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14 pages, 10382 KB  
Article
A Low-Power, Wide-DR PPG Readout IC with VCO-Based Quantizer Embedded in Photodiode Driver Circuits
by Haejun Noh, Woojin Kim, Yongkwon Kim, Seok-Tae Koh and Hyuntak Jeon
Electronics 2025, 14(19), 3834; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14193834 - 27 Sep 2025
Viewed by 255
Abstract
This work presents a low-power photoplethysmography (PPG) readout integrated circuit (IC) that achieves a wide dynamic range (DR) through the direct integration of a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)-based quantizer into the photodiode driver. Conventional PPG readout circuits rely on either transimpedance amplifier (TIA) or [...] Read more.
This work presents a low-power photoplethysmography (PPG) readout integrated circuit (IC) that achieves a wide dynamic range (DR) through the direct integration of a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)-based quantizer into the photodiode driver. Conventional PPG readout circuits rely on either transimpedance amplifier (TIA) or light-to-digital converter (LDC) topologies, both of which require auxiliary DC suppression loops. These additional loops not only raise power consumption but also limit the achievable DR. The proposed design eliminates the need for such circuits by embedding a linear regulator with a mirroring scale calibrator and a time-domain quantizer. The quantizer provides first-order noise shaping, enabling accurate extraction of the AC PPG signal while the regulator directly handles the large DC current component. Post-layout simulations show that the proposed readout achieves a signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) of 40.0 dB at 10 µA DC current while consuming only 0.80 µW from a 2.5 V supply. The circuit demonstrates excellent stability across process–voltage–temperature (PVT) corners and maintains high accuracy over a wide DC current range. These features, combined with a compact silicon area of 0.725 mm2 using TSMC 250 nm bipolar–CMOS–DMOS (BCD) process, make the proposed IC an attractive candidate for next-generation wearable and biomedical sensing platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue CMOS Integrated Circuits Design)
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23 pages, 3490 KB  
Article
Quantifying the Relationship Between Mean Radiant Temperature and Indoor Air Temperature Across Building Orientations in Hot and Dry Steppe Climates
by Salar Salah Muhy Al-Din, Nazgol Hafizi and Hasim Altan
Atmosphere 2025, 16(10), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16101132 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
This study aims to create environmentally comfortable building designs in hot and dry steppe climates using more effective approaches. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between mean radiant temperature (MRT) and indoor air temperature (Tia), taking into account the [...] Read more.
This study aims to create environmentally comfortable building designs in hot and dry steppe climates using more effective approaches. The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between mean radiant temperature (MRT) and indoor air temperature (Tia), taking into account the orientation of buildings, for better building thermal performance. For this purpose, residential buildings with different orientations were selected in the study region ‘Garmian—northern Iraq’, and their thermal performance was evaluated. The results show how MRT contributes to the buildings’ thermal comfort. The outcomes of this research provide innovative empirical quantification of the correlation of MRT-Tia, as the regression coefficient (β) represents the rate of change in Tia per unit increase in MRT and ranges by orientation in the study area. The findings demonstrate that north-facing buildings buffer radiant heat gain (β~0.52), resulting in a 0.5 °C increase in indoor air temperature for each 1 °C rise in MRT. Moreover, west orientation delivers promising winter passive heating (MRT up to 22 °C and indoor air temperature up to 22.8 °C with a β of ~0.82). However, south-facing buildings perform poorly in the winter, with low MRT and a weak β (~0.44), contrasting with passive solar design strategies that favor south-facing buildings in the northern hemisphere. Furthermore, in the summer, the MRT is always higher than Tia, while it is lower in winter, indicating poor envelope and fenestration thermal insulation properties, which lead to excessive energy usage to maintain thermal comfort. Finally, the study suggests the novel quantified MRT-Tia mathematical correlation responds to the orientations for such climates, offering both diagnostic and predictive tools for thermal comfort performance optimization. This study is the first to empirically quantify orientation-specific MRT–Tia relationships in BSh climates, offering a novel diagnostic tool for sustainable building design. This study involved field observations in 36 residential row houses across four orientations. Key environmental and personal variables measured included mean radiant temperature (MRT), indoor air temperature (Tia), air velocity, relative humidity, metabolic rate, and clothing insulation. Full article
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18 pages, 4063 KB  
Article
Welander Distal Myopathy-Associated TIA1 E384K Mutation Disrupts Stress Granule Dynamics Under Distinct Stress Conditions
by Beatriz Ramos-Velasco, José Alcalde and José M. Izquierdo
Biology 2025, 14(9), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14091288 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 449
Abstract
Cellular stress triggers the formation of diverse RNA–protein aggregates, which can be associated with physiological responses, pathological conditions, or even detrimental outcomes. Under stress-induced proteostasis disruption, these RNA–protein assemblies are known as stress granules (SGs). Targeting such condensates—while sparing functional RNAs and proteins—remains [...] Read more.
