Total Conduction Research Articles

Left atrial function to identify patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk of stroke: new insights from a large registry.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke. The CHA2DS2-VASc is the most widely used risk stratification model; however, echocardiographic refinement may be useful, particularly in low risk AF patients. The present study examined the association between advanced echocardiographic parameters and ischaemic stroke, independent of CHA2DS2-VASc score. One thousand, three hundred and sixty-one patients (mean age 65±12 years, 74% males) with first diagnosis of AF and baseline transthoracic echocardiogram were followed by chart review for the occurrence of stroke over a mean of 7.9 years. Left atrial (LA) volumes, LA reservoir strain, P-wave to A' duration on tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI, reflecting total atrial conduction time), and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) were evaluated in patients with and without stroke. The independent association of these echocardiographic parameters with the occurrence of ischaemic stroke was evaluated with Cox proportional hazard models. One-hundred patients (7%) developed an ischaemic stroke, representing an annualized stroke rate of 0.9%. The incident stroke rate in the year following the first diagnosis of AF was 2.6% in the entire population and higher than the remainder of the follow-up period. Left atrial reservoir (14.5% vs. 18.9%, P = 0.005) and conduit strains were reduced (10.5% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.013), and PA-TDI lengthened (166ms vs. 141ms, P < 0.001) in the stroke compared with non-stroke group, despite similar LV dimensions, LV ejection fraction, GLS, and LA volumes. Left atrial reservoir strain and PA-TDI were independently associated with risk of stroke in a model including CHA2DS2-VASc score, age, and anticoagulant use. The assessment of LA reservoir strain and PA-TDI on echocardiography after initial CHA2DS2-VASc scoring provides additional risk stratification for stroke and may be useful to guide decisions regarding anticoagulation for patients upon first diagnosis of AF.

Complex fractionated atrial electrogramアブレーション前後の全心房伝導時間PA-TDI durationと心房細動再発との関連

Complex fractionated atrial electrogramアブレーション前後の全心房伝導時間PA-TDI durationと心房細動再発との関連

Structural, dielectric and impedance spectroscopy studies of (Na0.5Bi0.5)(Zr0.025Ti0.975)O3 ceramic

Structural, vibrational, dielectric and electrical properties of (Na0.5Bi0.5)(Zr0.025Ti0.975)O3 ceramic synthesized by the solid-state reaction technique have been carried out. The X-ray diffraction analysis was indicated as a pure perovskite phase in the rhombohedral structure. The modes of rhombohedral vibrations were appeared in the experimental Raman spectrum at room temperature. The dielectric and electrical properties of the material were investigated by impedance spectroscopy analysis for a broad range of temperatures (50–560 °C) and frequency domain of 102−106 Hz. The dielectric measurement exhibit two phase transitions: a ferro-antiferroelectric transition followed by an antiferro-paraelectric transition at higher temperatures. Complex impedance analysis was carried out in order to distinct the contribution of the grains and the grain boundaries to the total electrical conduction. The Nyquist plot was proved to be a non-Debye relaxation mechanism. The combined spectroscopic plots of the imaginary part of electric impedance and modulus confirmed the non-Debye type behavior. The frequency dependent ac conductivity obeys the double power law behavior and shows three types of conduction process. The significant decrease of dc conductivity spectrum followed the Arrhenius relationship. The values of calculated activation energy of the compound implied that the electrical conduction is mostly due the high oxygen mobility.

Modeling of membrane electrode assembly of PEM fuel cell to analyze voltage losses inside

The membrane electrode assembly plays an important role in determining performance of a PEM fuel cell but the mass transport and electrochemical reactions inside are extremely complex. Recently more research efforts are made on modeling cathode catalyst layer to explain phenomena related to water content. In this paper, a pseudo two-dimensional model of cathode catalyst layer together with a one-dimensional model of membrane is proposed to analyze all kinds of voltage losses inside. The model originates from two probable approaches of oxygen transport, namely via the gas pore and through the electrolyte solution to reach reaction sites. Simulation results show that the inter-diffusion coefficient of oxygen, nitrogen and water vapor affects the mass transport significantly even though the Knudsen diffusion begins to emerge with respect to scale of the gas pore. The cathode catalyst layer can be divided into three different zones and there exists a special zone with only proton conduction. As the electrode electrolyte potential varies, the special zone expands towards the CCL/CGDL interface and it implies accumulation of water content inside. The composition of total proton conduction resistance changes and the proton conduction resistance in the special zone cannot be neglected in comparison with that in membrane.

