Comparison of admittance and cardiac magnetic resonance generated pressure-volume loops in a porcine model.

. Pressure-volume loop analysis, traditionally performed by invasive pressure and volume measurements, is the optimal method for assessing ventricular function, while cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is the gold standard for ventricular volume estimation. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between the assessment of end-systolic elastance (Ees) assessed with combined CMR and simultaneous pressure catheter measurements compared with admittance catheters in a porcine model.

Continuous-wave second-harmonic generation in the far-UVC pumped by a blue laser diode.

Far-UVC light in the wavelength range of 200-230 nm has attracted renewed interest because of its safety for human exposure and effectiveness in inactivating pathogens. Here we present a compact solid-state far-UVC laser source based on second-harmonic generation (SHG) using a low-cost commercially-available blue laser diode pump. Leveraging the high intensity of light in a nanophotonic waveguide and heterogeneous integration, our approach achieves Cherenkov phase-matching across a bonded interface consisting of a silicon nitride (SiN) waveguide and a beta barium borate (BBO) nonlinear crystal.

Investigating the importance of left atrial compliance on fluid dynamics in a novel mock circulatory loop.

The left atrium (LA) hemodynamic indices hold prognostic value in various cardiac diseases and disorders. To understand the mechanisms of these conditions and to assess the performance of cardiac devices and interventions, in vitro models can be used to replicate the complex physiological interplay between the pulmonary veins, LA, and left ventricle. In this study, a comprehensive and adaptable in vitro model was created.

Novel Expansible Aortic Annuloplasty Ring Exhibits Similar Characteristics as the Dacron Ring-an In Vitro Evaluation.

An increasing body of research indicates that annular stability plays a key role for a successful aortic valve repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare a novel open aortic annuloplasty ring (the A-ring) with the Dacron ring. Both rings were compared with native aortic roots in vitro.

Personalized seizure detection using logistic regression machine learning based on wearable ECG-monitoring device.

Purpose: Wearable automated detection devices of focal epileptic seizures are needed to alert patients and caregivers and to optimize the medical treatment. Heart rate variability (HRV)-based seizure detection devices have presented good detection sensitivity. However, false alarm rates (FAR) are too high.

A handsewn pericardial valved pulmonary conduit: pulsatile flow loop in vitro and acute porcine in vivo evaluation.

Objectives: Right ventricle to pulmonary artery anatomic discontinuity is common in complex congenital heart malformations. Handsewn conduits are a practised method of repair. In a proof-of-concept study, we evaluated pulmonary valve replacement with a handsewn pericardial valved pulmonary conduit in vitro and in vivo.

Trileaflet semilunar valve reconstruction: pulsatile in vitro evaluation.

Objectives: Residual regurgitation is common after congenital surgery for right ventricular outflow tract malformation. It is accepted as there is no competent valve solution in a growing child. We investigated a new surgical technique of trileaflet semilunar valve reconstruction possessing the potential of remaining sufficient and allowing for some growth with the child.

Tail Vein Transection Bleeding Model in Fully Anesthetized Hemophilia A Mice.

Tail bleeding models are important tools in hemophilia research, specifically for the assessment of procoagulant effects. The tail vein transection (TVT) survival model has been preferred in many settings due to sensitivity to clinically relevant doses of FVIII, whereas other established models, such as the tail clip model, require higher levels of procoagulant compounds. To avoid using survival as an endpoint, we developed a TVT model establishing blood loss and bleeding time as endpoints and full anesthesia during the entire experiment.

The importance of collagen composition and biomechanics for the porcine aortic root.

A thorough understanding of the aortic root structure and biomechanics is necessary when performing aortic valve-sparing procedures in patients with aortic root aneurysms. This study aimed to evaluate the amount of collagen and biomechanics at different levels and segments of the aortic root. Ten aortic roots from healthy pigs were excised including the aortic annulus, the sinuses of Valsalva, and the sinotubular junction (STJ).

Left atrial appendage occlusion with the Amulet device: to tug or not to tug?

Purpose: Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) involves a "tug test," in which implanters pull on the device delivery cable to ensure stable occluder placement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recommendation to perform the tug test, by comparing forces exerted on the device during deployment and subsequent tug test. A secondary objective was to simulate forces experienced on left atrial appendage tissue by placement of a 20-mm device.

Seizure detection using heart rate variability: A prospective validation study.

Although several validated seizure detection algorithms are available for convulsive seizures, detection of nonconvulsive seizures remains challenging. In this phase 2 study, we have validated a predefined seizure detection algorithm based on heart rate variability (HRV) using patient-specific cutoff values. The validation data set was independent from the previously published data set.