Cellular stress triggers the formation of diverse RNA–protein aggregates, which can be associated with physiological responses, pathological conditions, or even detrimental outcomes. Under stress-induced proteostasis disruption, these RNA–protein assemblies are known as stress granules (SGs). Targeting such condensates—while sparing functional RNAs and proteins—remains a major therapeutic challenge in protein aggregation disorders such as myopathies and neuropathies. In this study, we investigated the cellular response to various stress conditions in the context of the TIA1 E384K mutation, a founder variant implicated in both Welander distal myopathy (WDM) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cells were exposed to different stressors, including proteotoxic, proteostatic, chemotoxic, and osmotic insults, and the behavior of TIA1-related SGs was analyzed. Our findings reveal a distinct yet conserved pattern in the dynamics of TIA1-dependent SG formation and clearance, influenced by the specific type of stressor and modulated by eIF2α Ser35 phosphorylation. These results indicate that the WDM-associated TIA1 mutation leads to aberrant SG dynamics across different stress conditions. Collectively, these observations support the idea that TIA1 E384K-associated SG dysregulation plays a role in WDM and ALS pathogenesis and underscores the importance of multiple stress contexts in disease progression. Full article
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12 pages, 1009 KB  
Article
Contrast-Enhanced Transcranial Doppler for Detecting Residual Leaks—A Single-Center Study on the Effectiveness of Percutaneous PFO Closure
by Malwina Smolarek-Nicpoń, Grzegorz Smolka, Aleksandra Michalewska-Włudarczyk, Piotr Pysz, Anetta Lasek-Bal, Wojciech Wojakowski and Andrzej Kułach
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(18), 6483; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14186483 - 15 Sep 2025
Viewed by 396
Abstract
Background: A persistent connection between the atria, known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is present in approximately 25% of the general population. PFO closure is indicated in patients under 60 years of age who have experienced an embolic stroke of undetermined source [...] Read more.
Background: A persistent connection between the atria, known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), is present in approximately 25% of the general population. PFO closure is indicated in patients under 60 years of age who have experienced an embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) confirmed by neurological imaging, and in selected cases of peripheral embolism. Follow-up after the procedure is indicated to confirm the position of the occluder, assess the effectiveness of the closure, and evaluate any potential thrombus formation on the device. Methods: We analyzed data from 75 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous PFO closure procedures and were followed up for at least one year. The procedure was performed under fluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance, and occluder size selection was made using TEE multiplanar imaging (MPR). All patients had standard transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at 1 and 6–12 months after the procedure. To assess the long-term efficacy, contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (ce-TCD) was performed at 12 months to record high-intensity transient signals (HITSs). Cases with positive ce-TCD had TEE performed. Results: During follow-up evaluations after 1 and 6–12 months (TTE), we did not observe any device dislodgements, thrombi, or residual leaks visible in TTE. ce-TCD detected HITSs in eight patients, prompting additional TEE examinations performed in seven cases. In five out of seven patients, a leak around the occluder was identified, including two patients with grade 2 HITSs. Conclusions: Assessing the effectiveness of PFO occluder placement is crucial for the residual embolic risk and thus the necessity of antithrombotic therapy. Even low grades of HITSs observed in ce-TCD help to identify patients with residual leaks confirmed in TEE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Patent Foramen Ovale 2023: More Lights than Shadows)
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17 pages, 3119 KB  
Article
The Effect of Physical Activity on Anterior Segment Structures and the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer: A Comparison of Elite Athletes and Sedentary Individuals
by Çiğdem Deniz Genç, Esra Korkmaz Salkılıç, Berna Anıl, Enes Akdemir, Coşkun Yılmaz and Ali Kerim Yılmaz
Medicina 2025, 61(9), 1623; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61091623 - 8 Sep 2025
Viewed by 491
