bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of performance characteristics of nano TiO2and TiO2-ZnO composite for DSSC applications and electrochemical determination of potassium ferrocyanide using cyclic voltammetry
Authors: Deepa H A , Madhu G M , Swamy B E Kumara 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNanoparticles of TiO2and TiO2-ZnO composite (2:1 molar ratio) were synthesized utilizing the sol-gel and solution combustion approaches, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic, energy dispersive x-ray, x-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis were employed to characterize the synthesized nanoporous TiO2and the composite of TiO2-ZnO nanoparticles. Fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was carried out by incorporating the synthesized nanoporous materials coating on the photoanodes using the doctor blade technique. Nano TiO2and the composite of TiO2-ZnO were also analyzed using cyclic voltammetry test, and their performance was compared for the electrochemical detection of potassium ferrocyanide. The composite of TiO2-ZnO exhibited better electrocatalytic activity in comparison with the pure TiO2nanoparticles. The fabricated DSSCs by employing nano TiO2particles and TiO2-ZnO composite as the semiconductor photoanode materials were compared for photovoltaic performance. The DSSC fabricated with TiO2nanoparticles exhibited better photovoltaic performance with an efficiency of 2.22% and a current density of 4.152 mA cm−2than that fabricated with TiO2-ZnO composite with an efficiency of 0.0022% and a short circuit current density of 0.014 mA cm−2.
Origins of strain localization in a silver-based flexible ink under tensile load
Authors: Li Qiushi , Pierron Olivier , Antoniou Antonia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Flexible electronics often employ composite inks consisting of conductive flakes embedded in a polymer matrix to transmit electrical signal. Recently, localized necking was identified as a cause of a substantial increase in normalized resistance with applied strain thereby adversely impacting electrical performance. The current study explores two possible contributing factors for the formation of such localization—ink surface roughness and local variations in silver flake volume fraction. Uniaxial tension experiments of a DuPont 5025 type ink are used to inform a constitutive model implemented using finite element method on different substrates. Surface roughness was modeled by sinusoidal variation in ink height, whose amplitude and wavelength are informed by experimental laser profilometry scan data. Local flake fraction variations obtained from experimental measurements before applying any strain, were modeled as local variations in the elastic modulus according to an inverse rule of mixtures between the silver flake and acrylic binder material properties. The study identified that the ink height roughness is the most impactful contributor to the subsequent strain localization. The substrate elastic properties impact the number and magnitude of localization bands, with the stiffer substrate delocalizing strain and averting catastrophic crack formation seen with a more compliant substrate. The model incorporating surface roughness closely matches experimental measurements of local strain across different substrates. The study can inform designers of the adverse impact of ink surface roughness on localization and subsequent detrimental increase of the resistance.
Reflective modular forms on lattices of prime level
Authors: Wang Haowu 
Published: December 2021

One of the main open problems in the theory of automorphic products is to classify reflective modular forms. Scheithauer [Invent. Math. 164 (2006), pp. 641-678] classified strongly reflective modular forms of singular weight on lattices of prime level. In this paper we classify symmetric reflective modular forms on lattices of prime level. This yields a full classification of lattices of prime level which have reflective modular forms. We also present some applications.
𝐺-cohomologically rigid local systems are integral
Authors: Klevdal Christian , Patrikis Stefan 
Published: December 2021

Let

G
G

be a reductive group, and let

X
X

be a smooth quasi-projective complex variety. We prove that any

G
G

-irreducible,

G
G

-cohomologically rigid local system on

X
X

with finite order abelianization and quasi-unipotent local monodromies is integral. This generalizes work of Esnault and Groechenig [Selecta Math. (N. S. ) 24 (2018), pp. 4279–4292; Acta Math. 225 (2020), pp. 103–158] when

G
=

G
L

n

G= \mathrm {GL}_n

, and it answers positively a conjecture of Simpson [Inst. Hautes Études Sci. Publ. Math. 75 (1992), pp. 5–95; Inst. Hautes Études Sci. Publ. Math. 80 (1994), pp. 5–79] for

