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Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) is a source of microRNAs (miRs) that act as messengers for intercellular communication. We investigated whether the PCAT surrounding significant coronary atherosclerotic lesions shows specific miR expression patterns compared with PCAT surrounding plaque-free segments. We included 49 patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and 19 patients with severe valvular disease but no CAD, who underwent elective cardiac surgery. The PCAT was harvested from two sites: adjacent to a significant atherosclerotic coronary lesion and from plaque-free segments. miR-133a, miR-21, miR-26b, miR-9, and miR-143 levels in PCAT cells were quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (data expressed as arbitrary units). Expression of miR-133, miR-21, and miR-26b in adipose tissue at a site without atherosclerotic lesion was much lower in patients with CAD than in those without CAD (0.82 ± 1.37 vs 1.86 ± 0.52, P < .001, 0.45 ± 1.3 vs 1.51 ± 1.11, P < .001, 0.3 ± 1.25 vs 1.2 ± 0.73, P = .02, respectively). In addition, miR-133, miR-21, and miR-143 in CAD patients showed significantly greater expression in PCAT from atherosclerotic lesion compared with plaque-free segments (1.32 ± 0.96 vs 0.82 ± 0.37 (P = .011), 0.91 ± 1.7 vs 0.3 ± 1.25 (P = .012), 1.2 ± 1.59 vs 0.43 ± 0.54 (P < .001), respectively). Our findings open new perspectives for the role of PCAT in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and should be further investigated.

22 pags., 8 figs., 1 tab., Massive stars disrupt their natal molecular cloud material through radiative and mechanical feedback processes. These processes have profound effects on the evolution of interstellar matter in our Galaxy and throughout the universe, from the era of vigorous star formation at redshifts of 1-3 to the present day. The dominant feedback processes can be probed by observations of the Photo-Dissociation Regions (PDRs) where the far-ultraviolet photons of massive stars create warm regions of gas and dust in the neutral atomic and molecular gas. PDR emission provides a unique tool to study in detail the physical and chemical processes that are relevant for most of the mass in inter-and circumstellar media including diffuse clouds, proto-planetary disks, and molecular cloud surfaces, globules, planetary nebulae, and star-forming regions. PDR emission dominates the infrared (IR) spectra of star-forming galaxies. Most of the Galactic and extragalactic observations obtained with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will therefore arise in PDR emission. In this paper we present an Early Release Science program using the MIRI, NIRSpec, and NIRCam instruments dedicated to the observations of an emblematic and nearby PDR: the Orion Bar. These early JWST observations will provide template data sets designed to identify key PDR characteristics in JWST observations. These data will serve to benchmark PDR models and extend them into the JWST era. We also present the Science-Enabling products that we will provide to the community. These template data sets and Science-Enabling products will guide the preparation of future proposals on star-forming regions in our Galaxy and beyond and will facilitate data analysis and interpretation of forthcoming JWST observations., Support for JWST-ERS program ID 1288 was provided through grants from the STScI under NASA contract NAS5-03127 to STScI (K.G., D.V.D.P., M.R.), Univ. of Maryland (M.W., M.P.), Univ. of Michigan (E.B., F.A.), and Univ. of Toledo (T.S.-Y.L.). O.B. and E.H. are supported by the Programme National “Physique et Chimie du Milieu Interstellaire” (PCMI) of CNRS/INSU with INC/INP co-funded by CEA and CNES, and through APR grants 6315 and 6410 provided by CNES. E. P. and J.C. acknowledge support from the National Science and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant program (RGPIN-2020-06434 and RGPIN-2021-04197 respectively). E.P. acknowledges support from a Western Strategic Support Accelerator Grant (ROLA ID 0000050636). J.R.G. and S.C. thank the Spanish MCINN for funding support under grant PID2019-106110GB-I00. Work by M.R. and Y.O. is carried out within the Collaborative Research Centre 956, subproject C1, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)—project ID 184018867. T.O. acknowledges support from JSPS Bilateral Program, grant No. 120219939. M.P. and M.W. acknowledge support from NASA Astrophysics Data Analysis Program award #80NSSC19K0573. C.B. is grateful for an appointment at NASA Ames Research Center through the San José State University Research Foundation (NNX17AJ88A) and acknowledges support from the Internal Scientist Funding Model (ISFM) Directed Work Package at NASA Ames titled: “Laboratory Astrophysics—The NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic Database.”

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is important, as it is an established prognostic marker in cardiac diseases. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a sensitive tool for detection of subclinical left ventricular impairment in essential hypertension. Purpose Our aim was to investigate the usefulness of RV longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) to predict the risk of future development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients with essential hypertension. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study that included 453 patients with essential hypertension (266 males, aged 63 ± 18 years) and 175 normotensives (100 males, aged 66 ± 15 years). Standard echocardiography was performed at the initial visit. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography with evaluation of longitudinal strain in each segment of the RV (basal: RVLS-B; mid: RVLS-M, apical: RVLS-A) and global RV free-wall strain (RVLS-G) were also performed. We studied the cases of new onset HFpEF in hypertensive patients. Results The median follow up was 85 months (22–122). RVLS-G, RVLS-B and RVLS-M were significantly impaired in hypertensives compared to controls (RVLS-G: -16.1 ± 9.7 vs -20.0 ± 5.1, RVLS-B: -11.7 ± 3.7 vs -20.6 ± 3.3, RVLS-M:-16.3 ± 5.4 vs -20.7 ± 4.9, p < 0.05 for all). No significant difference was detected for the RVLS-A (-20.1 ± 3.8 for hypertensives vs -21.31 ± 6.5 for controls, p=NS). Thirty two hypertensive patients developed HFpEF (7 %). A cut-off RVLS-G worse than -17 % was significantly associated with new onset HFpEF (p< 0.001) in those patients. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that RVLS-G had independent significant prognostic value for the risk of HFpEF (HR: 10.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3-25.4). Conclusions Essential hypertension leads to a decrease of RVLS which is strong predictor of a new onset HFpEF. Future studies are needed to assess the significance of these findings and the effects of treatment.

