A second anniversary operational review of the OmniTRACS(R): The first two-way mobile Ku-band satellite communications system

A novel two-way mobile satellite communications and vehicle position reporting system that is currently operational in the United States and Europe is described. The system characteristics and service operations are described in detail. Technical descriptions of the equipment and signal processing techniques are provided

Infective endocarditis: do we have an effective risk score model? A systematic review

Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare, highly morbid condition with 17% in-hospital mortality. 25-30% require surgery and there is ongoing debate with regard to markers predicting patient outcomes and guiding intervention. This systematic review aims to evaluate all IE risk scores currently available. Methods Standard methodology (PRISMA guideline) was used. Papers with risk score analysis for IE patients were included, with attention to studies reporting area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve(AUC/ROC). Qualitative analysis was carried out, including assessment of validation processes and comparison of these results to original derivation cohorts where available. Risk-of-bias analysis illustrated according to PROBAST guidelines. Results Of 75 articles initially identified, 32 papers were analysed for a total of 20 proposed scores, (range 66-13,000 patients), 14 of which were specific for IE. The number of variables per score ranged from 3 to 14 with only 50% including microbiological variables and 15% including biomarkers. The following scores had good performance (AUC>0.8) in studies proposing the score (often the derivation cohort); however fared poorly when applied to a new cohort: PALSUSE, DeFeo, ANCLA, RISK-E, EndoSCORE, MELD-XI, COSTA, SHARPEN. DeFeo score demonstrated the largest discrepancy with initial AUC of 0.88, compared to 0.58 when applied to different cohorts. The inflammatory response in IE has been well documented and CRP has been found to be an independent predictor for worse outcomes. There is ongoing investigation on alternate inflammatory biomarkers which may assist in IE management. Of the scores identified in this review, only 3 have included a biomarker as a predictor. Conclusion Despite the variety of available scores, their development has been limited by small sample size, retrospective collection of data and short-term outcomes, with lack of external validation, limiting their transportability. Future population studies and large comprehensive registries are required to address this unmet clinical need

BISMICS consensus statement: implementing a safe minimally invasive mitral programme in the UK healthcare setting

Disseminating the practice of minimally invasive mitral surgery (mini-MVS) can be challenging, despite its original case reports a few decades ago. The penetration of this technology into clinical practice has been limited to centres of excellence and mitral surgery in most general cardiothoracic centres remains to be conducted via sternotomy access as a first line. The process for the uptake of mini-MVS requires clearer guidance and standardisation for the processes involved in its implementation. In this statement, a consensus agreement is outlined that describes the benefits of mini-MVS, including reduced post-operative bleeding, reduced wound infection, enhanced recovery and patient satisfaction. Technical considerations require specific attention and can introduced through simulation and/or use in conventional cases. Either endoballoon or aortic cross clamping are both recommended as well as femoral or central aortic cannulation, with the use of appropriate adjuncts and instruments. A coordinated team-based approach that encourages ownership of the programme by the team members is critical. A designated proctor is also recommended. The organisation of structured training and simulation, as well as planning the initial cases are important steps to consider. The importance of pre-empting complications and dealing with adverse events are described, including re-exploration, conversion to sternotomy, uni-lateral pulmonary oedema and phrenic nerve injury. Accounting for both institutional and team considerations can effectively facilitate the introduction of a mini-MVS service. This involves simulation, team-based training, visits to specialist centres and involvement of a designated proctor to oversee the initial cases

Data-driven generation of 4D velocity profiles in the aneurysmal ascending aorta

Background and Objective: Numerical simulations of blood flow are a valuable tool to investigate the pathophysiology of ascending thoratic aortic aneurysms (ATAA). To accurately reproduce in vivo hemodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models must employ realistic inflow boundary conditions (BCs). However, the limited availability of in vivo velocity measurements, still makes researchers resort to idealized BCs. The aim of this study was to generate and thoroughly characterize a large dataset of synthetic 4D aortic velocity profiles sampled on a 2D cross-section along the ascending aorta with features similar to clinical cohorts of patients with ATAA. Methods: Time-resolved 3D phase contrast magnetic resonance (4D flow MRI) scans of 30 subjects with ATAA were processed through in-house code to extract anatomically consistent cross-sectional planes along the ascending aorta, ensuring spatial alignment among all planes and interpolating all velocity fields to a reference configuration. Velocity profiles of the clinical cohort were extensively characterized by computing flow morphology descriptors of both spatial and temporal features. By exploiting principal component analysis (PCA), a statistical shape model (SSM) of 4D aortic velocity profiles was built and a dataset of 437 synthetic cases with realistic properties was generated. Results: Comparison between clinical and synthetic datasets showed that the synthetic data presented similar characteristics as the clinical population in terms of key morphological parameters. The average velocity profile qualitatively resembled a parabolic-shaped profile, but was quantitatively characterized by more complex flow patterns which an idealized profile would not replicate. Statistically significant correlations were found between PCA principal modes of variation and flow descriptors. Conclusions: We built a data-driven generative model of 4D aortic inlet velocity profiles, suitable to be used in computational studies of blood flow. The proposed software system also allows to map any of the generated velocity profiles to the inlet plane of any virtual subject given its coordinate set

