Assessing the applicability and appropriateness of ChatGPT in answering clinical pharmacy questions

OBJECTIVES

Clinical pharmacists rely on different scientific references to ensure appropriate, safe, and cost-effective drug use. Tools based on artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) could offer valuable support. The objective of this study was to assess ChatGPT's capacity to correctly respond to clinical pharmacy questions asked by healthcare professionals in our university hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

ChatGPT's capacity to respond correctly to the last 100 consecutive questions recorded in our clinical pharmacy database was assessed. Questions were copied from our FileMaker Pro database and pasted into ChatGPT March 14 version online platform. The generated answers were then copied verbatim into an Excel file. Two blinded clinical pharmacists reviewed all the questions and the answers given by the software. In case of disagreements, a third blinded pharmacist intervened to decide.

RESULTS

Documentation-related issues (n=36) and drug administration mode (n=30) were preponderantly recorded. Among 69 applicable questions, the rate of correct answers varied from 30 to 57.1% depending on questions type with a global rate of 44.9%. Regarding inappropriate answers (n=38), 20 were incorrect, 18 gave no answers and 8 were incomplete with 8 answers belonging to 2 different categories. No better answers than the pharmacists were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

ChatGPT demonstrated a mitigated performance in answering clinical pharmacy questions. It should not replace human expertise as a high rate of inappropriate answers was highlighted. Future studies should focus on the optimization of ChatGPT for specific clinical pharmacy questions and explore the potential benefits and limitations of integrating this technology into clinical practice.

Impacts of climate change on wind energy potential in Australasia and South-East Asia following the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways

Wind energy is poised to play a major role in the energy transition. Fluctuations in global atmospheric circulation are expected as a result of climate change, and wind projections based on the most up-to-date scenarios of climate change, the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), anticipate significant changes in wind energy potential in many regions; so far, these changes have not been studied in Southeastern Asia and Australasia, a region with notable wind energy potential. This work investigates the evolution of wind power density and its temporal variability considering the latest scenarios of climate change, the SSPs. More specifically, two scenarios are considered, SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, corresponding to moderate and high emissions, respectively. As many as 18 global climate models are considered and compared against past-present data, and those that perform best are retained to build a large multi-model ensemble. The results show that projected changes in mean wind power density at the end of the 21st century are of little significance (typically below 5 %); nevertheless, this value can be far surpassed locally. In certain areas (e.g., Vietnam, Borneo) and seasons, remarkable changes in wind power density (exceeding 150 %) are anticipated. Typically, mean values and temporal variability changes are greater in the high-emissions scenario, however, seasonal variability is projected to be more pronounced in the moderate-emissions scenario. These effects of climate change on wind energy potential must be taken into account in the development of wind power in the region, for they will affect the energy production and, therefore, the economic viability of wind farms - not least in those areas where drastic changes are projected.

A41 FONTAN ASSOCIATED LIVER DISEASE: THE ROLE OF TRANSIENT ELASTOGRAPHY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Background

Non-invasive assessment of Fontan Associated Liver Disease (FALD) is of interest, but studies have yielded inconsistent results about the correlation of severity of disease with laboratory values and imaging. Transient elastography (TE) is a non-invasive imaging modality used commonly for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and in Fontan patients it is hypothesized to reflect not only liver fibrosis but also venous congestion.

Purpose

To better define the potential role of TE for non-invasive assessment of the severity of FALD.

Method

This was a retrospective study conducted on patients’ medical records at CHU Sainte-Justine Hospital. Patients less than 18 years of age with FALD who had at undergone at least one LSM by TE between 1998-2021 were included. The relationship between LSM and liver function tests, hepatic ultrasound findings (including a cirrhosis score), cardiac catheterization results and histological fibrosis scores were analyzed. The impact of interventions during cardiac catherization on LSM were also studied.

