The development and testing of a smart sensorized guide wire for catheterization in a "blood" vessel phantom to support aortic valve implementation

PURPOSE

Heart valve disease is commonly treated by minimally invasive procedures with guide wires and catheterization. The main purpose of this study is to find out whether an extension of the guide wire with a sensor can support the surgeon within the blood vessel to reduce X-ray necessity.

METHODS

A smart guide wire is developed by an extension with a flex-bending sensor to evaluate the sensor signal with and without "blood" flow at a constant compression force. Various surgically relevant investigations are performed. For assessment, the mean temporal average of the moving averaged filtered ADC signal and a subsequent FFT are carried out.

RESULTS

Results show that there is a smaller sensor signal when the applied force or bending at the sensor is higher. In all investigations, there was a different sensor signal. The flex-bending sensor can detect the effect of pulsatile flow. The smallest temporal averaged signal difference between reference and clamp in the front wire's tip is 1.09%. For example, the mean temporal average of the filtered ADC signal for different clinically relevant scenarios is between 2550 and 2900.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that the sensorized guide wire developed for catheterization can support aortic valve implementation. The sensor sensitivity is sufficient to detect even very small variations within the blood vessel and therefore is promising to support catheterization heart valve surgeries in future.

Anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system: Implication on the choice of diagnostic/monitoring tools in 2023

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) harmoniously regulates all internal organic functions (heart rate, blood pressure, vasomotion, digestive tract motility, endocrinal secretions) and adapts them to the needs. It's the control of so-called vegetative functions, which allows homeostasis but also allostasis of our body. ANS is divided into two systems often understood as antagonistic and complementary: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems. However, we currently know of many situations of co-activation of the two systems. Long seen as acting through "reflex" control loops passing through the integration of peripheral information and the efferent response to the peripheral organ, more recent electrophysiological and brain functional imaging knowledge has been able to identify the essential role of the central autonomic network. This element complicates the understanding of the responses of the reflex loops classically used to identify and quantify dysautonomia. Finding the "ANS" tools best suited for the clinician in their daily practice is a challenge that we will attempt to address in this work.

EVALUATION OF A MODIFIED EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE TO RELIABLY ASSESS EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS IN LOW-INCOME COUNTRIES: RESULTS FROM THE BENIN SOCIETY AND SLEEP (BESAS) STUDY

Background

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a tool widely used to assess excessive daytime sleepiness. Unfortunately, it is not reliable in low-income countries where situations such as reading a book, watching TV or driving a car are not common. The aim of this study was thus to assess the performance of a modified version of the Epworth scale in a low-income country.

Methods

We used data from the Benin Society and Sleep (BeSAS) study where the ESS and a modified ESS (mESS) were administered to participants. In the mESS, questions four questions over eight were redesigned to reflect common living situations in Benin. The internal coherence of the mESS was assessed using the Cronbach alpha coefficient (CAC). The discriminatory ability of the scale was assessed by comparing the mean scores according to reported sleep quality, insomnia complaints and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI).

Results

A total of 2909 participants were recruited, 1129 were male (38.9%) with a mean age (SD) of 44.7 (14.5) y. Overall, 52.4% (1526) completed all the mESS questions while 453 (15.6%) completed the standard ESS. The CAC of the mES was 0.86 showing good internal coherence. Concerning the discriminatory ability, mean scores for mESS were 7.8 for participants with ISI < 8 vs 9.2 for participants with ISI≥8 (p<0.001), 7.8 for participants withPSQI<5 vs 8.3 for participants with PSQI≥5 (p=0.03). No difference was found when comparing the participants participants using different cut-offs of AHI (15 and 30).

Conclusion

The mES is more reliable than ES in the Beninese population. mESS shows good internal coherence and differentiates between insomniacs vs non-insomniacs and between good and poor sleepers. Although the mES is not a perfect score, it appears more relevant in the Benin population than the original Epworth scale but needs further validation/improvement in other low-income countries.

PERFORMANCE OF SIX SCREENING SCORES FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA IN AN AFRICAN POPULATION

Introduction

A screening tool for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is useful in low-income countries where it may be difficult to access sleep recordings. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of six screening scores compared with objective sleep recording in an African population sample.

Methods

This analysis is based on the "Benin Sleep and Society" (BeSAS) populational study in which respiratory polygraphy (PG) was performed using a type III device and OSA screening questionnaires (STOP, STOP-Bang, Berlin, NOSAS [≥ 8 and ≥ 5), No-Apnea, GOAL) were administered to participants. PG-defined OSA severity categories were defined according to the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI): mild (AHI 5 to <15/h), moderate (AHI 15 to <30/h) or severe (AHI≥30/h), and these were compared to score findings.

Results

A total of 1810 subjects (mean age 45.4±14.6 years; 57.3% women) were included. For moderate to severe OSA, the area under the receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve was greatest for GOAL and No-Apnea (0.70), followed by NoSAS5 (0.69). The highest sensitivity values were for NoSAS5 (0.73), No-Apnea (0.72), and GOAL (0.69), while NoSAS8 had the highest specificity (0.91), followed by Berlin (0.88) and GOAL (0.71). All scores performed poorly with respect to the positive predictive value (PPV), which was highest with NoSAS8 (0.38). Conclusion: This study provides the first comparison of the performance of screening scores for OSA in an African population. Although still low, PPV was highest with NoSAS8. Hence, NoSAS8 would be the screening method of choice for OSA in resource-constrained settings where formal sleep recordings are not accessible.

