| 1. |
- Chen, Youchun, et al.
(author)
-
Insights into the working mechanism of cathode interlayers in polymer solar cells via [(C8H17)(4)N](4)[SiW12O40]
- 2016
-
In: Journal of Materials Chemistry A. - : ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY. - 2050-7488 .- 2050-7496. ; 4:48, s. 19189-19196
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A low-cost (amp;lt;$1 per g), high-yield (amp;gt;90%), alcohol soluble surfactant-encapsulated polyoxometalate complex [(C8H17)(4)N](4)[SiW12O40] has been synthesized and utilized as a cathode interlayer (CIL) in polymer solar cells (PSCs). A power conversion efficiency of 10.1% can be obtained for PSCs based on PTB7-Th (poly[[2,6-4,8-di(5-ethylhexylthienyl) benzo[1,2-b;3,3-b]-dithiophene][3-fluoro-2[(2-ethylhexyl) carbonyl] thieno [3,4-b]-thiophenediyl]]):PC71BM ([6,6]-phenyl C71-butyric acidmethyl ester) due to the incorporation of [(C8H17)(4)N](4)[SiW12O40]. Combined measurements of current density-voltage characteristics, transient photocurrent, charge carrier mobility and capacitance-voltage characteristics demonstrate that [(C8H17)(4)N](4)[SiW12O40] can effectively increase the built-in potential, charge carrier density and mobility and accelerate the charge carrier extraction in PSCs. Most importantly, the mechanism of using [(C8H17)(4)N](4)[SiW12O40] as the CIL is further brought to light by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) of the metal/ [(C8H17)(4)N](4)[SiW12O40] interface. The findings suggest that [(C8H17)(4)N](4)[SiW12O40] not only decreased the work function of the metal cathodes but also was n-doped upon contact with the metals, which provide insights into the working mechanism of the CILs simultaneously improving the open circuit voltage, short circuit current and fill factor in the PSCs.
|
|
| 2. |
- Bai, Yang, et al.
(author)
-
Geometry design of tethered small-molecule acceptor enables highly stable and efficient polymer solar cells
- 2023
-
In: Nature Communications. - : NATURE PORTFOLIO. - 2041-1723. ; 14:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the power conversion efficiency of binary polymer solar cells dramatically improved, the thermal stability of the small-molecule acceptors raised the main concerns on the device operating stability. Here, to address this issue, thiophene-dicarboxylate spacer tethered small-molecule acceptors are designed, and their molecular geometries are further regulated via the thiophene-core isomerism engineering, affording dimeric TDY-alpha with a 2, 5-substitution and TDY-beta with 3, 4-substitution on the core. It shows that TDY-alpha processes a higher glass transition temperature, better crystallinity relative to its individual small-molecule acceptor segment and isomeric counterpart of TDY-beta, and amore stablemorphology with the polymer donor. As a result, the TDY-alpha based device delivers a higher device efficiency of 18.1%, and most important, achieves an extrapolated lifetime of about 35000 hours that retaining 80% of their initial efficiency. Our result suggests that with proper geometry design, the tethered small-molecule acceptors can achieve both high device efficiency and operating stability.
|
|
| 3. |
- BAKOS, ZOLTAN, et al.
(author)
-
Positive Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy : The Role of NT-proBNP
- 2016
-
In: International journal of cardiovascular research. - : OMICS Publishing Group. - 2324-8602. ; 5:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is effective, but only 60-70% of patients benefit from the therapy. Despite numerous implantations, identification of predictive factors for response is still a challenge. We sought to assess the correlation of echocardiographic and clinical response to baseline demographics in relation to change in NT-proBNP levels at 6 months. Methods: 211 patients on optimal medical therapy were included retrospectively (72 ± 10 yrs., 66% LBBB, 48% DCMP, 80% male) and investigated at baseline and 6 months later. Improvement of ≥ 1 NYHA class was used as a marker for clinical response, and >15% reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume was used to de ne reverse remodeling. NT-proBNP levels were measured at baseline and at 6 months and were compared to echocardiographic and clinical response status.Results: Four groups were identi ed: 1) non-responder, 2) echo responder, 3) clinical responder, and 4) double responder (echo and clinical). Responders were younger (70 vs. 74 years, p=0.04), had better NYHA class (2.1 vs. 2.5, p=0.01) and had lower NT- proBNP compared to non-responders at baseline. NT-proBNP slightly increased or remained unchanged in non-responders, whereas reduction in NT-proBNP was of similar magnitude for clinical or echo responders, and was most pronounced for double responders. A reduction of NT-proBNP ≥25% separated non- responders from responders (p=0.01). No signi cant differences in NT-proBNP levels and no signi cant changes in NT-proBNP were found across the responder subgroups.Conclusion: Six-month reduction in NT-proBNP is most pronounced for “double responders, ” but was comparable in patients with either clinical or echo response. Lack of NT-proBNP reduction can help identify the non-responders for further intervention.Keywords Cardiac resynchronization therapy; Electrocardiography; Echocardiography
|
|
| 4. |
- Borgquist, Rasmus, et al.
