PinkyCaMP a mScarlet-based calcium sensor with exceptional brightness, photostability, and multiplexing capabilities.

Genetically encoded calcium (Ca) indicators (GECIs) are widely used for imaging neuronal activity, yet current limitations of existing red fluorescent GECIs have constrained their applicability. The inherently dim fluorescence and low signal-to-noise ratio of red-shifted GECIs have posed significant challenges. More critically, several red-fluorescent GECIs exhibit photoswitching when exposed to blue light, thereby limiting their applicability in all-optical experimental approaches.

A modelling approach to evaluate the present and future effectiveness of hypolimnetic withdrawal for the restoration of eutrophic Lake Varese (Northern Italy).

Hypolimnetic withdrawal has been applied as a restoration measure in lakes subject to eutrophication together with external load reduction, to decrease internal load by removing limiting nutrient phosphorus (P) from anoxic deep waters and contributing to the unloading of bottom sediments from previously deposited nutrients and organic matter. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hypolimnetic withdrawal on Lake Varese, a 24 m-deep and 14.8 km-large subalpine lake in North-Western Italy.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with concomitant solid tumours: early and long-term results.

Objectives: Our goal was to analyse a consecutive series of patients with solid organ tumours undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) by defining the risk factors for early and long-term outcomes.

Methods: Between 2005 and 2016, a consecutive series of 4079 patients underwent isolated CABG at our institution. Of 103 patients (2.

Giant pseudoaneurysm of the innominate artery late after surgical repair of type-A aortic dissection.

A 49-year-old man was admitted to our department 6 months after emergent surgery for type-A acute aortic dissection. A chest computed tomography-scan revealed a huge aneurysm originating from the proximal aortic arch, strongly adherent to the upper part of the sternum. Extracorporeal circulation was instituted first, and chest was reopened in circulatory arrest.

Do a Few Weeks Matter? Late Preterm Infants and Breastfeeding Issues.

The late preterm infant population is increasing globally. Many studies show that late preterm infants are at risk of experiencing challenges common to premature babies, with breastfeeding issues being one of the most common. In this study, we investigated factors and variables that could interfere with breastfeeding initiation and duration in this population.

CABG in patients with left ventricular dysfunction: indications, techniques and outcomes.

Ischemic chronic heart failure (CHF) represents one of the cardiovascular diseases with the worst degree of morbidity and mortality in the western world, and with the highest health care costs. Despite several studies demonstrated that surgical revascularization (CABG), especially in the presence of viable myocardium, improve heart function, and therefore, survival, the matter remains unclear and controversial. In the late 1970s, the Coronary Artery Surgery Study showed that a subgroup of patients with coronary artery disease, angina, and reduce LV function had a significant survival benefit after CABG compared to those treated medically.

Is female sex an independent risk factor for early mortality in isolated coronary artery bypass graft? A propensity-matched analysis.

Aims: Despite several studies reporting a higher mortality rate for women undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, this issue has not been completely clarified. The aim of the current study was to determine if sex differences in CABG surgery affect adjusted operative results and operative mortality.

Methods: Between January 2005 and December 2012, 3756 consecutive patients (3009 men and 747 women) underwent isolated CABG at our institution.

Long-term results of suture annuloplasty for degenerative mitral valve disease: a propensity-matched analysis.

Aims: Ring annuloplasty is the gold standard of surgical repair in degenerative mitral valve disease. However, prosthetic annuloplasty has some drawbacks and potential hazards. Suture annuloplasty theoretically is able to preserve annular leaflet dynamics and left ventricular performance, but experience is limited.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis: predictors of early outcome of surgical therapy. A multicentric study.

Objectives: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is an uncommon yet dreadful complication in patients with prosthetic valves that requires a distinct analysis from native valve endocarditis. The present study aims to investigate independent risk factors for early surgical outcomes in patients with PVE.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 8 Italian Cardiac Surgery Units from January 2000 to December 2013 by enrolling all PVE patients undergoing surgical treatment.

