Multilocation field trials for risk assessment of a combination fungicide Fluopicolide + Propamocarb in tomato

Dissipation kinetics of two systemic fungicides, namely fluopicolide and propamocarb used as a combination formulation (Infinito 68.75 SC), were studied on tomato at four different locations by the All India Network Project on Pesticide Residues to recommend their pre-harvest interval (PHI) and to propose the maximum residue limits (MRL) for the two fungicides based on chronic hazard exposure assessment. The combination fungicide was sprayed thrice at the recommended dosage of 93.75 g a.i./ha fluopicolide and 937.50 g a.i./ha propamocarb as well as at double the recommended dosage of 187.50 g a.i./ha fluopicolide and 1875.0 g a.i./ha propamocarb on tomato crops and the residues were monitored periodically by GC-MS. The fungicides dissipated to below the limit of quantification (LOQ) within 10 to 15 days, with a half-life of 2-4 days for fluopicolide and 1-2 days for propamocarb. Taking into consideration the MRLs of codex and calculations made using the method of MRL fixation of the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) as well as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) calculator, MRL of 5 mg/kg is proposed for fluopicolide and 15 mg/kg for propamocarb, following critical exposure of the commodity considering PHI of 1 day.

Left Ventricular Ejection Time Derived From the Common Carotid Artery Doppler Waveform: Association With Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Prediction of Heart Failure

OBJECTIVES

Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) is measured from blood pressure tracings as the interval from end diastole to the dicrotic notch and shows associations with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure. LVET can be measured on common carotid artery Doppler waveforms. We therefore studied the possible associations of common carotid artery LVET with LVEF measured by echocardiography and heart failure.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 110 patients who had transthoracic echocardiography and carotid Doppler evaluations within 1 day of each other. LVEF was determined by the biplane modified Simpson method. LVET was measured from left common carotid artery Doppler tracings. Linear regression was used to evaluate associations between LVET and LVEF. We also used logistic regression with LVEF of less than 40% as a cut point for heart failure to generate a receiver operating characteristic curve, estimate the area under the curve, and calculate sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

LVET was associated with LVEF (P < .0001). The area under the curve of LVET for heart failure was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.87), and the sensitivity and specificity were 76.9% (95% CI, 65.4%-88.4%) and 65.5% (95% CI, 53.4%-77.8%), respectively, for LVET of 321 milliseconds.

CONCLUSIONS

LVET measured on common carotid artery Doppler tracings decreases with LVEF and is strongly associated with prevalent heart failure. Based on what is known of blood pressure-measured LVET, common carotid artery Doppler waveform-derived LVET could be used to serially monitor cardiac function.

Three-dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Light Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis: Examination of Left and Right Ventricular Myocardial Mechanics Parameters

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The study of myocardial mechanics has a potential role in the detection of cardiac involvement in patients with amyloidosis. This study aimed to characterize 3-dimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography-derived left and right ventricular myocardial mechanics in light chain amyloidosis and examine their relationship with brain natriuretic peptide.

METHODS

In patients with light chain amyloidosis, left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strain (n=40), and right ventricular longitudinal strain and radial displacement (n=26) were obtained by 3-dimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography. Brain natriuretic peptide levels were determined.

RESULTS

All myocardial mechanics measurements showed differences when compared by brain natriuretic peptide level tertiles. Left and right ventricular longitudinal strain were highly correlated (r=0.95, P<.001). Left ventricular longitudinal and circumferential strain were reduced in patients with cardiac involvement (-9±4 vs -16±2; P<.001, and -24±6 vs -29±4; P=.01, respectively), with the most prominent impairment at the basal segments. Right ventricular longitudinal strain and radial displacement were diminished in patients with cardiac involvement (-9±3 vs -17±3; P<.001, and 2.7±0.8 vs 3.8±0.3; P=.002). On multivariate analysis, left ventricular longitudinal strain was associated with the presence of cardiac involvement (odds ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.37; P=.03) independent of the presence of brain natriuretic peptide and troponin I criteria for cardiac amyloidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Three-dimensional-speckle tracking echocardiography-derived left and right ventricular myocardial mechanics are increasingly altered as brain natriuretic peptide increases in light chain amyloidosis. There appears to be a strong association between left ventricular longitudinal strain and cardiac involvement, beyond biomarkers such as brain natriuretic peptide and troponin I.