Abstract: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have changed the clinical landscape of diabetes mellitus (DM) therapy through their favourable effects on cardiovascular outcomes. Notably, the use of SGLT2i has been linked to cardiovascular benefits regardless of DM status, while their pleiotropic actions remain to be fully elucidated. What we do know is that SGLT2i exert beneficial effects even at the level of the myocardial cell and that these are linked to an improvement in the energy substrate, resulting in less inflammation and fibrosis. SGLT2i ameliorates myocardial extracellular matrix remodeling, cardiomyocyte stiffness and concentric hypertrophy, achieving beneficial remodeling of the left ventricle with significant implications for the pathogenesis and outcome of heart failure. Most studies show a significant improvement in markers of diastolic dysfunction along with a reduction in left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition to these effects, there is electrophysiological remodeling, which explains initial data suggesting that SGLT2i have an antiarrhythmic action against both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. However, future studies need to clarify not only the exact mechanisms of this beneficial functional, structural, and electrophysiological cardiac remodeling but also its magnitude to determine whether this is a class or a drug effect.

We present a detailed study on the spatially resolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission properties in the (circum)nuclear region (NR) and extranuclear regions (ENRs) of M51a using Spitzer-IRS observations. Correlations among PAH intensity ratios are examined with respect to each other, local physical parameters, galactocentric distance ($R_{g}$), and very small grain (VSG) emission. Additional comparison is performed with the mid-infrared emission features in the H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions of M33 and M83. The NR exhibits the strongest correlation among the PAH intensity ratios, whereas ENRs are showing increased scatter attributed to ISM emission. Overall, the radiation field hardness has a higher impact on PAH emission than metallicity, with the latter regulating PAH variance as a function of $R_{g}$. Specifically, the variance of PAH emission with respect to the different physical parameters suggests a higher rate of small/medium PAH processing compared to large PAHs and a higher ratio of small-to-large PAHs formed with increasing galactocentric distance. We find similarities between the 7.7 $\mu$m carriers in M51a's NR and M83's H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions, the 8.6 $\mu$m carriers in M51a's NR and M33 H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions, and both types of carriers between M51a's ENRs, M33's, and M83's H$_{\mathrm{II}}$ regions. We have identified a positive correlation between PAH/VSG and the PAH intensity ratios. We conclude that the relative abundance of PAHs and VSG is not solely driven by the hardness of the radiation field., Comment: 17 pages, 12 figures, 7 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is a complex of genes on chromosome 6 in humans that encodes cell-surface proteins responsible for regulating the immune system. Viral peptides presented to cancer cell surfaces by the HLA trigger the immune system to kill the cells, creating Antibody-peptide epitopes (APE). This study proposes an in-silico approach to identify patient-specific APEs by applying complex networks diagnostics on a novel multiplex data structure as input for a deep learning model. The proposed analytical model identifies patient and tumor-specific APEs with as few as 20 labeled data points. Additionally, the proposed data structure employs complex network theory and other statistical approaches that can better explain and reduce the black box effect of deep learning. The proposed approach achieves an F1-score of 80% and 93% on patients one and two respectively and above 90% on tumor-specific tasks. Additionally, it minimizes the required training time and the number of parameters.