G
G

-cohomologically rigid local systems. Along the way we show that the connected component of the Zariski-closure of the monodromy group of any such local system is semisimple; this moreover holds when we relax cohomological rigidity to rigidity.
99 New onset atrial fibrillation in STEMI patients: main prognostic factors and clinical outcome
Authors: Dal Zotto Beatrice , Barbieri Lucia , Tumminello Gabriele , Saviano Massimo , Gentile Domitilla , Lucreziotti Stefano , Frattini Loredana , Tarricone Diego , Carugo Stefano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The treatment of patients with known atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention has clear indications in the actual guidelines. Remarkable lack of evidence regarding new-onset AF (NOAF) in particular during STEMI is the reason for this study. We retrospectively analysed 1455 consecutive STEMI patients. The primary outcomes are in-hospital, 1-year and long-term follow-up mortality. Cerebral ischaemic events and major bleedings were considered clinical endpoints at 1 year. NOAF was detected in 102 subjects, 62.7% males, mean age 74.8 ± 10.6 years. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 43.5 ± 12.1% and left atrial enlargement (58 ± 20.9 ml) was observed. Anterior STEMI accounted for the majority (46%). NOAF has been predominantly recorded in the acute phase (mean duration of 8.1 ± 12.5 h). CHA2DS2-VASc score &gt;2 was recorded in 83% of cases, while HAS-BLED score of 2 or 3 was the most represented. All patients acutely received enoxaparin, but only 21.6% were discharged on oral anticoagulation (OAC). In-hospital mortality was 14.2%, while 1-year and long-term mortality were 17.2% and 32.1%, respectively. We identified age as an independent predictor of short- and long-term mortality, while LVEF was the only other independent predictor for in-hospital mortality and arrhythmia duration for 1-year mortality. After 1-year of follow-up we recorded three ischaemic events and no major bleeding. In conclusion, STEMI patients who present NOAF are a very high-risk population with increased short- and long-term mortality. Our data suggest that the indication for OAC should be always driven by CHA2DS2-VASC and HAS-BLEED score, even in patients with a single episode indeed. 99 Figure 1Kaplan-Meier curve representing the long-term survival of the entire population from hospital admission up to the maximum follow-up time was performed
153 Fragmented QRS in athletes
Authors: Orlandi Goffredo , Casatori Lorenzo , Corsi Marco , Toncelli Loira , Boddi Maria , Modesti Pietro Amedeo , Stefani Laura 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Fragmented QRS (fQRS), defined as the presence of additional peaks within the QRS complex (&lt;120 ms) in at least two contiguous leads, was considered as a pattern of fibrosis. However, fQRS can also be detected during pre-participation cardiovascular screening. To assess determinants of fQRS in athletes of different sports.

Methods and results
Retrospective study conducted on 605 non-sedentary subjects undergoing pre-participation cardiovascular screening for competitive activity in six disciplines (athletics, football, cycling, swimming, basketball, and volleyball). All subjects underwent ECG for the search of fQRS and transthoracic echocardiography. Predictors of fQRS were investigated using multivariate logistic analysis adjusted for. fQRS was found in 47 of 605 subjects. On multivariate logistic analysis, fQRS was positively associated with age (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05), male sex (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.13–0.94), whereas no association with sport discipline was observed (0.91; 0.73–1.12). When echocardiographic parameters were considered, fQRS was associated with cardiac mass index (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00–1.03) and E wave (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96–0.99).

Conclusions
At pre-participation cardiovascular screening, the fQRS finding increases with age, is more frequent in males, and seems to be independent from practiced sport. Furthermore, fQRS in athletes appears to be associated with parameters of physiological hypertrophy (LV cardiac mass index and diastolic function).
205 Dual antiplatelet therapy with third generation P2Y12 inhibitors in STEMI patients: impact of body mass index on high on-treatment platelet reactivity
Authors: Scudiero Fernando , Canonico Mario Enrico , Sanna Giuseppe Damiano , Avvedimento Marisa , Leone Attilio , Saba Pier Sergio , Silverio Angelo , Galasso Gennaro , Porto Italo , Esposito Giovanni , Parodi Guido 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
High on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) has been associated with high risk of ischaemic events in STEMI patients. Body mass index (BMI) and specifically overweight and obesity are risk factors for increased platelet reactivity in different series of patients; however, data regarding their relationship with pharmacodynamic response to oral 3rd generation P2Y12 inhibitors is still lacking. This study aims to assess the association between BMI and HTPR in STEMI patients treated with oral 3rd generation P2Y12 inhibitors.