Clinical effect of epalrestat combined with methylcobalamin in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective To explore the clinical effect of epalrestat combined with methylcobalamin in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Methods 88 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were chosen from September 2014 to September 2016 in our hospital.The patients were randomly divided into two groups, The control group was treated with conventional treatment, the observation group was given epalrestat combined with methylcobalamin based on the conventional treatment.The effect of the two groups was compared. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.5%(42/44), which was significantly higher than 70.5%(31/44) of the control group, the difference was statistically significant(χ2=9.029, P=0.007). Before treatment, the median nerve and common peroneal nerve sensory conduction velocity betweem two groups had no significant differences (t=0.293, 0.920, P=0.704, 0.096). After treatment, the median nerve conduction velocity and peroneal nerve total sensory conduction velocity in the observation group were (46.2±4)m/s, (42.4±6.3)m/s, which were significantly higher than those in the control group(t=9.038, 7.039, P=0.001, 0.004). Conclusion Epalrestat combined with methylcobalamin in the treatment of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy can effectively improve the nerve conduction velocity. Key words: Epalrestat; Mecobalamin; Diabetic peripheral neuropathy; Nerve conduction velocity

Effect of Aging on Left Atrial Compliance and Electromechanical Properties in Subjects Without Structural Heart Disease

Aging is associated with changes in left atrial (LA) structure and function. The present study aimed at describing the effect of aging on LA properties in a large cohort of subjects without structural heart disease. We divided 386 subjects (mean age 58 years [range 16 to 91]; 188 men [49%]) clinically referred for echocardiography according to age groups. The P-wave dispersion (PWD), reflecting total atrial conduction time, was measured on a 12-lead surface electrocardiogram as the difference between maximum and minimum P-wave duration. The PA-TDI duration reflecting the total atrial conduction time was measured on tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) as the time between onset of P wave on surface electrocardiogram to peak A'-wave velocity. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was used to assess LA reservoir function, reflecting LA compliance. In the overall population, mean PWD, PA-TDI, and LA reservoir strain were 43 ± 12ms, 129 ± 27ms, and 36 ± 13%, respectively. Increasing age was independently associated with prolonged PWD (β= 0.161; p <0.001), PA-TDI (β= 0.476; p <0.001), and reduced LA reservoir strain (β=-0.259; <0.001), suggesting age-related fibrotic changes of the LA myocardium. The association between age and LA reservoir strain was modulated by body mass index (β=-0.582; p <0.001) and LA volume index (β=-0.117; p= 0.014). In conclusion, aging is associated with longer PWD and PA-TDI duration along with a decrease in LA reservoir function. Obesity and larger LA volumes are independently associated with reduced LA compliance.

Input electrical impedance and efficiency of ultrasonic transducers with phased excitation of two piezoelectric plates

The type of changes in the total input conduction and its active and reactive components has been analyzed for an ultrasonic transducer with two independent piezoelectric plates separated by a dielectric layer as compared with the case of in-phase excitation of the transducer. Results of calculating the efficiency are considered for different transducer designs in accordance with a synthesisproblem solution that ensures a uniform amplitude-frequency response and a linear phase-frequency characteristic of emission.

Weak Anti-Localization and Quantum Oscillations in Topological Crystalline Insulator PbTe**Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 10675023, 11075018, 11375028 and 11675020, and the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education under Grant No 20120003110011.

