Study of biocapacity areas to reduce ecological footprint deficits: A case study of Turkey.

Our world has had difficulty meeting humans' needs in recent years. To ensure that the world can sustain its inhabitability and self-sufficiency in terms of natural resources, it is required to make the total amount of biocapacity areas equal to or higher than the ecological footprint. An analytical study has been carried out to remedy the biocapacity deficit by utilizing this information for Turkey and then these areas are optimized with heuristic optimization techniques. As a result, Artificial Bee Colony provides better objective function results (fewer errors) compared to Particle Swarm Optimization and Global Optimization Method Based on Clustering and Parabolic Approximation in terms of minimum, maximum, average value, and standard deviation. The rates of change according to the current situation of the biocapacity areas in 2016 are 277.97 %, 30.28 %, -29.28 %, 14.97 %, and -44.85 % for cropland, grazing land, forestland, fishing grounds, and built-up land, respectively. Depending on the population growth, these rates should additionally change by 83.24 %, -0.69 %, 3.97 %, 6.22 %, and -14.24 % respectively in 2050. The developed model can be used in industry or within the frame of government development policy and thus the balance between ecological footprint and biocapacity can be kept under control.

The relationship between QRS-T angle and left ventricular global longitudinal strain in prehypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aims to examine the relationship between the QRS-T angle (QRS-Ta) detected on electrocardiography and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) calculated on echocardiography in prehypertensive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 300 patients were included in our study, and the median value of QRS-Ta of the entire population was 27.The patients were divided into two groups (supramedian 148 patients, inframedian 152 patients) according to the median value. Statistical analysis was performed between the two groups. RESULTS: LV-GLS was lower in the supramedian QRS-Ta group [20 (16-26) vs. 21 (16-27); p < 0.001]. A statistical difference was found between the two groups in age (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), Hs-troponin I (p < 0.001), aortic velocity (p = 0.023) and TAPSE (p = 0.005) parameters except for LV-GLS.The correlation between QRS-Ta and LV-GLS was determined by Spearman's correlation test (p < 0.001).In the multivariable logistic regression analysis model, LV-GLS (OR: 0.365, 95%CI 0.171-0.780, p = 0.009) was one of the independent predictors for increased QRS-Ta. Others were determined as age (p < 0.001) and TAPSE (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a strong relationship was found between QRS-Ta, which is easily calculated by ECG, and LV-GLS, which is an advanced echocardiographic examination, in prehypertensive patients.

Can HALP score predict post-contrast acute kidney injury and 6-year mortality in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between HALP score and post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) and average 6-year mortality in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: 125 patients who underwent EVAR between January 2015 and December 2020 were included in our study. HALP score was calculated with the formula "hemoglobin × albumin × lymphocyte count/platelet count." In the first phase of the study, two groups were developed: those who developed PC-AKI and those who did not. In the second stage, statistical analysis was performed by creating two groups: average 6-year mortality and survivors group. RESULTS: HALP score was found to be lower in the PC-AKI group [26.12 (14-61.54) versus 40.53 (7.22-103.61); p < .001]. Low HALP score was found to be both a dependent and independent predictor of the development of PC-AKI (p = .019). HALP score was also found to be lower in the mortality group compared to the survivors [28.97 (12.6-103.61) versus 40.81 (7.22-99) p = .004]. Low HALP score was found to be only a dependent predictor of mortality. The development of PC-AKI was found to be an independent predictor of mortality (p = .042). CONCLUSIONS: The HALP score, which can be calculated with a simple formula, can be used to predict PC-AKI and medium-long-term mortality in EVAR patients.

Future prediction of biogas potential and CH4 emission with boosting algorithms: the case of cattle, small ruminant, and poultry manure from Turkey.

