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Funding Information: This work was financially supported in part by the University of Oulu (projects: Entity, ROAR, and Memristors and neuromorphic sensors from vertically aligned layered materials). We acknowledge funding from the EU Erasmus + programme (project: TACMEE), and the Academy of Finland (Center of Excellence Program in Life-inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER), and projects: 311058, 325185, and 330214). We thank the personnel of the Centre for Material Analysis at the University of Oulu for providing us with technical assistance. We also thank CSC Finland for the generous grants of computer time. Publisher Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. Cost-effective and high-performance H2S sensors are required for human health and environmental monitoring. 2D transition-metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are appealing candidates for gas sensing due to good conductivity and abundant surface functional groups but have been studied primarily for detecting NH3 and VOCs, with generally positive responses that are not highly selective to the target gases. Here, we report on a negative response of pristine Ti3C2Tx thin films for H2S gas sensing (in contrast to the other tested gases) and further optimization of the sensor performance using a composite of Ti3C2Tx flakes and conjugated polymers (poly[3,6-diamino-10-methylacridinium chloride-co-3,6-diaminoacridine-squaraine], PDS-Cl) with polar charged nitrogen. The composite, preserving the high selectivity of pristine Ti3C2Tx, exhibits an H2S sensing response of 2% at 5 ppm (a thirtyfold sensing enhancement) and a low limit of detection of 500 ppb. In addition, our density functional theory calculations indicate that the mixture of MXene surface functional groups needs to be taken into account to describe the sensing mechanism and the selectivity of the sensor in agreement with the experimental results. Thus, this report extends the application range of MXene-based composites to H2S sensors and deepens the understanding of their gas sensing mechanisms.

Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIR), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), and Raman spectroscopy are all well-established analytical techniques in biomedical applications. Since they provide complementary chemical information, we aimed to determine whether combining them amplifies their strengths and mitigates their weaknesses. This study investigates the feasibility of the fusion of MIR, NIR, and Raman spectroscopic data for characterising articular cartilage integrity. Osteochondral specimens from bovine patellae were subjected to mechanical and enzymatic damage, and then MIR, NIR, and Raman data were acquired from the damaged and control specimens. We assessed the capacity of individual spectroscopic methods to classify the samples into damage or control groups using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Multi-block PLS-DA was carried out to assess the potential of data fusion by combining the dataset by applying two-block (MIR and NIR, MIR and Raman, NIR and Raman) and three-block approaches (MIR, NIR, and Raman). The results of the one-block models show a higher classification accuracy for NIR (93%) and MIR (92%) than for Raman (76%) spectroscopy. In contrast, we observed the highest classification efficiency of 94% and 93% for the two-block (MIR and NIR) and three-block models, respectively. The detailed correlative analysis of the spectral features contributing to the discrimination in the three-block models adds considerably more insight into the molecular origin of cartilage damage.

Background Radiation therapy (RT) results in myocardial changes consisting of diffuse fibrosis, which may result in changes in diastolic function. Objectives The aim of this study was to explore RT-associated changes in left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. Methods Sixty chemotherapy-naive patients with left-sided, early-stage breast cancer were studied with speckle tracking echocardiography at 3 time points: prior to, immediately after, and 3 years after RT. Global and regional early diastolic strain rate (SRe) were quantified, as were parameters of systolic function. Results Regional changes in SRe, particularly the apical and anteroseptal segments, were observed over time and were more evident than global changes. The apical SRe declined from a median of 1.24 (interquartile range: 1.01 to 1.39) s-1 at baseline to 1.02 (interquartile range: 0.79 to 1.15) s-1 at 3 years of follow-up (p < 0.001). This decline was associated with the left ventricular maximal radiation dose (β = 0.36, p = 0.007). The global SRe was, Central Illustration

Objective Joint injuries may lead to degeneration of cartilage tissue and initiate development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic surgeries can be used to treat joint injuries, but arthroscopic evaluation of articular cartilage quality is subjective. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with fiber optics and attenuated total reflectance crystal could be used for the assessment of tissue quality during arthroscopy. We hypothesize that fiber-optic mid-infrared spectroscopy can detect enzymatically and mechanically induced damage similar to changes occurring during progression of osteoarthritis. Design Bovine patellar cartilage plugs were extracted and degraded enzymatically and mechanically. Adjacent untreated samples were utilized as controls. Enzymatic degradation was done using collagenase and trypsin enzymes. Mechanical damage was induced by (1) dropping a weight impactor on the cartilage plugs and (2) abrading the cartilage surface with a rotating sandpaper. Fiber-optic mid-infrared spectroscopic measurements were conducted before and after treatments, and spectral changes were assessed with random forest, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and support vector machine classifiers. Results All models had excellent classification performance for detecting the different enzymatic and mechanical damage on cartilage matrix. Random forest models achieved accuracies between 90.3% and 77.8%, while partial least squares model accuracies ranged from 95.8% to 84.7%, and support vector machine accuracies from 91.7% to 80.6%. Conclusions The results suggest that fiber-optic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy is a viable way to detect minor and major degeneration of articular cartilage. Objective measures provided by fiber-optic spectroscopic methods could improve arthroscopic evaluation of cartilage damage.