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the effects of regular physical activity on ocular structures by comparing eye anterior segment structures and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) parameters between elite individual athletes and sedentary persons. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the effects of regular physical activity on ocular structures by comparing eye anterior segment structures and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) parameters between elite individual athletes and sedentary persons. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 75 participants (33 female and 42 male) aged 18–32 years. Participants consisted of 33 elite individual athletes (66 eyes) aged 18–32 years and 42 sedentary individuals (84 eyes) aged 18–28 years. The elite athlete group consisted of participants who had trained ≥ 3 times per week for the past 5 years and had competition experience in tennis (n = 11), badminton (n = 8), and short/middle distance running (n = 14). Sedentary participants had not engaged in regular physical activity for the last 2 years. Anterior segment structures were measured with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), RNFL parameters were measured with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with a non-contact pneumotonometer. Results: When the anterior segment parameters were compared, a significance was found in the group effect (p = 0.021, ƞp2  = 0.036) in the TIA500 value, but the effects of side and gender were insignificant (p > 0.05). While the gender effect was found to be significant for the AOD500 (p = 0.030, ƞp2  = 0.032) and ARA500 (p = 0.019, ƞp2  = 0.038) variables, the group and side effects were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in IOP values between sedentary individuals (15.82 ± 2.69) and athletes (14.61 ± 1.80) (p = 0.004, ƞp2  = 0.057). There was a significant difference between the right (15.71 ± 2.70) and left (14.87 ± 2.02) sides (p = 0.027, ƞp2  = 0.033). The effect of gender was not significant (p > 0.05). When the results were evaluated, a significant effect of the TEMPORAL side in RNFL parameters (p = 0.003, ƞp2 = 0.058) was observed. Correlations were seen between the anterior segment and RNFL parameters in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Athletes exhibited lower IOP compared with sedentary individuals, with similar RNFL parameters but distinct correlation patterns with anterior segment structures. These findings suggest that ocular parameters should be evaluated in an integrated manner and that physical activity may support ocular health by contributing to IOP reduction and potentially slowing the progression of eye diseases. Full article
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13 pages, 2740 KB  
Article
Standard Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Versus Intravascular Lithotripsy to Facilitate Trans-Femoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with Aortic Stenosis and Severe Peripheral Arterial Disease
by David Belkin, Tamir Bental, Tullio Palmerini, Ran Kornowski and Pablo Codner
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6335; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176335 - 8 Sep 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The optimal method to facilitate femoral access in patients with aortic stenosis and severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unclear. This study compared the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) versus Shockwave® [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The optimal method to facilitate femoral access in patients with aortic stenosis and severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unclear. This study compared the safety and efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) versus Shockwave® intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in patients with severe PAD undergoing TAVI via the trans-femoral route enrolled in the Hostile TAVI registry trial. Methods: Patients with severe PAD from 28 international centers were enrolled in the registry. This sub-study analyzed patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI facilitated by PTA (n = 352) or IVL (n = 166). Primary endpoints included rates of survival, major vascular complications, and major bleeding. Outcomes were also stratified according to the severity of PAD using the novel Hostile risk score. Results: Patients in the PTA group were older and had lower rates of prior stroke/TIA. All-cause mortality at 3 years was similar between PTA and IVL groups (34.9% vs. 38.6%; p = 0.27, respectively). However, IVL was associated with fewer major vascular complications (21.7% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.033, respectively), less major bleeding (14.0% vs. 7.0%; p = 0.024, respectively), and shorter hospital stays (7.06 ± 6.69 vs. 4.29 ± 4.78 days; p < 0.001; 95% CI: 1.63–3.91, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed that at low (≤8.5) Hostile Scores, PTA was associated with higher rates of major vascular complications and major bleeding than IVL. Conclusions: In patients with aortic stenosis and severe PAD undergoing TAVI via the transfemoral route, IVL is safer than PTA, with fewer vascular and bleeding complications but similar intermediate-term survival. Full article
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14 pages, 1736 KB  
Systematic Review
Performance of Stratification Scores on the Risk of Stroke After a Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
by Dimitrios Deris, Sabrina Mastroianni, Jonathan Kan, Areti Angeliki Veroniki, Mukul Sharma, Raed A. Joundi, Ashkan Shoamanesh, Abhilekh Srivastava and Aristeidis H. Katsanos
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6268; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176268 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 752
Abstract
Background: Patients after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at high risk of subsequent stroke. There are various scores that aim to accurately identify patients at the highest risk of stroke. However, without comparisons between these scores, it is still unknown which is [...] Read more.