Result(s)

A total of 54 patients (36 boys and 18 girls) with FALD were studied. Median age at Fontan surgery was 4.6 years (IQR 4.0 ─ 5.4 years). Higher LSM values significantly correlated with longer time from Fontan, higher total and direct bilirubin and GGT levels, higher INR, longer APTT, lower Factor V, and lower absolute lymphocyte count. Greater LSM was also significantly associated with the presence of heterogenous parenchymal echogenicity, irregular liver contours and greater ultrasonographic cirrhosis scores. Higher TE values were significantly correlated with higher wedged hepatic venous pressure and Fontan pressure. After catherization interventions that addressed stenoses, there was a statistically significant reduction in mean LSM (24.9±3.63 kPa vs 15.8±4.6 kPa, p=0.005). After closure of significant pulmonary collaterals, mean LSM tended to increase, but this difference did not reach statistical significance (19.1±1.9 kPa vs 24.6±3.5 kPa, p=0.2). At liver biopsy, significant direct correlation was found between LSM and the grade of sinusoidal fibrosis and LSM. TE with values >20 kPa were found to have higher grades of sinusoidal fibrosis, while values <20kPa had higher grades of sinusoidal dilatation.

Conclusion(s)

This study showed that TE allows to identify patients with higher cholestatic parameters, more severe liver fibrosis at biopsy and sonographic signs suggestive of cirrhosis. Moreover, it confirmed that liver congestion significantly contributes to LSM values. Interestingly, catheter interventions addressing pulmonary stenoses led to the improvement of TE measurements, giving hope for the reduction of hepatic venous congestion in these patients, which might have an effect on their FALD. Finally, the LSM threshold of 20 kPa could be useful clinically as a value above which fibrosis is likely to be significant, while if below could indicate a greater contribution from hepatic congestion.

Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below

None

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Pyrocarbon interposition implant after lunate resection in Kienböck's disease: A case series

In advanced stages of Kienböck's disease, the lunate is no longer conservable. One of the surgical options is to resect the lunate and replace it with a prosthesis. The procedure consisted in lunate resection and interposition of a free APSI® or Pi2® pyrocarbon implant through a dorsal approach. Follow-up was clinical and radiological on QuickDASH and PRWE scores. At a median follow-up of 3 years, 12 patients were reviewed, with a median age of 56 years. Flexion significantly decreased from 42° to 28° (p < 0.01). Extension and pronation-supination were conserved. Strength was 94% compared to the opposite side, with no significant difference from the preoperative measurement. Median QuickDASH and PRWE scores were 15.9 and 23.5 respectively and had significantly improved. One patient underwent scaphocapitate fusion because she was still in pain; the other patients were pain-free. No patients had to change jobs because of their wrist. Radiographically, there was no carpal collapse and carpal height was conserved. Radioscaphoid angle and ulnar translation were stable. There was 1 case of asymptomatic implant dislocation. Interposition of a pyrocarbon implant after lunate resection in advanced Kienböck's disease is a motion-conserving procedure that provides pain relief and functional recovery in the short and medium term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Use of antibiotics in pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is a frequent and serious condition. However, there is no consensus on the use of antibiotics. The objective of our study was to describe the treatment of this condition and to identify the surgical and medical management parameters to propose an effective and consensual postoperative antibiotic therapy protocol. We retrospectively reviewed pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis of the thumb or fingers treated between 01/01/2013 and 01/01/2018 at a teaching hospital. Inclusion criteria were confirmation of the clinical diagnosis intraoperatively and a minimum post-antibiotic follow-up of 6 months. Comorbidities, type of surgery, antibiotic therapy parameters, and treatment outcome were assessed. One hundred and thirteen patients were included. Fifty-four percent had comorbidities. The most frequent germ was staphylococcus, all patients received postoperative antibiotic therapy. Intravenous or intravenous followed by oral administration did not provide any benefit compared to an exclusively oral treatment (p = 0.46). The duration of postoperative antibiotic therapy (less than 7 days, between 7 and 14 days or more than 14 days) did not lead to any difference in healing rate (p = 0.67). However, treating for less than 7 days versus 7-14 days seemed to be associated with a higher risk of failure, although not statistically significant. Oral postoperative antibiotic therapy with amoxicillin + clavulanic acid for 7-14 days appears to be effective, allowing for outpatient management.

Association between cardiovascular risk-factors and venous thromboembolism in a large longitudinal study of French women

Background

Previous studies have shown conflicting results regarding the influence of cardiovascular risk-factors on venous thromboembolism. This study aimed to determine if these risk-factors, i.e. physical activity, smoking, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes, were associated with the risk of venous thromboembolism, and to determine if these associations were confounded by BMI.