Association of common carotid artery Doppler-determined dicrotic notch velocity with the left ventricular ejection fraction

OBJECTIVES

The appearance of the dicrotic notch on blood pressure tracings is associated with impaired cardiac function. Common carotid artery waveforms have similar fiduciary markers, yet they have not been related to cardiac function. We studied associations of common carotid artery dicrotic notch velocities with the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) determined by echocardiography.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 37 patients who had cardiac echocardiography and carotid Doppler evaluations within 1 day of each other. The LVEF was determined by the biplane modified Simpson rule. Doppler parameters were measured from tracings of the left common carotid artery 4 cm from the flow divider. Linear regression and stepwise multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate any association between the LVEF and the following variables: age, sex, peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), dicrotic notch velocity, rise time (EDV to PSV), resistive index, and cardiac cycle length.

RESULTS

The dicrotic notch velocity was the only variable associated with the LVEF (P = .028) in a bivariate analyses. A backward selection stepwise multivariable equation predicting the LVEF had the dicrotic notch (P = .001) and resistive index (P = .01) as significant predictors, whereas the cardiac cycle length (P = .08) and PSV (P = .08) were borderline not significant. Model goodness of fit was R(2) = 0.37 (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Dicrotic notch velocities measured from common carotid artery Doppler waveforms are associated with the LVEF and might offer some clinical value in selected cases.

Cardiac sarcoidosis and coronary artery disease: a two-hit mechanism to left ventricular dysfunction (or is it)?

This report describes a case of cardiac sarcoidosis in a 40-year-old man with minimal risk factors for coronary artery disease who was found to have a critical coronary lesion on angiography performed for declining left ventricular function. The case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic issues surrounding cardiac sarcoidosis and raises the question of a possible link between sarcoidosis and premature coronary artery disease. It also stresses the importance of ruling out ischemia in any patient with declining left ventricular function.

Haemodynamic effects, safety, and pharmacokinetics of human stresscopin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

AIMS

Human stresscopin is a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) type 2 receptor (CRFR2) selective agonist and a member of the CRF peptide family. Stimulation of CRFR2 improves cardiac output and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with stable heart failure (HF) with reduced LVEF. We examined the safety, pharmacokinetics, and effects on haemodynamics and serum biomarkers of intravenous human stresscopin acetate (JNJ-39588146) in patients with stable HF with LVEF ≤ 35% and cardiac index (CI) ≤ 2.5 L/min/m(2).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty-two patients with HF and LVEF ≤ 35% were instrumented with a pulmonary artery catheter and randomly assigned (ratio 3:1) to receive an intravenous infusion of JNJ-39588146 or placebo. The main study was an ascending dose study of three doses (5, 15, and 30 ng/kg/min) of study drug or placebo administered in sequential 1 h intervals (3 h total). Statistically significant increases in CI and reduction in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were observed with both the 15 ng/kg/min (2 h time point) and 30 ng/kg/min (3 h time point) doses of JNJ-39588146 without significant changes in heart rate (HR) or systolic blood pressure (SBP). No statistically significant reductions in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were seen with any dose tested in the primary analysis, although a trend towards reduction was seen.

CONCLUSION

In HF patients with reduced LVEF and CI, ascending doses of JNJ-39588146 were associated with progressive increases in CI and reductions in SVR without significant effects on PCWP, HR, or SBP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01120210.

The syndrome of degenerative calcific aortic stenosis: prevalence of multiple pathophysiologic disorders in association with valvular stenosis and their implications

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that degenerative calcific aortic stenosis (DCAS) is a syndrome influenced by factors beyond aortic valve stenosis (AS). The aim of this study was to assess how frequently DCAS is complicated by increased vascular load, systolic and/or diastolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, and comorbid disorders.