(author)
-
Anatomy of the coronary sinus with regard to cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation
- 2022
-
In: Herzschrittmachertherapie und Elektrophysiologie. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0938-7412 .- 1435-1544. ; 33:2, s. 186-194
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Knowledge of the coronary sinus (CS) anatomy is crucial for implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Obstacles to CS entry, such as the Eustachian ridge and Thebesian valve, as well as within the CS, such as Vieussen’s valve and the vein of Marshall, are important to understand and differentiate during implantation or to identify earlier by imaging. Anatomic knowledge is mandatory to select the most suitable side branch for lead implantation. Modern tools and techniques almost always enable other anatomic problems, such as tortuous, small, short, or overly straight side branches, to also be overcome.
|
|
| 5. |
- Borgquist, Rasmus, et al.
(author)
-
Diagnosis and treatment of the rare procedural complication of malpositioned pacing leads in the left heart: a single center experience
- 2022
-
In: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1651-2006 .- 1401-7431. ; 56:1, s. 302-309
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives. This study assessed the management approach and outcome of the pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads malpositioned in the left heart. Malpositioned leads (MPLs) may have deleterious consequences, and appropriate management remains uncertain. Methods. The study population included all patients referred to a single institution for MPL in the left side of the heart after pacemaker or ICD implantation during the period from 2015 to 2021. The approach and outcome of lead management were retrospectively assessed. Results. During the study period, 6887 patients underwent device implantation. MPL was diagnosed in five patients (0.07%). In four cases, the pacing lead was placed in a coronary sinus (CS) branch, while the pacing lead was inside the left ventricle (LV) in one case. Symptoms suggestive of lead malposition were reported by 2 patients (40%). One of the patients presented with recurrent TIAs. Another presented with inappropriate ICD shocks. In one asymptomatic case, an ICD lead changed position from the right ventricle to the CS, suggesting idiopathic lead migration. In 4/5 patients, the leads were removed or repositioned by percutaneous approach, with no major periprocedural complications. Conclusions. In this series of MPL in the left heart, two patients presented with thromboembolic events or inappropriate ICD shocks. These serious complications highlight the critical need for early correct diagnosis and proper management of MPL.
|
|
| 6. |
- Borgquist, Rasmus, et al.
(author)
-
Maximizing QRS duration reduction in contemporary cardiac resynchronization therapy is feasible and shorter QRS duration is associated with better clinical outcome
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1572-8595. ; 66:8, s. 1799-1806
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate if optimization by maximizing QRS duration (QRSd) reduction is feasible in an all-comer cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) population, and if reduced, QRSd is associated with a better clinical outcome.MethodsPatients with LBBB receiving CRT implants during the period 2015–2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Implants from 2015–2017 were designated as controls. Starting from 2018, an active 12-lead electrogram-based optimization of QRSd reduction was implemented (intervention group). QRSd reduction was evaluated in a structured way at various device AV and VV settings, aiming to maximize the reduction. The primary endpoint was a composite of heart failure hospitalization or death from any cause.ResultsA total of 254 patients were followed for up to 6 years (median 2.9 [1.8–4.1]), during which 82 patients (32%) reached the primary endpoint; 53 deaths (21%) and 58 (23%) heart failure hospitalizations. Median QRS duration pre-implant was 162 ms [150–174] and post-implant 146ms [132–160]. Mean reduction in QRS duration was progressively larger for each year during the intervention period, ranging from − 9.5ms in the control group to − 24 in the year 2020 (p = 0.005). QRS reduction > 14 ms (median value) was associated with a lower risk of death or heart failure hospitalization (adjusted HR 0.54 [0.29–0.98] (p = 0.04).ConclusionsImplementing a general strategy of CRT device optimization by aiming for shorter QRS duration is feasible in a structured clinical setting and results in larger reductions in QRS duration post-implant. In patients with a larger QRS reduction, compared to those with a smaller QRS reduction, there is an association with a better clinical outcome.
|
|
| 7. |
- Borgquist, Rasmus, et al.