Short-course subcutaneous treatment with PQ Grass strongly improves symptom and medication scores in grass allergy

BACKGROUND

A modified grass allergen subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) product with MicroCrystalline Tyrosine and monophosphoryl lipid-A as an adjuvant system (Grass MATA MPL [PQ Grass]) is being developed as short-course treatment of grass-pollen allergic rhinitis (SAR) and/or rhinoconjunctivitis. We sought to evaluate the combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) of the optimized cumulative dose of 27,600 standardized units (SU) PQ Grass in a field setting prior to embarking on a pivotal Phase III trial.

METHODS

In this exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial subjects were enrolled across 14 sites (Germany and the United States of America). Six pre-seasonal subcutaneous injections of PQ Grass (using conventional or extended regimens) or placebo were administered to 119 subjects (aged 18-65 years) with moderate-to-severe SAR with or without asthma that was well-controlled. The primary efficacy endpoint was CSMS during peak grass pollen season (GPS). Secondary endpoints included Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire standardized (RQLQ-S) and allergen-specific IgG4 response.

RESULTS

The mean CSMS compared to placebo was 33.1% (p = .0325) and 39.5% (p = .0112) for the conventional and extended regimens, respectively. An increase in IgG4 was shown for both regimens (p < .01) as well as an improvement in total RQLQ-S for the extended regimen (mean change -0.72, p = .02). Both regimens were well-tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial demonstrated a clinically relevant and statistically significant efficacy response to PQ Grass. Unprecedented effect sizes were reached for grass allergy of up to ≈40% compared to placebo for CSMS after only six PQ Grass injections. Both PQ Grass regimens were considered equally safe and well-tolerated. Based on enhanced efficacy profile extended regime will be progressed to the pivotal Phase III trial.

Methods for think-aloud interviews in health-related resource-use research: the PECUNIA RUM instrument

BACKGROUND

The think-aloud (TA) approach is a qualitative research method that allows for gaining insight into thoughts and cognitive processes. It can be used to incorporate a respondent's perspective when developing resource-use measurement (RUM) instruments. Currently, the application of TA methods in RUM research is limited, and so is the guidance on how to use them. Transparent publication of TA methods for RUM in health economics studies, which is the aim of this paper, can contribute to reducing the aforementioned gap.

METHODS

Methods for conducting TA interviews were iteratively developed by a multi-national working group of health economists and additional qualitative research expertise was sought. TA interviews were conducted in four countries to support this process. A ten-step process was outlined in three parts: Part A 'before the interview' (including translation, recruitment, training), Part B 'during the interview' (including setting, opening, completing the instrument, open-ended questions, closing), and part C 'after the interview' (including transcription and data analysis, trustworthiness).

CONCLUSIONS

This manuscript describes the step-by-step approach for conducting multi-national TA interviews with potential respondents of the PECUNIA RUM instrument. It increases the methodological transparency in RUM development and reduces the knowledge gap of using qualitative research methods in health economics.

Effect of oxybutynin and reboxetine on obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind, crossover trial

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Although recent investigations combining noradrenergic and antimuscarinic drugs have shown promising short-term results to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the mid-term effect and optimal dosage remain uncertain. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of one week of 5 mg oxybutynin and 6 mg reboxetine (oxy-reb) on OSA versus placebo.

METHODS

We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial comparing the effect of one week of oxy-reb versus one week of placebo on OSA severity. At-home polysomnography was performed at baseline and after each week of intervention.

RESULTS

Fifteen participants (male 66.7%) aged 59 [44-62] years (median [interquartile range]) with a mean body mass index of 33.1 ± 6.6 kg.m -2 were included. No significant difference in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was observed between conditions (estimated marginal means (95% confidence interval) at baseline: 39.7 (28.5-55.3); oxy-reb: 34.5 (22.7-52.3); placebo: 37.9 (27.1-52.9); p=0.652), but oxy-reb improved average oxygen desaturation (p=0.016) and hypoxic burden (p=0.011) and lowered sleep efficiency (p=0.019) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (p=0.002). Moreover, participants reported reduced sleep quality during the week of oxy-reb compared to the week of placebo (4.7 (3.5; 5.9) vs. 6.5 (5.5; 7.5) on a 0-10 visual analogic scale, respectively; p=0.001). No significant differences in sleepiness, vigilance and fatigue were observed. No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION

Administration of oxybutynin 5 mg and reboxetine 6 mg did not improve OSA severity assessed by AHI, but did alter sleep architecture and sleep quality. Reduced average oxygen desaturation and hypoxic burden were also observed.

The experiences of pediatric nurses deployed to adult COVID-19 wards

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus pandemic created an unprecedented deployment of health professionals. The objective of this study was to describe the experiences of pediatric nurses transferred to adult COVID-19 wards during the first wave of the pandemic.

METHODS

We performed a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Nurses were recruited on a voluntary basis. All participants moved from a pediatric ward and were redeployed to an adult COVID-19 ward in another hospital. Interviews were carried out face to face in line with social-distancing guidelines. We used a script of open-end questions. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in full and qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo software.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

In total, 23 nurses were interviewed. Our analysis revealed positive and negative experiences given the different types of support the nurses received, individual attitudes that promoted resilience in a crisis situation, ethical conflicts linked to end-of-life care, and their perspectives on the next wave of the pandemic. The main difficulties encountered by the transferred nurses were related to their working conditions and safety, communication about working practices, and end-of-life patient care. In most cases, the individual resilience strategies put in place and the different forms of social support enabled them to cope with stress and maintain their commitment. However, some interviewees would have benefited from improved managerial support. For all participants, their perception of this support and the benefits of their experience influenced their willingness to be transferred to an adult ward again during a future wave of the pandemic.

