Podcasts about swansea university medical school

In this episode, Jane chats with Professor Farah Bhatti OBE FRCS FLSW. Farah is a British cardiac surgeon who is an honorary professor at the Swansea University Medical School. She serves as Chair of the Royal College of Surgeons of England Women in Surgery Forum. Jane and Farah share their experiences as women in a male-dominated field, highlighting the obstacles they faced. Farah talks about her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and support networks. Transcription link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/campaigns/medical-women-talking-podcast Date of episode recording: 2024-04-30T00:00:00Z Duration: 00:29:49 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Dame Jane Dacre Guests: Professor Farah Bhatti Producer: Matt Aucott 

Welcome to Season 2! It's great to be back. The theme of this season is to ask the question 'why does supporting neurodivergent birth matter'? We kick things off by exploring this with Hayley Morgan who is an autistic mother, researcher and author. Hayley began writing about the autistic birth experience in 2015. Pregnant with her second child, her formal diagnosis of autism meant she learned about herself and her child on what would be a beautiful journey. Inspired to learn more about her neurotype, Hayley joined MSc Autism and Related Conditions at Swansea University Medical School. While completing this degree, she wrote for online magazines, blogs and more before submitting her MSc dissertation survey on the autistic birth experience.At the start of 2021 Hayley secured a book deal to co-author a book on the topic with JKP publishers and started her PhD on the autistic birth experience. This work is currently focused on specific issues raised from her MSc data i.e. autonomy, consent, capacity and specific barriers.Hayley is part of the team at the 'Maternity Autism Research Group'. You can find out more about the work they do, and links to a wide range of resources on this topic, at maternityautismresearchgroup.co.uk.Thank you for listening!Join the conversation on Instagram @neurodivergentbirth and at ndbirth.com.

New study into green tea's potential to help tackle COVID-19 Swansea University, June 4, 2021 As India continues to be ravaged by the pandemic, a Swansea University academic is investigating how green tea could give rise to a drug capable of tackling Covid-19. Dr Suresh Mohankumar carried out the research with colleagues in India during his time at JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research in Ooty prior to taking up his current role at Swansea University Medical School. He said: "Nature's oldest pharmacy has always been a treasure of potential novel drugs and we questioned if any of these compounds could assist us in battling the Covid-19 pandemic?  "We screened and sorted a library of natural compounds already know to be active against other coronaviruses using an artificial intelligence-aided computer programme.  "Our findings suggested that one of the compounds in green tea could combat the coronavirus behind Covid-19." The researchers' work has now been highlighted by online journal RSC Advances and has been included in its prestigious hot articles collection chosen by editors and reviewers. Associate Professor Dr Mohankumar emphasised that the research was still in its early days and a long way from any kind of clinical application. "The compound that our model predicts to be most active is gallocatechin, which is present in green tea and could be readily available, accessible, and affordable. There now needs to be further investigation to show if it can be proven clinically effective and safe for preventing or treating Covid-19.  "This is still a preliminary step, but it could be a potential lead to tackling the devastating Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Mohankumar has worked in pharmacy education, research and administration around the world for more than 18 years and recently moved to Swansea to join its new MPharm programme. Head of Pharmacy Professor Andrew Morris said: "This is fascinating research and demonstrates that natural products remain an important source of lead compounds in the fight against infectious diseases. I'm also really pleased to see this international research collaboration continuing now that Dr Mohankumar has joined the Pharmacy team." Dr Mohankumar added he is now looking forward to seeing how the work can be developed: "There now needs to be appropriate pre-clinical and clinical studies and we would welcome potential collaborators and partners to help carry this work forward."     Turkish study finds high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in breast cancer patients Ankara Numune Research Hospital (Turkey), June 1, 2021   According to news reporting from Ankara, Turkey, research stated, “We aimed to reveal vitamin D levels in women with breast cancer. 561 women with primary breast cancer were included in the study.” The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, “The median age was 55.86 years (between 20 - 78 years). All of the patients were treated with curative intend. None of the patients had metastatic disease. The median 25(OH)D level was 11.92ng/ml and the mean 25(OH)D level was 13.91ng/ml. Deficiency was detected in 456 patients (81.28%) and insufficiency was detected in 61 patients (10.87 %).” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “This study points out that vitamin D levels in breast cancer patients should be measured and be corrected whenever diagnosed.” This research has been peer-reviewed.         