Effects of atrial septal defects on the cardiac conduction system

The case report presented in this edition by Mu et al.The report presents a case of atrial septal defect(ASD)associated with electrocardiographic changes,noting that the crochetage sign resolved after Selective His Bundle Pacing(S-HBP)without requiring surgical closure.The mechanisms behind the appearance and resolution of the crochetage sign remain unclear.The authors observed the dis-appearance of the crochetage sign post-S-HBP,suggesting a possible correlation between these specific R waves and the cardiac conduction system.This editorial aims to explore various types of ASD and their relationship with the cardiac con-duction system,highlighting the diagnostic significance of the crochetage sign in ASD.

His-Purkinje conduction system pacing combined with atrioventricular node ablation improves quality of life in older patients with persistent atrial fibrillation refractory to multiple ablation procedures

BACKGROUND Recurrence of atrial fibrillation(AF)is common in patients with persistent AF even after multiple ablation procedures.His-Purkinje conduction system pacing(HPCSP)combined with atrioventricular node ablation(AVNA)is effective in managing patients with AF and heart failure.This study aimed to determine whether HPCSP combined with AVNA can improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms in older patients with symptomatic persistent AF refractory to multiple ablation procedures,as well as evaluate the feasibility and safety of this therapy.METHODS Older patients(≥65 years)with symptomatic persistent AF refractory to at least two ablation procedures were treated with combined HPCSP and AVNA.The success rates and complications were recorded.Pacing parameters,European Heart Rhythm Association(EHRA)scores,and Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality-of-Life(AFEQT)scores obtained perioperatively were compared with those recorded at the 6-month follow-up examination.RESULTS Thirty-one patients were enrolled;of those,only thirty patients were eventually treated with AVNA because one patient developed a complete atrioventricular block following the withdrawal of the His bundle pacing lead.The success rates were 100%for HPCSP(22 cases with His bundle pacing,and 9 cases with left bundle branch pacing)and 93.3%(28/30)for AVNA,respectively.By the 6-month follow-up examination,EHRA scores improved significantly(3.00±0.73 vs.2.44±0.63,P=0.014)and AFEQT scores increased markedly(49.6±20.6 vs.70.9±14.0,P=0.001).No severe complications developed.CONCLUSIONS When used in older patients with symptomatic persistent AF refractory to multiple ablation procedures,HPCSP combined with AVNA significantly alleviated symptoms and improved quality of life during short-term follow-up.This therapy was proved to be safe and effective in this patient population.

Isolation of cardiac conduction system of rat heart by laser capture microdissection

Objective：To isolate ceils of cardiac conduction system （CCS） with laser capture microdissec tion （LCM） and extract and evaluate quality of small amount of RNA from ceils of CCS. Methods： Cryo star sections were followed by H-E staining. 20 pieces of H-E stained eryostat sections were scraped and its RNA was assessed to insure that RNA didn＇t degrade in dyeing and dehydration process. Ceils of CCS were captured with LCM and quality of small amount of RNA was verified with RT-PCR. Results： Ceils of CCS isolated with LCM had clear morphology after staining. High quality RNA was extracted from LCM samples and scraped tissues; 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA were seen distinctly on gel eleetrophoresis. Low level of small amount of RNA extracted from LCM sample was below the limit of detection on gel eleetrophoresis or ultraviolet speetrophotometer. The housekeeping genes β-aetin and GAPDH were successfully amplified with small amount of RNA. Conclusion ：This study resolves the problem of acquiring material of CCS precisely that hinders gene research of CCS. It is found out that the method is easy and reliable to extract and assess the quality of small amount of RNA from mierodisseeted ceils of CCS.

