admitted to our cardiology institution from 2009 to 2018, diagnosed based on the signs and symptoms of heart failure with NTProBNP≥300 at presentation.

Results

Most patients that required HFH were aged &lt;65 years (53.5%), were males (72.8%) and had more diabetes mellitus (66%) and hypertension (75.1%). There were fewer other co-morbidities such as coronary artery disease (CAD) (26.9%), renal insufficiency (33.8%), atrial fibrillation (Afib) (23.9%), dyslipidaemia (40.3%), prior stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (5.6%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (11.6%), current/ex-smokers (45.5%). Most had presenting systolic blood pressure (SBP) &gt;100 mmHg (88.8%), presenting heart rate ≥70 bpm (78.6%) and were in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) &lt;40% (74.8%). At presentation for HFH, 31.2% had 3 GDMTs (GDMT III) (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor / angiotensin receptor blocker / angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor + beta blocker + mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist), 37% had either 2 GDMTs (GDMT II), 25% had only 1 GDMT (GDMT I), while 6.8% had none. The average in-hospital mortality rate was 5.2%. Independent predictors associated with increased in-hospital mortality were males, renal insufficiency, Afib, prior stroke/TIA, SBP ≤100 mmHg, serum sodium &lt;135 mmol/L, uric acid ≥529 μmol/L, NTProBNP ≥6590, inpatient procedures i.e. dialysis, mechanical ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Independent predictors associated with reduced inpatient mortality were hypertension, inpatient cardiac diagnostic procedures and presence of GDMT I, GDMT II and GDMT III at presentation (Figure 1). Throughout the 10 years, the proportion of GDMT prescription were similar; GDMT I (19.1–28.7%), GDMT II (35.1–41.6%), GDMT III (25.2–37.3%). The proportion of GDMT III across the CKD group stages were never more than 50% (Figure 2).

Conclusion

There remains significant in-hospital mortality risk for HFH. While some of these predictors are not modifiable, others are, especially when it comes to GDMT prescriptions. GDMTs provide better prognosis in patients living with HF. There are growing evidence that simultaneous / rapid sequence initiation of GDMTs are more beneficial than the conventional step wise approach. The analysis findings of GDMT proportions at presentation of HFH and also in the CKD group stages meant that many patients are still receiving suboptimal care for their HF and this clinician inertia mentality has got to change.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Development and validation of gender specific risk models in prediction of mortality for hospitalized heart failure patients in a multiethnic asian population

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Heart failure carries substantial morbidity and mortality.  Female has different characteristics compared to male which may affect prognosis and are not represented well in many trials.  Multiple risk scores for in-hospital mortality have been created and validated such as ADHERE (Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry) and GWTG (Get With The Guidelines).  However, these risk scores were in Western population and not gender specific.

Purpose

To develop and validate a gender specific risk model in predicting mortality amongst Asian patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods

We analyzed data from our national centre’s ADHF registry.  Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and imaging variables were ascertained.  Univariate and multivariate analysis using forward stepwise logistic regression were performed to identify predictors for all-cause in hospital mortality with emphasis on disparities between male and female. The accuracy of risk score was assessed using the concordance statistics while calibration was done using the Hosmer-Lemeshow method. The validity of the risk score was determined using separate gender validation cohorts.

