Role of chromosomal imbalances in the pathogenesis of DSD: A retrospective analysis of 115 prenatal samples

Differences of sex development (DSDs) are a group of congenital conditions characterized by a discrepancy between chromosomal, gonadal, and genital sex development of an individual, with significant impact on medical, psychological and reproductive life. The genetic heterogeneity of DSDs complicates the diagnosis and almost half of the patients remains undiagnosed. In this context, chromosomal imbalances in syndromic DSD patients may help to identify new genes implicated in DSDs. In this study, we aimed at describing the burden of chromosomal imbalances including submicroscopic ones (copy number variants or CNVs) in a cohort of prenatal syndromic DSD patients, and review their role in DSDs. Our patients carried at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic chromosomal imbalance/CNV or low-level mosaicism for aneuploidy. Almost half of the cases resulted from an unbalanced chromosomal rearrangement. Chromosome 9p/q, 4p/q, 3q and 11q anomalies were more frequently observed. Review of the literature confirmed the causative role of CNVs in DSDs, either in disruption of known DSD-causing genes (SOX9, NR0B1, NR5A1, AR, ATRX, …) or as a tool to suspect new genes in DSDs (HOXD cluster, ADCY2, EMX2, CAMK1D, …). Recurrent CNVs of regulatory elements without coding sequence content (i.e. duplications/deletions upstream of SOX3 or SOX9) confirm detection of CNVs as a mean to explore our non-coding genome. Thus, CNV detection remains a powerful tool to explore undiagnosed DSDs, either through routine techniques or through emerging technologies such as long-read whole genome sequencing or optical genome mapping.

[Targeting anticoagulated patients for medication reconciliation at discharge in orthopaedic surgery]

In orthopedic surgery, the well-known iatrogenic risk of oral anticoagulants is particularly increased due to surgical management (suspension and resumption of treatment). In order to prevent avoidable iatrogenic events linked to incomplete discharge documents, targeted medical reconciliation (MR) has been deployed. This is a single-center prospective study conducted in orthopaedic surgery for six months including any patient treated upon admission with an oral anticoagulant. The analysis of the compliance of discharge documents (hospitalization report and prescriptions) was carried out before and after pharmaceutical interventions. The criteria analysed included the mention of the oral treatment, its dosage as well as the supervision of the switch from heparin therapy to the usual oral treatment. The documents were compliant if the mention of oral anticoagulant treatment and the date of the shift were correctly documented. Thirty-seven patients were included. The compliance rate of discharge documents was significantly improved by MR, going from 13.5 % to 78.4 % (P <0.05). The non-compliances before the intervention concerned the absence of mention of: the usual treatment (64.9 %), its dosage (81.1 %) or the switch's securing (75.7 %). Discharge from surgery of the patient on anticoagulants is a stage presenting a real risk which can be managed by the intervention of pharmacists. Improving the compliance of discharge documents is a first step towards better securing drug management.

Clinical validation of an artificial intelligence algorithm offering cross-platform detection of atrial fibrillation using smart device electrocardiograms

Introduction

Multiple smart devices capable of “screening” for atrial fibrillation (AF) based on single-lead electrocardiogram (SL ECG) are presently available. Manufacturers' algorithm capabilities and accuracy for the automated detection of AF vary. Reliable artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms would be valuable to assist physicians with managing the large amount of data. We aimed to assess the clinical value of applying a smart device agnostic AI-based algorithm for the detection of AF from five different smart devices (four smartwatches, one handheld device) and compared the results to the cardiologist-interpreted 12-lead ECG in a real world cohort of patients.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational study enrolling patients presenting to a cardiology service at a tertiary referral center. Patients were prescribed a 12-lead ECG, followed by five consecutive smart device recordings from five different manufacturers. SL ECGs were exported as PDF files from the devices and analyzed by a deep neural network (DNN) based platform which allows automated AI assisted cardiac rhythm interpretation.

Results

We prospectively enrolled 157 patients (32% female, median age 66 years). AF was present in 48 patients (31%) at time of recording, as documented by the 12-lead ECG. Accuracy for the detection of AF by the DNN-based algorithm was 96.6% for the Apple Watch 6, 95.2% for the AliveCor Kardia Mobile, 96.0% for the Fitbit Sense, 95.7% for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and 93.8% for the Withings Scanwatch, respectively (Figure 1, left). While diagnostic accuracy of the DNN-based algorithm was similar compared to each manufacturer's individual algorithm, the proportion of SL ECGs with a conclusive diagnosis was significantly higher for all smart devices when using the DNN-based algorithm, p&lt;0.001 (Figure 1, right). As complementary analysis, we assessed sensitivity and specificity detection capabilities in both algorithms (Figure 2).

Conclusion

In this clinical validation, a DNN-based algorithm reported significantly more conclusive diagnoses for each smart device compared to the manufacturers' algorithms, whilst showing similarly high accuracy in the detection of AF compared to the cardiologist-interpreted standard 12-lead ECG. Given further validation, SL ECG assisted rhythm interpretation through a cross-platform AI-algorithm presents a promising clinical value for AF detection and offers a possible solution for managing the data surge for smart device-acquired ECGs.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Diffusion tensor imaging of fetal brain: principles, potential and limitations of promising technique

Human brain development is a complex process that begins in the third week of gestation. During early development, the fetal brain undergoes dynamic morphological changes. These changes result from events such as neurogenesis, neuronal migration, synapse formation, axonal growth and myelination. Disruption of any of these processes is thought to be responsible for a wide array of different pathologies. Recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging, especially diffusion-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), have enabled characterization and evaluation of brain development in utero. In this review, aimed at practitioners involved in fetal medicine and high-risk pregnancies, we provide a comprehensive overview of fetal DTI studies focusing on characterization of early normal brain development as well as evaluation of brain pathology in utero. We also discuss the reliability and limitations of fetal brain DTI. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

A multicentric multimodal in vivo microscopy MRI study of bipolar disorder reveals axonal loss and demyelination

Introduction

Bipolar disorder has been repeatedly associated with abnormalities of white matter. However, DTI is intrinsically limited and the precise cellular mechanisms that underlie these alterations remains unknown.

