The aim of the study was to determine the species richness (S, Chao- 1 index) and diversity (Shannon-Wiener H’ index, diversity profiles) of small mammal assemblages in woodland reserves in an urban agglomeration and to compare the similarity of assemblages (with the use of Ward’s method) in terms of proportions of small mammals connected to the habitats of different level of naturalness. The work was conducted from 2004-2015 at 9 woodland reserves in Warsaw (Poland). On the basis of the analysis of pellets of tawny owls Strix aluco, 2792 individuals were identified (24 species). Reserves supported from 7 to 16 of the small mammal species, the highest overall number of species estimated (Chao-1) was 19. Species present in every reserve were Apodemus flavicollis, A. agrarius, Rattus norvegicus, Sorex araneus and Talpa europaea. Least frequent were Microtus agrestis and M. subterraneus. Seven species of bats were detected. Species diversity was lower in the biggest forest complexes, where forest rodents dominated small mammal assemblage. The heterogeneity of habitats within reserve and in the surroundings, in combination with limited human-interference, resulted in an increase in the species diversity. Overall, the reserves under study were an important refuge for small mammals within the Warsaw agglomeration. However, safeguarding of adjacent areas against excessive anthropogenic change is needed and ecological corridors that link different areas need to be retained.
A b s t r a c tBackground: Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is a genetic condition associated with cardiac arrhythmias. The patients typically develop early, asymptomatic bradyarrhythmia, which may lead to sudden death, preventable with a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED). EDMD may be characterised by atrial electrical silence. Intra-operative electrophysiological evaluation of the myocardium helps ultimately determine the true nature of the disorder and select an appropriate CIED.
Aim:To analyse permanent electrotherapy procedures in EDMD patients: atrial pacing limitations that stem from the electrophysiological properties of the myocardium and long-term follow-up of implanted devices.Methods: A total of 21 EDMD patients (mean age 29 ± 9 years) with a CIED implanted due to bradyarrhythmia were included in the study. The implantation procedures and factors determining the CIED type selection were analysed.Results: CIEDs were implanted in five women and in 16 men with EDMD types 1 and 2 (mean follow-up: 11 ± 8 years). Intra-operatively assessed atrial electrophysiology resulted in changing the planned CIED type during the procedure in three men with EDMD type 1. Eventually, we implanted: eight DDD, one VDD, 11 VVI, and one CD-DR device, with four of the patients' devices switched later from DDD to VVI mode in response to electrophysiological changes in the atria.
Conclusions:Intra-operative assessment of atrial electrophysiological properties resulted in changing the planned DDD mode for VVI in 19% of patients with EDMD type 1. Progression of the underlying disease over a 39-year follow-up resulted in a later change of the initially selected pacing mode from DDD to VVI in 40% of cases.
Background In the midst of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, basic healthcare challenges arise as lockdowns and social isolation are implemented to prevent the spread of the virus. In order to overcome these challenges, the Polish National Health Fund has facilitated telemedical consultations. aims The aim of this study was to compare teleconsultations with regular visits at ambulatory clinic of implantable devices and to assess whether teleconsultations would be an adequate replacement during times of limited face-to-face contact. methods Teleconsultations in the clinic were introduced for patients without the possibility of remote control of cardiac implantable electronic devices. Prior to planned visits, physicians phoned patients and interviewed them about their health. Further treatment decisions were made based on the interview and available medical records. results Teleconsultations were carried out over 3.5 weeks (March 13 to April 1, 2020). Out of 400 patients who had visits planned at the clinic, 349 were consulted by phone. A total of 299 patients confirmed stable health status, 14 reported some symptoms, and 4 were hospitalized; 2 patients changed their primary clinic and were no longer under our care, 1 was undergoing quarantine, 15 required additional intervention, and 15 had died prior to contact. In general, patients gave positive feedback on their teleconsultations. conclusions Teleconsultations are a much-needed option during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. They are an effective way to decrease interpersonal contact and to overcome sudden changes to the ambulatory visit plan, which may otherwise put an overwhelming burden on the clinic.
The rate of venous anomalies in the form of PLSVC detected in the evaluated population was 0.17%. These PLSVC cases were asymptomatic, which hindered their earlier detection. The presence of these anomalies made the procedures more challenging for the operator and increased the perioperative complication rates; however, neither patient condition nor CIED function was affected based on the long-term outpatient follow-up.
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