Highlights of the week:

Wrapping Up Heart Month

Thanks to everyone who helped celebrate Heart Month by spreading awareness about heart disease, how to prevent it, and how to successfully manage it! Thanks especially to each and every team member for all you are doing as a contributor to the great work being done throughout Duke Heart!

This past week, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, Nishant Shah, MD, presented on a topic he’s passionate about — heart disease prevention. He’s a believer in getting these messages out at critical times and what better time than in the early learning years? Shah had a fully engaged and captivated audience of children at All Starz Children’s Academy in Cary. He dressed in scrubs and his white lab coat for presentations throughout the day to about 166 preschoolers about how the heart works and how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.

“We went through pictures of heart anatomy, talked about important fruits and vegetables to keep the heart healthy, did some stretches and exercise, and learned about the importance of a good night’s sleep for heart health,” said Shah. “In the afternoon the kids got to do some coloring of a picture of real human heart as well. It certainly is never too early to talk about cardiovascular disease prevention and Heart Month is a great time to kick off the conversation! Primordial prevention for the win!”

Shah brought stethoscopes and disposable surgical caps with him so that not only could the kids “dress up” by wearing the bonnets, they could listen to their own heartbeat.

“They loved it and it was great to see the excitement on their faces,” Shah added.

Melissa Brown, a director at All Starz Academy concurred.

“When Dr. Shah mentioned that February was Heart Month and that he was interested in presenting to our kids, we thought it was a fantastic idea,” she said. “It was a huge hit. Dr. Shah did a great job balancing information with activity — he had them dress up with surgical caps, and they did some physical activities like jumping jacks. His presentation was very well designed for the ages of kids we have here. The younger ones, of course, their attention span is less but they still enjoyed it. We’d repeat this again in years to come, just because it was such a big hit with them.”

Brown said the enthusiasm lasted all week long. “From what I’ve overheard the kids talking about, I think the biggest thing they took away is excitement about healthy eating and how it makes the heart grow big and strong — and that when the heart is big and strong, you’re a healthier human. They picked up important information about how to keep their bodies healthy. I heard our kids saying things like, ‘if I eat these my heart is going to get big and strong’ and also ‘things like this are not good for me to eat.’ They definitely were paying attention!”

The Academy has typically had professional police officers, firefighters, and dentists come in to see the kids and do demonstrations – but never a cardiologist. Brown said they were thrilled to showcase Heart Month this way and would welcome further opportunities.

Way to go, Nishant! Here are some great photos from his day at All Starz Children’s Academy.

 

On Wednesday evening, Manesh Patel was the invited presenter by the Triangle American Heart Association to give a “Deep Dive” on the major science news that came out of the 2022 AHA Scientific Sessions, which allowed him to also discuss some important research our Duke Heart team is working on. The Zoom session was held by our local AHA for their Board members. Also invited to participate were members of our Heart Center Leadership Council and members of our Patient & Family Advisory Council. The presentation was followed by a number of great questions from the audience!

Concluding the week, we received a terrific annual recap of the many successes of our Duke Electrophysiology team from Jonathan Piccini, MD, including these stats:

For calendar year 2022, the Duke EP Team performed:

• 6644 in-person device interrogations
• 5% increase from 2021
• 18,761 remote device interrogations
• 13% increase from 2021
• 1233 device implants at Duke University Hospital
• 12% increase from 2021
• 1192 EP study/ablation procedures at Duke University Hospital
• 11% increase from 2021
• 749 AF ablations in the Duke University Health System
• 12% increase from 2021
• 44 left atrial appendage closure procedures at Duke University Hospital
• 150+ lead extraction procedures at Duke University Hospital
• >10% increase from 2021

Incredible numbers from a stellar team! We look forward to sharing many more of their accomplishments!

Newly Published Book Features Chapter by Duke APPs

Three of our APPs are co-authors of chapters in the newly published Textbook for the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (published by Springer Publishing). Stephanie Barnes, Callie Tennyson, and Jaime McDermott wrote the chapters on Acute Coronary Syndromes and Heart Failure.

“Nearly 100 expert authors who discuss the evidence-based gold standards for diagnostics and tests for optimal detection of multisystem disorders, patient management, and transitions of care. In these chapters, learners will gain a greater understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of acute and critical illnesses, and the latest in advanced pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies… We congratulate the Editors and chapter authors for their efforts in developing a clearly outlined and accurate text for AGACNP use—truly the first of its kind.”

We love that the expertise of our Duke Heart nurse practitioners is highly sought after! Congratulations, Steph, Callie and Jaime!!!

ICYMI: Thomas Featured in Klotman’s Friday Message

Cardiac Electrophysiologist Kevin Thomas, MD, vice dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer was interviewed recently by Duke School of Medicine Dean Mary Klotman, MD for one of her weekly Friday messages (Feb. 10, 2023) — this one in celebration of Black History Month. It’s definitely worth checking out! https://duke.is/wd5x5

 

 

 

 

 

Partial Heart Transplant Featured in ABC Drama

One of the storylines in Thursday night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy (9 p.m., ABC) featured a partial heart transplant. The only two such procedures completed to date have both taken place at Duke University Hospital. The procedure was pioneered at Duke by pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Joseph Turek and his team. The writers and producers of Grey’s Anatomy reached out to Dr. Turek for his input in order to assure medical accuracy in their script as well as the imagery they planned to use.

Cool work, Joe!

Kudos to All Cardiology Fellows

A tremendous shout-out to each one of our cardiology fellows for their understanding, patience and compassion this week after a bit of a snafu with the paging system. One of the nurses in the Duke Birthing Center accidently paged the entire team instead of the fellow on-call, and to her great surprise, everyone reacted with kindness. (We are not surprise by this, of course!)

In a note she sent to Toi Spates and shared with Cary Ward, she wrote:

“First, I would like to say that each interaction I have had with you, Toi, has been incredibly professional, polite, and educational. Your team has shown incredible respect towards our triage nursing team, and we do appreciate that. Your patience does not go unnoticed.

Today, we received a call from the clinic alerting us that they were sending a patient who was very concerning to them. We never know how concerned we should be until we see that patient in person. [In preparing for a consult,] I mistakenly sent out a page to the wrong group. When I realized what I had done, my heart sank, and the phone started ringing. I held my breath to prepare to apologize and take the heat, but it never came. Every single provider who returned my page, (within five minutes or less) was kind, understanding, and half of them even offered to help me! Some offered to help me find the correct pager number, others asked who I specifically was looking for, and another asked for the MRN in order to be prepared to assist us in the event that no one was available. I could not answer the phone fast enough. With each call, I waited for the reprimand that never came. I wanted to provide a BIG THANK YOU! Also, I am so pleasantly surprised by how I was treated today.” – a grateful nurse

What a great reminder that kindness is always welcome and that you can always, always make someone’s day better as a result. GREAT JOB!!

 

Kudos to Osude!

In a note from Fawaz Alenezi, MD to Anna Lisa Chamis, MD this week, we received a great shout-out for Dr. Kiki Osude!  Photo

“Kiki made my day very easy. We had 10 TEEs and 2 CVs. I really appreciate her professional work.” — Fawaz

 

Shout-out to Loriaux!

We received some nice feedback this week on Dan Loriaux via messages Anna Lisa Chamis received from both the Neuro ICU AND from the SICU.  (photo)

In an email from Shreyansh Shah, MD, of the Neuro ICU, we heard “This week as we celebrate contributions of our GME trainees to patient care, education and research, I wanted to share this special kudos from the Neuro ICU team for a very impressive Critical Care fellow, Dr. Daniel Loriaux who our team got to work with this past month.

Over the last month, Daniel has received multiple kudos from his team members, Neuro ICU nursing staff, and patient’s family members for his kind demeanor, his patient-centric care, his collaborative nature, and for creating an environment of trust during his time in the Neuro ICU. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him and we wish him all the best!”

And, “I had the pleasure of working with Dan Loriaux this past week in the SICU. I was impressed with his knowledge base, kindness, compassion, and procedural skills. He was constantly wanting to learn more throughout the week, was always happy to teach residents and APPs, and has some of the better ultrasound/procedural skills I’ve seen from any fellow I’ve worked with at Duke. More importantly, he seems like a good person and listened closely to all team members whenever concerns were expressed. He has a rare combination of humbleness and skill. Happy to speak to either of you more to help facilitate this young man’s career however I can.” — Nitin Mehdiratta, MD, critical care anesthesiologist and medical director of the Duke SICU.

 

Heading to NOLA for ACC.23?

Will you be attending the 2023 ACC Scientific Sessions in New Orleans next weekend? Please join us at the Duke Annual Reception & Duke vs. UNC MBB Watch Party.

When: Saturday, March 4 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Where: New Orleans Marriott/Warehouse Arts District

Sponsors: Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke Cardiology, and Duke Heart Center

Questions:  email Elizabeth.evans@duke.edu or willette.wilkins@duke.edu.

 

Dean’s Distinguished Research Series 2023

The Duke University School of Medicine’s Dean’s Distinguished Research Series showcases groundbreaking research from the basic, clinical, and translational sciences. Formerly called “Research Week”, the re-imagined series will be held in-person and live-streamed. All faculty, staff, trainees and students are welcome to attend.

March 9:

Trainee Poster Session, 2:30 – 4 p.m., 6^th Floor, Trent Semans Center for Health Education

Faculty Lectures, 4 – 5 p.m., 6^th Floor, Trent Semans Center for Health Education.

Chris Beyrer, MD, MPH, director of Duke Global Health Institute, and Keisha Bentley-Edwards, PhD, associate director of research, Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity will present. Light bites and refreshments provided on a first-come, first-served basis. (live stream available: https://duke.is/vgf7u)

For the full schedule, please visit https://medschool.duke.edu/research/deans-distinguished-research-series-2023.

 

Reminder: Future Relocation of DUH Unit 7100 for Renovations

As most of you know, Duke University Hospital’s bed tower 100 is in the process of being renovated. Unit 7100 will be relocated to Duke North 2200 (a 16-bed unit) and 3200 (also a 16-bed unit) in April.

These units were selected for their close proximity to one another and to other Heart units; the provision of 32 beds for Cardiology patients; and, for being move-in ready after recent renovations. 7201-7208 will close as the Hospital Surge Unit, and the eight Emergency Department admit hold patients will relocate from 2200 to this area.

The exact dates for closing 7201-7208 and relocating 7100 will be communicated once we have firm dates identified. There will be no change in the patient population we will care for on units 2200/3200.

 

DHIP update

Distribution of Employment Agreements for transitioning members is ongoing. Please monitor your inbox for critical communication from DHIP@duke.edu, your department chair, and Adobe Sign.

Reminder: The Duke Guarantee offers the minimum compensation each Member can expect to receive. Additional compensation opportunities which exist today will continue to be available to members within DHIP.

All members will be given weeks to consider employment and sign their Employment Agreements.

Benefits:

• Information regarding Duke Benefits is available on SharePoint.
• All benefits related questions can be sent to DHIPBenefits@Duke.edu.

All other questions can be sent to DHIP@duke.edu, and all DHIP updates can be found at https://dhip.org.

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Feb. 28: Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support in High Risk PCI and Shock: Fact, Fiction, and Future Devices with Sandeep Nathan of Univ. of Chicago Medicine. 5 p.m., Zoom; also: in person, DN 2002.

March 14: Topic TBA with Italo Biaggioni of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 5 p.m., Zoom.

 

DCRI Research Forum: Feb. 28

The Duke Clinical Research Institute’s upcoming Research Forum will feature a fireside chat with Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Editor-In-Chief Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo.

What: A Fireside Chat with JAMA Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS

When: Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.

(Required) Register:  https://duke.is/y45qv

Webinar details and link will be provided upon registration.

Duke REACH Equity Center Funding Opportunities:

Research Voucher, Scholars Development, Transdisciplinary Think Tank

Now accepting applications through March 17 for July 2023 funding.

The Duke REACH Equity Center awards support students, trainees, and faculty who are interested in conducting research that promotes health equity. All proposals should broadly address the REACH Equity theme: to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health by improving the quality of patient-centered care in the clinical encounter across diseases, stages of illness, care settings, and throughout the life course. Proposals may include any research topic and method (quantitative, qualitative, etc.).

