Contraction Volume Research Articles

Role of echocardiography in detecting patients at risk of mild cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction

Abstract Introduction breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and in those undergoing chemotherapy, a potential adverse event is cardiotoxicity. Various clinical scores and echocardiographic parameters have been proposed, but predicting left ventricular dysfunction remains challenging. Purpose this study aims to identify baseline pre-chemotherapy echocardiographic parameters that can predict cardiotoxicity. Methods consecutive patients diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer and treated with chemotherapy (including anthracycline, anti-HER2, taxanes or hormonal therapy) were prospectively enrolled and followed for one year with clinical and echocardiographic assessments at baseline and every three months. The diagnosis of cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) was based on the 2022 ESC Guidelines. The case series was therefore divided based on the occurrence of mild CTRCD or not. For descriptive purpose we used mean and confidence intervals; median and interquartile ranges when appropriated. We used Student's T-test or Mann-Whitney U for within-group differences, paired T-test or Wilcoxon-Signed-Rank Test for repeated controls. CTRCD onset over time was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. ROC analysis was used to identify cut-off values able to define at risk patients. Statistical significance was setted at p < 0.05. Results we examined 138 patients with an average age of 53.52 years. 58 patients developed mild CTRCD, (18 within the first trimester, 26 between 3-6 months, 8 between 6-9 months, and 6 between 9-12 months). (Picture 1). Parameters like left ventricle global longitudinal strain (GLS), left ventricle eiection fraction (LVEF), early peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), peak atrial contraction (PACS) and left atrial volume were evaluated. These parameters showed significant deterioration over time in the overall population; PACS and PALS changed early at 3 months, but nothing was significantly correlated with mild CTRCD diagnosis. A significant difference between the two groups was observed only for PALS at 6 months and PACS at 12 months. At the ROC analysis only GLS showed clinical utility in predicting mild CTRCD with an AUC of 0.83 (Picture 2), and the best cut-off value was -21 (sensitivity 0.724, specificity 0.850, positive predictive value 0.778, negative predictive value 0.810). Conclusions echocardiographic parameters worsened over time in chemotherapy patients. Atrial strain showed significant differences between groups. Basal atrial parameters did not predict CTRCD in our study, but literature supports the relevance of left atrial strain for predicting CTRCD. A baseline GLS value of ≤ -21 may indicate a higher likelihood of mild cardiotoxicity, probably because chemotherapy effect could cause more easily a reduction > 15% in GLS without reduction in LVEF when the baseline GLS is more negative. These findings require confirmation from larger studies.

Electrocortical activity during resistance exercises in healthy young adults-a systematic review.

Resistance training (RT) is known to induce both peripheral and central adaptations, resulting in enhanced strength, sports performance, and health benefits. These adaptations are specific to the training stimuli. The acute cortical mechanisms of single sessions resistance exercise (RE) are not yet understood. Therefore, this review investigates the electrocortical activity during acute RE regarding the specific RE stimuli. A systematic literature search was conducted across three databases, focusing on the acute electrocortical activity associated with the muscle contraction type, load, and volume of RE in healthy young adults. Out of an initial 1,332 hits, 19 studies were included for data synthesis. The findings from these studies show that the RE load, contraction type, and volume during RE significantly affect brain activity. The current literature exhibits methodological heterogeneity attributed to variations in study quality, differences in the location of cortical sources, the cortical outcome parameter and the use of diverse training interventions. Despite inconsistencies in the current literature, this review highlights the need to investigate time and frequency-specific characteristics when examining electrocortical activity during RE. More research is necessary to further explore the acute cortical mechanisms related to resistance exercise. Future research could improve our understanding of acute neural responses to RE and provide insights into mechanism underlying more long-term neuroplastic adaptations to RT.