Low levels of omega-3 associated with higher risk of psychosis, says study RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Ireland), June 1, 2021 New research has found that adolescents with higher levels of an omega-3 fatty acid in their blood were less likely to develop psychotic disorder in early adulthood, suggesting that it may have a potential preventative effect of reducing the risk of psychosis. The study, led by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, is published in Translational Psychiatry. Over 3,800 individuals in Bristol's Children of the 90s health study were assessed for psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder at age 17 and at age 24. During these assessments, blood samples were collected, and the researchers measured the levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which generally increase inflammation in the body, and omega-3 fatty acids, which generally reduce inflammation. While there was little evidence that fatty acids were associated with mental disorders at age 17, the researchers found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder, depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder had higher levels of omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids compared to those without these disorders. The researchers also found that 24-year-olds with psychotic disorder had lower levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid typically found in oily fish or dietary supplements, than 24-year-olds without psychotic disorder. In a group of over 2,700 individuals who were tracked over time, adolescents with higher levels of DHA at age 17 were 56% less likely to develop psychotic disorder seven years later at age 24. This suggests that DHA in adolescence may have a potential preventative effect of reducing the risk of psychosis in early adulthood. These results remained consistent when accounting for other factors such as sex, body mass index, tobacco smoking and socio-economic status. "The study needs to be replicated, but if the findings are consistent, these results would suggest that enhanced dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids among adolescents, such as through oily fish like mackerel, could prevent some people from developing psychosis in their early twenties," said Professor David Cotter, senior author of the study and professor molecular psychiatry at RCSI. "The results could also raise questions about the relationship between the development of mental health disorders and omega-6 fatty acids, which are typically found in vegetable oils." David Mongan, RCSI Ph.D. student and Irish Clinical Academic Training (ICAT) Fellow, analyzed the data with the supervision of Professor David Cotter and Professor Mary Cannon from the RCSI Department of Psychiatry. The ICAT program is supported by the Wellcome Trust and the Health Research Board, the Health Service Executive National Doctors Training and Planning and the Health and Social Care, Research and Development Division, Northern Ireland. "We need to do more research to learn about the mechanisms behind this effect, but it could possibly be related to reducing inflammation or decreasing inappropriate pruning of brain connections during adolescence," said Dr. David Mongan, the study's first author, who is a psychiatry trainee and Ph.D. student at RCSI.     Foods that can help protect against sun damage Blount Memorial Weight Management Center, May 31, 2021   As the summer season approaches and we all hopefully get a chance to spend more time outside, we mustn't forget how critical it is that we take steps to protect our skin. Whether you're going on a beach trip or just doing outdoor chores, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen and reapply it often. Just because you didn't get sunburned last year or last week, that doesn't mean you are immune to the sun's harmful rays. In fact, most experts recommend sunscreen use year-round, not just in the summer. The American Academy of Dermatologyrecommends using a waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30, and that protects against UVA and UVB rays. But, did you know there also are certain foods that can help protect your skin from the sun's rays, as well? “A diet rich in certain foods actually can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays,” said Heather Pierce from the Blount Memorial Weight Management Center. “They, in no way, should serve as a replacement for traditional sunscreen, but they can act as additional ways to protect your skin this spring and summer. A few foods, in particular, are high in certain minerals and nutrients that support healthy skin and can give us a little extra protection from the sun,” she said. First up, Pierce says, are tomatoes, which you may already be consuming on your burgers or salads at those backyard cookouts. “Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is a phytochemical that has been shown in research to help protect the skin against sunburns, particularly with concentrated sources such as tomato paste and carrot juice. And the good news is that they just happen to be in season. Watermelons also are good sources of lycopene, and, fortunately, they're pretty popular this time of year, too.” Pierce says you also should look to avocados and pomegranates for a little extra sun protection. “When the sun is damaging our skin, it's typically the result of oxidative stress and inflammation, so a lot of the foods we would eat for anti-inflammatory diet for a condition, such as heart disease, actually are protecting our skin, too. “Avocados contain healthy oils that work to keep your skin protected, so throw a little avocado on your sandwiches this summer, and you can easily get that added bit of protection. Pomegranates, too, contain ellagic acid, which supports glutathione production that can fight skin damage caused by free radicals. Citrus fruits, of course, contain vitamin C, but the skins of citrus fruits also contain an essential oil called limonene that offers skin protection, too. You can easily add this to your diet by putting a little lemon or orange zest in your drinks or foods.” Two more sun-protecting foods, Pierce says, are green tea and those all-important Omega 3 fats. “Green tea is, of course, high in antioxidants, which can help guard against UV radiation,” Pierce said. “It also promotes DNA repair and has anti-inflammatory compounds that are helpful for repair, as well. Omega 3 fats always are important, particularly if you're eating a heart healthy diet, but Omega 3 also has been shown to reduce the risk of a particular type of skin cancer by nearly 20%. With that in mind, look for ways to add Omega 3 sources such as salmon, chia seeds or flaxseed to your meals. If you can, try getting fish in your diet at least once per week,” she explained. “It'll taste great and your skin will get a little sun protection boost, as well.”     