[Comparison of incident reporting and learning systems for radiation oncology in France and abroad]

Reporting and learning are key components of quality and safety in radiotherapy. Each event must be reported to national authorities if considered significant according to national criteria. Lessons learnt from analysis of causal factors are primordial to decrease the risk of reoccurrence or the severity of further events. Thanks to national or international, mandatory or voluntary incidents reporting systems, and experience feedbacks, various sources of learning are available to improve risk management. This article aims to compare the regulations about mandatory declarations of significant events and describe national or international incident reporting and learning systems available.

Changes in the characteristics of patients treated for brain metastases with repeat stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT): a retrospective study of 184 patients

PURPOSE

Brain metastases (BMs) are the leading cause of intracranial malignant neoplasms in adults. WHO, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), age, number of BMs, extracerebral progression (ECP), recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), diagnosis-specific graded prognostic assessment (Ds-GPA) are validated prognostic tools to help clinicians decide on treatment. No consensus exists for repeat stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for BMs. The aim of this study was to review the changes in patient characteristics treated with repeated SRTs.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The data of patients treated between 2010 and 2020 with at least two courses of SRT without previous whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) were reviewed. Age, WHO, KPS, ECP, type of systemic treatment, number of BMs were recorded. RPA, Ds-GPA and brain metastasis velocity (BMV) were calculated.

RESULTS

184 patients were treated for 915 BMs and received two to six SRTs for local or distant brain recurrence. The median number of BMs treated per SRT was 1 (range: 1-6), for a median of 4 BMs treated during all sessions (range: 2-19). WHO, Ds-GPA and RPA were stable between each session of SRT, whereas KPS was significantly better in SRT1 than in the following SRT. The number of BMs was not significantly different between each SRT, but there was a tendency for more BM at SRT1 (p = 0.06). At SRT1, patients had largest BM and undergo more surgery than during the following SRT (p < 0.001). 6.5%, 37.5% and 56% of patients were classified as high, intermediate, and low BMV, respectively, at the last SRT session. There was almost perfect concordance between the BMV-grade calculated at the last SRT session and at SRT2 (r = 0.89; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Repeated SRT doesn't lead to a marked alteration in the general condition, KPS was maintained at over 70% for more than 95% of patients during all SRTs. Long survival can be expected, especially in low-grade BMV patients. WBRT shouldn't be aborted, especially for patients developing more than twelve BMs annually.

Acute toxicities and cumulative dose to the brain of repeated sessions of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for brain metastases: a retrospective study of 184 patients

BACKGROUND

Stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) is a focal treatment for brain metastases (BMs); thus, 20 to 40% of patients will require salvage treatment after an initial SRT session, either because of local or distant failure. SRT is not exempt from acute toxicity, and the acute toxicities of repeated SRT are not well known. The objective of this study was to analyze the acute toxicities of repeated courses of SRT and to determine whether repeated SRT could lead to cumulative brain doses equivalent to those of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2010 and 2020, data from 184 patients treated for 915 BMs via two to six SRT sessions for local or distant BM recurrence without previous or intercurrent WBRT were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were seen via consultations during SRT, and the delivered dose, the use of corticosteroid therapy and neurological symptoms were recorded and rated according to the CTCAEv4. The dosimetric characteristics of 79% of BMs were collected, and summation plans of 76.6% of BMs were created.

RESULTS

36% of patients developed acute toxicity during at least one session. No grade three or four toxicity was registered, and grade one or two cephalalgy was the most frequently reported symptom. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of acute toxicity between consecutive SRT sessions. In the multivariate analysis, acute toxicity was associated with the use of corticosteroid therapy before irradiation (OR = 2.6; p = 0.01), BMV grade (high vs. low grade OR = 5.17; p = 0.02), and number of SRT sessions (3 SRT vs. 2 SRT: OR = 2.64; p = 0.01). The median volume equivalent to the WBRT dose (V_WBRT) was 47.9 ml. In the multivariate analysis, the V_WBRT was significantly associated with the total GTV (p < 0.001) and number of BMs (p < 0.001). Even for patients treated for more than ten cumulated BMs, the median BED to the brain was very low compared to the dose delivered during WBRT.

CONCLUSION

Repeated SRT for local or distant recurrent BM is well tolerated, without grade three or four toxicity, and does not cause more acute neurological toxicity with repeated SRT sessions. Moreover, even for patients treated for more than ten BMs, the V_WBRT is low.

