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While the field of leadership studies includes a large corpus of literature and studies, the literature and scientific research in the field of e-leadership and soft skills used in learning game environments are at present small in scale. Towards contributing to this newly emerging field of literature and study, this research paper presents a new model, the e-Leadership and Soft Skills Educational Design Model ( ELESS) for assessing the use and constructing the effective design of soft skills and leadership skills in multiplayer learning game environments. The central research question considers: what is the role of e-leadership and how can it be designed and tested in the context of educational games? To address this question, the research paper includes a review of the current literature around distributed (shared) leadership models and presents some examples of studies assessing how leadership is designed, used and tested in available game environments. The paper then presents the ELESS model and validates it within the context of a case study of the Leadership Game. As a result, the ELESS model can be used to test the efficacy of existing games and to inform the effective design of new games that focus upon developing leadership and soft skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Placebo-controlled evidence from ORBITA-2 (Objective Randomised Blinded Investigation with Optimal Medical Therapy of Angioplasty in Stable Angina-2) found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable coronary artery disease with little or no antianginal medication relieved angina, but residual symptoms persisted in many patients. The reason for this was unclear. This ORBITA-2 secondary analysis investigates the relationship between presenting symptoms and disease severity (anatomic, noninvasive, and invasive ischemia) and the ability of symptoms to predict the placebo-controlled efficacy of PCI. Prerandomization symptom severity and nature were assessed using the ORBITA smartphone application and symptom and quality of life questionnaires including the World Health Organization Rose angina questionnaire (Rose). Disease severity was assessed using quantitative coronary angiography, stress echocardiography, fractional flow reserve, and instantaneous wave-free ratio. Bayesian ordinal regression was used. At prerandomization, the median number of daily angina episodes was 0.8 (Q1-Q3: 0.4-1.6), 64% had Rose angina, quantitative coronary angiography diameter stenosis was 61% (Q1-Q3: 49%-74%), stress echocardiography score was 1.0 (Q1-Q3: 0.0-2.7), fractional flow reserve was 0.63 (Q1-Q3: 0.49–0.75), and instantaneous wave-free ratio was 0.78 (Q1-Q3: 0.55-0.87). There was little relationship between symptom severity and nature and disease severity: angina symptom score with quantitative coronary angiography ordinal correlation coefficient: 0.06 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.00-0.08); stress echocardiography: 0.09 (95% CrI: 0.02-0.10); fractional flow reserve: 0.04 (95% CrI: −0.03 to 0.07); and instantaneous wave-free ratio: 0.04 (95% CrI: −0.01 to 0.07). However, Rose angina and guideline-based typical angina were strong predictors of placebo-controlled PCI efficacy (angina symptom score: OR: 1.9; 95% CrI: 1.6-2.1; probability of interaction [Pr Interaction ] = 99.9%; and OR: 1.8; 95% CrI: 1.6-2.1; Pr Interaction = 99.9%, respectively). Although symptom severity and nature were poorly associated with disease severity, the nature of symptoms powerfully predicted the placebo-controlled efficacy of PCI. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Iatrogenic stenosis of the coronary ostia is a rare but life-threatening complication which may follow aortic valve replacement. We report a case treated with a drug-eluting stent with subsequent severe restenosis at 24months. In-stent restenosis was successfully treated with reimplantation of a further drug-eluting stent with no restenosis on surveillance angiography at 11months and no recurrence of symptoms at 5years. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Iatrogenic coronary ostial stenosis after aortic valve replacement is a rare, life-threatening complication, which may follow implantation of either a mechanical or a biological prosthesis. Historically, this condition has been treated by urgent coronary bypass surgery but is associated with high morbidity and mortality, due to the hazards of early repeat sternotomy. We report a case of iatrogenic coronary ostial stenosis successfully treated with stenting and discuss the advantages of percutaneous intervention over coronary bypass surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Today, endovascular treatment (EVT) is the therapy of choice for strokes due to acute large vessel occlusion, irrespective of prior thrombolysis. This necessitates