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The aortic-to-radial arterial pressure gradient is described during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and can lead to underestimating arterial blood pressure. The authors hypothesized that central arterial pressure monitoring would be associated with lower norepinephrine requirements than radial arterial pressure monitoring during cardiac surgery. An observational prospective cohort with propensity score analysis. At a tertiary academic hospital's operating room and intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 286 consecutive adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB (central group: 109; radial group: 177) were enrolled and analyzed. To explore the hemodynamic effect of the measurement site, the authors divided the cohort into 2 groups according to a femoral/axillary (central group) or radial (radial group) site of arterial pressure monitoring. The primary outcome was the intraoperative amount of norepinephrine administered. Secondary outcomes included norepinephrine-free hours and ICU-free hours at postoperative day 2 (POD2). A logistic model with propensity score analysis was built to predict central arterial pressure monitoring use. The authors compared demographic, hemodynamic, and outcomes data before and after adjustment. Central group patients had a higher European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation. (EuroSCORE) compared to the radial group—7.9 ± 14.0 versus 3.8 ± 7.0, p < 0.001. After adjustment, both groups had similar patient EuroSCORE and arterial blood pressure levels. Intraoperative norepinephrine dose regimens were 0.10 ± 0.10 µg/kg/min in the central group and 0.11 ± 0.11 µg/kg/min in the radial group (p = 0.519). Norepinephrine-free hours at POD2 were 38 ± 17 hours versus 33 ± 19 hours in central and radial groups, respectively (p = 0.034). The ICU-free hours at POD2 were greater in the central group: 18 ± 13 hours versus 13 ± 13 hours, p = 0.008. Adverse events were less frequent in the central group than in the radial group—67% versus 50%, p = 0.007. No differences in the norepinephrine dose regimen were found according to the arterial measurement site during cardiac surgery. However, norepinephrine use and length of stay in the ICU were shorter, and adverse events were decreased when central arterial pressure monitoring was used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report pilot-scale tests on a new design of Y-type corrugated polylactic acid (PLA) packing (Prototype FT.Y), produced by an innovative additive manufacturing process consisting of a one-step 3D foam-printing process. The design characteristics of the packing and the surface texture of the prototype, which is analyzed with optical measurements, are presented. The performances of the FT.Y packing are characterized and compared with those of a benchmark commercial Mellapak 250Y packing, through experimental tests aimed to estimate pressure drops and mass transfer coefficients. The new packing is also tested for a reference absorption case study, the wet Flue Gas Desulfurization (wet-FGD), for its large application in the process industry and as a lab testing method. The 3D foam printing technology allows for an easy tailor-made design of the packing, providing lower weights and interesting surface properties. These translate in low pressure drops and high mass transfer coefficients, which are comparable or superior to those of the Mellapak 250.Y. Indeed, the FT.Y packing provides high liquid-film mass transfer coefficients, which allows desulfurization efficiencies up to 42 % higher than those expected for the benchmark packing. Beyond the potential manufacturing advantages provided by the 3D-foam printing, the FT.Y packing performances make this unit a valuable alternative for process intensification in absorption and distillation processes, especially in those cases when the liquid-film mass transfer resistance has a relevant role in the process design. • 3D foam-printing enabled to enhance the surface and wettability properties of FT.Y. • The k L a e coefficient for FT.Y was up to 45 % more than its homologous M250. Y packing. • The FT.Y gas capacity was similar to M250. Y with a flooding limit at 650 Pa/m. • The packed-column with FT.Y allows FGD efficiencies up to 42 % more than M250. Y column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet Oxidative Scrubbing (WOS) is gaining increasing attention due to its capacity to simultaneously remove SO 2 , NO x and other pollutants from exhaust gases. In this sense, WOS can be used for the process intensification of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) thanks to its high efficiency, compactness and reduced use of chemicals. However, as a wet process, the application of WOS also requires an adequate washwater cleaning treatment. In this work, we investigate the performances of a WOS process based on the use of sodium chlorite (NaClO 2) for the simultaneous removal of SO 2 and NO x from a simulated exhaust gas, together with an analysis of the main anionic pollutants in the scrubber effluents (NO 3− , ClO 2− , ClO 2(aq) and Cl 2(aq)), which must be removed before discharge. A washwater treatment process for residual chlorite and active chlorine contaminants is investigated using ferrous sulfate and caustic soda in a reduction, precipitation, coagulation and flocculation process (R-PCF). The experiments reveal that the R-PCF is a valid option for the treatment of the massive residual