Epidemiology and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to perform a comprehensive evaluation of frailty in a large European cohort of AF patients.

METHODS

A 40-item frailty index (FI) was built according to the accumulation of deficits model in the AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association of baseline characteristics, clinical management, quality of life, healthcare resources use and risk of outcomes with frailty was examined.

RESULTS

Among 10,177 patients [mean age (standard deviation) 69.0 (11.4) years, 4,103 (40.3%) females], 6,066 (59.6%) were pre-frail and 2,172 (21.3%) were frail, whereas only 1,939 (19.1%) were considered robust. Baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were independently associated with increasing FI. Frail patients with AF were less likely to be treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89), especially with non-vitamin K antagonist OACs and managed with a rhythm control strategy, compared with robust patients. Increasing frailty was associated with a higher risk for all outcomes examined, with a non-linear exponential relationship. The use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of outcomes, except in patients with very/extremely high frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of AF patients, there was a high burden of frailty, influencing clinical management and risk of adverse outcomes. The clinical benefit of OAC is maintained in patients with high frailty, but not in very high/extremely frail ones.

Diel rhythm of volatile emissions of males and females of the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata

Fruit flies in the genus Bactrocera are among the most destructive insect pests of fruits and vegetables throughout the world. A number of studies have identified volatiles from fruit flies, but few reports have demonstrated behavioral effects or sensitivities of fly antennae to these compounds. We applied a recently developed method of automated headspace analysis using SPME (Solid Phase Microextraction) fibers and GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry), termed SSGA, to reveal volatiles specific to each sex of B. zonata that are emitted in a diel periodicity. The volatiles released primarily at dusk were identified by GC-MS and chemical syntheses as several spiroacetals, pyrazines, and ethyl esters. Solvent extraction of male rectal glands or airborne collections from each sex, followed by GC-MS, showed that certain of the volatiles increase or decrease in quantity sex-specifically with age of the flies. Electroantennographic (EAG) analysis of dose-response indicates differences in sensitivities of male and female antenna to the various volatiles. Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the volatile chemicals produced and released by B. zonata and their antennal responses. The possible pheromone and semiochemical roles of the various volatiles released by each sex and the difficulties of establishing behavioral functions are discussed.

An intra-operative device for parallel drilling and femoral landmark estimation during medial patellofemoral ligament reconstructive surgery

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to design and test a device to guide medial patellofemoral reconstruction surgeries. Materials and methods: A three-dimensional (3D) printed, modular and cost-effective medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction guide, Pat-Rig, was designed with parallel holes running in the medio-lateral direction. This device was manufactured using a commercial additive manufacturing facility, and bench tested using a custom-built test rig. CT scans of patella bones were reconstructed, and the device was tested on four 3D-printed patellas of various sizes. RESULTS: The device was successful in guiding the surgical drill into the patella to drill parallel holes adhering to the current surgical requirements and specifications. The device was augmented with an innovative radiopaque scale which can allow the surgeon to accurately predict the landmarks to drill and measure the drill depth of the tunnels. CONCLUSION: There are no devices on the market that accurately predict the drill locations on the patella during MPFL reconstruction surgeries. The device, Pat-Rig, was found to overcome the current limitations of the MPFL surgeries and was able to provide satisfactory surgical guidance during the reconstruction. Level of evidence: Level 5 Keywords: knee surgery, patella, orthopaedic, MPFL reconstruction, 3D-printed, novel surgical device.

Contexts between mental health of fledged people and compassion competence in the care

Key messages

The present study has shown that empathy skills reduce depressive tendencies in people who have escaped. Associations of compassion and low burnout factors confirmed by the study showed that persons with high compassion skills have low burnout scores.