Topological crystalline insulators (TCIs) have attracted worldwide interest since their theoretical predication and have created exciting opportunities for studying topological quantum physics and for exploring spintronic applications. In this work, we successfully synthesize PbTe nanowires via the chemical vapor deposition method and demonstrate the existence of topological surface states by their 2D weak anti-localization effect and Shubnikov–de Haas oscillations. More importantly, the surface state contributes ∼61% of the total conduction, suggesting dominant surface transport in PbTe nanowires at low temperatures. Our work provides an experimental groundwork for researching TCIs and is a step forward for the applications of PbTe nanowires in spintronic devices.

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Vincristine, an essential component of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) therapeutic protocols, is associated with dose-dependent neurotoxicity, but its long-term morbidity in treated children has not been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) among Malaysian childhood ALL survivors and its impact on motor function and quality of life. Survivors of childhood ALL aged 4-18 years who had completed chemotherapy for 2 years or more were evaluated for VIPN using both the clinical Total Neuropathy Score (cTNS) and nerve conduction studies. Motor function and quality of life of the survivors were assessed via the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency Brief Form, Second Edition (BOT-2 Brief Form) and the Paediatric Quality of Life version 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL4.0) questionnaire, respectively. One hundred and one survivors with a duration of follow-up ranging from 2.0 to 10.3 years were recruited. Twenty-seven (26.7%) had abnormal cTNS scores and 69 (68.3%) had electrophysiological evidence of neuropathy. Of these, 16 (15.8%) had combined clinical and electrophysiological neuropathy (VIPN). Those previously treated on the intermediate- or high-risk treatment stratification arms had a higher risk of developing VIPN (67.3 vs. 32.7%; odds ratio [OR]: 9.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-71.86; P = 0.014). Survivors with VIPN had significantly lower quality of life scores in the physical (P = 0.024) and social domains (P = 0.039) compared with peers without VIPN, but no association with poorer motor function was observed. Sixteen percent of ALL survivors had VIPN. VIPN should be increasingly recognised as a late effect of chemotherapy, as it significantly affects physical and social function quality of life.

Structural, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of Zn1-xNixO from first-principles

The spin-polarized first-principles calculation is performed to investigate the structural, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of the Zn1-xNixO systems with x=0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00. Except for Zn0.5Ni0.5O with a tetragonal structure, the other Zn1-xNixO systems are cubic structure. Although pure ZnO is a nonmagnetic semiconductor with a band gap of 1.43eV, the Zn0.75Ni0.25O, Zn0.5Ni0.5O, Zn0.25Ni0.75O and NiO systems are completely half metal and thus usable in spintronic devices. The tetrahedral crystal field of the surrounding four O anions splits Ni-3d states into triply degenerate t2g(dxy,dyz,dzx) states with higher energy and doubly degenerate eg(dz2,dx2-y2) states with lower energy. The magnetic moments of the Zn1-xNixO systems are mainly contributed by Ni atom with the small parallel contributions of O and Zn atoms. With increasing Ni concentration, the atomic magnetic moments μ¯Ni, μ¯O, and μ¯Zn, total magnetic moment μtot, conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) edge spin splittings ΔEC and ΔEV, spin polarized crystal field splittings ΔE↑ and ΔE↓, spin exchange splitting Δx(d), static dielectric constant ε1(0) and refractive index n(0), new appeared small absorption peak at 0–4eV increase, while the exchange constants N0α and N0β, original huge narrow absorption peak around 45eV decrease.

Activity and Stability of (Pr1-xNdx)2NiO4 as Cathodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

