Impact of iron oxide nanoparticles on xenobiotic metabolism in HepaRG cells

Iron oxide nanoparticles are used in various industrial fields, as a tool in biomedicine as well as in food colorants, and can therefore reach human metabolism via oral uptake or injection. However, their effects on the human body, especially the liver as one of the first target organs is still under elucidation. Here, we studied the influence of different representative iron oxide materials on xenobiotic metabolism of HepaRG cells. These included four iron oxide nanoparticles, one commercially available yellow food pigment (E172), and non-particulate ionic control FeSO₄. The nanoparticles had different chemical and crystalline structures and differed in size and shape and were used at a concentration of 50 µg Fe/mL. We found that various CYP enzymes were downregulated by some but not all iron oxide nanoparticles, with the Fe₃O₄-particle, both γ-Fe₂O₃-particles, and FeSO₄ exhibiting the strongest effects, the yellow food pigment E172 showing a minor effect and an α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticle leading to almost no inhibition of phase I machinery. The downregulation was seen at the mRNA, protein expression, and activity levels. Thereby, no dependency on the size or chemical structure was found. This underlines the difficulty of the grouping of nanomaterials regarding their physiological impact, suggesting that every iron oxide nanoparticle species needs to be evaluated in a case-by-case approach.

THU0350 LOGOPEDIC TESTING IN SSC PATIENTS REVEALS HIGH FREQUENCY OF OROPHARYNGEAL DYSFUNCTION: A MONOCENTRIC EXPERIENCE

Background:

Up to 98% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) show involvement of the gastrointestinal system (GI) [1]. While meteorism, heartburn and GI dysmotility are very common and accessible to pharmacologic treatment on an evidence based level [1–3], checking for oropharyngeal dysfunction is usually not part of the standard diagnostic algorithm. However, in a survey of the German Network for Systemic Sclerosis (DNSS) patients reported coughing and/or a sore voice in up to 78% [1]. As impairment in speaking or swallowing for example does not only substantially reduce quality of life, it can also be very stigmatizing. In addition, the usual prokinetic therapy of GI-involvement, e.g. metoclopramide, does not appear to improve these symptoms. As the first step to approach this problem is the qualitative and quantitative description, we evaluated the oropharyngeal function in our cohort of SSc patients by detailed logopedic assessment.

Objectives:

To evaluate the frequency and type of oropharyngeal dysfunction, e.g. swallowing or speaking, in patients with SSc and to elucidate the correlating and associated factors, e.g. disease duration or modified Rodnan Skin Score.

Methods:

After obtaining written consent, oropharyngeal function using a standardized assessment protocol was evaluated in patients with SSc fulfilling the ACR/EULAR criteria by a speech therapist. Furthermore, we investigated whether oropharyngeal dysfunction is associated with patients’ characteristics. In addition, all patients received instruction for a training program to treat their individual oropharyngeal dysfunction.

Results:

37 patients with d/lSSc were assessed for eligibility. 34 patients met the inclusion criteria (3 patients did not speak German) and written consent was obtained.

Oropharyngeal dysfunction (impairment of speaking, swallowing, breathing or oropharyngeal muscle function) was found in 29 of 34 (85%) of both l/dSSc patients. Neither the subtype of SSc, disease duration nor mRSS were significantly correlated with oropharyngeal dysfunction in general. Only GI involvement in general was associated with oropharyngeal dysfunction.

After logopedic therapy, 28 of the 34 (82%) patients with oropharyngeal dysfunction reported a benefit after 3 days of training and were motivated to continue logopedic training at home.

Oropharyngeal dysfunctionPresent(n=29)absent(n=5)p-values (x2-test)dcSSc800,027lcSSc2240,027disease duration (mean)12,7 y12 y0,462mRSS<4920,322mRSS>42030,322Raynauds syndrom2950,673digital ulcers1920,812lung fibrosis1120,596eosophageal dilatation1520,566eosophageal dysmotility1900,015GI-involvement2310,007

Conclusion:

Logopedic assessment revealed a high incidence of oropharyngeal dysfunction in our cohort of SSc patients. Oropharyngeal dysfunction was not associated with disease duration, skin- or lung-involvement or dcSSc/lcSSc differentiation. A logopedic training program seems to be of benefit for this currently not pharmacologically treatable problem.