[Sleep Apnea and Mechanical Ventilation - Impact on Clinical Course and Perioperative Management]

There is a high prevalence of sleep related breathing disorders in critical ill patients and in perioperative settings. Nevertheless, less is known about their impact on clinical course and therapeutic strategies in this context. Intensive care physicians should be aware of difficult airway, weaning- and post-extubation failure and negative impact of SRBD on hemodynamics. Sedatives and analgetics might worsen SRBD and their use should be restricted as far as possible, furthermore the use of NIV might be beneficial. However, there is a lack of evidence with regard to this strategies.

Interferon-free regimens improve portal hypertension and histological necroinflammation in HIV/HCV patients with advanced liver disease

BACKGROUND

HIV/HCV co-infected patients show accelerated fibrosis progression and higher risk for complications of portal hypertension (PHT).

AIM

To assess the effects of interferon-free therapy on portal pressure, liver histology and plasma biomarkers in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with PHT.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with paired hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurements prior and after successful treatment (SVR) with interferon-free regimens were included. Liver stiffness was assessed by transient elastography and biopsies were scored according to METAVIR. Plasma biomarkers were determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Overall, HVPG decreased from 10.7 ± 4.1 mmHg at baseline to 7.4 ± 4.2 mmHg after HCV treatment (Δ:-3.3 ± 2.7 mmHg; p < 0.001). In patients with clinically significant PHT (HVPG≥10 mmHg, n = 11), HVPG decreased from 14.1 ± 2.9 to 10.4 ± 3.9 mmHg (Δ:-3.7 ± 3.3 mmHg; p = 0.004) and a haemodynamic response (HVPG decrease ≥10%) was observed in 73%. In 64% of patients with subclinical PHT (HVPG 6-9 mmHg, n = 11), portal pressure normalised at SVR. Mean liver stiffness decreased from 20.8 kPa to 11.5 kPa (Δ:-8.8 ± 7.4 kPa; p < 0.001). Fifty percent (7/14) of patients with cirrhosis were re-classified as METAVIR ≤F3 and all patients with decompensated cirrhosis improved their Child-Pugh stage. After successful HCV treatment, 39% still had persistent histological necroinflammatory activity (METAVIR A1), which correlated with less HVPG response and more steatosis. While most biomarkers improved with SVR, METAVIR A1 patients had significantly higher plasma levels of fibrogenic (PDGF, TGF-β) and angiogenic (VEGF, Angiopoietin1) biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Interferon-free therapy reduces PHT and halts histological necroinflammatory activity in the majority of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients after SVR, which may lead to re-compensation of liver function in cirrhosis. Biomarkers could identify patients with persisting hepatic necroinflammation.

Filtration to reduce paediatric dose for a linear slot-scanning digital X-ray machine

This paper describes modelling, application and validation of a filtration technique for a linear slot-scanning digital X-ray system to reduce radiation dose to paediatric patients while preserving diagnostic image quality. A dose prediction model was implemented, which calculates patient entrance doses using variable input parameters. Effective dose is calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. An added filter of 1.8-mm aluminium was predicted to lower the radiation dose significantly. An objective image quality study was conducted using detective quantum efficiency (DQE). The PTW Normi 4FLU test phantom was used for quantitative assessment, showing that image contrast and spatial resolution were maintained with the proposed filter. A paediatric cadaver full-body imaging trial assessed the diagnostic quality of the images and measured the dose reduction using a 1.8-mm aluminium filter. Assessment by radiologists indicated that diagnostic quality was maintained with the added filtration, despite a reduction in DQE. A new filtration technique for full-body paediatric scanning on the Lodox Statscan has been validated, reducing entrance dose for paediatric patients by 36 % on average and effective dose by 27 % on average, while maintaining image quality.

Twelve-month experience with the GORE® TIGRIS® Vascular Stent in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries

AIM

The aim of this paper was to report the continued mid-term follow-up of the first patients world-wide treated with the GORE(®) TIGRIS(®) Vascular Stent, a dual component stent consisting of a nitinol wire frame combined with a fluoropolymer-interconnecting structure.

