The thermal decomposition of cobalt, nickel, manganese, zinc, and copper nitrates supported on nanometric alumina was investigated and compared with decomposition of corresponding bulk nitrates. TG, DTA, and MS measurements in air were performed. The supported nitrates decompose in lower temperatures than the bulk ones and their decomposition proceeds in fewer stages which are better separated. Synthesized materials and bulk nitrates before degradation of nitrates groups undergo dehydration. For decomposition of manganese and copper nitrates, the last step of water vapour releasing is combined with degradation of nitrate groups thus formation of anhydrous metal nitrate during decomposition is not achievable. Thermal decomposition of bulk nitrates leads to oxides-Co 3 O 4 , NiO, MnO 2 , ZnO, and CuO-respectively, as the solid residue. The nickel, zinc, copper, and manganese nitrates while supported on alumina decompose to corresponding oxides (NiO, ZnO, CuO, MnO 2 ) as well. For decomposition of cobalt nitrate while supported on Al 2 O 3 as the solid residue CoAl 2 O 4 were identified. The correlation between dehydration and degradation of nitrates groups temperatures for bulk and supported nitrates was analysed in terms of atomic properties of d-metals.

Aims:A novel therapy offering cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with an additional lead placed in His bundle has been reported in a few case reports and case series as improving the hemodynamical and clinical condition of patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) in whom other therapeutic methods have not been successful. Methods:Fourteen consecutive patients with permanent AF, heart failure (HF), bundle branch block (BBB) with QRS complex width >130 ms, and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) underwent implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/CRT systems with His bundle pacing (HBP). During the follow-up, we assessed the efficacy of ICD/CRT systems with HBP in HF treatment. Results:The study cohort consisted of 14 patients with the mean age of 67.35 ± 10 years. The mean duration of QRS was 159.2 ± 28.6 ms, mean LVEF was 24.36 ± 10.7%, and mean follow-up duration was 14.4 months. One patient died due to HF aggravation during the follow-up. In the remaining 13 patients, the mean LVEF significantly improved from 24% to 38%, P = 0.0015. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension decreased from 72 mm to 59 mm, P < 0.001; left ventricular end-systolic dimension decreased from 59 mm to 47 mm, P = 0.0026. The mean QRS duration shortened from 159 ms to 128 ms, P = 0.016. The mean percentage of HBP reached 97%. As a result, 92.3% of patients demonstrated significant improvement in the New York Heart Association functional class, P < 0.001. Conclusion:The use of atrial channel for HBP, choice of optimal ICD/CRT pacing configuration, and optimization of pharmacological therapy resulted in a substantial narrowing of QRS width and clinical improvement in left ventricular mechanical function during the follow-up. K E Y W O R D Satrial fibrillation, bundle branch block, cardiac resynchronization therapy, His bundle pacing, pacemaker 1 BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an acknowledged therapeutic choice for patients with sinus rhythm, congestive heart failure (HF) in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV, wide QRS > 130 ms, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy. 1,2 CRT in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is usually less effective compared to patients in sinus rhythm. 1-3 The reasons for a less favorable response to CRT in that population are complex. 4 The greatest magnitude of benefit from CRT tends to be observed in those who are paced at >98% of the time.The findings from the RAFT-AF study showed that it was challenging to achieve the appropriate target of biventricular pacing in patients with permanent AF to the extent that only one-third of the study population reached nearly 100% pacing. 5 Irregular and fast ventricular response in AF induces changes in the myocardium referred to as a tachycardiomyopathy 6 and is increasing the risk of inappropriate therapies from implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). 7 Additionally, patients with CRT derive ...

The knowledge of arrhythmia and anticoagulation is better regarding the safety issues among subjects on NOACs compared with those on VKAs. Irrespective of the type of oral anticoagulation therapy, education of AF patients should be improved.