Background: Patients after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at high risk of subsequent stroke. There are various scores that aim to accurately identify patients at the highest risk of stroke. However, without comparisons between these scores, it is still unknown which is the score with the best predictive utility. Our study aims to identify the risk stratification score with the highest utility to identify patients at high risk for stroke within 90 days after a TIA. Methods: The MEDLINE and Scopus databases were systematically searched on 1 December 2023 for observational cohort studies assessing the ability of a score to predict a stroke within the first 90 days from the index TIA event. Only studies that had a direct comparison of at least two scores were included. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed. Sensitivity and specificity, along with relevant 95% credible intervals, and between-score and between-study heterogeneity were estimated. We also estimated relative sensitivities and relative specificities compared with the ABCD2 score. We ranked each score according to its predictive accuracy based on both sensitivity and specificity estimates, using the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve. Results: Our systematic review highlighted 9 studies including 14 discrete cohorts. The performance of all scores to identify patients at high risk for stroke recurrence within 90 days following a TIA was low (pooled sensitivity range 48–64%, pooled specificity range 59–72%). In the network meta-analysis, we analyzed 6 studies with 11 discrete cohorts, including data from 8217 patients. The ABCD3-I score demonstrated the highest DOR, followed by the ESRS, ABCD, California, and ABCD2. The SROC curves demonstrate no significant differences in the performance of the scores, using the ABCD score as the common comparator. Conclusions: In this systematic review and network meta-analysis of observational cohort studies of patients who experienced TIA and were followed for the occurrence of subsequent stroke, we failed to identify a score performing significantly better for the prediction of stroke at 90 days. New models are needed for the prediction and stroke risk stratification following a TIA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ischemic Stroke: Diagnosis and Treatment)
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21 pages, 6275 KB  
Article
Design of a Low-Cost Flat E-Band Down-Converter with Variable Conversion Gain
by Mehrdad Harifi-Mood, Mansoor Dashti Ardakani, Djilali Hammou, Emilia Moldovan, Bryan Hosein and Serioja O. Tatu
Sensors 2025, 25(17), 5492; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175492 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 938
Abstract
This paper presents the design and implementation of a wideband diode-based down-converter operating from 60 to 90 GHz with a variable flat conversion gain. The proposed down-converter is implemented utilizing the Miniature Hybrid-Microwave Integrated Circuit (MHMIC) technology. It is composed of a wideband [...] Read more.
