Spin-Waves in the Mid-Infrared Spectrum of Antiferromagnetic YBa2_2Cu3_3O6.0_{6.0}

The mid-infrared spin-wave spectrum of antiferromagnetic YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{6.0}$\ was determined by infrared transmission and reflection measurements (\bbox{k} \!\! \parallel c) at $T\!=\!10\!$~K.\@ Excitation of single magnons of the optical branch was observed at $E_{\text{op}}\!=\!178.0\!$~meV.\@ Two further peaks at $346\!$~meV ($\approx\!1.94\,E_{\text{op}}$) and $470\!$~meV ($\approx\!2.6\,E_{\text{op}}$) both belong to the two-magnon spectrum. Linear spin wave theory is in good agreement with the measured two-magnon spectrum, and allows to determine the exchange constant $J$ to be about $120\!$~meV, whereas the intrabilayer coupling $J_{12}$ is approximately $0.55\,J$.Comment: 3 figures in uuencoded for

Effects of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and waterpipe smoking on endothelial function and clinical outcomes

Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of non-communicable disease globally and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lung disease. Importantly, recent data by the World Health Organizations (WHO) indicate that in the last two decades global tobacco use has significantly dropped, which was largely driven by decreased numbers of female smokers. Despite such advances, the use of e-cigarettes and waterpipes (shisha, hookah, narghile) is an emerging trend, especially among younger generations. There is growing body of evidence that e-cigarettes are not a harm-free alternative to tobacco cigarettes and there is considerable debate as to whether e-cigarettes are saving smokers or generating new addicts. Here, we provide an updated overview of the impact of tobacco/waterpipe (shisha) smoking and e-cigarette vaping on endothelial function, a biomarker for early, subclinical, atherosclerosis from human and animal studies. Also their emerging adverse effects on the proteome, transcriptome, epigenome, microbiome, and the circadian clock are summarized. We briefly discuss heat-not-burn tobacco products and their cardiovascular health effects. We discuss the impact of the toxic constituents of these products on endothelial function and subsequent CVD and we also provide an update on current recommendations, regulation and advertising with focus on the USA and Europe. As outlined by the WHO, tobacco cigarette, waterpipe, and e-cigarette smoking/vaping may contribute to an increased burden of symptoms due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to severe health consequences

Acute exposure to simulated nocturnal train noise leads to impaired sleep quality and endothelial dysfunction in young healthy men and women: a sex-specific analysis

A series of human field studies demonstrated that simulated nocturnal traffic noise exposure impaired sleep quality and endothelial function, which could be significantly improved after intake of vitamin C in case of endothelial function. However, it remains unclear whether these changes follow a sex-specific pattern. Thus, we aimed to analyze the effect of simulated nocturnal train noise exposure on sleep quality, endothelial function and its associated changes after vitamin C intake, and other hemodynamic and biochemical parameters in young healthy men and women. We used data from a randomized crossover study, wherein 70 healthy volunteers (50% women) were each exposed to one control pattern (regular background noise) and two different train noise scenarios (30 or 60 train noise events per night, with average sound pressure levels of 52 and 54 dB(A), respectively, and peak sound level of 73-75 dB(A)) in their homes for three nights. After each night, participants visited the study center for the measurement of endothelial function as well as other hemodynamic and biochemical parameters. Sleep quality measured via self-report was significantly impaired after noise 30 and noise 60 nights in both men and women (p < 0.001 vs. control). Likewise, endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was significantly impaired after noise 30 and noise 60 nights in both men and women (p < 0.001 vs. control). While in women, vitamin C intake significantly improved FMD after both noise 30 and noise 60 study nights compared to control nights, no significant changes were observed in men. Exposure to simulated nocturnal train noise impairs sleep quality and endothelial function in both men and women, whereas a significant improvement of endothelial function after noise exposure and vitamin C intake could only be observed in women. These findings suggest for the first time that in men other mechanisms such as oxidative stress causing endothelial dysfunction may come into play