Imaging of the medial collateral ligament of the knee: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The primary aim of this investigation was to systematically review relevant literature of various imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stress radiography and ultrasonography) in the assessment of patients with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review of articles indexed in PubMed and Cochrane library was performed. Original research reporting data associated with medial gapping, surgical, and clinical findings associated with MCL injuries were considered for inclusion. The methodological quality of each inclusion was also assessed using a verified tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-three imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) n = 14; ultrasonography n = 6; radiography n = 3) were ultimately included into the review. A total of 808 injured, and 294 control, knees were assessed. Interobserver reliabilities were reported in radiographic and ultrasonographic investigations with almost perfect agreement. MRI studies demonstrated agreement ranging between substantial to almost perfect. Intraobserver reliability was only reported in radiographic studies pertinent to medial gapping and was found to be almost perfect. Correlation of MRI with clinical findings was moderate to strong (65-92%). Additionally, MRI imaging was more sensitive in the detection of MCL lesions when compared to clinical examination. However, when compared to surgical findings, MRI underestimated the grade of instability in up to 21% of cases. Furthermore, MRI showed relatively inferior performance in the identification of the exact MCL-lesion location when compared to surgical findings. Interestingly, preoperative clinical examination was slightly inferior to stress radiography in the detection of MCL lesions. However, clinical testing under general anaesthesia performed similar to stress radiography. The methodological quality analysis showed a low risk of bias regarding patient selection and index testing in each imaging modality.

CONCLUSION

MRI can reliably diagnose an MCL lesion but demonstrates limitations in its ability to predict the specific lesion location or grade of MCL instability. Ultrasonography is a widely available, radiation free modality, but is rarely used in clinical practice for detecting MCL lesions and clinical or surgical correlates are scarce. Stress radiography findings correlate with surgical findings but clinical correlations are missing in the literature.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Management alters drought-induced mortality patterns in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests

The high tree mortality during the dry and hot years of 2018-2019 in Europe has triggered concerns on the future of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests under climate change and raised questions as to whether forest management may increase tree mortality. We compared long-term mortality rates of beech between managed and unmanaged stands including the years 2018-2019 at 11 sites in Hesse, Germany. We hypothesized that mortality would increase with climate water deficits during the growing season, initial stand density, decreasing dominance of trees, and decreasing intensity of tree removals. Initial stand density, tree removals, the climate water balance and the competitive status of trees were used as predictor variables. Mean annual natural mortality rates ranged between 0.5% and 2.1%. Even in the drought years, we observed no signs of striking canopy disintegration. The significantly higher mortality (1.6-2.1%) in unmanaged stands during the drought years 2018 and 2019 was largely confined to suppressed trees. There was no significant increase of mortality in managed stands during the drought years, but a shift in mortality towards larger canopy trees. Our study did not confirm a general influence of management, in the form of tree removals, on mortality rates. Yet, we found that during drought years, management changed the distribution of mortality within the tree community. To analyse the effects of management on mortality rates more comprehensively, a wider gradient in site moisture conditions, including sites drier than in this study, and longer post-drought periods should be employed.

Cardiovascular rehabilitation delivery and outcomes in Switzerland: data from a national database over the last decade

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary, comprehensive, exercise-based intervention strongly recommended by current guidelines to improve symptoms and quality of life and to reduce cardiovascular adverse outcomes, mainly in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure. CR activities have not been reported on a Swiss national base so far.

Purpose

To report CR outcome variables from a Swiss national base.

Methods

As part of the Swiss working group for cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation, and sports cardiology (SCPRS) quality standards, all Swiss CR centres provide yearly a quality indicator report on an online questionnaire. Annual data from 2010 to 2019 were transferred as medians or means of all individual patients' data from each centre. We used the t-Student test to compare changes of outcome variables between entry and exit of the programme.

Results

A total of 133,060 CR patients were included (68,690 inpatients and 64,370 outpatients) with a progressive increase reaching its climax with 14'909 patients/year in 2018. Mean age ± standard deviation (SD) in outpatient and inpatient programmes was 60±1 and 68±1 years, and women percentage 21% and 32%, respectively. The most common CR indication was acute coronary syndrome (51%) in outpatient, whereas cardiovascular surgery of various types (60%) was the main indication in inpatient programmes. Mean improvement ± SD of functional capacity was 38% ±3.6 using the six-minute walk test in inpatient (p&lt;0.001) and 21% ±2 using cycle-ergometer maximal exercise testing in outpatient programmes (p&lt;0.001). Quality of life mainly assessed with the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) in outpatient CR improved by 13% ±4.5. MacNew Heart questionnaire systematically performed in inpatient programmes showed significant improvement at emotional level by 12% ±0.4, at physical level by 30% ±0.9, and at social level by 18% ±0.6.