There are four funding opportunities:

The Research Vouchers Program will supplement currently funded research or support standalone research projects conducted by faculty at any level. Funding: One year, up to $12,500 per award.

• Full Research Vouchers Program RFA and application instructions are available here.
• Current awardee list is available here.

The Research Scholars Development Program is intended to support early-stage investigators (residents, fellows, postdoctoral students, nursing trainees, and other trainees at a similar career stage). Scholars work with a faculty mentor (identified by the trainee) to develop a research proposal and complete a project. Funding: Up to $5,000 for one- or two-year project per award.

• Full Research Scholars Development RFA and application instructions are available here.
• Current awardee list is available here.

The Transdisciplinary Think Tank (TTT) provides support to bring together faculty across disciplines who have a common interest in addressing racial and ethnic disparities in the clinical encounter. The TTT’s aim is to catalyze and support research related to the REACH Equity theme and to foster collaboration among health disparities researchers across Duke University. Funding: One year, up to $1,500 per award.

• The Full Transdisciplinary Think Tank RFA and application instructions are available here.
• Current awardee list is available here.

The Medical Student and Nursing Student Research Award is intended to support a third-year medical student or a third-year PhD nursing student conducting research related to the REACH Equity theme. Scholars work with a faculty mentor (identified by the student) to develop a research proposal and complete a project. Funding: Up to $5,000 for one-year project.

• Full Medical Student Research and Nursing Student Research Award and application instructions are available here.
• Current awardee list is available here.

Application submission deadline: March 17 for July 2023 funding.

Email reachequitycenter@duke.edu with questions.

 

Save the Date: Spring Faculty Reception

All Duke SOM faculty members are invited to the 2023 School of Medicine Spring Faculty Celebration scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Doris Duke Center, Duke Gardens. This event is a wonderful opportunity to network, celebrate achievements, and recognize colleagues with faculty awards. Refreshments will be served. Link to RSVP is below.

Feel free to invite your SOM faculty colleagues to attend with you or to make plans to come as a group and celebrate the end of the academic year together.

Tentative Agenda:

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Networking reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres

6:00 – 6:15 p.m. — Opening Remarks

6:15 – 7:00 p.m. — School of Medicine Faculty Awards and Recognitions

7:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Reception and Dessert

The Office of Faculty is looking forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to contact their team: facdev@dm.duke.edu.

To RSVP: https://duke.is/cyp46

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart at tracey.koepke@duke.edu. We would love to hear about your latest accomplishments, professional news, cool happenings, and any events or opportunities that may be of interest to our Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

 

February 18 — Stuart Russell

WPTF AM 640

Aging Matters: Raising Awareness of heart issues

https://duke.is/8teb6

*clip begins @16:06:31

February 20 — Jacob Schroder with Jason Banner, patient

WPTF AM-640/CBS News Weekend Round-up*

Medical breakthrough gives father more time with his kids

https://duke.is/9v2yn

*clip begins @ 00:31:26

February 20 — Jacob Schroder with Jason Banner, patient

KCAL CBS News Los Angeles*

Medical Breakthrough allows some patients to get a new heart

https://duke.is/4czbt

*clip begins @ 09:50:56

February 20 — William Kraus

The Washington Post/Bloomberg

Cut Calories and (Maybe) Add Years to Your Life

https://duke.is/j3c6a

February 21 — Stephen Greene

HCP Live

Rural Hospitals Less Likely than Urban Hospitals to Prescribe GDMT in Heart Failure

https://duke.is/babu3

February 23 — Stephen Greene and Jacob Pierce (IM Resident)

tctMD

Too Many HF Patients Exiting Rural Hospitals Miss Out on Endorsed Therapies

https://duke.is/pu5qf

February 23 — Duke SOM

Becker’s Healthcare/ASC Review

Most diverse medical schools in 2023

https://duke.is/r8ewx

February 23 — Michael Pencina

STAT News

AI developers battle with FDA, what’s next with Amazon and One Medical, & protecting wearables data

https://duke.is/5yb56

February 23 — Duke Clinical Research Institute

Salisbury (NC) Post

Automated CPR machine gets to the heart of survival

https://duke.is/nhexs

February 23 — Pamela Douglas

DAIC

ACC Global Survey Finds 1 in 4 Cardiologists Reporting Mental Health Conditions

https://duke.is/yqejq

 

Division of Cardiology Publications Indexed in PubMed February 2-22, 2023

Altin SE, Parikh PB, Squeri E, Douglas PS, Wang DD, Mehran R. Representation of Women in Cardiology Academic Faculty Ranks. Am J Cardiol 2023;190:96-97. PM: 36608436.

Carnicelli AP, Keane R, Brown KM, Loriaux DB, Kendsersky P, Alviar CL, Arps K, Berg DD, Bohula EA, Burke JA, Dixson JA, Gerber DA, Goldfarb M, Granger CB, Guo J, Harrison RW, Kontos M, Lawler PR, Miller PE, Nativi-Nicolau J, Newby LK, Racharla L, Roswell RO, Shah KS, Sinha SS, Solomon MA, Teuteberg J, Wong G, van Diepen S, Katz JN, Morrow DA. Characteristics, therapies, and outcomes of In-Hospital vs Out-of-Hospital cardiac arrest in patients presenting to cardiac intensive care units: From the critical care Cardiology trials network (CCCTN). Resuscitation 2023;183:109664. PM: 36521683.

Gaudino M, Alexander J, Benedetto U, Boening A, Dimagli A, Fremes S, Chikwe J, Girardi L, Hare D, Kurlansky P, Lamy A, Audisio K, Di Franco A, Devereaux PJ, Diegeler A, Flather M, Lawton JS, Tam DY, Reents W, Rahouma M. Omnia munda mundis (‘to the pure, all things are pure’). Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2023;63(2):ezad021. PM: 36651674.

Hertz JT, Prattipati S, Kweka GL, Mlangi JJ, Tarimo TG, Mmbaga BT, Thielman NM, Sakita FM, Rubach MP, Bloomfield GS, Manavalan P. Prevalence and predictors of uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, and obesity among adults with HIV in northern Tanzania. Glob Public Health 2022;17(12):3747- 3759. PM: 35282776.

Khan MS, Shahid I, Greene SJ, Mentz RJ, DeVore AD, Butler J. Mechanisms of current therapeutic strategies for heart failure: more questions than answers? Cardiovasc Res 2023;118(18):3467-3481. PM: 36536991.

Kosiborod MN, Bhatt AS, Claggett BL, Vaduganathan M, Kulac IJ, Lam CSP, Hernandez AF, Martinez FA, Inzucchi SE, Shah SJ, de Boer RA, Jhund PS, Desai AS, Fang JC, Han Y, Comin-Colet J, Vardeny O, Lindholm D, Wilderäng U, Bengtsson O, McMurray JJV, Solomon SD. Effect of Dapagliflozin on Health Status in Patients With Preserved or Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023;81(5):460-473. PM: 36526515.

Otvos JD, Shalaurova I, May HT, Muhlestein JB, Wilkins JT, McGarrah RW, Kraus WE. Multimarkers of metabolic malnutrition and inflammation and their association with mortality risk in cardiac catheterisation patients: a prospective, longitudinal, observational, cohort study. Lancet Healthy Longev 2023;4(2):e72- e82. PM: 36738747.

Parker DC, Kraus WE, Whitson HE, Kraus VB, Smith PJ, Cohen HJ, Pieper CF, Faldowski RA, Hall KS, Huebner JL, Ilkayeva OR, Bain JR, Newby LK, Huffman KM. Tryptophan Metabolism and Neurodegeneration: Longitudinal Associations of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites with Cognitive Performance and Plasma Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Biomarkers in the Duke Physical Performance Across the LifeSpan Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2023;91(3):1141-1150. PM: 36565121.

Peters AE, Tromp J, Shah SJ, Lam CSP, Lewis GD, Borlaug BA, Sharma K, Pandey A, Sweitzer NK, Kitzman DW, Mentz RJ. Phenomapping in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights, limitations, and future directions. Cardiovasc Res 2023;118(18):3403-3415. PM: 36448685.

Wang PJ, Lu Y, Mahaffey KW, Lin A, Morin DP, Sears SF, Chung MK, Russo AM, Lin B, Piccini J, Hills MT, Berube C, Pundi K, Baykaner T, Garay G, Lhamo K, Rice E, Pourshams IA, Shah R, Newswanger P, DeSutter K, Nunes JC, Albert MA, Schulman KA, Heidenreich PA, Bunch TJ, Sanders LM, Turakhia M, Verghese A, Stafford RS. Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate an Atrial Fibrillation Stroke Prevention Shared Decision-Making Pathway. J Am Heart Assoc 2023;12(3):e028562. PM: 36342828.

Zeitler EP, Li Y, Silverstein AP, Russo AM, Poole JE, Daniels MR, Al-Khalidi HR, Lee KL, Bahnson TD, Anstrom KJ, Packer DL, Mark DB. Effects of Ablation Versus Drug Therapy on Quality of Life by Sex in Atrial Fibrillation: Results From the CABANA Trial. J Am Heart Assoc 2023;12(3):e027871. PM: 36688367.

Badhwar V, Chikwe J, Gillinov AM, Vemulapalli S, O’Gara PT, Mehaffey JH, Wyler von Ballmoos M, Bowdish ME, Gray EL, O’Brien SM, Thourani VH, Shahian DM, Habib RH. Risk of Surgical Mitral Valve Repair for Primary Mitral Regurgitation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023;81(7):636-648. PM: 36669958.

Coles TM, Lin L, Weinfurt K, Reeve BB, Spertus JA, Mentz RJ, Piña IL, Bocell FD, Tarver ME, Henke DM, Saha A, Caldwell B, Spring S. Do PRO Measures Function the Same Way for all Individuals With Heart Failure? J Card Fail 2023;29(2):210-216. PM: 35691480.

DeFilippis EM, Mentz RJ, Lala A. Lifting and Healing as We Climb: Women’s Heart Month. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):121-123. PM: 36797008.

Joyce E, McIllvennan CK, Esquivel JH, Sauer AJ, Correa A, Blumer V, Youmans QR, Alvarez-Garcia J, Chang H, Overbey J, Deych E, Sinha SS, Morris  A, Defilippis EM, Reza N, Code J, Hajduczok AG, Fudim M, Rollins B, Vader JM, Pina IL, Teuteberg  J, Zieroth S, Starling RC, Gulati M, Mentz RJ, Lala A. Participating in the Peer Review Process: The Journal of Cardiac Failure Construct. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):181-192. PM: 36529605.

Kamimura D, Yimer WK, Shah AM, Mentz RJ, Oshunbade A, Hamid A, Suzuki T, Clark D, Waller J, Fox ER, Correa A, Butler J, Hall ME. Vitamin D Levels in Black Americans and the Association With Left Ventricular Remodeling and Incident Heart Failure With Preserved Ejectin Fraction: The Jackson Heart Study. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):150-157. PM: 35905866.

Pierce JB, Maqsood MH, Khan MS, Minhas AMK, Butler J, Felker GM, Greene SJ. Duration of Heart Failure, In-hospital Clinical Trajectory, and Postdischarge Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):225-228. PM: 36351495.

Tam DY, Fang J, Rocha RV, Rao SV, Dzavik V, Lawton J, Austin PC, Gaudino M, Fremes SE, Lee DS. Real-World Examination of Revascularization Strategies for Left Main Coronary Disease in Ontario, Canada. JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2023;16(3):277-288. PM: 36609048.

Al-Khatib SM, Hill JA, Carnethon M. Seventh Annual Go Red for Women Issue. Circulation 2023;147(7):519-520. PM: 36780381.

Badhwar V, Chikwe J, Gillinov AM, Vemulapalli S, O’Gara PT, Mehaffey JH, Wyler von Ballmoos M, Bowdish ME, Gray EL, O’Brien SM, Thourani VH, Shahian DM, Habib RH. Risk of Surgical Mitral Valve Repair for Primary Mitral Regurgitation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023;81(7):636-648. PM: 36669958.

Benjamin EJ, Thomas KL, Go AS, Desvigne-Nickens P, Albert CM, Alonso A, Chamberlain AM, Essien UR, Hernandez I, Hills MT, Kershaw KN, Levy PD, Magnani JW, Matlock DD, O’Brien EC, Rodriguez CJ, Russo AM, Soliman EZ, Cooper LS, Al-Khatib SM. Transforming Atrial Fibrillation Research to Integrate Social Determinants of Health: A National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Workshop Report. JAMA Cardiol 2023;8(2):182-191. PM: 36478155.