Abstract 4125500: Obesity-Related Left Atrial Functional Change Becomes Apparent in Infancy

Background: Impaired left atrial (LA) function is observed in obese patients, however, there is little information on when LA dysfunction begins to appear. To clarify this issue, we assessed LA volume and function in obese infants. Methods: Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed in 96 infants aged 4 months. Subjects were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI): normal (n=53), <17 kg/m 2 ; overweight (n=28), 17 to 19.9 kg/m 2 ; obese (n=15), ≧20 kg/m 2 . LA maximal volume, LA minimal volume, and LA pre-atrial contraction volume and LA longitudinal strain (reservoir, conduit, and booster) were measured. LA total emptying fraction, passive emptying fraction, and active emptying fraction were calculated. Results: Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the obese group than in the normal group (Table). LA maximal volume, minimal volume, and pre-atrial contraction volume increased significantly with increasing BMI (r = 0.53, 0.54, and 0.63, respectively, p <0.01). Compared with the normal group, reservoir LA strain was significantly lower in the overweight and obese groups. Conduit LA strain and passive emptying fraction were significantly lower in the overweight and obese groups than those in the normal group (Table). Reservoir LA strain, conduit LA strain, and passive emptying fraction decreased significantly with increasing BMI (r = -0.28, -0.27, and -0.33, respectively, p <0.01). There was no significant difference in booster LA strain among the 3 groups. Compared with the normal group, LA active emptying fraction was significantly higher in the obese group (Table). Conclusions: Higher BMI is associated with impaired reservoir and conduit LA function and higher booster LA pump function, which may be compensatory. Thus, obesity-related changes in LA functional begin to appear in infancy. Our data support prevention of obesity in early childhood because higher BMI is responsible for significant changes in LA function in early life.

Machine learning approaches for modelling water futures

Modelling water futures is challenging due to the dynamics of several variables and non-linearity. The traditional models are often inefficient to capture such hidden patterns. Thus, utilizing datasets that include daily price and volume information of water futures, this study evaluates the performance of SVM, Random Forest Regressor, LSTM, GBM, and XGBoost models. The findings indicate that XGBoost outperforms other models in accuracy; however, all models tested perform well and provide accurate predictions. Consequently, it makes valuable contributions to the field of modelling financial products based on water-adjacent entities. Furthermore, it underscores the potential for machine learning in enhancing market predictions for emerging and niche sectors that have thus far been overlooked by market participants but will increasingly become more important as climate change progresses. Lastly, as futures markets for water as a commodity mature (with higher trading volume of futures contracts), this study will serve as a benchmark for better modelling of water futures.

Left atrial function in uraemic patients: Four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantitative technology study.

This study aimed to evaluate the utility of left atrial volume and function in uraemic patients using four-dimensional automatic left atrial quantification (4D auto LAQ) technology. Thirty-four undialysed uraemic patients (U-ND group), 60 dialysed uraemic patients (U-D group), and 32 healthy volunteers (N group) were enrolled in our current study. Conventional echocardiographic parameters were recorded, and left atrial volume and strain parameters were analysed to determine statistical differences among the three groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was employed to assess the relationships between left atrial ejection fraction and left atrial strain parameters. Compared to the N group, uraemic patients often displayed left atrial enlargement and left ventricular hypertrophy. Significant increases were noted in left atrial diameter, interventricular septum thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, E/e', diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, left atrial minimum volume, left atrial maximum volume, left atrial pre-atrial contraction volume, left atrial emptying volume and left atrial maximum volume index (P<0.05). Conversely, the e', E/A ratio and left atrial reservoir longitudinal strain were significantly decreased (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the aforementioned parameters between the U-ND and U-D groups. The absolute values of left atrial conduit longitudinal strain and left atrial conduit circumferential strain, as well as left atrial passive ejection fraction, were notably lower in the U-D group compared to the N and U-ND groups, with statistically significant differences identified among the three groups (P<0.05). Uraemic patients exhibit marked left atrial enlargement and left ventricular hypertrophy, coupled with altered atrial function, particularly ductal dysfunction in the U-D group. The 4D auto LAQ technology proves advantageous in detecting these alterations, offering a promising tool for thorough cardiac assessment in this patient cohort.