This study is to complement an early article (Dogdibegovic et al., J. Electrochem. Soc., 163(13), F1344 (2016)) on the electrochemical activity and performance stability of (Pr1-xNdx)2NiO4+δ (PNNO) electrodes. Here, we report the crystal structure, electrical properties, and microstructures of PNNO series as the cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells. Rietveld refinements on powders (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1) show that the unit cell volume decreases with an increase in x, primarily due to a decrease in the c lattice parameter. Larger cell volume (∼1.50%) and higher total electrical conduction (40%) in Pr2NiO4+δ are in favor with its mixed conducting properties during operation, but Pr2NiO4+δ cathode exhibits a severe phase evolution. Substitution of Pr with Nd shows the suppression of phase evolution in both thermally annealed powders and electrodes. An increase in Nd content leads to a full preservation of the parent phase in both (Pr0.25Nd0.75)2NiO4+δ and Nd2NiO4 after 2,500 hour annealing at elevated temperatures. Reaction with GDC buffer layer was also suppressed with the presence of Nd, which was shown by a reduction of Pr and Ni elemental diffusion into GDC bulk. STEM analysis confirms multiple phases present in an operated Pr2NiO4+δ electrode, while suppressed phase transition was observed in electrodes with high Nd content.

Parameterizing total storm conduction currents in the Community Earth System Model

Electrified clouds are known to play a major role in the Global Electric Circuit. These clouds produce upward currents which maintain the potential difference between earth's surface and the upper atmosphere. In this study, model output from two simulations of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) are compared with conduction currents and other data derived from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, including both the lightning imaging sensor (LIS) and precipitation radar (PR). The intention is to determine CESM's skill at representing these microphysical and dynamical properties of clouds. Then, these cloud properties are used to develop a model parameterization to compute conduction currents from electrified clouds. Specifically, we evaluate the ability of global mean convective mass flux, ice water path and convective precipitation to represent conduction current sources. Parameterizations using these variables yield derived global mean currents that agree well with the geographical patterns of TRMM currents. In addition, comparing the diurnal variations of modeled global mean current to the observed diurnal variations of electric potential gradient, root mean square (RMS) errors range between 6.5% and 8.1%, but the maximum occurs 4 to 6 hours early in all three variables. Output currents derived from the model variables generally match well to the currents derived from TRMM, and the total global current estimates agree well with past studies. This suggests that cloud parameters are well suited for representing the global distribution and strength of currents in a global model framework.

Sequential Measurement of Displacement and Conduction Currents in Electronic Devices

The extension of the Ramo–Schockley–Pellegrini theorem for quantum systems allows to define a positive-operator valued measure (POVM) for the total conduction plus displacement electrical current. The resulting current operator is characterized by two parameters, viz. the width of the associated Gaussian functions and the lapse of time between consecutive measurements. For large Gaussian dispersions and small time intervals, the operator obeys to a continuous weak-measurement scheme. Contrarily, in the limit of very narrow Gaussian widths and a single-shot measurement, the operator corresponds to a standard von Neumann (projective) measurement. We have implemented the resulting measurement protocol into a quantum electron transport simulator. Numerical results for a resonant tunneling diode show the great sensibility of current–voltage characteristics to different parameter configurations of the total current operator.

Total atrial conduction time to predict occult atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke

Insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) increases the detection rate of occult atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of total atrial conduction time (TACT) assessed by tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI interval) to predict AF presence in patients with cryptogenic stroke. Ninety patients (57.7±12.3years, 48% women) after acute cryptogenic stroke and ICM implantation were prospective recruited at four centers for continuous rhythm monitoring. In all patients, TACT was measured by PA-TDI interval via echocardiography. Patients were followed up (331±186days) for detection of AF (defined by episode lasting ≥30s). AF was detected in 16 patients (18%) during follow-up (331±186days). The median period to AF detection was 30days (q1-q3; 16-62days). Patients who exhibited occult AF were characterized by significantly longer PA-TDI intervals (154.7±12.6 vs. 133.9±9.5ms, p<0.0001). The cut-off value of PA-TDI interval at 145ms demonstrated sensitivity and specificity for AF detection of 93.8 and 90.5%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR 1.96 per 1 point, p<0.01) and longer PA-TDI interval (HR 4.05 per 10ms, p<0.0001) were independent predictors of occult AF. Our data suggest that measurement of TACT could help to predict future AF detection in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The clinical importance of prolonged rhythm monitoring or indication of direct anticoagulation therapy after cryptogenic stroke based on TACT should be further investigated.