Background Cardiac remodeling, an important aspect of cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression, is emerging as a significant therapeutic target. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is of paramount importance in the initial evaluation of a patient. However, the ECG is not a sensitive method of detecting left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and as far as we know, it cannot detect changes in left ventricular geometry (LVG) at early stages, especially before LVH is present. Its sensitivity is particularly low for obese patients. Purpose To use a machine learning (ML) classifier to detect abnormal LVG from ECG parameters/markers, even before it becomes LVH, and to propose some indicative markers useful for practitioners. We also looked at the results of our model for obese patients to test the markers in this population. Methods We enrolled consecutive subjects, aged 30 years or older (mean age: 61.6±12 years old) with and without essential hypertension and no indications of CVD. All patients underwent a full echocardiographic evaluation and were classified into 2 groups; those with normal geometry (NG) vs. those with concentric remodeling (CR) or LVH defined as concentric hypertrophy (CH) and eccentric hypertrophy (EH). Abnormal LVG was identified as increased relative wall thickness (RWT) and/or left ventricular mass index (LVMi). We analyzed the EKG waveforms deduced to single beat averages for each lead using custom software and extracted 70 markers. We then trained a Random Forest machine learning model to classify subjects with abnormal LVG and calculated SHAP values to perform feature importance and interaction. Results After screening 1120 individuals, we enrolled 594 subjects, aged 30 years or older (mean age: 61.6±12 years old). The percentage of women was 56.5%, while 71.3% of all patients were hypertensive. Hypertension, age, body mass index divided by the Sokolow-Lyon voltage (BMI/S-L), QRS-T angle, and QTc duration were among the most important parameters (Figure, left panel) identified by the model as being predictive of abnormal LVG (AUC/ROC = 0.84, sensitivity = 0.94, specificity 0.61). Specifically for obese patients, whose prevalence in our population was 60.3%, our model performed well (sensitivity = 0.71, specificity = 0.92. When we tried our model without the the BMI/S-L parameter, the specificity dropped to 0.88. We also found that a cut-off point of 18 for the BMI/S-L marker predicted the patients who were more probable to have developed abnormal LVG. Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate the promising potential of ML modeling for the efficient and cost-effective diagnostic screening of abnormal LVG and cardiac remodeling through ECG. We found specific clinical and ECG parameters that can predict early pathological changes of LVG in patients without established CVD and detect the population who will benefit from a detailed echocardiographic evaluation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) regulates arterial homeostasis, is considered to act in paracrine manner, and plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The nuclear receptor Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a key regulator of adipogenesis, and alterations of its function are associated with different pathological processes related to metabolic syndrome and inflammatory response. Purpose To investigate whether the PCAT surrounding coronary occlusive atherosclerotic lesions shows specific PPARγ expression pattern compared to PCAT surrounding plaque-free segments Methods We enrolled 47 patients (32 men, aged 68±12 years old) with 3-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent elective coronary bypass surgery. A control group of 10 age- and sex-matched patients with severe valvular disease who underwent aortic or mitral valve replacement was also included (8 men, aged 67±15 years old). PCAT samples were received from all participants. In patients with CAD, the PCAT was harvested from two sites: adjacent to an occlusive atherosclerotic coronary lesion, and a plaque-free segment. PPARγ expression levels in PCAT cells were quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results PCAT analysis showed a significant downregulation of PPARγ expression levels in CAD compared to non-CAD patients (45±19 versus 93±15, p=0.01). In addition, PPARγ levels showed significantly lower expression in PCAT from around atherosclerotic plaque compared to lesion-free sites (31±12 versus 45±19, p=0.04). Notably, the expression of PPARγ from atherosclerotic plaque showed robust negative correlations with BMI (r=−0.47, p=0.001). Conclusions PPARγ in PCAT surrounding coronary occlusive atherosclerotic lesions are significantly downregulated and their levels are associated with patients' BMI. Our study opens new perspectives in the pathophysiologic role of PCAT in atherosclerotic complications of diabetes and should be further investigated. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background Accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is important, as it is an established prognostic marker in cardiac diseases. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a sensitive tool for detection of subclinical left ventricular impairment in essential hypertension. Purpose Our aim was to investigate the usefulness of RV longitudinal peak systolic strain (LS) to predict the risk of future development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in patients with essential hypertension Methods We performed a retrospective observational study that included 453 patients with essential hypertension (266 males, aged 63±18 years) and 175 normotensives (100 males, aged 66±15 years). Standard echocardiography was performed at the initial visit. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography with evaluation of longitudinal strain in each segment of the RV (basal: RVLS-B; mid: RVLS-M, apical: RVLS-A) and global RV free-wall strain (RVLS-G) were also performed. We studied the cases of new onset HFpEF in hypertensive patients. Results The median follow up was 85 months (22–122). RVLS-G, RVLS-B and RVLS-M were significantly impaired in hypertensives compared to controls (RVLS-G: −16.1±9.7 vs −20.0±5.1, RVLS-B: −11.7±3.7 vs −20.6±3.3, RVLS-M:-16.3±5.4 vs −20.7±4.9, p Conclusions Essential hypertension leads to a decrease of RVLS which is strong predictor of a new onset HFpEF. Future studies are needed to assess the significance of these findings and the effect of treatment. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. PCAT is a source of microRNAs (miRs) that acts as messengers for intercellular communication. In this study, we investigated whether the PCAT surrounding coronary occlusive atherosclerotic lesions shows specific miR expression patterns compared to PCAT surrounding plaque-free segments. Purpose To evaluate the expression of miRs that are known to be implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Methods We included 49 patients (38 men, age 65±9 years) with 3-vessel coronary artery disease, who underwent elective coronary bypass surgery. The PCAT was harvested from two sites: adjacent to an occlusive atherosclerotic coronary lesion, and a plaque-free segment. miR-133a, miR-21, miR-26b, miR-9 and miR-143 levels in PCAT cells were quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results miR-26b, miR-21 and miR-143 showed significantly greater expression in PCAT samples taken from around atheromatous plaque (154±295 versus 37±96, p=0.014, for miR-26b; 122±265 versus 29±79, p=0.014, for miR-21; and 181±356 versus 31±50, p=0.03, for miR-143) (Figure 1). In addition, the expression of miR-143, miR-26b and miR-21 in PCAT from atherosclerotic plaque showed robust positive correlations with body.mass index (r=0.451, p=0.001, r=0.41, p=0.03 and r=0.416, p=0.003 respectively), Conclusions Analysis of PCAT located in proximity to atherosclerotic plaque showed a different pattern of miR expression compared to PCAT in a plaque-free segment. Our findings open new perspectives for the role of PCAT in the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerotic disease and should be further investigated. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Background Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) which often escapes the diagnosis or should be confirmed by several office visits. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most widely used diagnostic tools and could be of paramount importance in patients' initial evaluation. Purpose To detect whether a person is hypertensive using features from the ECG, as well as basic anthropometric features such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Methods We used machine learning (ML) techniques based features derived from the electrocardiogram for detecting hypertension in a population without CVD. We enrolled 1091 subjects who were classified into hypertensive and normotensive group. We trained 3 ML models, specifically logistic regression, k-nearest-neighbors, and random forest (RF), to predict the existence of hypertension in patients based only on a few basic clinical parameters and ECG-derived features. We also calculated Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), a sophisticated feature importance analysis, to interpret each feature's role in the random forest's predictions. Results Our RF model was able to distinguish hypertensive from normotensive patients with accuracy 84.2%, specificity 66.7%, sensitivity 91.4%, and area under the receiver-operating curve 0.86. Age, BMI, BMI-adjusted Cornell criteria (BMI multiplied by RaVL+SV3), R wave amplitude in aVL, and BMI-modified Sokolow-Lyon voltage (BMI divided by SV1+RV5), were the most important anthropometric and ECG-derived features in terms of the success of our model. Figure 1 shows the results in detecting hypertension by the Random Forest. Conclusions Our ML algorithm is effective in the detection of hypertension in patients using ECG-derived and basic anthropometric criteria. Our findings open new horizon in the detection of many undiagnosed hypertensive individuals who have an increased cardiovascular disease risk. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Nitrogen is the most abundant element in our planet’s atmosphere. Approximately 78% of the atmosphere is made up of nitrogen gas (N2). It is essential for organisms, as a major component of biomolecules and cellular biochemistry. Until today, atmospheric N2 assimilation in eukaryotic organisms has been reported to occur only through specific symbiotic N2-fixing bacterial groups that make it available to plants, the base of the food chain.In this work, using Gas Chromatography with Thermal Conductivity Detection, we proved the direct consumption of atmospheric N2 by eukaryotic organisms. Three yeast species: Debaryomyces hansenii, Metschnikowia reukaufii and model-species Saccharomyces cerevisiae are able to directly assimilate atmospheric nitrogen in various conditions, with a yet unknown mechanisms that are not based on the presence of known N2-fixation enzymes. Our findings could change the way we consider the N2-assimilation in nature, laying the basis for future focused studies on the molecular mechanism underling the biological phenomenon of eukaryotic N2-assimilation.