Objectives

Our aim was to investigate microscopical characteristics of white matter using MRI in patients with bipolar and healthy controls.

Methods

77 patients and 71 controls from 3 sites had a T1 structural MRI, a multi-shell HARDI MRI and at one site with a T1-weighted VFA-SPGR acquisition, and a T2 MSME acquisition. The volume fraction and the orientation dispersion was extracted using NODDI from DW images in each site. Myelin Water Fraction was extracted in 33 patients and 36 controls to probe myelin characteristics. White matter bundles were reconstructed using deterministic tractography. Statistical analyses were performed after harmonization by the ComBat algorithm and controlled for age, gender and handedness.

Results

We found significant lower axonal density in patients along the short fibers of the left cingulum, the left anterior arcuate and the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus. We found lower mean MWF in patients along the short fibers of the right cingulum, the left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, the left anterior arcuate and the splenium of the corpus callosum. We found higher mean orientation dispersion in patients only along the left uncinate fasciculus.

Conclusions

We report alterations of limbic and inter-hemispheric white matter tracts in patients with bipolar disorder reflecting axonal loss, demyelination and architecture alterations. These results contribute to better capture the plurality of the mechanisms involved in bipolar disorder that cannot be deciphered with classical diffusion MRI.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Clinical validation of EDIT-B test for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by alternating episodes of high mood and low mood similar to depression. To differentiate BD patients from unipolar (UN) depressed patients remains a challenge and the clinical scales available failed to distinguish these 2 populations. ALCEDIAG developed EDIT-B, the first blood test able to make a differential diagnosis of BD. Based on RNA editing modifications measurement and AI, the test requires a simple blood draw and equipment available in most central laboratories. A first study on 160 UN and 95 BD patients allowed a differential diagnosis with an AUC of 0.935 and high specificity (Sp=84.6%) and sensitivity (Se=90.9%). A multicentric clinical study has been set up to validate these performances.

Objectives

The objective of this project is to run a multicentric clinical study in Europe and assess the performances of the test.

Methods

The EDIT-B project, led by Alcediag, is supported by EIT-Health grant (European institute of Innovation and Technology) and gathers 4 clinical centers in 3 countries (France, Spain, Danemark), a CRO for the clinical study management (Aixial), a CRO for the development of a diagnostic kit (Veracyte), a diagnostic lab for molecular biology analyses (Synlab), and a regulatory company (PLG).

Results

At the end of the study, the EDIT-B performance will be confirmed and the test will be CE-marked.

Conclusions

This test will address the needs of millions of patients suffering from misdiagnosis and therefore allow them to receive the correct treatment.

Disclosure

JDA, NS and DW are employees of Alcediag.

Smartwatch-based detection of atrial arrhythmia using a deep neural network in a tertiary care hospital

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background/Introduction

Smartwatch electrocardiograms (SW ECG) have been identified as a promising noninvasive solution to assess heart rhythm abnormalities, especially atrial arrhythmias (AA) which includes atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. This study evaluates the performance of the detection of AA with a smartwatch and compares the accuracy of two algorithms, the latest version of the original companion application (Apple ECG 2.0 App) and a novel deep neural network (DNN), in a population typical of an electrophysiology department.

Purpose

Determine if a novel DNN can improve the detection of AA on SW ECG in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

101 patients from the electrophysiology department of one tertiary center were included in this ongoing study. Three simultaneous ECGs were collected for each patient: one 12-lead ECG (Mindray BeneHeart R12) and two SW ECGs (Apple Watch) taken from the left wrist (SWw ECG) and the lower left abdomen (SWa ECG). 12-lead ECGs were adjudicated by a blinded expert electrophysiologist as 52 AA and 49 not AA and considered as gold standard. The SW ECGs were processed by the ECG 2.0 App and the DNN in parallel. The proportions of inconclusive diagnoses returned and the performances were assessed and compared.

Results

Overall, the ECG 2.0 App yielded inconclusive diagnoses for 19% (19/101) of all SWw ECGs while the DNN reduced that number to 0% (0/101). A similar result holds for SWa ECGs (Figure 1). Regarding the detection of AA from SWw ECGs, the ECG 2.0 App had a sensitivity of 81% (95% CI, 67%-90%), a specificity of 97% (95% CI, 87%-100%) and an accuracy of 89% (95% CI, 80%-94%) while the DNN had a sensitivity of 92% (95% CI, 82%-97%), a specificity of 90% (95% CI, 78%-96%) and an accuracy of 91% (95% CI, 84%-95%). For SWa ECGs (Figure 2), the sensitivity of the DNN was found significantly higher compared to the ECG 2.0 App: 96% (95% CI, 89%-98%) vs 76% (95% CI, 61%-87%). Conclusion(s): A novel DNN algorithm decreased the number of inconclusive diagnostics in the detection of AA from SW ECG from around 20% to 0%, which could help limit the overreading time spent by the physicians. Excluding inconclusive diagnostics, we observed no significant difference in performance between the two algorithms except for the sensitivity for SW ECG taken from the abdomen where the DNN outperforms the ECG 2.0 App. Routine application of this SW ECG analysis in tertiary care hospitals offers significant promise in arrhythmia diagnosis.