References:

[1]Schmeiser T, Saar P, Jin D, Noethe M, Müller A, Soydan N, et al. Profile of gastrointestinal involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis. Rheumatol Int 2012;32:2471–8.doi:10.1007/s00296-011-1988-6.

[2]Boeckxstaens GE, Bartelsman JFWM, Lauwers L, Tytgat GNJ. Treatment of GI dysmotility in scleroderma with the new enterokinetic agent prucalopride. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:194–7.doi:10.1016/S0002-9270(01)03958-2.

[3]Mercado U, Arroyo de Anda R, Avendaño L, Araiza-Casillas R, Avendaño-Reyes M. Metoclopramide response in patients with early diffuse systemic sclerosis. Effects on esophageal motility abnormalities. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2005;23:685–8.

Disclosure of Interests:

Miriam Wirths: None declared, Ole Hudowenz: None declared, Ulrike Hoffmann: None declared, Ulf Müller-Ladner Speakers bureau: Biogen, Uwe Lange: None declared, Philipp Klemm Consultant of: Lilly, Medac

Phage capsid nanoparticles with defined ligand arrangement block influenza virus entry

Multivalent interactions at biological interfaces occur frequently in nature and mediate recognition and interactions in essential physiological processes such as cell-to-cell adhesion. Multivalency is also a key principle that allows tight binding between pathogens and host cells during the initial stages of infection. One promising approach to prevent infection is the design of synthetic or semisynthetic multivalent binders that interfere with pathogen adhesion^1-4. Here, we present a multivalent binder that is based on a spatially defined arrangement of ligands for the viral spike protein haemagglutinin of the influenza A virus. Complementary experimental and theoretical approaches demonstrate that bacteriophage capsids, which carry host cell haemagglutinin ligands in an arrangement matching the geometry of binding sites of the spike protein, can bind to viruses in a defined multivalent mode. These capsids cover the entire virus envelope, thus preventing its binding to the host cell as visualized by cryo-electron tomography. As a consequence, virus infection can be inhibited in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Such highly functionalized capsids present an alternative to strategies that target virus entry by spike-inhibiting antibodies⁵ and peptides⁶ or that address late steps of the viral replication cycle⁷.

Modellprojekt zur interdisziplinären universitären Lehre – Studierende der Medizin und der Psychologie lernen erstmals gemeinsam

Eine interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit ist in der medizinischen Versorgung chronisch erkrankter Patienten mit komplexen Erkrankungen erforderlich. Vor allem im Bereich der internistischen Rheumatologie ist eine interdisziplinäre Arbeit unerlässlich, um die komplexen somatischen und psychosozialen Aspekte einer chronischen Erkrankung zu berücksichtigen. Dennoch werden die Aspekte der interprofessionellen Arbeit im Studium der Medizin und Psychologie unzureichend thematisiert. Aus diesem Grund wurde ein Modellprojekt zur interdisziplinären universitären Lehre konzipiert, welches beide Fächer miteinander vereint. Die Veranstaltung wurde im Wintersemester 2019/20 erstmalig durchgeführt und stieß bei den Teilnehmer*innen auf positive Resonanz. Das Hauptziel der Veranstaltung ist die Implementierung interprofessioneller Arbeit in die Ausbildung des medizinischen Personals. Zusätzlich konnte das Fach der internistischen Rheumatologie den Studierenden nähergebracht werden.

Specific microbiota enhances intestinal IgA levels by inducing TGF-β in T follicular helper cells of Peyer's patches in mice

In humans and mice, mucosal immune responses are dominated by IgA antibodies and the cytokine TGF-β, suppressing unwanted immune reactions but also targeting Ig class switching to IgA. It had been suggested that eosinophils promote the generation and maintenance of mucosal IgA-expressing plasma cells. Here, we demonstrate that not eosinophils, but specific bacteria determine mucosal IgA production. Co-housing of eosinophil-deficient mice with mice having high intestinal IgA levels, as well as the intentional microbiota transfer induces TGF-β expression in intestinal T follicular helper cells, thereby promoting IgA class switching in Peyer's patches, enhancing IgA⁺ plasma cell numbers in the small intestinal lamina propria and levels of mucosal IgA. We show that bacteria highly enriched for the genus Anaeroplasma are sufficient to induce these changes and enhance IgA levels when adoptively transferred. Thus, specific members of the intestinal microbiota and not the microbiota as such regulate gut homeostasis, by promoting the expression of immune-regulatory TGF-β and of mucosal IgA.