Seaweed could potentially help fight food allergies Mount Sinai Hospital, June 2, 2021 Seaweed has long been a staple food in many Asian countries and has recently caught on as a snack food in America as a healthful alternative to chips. The edible algae that fall in the category of seaweed are low-calorie and packed with nutrients. In addition, now scientists have found that a type of commercial red algae could help counteract food allergies. They report their findings in mice in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Food allergies are a major global health issue that can be life threatening in some cases. One study by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital estimates that the condition affects about 8 percent of children and 5 percent of adults worldwide. In people who are allergic, certain compounds in food trigger a cascade of immune system reactions that lead to symptoms such as hives, wheezing and dizziness -- and in the worst cases, anaphylactic shock. Previous research has suggested that certain seaweed varieties contain polysaccharides with anti-asthmatic and anti-allergy effects. But no one had investigated whether similar molecules in Gracilaria lemaneiformis, a commercial variety of red algae, might have similar properties. Guang-Ming Liu and colleagues wanted to find out. The researchers isolated polysaccharides from G. lemaneiformis and fed them to a group of mice sensitive to tropomyosin, a protein that is a major shellfish allergen. Another group of mice, also sensitive to tropomyosin, did not get the polysaccharides. After both groups were given the allergen, allergy symptoms in the treated mice were reduced compared to the untreated animals. Further studying polysaccharides from G. lemaneiformis could help lead to a better understanding of food allergies and their prevention, the researchers say.        Barley lowers not one but two types of 'bad cholesterol', review suggests   St Michael's Hospital (Toronto), June 8, 2021  Eating barley or foods containing barley significantly reduced levels of two types of "bad cholesterol" associated with cardiovascular risk, a St. Michael's Hospital research paper has found. Barley reduced both low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and non-high-density lipoprotein, or non-HDL, by seven per cent.   The review also indicated that barley had similar cholesterol-lowering effects as oats, which is often the go-to grain for health benefits.   The research review, published in The European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included 14 studies on clinical trials conducted in seven countries, including Canada.   It is the first study to look at the effects of barley and barley products on both LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in addition to apolipoprotein B, or apoB, a lipoprotein that carries bad cholesterol through the blood. Measuring non-HDL and apoB provides a more accurate assessment for cardiovascular risk, as they account for the total 'bad cholesterol' found in the blood.   "The findings are most important for populations at high risk for cardiovascular disease, such as Type 2 diabetics, who have normal levels of LDL cholesterol, but elevated levels of non-HDL or apo B," said Dr. Vladimir Vuksan, research scientist and associate director of the Risk Factor Modification Centre of St. Michael's. "Barley has a lowering effect on the total bad cholesterol in these high-risk individuals, but can also benefit people without high cholesterol."   High cholesterol and diabetes are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, historically treated with medications. However, Dr. Vuksan's research and work focuses on how dietary and lifestyle changes can reduce these risk factors.   "Barley's positive effect on lowering cholesterol is well-documented and has been included in the Canadian strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk," said Dr. Vuksan. "Health Canada, the FDA and several health authorities worldwide have already approved health claims that barley lowers LDL cholesterol, but this is the first review showing the effects on other harmful lipids."   Despite its benefits Dr. Vuksan said barley is not as well-established as some other health-recommended foods—such as oats. Barley consumption by humans has fallen by 35 per cent in the last 10 years. Canada is one of the top five world producers of barley—almost 10 megatonnes per year—but human consumption accounts for only two per cent of the crop yield, with livestock making up the other 98 per cent.   "After looking at the evidence, we can also say that barley is comparably effective as oats in reducing overall risk of cardiovascular disease" said Dr. Vuksan.   Barley is higher in fibre, has twice the protein and almost half the calories of oats, which are important considerations for those with weight or dietary concerns. Dr. Vuksan said barley can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. He recommends trying to incorporate barley into existing recipes, using it as a substitute for rice or even on its own—just like oatmeal.