Domestic violence and suicide attempt among married women: A case‐control study

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of domestic violence‐related factors on suicide attempt in married women. Suicide is a global public health concern that poses significant burden on individuals, families and communities. There is limited research on factors predicting suicide attempt in women. A retrospective case‐control design was adopted. Using a convenience sampling method, 610 participants, admitted to a teaching referral hospital in Northwest of XXX, were recruited to the study and assigned to case or control groups based on whether or not they had attempted suicide. The participants in two groups were matched in the terms of important demographic characteristics. Domestic violence‐related factors were considered as independent variables and suicide attempt as dependent variable. Descriptive statistics, simple and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Odd ratios (OR) of domestic violence related factors were compared between the groups. We used STROBE checklist as an EQUATOR in this study. The mean age of participants in the case and control groups was 28.4 years and 29.45 years, respectively. The infidelity was the strongest predictor of suicide attempt in women (OR 44.57, 95%CI 6.08‐326. 63, p<0.001), followed by being threatened to physical assault by husband (OR 37.01, 95%CI 11.54‐118.67, p<0.001), jealousy of husband (OR 23.46, 95%CI 11.63‐47.30, p<0.001), and previous attempts to divorce (OR 16.55, 95%CI 5.91‐46.31, p<0.001). Suicide attempt was significantly lower in women who reported a sense of peace in life or lived with their mother or father‐in‐law (p<0.001). To reduce the risk of suicide in women, violence against women should be condemned and appropriate prevention measures be taken by health professionals. Recognizing risk, assessment and referral of victims of domestic violence should be an integral part of health care systems.N/

Иммунопатогенез формирования атопических заболеваний

The aim of this investigation is the comparative study of changes in the surface phenotype of lymphocyte in patients with different forms of atopic diseases and latent sensitization.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on peripheral blood lymphocytes from 22 latent sensitization patients, 30 pollinosis patients, 44 atopic bronchial asthma patients and 36 atopic dermatitis patients. The control group consisted of 26 healthy people.The results of our studies demonstrate that atopic diseases are different not only in clinical manifestations, but also in mechanisms of disturbances in the functions of the immune system. Comparative study of surface markers of lymphocytes in patients with different forms of atopic diseases revealed a significant increase of surface changes of lymphocyte phenotype according to the severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease. All patients with studied forms of atopy had an increase in content of B-lymphocytes expressing CD72 marker in the peripheral blood and of lymphocytes expressing early activation antigens CD23, CD25, CD71 and adhesion receptor CD54. The developments of pollinosis, atopic bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis are accompanied by an additional increase levels of lymphocytes expressing the late activation marker HLADR, the CD38+ precursors of plasma cells, and of lymphocytes carrying surface immunoglobulins in peripheral blood. In the blood of patients with atopic disease during exacerbation with evident clinical symptoms revealed a significant increase in all the studied populations and subpopulations of B-lymphocytes. Patients with latent sensitization had increasing blood lymphocytes expressing the CD95 receptor of Fas inducing apoptosis and low content of cells expressing its ligand CD178. Content of CD95+ lymphocytes in peripheral blood at atopic bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis patients is reduced, and CD178+ lymphocytes increased, reflecting infringement of Fas-dependent apoptosis in severe atopic diseases.Цель работы – сравнительное изучение изменений поверхностного фенотипа лимфоцитов крови у больных с различными формами атопических заболеваний и латентной сенсибилизацией.Материал и методы. Исследование проведено на лимфоцитах периферической крови 22 больных с латентной сенсибилизацией, 30 больных поллинозом, 44 больных атопической бронхиальной астмой и 36 пациентов с атопическим дерматитом. Контрольную группу составили 26 здоровых людей.Результаты проведенных исследований убедительно свидетельствуют, что атопические болезни различаются не только клиническими проявлениями, но и механизмами нарушений функций иммунной системы. Сравнительное изучение поверхностного фенотипа лимфоцитов у больных с различными формами атопии позволило выявить существенное нарастание изменений их субпопуляционного состава по мере усиления тяжести клинических проявлений заболеваний. У больных всеми исследованными формами атопии отмечалось повышение содержания в периферической крови В-лимфоцитов, экспрессирующих маркер CD72, и лимфоцитов, несущих ранние активационные антигены CD23, CD25, CD71 и рецепторы адгезии CD54. Развитие поллиноза, атопической бронхиальной астмы и атопического дерматита сопровождалось дополнительным повышением содержания в периферической крови лимфоцитов, экспресси- рующих поздний маркер активации HLA-DR,предшественников плазматических клеток и лимфоцитов CD38+, несущих поверхностные иммуноглобулины. В крови у больных атопией с выраженными клиническими проявлениями выявлено достоверное повышение содержания всех изученных субпопуляций В-лимфоцитов. У больных с латентной сенсибилизацией зарегистрировано повышенное содержание в крови лимфоцитов, экспрессирующих CD95-рецептор запуска Fas-индуцированного апоптоза, и снижение количества клеток, экспрессирующих его лиганд – рецептор CD178. У больных с атопической бронхиальной астмой и атопическим дерматитом содержание в крови CD95+ лимфоцитов, напротив, снижено, а CD178+-лимфоцитов – повышено, что отражает нарушение Fas-зависимого апоптоза при тяжелых атопических заболеваниях.

