bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acousto-optic filtration in low-coherence spectral-domain interferometry
Authors: Burmak L 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The basic principles of measurements in spectral-domain low coherence interferometry (optical coherence tomography, optical coherence microscopy) based on acousto-optic filtration are discussed. Relations for extracting information about sample’s spatial structure from a series of spectral interference images acquired with spectral tuning are given. The implementation of measurements in spectral domain using acousto-optic filtration is considered. The effect of the acousto-optic filter characteristics on depth measurement range and depth resolution is estimated. The results of modelling of the interference signal and experimental data obtained in the scheme with acousto-optic filtration of interfering beams at the output of Michelson interferometer are presented.
Determination of the concentration of CO2 and H2O vapor under conditions of overlapping spectral lines
Authors: Kugeiko M M , Baravik A A 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The efficiency of determining the concentration of CO2 and H2O vapors in the atmosphere has been investigated taking into account the overlap of their spectral lines. It is proposed to use regression relationships established between the determined and measured parameters of the investigated medium. These ratios can be set both for fixed values of temperature and pressure, and for a set range of their values. When calculating the absorption value, all overlaps of spectral lines are taken into account, taking into account their broadening at different temperatures and pressures. This allows the method to be used in multicomponent media with strongly overlapping spectral lines. The established regression relations are resistant to errors in the measurement information, which also improves the accuracy of determining the concentrations of the component composition of the gas medium. In addition, they are determined promptly (in real time), since the calculation of concentrations using established relationships (analytical expressions) between the determined and measured values does not present computational difficulties.
Thermal conductivity measurement of infrared optical fibers based on silver halide solid solution crystals
Authors: Turabi A , Zhilkin B P , Zhukova L V , Shmygalev A S , Rudenko A V , Korsakov A S 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The aim of the study is to measure the thermal conductivity of silver halide light guides based on crystals of the AgCl-AgBr system used in PSD production technologies. The conductivity temperature coefficient of the samples under study were determined by the laser flash method using the LFA 467 (Hyper Flash) installation. We studied mono- and polycrystalline samples of solid solutions with the composition AgCl0,25AgBr0,75 in the temperature range 298–523 K. The thermal conductivity of the investigated materials was then calculated using literature data on density and heat capacity. The thermal conductivity coefficient ranges from 0.80±0,04 to 0.53±0,03 (W/mK), depending on the microstructure of the sample.
Incorrect application of the KDIGO acute kidney injury staging criteria
Authors: Yasrebi-de Kom Izak A R , Dongelmans Dave A , Abu-Hanna Ameen , Schut Martijn C , de Keizer Nicolette F , Kellum John A , Jager Kitty J , Klopotowska Joanna E 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundRecent research demonstrated substantial heterogeneity in the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis and staging criteria implementations in clinical research. Here we report an additional issue in the implementation of the criteria: the incorrect description and application of a stage 3 serum creatinine (SCr) criterion. Instead of an increase in SCr to or beyond 4.0 mg/dL, studies apparently interpreted this criterion as an increase in SCr by 4.0 mg/dL.MethodsUsing a sample of 8124 consecutive intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, we illustrate the implications of such incorrect application. The AKI stage distributions associated with the correct and incorrect stage 3 SCr criterion implementations were compared, both with and without the stage 3 renal replacement therapy (RRT) criterion. In addition, we compared chronic kidney disease presence, ICU mortality rates and hospital mortality rates associated with each of the AKI stages and the misclassified cases.ResultsWhere incorrect implementation of the SCr stage 3 criterion showed a stage 3 AKI rate of 29%, correct implementation revealed a rate of 34%, mainly due to shifts from stage 1 to stage 3. Without the stage 3 RRT criterion, the stage 3 AKI rates were 9% and 19% after incorrect and correct implementation, respectively. The ICU and hospital mortality rates in cases misclassified as stage 1 or 2 were similar to those in cases correctly classified as stage 1 instead of stage 3.ConclusionsWhile incorrect implementation of the SCr stage 3 criterion has significant consequences for AKI severity epidemiology, consequences for clinical decision making may be less severe. We urge researchers and clinicians to verify their implementation of the AKI staging criteria.
A three-dimensional atlas of child’s cardiac anatomy and the unique morphological alterations associated with obesity
Authors: Marciniak Maciej , van Deutekom Arend W , Toemen Liza , Lewandowski Adam J , Gaillard Romy , Young Alistair A , Jaddoe Vincent W V , Lamata Pablo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Statistical shape models (SSMs) of cardiac anatomy provide a new approach for analysis of cardiac anatomy. In adults, specific cardiac morphologies associate with cardiovascular risk factors and early disease stages. However, the relationships between morphology and risk factors in children remain unknown. We propose an SSM of the paediatric left ventricle to describe its morphological variability, examine its relationship with biometric parameters and identify adverse anatomical remodelling associated with obesity.

