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Abstract: Alpha iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) films were grown on catalyst-free silicon substrate using a vertical type metal–organic chemical vapor deposition process. X-ray powder diffraction and field-emission transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that these α-Fe2O3 films consisted of bundles of one dimensional (1D) nanorods and the nanorods in these α-Fe2O3 films were single crystalline with a well-ordered rhombohedral structure. The nanorods showed a preferred growth orientation in the [104] direction. Magnetic force microscopy image suggests that spin domains were formed in the α-Fe2O3 nanorods. Photo-catalytic property of these nanorod films was confirmed through the photo-degradation of Rhodamine B by UV irradiation. These α-Fe2O3 film/nanorod materials could be used as building blocks for nanodevice applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aims: Cardiovascular health is acknowledged as a crucial concern among cancer survivors. Socioeconomic status (SES) is an essential but often neglected risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted this study to identify the relationship between SES and CVD mortality in cancer survivors., Methods and Results: Using the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Examinee database, we identified cancer survivors diagnosed and surviving beyond 5 years post-diagnosis. SES was assessed based on insurance premiums and classified into 5 groups. The primary outcome was overall CVD mortality. This study analyzed 170 555 individuals (mean age 60.7 ± 11.9 years, 57.8% female). A gradual increase in risk was observed across SES groups: adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for overall CVD mortality were 1.15 (1.04-1.26), 1.28 (1.15-1.44), 1.31 (1.18-1.46), and 2.13 (1.30-3.49) for the second, third, and fourth quartile, and medical aid group (the lowest SES group) compared to the highest SES group, respectively (p for trend < 0.001). The lowest SES group with hypertension exhibited a 3.4-fold higher risk of CVD mortality compared to the highest SES group without hypertension. Interaction analyses revealed that low SES synergistically interacts with hypertension, heightening the risk of CVD mortality (synergy index 1.62)., Conclusion: This study demonstrates a significant correlation between low SES and increased CVD mortality among cancer survivors. Particularly, the lowest SES group, when combined with hypertension, significantly escalates CVD mortality. Our findings underscore the critical importance of recognizing SES as a significant risk factor for CVD mortality in this population of cancer survivors., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.)

Background and Objectives: The number of people with heart failure (HF) is increasing worldwide, and the social burden is increasing as HF has high mortality and morbidity. We aimed to provide updated trends on the epidemiology of HF in Korea to shape future social measures against HF., Methods: We used the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance Service to determine the prevalence, incidence, hospitalization rate, mortality rate, comorbidities, in-hospital mortality, and healthcare cost of patients with HF from 2002 to 2020 in Korea., Results: The prevalence of HF in the total Korean population rose from 0.77% in 2002 to 2.58% (1,326,886 people) in 2020. Although the age-standardized incidence of HF decreased over the past 18 years, the age-standardized prevalence increased. In 2020, the hospitalization rate for any cause in patients with HF was 1,166 per 100,000 persons, with a steady increase from 2002. In 2002, the HF mortality was 3.0 per 100,000 persons, which rose to 15.6 per 100,000 persons in 2020. While hospitalization rates and in-hospital mortality for patients with HF increased, the mortality rate for patients with HF did not (5.8% in 2020), and the one-year survival rate from the first diagnosis of HF improved. The total healthcare costs for patients with HF were approximately $2.4 billion in 2020, a 16-fold increase over the $0.15 billion in 2002., Conclusions: The study's results underscore the growing socioeconomic burden of HF in Korea, driven by an aging population and increasing HF prevalence., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (© 2024. Korean Society of Heart Failure.)

Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None declared.

Most patients with heart failure (HF) have multiple comorbidities, which impact their quality of life, aggravate HF, and increase mortality. Cardiovascular comorbidities include systemic and pulmonary hypertension, ischemic and valvular heart diseases, and atrial fibrillation. Non-cardiovascular comorbidities include diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney and pulmonary diseases, iron deficiency and anemia, and sleep apnea. In patients with HF with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors combined with calcium channel blockers and/or diuretics is an effective treatment regimen. Measurement of pulmonary vascular resistance via right heart catheterization is recommended for patients with HF considered suitable for implantation of mechanical circulatory support devices or as heart transplantation candidates. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and reperfusion in patients with HF and angina pectoris refractory to antianginal medications. In patients with HF and atrial fibrillation, long-term anticoagulants are recommended according to the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores. Valvular heart diseases should be treated medically and/or surgically. In patients with HF and DM, metformin is relatively safer; thiazolidinediones cause fluid retention and should be avoided in patients with HF and dyspnea. In renal insufficiency, both volume status and cardiac performance are important for therapy guidance. In patients with HF and pulmonary disease, beta-blockers are underused, which may be related to increased mortality. In patients with HF and anemia, iron supplementation can help improve symptoms. In obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy helps avoid severe nocturnal hypoxia. Appropriate management of comorbidities is important for improving clinical outcomes in patients with HF., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Korean Society of Heart Failure.)

The Korean Society of Heart Failure (KSHF) Guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations based on Korean and international data to guide adequate diagnosis and management of heart failure (HF). Since introduction of 2017 edition of the guidelines, management of advanced HF has considerably improved, especially with advances in mechanical circulatory support and devices. The current guidelines addressed these improvements. In addition, we have included recently updated evidence-based recommendations regarding acute HF in these guidelines. In summary, Part IV of the KSHF Guidelines covers the appropriate diagnosis and optimized management of advanced and acute HF., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Korean Society of Heart Failure.)