Activated Charcoal and Bicarbonate for Aspirin Toxicity: a Retrospective Series

INTRODUCTION

Aspirin overdose causes acid-base disturbances and organ dysfunction. Management is guided by research reported over 50 years ago when chronic aspirin toxicity was common and accounted for significant morbidity. We investigate our experience of aspirin overdose and the effectiveness of charcoal and bicarbonate administration over 20 years.

METHODS

This is a retrospective series of acute aspirin overdose from two toxicology units from January 2000 to September 2019. Acute aspirin ingestions > 3000 mg were identified in each unit's database. Excluded were cases of chronic exposure, hospital presentation > 24 hours after ingestion, and cases without a salicylate concentration. Included in our analysis was demographic data, clinical effects, investigations, complications, and treatment.

RESULTS

There were 132 presentations in 108 patients (79 females (73%)). The median age was 28 years (range: 13-93 years). The median dose ingested was 7750 mg (IQR: 6000-14,400 mg). There were 44 aspirin-only ingestions. Mild toxicity (nausea, vomiting, tinnitus or hyperventilation) occurred in 22 with a median dose of 160 mg/kg. Moderate toxicity (acid-base disturbance, confusion) occurred in 16 with a median ingested dose of 297 mg/kg. There were no cases of severe toxicity (coma or seizures) due to aspirin alone. The median peak salicylate concentration was 276 mg/L (IQR: 175-400 mg/L, range: 14-814 mg/L). There was a moderate association between dose ingested and peak concentration (Pearson r = 0.58; 95% CI 0.45-0.68). Activated charcoal was administered in 36 (27%) cases, which decreased the median peak salicylate concentration (34.2 to 24.8 mg/L/g (difference: 9.4, 95% CI: 1.0-13.1)). Bicarbonate was administered in 34 (26%) presentations, decreasing the median apparent elimination half-life from 13.4 to 9.3 h (difference: 4.2 h, 95% CI: 1.0-6.5 h).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute aspirin overdose caused only mild to moderate effects in this series. Early administration of activated charcoal decreased absorption and use of bicarbonate enhanced elimination.

Changing profile of encephalitis: Results of a 4-year study in France

CONTEXT

In 2007, we performed a nationwide prospective study to assess the epidemiology of encephalitis in France. We aimed to evaluate epidemiological changes 10years later.

METHODS

We performed a 4-year prospective cohort study in France (ENCEIF) from 2016 to 2019. Medical history, comorbidities, as well as clinical, biological, imaging, and demographic data were collected. For the comparison analysis, we selected similar data from adult patients enrolled in the 2007 study. We used Stata statistical software, version 15 (Stata Corp). Indicative variable distributions were compared using Pearson's Chi² test, and means were compared using Student's t-test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

We analyzed 494 cases from 62 hospitals. A causative agent was identified in 65.7% of cases. Viruses represented 81.8% of causative agents, Herpesviridae being the most frequent (63.6%). Arboviruses accounted for 10.8%. Bacteria and parasites were responsible for respectively 14.8% and 1.2% of documented cases. Zoonotic infections represented 21% of cases. When comparing ENCEIF with the 2007 cohort (222 adults patients from 59 hospitals), a higher proportion of etiologies were obtained in 2016-2019 (66% vs. 53%). Between 2007 and 2016-2019, the proportions of Herpes simplex virus and Listeria encephalitis cases remained similar, but the proportion of tuberculosis cases decreased (P=0.0001), while tick-borne encephalitis virus (P=0.01) and VZV cases (P=0.03) increased. In the 2016-2019 study, 32 causative agents were identified, whereas only 17 were identified in the 2007 study.

CONCLUSION

Our results emphasize the need to regularly perform such studies to monitor the evolution of infectious encephalitis and to adapt guidelines.

A conceptual framework to develop a patient-reported experience measure of the quality of mental health care: a qualitative study of the PREMIUM project in France

Background: The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual framework to define a domain map describing the experience of patients with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) on the quality of mental health care. Methods: This study used an exploratory qualitative approach to examine the subjective experience of adult patients (18-65 years old) with SMIs, including schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Participants were selected using a purposeful sampling method. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 37 psychiatric inpatients and outpatients recruited from the largest public hospital in southeastern France. Transcripts were subjected to an inductive analysis by using two complementary approaches (thematic analysis and computerized text analysis) to identify themes and subthemes. Results: Our analysis generated a conceptual model composed of 7 main themes, ranked from most important to least important as follows: interpersonal relationships, care environment, drug therapy, access and care coordination, respect and dignity, information and psychological care. The interpersonal relationships theme was divided into 3 subthemes: patient-staff relationships, relations with other patients and involvement of family and friends. All themes were spontaneously raised by respondents. Conclusion: This work provides a conceptual framework that will inform the subsequent development of a patient-reported experience measure to monitor and improve the performance of the mental health care system in France. The findings showed that patients with SMIs place an emphasis on the interpersonal component, which is one of the important predictors of therapeutic alliance. Trial registration: NCT02491866.

Emergency colpocleisis in a vaginal prolapse complicated by bowel evisceration

Vaginal evisceration of the small bowel is a surgical emergency insofar as it entails the risk of acute vascular lesions in the latter. It may be caused by a vaginal prolapse. Delayed treatment of a prolapse may entail the risk of poor scarring of vaginal suture, and sacrocolpopexy is not necessarily called for. In an 80-year-old female patient with repeatedly recurrent stage 4 vaginal prolapse, vaginal evisceration and vaginal prolapse were treated by perineal approach and emergency colpocleisis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a sample of individuals with bipolar disorders: results from the FACE-BD cohort

OBJECTIVE

Non-Alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most common liver disease in Western populations. While obesity and metabolic abnormalities are highly frequent in bipolar disorders (BD), no studies have been performed to estimate the prevalence of NALFD in individuals with BD. The aim of our study is to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD and to identify the potential associated risk factors in a large sample of BD individuals.