Methods
Overall, 429 STEMI patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to BMI (BMI &lt;25 vs. ≥25 kg/m2). A propensity score matching (1:1) was performed to balance potential confounders in baseline patients characteristics. Platelet reactivity was assessed by VerifyNow at baseline and after 3rd generation P2Y12 inhibitor (ticagrelor or prasugrel) loading dose (LD). Blood samples were obtained at baseline (T0), 1 h (T1), 2 h (T2), 4–6 h (T3) and 8–12 h (T4) after the LD. HTPR was defined as a platelet reactivity unit values ≥ 208 units.

Results
Mean age was 62 ± 12 years, and males were 75%. Patients with a BMI ≥25 were younger (61 ± 12 vs. 64 ± 11, P= 0.006), with a higher prevalence of male gender (78% vs. 68%, P = 0.035), and they were less frequently treated with morphine before PCI (30% vs. 42%; P=0.018). After propensity score matching, patients with BMI ≥25 had similar values of baseline platelet reactivity [T0: 308 (285–342) vs. 300 (281–330), P= 0.396], while they had higher level of platelet reactivity at 1 and 2 h after the LD [T1: 285 (200–308) vs. 265 (196–320), P= 0.047; T2: 241 (87–305) vs. 200 (56–256), P= 0.004] and higher rate of HRPT [T1: (66% vs. 47%, P= 0.004); T2: (40% vs. 24%, P= 0.006)]. Furthermore, multivariable analysis demonstrated that BMI ≥25 was an independent predictor of HTPR at 2 h (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.18–3.42; P=0.009). Conversely, starting from 4 h after the LD, platelet reactivity values [T3: 68 (7–173) vs. 15 (6–71), P = 0.76; T4: 38 (4–104) vs. 44 (4–82), P=0.958] and HRPT rates (T3: 13% vs. 10%, P = 0.595; T4: 1% vs. 1%, P= 0.320) were comparable among the two study groups.

Conclusions
A BMI ≥25 kg/m2 is associated with decelerated pharmacodynamic response to oral 3rd generation P2Y12 inhibitors LD, and it is a strong predictor of HRPT in STEMI patients treated by dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor or prasugrel.
52 Low doses of dapagliflozin reduce anthracycline and trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity through MyD88, NLRP3, and mTORC-1 mediated pathways
Authors: Quagliariello Vincenzo , Iovine Martina , Maurea Carlo , Buccolo Simona , Paccone Andrea , Maurea Nicola 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
The clinical trial Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events-Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58 (DECLARE-TIMI 58), demonstrated that dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, reduces the composite Endpoint of cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure in a broad population of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We aimed to study if dapagliflozin could exert cardioprotective effects in doxorubicin and trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity through the analysis of multiple biochemical mechanisms.

Methods
HL-1 adult cardiomyocytes were exposed to subclinical concentration of doxorubicin and trastuzumab (100 nM) alone or in combination with dapagliflozin at 50 nM. Determination of cell viability was performed through analysis of mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and the study of lipid peroxidation (quantifying cellular Malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal), and of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis by spectrophotometric methods. Moreover, anti-inflammatory studies were also performed (activation of NLRP3 inflammasome; expression of TLR4/MyD88; transcriptional activation of p65/NF-κB and secretion of cytokines involved in cardiotoxicity (Interleukins 1β, 8, and 6). Moreover, mTORC1/Fox01/3a expression studies were performed through western blot and confocal laser microscope methods.

Results
Dapagliflozin increases significantly the cardiomyocytes viability during exposure to doxorubicin and trastuzumab. Its cardioprotective properties are explainable by the reduction of intracellular Ca2+ overload (−47.6% vs. cells treated only to anticancer drugs; P &lt; 0.001), of the lipid peroxidation phenomena (mean reduction of 35–43% compared to cells exposed only to anticancer drugs; P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, cardiomyocytes exposed to dapagliflozin during anticancer drugs have a reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in cardiotoxicity (−37.3% for Interleukin-1β; −39.5 for Interleukin 8; −41.3% for Interleukin 6; P &lt; 0.001 for all). Notably, dapagliflozin reduces p65-NF-κB activation (−36.5% vs. cells treated only to anticancer drugs) and inhibits of 27.8% the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome. mTORC1/Fox01/3a expression were also reduced after treatment with dapagliflozin, an aspect directly involved in the reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis

Conclusion
Dapagliflozin demonstrated for the first time cardioprotective properties during doxorubicin and trastuzumab exposure. The main biochemical effects of dapagliflozin are related to MYD88, NLRP3 complex, Leukotrienes/Interleukin 6 axis and mTORC1 mediated apoptosis. This study provides the proof of concept for translational studies designed to investigate the cardioprotective use of dapagliflozin in preclinical models of cardio-oncology.
66 Heart and lung tissue characterization of COVID-19 pneumonia by T1 and T2 mapping magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Camastra Giovanni , Arcari Luca , Ciolina Federica , Danti Massimiliano , Cacciotti Luca , Ansalone Gerardo , Sbarbati Stefano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection which can lead to systemic involvement including myocardial injury, severe respiratory failure and death. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could potentially offer advantages in providing tissue characterization of lung parenchyma and heart muscle in COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to describe data on heart and lung MRI in a cohort of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods and results
n = 11 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia underwent a comprehensive MRI examinations including lung and heart tissue mapping, findings were compared to those of an age- and sex-matched cohort of n = 11 individuals. Lung native T1 and T2 mapping assessments were performed by drawing a circular region of interest (ROI) with diameter of 2 cm in the parenchyma visualized from the cardiac four chamber long axis-oriented slice; vessels and areas of pleural effusion were carefully excluded. Myocardial native T1 and T2 mapping were assessed by drawing a ROI within the midventricular left ventricular (LV) septum. No patients had previous history of cardiovascular disease (including known coronary artery disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation). As compared to controls, patients with COVID-19 had similar cardiac function, higher mid-septum myocardial native T1 (1028 ms vs. 985, P = 0.05) and significantly higher lung native T1 and T2 within affected areas (1375 ms vs. 1201 ms, P = 0.016 and 70 ms vs. 30 ms, P &lt; 0.001 respectively), whereas non-significant differences were observed between remote lung areas of patients and controls (1238 ms vs. 1152 ms, P = 0.088 and 29 ms vs. 33 ms, P = 0.797 respectively). No significant associations were observed between cardiac and lung mapping findings.

Conclusions
In our cohort of patients with COVID-19, T1 and T2 mapping lung MRI identified pneumonia related abnormalities as compared to healthy controls, likely representing oedema and ongoing inflammation at the lung site. Myocardial native T1 was elevated suggesting the presence of cardiac involvement. A comprehensive MRI examination can be potentially used to assess multiorgan involvement in COVID-19.
171 Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL): a new outcome predictor in patients candidate for TAVI
Authors: Dellino Carlo Maria , Pergola Valeria , Torresan Frnacesca , Baroni Giulia , Cecchetto Antonella , Aruta Patrizia , Fiorencis Andrea , Fraccaro Chiara , Tarantini Giuseppe , Mele Donato , Iliceto Sabino 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Right ventricular systolic dysfunction is considered an outcome predictor in various cardiac diseases, sometimes stronger than ejection fraction (EF). We assume that right ventricular dysfunction, calculated with echocardiography in patients candidate for trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), could be an outcome predictor. To evaluate the prognostic value of pre-TAVI right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWSL) in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI.

Methods and results
Retrospective analysis of 100 patients underwent transfemoral TAVI in our hospital from January 2015 to September 2019, with at least a pre-TAVI and post-TAVI echocardiography. For each patients we collected clinical and echo data before and after TAVI and during the follow-up; we measured RVFWSL off-line at the same time. We considered the value of [23.3]% the cut-off of normality for RVFWSL. The primary endpoint was a composite of death from any cause and hospitalization for heart failure. The median age of the patients was 81 years (79–83) and EF was preserved in most patients (median: 56%, 55–58.28%). At a median follow-up of 1023 days (630–1387), the univariate analysis demonstrated a predictive of a reduced RVFWSL before TAVI ( &lt; [23.3]%, P = 0.015) and EF &lt; 50% (P = 0.014). Cox regression analysis found that pre-TAVI reduced RVFWSL (HR: 2.875, CI 95%: 1.113–7.425; P = 0.03) and EF &lt; 50% (HR: 2.511, CI 95%: 1.07–5.892; P = 0.03) were independently associated with composite endpoint of the study. Moreover, a reduced EF associated with RVFWSL &lt; [23.3]% had an incremental value in predicting the outcome (P = 0.021).