Carson JL, Brooks MM, Chaitman BR, Alexander JH, Goodman SG, Bertolet M, Abbott JD, Cooper HA, Rao SV, Triulzi DJ, Fergusson DA, Kostis WJ, Noveck H, Simon T, Steg PG, DeFilippis AP, Goldsweig AM, Lopes RD, White H, Alsweiler C, Morton E, Hébert PC. Rationale and design for the myocardial ischemia and transfusion (MINT) randomized clinical trial. Am Heart J 2023;257:120-129. PM: 36417955.

Coles TM, Lin L, Weinfurt K, Reeve BB, Spertus JA, Mentz RJ, Piña IL, Bocell FD, Tarver ME, Henke DM, Saha A, Caldwell B, Spring S. Do PRO Measures Function the Same Way for all Individuals With Heart Failure? J Card Fail 2023;29(2):210-216. PM: 35691480.

DeFilippis EM, Mentz RJ, Lala A. Lifting and Healing as We Climb: Women’s Heart Month. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):121-123. PM: 36797008.

Hong JC, Patel P, Eclov NCW, Stephens SJ, Mowery YM, Tenenbaum JD, Palta M. Healthcare provider evaluation of machine learning- directed care: reactions to deployment on a randomised controlled study. BMJ Health Care Inform 2023;30(1):e100674. PM: 36764680.

Joyce E, McIllvennan CK, Esquivel JH, Sauer AJ, Correa A, Blumer V, Youmans QR, Alvarez-Garcia J, Chang H, Overbey J, Deych E, Sinha SS, Morris  A, Defilippis EM, Reza N, Code J, Hajduczok AG, Fudim M, Rollins B, Vader JM, Pina IL, Teuteberg  J, Zieroth S, Starling RC, Gulati M, Mentz RJ, Lala A. Participating in the Peer Review Process: The Journal of Cardiac Failure Construct. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):181-192. PM: 36529605.

Kamimura D, Yimer WK, Shah AM, Mentz RJ, Oshunbade A, Hamid A, Suzuki T, Clark D, Waller J, Fox ER, Correa A, Butler J, Hall ME. Vitamin D Levels in Black Americans and the Association With Left Ventricular Remodeling and Incident Heart Failure With Preserved Ejectin Fraction: The Jackson Heart Study. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):150-157. PM: 35905866.

Karatela MF, Dowell RS, Friedman D, Jackson KP, Piccini JP. Omnipolar Versus Bipolar Electrode Mapping in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Catheter Ablation. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022;8(12):1539-1552. PM: 36779625.

Khan MS, Xu H, Fonarow GC, Lautsch D, Hilkert R, Allen LA, DeVore AD, Alhanti B, Yancy CW, Albert NM, Butler J, Greene SJ. Applicability of Vericiguat to Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure in the United States. JACC Heart Fail 2023;11(2):211-223. PM: 36754528.

Liu Y, Douglas PS, Lip GYH, Thabane L, Li L, Ye Z, Li G. Relationship between obesity severity, metabolic status and cardiovascular disease in obese adults. Eur J Clin Invest 2023;53(3):e13912. PM: 36424669.

Lowenstern AM, Vekstein AM, Grau-Sepulveda M, Badhwar V, Thourani VH, Cohen DJ, Sorajja P, Goel K, Barker CM, Lindman BR, Glower DG,  Wang A, Vemulapalli S. Impact of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Availability on Volume and Outcomes of Surgical Repair. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023;81(6):521-532. PM: 36754512.

Mauro C, Chianese S, Cocchia R, Arcopinto M, Auciello S, Capone V, Carafa M, Carbone A, Caruso G, Castaldo R, Citro R, Crisci G, D’Andrea A, D’Assante R, D’Avino M, Ferrara F, Frangiosa A, Galzerano D, Maffei V, Marra AM, Mehta RM, Mehta RH, Paladino F, Ranieri B, Franzese M, et al. Acute Heart Failure: Diagnostic-Therapeutic Pathways and Preventive Strategies-A Real-World Clinician’s Guide. J Clin Med 2023;12(3):846. PM: 36769495.

Nathan SD, Deng C, King CS, DuBrock HM, Elwing J, Rajagopal S, Rischard F, Sahay S, Broderick M, Shen E, Smith P, Tapson VF, Waxman AB. Inhaled Treprostinil Dosage in Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Interstitial Lung Disease and Its Effects on Clinical Outcomes. Chest 2023;163(2):398-406. PM: 36115497.

Pandey A, Kitzman DW, Nelson MB, Pastva AM, Duncan P, Whellan DJ, Mentz RJ, Chen H, Upadhya B, Reeves GR. Frailty and Effects of a Multidomain Physical Rehabilitation Intervention Among Older Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Cardiol 2023;8(2):167-176. PM: 36598761.

Pierce JB, Maqsood MH, Khan MS, Minhas AMK, Butler J, Felker GM, Greene SJ. Duration of Heart Failure, In-hospital Clinical Trajectory, and Postdischarge Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure. J Card Fail 2023;29(2):225-228. PM: 36351495.

Schnittman SR, Lu MT, Mayrhofer T, Burdo TH, Fitch KV, McCallum S, Fulda ES, Zanni MV, Foldyna B, Malvestutto C, Fichtenbaum CJ, Aberg JA, Bloomfield GS, Overton ET, Currier J, Tebas P, Sha BE, Ribaudo HJ, Flynn JM, Douglas PS, Erlandson KM, Grinspoon SK. Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Titer and Coronary Artery Disease in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Clin Infect Dis 2023;76(3):e613-e621. PM: 35975297.

Sharma G, Rao SJ, Douglas PS, Rzeszut A, Itchhaporia D, Wood MJ, Nasir K, Blumenthal RS, Poppas A, Kuvin J, Miller AP, Mehran R, Valentine M, Summers RF, Mehta LS. Prevalence and Professional Impact of Mental Health Conditions Among Cardiologists. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023;81(6):574-586. PM: 36585350.

Soares C, Kwok M, Boucher KA, Haji M, Echouffo-Tcheugui JB, Longenecker CT, Bloomfield GS, Ross D, Jutkowtiz E, Sullivan JL, Rudolph JL, Wu WC, Erqou S. Performance of Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Models Among People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Cardiol 2023;8(2):139-149. PM: 36576812.

Zeitler EP, Kearing S, Coylewright M, Nair D, Hsu JC, Darden D, O’Malley AJ, Russo AM, Al-Khatib SM. Comparative Effectiveness of Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Versus Oral Anticoagulation by Sex. Circulation 2023;147(7):586-596. PM: 36780379.

Tam DY, Fang J, Rocha RV, Rao SV, Dzavik V, Lawton J, Austin PC, Gaudino M, Fremes SE, Lee DS. Real-World Examination of Revascularization Strategies for Left Main Coronary Disease in Ontario, Canada. JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2023;16(3):277-288. PM: 36609048.

Chief’s message: The Future is Bright

As we move towards spring and the changing of our organization to an aligned practice, this episode of the Duke Heart Pulse notes lots of important milestones and achievements.  You will see how our academic mission continues to drive our practice – with several members of our faculty getting grants, awards and induction into honor societies.  Pictured below, congratulations to  Jennifer Rymer who was awarded the 2023 physician-scientist award from the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI) and Gerald Bloomfield and Jonathan Piccini who will be inducted into the ASCI in the class of 2023.  They will join other members of Duke Cardiology who are members of ASCI.

Additionally, please find some of our faculty that were selected for leadership programs both at Duke (Larry Jackson and Titus Ngeno) and nationally – the American College of Cardiology emerging leadership academy (Nishant Shah).

There is also the story that ran on CBS evening news around a DCD heart transplant patient at Duke with interview of Jacob Schroder – full story farther down below with a link to the entire segment on the news.

In this week’s Pulse we will also recognize many of the Mandel awardees, the Mandel foundation and support of the Cardiovascular Research Investigator’s remains critical to our success.  You will see the amazing group of investigators supported by the program.  Finally, we welcome back Tom Ryan to the Duke Heart center – lucky to have him join us from Ohio State University.

Highlights of the week:

Welcome Back to Duke Heart, Tom Ryan, MD!

Former Duke cardiologist Dr. Thomas Ryan has returned to our team at Duke Heart as of Feb. 1, and we are glad to have him back! Ryan was most recently the executive director of the Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital and director of The Ohio State University Heart and Vascular Center in Columbus, OH.

Ryan will see general cardiology patients at our South Durham clinic and provide cardiology services through the Duke Health Signature Care Program at both the Center for Living Campus and the South Durham locations.

“Our plan was always to move back to the Research Triangle area — for family reasons, but also because we have a lot of friends in this area,” said Ryan. “We were at Duke for 12 years before we left for Ohio, so that was always the plan, but I was also planning to simply retire and then move back.

“But, I started talking to my Duke friends and one thing led to another, and the opportunity came up to work part-time at Duke. I jumped at it! I wasn’t quite ready to retire completely and the chance to be back at Duke was just too good to pass up,” he added.

He says he never anticipated leaving Duke. But Ohio State was about to build a new heart hospital and a new heart and lung research institute – and they needed someone to lead that endeavor.

“They were interested in creating a ‘heart center’ model, similar to what we had here at Duke. So, I was recruited there specifically for that, and frankly, I didn’t think I’d be there for 16 years but that’s how it worked out.

“It was a terrific opportunity to build something from scratch. We opened a beautiful facility and I worked with a terrific team to create a ‘heart center’ model. I’m proud of the work we did there — it was a great experience and I really enjoyed being there, but I am so happy to be back here at Duke.”

Ryan has fond memories of his 12 years in Durham. “I never would have had the opportunities in my academic career were it not for my first tenure here at Duke. So, I am grateful for all Duke has given me. I love the people here and still have wonderful friends throughout the Triangle — especially at Duke — and it’s a fantastic medical center from top to bottom.”

When reflecting on his career, Ryan says he knew pretty early on that he wanted to go into medicine.

“From an early point in my medical education, I decided I want to go into cardiology, and it turned out to be — for me — a very good decision,” Ryan said. “It has led to 35 years of very satisfying work. There is a lot of variety in what you can do within the field, so that is a part of why I chose this specialty. Beyond that, it has to do with the relationships you build with patients who have heart problems.

“Nobody has a heart problem that they consider to be a minor problem,” he adds. “When someone thinks they have a heart problem, or when they know they have a heart problem — for them, that’s a big deal. The bond that you develop with patients is important. They’re placing their life in your hands and that’s a very special responsibility. So, I’ve always liked that part of it — helping people when they perhaps felt most vulnerable or had the greatest need.”

Ryan says he has always tried to walk-the-walk while encouraging others to live a healthy lifestyle. He exercises regularly – running, riding his bike, staying active in general, and making the effort to take care of his health.

Ryan is keen on having an impact again at Duke and to providing great service both to our patients and his Duke Heart colleagues, including trainees and students.

“I want to give something back out of gratitude for what Duke has given to me,” he adds. “It’s just great to be back here in the Triangle and have the opportunity to stay active in a profession that I really truly love — and to have more time to enjoy life outside of work.”

Ryan earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and holds an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business.  He completed internship and residency in internal medicine, and a fellowship in cardiology, at Indiana University.

Please extend a warm welcome to Tom when you see him, or reach out to him via email.

Welcome back, Tom! We’re glad to have you back on the Duke Heart team!

 

ICYMI: Duke Heart Patient, Schroder, Featured in CBS Evening News Story

Jacob Schroder, MD, director of Duke’s Heart Transplantation Program, and one of our patients – a DCD heart transplant recipient — were featured in a story that aired last week during the CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell.

Also, a very special shout-out to our entire heart transplant team: they surpassed 100 DCD heart transplants last weekend, placing them among the highest volume and most experienced in DCD heart transplantation in the world. Congratulations!

This week! Lefkowitz Lecture Kicks-off Research Series 2023

The Duke University School of Medicine’s Dean’s Distinguished Research Series showcases groundbreaking research from the basic, clinical, and translational sciences. Formerly called “Research Week”, the reimagined series will be held in-person and livestreamed. All faculty, staff, trainees, and students are welcome to attend.

