Web Pages Content Analysis Using Browser-Based Volunteer Computing

Existing solutions to the problem of finding valuable information on the Websuffers from several limitations like simplified query languages, out-of-date in-formation or arbitrary results sorting. In this paper a different approach to thisproblem is described. It is based on the idea of distributed processing of Webpages content. To provide sufficient performance, the idea of browser-basedvolunteer computing is utilized, which requires the implementation of text pro-cessing algorithms in JavaScript. In this paper the architecture of Web pagescontent analysis system is presented, details concerning the implementation ofthe system and the text processing algorithms are described and test resultsare provided

Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome : a case report

We present a case of a 78-year-old female who was admitted to the hospital due to clinical and electrographic features of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries and severe left ventricular contractility abnormalities, detected initially by echocardiography, which resolved within 20 days from hospital admission. Because of these findings and typical echocardiographic picture, a transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome (the tako-tsubo syndrome) was diagnosed

Pseudo-Wellens syndrome in a patient with vasospastic angina

Wellens syndrome is characterised by negative or biphasic T waves in V2–V4 leads and critical stenosis of proximal part of the left descending coronary artery. These ECG changes without atherosclerotic changes in coronary angiography, i.e. coronary artery spasm are called pseudo-Wellens syndrome. We describe a patient with acute coronary syndrome and pseudo-Wellens syndrome as a cause of vasospastic angina. These ECG abnormalities need differentiation with acute pulmonary embolism

Pharmacotherapy of atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 patients

The coronavirus pandemic disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed the face of contemporary medicine. However, each and every medical practitioner must be aware of potential early and late complications of COVID-19, its impact on chronic diseases — especially ones as common as atrial fibrillation (AF) — and the possible interactions between patients’ chronic medications and pharmacotherapy of COVID-19. Patients with AF due to comorbidities and, often, elderly age are assumed to be at a higher risk of a severe course of COVID-19. This expert consensus summarizes the current knowledge regarding the pharmacotherapy of AF patients in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. In general, anticoagulation principles in quarantined or asymptomatic individuals remain unchanged. Nevertheless, it is advisable to switch from vitamin K antagonists to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) whenever possible due to their consistent benefits and safety with fixed dosing and no monitoring. Additionally, in AF patients hospitalized due to mild or moderate COVID-19 pneumonia, we recommend continuing NOAC treatment or to switching to low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). On the other hand, in severely ill patients hospitalized in intensive care units, intravenous or subcutaneous dosing is preferable to oral, which is why the treatment of choice is either LMWH or unfractionated heparin. Finally, particularly in critical scenarios, the treatment strategy in COVID-19 patients with AF should be individualized based on possible interactions between anticoagulants, antiarrhythmics, antivirals, and antibiotics. In this consensus, we also discuss how to safely perform COVID-19 vaccination in anticoagulated AF patients

On the search for the right definition of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The definition of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has evolved from a clinically based “diagnosis of exclusion” to definitions focused on objective evidence of diastolic dysfunction and/or elevated left ventricular filling pressures. Despite advances in our understanding of HFpEF pathophysiology and the development of more sophisticated imaging modalities, the diagnosis of HFpEF remains challenging, especially in the chronic setting, given that symptoms are provoked by exertion and diagnostic evaluation is largely conducted at rest. Invasive hemodynamic study, and in particular — invasive exercise testing, is considered the reference method for HFpEF diagnosis. However, its use is limited as opposed to the high number of patients with suspected HFpEF. Thus, diagnostic criteria for HFpEF should be principally based on non-invasive measurements. As no single non-invasive variable can adequately corroborate or refute the diagnosis, different combinations of clinical, echocardiographic, and/or biochemical parameters have been introduced. Recent years have brought an abundance of HFpEF definitions. Here, we present and compare four of them: 1) the 2016 European Society of Cardiology criteria for HFpEF; 2) the 2016 echocardiographic algorithm for diagnosing diastolic dysfunction; 3) the 2018 evidence-based H2FPEF score; and 4) the most recent, 2019 Heart Failure Association HFA-PEFF algorithm. These definitions vary in their approach to diagnosis, as well as sensitivity and specificity. Further studies to validate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of HFpEF definitions are warranted. Nevertheless, it seems that the best HFpEF definition would originate from a randomized clinical trial showing a favorable effect of an intervention on prognosis in HFpEF

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Do we have to perform coronary angiography?

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a leading cause of global mortality, while survivors are burdened with long-term neurological and cardiovascular complications. OHCA management at the hospital level remains challenging, due to heterogeneity of OHCA presentation, the critical status of OHCA patients reaching the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the demands of post ROSC treatment. The validity and optimal timing for coronary angiography is one important, yet not fully defined, component of OHCA management. Guidelines state clear recommendations for coronary angiography in OHCA patients with shockable rhythms, cardiogenic shock, or in patients with ST-segment elevation observed in electrocardiography after ROSC. However, there is no established consensus on the angiographic management in other clinical settings. While coronary angiography may accelerate the diagnostic and therapeutic process (provided OHCA was a consequence of coronary artery disease), it might come at the cost of impaired post-resuscitation care quality due to postponing of intensive care management. The aim of the current statement paper is to discuss clinical strategies for the management of OHCA including the stratification to invasive procedures and the rationale behind the risk-benefit ratio of coronary angiography, especially with patients in critical condition

Analysis of Wastewater Generated in Greenhouse Soilless Tomato Cultivation in Central Europe

Soilless plantations under cover constitute a significant part of horticulture. This study aimed at determining the qualitative composition of wastewater generated from the soilless cultivation of tomato under cover. This is important for managing the wastewater, which may be recirculated to allow the or employ a partial or complete recovery of minerals. Two plantations located in north-eastern Poland, which differed in the type of substratum (coconut fiber or rockwool), were studied. The generated wastewater was characterized by a low content of organic matter and a high concentration of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and salinity (EC). Over 99% of the TN was constituted by nitrates. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) changed from 50.07 to 75.82 mgO2·L−1 (greenhouse 1), and from 37.35 to 78.12 mgO2·L−1 (greenhouse 2); the content of TN changed from 403.59 to 614.89 mgN·L−1 (greenhouse 1), and from 270.00 to 577.40 mgN·L−1 (greenhouse 2); that of TP changed from 35.44 to 78.00 mgP·L−1 (greenhouse 1), and from 54.10 to 104.00 mgP·L−1 (greenhouse 2); and the EC changed from 3.53 to 6.93 mS·cm−1 (greenhouse 1), and from 4.94 to 6.94 mS·cm−1 (greenhouse 2). No statistically significant correlations were noted between TN and TP, or between TP and EC