Conclusion

Even if still underutilised in certain groups of patients such as women or heart failure, CR has gained growing importance in Switzerland during the last decade. Functional capacity, as well as quality of life, was significantly improved. Individual CR patient data should be collected in the future to improve assessment of outcome parameters and benchmarking of centres.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Noninvasive Follow-up Imaging of Ruptured Pediatric Brain AVMs Using Arterial Spin-Labeling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Brain AVMs represent the main etiology of pediatric intracranial hemorrhage. Noninvasive imaging techniques to monitor the treatment effect of brain AVMs remain an unmet need. In a large cohort of pediatric ruptured brain AVMs, we aimed to investigate the role of arterial spin-labeling for the longitudinal follow-up during treatment and after complete obliteration by analyzing CBF variations across treatment sessions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with ruptured brain AVMs referred to a pediatric quaternary care center were prospectively included in a registry that was retrospectively queried for children treated between 2011 and 2019 with unimodal or multimodal treatment (surgery, radiosurgery, embolization). We included children who underwent an arterial spin-labeling sequence before and after treatment and a follow-up DSA. CBF variations were analyzed in univariable analyses.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine children with 105 distinct treatment sessions were included. The median CBF variation after treatment was -43 mL/100 mg/min (interquartile range, -102-5.5), significantly lower after complete nidal surgical resection. Following radiosurgery, patients who were healed on the last DSA follow-up demonstrated a greater CBF decrease on intercurrent MR imaging, compared with patients with a persisting shunt at last follow-up (mean, -62 [SD, 61] mL/100 mg/min versus -17 [SD, 40.1] mL/100 mg/min; P = .02). In children with obliterated AVMs, recurrences occurred in 12% and resulted in a constant increase in CBF (mean, +89 [SD, 77] mL/100 mg/min).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results contribute data on the role of noninvasive arterial spin-labeling monitoring of the response to treatment or follow-up after obliteration of pediatric AVMs. Future research may help to better delineate how arterial spin-labeling can assist in decisions regarding the optimal timing for DSA.

Evaluation of the plantaris tendon: cadaver anatomy study with ultrasonographic and clinical correlation with tennis leg injury in 759 calves

OBJECTIVE

The role of the plantaris muscle (PM) in the literature is not clear. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to study PM at the interface between the medial gastrocnemius and soleus muscle in a cadaveric series, (2) to compare anatomic results with ultrasound (US) in the general population, and (3) to identify the potential role of the PM in the genesis of tennis leg (TL) injury.

METHODS

First, a cadaveric study was undertaken on six cadavers for descriptive and functional PM anatomy. Second, US evaluation was carried out for 670 calves in 335 subjects with no suspicion of a clinical tear in the thigh or calf muscle (group 1) and for 89 calves in 89 patients with tear symptoms (group 2). Study criteria were the presence or absence of PM tendon and the width measurement if present.

RESULTS

The PM was present in all cadavers. Traction on the tendon showed its "limited" mobility due to the connective tissue adherence mentioned with no apparent gliding of PM, promoting TL injury. In US, 37 PM were absent (4.35%) in 23 subjects. PM tendon width measurement of group 1 and group 2 was, respectively, 3.93 + / - 1.10 mm and 3.96 + / - 1.10 mm. No statistically significant differences between width measurements were found according to side (P = 0.74) or group (P = 0.69). Significant differences in width were only found between genders in group 1 (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

PM were absent in 4.35% population. The contraction of PM can promote tennis leg injury by increasing the shear forces at the level of the distal inter-aponeurotic region.

Evaluation of DIR algorithm performance in real patients for radiotherapy treatments: A systematic review of operator-dependent strategies

PURPOSE

The performance of deformable medical image registration (DIR) algorithms has become a major concern.

METHODS

We aimed to obtain updated information on DIR algorithm performance quantification through a literature review of articles published between 2010 and 2022. We focused only on studies using operator-based methods to treat real patients. The PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

One hundred and seven articles were identified. The mean number of patients and registrations per publication was 20 and 63, respectively. We found 23 different geometric metrics appearing at least twice, and the dosimetric impact of DIR was quantified in 32 articles. Forty-eight different at-risk organs were described, and target volumes were studied in 43 publications. Prostate, head-and-neck and thoracic locations represented more than ¾ of the studied locations. We summarized the type of DIR and the images used, and other key elements. Intra/interobserver variability, threshold values and the correlation between metrics were also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

This literature review covers the past decade and should facilitate the implementation of DIR algorithms in clinical practice by providing practical and pertinent information to quantify their performance on real patients.

Radionecrosis after repeated courses of radiotherapy under stereotactic conditions for brain metastases: Analysis of clinical and dosimetric data from a retrospective cohort of 184 patients

PURPOSE

Between 10 and 40% of patients with cancer will develop one or more brain metastases (BMs). Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is part of the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of de novo or recurrent BM. Its main interest is to delay whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), which may cause cognitive toxicity. However, SRT is not exempt from long-term toxicity, and the most widely known SRT is radionecrosis (RN). The objective of this study was to analyze the occurrence of RN per BM and per patient.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2010 and 2020, data from 184 patients treated for 915 BMs by two to six SRT sessions for local or distant brain recurrence without previous or intercurrent WBRT were retrospectively reviewed. RN was examined on trimestral follow-up MRI and potentially confirmed by surgery or nuclear medicine. For each BM and SRT session plan, summation V_12Gy, V_14Gy, V_21Gy and V_23Gy isodoses were collected. Volumes of intersections were created between the 12Gy isodose at the first SRT and the 18Gy isodose of the following SRT (V_18-12Gy).