Efficiency of regional export support measures and their influence on investments

Regions are active participants of foreign economic activity, with their contribution to the total export being significant. Therefore, data analysis of the volume and structure of exports and investments is important for determining the efficiency of support measures and for elaborating a further development strategy. A review of scientific sources demonstrates the role of investment and government support in stimulating exports. This article examines the efficiency of regional export support measures and their correlation with investments. Statistical data on exports, investments, and government support measures from 2012 to 2022 is compared. The research demonstrates the performance of the Irkutsk Region Export Support Center in the following spheres: in supporting exporters in concluding export contracts, in stimulating export activities of small and medium-sized enterprises, in engaging new exporters in foreign economic activities, as well as in promoting export diversification. Data on the increase in the share of nonresource, non-energy goods in the structure of the region exports confirms the efficiency of the undertaken supporting measures. The performance of the Export Support Center indicates its increasing popularity and efficiency. Moreover, the increasing number of exporters and the volume of export contracts demonstrates the positive impact of supporting measures on the export sector development and regional economy competitiveness. After considering the three main drivers of economic performance, i.e., consumer demand, exports, and investment, it can be concluded that the regional authorities use levers of influence over the latter two factors.

Role of Early Left Atrial Functional Decline in Predicting Cardiotoxicity in HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Trastuzumab

Trastuzumab is widely used in HER2 breast cancer. However, it may cause left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. A decrease in LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been previously demonstrated to be a good predictor of subsequent cancer therapy related dysfunction (CTRCD). Left atrial morphological remodeling during Trastuzumab therapy has also been shown. The aim of this study is exploring the relationship between early changes in left atrial function and the development of Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity. Consecutive patients with diagnosis of HER2+non-metastatic breast cancer treated with Trastuzumab were prospectively enrolled. A clinical, conventional, and advanced echocardiographic assessment was performed at baseline and every three months, until a one-year follow-up was reached. One-hundred-sixteen patients completed the 12 months follow-up, 10 (9%) cases of CTRCD were observed, all after the sixth month. GLS and LVEF significantly decreased in the CTRCD group at 6 months of follow-up, with an earlier (3 months) significant worsening in left atrial morpho-functional parameters. Systolic blood pressure, early peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), peak atrial contraction (PACS) and left atrial volume (LAVI) changes resulted independent predictors of CTRCD at multivariable logistic regression analysis. Moreover, early changes in PALS and PACS resulted good predictors of CTRCD development (AUC 0.85; p = 0.008, p < 0.001 and 0.77; p = 0.008, respectively). This prospective study emphasizes that the decline in PALS and PACS among trastuzumab-treated patients could possibly increase the accuracy in identifying future CTRCD in non-metastatic HER2 breast cancer cases, adding predictive value to conventional echocardiographic assessment.

Intradetrusor Versus Suburothelial Onabotulinum Toxin A in Adults with Neurogenic and Non-neurogenic Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of submucosal injection of onabotulinum toxin A (OnabotA) with intradetrusor injection for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). This systematic review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021237964). A licensed librarian surveyed Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to conduct a comprehensive search. Studies comparing suburothelial and intradetrusor techniques of OnabotA injection for OAB were included, along with clinical and urodynamic variables and complications. The studies were assessed for quality on the basis of Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and evaluated using statistical analysis via a random-effect model and I2 statistic. Data extraction and analysis were conducted using Covidence systematic review platform and Review Manager software. Six studies with 299 patients were included in the systematic review, with four reporting that suburothelial injection of OnabotA was as effective as intradetrusor injection and two reporting intradetrusor injection to be more effective. The meta-analysis found no significant difference between the suburothelial and intradetrusor groups for mean daily catheter or voiding frequency (mean difference: 2.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.61, 5.84]) and the mean number of urgency/urge incontinence episodes (mean difference: 0.08 [95% CI: -1.42, 1.57]). However, a significant heterogeneity was found among the studies. Only the mean volume at first detrusor contraction showed a significant difference, being higher for suburothelial injection (mean difference: 33.39 [95% CI: 0.16, 66.63]). No significant difference was noted for mean compliance, mean bladder capacity, and mean maximum detrusor pressure. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) (p = 0.24) and acute urinary retention (p = 0.92) showed no significant difference between the two groups. The risk of bias varied among the studies. Suburothelial injection of OnabotA is as effective as intradetrusor injection in improving OAB symptoms, and it has similar complication rates. A higher mean volume of the first detrusor contraction was found in a urodynamic study with suburothelial injection.