For the full schedule, please visit: https://medschool.duke.edu/research/deans-distinguished-research-series-2023.

The Robert J. Lefkowitz, MD, Distinguished Lecture is the kick-off event and is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Trent Semans Center for Health Education (it will also be livestreamed via Zoom).

Titia de Lange, PhD, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Genetics and Director, Anderson Center for Cancer Research at Rockefeller University is the invited presenter. Her topic is Telomeres and cancer: genome instability and tumor suppression. Reception to follow.

 

Duke Cardiac Ultrasound Students Named ASE Scholarship Award Winners

We are thrilled to announce that two of our Duke Cardiac Ultrasound Certificate Program students have won American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) Foundation student scholarships.

Ricky Damon has been selected as a recipient of a 2023 Alan D. Waggoner Student Scholarship Award and Forrest Zimmermann has been chosen as the 2023 recipient of the Katanick Scholarship Award.

The Katanick award is given to the highest-ranking student sonographer candidate nominated for ASEF scholarship awards. This award was established in 2016 and named to honor the legacy of Sandy Katanick, RN, RVT, CAE, who retired as CEO of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission after more than 25 years of service to the field.

This is only the second year that Duke has been eligible to nominate students for these ASEF awards, and our second year with two awardees and back-to-back Katanick’s!

The awards will be presented to Damon and Zimmermann at ASE 2023 during the 34th annual meeting scheduled for June 23-26 at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD. They will each receive $1,000 and support for travel.

Congratulations to Ricky and Forrest, as well as to Richie Palma and Anita Kelsey, MD, for their incredible recruitment to and leadership of the Cardiac Ultrasound Certificate Program. We are so proud of this program!

 

CVRC 2023 Mandel Awards

The Duke Cardiovascular Research Center (CVRC) has recently awarded their annual Mandel Awards. This year, six awards totaling approximately $300K will fund a Mandel Fellow Award and five Mandel Seed Awards. The selected projects will advance scientific understanding in the areas of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and related cardiovascular diseases, thanks to the generosity of the Edna and Fred L. Mandel Jr. Foundation.

Mandel Fellow Award

Andrew Ressler, PhD, mentored by Doug Marchuk, PhD

Project: Elucidating Genetic Mechanisms in CCMs

Somatic variants in cells within the vasculature of the cerebral cortex lead to Cerebral

Cavernous Malformations (CCMs). CCMs are groups of abnormal small blood vessels that often result in slow-moving blood, clotting and/or leakiness. Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the CCM. CCMs present heterogeneously, but common complications include hemorrhage and epilepsy. Currently, the only definitive treatment for problematic CCMs is surgical excision, with targeted radiation therapy as a potential alternative for surgically inaccessible lesions. Identifying alternative, less invasive therapies would be highly beneficial to patients and may require improved understanding of the genetic underpinnings of large lesions with particularly aggressive clinical presentation. To date, all genetic diagnoses of CCMs either include loss-of-function (LoF) variants of one of three CCM genes or a somatic activating variant in MAP3K3. Evidence from animal models and human genetics are suggestive of a two-hit mechanism for LoF variants in a CCM gene. However, current sequencing strategies have failed to identify bi-allelic loss of CCM in a majority of lesions without a MAP3K3 variant. One explanation for many of these ‘missing mutations’ is somatic structural variants that are difficult to identify. We aim to use single nucleus DNA-sequencing (snDNA-seq) to identify somatic loss-of-heterozygosity in surgically resected CCMs. We further aim to mine existing genetic data to see whether or not variants in neighboring genes are associated with clinical outcomes.  Critically, such an approach of using snDNA-seq to identify somatic chromosomal alterations as causative for disease may be utilized to investigate the array of cardiovascular disorders with evidence of large somatic variations.

 

Mandel Seed Awards

Sharon Gerecht, PhD and Neil Freedman, MD

Project: Synthetic Arterial Grafts Engineered to Resist Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, with the consequent plaque buildup resulting in restriction (stenosis) or occlusion of blood flow, is a significant underlying cause of cardiovascular disease. In patients with serious vascular stenosis, arterial bypass surgery is used to re-establish blood flow in the coronary and peripheral arteries. Unfortunately, autografts require a second surgical site and have insufficient availability in patients with widespread atherosclerosis or previously harvested vessels. Thus, there is an urgent clinical need to develop synthetic grafts that provide long-term patency. Engineered bypass grafts could offer a robust and reliable solution, but a functional, engineered bypass graft has remained elusive mainly due to post-implantation thrombogenicity and intimal hyperplasia. We recently developed natural small-diameter vascular grafts (sdVGs), which are made of natural material with properties mimicry of blood vessels that enable immediate perfusion and formation of a confluent endothelium in vivo. Our compelling data show that these grafts retain patency for 24 weeks in mice and acquire structural and mechanical features that closely resemble the native abdominal aorta. The goal of this proposal is to investigate the regeneration capacity of the sdVGs in an atherosclerosis disease model and determine if conjugating anti-coagulant in the graft prevents thrombosis-induced graft failure. The Specific Aims are: (1) To determine the effect of atherosclerosis on sdVGs integration and function; (2) To determine if sustained local inhibition of thrombosis improves sdVG integration in the atherosclerosis disease model.  There is a critical need to understand how the atherosclerosis environment modulates arterial-engineered graft integration and function to be able to make significant inroads toward clinical translation. To our knowledge, no study has yet examined engineered arterial grafts in a cardiovascular disease animal model. The proposed work will generate a scientific understanding of how to prevent graft failure as a result of thrombosis in atherosclerosis and may ultimately have therapeutic implications for patients with atherosclerosis.

 

Robert W. McGarrah, MD and Christopher Holley, MD PhD

Project: New Regulatory Mechanisms of RNA Modification that Mediate Protein Translation in the Heart

Cardiac hypertrophy (thickening of the heart muscle) and heart failure (the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs) are the end result of many diseases, including

hypertension, obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Better understanding of the early events that lead to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure may form the foundation of new therapies to treat these common conditions. In the past 5 years, several research groups, including those from Duke, have found that as the heart begins to fail, there are changes in a biological pathway involved in the breakdown of certain amino acids (building blocks of proteins). These changes are thought to contribute to the development of cardiac hypertrophy by leading to a build-up of amino acids in the heart. We have recently discovered that if we specifically perturb an enzyme from this amino acid pathway in the heart, we do not change the concentrations of the amino acids in the heart, but we still see a change in protein synthesis, which can lead to cardiac hypertrophy. Based on preliminary experiments, we hypothesize that the changes in protein synthesis in the heart that we observe might be related to newly described functions of this enzyme on modifications of RNA, rather than any functions related to amino acid metabolism. This proposal will test this hypothesis in more depth, using newly generated genetically altered mice and cutting-edge approaches to measure RNA modifications. We expect that the findings will define new mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy and will generate data that will be used to apply for larger collaborative grants for our laboratories.

 

Sudarshan Rajagopal, MD, PhD and Ravi Karra, MD

Project: Location-specific Signaling by Different GPCRs in Cardiomyocytes

There are nearly eight hundred G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in our body that detect different hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate nearly every aspect of our body’s functions. It has been thought that these receptors act as gatekeepers by sensing signals from outside the cell and then activating signaling pathways inside the cell. However, we now realize that GPCRs can actually signal from different sites inside the cell, and that these signals result in different effects. However, the extent of this signaling in heart muscle cells (“cardio-myocytes”), where we know such signaling is very important, is currently unknown. Our long-term goal is to develop drugs that target this signaling to treat cardiovascular disease. However, to develop these therapies, we have to first characterize this location-specific signaling. Here we propose to monitor location-specific signaling by different GPCRs in cardiomyocytes. The Rajagopal Lab already developed a number of “biosensors” that can detect this signaling inside the cell, and used them to characterize signaling by other receptors in model cells. The Karra lab has developed an efficient system for expressing these proteins in cardiomyocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells (iCMs). Together, this will allow us to quantify location-specific signaling profiles of GPCRs in iCMs. We will then correlate these signaling patterns with changes in iCM shape and function. This project uses an innovative approach to study important GPCR signaling in the cardiovascular system by investigators with expertise in cardiomyocyte biology (Dr. Karra) and GPCR signaling (Dr. Rajagopal). Successful completion of these studies will inform future drug development of locations-specific drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

 

Senthil Selvaraj, MD, MS, MA, and Svati Shah, MD, MHS

Project: Metabolomic Profiling in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart Failure with preserved ejection (HFpEF) is common, costly, and associated with a significant risk for hospitalization and death. Despite extensive studies to date, only very recently has the first and only

treatment option shown to alter the disease course (SGLT2 inhibitors) been identified. SGLT2 inhibitors were originally designed to treat diabetes, though studies quickly demonstrated their greater utility in heart failure. Yet, our understanding of why SGLT2 inhibitors are breakthrough drugs in HFpEF is quite limited. SGLT2i have many effects on the body, but changes in the type of fuel that the body utilizes are likely highly relevant. The goal of this study is to perform comprehensive laboratory analyses (metabolomics) on blood samples from a clinical trial of SGLT2 inhibitors in HFpEF to understand changes in “fuels” used to generate energy that may underpin these benefits. We have recently demonstrated the novelty and utility of this approach in another form of HF (HF with reduced ejection fraction), and will leverage our outstanding team and resources at Duke to improve understanding of these changes as a novel treatment in HFpEF. Identifying metabolic changes and pathways affected by SGLT2 inhibitors may highlight new targets for treating patients with HFpEF.

 

Jonathan A. Stiber, MD, Conrad Hodgkinson, PhD, and Neil J. Freedman, MD

Project: Atheroprotective Mechanisms of Zmynd8

Atherosclerosis leads to significant morbidity and mortality as the result of heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Previous work supported by the Mandel Foundation showed that atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation are reduced in mice by the activity of Drebrin, a protein that is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and that increases its expression level in the context of human atherosclerosis. Drebrin inhibits a key event in the initiation of atherosclerosis known as SMC transdifferentiation: the conversion of smooth muscle cells into foam cells (cholesterol-laden cells that express macrophage markers and are pro-inflammatory), but the mechanisms by which genes involved in SMC transdifferentiation are regulated remain unclear. Drebrin binds Zmynd8, a protein that reads DNA modifications to promote or repress expression of certain genes and whose role in SMCs and atherosclerosis is unknown. We plan to test the hypothesis that Zmynd8 inhibits the development of atherosclerosis by directly regulating genes involved in SMC transdifferentiation.

Congratulations to our newest Mandel Fellow and Seed awardees – we look forward to seeing where your research takes you!

 

 

Future Relocation of DUH Unit 7100 for Renovations

As most of you know, Duke University Hospital’s bed tower 100 is in the process of being renovated. Unit 7100 will be relocated to Duke North 2200 (a 16-bed unit) and 3200 (also a 16-bed unit) in April.

These units were selected for their close proximity to one another and to other Heart units; the provision of 32 beds for Cardiology patients; and, for being move-in ready after recent renovations. 7201-7208 will close as the Hospital Surge Unit, and the eight Emergency Department admit hold patients will relocate from 2200 to this area.

The exact dates for closing 7201-7208 and relocating 7100 will be communicated once we have firm dates identified. There will be no change in the patient population we will care for on units 2200/3200.

 

Shout-out to Duran!

We received a nice note this week that was sent to Anna Lisa Chamis, MD regarding cardiology fellow Jessica Duran, MD, and we thought we’d share it with you. It’s from a grateful family member.

“I am writing to heap praise on one of your fellows: Jessica Duran. Jessica has been on call this weekend taking care of my dad who came in through the ER with unstable angina. Jessica’s depth of Cardiology expertise, passion for patient care, and dedication are inspiring.  Although she was only professionally tasked with seeing my dad in the ER yesterday, she paid him a social visit today only to find him in extremis with what turned out to be a SBP in the 50s. She took immediate action to stabilize him, called for help, and ultimately brought him back from the brink of what could have been a life-threatening disaster.

“My whole family and I are deeply grateful to Jessica for going above and beyond the call of duty multiple times just this weekend. She is a star!” — Yuriy

We agree – she’s a star! Well-done, Jessie!

 

Duke Heart Family Grows by One!

