Numerical Study of Chipless Tags for Radio-Frequency-Identification (RFID) Applications

We present a numerical investigation of effective chipless tags for radio-frequency-identification (RFID) applications. Chipless tags have been introduced recently as alternatives to standard tags with microchips. While they can significantly reduce the overall cost of RFID systems by eliminating microchips and procedures to mount them on tags, chipless tags bring new challenges, especially in terms of identification reliability. We focus on tag structures that consist of resonators and consider alternative scenarios to find out potential misidentification cases. We also present the robustness of resonator-type elements in terms of fabrication errors, as well as array strategies to significantly increase electromagnetic responses of tags at the cost of reduced compactness

Is Glasgow prognostic score a predictor of mortality in infective endocarditis?

Objectives: The inflammation-based Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), which comprises elevated serum Creactive protein (CRP) and decreased albumin concentration, is the most valid inflammatory risk score in cancer. New prognostic markers are needed to predict high-risk infective endocarditis (IE) patients. In the present study, we investigated the in-hospital mortality estimation of GPS in infective endocarditis patients. Methods: The retrospectively designed study included 53 IE patients diagnosed according to Duke criteria. Demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded and GPS levels were measured. Patients were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality outcomes. Glasgow prognostic score was rated as 0, 1, or 2 points based on serum albumin and C-reactive protein levels. Results: The nonsurvivor group was older and the number of patients with kidney failure or diabetes was higher in this group. Glasgow prognostic score was higher in the nonsurvivor group, while albumin levels were lower. Thirty-four patients died during intensive care unit follow-up, and the mean follow-up period was 24.1 ± 18.6 days. ROC analysis showed that the Glasgow prognostic score had a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 36.8% at a cut-off value of ≥ 1.5 in predicting in-hospital mortality. Chronic renal failure (OR: 6.720; 95% CI: 1.907-23.684; p = 0.003) and age (OR: 1.040; 95% CI: 1.001-1.081; p = 0.044) were the independent variables of the mortality prediction in univariate logistic regression analysis. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only chronic renal failure (OR: 0.153; 95% CI: 0.036-0.653; p = 0.011) was found to be a significant predictor of mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that long-term survival was reduced in patients with a high GPS (Log-rank: p = 0.003). Conclusions: Glasgow prognostic score level is associated with increased in-hospital mortality in IE patients. Chronic renal failure and GPS are the independent predictors of mortalit

The association of new atherosclerosis markers with coronary collaterals in chronic total occlusion patients

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the relationship between mentioned markers and chronic total occlusion collateral development. Patients and methods: A total of 243 patients (210 males, 33 females; mean age: 63.3±11.5; range, 51 to 76 years) who underwent coronary angiography due to typical chest pain or myocardial ischemia detected in noninvasive stress tests and diagnosed with ≥1 major coronary artery occlusion between January and September 2020 were included in the cross-sectional observational study. The angiographic collateral index was determined according to the Cohen-Rentrop classification. The patients were divided into two groups according to the sufficiency of collateral development: the well-developed collaterals group (n=155) and the poor-developed collaterals group (n=88). Results: Statistically significant parameters in univariate logistic regression analysis were evaluated with multivariate (stepwise) logistic regression analysis; as a result, presence of chronic total occlusion in left anterior descending artery (odds ratio [OR]=2.447; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.160-5.162; p=0.019), total number of occlusions (OR=3.503; 95% CI, 1.445-8.494; p=0.006), left ventricular ejection fraction (OR=1.056; 95% CI, 1.022-1.091; p=0.001), and the atherogenic index of plasma (OR=0.017; 95% CI, 1.022-1.091; p<0.001) were independently associated with well-developed collaterals. Although the triglyceride-glucose index had statistical significance in the univariate analysis, it was not detected as an independent variable in the multivariate analysis. The monocyte-lymphocyte ratio was not significant in the univariate analysis. Conclusion: Of the new atherosclerosis markers, only the atherogenic index of plasma had an independent association with poor collateral developmen

COVID 19 disease independently predicted endothelial dysfunction measured by flow-mediated dilatation