Raman spectroscopy is promising in vivo tool in various biomedical applications; moreover, in recent years, its use for characterizing articular cartilage degeneration has been developing. It has also shown potential for scoring the severity of cartilage lesions, which could be useful in determining the optimal treatment strategy during cartilage repair surgery. However, the effect of different cartilage injury types on Raman spectra is unknown. This study aims to investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy for detecting changes in cartilage due to different injury types. Artificial injuries were induced in cartilage samples using established mechanical and enzymatic approaches to mimic trauma‐induced and natural degeneration. Mechanical damage was induced using surface abrasion (ABR, n = 12) or impact loading (IMP, n = 12), while enzymatic damage was induced using three different treatments: 30 min trypsin digestion (T30, n = 12), 90 min collagenase digestion (C90, n = 12), and 24 h collagenase digestion (C24, n = 12). Raman spectra were obtained from all specimens, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was used to distinguish cartilage injury types from their respective controls. PLS‐DA cross‐validation accuracies were higher for C24 (88%) and IMP (79%) than for C90 (67%), T30 (63%), and ABR (58%) groups. This study indicates that Raman spectroscopy, combined with multivariate analysis, can discern different cartilage injury types. This knowledge could be useful in clinical decision‐making, for example, selecting the optimal treatment remedy during cartilage repair surgery.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent finding in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but there is conflicting scientific evidence regarding its long-term impact on patient outcome. The aim of this study was to survey and compare the ≥10-year mortality of ACS patients with sinus rhythm (SR) and AF. Methods: Patients were divided into 2 groups based on rhythm in their 12-lead ECGs: (1) SR (n = 788) at hospital admission and discharge (including sinus bradycardia, physiological sinus arrhythmia, and sinus tachycardia) and (2) AF/atrial flutter (n = 245) at both hospital admission and discharge, or SR and AF combination. Patients who failed to match the inclusion criteria were excluded from the final analysis. The main outcome surveyed was long-term all-cause mortality between AF and SR groups during the whole follow-up time. Results: Consecutive ACS patients (n = 1,188, median age 73 years, male/female 58/42%) were included and followed up for ≥10 years. AF patients were older (median age 77 vs. 71 years, p < 0.001) and more often female than SR patients. AF patients more often presented with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (69.8 vs. 50.4%, p < 0.001), had a higher rate of diabetes (31.0 vs. 22.8%, p = 0.009), and were more often using warfarin (32.2 vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001) or diuretic medication (55.1 vs. 25.8%, p < 0.001) on admission than patients with SR. The use of warfarin at discharge was also more frequent in the AF group (55.5 vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001). The rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality were higher in the AF group (80.9 vs. 50.3%, p < 0.001, and 73.8 vs. 69.6%, p = 0.285, respectively). In multivariable analysis, AF was independently associated with higher mortality when compared to SR (adjusted HR 1.662; 95% CI: 1.387–1.992, p < 0.001). Conclusion: AF/atrial flutter at admission and/or discharge independently predicted poorer long-term outcome in ACS patients, with 66% higher mortality within the ≥10-year follow-up time when compared to patients with SR.