Methods

We used data from the E3N cohort study, a French prospective population-based study initiated in 1990, consisting of 98,995 women born between 1925 and 1950. From the women in the study we included those who did not have prevalent arterial disease or venous thromboembolism at baseline; thus 91,707 women were included in the study. Venous thromboembolism cases were self-reported during follow-up, and verified via specific mailings to medical practitioners or via drug reimbursements for anti-thrombotic medications. Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were self-reported validated against drug reimbursements or specific questionnaires. Physical activity, and smoking were based on self-reports. Cox-models, adjusted for BMI and other potential risk-factors were used to determine hazard ratios for incident venous thromboembolism.

Results

During 1,897,960 person-years (PY), 1, 649 first incident episodes of thrombosis were identified at an incidence rate of 0.9 per 1000 PY. This included 505 cases of pulmonary embolism and 1144 cases of deep vein thrombosis with no evidence of pulmonary embolism. Hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, smoking and physical activity were not associated with the overall risk of thrombosis after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusions

Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were not associated with the risk of venous thromboembolism after adjustment for BMI. Hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes may not be risk-factors for venous thromboembolism.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12959-021-00310-w.

Association between menopausal hormone therapy, mammographic density and breast cancer risk: results from the E3N cohort study

BACKGROUND

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a risk factor for breast cancer (BC). Evidence suggests that its effect on BC risk could be partly mediated by mammographic density. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between MHT, mammographic density and BC risk using data from a prospective study.

METHODS

We used data from a case-control study nested within the French cohort E3N including 453 cases and 453 matched controls. Measures of mammographic density, history of MHT use during follow-up and information on potential confounders were available for all women. The association between MHT and mammographic density was evaluated by linear regression models. We applied mediation modelling techniques to estimate, under the hypothesis of a causal model, the proportion of the effect of MHT on BC risk mediated by percent mammographic density (PMD) for BC overall and by hormone receptor status.

RESULTS

Among MHT users, 4.2% used exclusively oestrogen alone compared with 68.3% who used exclusively oestrogens plus progestogens. Mammographic density was higher in current users (for a 60-year-old woman, mean PMD 33%; 95% CI 31 to 35%) than in past (29%; 27 to 31%) and never users (24%; 22 to 26%). No statistically significant association was observed between duration of MHT and mammographic density. In past MHT users, mammographic density was negatively associated with time since last use; values similar to those of never users were observed in women who had stopped MHT at least 8 years earlier. The odds ratio of BC for current versus never MHT users, adjusted for age, year of birth, menopausal status at baseline and BMI, was 1.67 (95% CI, 1.04 to 2.68). The proportion of effect mediated by PMD was 34% for any BC and became 48% when the correlation between BMI and PMD was accounted for. These effects were limited to hormone receptor-positive BC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that, under a causal model, nearly half of the effect of MHT on hormone receptor-positive BC risk is mediated by mammographic density, which appears to be modified by MHT for up to 8 years after MHT termination.

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes in antidepressant users: evidence from a 6-year longitudinal study in the E3N cohort

AIM

To examine the association between antidepressant medication use and the risk of type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the E3N study (Étude Épidémiologique de Femmes de la Mutuelle Générale de l'Éducation Nationale), a French cohort study initiated in 1990, with questionnaire-based follow-up every 2 or 3 years. Exposure to antidepressants was obtained from drug reimbursement files available from 2004 onwards, and individually matched with questionnaire data. Cases of type 2 diabetes were identified from drug reimbursements. Cox proportional-hazard regression models were used, with drug exposure considered as a time-varying parameter.

RESULTS

Of the 63 999 women who were free of drug-treated type 2 diabetes at baseline in 2005, 1124 developed type 2 diabetes over the 6-year follow-up. Current use of antidepressants was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes [hazard ratio 1.34 (95% CI 1.12, 1.61)] compared to non-users. When the different types of antidepressants were considered, women who currently used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, imipramine-type, 'other' or 'mixed' antidepressants had a 1.25-fold (95% CI 0.99, 1.57), 1.66-fold (95% CI 1.12, 2.46), 1.35-fold (95% CI 1.00, 1.84) and 1.82-fold (95% CI 0.85, 3.86) increase in risk of type 2 diabetes compared to non-users, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests a positive association between antidepressant use and the risk of type 2 diabetes among women. If this association is confirmed, screening and surveillance of glucose levels should be considered in the context of antidepressant therapy. Further studies assessing the underlying mechanisms of this association are needed. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03285230).