The systemic effects of COVID-19 disease are still largely uncertain and needs to be scrutinized with further trials. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is responsible for the majority of adverse cardiovascular events. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is easily obtainable method to assess ED accurately. It is aimed to evaluate ED by measuring FMD following COVID-19 disease. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 disease were recruited to the hospital two month after the discharge. Sex and age-matched healthy subjects were determined as the control group. Blood samples and FMD measurements were obtained from each participant. All subjects were divided into two groups according to the presence of ED determined by FMD measurements. These two groups were compared in terms of demographic features and the presence of recovered COVID-19 disease. A total of 92 subjects consisting of 59 without ED and 33 with ED were included in the study. ED (+) group was older (p = 0.015) and more likely to have hypertension (p = 0.044) and COVID-19 rate was higher in ED (+) group (p = 0.009). While neutrophil count (p = 0.047) and CRP (p = 0.036) were higher, eGFR (p = 0.044) was lower in ED (+) group. In the backward multivariable regression analysis, COVID-19 disease [OR = 3.611, 95% CI 1.069-12.198, p = 0.039] and BMI [OR = 1.122, 95% CI 1.023-1.231, p = 0.015] were independent predictors of ED. COVID-19 disease may cause ED which is the major underlying factor of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, COVID-19 disease may deteriorate the existing cardiovascular disease course. Detecting ED in the early phase or preventing by new treatment modalities may improve short and long-term outcome

The relationship of serum asymmetric dimethylarginine concentrations and lung involvement in patients with COVID-19 infection

Aim: COVID-19 infections the tissue through angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor, which is also expressed on endothelial cells. Endothelial dysfunction may be associated with lung involvement. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an indirect marker of endothelial dysfunction. The aim of our study was to evaluate ADMA concentrations and to identify its association with lung involvement in patients with COVID19 disease. Methods: We included 42 patients with COVID-19 infection and lung involvement (Group 1). Forty-two age and sex matched patients without pneumonia acted as the control group (Group 2). All patients gave blood samples for ADMA at the 1st month control visit after discharge. We compared C-reactive protein (CRP) and ADMA concentrations in addition to routine biochemical parameters between groups. Results: Patients with lung involvement had higher admission glucose, CRP, and ADMA concentrations, and displayed lower hemoglobin concentration and lymphocyte count compared to patients without lung involvement. Although patients with lung involvement had higher ADMA concentrations with respect to those without; plasma ADMA levels were also higher than normal values in control group. Multivariate analysis identified log CRP concentration (OR= 3.047, 95% CI=1.881-5.023, p<0.001) as the independent predictor for lung involvement. And, there was a correlation between ADMA and CRP (r: 0.318, p: 0.003). Conclusion: We revealed elevated ADMA concentrations as the surrogate of endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 patients whether they have pneumonia or not

Epicardial adipose tissue thickness and NGAL levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Cure, Medine Cumhur/0000-0001-9253-6459WOS: 000333112500001PubMed: 24528623Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and early atherosclerosis. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) is clinically related to subclinical atherosclerosis. in the present study, considering the major role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) which is an acute phase protein rapidly releasing upon inflammation and tissue injury, we aimed to evaluate NGAL levels and EATT in PCOS patients and assess their relationship with cardiometabolic factors. Methods: 64 patients with PCOS and 50 age- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were included in the study. We evaluated anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters. EATT was measured by echocardiography above the free wall of the right ventricle. Serum NGAL and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were measured by ELISA. Results: Mean EATT was 0,38 +/-0,16 mm in the PCOS group and 0,34 +/-0,36 mm in the control group (p = 0,144). in the obese PCOS group (n = 44) EAT was thicker compared to the obese control group (n = 41) (p = 0.026). Mean NGAL levels of the patients with PCOS were 101,98 +/-21,53 pg/ml, while mean NGAL levels were 107,40 +/-26,44 pg/ml in the control group (p = 0,228). We found a significant positive correlation between EATT and age, BMI, waist circumference, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride and hsCRP levels in PCOS group. Conclusions: Thickness of the epicardial adipose tissue can be used to follow the risk of CVD development in obese PCOS cases. However serum NGAL levels do not differ in patients with PCOS and control group

Increased pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness in patients with ulcerative colitis

