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Macrophages play a key role in coronary plaque destabilization. In-vitro human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are used to study macrophages infiltrating tissue. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides an in-vivo insight of the coronary arteries. We compared the MDMs morpho-phenotype and culprit plaque features at OCT in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients according to the underlying plaque pathobiology. Sixty-six patients undergoing coronary angiography and pre-angioplasty OCT of the culprit vessel were allocated to three groups according to mechanism of ACS at OCT and C-reactive protein levels (cut-off: 2 mg/Ll): 1) plaque rupture with systemic inflammation; 2) plaque rupture without systemic inflammation, 3) plaque with intact fibrous cap. A blood sample was collected to obtain MDMs, categorized as having "round" or "spindle" morphology. Thirty-two patients (48.5%) were assigned to Group 1, 10 (15.2%) to Group 2 and 24 (36.4%) to Group 3. The "round" MDMs were significantly more frequent in Group 1 (39.25 ± 4.98%) than in Group 2 (23.89 ± 3.10%) and Group 3 (23.02 ± 7.89%), p = 0.008. MDMs in Group 1 as compared to Groups 2 and 3 showed lower efferocytosis (8.74 ± 1.38 vs 9.74 ± 2.15 vs 11.41 ± 2.41; p = 0.012), higher tissue factor levels (369.84 ± 101.13 vs 301.89 ± 59.78 vs 231.74 ± 111.47; p = 0.001) and higher heme oxygenase-1 expression (678.78 ± 145.43 vs 419.12 ± 74.44 vs 409.78 ± 64.33; p = 0.008). MDMs of ACS patients show morpho-phenotypic heterogeneity with prevalence of pro-thrombotic and pro-oxidative properties in case of plaque rupture and systemic inflammation. Such MDMs subpopulation may take part to the cellular pathways leading to fibrous cap rupture with the subsequent thrombus formation. • Monocyte-derived macrophages to study macrophages infiltrating coronary plaques. • Optical Coherence Tomography to identify the mechanism of plaque destabilization. • Pro-thrombotic, oxidative macrophages are prevalent in ruptures with inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) associated to high C-reactive protein (CRP) levels exhibit a higher risk of future acute ischemic events. Yet, the positive predictive value of CRP is too low to guide a specific treatment. Our study aims to identify a high-risk patient subset who might mostly benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment on the basis of the combination of optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessment of the culprit vessel and CRP serum levels. Patients admitted for ACS and undergoing pre-interventional OCT assessment of the culprit vessel were selected from "Agostino Gemelli" Hospital OCT Registry. The primary end-point was recurrent ACS (re-ACS). CRP levels ≥2 mg/L were considered abnormal. The overall study population consisted of 178 patients. Among these, 156 patients were included in the primary end-point analysis. The re-ACS rate was 23% at 3-year follow-up. High CRP (2.587, 95% CI:1.345–10.325, p = 0.031), plaque rupture (3.985, 95% CI:1.698–8.754, p = 0.009), macrophage infiltration (3.145, 95% CI:1.458–9.587, p = 0.012) and multifocal atherosclerosis (2.734, 95% CI:1.748–11.875, p = 0.042) were independent predictors of re-ACS. All patients (14/14) with high CRP and with all OCT high-risk features had re-ACS. At the other extreme, only 4 of the 82 patients with low CRP levels and lack of high-risk features at OCT examination exhibited re-ACS at follow-up. The combination of systemic evidence of inflammation and OCT findings in the culprit plaque identifies very high-risk ACS. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to test an anti-inflammatory treatment in this patient subset. • High CRP and OCT features of the culprit vessel predict recurrent coronary events. • Patients with high-risk OCT features and high CRP experienced a recurrent ACS. • Our findings may contribute to individualize the secondary prevention of ACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healed plaques, morphologically characterized by a layered phenotype, are frequently found in subjects with sudden cardiac death. However, in vivo data are lacking.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, morphological characteristics, and clinical significance of healed culprit plaques in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods: A total of 376 ACS patients (252 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [MI] and 124 non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome) who had undergone pre-intervention OCT imaging of the culprit lesion were enrolled. Patients were stratified according to the presence of layered phenotype, defined as layers of different optical density at OCT. Clinical and laboratory data, OCT characteristics, and 1-year outcome were compared between the 2 groups.Results: Among 376 patients, 108 (28.7%) healed plaques were identified. Hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and history of MI were more frequent in patients with healed plaques (44.4% vs. 33.2%; p = 0.041; 35.2% vs. 23.5%; p = 0.021; and 15.7% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.009, respectively). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was significantly higher in patients with healed plaques (median 4.98 mg/l [interquartile range: 1.00 to 11.32 mg/l] vs. 3.00 mg/l [interquartile range: 0.30 to 10.15 mg/l]; p = 0.029). Plaque rupture (64.8% vs. 53.0%; p = 0.039), thin cap fibroatheroma (56.5% vs. 42.5%; p = 0.016), and macrophage accumulation (81.1% vs. 63.4%; p = 0.001) were common in the layered group. OCT also revealed greater area stenosis in plaques with layered phenotype (79.2 ± 9.5% vs. 74.3 ± 14.3%; p = 0.001). The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was similar between the 2 groups, except that the all-cause rehospitalization rate was higher among healed plaques (32.7% vs. 16.5%; p = 0.013).Conclusions: Healed plaques, a signature of prior plaque destabilization, were found at the culprit site in more than one-quarter of ACS patients. Such patients more frequently were diabetic, were hyperlipidemic, or had a history of MI. Healed plaques frequently showed OCT features of vulnerability with evidence of local and systemic inflammation. The combination of plaque vulnerability, local inflammation, and greater plaque burden in addition to systemic inflammation may outweigh the protective mechanism of plaque healing and predispose those plaques to develop occlusive thrombus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study evaluated the long-term outcome of patients undergoing emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (eCABG) for cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction. Methods Sixty-seven consecutive patients underwent eCABG for cardiogenic shock at 2 European institutions during an 11-year period. Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and long-term follow-up data of all patients were prospectively collected. Results Hospital survival was 86% (58 of 67), with all deaths due to cardiac causes. At a mean follow-up of 78 ± 48 months (range, 1 to 153 months), 43 of the 58 patients (74%) discharged from the hospital were alive. Causes of death in 9 of the 15 follow-up deaths (60%) were noncardiac. Overall survival rate at the end of follow-up was 64% (43 of 67). Of the 43 survivors, 41 (95%) were in New York Heart Association Functional Classification I to II, ischemia free, had a Karnofsky performance status exceeding 80, and an excellent quality of life as assessed by the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass and the internal thoracic artery were associated with significantly better long-term survival. Conclusions The long-term survival and quality of life of patients who undergo eCABG for cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction are good, and eCABG should be considered a valuable therapeutic option in this setting. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass and the internal thoracic artery at the time of the operation are strongly advocated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Guidelines report that the optimal treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) when performed timely by trained operators. Yet, the reopening of the infarct-related artery (IRA) is not always followed by myocardial reperfusion. This phenomenon is most commonly called “no-reflow”, is caused by microvascular obstruction (MVO) and is associated to a worse outcome. Electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for the diagnosis of STEMI, but is also useful for the assessment of MVO. In this review we summarize ECG-derived parameters associated to MVO and their prognostic relevance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The deposition and etching of plasma-polymerized fluorocarbon thin films were studied in filamentary dielectric barrier discharges (FDBDs) fed with Ar–CF4–H2 and Ar–CF4–O2 mixtures, respectively. The etching/polymerization competition was investigated as a function of the feed composition. Hydrogen addition to CF4 promotes thin films deposition, with a maximum deposition rate at 20% H2, and reduces the F/C ratio of the deposit, while the oxygen addition promotes the etching of the plasma-deposited film. It is demonstrated that fluorine atoms can perform the etching of the fluoropolymer also without ion bombardment. The correlation between the trend of the etch rate and the trend of the surface chemical composition of fluoropolymers etched in Ar–CF4–O2 mixtures allows to enhance hypotheses on the reaction mechanism and on the role of the different active species involved in plasma–surface interactions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Carbon black granules were coated by thin polymers in radio frequency glow discharges fed with acrylic acid/argon mixtures at different input powers, in order to improve the adsorption ability of basic compounds in the liquid and gas phases. The treated surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses and water contact angle measurements, performed immediately after the plasma treatment, after ageing in water and in air, and after heating up to 150°C. The adsorption ability of basic compounds in the liquid and gas phases was