Explore the vast range of titles available.

In recent years, the utilization of terpyridines both in macromolecular structure assembly and device chemistry has exploded, enabling, for example, supramolecular polymer architectures with switchable chemical and physical properties as well as novel functional materials for optoelectronic applications such as light-emitting diodes and solar.

Purpose Assessment of intima-media thickness (IMT) of the aorta and carotid artery in appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants during the first 6 months of life after very preterm birth. Methods Longitudinal ultrasound assessment including 21 very preterm and 29 infants born at term (all AGA) during a six-months period corresponding to the third trimester of pregnancy and the first 3 months after term, measuring aortic and carotid IMT by an angle-corrected M-Mode, and assessment of blood pressure at final follow-up. Results No differences in aortic or carotid IMT or blood pressure measurements were found between the two groups. However, in relation to vessel lumen diameter, IMT is significantly higher in both arteries in infants born preterm (p=0.003 for aorta and p=0.001 for carotid artery). Conclusion In relation to vessel diameter, infants born preterm show thickening of the intima-media in the great arteries. It remains to be established whether this relative intima-media thickening persists into childhood and may be a risk marker for future cardiovascular disease among subjects born preterm.

Objective Assessment of cardiac function by speckle tracking (2D-S) echocardiography in the transitional period from foetal to neonatal life in a healthy population. Methods Ultrasound assessment of cardiac function of 30 healthy foetuses at the gestational age of 28 and follow-up after birth using 2-D strain derived novel parameters such as strain (S), strain rate (SR), tissue velocities, MPI- and E/E’-index, E/A- and E’/A’-rate of both right (RV) and left ventricles (LV) and interventricular septum (IVS) and comparison to conventionally measured cardiac stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and ejection fraction (EF). Results Ultrasound performance and analysis is technically feasible in all 30 foetuses and in the neonatal period. In foetuses, tissue velocities and SR measurements are homogenous for all regions of interest in both ventricles, and strain increases from apex to basis and is higher in the RV compared to LV. All calculated indices are almost identical for RV and LV. After birth, strain and strain rate exhibit significantly lower values (p<0.001) and systolic tissue velocities are significantly (p=0.001) higher in comparison to fetal values in both chambers and in all regions of interest. The conventional methods for measuring EF, SV and CO show higher variability and lower reproducibility. Conclusion The haemodynamic changes in cardiac function from foetal to neonatal life can be assessed by the novel method of speckle-tracking echocardiography which seems to be more reliable than conventional ultrasound techniques. Therefore, we recommend using speckle-tracking technique in routine follow-up of myocardial function in foetuses and neonates.

One of the major challenges of neonatal intensive care is the early detection and management of circulatory failure. Routine clinical assessment of the hemodynamic status of newborn infants is subjective and inaccurate, emphasizing the need for objective monitoring tools. An overview will be provided about the use of neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) to assess cardiovascular compromise and guide hemodynamic management. Different techniques of central blood flow measurement, such as left and right ventricular output, superior vena cava flow, and descending aortic flow are reviewed focusing on methodology, validation, and available reference values. Recommendations are provided for individualized hemodynamic management guided by NPE.

Cardiac ultrasound techniques are increasingly used in the neonatal intensive care unit to guide cardiorespiratory care of the sick newborn. This is the first in a series of eight review articles discussing the current status of “neonatologist-performed echocardiography” (NPE). The aim of this introductory review is to discuss four key elements of NPE. Indications for scanning are summarized to give the neonatologist with echocardiography skills a clear scope of practice. The fundamental physics of ultrasound are explained to allow for image optimization and avoid erroneous conclusions from artifacts. To ensure patient safety during echocardiography recommendations are given to prevent cardiorespiratory instability, hypothermia, infection, and skin lesions. A structured approach to echocardiography, with the same standard views acquired in the same sequence at each scan, is suggested in order to ensure that the neonatologist confirms normal structural anatomy or acquires the necessary images for a pediatric cardiologist to do so when reviewing the scan.

Neonatal heart failure (HF) is a progressive disease caused by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular abnormalities. The most common cause of neonatal HF is structural congenital heart disease, while neonatal cardiomyopathy represents the most common cause of HF in infants with a structurally normal heart. Neonatal cardiomyopathy is a group of diseases manifesting with various morphological and functional phenotypes that affect the heart muscle and alter cardiac performance at, or soon after birth. The clinical presentation of neonates with cardiomyopathy is varied, as are the possible causes of the condition and the severity of disease presentation. Echocardiography is the selected method of choice for diagnostic evaluation, follow-up and analysis of treatment results for cardiomyopathies in neonates. Advances in neonatal echocardiography now permit a more comprehensive assessment of cardiac performance that could not be previously achieved with conventional imaging. In this review, we discuss the current and emerging echocardiographic techniques that aid in the correct diagnostic and pathophysiological assessment of some of the most common etiologies of HF that occur in neonates with a structurally normal heart and acquired cardiomyopathy and we provide recommendations for using these techniques to optimize the management of neonate with HF.