Environmental risk factors of pregnancy outcomes: A summary of recent meta-analyses of epidemiological studies.

Background Various epidemiological studies have suggested associations between environmental exposures and pregnancy outcomes. Some studies have tempted to combine information from various epidemiological studies using meta-analysis. We aimed to describe the methodologies used in these recent meta-analyses of environmental exposures and pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, we aimed to report their main findings. Methods We conducted a bibliographic search with relevant search terms. We obtained and evaluated 16 recent meta-analyses. Results The number of studies included in each reported meta-analysis varied greatly, with the largest number of studies available for environmental tobacco smoke. Only a small number of the studies reported having followed meta-analysis guidelines or having used a quality rating system. Generally they tested for heterogeneity and publication bias. Publication bias did not occur frequently. The meta-analyses found statistically significant negative associations between environmental tobacco smoke and stillbirth, birth weight and any congenital anomalies; PM2.5 and preterm birth; outdoor air pollution and some congenital anomalies; indoor air pollution from solid fuel use and stillbirth and birth weight; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) exposure and birth weight; disinfection by-products in water and stillbirth, small for gestational age and some congenital anomalies; occupational exposure to pesticides and solvents and some congenital anomalies; and agent orange and some congenital anomalies. Conclusions The number of meta-analyses of environmental exposures and pregnancy outcomes is small and they vary in methodology. They reported statistically significant associations between environmental exposures such as environmental tobacco smoke, air pollution and chemicals and pregnancy outcomes

Analysis of the impact of length of stay on the quality of service experience, satisfaction and loyalty

Although length of stay is a relevant variable in destination management, little research has been produced connecting it with tourists' post-consumption behaviour. This research compares the post-consumption behaviour of same-day visitors with overnight tourists in a sample of 398 domestic vacationers at two Mediterranean heritage-and-beach destinations. Although economic research on length of stay posits that there are destination benefits in longer stays, same-day visitors score higher in most of the post-consumption variables under study. Significant differences arise in hedonic aspects of the tourist experience and destination loyalty. Thus, we propose that length of stay can be used as a segmentation variable. Furthermore, destination management organisations need to consider length of stay when designing tourism policies. The tourist product and communication strategies might be adapted to different vacation durations

Постковидный синдром ассоциирован с повышением внеклеточных пуриновых оснований и нейтрофильных экстраклеточных ловушек в плазме крови