METHODS

Between 2009 and 2019, 1969 BD individuals from the FACE-BD cohort were included. Individuals with liver diseases, Hepatitis B or C, and current alcohol use disorders were excluded from the analyses. A blood sample was drawn from participants. Screening of NAFLD was determined using fatty liver index (FLI). Individuals with FLI> 60 were considered as having NAFLD.

RESULTS

The prevalence of NAFDL in this sample was estimated at 28.4%. NAFLD was observed in 40% of men and 21% of women. NAFLD was independently associated with older age, male gender, sleep disturbances, and current use of atypical antipsychotics or anxiolytics. As expected, the prevalence of NALFD was also higher in individuals with overweight and in those with metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reinforces the view that individuals with BD are highly vulnerable to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of NAFLD in individuals with BD was two times higher than the prevalence reported in the general population. The regular screening of the MetS in individuals with BD should be therefore complemented by the additional screening of NAFLD among these vulnerable individuals.

Evolution and characteristics of the use of valproate in women of childbearing age with bipolar disorder: Results from the FACE-BD cohort

BACKGROUND

Valproate is associated with teratogenic and neurodevelopmental effects. Several agencies have restricted the conditions of its prescription in bipolar disorders (BD). We aimed to assess the evolution of valproate prescription and the clinical profile of BD women of childbearing age receiving valproate.

METHODS

Based on a large national cohort, we included all BD women 16-50 years old. Sociodemographic, clinical and pharmacological data were recorded. Logistic regression analyses were used to describe variables associated with valproate prescription.

RESULTS

Of the 1018 included women 16-50 years old, 26.9% were treated with valproate with a mean daily dosage of 968 mg. The prevalence of BD women using valproate was 32.6% before May 2015 and 17.3% after May 2015 (p<0.001), the date of French regulatory publication of restriction of valproate prescription. The multivariate analysis revealed that the inclusion period after May 2015 (OR=0.54, CI 95% 0.37-0.78, p=0.001), the age lower than 40 years (OR=0.65, CI 95% 0.43-0.98, p=0.040) and the number of lifetime mood episodes (OR=0.98, CI 95% 0.95-0.99, p=0.040) were the variables negatively associated with the use of valproate.

LIMITATIONS

Study could be underpowered to determine a clinical profile associated with valproate prescription.

CONCLUSIONS

The regulatory change in BD women of childbearing age had a significant impact on valproate prescription, even if the prescription rate remains high. Important efforts are needed to help clinicians and patients to improve quality of care in BD women of childbearing age.

Psychiatric comorbidities in bipolar disorders: An examination of the prevalence and chronology of onset according to sex and bipolar subtype

OBJECTIVES

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is frequently comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. However, few studies systematically examine which disorders are more likely to occur pre- or post-BD onset. We examine the prevalence and Age At Onset (AAO) of psychiatric conditions in adults with BD.

METHODS

A structured clinical interview was used to assess lifetime history and AAO of alcohol and cannabis misuse, suicide attempts, anxiety and eating disorders in a French sample of euthymic patients with BD (n = 739). Regression analyses were used to test for statistically significant associations between rates and AAO of comorbidities in BD groups stratified by sex or subtype.

RESULTS

Prevalence of alcohol and cannabis misuse was associated with male sex and BD-I subtype; whilst most anxiety and eating disorders were associated with female sex. The AAO of most comorbid conditions preceded that of BD, except for panic disorder, agoraphobia and alcohol misuse. Few variations were observed in AAO of comorbidities according to groups.

LIMITATIONS

All assessments were retrospective, so estimates of prevalence rates and especially exact AAO of some comorbidities are at risk of recall bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex and BD subtype are associated with different rates of comorbid disorders. However, there were minimal between group differences in median AAO of comorbidities. By describing the chronological sequence of comorbidities in BD we were able to demonstrate that a minority of comorbidities typically occurred post-onset of BD. This is noteworthy as these disorders might be amenable to interventions aimed at early secondary prevention.

Influence of birth cohort on age of onset cluster analysis in bipolar I disorder

Purpose:

Two common approaches to identify subgroups of patients with bipolar disorder are clustering methodology (mixture analysis) based on the age of onset, and a birth cohort analysis. This study investigates if a birth cohort effect will influence the results of clustering on the age of onset, using a large, international database.

Methods:

The database includes 4037 patients with a diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, previously collected at 36 collection sites in 23 countries. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to adjust the data for country median age, and in some models, birth cohort. Model-based clustering (mixture analysis) was then performed on the age of onset data using the residuals. Clinical variables in subgroups were compared.

Results:

There was a strong birth cohort effect. Without adjusting for the birth cohort, three subgroups were found by clustering. After adjusting for the birth cohort or when considering only those born after 1959, two subgroups were found. With results of either two or three subgroups, the youngest subgroup was more likely to have a family history of mood disorders and a first episode with depressed polarity. However, without adjusting for birth cohort (three subgroups), family history and polarity of the first episode could not be distinguished between the middle and oldest subgroups.

Conclusion:

These results using international data confirm prior findings using single country data, that there are subgroups of bipolar I disorder based on the age of onset, and that there is a birth cohort effect. Including the birth cohort adjustment altered the number and characteristics of subgroups detected when clustering by age of onset. Further investigation is needed to determine if combining both approaches will identify subgroups that are more useful for research.

Sleep quality and emotional reactivity cluster in bipolar disorders and impact on functioning

Objective:

Bipolar disorders (BD) are characterized by sleep disturbances and emotional dysregulation both during acute episodes and remission periods. We hypothesized that sleep quality (SQ) and emotional reactivity (ER) defined clusters of patients with no or abnormal SQ and ER and we studied the association with functioning.

Method:

We performed a bi-dimensional cluster analysis using SQ and ER measures in a sample of 533 outpatients patients with BD (in remission or with subsyndromal mood symptoms). Clusters were compared for mood symptoms, sleep profile and functioning.

Results:

We identified three clusters of patients: C1 (normal ER and SQ, 54%), C2 (hypo-ER and low SQ, 22%) and C3 (hyper-ER and low SQ, 24%). C1 was characterized by minimal mood symptoms, better sleep profile and higher functioning than other clusters. Although highly different for ER, C2 and C3 had similar levels of subsyndromal mood symptoms as assessed using classical mood scales. When exploring sleep domains, C2 showed poor sleep efficiency and a trend for longer sleep latency as compared to C3. Interestingly, alterations in functioning were similar in C2 and C3, with no difference in any of the sub-domains.

Conclusion:

Abnormalities in ER and SQ delineated three clusters of patients with BD and significantly impacted on functioning.

Chlortetracycline, Oxytetracycline, and Tetracycline in Edible Animal Tissues, Liquid Chromatographic Method: Collaborative Study

Thirteen laboratories analyzed samples of edible animal tissues for tetracycline residues. The method included extraction of analytes into buffer, elution from a C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridge, and reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (LC) analysis, including use of a confirmation column. An additional laboratory, using an alternative LC assay based on a different sample cleanup, also analyzed the samples. Results showed the 2 methods are comparable. The LC method for determination of cholortetracycline, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline in edible animal tissues has been adopted by AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Results from 13 laboratories indicate that the method under study provides generally better results at the higher concentrations tested than at concentrations near the detection limit and that there is less problem with interferences in muscle tissue than in kidney. The method can achieve reliable results for analytes and matrixes studied at concentrations from 0.1 to 0.6 ppm and above, depending on the analyte-matrix combination, with generally better performance to be expected with muscle than with kidney. The poorer performance for fortified samples, particularly kidney, was attributed to additional homogenization steps required to prepare these samples. Recovery of analytes from different

Glycemic Index and Microstructure Evaluation of Four Cereal Grain Foods

To determine the glycemic index (GI) of selected cereals and association with their microstructure. The GI of whole grain pilaf (WGP), instant brown rice (IBR), whole maize ugali (MWU), and refined maize ugali (RMU) was assessed in a randomized trial. Fourteen healthy participants with mean age of 25 years were administered 50 g portions of available carbohydrates from glucose and various test foods after an overnight fast on separate occasions. Capillary blood samples of participants were used to measure blood glucose over 2 hr. The GI was calculated as per standard protocol. The microstructure of test foods, determined by scanning electron microscopy was evaluated to understand the measured GI values. The GI (mean ± standard error) of IBR was the highest (87.8 ± 6.8) followed by RMU (74.7 ± 6.5) and WMU (71.4 ± 5.1). WGP had medium GI (58.9 ± 5.1; P < 0.01 vs. IBR). Microstructure examination of IBR revealed disruption of bran layer and presence of fissures indicating loss of intactness of bran. Stereozoom images for WGP revealed intact bran and germ. For RMU and WMU, the grain was milled leading to loss of integrity. IBR, RMU, and WMU have high GI values, which is likely due to disruption of bran layer, endosperm modification (IBR), and loss of grain matrix (WMU, RMU). WGP has medium GI probably due to fairly intact bran and germ. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Wholegrain or whole meal flour may not necessarily be low in glycemic index (GI; low GI < 55; medium 55 to 69 and high GI ≥70). "Ugali" a commonly consumed cereal staple food in Tanzania made from either refined or whole meal maize flour was found to be a high GI food. Intact whole grain foods, such as whole grain pilaf (mixed intact whole grains) is a healthier alternative to milled whole grains such as whole meal maize flour. Instant quick cooking brown rice exhibited a high GI, due to the processing method, suggesting that regular brown rice may be a healthier option.

Determination of Crude Protein in Animal Feed, Forage, Grain, and Oilseeds by Using Block Digestion with a Copper Catalyst and Steam Distillation into Boric Acid: Collaborative Study

A collaborative study was conducted to evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of an extension of AOAC Official Method 991.20, Nitrogen (Crude) in Milk, to animal feed, forage (plant tissue), grain, and oilseed materials. Test portions are digested in an aluminum block at 420°C in sulfuric acid with potassium sulfate and a copper catalyst. Digests are cooled and diluted, and concentrated sodium hydroxide is added to neutralize the acid and make the digest basic; the liberated ammonia is distilled by using steam distillation. The liberated ammonia is trapped in a weak boric acid solution and titrated with a stronger standardized acid, hydrochloric acid; colorimetric endpoint detection is used. Fourteen blind samples were sent to 13 collaborators in the United States, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Recoveries of nitrogen from lysine, tryptophan, and acetanilide were 86.8, 98.8, and 100.1%, respectively. The within-laboratory relative standard deviation (RSDr, repeatability) ranged from 0.40 to 2.38% for crude protein. The among-laboratories (including within-) relative standard deviation (RSDR, reproducibility) ranged from 0.44 to 2.38%. It is recommended that the method be adopted First Action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL. A lower concentration (1% H3BO3) of trapping solution was compared with the concentration specified in the original protocol (4% H3BO3) and was found comparable for use in an automatic titration system in which titration begins automatically as soon as distillation starts. The Study Directors recommend that 1% H3BO3 as an optional alternative to 4% boric acid trapping solution be allowed for automatic titrators that titrate throughout the distillation.