Methods and results
This cohort includes 2631 children (age 10.2 ± 0.6 years), mostly Western European (68.3%) with a balanced sex distribution (51.3% girls) from Generation R study. Cardiac magnetic resonance short-axis cine scans were segmented. Three-dimensional left ventricular (LV) meshes are automatically fitted to the segmentations to reconstruct the anatomies. We analyse the relationships between the LV anatomical features and participants’ body surface area (BSA), age, and sex, and search for features uniquely related to obesity based on body mass index (BMI). In the SSM, 19 modes described over 90% of the population’s LV shape variability. Main modes of variation were related to cardiac size, sphericity, and apical tilting. BSA, age, and sex were mostly correlated with modes describing LV size and sphericity. The modes correlated uniquely with BMI suggested that obese children present with septo-lateral tilting (R2 = 4.0%), compression in the antero-posterior direction (R2 = 3.3%), and decreased eccentricity (R2 = 2.0%).

Conclusions
We describe the variability of the paediatric heart morphology and identify anatomical features related to childhood obesity that could aid in risk stratification. Web service is released to provide access to the new shape parameters.
37 Prognostic role of the lung ultrasound in the acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Tricarico Lucia , Persichella Paola , Mazzeo Pietro , Leopizzi Alessandra , Mallardi Adriana , Magnesa Michele , Fortunato Martino , Croella Francesca , Alfieri Simona , Correale Michele , Iacoviello Massimo , Brunetti Natale D 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aim
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) represent one of the major causes of mortality in our country. Lung ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool in the assessment of lung and pleural diseases; it is easy to perform and provides low-cost analysis and it is also easily learned with a few hours of training. To evaluate the usefulness of lung ultrasound in the early diagnosis of pulmonary congestion in patients admitted to ICU for ACS and to evaluate its possible prognostic role in the short and long term.

Methods
Forty-three patients with ACS admitted in the ICU of Foggia were enrolled in the study between April 2020 and July 2020 (mean age 64.7 ± 12.7 years, male: 67.4%). Medical history, physical examination, ECG, blood analysis, chest X-ray, lung ultrasound and echocardiography were collected at the admission in ICU, after 24 h and at the dismission. All patients were re-evaluated, through a telephone follow-up 3 months after discharge. The primary endpoints were re-hospitalization at 30 days and the following MACEs: development of acute pulmonary oedema during hospitalization, cardiogenic shock, death and the need for oxygen therapy or the use of non-invasive ventilation. The secondary endpoints were out-of-hospital death from cardiac causes and re-hospitalization after 3 months.