METHODS

From December 2011 until November 2012, 32 consecutive patients (20 men, mean age 72.8 years) with 40 atherosclerotic femoropopliteal lesions (5% occlusions) underwent angioplasty and implantation of a GORE(®) TIGRIS(®) Vascular Stent. The patients were scheduled for follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months after stent implantation for duplex ultrasound and assessment of Rutherford-Becker class (RBC) and Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). Here we report the completed 6-month follow-up and, for the first time, a 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 418 days. During the 12-month follow-up 4 patients died. Restenosis or reocclusion of the stent in this time period was observed in 5 lesions (12.5%), resulting in a cumulative primary patency rate of 85.5±6.0%. The ABI increased pre-interventionally from 0.65±0.18 to 0.91±0.18 (P<0.0001) at the 12-month visit. The median RBC improved from 3 to 1 (P<0.0001). No stent thrombosis related to discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy 4 weeks after the index procedure was observed.

CONCLUSION

The mid-term follow-up of the dual component GORE(®) TIGRIS(®) Vascular Stent showed promising results with high 12-month primary patency rates after femoropopliteal endovascular interventions. These first clinical data are very promising compared to other stent concepts in the superficial femoral and popliteal artery.

Randomised prospective study compares efficacy of five different stomach tubes for rumen fluid sampling in dairy cows

The objective of the study was to compare the performance of five types of stomach tubes for rumen fluid sampling. Rumen fluid was sampled in rumen fistulated cows assigned to a 5×5 Latin square study design. The pH values of samples taken by stomach tubes and via fistulas were measured; the results were compared with indwelling sensor measurements. The practicability of the stomach tubes for regular use was tested in the field. Rumen fluid samples were obtained rapidly. Volumes for transfaunation could be obtained. The pH-values of samples taken with the four out of the five tubes (Dirksen, Geishauser, tube 4 and a simple water hose used with a gag) did not show significant differences to samples taken via rumen fistulas. Mean differences ranged between -0.02 and +0.09. Samples taken with tube 4 and the water hose showed also no significant differences to pH-sensor measurements. This study demonstrates that stomach tubes are suitable for rumen fluid sampling. Tube 4 seems to be the best probe for work in the field. It was well tolerated by the animals, saliva contamination is negligible. We, therefore, conclude that the evaluation of rumen acid base status in the field is possible.

Barriers and strategies for the clinical translation of advanced orthopaedic tissue engineering protocols

Research in orthopaedic tissue engineering has intensified over the last decade and new protocols continue to emerge. The clinical translation of these new applications, however, remains associated with a number of obstacles. This report highlights the major issues that impede the clinical translation of advanced tissue engineering concepts, discusses strategies to overcome these barriers, and examines the need to increase incentives for translational strategies. The statements are based on presentations and discussions held at the AO Foundation-sponsored symposium "Where Science meets Clinics 2013" held at the Congress Center in Davos, Switzerland, in September, 2013. The event organisers convened a diverse group of over one hundred stakeholders involved in clinical translation of orthopaedic tissue engineering, including scientists, clinicians, healthcare industry professionals and regulatory agency representatives. A major point that emerged from the discussions was that there continues to be a critical need for early trans-disciplinary communication and collaboration in the development and execution of research approaches. Equally importantly was the need to address the shortage of sustained funding programs for multidisciplinary teams conducting translational research. Such detailed discussions between experts contribute towards the development of a roadmap to more successfully advance the clinical translation of novel tissue engineering concepts and ultimately improve patient care in orthopaedic and trauma surgery.