There is a growing interest worldwide in using echocardiography in the neonatal unit to act as a complement to the clinical assessment of the hemodynamic status of premature and term infants. However, there is a wide variation in how this tool is implemented across many jurisdictions, the level of expertise, including the oversight of this practice. Over the last 5 years, three major expert consensus statements have been published to provide guidance to neonatologists performing echocardiography, with all recommending a structured training program and clinical governance system for quality assurance. Neonatal practice in Europe is very heterogeneous and the proximity of neonatal units to pediatric cardiology centers varies significantly. Currently, there is no overarching governance structure for training and accreditation in Europe. In this paper, we provide a brief description of the current training recommendations across several jurisdictions including Europe, North America, and Australia and describe the steps required to achieve a sustainable governance structure with the responsibility to provide accreditation to neonatologist performed echocardiography in Europe.

The evaluation of the antifungal activity of Mg(OH) 2 and Ca(OH) 2 nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized by sol–gel method and their mixtures at different concentrations, is reported. The antifungal activity of the hydroxide NPs was studied using Aspergillus niger and Penicillium oxalicum isolated from stone surfaces. These model organisms were selected due to their ability to grow on outdoor and indoor climates and their significant impact on human health. Moreover, the antifungal activity of Mg(OH) 2 and Ca(OH) 2 NPs dispersed in positively charged polymeric matrices based on partially quaternized poly(2-(dimethylamino ethyl) methacrylate) (pDMAEMA) was studied. With respect to the morphology, particle size, and textural properties of the NPs, the mixtures of Mg–Ca hydroxides revealed a uniform and smaller particle size, along with a greater surface area, as compared to pristine Ca(OH) 2 NPs. However, the Ca(OH) 2 and a mixture of Mg(OH) 2 and Ca(OH) 2 (10:90 weight ratio) NPs, showed an enhanced growth inhibition of A. niger and P. oxalicum , suggesting that the effect of particle size on the antifungal activity would not be a preponderating factor. In addition, improved antifungal properties against A. niger and P. oxalicum were detected in composite coatings based on hydroxide NPs dispersed in quaternized p(DMAEMA- co -METAI). The use of these systems might provide promising composite materials with potential antifungal properties for various applications. Highlights Pure Mg(OH) 2 , Ca(OH) 2 , and mixtures of both NPs were successfully synthesized by sol–gel method. The mixtures based on Mg–Ca hydroxides showed a uniform and smaller particle size, along with a greater surface area. The effect of particle size on the antifungal activity would not be a preponderating factor. The Ca(OH) 2 and Mg(OH) 2 :Ca(OH) 2 (10:90 wt%) NPs had an enhanced antifungal efficiency. The use of Mg(OH) 2 and Ca(OH) 2 NPs in p(DMAEMA- co -METAI) composites improved the antifungal efficacy of polymeric matrices.

We report on the current status of the analytic evaluation of the two-loop corrections to the μescattering in Quantum Electrodynamics, presenting state-of-the art techniques which have been developed to address this challenging task.

The development of functional nano-crystalline cellulose hybrid suspensions has been in the focus of many areas of industry and academia for the past decades. The attention is elucidated from a unique biocompatible, mechanical, solution etc. properties of cellulose based systems. Fabrication of functional cellulose hybrids with customized features requires detailed knowledge of their final properties as well as understanding the structure–property relationships between the initial ingredients. The reported study investigates the formation and corresponding fundamental solution and molecular characteristics of highly disperse nano-crystalline cellulose hybrids with aluminum oxide nanoparticles. The characterization of the final complexes and its primary components was performed mainly in solution, using basic complementary hydrodynamic approaches, substantially—sedimentation velocity analysis in the analytical ultracentrifuge and related techniques. The analysis of the solution behavior resolved information about the hydrodynamic size, molar mass, shape, asymmetry and composition of the complexes. Additionally morphology of the cellulose hybrids was investigated by scanning force microscopy. To this end we demonstrate complete structural examination of highly disperse colloidal suspensions of crystal nano-cellulose modified by aluminum nanoparticles using classical solution characterization techniques. Graphic abstract