Conclusions
Among patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI, a reduced pre-implant RVFWSL is able to predict long-term outcome.
611 Mild cognitive impairment is associated with subclinical left ventricular dysfunction as assessed by global longitudinal strain in hypertensive patients
Authors: Ferruzzi Germano Junior , Visco Valeria , Loria Francesco , Galasso Gennaro , Iaccarino Guido , Vecchione Carmine , Ciccarelli Michele 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) detects subtle systolic abnormalities in various cardiovascular conditions, which represent significant risk factors for cognitive impairment and stroke. Specifically, GLS has emerged as a more precise myocardial function measure than left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This study investigated the relationship of GLS with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in hypertensive patients.

Methods and results
From February 2020 to October 2021 were enrolled hypertensive patients without atrial fibrillation and/or cerebrovascular and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Complete demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory analyses, conventional echocardiographic parameters were collected. Finally, MCI was defined by accurate the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment (QMCI) Screen corrected for age and education. This score explores spatial and temporal orientation, registration, delayed recall, clock design, logical memory, and verbal fluency in a brief time (5 min—score 0–100); a compliance questionnaire (Morisky medication adherence scale); a questionnaire on nutritional status (MNA). 81 hypertensive patients [66 ± 7.27 years; 9 (11%) female] were included in the study. Concerning echocardiographic evaluation, LVEF was 50.47 ± 9.95% and mean GLS was −16.00 ± 3.66. Mean QMCI corrected for age and education was 56.45 ± 9.37, and MCI was detected in 21 patients (26%). When comparing the patients with MCI (QMCItot &lt;49.4) and without MCI (QMCItot &gt;49.4), a statistically significant difference of GLS values was detected (no MCI: −16.52 ± 3.66 vs. MCI: −14.18 ± 3.23; P = 0.032); on the other hand, the two groups did not differ in LVEF (no MCI: 50.58 ± 9.70 vs. MCI: 48.86 ± 11.93; P = 0.864). Furthermore, excluding patients with FE ≥ 45% from the analysis, a statistically significant linear regression was observed between QMCI (corrected for age and education) and the GLS (P = 0.014) (Figure 1).

Conclusions
Compromised GLS, but not LV EF, is related to MCI in hypertensive patients who are free of clinical dementia, stroke, and neurodegenerative disease. Moreover, our study demonstrates for the first time the existence of a significant association between the QMCI and GLS; consequently, GLS could be an additional parameter in clinical practice for early recognition of MCI. However, studies on a larger population will be needed to confirm this association.
319 Right heart chambers geometry and function in patients with the atrial and the ventricular phenotypes of functional tricuspid regurgitation
Authors: Florescu Diana Ruxandra , Muraru Denisa , Florescu Cristina , Gavazzoni Mara , Volpato Valentina , Caravita Sergio , Tomaselli Michele , Parati Gianfranco , Badano Luigi Paolo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Aims
Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation (A-FTR) is a recently defined phenotype of FTR associated with persistent/permanent atrial fibrillation. Differently from the classical ventricular form of FTR (V-FTR), patients with A-FTR might present with severely dilated right atrium (RA) and tricuspid annulus (TA), and with preserved right ventricular (RV) size and systolic function. However, the geometry and function of the RV, RA, and TA in patients with A-FTR and V-FTR remain to be systematically evaluated. Accordingly, we sought to: (i) study the geometry and function of the RV, RA, and TA in A-FTR by two- and three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and (ii) compare them with those found in V-FTR.

Methods and results
We prospectively analysed 113 (44 men, age 68 ± 18 years) FTR patients (A-FTR = 55 and V-FTR = 58) that were compared to two groups of age- and sex-matched controls to develop the respective Z-scores. Severity of FTR was similar in A-FTR and V-FTR patients. Z-scores of RV size were significantly larger, and those of RV function were significantly lower in V-FTR than in A-FTR (P &lt; 0.001 for all). The RA was significantly enlarged in both A-FTR and V-FTR compared to controls (P &lt; 0.001, Z-scores &gt; 2), with similar RA maximal volume (RAVmax) between A-FTR and V-FTR (P = 0.2). Whereas, the RA minimal volumes (RAVmin) were significantly larger in A-FTR than in V-FTR (P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Despite similar degrees of FTR, and RAVmax size, A-FTR patients show a larger RAVmin, and smaller TA areas than V-FTR patients. Conversely, V-FTR patients show dilated, more elliptic, and dysfunctional RV than A-FTR patients.