Animal waste can be converted into a renewable energy source using biogas technology. This process has an impact on greenhouse gas emissions and is a sustainable source of energy for countries. It can reduce the effects of climate change and protect the planet for future generations. Tier1 and tier2 approaches are commonly used in the literature to calculate emissions factors. With boosting algorithms, this study estimated each animal category's biogas potential and CH4 emissions (tier1 and tier2 approach) for 2004-2021 in all of Turkey's provinces. Two different scenarios were created in the study. For scenario-1, the years 2020-2021 were predicted using data from 2004 to 2019, while for scenario-2, the years 2022-2024 were predicted using data from 2004 to 2021. According to the scenario-1 analysis, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting Regressor (XGBR) algorithm was the most successful algorithm with an R2 of 0.9883 for animal-based biogas prediction and 0.9835 and 0.9773 for animal-based CH4 emission predictions (tier1 and tier2 approaches) for the years 2020-2021. When the mean absolute percentage error was evaluated, it was found to be relatively low at 0.46%, 1.07%, and 2.78%, respectively. According to the scenario-2 analysis, the XGBR algorithm predicted the log10 values of the animal-based biogas potential of five major cities in Turkey for the year 2024, with 11.279 for Istanbul, 12.055 for Ankara, 12.309 for Izmir, 11.869 for Bursa, and 12.866 for Antalya. In the estimation of log10 values of CH4 emission, the tier1 approach yielded estimates of 3.080, 3.652, 3.929, 3.411, and 3.321, respectively, while the tier2 approach yielded estimates of 1.810, 2.806, 2.757, 2.552 and 2.122, respectively.

Modeling of energy and emissions from animal manure using machine learning methods: the case of the Western Mediterranean Region, Turkey.

In Turkey, facilities for the use of biomass resources in energy production are increasing, and new conversion facilities are commissioned every year to provide environmentally friendly energy production. Therefore, reliable energy potential estimates are needed. In this study, the animal manure-based-biogas potentials of Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur provinces in the Western Mediterranean Region of Turkey were calculated. Here, special information on cattle, small ruminants, and poultry, and animal age, number, and manure amount information were used in detail. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions, coal, electricity, and thermal energy, methane emission values with the Tier 1 and Tier 2 approaches were calculated and predicted by machine learning algorithms. To determine the model with the best results, machine learning algorithms support vector machine (SVM), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and linear regression (LR) were used, and hyper-parameter optimization was performed. According to the results of biogas potential, CO2 emission, electricity production, and thermal energy estimations SVM models are seen as the best models with R2 = 0.999. When the coal amount estimation is examined, the LR models produce better results than SVM and MLP with R2 = 0.997. In the estimation of CH4 using the Tier 1 approach, the MLP model can perform the best estimation with R2 = 0.977. In the CH4 modeling obtained using the Tier 2 approach, the LR models were superior to the other models with the performance value of R2 = 0.962.

Curcumin and carvacrol mediated photodynamic inactivation with 405†nm light emitting diodes (LEDs) on Salmonella Enteritidis.

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) has a potential application for food preservation that can minimize food pathogens posing risks to consumer health. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of 405 nm light-emitting diodes (LEDs) illumination in the presence of carvacrol and curcumin against Salmonella Enteritidis and S. Enteritidis PT4 at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C and 37 °C) and time parameters (15 min, 30 min and 45 min) in the illumination system. Compared to their individual treatment, the decrease in the bacterial population was stronger in bacteria treated with LEDs + carvacrol or LEDs + curcumin. Co-application of carvacrol or curcumin with LEDs at 37 °C showed strong antibacterial activity against both bacteria depending on the application time. Co-application at 37 °C for 45 min completely inhibited the growth of S. Enteritidis. LEDs, curcumin, carvacrol applications alone or LEDs + curcumin, LEDs + carvacrol applications caused a decrease in bacterial population in proportion to the increase in the storage temperature and application times. These results showed that carvacrol or curcumin potentiates LEDs illumination therapy against both bacteria. Future studies on adapting the PDI system to control bacteria in a variety of foods may help develop novel strategies to fight against foodborne bacterial pathogens.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Pancreas Disease is Associated with SYNTAX Score in Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background: Evidence that individuals with excess fat in the pancreas have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease has been growing recently. Risk evaluation in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients plays a crucial role for both prognosis prediction and decision-making. Aim: The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) and the complexity and severity of coronary artery disease as assessed using the SYNTAX score (SXscore) in ACS patients. Methods: A total of 99 consecutive patients with a first-time diagnosis of ACS were recruited. NAFPD was evaluated using transabdominal ultrasonography (TUS). SXscore was calculated using the SXscore algorithm. Results: The patients with NAFPD had a significantly higher SXscore than those without NAFPD (12.3 ± 6.4 and 8.2 ± 4.3, p < 0.001). Univariable analysis showed that hypertension (p = 0.033) and presence of NAFPD (p = 0.001) were associated with increased SXscore. Moreover, multivariable analysis showed that the presence of NAFPD (p = 0.002) was associated with increased SXscore. Conclusions: NAFPD is easily detected by TUS. The presence of NAFPD in ACS patients may be a warning signal of complexity and severity of coronary artery disease.