SS18-SSX fusion protein-induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a therapeutic target in synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma is a high-grade soft tissue malignancy characterized by a specific reciprocal translocation t(X;18), which leads to the fusion of the SS18 (SYT) gene to one of three SSX genes (SSX1, SSX2 or SSX4). The resulting chimeric SS18-SSX protein is suggested to act as an oncogenic transcriptional regulator. Despite multimodal therapeutic approaches, metastatic disease is often lethal and the development of novel targeted therapeutic strategies is required. Several expression-profiling studies identified distinct gene expression signatures, implying a consistent role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in synovial sarcoma tumorigenesis. Here we investigate the functional and therapeutic relevance of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemical analyses of nuclear β-catenin and Wnt downstream targets revealed activation of canonical Wnt signaling in a significant subset of 30 primary synovial sarcoma specimens. Functional aspects of Wnt signaling including dependence of Tcf/β-catenin complex activity on the SS18-SSX fusion proteins were analyzed. Efficient SS18-SSX-dependent activation of the Tcf/β-catenin transcriptional complex was confirmed by TOPflash reporter luciferase assays and immunoblotting. In five human synovial sarcoma cell lines, inhibition of the Tcf/β-catenin protein-protein interaction significantly blocked the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade, accompanied by the effective downregulation of Wnt targets (AXIN2, CDC25A, c-MYC, DKK1, CyclinD1 and Survivin) and the specific suppression of cell viability associated with the induction of apoptosis. In SYO-1 synovial sarcoma xenografts, administration of small molecule Tcf/β-catenin complex inhibitors significantly reduced tumor growth, associated with diminished AXIN2 protein levels. In summary, SS18-SSX-induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling appears to be of crucial biological importance in synovial sarcoma tumorigenesis and progression, representing a potential molecular target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Genetic risk for nicotine dependence in the cholinergic system and activation of the brain reward system in healthy adolescents

Genetic variation in a genomic region on chromosome 15q25.1, which encodes the alpha5, alpha3, and beta4 subunits of the cholinergic nicotinic receptor genes, confers risk to smoking and nicotine dependence (ND). Neural reward-related responses have previously been identified as important factors in the development of drug dependence involving ND. Applying an imaging genetics approach in two cohorts (N=487; N=478) of healthy non-smoking adolescents, we aimed to elucidate the impact of genome-wide significant smoking-associated variants in the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster on reward-related neural responses in central regions such as the striatum, orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and personality traits related to addiction. In both samples, carriers of the rs578776 GG compared with AG/AA genotype showed a significantly lower neural response to reward outcomes in the right ventral and dorsal ACC but not the striatum or the orbitofrontal cortex. Rs578776 was unrelated to neural reward anticipation or reward magnitude. Significantly higher scores of anxiety sensitivity in GG compared with AG/AA carriers were found only in sample 1. Associations with other personality traits were not observed. Our findings suggest that the rs578776 risk variant influences susceptibility to ND by dampening the response of the ACC to reward feedback, without recruiting the striatum or orbitofrontal cortex during feedback or anticipation. Thus, it seems to have a major role in the processing of and behavioral adaptation to changing reward outcomes.

Mechanism and Kinetics of Acetyl-Lysine Binding to Bromodomains

Bromodomains are four-helix bundle proteins that specifically recognize acetylation of lysine side chains on histones. The available X-ray structures of bromodomain/histone tail complexes show that the conserved Asn residue in the loop between helices B and C is involved in a hydrogen bond with the acetyl-lysine side chain. Here we analyze the spontaneous binding of acetyl-lysine to the bromodomain TAF1(2) by the first molecular dynamics simulations of histone mark binding to an epigenetic reader protein. Multiple events of reversible association sampled along the unbiased simulations allow us to determine the pathway and kinetics of binding. The simulations show that acetyl-lysine has two major binding modes in TAF1(2) one of which corresponds to the available crystal structures and is stabilized by a hydrogen bond to the conserved Asn side chain. The other major binding mode is more buried than in the crystal structures and is stabilized by two hydrogen bonds with conserved residues of the loop between helices Z and A. In the more buried binding conformation, three of the six structured water molecules at the bottom of the binding pocket are displaced by the acetyl-lysine side chain. The kinetic analysis shows that the two binding modes interconvert on a faster time scale with respect to the association/dissociation process. The atomic-level description of the binding pathway and binding modes is useful for the design of small molecule modulators of histone binding to bromodomains.

