Persistence of effort in apathy

The syndrome of apathy has generated increasing interest in recent years as systematic evaluations have revealed its high prevalence and strong negative impact on quality of life across a wide range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. However, although several theoretical models have been proposed to account for various aspects of the condition, understanding of this syndrome is still incomplete. One influential model has proposed that apathy might be described as a quantitative reduction of goal-directed behaviour in comparison to an individual's prior level of functioning. Persistence of activity defined as the capacity to continue with a task - sometimes in the face of setbacks, high levels of difficulty or fatigue - is a crucial but understudied aspect of goal-directed behaviour. Surprisingly, it has not been investigated yet in the context of apathy. Here, we provide an overview of theoretical and experimental aspects of persistence in effort that might assist to develop methods for the investigation of persistence in human behaviour, particularly within the pathologic context of apathy.

Negative symptoms and cognitive impairment are associated with distinct motivational deficits in treatment resistant schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Motivational deficits are a central feature of the negative syndrome in schizophrenia. They have consistently been associated with reduced willingness to expend physical effort in return for monetary rewards on effort based decision making (EBDM) paradigms. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying such altered performance are not well characterised, and it remains unclear if they are driven purely by negative symptoms, or also in part by cognitive impairment, antipsychotic treatment or even positive symptoms. Here we investigated the impact of all these factors using a paradigm that has not previously been used to measure EBDM in schizophrenia.

METHODS

Forty treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS) patients on clozapine and matched controls (N = 80) completed a well validated EBDM task which offers monetary rewards in return for physical effort. Choice and reaction time data was analysed using logistic regressions, as well as Bayesian hierarchical drift diffusion modelling (HDDM). Behavioural parameters were compared between groups and their association with negative symptoms, cognitive function and serum clozapine levels were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, TRS patients accepted significantly less offers than controls during effort-based decision making, suggesting they were less motivated. They demonstrated reduced sensitivity to increasing rewards, but surprisingly were also less averse to increasing effort. Despite a positive correlation between negative symptoms and cognitive function in TRS, reward sensitivity was associated only with cognitive performance. In contrast, reduced effort aversion correlated with negative symptom severity. Clozapine levels and positive symptoms were not associated with either behavioural parameter.

CONCLUSION

Motivational deficits in TRS are characterised by both diminished reward sensitivity and reduced effort aversion during EBDM. Cognitive dysfunction and negative symptom severity account for distinct aspects of these behavioural changes, despite positive associations between themselves. Overall, these findings demonstrate that negative symptoms and cognitive impairment have significant independent contributions to EBDM in TRS, thereby opening the possibility of individualised treatment targeting these mechanisms to improve motivation.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain as an indicator of myocardial injury in non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors

Introduction

The incidence of acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients is frequently subclinical and can be identified by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) provides an accurate validated method for early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction. So far, long-term cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 are undetermined therefore several validated methods should be used for early diagnosis and intervention in those patients.

Purpose

The aim of this work was to describe GLS as an indicator of myocardial injury in a case series of non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients complaining of persistent dyspnea after resolution of COVID-19 infection.

Methods

A total number of 18 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and were not indicated for hospital admission due to mild symptoms presenting with residual persistent dyspnea following COVID-19 infection resolution. Through clinical examination and standard 2D transthoracic echocardiography with STE emphasizing on LV-GLS was performed using Philips Epic - Qlab 10 software.

Results

The mean age of the included patients was 37.44±6.33 years, the mean time from COVID-19 diagnosis was 48.1±15.45 days, all patients (100%) had persistent dyspnea grade II. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 62.9±3.46% while the mean LV-GLS was −15.55±2.16%. Clinical and echocardiographic data is presented in Table 1.