Congratulations to cardiology fellow Nathan Goodwin, MD and his wife Laura, on the birth of their baby boy, Luke Patrick on Feb. 11. Baby Luke helped cheer the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory at just one day old!

Congrats, Nate & Laura – we are excited for you and hope to meet Luke soon!

 

Duke Heart Network Update: Frye Regional

Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, is bringing emergency medical care to new heights. After several months of careful planning, construction and staff education, Frye Regional has a new rooftop helipad – technically two helipads – located on the top floor of the hospital’s parking garage on N. Center Street in Hickory, NC.

“This marks a tremendous step forward for the delivery of critical care at Frye Regional and further exemplifies our mission of making communities healthier,” said Philip Greene, MD, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “This investment in our facility has been years in the making and is a visible sign of the progress made in establishing Frye Regional as the region’s leader in cardiac and neurosurgical care.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by Duke Heart Network team members Melanie Watson, Trevor Krawchuk, and Lisa Kotyra, was held at Frye Regional for their “ceremonial first flight” on Feb. 3. Their new helipad is now fully operational!

To read more about this, please visit: https://duke.is/wwfrb.

 

Griffith Selected as an AHA/Go Red Women of Impact nominee

Barbara Griffith, MD, president of Duke Raleigh Hospital, has been selected as a Woman of Impact nominee by the Triangle American Heart Association.

Every year across the U.S., a select group of individuals are nominated to be a part of Women of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference. Women of Impact is a 9-week blind competition focused on women’s heart health. Launched earlier this month, Griffith has until 9 p.m. on April 6, 2023 to recruit her team members and raise vital funds for the AHA. All nominees work to build campaign plans, recruit Impact teams, and inspire their networks to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.

At the end of the campaign, this special group of nominees will be celebrated for the overall impact they have on our mission and community. The nominee who makes the greatest impact and raises the most funds locally will be named a local 2023 Woman of Impact Winner. Additionally, the nominee who makes the greatest impact nationwide will be named the American Heart Association 2023 National Woman of Impact Winner.

To read Dr. Griffith’s statement and to support her campaign, please visit: https://duke.is/rsew2. An overview of the campaign can be found here: https://duke.is/5eb9y.

Go, Barbara!

 

Link for Feb. 16 CGR

If you missed or would like to re-watch Haider Warraich, MD’s cardiology grand rounds presentation from Feb. 16, you can link to it here: https://duke.is/vrpms. Warraich is director of the Heart Failure Program at VA Boston Healthcare System. The title of his talk is State of the Heart: What the History of Heart Disease Teaches Us About Its Future.

Thanks to all who were able to join us live on Thursday morning!

 

DHIP update

We will have a grand rounds to review expected DHIP agreements this upcoming week. We know there are areas that need to be updated but want to get agreements to faculty. Distribution of Employment Agreements for transitioning members begins this week and will take place on a rolling basis by department. Employment documents for senior leaders, managers, APPs, and staff are expected to be distributed within the next two weeks.

The Duke Guarantee offers the minimum compensation each Member can expect to receive. Additional compensation opportunities which exist today will continue to be available to members within DHIP.

Benefits:

• Information regarding Duke Benefits is available on SharePoint.
• All benefits related questions can be sent to DHIPBenefits@Duke.edu.

All other questions can be sent to DHIP@duke.edu, and all DHIP updates can be found at https://dhip.org.

 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Feb. 21: No CGR today.

Feb. 28: Topic TBD with Sandeep Nathan of Univ. of Chicago Medicine. 5 p.m., Zoom.

DCRI Research Forum: Feb. 28

The Duke Clinical Research Institute’s upcoming Research Forum will feature a fireside chat with Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Editor-In-Chief Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo

What: A Fireside Chat with JAMA Editor-in-Chief Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, PhD, MD, MAS

When: Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.

(Required) Register:  https://duke.is/y45qv

Webinar details and link will be provided upon registration.

 

Save the Date: Spring Faculty Reception

All Duke SOM faculty members are invited to the 2023 School of Medicine Spring Faculty Celebration scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Doris Duke Center, Duke Gardens. This event is a wonderful opportunity to network, celebrate achievements, and recognize colleagues with faculty awards. Refreshments will be served. Link to RSVP is below.

Feel free to invite your SOM faculty colleagues to attend with you or to make plans to come as a group and celebrate the end of the academic year together.

Tentative Agenda:

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Networking reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres

6:00 – 6:15 p.m. — Opening Remarks

6:15 – 7:00 p.m. — School of Medicine Faculty Awards and Recognitions

7:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Reception and Dessert

The Office of Faculty is looking forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to contact their team: facdev@dm.duke.edu.

To RSVP: https://duke.is/cyp46

 

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart at tracey.koepke@duke.edu. We would love to hear about your latest accomplishments, professional news, cool happenings, and any events or opportunities that may be of interest to our Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

 

Duke Heart in the News:

February 10 — Stephen Greene

HCP Live

Don’t Miss a Beat: STRONG-HF with Alexandre Mebazaa, MD, PhD

https://duke.is/zkjun

February 15 — Jacob Schroder

CBS Evening News*

New method revolutionizes heart transplants

https://duke.is/rj2kh

*also carried by 50+ CBS News TV & radio affiliates including in Dallas-Fort Worth, New York & Philadelphia, and in Yahoo News

February 16 — Jacob Schroder

Sur Noticias

El revolucionario método de transplante de corazón

https://duke.is/ngcrw

February 16 — Jacob Schroder

Es Postsus

Nuevo método revoluciona los trasplantes de corazón

https://duke.is/b9eva

 

 

Chief’s message:

Hopefully everyone is having a restful weekend and getting ready for hopefully an exciting Super Bowl.  Even if you are not that much into the game, the cultural phenomena of the game will have variety of ads, firsts, and favorite foods for many.  This year there will be some extra discussion around the effects of cardiovascular disease given the cardiac arrest of Damar Hamlin, and his work with the AHA to raise awareness for CPR training.  His three for heart challenge can be found here at #3forHeart @heart.org (https://www.heart.org/en/damar-hamlins-3-for-heart-cpr-challenge)

Over the next few weeks we will highlight some new people joining our CV team, some awards our faculty are getting, and our continued movement towards an aligned organization that will help us lead in Cardiovascular care, teaching, and research.  Also during Heart Month– we will feature this month the several faculty and team members working with the American Heart Association and our local community to raise awareness around cardiovascular disease, women’s heart health, and bystander CPR training.

Highlights of the week:

Duke Names Health System Chief Executive Officer

Craig Albanese, MD, an accomplished health care leader and distinguished academic pediatric surgeon, has been named chief executive officer of Duke University Health System (DUHS).

In assuming the role as CEO — which will be effective at the end of next month — Albanese will be responsible for strategic and operational oversight of DUHS and its senior leadership. He will continue to report to A. Eugene Washington, MD, Duke University chancellor for health affairs, and also will report directly to the Duke University Health System Board of Directors.

Since joining DUHS as executive vice president and chief operating officer on Jan. 17, 2022, Albanese has demonstrated his ability to champion our culture, lead large-scale change and drive operational performance improvement. He has been intensely involved in addressing the health system’s financial challenges while ensuring sustained high levels of patient care quality and safety.

“Dr. Albanese has demonstrated vigorous and responsive leadership that has enabled Duke’s clinical enterprise to recover and renew in the wake of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, working diligently to improve the well-being of our people, and seeking to accelerate expansion of our health system through organic growth and strategic partnerships. His continued leadership will be vital in guiding the next phase of the health system’s work,” said Washington and Duke University President Vincent E. Price in a joint statement.

As chief executive officer, Albanese will oversee the timely execution of DUHS goals and strategic priorities and be dedicated to ensuring that Duke’s clinical enterprise continues to thrive and lead. He oversees all other clinical enterprise leaders to deliver outcomes and care across Duke’s network, from the hospitals to ambulatory clinics to care in homes and the community.

“A passionate advocate for our providers and frontline team members, Dr. Albanese is a leader of high integrity and personal commitment who puts people first and who has garnered trust and credibility with Duke’s faculty, leadership and staff alike,” said Price and Washington. “Considering his personal qualities and performance to date, we are confident that Dr. Albanese is the right person to lead our health system at this time.”

Albanese has deep, broad health care expertise and experience, along with a record of achievements and contributions. Prior to Duke, he served as group senior vice president and chief medical officer of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, a $9.2 billion, 10-hospital academic health system.

Albanese has also held senior leadership roles at Stanford University and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). A respected surgeon-scientist and clinical investigator, he co-directed the team that pioneered in-utero fetal surgery.

Albanese received his medical degree from SUNY Health Science Center in Brooklyn and was a resident and chief resident in general surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He completed pediatric general surgery and critical care research fellowships at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Albanese also holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University.

He has published more than 160 peer-reviewed articles, was an NIH-funded investigator, the program director for Stanford’s pediatric general surgery fellowship and is the lead author of “Advanced Lean in Healthcare,” a book providing practical information about how “organizations can move beyond stabilizing work processes to get to continuously improving the entire system – all within an empathetic healing environment.”

Albanese’s appointment follows Washington’s announcement last fall that he will step down from his role of chancellor for health affairs at Duke University and president and chief executive officer for the Duke University Health System on June 30, 2023.

Washington continues to guide and oversee the academic mission of Duke Health, working closely with the DUHS CEO, the provost, deans of the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, and other academic and clinical leaders to ensure alignment and mutually reinforce excellence in our clinical, educational, research, and community health missions.

 

ICYMI: Chen Featured in ACS Article on Surgeon Siblings

Our own Edward P. Chen, MD, chief of the division of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Duke, is featured – along with his brother, Fred — in an article by the American College of Surgeons. If you haven’t yet seen it, it’s worth checking out! Please visit: https://duke.is/jrf5e.  It’s an amazing story of how two siblings and the family supported each other as they clearly followed their calling in Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.

Cardiac Rehab Week & CV Professionals Week

It’s Super Bowl Sunday and the start of a week of recognition for Cardiovascular Professionals and those working in Cardiac Rehabilitation. While you’re digging into snacks, the game, and this edition of Pulse, please join us in recognizing the great work our teams are doing to care for patients with their specialized skills, in researching the underpinnings of heart disease and effective treatments, and to train others in all areas of care and support of this patient population. We have a truly incredible team here at Duke and it takes all of us to be successful!

The cath and electrophysiology labs this week will be celebrating their cardiovascular invasive specialists (CVIs). On the Duke team, our CVIs come from a variety of backgrounds — some have served as paramedics, respiratory therapists, doctors in other countries, and radiology technicians. We spoke with Elizabeth Watts, nurse manager, operations for the Duke Cath Lab, EP lab & CVSSU to get her take on what makes CVIs a great part of her team.

“Their backgrounds benefit us because they’ve amassed so much knowledge from their previous experiences. In emergency situations, it’s great to have former paramedics on the team,” Watts says. “In our area, the CVIs role is very well-rounded in that they work in all aspects of the lab, they don’t just scrub, they don’t just circulate, they don’t just monitor — they do all of that and each of them are very strong clinically. Our orientation lasts 12 weeks.”

Although our CVIs roles may be most well-known for the technical backgrounds they provide, Watts wants others to know how crucial they are to the care her team provides to our patients.

“It takes multiple people to care for each of these patients. What our CVIs bring to the table only improves outcomes and experiences for the patients,” Watts adds. “Personally, I want to thank them for all their hard work and for being a great team. And not only providing great care to our patients, but the care and support they demonstrate every day.”

In terms of our cardiac rehabilitation team – they hit all the high marks, too. This team is seeing all types of heart patients including those who may have had valve surgeries, CABGs, are post-MI, or are heart failure patients or those with stabile angina.

“Our cardiac rehab team does a great job with education for the patients,” says Erica Rao, PT, DPT, Manager, Clinical Services for Duke Cardiopulmonary Rehab. “The way we see it is we’re really looking at not just having our rehab patients here exercising and doing things ‘just for now’ — we are looking to help them achieve lasting behavior change, and working with them so that we can help them prevent having relapses with their cardiac conditions or a second MI, or something similar.”

“Our cardiac rehab team is teaching patients rather than just giving exercise instruction. It’s about how we can help them learn to implement changes into their daily life, whether it be with our dietician, or getting their exercise as part of their new lifestyle, instead of just doing rehab for three months and returning to sitting on the couch,” Rao adds.