Effect of aluminium filtration on dose and image quality in paediatric slot-scanning radiography

This paper examines the effect that a 1.8 mm aluminium filter has on paediatric patient dose and image quality for linear slot scanning radiography (LSSR). A dynamic dose prediction model for LSSR accurately predicted the dose reduction effects of added aluminium filtration. A cadaver imaging study was carried out to assess the effects of filtration on image quality. With 1.8 mm added aluminium filtration, no visible degradation to image contrast or clarity was found, and in some cases the aluminium filtration improved the image quality as judged by radiologists.

Enhanced mobilization of the bone marrow-derived circulating progenitor cells by intracoronary freshly isolated bone marrow cells transplantation in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Autologous bone marrow cell transplantation (BMCs-Tx) is a promising novel option for treatment of cardiovascular disease. We analysed in a randomized controlled study the influence of the intracoronary autologous freshly isolated BMCs-Tx on the mobilization of bone marrow–derived circulating progenitor cells (BM-CPCs) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sixty-two patients with AMI were randomized to either freshly isolated BMCs-Tx or to a control group without cell therapy. Peripheral blood (PB) concentrations of CD34/45⁺- and CD133/45⁺-circulating progenitor cells were measured by flow cytometry in 42 AMI patients with cell therapy as well as in 20 AMI patients without cell therapy as a control group on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 3, 6 as well as 12 months after AMI. Global ejection fraction (EF) and the size of infarct area were determined by left ventriculography. We observed in patients with freshly isolated BMCs-Tx at 3 and 12 months follow up a significant reduction of infarct size and increase of global EF as well as infarct wall movement velocity. The mobilization of CD34/45⁺ and CD133/45⁺ BM-CPCs significantly increased with a peak on day 7 as compared to baseline after AMI in both groups (CD34/45⁺: P < 0.001, CD133/45⁺: P < 0.001). Moreover, this significant mobilization of BM-CPCs existed 3, 6 and 12 months after cell therapy compared to day 1 after AMI. In control group, there were no significant differences of CD34/45⁺ and CD133/45⁺ BM-CPCs mobilization between day 1 and 3, 6 and 12 months after AMI. Intracoronary transplantation of autologous freshly isolated BMCs by use of point of care system in patients with AMI may enhance and prolong the mobilization of CD34/45⁺ and CD133/45⁺ BM-CPCs in PB and this might increase the regenerative potency after AMI.

[Coumarin-induced necrotic purpura of the skin -- case report and review of the literature]

We report the case of a 28-year old woman with extensive red-black colored lesions of the skin on the left thigh, which appeared without trauma. The disease arrived during longterm coumarin therapy because of a deep vein thrombosis and an antiphospholipid syndrome. After consideration of the differential diagnoses and due to the typical clinical picture we made the diagnosis of coumarin necrosis. We review the clinical and therapeutic features for this rare complication.

Sparsity-based single-shot subwavelength coherent diffractive imaging

Coherent Diffractive Imaging (CDI) is an algorithmic imaging technique where intricate features are reconstructed from measurements of the freely diffracting intensity pattern. An important goal of such lensless imaging methods is to study the structure of molecules that cannot be crystallized. Ideally, one would want to perform CDI at the highest achievable spatial resolution and in a single-shot measurement such that it could be applied to imaging of ultrafast events. However, the resolution of current CDI techniques is limited by the diffraction limit, hence they cannot resolve features smaller than one half the wavelength of the illuminating light. Here, we present sparsity-based single-shot subwavelength resolution CDI: algorithmic reconstruction of subwavelength features from far-field intensity patterns, at a resolution several times better than the diffraction limit. This work paves the way for subwavelength CDI at ultrafast rates, and it can considerably improve the CDI resolution with X-ray free-electron lasers and high harmonics.

