A Novel Contact-Free Atrial Fibrillation Monitor- A Pilot Study

Aims Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines support performing ECG screenings to spot atrial fibrillation in high-risk patients. The purpose of this study was to validate a new algorithm aimed to identify AF in patients measured with a recent FDA-cleared contact-free optical device. Methods and results Study participants were measured simultaneously using two devices: a contact-free optical system that measures chest motion-vibrations (investigational device, “Gili”) and a standard reference bed-side ECG monitor (Mindray®). Each reference ECG was evaluated by two board certified cardiologists that defined each trace as: regular rhythm, atrial fibrillation, other irregular rhythm or indecipherable/missing. A total of 3582, 30-sec intervals, pertaining to 444 patients (41.9% with a history of AF) were made available for analysis. Distribution of patients with active AF, other irregular rhythm and regular rhythm was 16.9%, 29.5% and 53.6% respectively. Following application of cross-validated machine learning approach, the observed sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% CI: 0.91-0.93) and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95-0.96) respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrates for the first time the efficacy of a contact-free optical device for detecting atrial fibrillation.

Device for modeling of intra-arterial circulation: application in experimental cardiology

Purpose of study Using an original device for modeling of intra-arterial blood circulation, to study the features of intravascular hemodynamics with a regular heart rhythm and with various rhythm disturbances. Material and methods We used an original device developed by us to simulate intra-arterial circulation (Document of invention No. RU 202780 U1). The main part of the device is a glass tube of a rotameter with a length of 365 mm, an inlet end with a diameter of 20 mm, an outlet end of 16.5 mm, which is a model of an arterial vessel. Flexible silicone tubes are attached to the rotameter on both sides, with free ends connected to an electric pump, with various modes of operation (imitation of pulse waves with regular rhythm, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), atrial fibrillation (AF). An aqueous solution of glycerin was introduced into a closed system diluted with water corresponding to the viscosity of the blood. A 5 mm long silk thread was alternately installed inside the tube, an intravascular piezoelectric crystal pressure probe connected to an oscilloscope. Also it was injected inside the tube a dye - clerical ink. Results With electric pump, we simulated the spreading of the pulse wave in regular heart rate, PVCs and AF. We observed the effect of a pressure wave (deflection of a silk thread, the appearance of a turbulent flow when using a dye) on the walls of the rotameter, with the formation of standing, reflected waves during the PVCs and AF. The pressure probe registered an increase in pressure inside the tube during the spread of the 1st post-extrasystolic contraction wave up to 58%, the wave after a long pause of more than 2 seconds with AF by 44% compared to the regular rhythm. Conclusion A device for modeling of intra-arterial circulation allows a wide range of experimental work in cardiology, normal and pathological physiology, and biophysics. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Moon Triggers “Menstrual Clock”

The study presents that Human Basal Ganglia situated underneath the Human Brain is a plausible reflection of the Solar System wherein the nine celestial bodies are the cosmic counterparts of the nine Basal Nuclei Orders in many aspects such as their orbital location and their significations in astrology of their organization and functions. Moon, the cosmic counterpart of Hypothalamus, together with the other messengers, namely the pituitary gland and the ovary, plausibly regulate human female menstrual cycle. The releasing of hormones by Hypothalamus and its messengers in a rhythmic fashion appear to be the result of variation in the intensity of lunar magnetism. Human females plausibly have an internal ‘menstrual clock’ that helps them anticipate and adapt to the regular rhythm so that it is synchronized with the Moon’s revolutions.

Metacognition and Crossmodal Correspondences Between Auditory Attributes and Saltiness in a Large Sample Study

Mounting evidence demonstrates that people make surprisingly consistent associations between auditory attributes and a number of the commonly-agreed basic tastes. However, the sonic representation of (association with) saltiness has remained rather elusive. In the present study, a crowd-sourced online study ( participants) was conducted to determine the acoustical/musical attributes that best match saltiness, as well as participants’ confidence levels in their choices. Based on previous literature on crossmodal correspondences involving saltiness, thirteen attributes were selected to cover a variety of temporal, tactile, and emotional associations. The results revealed that saltiness was associated most strongly with a long decay time, high auditory roughness, and a regular rhythm. In terms of emotional associations, saltiness was matched with negative valence, high arousal, and minor mode. Moreover, significantly higher average confidence ratings were observed for those saltiness-matching choices for which there was majority agreement, suggesting that individuals were more confident about their own judgments when it matched with the group response, therefore providing support for the so-called ‘consensuality principle’. Taken together, these results help to uncover the complex interplay of mechanisms behind seemingly surprising crossmodal correspondences between sound attributes and taste.