The Aural Apothecary welcomes Dr Amira Guiguis. Amira is a pharmacist who gained her PhD in the in-field detection of New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) and is currently the MPharm Programme Director at Swansea University Medical School and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire. We discuss the establishment of the new School of Pharmacy in Swansea, the difficulties with supervised administration during the pandemic and the surprising risks posed by herbal teas…As with all our guests we discuss Amira's choice of Desert Island Drug, a book that has influenced her career and a song for the Aural Apothecary playlist.This week's talking point is ‘Support for staff following patient safety incidents'. This national learning report explores insights into how NHS staff are supported by their trusts following patient safety incidents. https://www.hsib.org.uk/investigations-cases/support-for-staff-following-patient-safety-incidents/Amira's book choice is Narconmics - How to run a drug cartel by Tom Wainwright https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25159062-narconomics and her song choice was ‘Purple Haze' by Jimi Hendrix. You can see the Aural Apothecary playlist at https://open.spotify.com/user/steve.williams55/playlist/3OsWj4w8sxsvuwR9zMXgn5?si=iMh-pTPtQtWrM65wtXd9yQ. To get in touch follow us on Twitter @auralapothecary or email us at auralapothecarypod@gmail.com.

The idea that we have a 'best way' to learn - whether it's visually, verbally, via touch or one of another 67 ways is not new. At the same time, neither is the research that debunks this theory. Odd then that not only do we as individuals and parents still hold on to this idea but that the overwhelming majority of teachers do too. Just what is it, that makes Learning Styles so hard to reject? This week we're looking at “Learning Styles” why it is considered to be a neuromyth and whether it matters.  Nathan McGurl, Founder of The Study Buddy is joined by Professor Phil Newton. Phil is the Director of Learning and Teaching for the Swansea University Medical School. Phil teaches Neuroscience across a variety of programmes in the School. He also teaches evidence-based education as part of the School's online programme and has written numerous papers including recently “How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth, and Does It Matter?” In this episode, we look at the Learning Style concept and touch on the dangers of trying to determine a preferred style in students. We also examine why it can be so hard to dissuade people of its effectiveness as a cognitive theory and why it is more important to focus our attention on the science of learning instead. For more information about The Study Buddy's approach to time management and study skills visit thestudybuddy.com  Produced by Pineapple Audio Productions.

Professor Phil Newton is the Director of Learning and Teaching at Swansea University Medical School in the United Kingdom. In the third part of our learning theory discussion, Phil joins me to talk about behaviourism and its connections throughout all out curricula, with learning outcomes, Bloom’s taxonomy and feedback. And yes, we also talk about rats, dogs, pigeons, dolphin and Baby Albert.   You can follow Phil and Medical Education at Swansea using the Twitter handle: @MScMedEd.   Here are the papers we mentioned: Constructivism is not a Pedagogy A Pragmatic Master List of Action Verbs for Bloom's Taxonomy Is Teaching Simple Surgical Skills Using an Operant Learning Program More Effective Than Teaching by Demonstration?   Follow: @AnatEducPodcast Visit: anatomypodcast.co.uk for more information   This episode is sponsored by: The American Association for Anatomy. For information about upcoming events, membership details and much more, visit www.anatomy.org and @anatomyorg The International Association of Medical Science Education (IAMSE). For more information on meetings, membership options and funding, visit www.iamse.org and @iamse. Adam Rouilly. For information on their wide range of products to support all aspects of healthcare education, visit www.adam-rouilly.co.uk and @AdamRouilly.