Conclusion

In a case series of non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors who complained of persistent dyspnea, GLS was low in comparison to the normally reported values of LV-GLS although they had normal LVEF indicating the persistence of myocardial injury even in mild cases of COVID-19 long after infection resolution. Further close follow-up of even mild and moderate COVID-19 survivors is certainly required to detect long-term cardiovascular sequelae. 2D STE with LV-GLS can be used as a readily available validated technique to detect early or persistent myocardial dysfunction succeeding COVID-19 infection.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Study of in vitro and in vivo genotoxic effects of air pollution fine (PM2.5-0.18) and quasi-ultrafine (PM0.18) particles on lung models

Air pollution and particulate matter (PM) are classified as carcinogenic to humans. Pollutants evidence for public health concern include coarse (PM₁₀) and fine (PM_2.5) particles. However, ultrafine particles (PM_0.1) are assumed to be more toxic than larger particles, but data are still needed to better understand their mechanism of action. In this context, the aim of our work was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo genotoxic potential of fine (PM_2.5-018) and quasi ultra-fine (PM_0.18) particles from an urban-industrial area (Dunkirk, France) by using comet, micronucleus and/or gene mutation assays. In vitro assessment was performed with 2 lung immortalized cell lines (BEAS-2B and NCI-H292) and primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) grown at the air-liquid interface or in submerged conditions (5 µg PM/cm²). For in vivo assessment, tests were performed after acute (24 h, 100 µg PM/animal), subacute (1 month, 10 µg PM/animal) and subchronic (3 months, 10 µg PM/animal) intranasal exposure of BALB/c mice. In vitro, our results show that PM_2.5-018 and PM_0.18 induced primary DNA damage but no chromosomal aberrations in immortalized cells. Negative results were noted in primary cells for both endpoints. In vivo assays revealed that PM_2.5-018 and PM_0.18 induced no significant increases in DNA primary damage, chromosomal aberrations or gene mutations, whatever the duration of exposure. This investigation provides initial answers regarding the in vitro and in vivo genotoxic mode of action of PM_2.5-018 and PM_0.18 at moderate doses and highlights the need to develop standardized specific methodologies for assessing the genotoxicity of PM. Moreover, other mechanisms possibly implicated in pulmonary carcinogenesis, e.g. epigenetics, should be investigated.

P1501 Huge lateral wall ventricular pseudoaneurysm complicating a silent myocardial infarction

Introduction

Mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are mainly ventricular septal rupture (VSR), free wall rupture, and ischemic mitral regurgitation. If the patient survives the acute phase, negative remodeling starts to occur leading to aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm formation.

Case report

A 44-year-old male patient, smoker with a past medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and no past cardiac history except for recurrent pericardiocentesis of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion in another hospital since 3 months with no available data, presented to our medical facility complaining of dyspnea grade III with no orthopnea or paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea that started 4 months ago and progressed gradually with no history of any acute events. He was hemodynamically stable with no audible murmurs and clear chest auscultation. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function (ejection fraction 40%) with accidentally discovered large lateral wall ventricular pseudoaneurysm containing a large mural thrombus (Panels A and B) and a small pericardial effusion with no evidence of constriction or tamponade. Cardiac Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence of large ventricular pseudoaneurysm with mural thrombus lining the wall of the aneurysm (Panels C and D). Invasive coronary angiography (CA) revealed a total occlusion of the left circumflex artery (LCx) and non significant lesions in the remaining coronaries. The patient refused to have surgery and he was discharged on anti-ischemic, anti-failure measures and anti-coagulation with close follow-up.

Conclusion

Bedside echocardiography is still the mainstay procedure for diagnosis of mechanical complications following AMI and other imaging modalities such as cardiac CT and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are new diagnostic tools for confirming the diagnosis and planning for further interventions. Although rare, mechanical complications of AMI should always be considered in every ischemic patient.

Abstract P1501 Figure. Echo and CT images

P1521 Prosthetic heart valve-related stroke: a single center experience

OnBehalf

YIG-CVR

Introduction

Thromboembolic events or bleeding are by far the most frequent complications of prosthetic heart valves. Cerebrovascular stroke is one of the major thromboembolic complications of anticoagulation-related issues of prosthetic heart valves.

Aim of the work

To determine the pattern and risk factors of acute stroke in patients with prosthetic heart valves.

Methods and Patients

A retrospective single-center analysis of the database registry of consecutive acute stroke patients with mitral or aortic heart valve prostheses admitted to a tertiary care stroke specialized center from 01/01/2012 to 01/12/2017.

All patients were examined by a certified neurologist and underwent a complete work-up evaluation (Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Carotid Doppler ultrasound examination, complete blood tests, and electrocardiogram) and a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) examination as well as transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) if valve dysfunction or thrombosis were suspected.

Results

214 patients with mitral or aortic valve prostheses were admitted by acute stroke in the duration from 01/01/2012 to 01/12/2017 with a mean age of 44 ± 15 years, 132 were males (61.7%) and 178 patients had mechanical valves (83.2%). 135 patients had mitral prosthesis (63.1%) and ischemic stroke was encountered in 151 patients (70.6%).

Conclusion

In a single center experience, mechanical prosthesis at the mitral valve position was associated with higher incidence of ischemic stroke. Proper close follow-up of INR levels as well as the surgical shift to biological instead of mechanical valve should decrease significantly the incidence of prosthetic valve related strokes.

Baseline, clinical and other parameters Patients (n = 214) Age (years) 44 ± 15 Mechanical valve 178 (83.2%) Atrial Fibrillation 101 (47.2%) Rheumatic Heart Disease 175 (81.8%) Left ventricular ejection fraction (%) 54 ±13 Mitral Only 135 (63.1%) Aortic Only 51 (23.8%) Double Valve Prosthesis 28 (13.1%) Ischemic stroke 151 (70.6%) Hemorrhagic stroke 47 (22%) Both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke 16 (7.4%) Data are represented as mean(±SD) or number (Percentage)

Abstract P1521 Figure. Valve sites

P1506 The correlation between left atrial volume index and cerebrovascular stroke

OnBehalf

YIG-CVR

Introduction

Increased left atrial (LA) size was associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes such as the development of heart failure, atrial fibrillation (AF), and stroke in the elderly.

Aim of the work

To determine the relation between left atrial volume index (LAVI) and the occurrence of ischemic cerebrovascular stroke (CVS) in patients with sinus rhythm.

Patients and Methods

A prospective analysis of the data of patients admitted to a tertiary care center. Left atrial volume index (LAVI) was measured in 1222 patients admitted to our center with first attack of acute ischemic cerebrovascular stroke (CVS) and the data was matched with 1222 patients admitted by diagnoses other than acute ischemic stroke.

Patients with valvular heart diseases, history of AF and with known cardio-embolic source of stroke as left ventricular thrombi or masses were excluded from both groups.

Results

The mean age was 61.1 ± 14.4 years in the CVS group and 61.5 ± 12.4 years in the control group, males were 806 (71.43%) in the CVS group and 852 (73.47%) in the control group. LAVI was 35 ± 10.3 ml/m2 in the CVS group while it was only 25.8 ± 6.4 ml/m2 in the control group which was statistically significant (P value= 0.002).

Conclusion

LAVI is a strong parameter that can be used to predict the occurrence of CVS in patients with sinus rhythm.

Total (n = 2444) Acute CVS (n = 1222) No CVS (n = 1222) P-value Age (years) 61.1 ± 14.4 61.5 ± 12.4 0.75 Sex (Males) 806 (66%) 852 (70%) 0.65 Diabetes 655 (53.6%) 603 (49.3%) 0.6 Hypertension 702 (57.5%) 675 (55.2%) 0.55 Smoking 599 (49%) 564 (46.2%) 0.71 Dyslipidemia 310 (25.4%) 299 (24.5%) 0.81 Mean BP (mmHg) 122 ± 15 119 ± 17 0.88 Heart rate (bpm) 82 ± 16 85 ± 18 0.76 Hemoglobin (g/dl) 12.3 ± 1.3 12.9 ± 1.7 0.61 Platelets (103/l) 255 ± 110 235 ± 95 0.35 INR 1.15 ± 0.11 1.09 ± 0.18 0.75 Ejection fraction (%) 55 ± 12 51 ± 11 0.41 LAVI (ml/m2) 35 ± 10.3 25.8 ± 6.4 0.002* Results are represented as number (%) or mean ± standard deviation, BP = Blood Pressure, INR = International Normalization Ratio, * significant P value < 0.05

Abstract P1506 Figure. Comparison between both groups

P230 Pulmonary embolism due to hepatocellular carcinoma: A rare presentation

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. HCC is a highly progressive cancer with a high rate of metastasis. Intra-cardiac involvement with HCC is quite rare with a very poor prognosis. Acute pulmonary embolism is a very rare presentation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with tumor thrombi into the inferior vena cava (IVC), right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) with very poor reported prognosis.

Case presentation

A 72-years old hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive male patient for 20 years but he didn’t receive any treatment. He was admitted at our medical faculty with decompensated liver failure and resolved hepatic encephalopathy. He started complaining of acute onset of dyspnea. On clinical examination, he was tachypneic, tachycardic with thready pulse, distressed with deep icteric tinge. He had a massive ascites and bilateral lower limb pitting oedema. His electrocardiogram (ECG) showed sinus tachycardia. Urgent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a large solid mass extending through the IVC to RA (Figure 1 Panel A) with another highly mobile cauliflower mass at the RV apex occupying the RV cavity, protruding into RA through TV and nearly obliterating RVOT into pulmonary artery. (Figure 1 Panel B, C, D). Due to patient’s frailty and hazards of contrast medium in an already impaired renal status of him, no further contrast study was performed. Only conservative and supportive measures were initiated for the management of his deteriorated general condition but unfortunately, he passed away shortly after.

Conclusion

Cardiac involvement in HCC rarely occurs and usually develops in advanced stages of HCC. The main mechanism of metastasis into the cardiac cavity is through a direct vascular extension of the tumor to the right side via hepatic vein and IVC. Acute pulmonary embolism in the setting of HCC is a quite rare manifestation of HCC that usually occur due to tumor thrombi in the IVC, RA and RV. The reported prognosis of HCC with intra-cardiac involvement is very poor, with a mean survival of 1 to 4 months at the time of diagnosis.

Abstract P230 Figure. TTE of HCC invading RVOT

P835 Mitral valve abscess complicating infective endocarditis

Funding Acknowledgements

n/a

Background

Health care associated infective endocarditis (HAIE) accounted for u to 30% of infective endocarditis (IE) cases, it tends to affect patients with a poor clinical condition and represents a considerable in-hospital mortality.

Case

A 75-years old gentleman with end-stage renal failure secondary to polycystic kidney disease had commenced hemodialysis via a tunneled hemodialysis catheter 3 months ago, presented for pre-operative evaluation before vascular surgery for acute left lower limb ischemia, patient gave history of fever for the past month partially responding to antipyretics along with recent ischemic cerebrovascular stroke with no residual neurological deficits. On examination he had a blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg, a heart rate of 100 bpm, a temperature of 38oC, and a harsh pansystolic murmur over the apex. Laboratory results revealed leukocytosis elevated CRP and blood cultures were positive for staphylococcus aureus. Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia.

Methods and Results

2D-Trans-Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE) revealed the presence of echogenic rounded mobile mass measured 2x2 cm attached to the atrial surface of the posterior mitral valve leaflet. There was a severe mitral valve regurgitation and the regurgitant jet was directed anteriorly swirling around the mass. The left ventricle dimensions and function were normal. 2D-Trans-esophageal Echocardiography(TEE) was done for better visualization of the mass and it"s attachment. The mass was overlying the atrial surface of the posterior leaflet middle P2 scallop with a small echo-lucent cavity (abscess formation) in the leaflet in addition to another smaller mass at the atrial surface of the anterior leaflet. The aortic, tricuspid and pulmonary valves were normal in structure and function

Discussion

Echocardiography is a crucial imaging modality in a patient with multiple systemic emboli to rule out cardio-embolic source of embolization. TEE is of added value along with TTE in better definition of masses and detection of IE related complication.

While the patient was prepared for the vascular surgery to secure the ischemic limb his sensorium was disturbed and became unconscious immediate brain computed tomography showed severe intracranial hemorrhage and the patient died.

Conclusions

Patient with chronic kidney disease and on hemo-dialysis are highly vulnerable to health care related infective endocarditis and high clinical suspicion should be given in a situation of prolonged fever and embolic events. Mitral valve abscess is a rare complication of infective endocarditis and if occurs it leads to increase mortality. TEE should be an integral part of management of patients with IE to role out serious complications.

Abstract P835 Figure. Mitral valve infective endocarditis

P3703Frequency of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation in patients presenting with acute ischemic cerebrovascular stroke

Introduction

Acute ischemic cerebrovascular stroke (CVS) can be the first clinical manifestation of atrial fibrillation (AF), that is why large-scale screening programs for AF are currently implemented especially in individuals more than or equal 65 years old. Yet, to date, cost-effectiveness data have relied on assumptions of stroke rates observed in patients with established AF, while the true incidence rates of undiagnosed AF presenting as a stroke remain unknown.

Purpose

To estimate the incidence of patients with no history of AF who are presented with acute ischemic CVS and are found to be in AF at the time of presentation or developed atrial fibrillation during the hospital stay.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients admitted with acute CVS to a tertiary care stroke specialized center in the period from 01/01/2014 till 31/12/2017.

Ischemic CVS is confirmed by either multislice computed tomography (MSCT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain.

AF is documented by electrocardiography (ECG) that is made at admission or during hospital stay. Patients with history of AF on rate or rhythm-control therapy were excluded from the study.

Results

Of the 3299 patients admitted by acute ischemic CVS, 707 (21.43%) patients had history of AF and they were on medical rate or rhythm control therapy and thus were excluded from the study.

Of the remaining 2592 patients eligible for the study, 1666 (64.27%) were males with a mean age of 56.06 years (±16.01).

Regarding ECG, 2313 (89.24%) patients were in sinus rhythm and other non-AF rhythms and 211 (8.14%) presented with AF rhythm and 68 (2.62%) developed AF during their hospital stay with a cumulative incidence of (10.76%).

Table 1. Baseline patient characteristics and ECG data (n=2592) Risk factors n=2592 Hypertension 1849 (71.33%) Diabetes Mellitus 925 (35.69%) Smoking 1445 (55.75%) ECG data   Non-AF 2313 (89.24%)   AF on admission 211 (8.14%)   AF in hospital 68 (2.62%)   Total AF 279 (10.76%)

Undiagnosed AF in acute ischemic CVS

Conclusion

The incidence of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation in patients presented with acute cerebrovascular stroke is significantly high. Implementation of good screening programs can significantly reduce the risk of disabilities and morbidities.

Toxicological effects of ambient fine (PM2.5-0.18) and ultrafine (PM0.18) particles in healthy and diseased 3D organo-typic mucocilary-phenotype models

The knowledge of the underlying mechanisms by which particulate matter (PM) exerts its health effects is still incomplete since it may trigger various symptoms as some persons may be more susceptible than others. Detailed studies realized in more relevant in vitro models are highly needed. Healthy normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE), asthma-diseased human bronchial epithelial (DHBE), and COPD-DHBE cells, differentiated at the air-liquid interface, were acutely or repeatedly exposed to fine (i.e., PM_2.5-0.18, also called FP) and quasi-ultrafine (i.e., PM_0.18, also called UFP) particles. Immunofluorescence labelling of pan-cytokeratin, MUC5AC, and ZO-1 confirmed their specific cell-types. Baselines of the inflammatory mediators secreted by all the cells were quite similar. Slight changes of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, MCP-1, and/or TGFα, and of H3K9 histone acetylation supported a higher inflammatory response of asthma- and especially COPD-DHBE cells, after exposure to FP and especially UFP. At baseline, 35 differentially expressed genes (DEG) in asthma-DHBE, and 23 DEG in COPD-DHBE, compared to NHBE cells, were reported. They were involved in biological processes implicated in the development of asthma and COPD diseases, such as cellular process (e.g., PLA2G4C, NLRP1, S100A5, MUC1), biological regulation (e.g., CCNE1), developmental process (e.g., WNT10B), and cell component organization and synthesis (e.g., KRT34, COL6A1, COL6A2). In all the FP or UFP-exposed cell models, DEG were also functionally annotated to the chemical metabolic process (e.g., CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP1A2) and inflammatory response (e.g., EREG). Another DEG, FGF-1, was only down-regulated in asthma and specially COPD-DHBE cells repeatedly exposed. While RAB37 could help to counteract the down-regulation of FGF-1 in asthma-DHBE cells, the deregulation of FGR, WNT7B, VIPR1, and PPARGC1A could dramatically contribute to make it worse in COPD-DHBE cells. Taken together, these data contributed to support the highest effects of UFP versus FP and highest sensitivity of asthma- and notably COPD-DHBE versus NHBE cells.

Bedside saccadometry as an objective and quantitative measure of hemisphere-specific neurological function in patients undergoing cranial surgery

Cranial surgery continues to carry a significant risk of neurological complications. New bedside tools that can objectively and quantitatively evaluate cerebral function may allow for earlier detection of such complications, more rapid initiation of therapy, and improved patient outcomes. We assessed the potential of saccadic eye movements as a measure of cerebral function in patients undergoing cranial surgery peri-operatively. Visually evoked saccades were measured in 20 patients before (-12 hours) and after (+2 and +5 days) undergoing cranial surgery. Hemisphere specific saccadic latencies were measured using a simple step-task and saccadic latency distributions were compared using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Saccadic latency values were incorporated into an empirically validated mathematical model (Linear Approach to Threshold with Ergodic Rate [LATER] model) for further analysis (using Wilcoxon signed rank test). Thirteen males and seven females took part in our study (mean age 55 ± 4.9 years). Following cranial surgery, saccades initiated by the cerebral hemisphere on the operated side demonstrated significant deteriorations in function after 2 days (p < 0.01) that normalised after 5 days. Analysis using the LATER model confirmed these findings, highlighting decreased cerebral information processing as a potential mechanism for noted changes (p < 0.05). No patients suffered clinical complications after surgery. To conclude, bedside saccadometry can demonstrate hemisphere-specific changes after surgery in the absence of clinical symptoms. The LATER model confirms these findings and offers a mechanistic explanation for this change. Further work will be necessary to assess the practical validity of these changes in relation to clinical complications after surgery.

Different surgical reconstruction modalities of the post-burn mutilated hand based on a prospective review of a cohort of patients*

This study covered 40 patients (22 females and 18 males) suffering from post-burn hand deformities admitted to Assiut University Hospital and Luxor International Hospital (Egypt) from June 2004 to May 2006. Their ages ranged between 4 and 45 yr (mean, 24.5 yr). They presented a variety of post-burn hand deformities, e.g. dorsal hand contracture (14 cases), volar contracture (10 cases), first web space contracture (3 cases), post-burn syndactyly (2 cases), wrist deformity (3 cases), skin and tendon affection (2 cases), and complex deformity (6 cases). All the patients underwent a variety of surgical procedures specific to the individual post-burn hand deformity. Post-operative splinting of the hand for 10 days was performed in patients with skin graft to prevent recontracture. The post-operative physiotherapy programme started in the second week in order to achieve good functional results. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 20 months. The results were satisfactory in most of the cases as regards the quality of coverage, which was achieved in the majority of cases. In one case there was partial loss of the skin graft, which healed by secondary intention; full range of motion was achieved in most patients, but not those with joint affections. On the basis of our results, we can conclude that the management of post-burn hand deformities depends on several factors. Initial treatment of the burned hand is of great importance for the prevention of secondary deformities. In secondary burn management the first step is the release of the contracture, which should be complete and include all contracted structures. The second step is the proper selection of methods of coverage for resultant defects, using either skin grafts or flaps depending on the presence of exposed tendons, nerves, or joints. The third step in order to obtain a very good function is the activation of an intensive physiotherapy programme immediately after the operation.

Different surgical reconstruction modalities of the post-burn mutilated hand based on a prospective review of a cohort of patients