International comparability of reference unit costs of education services: when harmonizing methodology is not enough (PECUNIA project)

BACKGROUND

Health problems can lead to costs in the education sector. However, these costs are rarely incorporated in health economic evaluations due to the lack of reference unit costs (RUCs), cost per unit of service, of education services and of validated methods to obtain them. In this study, a standardized unit cost calculation tool developed in the PECUNIA project, the PECUNIA RUC Template for services, was applied to calculate the RUCs of selected education services in five European countries.

METHODS

The RUCs of special education services and of educational therapy were calculated using the information collected via an exploratory gray literature search and contact with service providers.

RESULTS

The RUCs of special education services ranged from €55 to €189 per school day. The RUCs of educational therapy ranged from €6 to €25 per contact and from €5 to €35 per day. Variation was observed in the type of input data and measurement unit, among other.

DISCUSSION

The tool helped reduce variability in the RUCs related to costing methodology and gain insights into other aspects that contribute to the variability (e.g. data availability). Further research and efforts to generate high quality input data are required to reduce the variability of the RUCs.

Retrospective study on the pharyngeal airspace in the lateral cephalogram - A mathematical model to predict changes due to bimaxillary orthognathic surgery

The aim of this study was the development of a statistical model for reliable prediction of Posterior Airway Space (PAS) changes in lateral cephalograms (LCR) of patients after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. The LCRs of patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The anteroposterior dimension of the PAS was measured at three levels in the pre-operative and postoperative LCR: On the nasopharyngeal (SPAS), oropharyngeal (MAS), and hypopharyngeal level (IAS). The data of 139 patients were collected. The following changes of the PAS were measured: in class II patients SPAS: 0.291 mm (SD = 2.570 mm); MAS: 2.444 mm (SD = 2.986 mm); IAS: 0.750 mm (SD = 3.017 mm); in class III patients SPAS: 1.377 mm (SD 3.212 mm); MAS: 0.962 (SD: = 3.135 mm); IAS: 0.370 mm (SD = 3.468 mm). Linear regression analysis showed for class II patients, a significant influence of mandibular movement on MAS (p = 0.049) and a significant effect of maxillary and mandibular movements on SPAS (p = 0.001) and MAS (p = 0.022) in class III patients. The other jaw displacements had no significant impact on the investigated PAS levels. While the presented method does not permit exact prediction of the dimension of the PAS, it is still an easily accessible method of orientation for the surgeon. The surgeon can initiate three-dimensional examinations to provide exact three-dimensional prediction based on this calculation.

Clinical implications and risk factors for QRS width progression in heart failure patients

Background

QRS complex prolongation is an established prognostic marker in patients with heart failure, (HF) and identifies patients for whom standard treatment includes cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In contrast, the role of QRS width progression over time on clinical status and whether it can be predicted has been incompletely explored.

Purpose

To provide pilot data that could help to identify features associated with QRS progression and deteriorating clinical status.

Methods

The present retrospective analysis relates to 100 consecutive attendees to our HF clinic between April and August 2021. Each patient with a least one past visit including an ECG was included and a maximum of 4 past visits were assessed per patient.

Results

In total 240 datasets were generated from at least two consecutive visits and included clinical status, electrocardiographic (ECG), laboratory and echocardiographic data. Mean age and left ventricular ejection fraction were 58±13 years and 36±10%. The mean time between visits was 227 days. Datasets were stratified into tertiles based on change in QRS duration (mm/month). These were labelled as “QRS width regression” (&gt;−0.34 ms/month), “QRS stability” (−0.33 to 0.49 ms/month and “QRS width progression” (&gt;0.50 ms/month).

The incidence of the combined endpoint of worsening symptomatic HF (deterioration in NYHA class by at least one grade) and HF hospitalisation was significantly higher in the QRS progression group compared with the stable group (Log Rank test: progression v stability p=0.013). In addition, patients with QRS progression had a higher baseline plasma NT-pro-BNP levels (p=0.008) and higher baseline heart rate (p=0.007). To explore whether patients at higher risk of QRS progression could be identified at baseline, we built a prediction model based upon baseline NTproBNP levels and baseline heart rate. We determined that an NT-pro-BNP &gt;837 pg/ml and a heart rate &gt;83/bpm were reliable thresholds for greater risk of QRS progression (Figure 1A & B). Both of these variables were independent of guideline-directed medical HF therapy (including beta-antagonist use and dose). An interaction analysis revealed that combining these two risk factors was associated with a 14-fold increased risk of QRS progression compared with neither or either alone, suggesting synergism between these variables (HR: 14.2 [95% 6.9–53.6]; p&lt;0.0001, p for interaction=0.016).

Conclusion

In the current pilot study, we demonstrate that QRS progression is associated with future risk of clinical deterioration of HF. In addition, we show that higher baseline NTproBNP plasma levels combined with higher baseline heart rate indicate a group at markedly increased risk of progression of QRS width, independently of HF therapy. These parameters might therefore identify people potentially benefitting from intensified follow up, optimisation of GDMT and could also help coordinate the application of a more personalised approach to device therapy

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

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.

