Characterization of Moment of Inertia Variations by Holographic Interferometry

Holographic interferometry (HI) is a powerful tool for mapping of surface defects. In conjunction with various stressing techniques [l–4], it offers an NDT tool for the detection of flaws within the volume of materials. The method is advantageous for integrity characterization of components to serve under mechanical stress, where the detailed shape, size and depth of the flaw within the material are of no interest. For most applications, where integrity is tested, the moment of inertia may be used as a measure for classification of the product and for the estimation of its reliability. The presence of volumetric flaws, when the sample is under loading, is expressed in the holographic interferogram. The exterma of the fringe pattern are used for determination of the displacement distribution. The second derivative of the displacement distribution is related to the bending moment and the moment of inertia. The moment of inertia may be further processed to obtain a function free from degrading influence of the specific measuring system employed [5]

ZYZ-168 alleviates cardiac fibrosis after myocardial infarction through inhibition of ERK1/2-dependent ROCK1 activation

Selective treatments for myocardial infarction (MI) induced cardiac fibrosis are lacking. In this study, we focus on the therapeutic potential of a synthetic cardio-protective agent named ZYZ-168 towards MI-induced cardiac fibrosis and try to reveal the underlying mechanism. ZYZ-168 was administered to rats with coronary artery ligation over a period of six weeks. Ecocardiography and Masson staining showed that ZYZ-168 substantially improved cardiac function and reduced interstitial fibrosis. The expression of α–smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen I were reduced as was the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). These were related with decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and expression of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1). In cardiac fibroblasts stimulated with TGF-β1, phenotypic switches of cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts were observed. Inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation or knockdown of ROCK1 expectedly reduced TGF-β1 induced fibrotic responses. ZYZ-168 appeared to inhibit the fibrotic responses in a concentration dependent manner, in part via a decrease in ROCK 1 expression through inhibition of the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2. For inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation with a specific inhibitor reduced the activation of ROCK1. Considering its anti-apoptosis activity in MI, ZYZ-168 may be a potential drug candidate for treatment of MI-induced cardiac fibrosis

Cd(II) and Pb(II) complexes of the polyether ionophorous antibiotic salinomycin

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The natural polyether ionophorous antibiotics are used for the treatment of coccidiosis in poultry and ruminants. They are effective agents against infections caused by Gram-positive microorganisms. On the other hand, it was found that some of these compounds selectively bind lead(II) ions in <it>in vivo </it>experiments, despite so far no Pb(II)-containing compounds of defined composition have been isolated and characterized. To assess the potential of polyether ionophores as possible antidotes in the agriculture, a detailed study on their <it>in vitro </it>complexation with toxic metal ions is required. In the present paper we report for the first time the preparation and the structure elucidation of salinomycin complexes with ions of cadmium(II) and lead(II).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>New metal(II) complexes of the polyether ionophorous antibiotic salinomycin with Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions were prepared and structurally characterized by IR, FAB-MS and NMR techniques. The spectroscopic information and elemental analysis data reveal that sodium salinomycin (SalNa) undergoes a reaction with heavy metal(II) ions to form [Cd(Sal)₂(H₂O)₂] (<b>1</b>) and [Pb(Sal)(NO₃)] (<b>2</b>), respectively. Abstraction of sodium ions from the cavity of the antibiotic is occurring during the complexation reaction. Salinomycin coordinates with cadmium(II) ions as a bidentate monoanionic ligand through the deprotonated carboxylic moiety and one of the hydroxyl groups to yield <b>1</b>. Two salinomycin anions occupy the equatorial plane of the Cd(II) center, while two water molecules take the axial positions of the inner coordination sphere of the metal(II) cation. Complex <b>2 </b>consists of monoanionic salinomycin acting in polydentate coordination mode in a molar ratio of 1: 1 to the metal ion with one nitrate ion for charge compensation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The formation of the salinomycin heavy metal(II) complexes indicates a possible antidote activity of the ligand in case of chronic/acute intoxications likely to occur in the stock farming.</p