METHODS

In 215 consecutive patients > 60 years of age with severe and moderate AS, we analyzed systemic arterial compliance, global hemodynamic load, LV ejection fraction (EF), the presence of diastolic dysfunction, and other valvular or systemic disorders.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients had severe AS and 51 had moderate AS. In patients with severe AS, the prevalence of increased vascular load was 42%; LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction was present in 27% and 42%; other valve diseases in 23%; and comorbid disorders in 82%. In the moderate AS group, abnormal vascular load was found in 52%; LV systolic and diastolic dysfunction was prevalent in 26% and 31%; other valve diseases in 17%; and comorbid disorders in 78% patients. More than half the patients in both groups had symptoms. In both severe and moderate AS groups, the prevalence of increased vascular load and systolic dysfunction was higher in the symptomatic group.

CONCLUSION

Considerable number of patients with DCAS have abnormal vascular load, abnormal LV function, and significant coexisting disorders. These could influence the total pathophysiologic burden on the heart and symptom expression. Thus, DCAS should not be considered just as valvular stenosis, but a syndrome of DCAS because of the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications of various factors associated with it.

Prospective evaluation of the morbidity and mortality of wild-type and V122I mutant transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: the Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiac Study (TRACS)

BACKGROUND

TRACS sought to describe the clinical outcomes and disease progression of transthyretin (TTR) cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) in an observational study. Clinical course is largely determined by disease type with ATTR categorized as wild-type (ATTRwt) or genetic-variant protein (ATTRm). Prospective data are lacking in the most common TTR mutation, V122I, present in approximately 3.5% of African Americans.

METHODS

Patients with ATTRwt (n = 18) and V122I ATTRm (n = 11) were longitudinally assessed every 6 months for up to 2 years by functional class assessments, biochemical markers, and echocardiography.

RESULTS

At baseline, no differences in clinical characteristics, biomarkers, or echocardiographic parameters were noted between patients with ATTRwt and patients with ATTRm. After 15.5 ± 8 months, there were 11 deaths and 1 cardiac transplant, with higher mortality (73% vs 22%, P = .03) and cardiovascular hospitalization (64% vs 28%, P = .02) among patients with ATTRm. The median survival from diagnosis was 25.6 months for ATTRm vs 43.0 months for ATTRwt (P = .04). Univariate predictors of mortality included disease duration, heart rate ≥ 70 beats/min, baseline stroke volume, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and ATTRm status. For each 6-month increment, the mean 6-minute walk distance declined by 25.8 m, N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide increased by 1,816 pg/mL, and left ventricular ejection fraction fell by 3.2%, for the entire cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective study, disease progression, morbidity, and mortality were observed in ATTR cardiomyopathy, particularly due to V122I, over a short duration. Given the prevalence of this mutation, further study of V122I in at-risk African American patients is warranted.

Three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography: methodological aspects and clinical potential

Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is an advanced echocardiographic technique that allows a novel approach to the assessment of cardiac physiology through the study of myocardial mechanics. In its three-dimensional (3D) modality, it overcomes the drawbacks inherent to other echocardiographic techniques, namely two-dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging. Several research studies and software improvements have led 3D-STE to become a promising tool for accurate evaluation of global and regional cardiac function. This article addresses the image acquisition, analytical methods, and parameters of myocardial mechanics that could be derived from 3D-STE. This systematic guidance may help to establish its usefulness in the global and regional evaluation of cardiac function, and to facilitate its clinical application.

Evaluation of two resin based fissure sealants: a comparative clinical study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate retention of two resin based fissure sealants (Embrace and Delton FS+) for a period of twelve months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty eight first permanent molars were sealed for seventeen healthy children in the age group of six-eight years. According to random selection, the first permanent molars on the right side of both arches were sealed with Embrace (Group A) and on the left side of both arches were sealed with Delton FS+ (Group B).

RESULTS

The total retention of Embrace was 23.50% and for Delton FS+ was 17.60% at one year.

CONCLUSION

At one year the total retention of Embrace was 23.50% and for Delton FS+ was 17.60%, however the results were statistically insignificant.