concentration of chlorite: a stoichiometric dosage of ferrous sulfate allows reducing the concentration of chlorine species below 1 mg/L even starting from solutions containing a few grams per liter of chlorine species, with overall removal efficiencies above 99.9% at pH around 7. The R-PCF process is completed in a few minutes and the residual solid contains mostly Fe(OH) 3(s) , which can find application in other water treatments. The longstanding experience in the design and operation of R-PCF equipment makes this process a valuable off-the-shelf technique for washwater cleaning with a simple implementation in the WOS processes. • Chlorite-based WOS removes up to 65% NO x on top of SO x. • The R-PCF with Fe(II) process is able to treat massive residual concentrations of chlorite from WOS. • WOS can be a viable alternative to the conventional FGD-SCR process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we propose a methodology to approach the design of chemical absorption columns with fast gas-liquid reactions by an experimental and modelling study, which accounts for thermodynamic (solubility) data, mass-transfer phenomena, and the reaction kinetics contribution. As a reference case, the SO 2 absorption in aqueous solution of H 2 O 2 at different concentrations, which oxidizes SO 2 to sulfuric acid, is considered. A lab-scale fed-batch bubble column is used to evaluate SO 2 solubility dataset in absorbing solutions of distilled water containing different dosages of H 2 O 2. A thermodynamic model is developed and validated in a Thermodynamic Flash block of ASPEN PLUS®, allowing to describe the experimental results with optimum agreement. For kinetic experiments, a lab-scale falling-film absorber is used to investigate both SO 2 mass-transfer rates and the fundamental kinetic aspects of an absorption process with chemical reaction. The physical contribution to the mass-transfer rate is evaluated through a set of dedicated experiments, which allowed determining gas-side (k G a) and liquid-side (k L a) coefficients in the falling-film absorber. Subsequently, the Enhancement factor (E L) of the SO 2 oxidative absorption is evaluated for the oxidizing reaction (SO 2 + H 2 O 2 → H 2 SO 4) under the explored experimental conditions, using the equilibrium dataset and the mass transfer coefficients previously obtained. Finally, E L is correlated to the Hatta number (Ha) with the Danckwerts kinetic model as a pseudo-mth-nth-order non-reversible reaction type and the model kinetic parameters are calculated. • This work provides an experimental and modelling approach to the design of reactive absorption columns. • The thermodynamic model developed in ASPEN PLUS provides a proper estimation of the SO 2 -H 2 O 2 solubility dataset. • The kinetic experiments allowed assessment of the reaction kinetic parameters in the gas absorption of SO 2 into H 2 O 2. • The kinetic model based on the Danckwerts equation provides a proper estimation of the Enhancement factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although >150,000 mitral TEER procedures have been performed worldwide, the impact of MR etiology on MV surgery after TEER remains unknown. The authors sought to compare outcomes of mitral valve (MV) surgery after failed transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) stratified by mitral regurgitation (MR) etiology. Data from the CUTTING-EDGE registry were retrospectively analyzed. Surgeries were stratified by MR etiology: primary (PMR) and secondary (SMR). MVARC (Mitral Valve Academic Research Consortium) outcomes at 30 days and 1 year were evaluated. Median follow-up was 9.1 months (IQR: 1.1-25.8 months) after surgery. From July 2009 to July 2020, 330 patients underwent MV surgery after TEER, of which 47% had PMR and 53.0% had SMR. Mean age was 73.8 ± 10.1 years, median STS risk at initial TEER was 4.0% (IQR: 2.2%-7.3%). Compared with PMR, SMR had a higher EuroSCORE, more comorbidities, lower LVEF pre-TEER and presurgery (all P < 0.05). SMR patients had more aborted TEER (25.7% vs 16.3%; P = 0.043), more surgery for mitral stenosis after TEER (19.4% vs 9.0%; P = 0.008), and fewer MV repairs (4.0% vs 11.0%; P = 0.019). Thirty-day mortality was numerically higher in SMR (20.4% vs 12.7%; P = 0.072), with an observed-to-expected ratio of 3.6 (95% CI: 1.9-5.3) overall, 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2-4.0) in PMR, and 4.6 (95% CI: 2.6-6.6) in SMR. SMR had significantly higher 1-year mortality (38.3% vs 23.2%; P = 0.019). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the actuarial estimates of cumulative survival were significantly lower in SMR at 1 and 3 years. The risk of MV surgery after TEER is nontrivial, with higher mortality after surgery, especially in SMR patients. These findings provide valuable data for further research to improve these outcomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is a common complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. In this context, its diagnosis is typically based on operational definitions, including the estimation of low muscle mass. Recently, muscle ultrasound-based measurements have drawn attention due to their improved feasibility and accessibility. However, only a limited number of studies evaluating this approach have been reported. Finally, the role of muscle strength respect to mass in identifying patients with the worst clinical outcomes has not been clearly elucidated. In a cohort of cirrhotic patients, our primary aim was to investigate the correlation and