Global Derivatives Market with Special Preference to Indian Derivatives Market

The subject matter of the study is related to the progression as well as the pattern of the stock index derivatives market in India in the last seven years. Firstly, it is to observe how much as well as in which way the market is flourished by the investors. The past decade has witnessed the multiple growths in the volume of international trade and business due to the wave of globalization and liberalization all over the world. Today, the financial derivatives have become increasingly popular and most commonly used in the world of finance. This has grown with so phenomenal speed all over the world that now it is called as the derivatives revolution. In India, the emergence and growth of derivatives market is relatively a recent phenomenon. Since its inception in June 2000, derivatives market has exhibited exponential growth both in terms of volume and number of contracts traded. The market turnover has grown from Rs.2365 Cr. in 2000-2001 to Rs. 55606453.39 Cr. in 2014-15. Within a short span of fourteen years, derivatives trading in India has surpassed cash segment in terms of turnover and number of traded contracts. The present study encompasses of global derivatives market with special preference to Indian derivatives market.

The effect of trisomic chromosomes on spatial genome organization and global transcription in embryonic stem cells.

Aneuploidy frequently occurs in cancer and developmental diseases such as Down syndrome, with its functional consequences implicated in dosage effects on gene expression and global perturbation of stress response and cell proliferation pathways. However, how aneuploidy affects spatial genome organization remains less understood. In this study, we addressed this question by utilizing the previously established isogenic wild-type (WT) and trisomic mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We employed a combination of Hi-C, RNA-seq, chromosome painting and nascent RNA imaging technologies to compare the spatial genome structures and gene transcription among these cells. We found that trisomy has little effect on spatial genome organization at the level of A/B compartment or topologically associating domain (TAD). Inter-chromosomal interactions are associated with chromosome regions with high gene density, active histone modifications and high transcription levels, which are confirmed by imaging. Imaging also revealed contracted chromosome volume and weakened transcriptional activity for trisomic chromosomes, suggesting potential implications for the transcriptional output of these chromosomes. Our data resources and findings may contribute to a better understanding of the consequences of aneuploidy from the angle of spatial genome organization.

Методичні аспекти ціноутворення на ринках теплової енергії за аукціонного підходу

The development of competition in the heat energy markets with main heating networks is possible on the basis of the organization of unilateral heat auctions between heat producers. A prerequisite for opening competition in the heat energy markets is the separation of heat generation and heat networks, as well as the provision of regulated access to heat networks for independent producers. In terms of time segmentation, it is advisable to introduce: annual auctions, where basic heat needs are being contracted; monthly auctions – for peak needs, and daily auctions – for hourly imbalances. The article proposes organizational and technological regulations for conducting annual heat auctions, which should cover 80–90% of heat needs. Heat auctions should function according to the declared pricing method, where the producers who are the auction winners receive income for the contracted volumes of heat generation at a given price, while consumers pay a single weighted average price. Heat auctions operate under centralized dispatching, which provides for the coordination of physical and commercial heat energy flows, taking into account the technical specifics of heat networks. The article substantiates variants of economic and mathematical models of auction pricing in the heat energy market with different configurations of heat networks. As such a configuration, are considered heating networks with: 1) unlimited flow connections; 2) insulated heat producers; 3) system restrictions on throughput capacities within the heating area; 4) one-way and 5) two-way flows between adjacent heating areas. Establishment of a fair price for heat energy is reduced to solving the function of minimizing the weighted average price of heat energy for consumers under the following conditions: a) full satisfaction of consumer demand for thermal energy; b) technical capabilities of heat generation; c) connections and throughput capacities of heating networks within the heating area; d) directions of flows and capacity between adjacent heating areas. Each heat network represents a unique configuration of these conditions, therefore, the solution of the economic and mathematical problem of setting the auction price for heat energy will be different in each local heat market. Approbation of the proposed approach proves that with a large number of regulatory and systemic restrictions within the heating area, the price of thermal energy will increase, while bilateral flows of thermal energy between adjacent heating areas lead to a decrease in the price of thermal energy. The proposed methodological aspects of auction pricing for thermal energy should be introduced in large and medium-sized settlements with trunk networks, which will allow independent heat producers who work on renewable energy sources or have excess and waste heat to integrate into the market, contributing to the decarbonization of the city and the country as a whole.