“The feedback I get from patients is that our staff takes the time to listen to them, and really cares about them. They feel they’re heard and their questions can get answered,” Rao continues. “Patients also tell me they find our staff fun and easy to talk to and that they make it more of a fun atmosphere to come and exercise instead of it being a chore. I really do appreciate the time the staff spends one on one with them, even though they might have multiple patients exercising at the same time.”

We were also able to speak with Dr. Bill Kraus, cardiologist, heart disease prevention and rehabilitation specialist, and the Richard and Pat Johnson University Distinguished Professor at Duke for his thoughts on our cardiac rehabilitation team.

“The Cardiac Rehab professionals are truly that … dedicated, experienced, patient-focused, and loved by our patients. I cannot tell you how often I am told by patients what a wonderful experience and care they have obtained from our staff of clinical exercise physiologists, nurses, nutritionist and behavioralist,” says Kraus. “Some of the exercise physiologists I have worked closely with for over 20 years. Duke would not have this national leading cardiac rehabilitation program that cares for over 200 post-event cardiac rehabilitation patients without their attentive and thoughtful care.”

Cardiac Rehabilitation Week is led by the American Association of Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Rehabilitation; Cardiovascular Professionals Week is led by the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals. Both recognition weeks are running Feb. 12-18.

 

Patel and Engel to Serve as Dyad Leaders for Heart and Vascular Service Line

Manesh Patel, MD, Richard Stack Distinguished Professor of Medicine and chief of the Division of Cardiology and Jill Engel, DNP, ACNP, FNP, NEA-BC, FAANP, Vice President of Heart and Vascular Services at Duke, will serve as the dyad leaders for the Heart and Vascular Service line.

The announcement was made on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023 by Dr. Richard Shannon, Chief Quality Officer, Duke Health, and Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Duke University Health System, and Mary Martin, MPA, FACHE and Chief Operating Officer for Duke University Hospital.

Together, Manesh and Jill will work with hospital leaders in setting strategy and operational targets across our inpatient and ambulatory platforms to insure a systems approach to Heart and Vascular Services. They will be responsible for setting strategy for growth for these cardiovascular services together with DUHS leadership with an immediate focus on Wake County while ensuring sustained performance in our many other partnerships across the Triangle and North Carolina.

Manesh and Jill will be guided in their work by input from a Heart and Vascular Advisory Group comprised of specialty division directors, nursing and administrative leaders in Heart. Shannon and Martin stated there will be an initial planning meeting in the near future.

Please join us in congratulating Manesh and Jill!

Dean’s Distinguished Research Series 2023

The Duke University School of Medicine’s Dean’s Distinguished Research Series showcases groundbreaking research from the basic, clinical, and translational sciences. Formerly called “Research Week”, the reimagined series will be held in-person and livestreamed. All faculty, staff, trainees, and students are welcome to attend.

For the full schedule, please visit: https://medschool.duke.edu/research/deans-distinguished-research-series-2023.

Note: the Robert J. Lefkowitz, MD, Distinguished Lecture is the kick-off event and is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Titia de Lange, PhD, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Genetics and Director, Anderson Center for Cancer Research at Rockefeller University is the invited presenter. Her topic is Telomeres and cancer: genome instability and tumor suppression.

Final SOM Faculty Award Nominations Due 2/20, 2/28

The final deadlines for nominations and applications for the 2023 School of Medicine Faculty Awards are approaching.

As you know, the Faculty Awards are a wonderful opportunity to highlight the outstanding work conducted at Duke. The Office for Faculty is still accepting nominations and applications for the following 2023 faculty awards:

• Research Mentoring Awards – Nomination Deadline: February 20, 2023
• Ruth and A. Morris Williams Faculty Research Prize – Application Deadline: February 28, 2023

To learn more, visit https://duke.is/4hqkb. Questions? Please contact Jennifer Meyer Dare, jennifer.meyer-dare@duke.edu. Nominations and applications should be submitted via email to facdev@dm.duke.edu.

PPE Usage Reminder

DUH/DUHS is reminding all teams that PPE continues to be a top priority as we strive to meet 100% compliance. We encourage leaders to focus on PPE in your huddles and other communications with your teams. These discussions are great opportunities to address any barriers and concerns interfering with proper PPE usage. Please refer to our detailed analytics site for real-time numbers.

Please Observe Safe Practices

We continue to see increasing cases of respiratory illnesses in our community, as well as COVID clusters at work. Please help remind staff to take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families from the “tripledemic” of the flu, RSV, and COVID.

As a reminder, all team members are eligible to receive the bivalent COVID-19 booster shot. Appointments can be made through the Duke Vaccine website.

It is also critical that our staff continue practicing consistent hand hygiene and the appropriate donning and doffing of PPE. Thanks for your support with these efforts! You’re doing a great job.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Thursday, Feb. 16: State of the Heart: What the History of Heart Disease Teaches Us About Its Future with Haider Warraich of VA Boston Healthcare System. 7:15 a.m., via Zoom.

Feb. 21: No CGR today.

Feb. 28: Topic TBD with Sandeep Nathan of Univ. of Chicago Medicine. 5 p.m., Zoom.

 

Medicine Grand Rounds

Feb. 17: Topic TBD with Hyung (Harry) Jin Cho of NYU Langone Health, a 2023 Joseph C. Greenfield Visiting Professor. 8 a.m. via Zoom or in person, Duke North 2002.

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart at tracey.koepke@duke.edu. We would love to hear about your latest accomplishments, professional news, cool happenings, and any events or opportunities that may be of interest to our Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

February 6 — Andrew Vekstein

Healio

TEER availability does not impact surgical repair volume but improves outcomes

https://duke.is/mqzvd

February 7 — Ziv Beckerman

USA Today

Heart defect diagnosis often comes too late – or not at all – for Latino infants, study finds

https://duke.is/yj3qx

February 7 — Tracy Wang

tctMD

Prehospital Troponin Testing With EMS Input Could Save a Lot of Money

https://duke.is/vpbhy

February 7 — Andrew Vekstein and (alum) Angela Lowenstern

tctMD

Adopting TEER Doesn’t Put a Dent in Surgical MV Repair Volumes

https://duke.is/zg3ss

February 8 — Sreekanth Vemulapalli

Medscape

What Happened to Surgical Mitral Valve Repair in the MitraClip Era?

https://duke.is/b628f

February 8 — Stephen Greene and Shahzeb Khan

tctMD

Vast Majority of HFrEF Patients Eligible for Vericiguat

https://duke.is/c5btx

February 9 — Sana Al-Khatib

Medscape

HF Podcast: For Patients With HFrEF, Who Really Benefits From a Device?

https://duke.is/w73u6

Highlights of the week:

Heart Month is Here – Lots to Celebrate!

We hope the first week of February has been great for you so far – of course, it’s always a good week when our Blue Devils beat Carolina!

Thank you to all team members who joined us in wearing red on Friday for National Wear Red Day, a day where we join collectively with other organizations to increase awareness of heart disease – it’s still the leading cause of death in the U.S. We have received some great photos from teams so far – shown here are members of our HR support team and clinic 2F/2G. If you haven’t shared your pics with us yet, please do!

And… if you haven’t seen these yet, we’ve installed some new signs around DUH and Duke Clinics – congratulations to our faculty and staff members for your amazing work! 

Ours is one of the best teams at Duke Health and one of the finest Heart Centers in the world, thanks to each one of you. This is definitely worth celebrating!

Something else worth celebrating: quick response & a life saved.

During the Jan. 31 Duke Men’s Basketball game, members of the Duke Life Flight team were honored for their extraordinary care of a patient at the November 30 home game against Ohio State. At that game, the father of an Ohio State player suffered a massive heart attack in the stands. Thanks to the swift actions of the Duke Life Flight event medicine team in conjunction with Duke Athletics staff, he was quickly stabilized and transported to the DUH Emergency Department.

The patient underwent a life-saving procedure with our Duke Heart team and was admitted to the Cardiac ICU. Thanks to all those who responded that day, he is now back at home where he is expected to make a full recovery. He shared a special message for the medical teams that played a part in his care. It was played at Cameron on Tuesday evening. Please check it out here: https://duke.is/pdaxg.

Well done, everyone!

 

Ashley Barba Named Clinical Director for CT Surgery at DUH, Effective April 1

We are excited to share that Ashley Barba, Team Lead for our Cardiothoracic Surgery SDU APPs, will be serving in an expanded role and capacity effective April 1. Barba will continue with her team lead role and clinical practice, and will also serve as the Clinical Director for Cardiothoracic Surgery at DUH. In this expanded role, she will support quality improvement, Maestro related projects and enhancements, transitional care, and special projects aimed to further support our Cardiothoracic Surgery inpatient programs, patients and the surgical teams.

Barba is a tremendous provider and team leader and will be highly effective in this role as she partners with the local nursing teams and leaders, multidisciplinary operational teams and Heart Center leadership.

Please congratulate Ashley when you see her, and feel free to reach out to her as a resource around clinical care and workflows, quality initiatives, the STS registry, or operational challenges as you continue to provide world-class care to Duke Heart patients and families.

Congratulations, Ashley! Well deserved!

 

Carroll Earns Greenfield Women in Cardiology Award

Congratulations to Aubrie Carroll, MD, a resident in internal medicine at Duke, for being named the recipient of the Ruth Ann Greenfield Women in Cardiology Award! The award honors Dr. Ruth Ann Greenfield’s legacy at Duke.

The announcement was made by Duke electrophysiologist Don Hegland, MD who added, “This acknowledges Dr. Carroll’s many accomplishments as a Duke Internal Medicine Resident, and will support the great things she will do with her future in Cardiology.”

Such great news! Please congratulate Aubrie the next time you see her.

 

 

 

 

 

Kudos to 2F/2G & VAD Team

We received some terrific praise this week for our 2F/2G and VAD teams via Press Ganey Survey feedback. The patient/family member wrote:

“Dora at pulmonary testing was very good, Ericka at blood draw was excellent as there are difficulties with drawing blood, finding veins. Frank was great for executing walking exercise, and Dr. Katz was amazing as usual. Vanessa provided us with a video for a weekly dressing for LVAD. Assisted in training with replacing the existing dressing. Great experience again today.”

Great work everyone!!!

TJC Update & Kudos to Heart Teams

The first of two weeks of the PDC’s triennial Joint Commission survey of clinics concluded on Friday. TJC was very complimentary and spoke favorably about facilities, processes, and staff throughout the PDC. So far, 42 of 59 clinics had no findings, which is great news — among them, Duke Cardiology of Raleigh, Duke Cardiology of Cary, and Duke Cardiology of Morrisville.

Duke Heart teams received the following kudos from the surveyors:

• Duke Cardiology of Raleigh displayed great teamwork and work culture. Nurses Joan Senter, Emily Sweet and Eddie Scott are shining stars!
• Sarah Curtis, HCA, and Annette Moore, Nurse Manager, Duke Cardiology of Cary are outstanding and have a good understanding of operations.
• Stephen Robinson, MD of Duke Cardiology at Morrisville, received a ‘Leading Practice’ for low level disinfection of his stethoscope before and after patient care.
• An external-to-Duke provider ordered a medication that a patient had an allergy to. After receiving a MyChart message from the patient, Michelle Blau of Duke Cardiology of Morrisville, thoroughly reviewed the chart and alerted the cardiologist of the issue. This was a great catch!

Well done and way to go, everyone!

 

Successful Recruitment Event for SDUs Held Wed., Feb. 1

We had a successful nurse recruitment event at the DMP and DUH on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Shown here are members of our nursing leadership team who met with applicants, answered questions and gave tours. Thanks to everyone who supported this event for our Adult Stepdown Units!  Our team engaged with 27 attendees and extended eight RN offers.

Great job!

 

Bova Departs CICU for MICU

Marina Bova was celebrated by her colleagues in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) this week on her last official day with us before starting a new role with Duke’s MICU team. Her team held a going away party for her on Tuesday, Jan. 31 – during her final night shift.

“I want to recognize the outstanding contribution that Marina Bova has made to the CICU, said Jason Katz, MD. “She was one of the pioneer CICU APPs who worked tirelessly and collaboratively to improve the care of our patients, to teach our trainees, and to create a culture of teamwork with the nursing staff and others.”