agreement between ultrasound-derived measures of muscle mass and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) as the gold standard, as well as their discriminative power. In addition, as a secondary aim, we investigated the correlation of these techniques and muscle strength with clinical outcomes. The study included consecutive adult outpatients attending the Hepatology Unit of the Fondazione Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico of Rome. Muscle mass was defined as appendicular skeletal mass (ASMM) according to the Sergi equation (EWGSOP 2019). Ultrasound was performed to measure muscle mass according to previously described standardized indices (quadriceps and iliopsoas muscles). Hand grip measurement was used to define muscle strength. Pearson's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the correlation and agreement between ASMM and ultrasound indices. Predictive performance was estimated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Finally, crude and adjusted Cox regression analyses were performed to test the possible association between the different proxies of sarcopenia and liver decompensation or mortality within 24 months. 88 patients were included [(mean age 73 years (7.07), 78% male, mean BMI 27 kg/m2 (10)]. The most common aetiology of cirrhosis was viral (40%) and the majority of patients (80%) had well preserved liver function. Average compression index (ACI) and average feather index (AFI) showed a good correlation with ASMM, while among the psoas indices, only psoas to height ratio (PHR)- but not ileopsoas index (IPI) - showed a correlation (Figure 1). Linear regression analysis confirmed that AFI [beta 0.64 (CI95% 0.37-0.92), p<0.001], ACI [0.5 (CI95% 0.21-0.78), p<0.001] and PHR [0.38 (CI95% 0.08-0.69), p=0.01] were significantly associated with ASMM, also independently of gender. In addition, Bland-Altman analyses showed good agreement for US with ASMM. Furthermore, these indices showed adequate discriminatory power, with AUROCs of 0.71 (0.57-0.854), 0.81 (0.69-0.931) and 0.75 (0.63-0.862) for ACI, AFI and PHR, respectively. Finally, in Cox regression analyses, only low muscle strength was associated with higher rates of mortality and liver decompensation [HR 1.62(1.06-2.47), p 0.026; HR 1.29(0.99-1.69), p 0.064]. Ultrasound measurements of quadriceps and psoas diameters showed good correlation and agreement with muscle mass defined by BIA in cirrhotic patients, displaying also an adequate discriminatory ability. At the same time, only low muscle strength exhibited a valuable predictive role for outcomes in our population. If these results are confirmed in larger external series, ultrasound can be proposed as a feasible and cost-effective tool for the assessment of muscle mass in patients with CLD, while dynopenia should be used to better identify patients with the worst outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carcinoid heart disease is a rare condition affecting mostly tricuspid and pulmonary valves causing right-sided heart failure. Surgical valve replacement is the mainstay of treatment when patients become symptomatic and/or in the presence of right heart remodeling. We present a case of severe pulmonary valve regurgitation secondary to carcinoid heart disease occurring 4 years after a surgical tricuspid replacement, successfully treated with direct transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation without pre-stenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest still represents a public health issue • Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) could represent a rescue therapy • Optimal patient selection is of utmost importance to avoid futile implantations • Sustained shockable rhythm yielded a survival advantage in ECPR candidates To analyze the impact of the modification of the authors' institutional protocol on outcomes after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). An observational analysis. The protocol complied with national recommendations. A further eligibility criterion was added since January 2015: the presence of sustained shockable rhythm at extracorporeal life support (ECLS) implantation. To assess the impact of this change, patients were divided into two groups: (1) from January 2010 to December 2014 (group A) and (2) from January 2015 to December 2019 (group B). The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic outcome. Predictors of survival were searched with multivariate analyses. University hospital. Adult patients supported with ECPR for refractory OHCA. None. From January 2010 to December 2019, 85 patients had ECLS for OHCA (group A, n = 68, 80%; group B, n = 17, 20%). The mean age was 42.4 years, 78.8% were male. The rate of implantation of ECLS was significantly lower in group B (p = 0.01). Mortality during ECLS support was significantly lower (58.8 v 86.8%; p = 0.008), and the weaning rate was significantly higher (41.2 v 13.2%; p = 0.008) in group B. Survival to discharge with good neurologic outcome was significantly improved (23.5 v 4.4%; p = 0.027) in group B. A sustained shockable rhythm was the only independent predictor of survival to hospital discharge with good neurologic outcome. The modification of the authors' institutional protocol throughout the further criterion of sustained shockable rhythm yielded a favorable impact on outcomes after ECPR for OHCA. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Euchlorine-based WOS completely removes NO x on top of SO x. • SO 2 plays a synergistic role in NO x absorption. • Acidity promotes a gas–liquid dual oxidation making the de-NO x process more efficient. • WOS under acidic conditions saves 83% chemical and 70% water. • WOS can be a viable alternative to the conventional FGD-SCR plants. This paper reports the performances of a pilot-scale Wet Oxidative Scrubber (WOS) in the treatment of a simulated flue-gas containing 500 ppm v SO 2 and 1030 ppm v NO x and operated at 60 °C and 1 atm. The scrubber is fed with an oxidizing solution containing NaClO 2 at either 0.75 % or 1 % w/w initially at pH > 9 and then acidified to pH down to 3 with HCl, to obtain the additional oxidative contribution given by euchlorine species during the simultaneous absorption. Further experiments of single-component NO x absorption are performed to better understand the role exerted by SO 2 in the simultaneous absorption. These experimental tests are carried out to investigate the effect of the acidity of the chlorite-based scrubbing solution on the simultaneous absorption performance of SO 2 and NO x , highlighting the intensification with respect to the bare de-NO x system. Experiments also allow determining the optimal dosages and solution pH for a complete and optimized removal of NO x and SO x also being less energy-intensive. For a scrubbing solution under acid-induced conditions (pH = 3), the retrieved results show that the NaClO 2 molar dosage needed for a complete simultaneous removal results 3.6 times greater than the total NO x concentration in the flue-gas. This allows an interesting reduction of 83 % in oxidant consumption and a water-saving of 70 % with respect to the same process applied to the simultaneous NO x absorption but without altering the solution pH. Overall, the results confirm the enhancing role exerted by euchlorine deriving from chlorite acidification and sulfur dioxide presence in the flue-gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redo isolated tricuspid valve surgery (ITVS) is rarely performed. The TRI-SCORE reliably predicts in-hospital mortality after ITVS on native valve but has not been tested in the setting of redo interventions. We aimed to compare the predictive value of the TRI-SCORE to other surgical risk scores for redo ITVS. Using a mandatory administrative database, we identified all consecutive adult patients who underwent a redo ITVS at 12 French tertiary centers between 2007 and 2017. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were collected from chart review and the TRI-SCORE, Logistic EuroSCORE, EuroSCORE II and STS were calculated. We identified 70 patients who underwent a redo ITVS (mean age 54 ± 15 years, 63% female). Prior intervention was a repair in 51% and a replacement in 49%. A tricuspid valve replacement was performed in all patients. In-hospital mortality was 10%. The TRI-SCORE was the only risk score associated with in-hospital mortality (P = 0.01). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the TRI-SCORE was 0.83, much higher than with logistic EuroSCORE (0.58), EuroSCORE II (0.61) or STS (0.59). Table 1 presents the observed and predicted values of in-hospital mortality according to TRI-SCORE categories. The TRI-SCORE accurately predicted in-hospital mortality after redo isolated tricuspid valve surgery and may guide the clinical decision-making process especially as transcatheter therapies are emerging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) technology represents a new approach to the sustainable electric power production, thanks to the advantages of its green features. The performance and the cost efficiency of a MFC are affected by several factors, such as the reactor architecture, the microbial microflora and the "costs per power" ratio of the electrodes. For example, cathodes powered by platinum as catalyzer are really efficient, but also expensive. In this study, two materials for cathode were examined: i) an economical biochar-based material (BC), ii) an activated carbon (AC) cathode with a nickel mesh current collector and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder to limit oxygen diffusion to the anodic compartment. The performances were evaluated in terms of power density and current density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this work two different configurations of MFCs are tested, evaluating the importance of the operative conditions on power production. All the MFCs were fabricated employing 3D printing technologies and, by using biocompatible materials as for the body as for the electrodes, are analyzed the point of strength and development needed at the state of the art for this particular application. Power productions and stability in terms of energy production are deepen investigated for both the systems in order to quantify how much power can be extracted from the bacteria when a load is fixed for long time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrubbing with seawater is a reliable technology for flue-gas desulfurization in coal-fired power plants or in marine applications. The introduction of new regulations for emission control in Europe and the due increment of operational efficiency are pushing forward the optimization of scrubber’s design, for which packing columns may be a better solution compared to spray columns. The design of a seawater scrubber mainly relies on a correct assessment of the equilibrium conditions and of the mass transfer coefficients in the absorber. In this work, experiments are performed on a model flue-gas (32 m 3 ·h −1 ) having a SO 