Results

A total of 10148 patients admitted for ADHF were analyzed. 8262 patients admitted for ADHF from January 2009 to December 2018 (6008 males and 2254 females) were in the derivation cohort where as 1886 patients (1304 males and 582 females) were selected randomly from January 2019 to July 2021 for our validation cohort.  Female had better survival  (p value =0.04). There were 8 predictive variables for female cohort and 10 predictive variables for male cohort. Similar variables were low systolic blood pressure, loop diuretic use, dialysis, mechanical ventilation and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).  Interestingly, there were significant differences. For female, other variables that had impact on mortality were hypertension (AOR, 0.23; 95% CI,0.09–0.58), high urea (AOR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.36–8.09) and hyponatremia (AOR, 2.87, 95% CI, 1.21–6.78).  However for male, the variables were renal insufficiency (AOR, 1.749; 95% CI, 1.13–2.72), history of stroke (AOR, 2.386, 95% CI, 1.22–4.65), LVEF less than 40% (AOR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.40–5.63), absence of ARB/ACEi (AOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.48–3.60) and absence of beta blockers (AOR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.73–4.05).  The AUC for the female derivation cohort was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.99) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92–0.96) for male derivation cohort.  AUC in the female validation cohort was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83-0.98) and male was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.84–0.97). The risk scores showed good calibration (female; x²=8.88, p = 0.18 and male; x²=13.11, p = 0.07). 

Conclusion

A gender specific risk score for ADHF was developed and validated successfully in our Asian population. This will change our practice in providing valuable prognostic information in both female and male thereby guiding the need for more intensive treatment. Abstract Figure. ROC Curves (Female and Male)  Abstract Figure. Key Variables (Female and Male)

P252 Identifying predictors for all-cause mortality at admission, 1 and 3 years after admission for acute decompensated heart failure amongst patients with atrial fibrillation

Background

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly co-exist, each, predisposing the other. AF may inflict haemodynamic disturbances, leading to reduced cardiac output and hence acute decompensation. Ultimately mortality risk is further increased. Identifying contributing factors is thus vital lest increasing risk of poor outcome.

Purpose

Identify predictors of all-cause mortality in AF patients after admission for acute decompensation HF (ADHF) at admission, 1 and 3 years. 

Methods

A retrospective observational study of 810 AF patients" first admission from 2009 to 2018, analysed using descriptive, ROC curve and Cox regression.

Results

Mortality at admission, 1 and 3 years following ADHF were 5.1%, 14.4% and 40.5% respectively. Majority of AF patients were male (64.7%) but there was no significant statistical difference between gender with associated mortality during those timelines. Using multivariate analysis, predictors associated with increased in-hospital mortality were Hyponatraemia, Na &lt; 135mmol/L (adjusted Odds Ratio, aOR 2.49; 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.91-5.20; p0.015), Uric Acid ≥ 675 (aOR 2.75; CI 1.31-5.79; p0.008), Ejection Fraction, EF &lt; 40% (aOR 3.93; CI 1.63-9.49; p0.002). Medications on admission associated with reduced inpatient mortality were Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) / Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) + Beta Blocker (BB) + Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist (MRA) (aOR 0.07; CI 0.02-0.30; p &lt; 0.001). At 1 year, multivariate analysis showed an associated increase in mortality when NTProBNP ≥ 7500pg/ml (adjusted Hazard Ratio, aHR 1.64; CI 1.02-2.65; p0.042) and Urea &gt; 7mmol/L (aHR 1.86; CI 1.04-3.32, p0.036). Medications on discharge comprising ACEi/ARB + BB + MRA were the only combination that showed a reduction in mortality (aHR 0.23; CI 0.09-0.60; p0.003). At 3 years, background coronary artery disease (aHR 1.72; CI 1.09-2.71; p0.02), hypernatraemia, Na &gt; 145mmol/L (aHR 14.89; CI 3.17-69.86; p0.001), EF &lt; 40% (aHR 2.00; CI 1.28-3.12; p0.002) were associated with increased mortality. Medications on discharge namely ACEi/ARB (aHR 0.14; CI 0.03-0.70; p0.013), BB (aHR 0.23; CI 0.10-0.51; p &lt; 0.001), ACEi/ARB + BB (aHR 0.16; CI0.06-0.41; p &lt; 0.001), ACEi/ARB + MRA (aHR 0.34; CI 0.14-0.85; p0.021), BB + MRA (aHR 0.38; CI 0.17-0.83; p0.016), ACEi/ARB + BB + MRA (aHR 0.193; CI 0.09-0.43; p &lt; 0.001) showed an associated reduction in mortality.