fast, coordinated multi-specialty collaboration. Currently, in most countries, the number of physicians and centres with expertise in EVT is limited. Thus, only a small proportion of eligible patients receive this potentially life-saving therapy, often after significant delays. Hence, there is an unmet need to train a sufficient number of physicians and centres in acute stroke intervention in order to allow widespread and timely access to EVT. To provide multi-specialty training guidelines for competency, accreditation and certification of centres and physicians in EVT for acute large vessel occlusion strokes. The World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) consists of experts in the field of endovascular stroke treatment. This interdisciplinary working group developed competency – rather than time-based – guidelines for operator training, taking into consideration trainees' previous skillsets and experience. Existing training concepts from mostly single specialty organizations were analysed and incorporated. The WIST establishes an individualized approach to acquiring clinical knowledge and procedural skills to meet the competency requirements for certification of interventionalists of various disciplines and stroke centres in EVT. WIST guidelines encourage acquisition of skills using innovative training methods such as structured supervised high-fidelity simulation and procedural performance on human perfused cadaveric models. WIST multispecialty guidelines outline competency and quality standards for physicians and centres to perform safe and effective EVT. The role of quality control and quality assurance is highlighted. The World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) establishes an individualized approach to acquiring clinical knowledge and procedural skills to meet the competency requirements for certification of interventionalists of various disciplines and stroke centres in endovascular treatment (EVT). WIST guidelines encourage acquisition of skills using innovative training methods such as structured supervised high-fidelity simulation and procedural performance on human perfused cadaveric models. WIST multispecialty guidelines outline competency and quality standards for physicians and centers to perform safe and effective EVT. The role of quality control and quality assurance is highlighted. The WIST 2023 Guidelines are published simultaneously in Europe (Adv Interv Cardiol 2023). • Widespread and timely interventional stroke treatment requires multiple specialties. • Training requirements for interventional stroke treatment are outlined. • Special emphasis rests on simulator and human cadaver training. • The pathway for an operator to reach WIST certification is specified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article about magnetic resonance imaging by Nicola C. Edwards, Helen C. Routledge, and Richard Paul Steeds is presented.

The article presents the case of a 71-year old male patient with the problem of breathlessness. The patient had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting nine years ago with an internal mammary graft to the left anterior descending artery and single saphenous vein graft to the diagonal. Radiography of the chest shown a widened mediastinum with small bilateral pleural effusions.

Introduction: Today, endovascular treatment (EVT) is the therapy of choice for strokes due to acute large vessel occlusion, irrespective of prior thrombolysis. This necessitates fast, coordinated multi-specialty collaboration. Currently, in most countries, the number of physicians and centres with expertise in EVT is limited. Thus, only a small proportion of eligible patients receive this potentially life-saving therapy, often after significant delays. Hence, there is an unmet need to train a sufficient number of physicians and centres in acute stroke intervention in order to allow widespread and timely access to EVT. Aim: To provide multi-specialty training guidelines for competency, accreditation and certification of centres and physicians in EVT for acute large vessel occlusion strokes. Material and methods: The World Federation for Interventional Stroke Treatment (WIST) consists of experts in the field of endovascular stroke treatment. This interdisciplinary working group developed competency - rather than time-based - guidelines for operator training, taking into consideration trainees' previous skillsets and experience. Existing training concepts from mostly single specialty organizations were analysed and incorporated. Results: The WIST establishes an individualized approach to acquiring clinical knowledge and procedural skills to meet the competency requirements for certification of interventionalists of various disciplines and stroke centres in EVT. WIST guidelines encourage acquisition of skills using innovative training methods such as structured supervised