Background: 18 F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-NaF PET/CT) has been proven to be useful in identification of microcalcifications, which are stimulated by inflammation. Blood speckle imaging (BSI) is a new imaging technology used for tracking the flow of blood cells using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We evaluated the relationship between turbulent flow identified by BSI and inflammatory activity of the aortic valve (AV) as indicated by the 18 F-NaF uptake index in moderate aortic stenosis (AS) patients., Methods: This study enrolled 18 moderate AS patients diagnosed within the past 6 months. BSI within the aortic root was acquired using long-axis view TEE. The duration of laminar flow and the turbulent flow area ratio were calculated by BSI to demonstrate the degree of turbulence. The maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax, SUVmean) and the total microcalcification burden (TMB) as measured by 18 F-NaF PET/CT were used to demonstrate the degree of inflammatory activity in the AV region., Results: The mean SUVmean, SUVmax, and TMB were 1.90 ± 0.79, 2.60 ± 0.98, and 4.20 ± 2.18 mL, respectively. The mean laminar flow period and the turbulent area ratio were 116.1 ± 61.5 msec and 0.48 ± 0.32. The correlation between SUVmax and turbulent flow area ratio showed the most positive and statistically significant correlation, with a Pearson's correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.658 and a p-value of 0.014., Conclusions: The high degree of trans-aortic turbulence measured by BSI was correlated with severe AV inflammation., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Korean Society of Echocardiography.)

The Korean Society of Heart Failure guidelines aim to provide physicians with evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing patients with heart failure (HF). In Korea, the prevalence of HF has been rapidly increasing in the last 10 years. HF has recently been classified into HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF), and HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). Moreover, the availability of newer therapeutic agents has led to an increased emphasis on the appropriate diagnosis of HFpEF. Accordingly, this part of the guidelines will mainly cover the definition, epidemiology, and diagnosis of HF., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Korean Society of Heart Failure.)

The Korean Society of Heart Failure (KSHF) guidelines aim to provide physicians with evidence-based recommendations for the management of patients with heart failure (HF). After the first introduction of the KSHF guidelines in 2016, newer therapies for HF with reduced ejection fraction, HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction, and HF with preserved ejection fraction have since emerged. The current version has been updated based on international guidelines and research data on Korean patients with HF. Herein, we present Part II of these guidelines, which comprises treatment strategies to improve the outcomes of patients with HF., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023. Korean Society of Heart Failure.)

Aims: We aimed to evaluate whether prolapsing leaflet-specific exercise pulmonary hypertension (PHT) exists and to identify the related mechanisms., Methods and Results: Resting and bicycle exercise transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 35 consecutive patients (aged 56 ± 11, 69% men) with asymptomatic, moderate-to-severe, and degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). The patients were classified into two groups according to the prolapsing leaflet: an anterior mitral leaflet (AML) group (n = 17) and a posterior mitral leaflet (PML) group (n = 18). At rest, the MR severity and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) were similar between the two groups. During exercise, changes in the regurgitant volume (ΔRV) were markedly increased in the PML group compared with the AML group (23.9 ± 13.6 vs. 13.9 ± 10.5 mL, P= 0.022). Moreover, exercise-induced changes in SPAP (ΔSPAP) were more significant in the PML group (35.8 ± 10.7 vs. 26.7 ± 8.7 mmHg, P= 0.009). Further analysis of the resting left atrial (LA) characteristics revealed decreased LA reservoir function and a more ellipsoid left atrium in the PML group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ΔRV was an independent determinant of ΔSPAP (β= 0.34, P= 0.013) after adjustment for other confounding factors., Conclusion: PML prolapse is associated with a greater increase in exercise-induced SPAP, and the prominent increase in MR severity in PML prolapse is thought to be the main mechanism responsible for this increase. The current study suggests the need for more frequent follow-up of patients with PML prolapse., (Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Cystatin-C, a marker of mild renal dysfunction, has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular diseases including vasospastic angina (VSA). We aimed to investigate the impact of cystatin-C level on the prevalence and angiographic characteristics of VSA in Korean patients.A total of 549 patients in the VA-KOREA (Vasospastic Angina in KOREA) registry who underwent ergonovine provocation tests were consecutively enrolled. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and levels of serum creatinine (Cr) and cystatin-C were assessed before angiography.The patients were classified into two groups: the VSA group (n = 149, 27.1%) and the non-VSA group (n = 400). Although eGFR and Cr levels were similar between the two groups, the VSA group had a significantly higher level of cystatin-C (P < 0.05). A high level of cystatin-C (second tertile, hazard ratio 1.432; 95% confidence interval [1.1491.805]; P = 0.026, third tertile, 1.947 [1.132-2.719]; P = 0.003) and current smoking (2.710 [1.415-4.098]; P < 0.001) were independently associated with the prevalence of VSA. Furthermore, the highest level of cystatin-C (> 0.96 ng/mL) had a significant impact on the incidence of multivessel spasm (2.608 [1.061-4.596]; P = 0.037).A high level of cystatin-C was independently associated with the prevalence of VSA and with a high-risk type of VSA in Korean patients, suggesting that proactive investigation of VSA should be considered for patients with mild renal dysfunction indicated by elevated cystatin-C.