Conduction system disorders and electro-cardiographic findings in COVID-19 deceased patients in 2021,Shiraz,Iran

BACKGROUND Cardiac conduction disorders and electrocardiographic(ECG)changes may occur as a manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),especially in severe cases.AIM To describe conduction system disorders and their association with other electrocardiographic parameters in patients who died of COVID-19.METHODS In this cross-sectional study,electrocardiographic and clinical data of 432 patients who expired from COVID-19 between August 1st,2021,and December 1st,2021,in a tertiary hospital were reviewed.RESULTS Among 432 patients who died from COVID-19,atrioventricular block(AVB)was found in 40(9.3%).Among these 40 patients,28(6.5%)suffered from 1st degree AVB,and 12(2.8%)suffered from complete heart block(CHB).Changes in ST-T wave,compatible with myocardial infarction or localized myocarditis,appeared in 189(59.0%).Findings compatible with myocardial injury,such as fragmented QRS and prolonged QTc,were found in 91 patients(21.1%)and 28 patients(6.5%),respectively.In patients who died of COVID-19,conduction disorder was unrelated to any underlying medical condition.Fragmented QRS,axis deviation,and ST-T changes were significantly related to conduction system disorder in patients who died of COVID-19(P value<0.05).CONCLUSION Conduction system disorders are associated with several other ECG abnormalities,especially those indicative of myocardial ischemia or inflammation.Most patients(73.14%)who died of COVID-19 demonstrated at least one ECG abnormality parameter.Since a COVID-19 patient's ECG gives important information regarding their cardiac health,our findings can help develop a risk stratification method for at-risk COVID-19 patients in future studies.

Tumors of the cardiac conduction system:are they an explanation for otherwise unexplained sudden cardiac death?

Cardiac tumors are well described in the literature. The first reports of cardiac tumors date back hundreds of years.The prevalence of primary cardiac tumors at autopsy ranges from 0.001% to 0.3% with secondary tumors more common than in primary tumors. ……

Types of Anatomic Conformity of Cardiac Conduction System

Anatomical features of portions of the conduction system in connection with parameters and shape of the heart, ventricles and parts of the IVS （interventricular septum） were studied on 501 specimens oh human hearts of both sexes and different ages using common morphological methods. In prenatal and postnatal periods of ontogenesis are similar variants of the structure of the ventricles of the heart with certain proportions of the linear dimensions inflow and outflow sections, parameters parts of IVS. Each of options of structural organization of heart ventricles and its IVS corresponds to set of specific features of portions of cardiac conduction system, signifying change of the positional angles, linear dimensions and shape.

Comparison Between Diltiazem and Cedilanid-D on Ventricular Rate Control of Atrial Fibrillation and Their Effect on Atrioventricular Conduction System.

Objectives This randomized study was designed to compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous diltiazem versus intravenous cedilanid-D （deslanoside） for ventricular rate control in patients with atrial fibrillation （AF）. Analysis of the effect on conduction system of these drugs was also performed. Methods Forty three patients with AF were randomly assigned to receive intravenous therapy with 0.25mg/kg diltiazem （n = 21） or 0.4rag cedilanid-D （n = 22）. If not effective at 120 minutes （〈 20% decrease in pretreatment ventricular rate or can not convert to sinus rhythm= another dose of diltiazem or 0.2mg cedilanid-D was administered. Blood pressure and electrocardiographic recordings were performed before and after 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 minutes of drug administration. Further recordings were performed at 120 minutes in noneffective patients, and at 180 minutes in patients who received second time drug administration. To evaluate the effect on conduction system of these two drugs by measuring PA, AH and HV intervals using His bundle electrogram test another nineteen sinus rhythm patients were randomized to dihiazem （n=9） and cedilanid （n= 10） group. His bundle electrogram recordings were performed before and after 5, 10, 20 and 30 minutes of drug administration. Statistical significance was assessed with the use of t test, Fisher＇s exact test, ANOVA and LSD methodology. Results At baseline and after 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 minutes of drug administration the heart rates （mean±SD） were（133±15）, （92±20）, （87±22）, （85 ±20）, （85±21）, （85 ±23）beats/minute in diltiazem group respectively and（ 140±21 ）, （ 122±24）, （118±25）, （110±26）, （112±25）, （110±28） beats/ minute in cedilanid-D group respectively. Heart rate reduction was higher in diltiazem group than cedilanid group during 5 （41±20 vs 17±14,P 〈 0.01）; 10 （46±21 vs 22±20, P〈0.01）; 20 （48±21 vs 29±22, P〈0.01 ） ; 30（48±22 vs 27±22,P〈0.01 ）and 60 minutes （48±23 vs 29±24, P〈 0.05）. Both drugs had no effect on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure （P 〉0.05） and no major side effects were noticed. Diltiazem maintained effective ventrieular rate in 20 patients, whereas eedilanid-D maintained in 15 patients within 180 minutes （95.2%vs 68.2%,P〈 0.05）. There were no statistical significance in baseline heart rate, age and weight between the two groups. Both diltiazem and cedilanid-D can increase AH interval, but have no effect on HV and PA intervals in sinus rhythm patients. Conclusions Both dihiazem and eedilanid-D decrease ventrieular heart rate, but heart rate reduction is significantly higher in diltiazem group, thus should be considered as a drug of choice for emergency control of ventrieular rate. Under clinical monitoring this dose of diltiazem seems to be safe and applicable in AF patients with congestive heart failure. Both drugs have no effect on PA and HV intervals but increase the AH interval thereby can reduce ventricular rate.