Professor Phil Newton is the Director of Learning and Teaching at Swansea University Medical School in the United Kingdom. In this second part of our learning theory discussion, Phil joins me to talk about constructivism and how it can be used in the classroom and the use of open book assessments and engagement during online teaching.   You can follow Phil and Medical Education at Swansea using the Twitter handle: @NewtonsNeurosci and @MScMedEd.   Follow: @AnatEducPodcast Visit: anatomypodcast.co.uk for more information   This episode is sponsored by: The American Association for Anatomy. For information about upcoming events, membership details and much more, visit www.anatomy.org and @anatomyorg The International Association of Medical Science Education (IAMSE). For more information on meetings, membership options and funding, visit www.iamse.org and @iamse. Primal Pictures. For information on their 3D anatomy resources, visit www.primalpictures.com and @PrimalPictures.

Professor Phil Newton is the Director of Learning and Teaching at Swansea University Medical School in the United Kingdom. In this episode Phil and I talk at length about learning theory and it use in curriculum development. We also talk about cognitivism, cognitive load theory and active learning.    You can follow Phil and Medical Education at Swansea using the Twitter handle: @NewtonsNeurosci and @MScMedEd.   Follow: @AnatEducPodcast Visit: anatomypodcast.co.uk for more information   This episode is sponsored by: The American Association for Anatomy. For information about upcoming events, membership details and much more, visit www.anatomy.org and @anatomyorg The International Association of Medical Science Education (IAMSE). For more information on meetings, membership options and funding, visit www.iamse.org and @iamse. Primal Pictures. For information on their 3D anatomy resources, visit www.primalpictures.com and @PrimalPictures.

Gino and Sarah Cahill chat with Rosalind Gittins of Humankind and Dr Amira Guirguis of Swansea University Medical School, about substance misuse issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is a special Microbiology Today edition of Microbe Talk. The latest issue of the Society’s magazine, Microbiology Today, focuses on natural products and drug discovery. In this podcast we talk with two researchers about their work to find new antimicrobial compounds that could be used to form new treatments: Lorena T. Fernández-Martínez from Edge Hill University about her research on actinomycetes and Aled Roberts from Swansea University Medical School about his work on manuka honey. Find out more about natural products and drug discovery in the November issue of Microbiology Today: https://microbiologysociety.org/microbiologytoday

Dr Sam Webster is a Senior Lecturer in anatomy and embryology at Swansea University Medical School in the United Kingdom. In this episode I talk to Sam about the Graduate Entry Medicine Program at Swansea, his approach to teaching anatomy and embryology, and his use of YouTube. You can follow Sam and Medical Education at Swansea using the Twitter handle: @SamuelWebster and @MScMedEd.     To continue the conversation use: #AnatPodcast Follow: @AnatEducPodcast Visit: anatomypodcast.co.uk for more information   This episode is sponsored by: The American Association of Anatomists. For information about upcoming events, membership details and much more, visit www.anatomy.org and @anatomymeeting. The International Association of Medical Science Education (IAMSE). For more information on meetings, membership options and funding, visit www.iamse.org and @iamse. Adam Rouilly. For information on their wide range of products to support all aspects of healthcare education, visit www.adam-rouilly.co.uk and @AdamRouilly. Primal Pictures. For information on their 3D anatomy resources, visit www.primalpictures.com and @PrimalPictures.  

Professor Phil Newton is the Director of Learning and Teaching at Swansea University Medical School in the United Kingdom. In this episode Phil and I have a wide-ranging conversation on evidence-based education, education research and debunking learning myths. We also talk about contract cheating and its impact across Higher Education. You can follow Phil and Medical Education at Swansea using the Twitter handle: @NewtonsNeurosci and @MScMedEd. You can find Phil’s Systematic Review on Contract Cheating here and his other publications here. To continue the conversation use: #AnatPodcast Follow: @AnatEducPodcast Visit: anatomypodcast.co.uk for more information   This episode is sponsored by: The American Association of Anatomists. For information about upcoming events, membership details and much more, visit www.anatomy.org and @anatomymeeting. The International Association of Medical Science Education (IAMSE). For more information on meetings, membership options and funding, visit www.iamse.org and @iamse. Adam Rouilly. For information on their wide range of products to support all aspects of healthcare education, visit www.adam-rouilly.co.uk and @AdamRouilly. Primal Pictures. For information on their 3D anatomy resources, visit www.primalpictures.com and @PrimalPictures.      