Results
The analysis of the ROC curves showed that pulmonary ultrasound performed on admission in the ICU predicted more than the thoracic physical examination [AUC 0.536 (0.367–0.699); P = 0.111], chest radiograph (AUC 0.561 (0.391–0.721); P = 0.109] and LVEF [AUC 0.525 (0.357–0.689); P = 0.119], the risk of adverse cardiovascular events hospital, although not reaching the cut-off for statistical significance [AUC 0.661 (0.489–0.806); P = 0.0895]. Among all in-hospital events, pulmonary ultrasound predicted higher sensitivity and specificity [AUC 0.665 (0.493–0.809); P = 0.0927] than chest radiography [AUC 0.588 (0.417–0.745); P = 0.113], clinical examination [AUC 0.550 (0.380–0.711); P = 0.116] and LVEF [AUC 0.515 (0.348–0.680); P = 0.125], the use of oxygen therapy and NIV during hospitalization stay.

Conclusions
In patients with ACS, on admission lung ultrasound predicts the risk of in-hospital events, particularly the use of oxygen therapy or non-invasive mechanical ventilation more than physical examination, chest X-ray and LVEF estimated by echocardiography. It can be considered a complementary method to echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac function, allowing to estimate the amount of extra-vascular lung water.
446 Relationship between out of hospital cardiac arrest and COVID-19 pandemic: impact on outcome
Authors: Giovenzana Fulvio Lorenzo Francesco , Franzosi Cinzia , Genoni Paola , Golino Michele , Foieni Marta , Marazzato Jacopo , De Ponti Roberto 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
During 2020, Italy was hit by the pandemic of the ‘Coronavirus disease 2019’ (COVID-19) with an incidence/100 000 citizens characterized by two peaks. An increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) mortality during the first pandemic peak has already been described, but there are few data on the whole year. The goal of our study is to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on post-OHCA mortality.

Methods
We considered patients with OHCA in Varese territory from January to December 2020 with medical aetiology according with Utstein 2014 classification. The primary endpoint of the study was the assessment of acute post-arrest mortality and which parameters influence this outcome. In particular, both the role of pandemic peaks (‘first peak’ from 11 March 2020 to 23rd May 2020 and ‘second peak’ from 7 October 2020 to 31 December 2020) and the average rescue times, i.e.: (i) interval between OHCA and call for first aid (delay in activation of assistance); (ii) the interval between the call and the arrival of the rescue vehicles (delay in the arrival of the first aid) and finally; (iii) the time between the arrival of the rescue vehicles and the end of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), interrupted due to death or Recovery of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC). Finally, we performed a multivariate analysis to assess which of the variables considered had the greatest impact on the outcome.

Results
We analysed 708 patients (mean age 76 + 14.09 years; 40% women). Overall mortality was 89%. During the peaks there was an increase in mortality compared to the pre-pandemic period (first peak 96% vs. 83%, OR 4.49; second peak 92% vs. 83%, OR 2.45) (Figure 1). The time between the collapse and the call for help was significantly higher during the first pandemic peak compared to the second peak and the pre-pandemic period (P = 0.003); the time between the call and the arrival on the patient was significantly longer during both pandemic peaks than in the previous period (P = 0.002) and there was no significant difference in CPR duration time between the periods analysed. In a multivariate model, the only time associated with an increase in mortality is the period between the call for help and the arrival on the patient, regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions
During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an increase in mortality of patients with OHCA. Among the variables considered, the increase in mortality is mainly associated with the delay in the arrival of emergency vehicles on site. This delay, although decreasing, was also maintained during the second peak of the pandemic.
522 A strange case of bradycardia in a 38-year-old woman postpartum
Authors: Bastianoni Gianmarco , Paolini Federico , Stronati Giulia , Casella Michela , Antonio Dello Russo , Guerra Federico 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Methods and results
A 38-year-old woman at her 4th day postpartum from a twin pregnancy, presented to the Emergency Room with general malaise, headache, and dyspnoea. Her symptoms had started to show 2 days prior to her ER admission and were worsened by bilateral pitting oedema. In particular they had started when she was administered cabergoline to suppress lactation. Her blood pressure was elevated (160/80 mmHg) and her heart rate was 40 b.p.m. On examination she was oriented in time and space. Her laboratory exams showed anaemia (Hb 8.8 g/dl), with negative D-dimer and troponin. She had no urine proteinuria, which allowed pre-eclampsia to be excluded from the diagnostic hypotheses. A 12-lead ECG was performed and showed junctional rhythm with isorhythmic dissociation at 40 b.p.m. She was admitted to the cardiology ward for diagnostic workup. Her echocardiogram showed no structural alteration and preserved ejection fraction. A cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed the absence of structural alterations or late gadolinium enhancement. During her hospital stay, sinus rhythm was spontaneously restored at 42 b.p.m.; in addition to this, restoration of sinus rhythm, although bradycardic, was associated to the resolution on both her symptoms and of her pitting oedema. She was discharged with a diagnosis of bradycardia secondary to carbegoline use. Her Holter ECG, performed 7 days after discharge, showed sinus bradycardia with occasional isorhythmic dissociation.