2 concentration in the range 500–2000 ppm v , treated in a packed column filled with a structured packing (Mellapak 250X ® ) at 1 atm and 25 °C, with liquid-to-gas ratio between 1.06 and 3.44 kg·kg −1 . Three different absorbing solutions are investigated: (a) a seawater; (b) a basic solution obtained by adding 200 mg·L −1 NaOH solution to the seawater and (c) distilled water, used as benchmark. In order to analyze the packed column tests, SO 2 equilibrium absorption tests at low concentrations (100–2000 ppm v ) are carried out in a feed-batch reactor, using the same absorbing solutions tested in column tests. The experimental tests in packed column indicate that, for SO 2 concentration as low as 500 ppm, an absorption efficiency above 98% can be achieved by using liquid-to-gas mass ratio about to 2.91 kg·kg −1 . In this condition, few differences appear among solutions (a) and (b). For the highest SO 2 concentration (i.e. 2000 ppm v ), a maximum of 85% efficiency is observed for liquid-to-gas mass ratio of 3.44 kg·kg −1 . Modeling of both the equilibrium and the dynamic data are implemented in Aspen Plus ® V 8.6. However, while modeling assures a very good prediction of the equilibrium data, it is not able to properly describe the dynamic test results, with a systematic underestimation for tests having a removal efficiency higher than 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia is a very common complication of cirrhosis. In the clinical setting, it is usually diagnosed using operational definitions based on low muscle mass. Muscle ultrasound-based measurement has recently achieved attention because of its easier feasibility; however, only a few studies evaluating this approach have been reported. We aimed to validate ultrasound-derived measurements for the assessment of sarcopenia in a cohort of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) evaluated by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MR) during follow-up for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Consecutive adult outpatients attending our Hepato-Oncology Unit were included in the study. CT\MR scans were imported and analysed, and the L3-skeletal mass index was calculated. Ultrasound was performed to obtain muscle thickness and derived indices according to different previously described techniques. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of each technique with respect to sarcopenia as determined by CT and/or MR analyses. 51 patients were included. The average age was 74 years (±7.07), with a prevalence of male gender (70.6%). Mean BMI was 27.4 kg/m2. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was metabolic (41.2%), and more than half of the patients (68%) had a preserved liver function. Logistic regression analysis identified the average feather index [OR 13.64 (1.25-196.17), p 0.04] and the ileopsoas(IP)-index [OR 1.01 (1-1.02), p 0.01] as significantly associated with a low muscle mass expressed with CT/MR. The IP-index was the only one showing an adequate discriminative ability, with an AUROC of 0.79 (0.65-094) (Figure 1). Our preliminary results show a statistically significant association between some ultrasound-based techniques and reduced muscle mass. If these results will be confirmed in larger and external series, ultrasound would represent a feasible and cheap tool for assessing sarcopenia at least in patients with CLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel packing manufacture using 3D printing technology combined with foaming technology. • Tailor-made design of structured packing in-situ with zero transport energy/emissions. • Enhancing surface area (greater than20%) and weight reduction (greater than40%) of packing thanks to foaming. • Enhanced mass-transfer for 3D packing as compared to commercial packing. • Process intensification of Flue-Gas Desulphurization (FGD) wet-scrubbing. Packed columns are largely adopted for multi-phase reactors and separators, i.e., distillation, production or purification of commercial products, flue-gas treatment, conditioning and requalification of air for indoor systems, and cooling of industrial waters. In this work, we report the results of a first experimental study on the pressure drops and the mass transfer rates of an innovative 3D foam-printed packing that has the advantages to be light, cost effective, and easy-to-produce. The physical properties of the 3D foam-printed packing are characterized in terms of density, wettability, and surface roughness. Subsequently, the packing is tested in a pilot-scale flue-gas desulphurization (FGD) plant using tap water to estimate the pressure drops in dry and wet conditions and the overall mass transfer rate for a typical absorption experiments, largely adopted for packing characterization. The results show that the new packing has slightly higher mass transfer efficiency and pressure drops than other similar commercial packing in the same ranking range of nominal surface area. A comparison with former experiments with state-of-art Mellapak 250X in Hastelloy, tested in our previous works with the same experimental setup, show that the improvement in mass transfer rate overwhelms the increase of pressure drops, so that the overall performances of the new packing on for FGD applications appeared as more convenient than the Mellapak 250X packing, in the investigated conditions. The experimental results are explained in terms of the superficial properties of the packing, in particular: both pressure drops and mass transfer rate data can