Post-COVID syndrome is characterized by fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, muscle and joint pain, and psychoemotional disorders. In the development of a generalized body response in a viral infection, abnormal defense responses are of great importance. We studied neutrophils, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), DNA degradation products (purine nitrogenous bases, PNBs), and traditional biochemical parameters.Aim. To determine biochemical parameters and the number of NETs and PNBs in the peripheral blood of patients with post-COVID syndrome.Materials and methods. The study included outpatients (n = 21) aged 18–59 years (36 [27 ÷ 50]). The control group consisted of 20 individuals aged 18–59 years (38.5 [29 ÷ 51.5]) without a past medical history of the coronavirus infection. All patients underwent a physical examination, their medical history was assessed, and the level of NETs and PNBs in the venous blood was determined.Results. 11 patients had a mild form of the disease in their past medical history, 7 – moderate, and 3 – severe. The most common symptoms in the patients were fatigue, headache, epigastric pain, dizziness, and joint pain. Hair loss and dyspnea were less common. The concentration of NETs and PNBs was higher in the patients with post-COVID syndrome than in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). We detected NETs in the patients with post-COVID syndrome only in the form of filamentous structures. The concentration of extracellular purine bases in the blood of the patients with post-COVID syndrome was the highest in patients with moderate and severe acute periods. In patients with a mild acute period, the concentration of PNBs was 7.38 [0.0 ÷ 60.7] mg / ml, and in patients with moderate and severe acute periods – 19.15 [0.0 ÷ 33.5] and 34.19 [3.35 ÷ 70.0] mg / ml, respectively.Conclusion. Extracellular purine bases in concentrations capable of causing secondary alteration of cells are found in the peripheral blood of patients with post-COVID syndrome. Post-COVID syndrome is accompanied by the formation of filamentous NETs in the blood of patients. Постковидный синдром характеризуется высокой утомляемостью, снижением толерантности к физической нагрузке, болями в мышцах и суставах, наличием психоэмоциональных проблем. В развитии генерализованной реакции организма при вирусном инфицировании большое значение имеют аномальные реакции защитных систем. Мы исследовали нейтрофилы и формируемые ими экстраклеточные ловушки (НЭЛ) совместно с продуктами деградации волокон ДНК (пуриновые азотистые основания, ПАО), а также традиционные клинико-лабораторные показатели.Цель. Определение ряда лабораторных показателей, а также количества НЭЛ и уровня ПАО в периферической крови больных с постковидным синдромом.Материалы и методы. В исследование включены амбулаторные пациенты (n = 21) в возрасте 18–59 лет (36 [27÷50]). Группу сравнения составили 20 лиц в возрасте 18–59 лет (38,5 [29÷51,5]) без перенесенной коронавирусной инфекции. Всем пациентам проводились сбор жалоб, оценка анамнеза, физикальный осмотр, определение НЭЛ и ПАО в венозной крови.Результаты. Легкое течение заболевания в анамнезе имелось у 11, среднетяжелое – у 7, тяжелое – у 3 пациентов. Наиболее частыми симптомами в нашей группе обследованных пациентов были слабость, головная боль, боль в эпигастрии, головокружение, боль в суставах. Более редкими симптомами являлись выпадение волос и одышка. Концентрация НЭЛ и ПАО была выше в основной группе, чем в группе сравнения (p &lt; 0,05). Мы выявляли НЭЛ у больных с постковидным синдромом только в нитевидной форме. Концентрация внеклеточных пуриновых азотистых оснований в плазме крови больных с постковидным синдромом была наиболее высокой у больных со среднетяжелым и тяжелым течением острого периода. У больных, перенесших острый период заболевания в легкой форме, концентрация ПАО составляет 7,38 [0,0÷60,7] мг/мл, а у больных со среднетяжелой и тяжелой формой острого периода – 19,15 [0,0÷33,5] и 34,19 [3,35÷70,0] мг/мл соответственно.Заключение. В периферической крови больных с посткоронавирусным синдромом обнаруживаются внеклеточные ПАО в концентрации, способной вызвать вторичную альтерацию клеток. Постковидный синдром сопровождался формированием в периферической крови больных НЭЛ в нитевидной форме

Prerequisites for the creation of an atlas of postcovid inflammation as a way of personalized pharmacotherapy, as well as predicting and preventing organ and systemic dysfunctions

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that has been identified as the cause of the 2019 coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which originated at Wuhan city of PRC in late 2019 and widespread worldwide. As the number of patients recovering from COVID-19 continue to grow, it’s very important to understand what health issues they may keep experiencing. COVID-19 is now recognized as an infectious disease that can cause multiple organ diseases of various localization. It is against this background that a new term was introduced: post-acute post-COVID-19 syndrome characterized by several persistent symptoms inherent in the acute phase of the disease, as well as the occurrence of delayed and (or) long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of the disease. The work reflected in this article revealed a portrait of a patient with post-COVID-19 syndrome, the most common complications of this period, as well as the mechanisms of their development and the resulting metabolic, cellular, tissue disorders leading to the tissue and organ dysfunctions. A comprehensive biochemical and immunological screening was carried out using the example of three clinical cases to identify the most significant disorders in these patients and to correlate with their clinical status over time. In point of fact, such patients were diagnosed with vascular dysfunction factors (development of endothelial dysfunction), metabolic dysfunction factors (metabolic acidosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, carbohydrate metabolism disorder, insulin resistance, altered branched-chain and aromatic amino acid metabolism), neurological disorder factors (neurotoxicity of the resulting metabolites), immunological disorder factors (decreased efficiency of detoxification systems, secondary immunodeficiency, risk of secondary bacterial infection)