(author)
-
Repositioning and optimization of left ventricular lead position in non-responders to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy is associated with improved ejection fraction, lower NT-ProBNP values and less heart failure symptoms
- 2022
-
In: Heart Rhythm O2. - : Elsevier BV. - 2666-5018. ; 3:5, s. 457-463
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundObservational data suggests that an anterior or apical left ventricular (LV) position in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is associated with worse outcome and higher likelihood of “non-response”. It is not known whether the benefits of optimizing LV lead position in a second procedure outweighs the procedural risks.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effects of LV lead repositioning.MethodsDuring the period 2015-2020, we identified all patients where the indication for the procedure was LV lead repositioning due to “non-response” in combination with suboptimal LV lead position. All patients were followed with a structured visit 6-months post LV lead revision. Heart failure hospitalization and mortality data was gathered from the medical records and cross-checked with the population registry.ResultsA total of 25 patients were identified who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All procedures were successful in establishing LV lead pacing in a lateral mid- or basal location. Median follow-up was 2.5 years [1.1-3.7]. There were improvements in NYHA class (mean -0.5±0.5 class, p<0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (+5 [IQR 2-11] absolute %, p=0.01), QRS duration (-36 [-44 to -8], p<0.001) and NT-ProBNP (-615 [-2837 to +121] ng/L, p=0.03). Clinical outcome was similar to a reference population with CRT (p=ns).ConclusionIn non-responders to CRT with either an anterior or inferior LV lead position, it was feasible to perform LV lead repositioning in all cases, with a low complication rate. Changing the LV lead position was associated with improved LV ejection fraction, larger QRS-reduction and larger NT-ProBNP reduction.
|
|
| 8. |
- Brandtvig, Tove Olsson, et al.
(author)
-
Association between left ventricular lead position and intrinsic QRS morphology with regard to clinical outcome in cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure
- 2023
-
In: Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology. - 1082-720X. ; 28:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundLeft ventricular (LV) lead position may be an important factor for delivering effective cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We therefore aimed to evaluate the effects of LV lead position, stratified by native QRS morphology, regarding the clinical outcome.MethodsA total of 1295 CRT-implanted patients were retrospectively evaluated. LV lead position was classified as lateral, anterior, inferior, or apical, and was determined using the left and right anterior oblique X-ray views. Kaplan Meier and Cox regression were performed to evaluate the effects on all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization, and the potential interaction between LV lead position and native ECG morphologies.ResultsA total of 1295 patients were included. Patients were aged 69 ± 7 years, 20% were female, 46% received a CRT-Pacemaker (vs. CRT-Defibrillator), mean LVEF was 25% ± 7%, and median follow-up was 3.3 years [IQR 1.6–5–7 years]. Eight hundred and eighty-two patients (68%) had a lateral LV lead location, 207 (16%) anterior, 155 (12%) apical, and 51 (4%) inferior. Patients with lateral LV lead position had larger QRS reduction (−13 ± 27 ms vs. −3 ± 24 ms, p ConclusionsIn patients treated with CRT, non-lateral LV lead positions (including apical, anterior, and inferior positions) were associated with worse clinical outcome and less reduction of QRS duration. This association was strongest for patients with native LBBB or RBBB.
|
|
| 9. |
|
|
| 10. |
- Brogren, Helén, 1977, et al.
(author)
-
Platelets synthesize large amounts of active plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
- 2004
-
In: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 0006-4971 .- 1528-0020. ; 104:13, s. 3943-8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Previous studies have suggested that plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) released from platelets convey resistance of platelet-rich blood clots to thrombolysis. However, the majority of PAI-1 in platelets is inactive and therefore its role in clot stabilization is unclear. Because platelets retain mRNA and capacity for synthesis of some proteins, we investigated if platelets can de novo synthesize PAI-1 with an active configuration. PAI-1 mRNA was quantified with real-time polymerase chain reaction and considerable amounts of PAI-1 mRNA were detected in all platelet samples. Over 24 hours, the amount of PAI-1 protein as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay increased by 25% (P = .001). Metabolic radiolabeling with (35)S-methionine followed by immunoprecipitation confirmed an ongoing PAI-1 synthesis, which could be further stimulated by thrombin and inhibited by puromycin. The activity of the newly formed PAI-1 was investigated by incubating platelets in the presence of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA). This functional assay showed that the majority of the new protein was in an active configuration and could complex-bind tPA. Thus, there is a continuous production of large amounts of active PAI-1 in platelets, which could be a mechanism by which platelets contribute to stabilization of blood clots.
|
|