Surgical ventricular restoration plus mitral valve repair in patients with ischaemic heart failure: risk factors for early and mid-term outcomes†.

Objectives: To assess the early and mid-term outcomes and related predictors in a consecutive series of patients who underwent surgical ventricular restoration (SVR) combined with additional mitral valve (MV) repair.

Methods: From January 2001 to October 2014, 626 patients underwent SVR; of these, 175 (28%, median age 65) had an additional MV repair. Anterior, inferior or diffuse remodelling was present in 124 (71%), 41 (23%) and 10 (6%) patients, respectively.

Aortic valve decalcification for severe aortic valve stenosis in the elderly: medium-term results.

Aims: To present the results of a novel technique of aortic valve decalcification (AVD) in a consecutive population of elderly patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (AVS) and small aortic annulus.

Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2012, a consecutive series of 34 patients (mean age 80 ± 13 years) with severe AVS were operated on using AVD. They were compared with a matched population of 68 patients (mean age 82 ± 7 years) submitted to aortic valve replacement (AVR) with bioprosthesis.

Long-term results of sequential vein coronary artery bypass grafting compared with totally arterial myocardial revascularization: a propensity score-matched follow-up study†.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyse the early and long-term outcomes of a consecutive series of patients who underwent sequential coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to compare them with a matched population of totally arterial revascularized patients.

Methods: From January 1994 to December 1996, 209 patients underwent total arterial myocardial revascularization at our institution [arterial (ART) group]. In the same period, 2097 patients underwent CABG with left internal thoracic artery on left anterior descending and great saphenous vein on the right and circumflex branches sequentially [sequential vein (SV) group].

Twenty-five year outcomes of tricuspid valve replacement comparing mechanical and biologic prostheses.

Background: Tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) has historically been associated with high mortality and morbidity, and current knowledge of long-term results of TVR is limited. This study reviewed our experience from a consecutive series at 2 institutions.

Methods: Ninety patients (65 women [72%]; mean age, 53.

Surgical excision of cardiac myxomas: twenty years experience at a single institution.

Background: Primary cardiac tumors are quite uncommon and myxomas constitute the major proportion among these masses. The present study summarizes our 20-year clinical experience with surgical resection of intracardiac myxomas.

Methods: Between January 1990 and December 2007, 98 patients (42 males, mean age 60.

Aortic valve replacement with 17-mm mechanical prostheses: is patient-prosthesis mismatch a relevant phenomenon?

Background: We sought to evaluate the long-term performance of a consecutive cohort of patients implanted with a 17-mm bileaflet mechanical prosthesis.

Methods: Between January 1995 and December 2005, 78 patients (74 women, mean age=71±12 years) underwent aortic valve replacement with a 17-mm mechanical bileaflet prosthesis (Sorin Bicarbon-Slim and St. Jude Medical-HP).

Tricuspid valve replacement with mechanical prostheses: long-term results.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Historically, tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) has been associated with high mortality and morbidity, and current knowledge in the long-term outcome of TVR is limited. The study aim was to review the authors' experience from a consecutive series of patients.

Methods: Between January 1990 and December 2005, a total of 43 patients (seven males, 36 females; mean age 52 +/- 14 years) underwent TVR.

Reduced systemic heparin dose with phosphorylcholine coated closed circuit in coronary operations.

In this prospective cohort study we addressed the clinical impact of a reduced anticoagulation protocol on the hospital outcome of patients undergoing coronary revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass. 364 consecutive low to moderate risk patients scheduled for elective isolated coronary operations were admitted to the study. 184 patients (Control Group) received conventional open circuits and full systemic anticoagulation (target activated clotting time 480 seconds); 180 patients (Intraoperative ECMO group) received closed, phosphorylcholine coated circuits and a reduced systemic heparin dose (target activated clotting time 320 seconds).