Analysis of electrical conduction mechanism in the high temperature range of the nanostructured photoabsorber Cu2SnS3

The dynamic electrical conduction in the bulk ternary semiconductor compound Cu2SnS3 is studied for the first time in the high temperature range from 300°C to 440°C in the frequency range 1kHz–1MHz. New activation energy for conduction mechanism is obtained and its frequency dependence is analyzed. The Cole–Cole representation is almost half circular indicating a single contribution to total electrical conduction through the material. The activation energy for the mean relaxation process, obtained separately from the analysis of imaginary part Z″ of complex impedance Z* and from the equivalent electric circuit, is estimated to be (942±74)meV. The correlated barrier hopping model is considered to analyze the experimental data. The results are compared with those obtained previously in low temperature range.

Decreased left atrial strain parameters are correlated with prolonged total atrial conduction time in lone atrial fibrillation

To investigate left atrium (LA) strain properties of patients with lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) and to assess relationships between LA strain parameters and total atrial conduction time measured with tissue Doppler imaging (PA-TDI). The study population consisted of 53 patients with LAF. The control group was comprised of 50 normal volunteers. Conventional echocardiography indices were measured. Mitral annular velocities and PA-TDI were assessed with TDI. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) was used to assess LA segmental strain and strain rate. Compared with the control group, PA-TDI was significantly prolonged and LA myocardial Ss, SRs, Sa, and SRa were significantly decreased in the LAF group (all P < 0.001). In the control group, LA myocardial Ss (γ = -0.486, P < 0.01), SRs (γ = -0.436, P < 0.01), and Sa (γ = -0.360, P < 0.05) were correlated negatively with PA-TDI. LA myocardial SRa (γ = 0.377, P < 0.01) was correlated positively with PA-TDI. In the LAF group, LA myocardial Ss (γ = -0.429, P < 0.01), SRs (γ = -0.468, P < 0.01), and Sa (γ = -0.380, P < 0.05) were also correlated negatively, and SRa (γ = 0.390, P < 0.01) was correlated positively, with PA-TDI. Multivariate logistic regression identified PA-TDI as the only predictor of AF onset (OR 1.39; 95 % CI 1.02-1.54; P < 0.01). LA strain parameters were decreased and PA-TDI was prolonged in patients with LAF. Structural remodeling of the LA, assessed by 2D-STE, was correlated with electrical remodeling, determined by PA-TDI. Prolonged PA-TDI was independently associated with AF onset.

Association between hsCRP Levels, Glycemic Control and Total Interatrial Conduction Time in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background : Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) represents one of the most important risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). Numerous studies have shown that T2DM and poor glycemic control reflected by glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels are independently associated with new onset AF. Recent experimental studies reported that the increased susceptibility to AF in the diabetic patients was presumably due to the slowing of conduction associated with increased interstitial fibrosis. Systemic inflammation cam play role in the development of atrial fibrillation. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an inflammatory biomarker that independently predicts the cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to determine the association between hsCRP level and glycemic control with total interatrial conduction time in T2DM patients. Subjects and Methods: This was an analytic study with cross-sectional design. A total of samples were 41 patients with T2DM. Peripheral venous blood samples to measure hsCRP and HbA1c were drawn in all study population. The total interatrial conduction time was measured by tissue Doppler echocardiography. Multivariate analysis was performed using multiple regression analysis. P < 0,050 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results : The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level was higher in the T2DM patients with HbA1c≥7% than in the T2DM patients with HbA1c<7%, but not statistically significant (0,44±0,30 vs 0,32±0,22; p = 0,183). The total atrial conduction time was longer in the T2DM patients with HbA1c≥7% than in T2DM patients with HbA1c<7%, but not statistically significant (100,29±28,53 vs 94,88±16,50; p = 0,449). Multiple regression analysis showed that hsCRP levels and glycemic control had significant positive correlation with total interatrial conduction time in T2DM patients (r = 0,51; p = 0,004). Conclusions: The hsCRP levels and glycemic control were significant positively correlated with total interatrium conduction time in patients with type 2 diabetes. Keywords : hsCRP, glycemic control, HbA1c, total interatrial conduction time. Correspondence: Isyana Miranti K. Biomedic, Family Medicine Program, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta. Indonesian Journal of Medicine (2016), 1(1): 58-70 https://doi.org/10.26911/theijmed.2016.01.01.08