“Marina bravely tackled this role when little was known and she, along with others, helped make the new APP group a pivotal component of CICU care,” he added.

Marina’s dedication to the CICU and in her overall efforts in representing the skills of APPs will help to ensure that the CICU APPs will always be an integral part of the CICU team and mission.

“Though we will miss her terribly, we all appreciate what she has done for our patients and will eagerly anticipate how she will elevate the MICU moving forward,” Katz said.

Shown here are Bova along with several CICU team members, and cardiology fellows Andrew Andreae and Balim Senman (who provided the cake shown here!)

Congrats and good luck, Marina!

 

Barnes’ Story Featured as Part of DUHS Recruitment Effort

Our fabulous team member, Stephanie Barnes, Clinical Director for Advanced Heart Failure Services, shared her story recently with our Duke Health recruitment team and it’s now featured on our Duke Health careers page as part of overall recruitment efforts. Check it out here: https://duke.is/r2f88.

We agree with her: Duke is a great place to work and the best is yet to come!

Dress Like Dan Mark Day

We didn’t realize this was happening this week, but it did, and it was so good! Members of the CICU decided to hold a Dress like Dan Mark Day and we hope this isn’t the last. They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery – and who better to emulate than Dan Mark, MD? Some of the participating team members shown in the photo are Mark Brahier, a Duke IM resident, cardiology fellow Allie Levin, IM resident Sara Stallworth, and the real Dan Mark.

 

ICYMI: McGarrah, Jackson CGR Recordings

We had excellent CGR presentations in January from electrophysiologist Dr. Larry Jackson, and heart disease prevention and rehabilitation specialist Dr. Robert McGarrah. If you were unable to attend either of those sessions, we have links to the recordings here:

• A Path Toward Remediating Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Arrhythmia Care with Larry Jackson. Recorded Jan. 10, 2023.
• Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Cardiometabolic Disease: Biomarkers and Beyond with Robert McGarrah. Recorded Jan. 31, 2023.

 

DOM Names Chief Residents for 2024-2025

Kathleen Cooney, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine, Aimee Zaas, MD, program director of the Duke Internal Medicine Residency Program, David Simel, MD, vice chair for Veterans Affairs, and Lisa Criscione-Schreiber, MD, vice chair for education, this week announced the Chief Residents for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Chief residents are selected in their final year of residency and typically complete one year of fellowship before returning to start their chief resident year.

Congratulations to:

Emory Buck, MD, Duke University Hospital. Emory is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Georgetown University School of Medicine. She will be a fellow in Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine at Duke prior to starting her chief resident year.

Omar Martinez-Uribe, MD, Durham VA Medical Center. Omar is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Duke University School of Medicine. He will be a fellow in Gastroenterology at Duke prior to starting his chief resident year.

Amanda Broderick, MD, Duke Regional Hospital/Ambulatory Medicine. Amanda is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and Baylor College of Medicine. She will be a fellow in Hematology/Oncology at Duke prior to starting her chief resident year.

The Chief Residents are a key part of the medicine residency team, providing invaluable leadership, teaching and support for our trainees. Our incoming chiefs join a strong tradition of resident leadership, and we look forward to their contributions to the Department of Medicine.

SOM Faculty Award Nomination for Excellence in Professionalism due this week

Nominations and Applications for the 2023 School of Medicine Faculty Awards are open.

The Faculty Awards are a wonderful opportunity to highlight the outstanding work conducted at Duke. The Office for Faculty is now accepting nominations and applications for the following 2023 faculty awards:

• Excellence in Professionalism Award – Nomination Deadline: February 10, 2023
• Research Mentoring Awards – Nomination Deadline: February 20, 2023
• Ruth and A. Morris Williams Faculty Research Prize – Application Deadline: February 28, 2023
• Leonard Palumbo Jr., MD Faculty Achievement Award – Nomination Deadline has passed
• Leonard B. Tow Humanism in Medicine Award – Nomination Deadline has passed

To learn more, visit https://duke.is/4hqkb. Questions? Please contact Jennifer Meyer Dare, jennifer.meyer-dare@duke.edu. Nominations and applications should be submitted via email to facdev@dm.duke.edu.

PPE Usage Reminder

DUH/DUHS is reminding all teams that PPE continues to be a top priority as we strive to meet 100% compliance. We encourage leaders to focus on PPE in your huddles and other communications with your teams. These discussions are great opportunities to address any barriers and concerns interfering with proper PPE usage. Please refer to our detailed analytics site for real-time numbers.

Encourage team members to observe safe practices

We continue to see increasing cases of respiratory illnesses in our community, as well as COVID clusters at work. Please help remind staff to take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families from the “tripledemic” of the flu, RSV, and COVID.

As a reminder, all team members are eligible to receive the bivalent COVID-19 booster shot. Appointments can be made through the Duke Vaccine website.

It is also critical that our staff continue practicing consistent hand hygiene and the appropriate donning and doffing of PPE. Thanks for your support with these efforts! You’re doing a great job.

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

 

Cardiology Grand Rounds

Feb. 21: No CGR today.

Feb. 28: Topic TBD with Sandeep Nathan of Univ. of Chicago Medicine. 5 p.m., Zoom.

Medicine Grand Rounds

Feb. 17: Topic TBD with Hyung (Harry) Jin Cho of NYU Langone Health, a 2023 Joseph C. Greenfield Visiting Professor. 8 a.m. via Zoom or in person, Duke North 2002.

Have news to share?

If you have news to share with the Pulse readership, please contact Tracey Koepke, director of communications for Duke Heart at tracey.koepke@duke.edu. We would love to hear about your latest accomplishments, professional news, cool happenings, and any events or opportunities that may be of interest to our Duke Heart family. Please call with any questions: 919-681-2868. Feedback on Pulse is welcome and encouraged. Submissions by Noon, Wednesdays, to be considered for weekend inclusion.

Duke Heart in the News:

January 23 — Sean Pokorney

EMPR.com

Novel Oral Anticoagulant Fast Tracked for Patients With ESRD and Atrial Fibrillation

https://duke.is/gjaaa

January 27 — Pamela Douglas

tctMD

As Violent Attacks on Healthcare Workers Rise, Cardiology Takes Note

https://duke.is/9yjqt

January 27 — Duke University Hospital

Becker’s Hospital Review

Press Ganey recognizes top healthcare organizations for patient experience

https://duke.is/2n2dw

January 30 — Duke School of Medicine

Inside Higher Ed

More Universities Drop ‘U.S. News’ Medical School Rankings

https://duke.is/bubws

January 30 — Duke School of Medicine

Chief Healthcare Executive

Not banking on rankings: More medical schools withdraw from U.S. News listing

https://duke.is/485f5

January 31 — Monique Starks

Scripps News Service*

Drones are being tested to deliver AEDs to cardiac arrest emergencies

https://duke.is/vzf47

*carried in 51 U.S. news markets

February 1 — Daniel Friedman

tctMD

CRT Likely Benefits Broader Group of Patients: Meta-analysis

https://duke.is/zs5ru

February 2 — Richard Shannon

Becker’s Hospital Review

The ‘hard truth’ about staffing shortages: They aren’t going away

https://duke.is/mbe5j

February 2 — Richard Shannon

Becker’s Hospital Review

Reducing administrative burdens: 5 chief medical officers weigh in

https://duke.is/8gbzp

 

Division of Cardiology Publications Indexed in PubMed January 11-25, 2023

Avorgbedor F, Blumenthal JA, Hinderliter A, Ingle K, Lin PH, Craighead L, Tyson C, Kraus W, Sherwood A, Smith PJ. Inflammation moderates the effects of lifestyle modification on neurocognition among individuals with resistant hypertension.        J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2023 Jan;25(1):106-110. PM: 36541028.

Ayer A, Truby LK, Schroder JN, Casalinova S, Green CL, Bishawi MA, Bryner BS, Milano CA, Patel CB, Devore AD. Improved Outcomes in Severe Primary Graft Dysfunction After Heart Transplantation Following Donation After Circulatory Death Compared With Donation After Brain Death. J Card Fail 2023 Jan;29(1):67-75. PM: 36351494.

Beatty AL, Beckie TM, Dodson J, Goldstein CM, Hughes JW, Kraus WE, Martin SS, Olson TP, Pack QR, Stolp H, Thomas RJ, Wu WC, Franklin BA. A New Era in Cardiac Rehabilitation Delivery: Research Gaps, Questions, Strategies, and Priorities. Circulation 2023 Jan 17;147(3):254-266. PM: 36649394.

Blumer V, Lala A, Mentz RJ. JCF Heart Failure Year-In-Review 2022…The Best is Yet to Come! J Card Fail 2023 Jan;29(1):1-5. PM: 36635020.

Coniglio AC, Bryner BS, Devore AD, Patel CB. Trends in cardiovascular medicine: Update on cardiac transplantation. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2023 Jan;33(1):46- 50. PM: 34856337.

Cosiano MF, Vista A, Sun JL, Alhanti B, Harrington J, Butler J, Starling RC, Mentz RJ, Greene SJ. Comparing New York Heart Association Class and Patient-Reported Outcomes Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure. Circ Heart Fail 2023 Jan;16(1):e010107. PM: 36314126.

Coyne DW, Singh AK, Lopes RD, Bailey CK, DiMino TL, Huang C, Connaire J, Rastogi A, Kim SG, Orias M, Shah S, Patel V, Cobitz AR, Wanner C. Three Times Weekly Dosing of Daprodustat versus Conventional Epoetin for Treatment of Anemia in Hemodialysis Patients: ASCEND-TD: A Phase 3 Randomized, Double-Blind, Noninferiority Trial. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2022 Sep;17(9):1325- 1336. PM: 35918106.

Eikelboom R, Whitlock RP, Lopes RD, Siegal D, Jaffer IH, Drakos P, Schulman S, Belley-Côté EP. How Did We Get Here? Antithrombotic Therapy after Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement: A Review. Thromb Haemost 2023 Jan;123(1):6-15. PM: 36513278.

Fulda ES, Fichtenbaum CJ, Kileel EM, Zanni MV, Aberg JA, Malvestutto C, Cardoso SW, Berzins B, Lira R, Harden R, Robbins G, Martinez M, Nieves SD, McCallum S, Cruz JL, Umbleja T, Sprenger H, Giguel F, Bone F, Wood K, Byroads M, Paradis K,
Lu MT, Douglas PS, Ribaudo HJ, Grinspoon SK, Fitch KV. The importance of methods for site performance evaluation in REPRIEVE, a longitudinal, global, multicenter trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2023 Jan;124:107035.                                                  PM: 36462699.

Garweg C, Piccini JP, Epstein LM, Frazier-Mills C, Chinitz LA, Steinwender C, Stromberg K, Sheldon T, Fagan DH, El-Chami MF. Correlation between AV synchrony and device collected AM-VP sequence counter in atrioventricular synchronous leadless pacemakers: A real-world assessment. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023 Jan;34(1):197-206. PM: 36317470.

Granger CB, Pocock SJ, Gersh BJ. The need for new clinical trials of old cardiovascular drugs. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023 Feb;20(2):71-72. PM: 36526898.

Hijazi Z, Benz AP, Lindbäck J, Alexander JH, Connolly SJ, Eikelboom JW, Granger CB, Kastner P, Lopes RD, Ziegler A, Oldgren J, Siegbahn A, Wallentin L. Bone morphogenetic protein 10: a novel risk marker of ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Eur Heart J 2023 Jan 14;44(3):208-218. PM: 36380569.

Jawitz OK, Vekstein AM, Young R, Vemulapalli S, Zwischenberger BA, Thibault DP, O’Brien S, Shahian DM, Badhwar V, Thourani VH, Jacobs JP, Smith PK. Comparing Consumer-Directed Hospital Rankings With STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database Outcomes. Ann Thorac Surg 2023 Feb;115(2):533-540. PM: 35932793.

Kato ET, Morrow DA, Guo J, Berg DD, Blazing MA, Bohula EA, Bonaca MP, Cannon CP, de Lemos JA, Giugliano RP, Jarolim P, Kempf T, Kristin Newby L, O’Donoghue ML, Pfeffer MA, Rifai N, Wiviott SD, Wollert KC, Braunwald E, Sabatine MS. Growth differentiation factor 15 and cardiovascular risk: individual patient meta-analysis. Eur Heart J 2023 Jan 21;44(4):293-300. PM: 36303404.