Conclusions
Cabergoline is an ergot-derived dopamine agonist usually used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It acts selectively on D2 receptors. It can be associated to orthostatic hypotension, cardiac valvular fibrosis, and angina pectoris. No cases of cabergoline-induced bradycardia can be currently found in literature; however, a similar effect was seen with the use of methylergometrine in a women during her post-partum period. Furthermore, studies on mice have shown that ergot derivatives may cause reduction of heart rate. It therefore seems possible that in our case, the use of cabergoline induced the patient’s bradyarrhythmia.
662 Physiological and angiographic outcomes of PCI in calcified lesions after rotational atherectomy or intravascular lithotripsy
Authors: Bertolone Dario Tino , Gallinoro Emanuele , Monizzi Giovanni , Sonck Jeroen , Candreva Alessandro , Mileva Niya , Nagumo Sakura , Munhoz Daniel , Buytaert Dimitri , Mastrangelo Angelo , Andreini Daniele , Galli Stefano , Bartonelli Antonio , Barbato Emanuele , Bruyne Bernard De , Collet Carlos 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in calcified coronary artery lesions are associated with impaired stent expansion, higher rate of periprocedural complications and cardiac mortality. Lesion preparation using calcium modifying techniques such as Rotational Atherectomy (RA) or Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) has been advocated. Studies comparing these technologies are lacking. We aimed to compare the in-stent pressure gradient, evaluated by virtual fractional flow-reserve, in calcific lesions treated using either RA or IVL.

Methods and results
Patients undergoing either RA- or IVL-assisted PCI from two European centres were included. Propensity score matching (1:2) was performed to control for potential bias. Primary outcome was post-PCI in-stent pressure gradient calculated by virtual fractional flow reserve (vFFRgrad). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with complete functional revascularization defined as of distal vFFR post PCI (vFFRpost) ≥0.90. From a cohort of 210 patients, 105 matched patients (70 RA and 35 IVL) were included. Pre-PCI vFFR did not differ between groups (0.65 ± 0.13 RA and 0.67 ± 0.11 IVL). After PCI, in-stent pressure gradients was significantly lower in the IVL group (0.032 ± 0.026 vs. 0.043 ± 0.026 in the RA group, P = 0.024). The proportion of vessels with functional complete revascularization was similar between the two groups (32.9% vs. 37.1% in the RA and IVL group, respectively; P = 0.669).

