Relationship between fragmented QRS complex and early left ventricular dysfunction after mitral valve repair.

Background: Preoperative left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (PreLVEF) and preoperative LV end-systolic diameter (PreESD) are known predictors for postoperative LV dysfunction after mitral valve repair (MVR). Fragmented QRS (fQRS) evaluated in 12-derivation electrocardiography has widely been accepted as a sign of myocardial fibrosis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between fQRS in preoperative 12‑lead electrocardiography (ECG) and postoperative LV dysfunction that develop after MVR in patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation (MR) due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP).

Quasi-static and dynamic Brazilian testing and failure analysis of a deer antler in the transverse to the osteon growth direction.

The transverse tensile strength of a naturally fallen red deer antler (Cervus Elaphus) was determined through indirect Brazilian tests using dry disc-shape specimens at quasi-static and high strain rates. Dynamic Brazilian tests were performed in a compression Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar. Quasi-static tensile and indirect Brazilian tests were also performed along the osteon growth direction for comparison.

Evaluation of the relationship between the level of addiction and exhaled carbon monoxide levels with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios in smokers.

Introduction: Smoking has been reported to increase systemic inflammation. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are used as markers for systemic inflammation. In this study, the primary aim was to determine the NLR and PLR ratios in smokers.

The disappearance of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia after surgical repair in a patient with mitral annular disjunction and mitral valve prolapse.

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) is a structural abnormality defined as the separation of the ventricular myocardium between the mitral valve annulus and the left atrial wall. It is present in some patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and is associated with papillary muscle fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmia. Although it is easy to diagnose, it can be overlooked in daily practice.

Comparison of placental α microglobulin-1 protein assay (Amnisure) with speculum examination for the diagnosis of premature preterm rupture of membranes (PPROM): a clinical evaluation.

In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of Premature Preterm Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) cases diagnosed by classical speculum examination and by placental alpha microglobulin-1 protein (PAMG-1) assay. The medical records of all patients with singleton pregnancies that were diagnosed with PPROM were retrospectively reviewed. Singleton pregnancies with PPROM diagnosis that was confirmed either by direct visualisation of amniotic fluid leaking through the cervix or by placental alpha microglobulin-1 protein (PAMG-1) assay if no amniotic fluid leakage was documented were included in the study.