Long-term effect of anticancer therapy on dentition of Italian children in remission from malignant disease: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To investigate the effects of anticancer therapy on dental development and caries formation in Italian childhood cancer survivors compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

A total of 52 children treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy when younger than 10 years and in remission from at least 2 years, and 52 healthy age- and gender-matched children were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study. All participants were examined for dental caries and enamel defects according to the decayed-missing-filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) index and the Aine rating scale. Panoramic radiographs were taken to estimate dental age and to assess dental abnormalities using the Höltta Defect Index.

CONCLUSION

These children are at high risk for tooth developmental abnormalities and poor dental health and should be closely monitored by a specialist dentist.

Devenir des patients hospitalisés en soins critiques pour infection à SARS-COV2 : évaluation standardisée des séquelles à 6–9 mois

Introduction

Identifié en Chine en décembre 2019, le Severe Acute Respiratory SyndromeCoronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) s’est rapidement propagé au niveau mondial. Si les études se sont initialement concentrées sur la prise en charge de la phase aiguë de la COrona VIrus Disease (COVID), l’objectif de ce travail est de s’intéresser aux conséquences à distance d’une hospitalisation pour COVID sévère.

Patients et méthodes

Nous avons réalisé une étude prospective, monocentrique, incluant des patients 6 à 9 mois après leur hospitalisation en soins critiques (soins intensifs ou réanimation) pour une infection confirmée à SARS-COV2. Les patients étaient évalués au cours d’une hospitalisation de jour en médecine interne. L’entretien débutait par un recueil des antécédents du patient, des évènements et des symptômes post-COVID. L’examinateur procédait ensuite à un examen clinique détaillé et un test de marche des 6 minutes (TM6). Les patients réalisaient de manière systématique des explorations fonctionnelles respiratoires (EFR), une tomodensitométrie (TDM) thoracique non injectée, une échographie cardiaque trans-thoracique (ETT), et un bilan biologique complet. Une batterie de tests était réalisée, explorant la qualité de vie et les séquelles psychologiques.

Résultats

Quatre-vingt-six patients, dont 71 (82,6 %) hommes, d’âge médian 65,8 ans (56,7;72,4), ont été évalués dans un délai moyen de 7 mois (min 3,4; max 14,9). L’hypertension artérielle (46,5 %), le diabète (34,9 %) et la dyslipidémie (39,5 %) étaient les antécédents médicaux les plus représentés. Douze (14,0 %) patients avaient une pathologie pulmonaire sous-jacente, principalement une broncho-pneumopathie chronique obstructive (BPCO). L’indice de comorbidités de Charlson médian était de 1 (0,0; 2,0). La durée médiane du séjour en soins critiques était de 10,0 (6,0;17,0) jours. Cinquante-quatre (62,8 %) patients ont eu une ventilation invasive et 67 (77,9 %) patients ont reçu un traitement par corticothérapie. Cinquante-sept (71,3 %) patients ont présenté une asthénie post-COVID, 39 (48,1 %) une faiblesse musculaire, 30 (36,6 %) des arthralgies. Quinze patients ont développé un déséquilibre du diabète et 9 un déséquilibre de la pression artérielle. Dix-sept (21,3 %) patients avaient une distance au TM6 < 80 % de la théorique. Quarante-six patients53,5 %) avaient un score de dyspnée Medical Reaserch Council (MRC) de 0 et 24 (27,9 %) avaient un score MRC de 1. Treize (15,5 %) patients avaient une auscultation anormale à type de crépitants secs des bases. Cinquante-deux (64,2 %) patients ont présenté un déficit de la diffusion du CO défini par une DLCO < 80 % et 16 (19,8 %) avaient une DLCO < 60 %. Le scanner thoracique montrait chez 35 (40,7 %) patients des lésions de verre dépoli et 18 (21,7 %) de la fibrose. Trente-deux patients (37,6 %) avaient un score PHQ-9 significatif pour une dépression, 20 (23,5 %) un score GAD-7 significatif pour un trouble anxieux et 8 (9,4 %) patients avaient un score PCL5 supérieur au seuil évoquant un état de stress post-traumatique. Le niveau de qualité de vie à distance de l’épisode aigu était satisfaisant avec une médiane de l’EQ-5D-3L à 0,89 (0,64;1,00). En analyse univariée, la fibrose sur le scanner de réévaluation et une DLCO < 60 % étaient associées à la durée du séjour en soins critiques et au niveau maximal de CRP pendant l’épisode aigu. En analyse multivariée, la fibrose et la DLCO étaient associées à la durée de séjour. En analyse uni et multivariée, le PHQ-9 et le GAD-7 étaient associés au sexe féminin.

Discussion

À ce jour, rares sont les études qui ont étudié de manière systématisée les séquelles somatiques et psychologiques à long terme de la COVID chez les patients qui ont été pris en charge en soins critiques. Conformément à la littérature, la diminution de la DLCO est l’anomalie la plus fréquemment retrouvée aux EFR, les plages de verre dépoli persistent sur le scanner et des lésions fibrotiques sont retrouvées chez plus d’un patient sur 5 [1], [2]. Ces anomalies contrastent avec une plainte respiratoire modérée et un examen clinique rassurant. Les symptômes généraux (asthénie, faiblesse musculaire et arthralgies) sont au cœur de la plainte fonctionnelle. Les déséquilibres de la tension artérielle et du diabète observés justifient un suivi accru des pathologies chroniques au décours de l’épisode aigu. Enfin, nous avons noté une prévalence plus importante des troubles psychologiques que celles relevées rétrospectivement (dossier informatisé) dans une autre étude [3], renforçant, selon nous, la nécessité d’un dépistage systématique des troubles psychiatriques.