Tobacco smoking and other substance use disorders associated with recurrent suicide attempts in bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Suicide attempts (SA) are more frequent in bipolar disorder (BD) than in most other mental disorders. Prevention strategies would benefit from identifying the risk factors of SA recurrence in BD. Substance use disorders (SUD) (including tobacco-related) are strongly associated with both BD and SA, however, their specific role for the recurrence of SA in BD remains inadequately investigated. Thus, we tested if tobacco smoking - with or without other SUDs - was independently associated with recurrent SA in BD.

METHODS

916 patients from France and Norway with ascertained diagnoses of BD and reliable data about SA and SUD were classified as having no, single, or recurrent (≥2) SA. Five SUD groups were built according to the presence/absence/combination of tobacco, alcohol (AUD) and cannabis use disorders. Multinomial logistic regression was used to identify the correlates of SA recurrence.

RESULTS

338 (37%) individuals reported at least one SA, half of whom (173, 51%) reported recurrence. SUD comorbidity was: tobacco smoking only, 397 (43%), tobacco smoking with at least another SUD, 179 (20%). Regression analysis showed that tobacco smoking, both alone and comorbid with AUD, depressive polarity of BD onset and female gender were independently associated with recurrent SA.

LIMITATIONS

Lack of data regarding the relative courses of SA and SUD and cross-national differences in main variables.

CONCLUSION

Tobacco smoking with- or without additional SUD can be important risk factors of SA recurrence in BD, which is likely to inform both research and prevention strategies.

[The staging model (or evolutionary stages) applied to bipolar disorder]

In psychiatry, clinical staging raises awareness of the need to understand disease trajectories and heterotypic continuity; it draws attention to individuals at risk of developing disorders, such as those with a family history or subsyndromal presentations; and it actively promotes greater attention to prevention strategies and interventions for individuals at ultra-high risk of developing a severe mental disorder. Staging paradigms have been increasingly applied in early intervention in psychoses, but there are issues in broadening the scope of clinical staging to the more prevalent affective disorders. For example, it is potentially more complex to devise a model that considers the varying clinical presentations of the late prodromal stage of bipolar disorder and where to locate depressive episodes that precede the first manic episode and how to describe subthreshold manic syndromes, especially hypomania. The above issues might be resolved if we had a greater understanding of the risk factors, biomarkers or endophenotypes for the onset and progression of bipolar disorder. This level of understanding is not yet available in psychiatry, but clinical staging may help us improve our knowledge of the pathophysiological correlates of disease progression and reduce our over-reliance on cross-sectional assessments of symptoms in bipolar disorders.

Factors influencing the use by radiation therapists of cancer symptom guides: a mixed-methods study

Background Radiation therapists play an important role in helping patients to safely manage and triage potentially life-threatening symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to assess factors influencing the use by radiation therapists of evidence-informed symptom practice guides for patients experiencing cancer treatment–related symptoms.Methods In a mixed-methods descriptive study guided by the Knowledge-to-Action framework, interviews and a barriers survey were conducted. Two independent reviewers conducted a content analysis of interview transcripts. Barriers survey data were analyzed using frequency distributions and univariate descriptive statistics. Open-ended data from the surveys underwent content analysis and were triangulated with interview findings.Results Of 90 radiation therapists approached, 58 completed the survey (64%), and 14 were interviewed. Of the 98% who reported providing symptom management to patients undergoing radiation treatment, 53% used evidence-informed practice guidelines. Radiation therapists had moderate moral norms (4.6 of 7) and beliefs about the consequences of using costars (pan Canadian Oncology Symptom Triage and Remote Support) practice guides (4.8), but neutral intention (3.4) and beliefs about their own capabilities (3.9). Environmental barriers included lack of time (2.0), lack of access (2.5), and neutral organizational support (3.0). Radiation therapists identified a need for training (5.5). Common unique barriers to practice guide use were lack of time during radiation treatments, unclear fit with scope of practice, disparate focus on site-specific symptoms, and lack of medication knowledge.Conclusions The symptom practice guides were perceived by the radiation therapists to benefit patients, enhance their own knowledge of symptom management, and promote consistent practice. Additional work is required to identify the scope of practice of radiation therapists within the interprofessional team.

Factors influencing the use by radiation therapists of cancer symptom guides: a mixed-methods study

Background

Radiation therapists play an important role in helping patients to safely manage and triage potentially life-threatening symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to assess factors influencing the use by radiation therapists of evidence-informed symptom practice guides for patients experiencing cancer treatment-related symptoms.

Methods

In a mixed-methods descriptive study guided by the Knowledge-to-Action framework, interviews and a barriers survey were conducted. Two independent reviewers conducted a content analysis of interview transcripts. Barriers survey data were analyzed using frequency distributions and univariate descriptive statistics. Open-ended data from the surveys underwent content analysis and were triangulated with interview findings.

Results

Of 90 radiation therapists approached, 58 completed the survey (64%), and 14 were interviewed. Of the 98% who reported providing symptom management to patients undergoing radiation treatment, 53% used evidence-informed practice guidelines. Radiation therapists had moderate moral norms (4.6 of 7) and beliefs about the consequences of using costars (pan-Canadian Oncology Symptom Triage and Remote Support) practice guides (4.8), but neutral intention (3.4) and beliefs about their own capabilities (3.9). Environmental barriers included lack of time (2.0), lack of access (2.5), and neutral organizational support (3.0). Radiation therapists identified a need for training (5.5). Common unique barriers to practice guide use were lack of time during radiation treatments, unclear fit with scope of practice, disparate focus on site-specific symptoms, and lack of medication knowledge.

Conclusions

The symptom practice guides were perceived by the radiation therapists to benefit patients, enhance their own knowledge of symptom management, and promote consistent practice. Additional work is required to identify the scope of practice of radiation therapists within the interprofessional team.