Temperature waves in chemical reaction-diffusion-heat conduction systems with two ends respectively subject to Dirichlet and no-flux conditions

Taking the Lindemann model as a sample system in which there exist chemical reactions, diffusion and heat conduction, we found the theoretical framework of linear stability analysis for a unidimensional nonhomogeneous two-variable system with one end subject to Dirichlet conditions, while the other end no-flux conditions. Furthermore, the conditions for the emergence of temperature waves are found out by the linear stability analysis and verified by a diagram for successive steps of evolution of spatial profile of temperature during a period that is plotted by numerical simulations on a computer. Without doubt, these results are in favor of the heat balance in chemical reactor designs.

Morphological observations of tumors in cardiac conduction system

Tumors of the cardiac conduction system(CCS) have rarely been reported. The CCS from 198 cardiac-related deaths(Group Ⅰ) ,and 838 deaths from non-cardiovascular diseases or trauma(Group Ⅱ) ,were studied. Sampling was done of the sinoatrial node(SAN) and atrio-ventricular node(AVN) along their long axis of each node as a single block and the His bundle(HB) perpendicular to its long axis in 2-4 blocks. Five-micron serial sections were made;tissue slices were taken intermittently,every 20th from the SAN,every 10th from the AVN,and every 30th from the HB and bundle branches(BB) ,by continuous slices three times. Tumors in the CCS were found in 12 cases(1.155 %) ,where 10(0.965%) were primary tumors,and 2(0.193%) were metastatic tumors. The primary tumors included 4 fibromata compressing the HB(0.386 %) ,4 hemangiomata(0.386%) ,1 AVN tumor(0.097 %) ,and 1 rhabdomyoma(0.097 %) . In 8 of the 10 cases,the tumors were located in the AVN or HB. The metastatic tumors originated from lymphocytic leukemia and malignant lymphoma(histiocytic type) in lung,and were all found in the SAN. Of the 12 cases,2 were from the group Ⅰ. Tumors in the CCS are the smallest tumors in different parts of the body,which can cause sudden death.