This study covered 40 patients (22 females and 18 males) suffering from post-burn hand deformities admitted to Assiut University Hospital and Luxor International Hospital (Egypt) from June 2004 to May 2006. Their ages ranged between 4 and 45 yr (mean, 24.5 yr). They presented a variety of post-burn hand deformities, e.g. dorsal hand contracture (14 cases), volar contracture (10 cases), first web space contracture (3 cases), post-burn syndactyly (2 cases), wrist deformity (3 cases), skin and tendon affection (2 cases), and complex deformity (6 cases). All the patients underwent a variety of surgical procedures specific to the individual post-burn hand deformity. Post-operative splinting of the hand for 10 days was performed in patients with skin graft to prevent recontracture. The post-operative physiotherapy programme started in the second week in order to achieve good functional results. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 20 months. The results were satisfactory in most of the cases as regards the quality of coverage, which was achieved in the majority of cases. In one case there was partial loss of the skin graft, which healed by secondary intention; full range of motion was achieved in most patients, but not those with joint affections. On the basis of our results, we can conclude that the management of post-burn hand deformities depends on several factors. Initial treatment of the burned hand is of great importance for the prevention of secondary deformities. In secondary burn management the first step is the release of the contracture, which should be complete and include all contracted structures. The second step is the proper selection of methods of coverage for resultant defects, using either skin grafts or flaps depending on the presence of exposed tendons, nerves, or joints. The third step in order to obtain a very good function is the activation of an intensive physiotherapy programme immediately after the operation.

Photodynamic therapy combined with a cysteine proteinase inhibitor synergistically decrease VEGF production and promote tumour necrosis in a rat mammary carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and inhibition of cathepsin B proteases by cystatin (cysteine proteinase inhibitor, CPI) are potential new tumour treatment modalities. We have investigated the efficacy of PDT and CPI alone and in combination on a solid mammary carcinoma transplanted into Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intraperitoneally injected single doses of chlorine e6 or HpD as photosensitizers were excited at 630 nm (90 J/cm(2)). CPI (500 micro g per animal) was injected around the tumour daily during the 8-day treatment. Inoculation of tumour was either on day 1 of the protocol, or 8 days before. On day 8, tumour size was measured, tumour necrosis and vascularization were determined based on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS

No differences (two-way anova) were found for treatments started with various time lags. At doses where CPI or PDT alone had no or negligible effect, their combination caused a marked (P < 0.001) decrease in serum VEGF, paralleled by a significant decrease in tumour size and number of capillary vessels, and a significant increase in necrosis (up to 80% of the tumour tissue).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of PDT and CPI could be a useful approach in tumour therapy as the two agents appear to be synergistic and probably decrease VEGF production by the tumour tissue.

The combined treatment of transplantable solid mammary carcinoma in Wistar rats by use of photodynamic therapy and cysteine proteinase inhibitor

Numerous studies have shown that lysosomal proteinases play an important role in carcinogenesis. The enzymatic activity of tumor-associated proteases is counter-balanced by specific inhibitors. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a technique which involves photoexcitation of sensitizing drugs retained in neoplastic tissue that is subsequently destroyed. Intraperitoneal injections of hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) were given at a dose of 20 mg/kg in rats transplanted with mammary carcinoma. A halogen lamp was used 24 hours later at 630 +/- 20 nm and total dose--200 J/sq.cm. Cysteine proteinase inhibitor (CPI) was dissolved in saline and injected subcutaneously in doses of 50 mg and 200 mg per animal. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated with regard to survival time and tumor response and to depth of necrosis. In several cases tumors completely disappeared following HpD-PDT + CPI. The number of complete tumor responses was higher when PDT + 200 mg of CPI was used, i.e. 6 out of 10 rats. Promising results have also been obtained with regard to survival time of treated animals and to induction of tumor necrosis. We may presume that a combination of PDT and proteinase inhibitors could be a useful tool in further anticancer studies and, hopefully, in anticancer therapy.

[Temporal lobe epilepsy: effect of focus side on the autonomic regulation of heart rate?]

Epileptic activity can modulate reactions of the autonomic nervous system. Although there is some evidence of a differential left/right hemispheric influence on the cardiovascular system, diverse investigations have shown controversial results. In our study, complex partial seizures of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy were recorded using subdural electrodes, thus providing reliable information on the focus side. We analyzed the preictal and ictal heart rates of 27 patients, 16 revealing right and 11 revealing left temporal foci. During the seizures, both groups showed a significant increase in heart rate. Preictal tachycardia was only significant in the right focus group, whereas no significant change in heart rates could be detected in the left focus group. Our results confirm a right hemispheric lateralization of sympathetic cardiac control.