What you need to know to avoid constipation

Introduction. Constipation is one of the most common human diseases. Doctors in England consider constipation a “secret national problem” because 50% of the population takes laxatives.The aim of this work was the introduction of chronomedicine approach to the problem of constipation.Method the study was chronoenterographia – week monitoring of the circadian rhythm of defecation.Materials. More than 2,500 people aged 24–75 years, 66% of women, were examined. The frequency and acrophase of the defecation rhythm and quality of life were analyzed.Results: circadian regular defecation rhythm (Euenteria – 7 times/wk) and irregular (Bradyenteria – 1–6 times/week) was isolated. It is shown that the presence of the morning phase of the defecation rhythm contributes to its regularity, and the absence of this phase increases the risk of constipation by 4 times. The earlier defecation occurs – the less often constipation occurs. Euenteria associated with a high level of quality of life, but Bradyenteria – on the contrary. According to the frequency of defecation, there are 3 stages of Bradyenteria: light (5–6 times/week), moderate (3–4 times/week), severe (1–2 times/week, constipation). The Roman-IV criteria for constipation recommend diagnosing only the severe stage of Bradyenteria (less than 3 times/week), and the first 2 stages of it are not diagnosed.Conclusion. Late diagnosis of constipation leads to complications: hemorrhoids, diverticulitis and colorectal cancer. For the regularity of defecation, the contribution of timely stool phase is commensurate with the complex of adequate nutrition, sufficient physical activity and optimal sleep. In order not to suffer from constipation, you need to know about regularity, timeliness and complexity. In outpatient surgery, polyethylene glycol, psyllium and sodium picosulfate are most often used to restore the regular rhythm of defecation.

The Mechanisms of Neolithisation of Western Europe: Beyond a South/North Approach

Up until now, the neolithisation of Western Europe during the sixth millennium BCE has mainly been approached through the characterisation of its diffusion vectors (cultural vs demic diffusion) and the emergence of technoeconomic innovations (rhythms, scenarios, and transmission). Traditionally, two primary routes of agricultural diffusion are distinguished: one extending along the Danube river corridor to the Atlantic coast (Linearbandkeramik) and the other along the Mediterranean coastal zone (Impressed Ware). To move beyond this dichotomy, this article proposes a first attempt at an integrated approach to the mechanisms of neolithisation in Western Europe, one of the few territories where it is possible, and therefore necessary, to investigate the processes that are common to both of these principal neolithisation complexes. The most widely held vision, inherited from the 1980s, of a European Neolithic that developed from east to west following a regular rhythm has progressively been replaced by a more complex model of diffusion characterised by arrhythmia and cultural reconfigurations. Despite having different origins and trajectories, the expansion of the first farmers was made possible by a number of common mechanisms. Impresso-Cardial and Linearbandkeramik societies faced similar constraints, especially with regard to ensuring the stability of their social and economic models, while minimising the risks inherent to the colonisation of new territories. Three main mechanisms would have structured the first neolithisation phases of both spheres: a strong mobility of populations regulated to varying degrees by social rules, a strong solidarity expressed at multiple levels of interactions within each sphere, and, finally, the existence of syncretism and cultural recompositions including close and long-distance relations.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a category of arrhythmias that originate at or above the atrioventricular node. These are typically narrow complex QRS arrhythmias, without discernible P waves, with a regular rhythm and rapid rate. SVT is relatively common, occurring in 2.25 cases per 1,000 persons. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology and method of treatment of SVT is an important skill for the emergency medicine physician to master. Therapeutic interventions include vagal maneuvers or pharmacologic agents, such as adenosine or calcium channel blockers, for the stable patient and synchronized cardioversion for the unstable patient. Stable patients with minimal comorbidities whose sinus rhythm is converted back in the emergency department can be safely discharged with a close follow-up by a cardiologist. However, admission is often required for the patient who presents with unstable SVT or has multiple comorbidities and requires further work-up. This review contains 10 figures, 3 tables, and 48 references. Keywords: ablation, adenosine, cardioversion, supraventricular tachycardia, valsalva maneuver, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Atrial fibrillation burden and the risks of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage: comparisons of catheter ablation, medical therapy, and non-atrial fibrillation population

Background Although atrial fibrillation (AF) burden was known to be related to the risk of ischemic stroke (IS), clinical evidence regarding intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or comparison of the patients after AF catheter ablation (AFCA) and the non-AF population are limited. Objective We explored the risks of IS and ICH after AFCA or medical therapy (Med) in the AF population and the matched non-AF population. Methods We compared 1,629 with AFCA (Yonsei AF cohort), 3,258 with Med (Korean National Health Insurance Sharing Service [KNHISS] database), and 3,258 non-AF population (KNHISS database) after 1:2:2 propensity-score match in terms of clinical characteristics and medications (57±12 years old, 22.1% female). IS and ICH were determined by ICD code, brain imaging, and hospital admission in Med and non-AF groups. All AFCA patients underwent regular rhythm follow-up, and the medications including antithrombotic therapies were evaluated for 52±23 months. Results 1. Among AFCA group, the annualized IS rate was significantly higher in the patients with sustaining recurrence of AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) after the last ablation procedure than those remaining in sinus rhythm (SR) (0.87% vs. 0.24%, p=0.017; HR 4.87 [1.36–17.49], p=0.015; log rank p=0.003). 2. The annualized ICH rate was 0% in SR group and 0.06% in sustaining recurrent AF/AT group after AFCA (p=0.361, log rank p=0.545). 3. The annualized IS rate was significantly higher in Med group (1.09%) than in AFCA group (0.30%, p<0.001, log rank p<0.001) or non-AF group (0.34%, p<0.001, log rank p<0.001). There was no significant difference in annualized IS rate between AFCA and non-AF groups (p=0.673, log rank p=0.874) 4. The annualized ICH rates were 0.17% in Med group, 0.06% AFCA group (p=0.023, log rank p=0.042 vs. Med; p=0.172, log rank p=0.193 vs. non-AF), and 0.12% in non-AF group (p=0.226, log rank p=0.241 vs. Med), respectively. Conclusion Post-procedural AF burden influence the risk of IS. AFCA significantly reduces the risks of both IS and ICH to the extent of non-AF population compared to Med group. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None