Recent advances and innovations in the design and fabrication of wearable flexible biosensors and human health monitoring systems based on conjugated polymers

Wearable biosensors have received great interest as patient-friendly diagnostic technologies because of their high flexibility and conformability.The growing research and utilization of novel materials in designing wearable biosensors have accelerated the development of point-of-care sensing platforms and implantable biomedical devices in human health care.Among numerous potential materials,conjugated polymers(CPs)are emerging as ideal choices for constructing high-performance wearable biosensors because of their outstanding conductive and mechanical properties.Recently,CPs have been extensively incorporated into various wearable biosensors to monitor a range of target biomolecules.However,fabricating highly reliable CP-based wearable biosensors for practical applications remains a significant challenge,necessitating novel developmental strategies for enhancing the viability of such biosensors.Accordingly,this review aims to provide consolidated scientific evidence by summarizing and evaluating recent studies focused on designing and fabricating CP-based wearable biosensors,thereby facilitating future research.Emphasizing the superior properties and benefits of CPs,this review aims to clarify their potential applicability within this field.Furthermore,the fundamentals and main components of CP-based wearable biosensors and their sensing mechanisms are discussed in detail.The recent advancements in CP nanostructures and hybridizations for improved sensing performance,along with recent innovations in next-generation wearable biosensors are highlighted.CPbased wearable biosensors have been—and will continue to be—an ideal platform for developing effective and user-friendly diagnostic technologies for human health monitoring.

Galerkin-based quasi-smooth manifold element(QSME)method for anisotropic heat conduction problems in composites with complex geometry

The accurate and efficient analysis of anisotropic heat conduction problems in complex composites is crucial for structural design and performance evaluation. Traditional numerical methods, such as the finite element method(FEM), often face a trade-off between calculation accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, we propose a quasi-smooth manifold element(QSME) method to address this challenge, and provide the accurate and efficient analysis of two-dimensional(2D) anisotropic heat conduction problems in composites with complex geometry. The QSME approach achieves high calculation precision by a high-order local approximation that ensures the first-order derivative continuity.The results demonstrate that the QSME method is robust and stable, offering both high accuracy and efficiency in the heat conduction analysis. With the same degrees of freedom(DOFs), the QSME method can achieve at least an order of magnitude higher calculation accuracy than the traditional FEM. Additionally, under the same level of calculation error, the QSME method requires 10 times fewer DOFs than the traditional FEM. The versatility of the proposed QSME method extends beyond anisotropic heat conduction problems in complex composites. The proposed QSME method can also be applied to other problems, including fluid flows, mechanical analyses, and other multi-field coupled problems, providing accurate and efficient numerical simulations.

Finite Difference-Peridynamic Differential Operator for Solving Transient Heat Conduction Problems

Transient heat conduction problems widely exist in engineering.In previous work on the peridynamic differential operator(PDDO)method for solving such problems,both time and spatial derivatives were discretized using the PDDO method,resulting in increased complexity and programming difficulty.In this work,the forward difference formula,the backward difference formula,and the centered difference formula are used to discretize the time derivative,while the PDDO method is used to discretize the spatial derivative.Three new schemes for solving transient heat conduction equations have been developed,namely,the forward-in-time and PDDO in space(FT-PDDO)scheme,the backward-in-time and PDDO in space(BT-PDDO)scheme,and the central-in-time and PDDO in space(CT-PDDO)scheme.The stability and convergence of these schemes are analyzed using the Fourier method and Taylor’s theorem.Results show that the FT-PDDO scheme is conditionally stable,whereas the BT-PDDO and CT-PDDO schemes are unconditionally stable.The stability conditions for the FT-PDDO scheme are less stringent than those of the explicit finite element method and explicit finite difference method.The convergence rate in space for these three methods is two.These constructed schemes are applied to solve one-dimensional and two-dimensional transient heat conduction problems.The accuracy and validity of the schemes are verified by comparison with analytical solutions.

Highly Elastic,Bioresorbable Polymeric Materials for Stretchable,Transient Electronic Systems

Substrates or encapsulants in soft and stretchable formats are key components for transient,bioresorbable electronic systems;however,elastomeric polymers with desired mechanical and biochemical properties are very limited compared to nontransient counterparts.Here,we introduce a bioresorbable elastomer,poly(glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone)(PGCL),that contains excellent material properties including high elongation-at-break(<1300%),resilience and toughness,and tunable dissolution behaviors.Exploitation of PGCLs as polymer matrices,in combination with conducing polymers,yields stretchable,conductive composites for degradable interconnects,sensors,and actuators,which can reliably function under external strains.Integration of device components with wireless modules demonstrates elastic,transient electronic suture system with on-demand drug delivery for rapid recovery of postsurgical wounds in soft,time-dynamic tissues.