Persistence and dissipation kinetics of deltamethrin on chili in different agro-climatic zones of India

Multi-location supervised field trials were conducted at four different agro climatic locations in India to evaluate the dissipation pattern of deltamethrin on chili. Deltamethrin 10 EC was applied on chili @17.5 and 35 g a.i. ha(-1), samples of green chili were drawn at different time intervals and that of red chili and soil at harvest time and quantified by gas liquid chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. The identity of residues were confirmed by Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrophotometer in selective ion monitoring mode in mass range 181, 253 m/z. Limit of quantification of the method was found to be 0.01 mg kg(-1). Half-life of deltamethrin at application rate of 17.5 g a.i. ha(-1) varied from 0.36 to 1.99 days and at double the application rate was found to range from 0.38 to 2.06 days. Residues of deltamethrin were found below its determination limit of 0.01 mg kg(-1) in red chili and soil. On the basis of the data generated, Deltamethrin 10 EC has been registered for use on chili in India and its Maximum Residue Limit has been fixed as 0.05 μg/g.

Left ventricular twist mechanics in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy assessed by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography

Left ventricular (LV) twist represents a phenomenon that links systolic contraction with diastolic relaxation and plays a major role in cardiac physiology; thus, the study of twist mechanics is of particular interest in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) has the potential to overcome the limitations of 2-dimensional imaging and provide a greater understanding of LV twist in HC. We aimed to examine LV twist mechanics in HC using 3D-STE. Echocardiograms from subjects with a diagnosis of HC were examined for 3D-STE analysis. Age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were tested as a control group. Forty patients with HC (age 37 ± 16 years; 42.5% women) and 40 control subjects (age 35 ± 10 years; 42.5% women) were examined. Compared with the controls, the patients with HC showed increased peak LV twist (16.5 ± 4.7° vs 12.0 ± 3.9°, p <0.001) mainly because of increased apical rotation of those with LV outflow tract obstruction (obstruction, 12.7 ± 4.4° vs nonobstruction, 9.7 ± 2.8°, p = 0.02). In addition, the patients with HC displayed onset of torsion recoil occurring closer to the aortic valve closure (94 ± 6% vs 85 ± 6%, p <0.001; time normalized by the length of systole), limited completion of untwist during early diastole (31 ± 12% vs 62 ± 15%, p <0.001), and delayed peak untwist velocity (22 ± 7% vs 13 ± 9%, p <0.001; time normalized by the length of diastole). In conclusion, the evaluation of twist mechanics using 3D-STE provides novel insight regarding alterations in LV mechanics in patients with HC. Elucidating the characteristics of the wringing motion of the heart might help to broaden the understanding of the hyperdynamic contraction and impaired relaxation observed in these patients.

Endothelial function and soluble endoglin in smokers with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Although cigarette smoking is a risk factor for heart failure (HF), smokers with HF have lower mortality rates during/following hospitalization compared to nonsmokers. We examined vascular endothelial function in chronic smokers and nonsmokers with HF as it relates to this smoker's paradox.

HYPOTHESIS

Smokers with HF will have attenuated endothelial dysfunction compared to non-smokers with HF.

METHODS

Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of conduit vessel endothelial function, was measured in 33 smoking and nonsmoking patients with HF vs controls. In addition, soluble endoglin (sEng), a circulating mediator of endothelial function, was measured in a separate group of 36 smoking and nonsmoking patients with HF vs controls.

RESULTS

FMD was significantly lower in smokers without HF compared to the nonsmokers without HF (P < 0.05). FMD was significantly higher in smokers with HF vs nonsmokers with HF (P < 0.05) and did not differ from values seen in nonsmokers without HF (P > 0.05). There were no differences in sEng between smokers and nonsmokers without HF (P > 0.05). sEng was lower in smokers with HF vs nonsmokers with HF (P < 0.05) and did not differ from values seen in nonsmokers without HF (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Smokers with HF had higher brachial FMD and lower sEng than nonsmokers with HF, and values were comparable to nonsmokers without HF. These findings offer novel insight into the smoker's paradox and suggest that improved short-term outcome in patients hospitalized with HF may in part be mediated by preservation of vascular endothelial function in this setting.