Surface-plasmons of metals have been utilized to enhance the Raman spectra of various adsorbed moieties for over decades. While amplification of the spectral intensity takes place on most of the metals, due to their superb properties, Au, Ag and Cu surfaces represent the benchmark in surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In this paper, we show that Cu-Pd bimetal and CuPt alloy nanotubes derived from Cu nanowires by simple galvanic exchange reactions are suitable for the efficient enhancement of Raman spectra when dispersed on Si surfaces. Amplification factors of $120\times $ on Cu nanowires, $150\times $ on Cu-Pd bimetal nanotubes and $250\times $ on CuPt alloy nanotubes in reference to the substrate are measured for rhodamine 6G and methyl violet model compounds. We also show that the nanotubes dispersed on Au surfaces can contribute to a further intensity enhancement of the substrate and detect analytes adsorbed from 10−6 M analyte concentrations. Our results obtained using bimetallic and alloy nanomaterials shed light on a new strategy to synthetize and apply new types of metal nanostructures and compositions for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy in the future.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Radiotherapy (RT) related myocardial changes were analyzed by deformation imaging echocardiography in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-nine breast cancer patients were studied at baseline, after chemotherapy, after RT, and three years after RT (3Y). Eighty patients received RT only, and twenty patients had right-sided breast cancer. Echocardiography included cyclic variation of the integrated backscatter in the septum (sCV) and posterior wall (pCV), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). RESULTS: In patients with left-sided breast cancer, sCV declined from 11.3±3.3 dB at baseline to 10.3±2.9 dB after RT (p=0.001). No changes were observed after chemotherapy (p=0.211) or in patients with right-sided breast cancer after RT (p=0.977). No other parameters declined after RT. The decline in sCV was independently associated with the left anterior descending coronary artery radiation dose (β=-0.290, p=0.020). CONCLUSION: In contrast to other parameters, sCV correlated with heart radiation dose. publishedVersion

Background Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are cytokines involved in fibrotic processes causing radiotherapy (RT)-induced cardiovascular changes. We aimed to investigate the associations between TGF-β1 and PDGF and the echocardiographic changes that occur during RT and during three-year follow-up. Methods The study included 63 women receiving adjuvant RT for early-stage breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ. Serum TGF-β1 (ng/ml) and PDGF (ng/ml) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay and echocardiographic examination was performed before RT, after RT and at 3 years. Patients were grouped by biomarker behavior by a trajectory analysis. Results TGF-β1 decreased from 19.2 (IQR 17.1–22.3) before RT to 18.8 (14.5–22.0) after RT (p = 0.003) and the decrease persisted at 17.2 (13.7–21.2) 3 years after RT (p = 0.101). PDGF decreased from 15.4 (12.6–19.1) before RT to 13.8 (11.7–16.2) after RT, p = 0.001, and persisted at 15.6 (10.4–18.4) at 3 years, p = 0.661. The TGF-β1 level before RT (Spearman’s rho 0.441, p

Background: In this study, we evaluate the evolution of cardiac changes during a three-year follow-up after adjuvant breast radiotherapy (RT).Methods: Sixty patients with left-sided and 20 ...

Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Paavo and Eila Salonen Legacy The Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research onbehalf - Aims To characterize the early phases of radiotherapy-induced changes in myocardial deformation echocardiography. Methods Ninety-nine breast cancer patients were studied prior adjuvant treatment, after chemotherapy (CT), after radiotherapy (RT) and three years after RT (3Y). Nineteen patients with left-sided breast cancer received adjuvant CTand RT (Group A). Sixty patients with left-sided (Group B) and 20 patients with right-sided breast cancer (Group C) were treated with RT only. Echocardiography with the analysis of cyclic variation of the integrated backscatter of the septum (sCV) and the posterior wall (pCV) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were performed. Results Group A patients had a sCV decline from baseline to after CT, after RT and at 3Y by 1.2 ± 3.4 dB (p = 0.146), 2.6 ± 3.9 dB (p = 0.010) and 4.1 ± 5.4 dB (p = 0.011), and GLS decline by 0.9 ± 1.7 % (p = 0.027), 0.1 ± 2.4 % (p = 0.848), and 0.9 ± 2.9 % (p = 0.124), respectively. Group B displayed sCV changes after RT by 1.4 ± 3.5 dB (p = 0.007) and at 3Y by 2.4 ± 3.2 dB (p Conclusions Radiation-exposed septal areas displayed a significant decline early after RT in Group A and B patients in contrast to posterior wall and patients with right-sided breast cancer. In addition, the changes were independently associated with the mean LAD radiation dose. GLS had no independent association with radiation dose . CV appears to be a more sensitive marker of radiotherapy-induced changes of the myocardial contractility than GLS.

Raman spectroscopy is promising in vivo tool in various biomedical applications; moreover, in recent years, its use for characterizing articular cartilage degeneration has been developing. It has also shown potential for scoring the severity of cartilage lesions, which could be useful in determining the optimal treatment strategy during cartilage repair surgery. However, the effect of different cartilage injury types on Raman spectra is unknown. This study aims to investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy for detecting changes in cartilage due to different injury types. Artificial injuries were induced in cartilage samples using established mechanical and enzymatic approaches to mimic trauma‐induced and natural degeneration. Mechanical damage was induced using surface abrasion (ABR, n = 12) or impact loading (IMP, n = 12), while enzymatic damage was induced using three different treatments: 30 min trypsin digestion (T30, n = 12), 90 min collagenase digestion (C90, n = 12), and 24 h collagenase digestion (C24, n = 12). Raman spectra were obtained from all specimens, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was used to distinguish cartilage injury types from their respective controls. PLS‐DA cross‐validation accuracies were higher for C24 (88%) and IMP (79%) than for C90 (67%), T30 (63%), and ABR (58%) groups. This study indicates that Raman spectroscopy, combined with multivariate analysis, can discern different cartilage injury types. This knowledge could be useful in clinical decision‐making, for example, selecting the optimal treatment remedy during cartilage repair surgery.