Investment attractiveness of Ukraine in conditions of prolonged war

The article indicates the impact of investments on the economy of Ukraine and investigates the investment potential in the conditions of a protracted war and the investment attractiveness of Ukraine in the conditions of a prolonged war. The important mechanism for stimulating investment activity, namely state support of the authorities in the form of compensation of a part of the interest rate and provision of state guarantees for loans is considered. Negative factors that significantly affected the process of attracting investments in the development of the economy, namely the development of the country and its economy in the conditions of war, are also presented; lack of protection and state guarantee mechanisms for foreign investments. Nevertheless, the main problems that concern investors when investing in the military economy have been revealed. The article describes why Ukraine remains attractive for investment in the face of a full-scale invasion and its potential in the face of a protracted war. It indicates how to ensure the stable development of investment attractiveness. The platform for potential foreign investors is mentioned, which collects more than 500 investment projects and opportunities in 10 sectors of the economy that have significant investment potential, namely: the defense industry, metallurgy and metal processing, energy, natural resources, agricultural sector, transport infrastructure, manufacturing, woodworking and furniture manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, advanced technologies. It also indicates which sector suffered the least losses from the war and retained 95% of contract volumes. This paper describes what is necessary to ensure the stable development of investment attractiveness. It is stated that Ukraine should reform its economy and improve the business environment by improving the legal system, fighting corruption, ensuring intellectual property rights and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. Possible ways to attract investments in the conditions of a long-term war are indicated. It analyzes how Ukrainians invest during the war and which investment strategy they choose. It is noted that the agreement with the G7 and the EU on investment guarantees provides for the receipt of long-term and economically beneficial loans from international financial organizations, such as the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the European Investment Bank.

A Roadmap for Applying Digital Technology to Improve the Efficiency of Construction Supervision in Building Projects: Focusing on Korean Cases

Construction supervision is a key task that can confirm and inspect the project execution and support the creation of successful results. For the efficient performance of construction supervision, collecting various information necessary for the supervisor’s decision-making is a prerequisite, and the use of digital technology has recently been proposed as an alternative. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to present a roadmap for the step-by-step use of digital technology to improve the efficiency of construction supervision. This study was limited to the supervision of construction projects, which have a high proportion of contract volumes in the Korean construction industry and can directly affect people’s lives. This study reclassified Korea’s construction supervision works, collected data on the urgency and effectiveness of detailed works from various stakeholders, and derived a final roadmap using importance–performance analysis. The results of this study are expected to serve as basic guidelines that can be used when reviewing digital technologies that can be applied step by step to improve the efficiency of construction supervision work.

Vortex formation time in female athletes

Regular, vigorous physical activity can have a significant impact on cardiac function, leading to cardiac morphological alterations that may be challenging to distinguish from pathological changes. Therefore, new screening methods are needed to accurately differentiate between adaptive changes and pathological alterations in athletes. Vortex formation time (VFT) is an emerging method that shows potential in this regard, as it involves the formation of a rotating vortex ring in the left ventricle during the early filling phase of diastole. In this study, we investigated the difference in VFT between two groups of women: professional handball players and healthy middle-aged female athletes, along with their corresponding control groups. By using echocardiography-Doppler analysis of the heart, VFT was calculated based on the left ventricular ejection fraction, the ratio between the end-diastolic volume and the diameter of the mitral annulus, and the ratio of the atrial contraction volume to the total inflow via the mitral valve. The study reveals a significant increase in VFT in both professional handball players and middle-aged female athletes compared to their respective control groups. Moreover, statistically significant differences between handball players and middle-aged female athletes were observed, indicating that the level of physical activity may affect the VFT. These results suggest that VFT could be a promising screening tool for identifying cardiac adaptations due to long-term vigorous training, potentially enabling more accurate diagnoses of cardiac morphological alterations in athletes.Graphical abstractRepresentation of the graphical abstract of the conducted research

Abstract 11578: Predicting 30- and 90-day Hospital Admission Rates Using 3-Dimensional Echocardiography Volume-Curve Parameters