evaluated with Boehm titrations and ammonia adsorption, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy observations and Brunauer, Emmett, Teller specific surface area measurements were performed to evaluate the morphological changes induced by the plasma treatments on the carbon black granule surface. The results show that the plasma treatments significantly improve the absorption ability of carbon black mainly for grafting of carboxylic groups and not for surface morphological modifications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although an in vivo diagnosis of coronary plaque erosion has become possible by optical coherence tomography (OCT), angiographic characteristics of erosion have not been studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the angiographic features of plaque erosion in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). Patients with NSTE-ACS who underwent OCT of the culprit lesion were collected at 11 institutions from 6 countries. Patients were classified as erosion or non-erosion based on OCT images. Angiographic features of both groups were compared. Among 494 cases with NSTE-ACS, 242 had plaque erosion and 252 had non-erosion. Compared to non-erosion group, erosion patients had less multivessel disease (28.5% vs. 49.6%, p < 0.001), lower Jeopardy score (4.2 vs. 5.0, p < 0.001), lower Gensini score (21.3 vs. 25.6, p = 0.014), and lower Syntax score (8.9 vs. 11.5, p < 0.001). With regard to the culprit lesion morphology, plaque erosion group had smaller reference diameter (2.8 mm vs. 3.0 mm, p = 0.032), less frequent type B2/C lesions (51.2% vs. 71.8%, p < 0.001), and lower prevalence of calcification (4.1% vs. 13.9%, p < 0.001) and thrombus (16.5% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.002). In the mid left anterior descending artery (LAD), erosion was significantly more frequent than non-erosion (30.2% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.034). Patients with NSTE-ACS caused by plaque erosion have less complex angiographic features both at the 3-vessel level and at the culprit lesion level. Plaque erosion was frequently found in the mid LAD. • Plaque erosion is associated with less overall plaque burden in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. • Plaque erosion is associated with less complex culprit lesion on angiogram in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. • Plaque erosion was a frequent pathology in the mid left anterior descending coronary artery. • Different angiographic features between plaque erosion and plaque rupture may reflect different underlying pathobiology. • Using angiography, patients with higher likelihood of plaque erosion can be identified for confimative OCT procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is a condition of transient regional ventricular systolic dysfunction, usually presenting with acute chest pain and/or dyspnea, that is increasingly recognized especially in post-menopausal women following a psychological or physical stress. Initially considered as a benign condition with an isolated and self-limiting episode, it is now recognized that it is associated with a significant risk of in-hospital mortality and of recurrence. We herein describe a case of a 61-year-old female with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) who experienced a recurrence of TS, highlighting the potential pathophysiological role for LVNC in predisposing this syndrome and its recurrence. Moreover, we underscored possible therapeutic implications deriving from this case. Highlights • Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is an acute form of neurocardiogenic stunning. • Altered autonomic-limbic processing supports brain-heart axis in TS. • Sympathetic activation with catecholamine release, causes myocardial toxicity and/or coronary microvascular dysfunction. • Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a rare disease characterized by a subverted myocardial architecture. • LVNC may predispose to TS because associated with coronary microvascular and autonomic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dispersions of oleate-capped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in binary n -octane/1,7-octadiene solvent mixtures are injected, in aerosol form, in a dielectric barrier discharge to deposit hydrocarbon polymer/ZnO nanoparticles nanocomposite (NC) thin films at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. The chemical composition of the coatings, and in turn their morphology and wettability, can be tuned by simply changing the composition of the starting dispersion. Specifically, the increase of the NPs concentration in the dispersion (0.5–5 wt%) results in a continuous increase of both the ZnO content and deposition rate of the coatings. Moreover, when the concentration of 1,7-octadiene in the solvent mixture is very low (0.5–2 vol%), the incorporation of NPs is further promoted, while at concentrations >2 vol% the growth of the organic component starts to be favored. Overall, results reveal a considerable increase of the root-mean-square (RMS) roughness of the coatings with the ZnO loading. In addition, once the threshold ZnO loading and RMS roughness of 60 wt% and 350 nm are reached, respectively, the coatings are superhydrophobic and exhibit very low water contact angle hysteresis, due to the coexistence of the low surface energy conferred by the hydrocarbon polymer and the hierarchical multiscale surface texture induced by NPs incorporation. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Organic-inorganic nanocomposite films by injecting NPs dispersions in a cold plasma • Study of the influence of the dispersion composition on coatings properties • Growth of the organic and inorganic components of the hybrid coating • Wettability behavior as a function of the ZnO loading and roughness of the coatings [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-polyols synthesized from vegetables oils are a great alternative to petrochemical polyols for polyurethanes industry. The simplest approach to bio-polyols synthesis involves epoxidation of carbon–carbon double bond of unsaturated fatty ester moieties and subsequent epoxide ring-opening by nucleophilic reagents. In order to improve the latter process by increasing both productivity and product quality, the advantages of flow chemistry were exploited, such as facile automation, reproducibility, improved safety and process reliability, investigating for the first time in the literature the methanolysis reaction of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) in a continuous flow mode. Compared with batch reaction, flow mode allowed the cut of the reaction time from 30 min to 2 min, and the reduction of catalyst concentration by an order of magnitude, which brought significant benefits in terms of cost efficiency and eco-sustainability, rendering the method suitable for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An innovative low pressure plasma process for deposition of copper-containing hybrid organic-inorganic thin films was developed. The discharge was fed with an aerosol of an aqueous solution of a copper complex, i.e. bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) hydroxide and argon. Polymeric films, incorporating inorganic Cu(I) and Cu(II) compounds, were obtained. Morphological and chemical characterizations of the coatings were carried out. Antimicrobial properties were assessed on two species of Pseudomonas spp. In vitro tests were carried out by contact of the optimized films, deposited on square polycarbonate samples (~ 4 cm 2 ), with cell suspensions of 1 × 10 4 CFU/mL for 18 h at 25 °C. It was demonstrated that, the hybrid organic-inorganic thin coatings have potential utilization as active packaging material, showing an antimicrobial effect of up to three orders of magnitude (final microbial concentration 10 5 CFU/mL), compared to control polycarbonate (final microbial concentration 10 8 CFU/mL). Industrial relevance An innovative low pressure plasma process for deposition of copper-based, hybrid organic-inorganic thin films was developed. The optimized thin coatings have potential industrial utilization as active packaging material, being very effective against pseudomonads. Viability of Pseudomonas was reduced by three orders of magnitude (from 10 8 CFU/mL to 10 5 CFU/mL) in the presence of developed films, thus suggesting further investigation of the technique under food packaging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured iron oxide coatings have been deposited by plasma sputtering by different approaches, with and without thermal annealing, with the aim of preparing supported catalysts for solar photo-Fenton. Depending on the experimental conditions explored (O 2 content in the feed, annealing or bilayer approach) the phase composition of iron oxide changes and the surface nanostructure as well. The evaluation of methylene blue degradation in photo-Fenton reaction indicates a good performance of the investigated materials. Degradation percentage between 84 and 97% have been obtained in 180 min with a constant reaction rate as high as 18.0 × 10−3 min−1, with the best result for a bilayer sample obtained without thermal annealing. This preliminary investigation highlights that the photoactivity of the coatings is related not only to the content of α-Fe 2 O 3 , but also to the presence of developed nanostructures on the coating surface, making the material more active. The proposed method for producing supported catalyst based on photo-Fenton reaction is straightforward, and the possibility to reuse the catalyst up to ten reaction cycles is demonstrated. [Display omitted] • Plasma processing is a valid alternative to produce supported catalytic films for photo-Fenton. • Morphology and structure of the iron coatings can be modulated by process conditions. • Almost 100% dye degradation is achieved in 180 min. • The proposed catalysts can be easily recycled at least 10 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Natriuretic peptides are diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers in major cardiovascular diseases. We aimed at assessing the predictive role of N-terminal pro-A-type (NT-proANP) and pro-B-type (NT-proBNP) natriuretic peptides levels toward cardiovascular outcome in both stable and