Quality control of B-lines analysis in stress Echo 2020

Background The effectiveness trial “Stress echo (SE) 2020” evaluates novel applications of SE in and beyond coronary artery disease. The core protocol also includes 4-site simplified scan of B-lines by lung ultrasound, useful to assess pulmonary congestion. Purpose To provide web-based upstream quality control and harmonization of B-lines reading criteria. Methods 60 readers (all previously accredited for regional wall motion, 53 B-lines naive) from 52 centers of 16 countries of SE 2020 network read a set of 20 lung ultrasound video-clips selected by the Pisa lab serving as reference standard, after taking an obligatory web-based learning 2-h module ( http://se2020.altervista.org ). Each test clip was scored for B-lines from 0 (black lung, A-lines, no B-lines) to 10 (white lung, coalescing B-lines). The diagnostic gold standard was the concordant assessment of two experienced readers of the Pisa lab. The answer of the reader was considered correct if concordant with reference standard reading ±1 (for instance, reference standard reading of 5 B-lines; correct answer 4, 5, or 6). The a priori determined pass threshold was 18/20 (≥ 90%) with R value (intra-class correlation coefficient) between reference standard and recruiting center) > 0.90. Inter-observer agreement was assessed with intra-class correlation coefficient statistics. Results All 60 readers were successfully accredited: 26 (43%) on first, 24 (40%) on second, and 10 (17%) on third attempt. The average diagnostic accuracy of the 60 accredited readers was 95%, with R value of 0.95 compared to reference standard reading. The 53 B-lines naive scored similarly to the 7 B-lines expert on first attempt (90 versus 95%, p = NS). Compared to the step-1 of quality control for regional wall motion abnormalities, the mean reading time per attempt was shorter (17 ± 3 vs 29 ± 12 min, p < .01), the first attempt success rate was higher (43 vs 28%, p < 0.01), and the drop-out of readers smaller (0 vs 28%, p < .01). Conclusions Web-based learning is highly effective for teaching and harmonizing B-lines reading. Echocardiographers without previous experience with B-lines learn quickly.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Percutaneous treatment of a ventricular septal defect caused by MINOCA

Представяме клиничен случай на 78-годишна жена с анамнеза за артериална хипертония, пароксизмално предсърдно мъждене (ППМ) и исхемичен мозъчен инсулт, която е хоспитализирана по спешност с гръдна болка с давност от 1 час и ЕКГ данни за новопоявил се ляв бедрен блок. Ехокардиографията (ЕхоКГ) при постъпването показа септо-апикална хипокинезия, редуцирана фракция на изтласкване на лявата камера (ФИЛК) от 38%, умерена митрална регургитация. На контролната ЕхоКГ на следващия ден е установен дефект на междукамерната преграда (с размер 7/14 mm), причиняващ значителен ляво-десен шънт (Qp/Qs = 1.8/1.0). Установеният междукамерен дефект (МКД) при пациентката беше лекуван успешно перкутанно. Селективната коронарна ангиография (СКАГ) демонстрира липса на обструкция на коронарните артерии, поради което се постави работна диагноза – миокарден инфаркт с необструктивни коронарни артерии – MINOCA. Въведе се интрааортна балонна помпа (ИАБП), вследсвие на което се постигна подобряване в помпената функция на лявата камера и хемодинамично стабилизиране на пациентката. При интер-венцията бе използван двоен достъп през дясната югуларна вена и дясната радиална артерия. Затварянето на МКД беше извършено с имплантиране на устройство за затваряне на междупредсърдни дефекти (с размери 20.5/16.5 mm), въведен през венозния интродюсер под постоянен ангиографски и трансезофагеален ехографски (ТЕЕ) контрол. Незабавното елиминиране на шънта бе потвърдено ехографски и ангиографски. Постпроцедурно пациентката бе хемодинамично стабилна, без оплаквания. В хода на 6-месечно проследяване се обективизираха липса на сърдечно-съдови събития и стабилна позиция на имплантирания оклудер без данни за шънт. We present a case of a 78-year-old female with a history of hypertension, paroxysmal atrial fi brillation and ischemic stroke which was admitted due to an hour-long chest pain with ECG changes indicating sinus rhythm and a newly formed LBBB.  Subsequently a ventricular septal defect (VSD) was discovered which we successfully treated percutaneously. At admission, echocardiography revealed septo-apical hypokinesis with an accompanying reduced left ventricular ejection fraction of 38%, in addition to the mid-ventricular septal defect (7/14 mm in size) causing a signifi cant left to right shunt (QP/QS = 1.8/1.0). Coronary angiography demonstrated lack of obstruction of the coronary vessels – MINOCA. Rapid response and Intensive care treatment, including Intra-Aortic Balloon Catheter insertion, lead to LV-functional improvement and hemodynamic stabilization. A dual access approach through the right jugular vein and right radial artery was used and eventual closure of the VSD was achieved with an Occlutech ASD occluder (20.5/16.5 mm), inserted via the venous introducer, while under constant angiographic and transesophageal echo guidance. Immediate VSD shunt elimination was disclosed by EchoCG and angiography. Overall, an uneventful in-hospital stay and six months event-free follow-up period were registered including further EchoCG which confi rmed lack of major cardio-vascular events and the stable position of the occluder, without a visible shunt