Introduction: This study compares impact of 3D echocardiography-derived novel volume-time parameters to established diastolic dysfunction grades with the aim to improve diagnostic and prognostic prediction of hospital admissions. Methods: Subjects (100 heart-failure (HF) and 11 controls) completed 3D-echocardiograms. Under 2016 ASE Guidelines ‘normal’ and ‘grade 1’ were classified as ‘lower-grade’ (n=64), while ‘grade 2’ and ‘grade 3’ as ‘higher-grade’ (n=38). Early passive filling rate to late passive filling rate ratio was calculated, with early-filling and atrial contraction volumes normalized to total filling volume and body surface area. VC based analysis was classified into ‘normal’ (n=37; atrial contraction enhanced, normal, early enhanced) and ‘abnormal’ (n=74; mid-filling enhanced, delayed filling and restrictive-constrictive). Both methods were compared for 30- and 90-day hospital admissions. Results: The mean age is 67.4 years (SD: 11.1) with 51.4% male. Overall, 9.0% (n=10) and 16.2% (n=18) of the subjects were admitted within 30-days and 90- days, respectively. For 30-day admission, 60% and 40% were lower-grade and higher-grade groups by ASE, respectively, (hazard ratio [HR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26 to 3.23, p-value = 0.89); For admission within 90-days, 50% were in lower-grade and 50% in higher-grade groups of ASE, respectively, (HR 1.37; 95% CI, 0.54 to 3.45, p-value = 0.51). Kaplan-Meier curves and log rank test showed significant differences between VC groups with (p-value =0.021 and p-value&lt;0.001) in at risk of admission within 30- and 90-days, respectively. Conclusions: Volume curve analysis provides a better diagnostic and prognostic tool for predicting near term hospital admissions in HF patients. Kaplan-Meier Curves depicting admission within 30- and 90- days by VC and ASE Group

Direct shear setup for studying the THM shear response of the soil-structure interface in the context of energy geostructures

Developing pathways for climate-resilient development involves integrating mitigation and adaptation actions, ensuring sustainable development [1]. A climate-resilient development can be achieved through the inclusion of effective mitigation approaches into development planning, reducing vulnerability, conserving ecosystems, and restoring ecosystems [1]. In this regard, energy geostructures are introduced as an effective mitigating approach, providing renewable energy while limiting the emission of greenhouse gases [2-4]. The operation of the system is closely linked to daily and seasonal cycles, which leads to cyclic temperature and water content fluctuations at the soil and the soil-structure interface [4, 5]. Thus, the study of the shear response of the soil–structure interface subjected to different thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) conditions is of importance. Testing techniques used to study the THM behaviour of unsaturated soils require advanced laboratory equipment, as well as protocols for correcting measured data due to errors in the test conditions and apparatus calibration. This paper presents the development of a new direct shear setup to measure the non-isothermal shear strength of the partially saturated soils and soil-structure interface. The modified setup, a unique one to the authors' knowledge, enables simultaneous control of temperature, matric suction, and mechanical stress state within the soil specimens. The operational temperature range of energy geostructures (i.e., 5°C to 50) is applied through a thermal plate, developed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel with high thermal conductivity, placed at the base of the soil specimen. Matric suction (i.e., in the range of 0 to 100 kPa) is controlled using the axis-translation technique and measured using a pressure transducer connected to the back of the top cap, incorporating the HAE disk, facilitating the measurement (Figure 1) [2, 4-6]. The direct shear setup is modified to accurately measure the shear strength and deformation characteristics of soil samples under controlled laboratory conditions. The design of the device is based on previous direct shear devices but includes several improvements to enhance its accuracy and ease of use [4, 5]. The device has been tested to measure the shear response of both soils and soil-structure interfaces, and the results were compared to those obtained using conventional direct shear devices [2, 4, 7-10]. The results indicate that the new device is accurate and reliable and represents a significant advancement in the field of soil testing.&#x0D; In this study, the interface is formed by kaolin clay, a temperature-sensitive clay, and concrete, a structural material widely used for energy geostructures [4, 11]. The soil samples were prepared by static compaction at 30% initial water content () and an initial void ratio () of 1.2. Initially, all samples were inundated with distilled water at room temperature (24°C) [4, 12], followed by sequential hydraulic (i.e., matric suction, = 0 or 70 kPa), mechanical (i.e., net normal load, =100 or 300 kPa), and thermal (i.e., temperature, =24°C or 45°C) loading of the interface. The shearing was initiated after ensuring equilibrium criteria were met. It was necessary to limit the shearing rate to 0.005mm/min and the thermal loading rate to 3°C/hr to maintain the drained condition [4, 13]. Additionally, the vertical displacements associated with hydraulic load were subjected to an equilibrium criterion of 0.025%/day strain rate [14]. As presented in Table 1, the results revealed that the apparent interface friction angle was not significantly affected by matric suction at varying temperatures, but a slight decrease has been observed upon heating at all matric suctions. The apparent adhesion increased in response to temperature increase/decrease, with a decreasing rate as suction increased, while the interface desaturation led to higher apparent adhesion at all temperatures, corresponding to peak and residual values. In interfaces subjected to identical normal stress and temperature but different matric suction values, the shear stress-shear displacement curves showed greater peak stress with increasing matric suction. Furthermore, despite the same net normal stress and matric suction, higher temperatures resulted in slightly lower peak shear stress and less contractive volume change behaviour at the interface. Non-isothermal volumetric behaviour and soil dilatancy play a significant role in governing the THM shear response of the interface [15].