Endothelial Function Assessed by Digital Volume Plethysmography Predicts the Development and Progression of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Endothelial dysfunction is a consequence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but it is unclear whether endothelial dysfunction of conductance versus resistance vessels may also precede type 2 diabetes mellitus development. Methods and Results In a population‐based cohort of 15 010 individuals from the GHS (Gutenberg Health Study) (aged 35–74 years at enrollment in 2007–2012), we identified 1610 cases of incident pre–diabetes mellitus and 386 cases of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and/or medical history between 2012 and 2017. Endothelial function of conductance and resistance vessels was measured by flow‐mediated dilation and digital volume plethysmography–derived reactive hyperemia index, respectively. Multivariable regression modeling was used to estimate β coefficients of HbA1c levels at follow‐up and relative risks of incident (pre–)diabetes mellitus. Reactive hyperemia index was independently associated with HbA1c after multivariable adjustment for baseline HbA1c, sex, age, socioeconomic status, arterial hypertension, waist/height ratio, pack‐years of smoking, non–high‐density lipoprotein/high‐density lipoprotein ratio, physical activity, family history of myocardial infarction/stroke, prevalent cardiovascular disease, medication use, and C‐reactive protein (β=−0.020; P=0.0029). The adjusted relative risk per SD decline in reactive hyperemia index was 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02–1.15; P=0.012) for incident pre–diabetes mellitus and 1.16 (95% CI, 1.01–1.34; P=0.041) for incident type 2 diabetes mellitus. Flow‐mediated dilation independently increased the relative risk for developing pre–diabetes mellitus by 8% (95% CI, 1.02–1.14; P=0.012), but it was not independently associated with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (relative risk, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.86–1.19; P=0.92) and with HbA1c (β=−0.003; P=0.59). Conclusions Endothelial dysfunction of resistance rather than conductance vessels may precede the development of (pre–)diabetes mellitus. Assessment of endothelial function by digital volume plethysmography may help to identify subjects at risk for development of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Transcatheter indirect mitral annuloplasty induces annular and left atrial remodelling in secondary mitral regurgitation

Aims Mitral annuloplasty using the Carillon Mitral Contour System (CMCS) reduces secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) and leads to reverse left ventricular remodelling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the CMCS on the mitral valve annulus (MA) and left atrial volume (LAV). Methods and results We retrospectively evaluated the data of all patients treated with the CMCS at our centre. Using transthoracic echocardiography, MA diameters were assessed by measuring the anterolateral to posteromedial extend (ALPM) and the anterior to posterior (AP) dimensions, respectively. Also, LAV and left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV) were assessed. Patients were examined at three time points: baseline, at 20–60 days (30dFUP), and at 9–15 months (1yFUP), using paired analysis. From July 2014 until March 2019, 75 cases of severe SMR were treated using CMCS. Cases in which other devices were used in combination (COMBO therapy, n = 35) or in which the device could not be implanted (implant failure, n = 3) were excluded, leaving 37 patients in the present analysis. Analysis at 30dFUP showed a significant reduction of 16% in the mean ALPM diameter (7.27 ± 5.40 mm) and 15% in the AP diameter (6.57 ± 5.33 mm). Analysis of LAV also showed a significant reduction of 21% (36.61 ± 82.67 mL), with no significant change in LVEDV. At 1yFUP, the reduction of both the mean ALPM diameter of 14% (6.24 ± 5.70 mm) and the mean AP diameter of 12% (5.46 ± 4.99 mm) remained significant and stable. The reduction in LAV was also maintained at 23% (37.03 ± 56.91 mL). LAV index was significantly reduced by 17% at 30dFUP (15.44 ± 40.98 mL/m2) and by 13% at 1yFUP (11.56 ± 31.87 mL/m2), respectively. LVEDV index showed no significant change at 30dFUP and a non‐significant 10% reduction at 1yFUP (17.75 ± 58.79 mL/m2). Conclusions The CMCS successfully treats symptomatic SMR with a stable reduction of not only the AP diameter of the MA, but the current study also demonstrates an additional reduction of the ALPM dimension at both 30dFUP and 1yFUP. We have also shown for the first time that LAV and LAV index are significantly reduced at both 30dFUP and 1yFUP and a non‐significant positive remodelling of the LVEDV. This positive left atrial remodelling has not been looked for and demonstrated in earlier randomized studies of CMCS

COVID-19 infection and its impact on case-fatality in patients with pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND Although a high prevalence of pulmonary embolism (PE) has been reported in association with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in critically ill patients, nationwide data on the outcome of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and PE is still limited. Thus, we investigated seasonal trends and predictors of in-hospital death in patients with COVID-19 and PE in Germany. METHODS We used the German nationwide inpatient sample to analyse data on hospitalisations among COVID-19 patients with and without PE during 2020, and to detect changes in PE prevalence and case fatality in comparison to 2019. RESULTS We analysed 176,137 COVID-19 hospitalisations in 2020; PE was recorded in 1.9% (n=3362) of discharge certificates. Almost one third of patients with COVID-19 and PE died during the in-hospital course (28.7%) compared to COVID-19 patients without PE (17.7%). Between 2019 and 2020, numbers of PE-related hospitalisations were largely unchanged (98,485 versus 97,718), whereas the case-fatality rate of PE increased slightly in 2020 (from 12.7% to 13.1%, p<0.001). Differences in case fatality were found between PE patients with and without COVID-19 in 2020 (28.7% versus 12.5%, p<0.001), corresponding to a 3.1-fold increased risk of PE-related death (OR 3.16, 95% CI 2.91-3.42, p<0.001) in the presence of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS In Germany, the prevalence of PE events during hospitalisations was similar in 2019 and 2020. However, the fatality rate among patients with both COVID-19 and PE was substantially higher than that in those with only one of these diseases, suggesting a life-threatening additive prognostic impact of the COVID-PE combination