We present new H$\alpha$ photometry for the Star-Formation Reference Survey (SFRS), a representative sample of star-forming galaxies in the local Universe. Combining these data with the panchromatic coverage of the SFRS, we provide calibrations of H$\alpha$-based star-formation rates (SFRs) with and without correction for the contribution of [$\rm N_{^{II}}$] emission. We consider the effect of extinction corrections based on the Balmer decrement, infrared excess (IRX), and spectral energy distribution (SED) fits. We compare the SFR estimates derived from SED fits, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hybrid indicators such as 24 $\mu$m + H$\alpha$, 8 $\mu$m + H$\alpha$, FIR + FUV, and H$\alpha$ emission for a sample of purely star-forming galaxies. We provide a new calibration for 1.4 GHz-based SFRs by comparing to the H$\alpha$ emission, and we measure a dependence of the radio-to-H$\alpha$ emission ratio based on galaxy stellar mass. Active galactic nuclei introduce biases in the calibrations of different SFR indicators but have only a minimal effect on the inferred SFR densities from galaxy surveys. Finally, we quantify the correlation between galaxy metallicity and extinction., Comment: 20 pages, 21 Figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Background/Aim: Brain metastases (BMs) are common in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with or without corticosteroid use has historically been the first choice for most patients with BMs despite its negative impact on cognition and quality of life. However, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment and has been established for patients with limited, inoperable BMs. SRS and WBRT are either used separately or together, in an attempt to achieve the best possible local and distal control rates and even improve overall survival. A number of phase III trials have focused on answering the question which modality – SRS, WBRT or both – can achieve the best possible results. In this review, we present the existing data regarding the use of SRS compared with WBRT and their combination for NSCLC patients with limited, non-operable BMs. Materials and Methods: A literature review was performed in PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library databases from 1995 up to 2021. Principles outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement were followed. Results: We identified seven randomised control trials (RCTs) that compared WBRT with WBRT plus SRS boost and four RCTs that compared SRS alone with SRS plus WBRT. Conclusion: Overall, addition of WBRT to SRS did not improve survival but had a positive effect on locoregional control.

The assumption that light cigarette smoking, meaning smoking one to five cigarettes per day, is not so harmful has been dissipated by several studies. Regardless of the quantity of tobacco cigarettes, smoking remains a leading risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Smoke is a mixture of several toxic chemicals, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and oxidants, implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Despite anti-smoking campaigns, a misconception concerning “safe smoking” still exists. The purpose of this literature review is to highlight the deleterious effect of light cigarette smoking and claim the consensus that there is no safe smoking.

We constrain the mass distribution in nearby, star-forming galaxies with the Star Formation Reference Survey (SFRS), a galaxy sample constructed to be representative of all known combinations of star formation rate (SFR), dust temperature, and specific star formation rate (sSFR) that exist in the Local Universe. An innovative two-dimensional bulge/disk decomposition of the 2MASS/$K_{s}$-band images of the SFRS galaxies yields global luminosity and stellar mass functions, along with separate mass functions for their bulges and disks. These accurate mass functions cover the full range from dwarf galaxies to large spirals, and are representative of star-forming galaxies selected based on their infra-red luminosity, unbiased by AGN content and environment. We measure an integrated luminosity density $j$ = 1.72 $\pm$ 0.93 $\times$ 10$^{9}$ L$_{\odot}$ $h^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-3}$ and a total stellar mass density $\rho_{M}$ = 4.61 $\pm$ 2.40 $\times$ 10$^{8}$ M$_{\odot}$ $h^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-3}$. While the stellar mass of the \emph{average} star-forming galaxy is equally distributed between its sub-components, disks globally dominate the mass density budget by a ratio 4:1 with respect to bulges. In particular, our functions suggest that recent star formation happened primarily in massive systems, where they have yielded a disk stellar mass density larger than that of bulges by more than 1 dex. Our results constitute a reference benchmark for models addressing the assembly of stellar mass on the bulges and disks of local ($z = 0$) star-forming galaxies., Comment: 33 pages, 21 figures, published in MNRAS, 504, 3831-3861 (2021)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors of intracranial complications in adult patients with Pott Puffy Tumor (PPT). A systematic review was conducted of clinical studies from January 1983 to December 2022 that reported on PPT adult patients. The full-text articles were reviewed for the patients’ ages, sex, cultured organisms, surgical procedures, clinical sequalae, and underlying diseases that may affect the onset of intracranial complications in PPT adult patients. A total of 106 studies were included. Medical data were reviewed for 125 patients (94 males, 31 females). The median age was 45 years. A total of 52% had comorbidities, mostly head trauma (24.5%), sinus/neurosurgical operations (22.4%), immunosuppression conditions (13.3%), diabetes mellitus (9.1%), cocaine use (7.1%), or dental infections (6.1%). A total of 28 cultures revealed Streptococcus (22.4%), 24 contained staphylococci (19.2%), and 22 cultures contained other pathogens (17.6%). An amount of 30.4% developed intracranial complications, with the most common being epidural abscesses or empyemas (55.3%), as well as subdural (15.7%) and extradural lesions (13.2%). Age, DM, and immunosuppression conditions are significantly associated with intracranial complications (p < 0.001, p = 0.018 and p = 0.022, respectively). Streptococcus infection is associated with intracranial complications (p = 0.001), although Staphylococcus and other microorganisms are not. Surgical intervention, mainly ESS, and broad-spectrum antibiotics remain the cornerstones of treatment.

The Hellenic Heart Failure Association has undertaken the initiative to develop a national network of heart failure clinics (HFCs) and cardio‐oncology clinics (COCs). We conducted two questionnaire surveys among these clinics within 17 months and another during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak to assess adjustments of the developing network to the pandemic. Out of 68 HFCs comprising the network, 52 participated in the first survey and 55 in the second survey. The median number of patients assessed per week is 10. Changes in engaged personnel were encountered between the two surveys, along with increasing use of advanced echocardiographic techniques (23.1% in 2018 vs. 34.5% in 2020). Drawbacks were encountered, concerning magnetic resonance imaging and ergospirometry use (being available in 14.6% and 29% of HFCs, respectively), exercise rehabilitation programmes (applied only in 5.5%), and telemedicine applications (used in 16.4%). There are 13 COCs in the country with nine of them in the capital region; the median number of patients being assessed per week is 10. Platforms for virtual consultations and video calls are used in 38.5%. Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak affected provision of HFC services dramatically as only 18.5% continued to function regularly, imposing hurdles that need to be addressed, at least temporarily, possibly by alternative methods of follow‐up such as remote consultation. The function of COCs, in contrast, seemed to be much less affected during the pandemic (77% of them continued to follow up their patients). This staged, survey‐based procedure may serve as a blueprint to help building national HFC/COC networks and provides the means to address changes during healthcare crises.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) constitutes the complex anatomic and physiologic interface between the intravascular compartment and the central nervous system, and its integrity is paramount for the maintenance of the very sensitive homeostasis of the central nervous system. Arterial hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The BBB has been shown to be disrupted in essential hypertension. BBB integrity is important for central autonomic control and this may be implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension. On the other hand, evidence from experimental studies indicates that BBB disruption can be present in both hypertensive disease and dementia syndromes, suggesting a possibly key position of loss of BBB integrity in the pathophysiological pathways linking arterial hypertension with cognitive decline. Although much still remains to be elucidated with respect to the exact underlying mechanisms, the discovery of novel pathological pathways has changed our understanding of adult dementia and central nervous system disease overall, pointing out—in parallel—new potential therapeutic targets. The aim of this review is to summarize current scientific knowledge relevant to the pathophysiologic pathways that are involved in the disruption of the BBB function and potentially mediate hypertension-induced cognitive impairment. In parallel, we underline the differential cognition-preserving effect of several antihypertensive agents of similar blood pressure-lowering capacity, highlighting the presence of previously under-recognized BBB-protective actions of these drugs.