unstable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a non-primary PCI setting.Methods: A total of 395 patients undergoing PCI with stent implantation for either stable angina (SA) or non ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) were enrolled. Pre-procedural NT-proANP and NT-proBNP levels were measured. Occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), composite of cardiac death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (c-TLR), was the endpoint of the study. Follow up mean time was 48.53±14.69months.Results: MACEs occurred in forty-four patients (11%) during follow up. Both NT-proANP levels [3170 (2210-4630) vs 2283 (1314-3913) fmol/mL, p=0.004] and NT-proBNP levels [729 (356-1353) vs 511 (267-1006) fmol/mL, p=0.04] were significantly higher in patients with MACEs compared to patients without MACEs. Similar results were found when considering hard MACEs (myocardial infarction and cardiac death). NT-proANP levels were significantly higher in patients with c-TLR compared with patients without c-TLR [3705 (2766-5184) vs 2343 (1340-3960) fmol/mL, p=0.021]. At multivariate analysis, NT-proANP levels were a significant predictor of MACEs (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.18, p=0.04). Kaplan-Meyer curves revealed that patients with elevated NT-proANP levels (>2.100fmol/mL) had a lower MACE free survival (p=0.003).Conclusions: Both NT-proANP and NT-proBNP levels were higher in CAD patients experiencing MACEs following PCI in a non-primary setting. Notably, only NT-proANP levels significantly affected prognosis after PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to elucidate mechanisms underlying discordance between fractional flow reserve (FFR) and hyperemic stenosis resistance (hSR) in some patient subsets. To do this, we enrolled 30 consecutive patients with stable angina or noneST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) and with a nonculprit intermediate coronary lesion (40% to 70%) by coronary angiography. We measured aortic pressure, flow velocity, and pressure distal to lesion simultaneously at basal level and during adenosine-induced (fixed intracoronary dose of 120 mg) hyperemia using a dual-sensoreequipped guidewire. Microvascular resistance (MR; pressure distal to lesion/flow velocity, mm Hg/cm/s) and variation (Δ) in MR levels were calculated both at baseline and after hyperemia, whereas FFR (cutoff <0.80) and hSR [(aortic pressure L pressure distal to lesion)/flow velocity, cutoff >0.80 mm Hg/cm/s] were assessed after intracoronary adenosine. Twenty-three patients (76.7%) showed concordance and 7 patients (23.3%) showed discordance between FFR and hSR (all cases with FFR >0.80 and hSR >0.80). Discordant patients presented more frequently with non-STEMI (85.7% vs 39.1%, p [ 0.04), significantly higher C-reactive protein serum levels (median [interquartile range] 5.9 [5.1 to 6.8] vs 4.9 [3.7 to 6.2] mg/L, p[0.007), and lower ΔMR (p[ 0.03) values compared with concordant patients. In conclusion, patients with non-STEMI and those with increased C-reactive protein levels show a lower reduction in MR after intracoronary adenosineeinduced hyperemia, leading to FFR underestimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser atherectomy might decrease procedural complications during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of degenerated saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) in case of unstable or thrombotic lesions because of its ability to debulk and vaporize thrombus. We aimed at prospectively evaluating the safety and efficacy of excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) as a primary treatment strategy in consecutively unstable patients undergoing PCI of degenerated SVG lesions. Seventy-one consecutive patients with noneST elevation acute coronary syndrome (mean age 69 ± 10 years, 66 men [89%]) undergoing PCI of degenerated SVG were enrolled in a prospective case-control registry, using 2 different distal protection devices (DPDs; FilterWire EZ [Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts; n = 24] and SpiderRX [Ev3, Plymouth, Minnesota; n = 23]) or ELCA (n = 24). Primary end points of the study were incidence of angiographic microvascular obstruction (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade of <3 or Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infraction flow grade of 3 with myocardial blush grade 1 to 2) and incidence of type IVa myocardial infarction. Angiographic microvascular obstruction incidence tended to be less in ELCA-treated patients compared with DPD-treated patients (3 [13%] vs 15 [32%], p = 0.09). Type IVa myocardial infarction incidence was more in DPD-treated patients compared with ELCA-treated patients (23 [49%] vs 5 [21%], p = 0.04). In conclusion, in patients with noneST elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing PCI of degenerated SVG, ELCA compared with DPD, is associated with a trend for better myocardial reperfusion and a lesser incidence of periprocedural necrosis. Controlled randomized trials are warranted to confirm these early observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success rate of recanalization of coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) has improved in recent years, but the clinical benefit associated with successful CTO recanalization in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era is not well known. A cohort of 317 consecutive patients (mean age 65 ± 10, 84% men) with CTOs (defined as Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] flow grade 0 and duration >3 months) of native coronary vessels in which percutaneous coronary intervention was attempted was enrolled from June 2005 to March 2009. All successful procedures (196 patients) were performed by DES implantation. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs; a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization) was assessed during a mean follow-up period of 3 years. MACE predictors were assessed in clinical, angiographic, and procedural data, including procedural success. Patients with successful percutaneous coronary intervention experienced a significantly lower MACE rate compared to those with failed procedures (17 [9%] vs 32 [26%], p = 0.008). Patients with multivessel disease experienced MACEs more frequently than those with single-vessel disease (45 [22%] vs 4 [4%], p = 0.002). On multiple Cox regression analysis, the presence of multivessel disease and CTO opening failure were independent predictors of MACEs (hazard ratio 2.31, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 4.96, p = 0.01, and hazard ratio 1.81, 95% confidence interval 1.33 to 4.12, p = 0.02, respectively). The worst prognosis was confined to patients with multivessel disease and failed procedures (hazard ratio 2.73, 95% confidence interval 1.21 to 3.92, p = 0.03). In conclusion, successful recanalization of CTOs with DES translates into a reduction of the 3-year MACE rate compared to failed procedures, and the worst prognosis is observed in patients with failed procedures and multivessel disease, a notion that might be taken into account in the management of patients with coronary CTOs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to test two different innovative plasma assisted approaches to prolong ricotta shelf life. In one test the ricotta cheese is directly exposed to the plasma effects, and in the other one the plasma is indirectly applied (i.e. blowing the plasma effluents on the substrate). This last approach is innovative and very promising because in this way, plasma treatment can be assured at moments or at places where no plasma source can be used or is available. To the aim, treated and untreated samples were stored at 4 °C for a period of 8 days, during which microbiological, sensory analyses and pH measurements were carried out. Tests were repeated more times to also taken into account product variability. Results highlighted that both treatments in all tests were effective to control microbial proliferation and preserve sensory quality. Specifically, a significant shelf life prolongation was recorded, ranging between 50% and 100%, depending to the type of treatment and on the initial microbial contamination. Both direct and indirect plasma treatments tested have led to a shelf life increase of up 2 days, which is a very promising result for a fresh product such as artisanal ricotta. The current paper offers the first example in literature of "gentle" and efficacious treatment of fresh perishable products by gas effluents plasma-enriched by reactive oxygen or nitrogen species. The easy implementation of the proposed indirect approach and the easily customizable CAP system at room temperature could gain great attention from fresh dairy sector, with economic advantages and benefits also for the environment. • Two innovative plasma assisted approaches were proposed to prolong ricotta shelf life. • In one test the ricotta cheese is directly exposed to the plasma effects. • In another test the plasma effluents are blowing on the substrate, indirectly. • Both direct and indirect approaches were found effective due to several plasma components. • Delay in microbial growth and improvement in sensory quality were found in treated cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Innovative method for the synthesis of PEG based coatings with non-fouling property. • Coatings obtained by coupling atomization and atmospheric pressure plasma. • Cells essays revealed non-adhesive PEG-rich coatings. • Easy, user friendly and fast deposition of PEG based coatings. A novel method has been developed for the deposition of PEG containing coatings with cell repulsive properties. PEG is atomized from a water solution directly in a dielectric barrier discharge where, due to the presence of a film precursor, ethylene, a composite coating is deposited. Morphological characterization evidenced the globular appearance of the coatings due to the presence in the feed of solution droplets. The chemical characterization, and in particular the MALDI-TOF analysis confirmed the presence of PEG-like regions, in an amount decreasing with increasing the ethylene content in the film. Finally, cell adhesion was considerably reduced for the PEG-rich deposited coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]