This paper presents the design and implementation of a wideband diode-based down-converter operating from 60 to 90 GHz with a variable flat conversion gain. The proposed down-converter is implemented utilizing the Miniature Hybrid-Microwave Integrated Circuit (MHMIC) technology. It is composed of a wideband double-balanced mixer, a Local Oscillator (LO) chain, and a differential TransImpedance Amplifier (TIA) with a variable gain. The designed mixer uses a novel topology exhibiting minimum reflection and high isolation between the RF and LO ports across a wide operating frequency of 30 GHz. In this topology, two balanced detectors generate the differential IF signal with minimum reflection. The characteristic impedance (Z0) of the mixer is set to be 70.7Ω, to minimize trace widths to reduce the mutual coupling and increasing the bandwidth. The OPA 657 is the core of the designed differential TIA with a variable gain. In addition, the LO chain of the down-converter utilized a combination of an active (×2) and a passive (×3) multiplier to generate enough RF power in the desired frequency range. Also, a WR-12 waveguide to Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) transition is designed for the RF and LO ports that operates through the E-band. The proposed down-converter demonstrates excellent performance, with a high isolation between RF and LO ports exceeding 22 dB and a maximum conversion gain of 5 dB, and a response with a variation of ±5 dB across the band. The proposed mixer exhibits a return loss of better than 10 dB at both RF and LO ports, and it consumes a power of 560 mW. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Development of Millimeter-Wave Technologies)
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11 pages, 1979 KB  
Article
Need for Routine Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Unilateral Facial Palsy in Emergency Department
by Hanna Park, Youn-Jung Kim and Won Young Kim
Diagnostics 2025, 15(17), 2135; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15172135 - 24 Aug 2025
Viewed by 799
Abstract
Objectives: The need for routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patients presenting with unilateral facial palsy in the emergency department (ED) is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of MRI in this population and to [...] Read more.
Objectives: The need for routine brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for patients presenting with unilateral facial palsy in the emergency department (ED) is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield of MRI in this population and to identify clinical risk factors associated with non-idiopathic causes, to inform selective imaging strategies. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study was conducted in the ED of a tertiary-care center in Korea. We analyzed adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) who presented with facial palsy as the primary symptom between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2022. Patients with other neurological abnormalities detected during the initial examination or those who did not undergo brain MRI were excluded. The primary outcome was the identification of positive MRI findings, defined as brain lesions (e.g., ischemic stroke, tumor, and hemorrhage) considered causally related to the facial palsy based on anatomical correlation and radiological interpretation. Patients were categorized into positive or negative MRI groups accordingly, and baseline characteristics were compared between the groups. Results: Among the 436 patients who underwent brain MRI, 13 (3.0%) showed positive findings such as brain tumors or stroke that led to diagnoses other than Bell’s palsy, while the remaining 423 (97.0%) were ultimately diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. The proportion of patients with a history of transient ischemic attack/stroke and malignancy was significantly higher in the group with non-idiopathic facial palsy (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: In adults presenting to the ED with clinically isolated unilateral facial palsy and no other neurological signs, routine brain MRI had a low diagnostic yield (3%). A history of malignancy or prior TIA/stroke was associated with alternative diagnoses. A selective imaging strategy based on risk factors may improve diagnostic efficiency without compromising safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Diagnosis and Management in Emergency and Hospital Medicine)
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19 pages, 2307 KB  
Article
Phenotypic Variability and Anticancer Alkaloid Profiles of Catharanthus roseus Cultivars Grown Under a Vertical Farming System
by Marisa S. C. Lourenço, Victor Freitas, Ep Heuvelink and Susana M. P. Carvalho
Plants 2025, 14(16), 2576; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14162576 - 19 Aug 2025
Viewed by 707
Abstract
Plants are promising biofactories for high-value compounds, and integrating vertical farming (VF) with plant molecular farming (PMF) enhances the efficiency and sustainability of these systems. Catharanthus roseus (L.) is the only natural source of vinblastine (VLB) and vincristine (VCR), key anticancer alkaloids used [...] Read more.