[Assessment of genital microbiota: An emerging approach in assisted reproductive techniques]

The genital microbiota actively participates in women's reproductive health. Indeed, a genital dysbiosis (microbial imbalance associated with adverse effects on host health) can lead to vaginal infections (such as mycoses or bacterial vaginosis). Recent data reported that genital dysbiosis (e.g. vaginal or endometrial) was associated with fewer chances of live births in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), via decreased pregnancy rates and an increased risk of miscarriages. The presence or diversity of certain bacterial strains (in particular Gardenellavaginalis, Proteobacteria, Lactobacillusjensenii, Lactobacilluscrispatus or Atopobiumvaginae) within the genital microbiota seem to be associated with the outcomes of ART cycles, suggesting new approaches to improve ART results. In this review, we aim at presenting the state of art on the association between the female genital microbiota and ART success. The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches (i.e. probiotics, antibiotic therapy and transplantation of vaginal microbiota) in the management of patients with altered microbiota will also be discussed. The confirmation of these data in the coming years could significantly improve the management of infertile patients in ART with a more personalized approach partially based on the female genital microbiotic profile.

Modeling chlordecone toxicokinetics data in growing pigs using a nonlinear mixed-effects approach

The use of chlordecone (CLD), a chlorinated polycyclic pesticide used in the French West Indies banana fields between 1972 and 1993, resulted in a long-term pollution of agricultural areas. It has been observed that this persistent organic pollutant (POP) can transfer from contaminated soils to food chain. Indeed, CLD is considered almost fully absorbed after involuntary ingestion of contaminated soil by outdoor reared animals. The aim of this study was to model toxicokinetics (TKs) of CLD in growing pigs using both non-compartmental and nonlinear mixed-effects approaches (NLME). In this study, CLD dissolved in cremophor was intravenously administrated to 7 Creole growing pigs and 7 Large White growing pigs (1 mg kg^-1 body weight). Blood samples were collected from time t = 0 to time t = 84 days. CLD concentrations in serum were measured by GCMS/MS. Data obtained were modeled using Monolix (2019R). Results demonstrated that a bicompartmental model best described CLD kinetics in serum. The influence of covariates (breed, initial weight and average daily gain) was simultaneously evaluated and showed that average daily gain is the main covariate explaining inter-individual TKs parameters variability. Body clearance was of 76.7 mL kg^-1 d^-1 and steady-state volume of distribution was of 6 L kg^-1. This modeling approach constitutes the first application of NLME to study CLD TKs in farm animals and will be further used for rearing management practices in contaminated areas.

Postmenopausal hormone use and cutaneous melanoma risk: A French prospective cohort study

Cutaneous melanoma has been suspected to be influenced by female hormones. Several studies reported a positive association between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use and melanoma risk; however, previous findings were conflicting. We sought to explore the associations between MHT use and melanoma risk in a prospective cohort of women in France, where a particularly wide variety of MHT formulations are available. E3N is a prospective cohort of 98,995 French women aged 40-65 years in 1990. MHT use was assessed through biennial self-administered questionnaires. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age and skin cancer risk factors. Over 1990-2008, 444 melanoma cases were ascertained among 75,523 postmenopausal women. Ever use of MHT was associated with a higher melanoma risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.35, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.07-1.71). The association was strongest among past users (HR = 1.55, CI = 1.17-2.07, homogeneity for past vs. recent use: p = 0.11), and users of MHT containing norpregnane derivatives (HR = 1.59, CI = 1.11-2.27), although with no heterogeneity across types of MHT (p = 0.13). Among MHT users, the association was similar across durations of use. However, a higher risk was observed when treatment onset occurred shortly after menopause (<6 months: HR = 1.55, CI = 1.16-2.07 vs. ≥2 years). Associations between MHT use and melanoma risk were similar after adjustment for UV exposure, although MHT users were more likely to report sunscreen use than nonusers. Our data do not support a strong association between MHT use and melanoma risk. Further investigation is needed to explore potential effect modification by UV exposure on this relationship.

The amidated PACAP1-23 fragment is a potent reduced-size neuroprotective agent

BACKGROUND

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), are characterized by neuronal death involving, among other events, mitochondrial dysfunction and excitotoxicity. Along these lines, several attempts have been made to slow this pathology but none have been yet discovered. Based on its capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide neuronal protection in vitro and in vivo, the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) represents a promising lead molecule. Pharmacological studies showed that PACAP interacts with three different G protein-coupled receptors, i.e. PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2. However, only PAC1 is associated with neuronal anti-apoptotic actions, whilst VPAC activation might cause adverse effects. In the context of the development of PAC1-selective agonists, PACAP(1-23) (PACAP23) appears as the shortest known PACAP bioactive fragment.

METHODS

Hence, the capacity of this peptide to bind PACAP receptors and protect neuroblastoma cells was evaluated under conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction and glutamate excitotoxicity. In addition, its ability to activate downstream signaling events involving G proteins (Gα_s and Gα_q), EPAC, and calcium was also assessed.

RESULTS

Compared to the endogenous peptide, PACAP23 showed a reduced affinity towards PAC1, although this fragment exerted potent neuroprotection. However, surprisingly, some disparities were observed for PACAP23 signaling compared to full length PACAP, suggesting that downstream signaling related to neuroprotection is distinctly regulated following subtle differences in their PAC1 interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, this study demonstrates the potent neuroprotective action of amidated PACAP23.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

PACAP23 represents an attractive template for development of shorter PACAP-derived neuroprotective molecules.

Oral contraceptive use and cutaneous melanoma risk: a French prospective cohort study

Cutaneous melanoma has been suspected to be influenced by female hormones. Several studies reported a positive association between oral contraceptive (OC) use and melanoma risk. However, findings were conflicting and data from large prospective studies are lacking. E3N is a prospective cohort of 98,995 French women aged 40-65 years at inclusion in 1990. Exposure to lifetime OC use was assessed in 1992 and through biennial questionnaire updates. To assess the association between OC use and melanoma risk, we used Cox models adjusted for age, pigmentary traits, residential ultraviolet (UV) exposure in county of birth and at inclusion and family history of skin cancer. Over 1992-2008, 539 melanoma cases were ascertained among 79,365 women. In age-adjusted models, we found a modest positive association between ever use of OCs and melanoma risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.18, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 0.98-1.42), which was reduced after adjustment (HR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.95-1.38). The association was stronger in long-term users (duration ≥10 years: HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.00-1.75) and in women who used high-estrogen OCs (HR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.04-1.56). Among users, there was an inverse association with age at first use (ptrend < 0.01), but no evidence of an association with age at last use or time since last use. OC use was positively associated with tanning bed use (OR = 1.14, CI = 1.01-1.29), sunburns (ptrend = 0.5) and sunscreen use (OR = 1.13, CI = 1.00-1.28) since age 25. Overall, our findings do not support a strong association between OC use and melanoma risk and suggest intentional UV exposure in OC users, which supports a potential confusion by UV exposure in this relationship.

Emotional overactivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Negativity is often observed in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). No study has examined their emotional expressiveness as a marker of emotional reactivity. We investigated IBS patients' vulnerability to an emotional load by associating their expressiveness with psychological and neurophysiological assessments. We hypothesized that IBS would be characterized by a lack of expressiveness coupled with high scores in psychological and neurophysiological parameters.

METHODS

We assessed the emotional facial expressions (EMFACS), psychological (anxiety, depression, alexithymia), and neurophysiological (cortisol, heart rate variability (HRV)) parameters of 25 IBS patients and 26 healthy controls (HC) while they watched fear-eliciting movie extracts.

KEY RESULTS

Overall, the task elicited an increase in state anxiety and consistent HRV responses. However, IBS patients differed from HC as they displayed more sadness and tended to display more rage. Contrary to HC, IBS patients showed an increase in heart rate and a decrease in parasympathetic regulation, reflecting an enhanced responsiveness corroborated by higher scores in depression and state anxiety. Consistent with their higher difficulty in identifying feelings, a component of alexithymia positively correlated with their expressions of rage, they were not aware of their increase in anxiety during the task, whereas HC were. No linear relationship between patients' expressions and their neurophysiological responses was found.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Irritable bowel syndrome patients displayed greater emotional expressiveness with negative prevalence. This reflects an emotional vulnerability potentially related to low regulation skills and underscores the importance of considering the central dysregulation hypothesis in IBS as a promising avenue of research.

[Birth weight and frozen embryo transfer: State of the art]

The aim of this study was to update our acknowledgment if there is a link between assisted embryo cryopreservation and epigenetics in human? Animal studies have demonstrated epigenetics consequence and especially imprinting disorders due to in vitro culture. In human, it is important to note that after frozen embryo transfer birth weight is significantly increased by 81 to 250g. But these studies cannot identify the reasons of such difference. This review strongly suggests that embryo cryopreservation is responsible for birth weight variations but mechanisms not yet elucidated. Epigenetics is probably one of these but to date, none study is able to prove it. We have to be attentive on a possible link between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and epigenetics reprogrammation.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) Enhances Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Improves Memory Performance in Huntington's Disease

Deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity result in cognitive impairment in Huntington's disease (HD). Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide that exerts neuroprotective actions, mainly through the PAC1 receptor. However, the role of PACAP in cognition is poorly understood, and no data exists in the context of Huntington's disease (HD). Here, we investigated the ability of PACAP receptor stimulation to enhance memory development in HD. First, we observed a hippocampal decline of all three PACAP receptor expressions, i.e., PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2, in two different HD mouse models, R6/1 and HdhQ7/Q111, from the onset of cognitive dysfunction. In hippocampal post-mortem human samples, we found a specific decrease of PAC1, without changes in VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. To determine whether activation of PACAP receptors could contribute to improve memory performance, we conducted daily intranasal administration of PACAP38 to R6/1 mice at the onset of cognitive impairment for seven days. We found that PACAP treatment rescued PAC1 level in R6/1 mice, promoted expression of the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and reduced the formation of mutant huntingtin aggregates. Furthermore, PACAP administration counteracted R6/1 mice memory deficits as analyzed by the novel object recognition test and the T-maze spontaneous alternation task. Importantly, the effect of PACAP on cognitive performance was associated with an increase of VGlut-1 and PSD95 immunolabeling in hippocampus of R6/1 mice. Taken together, these results suggest that PACAP, acting through stimulation of PAC1 receptor, may have a therapeutic potential to counteract cognitive deficits induced in HD.

Challenging Investigation of a Norovirus Foodborne Disease Outbreak During a Military Deployment in Central African Republic

In January 2016, a large-scale outbreak of acute gastroenteritis was reported among French armed forces deployed in the Central African Republic. Challenging investigations, conducted from France, made it possible to identify a norovirus genogroup II in both stool and food samples, confirming a norovirus foodborne disease outbreak. Infected food handler management is discussed.

Prenatal diagnosis and prognosis of accelerated idioventricular rhythm

OBJECTIVES

As postnatal identification of accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) relies on specific electrocardiographic patterns, prenatal diagnosis of this condition is challenging and its true incidence is unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of prenatal ultrasonography in identifying intrauterine cardiocirculatory events linked to specific electrocardiographic signs of postnatal AIVR, including left or right ventricular origin, and to assess the prenatal prognosis of this arrhythmia.

METHODS

We reviewed Doppler tracings from the superior vena cava/ascending aorta (SVC/Ao), ductus venosus (DV), ductus arteriosus (DA) and aortic isthmus (AoI), as well as simultaneous M-mode recordings of septal and left ventricular wall motions of fetuses diagnosed with AIVR from January 2004 to December 2014.

RESULTS

Three cases of AIVR were identified among 27 912 fetuses. SVC/Ao Doppler flow recordings revealed atrioventricular dissociation (ventricular rates within 20% of atrial rates) in all three fetuses and episodes of isorhythmic atrioventricular dissociation in one, while M-mode confirmed normal left ventricular shortening fraction in all cases. Fusion beats were observed on AoI tracing in one fetus, while simultaneous recordings of AoI and DA revealed signs of right bundle branch block in one case and left bundle branch block in the other two. On DV Doppler recordings, retrograde a-waves in the presence of simultaneous atrial and ventricular contractions were observed in all three fetuses, leading to an increase in central venous pressure in all and hydrops fetalis in two cases without evidence of ventricular dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiographic criteria required for postnatal diagnosis of AIVR can be documented in utero using specific ultrasonographic approaches. During fetal life, AIVR may not be a benign entity. Hydrops fetalis is frequently associated with AIVR because of increase in central venous pressure related to simultaneous atrioventricular contractions; thus, the ultrasonographic investigation protocol of fetuses with unexplained hydrops fetalis should aim at ruling out AIVR and include Doppler flow recordings in SVC/Ao, DV, AoI, DA and umbilical vein. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