ACCF/ASE/AHA/ASNC/HFSA/HRS/SCAI/SCCM/SCCT/SCMR 2011 Appropriate Use Criteria for Echocardiography. A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation Appropriate Use Criteria Task Force, American Society of Echocardiography, American Heart Association, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, Heart Failure Society of America, Heart Rhythm Society, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Critical Care Medicine, Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance American College of Chest Physicians

The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF), in partnership with the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) and along with key specialty and subspecialty societies, conducted a review of common clinical scenarios where echocardiography is frequently considered. This document combines and updates the original transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography appropriateness criteria published in 2007 (1) and the original stress echocardiography appropriateness criteria published in 2008 (2). This revision reflects new clinical data, reflects changes in test utilization patterns,and clarifies echocardiography use where omissions or lack of clarity existed in the original criteria.The indications (clinical scenarios)were derived from common applications or anticipated uses, as well as from current clinical practice guidelines and results of studies examining the implementation of the original appropriate use criteria (AUC).The 202 indications in this document were developed by a diverse writing group and scored by a separate independent technical panel on a scale of 1 to 9,to designate appropriate use(median 7 to 9), uncertain use(median 4 to 6), and inappropriate use (median 1 to 3). Ninety-seven indications were rated as appropriate, 34 were rated as uncertain, and 71 were rated as inappropriate. In general,the use of echocardiography for initial diagnosis when there is a change in clinical status or when the results of the echocardiogram are anticipated to change patient management were rated appropriate. Routine testing when there was no change in clinical status or when results of testing were unlikely to modify management were more likely to be inappropriate than appropriate/uncertain.The AUC for echocardiography have the potential to impact physician decision making,healthcare delivery, and reimbursement policy. Furthermore,recognition of uncertain clinical scenarios facilitates identification of areas that would benefit from future research.

Left ventricular remodeling in heart failure: current concepts in clinical significance and assessment

Ventricular remodeling, first described in animal models of left ventricular (LV) stress and injury, occurs progressively in untreated patients after large myocardial infarction and in those with dilated forms of cardiomyopathy. The gross pathologic changes of increased LV volume and perturbation in the normal elliptical LV chamber configuration is driven, on a histologic level, by myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis and by increased interstitial collagen. Each of the techniques used for tracking this process-echocardiography, radionuclide ventriculography, and cardiac magnetic resonance-carries advantages and disadvantages. Numerous investigations have demonstrated the value of LV volume measurement at a single time-point and over time in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure and in those after myocardial infarction. The structural pattern of LV remodeling and evidence of scarring on cardiac magnetic resonance have additional prognostic value. Beyond the impact of abnormal cardiac structure on cardiovascular events, the relationship between LV remodeling and clinical outcomes is likely linked through common local and systemic factors driving vascular as well as myocardial pathology. As demonstrated by a recent meta-analysis of heart failure trials, LV volume stands out among surrogate markers as strongly correlating with the impact of a particular drug or device therapy on patient survival. These findings substantiate the importance of ventricular remodeling as central in the pathophysiology of advancing heart failure and support the role of measures of LV remodeling in the clinical investigation of novel heart failure treatments.

Function and mechanics of the left ventricle: from tissue Doppler imaging to three dimensional speckle tracking

One of the most common indications in echocardiography is the evaluation of left ventricular function. The traditional measurement of ejection fraction is based upon tracing the left ventricular borders and calculating left ventricular volumes using geometric assumptions. Now, with the introduction of three-dimensional echocardiography, the evaluation of left ventricular function is easier to carry out and with superior accuracy and reproducibility. However, regional myocardial function is more difficult to evaluate because it relies on visual assessment of endocardial motion and wall thickening. Currently, new techniques like tissue Doppler and speckle tracking imaging allow regional and global quantification of myocardial function through new parameters, like deformation/strain, rotation and twist. In this regard, speckletracking echocardiography (STE) has been introduced as a technique for angle-independent quantification of multidirectional myocardial strain and rotation. With the arrival of three-dimensional systems, the entire left ventricle can be evaluated with this technique, lacking the inherent weakness of two- dimensional and tissue Doppler methods. Three dimensional speckle tracking (3DST) has potential to be an ideal tool to assess not only global myocardial function but regional function through deformation, rotation, twist and untwisting parameters.