Abnormal Circadian Blood Pressure Variation is Associated with SYNTAX Scores in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. / A Variação Anormal da Pressão Arterial Circadiana está Associada aos Escores SYNTAX em Pacientes Hospitalizados com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda.

BACKGROUND: Blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) reduction, referred to as non-dipper hypertension, is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between non-dipper hypertension and the severity and complexity of coronary artery disease using SYNTAX score in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: A total of 306 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome were screened. Patients who were clinically stable and admitted to the intermediate intensive care unit at least 24 hours after angiography and/or successful revascularization. After the exclusion criteria, 141 patients (34 female and 107 male; mean age 61 ± 11 years) were included. Non-dipper hypertension has been defined as a 0% to 10% decrease in average systolic BP at nighttime compared to daytime, measured at hourly intervals using the same automatic BP measuring device on bedside monitors (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tokyo, Japan). SYNTAX score was calculated with an online calculator. The independent predictors of SYNTAX score were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The patients with non-dipper hypertension had higher SYNTAX score than the patients with dipper hypertension (11.12 ± 6.41 versus 6.74 ± 6.45, p < 0.0001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, non-dipper hypertension status (odds ratio: 5.159; 95% confidence interval: 2.246 to 11.852, p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.012) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.008) emerged as independent predictors of high SYNTAX score. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study provide a possible additional mechanism linking abnormal circadian BP profile with coronary artery disease severity and complexity in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

FUNDAMENTO: Menor redução da pressão arterial (PA) noturna, conhecida como hipertensão não-dipper, é um forte preditor de morbimortalidade cardiovascular. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo visou investigar a relação entre a hipertensão não-dipper e a gravidade e complexidade da doença arterial coronariana usando o escore SYNTAX em pacientes hospitalizados com síndrome coronariana aguda. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados 306 pacientes consecutivos com síndrome coronariana aguda. Pacientes clinicamente estáveis internados na unidade de terapia intensiva intermediária pelo menos 24 horas após a angiografia e/ou revascularização bem sucedida. Após os critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos 141 pacientes (34 mulheres e 107 homens; idade média 61 ± 11 anos). A hipertensão não-dipper foi definida como uma queda de 0% a 10% na PA sistólica média durante a noite em comparação com o dia, medida em intervalos de 1 hora, usando o mesmo dispositivo automático de medição de PA em monitores de beira de leito (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tóquio, Japão). O escore SYNTAX foi calculado com uma calculadora online. Os preditores independentes do escore SYNTAX foram avaliados por meio de análise de regressão logística multivariada. P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes com hipertensão não-dipper apresentaram escore SYNTAX maior do que os pacientes com hipertensão dipper (11,12 ± 6,41 versus 6,74 ± 6,45, p < 0,0001). Em um modelo de regressão logística multivariável, o status de hipertensão não dipper (odds ratio: 5,159; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 2,246 a 11,852, p < 0,001), sexo (p = 0,012) e colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (p = 0,008) emergiram como preditores independentes de alto escore SYNTAX. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados do nosso estudo fornecem um possível mecanismo adicional ligando o perfil anormal da PA circadiana à gravidade e à complexidade da doença arterial coronariana em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda.