Dr. Carolyn Lam:               Welcome to Circulation on the Run, your weekly podcast summary and backstage pass to the journal and its editors. I'm Dr. Carolyn Lam, associate editor from the National Heart Center, and Duke National University of Singapore.                                                 In just a moment, we will take a deep dive into the issue of age and its association with outcomes of primary prevention ICDs in patients with non-ischemic systolic heart failure.                                                 Yes, a long-awaited discussion from the Danish trial. That, in just a moment. First, here's your summary of this week's Journal.                                                 The first original paper provides evidence of a true association between disturbed genetic imprinting and Preeclampsia. This paper is from co-first authors, Dr. Zadora, and Dr. Singh, and co-corresponding authors, Dr. Izsvak, from the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine; Dr. Hurst, from the University of Bath; and Dr. Dechend, from the Experimental and Clinical Research Center of Berlin.                                                 These authors performed an unbiased analysis of genome-wide molecular data on raw characterized patient material, from normal controls, and patients with  Preeclampsia, and identified DLX-5 as an imprinted target gene, with novel placental function in Preeclampsia. Due to loss of imprinting, DLX5 was upregulated in 69% of placentas from Preeclampsia patients. Levels of DLX5 correlated with the classical Preeclampsia markers.                                                 DLX5 was expressed in human, but not in urine trophoblast, underlying the known human specificity of Preeclampsia. Finally, DLX5-induced overexpression if trophoblasts faithfully modeled Preeclampsia in a cell culture system. In summary, this paper shows that disturbed imprinting is common, and may play a causal role in Preeclampsia.                                                 The next study affirms that stenosis severity is better discriminated using coronary invasive physiologic indices, than using coronary angiographic assessment. First author, Dr. Lee, corresponding author Dr. Koo, colleagues of Seoul National University Hospital, studied 115 patients with left anterior descending artery stenosis, who underwent both ammonia positron emission tomography, or PET, an invasive physiologic measurement.                                                 Myocardial blood flow measured using PET, and invasively measured coronary pressures, were used to calculate microvascular resistance, and stenosis resistance. They found that both fractional flow reserve, or FFR, and instantaneous weight free ratio, or IFR, decreased as angiographic stenosis severity, resistance, and pressure gradient increased, and hyperemic myocardial blood flow decreased.                                                 When the presence of myocardial ischemia was defined by both low hyperemic myocardial blood flow, and low coronary flow reserve, the diagnostic accuracy of FFR and IFR did not differ, regardless of cutoff values for hyperemic myocardial blood flow, and CFR. However, at any given stratum of a given stenosis, physiologic classification of stenosis severity using FFR or IFR showed better discrimination of a unique relationship between absolute myocardial blood flow, and pressure gradient, than anatomic classification using angiographic percentage.                                                 In summary, by demonstrating coronary physiologic responses to coronary stenosis, these authors showed that stenosis severity is better discriminated, using invasive physiologic indices, than using angiographic assessment.                                                 The next paper identifies a previously unknown angiogenic growth factor that can be enhanced therapeutically to repair the heart after myocardial infarction. This novel growth factor is endoplasmic reticulum membrane complex, Subunit 10, or EMC10, which the authors previously identified by bioinformatic secretome analysis in bone marrow cells.                                                 In the current paper, from co-first authors Dr. [Rabel 00:04:35], and [Krof Clengobill 00:04:37], and corresponding author Dr. Wollert, from Hanover Medical Center, and colleagues, the authors investigated the angiogenic potential of EMC10, and its mouse homologue, in cultured endo fetal cells and infarcted heart explants. They found that EMC10 and its mouse homologue signal a virus, small GTAPases; p21-activated kinase; and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, to promote endothelial cell migration.                                                 In mice with acute myocardial infarction, bone marrow derived monocytes and macrophages produced EMC10 endogenously, to enhance infarct vascularization, tissue repair, and heart function. Furthermore, subcutaneous treatment with recombinant EMC10 for one week, after myocardial infarction, augmented infarct vascularization and repair, and led to a sustained improvement in heart function and survival.                                                 The next study is the first prospective randomized trial of screening for atrial fibrillation, with a smartphone-based, single-lead, electrocardiographic system in 1,001 patients, aged 65 years and above, with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of two and above, and without a history of atrial fibrillation.                                                 In this paper, from first and corresponding author Dr. Halcox, from Swansea University Medical School, in the United Kingdom, and colleagues, patients were randomized, either to biweekly electrocardiographic recordings with the iPhone device, or to routine over a 12-month period.                                                 