Plants are promising biofactories for high-value compounds, and integrating vertical farming (VF) with plant molecular farming (PMF) enhances the efficiency and sustainability of these systems. Catharanthus roseus (L.) is the only natural source of vinblastine (VLB) and vincristine (VCR), key anticancer alkaloids used in chemotherapy. This study assessed the morpho-physiological responses and the organ-specific anticancer-related terpenoid indole alkaloid (TIA) production in nine C. roseus cultivars grown in a VF system. Results revealed a significant intraspecific variability (between and within plant series) concerning both plant growth and alkaloid profile. Although total anticancer-related TIA concentration was 1.6- to 5.9-fold higher in leaves than in flowers, the key anticancer alkaloids VLB and VCR exhibited distinct patterns depending on the cultivar, with ‘C-Red’ showing a higher concentration of both alkaloids in leaves, while ‘C-XDR-PN’ and ‘C-XDR-WT’ had a significantly higher concentration of VCR in flowers (3.15 and 4.05-times higher, respectively). This cultivar-dependent variability, in the production of specific anticancer alkaloids, highlights the importance of a proper cultivar selection for their commercial production. Our findings show that VCR concentration may serve as a more reliable cultivar selection marker for anticancer alkaloid yield than total biomass or overall TIA content in VF systems. Full article
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16 pages, 2520 KB  
Article
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Compared to Anticoagulation in Patients Suffering from Atrial Fibrillation with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
by Sergio López-Tejero, Pablo Antúnez-Muiños, Pilar Fraile-Gómez, Fabián Blanco-Fernández, Gilles Barreira-de Sousa, Jesús Herrero-Garibi, Javier Rodríguez-Collado, Alejandro Diego-Nieto, Candelas Pérez del Villar, Gonzalo C. Delgado-Lapeira, Javier Martín-Moreiras, Pedro L. Sánchez-Fernández and Ignacio Cruz-González
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(16), 5709; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165709 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 746
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant risk factor for thrombogenic and bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is increasingly utilized as an alternative to oral anticoagulation. We aimed to compare LAAO against medical [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant risk factor for thrombogenic and bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is increasingly utilized as an alternative to oral anticoagulation. We aimed to compare LAAO against medical therapy in advanced CKD patients (A-CKD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare patients with AF who had undergone LAAO (intervention group) or patients receiving oral anticoagulation (OAC) (control group). All of them had the diagnosis of A-CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). The primary endpoint was a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), systemic embolism (SE), and major bleeding. Secondary endpoints included: an efficacy combined endpoint (a composition of stroke, TIA, and SE); major bleedings (defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) ≥ 3), and mortality at follow-up. A propensity score matching was used to balance the populations. Results: In total, 81 and 102 patients composed the LAAO and anticoagulation groups. Mean age was 78.27 ± 10.3 and 81.2 ± 9.07 (p = 0.069) and female sex was 38.3% and 44.1%, respectively. Patients who underwent LAAO had a higher HAS-BLED score: 3.46 ± 0.85 vs. 3.77 ± 1.06, p = 0.011. Median follow-up was 19.0 months [IQR: 10.9–33.5]. There were no differences in the primary combined endpoint at 3-years follow-up—22.2% vs. 34.2% (hazard ratio (HR) 0.63, CI-95%: 0.353–1.11, p = 0.102)—nor respecting the efficacy combined endpoint: 3.7% vs. 6.9% (HR 0.54, CI-95%: 0.14–2.09, p = 0.355). Patients under anticoagulation treatment did present major bleedings (BARC ≥ 3) more often than the intervention group: 38.3%vs50% (HR 0.52, CI-95%: 0.28–0.96, p = 0.031). A total of 15 patients (14.7%) from the control group underwent LAAO during follow-up. After a propensity score matching analysis, the primary combined endpoint was more frequent in the control group (HR 0.47, CI-95%: 0.25–0.90, p = 0.019). Conclusions: Compared with oral anticoagulation therapy, LAAO had no differences in efficacy, but fewer major bleeding rates were found. Full article
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17 pages, 2839 KB  
Systematic Review
Comparative Outcomes of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Versus Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device in High-Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Dhiran Sivasubramanian, Virushnee Senthilkumar, Nithish Nanda Palanisamy, Rashi Bilgaiyan, Smrti Aravind, Sri Drishaal Kumar, Aishwarya Balasubramanian, Sathwik Sanil, Karthick Balasubramanian, Dharssini Kamaladasan, Hashwin Pilathodan and Kiruba Shankar
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5430; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155430 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 944
Abstract