Child protection in medicine - closing gaps in continuing education through e-learning

Background

Child abuse is a major problem across Europe. The consequences are often serious and long-lasting disorders which, in addition to the individual burden, are extremely costly for the national health system. It is important to prevent or recognize child abuse at an early stage and to provide adequate help to those affected. Health professionals are privileged first contact persons for the victims. However, the WHO assumes that about 90% of cases of child abuse in medical institutions remain unknown. It is therefore important to train health professionals in this field. For this reason, in Germany an E-Learning course on child protection in medicine is currently being developed and evaluated. This article is intended to present the results of the accompanying evaluation of the E-Learning course.

Methods

The accompanying evaluation collected and analyzed the graduates’ opinion on the course, its contents and the topic of child protection in medicine in general. Knowledge and competence levels were surveyed before and after the course and evaluated with a t-test for related samples.

Results

The evaluation of the course showed a high relevance of the topic of child protection in medicine and the rather low attention paid to the topic in the medical field. The course was, however, assessed very positively and the majority of graduates were already able to apply what they had learnt in their daily work. The pre-post design showed a significant increase in knowledge and skills as a result of the course.

Conclusions

It turned out that the E-Learning course on child protection in medicine closes an existing gap in the continuing medical education system. The evaluation also shows a success of the program and thus a reduction of uncertainties in child protection procedures among health professionals. A corresponding E-Learning offer for other European countries should be considered in order to address the comprehensive problem of child abuse across the whole of Europe.

Key messages

Too little attention is paid to child protection in the medical field. E-Learning can effectively train health professionals in child protection, has a wide reach and is flexible in use.

170Lipoprotein subclasses associated with high-risk coronary atherosclerotic plaque: insights from the PROMISE clinical trial

Background

Greater than half of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occur in individuals with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and may be related to the presence of high-risk coronary atherosclerotic plaque (HRP). HRP can be detected by coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and is associated with increased MACE risk. Biomarkers associated with HRP may therefore aid in risk stratification in individuals with chest pain and provide insight into the biology of HRP.

Purpose

To determine whether nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-measured lipoprotein particles are associated with HRP independent of risk factors.

Methods

This study included 1755 stable symptomatic outpatients enrolled in the PROMISE trial who had coronary CTA performed. Thirty-seven lipoprotein particle parameters were measured in plasma using NMR. Principal components analysis was used to reduce the number of correlated lipoproteins into a smaller number of uncorrelated factors. HRP cases (N=277) were defined as presence of HRP features (positive remodeling, low CT attenuation or napkin-ring sign) with or without obstructive CAD; controls had no HRP and no obstructive CAD (N=1478). Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, BMI, smoking status and statin use were used to test for association of lipoprotein factors with HRP case/control status; lipoproteins loaded within significant factors (p<0.05) were tested individually. Finally, because event rates in PROMISE were too low, we used a separate study (CATHGEN, a study of individuals undergoing coronary angiography; N=8707) to test for association of lipoproteins with MACE using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

HRP cases were less likely to be female than controls (36.8% vs. 56.6%) and were more likely to have diabetes (23.5% vs 19.6%), but were of similar age (60.1 vs 60.4 years [SD±8]) and with similar statin use (45.2% vs 44.4%). In multivariable models, two lipoprotein factors were associated with HRP: an HDL factor (OR 1.29 [95% CI, 1.10–1.52], p=0.002) and a triglyceride (TG) factor (OR 1.19 [1.03–1.36], p=0.01). Within these two factors, H6P (a large HDL subclass; OR 0.67 [0.54–0.82], p<0.001), HDL size (OR 0.78 [0.66–0.92], p=0.003) and small TG-rich lipoproteins (OR 1.22 [1.07–1.39], p=0.002) were associated with HRP. H6P (HR 1.1 [1.07–1.13], p<0.0001) and HDL size (HR 1.28 [1.24–1.32], p<0.0001) were also associated with time to death or MI in CATHGEN, but in the opposite direction.