Effects of gaseous and solid constituents of air pollution on endothelial function

Ambient air pollution is a leading cause of non-communicable disease globally. The largest proportion of deaths and morbidity due to air pollution is now known to be due to cardiovascular disorders. Several particulate and gaseous air pollutants can trigger acute events (e.g. myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure). While the mechanisms by which air pollutants cause cardiovascular events is undergoing continual refinement, the preponderant evidence support rapid effects of a diversity of pollutants including all particulate pollutants (e.g. course, fine, ultrafine particles) and gaseous pollutants such as ozone, on vascular function. Indeed alterations in endothelial function seem to be critically important in transducing signals and eventually promoting cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Here, we provide an updated overview of the impact of particulate and gaseous pollutants on endothelial function from human and animal studies. The evidence for causal mechanistic pathways from both animal and human studies that support various hypothesized general pathways and their individual and collective impact on vascular function is highlighted. We also discuss current gaps in knowledge and evidence from trials evaluating the impact of personal-level strategies to reduce exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and impact on vascular function, given the current lack of definitive randomized evidence using hard endpoints. We conclude by an exhortation for formal inclusion of air pollution as a major risk factor in societal guidelines and provision of formal recommendations to prevent adverse cardiovascular effects attributable to air pollution

Predisposing factors for admission to intensive care units of patients with COVID-19 infection-Results of the German nationwide inpatient sample

BACKGROUND Intensive care units (ICU) capacities are one of the most critical determinants in health-care management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the ICU-admission and case-fatality rate as well as characteristics and outcomes of patient admitted to ICU in order to identify predictors and associated conditions for worsening and case-fatality in this critical ill patient-group. METHODS We used the German nationwide inpatient sample to analyze all hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in Germany between January and December 2020. All hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection during the year 2020 were included in the present study and were stratified according ICU-admission. RESULTS Overall, 176,137 hospitalizations of patients with COVID-19-infection (52.3% males; 53.6% aged ≥70 years) were reported in Germany during 2020. Among them, 27,053 (15.4%) were treated in ICU. COVID-19-patients treated on ICU were younger [70.0 (interquartile range (IQR) 59.0-79.0) vs. 72.0 (IQR 55.0-82.0) years, P < 0.001], more often males (66.3 vs. 48.8%, P < 0.001), had more frequently cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and cardiovascular risk-factors with increased in-hospital case-fatality (38.4 vs. 14.2%, P < 0.001). ICU-admission was independently associated with in-hospital death [OR 5.49 (95% CI 5.30-5.68), P < 0.001]. Male sex [OR 1.96 (95% CI 1.90-2.01), P < 0.001], obesity [OR 2.20 (95% CI 2.10-2.31), P < 0.001], diabetes mellitus [OR 1.48 (95% CI 1.44-1.53), P < 0.001], atrial fibrillation/flutter [OR 1.57 (95% CI 1.51-1.62), P < 0.001], and heart failure [OR 1.72 (95% CI 1.66-1.78), P < 0.001] were independently associated with ICU-admission. CONCLUSION During 2020, 15.4% of the hospitalized COVID-19-patients were treated on ICUs with high case-fatality. Male sex, CVD and cardiovascular risk-factors were independent risk-factors for ICU admission

No evidence for an association of plasma homocysteine levels and refractive error - Results from the population-based Gutenberg Health Study (GHS)

Purpose There is a strong association between severe hyperhomocysteinemia and myopia. Thus we studied the hypothesis that even moderately increased levels of homocysteine (Hcy) might be a potentially treatable risk factor for myopia. Methods The Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) is a population-based, prospective, observational cohort study in Germany, including 15,010 participants aged between 35 and 74 at recruitment. The baseline examination was conducted from 2007-2012. Refraction was measured using autorefraction (HARK 599, Carl Zeiss AG, Jena, Germany). Hcy was measured by an immunoassay. We included only phakic participants without a history of corneal surgery or corneal laser treatment. We used linear regression models to evaluate the potential association between Hcy and refraction at baseline, and between Hcy and change in refraction between baseline and 5-year-follow-up examination. We used generalized estimating equation models to account for the correlation between fellow eyes. Results We included 13,749 participants, categorized as having no myopia (spherical equivalent > -0.75 D, 65.2%), low myopia (-0.75 D-2.75 D, 21.5%), moderate myopia (-3.00 D- 5.75 D, 9.8%) and high myopia (≤ -6