be correlated with the morphology of the packing surface roughness, in turn both deriving from the printing and the foaming processes, and the larger thickness of the sheet. Besides, the same printing material has higher wettability than the Mellapak 250X in Hastelloy, improving the liquid distribution on the packing surface. Finally, they are probably influenced by a new mechanical design of baffles, which reduces liquid maldistribution. The overall performance and the production process advise for further investigations on the use of 3D foam-printed packings for large-scale industrial units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify determinants of in-hospital and mid-term outcomes after isolated tricuspid valve surgery (ITVS) as little is known regarding the impact of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) mechanism and clinical presentation. Among 5661 consecutive adult patients who underwent a tricuspid valve surgery at 12 French tertiary centers in 2007-2017 collected from a mandatory administrative database, we identified 466 patients (8% of all tricuspid surgeries) who underwent an ITVS. Most patients presented with advanced disease (47% in NYHA III/IV, 57% with right-sided heart failure (HF) signs). TR was functional in 49% (22% with prior left-sided heart valve surgery and 27% isolated) and organic in 51% (infective endocarditis in 31% and other causes in 20%). In-hospital mortality and major complications rates were 10% and 31% respectively. Rates of survival and survival free of HF readmission were 75% and 62% at 5 years. Patients with functional TR incurred a worse in-hospital mortality than those with organic TR (14.4% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.004) but presentation was more severe. Independent determinants of outcomes were NYHA class III/IV (OR = 2.7[1.2–6.1], P = 0.01), moderate/severe right ventricular dysfunction (OR = 2.6[1.2–5.8], P = 0.02), lower prothrombin time (OR = 0.98[0.96–0.99], P = 0.008) and with borderline statistical significance, right-sided HF signs (OR = 2.4[0.9–6.5], P = 0.06) while TR mechanism was not (OR = 0.7[0.3–1.8], P = 0.88). ITVS was associated with high mortality and morbidity, both in-hospital and during follow-up, predicted by the severity of the presentation but not by TR mechanism. Our results suggest that TV intervention should be performed earlier in the course of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fulminant myocarditis is a life-threatening condition characterized by hemodynamic instability leading to cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) could be used in patients refractory to conventional treatment. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of fulminant myocarditis patients managed with ECMO at a single-centre, multidisciplinary experience. We performed a retrospective observational analysis of our local database. The diagnosis of myocarditis was made from clinical, biologic and imaging criteria according to European guidelines. The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge. Of the 577 patients who had ECLS from January 2010 to December 2019, 16 (2.7%) were treated for fulminant myocarditis. The mean age was 38.5 years (range 21–69 years) and 68.7% were female. Main symptoms at hospital admission were: chest pain (N = 6, 37.5%), heart failure (N = 6, 37.5%), syncope (N = 3, 18.7%) and cardiogenic shock (N = 1, 6.2%). Seven (43.7%) patients presented a flu-like syndrome prior to the first medical contact. Complementary diagnostic tools included endomyocardial biopsy (N = 8, 50%) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (N = 7, 43.7%). ECMO was implanted during on-going cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 2 (12.5%) patients. Five (31.3%) patients died during ECMO support while 10 (62.5%) were successfully weaned after a mean ECMO support of 9.3 days. One (6.2%) patient was switched to a left ventricular assist device as a bridge-to-transplantation. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 68.7% (N = 11). After the acute phase, most (72.7%) of the survivors displayed a normal left ventricular ejection fraction at hospital discharge. ECMO offered a satisfactory survival to hospital discharge in these critically ill patients. Our results underscore the high potential of myocardial recovery after the acute phase of fulminant myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Optometry is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Optometry is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Wet Oxidation Scrubbing (WOS) of SO 2 with NaClO 2 -seawater solution has been studied. • SO 2 oxidation mechanisms in NaClO 2 -seawater solutions have been analysed. • The removal efficiency of SO 2 in NaClO 2 -seawater is preserved at acid pH levels. • Calibrated ASPEN PLUS® simulations successfully describe the WOS process. This paper reports the experimental and modelling results of the absorption of sulphur dioxide by seawater solutions doped with sodium chlorite, a strong oxidant, to improve the conversion of the S (IV) ions produced by SO 2 absorption to the more soluble S (VI) ones. The experiments show that sodium chlorite oxidation is very fast and determines a constant SO 2 solubility regardless of the solution pH, i.e. its alkalinity. However, it was demonstrated the effect of chlorite is alternative but not additive to that of alkalinity. In fact, during tests carried out at acidic pH and with a dosage of chlorite identical to that of carbonate in