Articular cartilage (AC) is a soft connective tissue that covers the ends of articulating bones. Joint injuries may lead to degeneration of cartilage tissue and initiate development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Arthroscopic surgeries can be used to treat joint injuries, but arthroscopic evaluation of cartilage quality is subjective. Therefore, new methods are needed for objective assessment of cartilage degeneration. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy can be used to assess tissue composition based on the fundamental molecular vibrations. When combined with fiber optics and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) crystal, the measurements can be done flexibly without any sample processing. We hypothesize that Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy can detect enzymatically and mechanically induced changes similar to changes occurring during progression of OA. Fresh bovine patellar cartilage plugs (n = 60) were extracted and degraded enzymatically and mechanically. Adjacent untreated control samples (n = 60) were utilized as controls. Enzymatic degradation was implemented by 90-min and 24-hour collagenase as well as 30-min trypsin treatments. Mechanical damage was induced by: 1) dropping a weight impactor on the cartilage plugs, and 2) abrading the cartilage surface with a rotating sandpaper. Fiber optic FTIR-ATR spectroscopic measurements were conducted for control and degraded samples, and spectral changes were assessed with random forest (RF), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. RF (accuracy 93.1 % to 79.2 %), PLS-DA (accuracy 95.8% to 81.9%), and SVM (accuracy 91.7% to 80.6%) all had excellent classification performance for detecting the different enzymatic and mechanical damage on cartilage matrix. The results suggest that fiber optic FTIR-ATR spectroscopy is a viable way to detect minor degeneration of AC.

Combination of FTIR spectroscopy with fiber optics provides a powerful diagnostic tool for diagnosing of human diseases, including osteoarthritis. To detect cartilage degradation, an arthroscopic probe based on polycrystalline fibers was developed and evaluated on equine cartilage specimen. The hook shape allows reaching a significant portion of the articular surface; the flat tip ensures avoidance of tissue destruction. Efficient QCL-coupling and stable transmission of PIR fibers under bending allows the assembling of effective thin arthroscopy probes and customized multispectral systems for medical diagnostic applications. The presented work was performed within the MIRACLE project (Grant Agreement No 780598, Horizon 2020).

Objectives To search for biomarkers of RT-induced cardiotoxicity, we studied the behavior of ST2 during RT and three years after RT, and the associations with echocardiographic changes. Materials and methods We measured soluble ST2 (ng/ml) in serum samples from 63 patients receiving RT for early breast cancer. Sampling and echocardiography were performed at baseline, after RT and at the three-year follow-up. Patients were grouped by >15% (group 1) and ≤15% (group 2) relative worsening in global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results ST2 levels tended to increase during RT, from a median (interquartile range; IQR) of 17.9 (12.4–22.4) at baseline to 18.2 (14.1–23.5) after RT (p = 0.075). By the three-year follow up, ST2 levels increased to 18.7 (15.8–24.2), p = 0.018. The increase in ST2 level was associated with worsening cardiac systolic function at three-year follow-up, GLS (rho = 0.272, p = 0.034) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (rho = ─0.343, p = 0.006). Group 1 (n = 14) had a significant increase in ST2 levels from 17.8 (12.3–22.5) at baseline to 18.4 (15.6–22.6) after RT, p = 0.035 and to 19.9 (16.0–25.1) three years after RT, p = 0.005. ST2 levels were stable in group 2 (n = 47): 17.8 (12.3–22.0) at baseline, 17.7 (12.6–23.5) after RT and 18.0 (15.5–22.4) at three years. Conclusion ST2 may be useful for determining which patients are at risk for long-term cardiovascular toxicity following adjuvant breast cancer RT, but prospective clinical studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis., Highlights • ST2 levels increase 3 years from adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer. • The increase in ST2 levels is associated with a worsening in global longitudinal strain (GLS). • Increase in ST2 levels is seen during radiotherapy in patients with a >15% change in GLS over 3 years.