A Variação Anormal da Pressão Arterial Circadiana está Associada aos Escores SYNTAX em Pacientes Hospitalizados com Síndrome Coronariana Aguda / Abnormal Circadian Blood Pressure Variation is Associated with SYNTAX Scores in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Resumo Fundamento Menor redução da pressão arterial (PA) noturna, conhecida como hipertensão não-dipper, é um forte preditor de morbimortalidade cardiovascular. Objetivos Este estudo visou investigar a relação entre a hipertensão não-dipper e a gravidade e complexidade da doença arterial coronariana usando o escore SYNTAX em pacientes hospitalizados com síndrome coronariana aguda. Métodos Foram selecionados 306 pacientes consecutivos com síndrome coronariana aguda. Pacientes clinicamente estáveis internados na unidade de terapia intensiva intermediária pelo menos 24 horas após a angiografia e/ou revascularização bem sucedida. Após os critérios de exclusão, foram incluídos 141 pacientes (34 mulheres e 107 homens; idade média 61 ± 11 anos). A hipertensão não-dipper foi definida como uma queda de 0% a 10% na PA sistólica média durante a noite em comparação com o dia, medida em intervalos de 1 hora, usando o mesmo dispositivo automático de medição de PA em monitores de beira de leito (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tóquio, Japão). O escore SYNTAX foi calculado com uma calculadora online. Os preditores independentes do escore SYNTAX foram avaliados por meio de análise de regressão logística multivariada. P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Os pacientes com hipertensão não-dipper apresentaram escore SYNTAX maior do que os pacientes com hipertensão dipper (11,12 ± 6,41 versus 6,74 ± 6,45, p < 0,0001). Em um modelo de regressão logística multivariável, o status de hipertensão não dipper (odds ratio: 5,159; intervalo de confiança de 95%: 2,246 a 11,852, p < 0,001), sexo (p = 0,012) e colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade (p = 0,008) emergiram como preditores independentes de alto escore SYNTAX. Conclusões Os resultados do nosso estudo fornecem um possível mecanismo adicional ligando o perfil anormal da PA circadiana à gravidade e à complexidade da doença arterial coronariana em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda.

Abstract Background Blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) reduction, referred to as non-dipper hypertension, is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the relationship between non-dipper hypertension and the severity and complexity of coronary artery disease using SYNTAX score in hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods A total of 306 consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome were screened. Patients who were clinically stable and admitted to the intermediate intensive care unit at least 24 hours after angiography and/or successful revascularization. After the exclusion criteria, 141 patients (34 female and 107 male; mean age 61 ± 11 years) were included. Non-dipper hypertension has been defined as a 0% to 10% decrease in average systolic BP at nighttime compared to daytime, measured at hourly intervals using the same automatic BP measuring device on bedside monitors (Vismo PVM-2701; Nihon Kohden Corp., Tokyo, Japan). SYNTAX score was calculated with an online calculator. The independent predictors of SYNTAX score were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The patients with non-dipper hypertension had higher SYNTAX score than the patients with dipper hypertension (11.12 ± 6.41 versus 6.74 ± 6.45, p < 0.0001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, non-dipper hypertension status (odds ratio: 5.159; 95% confidence interval: 2.246 to 11.852, p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.012) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.008) emerged as independent predictors of high SYNTAX score. Conclusions The results of our study provide a possible additional mechanism linking abnormal circadian BP profile with coronary artery disease severity and complexity in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

The Association Between Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index and Primary Idiopathic Complete Atrioventricular Block in an Elderly Population.