The smartphone-based electrocardiographic approach was at least three times more likely to identify incident atrial fibrillation, than routine care, and at a cost of just over $10,000 per case identified, and was judged to be a highly acceptable approach in this group of patients. These results support consideration of evaluation in an appropriately-powered, event-driven randomized trial, to confirm the clinical and cost effectiveness of such an approach to stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.                                                 Well, that wraps it up for your summaries. Now for our feature discussion. The Danish trial really created a huge splash last year, when it was reported that a primary prevention ICD in patients with non-ischemic systolic heart failure, may not actually reduce all cause mortality. Something that we had, perhaps, taken for granted, and in fact, entered our guidelines.                                                 Now, however, there was a pre-specified subgroup analysis at the time, that suggested a possible age-dependent association, between ICD and mortality, in the Danish trial. This week, we are so pleased to be discussing an in-depth analysis of the association between age and outcomes in the Danish trial.                                                 I'm so pleased to have the first author of today's featured paper, Dr. Marie Bayer Elming, of Copenhagen, Denmark, as well as Dr. Sana Al-Khatib, who's not only an associate editor of circulation, but also the author of an accompanying, and she is from Duke, Durham, North Carolina. Welcome, ladies! Dr. Bayer Elming:              Thank you. Happy to be here. Dr. Sana Al-Khatib:          Thank you so much. Dr. Carolyn Lam:               Sana, could you start by framing why this paper is so important, and why we've been looking forward in anticipation to these results? Dr. Sana Al-Khatib:          Absolutely. As you know, data on the outcomes of primary prevention ICDs in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy started emerging in the early 2000s, or so. Then in 2005, the sudden cardiac deaths and heart failure trial was published, that included a large number of patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, and absolutely showed survival benefits from primary prevention ICDs in those patients. Of course, there were also patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.                                                 But really, that trial formed the basis of the guidelines, recommendations, that have informed our practice for the last 12 years, that basically tell us that we should consider implanting a primary prevention ICD in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, who have an EF of 35% or less, who have Class II or III heart failure symptoms. As long as they are on optimal care at the end, they have a reasonable life expectancy.                                                 So that's what's we've been doing for years, and then, the Danish trial was published this past year, that really called into question the prior findings, and the current practice. Because Danish, as you stated, showed no survival benefit with primary prevention ICDs, but there are many aspects about the trial that people need to pay attention to, to put the results in perspective.                                                 The fact that 58% of patients in the trial, in those arms, received cardiac resynchronization therapy ... the fact that the trial required that patients have an elevated NTproBMB level, to be considered for enrollment ... that may have biased the results toward a higher risk of non-sudden cardiac deaths, so on, so forth.                                                 I think what was really interesting, and caught people's attention, when the paper was published, was this subgroup analysis that showed that younger patients may benefit more than older patients. I think, many of us, Carolyn, were really awaiting the results of a more dedicated analysis, looking at age in Danish, and Dr. Elming and her colleagues did a great job looking at this very closely in their paper, and showed great results, and probably will let Dr. Elming share those results with us. Dr. Carolyn Lam:               Yes, absolutely, Sana. Actually, I just wanted to echo how surprised everyone was, and the immediate thing was, "Oh, my goodness. What do we do with the guidelines?" Maybe we should get back to that later, and Marie, please share with us, what did you do, and what did you find this time? Dr. Bayer Elming:              The reason why we did this study was that, in this main Danish trial, age was the only one of the 13 pre-specified subgroups that had a significant treatment by a subgroup interaction. This suggested that a younger patient might have a survival benefit from ICD ... the implication, even though the overall study was neutral. So we wanted to further investigate this relationship between age and effective ICD implantation.                                                 What we did was to look at the relation between age and effective ICD, and we found that there was this linear relation, for each year of younger age, that was associated with a reduction, a 3% reduction in the hazard ratio, for the benefit of ICD.                                                 Also, we did this selection impact curve, which is a bit technical, but what it does is to describe the expected survival for the population, on as a whole, for the different age cutoffs for ICD treatments.                                                 So, if we take into account, both the patients receiving an ICD, and those who did not, we could see why we would get the highest survival for the population as a whole. What we found was that, when no one in the population received an ICD, around 70% would survive.                                                 