Background/Aim: Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is a well-established treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients following response to initial chemoradiotherapy. The benefit of PCI does, however, come at the cost of cognitive decline. This has been attributed to radiation-induced toxicity at the hippocampus, a crucial anatomic area for cognition. Modern radiotherapy techniques allow dose reduction at the hippocampal region. In this review, the safety profile, effect on cognition, and changes on brain imaging modalities of hippocampal avoidance-PCI (HA-PCI) will be presented, aiming to identify a potential clinical rationale for SCLC patients. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed in Pubmed, Cochrane library databases and ClinicalTrials.gov with no past date limitations until 07/01/2022. Principles as outlined in the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement were followed. Results: Eight studies published from 2015 to 2021 were included. Conclusion: HA-PCI is safe, yet its effect on neurocognition and imaging remains unclear, as studies have shown contradictory results.

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Purpose Accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is important, as it is an established prognostic marker in cardiac diseases. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a sensitive tool for detection of subclinical left ventricular impairment in essential hypertension. We associated RV function using longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) in patients with essential hypertension with the risk of future development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods We performed a retrospective observational study that included 458 patients with essential hypertension (266 males, aged 63 ± 18 years) and 179 normotensives (100 males, aged 66 ± 15 years). Standard echocardiography was performed at the initial visit. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography with evaluation of longitudinal strain in each segment of the RV (basal: RVLS-B; mid: RVLS-M, apical: RVLS-A) and global RV free-wall strain (RVLS-G) were also performed. We studied the cases of new onset HFpEF in hypertensive patients. Results The median follow up was 85 months (22–122). RVLS-G, RVLS-B and RVLS-M were significantly impaired in hypertensives compared to controls (RVLS-G: -16.1 ± 9.7 vs -20.0 ± 5.1, RVLS-B: -11.7 ± 3.7 vs -20.6 ± 3.3, RVLS-M:-16.3 ± 5.4 vs -20.7 ± 4.9, p < 0.05 for all). No significant difference was detected for the RVLS-A (-20.1 ± 3.8 for hypertensives vs -21.31 ± 6.5 for controls, p = NS). Thirty two hypertensive patients developed HFpEF (7 %). A cut-off RVLS-G worse than -17 % was significantly associated with new onset HFpEF (p< 0.001) in those patients. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that RVLS-G had independent significant prognostic value for the risk of HFpEF (HR: 10.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3-25.4). Conclusions Essential hypertension leads to a decrease of RVLS which is strong predictor of a new onset HFpEF. Future studies are needed to assess the significance of these findings and the effects of treatment.

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a markedly elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk due to premature atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown that intense glycemic control reduces the incidence of CV disease. Antiplatelet therapy is considered to be a very important therapy for secondary prevention of recurrent atherothrombotic events in patients with DM, while it may be considered for primary prevention in individuals with T1DM with additional CV risk factors.The aim of the present review is to summarize existing literature data regarding the thrombotic risk in T1DM patients and discuss current treatment strategies.

Objectives: To evaluate clinical and microbiological findings that are correlated with abscess formation in adult acute epiglottitis (AE). Methods: We reviewed 140 cases of adult AE. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and microbiological findings are analyzed for all patients with AE in comparison to those with epiglottic abscess (EA). Results: A total of 113 patients presented with AE and 27 presented or progressed to EA (19.3%). Age, sex, seasonality, smoking, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities were statistically insignificant between the 2 groups. Muffled voice ( P Conclusion: A high level of suspicion for abscess formation is required if clinical examination reveals dyspnea, muffled voice, or an epiglottic cyst in adult with AE. The existence of EA doubles the duration of hospitalization. EA is typically found on the lingual surface of the epiglottis. Supraglottic or deep neck space expansion should be treated surgically. EA is associated with a mixed flora and a higher rate of airway obstruction. Streptococcus is discovered to be the most common pathogen.