Conclusions

In a cohort of low-risk patients from the PROMISE trial, large HDL and small TG particles were associated with CTA-defined HRP independent of risk factors. Large HDL particles were also associated with incident MACE in a separate high-risk cohort. The discordant direction of association of HDL subclasses with HRP and MACE is likely due to underlying HDL biology and requires further study.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The PROMISE trial was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (grants R01HL098237, R01HL098236, R01HL98305, and R01HL098235)

3303Classification of patients with acute chest pain by analytical benchmarks and subsequent management recommendations - A comparison of three highly-sensitivity troponin assays in the ROMICAT trials

Background

Concordance of different highly-sensitive troponin (hsTn) assays in stratifying acute chest pain (ACP) patients according to analytical benchmarks and subsequent emergency department (ED) management recommendations are unknown.

Methods

We included patients enrolled in the ROMICAT (Rule Out Myocardial Infarction/Ischemia Using Computer-Assisted Tomography) I and II trials (n=624; 39.1% female; 52.8±10.0 years), who presented to the ED and were referred to further non-invasive diagnostic testing. In ROMICAT I, blood was obtained at 4 hours, and in ROMICAT II at ED presentation, and at 2 and 4 hours and was tested with three state-of-the-art hsTn assays (Roche Diagnostics, Elecsys 2010; Abbott ARCHITECT i2000SR; Siemens Diagnostics, HsVista). In a per sample analysis, we compared the concordance of assays for analytic benchmarks (below the level of detection (LOD)/LOD to 99th percentile/99th percentile to myocardial infarction (<LOD], ><LOD], >MI)/above MI). In a per patient analysis of serial hsTn testing in ROMICAT II, we determined concordance of management recommendations (rule out/observe/rule in) based on 2015ESC guidelines, results of coronary CT angiography and stress myocardial perfusion, and adjudicated endpoints of ACS.

Results

Overall, only 34.4% (353/1027) of samples were classified into the same benchmark category by all assays (table 1). In a per patient analysis, all assays agreed on the same of management recommendation in 25.3% (49/242) patients after the 1st hsTn, mostly driven by differences in discharge (6.6%, 21.1%, and 61.2%; respectively; all p<0.001). The concordance of management recommendations improved significantly to 67.4% (163/242; p<0.001) after the 2nd hsTn measurement but the final agreement for “observe” and “rule in” remained limited (13/90 and 5/18). Among patients in whom discharge was recommended, at least 18.8% (range: 18.8–21.0% across assays) had a positive imaging/stress test and at least 2.9% (range: 2.9–3.4%) had ACS.

Table 1. Classification of measurements from three hsTn assays in 1027 samples of patients with ACP according to analytical benchmarks <LOD LOD – 99th %tile* 99th %tile* – AMI** AMI**< Roche Elecsys, n (%) 578 (56.3) 328 (31.9) 95 (9.3) 26 (2.5) Abbott ARCHITECT, n (%) 176 (17.1) 788 (76.7) 14 (1.7) 49 (4.8) Siemens Vista, n (%) 96 (9.4) 861 (83.9) 33 (3.2) 37 (3.6) *Assay specific 99th percentiles; **as per ESC 2015 guidelines.

Conclusion

Differences in hsTn assay concordance for analytical benchmarks and subsequent ED management recommendations in patients with ACP are substantial raising concerns about the lack of uniform management.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Fulbright Visiting Student Researcher Grant

P6166Radiomics-based machine learning versus histogram analysis and visual assessment to identify advanced atherosclerotic lesions on coronary computed tomography angiography

Background

Currently used coronary CT angiography (CTA) plaque classification and histogram-based methods have limited accuracy to identify advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Radiomics-based machine learning (ML) could provide a more robust tool to identify high-risk plaques.

Purpose

Our objective was to compare the diagnostic performance of radiomics-based ML against histogram-based methods and visual assessment of ex-vivo coronary CTA cross-sections to identify advanced atherosclerotic lesions as defined by histology.

Methods

Overall, 21 coronaries of seven hearts were imaged ex vivo with coronary CTA. From 95 coronary plaques 611 histological cross-sections were obtained and classified based-on the modified American Heart Association scheme. Histology cross-sections were considered advanced atherosclerotic lesions if early, late fibroatheroma or thin-cap atheroma was present. Corresponding coronary CTA cross-section were co-registered and classified into homogenous, heterogeneous, napkin-ring sign plaques based on plaque attenuation pattern. Area of low attenuation (<30HU) and average CT number was quantified. In total, 1919 radiomic parameters describing the spatial complexity and heterogeneity of the lesions were calculated in each coronary CTA cross-section. Eight different radiomics-based ML models were trained on randomly selected cross-sections (training set: 75% of the cross-sections) to identify advanced atherosclerotic lesions. Plaque attenuation pattern, histogram-based methods and the best ML model were compared on the remaining 25% of the data (test-set) using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) to identify advanced atherosclerotic lesions using histology as a reference.

Results

After excluding sections with heavy calcium (n=32) and no visible atherosclerotic plaque on CTA (n=134), we analyzed 445 cross-sections. Based on visual assessment, 46.5% of the cross-sections were homogeneous (207/445), 44.9% heterogeneous (200/445) and 8.6% were with napkin-ring sign (38/445). Radiomics-based ML model incorporating 13 parameters significantly outperformed visual assessment, area of low attenuation and average CT number to identify advanced lesions (AUC: 0.73 vs. 0.65 vs. 0.55 vs. 0.53; respectively; p<0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Radiomics-based ML analysis may be able to improve the discriminatory power of CTA to identify high-risk atherosclerotic lesions.

5196Coronary artery calcification predicts MACE and all-cause mortality in individuals undergoing non-cardiac computed tomography for non-cardiovascular indications

Introduction

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) measured on ECG-gated cardiac CT is a strong predictor of cardiovascular (CV) risk in asymptomatic individuals in a primary prevention setting. However, the prognostic value of CAC in an unselected population referred for non-gated non-cardiac chest CT (NCCT) is unknown.

Purpose

To determine whether CAC predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in patients referred for NCCT for non-CV indications.

Methods

A random sample of 741 individuals, without prior known history of coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent NCCT for non-CV indications at a tertiary care hospital in 2008 were included in this study. NCCT was assessed qualitatively for the presence and extent of CAC by two experienced physicians. Data abstraction was performed by electronic medical record (EMR) review. Our primary endpoint of MACE, defined as CV mortality, MI, PCI, CABG, heart failure and stroke as well as secondary endpoint of all-cause mortality, over a median follow up of 8 (IQR 4–10) years, was adjudicated per independent review.

Results

Among 741 individuals (mean age 61.1±15.5 years, 60% female, 91% Caucasian), 57% were hypertensive, 30% had hyperlipidemia, 14% were diabetic and the mean ASCVD score was 12.2±11.6. CAC was present in 425/741 (57.4%) individuals. Among those with CAC, it was mild in 172/425 (40%), moderate in 143/425 (34%) and severe in 110/425 (26%) individuals. Overall, MACE occurred in 115/741 (15.5%) patients. Compared to those without MACE, CAC was more prevalent (83% vs. 53%, p<0.001) and extensive (at least moderate: 67% vs. 28%, p<0.001) in those with MACE. Over a median follow up of 8 (IQR 3–10) years, the presence of any CAC was associated with a 4-fold higher risk of MACE (HR 4.22, 95% CI (1.4–8.9), p<0.001), after adjustment for age and gender. On stratification, severe CAC had a near 9-fold increased risk of MACE (HR 8.8, 95% CI (5.1–15.2), p<0.001), followed by moderate CAC with a near 6-fold increased risk of MACE (HR 5.7, 95% CI (2.8–9.8), p<0.001), and a near doubling of MACE risk with mild CAC (HR 1.99, 95% CI (1.1–4.3), p=0.034). Similar results were observed with all-cause mortality (Figure 1).

Conclusions

CAC is an independent predictor of MACE and all-cause mortality in an unselected patient population referred for NCCT for non-CV indications, which may provide an opportunity to improve population health without the need for additional imaging.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Dr. Banerji and Dr. Alvi were supported by NIH/NHLBI 5T32HL076136.

The role of wrist monitors to measure blood pressure in older adults

BACKGROUND

Arterial hypertension is a common condition in older adults with increasing data about blood pressure (BP) targets and antihypertensive treatment in this population. Recent studies have opened new discussions about the different usual and unusual methods of blood pressure monitoring. However, there are no evidence-based recommendations whether BP should be measured at upper arms or at wrist, which seems to be more comfortable in older and frail people.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to test the quality of wrist BP monitors as diagnostic method in older adults.

METHODS

BP measurements at both upper arms and at both wrists were compared under standardized conditions in 605 patients ≥ 75 years. Differences in wrist and upper arm BP were, furthermore, correlated with various diagnoses and parameters including ankle-brachial-index (ABI).

RESULTS

In patients of 75-80 years, there were no differences in BP measurements at upper arms compared to wrists whereas in patients > 80 years, BP measurements at wrists were significantly lower than at upper arms. In both age groups BP measured at wrist was significantly lower in patients with ABI < 0.9.

CONCLUSIONS

BP wrist monitors could be considered as a serious alternative in adults of 75-80 years or in older persons with normal ABI values.

Cardiovascular regulation: associations between exercise and head-up tilt

It was hypothesized that faster cardiorespiratory kinetics during exercise are associated with higher orthostatic tolerance. Cardiorespiratory kinetics of 14 healthy male subjects (30 ± 4 years, 179 ± 8 cm, 79 ± 8 kg) were tested on a cycle ergometer during exercise with changing work rates of 30 and 80 W. Pulmonary oxygen uptake ( ) was measured breath-by-breath and heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured beat-to-beat. Muscular oxygen uptake ( ) was estimated from HR and . Kinetic parameters were determined by time-series analysis, using cross-correlation functions (CCF_max(x)) between the parameter and the work rate. Cardiovascular regulations of MAP, HR, and TPR during orthostatic stress were measured beat-to-beat on a tilt seat. Changes between the minima and maxima during the 6° head-down tilt and the 90° head-up tilt positions were calculated for each parameter (Δ_tilt-up). correlated significantly with ΔTPR_tilt-up (r = 0.790, p ≤ 0.001). CCF_max(HR) was significantly correlated with ΔHR_tilt-up (r = -0.705, p = 0.002) and the amplitude in HR from 30 to 80 W (r_SP = -0.574, p = 0.016). The observed correlations between cardiorespiratory regulation in response to exercise and orthostatic stress during rest might allow for a more differential analysis of the underlying mechanisms of orthostatic intolerance in, for example, patient groups.

Endogenous circulating testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin levels and measures of myocardial structure and function: the Framingham Heart Study

BACKGROUND

The relation between endogenous testosterone concentrations and myocardial mass and function remains incompletely understood.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the cross-sectional association between endogenous hormone levels with cardiac magnetic resonance measures of myocardial mass, structure, and function in community-dwelling men across a wide age range.

METHODS

A total of 720 men from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort (age range 37-82, mean = 59.6 years) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and had hormone levels measured. Total testosterone (measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry), sex hormone-binding globulin (measured using an immunofluorometric assay), and calculated free testosterone levels were assessed in male participants of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort at examination 7. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed between examinations 7 and 8 (2002-2006).

RESULTS

Age-adjusted linear regression models showed statistically significant association between total testosterone levels and left ventricular mass (p = 0.009), left ventricular mass index (p = 0.006), cardiac output (p = 0.001), and main pulmonary artery diameter (p = 0.008); the association between total testosterone and these cardiac magnetic resonance measures was weak and was not significant after adjustment for established risk factors-age, body mass index, diabetes, and hypertension. Furthermore, calculated free testosterone level was not significantly associated with any measure of myocardial mass or function. Sex hormone-binding globulin level was significantly associated with left ventricular mass (p = 0.002), left ventricular mass index (p = 0.004), cardiac output (p = 0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.039), and main pulmonary artery diameter (p = 0.042) in age-adjusted models; these associations were also rendered non-significant after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither testosterone nor sex hormone-binding globulin levels in men are associated significantly with myocardial mass and function independent of established cardiovascular risk factors.

The relevant psychological burden of having a benign brain tumor: a prospective study of patients undergoing surgical treatment of cranial meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial neoplasm. Evidence concerning surgical management and outcome is abundant, while the implications for the quality of life (QOL) of a patient confronted with the diagnosis and undergoing surgery are unclear. The authors conducted a prospective study to evaluate QOL in relation to psychological comorbidities comorbidities.