Tricuspid annular and right atrial volume changes are associated in healthy adults-insights from the three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

The tricuspid valve and its annulus (TA) and the right atrium (RA) play a significant role in regulating blood flow in the right heart. However, their effect on each other is not fully understood even in normal circumstances. Three-dimensional (3D) speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) is able to simultaneously assess TA and RA at the same time in a non-invasive way. The present study aimed to examine associations between tricuspid annular (TA) dimensions and right atrial (RA) volumes in healthy adults by 3DSTE. The present study comprised 144 healthy subjects (mean age: 34.4 ± 12.6 years, 72 males), who participated in this study on a voluntary basis for screening between 2011 and 2015. In all subjects, electrocardiography, two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography and 3DSTE have been performed. With increasing end-systolic maximum RA volume, all end-systolic and end-diastolic TA dimensions showed simultaneous increase, but in various degrees resulting in (non-significant) reduction of TA functional properties. Similarly, with increasing diastolic pre-atrial contraction and minimum RA volumes, TA dimensions increased simultaneously (except end-diastolic TA diameter), but in various degrees resulting in reduced TA fractional shortening and fractional area change. With increasing RA dimensions, end-systolic and end-diastolic TA dimensions showed simultaneous increase, but in different, sometimes not significant degrees. While RA stroke volumes showed increasing pattern with TA dilation, RA emptying fractions have not changed substantially. 3DSTE is suitable for non-invasive assessment of TA dimensions and RA volumes at the same time using the same 3D echocardiographic dataset. Significant associations between TA size and RA volumes exist in healthy circumstances. Strong associations in case of dilation of TA in the presence of higher RA volumes could partly explain functional tricuspid regurgitation later developing in subjects in sinus rhythm.

CRITICAL STUDY OF COMMODITY MURĀBAḤAH PRACTICE OF ISLAMIC BANKS FROM SHARĪAH PERSPECTIVE

Commodity Murābahah prevalent in Islamic banks resembles Tawarruq contract and Murābahah lil Amir bi al-shira. Classical fiqh used to be a trust sale in which known profit was charged above the cost price. Islamic banks use Commodity Murābahah as a tool for managing interbank liquidity between the banks. There are mainly two methods to conclude it, i.e., finance giving and finance taking. For the sake of concluding this financing, metals are used as underlying commodities. It is reported that these metals never change hands or possessions. The same metals are sold as underlying commodities numerous times. The deposit based on these metals gives fixed returns to the Financial Institutions. Islamic Banks conclude these transactions with Conventional Banks most of the time. In 2020, the Islamic Development Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank decided to invest USD 500 million each in commodity Murābahah financing. The volume of such contracts has increased by more than USD 70 billion; till 2019, the total volume reached up to USD 2.88 trillion. There are reports of its increase of 12 % per annum. Commodity Murābahah, a last variant of Murābahah to the Purchase Orderer, is doubted by many and needs thorough analysis from the perspective of Shari'ah rulings. This research aims to analyze in detail the questions on the validity of Commodity Murābahah . It employs a qualitative research method and analyses the commodity Murābahah from the perspective of Islamic jurisprudence principles. The findings of the article show some serious issues with this product.