Background Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) regulates arterial homeostasis, is considered to act in paracrine manner,and plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. PCAT may be a source of microRNAs (miRs) that target other tissues and act as messengers for intercellular communication. In this study, we investigated whether the PCAT surrounding coronary occlusive atherosclerotic lesions shows specific miRs expression patterns in patients with diabetes type 2 compared to non-diabetic patients. Methods We enrolled 43 patients (29 men, aged 63±12 years old) with 3-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent elective coronary bypass surgery with and without diabetes type 2. The PCAT samples were received from all participants. miR-133a, miR-21, miR-26b, miR-9 and miR-143 expression levels in PCAT cells were quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Twenty-one patients with diabetic type 2 (14 men, 64±10 years old) and twenty=two non-diabetic patients (15 men, 62±15 years old) were included in the study. PCAT analysis showed a significant upregulation of miR-21 levels in diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients (181±76 versus 21±15, p=0.04). Diabetic patients also revealed a significant increase of miR-26b and miR-143 expression in PCAT samples compared to on-diabetics (33±22 versus 16±13, p=0.02, 93±42 versus 16±23, p=0.01). No significant differences between the two sites were observed in PCAT expression of miR-133a and miR-9 (73±12 versus 130±143, 56±44 versus 34±33, respectively, p =NS for both). Conclusions miRs expression in PCAT from diabetic patients with significant coronary disease show a distinct expression profile. Our study opens new perspectives in the pathophysiologic role of PCAT in atherosclerotic complications of diabetes and should be further investigated. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Purpose Accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) systolic function is important, as it is an established prognostic marker in cardiac diseases. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a sensitive tool for detection of subclinical left ventricular impairment in essential hypertension. We associated RV function using longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) in patients with essential hypertension with the risk of future development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods We performed a retrospective observational study that included 452 patients with essential hypertension (266 males, aged 63±18 years) and 175 normotensives (100 males, aged 66±15 years). Standard echocardiography was performed at the initial visit. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography with evaluation of longitudinal strain in each segment of the RV (basal: RVLS-B; mid: RVLS-M, apical: RVLS-A) and global RV free-wall strain (RVLS-G) were also performed. We studied the cases of new onset HFpEF in hypertensive patients. Results The median follow up was 85 months (22–122). RVLS-G, RVLS-B and RVLS-M were significantly impaired in hypertensives compared to controls (RVLS-G: −16.1±9.7 vs −20.0±5.1, RVLS-B: −11.7±3.7 vs −20.6±3.3, RVLS-M: −16.3±5.4 vs −20.7±4.9, p Conclusions Essential hypertension leads to a decrease of RVLS which is strong predictor of a new onset HFpEF. Future studies are needed to assess the significance of these findings and the effects of treatment. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The following thesis entitled “The Contribution of Local Government in Public Primary Education in Athens from 1833 to 1862” by Eleftherios Maragkoudakis explores the role and contribution of local government in the development of educational affairs within the Municipality of Athens during the King Otto reign. The time limits of the investigation were restricted to discrete turning points which involved not only the city of Athens but Greece in general. The starting point of this research is 1833 when, along with the beginning of the Ottoman period, Athens becomes capital of the the state, the primary education system is established, the local government is organised and the state educational secretariat involving ecclesiastical issues is founded. The research spans throughout the entire Ottoman period until the year 1862 wherein the political landscape in Greece changes.The thesis an attempt to highlight the actions of the local government related to education in conjunction with the institutional context and the socioeconomic level of the time. The research specializes in issues regarding the creation of logistics, the operation of primary schools and kindergartens in the Municipality of Athens, as well as the factors that influenced the choice of institutions in the Municipality of Athens in relation to the aforementioned.The thesis begins with a chronological table of the most important political, historical, social and educational events both generally and locally. In the end, the conclusive results and bibliography are cited.The introduction justifies the reasons for choosing the specific subject, presents the research questions, by highlighting the problem issue and target of the thesis. With the presentation of the research questions, there is reference to the historical method by which the matter under inquiry is approached and an attempt to interpret the research results .The chapters comprise four parts of the thesis:The chapters of the first part refer to the historical events of the period and the events associated with the development of the city of Athens.The chapters of the second part present the constitutional and administrative framework of the local government. It also presents the actions taken on behalf of the mayors and the municipal councils of the time.The chapters of the third part involve the administrative framework involving education which prevailed during this period by placing emphasis on the 1834 law “On Primary Schools”. Furthermore, reference is made to the innovations that influenced education in the following decades, such as the implementation of the peer teaching method. The first private schools which appear in Athens to meet the basic needs of the student population highlight the need to establish state funded schools. In the meanwhile, the course of private education during that same time is depicted. Moreover, the thesis presents the legal framework for the construction of school buildings, the materials used and the infrastructure of schools.The chapters of the fourth part investigate the administration and supervision of municipality funded schools on a local level, the responsibilities of governing bodies in conjunction with the existing legal framework, their members and their effectiveness. Furthermore, reference is made to the funding of schools and teachers in relation to the legislative framework and the capabilities of the local government. In conclusion, unionism is examined as a factor in shaping developments in educational issues.Research suggests that the economic potential of municipalities in general and of Athens in particular were not sufficient to meet the educational needs of the time. Regardless of the difficulties, mayors and municipal authorities of Athens surpassed themselves and any objective difficulties in order for public schools to operate, to increase in number and contribute to the effort for an intellectual and economic advancement of the Athenian society.This thesis is based on records and literature examined and presented according to principles of scientific methodology. Greek and translated foreign language literature is also used for this purpose.

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a markedly elevated cardiovascular (CV) risk due to premature atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown that intense glycemic control reduces the incidence of CV disease. Antiplatelet therapy is considered to be a very important therapy for secondary prevention of recurrent atherothrombotic events in patients with DM, while it may be considered for primary prevention in individuals with T1DM with additional CV risk factors. The aim of the present review is to summarize existing literature data regarding the thrombotic risk in T1DM patients and discuss current treatment strategies.

Heart failure (HF) with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is a newly suggested entity in HF. Since it has been inadequately addressed, there is an urgent need to determine the profile of HFmrEF patients and the optimal approach to their management. The present study aimed to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of hypertensive patients with HFmrEF and the impact of blood pressure (BP) on their mortality and cardiovascular outcome. We performed a retrospective observational study that included 121 hypertensive patients with HFmrEF and 149 hypertensives with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The median follow-up was 84 months (22-122). Our analysis did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the two groups in total mortality (P = 0.34) or cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.54). The total mean survival time was 102.9 months (100.5-110.1), while the mean survival time was 105.3 months (80.4-90.2) in HFpEF and 97.6 months (92.7-102.6) in HFmrEF. An office systolic BP > 139 mm Hg and diastolic BP > 89 mm Hg were significantly associated with both all-cause mortality (P = 0.02 and P = 0.013, respectively) and cardiovascular mortality (P = 0.02 for both). In HFpEF patients, no significant association was found between outcome and office BP. HFpEF and HFmrEF have similar long-term outcomes. Suboptimal BP levels are a significant risk factor for an adverse outcome in HFmrEF. Our results emphasize the importance of good BP control in order to achieve better outcomes in hypertensives with impaired EF and HF symptomatology.

In recent years, the Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor [Ang-(1-7)/Mas] sub-branch of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) in the brain, and Angiotensin Type 2 Receptors (AT2R), have attracted scientific interest, as there is evidence that they constitute an essential pathway in cardiovascular regulation, in health and in disease. By acting centrally, the Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis - that has been termed ‘the axis of good’- can exert blood pressure-lowering effects, while also favourably altering baroreflex sensitivity and noradrenergic neurotransmission. Thus, research has focused on the possible neuro- and cardioprotective effects of this pathway in the setting of cardiovascular disease, ultimately aiming to evaluate the potential for development of novel therapeutic strategies based on its modulation. : We summarize the available evidence from experimental studies in this context, aiming to assess current limits of scientific knowledge relevant to this newly-described ‘player’ in haemodynamic regulation, that may become a potential therapeutic target.