Bioprocessing is of crucial importance in pharmaceutical, biofuel, food and other industries. Miniaturization of bioprocesses into microbioreactors allows multiplexing of experiments as well as reduction of reagent consumption and labour-intensity. A crucial part of the research within microbioreactors is biochemical analysis of product, byproduct and substrate concentrations that currently heavily relies on large analytical equipment. Biosensors are a promising analytical tool, however, integration into a microbioreactor is associated with challenges in ensuring sterility, appropriate sensing range, control of matrix effects and stability. In this work we present a novel biosensor integrated analytical chip that features an internal, actuated buffer flow in contact with a biosensor downstream and a diffusion limiting membrane exposed to the sample upstream. The technology was developed and tested using an electrochemical glucose oxidase biosensor and was found to successfully surmount the aforementioned challenges including the extension of the linear range of sensitivity to more than 20 g L⁻¹ for online, real time monitoring of glucose. The biosensor integration chip with the glucose biosensor was then mounted onto a 3D printed microbioreactor with 1 mL of internal volume. The system successfully monitored the consumption of glucose of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in real time for more than 8 h. The developed technology and measurement methodologies are transferrable to other biosensors and microbioreactors as well as large scale applications.

Background Increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are major late complications after radiotherapy (RT) in the thoracic region. Ultrasound tissue characterization (UTC) is a noninvasive method for the identification of myocardial changes. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess whether the analysis of cyclic variation of integrated backscatter (CVIBS) can detect early RT-induced myocardial alterations. Methods Seventy-three eligible patients with early-stage breast cancer were evaluated before and immediately after adjuvant RT. Twenty and 53 patients had right-sided and left-sided breast cancer, respectively. None of the patients received chemotherapy. Comprehensive echocardiographic examination included three-dimensional (3D) measurements and UTC analysis of the left ventricular (LV) septum and posterior wall. Results RT reduced CVIBS in a dose-dependent manner. The mean heart radiation dose over two gray (Gy) reduced the septal CVIBS from 12.0±3.4 to 9.6±2.5 dB (P

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have received immense research interest in particular for their outstanding electrochemical and optoelectrical properties. Lately, chemical gas sensor applications of TMDs have been recognized as well owing to the low operating temperatures of devices, which is a great advantage over conventional metal oxide based sensors. In this work, we elaborate on the gas sensing properties of WS2 and MoS2 thin films made by simple and straightforward thermal sulfurization of sputter deposited metal films on silicon chips. The sensor response to H2, H2S, CO and NH3 analytes in air at 30 °C has been assessed and both MoS2 and WS2 were found to have an excellent selectivity to NH3 with a particularly high sensitivity of 0.10 ± 0.02 ppm−1 at sub-ppm concentrations in the case of WS2. The sensing behavior is explained on the bases of gas adsorption energies as well as carrier (hole) localization induced by the surface adsorbed moieties having reductive nature.

Objective It has been suspected that cobalt is toxic to the heart. It can cause cardiotoxicity in heavily exposed humans and in experimental systems. The issue of interest for this study is whether cobalt also affects the myocardium at occupational exposure levels. Methods To study the effect of occupational cobalt exposure on the heart, we conducted a follow-up of workers at a cobalt production plant. The workers’ hearts had been examined by echocardiography in 1999–2000. Altogether 93 exposed and 49 non-exposed workers examined in 1999–2000 were re-examined in 2006. Occupational history and health data were collected with a questionnaire. Blood pressure was measured, and electrocardiography (ECG), laboratory tests, Holter registration, and echocardiography were conducted for all participants. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse the data. Results No differences were found between the exposed and unexposed groups for any of the echocardiographic parameters in 2006. There were no differences in the laboratory values, the ECG parameters, or the results of the Holter registration of the exposed and unexposed workers. Conclusions Although the previous results in 2000 suggested an association between cumulative exposure to cobalt and echocardiographic findings, the results of this new cross-sectional study with a tissue Doppler 6 years later did not confirm the association in the present cohort. If cobalt exposure affects heart muscle functions at this exposure level, the effects are smaller than those caused by physiological changes due to ageing, medication, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as elevated blood pressure.

BACKGROUND/AIM Chest radiotherapy (RT) doubles late cardiac mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of cardiac changes in speckle tracking echocardiography during a three-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study included 81 chemotherapy-naive early-stage breast cancer patients who were evaluated at baseline, immediately after RT and three years after RT. Sixty-one patients had left-sided (LSBC) and 20 right-sided breast cancer (RSBC). RESULTS Global longitudinal strain (GLS) declined from baseline -18.0±3.3% to -17.0±3.0% (p=0.015) at the three-year follow-up examination. A decline over 15% (GLS15) was observed in 19 (27%) patients. GLS15 was independently associated with aromatase inhibitor use (β=-1.977, p=0.001). In regional analysis, patients with LSBC had apical strain decline by 3.2±5.5% (p

We introduce classification models based on partial least squares discriminant-analysis (PLS-DA) for estimating cartilage integrity (assessed by OARSI grade) based on mid-infrared spectra of cartilage matrix. The best model achieved accuracy of 84%.