The most common cause of complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) is age-related fibrotic degeneration and is referred to as primary idiopathic complete atrioventricular block (iCAVB). This study aims to investigate the relationship between iCAVB and arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).In this study, of 205 CAVB patients, 41 patients with iCAVB implanted with a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker and 40 age- and gender-matched controls were studied. Arterial stiffness was assessed by a VaSera VS-1000 CAVI instrument. The CAVI values of patients with iCAVB were significantly higher compared with the controls (9.63 ± 1.42 vs 8.57 ± 1.12, P < .001). Idiopathic complete atrioventricular block frequency was higher among patients with abnormal CAVI values than those with borderline and normal CAVI (P = .04). In multivariate analysis, only CAVI was an independent predictor of iCAVB after adjusting for other relevant factors (odds ratio, 2.575; 95% CI [1.390-4.770]; P = .003). The present study demonstrated that CAVI, as a marker of arterial stiffness, was increased among elderly patients with iCAVB. Thus, we provide a possible additional mechanism linking easily measured CAVI with iCAVB.

First experiences with a new balloon-expandable Myval transcatheter aortic valve: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: In the present article, we present our first experiences with a new type of balloon-expandable Myval valve (Meril Life Sciences, Gujarat, India). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) from June 2020 to November 2020 were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 83 (75-87) years; 17 (68%) were female, and 20 (80%) had hypertension. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score of the group was 5.4% ± 3.5%. TAVI was performed via the transfemoral route on all patients. In 19 (76%) cases, we started the procedure without predilation. In two (10.5%) cases performed without predilation, the prosthesis did not pass the native valve. We had to implant the valve from the descending aorta in one (4%) patient. We used Prostar XL (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) for six (24%) patients and ProGlide (Abbott Vascular) for 19 (76%) patients for vascular closure. Two (8%) in-hospital deaths occurred in our study but there were no deaths in the 30-day and 90-day follow-up. Vascular complications were observed in one (4%) patient. None of the patients in our study had severe paravalvular leak (PVL), while two (8%) patients had moderate PVL. A permanent pacemaker (PPM) was required in two (8%) patients for the indication of complete atrioventricular block. The mean hospital stay for the whole group was 4 (3-7) days. CONCLUSION: Based on our experiences, the new balloon-expandable valve Myval is easy to use, efficient, and has only a few negligible drawbacks such as the need for predilation of the sheath. While shaft flexibility may have advantages in some situations including in very tortuous arteries, it may cause some difficulties in alignment of the valves.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain in low cardiac risk outpatients who recently recovered from coronavirus disease 2019.

The cardiac sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a worldwide global pandemic, are still uncertain, particularly in the asymptomatic, low cardiac risk outpatient population. This study aims to evaluate the asymptomatic, low cardiac risk out-patient population who recently recovered from COVID-19, using 2-D left ventricular-global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) proven to be capable of detecting subclinical myocardial injury. Out of 305 COVID-19 positive patients, 70 asymptomatic out-patients were determined as the study group and 70 age and sex-matched healthy adults as the control group. The echocardiographic examination was performed with the Philips IE33 system, and LV-GLS was measured using commercially available software QLAB 9 (cardiac motion quantification; Philips Medical Systems). The absolute value of LV-GLS ≤ 18 did deem to be impaired LV-GLS. The absolute value of LV-GLS was statistically significantly lower in the COVID-19 group than in healthy controls (19.17 ± 2.65 vs. 20.07 ± 2.19, p = 0.03). The correlation between having recovered from COVID-19 and impaired LV-GLS (≤18) did detect with the Pearson correlation test (p = 0.02). Having recovered from COVID-19 was found as a predictor for detecting impaired LV-GLS (≤18) in the multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.133 (0.038-0.461); 95% CI, p = 0.001). This study suggests that COVID-19 may cause subclinical LV dysfunction detected by LV-GLS during early recovery even in a population of patients at low cardiac risk, asymptomatic, and recovered with home quarantine. The study findings indicate that the long-term cardiovascular follow-up of these patients may be more important than thought.

The Value of Preoperative Ultrasound in the Detection of Contralateral Occult Inguinal Hernia in the Treatment of Symptomatic Inguinal Hernia.