a natural seawater, the solubility resulted the same as the figure observed for natural seawater. The results show that the absorption increases by increasing the sodium chlorite content because of the higher solubility. Also in this case, the absorption efficiency of sodium chlorite solutions keeps almost constant regardless of the solution pH. This result suggests that the rate controlling step for chemical absorption is the diffusion of chlorite and S (IV) ions at the gas–liquid interface, with a fast reaction kinetics, similar to the case of reactions with bicarbonate. Finally, a modelling analysis show that ASPEN PLUS® simulations provide excellent predictions of SO 2 solubility and removal efficiency data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-based waste management processes, as anaerobic digestion, couple waste treatment with energy production using natural processes based on microbial metabolism. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) combine the production of electric power to the lowering the load of waste organic and mineral nutrients. In this study, the coordinated utilization of MFCs with anaerobic digestion in a two-steps process has been investigated. A single chamber, air cathode, membraneless MFCs with graphite plates as electrodes, fed with the organic fraction of municipal waste, was run for 4 weeks. The energy obtained was characterized by a maximum current density of 42.3 mA/m2 kg, a power density of 1.98 mW/m2 kg, and a columbic efficiency ηC ∼5%. pH of the slurry was maintained at 6.8 ± 0.9 along the experiment. MFC spent substrate was then used in a batch experiment for biohydrogen and biomethane production through AD. The biohydrogen increased by 276%, as compared to that produced from the same fresh untreated Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste. A decrease in methane production of 66% was however observed. The analysis of MFC spent substrate revealed the prevalence of Lactobacillaceae, Bacillaceae, Clostridia and Pseudomonadaceae , with Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonizing the cathode. • Biological based processes play an important role in waste exploitation. • Microbial Fuel Cells are an emerging technology for a sustainable waste management. • Dark Fermentation is a promising bio-based process for hydrogen production. • Biomass pre-treatment in Microbial Fuel Cells enhances bio-hydrogen synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleocapsidic protein (NC) of orthoretroviruses has been considered as a promising target for antiretroviral drugs. Compounds, including zinc ejectors and metal derivatives capable to substitute the zinc ion in the nucleocapsidic zinc fingers, have been described. Auranofin, a gold(I) drug used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, restricts the viral reservoir in the monkey AIDS model and induces containment of viral load following anti-retroviral therapy suspension. Here is reported a study of the interactions of auranofin with two synthetic CCHC-type peptides corresponding to the C-terminal zinc finger of the HIV-2 NC protein from two different isolates, using spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. Both apopeptides interact very slowly with auranofin forming an Au-peptide complex. In contrast, as shown by mass spectrometry, the zinc-bound peptides interact on a shorter time-scale by forming an Et 3 P-Au-peptide complex and an Au-peptide complex. The two peptides show kinetic differences in the formation of zinc complexes, in Zn 2+ binding constants as well in Zn 2+ displacement by Au + . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TEAD proteins constitute a family of highly conserved transcription factors, characterized by a DNA-binding domain called the TEA domain and a protein-binding domain that permits association with transcriptional co-activators. TEAD proteins are unable to induce transcription on their own. They have to interact with transcriptional cofactors to do so. Once TEADs bind their co-activators, the different complexes formed are known to regulate the expression of genes that are crucial for embryonic development, important for organ formation (heart, muscles), and involved in cell death and proliferation. In the first part of this review we describe what is known of the structure of TEAD proteins. We then focus on two members of the family: TEAD1 and TEAD2. First the different transcriptional cofactors are described. These proteins can be classified in three categories: i), cofactors regulating chromatin conformation, ii), cofactors able to bind DNA, and iii), transcriptional cofactors without DNA binding domain. Finally we discuss the recent findings that identified TEAD1 and 2 and its coactivators involved in cancer progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoparasitoids in the order Hymenoptera are natural enemies of several herbivorous insect pest species. During oviposition they inject a mixture of factors, which include venom, into the host, ensuring the successful parasitism and the development of their progeny. Although these parasitoid factors are known to be responsible for host manipulation, such as immune system suppression, little is known about both identity and function of the majority of their venom components. To identify the major proteins of Toxoneuron nigriceps (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) venom, we used an integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approach. The