Conclusion

De nombreux patients présentent des séquelles à distance d’une COVID sévère nous incitant à un dépistage systématique afin de proposer une prise en charge adaptée.

Analysis of cellular water content in T cells reveals a switch from slow metabolic water gain to rapid water influx prior to cell division

Cell growth is driven by the acquisition and synthesis of both dry biomass and water mass. In this study, we examine the increase of water mass in T cell during cell growth. We found that T-cell growth is characterized by an initial phase of slow increase in cellular water, followed by a second phase of rapid increase in water content. To study the origin of the water gain, we developed a novel methodology we call cold aqua trap-isotope ratio mass spectrometry, which allows analysis of the isotope composition of intracellular water. Applying cold aqua trap-isotope ratio mass spectrometry, we discovered that glycolysis-coupled metabolism of water accounts on average for 11 fl out of the 20 fl of water gained per cell during the initial slow phase. In addition, we show that at the end of the rapid phase before initiation of cell division, a water influx occurs, increasing the cellular water mass by threefold. Thus, we conclude that activated T cells switch from metabolizing water to rapidly taking up water from the extracellular medium prior to cell division. Our work provides a method to analyze cell water content as well as insights into the ways cells regulate their water mass.

Measurements of Strong-Interaction Effects in Kaonic-Helium Isotopes at Sub-eV Precision with X-Ray Microcalorimeters

We have measured the 3d→2p transition x rays of kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He atoms using superconducting transition-edge-sensor microcalorimeters with an energy resolution better than 6 eV (FWHM). We determined the energies to be 6224.5±0.4(stat)±0.2(syst)  eV and 6463.7±0.3(stat)±0.1(syst)  eV, and widths to be 2.5±1.0(stat)±0.4(syst)  eV and 1.0±0.6(stat)±0.3(stat)  eV, for kaonic ^{3}He and ^{4}He, respectively. These values are nearly 10 times more precise than in previous measurements. Our results exclude the large strong-interaction shifts and widths that are suggested by a coupled-channel approach and agree with calculations based on optical-potential models.

Use of local anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair has decreased over time in the VA system

PURPOSE

In 2003, randomized trials demonstrated potentially improved outcomes when local instead of general anesthesia is used for inguinal hernia repair. Our study aimed to evaluate how the use of local anesthesia for this procedure changed over time following the publication of the trials' level 1 evidence.

METHODS

We used the 1998-2018 Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify adults who underwent open, unilateral inguinal hernia repair under local or general anesthesia. Our primary outcome was the percentage of cases performed under local anesthesia. We used a time-series design to examine the trend and rate of change of the use of local anesthesia.

RESULTS

We included 97,437 veterans, of which 22,333 (22.9%) had hernia surgery under local anesthesia. The median age of veterans receiving local anesthesia remained stable at 64-67 years over time. The use of local anesthesia decreased steadily, from 38.2% at the beginning year to 15.1% in the final year (P < 0.0001). The publication of results from randomized trials (in 2003) did not appear to increase the overall use or change the rate of decline in the use of local anesthesia. Overall, we found that the use of local anesthesia decreased by about 1.5% per year.

CONCLUSION

The utilization of local anesthesia for inguinal hernia repair in the VA has steadily declined over the last 20 + years, despite data showing equivalence or superiority to general anesthesia. Future studies should explore barriers to the use of local anesthesia for hernia repair.

P–801 Effects of Lonomia obliqua venom components on human endometrial stromal cells: A potential source for new cytoprotective biomolecules against recurrent pregnancy loss

Study question

Could new molecules like Lonomia obliqua lipocalins and hemolins have cytoprotective effects on endometrial stem cells (hESC)?

Summary answer

Lonomia obliqua venom-induced hESC viability, proliferation and migration occurred mainly by protection against oxidative damage and ERK-dependent pathway activation

What is known already

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is associated with severe physical and psychological morbidity, for which there is no treatment options. The pathophysiology involves deficiency in proliferation and migration capacities of endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) impairing embryo implantation and development. Animal venoms are rich sources of bioactive molecules and despite its known toxic effects, they also have protective components such as pro-proliferative molecules, growth factor-like, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant.

Study design, size, duration

This study was an experimental in vitro with endometrial stem cells. Treatment duration was 8–72h. Every assay had control cells exposed to phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

hESCs were isolated from fresh human endometrial biopsies and characterized according standard protocols. Then the effects of L. obliqua venomous secretions on cell viability, proliferation and migration were determined using MTT, wound-healing assay, sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and measuring the immunocontent of Ki67. Venom components involved in cell enhancing effects were also identified by classical chromatographic methods and proteomic analysis. Assays were conducted in triplicate.

Main results and the role of chance

The hESCs in culture showed adhesiveness properties, presented a fusiform fibroblastoid morphology and ability to in vitro differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. The expression of cell surface markers was also characterized by flow cytometry. hESCs were positive for mesenchymal markers (CD105, CD90 and CD73) and negative for hematopoietic markers (CD45 and CD11), indicating that isolated cells have potential for multilineage differentiation. L. obliqua bristle extract (LOBE) increased dose-dependently hESCs viability in a concentration range varying from 0.001 to 0.1 µg/mL, independently of the cell isolation bath. For some cell isolates (patient ID 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) it was observed a slightly reduction in hESC viability at highest LOBE concentrations (10 µg/mL). Treatment increased hESC viability in the presence of low concentrations of fetal bovine serum (1% FBS) and even in its complete absence. This effect was long lasting, being significant up to 72 h of incubation with LOBE in serum deprivation conditions. r to identify the potential molecules involved in the cytoprotective action, a mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was performed. It was identified a total number of 430 proteins in LOBE and 312 proteins in L. obliqua hemolymph.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This study was only conducted in vitro.