BACKGROUND: The true incidence of contralateral occult inguinal hernia (OIH) is a debate. The repair of contralateral OIH in the treatment context of clinical symptomatic unilateral inguinal hernia (IH) is controversial. This study aimed to assess the effect and clinical benefit of preoperative ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of contralateral OIH performed before surgery. METHODS: The retrospective data of 155 consecutive male patients who underwent IH repair between January 2014 and January 2020 were analyzed. The surgical procedures for IH and the clinical outcomes of the US were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 155 patients, 29 (18.7%) presented with bilateral IH. Preoperative US was performed in 73 cases of clinical unilateral IH (n=126), and 30 (23.8%) patients were found to have a contralateral OIH. The totally extrapreperitoneal (TEP) or Lichtenstein repair was conducted. Bilateral IH repair was proposed for all, but only 28 agreed and underwent bilateral repair. Patients with clinically bilateral hernia had more complications compared with patients diagnosed to have occult contralateral IH after the US (n=3 vs. n=0). In the overall group, the TEP procedure resulted in shorter hospital stay (P=0.001) and less pain (P=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative US may be recommended to assess the presence of a contralateral OIH as it is a noninvasive, radiation-free, widely available, relatively cheap diagnostic method. The preoperative US may change the surgical approach in up to 1/4 patients with a clinical unilateral IH. Either Lichtenstein repair or TEP repair can be performed with an acceptable complication rate in the case of OIH.

Effects of ambient conditions on solar assisted heat pump systems: a review.

Solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) systems aim to increase the performance of heat pumps by supporting with solar energy using various heating modes, whose performances depend on ambient conditions. In the literature, SAHP systems are classified by structure types, and the heating mode options are not considered as the main priority of the design but a result of the structure of the system. This paper aimed to investigate the effect of ambient conditions on heating modes, and identify the preferable ambient condition ranges for each SAHP system depends on their heating modes, by using a narrative review of 47 recent studies, that shed light on the problem. For this purpose, direct solar heating (DSH), air source heat pump (ASHP), solar source heat pump (SSHP) and solar-air source heat pump (S/ASHP) modes were stated as the basic heating modes of SAHP systems. In accordance with the literature, SAHP systems were classified as direct expansion solar assisted heat pump (DX-SAHP) and series, parallel and dual source indirect expansion solar assisted heat pumps (IDX-SAHP). Solar irradiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity and wind speed has been taken as major ambient conditions to investigate. Reviewed studies indicated that, parallel and series IDX-SAHP are preferable in high solar irradiations about 800 W/m2 with their DSH mode options. Frosting on evaporator is prevented in DX-SAHP with its S/ASHP mode, and even in the presence of frosting, unlike IDX-SAHPs ASHP mode, freezing is a factor that improves performance on flat evaporator in cold and humid conditions. This study indicates that there are obscure areas for future studies to focus on for a better comparison between SAHP types. Moreover, proposed novel designs of this paper, such as solar preheating of air in IDX-SAHP systems to add S/ASHP mode as an option, might enhance the performance and applicability of SAHP systems.

Abdominal Aortic Intima-Media Thickness Predicts Coronary Artery Disease Severity in Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris: A Prospective Study.

Accurately identifying coronary artery disease (CAD) is the key element in guiding the work-up of patients with suspected angina. Thickening of the arterial wall is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to determine whether abdominal aortic intima-media thickness (AAIMT), which is the earliest zone of atherosclerotic manifestations, has a predictive value in CAD severity. A total of 255 consecutive patients who were referred for invasive coronary angiography due to suspected stable angina pectoris were prospectively included in the study. B-mode ultrasonography was used to determine AAIMT before coronary angiography. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed with the SYNTAX score (SS). A history of hypertension, age, dyslipidemia, and higher AAIMT (odds ratio: 2.570; 95%CI 1.831-3.608; P < .001) were independent predictors of intermediate or high SS. An AAIMT <1.3 mm had a negative predictive value of 98% for the presence of intermediate or high SS and 83% for obstructive CAD. In conclusion, AAIMT showed a significant and independent predictive value for intermediate or high SS. Therefore, AAIMT may be a noninvasive and useful tool for decision-making by cardiologists (eg, to use a more invasive approach).