Alternaria spp. have emerged as opportunistic pathogens particularly in immunosuppressed patients. A case of a breakthrough acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS), caused by Alternaria alternata, is reported in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on anidulafungin therapy, who was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B and surgical intervention. To date, 20 cases of AIFRS due to Alternaria spp. have been described, 19 in the USA and 1 in Chile, making this case report the first case of AIFRS due to Alternaria in Europe. The patients had median (range) age 25 (2–56) years (65% female), almost all of them (19/20) with hematological diseases and severe neutropenia (8–41 days pre-infection). Amphotericin B was the most frequently used antifungal agent, either alone or in combination. In all of the cases, systemic antifungal therapy was combined with surgery. Despite stabilization or improvement of the AIFRS, mortality was 38% (5 days to 8 months post-surgical debridement) due to their underlying disease or other infections without sign of AIFRS at autopsy.

Purpose To associate the impact of aortic reconstruction using currently available grafts and endografts on pulse wave velocity in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and to evaluate its effect on early cardiac systolic function indices. Materials and Methods Seventy-three consecutive patients with AAA (mean age 70±8 years; all men) who underwent open (n=12) or endovascular repair (EVAR; n=61) were prospectively enrolled in an observational cohort study. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS; an important diagnostic and prognostic index of early systolic dysfunction) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) were estimated 1 week preoperatively, as well as at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. Results A significant time effect was found for cf-PWV, which showed an increase at 1 month that remained through 6 months (p=0.007). Additionally, a deterioration in GLS values was revealed, with a significant change at 1 month that persisted 6 months later (pConclusion AAA repair leads not only to an increase in aortic stiffness, as measured by the increase in pulse wave velocity, but also to reduced cardiac systolic function. Our findings highlight the need for a more intense cardiac surveillance program after aortic reconstruction. Further studies are needed to investigate how this may translate into long-term manifestations of cardiovascular complications and symptomatology.

We present new H$��$ photometry for the Star-Formation Reference Survey (SFRS), a representative sample of star-forming galaxies in the local Universe. Combining these data with the panchromatic coverage of the SFRS, we provide calibrations of H$��$-based star-formation rates (SFRs) with and without correction for the contribution of [$\rm N_{^{II}}$] emission. We consider the effect of extinction corrections based on the Balmer decrement, infrared excess (IRX), and spectral energy distribution (SED) fits. We compare the SFR estimates derived from SED fits, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, hybrid indicators such as 24 $��$m + H$��$, 8 $��$m + H$��$, FIR + FUV, and H$��$ emission for a sample of purely star-forming galaxies. We provide a new calibration for 1.4 GHz-based SFRs by comparing to the H$��$ emission, and we measure a dependence of the radio-to-H$��$ emission ratio based on galaxy stellar mass. Active galactic nuclei introduce biases in the calibrations of different SFR indicators but have only a minimal effect on the inferred SFR densities from galaxy surveys. Finally, we quantify the correlation between galaxy metallicity and extinction., 20 pages, 21 Figures, accepted for publication in MNRAS

This paper presents how the PerFECt framework is employed to enable innovative teaching and learning mathematics in schools using drama-based approaches. The topic addressed lies in the cross-section between mathematics and computer science: teaching and learning the binary system of arithmetic that constitutes the basis of modern computing. The work builds on previous research efforts targeting gamification of mathematics and is seen under new light offered by the Theatre in Mathematics (TIM) Methodology. The result is an engaging game to teach the binary system to children using their bodies and simple rules for interacting with each other. Following these simple rules the participants enact the operation of a calculator that is able to transform integers into their binary representations and compute the result of the four arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). The game can be combined with online activities using a simulator of the game, so that learners can explore it for themselves and discover how the arithmetic operations are done, even when they are not in the same physical space with their peers. This way, an effective blended learning approach is ultimately offered combining face-to-face and online activities.

A recent characterization of core turbulence carried out with a Doppler reflectometer in the optimized stellarator Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) found that discharges achieving high ion temperatures at the core featured an ITG-like suppression of density fluctuations driven by a reduction of the gradient ratio $\eta_i = L_n/L_{T_i}$ [D. Carralero et al., Nucl. Fusion, 2021]. In order to confirm the role of ITG turbulence in this process, we set out to establish experimentally the relation between core density fluctuations, turbulent heat flux and global confinement. With this aim, we consider the scenarios found in the previous work and carry out power balance analysis for a number of representative ones, including some featuring high ion temperature. As well, we evaluate the global energy confinement time and discuss it in the context of the ISS04 inter-stellarator scaling. We find that, when turbulence is suppressed as a result of a reduction of $\eta_i$, there is a reduction of ion turbulent transport, and global performance is improved as a result. This is consistent with ITG turbulence limiting the ion temperature at the core of W7-X. In contrast, when turbulence is reduced following a decrease in collisionality, no changes are observed in transport or confinement. This could be explained by ITG modes being combined with TEM turbulence when the later is destabilized at low collisionalities., Comment: Submitted to PPCF, 47th EPS special issue

The aim of this retrospective review study is to evaluate Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score as an indicative parameter in early detecting cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) from deep neck infections (DNI). We reviewed 12 cases of CNF and 538 cases of non-necrotizing deep neck infection hospitalized in our hospital over the last decade. Cervical necrotizing fasciitis was histologically confirmed. Using an LRINEC score of 6 as a cutoff sensitivity was calculated at 100% (95% CI 99.9–100) and specificity 72.5% (95% CI 72.4–72.6). Negative predicted value (NPV) was 100% and positive predicted value (PPV) was 7.5%. C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood count (WBC), and glucose (Glu) levels have a higher correlation. Haemoglobin (Hb), sodium (Na), and creatinine (Cr) do not seem to have a big impact in our study. LRINEC score proves to be a useful “rule-out” tool that works on the safe side with high sensitivity and poor specificity. WBC, CRP, and Glu seem to be the most significant variables of the LRINEC score. Hb, Na, and Cr make the score safer. Decision for surgery must be based on medical history, clinical symptoms and signs, imaging findings, and laboratory tests and not according to the LRINEC score itself.