Conclusions
Calcific lesions preparation with IVL is effective and resulted in improved in-stent pressure gradient compared to RA. Approximately one third of the patients undergoing PCI for a severely calcified lesion achieved functional revascularization with no difference between rotational RA and IVL. 662 FigureIn stent gradients after RA and IVL. (A) Box plot depicting the distribution of the in-stent pressure gradient vFFRgrad between the two groups. (B) Cumulative frequency distribution curves demonstrating lower vFFRgrad after intravascular lithotripsy compared to rotational atherectomy. RA, rotational atherectomy; IVL, intravascular lithotripsy; vFFRgrad, in-stent pressure gradient.
586 Effect of sacubitril/valsartan combination in an experimental model of heart failure
Authors: Angelis Antonella De , Cappetta Donato , Telesca Marialucia , Bellocchio Gabriella , Urbanek Konrad , Berrino Liberato 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
The majority of elderly patients with heart failure has a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that constitutes a syndrome characterized by frequent hospitalizations and high mortality. Despite the growing social burden of HFpEF, the comprehension of its pathophysiology is incomplete, and treatment remains largely undefined. Ageing itself may contribute independently to deterioration of diastolic function.

Methods and results
An 18-month-old female Fischer 344 rats were treated with oral administration of either sacubitril/valsartan (60 mg/kg/die, 1:1 ratio) or valsartan alone (30 mg/kg/die) for 12 weeks. Tail-cuff method was used to monitor blood pressure weekly. Echocardiography and left ventricle catheterization were employed to assess systolic and diastolic function, at baseline, and before sacrifice. Cardiac tissue was used for molecular biology and histochemistry assays. Tail-cuff analysis indicated a comparable decrease in blood pressure between treatments. Hypertrophy also showed a significant reduction with both treatments. On the contrary, myocardial function analysis demonstrated that no treatment was efficacy on diastolic dysfunction. The lack of improvement of cardiac function could be attributed to the inability of the treatments to counteract the accumulation of fibrotic tissue in the left ventricle, which, in turn, is attributable to the failure to reduce the inflammatory process and oxidative stress, and to the inability to modulate angiotensin II pathway.

Conclusions
Our results evidenced that both sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan treatment was able to improve diastolic function and pro-fibrotic remodelling, partly due to a lack of effect on classical and non-classical pathways of angiotensin II.
495 New-onset left ventricular dysfunction and critical coronary artery disease: an MRI can help—a clinical case
Authors: Portolan Leonardo , Minnucci Ilaria , Piccolo Solange , Pighi Michele , Ribichini Flavio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Understanding the aetiology of heart failure is crucial for treatment. Gadolinium cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a powerful technique to distinguish dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) from left ventricular (LV) dysfunction related to coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods and results
Clinical case: a 61 years old Caucasian woman with a history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia presented to the emergency department of our hospital with pulmonary oedema and hypertensive crisis, requiring non-invasive ventilatory support. She complained about shortness of breath and exertional angina for almost one year. On admission, the echocardiography showed severe LV systolic dysfunction and severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). Troponin levels were slightly increased, and NT-proBNP was 2809 pg/ml. Once obtained clinical stability, anti-remodelling cardiac therapy was introduced and up titrated. Due to the history of angina and the new-onset severe LV systolic dysfunction, coronary angiography was performed, showing critical stenosis of the left main (LM) and of the proximal tract of the left anterior descending artery (LAD). In deciding the best treatment pathway for the patient evaluate myocardial viability and characterize myocardial tissue was of paramount importance. Subsequently, a CMR confirmed severe LV systolic dysfunction and severe functional mitral regurgitation but demonstrated myocardial viability, with no late gadolinium enhancement.
Therefore the patient underwent surgical myocardial revascularization with triple coronary artery bypass grafts (left internal mammary artery-LAD, saphenous vein graft-obtuse marginal artery, saphenous vein graft-diagonal branch of LAD) and mitral valve repair (annuloplasty). The patient underwent a period of cardiac rehabilitation asymptomatic and in good clinical status. Three months later, echocardiography demonstrated an initial recovery of LV systolic dysfunction with signs of reverse cardiac remodelling and a good result of mitral valve repair. The patient is now on optimal medical therapy, free of symptoms and in good clinical and functional condition.

Conclusions
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an excellent diagnostic tool in heart failure. This clinical case can be formative, confirming once again the importance of an accurate and complete diagnostic workup and a subsequent therapy of aetiology in heart failure.