Durakoglugil, Emre/0000-0001-5268-4262WOS: 000322650900024PubMed: 23508984Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized with chronic, progressive inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. the association of UC with cardiovascular disease is still a matter of debate. the aim of this study was to investigate whether carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) as surrogates of atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness are increased in patients with UC. Our study was cross-sectional and observational in design. Baseline characteristics were recorded during interview with the patient. Patients with previous cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic renal failure, and infectious and inflammatory disorders other than UC were excluded. Thirty-seven consecutive patients with UC and 30 control participants underwent cf-PWV assessment and CIMT measurement. the diagnosis of UC was based on clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and histological findings. CIMT, cf-PWV, and C reactive protein were significantly higher in patients with UC. Although linear regression analyses identified UC as an independent predictor of CIMT (beta +/- A SE, 0.39 +/- A 0.08; p < 0.001), only age independently predicted cf-PWV (beta +/- A SE, 0.08 +/- A 0.03; p = 0.003) in our study population. Moreover, we revealed higher CIMT and PWV values in patients with higher disease activity and more extensive involvement, compared to patients with mild activity and limited disease. We revealed increased pulse wave velocity and CIMT in patients with UC. UC appears to be associated with arterial stiffness and atherosclerotic burden, but the underlying mechanisms require further studies to be identified

Serum uric acid level independently predicted metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic hypertensive patients

Background: Arterial hypertension may accompany metabolic syndrome (MetS) which is strongly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Determining high-risk groups concerning MetS development is crucial to prevent this undesirable clinic. Serum uric acid level was demonstrated to be associated with development of hypertension and MetS in normal population. It was aimed to investigate the role of serum uric acid for the prediction of MetS in non-diabetic hypertensive individuals. Material and methods: Patients who were diagnosed with arterial hypertension between January 2021 and June 2021 were included in the study. Diabetes mellitus was determined as an exclusion criteria. Metabolic syndrome was considered as the clustering of high blood pressure, elevated glucose level, abnormal cholesterol levels, and abdominal obesity conditions according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) definition. Patients were divided into two groups by the presence of MetS. Results: The mean age of 107 non-diabetic hypertensive patients was 48.5 ± 8.6 years and 50 (46.7%) of them were female. A total of 56 patients (52%) had MetS. Waist circumference (101.2 ± 11.3 vs. 106.7 ± 10.1 cm, p = 0.020), body mass index (30.6 ± 4.9 vs. 32.8 ± 4.1, p = 0.016), E/e’ ratio [9.2 (7.3–11.1) vs. 10.6 (9.1–13.4), p = 0.003], EAT [5.9 (4.8–8) vs. 7.9 (6–9.6), p = 0.006], and serum uric acid level (4.75 ± 1.10 vs. 5.82 ± 1.21 mg/dL, p &lt; 0.001) were higher in MetS (+) group. Multivariable regression demonstrated that serum uric acid [(odds ratio) OR = 2.217, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.300–3.783, p = 0.003] and body mass index (OR = 1.214, 95% CI: 1.032–1.428, p = 0.019) were independent predictors of MetS presence. Conclusion: Serum uric acid level predicted MetS presence in non-diabetic hypertensive individuals independently. This practical blood parameter can be used to evaluate those who are at risk of MetS development.

The effect of irritable bowel syndrome on carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and heart rate variability

Objective: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a subgroup of functional somatic disorders, may be associated with autonomic dysfunction (AD). Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic dysfunction, may predict survival. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of IBS on HRV parameters, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) as surrogates of AD, subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness, respectively. Methods: Our study was cross-sectional and observational. Thirty consecutive patients with IBS and 30 control participants underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring, cf-PWV assessment and CIMT measurement. The diagnosis of IBS was based on Rome III criteria. There were 24 patients with IBS-Constipation (80%), 4 patients with IBS-Diarrhea (13.3%), and 2 patients with IBS-Mixed (6.7%) in IBS group. Student t-test and &#967;2 test were utilized in order to compare continuous and categorical variables between two groups, respectively. Results: Biochemical parameters did not differ between groups except for slightly increased creatinine in patients with IBS. cf-PWV and CIMT values were similar between groups. SDNN index and RMSSD were significantly impaired in patients with IBS compared to controls. Frequency analyses revealed lower LF, HF, and VLF in subjects with IBS. Conclusion: We demonstrated decreased parasympathetic modulation in patients with constipation predominant IBS. However, we could not demonstrate any changes in vascular structure and functions measured by carotid intima-media thickness and pulse wave velocity. Our results do not support accelerated atherosclerosis in IBS population (Anadol