RESULTS

At the end of follow-up, 23.0% of patients presented RN, and 6.3% of BM presented RN. Median follow-up of BM was 13.3 months (95%CI 18.3-20.8). The median interval between BM irradiation and RN was 8.7 months (95% CI 9.2-14.7). Six-, 12- and 24-month RN-free survival rates per BM were 75%, 54% and 29%, respectively. The median RN-free survival per patient was 15.3 months (95% CI 13.6-18.1). In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of RN per BM was statistically associated with local reirradiation (P<0.001) and the number of SRTs (P<0.001). In univariate analysis, the occurrence of RN per patient was statistically associated with the sum of all V_18-12Gy (P=0.02). No statistical association was found in multivariate analysis. A sum of all V_18-12Gy of less than 1.5ml was associated with a 14.6% risk of RN, compared with 35.6% when the sum of all V_18-12Gy was superior to 1.5ml. The sum of all V_18-12Gy larger than 1.5ml was associated with a 74% specificity and 53% sensitivity of RN (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, a small number of BMs show RN during repeated SRT for local or distant recurrent BMs. Local reirradiation was the most predictive factor of brain RN. A V_18-12Gy larger than 7.6ml in the case of local reirradiation or larger than 1.5ml in proximity reirradiation were prognostic factors of RN. The more BM patients need radiation therapy, and the longer they survive after irradiation, the higher their individual risk of developing RN.

Dermatological and genetic data in tuberous sclerosis: A prospective single-center study of 38 patients

BACKGROUND

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder involving the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. Skin signs are prominent, but dermatological data are scarce. This study aims to describe the cutaneous signs of TSC with the genotype.

METHODS

We studied the dermatological characteristics of 38 patients with TSC at the University Hospital of Montpellier. We collected details of genotypic features.

RESULTS

All the patients presented at least one cutaneous sign. The dermatological examination alone was sufficient to establish a definite diagnosis of TSC based on the diagnostic criteria for 34/38 patients. No association was found between cutaneous signs and the presence of a TSC1 or TSC2 mutation. We noted skin signs that were poorly described in the disease, namely epidermal nevus in 3 patients, vascular malformation in 2 patients, and keratosis pilaris in 9 patients.

DISCUSSION

While several studies demonstrate a more severe neurological phenotype in TSC2 mutated patients, skin expression does not appear to differ according to the mutated gene. Further case reports and molecular genetic studies are needed to determine the link between epidermal nevus, vascular malformations, keratosis pilaris and TSC.

Prognostic value of contrast-enhanced MRI in Guillain-Barré syndrome in children

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study is to explore the prognostic value of different contrast enhancement imaging patterns in childhood Guillain-Barré syndrome by comparing the clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic outcomes.

METHODS

We included a total of 37 patients who were diagnosed and followed up by a pediatric neurology team at Montpellier University Hospital between 2000 and 2016. All images were reinterpreted by the first author and a senior pediatric neuroradiology staff member in two different sessions; in the case of disagreement, the expert's reading was considered.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 22 (59.5%) boys and 15 (40.5%) girls. The age ranged from 1.5 year to 14.8 years. Muscle weakness was present in 33 (89.2%) patients. Cranial nerves involvement was observed in 22 (59.5%) patients, while 29 (78.4%) patients had albuminocytological dissociation. In 27 (73%) patients, contrast enhancement or thickening of the lumbosacral nerve roots was found. Simultaneous spinal nerve root and cranial nerve enhancement was noted in five (17.2%) patients, while isolated cranial nerve enhancement was identified in three (10.3%) patients. Clinical and radiological cranial nerve involvement was found in seven (18.9%) patients, while isolated clinical cranial nerves involvement occurred in 13 (35.1%) patients. No significant correlation between different magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement patterns and short-term or long-term outcomes was found in our cohort.

CONCLUSION

Contrast-enhanced brain and spinal MRI is a sensitive and recommended supportive test for diagnosing acute inflammatory polyradiculopathy in children. Its predictive value for clinical, and therapeutic outcomes in the short or long term has not yet been proved.

Diagnostic yield and cost analysis of electrocardiographic screening in Swiss paediatric athletes

OBJECTIVES

Athletes performing sports on high level are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. This includes paediatric athletes, even though data on screening strategies in this age group remain scarce. This study aimed to assess electrocardiogram interpretation criteria in paediatric athletes and to evaluate the cost of screening.

