Cardiac resynchronization therapy: a comparison among left ventricular bipolar, quadripolar and active fixation leads

We evaluated the performance of 3 different left ventricular leads (LV) for resynchronization therapy: bipolar (BL), quadripolar (QL) and active fixation leads (AFL). We enrolled 290 consecutive CRTD candidates implanted with BL (n = 136) or QL (n = 97) or AFL (n = 57). Over a minimum 10 months follow-up, we assessed: (a) composite technical endpoint (TE) (phrenic nerve stimulation at 8 [email protected] ms, safety margin between myocardial and phrenic threshold <2V, LV dislodgement and failure to achieve the target pacing site), (b) composite clinical endpoint (CE) (death, hospitalization for heart failure, heart transplantation, lead extraction for infection), (c) reverse remodeling (RR) (reduction of end systolic volume >15%). Baseline characteristics of the 3 groups were similar. At follow-up the incidence of TE was 36.3%, 14.3% and 19.9% in BL, AFL and QL, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, the incidence of RR was 56%, 64% and 68% in BL, AFL and QL respectively (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in CE (p = 0.380). On a multivariable analysis, \u201cnon-BL leads\u201d was the single predictor of an improved clinical outcome. QL and AFL are superior to conventional BL by enhancing pacing of the target site: AFL through prevention of lead dislodgement while QL through improved management of phrenic nerve stimulation

The use of high aspect ratio photoresist (SU-8) for super-hydrophobic pattern prototyping

In this work we present a reliable technique for the production of large areas of high aspect-ratio patterns and describe their use as model super-hydrophobic systems. The high thickness and straight sidewalls possible with SU-8 were used to generate dense patterns of small pillars. These photoresist patterns could be used directly, without the need for micromoulding. A method is given allowing resist thickness to be varied over a wide range and a bottom antireflective layer was used to simplify patterning on reflective substrates. This patterning technique allows rapid testing of wetting theories, as pattern size and depth can be varied simply and samples can be produced in sufficient numbers for laboratory use. We show how the static contact angle of water varies with pattern height for one sample-pattern and how static and dynamic contact angles vary with dimension using high aspect-ratio patterns

New insights into the comorbid conditions of Turner syndrome: results from a long-term monocentric cohort study

Purpose Many questions concerning Turner syndrome (TS) remain unresolved, such as the long-term complications and, therefore, the optimal care setting for adults. The primary aim of this long-term cohort study was to estimate the incidence of comorbid conditions along the life course. Methods A total of 160 Italian patients with TS diagnosed from 1967 to 2010 were regularly and structurally monitored from the diagnosis to December 2019 at the University Hospital of Bologna using a structured multidisciplinary monitoring protocol. Results The study cohort was followed up for a median of 27 years (IQR 12-42). Autoimmune diseases were the comorbid condition with the highest incidence (61.2%), followed by osteoporosis and hypertension (23.8%), type 2 diabetes (16.2%) and tumours (15.1%). Median age of onset ranged from 22 years for autoimmune diseases to 39 years for type 2 diabetes. Malignant tumours were the most prominent type of neoplasm, with a cumulative incidence of 11.9%. Papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common form of cancer, followed by skin cancer and cancer of the central nervous system. Only one major cardiovascular event (acute aortic dissection) was observed during follow-up. No cases of ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke or death were recorded. Conclusions This cohort study confirms the need for continuous, structured and multidisciplinary lifelong monitoring of TS, thus ensuring the early diagnosis of important comorbid conditions, including cancer, and their appropriate and timely treatment. In addition, these data highlight the need for the increased surveillance of specific types of cancer in TS, including thyroid carcinoma

Interazione dei polisaccaridi algali sul quadro aromatico ed il profilo gustativo del vino

L'evoluzione delle conoscenze sulle sostanze colloidali di origine vegetale, impiegate nell'industria alimentare, apre nuove possibilit\ue0 di gestione delle caratteristiche qualitative dei vini. Alcuni tipi di alginato risultano in grado di modificare il profilo olfattivo in funzione del potenziale aromatico iniziale, riducendo l'influenza dei componenti negativi ed interferenti all'olfatto

Chips, lees, and micro-oxygenation: influence on some flavors and sensory profile of a bottled red Sangiovese wine

Wine samples of Red Sangiovese wines wereaged for 3 months using three different techniques (chips,lees, and micro-oxygenation) separately or combined.Later, their evolution in bottle was monitored for 5 months.At the end of aging, the main effect on selected volatilecompounds was related to chips addition: as a matter offact, chips increased aromatic compounds derived from oak, such as vanilla and burnt/toasted aromas. Microoxygenation induced a lower amount of 4-ethyl guaiacol than in its control. The combined use of micro-oxygenation and yeast lees led to a lower amount of guaiacol and vanillin than in its control. Wine evolution in bottle was significantly affected by the up-cited aging techniques. The use of chips led to a decrease in 4-ethyl guaiacol than incontrol. Micro-oxygenation reduced guaiacol and whiskylactone decrease and the increase in 4-ethyl guaiacol. The combined use of chips, micro-oxygenation, and yeast lees reduced the decrease in whisky lactone in a not significant way, instead of all the other trials. A descriptive analysis ofwines put in evidence that micro-oxygenation combinedwith the use of chips and yeast lees reduced astringency, increased balance, and enhanced vanilla perception.[...

Interazione dei polisaccaridi algali sul quadro aromatico ed il profilo gustativo del vino

L'evoluzione delle conoscenze sulle sostanze colloidali di origine vegetale, impiegate nell'industria alimentare, apre nuove possibilità di gestione delle caratteristiche qualitative dei vini. Alcuni tipi di alginato risultano in grado di modificare il profilo olfattivo in funzione del potenziale aromatico iniziale, riducendo l'influenza dei componenti negativi ed interferenti all'olfatto.[...