Electrophysiological validation of total atrial conduction time measurement by tissue doppler echocardiography according to age and sex in healthy adults

BackgroundWe sought to validate total atrial conduction time (TACT) measurement via tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) by comparing the electrophysiological study (EPS) measurements of healthy subjects, according to age and sex. MethodsEighty patients with normal EPS results were included. TACT was measured by EPS and TDI. For validation, the results of TDI were compared with those of EPS. TACT was assessed by measuring the time interval between the beginning of the P-wave on the surface ECG, and the peak A-wave on TDI from the left atrial lateral wall, just over the mitral annulus. Electrophysiological TACT was defined as the time from the high right atrial electrogram to the distal coronary sinus atrial electrogram around the left lateral portion of the mitral ring. ResultsEPS and TDI measurements of the TACT were significantly and positively correlated among men and women in 20–30 years (p=0.008, r=0.412; p>0.001, r=0.706, respectively), and those in the 30–40 years group (p=0.001, r=0.649; p=0.001, r=0.696). In contrast, EPS and TDI measurements of TACT were not significantly different among men and women in the 20–30 years and those in the 30–40 years group (p>0.05, for both). On univariate regression analyses, TACT was independently associated with age (β=0.342, =0.001). ConclusionsWhen assessed according to the age and sex of healthy participants, TDI and EPS measurements during TACT assessments were similar and correlated with each other. The measurement of TACT via TDI may be used accurately and confidently than the measurement via EPS in healthy individuals.

Analytical approximate calculation of losses for modular multilevel converters

The voltages of the upper and lower arms per phase unit in a modular multilevel converter (MMC) are analysed. In addition, the enabled probabilities of each submodule (SM) in the upper and lower arms are proposed on the basis of the relationship between the arm voltage and the number of enabled SMs. Analytical models of the currents in the switches can be obtained from the current path and sign. Then, the average or root mean square (RMS) current can be obtained from the corresponding model. Therefore, the conduction and essential switching losses can be expressed by analytical formulas. In the inverter and rectifier modes, the two losses of the corresponding upper and lower switches of the SM are compared, and the sums of the two losses of the upper and lower switches are compared with the analytical method. Simulation studies are performed on a 1000 MW 320 kV MMC-high-voltage direct current system under typical operating conditions. The magnitudes of the compared losses are validated by the simulation results. Both the relative errors of the total conduction and essential switching losses are within ±2.5 and ±7%, respectively, and the comparison results demonstrate the effectiveness of the analytical method.

Total atrial conduction time evaluated with tissue Doppler imaging increases in hypertensive patients with hyperuricemia

Serum uric acid (SUA) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. Total atrial conduction time (TACT) is a novel echocardiographic parameter used to identify the presence of electrical and structural atrial remodeling. We hypothesized that elevated SUA levels may be associated with prolonged TACT. A total of 50 consecutive hyperuricemic (defined as SUA>7 mg/dl for men and >6.0 mg/dl for women) patients who had hypertension were included in the study. A total of 42 normouricemic patients were also recruited consecutively as the control group. All patients were evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography and TACT was estimated by measuring the time delay between the onset of the P-wave of ECG and peak A'-wave on the tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of the left atrial lateral wall (PA-TDI duration). There were no significant differences between the two groups according to age, sex, left ventricular systolic function, left atrial diameter, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. PA-TDI duration was found to be significantly increased in the hyperuricemic group (112.3±14.7 vs. 92±12.7 ms; P<0.001) and positively correlated with the mean value of SUA levels (r=0.48, P<0.001). TACT increases in patients with hyperuricemia. Certainly, larger studies in different populations should further examine this potential association.