Genetic diagnosis of trisomy 21 in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

The most frequent chromosomal aneuploidy in humans, trisomy 21 (T21), has only been reported twice in the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes). In both cases, phenotypical traits were comparable to human T21 traits and were formally diagnosed through conventional techniques like chromosomal staining. Here, we present the first application of sequencing data as a diagnostic tool to compare chromosomal dosage imbalances in chimpanzees.

Seizure detection based on heart rate variability using a wearable electrocardiography device.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and accuracy of seizure detection based on heart rate variability (HRV) using a wearable electrocardiography (ECG) device. Noninvasive devices for detection of convulsive seizures (generalized tonic-clonic and focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures) have been validated in phase 2 and 3 studies. However, detection of nonconvulsive seizures still needs further research, since currently available methods have either low sensitivity or an extremely high false alarm rate (FAR).

Cell-Free Fetal DNA in the Early and Late First Trimester.

Objective: The aim of this work was to investigate the association between maternal and fetal characteristics and the fetal fraction at 8-14 weeks' gestation, with emphasis on the change in the fetal fraction upon repeat sampling.

Method: One sample for cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing was collected at the same time as the biochemical markers for combined first trimester screening (visit 1) and another at the nuchal translucency scan (visit 2). Chromosome-selective cfDNA analysis was performed on frozen plasma.

Prophylactic administration of glycoPEGylated factor IX provides protection and joint outcome superior to recombinant factor IX after induced joint bleeding.

Background: Following induced joint hemorrhage, hemophilia B results in the abnormal persistence of iron deposition, inflammation, and neovascularity of the synovial tissue, as well as deterioration of the bone articular surface and strength. Previously, we demonstrated that a factor IX (FIX) replacement protein with extended circulating FIX activity, glycoPEGylated FIX nonacog beta pegol (N9-GP), could improve synovial and osteochondral parameters in F9 knockout mice when administered after joint injury.

Objective: We explored the use of N9-GP prior to unilateral joint hemorrhage and compared to unmodified recombinant FIX (rFIX).

In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of a novel bioprosthetic pulmonary valve for use in congenital heart surgery.

Background: Management of congenital malformations of the pulmonary artery and valve can be challenging. The severity often demands early intervention, which is rarely definitive due to the natural growth and multiple surgeries may be required. An artificial valve made entirely from biodegradable materials that will serve as a bioscaffold for host recellularization would be an attractive solution for these patients.

Effect of Structure Hierarchy for Superhydrophobic Polymer Surfaces Studied by Droplet Evaporation.

Super-hydrophobic natural surfaces usually have multiple levels of structure hierarchy. Here, we report on the effect of surface structure hierarchy for droplet evaporation. The two-level hierarchical structures studied comprise micro-pillars superimposed with nanograss.

Biomechanical characterization and comparison of different aortic root surgical techniques.

Objectives: Understanding the biomechanical impact of aortic valve-sparing techniques is important in an era in which surgical techniques are developing and are increasingly being used based on biomechanical understanding that is essential in the refining of existing techniques. The objective of this study was to describe how the valve-sparing remodelling (Yacoub) and reimplantation (David Type-1) techniques affect the biomechanics of the native aortic root in terms of force distribution and geometrical changes.

Methods: Two force transducers were implanted into 22 pigs, randomized to 1 of 3 groups (David = 7, native = 7 and Yacoub = 8) along with 11 sonomicrometry crystals and 2 pressure catheters.

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in a Woman Married Into a Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker Family: An Investigation of Prions Transmission via Microchimerism.

This is the first report of presumed sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS) with the prion protein gene c.305C>T mutation (p.P102L) occurring in one family.

Comparison of the Dacron ring and suture annuloplasty for aortic root repair: an in vitro evaluation.

Objectives: Increasing evidence shows that annular stabilization is essential in most aortic valve repair procedures. However, a standardized comparison of the 2 commonly used annuloplasty procedures is lacking. We hypothesized that the Dacron ring is more rigid than the polytetrafluoroethylene suture, whereas both procedures decrease annular dimensions.

Shed-blood-separation and cell-saver: an integral Part of MiECC? Shed-blood-separation and its influence on the perioperative inflammatory response during coronary revascularization with minimal invasive extracorporeal circulation systems - a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The postoperative systemic inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is still an undesirable side-effect after cardiac surgery. It is most likely caused by blood contact with foreign surfaces and by the surgical trauma itself. However, the recirculation of activated shed mediastinal blood is another main cause of blood cell activation and cytokine release.