METHODS

National, multicentre, retrospective, observational study on 891 athletes of paediatric age (<18 years) evaluated by history, physical examination and 12-lead electrocardiogram. The primary outcome measure was abnormal electrocardiogram findings according to the International Recommendations for Electrographic Interpretation in Athletes. The secondary outcome measure was cost of screening.

RESULTS

19 athletes (2.1%) presented abnormal electrocardiogram findings requiring further investigations, mainly abnormal T-wave inversion. These 19 athletes were predominantly males, performing endurance sports with a mean volume of 10 weekly hours for a mean duration of 6 years of training. Further investigations did not identify any relevant pathology. All athletes were cleared for competition with regular follow-up. Total costs of the screening were 108,860 USD (122 USD per athlete).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study using the International Recommendations for Electrographic Interpretation in Athletes identified a low count of abnormal findings in paediatric athletes, yet raising substantially the cost of screening. Hence, the utility of electrocardiogram-inclusive screening of paediatric athletes remains to be elucidated by longitudinal data.

UV-B light and its application potential to reduce disease and pest incidence in crops

Ultraviolet-B radiation (280-315 nm), perceived by the plant photoreceptor UVR8, is a key environmental signal that influences plant growth and development and can reduce disease and pest incidence. The positive effect of UV-B on disease resistance and incidence in various plant species supports the implementation of supplemental UV-B radiation in sustainable crop production. However, despite many studies focusing on UV-B light, there is no consensus on the best mode of application. This review aims to analyze, evaluate, and organize the different application strategies of UV-B radiation in crop production with a focus on disease resistance. We summarize the physiological effects of UV-B light on plants and discuss how plants perceive and transduce UV-B light by the UVR8 photoreceptor as well as how this perception alters plant specialized metabolite production. Next, we bring together conclusions of various studies with respect to different UV-B application methods to improve plant resistance. In general, supplemental UV-B light has a positive effect on disease resistance in many plant-pathogen combinations, mainly through the induction of the production of specialized metabolites. However, many variables (UV-B light source, plant species, dose and intensity, timing during the day, duration, background light, etc.) make it difficult to compare and draw general conclusions. We compiled the information of recent studies on UV-B light applications, including e.g., details on the UV-B light source, experimental set-up, calculated UV-B light dose, intensity, and duration. This review provides practical insights and facilitates future research on UV-B radiation as a promising tool to reduce disease and pest incidence.

Clinical implementation of deep-learning based auto-contouring tools-Experience of three French radiotherapy centers

Deep-learning (DL)-based auto-contouring solutions have recently been proposed as a convincing alternative to decrease workload of target volumes and organs-at-risk (OAR) delineation in radiotherapy planning and improve inter-observer consistency. However, there is minimal literature of clinical implementations of such algorithms in a clinical routine. In this paper we first present an update of the state-of-the-art of DL-based solutions. We then summarize recent recommendations proposed by the European society for radiotherapy and oncology (ESTRO) to be followed before any clinical implementation of artificial intelligence-based solutions in clinic. The last section describes the methodology carried out by three French radiation oncology departments to deploy CE-marked commercial solutions. Based on the information collected, a majority of OAR are retained by the centers among those proposed by the manufacturers, validating the usefulness of DL-based models to decrease clinicians' workload. Target volumes, with the exception of lymph node areas in breast, head and neck and pelvic regions, whole breast, breast wall, prostate and seminal vesicles, are not available in the three commercial solutions at this time. No implemented workflows are currently available to continuously improve the models, but these can be adapted/retrained in some solutions during the commissioning phase to best fit local practices. In reported experiences, automatic workflows were implemented to limit human interactions and make the workflow more fluid. Recommendations published by the ESTRO group will be of importance for guiding physicists in the clinical implementation of patient specific and regular quality assurances.

Automation in radiotherapy treatment planning: Examples of use in clinical practice and future trends for a complete automated workflow

Modern radiotherapy treatment planning is a complex and time-consuming process that requires the skills of experienced users to obtain quality plans. Since the early 2000s, the automation of this planning process has become an important research topic in radiotherapy. Today, the first commercial automated treatment planning solutions are available and implemented in a growing number of clinical radiotherapy departments. It should be noted that these various commercial solutions are based on very different methods, implying a daily practice that varies from one center to another. It is likely that this change in planning practices is still in its infancy. Indeed, the rise of artificial intelligence methods, based in particular on deep learning, has recently revived research interest in this subject. The numerous articles currently being published announce a lasting and profound transformation of radiotherapy planning practices in the years to come. From this perspective, an evolution of initial training for clinical teams and the drafting of new quality assurance recommendations is desirable.

Pneumococcal immunity and PCV13 vaccine response in SOT-candidates and recipients

BACKGROUND

Solid organ transplantation (SOT) candidates and recipients are highly vulnerable to invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD). Data on which to base optimal immunization recommendations for this population is scant. The national distribution of IPD serotypes led the Swiss Health Authorities to recommend in 2014 one dose of pneumococcal-13-valent-conjugate-vaccine (PCV13), without any subsequent dose of the 23-valent-polysaccharide-pneumococcal-vaccine (PPV23).