L. fermentum CECT 5716 prevents stress-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in newborn rats

BACKGROUND

Intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) dysfunction plays a critical role in various intestinal disorders affecting infants and children, including the development of food allergies and colitis. Recent studies highlighted the role of probiotics in regulating IEB functions and behavior in adults, but their effects in the newborn remain largely unknown. We therefore characterized in rat pups, the impact of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 5716 (L. fermentum) on stress-induced IEB dysfunction, systemic immune response and exploratory behavior.

METHODS

Newborn rats received daily by gavage either L. fermentum or water. Intestinal permeability to fluorescein sulfonic acid (FSA) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was measured following maternal separation (MS) and water avoidance stress (WAS). Immunohistochemical, transcriptomic, and Western blot analysis of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) distribution and expression were performed. Anxiety-like and exploratory behavior was assessed using the elevated plus maze test. Cytokine secretion of activated splenocytes was also evaluated.

KEY RESULTS

L. fermentum prevented MS and WAS-induced IEB dysfunction in vivo. L. fermentum reduced permeability to both FSA and HRP in the small intestine but not in the colon. L. fermentum increased expression of ZO-1 and prevented WAS-induced ZO-1 disorganization in ileal epithelial cells. L. fermentum also significantly reduced stress-induced increase in plasma corticosteronemia. In activated splenocytes, L. fermentum enhanced IFNγ secretion while it prevented IL-4 secretion. Finally, L. fermentum increased exploratory behavior.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

These results suggest that L. fermentum could provide a novel tool for the prevention and/or treatment of gastrointestinal disorders associated with altered IEB functions in the newborn.

[Quality of oocytes and embryos from women with polycystic ovaries syndrome: State of the art]

The frequency of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the consequent fertility disorders cause many difficulties in the management of the assisted reproductive technics. Some studies are focused on different additional treatments, stimulation protocols or techniques that could optimize the in vitro fertilization cycles. The quality of the oocytes and embryos of these patients is also an outstanding issue. They remain difficult to actually evaluate during management, and none of the few published studies on this subject demonstrated any inferiority, compared to control patients. However, many differences have been highlighted, studying intra- and extra-ovarian factors. The advent of new genetic techniques could allow a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the syndrome, as well as refining the evaluation of oocytes and embryos, in order to better predict the results of in vitro fertilization attempts. Pregnancy and birth rates, however, appear to be comparable to those of the general population.

Canine and feline colostrum

Puppy and kitten survival over the first weeks is particularly dependent on colostrum, a specific secretion of the mammary gland produced during the first 2 days post-partum. Colostrum is a source of nutrients and immunoglobulins. It also contributes to the digestive tract maturation. Colostrum differentiates from milk mainly based on its concentration in immunoglobulins G: 20-30 g/L in dog colostrum, 40-50 g/L in cats' vs <1 g/L in milk. IgG concentration rapidly drops after parturition (-50% in 24 hr). Immune quality of colostrum is highly variable between bitches, with no relationship with maternal blood IgG level, dam's age, breed size or litter size. In addition to systemic immune protection, colostrum also plays a major role for local digestive protection, due to IgA, lysozyme, lactoferrin, white blood cells and various cytokines. Energetic concentration of canine and feline colostrum is not superior to that of mature milk. It depends on colostrum fat concentration and is affected by breed size (higher in breeds <10 kg adult body weight). As puppies and kittens are almost agammaglobulinemic at birth, transfer of IgG from their digestive tract into their bloodstream is crucial for their survival, IgG absorption ending at 12-16 hr after birth. Energetic supply over the two first days of life, as evidenced by growth rate over the two first days of life, also affects risk of neonatal mortality. Early and sufficient suckling of colostrum is thus the very first care to be provided to newborns for their later health and survival.