Wider implications of the findings: In this work we reported the identification of at least six protein classes with cytoprotective properties through proteomic analysis and isolated one fraction enriched in this cytoprotective factors. L. obliqua secretions induced increase in hESCs viability, proliferation and migration mainly by the protection against oxidative damage and ERK-dependent pathway activation.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

Biomineralization of Dental Tissues Treated with Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a dental biomaterial used to arrest dental caries. To better understand SDF's mechanism of action, we examined the localization of silver within the tissues of SDF-treated teeth. Carious primary teeth fixed within 2 min of SDF application (SDF-minutes, n = 3), at 3 wk after SDF application in vivo (SDF-weeks, n = 4), and at 2 y after multiple SDF applications in vivo (SDF-multiple, n = 1) were investigated in this study. Carious primary teeth without SDF application (no-SDF, n = 3) served as controls. Mineral density and structural analyses were performed via micro-X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Elemental analyses were performed through X-ray fluorescence microprobe and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic techniques. SDF-treated teeth revealed higher X-ray-attenuated surface and subsurface regions within carious lesions, and similar regions were not present in no-SDF teeth. Regions of higher mineral density correlated with regions of silver abundance in SDF-treated teeth. The SDF penetration depth was approximated to 0.5 ± 0.02 mm and 0.6 ± 0.05 mm (mean ± SD) for SDF-minutes and SDF-weeks specimens, respectively. A higher percentage of dentin tubular occlusion by silver or calcium phosphate particles was observed in primary teeth treated with SDF-weeks as compared with SDF-minutes. Elemental analysis also revealed zinc abundance in carious lesions and around the pulp chamber. SDF-weeks teeth had significantly increased tertiary dentin than SDF-minutes and no-SDF teeth. These results suggest that SDF treatment on primary teeth affected by caries promotes pathologic biomineralization by altering their physicochemical properties, occluding dentin tubules, and increasing tertiary dentin volume. These seemingly serendipitous effects collectively contribute to the cariostatic activity of SDF.

Toxoplasma gondii, Herpesviridae and long-term risk of transition to first-episode psychosis in an ultra high-risk sample

BACKGROUND

Ultra high-risk (UHR) criteria were introduced to identify people at imminent risk of developing psychosis. To improve prognostic accuracy, additional clinical and biological risk factors have been researched. Associations between psychotic disorders and infections with Toxoplasma gondii and Herpesviridae have been found. It is unknown if exposure to those pathogens increases the risk of transition to psychosis in UHR cohorts.

METHODS

We conducted a long-term follow-up of 96 people meeting UHR criteria, previously seen at the Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluation (PACE) clinic, a specialized service in Melbourne, Australia. Transition to psychosis was assessed using the Comprehensive Assessment of the At-Risk Mental State (CAARMS) and state public mental health records. The relationship between IgG antibodies to Herpesviridae (HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, EBV, VZV) and Toxoplasma gondii and risk for transition was examined with Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up duration was 6.46 (±3.65) years. Participants who transitioned to psychosis (n = 14) had significantly higher antibody titers for Toxoplasma gondii compared to those who did not develop psychosis (p = 0.03). After adjusting for age, gender and year of baseline assessment, seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii was associated with a 3.6-fold increase in transition hazard in multivariate Cox regression models (HR = 3.6; p = 0.036). No significant association was found between serostatus for Herpesviridae and risk of transition.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii may contribute to the manifestation of positive psychotic symptoms and increase the risk of transitioning to psychosis in UHR individuals.

Test of Lepton-Flavor Universality in B→K^{*}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Decays at Belle

We present a measurement of R_{K^{*}}, the branching fraction ratio B(B→K^{*}μ^{+}μ^{-})/B(B→K^{*}e^{+}e^{-}), for both charged and neutral B mesons. The ratio for the charged case R_{K^{*+}} is the first measurement ever performed. In addition, we report absolute branching fractions for the individual modes in bins of the squared dilepton invariant mass q^{2}. The analysis is based on a data sample of 711  fb^{-1}, containing 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events, recorded at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The obtained results are consistent with standard model expectations.

Pre-surgery planning tool for estimation of resection volume to improve nasal breathing based on lattice Boltzmann fluid flow simulations

Purpose

State-of-the-art medical examination techniques (e.g., rhinomanometry and endoscopy) do not always lead to satisfactory postoperative outcome. A fully automatized optimization tool based on patient computer tomography (CT) data to calculate local pressure gradient regions to reshape pathological nasal cavity geometry is proposed.

Methods

Five anonymous pre- and postoperative CT datasets with nasal septum deviations were used to simulate the airflow through the nasal cavity with lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulations. Pressure gradient regions were detected by a streamline analysis. After shape optimization, the volumetric difference between the two shapes of the nasal cavity yields the estimated resection volume.