In this study, we demonstrate the potential of mid-infrared (MIR) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopies to reveal and differentiate between superficial changes in articular cartilage (AC) after mechanical or enzymatic degradation.

Background: Long-term outcome of the three categories of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in real-life patient cohorts is not well known. The objective of this study was to survey the 10-year outcome of an ACS patient cohort admitted to a university hospital and to explore factors affecting the outcome. Methods: A total of 1188 consecutive patients (median age 73 years) with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina pectoris (UA) in 2002–2003 were included and followed up for ≥ 10 years. Results: Mortality for STEMI, NSTEMI and UA patients during the follow-up period was 52.5%, 69.9% and 41.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, only age and creatinine level at admission were independently associated with patient outcome in all the three ACS categories when analyzed separately. Conclusions: All the three ACS categories proved to have high mortality rates during long-term followup in a real-life patient cohort. NSTEMI patients had worse outcome than STEMI and UA patients during the whole follow-up period. Our study results indicate clear differences in the prognostic significance of various demographic and therapeutic parameters within the three ACS categories.

The complexation of Ni(II) with dimethylglyoxime (DMG) entrapped within a Nafion membrane and a DMG–sol–gel matrix was studied and compared for different solutions. First and pseudo-second order kinetic models, Elovich, intra-particle, and liquid film diffusion models were applied to evaluate sorption kinetics. Complexation of Ni(II) by DMG entrapped in the polymeric materials followed a pseudo-second order kinetic model; moreover, DMG in Nafion also allowed diffusion-controlled uptake. The pseudo-second order rate constant was significantly higher for the free ligand in solution than for Ni(II) accumulation in the surface-attached DMG-Nafion. The DMG–sol–gel removal ability of Ni(II) was tested using actual mine water. The presence of interferences only insignificantly decreased the removal percentage of Ni(II), thus confirming the high selectivity of DMG towards Ni(II). Also, an electrochemical sensor modified with DMG in Nafion was investigated further for direct electrochemical determination of Ni(II) in untreated mine water. Determination errors and interference effects were low. Thus, this approach represents an effective potential solution for selective Ni(II) removal from mine water as well as a rapid and cheap sensor for on-site monitoring of Ni(II) in mine and environmental waters.

Industrial water contains a number of contaminants, such as organic pollutants and heavy metals, which can significantly affect the quality of soil, ground and environmental waters. We have successfully optimized and tested an electrochemical method and sensor modified with dimethylglyoxime for monitoring of nickel(II). The detection limit was 0.03mg/L and determination limit was 0.09mg/L. Linear concentration range was observed from 0.06 to 0.5mg/L Ni(II) and it is suitable for the analysis of environmental waters. The effect of all parameters important for on-site measurements (such as interferences, presence of dissolved oxygen, temperature) was investigated and considered in the analysis of mine discharge water. Water samples were analyzed without any pretreatment or filtration. A low level of error (5.6%) was observed for analysis demonstrating the usability of the optimized sensor and method for on-site measurements.

Radiotherapy (RT) in the thoracic region is associated with an increased risk of late cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Ultrasonic tissue characterisation (UTC) is a non-invasive method of identifying changes in myocardial tissue, such as increased fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether UTC can detect early RT-induced myocardial alterations. Seventy-eight eligible patients with early stage breast cancer were evaluated before and immediately after RT. Twenty patients had right-sided and 58 left-sided breast cancer. None received chemotherapy. A comprehensive echocardiographic examination included 3D measurements and UTC of the right ventricular (RV) free wall, ventricular septum and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall. Integrated backscatter calibration was done for the pericardium (cpIBS) and LV cavity (ccIBS). RT for left-sided breast cancer was associated with increased echodensity in the UTC analysis. RV free wall and ventricular septum cpIBS increased from -15.0 ± 7.3 to -13.7 ± 7.9 dB (p = 0.079) and from -18.2 ± 5.1 to -16.0 ± 6.4 dB (p = 0.002), respectively. Likewise, ccIBS in the RV free wall increased from 20.4 ± 5.9 to 22.1 ± 5.6 dB (p = 0.046), and in the LV septum from 17.3 ± 5.2 to 19.8 ± 5.5 dB (p

Shelf life estimation of bio-sensing devices are important, especially when one wants to consider the commerciality of the system or device. Here we propose a mathematical model from a set of laboratory experiments based on accelerated aging due to elevated temperatures on glucose oxidase modified screen printed electrodes as a model electrochemical biosensor.