HLA genetics in bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is characterized by deregulated adaptive immune processes. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) implicate the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region in BD. The present study investigates the potential influence of variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) on BD risk and/or clinical presentations. This may have relevance to the dysregulated inflammatory processes commonly found in BD.

METHOD

DNAs from 475 BD patients and 195 healthy controls (HC) were genotyped for classical HLA class I and II loci.

RESULTS

We found that: (i) the HLA-A*02~B*44~DRB1*07 sub-haplotype is less prevalent in BD, vs. HC (pc = 2.4 × 10^-2 ); (ii) the 57.1 and the 8.1-derived ancestral haplotypes i.e. HLA-A*02~B*57~Cw*06~DRB1*07~DQB1*09 and HLA-A*02~B*08~Cw*07 are associated with rapid cycling (pc = 1.9 × 10^-3 and 1.05 × 10^-2 , respectively); (iii) the 8.1AH-derived HLA class II-DRB*03~HLA-DQB1*02 sub-haplotype is more frequent in BD patients with a history of suicidal behaviors (pc = 2.1 × 10^-2 ); and (iv) disease onset by an hypomanic episode or by psychotic symptoms are, respectively, more frequent in BD patients bearing the 7.1 AH-derived A*03~B*07~DRB1*15 sub-haplotype (pc = 8.5 × 10^-3 ) and the HLA-A*02~B*07~DRB1*15 sub-haplotype (pc = 4.0 × 10^-2 ).

CONCLUSION

Corroborating the established link between these HLA haplotypes/sub haplotypes and common immune disorders, our findings suggest possible HLA-mediated proinflammatory processes operating in BD.

Emotional hyper-reactivity and cardiometabolic risk in remitted bipolar patients: a machine learning approach

OBJECTIVE

Remitted bipolar disorder (BD) patients frequently present with chronic mood instability and emotional hyper-reactivity, associated with poor psychosocial functioning and low-grade inflammation. We investigated emotional hyper-reactivity as a dimension for characterization of remitted BD patients, and clinical and biological factors for identifying those with and without emotional hyper-reactivity.

METHOD

A total of 635 adult remitted BD patients, evaluated in the French Network of Bipolar Expert Centers from 2010-2015, were assessed for emotional reactivity using the Multidimensional Assessment of Thymic States. Machine learning algorithms were used on clinical and biological variables to enhance characterization of patients.

RESULTS

After adjustment, patients with emotional hyper-reactivity (n = 306) had significantly higher levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 1.0 × 10^-8 ), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P < 1.0 × 10^-8 ), fasting glucose (P < 2.23 × 10^-6 ), glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.0008) and suicide attempts (P = 1.4 × 10^-8 ). Using models of combined clinical and biological factors for distinguishing BD patients with and without emotional hyper-reactivity, the strongest predictors were: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, C-reactive protein and number of suicide attempts. This predictive model identified patients with emotional hyper-reactivity with 84.9% accuracy.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of emotional hyper-reactivity in remitted BD patients is clinically relevant, particularly for identifying those at higher risk of cardiometabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and suicide.

[Design and assessment of a outpatient living with PICC-line support program: A pilot study]

The peripheral insertion central catheter (PICC-Line) is indicated for long term intravenous medication administration. Some adverse events (AE) might occur, especially for patients after hospital discharge. Therefore, patient empowerment about the side effects and precaution for use is essential to prevent potential patient harm. A multidisciplinary working group met and designed support program for outpatient living with PICC-line. Pharmacy consultations (PC) were proposed to patient before and after PICC-line insertion. A strip cartoon and card game were created to facilitate patient education. The aim of the study was to assess the comprehension of patient then secondarily to follow up AE awareness. During 10 months, 30 patients of mean age 65.9±14 years were included. Thirty-sixPICC-Line were installed and followed on 1659days of catheterization. 4, 9 and 13patients received respectively no, at least one and two PCs before discharge from the hospital. Although the differences were not statistically significant, comprehension tends to improve when patients benefit from both PCs especially when it concerns complications. Twenty-fiveambulatory AEs were recorded including 9infections or suspicion of infection, 2 thrombosis and 2 displacements of PICC-line. Among the patients who had no PC, four experienced delayed care. In comparison, it occurred in only one patient in the group who received at least one PC after PICC-line insertion. Further studies are warranted to confirm this trend.

Cortical abnormalities in bipolar disorder: an MRI analysis of 6503 individuals from the ENIGMA Bipolar Disorder Working Group

Despite decades of research, the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) is still not well understood. Structural brain differences have been associated with BD, but results from neuroimaging studies have been inconsistent. To address this, we performed the largest study to date of cortical gray matter thickness and surface area measures from brain magnetic resonance imaging scans of 6503 individuals including 1837 unrelated adults with BD and 2582 unrelated healthy controls for group differences while also examining the effects of commonly prescribed medications, age of illness onset, history of psychosis, mood state, age and sex differences on cortical regions. In BD, cortical gray matter was thinner in frontal, temporal and parietal regions of both brain hemispheres. BD had the strongest effects on left pars opercularis (Cohen's d=-0.293; P=1.71 × 10^-21), left fusiform gyrus (d=-0.288; P=8.25 × 10^-21) and left rostral middle frontal cortex (d=-0.276; P=2.99 × 10^-19). Longer duration of illness (after accounting for age at the time of scanning) was associated with reduced cortical thickness in frontal, medial parietal and occipital regions. We found that several commonly prescribed medications, including lithium, antiepileptic and antipsychotic treatment showed significant associations with cortical thickness and surface area, even after accounting for patients who received multiple medications. We found evidence of reduced cortical surface area associated with a history of psychosis but no associations with mood state at the time of scanning. Our analysis revealed previously undetected associations and provides an extensive analysis of potential confounding variables in neuroimaging studies of BD.