Khan MS, Ahmed A, Greene SJ, Fiuzat M, Kittleson MM, Butler J, Bakris GL, Fonarow GC. Managing Heart Failure in Patients on Dialysis: State-of- the-Art Review. J Card Fail 2023 Jan;29(1):87-107. PM: 36243339.

Khan MS, Shahid I, Anker SD, Fonarow GC, Fudim M, Hall ME, Hernandez A, Morris AA, Shafi T, Weir MR, Zannad F, Bakris GL, Butler J. Albuminuria and Heart Failure: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023 Jan 24;81(3):270-282. PM: 36653095.

Mc Causland FR, Claggett BL, Vaduganathan M, Desai AS, Jhund P, de Boer RA, Docherty K, Fang J, Hernandez AF, Inzucchi SE, Kosiborod MN, Lam CSP, Martinez F, Saraiva JFK, McGrath MM, Shah SJ, Verma S, Langkilde AM, Petersson M, McMurray JJV, Solomon SD. Dapagliflozin and Kidney Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Prespecified Analysis of the DELIVER Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Cardiol 2023 Jan 1;8(1):56-65. PM: 36326604.

McCarthy C, Li S, Wang TY, Raber I, Sandoval Y, Smilowitz NR, Wasfy JH, Pandey A, de Lemos JA, Kontos MC, Apple FS, Daniels LB, Newby LK, Jaffe AS, Januzzi JL. Implementation of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin Assays in the United States. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023 Jan 24;81(3):207-219. PM: 36328155.

Mentz RJ, Anstrom KJ, Eisenstein EL, Sapp S, Greene SJ, Morgan S, Testani JM, Harrington AH, Sachdev V, Ketema F, Kim DY, Desvigne-Nickens P, Pitt B, Velazquez EJ. Effect of Torsemide vs Furosemide After Discharge on All-Cause Mortality in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure: The TRANSFORM-HF Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023 Jan 17;329(3):214-223. PM: 36648467.

Nelson MB, Shiroma EJ, Kitzman DW, Duncan PW, Reeves GR, Whellan DJ, Mentz RJ, Chen H, Pastva AM. Physical activity and relationship to physical function, quality of life, and cognitive function in older patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Am Heart J 2023 Feb;256:85-94. PM: 36372251.

Nelson AJ, Pagidipati NJ, Kelsey MD, Ardissino M, Aroda VR, Cavender MA, Lopes RD, Al-Khalidi HR, Braceras R, Gaynor T, Kaltenbach LA, Kirk JK, Lingvay I, Magwire ML, O’Brien EC, Pak J, Pop- Busui R, Richardson CR, Levya M, Senyucel C, Webb L, McGuire DK, Green JB, Granger CB. Coordinating Cardiology clinics randomized trial of interventions to improve outcomes (COORDINATE)-Diabetes: rationale and design. Am Heart J 2023 Feb;256:2-12. PM: 36279931.

Pagidipati NJ, Peterson ED. Can System Solutions Be Scaled to Control High Blood Pressure and Lipids? JAMA Cardiol 2023 Jan 1;8(1):21-22. PM: 36350615.

Pierce JB, Li Z, Greiner MA, Lippmann SJ, Hardy NC, Shen X, Stampehl M, Mentz RJ, Allen LA, Peterson PN, Fonarow GC, O’Brien EC, Greene SJ. Adoption of Sacubitril/Valsartan Among Patients With Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction: The Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Registry. Circ Heart Fail 2023 Jan;16(1):e010176. PM: 36314141.

Saha A, Patel KV, Ayers C, Ballantyne CM, Correa A, Defilippi C, Hall ME, Mentz RJ, Seliger SL, Yimer W, Butler J, Berry JD, De Lemos JA, Pandey A. Longitudinal Changes in Cardiac Troponin and Risk of Heart Failure Among Black Adults. J Card Fail 2023 Jan;29(1):6-15. PM: 35690315.

Siddiqi TJ, Khan MS, Karimi Galougahi K, Shlofmitz E, Moses JW, Rao S, West NEJ, Wolff E, Hochler J, Chau K, Khalique O, Shlofmitz RA, Jeremias A, Ali ZA. Optical coherence tomography versus angiography and intravascular ultrasound to guide coronary stent implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2022 Nov;100 Suppl 1:S44-S56. PM: 36251325.

Subashi E, Feng L, Liu Y, Robertson S, Segars P, Driehuys B, Kelsey CR, Yin FF, Otazo R, Cai J. View-sharing for 4D magnetic resonance imaging with randomized projection-encoding enables improvements of respiratory motion imaging for treatment planning in abdominothoracic radiotherapy. Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol 2023 Jan 2;25:100409. PM: 36655213.

Talha KM, Butler J, Greene SJ, Aggarwal R, Anker SD, Claggett BL, Solomon SD, McMurray JJV, Vaduganathan M, Fonarow GC. Population-Level Implications of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction in the US. JAMA Cardiol 2023 Jan 1;8(1):66-73. PM: 36334258.

Weissler EH, Osazuwa-Peters OL, Greiner MA, Hardy NC, Kougias P, O’Brien SM, Mark DB, Jones WS, Secemsky EA, Vekstein AM, Shalhub S, Mussa FF, Patel MR, Vemulapalli S. Initial Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair vs Medical Therapy for Acute Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection. JAMA Cardiol 2023 Jan 1;8(1):44-53. PM: 36334259.

Zanni MV, Foldyna B, McCallum S, Burdo TH, Looby SE, Fitch KV, Fulda ES, Autissier P, Bloomfield GS, Malvestutto CD, Fichtenbaum CJ, Overton ET, Aberg JA, Erlandson KM, Campbell TB, Ellsworth GB, Sheth AN, Taiwo B, Currier JS, Hoffmann U, Lu MT, Douglas PS, Ribaudo HJ, Grinspoon SK. Sex Differences in Subclinical Atherosclerosis and Systemic Immune Activation/Inflammation Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2023 Jan 13;76(2):323-334. PM: 36101518.  

Division of Cardiology Publications Indexed in PubMed Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2023

Buschur KL, Riley C, Saferali A, Castaldi P, Zhang G, Aguet F, Ardlie KG, Durda P, Craig Johnson W, Kasela S, Liu Y, Manichaikul A, Rich SS, Rotter JI, Smith J, Taylor KD, Tracy RP, Lappalainen T, Graham Barr R, Sciurba F, Hersh CP, Benos PV. Distinct COPD subtypes in former smokers revealed by gene network perturbation analysis. Respir Res 2023 Jan 25;24(1):30. PM: 36698131.

Collins KA, Kraus WE, Rogers RJ, Hauser ER, Lang W, Jiang R, Schelbert EB, Huffman KM, Jakicic JM. Effect of behavioral weight-loss program on biomarkers of cardiometabolic disease risk: Heart Health Study randomized trial. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023 Feb;31(2):338- 349. PM: 36621902.

Damluji AA, Rymer JA, Nanna MG. The Heterogeneity of Old Age: Healthy Aging in Older Adults Undergoing TAVR. JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2023 Jan 23;16(2):189-192. PM: 36697155.

Ding J, Lohman K, Molina A, Delbono O, Bertoni  A, Shea S, Post W, Guo X, Barr RG, Manichaikul AW, Pankow JS, Rotter JI, Hoeschele I, Kritchevsky SB, Liu Y. The association between aging-related monocyte transcriptional networks and comorbidity burden: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Geroscience 2023 Feb;45(1):197-207. PM: 35737188.

Douglas PS, McCallum S, Lu MT, Umbleja T, Fitch KV, Foldyna B, Zanni MV, Fulda ES, Bloomfield GS, Fichtenbaum CJ, Overton ET, Aberg JA, Malvestutto CD, Burdo TH, Arduino RC, Ho KS, Yin MT, Ribaudo HJ, Grinspoon SK. Ideal cardiovascular health, biomarkers, and coronary artery disease in persons with HIV. AIDS 2023 Mar 1;37(3):423-434. PM: 36525544.

Fanaroff AC, Lopes RD. COVID-19 Thrombotic Complications and Therapeutic Strategies. Annu Rev Med 2023 Jan 27;74:15-30. PM: 36130046.

Friedman DJ, Piccini JP. Device-Related Thrombus After Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: The Villain of the Piece. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023 Jan;9(1):108- 110. PM: 36697188.

Greene SJ, Bauersachs J, Brugts JJ, Ezekowitz JA, Lam CSP, Lund LH, Ponikowski P, Voors AA, Zannad F, Zieroth S, Butler J. Worsening Heart Failure: Nomenclature, Epidemiology, and Future Directions: JACC Review Topic of the Week. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023 Jan 31;81(4):413-424. PM: 36697141.

Guadanhim LRS, Miot HA, Soares JLM, Silva SAM, Leonardi GR, Lopes RD, Bagatin E. Efficacy and Safety of Topical or Oral Hydrolyzed Collagen in Women with Dermatoporosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Factorial Design Study. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023 Feb;13(2):523- 534. PM: 36547800.

Lerman JB, Felker GM. Time to diuretics in acute heart failure: the tortoise or the hare? Eur J Heart Fail 2023 Jan;25(1):52-53. PM: 36350794.

Patel RB, Greene SJ, Xu H, Alhanti B, Peterson P, Yancy CW, Piccini J, Fonarow GC, Vaduganathan M. Intersection of atrial fibrillation and heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction in >400 000 participants in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Registry. Eur J Heart Fail 2023 Jan;25(1):63-73. PM: 36343200.

Peters AE, Wu A, Chiswell K, Hofmann P, Nkulikiyinka R, Dinh W, Piccini JP, Mentz RJ, Fudim M. Continuous Monitoring of Heart Rate Variability and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators. Curr Probl Cardiol 2023 Mar;48(3):101520. PM: 36455797.

Ptaszek LM, Koruth J, Santangeli P, Piccini JP, Ranjan R, Mahapatra S, Pipenhagen C, Fish JM, Moon LB, Ambrosius NM, Boudlali H, Jensen JA. Safe and effective delivery of high-power, short-duration radiofrequency ablation lesions with a flexible-tip ablation catheter. Heart Rhythm O2 2022 Oct 25;4(1):42-50. PM: 36713045.

Sidhu MS, Alexander KP, Huang Z, Mathew RO, Newman JD, O’Brien SM, Pellikka PA, Lyubarova R, Bockeria O, Briguori C, Kretov EL, Mazurek T, Orso F, Roik MF, Sajeev C, Shutov EV, Rockhold FW, Borrego D, Balter S, Stone GW, Chaitman BR, Goodman SG, Fleg JL, Reynolds HR, Maron DJ, et al. Cause-Specific Mortality in Patients With Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease in the ISCHEMIA-CKD Trial. JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2023 Jan23;16(2):209-218. PM: 36697158.

Turpie AGG, Farjat AE, Haas S, Ageno W, Weitz JI, Goldhaber SZ, Goto S, Angchaisuksiri P, Kayani G, Lopes RD, Chiang CE, Gibbs H, Tse E, Verhamme P, Ten Cate H, Muntaner J, Schellong S, Bounameaux H, Prandoni P, Maheshwari U, Kakkar AK. 36-month clinical outcomes of patients with venous thromboembolism: GARFIELD-VTE. Thromb Res 2023 Feb;222:31-39. PM: 36565677.

van Essen BJ, Tromp J, Ter Maaten JM, Greenberg BH, Gimpelewicz C, Felker GM, Davison BA, Severin T, Pang PS, Cotter G, Teerlink JR, Metra M, Voors AA. Characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with acute heart failure with a supranormal left ventricular ejection fraction. Eur J Heart Fail 2023 Jan;25(1):35-42. PM:36114655.

Weitzman ER, Gaultney A, von Scheven E, Ringold S, Mann CM, Magane KM, Lin L, Leverty R, Dennos A, Hernandez A, Lippmann SJ, Dedeoglu F, Marin AC, Cox R, Reeve BB, Schanberg LE. Construct validity of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Paediatric measures in juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus: cross-sectional evaluation. BMJ Open 2023 Jan 27;13(1):e063675. PM: 36707118.