The Role of Multimodality Imaging in Multiple Valvular Heart Diseases. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC.

With this document, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) provides an Expert Consensus on the role of multi-modality imaging (MMI) in the management of patients with multiple valvular heart disease (MVD). Emphasis is given to the use of MMI to unravel the diagnostic challenges that characterize these patients and to improve risk stratification. Complementing the last European Society of Cardiology and European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery guidelines on valvular heart disease, this Expert Consensus document also outlines how MMI assessment should form an integral part of the multi-disciplinary heart team discussion for patients with MVD to help with complex decision-making regarding the choice and timing of treatment.

Cellular Response of Immune Cells in the Upper Respiratory Tract After Treatment with Cold Atmospheric Plasma In Vitro.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has antimicrobial properties and is also known to stimulate the immune system. These properties could be useful for the development of a novel therapeutic or preventive strategy against respiratory infections in the upper respiratory tract (URT) such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) without inducing an immune overreaction. This study investigated the cellular responses of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) after exposure to CAP in a three-dimensional (3D) model of the URT.

Bacterial Communities From Two Freshwater Aquaculture Systems in Northern Germany.

The microbial communities in aquaculture systems are primarily affected by changes in water quality, fish metabolism, feeding strategies and fish disease prevention treatments. Monitoring changes in aquatic microbiomes related to aquaculture activities is necessary to improve management strategies and reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture water discharge. This study assessed the effects of activities within two fish farms on water microbiome composition by analysing the water entering and leaving both systems.

Effects of Pressure, Hypoxia, and Hyperoxia on Neutrophil Granulocytes.

The application of normo- and hyperbaric O is a common therapy option in various disease patterns. Thereby, the applied O affects the whole body, including the blood and its components. This study investigates influences of pressure and oxygen fraction on human blood plasma, nutrient media, and the functions of neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs).