Do We Ever Need to Fix Clavicle Fractures in Adolescents?

Introduction

Clavicle fractures in adults are increasingly being treated by surgical fixation following reports of symptomatic non-union, malunion and poor functional outcome with conservative treatment. This has led to a similar trend in the management of clavicle fractures in adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the outcome and complications of non-operatively treated clavicle fractures in adolescents.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective, single institution study on adolescents aged 13-17 years who sustained a closed, isolated clavicle fracture, between 19972015. Clinical records were reviewed for demographic information, injury mode, time to radiographic fracture union, time to re-attainment of full shoulder range of motion (ROM), and time to return to full activities and sports. Complications and fracture-related issues were recorded. Radiographs were analysed for fracture location, displacement and shortening.

Results

A total of 115 patients (98 males, 17 females; mean age:13.9 ± 0.89 years) were included for study. 101 (88%) sustained a middle-third fracture while the remainder sustained a lateral-third fracture. A total of 96 (95%) of the middle-third fractures were displaced, and 12 (86%) of the lateral-third fractures were displaced. All displaced fractures in this study had shortening. Sports-related injuries and falls accounted for 68 (59%) and 34 (30%) of the cases respectively. Overall, the mean time to radiographic fracture union was 7.8 ± 4.35 weeks; there were no cases of non-union. Full shoulder ROM was re-attained in 6.6 ± 3.61 weeks, and full activities and sports was resumed in 11.4 ± 4.69 weeks. There were 5 cases of re-fracture and a single case of intermittent fracture site pain.

Conclusion

Clavicle fractures in adolescents can and should be treated non-operatively in the first instance with the expectation of good outcomes in terms of time for fracture union, reattainment of shoulder full range of motion, and return to activities. Surgical stabilisation should be reserved for cases for which there is an absolute indication.

Mitral annular disjunction and myxomatous mitral valve disease in a dog

Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) has been defined as a structural abnormality with separation between the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve and the left atrial wall. It is commonly associated with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), mitral valve prolapse (MVP), ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death in humans, but has not been described in veterinary medicine despite the high prevalence of MMVD in the canine population. The echocardiographic findings in a Chihuahua with MAD, MMVD, and MVP are described. Diagnostic methods and criteria are reviewed and adapted.

Improving the Performance of Paper-Based Dipole Antennas by Electromagnetic Flux Concentration

One of the essential issues in modern advanced materials science is to design and manufacture flexible devices, in particular in the framework of the Internet of Things (IoT), to improve integration into applications. An antenna is an essential component of wireless communication modules and, in addition to flexibility, compact dimensions, printability, low cost, and environmentally friendlier production strategies, also represent relevant functional challenges. Concerning the antenna's performance, the optimization of the reflection coefficient and maximum range remain the key goals. In this context, this work reports on screen-printed paper@Ag-based antennas and optimizes their functional properties, with improvements in the reflection coefficient (S₁₁) from -8 to -56 dB and maximum transmission range from 208 to 256 m, with the introduction of a PVA-Fe₃O₄@Ag magnetoactive layer into the antenna's structure. The incorporated magnetic nanostructures allow the optimization of the functional features of antennas with possible applications ranging from broadband arrays to portable wireless devices. In parallel, the use of printing technologies and sustainable materials represents a step toward more sustainable electronics.

Thin and hypokinetic myocardial segments in cats with cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES

Thin and hypokinetic myocardial segments (THyMS) represent adverse ventricular (LV) remodeling in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. We describe the echocardiographic features and outcome in cats with THyMS, and in a subpopulation, the echocardiographic phenotype before LV wall thinning was detected (pre-THyMS).

ANIMALS

Eighty client-owned cats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective multicenter study. Clinical records were searched for cats with THyMS, defined as LV segment(s) with end-diastolic wall thickness (LVWT) <3 mm and hypokinesis in the presence of ≥one LV segment(s) with LVWT >4 mm and normal wall motion. When available, echocardiograms pre-THyMS were assessed. Survival time was defined as time from first presentation with THyMS to death.

RESULTS

Mean thickest LV wall segment (MaxLVWT) was 6.1 mm (95% CI 5.8-6.4 mm) and thinnest (MinLVWT) was 1.7 mm (95% CI 1.6-1.9 mm). The LV free wall was affected in 74%, apex in 13% and septum in 5%. Most cats (85%) presented with heart failure and/or arterial thromboembolism. Median circulating troponin I concentration was 1.4 ng/mL ([range 0.07-180 ng/mL]). Prior echocardiography results were available for 13/80 cats, a mean of 2.5 years pre-THyMS. In segments subsequently undergoing thinning, initial MaxLVWT measured 6.7 mm (95% CI 5.8-7.7 mm) vs. 1.9 mm (95% CI 1.5-2.4 mm) at last echocardiogram (P<0.0001). Survival data were available for 56/80 cats, median survival time after diagnosing THyMS was 153 days (95% CI 83-223 days). Cardiac histopathology in one cat revealed that THyMS was associated with severe transmural scarring.

CONCLUSIONS

Cats with THyMS had advanced cardiomyopathy and a poor prognosis.

Direct cost analysis of genetic testing for CYP2C19*2 and *3 loss of function variants in percutaneous coronary intervention patients

Background/Introduction

Patients with CYP2C19*2 or *3 loss of function (LOF) variants who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have an increased risk of ischemic events when treated with clopidogrel.

Purpose

A subgroup of patients who were included in the TAILOR-PCI trial were also enrolled in this study to determine if a genotype-guided (GG) approach based on CYP2C19*2 or *3 LOF variants is cost-effective.

Methods

Patients were randomized to the conventional therapy group with clopidogrel and to the GG group who underwent point of care genotype testing for CYP2C19*2 or *3 LOF variants. In the GG group, therapy was based on genotype results. Those identified as LOF carriers were prescribed ticagrelor while non-carriers were prescribed clopidogrel.

Results

There were no significant differences in direct medical costs between the conventional therapy group and GG group (mean $19,747 versus $20,682, p=0.11), however total costs were significantly greater in the GG group which was primarily driven by the outpatient cost of ticagrelor. Furthermore, there was no significant cost difference between ticagrelor treated LOF carriers and clopidogrel treated non-carriers.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that a GG approach with point of care testing for CYP2C19*2 or *3 LOF variants in patients undergoing PCI may be a cost-effective practice.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): NIH grants

NAV3 is a genetic determinant of myocardial recovery in dilated cardiomyopathy and attenuates cardiac fibrosis

Background

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) assessing change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a surrogate marker of morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF), had not been performed previously and could provide insight into novel biological pathways that could lead to the development of new drugs that might target myocardial recovery. The presence and extent of cardiac fibrosis in DCM is independently associated with myocardial recovery and cardiovascular mortality.

Purpose

To identify the biological relevance of genetic targets that are associated with change in LVEF in patients with DCM.

Methods

A GWAS was performed using DNA from 686 patients with recent onset DCM who were on standard HF therapy using change in LVEF at a median of 6 months after initial diagnosis. Cultured human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs) were used as an in vitro model to study the functional and biological relevance of the gene target identified in the GWAS. Specifically, HCFs were transfected with siRNA by using the Lipofectamine™ RNAiMAX Transfection Reagent for gene knockdown (KD). RNA-seq was performed using the Illumina TruSeq protocol with expression analysis conducted with the EdgeR package. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used.

Results

A single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs11105445(G&gt;A), mapping to the neuron navigator 3 (NAV3) gene (rs11105445, p=2.37E-07; beta 2.74±0.53) was associated with improvement in LVEF. We performed a phenome-wide association study using data from the UK Biobank and demonstrated that genetic variation in NAV3 was significantly associated with HF mortality (p=3.2E-28), highlighting the potential importance of this gene in HF. Using GTEx data we demonstrated that in LV tissue the minor allele A was associated with ↓NAV3 expression (p=0.03) suggesting that ↓NAV3 expression might be associated with improvement in LVEF. We demonstrated that NAV3 KD significantly ↓TGF-β1 mediated HCF transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, ↓α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) and ↓collagen I (COL1A1), therefore NAV3 KD was anti-fibrotic (see Figure 1), 1a. HCFs treated by vehicle/TGF-β1 after KD of NAV3/ctrl, and ACTA2 and COL1A1 were analyzed by qPCR; 1b. Representative immunofluorescence staining for α-SMA (in green), RNA-seq after NAV3 KD followed by pathway analysis suggested that NAV3 exerted its effect by regulating cell cycle related proteins (Figure 2), 2a. Volcano plot shows significant differentially expressed genes identified by RNA-seq analysis (down-regulated in blue, up-regulated in red); 2b. NAV3 KD significantly increased expression of cell cycle related proteins, which was validated by Western blot.

Conclusions

Decreased expression of NAV3 is associated with myocardial recovery in DCM, most likely due to its anti-fibrotic effect via direct regulation of cell cycle proteins. The role of NAV3 as a novel therapeutic target in DCM needs to be explored.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized MedicineMayo Clinic Department of Cardiovascular Medicine

C65 POST–DISCHARGE ARRHYTHMIC RISK STRATIFICATION OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE MYOCARDITIS AND LIFE–THREATENING VENTRICULAR TACHYARRHYTHMIAS

Aims

The outcomes of patients presenting with acute myocarditis and life–threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LT–VA) are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and predictors of recurrent major arrhythmic events (MAEs) after hospital discharge in this patient population.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively analysed 156 patients (median age 44 years; 77% male) discharged with a diagnosis of acute myocarditis and LT–VA from 16 hospitals worldwide. Diagnosis of myocarditis was based on histology or the combination of increased markers of cardiac injury and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) Lake Louise criteria. MAEs were defined as the relapse, after discharge, of sudden cardiac death or successfully defibrillated ventricular fibrillation, or sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) requiring implantable cardioverter–defibrillator therapy or synchronized external cardioversion. Median follow–up was 23months [first to third quartile (Q1–Q3) 7–60]. Fifty–eight (37.2%) patients experienced MAEs after discharge, at a median of 8 months (Q1–Q3 2.5–24.0 months; 60.3% of MAEs within the first year). At multivariable Cox analysis, variables independently associated with MAEs were presentation with sVT [hazard ratio (HR) 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–6.11]; late gadolinium enhancement involving ≥2 myocardial segments (HR 4.51, 95% CI 2.39–8.53), and absence of positive short–tau inversion recovery (STIR) (HR 2.59, 95% CI 1.40–4.79) at first CMR.

Conclusions

In this international multicentre study, patients discharged free from HTx or LVAD after an acute myocarditis complicated by LT–VA had a recurrence of MAEs during follow–up of 37.2%, after a median time of 8 months. Initial CMR pattern and sVT at presentation stratify the risk of arrhythmia recurrence.

Greener Solvent-Based Processing of Magnetoelectric Nanocomposites

Polymer-based magnetoelectric (ME) nanocomposites are an enabling material technology for a wide range of applications in the area of digitalization strategies. Due to its highest piezoelectric response among polymers, poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) is the piezoelectric matrix most used in polymer-based ME materials with over 80% of the total reports, with the resulting composites typically processed from solutions with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), a toxic solvent. Nevertheless, environmentally friendlier approaches and sustainable technologies are increasingly being required. This work demonstrates that P(VDF-TrFE)/Co₂Fe₂O₄ nanocomposites can be successfully prepared from solution using three different environmentally friendlier solvents: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N'-dimethylpropyleneurea (DMPU), and triethyl phosphate (TEP) with different dipole moments. It is shown that the prepared composite films, with a maximum ME voltage coefficient of 35 mV cm^-1 Oe^-1 and a maximum sensitivity of 2.2 mV T^-1, are suitable for applications, highlighting the path for a new generation of more sustainable ME sensors.

Injury incidence and burden during senior inter-provincial field hockey tournaments

Background

Field hockey is an Olympic sport played internationally and in which South Africa is a participating nation. It also has its own world cup. Few injury studies have been published on South African field hockey. Research efforts should increase within the sport to ensure safe participation and mitigate the inherent injury risks.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to attend the male and female inter-provincial field hockey tournaments in South Africa and determine the incidence of injury and burden of acquired sport injuries (time-loss and medical attention).

Methods

A quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal study, including 133 females and 139 males, was conducted. Participants completed baseline questionnaires prior to the tournament and post-match questionnaires detailing injuries during the tournament.

Results

The recorded injuries were 77.9 (females) and 99.5 (males) per 1 000 player match hours. Medical attention was 51.9 (females) and 70.3 (males) injuries per 1 000 player match hours. The result for time-loss injuries was 4.3 (females) and 7.5 (males) injuries per 1 000 player match hours.

Discussion

The study found high incidence rates of all injuries and medical attention injuries; however, the incidence of time-loss injuries was low in comparison to existing literature. Comparing current results to existing literature is challenging due to the heterogeneity of methodologies and injury definitions in field hockey research.

Conclusion

This was the largest observational study in field hockey conducted in South Africa. The international sporting body should establish a consensus for future research and the South African Hockey Association explore long-term surveillance in South Africa to mimic similar national codes.

Magnetic materials: a journey from finding north to an exciting printed future

The potential implications/applications of printing technologies are being recognized worldwide across different disciplines and industries. Printed magnetoactive smart materials, whose physical properties can be changed by the application of external magnetic fields, are an exclusive class of smart materials that are highly valuable due to their magnetically activated smart and/or multifunctional response. Such smart behavior allows, among others, high speed and low-cost wireless activation, fast response, and high controllability with no relevant limitations in design, shape, or dimensions. Nevertheless, the printing of magnetoactive materials is still in its infancy, and the design apparatus, the material set, and the fabrication procedures are far from their optimum features. Thus, this review presents the main concepts that allow interconnecting printing technologies with magnetoactive materials by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this joint field, trying to highlight the scientific obstacles that still limit a wider application of these materials nowadays. Additionally, it discusses how these limitations could be overcome, together with an outlook of the remaining challenges in the emerging digitalization, Internet of Things, and Industry 4.0 paradigms. Finally, as magnetoactive materials will play a leading role in energy generation and management, the magnetic-based Green Deal is also addressed.

Transitioning a randomized controlled trial to a digital registry – experience from the TAILOR-PCI digital follow-up study on onboarding, engagement and geofencing consent rate

Background/Introduction

TAILOR-PCI is the largest cardiovascular genotype-based randomized trial (NCT#01742117) investigating whether genotype-guided selection of oral P2Y12 inhibitor therapy improves ischemic outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The TAILOR-PCI Digital Sub-Study tests the feasibility of extending original follow-up of 1 year to 2 years using state-of-the-art digital solutions. Deep phenotyping acquired during a clinical trial can be leveraged by extending follow-up in an efficient and cost-effective manner using digital technology.

Purpose

Our objective is to describe onboarding and engagement of participants initially recruited in a large, pragmatic, international, multi-center clinical trial to a digital registry.

Methods

TAILOR-PCI participants, within 23 months of their index PCI, were invited by letters containing a URL to the Digital Sub-Study website (http://tailorpci.eurekaplatform.org). These invitations were followed by phone calls, if no response to the letter, to determine reason for non-participation. A NIH-funded direct-to-participant digital research platform (the Eureka Research Platform) was used to onboard, consent and enroll participants for the digital follow-up. Participants were asked to answer health-related surveys at fixed intervals using the Eureka mobile app and desktop platform. To capture hospitalizations, participants could enable geofencing to allow background location tracking, which triggered surveys if a hospitalization was detected.

Result(s)

Letters were mailed to 893 of 929 eligible participants across 22 sites in the United States and Canada leading to 226 homepage visits and 118 registrations. There were 107 consents (12.0% of invited; mean age: 66.4±9.0; 19 females [18%]): 47 (44%) participants consented after the letter, 36 (34%) consented after the 1st call and 24 (22%) consented after a 2nd call. Among those who consented, 100 were eligible (7 did not have a smartphone) 81 downloaded the study mobile app and 73 agreed for geofencing (Figure 1). Among the 722 invited participants who were surveyed, 354 declined participation: due to lack of time (146; 20.2%), lack of smartphone (125; 17.3%), difficulty understanding (41; 5.7%), concern about using smartphone (34; 4.7%), concern of data privacy (14; 1.9%), concerns of location tracking (6; 0.8%) and other reasons (57; 7.9%).

Conclusion

Extended follow-up of a clinical trial using a digital platform is feasible but uptake in this study population was limited largely due to lack of time or a smartphone among participants. Based on data from other digital studies, uptake may also have been limited since digital follow-up consent was not incorporated at the time of consent for the main trial.

Figure 1. Onboarding of the digital substudy

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Clinical impact of acquired risk factors in TTN-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy

Background/Introduction

Truncating variants in TTN-encoded titin (TTNtvs) underlie ∼25% of familial dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) cases. In addition, TTNtvs are over-represented in alcoholic, peripartum, and chemotherapy-induced CM suggesting that risk factors may play a substantive role in the penetrance and expressivity of TTN-mediated DCM.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and clinical impact of risk factors for TTN-mediated DCM within a single center cohort of unrelated patients with pathogenic (P)/likely pathogenic (LP) TTNtvs.

Methods

In this retrospective study, an institutionally developed natural language processing algorithm was used to identify all TTNtv-positive patients evaluated clinically between 01/2012 and 12/2019. Each TTNtv was then mapped to the TTN reference sequence (NM_133378.4) and classified according to a strict interpretation of the 2015 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. After exclusion of individuals with complex congenital heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and those without ACMG P/LP TTNtvs, available medical records were reviewed for risk factors such as long-term heavy alcohol consumption (&gt;80 grams/day), cardiotoxic chemotherapy exposure, morbid obesity (body mass index &gt;40), biopsy/imaging-confirmed myocarditis, peripartum/tachycardia-mediated CM, and valvular heart disease.

Results

Overall, 33 ACMG P/LP TTNtv-positive patients were identified (40% female; mean age at presentation 45±16 years; mean LVEF at presentation 38%±17%). Of note, 17/33 (52%) presented with heart failure (HF) and 4/33 (12%) presented with sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). The remaining 12 (36%) TTNtv-positive patients presented with incidentally detected asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (n=9) or as a result of genetic cascade screening (n=3). In comparison to TTNtv-positive patients with non-HF presentations, those with HF had worse left ventricular function (mean LVEF: 26% ± 11% vs 51% ±12%; p&lt;0.001) and were more likely to have ≥1 risk factor [11/17 (65%) vs 4/16 (25%); p=0.04]. Unexpectedly, the 7 TTNtv-positive patients that presented with (n=4) or subsequently developed (n=3) sustained VAs were younger at the time of presentation (34±13 years vs 48±15 years; p=0.04) and displayed a similar degree of left ventricular dysfunction to those without sustained VAs (mean LVEF: 42% ± 17% vs 36% ± 17%; p=ns). Interestingly, the only risk factor over-represented amongst those with sustained VAs was bileaflet mitral valve prolapse [3/7 (43%) vs 0/26 (0%); p=0.006].

Conclusion

The majority of TTNtv-positive patients (14/23; 61%) with a history of HF and/or sustained VAs possessed ≥1 acquired risk factor providing further evidence that gene-environment interaction(s) exert a crucial role in the manifestation of TTN-mediated disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Utilization of cardiac MRI for the assessment of suspected rejection with negative biopsy in heart transplant recipients

Background

Heart transplant (HTx) patients can develop graft dysfunction (GD) without biopsy evidence of cell or antibody mediated rejection. Cardiac MRI (CMR) can detect inflammatory or infiltrative causes of cardiomyopathy however CMR findings in HTx recipients with GD have not been previously described.

Purpose

We sought to identify CMR characteristics of HTx patients with GD, and evaluate its additive value in its diagnosis and prognosis.

Methods

CMR has been performed routinely to evaluate GD at our institutions. There were 37 HTx recipients who presented with acute decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of &lt;50% and &gt;10% from baseline, with no biopsy evidence of rejection between 2007 and 2018. Coronary angiogram with IVUS was done to rule out allograft vasculopathy. Treatment of GD was per discretion of the treating clinician. Responders were defined as those with LVEF improvement &gt;10% at 180 days or greater post-presentation. LV and RV indices, the presence and pattern of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were determined by CMR.

Results

There were 34% females and mean age at transplant was 49±13 years. Median time from HTx to GD was 1.2 years. Presenting symptoms were heart failure (n=25), cardiogenic shock (n=1) and 11 patients were asymptomatic. Mean LVEF at presentation was 37±12% and donor specific antibodies were detected in 38% patients. Most patients were treated with steroid bolus (n=29), and/or plasmapheresis (n=23). There were no major changes made in immunosuppression in 6 patients. Delayed enhancement MRI was performed with standard inversion-recovery (IR) gradient echo sequences, between 5 and 20 minutes after institutional-standard protocol administration of IV gadolinium contrast. Biventricular LGE was present in 18/37 (49%) patients with GD and was more prevalent in responders (57%, 13 of 23) than non-responders (35%, 5 of 14), although not statistically significant (p=0.21). There were two patterns of LGE noted: 1) Diffuse epicardial (10 patients out which 9 were responders) and 2) Patchy pattern with non-specific distribution (8 patients out of which 4 were responders). Myocardial edema by triple IR sequencing was seen in 6 patients, all having diffuse epicardial pattern of enhancement matching the delayed enhancement pattern. When comparing different treatment groups, among those treated for GD (n=31), 12 of 21 (57%) responders had LGE and 4 of 10 (40%) non-responders had LGE (p=0.37), a pattern similar to the broader population. Among those not treated for GD (n=6), 1 of 2 responders had LGE and 1 of 4 non-responders had LGE (p=0.5).

Conclusion

CMR identified inflammation as a potential cause of GD in approximately 50% of HTx patients. There are 2 distinct patterns of LGE observed in GD, diffuse epicardial (56%) and patchy (44%). Although the presence of LGE in itself is not associated with myocardial recovery, 90% of patients with a diffuse epicardial pattern have recovery of GD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

ACCIDENTAL FINDING OF SYNCHRONOUS BILATERAL DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU IN A YOUNG MAN REFERRED TO MASTECTOMY DUE TO GYNECOMASTIA - AND WHAT IF LIPOSUCTION HAVE BEEN USED? CASE REPORT

Breast male cancer is a rare condition. We report a case of a synchronous bilateral ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) which developed in a 26-year-old man with long-standing gynecomastia. He underwent bilateral subcutaneous mastectomy. Histology revealed bilateral pure DCIS. There was no identifiable causative factor for the development of bilateral DCIS, and there was no family history of the disease. No other treatment was required, and after 18 months there were no signs of local recurrence. This case highlights the importance of staying vigilant regarding the presence of malignancy in normally benign conditions. Liposuction has become a very useful technique for gynecomastia correction, however, there is a risk of dissemination of an unknown malignant tumor. In atypical cases, en bloc surgical excision should be performed.

Holter monitoring demonstrates that ventricular arrhythmias are common in cats with decompensated and compensated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Arrhythmias can complicate cardiac disease in cats and are a potential cause of sudden death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and nature of cardiac arrhythmias, and the potential correlation between plasma serum troponin I (cTnI) concentrations and the presence or severity of arrhythmias in cats with decompensated (dHCM) and compensated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cHCM). Forty one client-owned cats were studied: 16 with cHCM, 15 with dHCM and 10 healthy control cats. Physical examination, echocardiography, cTnI and 24-h Holter recordings were obtained in all cats and thoracic radiographs in cats with dHCM. Cats in both HCM groups were followed for 1 year after their initial Holter examination. The median (range) number of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) over 24h was 867 (1-35,160) in cats with dHCM, 431 (0-18,919) in cats with cHCM and 2 (0-13) in healthy control cats. The median number of episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VTach) was 0 (0-1497) in dHCM and 0.5 (0-91) in cats with cHCM. The number of VPCs, VTach episodes and heart rate was not different between the HCM groups. Plasma serum troponin I was highest in the cats with dHCM, but there was no correlation between cTnI concentration and the number of arrhythmias. Thirteen of 31 cats with HCM died, but an association with the presence and complexity of ventricular arrhythmias was not observed. Compared to healthy cats, ventricular arrhythmias were common in cats with cHCM and dHCM, but neither presence nor complexity of arrhythmias could be linked to prognosis.

Supraphysiologic estradiol is an independent predictor of low birth weight in full-term singletons born after fresh embryo transfer

STUDY QUESTION

Is supraphysiologic estradiol (E2) an independent predictor of low birth weight (LBW) in singletons born after fresh IVF-embryo transfer (ET) cycles?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Our results suggest that E2 > 2500 pg/ml is an independent predictor for LBW in full-term singletons born to normal responder patients undergoing fresh IVF-ET cycles.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The pathogenesis of LBW in IVF singletons remains unknown. However, recent studies have suggested that the hyperestrogenic milieu generated during ovarian stimulation may create a sub-optimal peri-implantation environment, leading to placental dysfunction, and therefore, LBW.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Retrospective cohort study of normal responder patients, <40 years old, undergoing fresh IVF-ET cycles resulting in live singleton births between January 2005 and June 2014.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

A total of 6419 patients had live births after fresh IVF-ET during the study period, of which 2348 (36.6%) patients were excluded due to multiple gestation, vanishing twins or incomplete records. Perinatal outcomes recorded for all patients included birth weight, gestational age (GA) at delivery, mode of delivery and gender. Term birth, preterm birth (PTB) and LBW incidence proportions were plotted against E2 level on the day of trigger. The term LBW incidence proportion (i.e. singletons born at GA ≥ 37 weeks with birth weight <2500 g) was considered the primary outcome of interest.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A total of 4071 patients with live singleton births were included. The median age, BMI, E2 level and birth weight for the study cohort was 36 (33-39) years, 22.3 (20.4-25.0) kg/m2, 1554 (1112.7-2179) pg/ml and 3289 (2920-3628) g, respectively. The incidence proportion of LBW rose from 6.4% (E2 2001-2500 pg/ml) to 20.7% (E2 3501-4000 pg/ml), without a corresponding rise in the incidence proportion of PTB. The odds of term LBW with E2 > 2500 pg/ml were 6.1-7.9 times higher compared to the referent E2 group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that E2 was an independent predictor for term LBW, even after adjusting for age, BMI, race, parity, infertility diagnosis, duration of ovarian stimulation, gonadotropin dosage and method of insemination (adjusted odds ratio 10.8, 95% CI 9.2-12.5). Receiver operating characteristic analysis generated an AUC estimate of 0.85 for E2 level as a predictor of LBW.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The current study did not include analyses of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or placental abnormalities. Furthermore, all patients were normal responders and of normal BMI, possibly limiting the overall generalizability of the study. Finally, as with any retrospective study, prospective data are required to validate the role of E2 in predicting LBW.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our results emphasize the importance of minimizing the supraphysiologic elevations of E2 levels during ovarian stimulation in fresh IVF-ET cycles. This, in turn, can optimize the early peri-implantation environment and mitigate adverse perinatal outcomes such as LBW.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Dr Paul J. Christos was partially supported by the following grant: Clinical and Translational Science Center at Weill Cornell Medical College (UL1-TR000457-06).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

EPS production by Propionibacterium freudenreichii facilitates its immobilization for propionic acid production

AIMS

Immobilization of microbial cells is a useful strategy for developing high cell density bioreactors with improved stability and productivity for production of different chemicals. Functionalization of the immobilization matrix or biofilm forming property of some strains has been utilized for achieving cell attachment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS) by Propionibacterium freudenreichii C.I.P 59.32 and utilize this feature for immobilization of the cells on porous glass beads for production of propionic acid.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Propionibacterium freudenreichii was shown to produce both capsular and excreted EPS during batch cultivations using glucose as carbon source. Different electron microscopy techniques confirmed the secretion of EPS and formation of cellular aggregates. The excreted EPS was mainly composed of mannose and glucose in a 5·3 : 1 g g^-1 ratio. Immobilization of the cells on untreated and polyethyleneimine (PEI)-treated Poraver beads in a bioreactor was evaluated. Higher productivity and yield of propionic acid (0·566 g l^-1  h^-1 and 0·314 g g^-1 , respectively) was achieved using cells immobilized to untreated beads and EPS production reached 617·5 mg l^-1 after 48 h.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest an important role of EPS-producing strains for improving cell immobilization and propionic acid production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study demonstrates the EPS-producing microbe to be easily immobilized on a solid matrix and to be used in a bioprocess. Such a system could be optimized for achieving high cell density in fermentations without the need for functionalization of the matrix.

Congenital pleuroperitoneal hernia presenting as gastrothorax in five cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs

Five cavalier King Charles spaniels were examined for acute onset of respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs demonstrated diaphragmatic hernia and tension gastrothorax, visible as a distended stomach occupying the left caudal thoracic cavity. Exploratory midline coeliotomy confirmed congenital pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia with herniation and dilatation of the stomach. The hernia configuration was consistent in all cases, with a defect affecting the left diaphragmatic crus. Congenital pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition caused by a defect in the dorsolateral diaphragm. Defects of the left crus of the diaphragm could result in the herniation of the stomach into the thoracic cavity with possible subsequent tension gastrothorax. Cavalier King Charles spaniels may have a predisposition to this condition. Tension gastrothorax is an acute life-threatening consequence of gastric herniation through a diaphragmatic defect that must be promptly recognised and surgically treated.

Transient Myocardial Thickening in Cats Associated with Heart Failure

Background

Cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and congestive heart failure (CHF) can have resolution of both left ventricular hypertrophy and CHF.

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics of cats with transient myocardial thickening (TMT) and CHF compared with a control population of cats without resolution of HCM.

Animals

A total of 21 cats with TMT, 21 cats with HCM.

Methods

Retrospective study. Clinical records at 4 veterinary centers were searched for TMT cases and a control group of cats with HCM and CHF. TMT was defined as initial maximal left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) ≥6 mm with left‐sided CHF, with subsequent resolution of CHF, reduction in left atrium/aorta (LA/Ao), and LVWT<5.5 mm. HCM was defined as persistent LVWT ≥6 mm.

Results

Cats with TMT were younger (2 [0.4–11.4] years) than cats with HCM (8 [1.6–14] years) (P < 0.0001), and antecedent events were more common (15/21 versus 6/21, respectively) (P = 0.01). In cats with TMT, LVWT normalized from 6.8 [6.0–9.7] mm to 4.8 [2.8–5.3] mm and LA/Ao decreased from 1.8 [1.6–2.3] to 1.45 [1.2–1.7] after a mean interval of 3.3 (95% CI: 1.8–4.7) months. CHF recurred in 1 of 21 TMT and 15 of 21 cats with HCM. Cardiac treatment was discontinued in 20 of 21 cats with TMT and 0 of 21 HCM cats. All cats with TMT survived, whereas 8 of 19 cats with HCM died during the study period.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

TMT occurs in younger cats, and antecedent events are common. The prognosis is better in cats with CHF associated with TMT than HCM.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection: state of the art in humans

Among infertile couples, 25% involve both male and female factors, while male factor alone accounts for another 25% due to oligo-, astheno-, teratozoospermia, a combination of the three, or even a complete absence of sperm cells in the ejaculate and can lead to a poor prognosis even with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been with us now for a quarter of a century and in spite of the controversy generated since its inception, it remains in the forefront of the techniques utilized in ART. The development of ICSI in 1992 has drastically decreased the impact of male factor, resulting in millions of pregnancies worldwide for couples who, without ICSI, would have had little chance of having their own biological child. This review focuses on the state of the art of ICSI regarding utility of bioassays that evaluate male factor infertility beyond the standard semen analysis and describes the current application and advances in regard to ICSI, particularly the genetic and epigenetic characteristics of spermatozoa and their impact on reproductive outcome.