Results

At LB rhinomanometry boundary conditions (bilateral flow rate of 600 ml/s), the preliminary study shows a critical pressure gradient of −1.1 Pa/mm as optimization criterion. The maximum coronal airflow ΔA  := cross-section ratio \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\frac{\mathrm{virtual surgery }}{\mathrm{post}-\mathrm{surgery}}$$\end{document}virtualsurgerypost-surgery found close to the nostrils is 1.15. For the patients a pressure drop ratio ΔΠ  := (pre-surgery − virtual surgery)/(pre-surgery − post-surgery) between nostril and nasopharynx of 1.25, 1.72, −1.85, 0.79 and 1.02 is calculated.

Conclusions

LB fluid mechanics optimization of the nasal cavity can yield results similar to surgery for air-flow cross section and pressure drop between nostril and nasopharynx. The optimization is numerically stable in all five cases of the presented study. A limitation of this study is that anatomical constraints (e.g. mucosa) have not been considered.

Role of Chiral Two-Body Currents in ^{6}Li Magnetic Properties in Light of a New Precision Measurement with the Relative Self-Absorption Technique

A direct measurement of the decay width of the excited 0_{1}^{+} state of ^{6}Li using the relative self-absorption technique is reported. Our value of Γ_{γ,0_{1}^{+}→1_{1}^{+}}=8.17(14)_{stat.}(11)_{syst.}  eV provides sufficiently low experimental uncertainties to test modern theories of nuclear forces. The corresponding transition rate is compared to the results of ab initio calculations based on chiral effective field theory that take into account contributions to the magnetic dipole operator beyond leading order. This enables a precision test of the impact of two-body currents that enter at next-to-leading order.

[Day/Night Variability of Coughing Events in Interstitial Lung Disease]

INTRODUCTION

 Besides dyspnea a dry cough is one of the main symptoms in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Little is known about the 24-hour-variability of this symptom. Moreover, it is unclear if other auscultation phenomena occur.

METHODS

 A long-term auscultation for 24-hours was performed in patients with fibrotic lung diseases (LEOSound, Löwenstein Medical GmbH & Co. KG, Medical-Electronics, Bad Ems, Germany). Coughing and wheezing sounds were recorded. For the following analysis the 24-hour period was divided into two intervals of 12 hours each (daytime and nighttime). Events were registered in epochs (at least one event in 30 seconds).

RESULTS

 20 patients were included (6 with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia and 14 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). On average 166 coughing epochs were recorded in a 24-hour-period (day/night 116/50; P < 0.001). Moreover, 203 wheezing epochs were registered (day/night 84/119; P = 0.273). Auscultation phenomena did not correlate with spirometric and bodyplethymographic data, nor with data of diffusion capacity.

DISCUSSION

 The study is showing the clinical potential of long-term auscultation in patients with fibrotic lung diseases. Especially the findings concerning the coughing symptoms were remarkable. It could be shown that there was a decrease of coughing during nighttime in comparison to daytime. In contrast to this, wheezing sounds were increasing at nighttime. The clinical relevance of this finding is yet to be assessed. Finally, there was no correlation between the severity of the disease measured by functional diagnostics and the amount of coughing.

Risk modifiers and mortality in patients with high platelet reactivity to Adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) in the LURIC study

Background

Increased platelet reactivity (PR) is an established predictor of cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality. However, therapeutic targeting of PR by tailored antiplatelet therapy (APT) failed to show significant clinical benefit. It remains unclear whether increased PR constitutes a risk-modifier that identifies patients that benefit from risk-factor adjustment.

Purpose

To identify risk factors that allow modification and/or elimination of increased CV and all-cause mortality in patients with altered PR.

Methods

ADP- and TRAP-induced PR was measured by CD62P and CD63 expression in 1780 patients who were referred for coronary angiography between 1997 and 2000 and participated in the LURIC study. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS v25.0 and R v3.6.1

Results

ADP-induced PR was an excellent predictor of CV-mortality and risk-equivalent to the presence of coronary artery disease (Figure 1A). Stratification of platelet ADP-response into tertiles demonstrated that patients with high-PR (HPR) and low-PR (LPR) were at increased risk for CV-mortality when compared to the reference group (HPR: HR 1.7 [95% CI: 1.3–2.3]; LPR: HR 1.4 [95% CI: 1.0–1.8]) (Figure 1B). Multivariable-adjustment did not change the association of PR with CV-mortality. Using a relative weight analysis, we identified HbA1c and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as potential risk-modifiers. In addition, presence of APT appeared to be an exclusive risk-modifier in the HPR-group. In an multivariable-adjusted risk assessment, we verified that in the HPR group (i) treatment of PR by APT reduced CV-mortality with a HR of 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3–0.7) p=0.0004), (ii) HbA1c of &gt;7.0% in patients with diabetes increased CV-mortality with a HR of 2.0 (95% CI: 1.2–3.2 p=0.004) and (iii) eGFR &lt;60ml/min increased CV-mortality with a HR 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.6 p=0.013). Other risk-factors including blood pressure (&lt;140mmHg), LDL-C (&lt;100mg/dL) and hs-CRP (&lt;2mg/dL) did not alter the mortality risk. None of the risk-modifiers tested affected CV-mortality risk of patients in the LPR group.

In the HPR group, risk modification by APT and HbA1c &lt;7.0% in patients with diabetes independently reduced CV-mortality risk to a level that was no longer statistically different to the reference group (p&gt;0.05). Risk modification by an eGFR &gt;60ml/min led to a profound risk reduction in the HPR group but remained statistically different from the reference group (Figure 1C).