If everyone in the population received an ICD, only 72% would survive, but if we chose 70 years as the age cutoff ... so, patients younger than 70 years received an ICD, and patients older than 70 years did not receive an ICD, we got the highest survival for the population, and 75% would survive. Dr. Carolyn Lam:               Thank you, Marie. What important results. So, maybe, still consider ICDs for primary prevention ... in our non-ischemic systolic heart failure, patients were less than 70 years old. Is it as simple as that, Sana? You wrote a beautiful editorial. Tell us, what are the clinical implications? Dr. Sana Al-Khatib:          This is an important question. Danish was an important trial, but in my mind, it truly doesn't refute the role of primary prevention ICDs in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. As I mentioned earlier, the majority of patients enrolled in Danish received a CRT device. And so, you end up questioning, what does that actually mean, for those patients who are not eligible for cardiac resynchronization therapy?                                                 So, I actually believed that, and as you know, Carolyn, and maybe Marie knows, as well, there have been several meta analyses that have been published, combining data on patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy only, and excluding patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy from Danish, that have actually now shown, consistently, a significant improvement in survival, with a primary prevention ICD ... including one that was done by our group.                                                 So, no, I don't think that, based on the results, we should say, "No, we shouldn't be offering primary prevention ICDs to patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy," and this beautiful analysis that was done by Marie and her group actually shows that, at least for those patients who are 70 years of age and younger, I think we should absolutely continue to consider them for the therapy, and offer them the therapy, if they're appropriate candidates.                                                 Then, of course, if the patients are older than 70,, and they meet criteria for cardiac resynchronization therapy, I think it will be important for us to be talking to the patients about ... is the RTD with a defibrillator, versus a CRTP only, with a pacemaker, and talking about the pros and cons, and everything else? But in those patients who are older than 70, who don't meet criteria for CRT, I think more research is needed, to really understand the role of primary prevention ICDs in those patients. We definitely need more data there. Dr. Bayer Elming:              I definitely agree that, of course, for the patients older than 70 years were not candidates for CRT treatment. These patients, we do not know very much about 'em, and this study that we did, do not answer that question. Based on the Danish study, and this further analysis of the age inspection, the guidelines in Denmark also state that patients younger than, we say, 68 years, because that was the age cutoff used in the '08 Danish trial, you should definitely think of giving patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy an ICD.                                                 But for the older patients, it depends on a variety of co-factors, such as co-morbidity, or frailty, and it should be an individual assessment of the patient. So, I agree with you, Sana. Dr. Carolyn Lam:               That's wonderful. Hey, just one more question. Sana, I'd like you to put on your AE hat, now, and sort of think with me. In circulation, we don't ... well, we're careful about publishing subgroup analyses, so to speak, right, of results. You articulated, in your editorial, reasons why this, perhaps subgroup analysis, may be different from others. Could you elaborate on that a bit? Dr. Bayer Elming:              Yeah, and absolutely, that's a great question. As you pointed out, I mean, you really ... the conventional wisdom in clinical research is to be careful, interpreting subgroup analyses. I think there are some strengths in this particular analysis, as Marie stated: "Here's what we specified." The other thing is, I believe that Marie and her group then came, and did their very robust statistical methods, and really, probably most importantly, if you look at their findings, they actually really align well, and support their main conclusion.                                                 For example, looking at the fact that older patients had the higher presence of co-morbidities, that they had a higher level of [Co-BMP 00:17:00], they had had a longer duration of heart failure ... I mean, all those things most likely had an impact on their mode of death, really making it more likely for those patients to succumb to non-sudden cardiac death. I think the whole story makes a lot of sense. Dr. Bayer Elming:              If I can elaborate a bit on this, I think one of the important findings from the study is that we show that mode of death varied according to age. So, the rates of sudden cardiac death were almost similar, between the younger and the older part of the population. But the rates of non-sudden death were almost twice as high in the older part of the population. This is a really good explanation why the ICD implantations have less impact in the older patients. Dr. Carolyn Lam:               Yeah, because ICDs would definitely not be expected to reduce non-sudden cardiac deaths. Really, really, well put. Oh, thank you so much, Marie. We're so proud to be publishing your beautiful paper, as well as your editorial, Sana, and thank you for this great conversation.                                                 Well, listeners, I'm sure you enjoyed that as much as I did. Thank you for joining us this week, and don't forget to tune in next week.