Purpose Long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important components of regulatory networks underlying cardiovascular development and pathophysiology. They exhibit distinctive roles in modulating tissue-specific epigenomic states that are critical for the transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming that may underpin cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. We investigated the association between gene expression levels of the lncRNAs CARMEN and FENDRR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and asymptomatic hypertension mediated organ damage. Methods We included 56 patients with essential hypertension (38 women, mean age 77±8 years). Twenty nine normotensive individuals (14 women, mean age 76±10 years) were also included as controls. PBMCs were isolated and lncRNAs' expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Hypertension mediated organ damage (MOD), namely carotid wall thickening, left ventricular hypertrophy, and albuminuria were assessed in all patients. Results Hypertensive patients showed significantly higher CARMEN (19.95±5.9 versus 5.69±2.82, p Conclusions Our data reveal that in essential hypertension, increased CARMEN expression levels in PBMCs could be a marker of subclinical MOD. Further studies are needed to assess their role as potential biomarkers or future therapeutic targets in those patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Purpose MicroRNAs (miRs) play a major role in protein regulation by post-transcriptional gene expression and cell to cell interaction. Recently, they have been emerged as important modulators in cardiovascular development and disease. Our aim was to determine whether cardiac related miRs such as miR-208b was differentially expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with acute myocarditis. We also evaluated their expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in relation with left ventricular global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) in those patients. Methods We assessed the expression levels of miR-208b in 55 patients with acute myocarditis (48 men, mean age 33±10 years) and 22 healthy individuals (18 men, mean age 33±9 years). Blood samples were taken on admission and miR expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. All patients were also underwent an assessment with standard conventional transthoracic and a two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Results GLPS was significantly reduced in the group of myocarditis compared to healthy individuals (from −13.9±10.9% versus −22.2±6.7%, p Conclusions Our data reveal that miR-208b gene expression levels are upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with acute myocarditis relative to healthy individuals. In addition, miR-208b levels have a prognostic value in the deterioration of left ventricular GLPS in those patients. Thus, miR-208b may represent a promising biomarkers in myocarditis or a potential therapeutic target in the future. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Purpose Invasive abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) replacement with an endograft interposes between the normal arterial tree which may acutely reduce overall systemic compliance and increase the input impedance. We evaluated the impact of aortic reconstruction, using currently available grafts and endografts, on pulse wave velocity (pwv) and its effect on early cardiac systolic function indices in these patients. Methods A total of 73 men, mean age 70±8 years, were evaluated. Of these, 61 underwent endovascular repair (EVAR) and 12 open repair (OS). All patients underwent an assessment with a standard conventional transthoracic and a two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography at baseline, at 1 and 6 months after the intervention. Carotid - femoral (c-f) artery waveforms were measured and pwv was determined in all participants on each follow up visit. Results No significant changes in blood pressure were observed during the study period. Notably, our findings revealed a significant reduction in global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) during the 6 months follow-up (from −19.7±−5.9% at baseline to −17.1±−5.9% at 6 months, p=0.03). C-r pwv showed a significant increase 6 months after the procedure (from 10.7±−2.9 m/sec at baseline to 13.9±3.3 m/sec at 6 months, p Conclusions AAA repair not only leads to an increase in aortic stiffness, as measured by the increase in pwv, but also reduces cardiac systolic function. Our findings highlight the need a more intense cardiac surveillance program after aortic reconstruction. Further studies are needed to investigate how this may translate into long-term manifestations of cardiovascular complications and symptomatology. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Summarization: This paper presents how the concept of virtual community can be further elaborated to account for the use of modern digital technologies in a way that promotes the establishment of rich social contexts within which human creativity is exercised and learning happens. The new reality brought about by digital technologies is characterized by new qualities, new opportunities for action, new community affordances, that are captures by the term onlife. This term was initially proposed in the Onlife Manifesto and used in this paper to signify certain qualities that are important in understanding modern digital platforms and applications as well as guide the efforts for effectively extending to provide new capabilities to their users. Specific design principles are presented exemplified by the presentation of the design of a mobile app addressing creativity and learning in the field of cultural heritage to showcase how these principles are put in action. This mobile app enables the users of an existing digital storytelling platform inspired by traditional Shadow Theatre, develop their own digital puppets in a way that incorporates the creative process of developing traditional shadow theatre puppets. The use of the mobile app is compared to the need to use external image processing tools and the pros and cons of each approach are presented and linked to the design principles initially presented. Παρουσιάστηκε στο: 13th International Conference on Interactive Mobile Communication Technologies and Learning

Issue Marketing of alcoholic beverages can influence attitudes and intentions to drink including alcohol initiation in adolescents. Globally, alcohol is the leading cause of death among young people (15-49 years). Description of the problem Comprehensive restrictions or bans on alcohol advertising are considered 'best buys' to reduce the harmful use of alcohol and its consequences. We present a database with statutory, co- and self-regulatory alcohol-related marketing codes describing their characteristics, scope, target population groups, marketing techniques addressed, marketing restrictions, and information regarding implementation, monitoring and evaluation of such codes. We analysed these codes and asked: what are the critical aspects that an alcohol-related marketing code should include to be effective and protect public and children's health? Results Based on our analyses, we present a toolkit to support restrictions of marketing of alcoholic beverages (as well as of foods and non-alcoholic beverages). It includes a checklist for policy-makers to consider all important aspects during the design, implementation, evaluation or update of the code. We suggest specific actions for each point in the checklist and reflect on the implementation of some of these. Finally, the toolkit discusses digital marketing, the challenges it poses and offers potential solutions. Lessons Using a combined approach to address marketing to children of foods, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages may be more effective in protecting public and children's health than fragmented responses. The fields of nutrition and alcohol-related harm can learn from and complement each other. A code should cover all forms of marketing, including digital marketing. Our database, toolkit, checklist and inventory of actions support policy makers and others in designing or updating alcoholic beverage marketing regulations and codes of conduct. Key messages Our toolkit supports policy makers and others in designing or updating alcoholic beverage marketing regulations and codes of conduct. Practical technical guidance is provided in the form of a marketing code checklist and an inventory of specific actions.

This review presents the applications of intestinal cell models of human and pig origin in food and nutritional sciences and highlights their potential as in vitro platforms for preclinical research. Intestinal cell models are used in studies of bioavailability, adsorption and transport in nutritional or toxicological settings, allergic effects of food components, as well as probiotics and/or host-pathogen gut interactions. In addition, this review discusses the advantages of using specialized and functional cell models over generic cancer-derived cell lines.