Background/Objectives: High-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR-PCIs) often require mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to maintain hemodynamic stability. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and percutaneous left ventricular assist device (PLVAD) are two commonly used MCS devices that differ in their mechanisms. We aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: High-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (HR-PCIs) often require mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to maintain hemodynamic stability. Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and percutaneous left ventricular assist device (PLVAD) are two commonly used MCS devices that differ in their mechanisms. We aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes associated with IABP and PLVAD use in HR-PCIs without cardiogenic shock. Methods: We conducted a search of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Mendeley, Web of Science, and Embase to identify relevant randomized controlled trials and cohort studies, and we included 13 studies for the systematic review and meta-analysis. The primary goal was to define the difference in early mortality (in-hospital and 30-day mortality), major bleeding, and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) components (cardiogenic shock, acute kidney injury (AKI), and stroke/TIA) in IABP and PLVAD. We used a random-effects model with the Mantel–Haenszel statistical method to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among 1 trial and 12 cohort studies (35,554 patients; 30,351 IABP and 5203 PLVAD), HR-PCI with IABP was associated with a higher risk of early mortality (OR = 1.53, 95% CI [1.21, 1.94]) and cardiogenic shock (OR = 2.56, 95% CI [1.98, 3.33]) when compared to PLVAD. No significant differences were found in the rates of arrhythmia, major bleeding, AKI, stroke/TIA, or hospital length of stay. Conclusions: In high-risk PCIs, PLVAD use is associated with lower early mortality and cardiogenic shock risk compared to IABP, with no significant differences in other major outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiovascular Medicine)
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15 pages, 4183 KB  
Article
Identification and Functional Characterization of a Geraniol Synthase UrGES from Uncaria rhynchophylla
by Xinghui Liu, Wenqiang Chen, Linxuan Li, Detian Mu, Iain W. Wilson, Xueshuang Huang, Yahui Xiang, Lina Zhu, Limei Pan, Deyou Qiu and Qi Tang
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2273; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152273 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 754
Abstract
Uncaria rhynchophylla, a medicinal plant extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine, is an important plant source of terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs), but the mechanism of TIA biosynthesis at molecular level remains unclear. Geraniol synthase (GES) serves as a crucial enzyme in catalyzing [...] Read more.
Uncaria rhynchophylla, a medicinal plant extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine, is an important plant source of terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs), but the mechanism of TIA biosynthesis at molecular level remains unclear. Geraniol synthase (GES) serves as a crucial enzyme in catalyzing the formation of geraniol from geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) in various plants, but the functional characterization of the GES gene in U. rhynchophylla has not been investigated. In this study, a GES was identified and characterized through genome mining and bioinformatic analysis. Functional validation was performed via a protein catalysis experiment, transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana, and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) induction experiments. The full-length UrGES gene was 1761 bp, encoding a protein product of 586 amino acids with an estimated 67.5 kDa molecular weight. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis placed UrGES within the terpene synthase g (TPS-g) subfamily, showing high similarity to known GESs from other plants. Enzymatic assays confirmed that recombinant UrGES catalyzed GPP conversion to a single product of geraniol. The transient expression of UrGES resulted in geraniol accumulation in N. benthamiana, further confirming its function in vivo. UrGES expression was observed in leaves, stems, and roots, where leaves had the highest transcript levels. Moreover, MeJA treatment significantly upregulated UrGES expression, which positively correlated with an increase in alkaloid content. This study functionally characterizes UrGES as a geraniol synthase in U. rhynchophylla, contributing to the current knowledge of the TIA biosynthetic pathway. These findings may offer insights for future metabolic engineering aiming to enhance TIA yields for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis in Plants)
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18 pages, 644 KB  
Article
Atrial Fibrillation Risk Scores as Potential Predictors of Significant Coronary Artery Disease in Chronic Coronary Syndrome: A Novel Diagnostic Approach
by Alexandru-Florinel Oancea, Paula Cristina Morariu, Maria Godun, Stefan Dorin Dobreanu, Miron Mihnea, Diana Gabriela Iosep, Ana Maria Buburuz, Ovidiu Mitu, Alexandru Burlacu, Diana-Elena Floria, Raluca Mitea, Andrei Vâță, Daniela Maria Tanase, Antoniu Octavian Petris, Irina-Iuliana Costache-Enache and Mariana Floria
Life 2025, 15(7), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15071134 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 709
Abstract
Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent cardiovascular conditions that share numerous risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. While clinical scores commonly used in AF—such as CHA2DS2VA (which includes congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75, diabetes, [...] Read more.
Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are prevalent cardiovascular conditions that share numerous risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms. While clinical scores commonly used in AF—such as CHA2DS2VA (which includes congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75, diabetes, stroke/TIA, vascular disease, and age 65–74), HAS-BLED (which incorporates hypertension, abnormal renal/liver function, stroke, bleeding history, labile INR, elderly age, and drug/alcohol use), and C2HEST (incorporating coronary artery disease, COPD, hypertension, elderly age ≥ 75, systolic heart failure, and thyroid disease)—are traditionally applied to rhythm or bleeding risk prediction, their value in estimating the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains underexplored. We conducted a prospective, single-center study including 131 patients with suspected stable CAD referred for coronary angiography, stratified according to coronary angiographic findings into two groups: significant coronary stenosis (S-CCS) and non-significant coronary stenosis (N-CCS). At admission, AF-related scores (CHA2DS2, CHA2DS2VA, CHA2DS2VA-HSF, CHA2DS2VA-RAF, CHA2DS2VA-LAF, HAS-BLED, C2HEST, and HATCH) were calculated. CAD severity was subsequently assessed using the SYNTAX and Gensini scores. Statistical comparisons and Pearson correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between clinical risk scores and angiographic findings. Patients in the S-CCS group had significantly higher scores in CHA2DS2VA (4.09 ± 1.656 vs. 3.20 ± 1.338, p = 0.002), HAS-BLED (1.98 ± 0.760 vs. 1.36 ± 0.835, p < 0.001), CHA2DS2VA-HSF (6.00 ± 1.854 vs. 5.26 ± 1.712, p = 0.021), and C2HEST (3.49 ± 1.501 vs. 2.55 ± 1.279, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression identified HAS-BLED and C2HEST as independent predictors of significant coronary lesions. A threshold value of HAS-BLED ≥ 1.5 and C2HEST ≥ 3.5 demonstrated moderate discriminative ability (AUC = 0.694 and 0.682, respectively), with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. These scores also demonstrated moderate to strong correlations with both Gensini and SYNTAX scores. AF-related clinical scores, especially HAS-BLED and C2HEST, may serve as practical and accessible tools for early CAD risk stratification in patients with suspected CCS. Their application in clinical practice may serve as supplementary triage tools to help prioritize patients for further diagnostic evaluation, but they are not intended to replace standard imaging or testing. Full article
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13 pages, 4900 KB  
Article
Comparative Noise Analysis of Readout Circuit in Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscope
by Zhihao Yu, Libin Zeng, Changda Xing, Lituo Shang, Xiuyue Yan and Jingyu Li
Micromachines 2025, 16(7), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16070802 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 506
Abstract
In high-precision Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscope (HRG) control systems, readout circuit noise critically determines resonator displacement detection precision. Addressing noise issues, this paper compares the noise characteristics and contribution mechanisms of the Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA) and Charge-Sensitive Amplifier (CSA). By establishing a noise model [...] Read more.
In high-precision Hemispherical Resonator Gyroscope (HRG) control systems, readout circuit noise critically determines resonator displacement detection precision. Addressing noise issues, this paper compares the noise characteristics and contribution mechanisms of the Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA) and Charge-Sensitive Amplifier (CSA). By establishing a noise model and analyzing circuit bandwidth, the dominant role of feedback resistor thermal noise in the TIA is revealed. These analyses further demonstrate the significant suppression of high-frequency noise by the CSA capacitive feedback network. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the measured noise of the TIA and CSA is consistent with the theoretical model. The TIA output noise is 25.8 μVrms, with feedback resistor thermal noise accounting for 99.8%, while CSA output noise is reduced to 13.2 μVrms, a reduction of 48.8%. Near resonant frequency, the equivalent displacement noise of the CSA is 1.69×1014m/Hz, a reduction of 86.7% compared to the TIA’s 1.27×1013m/Hz, indicating the CSA is more suitable for high-precision applications. This research provides theoretical guidance and technical references for the topological selection and parameter design of HRG readout circuits. Full article
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