Relation between fragmented QRS complex and cardio-ankle vascular index in asymptomatic subjects.

OBJECTIVES: Stiffness of large arteries has been related to cardiovascular mortality. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a novel marker of arterial stiffness. Herein, we aimed to study the relationship between fragmented QRS (fQRS) in electrocardiogram and CAVI. METHODS: Asymptomatic patients with fQRS and without fQRS were enrolled in the study consecutively. The fQRS complexes were analyzed in the 12-lead electrocardiogram. Arterial stiffness was assessed by using cardio ankle vascular index (CAVI). It was measured by a VaSera VS-1000 CAVI instrument. RESULTS: CAVI values of the patients with fQRS was significantly higher compared to those without fQRS (8.625 (7.9-9.2) versus 6.65 (6.7-8.4) p < .001). In a univariate analysis, it was revealed that there was a significant correlation between increased CAVI and fQRS, age, and epicardial fat thickness. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age [95% confidence interval (CI): 1,068-1.214, p < .001] and fQRS [95% (CI): 1.766-23.117, p: 0.005] were the independent determinants of increased CAVI values. CONCLUSIONS: ECG is a widely and readily available, inexpensive, reproducible technique that can be examined by almost every physician. fQRS values in electrocardiogram may provide a significant predictive value for arterial stiffness in asymptomatic subjects.

Relation of p - wave dispersion with presystolic a - wave and aortic valve sclerosis in asymptomatic subjects.

BACKGROUND: P-wave duration and P-wave dispersion (PWD) are thought to be the surrogate marker of devoloping atrial fibrillation (AF). The main purpose of present study was to investigate the association between presystolic wave (PSW), aortic valve sclerosis, and PWD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with sinus rhythm admitted to the cardiology outpatient clinic were consecutively enrolled. Maximum (Pmax) and minimum (Pmin) P-wave duration and PWD were measured. Echocardiography was used to assess the aortic valve morphology and presence of PSW. The patients were divided into two groups according to presence or absence of AVSc and PSW. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were enrolled consecutively. Patients with both PSW and AVSc had higher PWD values compared with those without PSW (42 ± 15 vs 65 ± 20) and AVSc (52 ± 21 vs 69 ± 19). The patients were categorized on the basis of median PWD values. According to univariate analysis, there was significant association between PWD and presence of PSW (P: .004), presence of AVS (P: .011), hypertension (P: .01) interventricular septal thickness (IVST) (P: .026), and posterior wall thickness (PWT) (P: .022). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated presence of PSW (95% confidence interval (1.058-6.505, P: .037) as an independent determinant of PWD. CONCLUSION: Assessment of presystolic A-wave on echocardiography examination may provide important information regarding the atrial conduction velocities that is a electrophysiological cause of AF. While there was a significant association between AVSc and PWD in univariate analysis, this significance disappeared in multivariate analysis.

Association Between C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Left Ventricular Thrombus Formation Following Acute Anterior Myocardial Infarction.

Left ventricular thrombus (LVT) is associated with inflammatory response in survivors with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) has been proposed as a marker of inflammation. However, there is a lack of data with respect to the role of CAR in LVT development. We investigated the relationship between CAR and LVT development in patients with anterior STEMI treated percutaneously; 955 consecutive patients were enrolled and LVT was observed in 126 (13.2%) patients. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory parameters were recorded. The CAR was significantly higher in patients with LVT (12.6 [8.6-16.1] vs 18.1 [11.5-23], P < .001). Other independent predictors for LVT development were lower ejection fraction, the presence of left ventricular apical aneurysm, proximal left anterior descending lesion location, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors treatment, >1 diseased arteries, higher total protein level, neutrophil count, and peak creatine kinase myocardial band activity. In conclusion, the CAR may be useful as a simple tool for predicting LVT development among survivors of anterior STEMI.