high-fidelity simulation and procedural performance on human perfused cadaveric models. Conclusions: WIST multispecialty guidelines outline competency and quality standards for physicians and centres to perform safe and effective EVT. The role of quality control and quality assurance is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) represent a high risk group, and have an increased risk of cardiovascular events and worse cardiovascular outcomes. Our aim was to study the impact of PAD among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a newer-generation thin-strut DES. In this analysis of the e‐ULTIMASTER registry, patients with and without known PAD undergoing PCI were compared. A propensity-score was used to adjust for differences between the groups. The primary outcome was target lesion failure (TLF): a composite of cardiac death, target‐vessel related myocardial infarction, and/or clinically driven target lesion revascularization at 1‐year follow‐up. Of 33,880 patients included in the analysis, PAD was present in 2255 (6.7%). Patients with PAD were older (69.0 ± 10.0 vs. 63.8 ± 11.3 years) with a higher burden of comorbidities. Patients with PAD were less likely to present with STEMI (9.6% vs. 21%), and more likely to undergo complex PCI (left main 5.5% vs. 3.0% ostial lesions 10.4% vs. 7.0%, bifurcations 14.5% vs. 12.3% and calcification 26.8% vs. 17.8%). PAD was found to be independently associated with 41% increased risk for TLF. The risk for all cause death and for cardiac death was 75% and 103% higher, respectably. No difference was found in the rates of stent thrombosis, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, or myocardial infarction (MI). Patients with PAD are at higher risk for (cardiac) death post PCI, but not target vessel or lesion repeat revascularizations. The PAD cohort represents a population with a higher risk clinical profile. Further research combining medical and device therapies is needed to further improve the outcomes in this high-risk population. [Display omitted] • Using the e‐ULTIMASTER PCI registry [n = 33,880 patients], outcomes were compared according to peripheral artery disease (PAD) 2,255 (6.7%) or no PAD. • Patients with PAD were older with a higher burden of comorbidities, and underwent more complex interventions. • PAD was found to be independently associated with 41% increased risk for target lesion failure (TLF). • No difference was found in the rates of stent thrombosis, clinically driven target lesion revascularization, or myocardial infarction (MI). • Patients with PAD treated with contemporary DES are at higher risk for cardiac death post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but similar repeat revascularization risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the growing awareness towards the importance of adequate representation of women in clinical trials among patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), available evidence continues to demonstrate a skewed distribution of study populations in favour of men. In this pre-specified analysis from the MASTER DAPT screening log and trial, we aimed to investigate the existence of a negative selection bias for women inclusion in a randomized clinical trial. A total of 2847 consecutive patients who underwent coronary revascularization across 65 participating sites, during a median of 14 days, were entered in the screening log, including 1749 (61.4%) non-high bleeding risk (HBR) and 1098 (38.6%) HBR patients, of whom 109 (9.9%) consented for trial participation. Female patients were less represented in consented versus non-consented HBR patients (22% versus 30%, absolute standardized difference: 0.18) and among non-consented eligible versus consented eligible patients (absolute standardized difference 0.14). The observed sex gap was primarily due investigators' choice not to offer study participation to females because deemed at very high risk of bleeding and/or ischemic complications, and only marginally to a slightly higher propensity of females compared to males to refuse study participation. Female HBR patients undergoing PCI are less prevalent, but also less likely to participate in the trial than male patients, mainly due to investigators' preference. • The reasons for under-representation of women in clinical trials remain unclear. • Female patients at HBR are less prevalent, but also less likely to participate in clinical trials than male patients. • This observed sex gap appears primarily due to investigators' choice not to offer study participation to females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective A meta-analysis of all randomised controlled studies that compare outcomes of transradial versus the transfemoral route to better define best practice in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Design A Medline and Embase search was conducted using the search