U-100, pH-Neutral formulation of VIAject(®) : faster onset of action than insulin lispro in patients with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

VIAject® is a formulation of human insulin with a very fast onset of action. Previous studies used VIAject in a concentration of 25 U/ml and a pH of 4 [VIAject 25 (VJ25)]. Objective of this double blind, three-way crossover study was to compare the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic properties of a novel formulation of VIAject with a concentration of 100 U/ml and a neutral pH [VIAject 7 (VJ7)] with VJ25 and insulin lispro (LIS).

METHODS

Forty-three patients with type 1 diabetes [aged 43 (21-65) years, BMI 24.1 (20-28) kg/m(2) and HbA1c 7.5 (5.7-9.5) %] participated in this study. They received subcutaneous injections of 12 U of each insulin formulation under euglycaemic glucose clamp conditions.

RESULTS

VJ7 was bioequivalent to VJ25 [90% confidence interval (CI) of the ratios for total insulin AUCs and maximum insulin concentration (C(INS max) ) was within 0.80-1.25]. VJ7 showed a faster absorption compared to LIS [time to C(INS max) 23 vs. 60 min; difference (CI) -30 (-35 to -23)] and faster onset of action [time to early half-maximal glucose infusion rate (GIR) 25 vs. 44 min; -18 (-26 to -10)], and a higher AUC of glucose infusion rate (AUC(GIR) ) in the first 60 min after injection [176 vs. 107 mg/kg; ratio 1.65 (1.27 to 2.14)], contributing to a slightly higher value for AUC(GIR 0-480) [1263 vs. 1095 mg/kg; 1.15 (1.06 to 1.26)]. Maximum GIR was similar between VJ7 and LIS [6.1 vs.6.6 mg/kg/min; ratio 0.93 (0.86 to 1.01)], whereas the duration of action (t(GIR50%-late) ) was longer with VJ7 [274 vs. 228 min; 50 (25 to 73)].

CONCLUSIONS

This formulation of VIAject is bioequivalent to the previously used formulation and has a faster absorption/onset of action than LIS.

Improved functional activity of bone marrow derived circulating progenitor cells after intra coronary freshly isolated bone marrow cells transplantation in patients with ischemic heart disease

Objectives

There is growing evidence that intracoronary autologous bone marrow cells transplantation (BMCs-Tx) in patients with chronic myocardial infarction beneficially affects postinfarction remodelling. In this randomized controlled study we analyzed the influence of intracoronary autologous freshly isolated bone marrow cells transplantation by use of point of care system on cardiac function and on the functional activity of bone marrow derived circulating progenitor cells (BM-CPCs) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Methods

56 patients with IHD were randomized to either received freshly isolated BMC-Tx or a control group that did not receive cell therapy. The functional activity of BM-CPCs in peripheral blood (PB) was measured by migration assay and colony forming unit assay pre- and 3, 6 as well as 12 months after procedure. Global ejection fraction (EF) and infarct size area were determined by left ventriculography.

Results

Intracoronary transplantation of autologous freshly isolated BMCs led to a significant reduction of infarct size and an increase of global EF as well as infarct wall movement velocity after 3 and 12 months follow-up compared to control group. The colony-forming capacity of BM-CPCs significantly increased 3, 6 and 12 months after cell therapy compared to pre BMCs-Tx and control group (CFU-E: p < 0.001, CFU-GM: p < 0.001). Likewise, we found significant increase of migratory response to stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after cell therapy compared to pre BMCs-Tx (SDF-1: p < 0.001, VEGF: p < 0.001) and to control (SDF-1: p < 0.001, VEGF: p < 0.001). There was no significant difference of migratory- and colony forming capacity between pre- and 3, 6, 12 months after coronary angiography in control group without cell therapy.

Conclusions

Intracoronary transplantation of autologous freshly isolated BMCs by use of point of care system may lead to improvement of BM-CPCs functional activity in peripheral blood, which might increase the regenerative potency in patients with IHD.