Conclusions

In this single centre study, patients with AF who presented with ADHF had a variety of mortality predictors that influence at different timelines. They had higher risk of inpatient mortality with hyponatraemia, hyperuricaemia and EF &lt; 40%. Elevated NTProBNP and Urea levels seemed to have more effect on mortality at 1 year compared to 3 years. Having 3 disease-modifying heart failure medications at discharge exerted the most benefit up to 3 years of follow up.

Abstract P252 Figure.

Diastolic dysfunction grading, echocardiographic and electrocardiogram findings in 50 patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION

Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Apical HCM) is an uncommon variant of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, but it is relatively more common in Asian countries. This is a retrospective, non-randomised, single centre study of patients with Apical HCM focusing on their diastolic dysfunction grading, echocardiographic parameters and electrocardiograms (ECG).

METHODS

All Apical HCM patients coming for clinic visits at the Institut Jantung Negara from September 2017 to September 2018 were included. We assessed their echocardiography images, grade their diastolic function and reviewed their ECG on presentation.

RESULTS

Fifty patient were included, 82% (n=41) were males and 18% (n=9) females. The diastolic function grading of 37 (74%) patients were able to be determined using the updated 2016 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) diastolic guidelines. Fifty percent (n=25) had the typical ace-ofspades shape left ventricle (LV) appearance in diastole and 12% (n=6) had apical pouch. All patients had T inversion in the anterior leads of their ECG, and only 52% (n=26) fulfilled the ECG left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) criteria. Majority of our patients presented with symptoms of chest pain (52%, n=26) and dyspnoea (42%, n=21).

CONCLUSION

The updated 2016 ASE guideline makes it easier to evaluate LV diastolic function in most patients with Apical HCM. It also helps in elucidating the aetiology of dyspnoea, based on left atrial pressure. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for Apical HCM when faced with deep T inversion on ECG, in addition to a thick LV apex with an aceof- spades appearance during diastole.

Detection of phenazepam in illicitly manufactured Erimin 5 tablets

A validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method was used to determine the phenazepam dosage in clandestinely produced Erimin 5 tablets. Tablets from five different seizures submitted to the laboratory in 2013 were found to have a dosage of about 2.4 milligrams. The measurement uncertainty of the assay was estimated to be 3.2 % (relative) at a coverage factor of k=2. As an adjunct study the dyes in the tablets from several seizures were determined by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for future comparative studies.

Detection and molecular characterization of calf diarrhoea bovine coronaviruses circulating in South Korea during 2004-2005

Although the widespread occurrence of calf diarrhoea (CD) bovine coronavirus (BCoV) infections have been reported in most cattle producing countries, only the genetic differences in the BCoVs from American and Canadian isolates and/or strains have been identified and compared. Hence, it is unclear if the BCoVs circulating in the other countries have distinct genetic characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of CD BCoVs based on the deduced amino acid (aa) sequences of the spike (S) and haemagglutinin/esterase (HE) proteins in South Korea. RT-PCR and nested PCR using the primer pairs specific to the nucleocapsid gene, BCoVs detected the BCoVs in 56 (15.6%) of 359 diarrhoeic faecal samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the entire S gene indicated that 10 Korean CD BCoV strains clustered with other Korean BCoV strains with different clinical forms but were different from the American and Canadian BCoV strains. Moreover, the phylogenetic data of the aa sequences of the HE gene revealed all the Korean CD strains to be distinct from the other Korean BCoV strains with different clinical forms. These results suggest that the Korean BCoVs cause endemic infections in diarrhoeic calves in Jeonnam province and have taken a different evolutionary pathway from the BCoVs in other countries. Moreover, the different BCoV strains are circulating in the different clinical forms in South Korea. These results also suggest that vaccines against the BCoVs can be developed with each Korean BCoV in different clinical forms.