terms 'transradial,' 'radial', 'STEMI', 'myocardial' and 'infarction'. Setting Randomised controlled studies that compare outcomes of transradial versus the transfemoral route. Patients A total of nine studies were identified that consisted of 2977 patients with STEMI. Interventions Studies that compare outcomes of transradial versus the transfemoral route. Main outcome measures The primary clinical outcomes of interest were (1) mortality; (2) major adverse cardiac events (MACE); (3) major bleeding and (4) access site complications. Results Transradial PCI was associated with a reduction in mortality (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84; p=0.008), MACE (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.90; p=0.012), major bleeding events (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.35-1.12; p=0.12) and access site complications (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.48; p<0.0001) compared with procedures performed through the femoral route. Conclusions This meta-analysis demonstrates a significant reduction in mortality, MACE and major access site complications associated with the transradial access site in STEMI. The meta-analysis supports the preferential use of radial access for STEMI PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectivesWe have examined the acute effects (<45 min) of aldosterone antagonism on heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity, markers of cardiac vagal control, in 13 healthy subjects.: BackgroundEvidence for the beneficial effects of aldosterone antagonists comes from studies showing increased survival rates following their addition to standard heart failure therapy. Many mechanisms have been suggested for this action, including effects upon the autonomic nervous system.: MethodsHeart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity were examined 30 min following the administration of potassium canrenoate (intravenous) (aldosterone antagonist) or saline (control).: ResultsActive treatment reduced resting heart rate (−6 ± 1 beats/min [mean ± standard error mean]) compared to control (0 ± 1 beat/min) (p < 0.001) and increased measures of high frequency (HF) heart rate variability. Root mean square of successive RR interval differences increased by 21 ± 5 ms versus −6 ± 5 ms control (p < 0.001); HF power increased by 1,369 ± 674 ms2with aldosterone antagonism compared to −255 ± 431 ms2 following saline infusion (p < 0.01). Baroreflex sensitivity (alpha-HF) was increased after active treatment (+4 ± 2 ms/mm Hg vs. 0 ± 1 ms/mm Hg control [p < 0.05]). No changes in plasma potassium levels were observed.: ConclusionsThese results provide evidence that aldosterone antagonists acutely improve cardiac vagal control, irrespective of any diuretic effects, and may in part explain their beneficial effects in treatment of heart failure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: In the drug-eluting stent era, the best strategy to treat Medina 001 lesion remains unestablished. This is the first prospective registry assessing the efficacy and safety of the second-generation drug-coated balloon in patients with side-branch ostial lesion.Methods: Forty-nine patients with de novo Medina 001 lesion and associated myocardial ischemia were treated with second-generation drug-coated balloon-Dior balloon catheter (Eurocor GmbH, Bonn Germany), and prospectively included in this study. After mandatory pre-dilatation, a paclitaxel-eluting balloon was inflated for a minimum of 45 seconds. Left main bifurcation, severely calcified lesions and cardiogenic shock, were the only exclusion criteria.Results: The inclusion period was 2.7 years. Mean age was 62 ± 12 years old, 41% diabetic, 65% presented with acute coronary syndrome. The most common vessel treated was the first diagonal (50%). Pre-dilatation with a cutting balloon was used in 59%. Angiographic success was 86% (in 14% a bare metal stent was implanted because of acute recoil [n = 5] or coronary dissection more than type B [n = 2]). At a mean of 12.2 ± 2.2 months, major cardiac adverse events rate was 14.3% (1 myocardial infarction, 0 cardiac deaths, 7 target lesion revascularization). There was no thrombosis or occlusion. At a mean of 7.2 ± 1.1 months, binary restenosis was 22.5% (n = 7) with a late loss of 0.32 ± 0.73 mm.Conclusion: Medina 001 lesion is an infrequent type of coronary lesion. Drug-coated balloon-Dior is a safe and technically easy therapeutic option, associated with acceptable mid-term clinical outcomes. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:285-292). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Radial versus femoral access for primary percutaneous coronary intervention: is there a preferred route to the heart?," by P. Meier and colleagues in the previous issue of the journal.

A letter to the editor is presented about percutaneous coronary intervention.