[Prevalence and clinical significance of incidental cardiac findings in non-ECG-gated chest CT scans]

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of incidental cardiac findings in non-ECG-gated chest CT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Non-ECG-gated chest CT examinations of 300 patients were retrospectively analyzed for incidental cardiac findings. Subsequently, these findings were evaluated for their clinical relevance by a cardiologist.

RESULTS

A total of 107 out of 300 examined patients had 174 incidental cardiac findings including coronary calcification (90), aortic/mitral valve calcification (42), iatrogenic changes (23), pericardial effusion (6), dilatation of the heart (4), myocardial changes (3), thrombus in the left ventricle (2), constrictive pericarditis (2) and atrial myxoma (1). Of the cardiac findings 51% were described in the written report and in 53 out of the 107 patients the cardiac findings were unknown. Newly detected incidental findings from 8 patients were rated as clinically significant: pericardial effusion (4), constrictive pericarditis (1), thrombus in the left ventricle (1), atrial myxoma (1) and dilatation of the heart (1).

CONCLUSION

Incidental cardiac findings are frequent in non-ECG-gated chest CT and may have a high clinical relevance.

Modulation of peripheral chemoreflex by neurohumoral adaptations after kidney transplantation

BACKGROUND

Peripheral chemoreceptors residing predominantly in the carotid body monitor changes in arterial blood oxygen and are mechanistically linked to the cardiorespiratory control by the autonomic nervous system. Enhanced sympathetic activation is common in end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation has been shown to improve cardiorespiratory reflex measures of autonomic function.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to test whether improvement in renal function following kidney transplantation is related to an improvement in chemosensory function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We compared hyperoxic chemoreflex sensitivity (CHRS) in patients after renal transplantation (RTX) to that in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD), and that of age- and gender-matched healthy controls. In addition, we investigated the impact of common confounding factors including pharmacological neurohumoral modulation and diabetes mellitus. The difference in the R-R intervals divided by the difference in the oxygen pressures before and after deactivation of the chemoreceptors by 5-min inhalation of 7 L oxygen was calculated as the hyperoxic CHRS. Autonomic activity was characterized by 24-h time-domain heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. CHRS was improved in RTX patients as compared to HD patients being related to HRV. CHRS was related to the concomitant presence of diabetes and medication with cyclosporine.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that chemosensory activity following kidney transplantation is related to cardiac autonomic control, but functional testing might only be useful to characterize the time course and extent of sympathetic activation in selected patients due to existing co-morbidities and immunosuppressive medication in this population.

Sequential analysis of uncommon adverse outcomes

Sequential analysis of uncommon adverse outcomes (AEs) such as surgical site infections (SSIs) is desirable. Short postoperative lengths of stay (LOS) result in many SSIs occurring after discharge and they are often superficial. Deep and organ space (complex) SSIs occur less frequently but are detected more reliably and are suitable for monitoring wound care. Those occurring post-discharge usually require readmissison and can be counted accurately. Sequential analysis of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia is also needed. The key to prevention is to implement systems based on evidence, e.g. using 'bundles' and checklists. Regular mortality and morbidity audit meetings are required and these may need to be followed by independent audits. Sequential statistical analysis is desirable for data presentation, to detect changes, and to discourage tampering with processes when occasional AEs occur in a reliable system. Tabulations and cumulative observed minus expected (O-E) charts and funnel plots are valuable, supplemented in the presence of apparent 'runs' of AEs by cumulative sum analysis. Used prospectively, they may enable staff to visualise and detect patterns or shifts in rates and counts that might not otherwise be apparent.