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of pneumococcal immunity using a multiplex binding assay, to assess seroprotection rates against a selection of seven PCV13- and seven PPV23-serotypes in SOT-candidates and recipients evaluated and/or transplanted in 2014/2015 in the University Hospitals of Geneva. Seroprotection was defined as serotype-specific antibody concentration greater than 0.5 mg/l and overall seroprotection when this was achieved for ≥ 6/7 serotypes.

RESULTS

Pre-vaccination and at time of transplant sera were available for 35/43 (81%), and 43/43 (100%) SOT-candidates respectively. At listing, 17/35 (49%) SOT-candidates were seroprotected against PCV13 and 21/35 (60%) against PPV23 serotypes. Following one systematic dose of PCV13 at listing, 35/43 (81%) SOT-recipients were seroprotected at day of transplant against PCV13-serotypes and 34/43 (79%) against PPV23 serotypes, compared to 21/41 (51%) and 28/41 (68%) respectively in the controls transplanted in 2013, before the systematic PCV13-vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic vaccination with PCV13 of all SOT candidates without additional PPV23 is a good strategy as it confers seroprotection against a wide range of pneumococcal serotypes. Indeed, one of five PCV13-vaccinated SOT-candidates was nevertheless not seroprotected at time of transplant, reflecting their partial immune competence, and indicating the need for additional dose of pneumococcal vaccines before transplant.

Toxicity of sediment oiled with diluted bitumens to freshwater and estuarine amphipods

To address knowledge gaps and the lack of benchmarks on the toxicity of dilbit oiled sediments, weathered Cold Lake Blend (CLB) and Western Canadian Select (WCS) were assessed in 10-day sediment tests with the amphipods Hyalella azteca and Leptocheirus plumulosus. Lowest observed effect concentrations (LOECs) and 20% effect levels (EC20s) were determined for wet weight sediment concentrations of TPH and total PAHs normalized to 1% organic carbon. LOECs and EC20s for TPH ranged from 216 to 1165 mg/kg sediment in H. azteca, and from 64 to 75 mg/kg sediment in L. plumulosus. Dilbit LOECs and EC20s for total PAHs ranged from 2.9 to 11.8 mg/kg sediment in H. azteca, and from 0.75 to 0.87 mg/kg in L. plumulosus. Comparison of toxicity-based benchmarks derived from the current study to sediment concentrations from past spills indicate that dilbit spills in aquatic habitats may pose substantial risks to freshwater and estuarine benthic organisms.

Risk Factors for Early Brain AVM Rupture: Cohort Study of Pediatric and Adult Patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Whether architectural characteristics of ruptured brain AVMs vary across the life span is unknown. We aimed to identify angioarchitectural features associated with brain AVMs ruptured early in life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with ruptured brain AVMs referred to 2 distinct academic centers between 2000 and 2018 were pooled and retrospectively analyzed. Imaging was retrospectively reviewed for angioarchitectural characteristics, including nidus size, location, Spetzler-Martin grade, venous drainage, and arterial or nidal aneurysm. Angioarchitecture variations across age groups were analyzed using uni- and multivariable models; then cohorts were pooled and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox models to determine factors associated with earlier rupture.

RESULTS

Among 320 included patients, 122 children (mean age, 9.8 ± 3.8 years) and 198 adults (mean age, 43.3 ± 15.7 years) were analyzed. Pediatric brain AVMs were more frequently deeply located (56.3% versus 21.2%, P < .001), with a larger nidus (24.2  versus 18.9 mm, P = .002), were less frequently nidal (15.9% versus 23.5%, P = .03) and arterial aneurysms (2.7% versus 17.9%, P < .001), and had similar drainage patterns or Spetzler-Martin grades. In the fully adjusted Cox model, supratentorial, deep brain AVM locations (adjusted relative risk, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01-1.41; P = .03 and adjusted relative risk, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.22-1.67; P < .001, respectively) and exclusively deep venous drainage (adjusted relative risk, 1.46, 95% CI, 1.21-1.76; P < .001) were associated with earlier rupture, whereas arterial or nidal aneurysms were associated with rupture later in life.

CONCLUSIONS

The angioarchitecture of ruptured brain AVMs significantly varies across the life span. These distinct features may help to guide treatment decisions for patients with unruptured AVMs.

Give CRISPR a Chance: the GeneSprout Initiative

Did you know that a group of early-career researchers launched an initiative enabling open dialog on new plant breeding techniques, such as genome editing? We developed a wide-ranging initiative that aims to facilitate public engagement and provide a platform for young plant scientists to encourage participation in science communication.