Conclusion

Here, we demonstrate that HPR and LPR are predictors for CV mortality in the LURIC study. Treatment of platelet hyperreactivity by APT, HbA1c of ≤7% in patients with diabetes and an eGFR ≥60ml/min were associated with a reduced CV-mortality in HPR patients and might constitute adjustable risk factors in this group. In addition, we were unable to identify any significant risk factors for patients with LPR underlining a high-risk patient group with insufficient therapeutic options.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Dye chromoendoscopy leads to a higher adenoma detection in the duodenum and stomach in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

Backround and study aims  Duodenal cancer is the cancer most often seen in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) who have undergone risk-reducing colonic surgery. Almost all patients with FAP eventually develop duodenal adenomas and risk for duodenal cancer is up to 12 % with poor prognosis. In addition, there is a rising concern regarding increased gastric cancer risk in patients with FAP. Our aim was to enhance polyp detection by using CE (CE) with the application of indigo carmine dye. Patient and methods  We conducted a prospective, blinded study of patients with FAP undergoing endoscopic examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract. First, a standard white-light examination (WLE) was done followed by an examination performed by an endoscopist who was blinded to the previous examination, using chromoendoscopy (CE) (0.4 % indigo carmine dye). Results  Fifty patients were included in the study. Using WLE, a median number of 13 adenomas (range 0-90) was detected compared to 23 adenomas/patient (range 0-150; P  < 0.0001) detected after staining, leading to a higher Spigelman stage in 16 patients (32 %; P  = 0.0003). CE detected significantly more larger adenomas (> 10 mm) than WLE (12 vs. 19; P  = 0.0391). In the gastric antral region, a median number of 0 adenomas (range 0-6) before and 0.5 adenomas (range 0-7) after staining ( P  = 0.0025) were detected. Conclusion  This prospective endoscopic trial, to our knowledge the largest in patients with FAP, showed a significant impact of CE on adenoma detection and therapeutic management in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This leads to more intensive surveillance intervals.

Haploidentical HSCT with post transplantation cyclophosphamide versus unrelated donor HSCT in pediatric patients affected by acute leukemia

T-cell replete hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a haploidentical donor followed by high doses of cyclophosphamide has been demonstrated to provide the best chances of a cure for many children in need of an allograft but who lack both a sibling and an unrelated donor. In this study we retrospectively compared the outcome of pediatric patients undergoing T-replete haploidentical HSCT (Haplo) for acute leukemia with those undergoing transplantation from unrelated HLA-matched donor (MUD) and HLA mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) from 2012 to 2017 at our Center. Both univariable and multivariable analyses showed similar 5-year overall survival rates for MUD, MMUD, and Haplo patients: 71% (95% CI 56-86), 72% (95% CI 55-90), and 75% (95% CI 54-94), respectively (p = 0.97). Haplo patients showed reduced event-free survival rates compared to MUD and MMUD patients: 30% (95% CI 12-49) versus 70% (95% CI 55-84) versus 53% (95% CI 35-73), respectively (p = 0.007), but these data were not confirmed by a multivariable analysis. Non-relapse mortality (NRM) and relapse incidence (RI) were similar for the three groups. Therefore, our data confirm that Haplo is a suitable clinical option for pediatric patients needing HSCT when lacking both an MUD and an MMUD donor.

Nasal cavity airflow: Comparing laser doppler anemometry and computational fluid dynamic simulations

Objective parameters to assess the physical flow conditions of breathing are scarce and decisions for surgery, e.g. nasal septum correction, mainly rely on subjective surgeon judgment. To define decision supporting parameters, we compare laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) and numerical computational fluid dynamic simulations (CFD) of the airflow velocity vector fields in the nasal cavity, including lattice Boltzmann (LB) and finite volume methods (FVM). The simulations are based on an anonymous patient CT dataset with septal deviation. LDA measurements are preformed using a 3D printed model. Nasal airflow geometry is randomly deformed in order to approximate surgical changes. The root-mean-square velocity error near the nasal valve of laser Doppler anemometry and lattice Boltzmann simulations is 0.071. Changes in geometry similarly affect both measurement and simulation.

Stress, allostatic load and mental health in Indigenous Australians

The aim of this narrative review was to demonstrate how the notion of allostatic load (AL) relates directly to the mental health disparities observed between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We also endeavored to synthesize the results of the limited number of studies examining stress and AL in Indigenous Australians in order to explore the potential public health benefits of the AL concept. A range of literature examining health inequalities, psychosocial determinants of mental illness and AL was explored to demonstrate the applicability of stress biology to the significant mental health burden faced by Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, all original studies indexed in MEDLINE that provided quantitative data on primary stress biomarkers in Indigenous Australians were selected for review. Evidence of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation and increased AL is apparent even in the handful of studies examining stress biomarkers in Indigenous Australians. Urinary, salivary, hair and fingernail cortisol, hair cortisone, urinary epinephrine, heart rate variability and the cortisol awakening response are all AL parameters which have been shown to be dysregulated in Indigenous Australian cohorts. Furthermore, associations between some of these biomarkers, self-perceived discrimination, exposure to stressful life events and symptoms of psychiatric disorders in Indigenous Australians have also been demonstrated. The continued assessment of AL biomarkers and their relationship with past traumas, lifetime stressors and socio-economic factors amongst Indigenous Australians is important to addressing the mental health this population. Measurement of AL biomarkers in a culturally appropriate manner may lead to more targeted preventative measures, interventions and policies, which mitigate the effects of stress at both the individual and societal level.