Death in the New Town: Edinburgh's hidden story of stonemasons' silicosis

The building of the Edinburgh New Town, from the mid-18th to the mid-19th centuries, was a major advance in harmonious and elegant town planning. However, there is anecdotal evidence that it led to the occurrence of an epidemic of silicosis/tuberculosis among the stonemasons. We have reviewed contemporary accounts of the episode and early records of the understanding of silicosis. We have also studied the lung of a contemporary stonemason, preserved in the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and confirmed the presence of silico-tuberculosis in it. The evidence shows that a major epidemic did occur, caused by a combination of factors. The size of the undertaking attracted many stonemasons to Edinburgh over a period of almost 100 years, intensively cutting and dressing stone. The principal stone worked was a very high-quartz sandstone, derived from the local Craigleith quarry, having properties that made it desirable for prestige buildings. However, even before the construction of the New Town, Craigleith sandstone was notorious for its dustiness and the Edinburgh stonemasons worked the stone in unventilated sheds. Stonemasons appeared to be aware of the risk of their trade, but little was known about preventive measures. It appears it was assumed that the risks to stonemasons disappeared after the Craigleith quarry closed, the employers emphasising (without evidence) the lack of health risks in other quarries, and the tragic episode appears to have been forgotten. However, we point to the continuing occurrence of silicosis among stonemasons to the present day; the importance of remembering such episodes is stressed lest the lessons of the past be forgotten.

James Craufurd Gregory, 19th century Scottish physicians, and the link between occupation as a coal miner and lung disease

By the mid-19th century about 200,000 miners were employed in a UK coal mining industry still growing with the advances of the Industrial Revolution. Coal miners were long known to suffer poor health but the link to inhaling dust in the mines had not been made. In 1813 George Pearson was the first to suggest that darkening of lungs seen in normal individuals as they aged was caused by inhaled soot from burning oil, candles and coal, which were the common domestic sources of heat and light. In 1831 Dr James Craufurd Gregory first described black pigmentation and disease in the lungs of a deceased coal miner and linked this to pulmonary accumulation of coal mine dust. Gregory hypothesised that the black material seen at autopsy in the collier's lungs was inhaled coal dust and this was confirmed by chemical analysis carried out by Professor Sir Robert Christison. Gregory suggested that coal dust was the cause of the disease and warned physicians in mining areas to be vigilant for the disease. This first description of what came to be known as 'coal worker's pneumoconiosis' sparked a remarkable intellectual effort by physicians in Scotland, culminating in a large body of published work that led to the first understandings of this disease and its link to coalblackened lungs. This paper sets out the history of the role of Scottish physicians in gaining this understanding of coal worker's pneumoconiosis. It describes Gregory's case and the lung - recently discovered in the pathology collection of the Surgeons' Hall Museums, Edinburgh, where it has lain unnoticed for over 180 years - on which Gregory based his landmark paper.

Ethical considerations in bipolar disorders

The implications of biomedical ethics principles extend to both medical care and biomedical research. They are particularly relevant for psychiatry in which pathologies are often chronic and disabling. Bipolar disorders impact the ability to make judgements and to take decisions during mood episodes and remain a stigmatised condition. Early interventions, even those in the prodromal phase, pose ethical questions for both clinicians and researchers. The degree of patients' autonomy in their clinical care must also now be considered from a biomedical ethics perspective.

Childhood trauma, dimensions of psychopathology and the clinical expression of bipolar disorders: A pathway analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aims at testing for paths from childhood abuse to clinical indicators of complexity in bipolar disorder (BD), through dimensions of affective dysregulation, impulsivity and hostility.

METHOD

485 euthymic patients with BD from the FACE-BD cohort were included from 2009 to 2014. We collect clinical indicators of complexity/severity: age and polarity at onset, suicide attempt, rapid cycling and substance misuse. Patients completed questionnaires to assess childhood emotional, sexual and physical abuses, affective lability, affect intensity, impulsivity, motor and attitudinal hostility.

RESULTS

The path-analysis demonstrated significant associations between emotional abuse and all the affective/impulsive dimensions (p < 0.001). Sexual abuse was moderately associated with emotion-related dimensions but not with impulsivity nor motor hostility. In turn, affect intensity and attitudinal hostility were associated with high risk for lifetime presence of suicide attempts (p < 0.001), whereas impulsivity was associated with a higher risk of lifetime presence of substance misuse (p < 0.001). No major additional paths were identified when including Emotional and Physical Neglect in the model.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides refinement of the links between early adversity, dimensions of psychopathology and the complexity/severity of BD. Mainly, dimensions of affective dysregulation, impulsivity/hostility partially mediate the links between childhood emotional to suicide attempts and substance misuse in BD.

Solar insolation in springtime influences age of onset of bipolar I disorder

OBJECTIVE

To confirm prior findings that the larger the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation in springtime, the younger the age of onset of bipolar disorder.

METHOD

Data were collected from 5536 patients at 50 sites in 32 countries on six continents. Onset occurred at 456 locations in 57 countries. Variables included solar insolation, birth-cohort, family history, polarity of first episode and country physician density.

RESULTS

There was a significant, inverse association between the maximum monthly increase in solar insolation at the onset location, and the age of onset. This effect was reduced in those without a family history of mood disorders and with a first episode of mania rather than depression. The maximum monthly increase occurred in springtime. The youngest birth-cohort had the youngest age of onset. All prior relationships were confirmed using both the entire sample, and only the youngest birth-cohort (all estimated coefficients P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A large increase in springtime solar insolation may impact the onset of bipolar disorder, especially with a family history of mood disorders. Recent societal changes that affect light exposure (LED lighting, mobile devices backlit with LEDs) may influence adaptability to a springtime circadian challenge.