[Cardiac effects of obstructive sleep apnea]

Sleep disordered breathing, especially obstructive sleep apnea, are common in cardiovascular disease. Negative hemodynamic effects are mediated by nocturnal ischemia and intrathoracal pressure swings. Therefore "therapy resistant" arterial hypertension and congestive heart failure, as well as atrial fibrillation or sleep associated bradycardia are suggestive of sleep disordered breathing. Further on, clinical course of coronary artery disease seems to be influenced by nocturnal breathing disorders. Application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is effective in most of the patients and attenuates cardiodepressive hemodynamic effects of obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea in heart failure patients

Growing evidence suggests that there may be a strong pathophysiologic link between congestive heart failure (CHF) and nocturnal breathing disorders due to nocturnal oxygen desaturation, intrathoracic pressure swings and sympathetic activation. It seems that sleep apnea contributes to systolic and diastolic heart failure, reduced left and right ventricular function and arrhythmia (e.g. atrial fibrillation). Therefore treatment of sleep apnea might alleviate cardiac symptoms and improve cardiac function. Nevertheless, the exact role of long term treatment of sleep apnea in heart failure patients remains to be elucidated.

Reduction of both number and proliferative activity of human endothelial progenitor cells in obesity

OBJECTIVE

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), responsible for neoangiogenesis and vascular repair, negatively correlate with vascular dysfunction and atherosclerotic risk factors. Because obesity may have a crucial role in the development of endothelial dysfunction, this study evaluated the number and proliferative activity of circulating human EPCs in obese (body mass index (BMI)=48+/-9, n=45) compared with lean (23+/-2, n=45) volunteers.

METHODS

EPCs were quantified after isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses. In addition, plated PBMCs developed colony-forming units (CFUs) from which 'outgrowth' endothelial cells (OECs) sprouted and differentiated into mature endothelial cells. Growth rates were monitored by periodical microscopic evaluation. Cell-cycle protein expression was determined by western blot analyses.

RESULTS

BMI negatively correlated (P<0.01) with the number of CD34(+)/CD133(+)/KDR(+) (r=-0.442), CD34(+)/KDR(+) (r=-0.500) and CD133(+)/KDR(+) (r=-0.282) EPCs. Insulin, leptin, HbA(1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and hypertension, as well as diminished high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A1, were not only associated with obesity but also with significantly reduced EPC levels. Applying selective culture conditions, EPC-CFUs differentiated into OECs that proliferated more slowly when derived from obese compared with lean subjects (obese: 19.9+/-2.2% vs lean: 30.9+/-3.2% grown area per week, P<0.01). The reduced proliferation was reflected by decreased (P<0.05, n=24 for each group) expression of cell-cycle-promoting cyclins and E2F-1, by hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and by increased (P<0.05, n=24 for each group) expression of the cell-cycle inhibitor p21(WAF-1/Cip1).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced numbers of EPCs along with their premature senescence, as shown in this study, could function as early contributors to the development and progression of vascular dysfunction in obesity.

Adenosine diphosphate-inducible platelet reactivity shows a pronounced age dependency in the initial phase of antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel

BACKGROUND

Until recently, there were hardly any data on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel in advanced age. Like other metabolic processes, the conversion of clopidogrel to its active metabolite may be impaired in older patients, leading to high on-treatment residual ADP-inducible platelet reactivity.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the age dependency of clopidogrel-mediated platelet inhibition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study. We determined adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)-inducible platelet reactivity using light transmission aggregometry (LTA) and the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay in 191 patients on dual antiplatelet therapy after angioplasty and stenting for cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

ADP-inducible platelet reactivity increased linearly with age after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, type of intervention, medication, C-reactive protein (CRP) and renal function [using LTA 0.36% of maximal aggregation per year, 95% CI 0.08-0.64%, P = 0.013; using the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay 3.2 P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) per year, 95% CI 1.98-4.41 PRU, P < 0.001]. ADP-inducible platelet reactivity was significantly higher in patients aged 75 years or older compared with younger patients (P = 0.003 for LTA and P < 0.001 for the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay). Further, high on-treatment residual ADP-inducible platelet reactivity was significantly more common among patients aged 75 years or older (P = 0.02 for LTA and P < 0.001 for the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay).

CONCLUSION

ADP-inducible platelet reactivity shows a pronounced age dependency in the initial phase of antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel. The clinical implications of these findings need to be addressed in future trials.