Aligned Ion Conduction Pathway of Polyrotaxane‑Based Electrolyte with Dispersed Hydrophobic Chains for Solid‑State Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

A critical challenge hindering the practical application of lithium–oxygen batteries(LOBs)is the inevitable problems associated with liquid electrolytes,such as evaporation and safety problems.Our study addresses these problems by proposing a modified polyrotaxane(mPR)-based solid polymer electrolyte(SPE)design that simultaneously mitigates solvent-related problems and improves conductivity.mPR-SPE exhibits high ion conductivity(2.8×10^(−3)S cm^(−1)at 25℃)through aligned ion conduction pathways and provides electrode protection ability through hydrophobic chain dispersion.Integrating this mPR-SPE into solid-state LOBs resulted in stable potentials over 300 cycles.In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals the presence of an LiO_(2)intermediate alongside Li_(2)O_(2)during oxygen reactions.Ex situ X-ray diffraction confirm the ability of the SPE to hinder the permeation of oxygen and moisture,as demonstrated by the air permeability tests.The present study suggests that maintaining a low residual solvent while achieving high ionic conductivity is crucial for restricting the sub-reactions of solid-state LOBs.

Phonon resonance modulation in weak van der Waals heterostructures:Controlling thermal transport in graphene-silicon nanoparticle systems

The drive for efficient thermal management has intensified with the miniaturization of electronic devices.This study explores the modulation of phonon transport within graphene by introducing silicon nanoparticles influenced by van der Waals forces.Our approach involves the application of non-equilibrium molecular dynamics to assess thermal conductivity while varying the interaction strength,leading to a noteworthy reduction in thermal conductivity.Furthermore,we observe a distinct attenuation in length-dependent behavior within the graphene-nanoparticles system.Our exploration combines wave packet simulations with phonon transmission calculations,aligning with a comprehensive analysis of the phonon transport regime to unveil the underlying physical mechanisms at play.Lastly,we conduct transient molecular dynamics simulations to investigate interfacial thermal conductance between the nanoparticles and the graphene,revealing an enhanced thermal boundary conductance.This research not only contributes to our understanding of phonon transport but also opens a new degree of freedom for utilizing van der Waals nanoparticle-induced resonance,offering promising avenues for the modulation of thermal properties in advanced materials and enhancing their performance in various technological applications.

Bio-PCM Panels Composed of Renewable Materials Interact with Solar Heating Systems for Building Thermal Insulation

This article aims to present the feasibility of storing thermal energy in buildings for solar water heating while maintaining the comfort environment for residential buildings.Our contribution is the creation of insulating composite panels made of bio-based phase change materials(bio-PCM is all from coconut oil),cement and renewable materials(treated wood fiber and organic clay).The inclusion of wood fibers improved the thermal properties;a simple 2%increase of wood fiber decreased the heat conductivity by approximately 23.42%.The issues of bio-PCM leakage in the cement mortar and a roughly 56.5%reduction in thermal conductivity with bio-PCM stability in composite panels can be resolved by treating wood fibers with an adjuvant by impregnating them in bio-PCM in the presence of the treated clay generated.Clay and wood fiber were treated with adjuvants that are both biological and environmentally acceptable,as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy.The heat transfer bench(DIDATEK)showed a decrease in thermal conductivity.By using differential scanning calorimetric(DSC)analysis,the investigation of thermal stability and enthalpy during two heating cycles of pure bio-PCM and composite bio-PCM was validated.The novel renewable material was used to create composite panels for the trial prototype,which took the shape of a component attached to the solar heating system,33.57%less heat was lost,according to the heat transfer research.The outcomes demonstrated the possibility of replacing traditional electric water heating in residential buildings with solar water heating systems.