We investigated a facile method for producing conductive polymer composites for the construction of microelectrodes already integrated into microsystems, as promising for microfluidic application. The porous morphology, high conductivity and large surface area of the composites which in turn influences its electrochemical performance can be simultaneously achieved by optimizing the composition and nanostructure of the conductive material and polymer. Three different carbon materials (i.e. graphite, graphene, carbon nanofibers) were combined with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer and all the subsequent carbon-PMMA composites were assessed electrochemically using cyclic voltammetry in the presence of ferrocyanide as a model redox analyte. The results indicated that graphite was well dispersed and incorporated throughout the composite to form a highly electrically conductive network that proved to be even better than the graphene sheets and carbon nanofibers. In order to demonstrate the ease of composite fabrication with tailored properties for intended analytical applications, the optimal graphite-PMMA composite was further investigated to incorporate Prussian blue, as a model mediator for H2O2 detection.

Ischemic heart diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, therefore secondary prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) are highly significant for public health and mortality. The objective of this study is to evaluate LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels as outcomes of secondary prevention of CAD in Finland up to 24 months after being diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This retrospective analysis of patients with ACS was conducted in two areas of Finland that have a combined population of 400,000.The data used in the study covered all outpatient visits, inpatient episodes, prescriptions and LDL-C results for ACS patients during 2011-2015. To evaluate the outcome of the prevention, three separate measurements of patients' LDL-C levels were considered: baseline, first follow-up and final follow-up. The factors associated with reaching treatment goal were identified using logistic regression analysis.32% of ACS patients achieved the treatment goal (LDL-C1.8 mmol/l) at the end of the 24-month follow-up period, but 21% of patients fluctuated between being on and above target.Two thirds of CAD patients with ACS and on statin therapy do not achieve LDL-C treatment target recommended by the guidelines. Since LDL-C levels fluctuate in the follow-up, a low level during the first 12 months after the acute event does not guarantee the maintenance of the results in the long term. Hence, LDL-C levels should be monitored at least on an yearly basis on follow-ups, and treatment adapted accordingly.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder affecting all populations. One common knee OA symptom is instability; thus its assessment could allow diagnosing and following-up of the disease without using conventional imaging techniques, such as plain radiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Knee kinematic measurements using accelerometers could provide a low-cost and non-invasive option to quantify knee instability. The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between kinematic data, instability parameters derived from the imaging techniques, goniometer-based measurements, and radiological OA stage. The right knees of 66 females (44–67 years) were examined using MRI, plain radiography, and goniometer-based angle measurement. Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade and the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) were determined from the radiographs. Cartilage thickness and OA score (MOAKS) were derived from the MRI. A ratio between lateral and medial cartilage thicknesses was calculated from the average thickness of segmented cartilage over the weight bearing area (MRIratio). Accelerometers attached to thigh and shank were used to record kinematic signals during a one-leg-stand test. Power of the accelerometer signals along the anatomical longitudinal axis (Pacc) was used as a measure of knee instability. Finally, Spearman’s correlations between the acquired parameters and KL grade/MOAKS scores were calculated. Leave-one-out cross-validation and logistic regression were used to discriminate OA subjects (KL ≥ 2). All the instability parameters (Pacc, JLCA and MRIratio), except the goniometer angle, showed significant correlations with KL grading (rho = 0.32–0.64, p < 0.01) and MOAKS composite score (rho = 0.35–0.56, p < 0.01). Both Pacc and JLCA showed higher areas under the ROC curve to discriminate OA (AUC = 0.76 and AUC = 0.78) than MRIratio and goniometer angle (AUC = 0.55 and AUC = 0.56). Our results demonstrate the clinical potential of kinematic knee instability measurements using low-cost accelerometers. Such approach could become a potential new tool in OA diagnostics.