Simultaneously Assessed Three-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography-Derived Left Ventricular and Left Atrial Volumes Are Associated in Healthy Adults-Findings from the MAGYAR-Healthy Study.

The left atrium (LA) has a significant role in regulating blood flow from veins to the left ventricle (LV). LV performance is affected by several factors including preload, which is partly, but highly, dependent on LA volumes. The aim of the present study is to perform simultaneous assessment of LA and LV volume changes during the cardiac cycle in healthy circumstances. Therefore, LA and LV volumes and volume-based functional properties were determined in healthy adults, and the associations of these parameters were examined. The present study consists of 164 healthy adults (age: 33.0 ± 12.3 years, 82 males) being in sinus rhythm. All subjects have undergone complete two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography with three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (3DSTE). Increased end-systolic maximum LA volume was associated with higher LV volumes and reduced LV ejection fraction. Very high early pre-atrial contraction and late diastolic LA volumes were associated with increased LV volumes, reduced LV ejection fraction and increased LV mass. Increased LA volumes were associated with increased LV mass. Higher LV volumes were associated with tendentiously higher LA volumes. Higher LV end-diastolic volume was associated with tendentiously higher all LA stroke volumes (SVs) and total and active LA emptying fractions (EFs). Higher LV end-systolic volume was associated with tendentiously higher all LA SVs but preserved all LA EFs. 3DSTE is capable of simultaneous assessment of LA and LV volumes and volume-based functional properties for (patho)physiologic studies. Moreover, 3DSTE-derived LV and LA volumes and functional properties show strong associations.

Relative dilatation of left ventricle and left atrium in patients with Parkinson disease

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This study was supported by Czech Health Research Council AZV NU21-04-00445 and by the European Regional Development Fund - project ENOCH (No. CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/16_019/0000868) Introduction Morbus Parkinson (MP) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease that progressively affects the nervous system. Accompanying heart problems may include mainly cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. So far, very little is known about structural and functional cardiac changes in patients with MP. Purpose This pilot study aimed to analyse left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) function and volumes using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods In this study, 37 patients with MP (mean age 59,0 ± 8,0 years) without a history of cardiac disease or symptoms were compared to 37 sex- and age-matched control subjects without any heart disease history (mean age 54,5 ± 11,4 years). All patients underwent CMR examination at 1,5 MR scanner, including cine images for assessment of LV and LA volumetric and functional parameters. LA volumes (LAV) were measured at LV end-systole (maximum LAV - LAVmax), before the atrial contraction (pre-atrial contraction volume - LAVpac), and at late LV diastole (minimum LAV - LAVmin) and indexed (I) to the body surface area. LA strains were analysed for all LA phases: reservoir strain (LSr), conduit strain (LScd), and contractile strain (LSct). Descriptive statistics are reported as the mean (SD) or median (IQR) for normally and non-normally distributed continuous variables. All the p-values were adjusted using a false discovery rate for multiple comparisons. Results MP patients had normal global and regional systolic LV function – LV ejection fraction (EF) 65,9 ± 6,8% vs 68,9 ± 7,0% (p = NS). On the contrary, all indexed LV volumes were significantly higher in comparison to controls: LV end-diastolic volume index was 67,3 ± 12,1 ml/m2 vs 58,3 ± 11,7 ml/m2 (p = 0,013), LV end-systolic volume index was 22,0 (17,8 to 27,5) ml/m2 vs 18,9 (13,2 to 21,9) ml/m2 (p = 0,027), and LV stroke volume index was 43,8 ± 7,2 ml/m2 vs 39,8 ± 6,3 ml/m2 (p = 0,035). Similarly, indexed LAVmax and LAVpac were also relatively increased: LAVImax 42,7 ± 9,0 ml/m2 vs 35,7 ± 10,3 ml/m2 (p = 0,014), LAVIpac 29,8 ± 7,1 vs 23,8 ± 7,6 ml/m2 (p = 0,012). LAVImin was similar in both groups: 17,3 ± 5,5 ml/m2 vs 14,3 ± 6,7 ml/m2 (p = NS). LA strains were slightly lower in the MP cohort during the reservoir and conduit phase, and slightly higher in the contractile one. However, the difference did not reach statistical significance in any phase. Conclusion Patients with Parkinson´s disease have enlarged LV and LA compared to controls.