We discuss the consequences of the quantum uncertainty on the spectrum of the electron emitted by the beta-processes of a tritium atom bound to a graphene sheet. We analyze quantitatively the issue... Show moreWe discuss the consequences of the quantum uncertainty on the spectrum of the electron emitted by the beta-processes of a tritium atom bound to a graphene sheet. We analyze quantitatively the issue recently raised by Cheipesh, Cheianov, and Boyarsky [Phys. Rev. D 104, 116004 (2021)], and discuss the relevant timescales and the degrees of freedom that can contribute to the intrinsic spread in the electron energy. We perform careful calculations of the potential between tritium and graphene with different coverages and geometries. With this at hand, we propose possible avenues to mitigate the effect of the quantum uncertainty. Show less
Gralnek, I.M.; Stanley, A.J.; Morris, A.J.; Camus, M.; Lau, J.; Lanas, A.; ... ; Hooft, J.E. van 2021
Cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of highly effective treatments, the contemporary burden of disease remains huge.... Show moreCardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of highly effective treatments, the contemporary burden of disease remains huge. Digital health interventions hold promise to improve further the quality and experience of cardiovascular care. This position paper provides a brief overview of currently existing digital health applications in different cardiovascular disease settings. It provides the reader with the most relevant challenges for their large-scale deployment in Europe. The potential role of different stakeholders and related challenges are identified, and the key points suggestions on how to proceed are given. This position paper was developed by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) e-Cardiology working group, in close collaboration with the ESC Digital Health Committee, the European Association of Preventive Cardiology, the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Heart Failure Association, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging, the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions, the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions and the Council on Hypertension. It relates to the ESC's action plan and mission to play a pro-active role in all aspects of the e-health agenda in support of cardiovascular health in Europe and aims to be used as guiding document for cardiologists and other relevant stakeholders in the field of digital health. Show less
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) promotes atrial remodeling that in turn promotes AF perpetuation. The aim of our study is to investigate the impact of AF history length on 1-year outcome of AF... Show moreBackground Atrial fibrillation (AF) promotes atrial remodeling that in turn promotes AF perpetuation. The aim of our study is to investigate the impact of AF history length on 1-year outcome of AF catheter ablation in a cohort of patients enrolled in the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Registry. Methods We described the real-life clinical epidemiology, therapeutic strategies, and the short- and mid-term outcomes of 1948 patients (71.9% with paroxysmal AF) undergoing AF ablation procedures, stratified according to AF history duration (<2 years or >= 2 years). Results The mean AF history duration was 46.2 +/- 57.4 months, 592 patients had an AF history duration <2 years (mean 10.2 +/- 5.9 months), and 1356 patients >= 2 years (mean 75.5 +/- 63.5 months) (P < 0.001). Patients with AF history duration <2 years were younger; had a lower incidence of hypertension, coronary artery disease, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; and had a lower CHA(2)DS(2)-VaSc Score. At 1 year, the logrank test showed a lower incidence of AF recurrence in patients with AF history duration <2 years (28.9%) than in patients with AF history duration >= 2 years (34.0%) (P = 0.037). AF history duration >= 2 years, overall ablation procedure duration, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were all predictors of recurrences after the blanking period. Conclusions In this multicenter registry, performing catheter ablation in patients with an AF history >= 2 years was associated with higher rates of AF recurrences at 1 year. Since cumulative time in AF in not necessarily equivalent to AF history, its role remains to be clarified. Show less