METHODS

A prospective study of patients undergoing elective surgery for the removal of an intracranial meningioma was performed. The authors evaluated depression (Allgemeine Depressionsskala K score) and anxiety (Post-Traumatic Stress Scale-10 [PTSS-10]; State Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Anxiety and -Trait Anxiety [STAI-S and STAI-T]; and Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 [ASI-3]) scores before surgery and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. The correlation between preoperative psychological burden and postoperative QOL as measured by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and EQ-5L questionnaires was analyzed. Incidence and influence of these psychiatric comorbidities on clinical outcome were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 78 patients undergoing resection of a meningioma between January 2013 and September 2017 participated in the preoperative psychological screening and 71 patients fully completed postoperative follow-up examination after 1 year of follow-up. At presentation, 48 patients (67.7%) had abnormal anxiety scores, which decreased to 29.6% (p = 0.003). On follow-up at 12 months, mean EQ-5L visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in patients with pathological scores on the PTSS-10 (0.84 vs 0.69; p = 0.004), STAI-S (0.86 vs 0.68; p = 0.001), and STAI-T (0.85 vs 0.71; p = 0.011). Neurological status (modified Rankin Scale) improved slightly and showed some correlation with psychological comorbidities QOL scores (p = 0.167). There was a nonsignificant increase of EQ-5L scores over the period of follow-up (p = 0.174) in the repeated-measures analysis. In the regression analysis, impaired QOL and physical disability on follow-up correlated with elevated preoperative anxiety and depression levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The QOL and physical disability of patients undergoing resection of an intracranial meningioma highly depend on preoperative anxiety and depression levels. Stress and anxiety scores generally decrease after the resection, which leads us to conclude that there is a tremendous emotional burden caused by an upcoming surgery, necessitating close psychooncological support in order to uphold functional outcome and health-related QOL in the postoperative course.

[2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension: What's New with Regard to Our Older People?]

In the "2018 ESC/ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension" there are new blood pressure (BP) recommendations with regard to older patients based on randomized controlled trials and well-conducted meta-analyses performed during the last years.It is recommended to base the diagnosis of hypertension on repeated office BP measurements under standardized conditions and in older people in out-of-office BP measurement with ABPM and/or HBPM if logistically and economically feasible. Furthermore lying and standing BP measurements should also be considered in subsequent visits in older people to exclude orthostatic hypotension.Older people should measure their BP in upper arms by validated devices with a well readable display.In the new guidelines more attention is directed on frailty, concomitant treatments and independence influencing the likely tolerability of BP-lowering medications. In fit older patients, it is now recommended that systolic BP should be targeted to a BP range of 130 - 139 mmHg, if tolerated.Lifestyle changes are also recommended in elder patients. Preferred combination therapies are a RAS blocker with a CCB or thiazid diuretic, preferably in a "single pill". When combination therapy is used, this should be initiated at the lowest available doses in elder people.

Ärztliche Kompetenzentwicklung im Kinderschutz durch E-Learning

Gegenstand und Ziel: Kindesmisshandlung stellt eine individuelle und gesellschaftliche Belastung dar. Gesundheitsfachkräfte sind hierbei wichtige Akteure, haben aber häufig unzureichende Kompetenzen. Deshalb fördert das Bundesministerium für Gesundheit die Entwicklung eines Online-Kurses zu Kinderschutz in der Medizin. Diese Arbeit stellt erste Ergebnisse der Kursevaluation für die ärztlichen Teilnehmenden vor. Material und Methoden: Vor und nach Bearbeitung des Kurses wurde Bedarf, Qualität und Kompetenzvermittlung des Online-Kurses mittels Fragebögen evaluiert. An der Befragung beteiligten sich 178 ärztliche Absolventen. Ergebnisse: 74,2% der Befragten empfanden die Inhalte des Kurses als genau angemessen. Wissen und Handlungskompetenz nahmen durch Bearbeitung des Kurses signifikant zu (Cohen’s d = 1,28 und 1,06). Der häufigste Grund für den Abbruch des Kurses waren mangelnde zeitliche Ressourcen (68,4%). Schlussfolgerungen: Der Online-Kurs stellt eine gute Möglichkeit dar, notwendige Kenntnisse zu Kinderschutz in der Medizin zu erwerben oder diese auszubauen. Klinische Relevanz: Es müssen Möglichkeiten geschaffen werden, um die Verbreitung der Kursinhalte noch weiter voranzutreiben.