BACKGROUND Early electrocardiogram (ECG) changes after breast cancer radiotherapy (RT) have been reported, but their characteristics and associated factors are largely unknown. This study aimed to explore early RT-induced ECG changes and to compare them with echocardiography changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty eligible patients with chemotherapy-naive left-sided and 20 with right-sided breast cancer were evaluated with echocardiography, blood samples and ECG before and after RT. RESULTS RT-induced ECG changes in the anterior leads. T-Wave changes were most frequent. T-Wave decline was associated independently with patient age (β=-0.245, p=0.005), mean heart radiation dose (β=1.252, p=0.001) and global systolic strain rate change (β=7.943, p=0.002). T-Wave inversion was associated independently with mean heart radiation dose (β=0.143, p

Background Radiation-induced heart disease is mainly caused by activation of the fibrotic process. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are pro-fibrotic mediators. The aim of our study was to evaluate the behavior of TGF-β1 and PDGF during adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer and the association of these cytokines with echocardiographic changes. Methods Our study included 73 women with early-stage breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) receiving post-operative RT but not chemotherapy. TGF-β1 and PDGF levels in serum samples taken before and on the last day of RT were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Echocardiography was also performed at same time points. Patients were grouped according to a ≥ 15% worsening in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and pericardium calibrated integrated backscatter (cIBS). Results In all patients, the median TGF-β1 decreased from 25.0 (IQR 21.1–30.3) ng/ml to 23.6 (IQR 19.6–26.8) ng/ml (p = 0.003), and the median PDGF decreased from 18.0 (IQR 13.7–22.7) ng/ml to 15.6 (IQR 12.7–19.5) ng/ml (p

This paper presents preliminary results in the development of a method for rapid real-time monitoring of Ni(II) in mine water. A simple electrochemical approach using a differential pulse voltammetry was developed and demonstrated by analysis of real samples.

Cortisol is a steroidal hormone and an important stress marker. Free serum cortisol concentration has been identified to correlate well with free salivary cortisol. In this present work an electrochemical immunosensor was developed to determine cortisol concentration within the physiological concentration range found in human saliva. The immunosensor is based on a direct competitive enzyme linked immunoassay using a home-made cortisol-alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugate synthesized in our laboratory with disposable graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). 1-nalphtyl phosphate (1-NP) was used as an enzymatic substrate and a square wave voltammetry (SWV) for electrochemical detection. To study method suitability for use with saliva samples, calibration curves were performed both in buffer and saliva. In buffer standard samples showed a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.6 ng/ml and working range (WR) of 0.2–44.6 ng/ml with good reproducibility (RSD 10%). Saliva matrix effect was removed effectively with Salivette Cortisol collection device (polyethylene) and a calibration curve showed similar characteristics as in buffer with LOD 1.7 ng/ml and WR 0.5–55.1 ng/ml (RSD 8%) demonstrating the possibility to determine human salivary cortisol within the desired human physiological range. Spiked saliva samples were analyzed with the developed immunosensor presenting excellent 92–114% recovery. Comparison to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method showed strong 0.90 correlation between methods indicating good accuracy of the developed immunosensor.

Background: ST segment depression (STD) and T wave inversion (TWI) are typical electrocardiographic (ECG) findings in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In ST elevation myocardial infarction, ST changes represent transmural ischemia. The pathophysiological mechanisms of the ECG changes in NSTEMI are unclear. Purpose: We studied the associations between ECG and the echocardiographic findings in NSTEMI patients. Methods: Twenty patients with acute NSTEMI were recruited during their hospital stay. A comprehensive echocardiography study was performed. The findings were compared with blinded ECG analyses. Results: Nine (45%) patients had STD, and 16 (85%) patients had TWI. In multivariable analysis, STD was independently associated with a lower global early diastolic strain rate (beta=-5.061, p=0.033). TWI was independently associated with lower circumferential strain (beta=0.132, p =0.032). Conclusions: The typical ECG changes in NSTEMI patients were associated with subtle echocardiographic changes. STD was related to changes in diastolic function, and TWI was associated with systolic deterioration. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aim To identify patients with breast cancer at risk for cardiotoxicity, we evaluated homoarginine (HA) behavior during adjuvant treatment. Patients and methods Eighty-one patients received radiotherapy (RT) with or without endocrine treatment, and 19 received chemotherapy, RT and endocrine therapy. Serum HA, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hscTnT) were measured and echocardiography was performed before chemotherapy, and before and after RT. Results In chemo-naive tamoxifen users HA increased during RT from a median (IQR) of 2.47 (1.61-3.35) to 2.86 (1.93-4.23) μM (p=0.028) and remained stable in patients with aromatase inhibitor and in those without endocrine therapy. Tamoxifen users were mostly spared from echocardiographic changes. In chemotherapy-treated patients, HA decreased during chemotherapy (p=0.001) from 1.46 (1.01-2.18) to 0.91 (0.71-1.29) μM, and increased (p=0.004) to 1.19 (0.83-1.63) μM during RT, remaining lower than at baseline (p=0.014). Echocardiographic changes were observed during chemotherapy. Conclusion HA decrease during chemotherapy could indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity. Additionally, HA increase in tamoxifen users may reflect a cardioprotective effect of tamoxifen.