Super-Resolution Scanning Transmission X-Ray Imaging Using Single Biconcave Parabolic Refractive Lens Array

A new super resolution imaging technique which potentially enables sub-µm spatial resolution, using a detector of pixels much larger than the spatial resolution, is proposed. The method utilizes sample scanning through a large number of identical X-ray microprobes periodically spaced (the period corresponds to a multiple of the pixel size), which reduces drastically the scanning time. The information about the sample illuminated by the microprobes is stored by large detector pixels. Using these data and sample position information, a super-resolution image reconstruction is performed. With a one-dimensional (1D) high aspect ratio nickel single lens array designed for theoretically expected sub-µm microprobes at 17 keV and fabricated by deep X-ray lithography and electroforming technique, 2 µm X-ray microprobes with a period of 10 µm were achieved. We performed a first experiment at KARA synchrotron facility, and it was demonstrated that the smallest structure of a test pattern with a size of 1.5 µm could be easily resolved by using images generated from a detector having a pixel size of 10.4 µm. This new approach has a great potential for providing a new microscopic imaging modality with a large field of view and short scan time.

P2573Modelling the duchenne muscular dystrophy-induced dilated cardiomyopathy using patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes

Introduction

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a X-linked degenerative pathology with a prevalence of 1/3500 boys due to absence of functional dystrophin in muscles. In a late stage of DMD, patients developed a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which can lead to heart failure and premature death.

In the past, we showed that DMD (mdx) mice exhibit a perturbation of the intracellular calcium homeostasis correlated to a pathological remodelling of the calcium ryanodine receptor channel (RyR2) leading to DCM with aging. However, mouse model does not represent a pertinent prototype to study DMD. Human pluripotent stem-cell derived-cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are a pertinent tool to model patient-specific inherited cardiac diseases and screen pharmacological drugs in a Petri dish.

Objective

Based on the clinical history of DMD patients in the local Hospital, our main objective is to model DMD-induced DCM using hiPSC-CMs and compare the functional and molecular features with the clinical echocardiography. To that, we hypothesize that hiPSC-CMs are a powerful technology to model in vitro DCM and to better understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying DCM.

Methods

3 blood samples from DMD patients with different DCM degrees of severity and 3 from healthy control (HC) were collected, reprogrammed in hiPSC and differentiated into cardiomyocytes.

Results

Our preliminary data indicate that DMD hiPSC-CMs present an abnormal intracellular calcium homeostasis characterized by the presence of leaky diastolic calcium events compared to HC hiPSC-CMs suggesting a RyR2 dysfunction. In DMD hiPSC-CMs, we also observe alterations in the contractile properties and a perturbation of the mitochondrial respiration.

Conclusion

Our results support the fact that DMD-inducing DCM can be modelled in the dish using patient-specific hiPSC-CMs. Such modelling may provide a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and the pharmacological treatment of the DMD-induced DCM.

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1: Biosynthesis and mRNA Level Are Increased by Insulin in Cultured Human Hepatocytes

Clinical studies have shown that plasma insulin levels are closely related to plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) levels. To investigate a possible involvement of hepatocytes we have studied the effect of insulin on PAI-1 production by primary cultures of human hepatocytes. We have isolated human hepatocytes from seven left liver lobes. PAI-1 activity measured in 24 hours conditioned medium varied considerably between the various hepatocyte preparations (from 2.9 to 8.5 units per 5 cm2of cells) possibly as a result of interindividual variability in basal PAI-1 production by hepatocytes from different donors. In all cases, however, the relative extent, time profile and dose-dependency of the insulin-induced increase in PAI-1 synthesis were consistent. Up to about 7 nM, insulin dose-dependently increased both PAI-1 activity and PAI-1 antigen production. The increase in PAI-1 synthesis became measurable between 4 and 8 hours after addition of the hormone, and maximally reached twofold control values. The increase in PAI-1 synthesis could be fully explained by a concomitant increase in PAI-1 mRNA levels. The effect of insulin seems fairly specific for the synthesis of PAI-1: overall protein synthesis and mRNA levels of some control proteins (albumin and fibrinogen) did not markedly change after insulin addition. These results, obtained with primary cultures of human hepatocytes, are fully comparable with those obtained with the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line Hep G2. They strengthen the suggestion that the elevated level of PAI-1 in high insulin plasma might be the result of increased hepatic synthesis of PAI-1.

Somatostatin Receptor Scintigraphy of a Patient with a Giant Invasive Prolactinoma

A 41-year-old with a giant prolactinoma underwent ln-111 pentetreotide (Octreotide) imaging showing very intense tracer uptake in the region of the anterior skull base. In contrast, there was no significant response to Octreotide therapy. Prediction of clinical responsiveness to Octreotide therapy in patients with pituitary adenomas may depend on the presence of somatostatin receptor subtype 5. Pentetreotide does not avidly bind to this receptor subtype and therefore, cannot be used clinically to predict therapeutic Octreotide responsiveness in patients with large prolactinomas.