A Novel Method for Determining the Void Fraction in Gas-Liquid Multi-Phase Systems Using a Dynamic Conductivity Probe

Conventional conductivity methods for measuring the void fraction in gas-liquid multiphase systems are typically affected by accuracy problems due to the presence of fluid flow and salinity.This study presents a novel approach for determining the void fraction based on a reciprocating dynamic conductivity probe used to measure the liquid film thickness under forced annular-flow conditions.The measurement system comprises a cyclone,a conductivity probe,a probe reciprocating device,and a data acquisition and processing system.This method ensures that the flow pattern is adjusted to a forced annular flow,thereby minimizing the influence of complex and variable gas-liquid flow patterns on the measurement results;Moreover,it determines the liquid film thickness solely according to circuit connectivity rather than specific conductivity values,thereby mitigating the impact of salinity.The reliability of the measurement system is demonstrated through laboratory experiments.The experimental results indicate that,in a range of gas phase superficial velocities 5–20 m/s and liquid phase superficial velocities 0.079–0.48 m/s,the maximum measurement deviation for the void fraction is 4.23%.

Axonal Conduction Velocity: A Computer Study

This paper derives rigorous statements concerning the propagation velocity of action potentials in axons. The authors use the Green’s function approach to approximate the action potential and find a relation between conduction velocity and the impulse profile. Computer simulations are used to bolster the analysis.

Development and Optimization of Universal Bone Conduction Hearing Spectacles

Background: Non-implantable bone anchored hearing devices (BCHDs) are utilized for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss who are unsuitable for conventional hearing aids or have unresolved middle ear issues. These devices can be surgically implanted or attached using adhesive plates, dental sticks, elastic headbands, or bone conduction spectacles. Optimal fitting of bone conduction spectacles requires appropriate frame selection and contact pressure in the temporal and mastoid areas. The ANSI S3.6 and DIN EN ISO 389-3 standards recommend a contact area of approximately 1.75 cm2 and a maximum force of 5.4 N for effective sound transmission and comfort. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the technical fit and mechanical stability of universal bone conduction hearing spectacles compared to established systems. A Sen-Pressure 02 thin-film sensor connected to an Arduino Uno R3 board measured contact force in the temporal and mastoid areas. Several BCHDs were tested, including the Bruckhoff la belle BC D50/70, Radioear B71 headset, Radioear B71 elastic headband, Cochlear Baha SoundArc M, and Cochlear Baha elastic headband, on a PVC artificial head, with data analyzed using ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests. Results: The la belle BC D50/70 spectacles showed comparable contact force to established BCHDs, ensuring adequate sound transmission and comfort. Significant differences were observed between the systems, with the Radioear B71 headset exhibiting the highest forces. The la belle BC D50/70 had similar forces to the Radioear B71 elastic headband. Conclusion: The la belle BC D50/70 universal bone conduction hearing spectacles are a technically equivalent alternative to established BCHDs, maintaining pressure below 5.4 N. Future research should explore the impact of different contact forces on performance and comfort, and the integration of force control in modified spectacles. This study indicates that the la belle BC D50/70 is a viable alternative that meets audiological practice requirements.

Variational Approach to 2D and 3D Heat Conduction Modeling

The paper proposes an approximate solution to the classical (parabolic) multidimensional 2D and 3D heat conduction equation for a 5 × 5 cm aluminium plate and a 5 × 5 × 5 cm aluminum cube. An approximate solution of the generalized (hyperbolic) 2D and 3D equation for the considered plate and cube is also proposed. Approximate solutions were obtained by applying calculus of variations and Euler-Lagrange equations. In order to verify the correctness of the proposed approximate solutions, they were compared with the exact solutions of parabolic and hyperbolic equations. The paper also presents the research on the influence of time parameters τ as well as the relaxation times τ ∗ to the variation of the profile of the temperature field for the considered aluminum plate and cube.