tandem-mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) data combined with T . nigriceps venom gland transcriptome used as a reference database resulted in the identification of a total of thirty one different proteins. While some of the identified proteins have been described in venom from several parasitoids, others were identified for the first time. Among the identified proteins, hydrolases constituted the most abundant family followed by transferases, oxidoreductases, ligases, lyases and isomerases. The hydrolases identified in the T . nigriceps venom glands included proteases, peptidases and glycosidases, reported as common components of venom from several parasitoid species. Taken together, the identified proteins included factors that could potentially inhibit the host immune system, manipulate host physiological processes and host development, as well as provide nutrients to the parasitoid progeny, degrading host tissues by specific hydrolytic enzymes. The venom decoding provides us with information about the identity of candidate venom factors which could contribute to the success of parasitism, together with other maternal and embryonic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pilot-scale tests on WES removal of particles and SO 2 are presented. • Charged droplets and gas ionization improved SO 2 absorption rate. • WES technology is suitable for fine and ultrafine particle capture. • A comparison with model for SO 2 absorption and particle abatement in WES is proposed. This work presents experimental and modeling results on SO 2 and combustion particles' removal in a pilot-scale wet electrostatic scrubber (WES). The WES unit was operated either as: i) a conventional spray scrubber (WS); ii) with only electrified spraying (CDES), and iii) with electrified spraying and corona pre-charging (OPES) by using a model seawater as absorbing liquid. The experiments indicated a progressive improvement of the SO 2 fractional approach to equilibrium by increasing the spray charge density in CDES configurations. Corona pre-charging further increased the SO 2 absorption rate of OPES compared with CDES configuration, thanks to the parallel depletion of ionized SO 2 on the scrubber walls. The fractional approach to equilibrium increased from around 87% for WS to around 97% for OPES. Similarly, the overall particle capture increased by increasing the spray charge density and the corona pre-charging potential: for WS configuration, the particles' removal efficiency was negligible, while becoming up to 91% under OPES configuration. CDES provided intermediate performances. Experiments can be described with high accuracy for SO 2 absorption in WS and CDES configurations, and for particle capture in OPES configurations. Further efforts are needed to describe the other conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with pancreatic cancer in more than 80% of the cases. Clinical, epidemiological, and experimental data indicate that pancreatic cancer causes diabetes mellitus by releasing soluble mediators which interfere with both beta-cell function and liver and muscle glucose metabolism. Methods: We analysed, by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF), a series of pancreatic cancer cell lines conditioned media, pancreatic cancer patients'' peripheral and portal sera, comparing them with controls and chronic pancreatitis patients'' sera. Results: MALDI-TOF analysis of pancreatic cancer cells conditioned media and patients'' sera indicated a low molecular weight peptide to be the putative pancreatic cancer-associated diabetogenic factor. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis of tumor samples from diabetic and non-diabetic patients revealed the presence of a 1500 Da peptide only in diabetic patients. The amino acid sequence of this peptide corresponded to the N-terminal of an S-100 calcium binding protein, which was therefore suggested to be the pancreatic cancer-associated diabetogenic factor. Conclusions: We identified a tumor-derived peptide of 14 amino acids sharing a 100% homology with an S-100 calcium binding protein, which is probably the pancreatic cancer-associated diabetogenic factor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Definite confirmation or exclusion closed loop obstruction (CLO) is one of the most difficult tasks the radiologist has to face in the clinical practice. Aim of this retrospective work was to study the value of spiral computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of closed loop obstruction complicated by intestinal ischemia. The state of the art CT signs of closed loop obstruction were taken into consideration. Serrated beaks with poor or no contrast enhancement of the bowel walls, ascites or engorgement of the mesenteric vasculature allowed the CT diagnosis of CLO complicated by ischaemia. U or C-sharped of dilated loops, radial distribution of the mesenteric vessels, beaks and whirls suggested CLO, but did not help differentiate CLO from strangulation. CLO is a dynamic entity which may regress or need laparotomy depending on the time and degree of rotation of the incarcerated loops. CT is a reliable imaging modality able to differentiate CLO from strangulation, which is rarely simple and obvious. Detection of ischemic changes in the bowel walls and/or attached mesentery on CT scans imply strangulation highlighting the need for laparotomy; if only signs of CLO are detected, the existence and/or development of strangulation cannot be predicted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]