Detecting anomalies in a deliberately biased tomotherapy plan: Comparison of two patient-specific quality assurance processes involving ArcCHECK® and Gafchromic® EBT3 films

PURPOSE

This work proposes a comparative evaluation of two of our patient-specific quality assurance processes involving ArcCHECK^® (Sun Nuclear) and Gafchromic^® EBT3 films (Ashland) in order to determine which detector is able to most effectively detect an anomaly in a deliberately biased tomotherapy plan.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A complex clinical head and neck tomotherapy plan was deliberately biased by introducing six errors: multileaf collimator leaf positional errors by leaving one and two central leafs closed during the whole treatment, initial radiation angle errors (+0.5° and +1.0°) and multileaf collimator leafs opening time errors (+0.5% and +1.0%). For each error-induced plan, comparison of ArcCHECK^® with Gafchromic^® EBT3 films (20.3×25.4cm²) was performed through two methods: a dose matrices subtraction study and a gamma index analysis.

RESULTS

The dose matrices subtraction study shows that our ArcCHECK^® processing is able to detect all the six induced errors contrary to the one using films, which are only able to detect the two biases involving multileaf collimator leaf positional errors. The gamma index analysis confirms the previous method, since it shows all six errors induced in the reference plan seem to be widely detected with ArcCHECK^® with the more restrictive 1%/1mm gamma criterion, whereas films may only be able to detect biases in relation to multileaf collimator leaf positional errors. It also shows the common 3%/3mm gamma criterion does not allow deciding between both detectors in the detection of the six induced biases.

CONCLUSION

Both comparative methods showed ArcCHECK^® processing is more suitable to detect the six errors introduced in the reference treatment plan.

[Algorithms and urinary incontinence in the elderly. Assessment, treatment, recommendations and levels of evidence. Review]

OBJECTIVES

Search processing algorithms in a primary care setting, analyzing the specifics of care management for seniors suffering from urinary incontinence (UI), described the recommendations and levels of evidence of treatment.

METHODS

A literature review carried out via PubMed^® and websites of scientific societies with search keywords classified according to an algorithm.

RESULTS

One hundred algorithms have been discovered in the field of evaluation and treatment of UI. Screening for UI risk factors began early on in the treatment of reversible or chronic comorbidities, avoiding iatrogenic. Specific clinical features (red flags) required specialized advice. Non-pharmacological conservative treatment should be offered first in line for seniors: behavioral therapy, changes in lifestyle, walk, treatment of constipation. For women, pelvic floor muscle training combined biofeedback and functional electrical stimulation. After failure and persistence of UI with urgency, the information of the risk of a possible urinary retention or cognitive impairments preceded the prescription of an anticholinergic and the measurement of post-voiding residue done by ultrasounds. Older age is not a cons-indication for surgery UI least invasive. The cough test and Bonney maneuver can confirm a masked stress urinary incontinence and/or an associated prolapse. Cases of failure of UI, doubtful diagnosis or programmed surgery required urodynamic assessment.

CONCLUSION

Algorithms and recommendations of UI should remain a valuable aid to the clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment of UI in the elderly.

Benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside versus meropenem in neutropenic lymphoma and leukaemia patients with a suspected bacterial infection: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

In Norway, initial treatment of febrile neutropenia (FN) has traditionally been benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside. Internationally, FN is often treated with a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic. We aimed to compare these two regimens in a prospective, randomized, trial in patients with lymphoma or leukaemia with an expected period of neutropenia ≥7 days, and a suspected bacterial infection.

METHODS

Adult neutropenic patients with lymphoma or leukaemia, and a suspected bacterial infection, were randomized for treatment with benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside or meropenem. The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as no modification of antibiotics and clinical stability 72 h after randomization.

RESULTS

Among 322 randomized patients, 297 proved evaluable for analyses. Fifty-nine per cent (95% CI 51%-66%), (87/148) of the patients given benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside were clinically stable, and had no antibiotic modifications 72 h after randomization, compared with 82% (95% CI 75%-87%), (122/149) of the patients given meropenem (p <0.001). When the antibiotic therapy was stopped, 24% (95% CI 18%-32%), (36/148) of the patients given benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside, compared with 52% (95% CI 44%-60%), (78/149) of the patients given meropenem, had no modifications of their regimens (p <0.001). In the benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside arm, the all-cause fatality within 30 days of randomization was 3.4% (95% CI 1.2%-7.9%), (5/148) of the patients, compared with 0% (95% CI 0.0%-3.0%), (0/149) of the patients in the meropenem arm (p 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Clinical success was more common in FN patients randomized to meropenem compared with the patients randomized to benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside. The all-cause fatality was higher among the patients given benzylpenicillin plus an aminoglycoside.