Novel taxonomic and functional diversity of eight bacteria from the upper digestive tract of chicken

Eight anaerobic strains obtained from crop, jejunum and ileum of chicken were isolated, characterized and genome analysed to observe their metabolic profiles, adaptive strategies and to serve as novel future references. The novel species Ligilactobacillus hohenheimensis sp. nov. (DSM 113870T=LMG 32876T), Limosilactobacillus galli sp. nov. (DSM 113833T=LMG 32623T), Limosilactobacillus avium sp. nov. (DSM 113849T=LMG 32671T), Limosilactobacillus pulli sp. nov. (DSM 115077T=LMG 32877T), Limosilactobacillus viscerum sp. nov. (DSM 113835T=LMG 32625T), Limosilactobacillus difficilis sp. nov. (DSM 114195T=LMG 32875T) and Clostridium butanoliproducens (DSM 115076T=LMG 32878T) are found in the upper gastrointestinal tract and present consistent adaptations that enable us to predict their ecological role. Molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene analysis and long-read whole genome sequencing, confirmed the description of the novel genus Faecalispora gen. nov. with Faecalispora anaeroviscerum gen. nov. sp. nov. (DSM 113860T=LMG 32675T) as genus type species. After phylogenetic and taxonomic analysis, we recommend the reclassification of the species Clostridium jeddahense and Clostridium sporosphaeroides to the genus Faecalispora. Exploration of the microbiome from crop and small intestine of chicken expands our knowledge on the taxonomic diversity and adaptive functions of the inhabiting bacteria. The novel species identified in this project are part of a wider cultivation effort that represents the first repository of bacteria obtained from the crop and small intestine of chicken using culturomics, improving the potential handling of chicken microorganisms with biotechnological applications.

First Tarsometatarsal Joint Fusion in Foot-A Biomechanical Human Anatomical Specimen Analysis with Use of Low-Profile Nitinol Staples Acting as Continuous Compression Implants

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate under dynamic loading the potential biomechanical benefit of simulated first tarsometatarsal (TMT-1) fusion with low-profile superelastic nitinol staples used as continuous compression implants (CCIs) in two different configurations in comparison to crossed screws and locked plating in a human anatomical model. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two paired human anatomical lower legs were randomized to four groups for TMT-1 treatment via: (1) crossed-screws fixation with two 4.0 mm fully threaded lag screws; (2) plate-and-screw fixation with a 4.0 mm standard fully threaded cortex screw, inserted axially in lag fashion, and a 6-hole TMT-1 Variable-Angle (VA) Fusion Plate 2.4/2.7; (3) CCI fixation with two two-leg staples placed orthogonally to each other; (4) CCI fixation with one two-leg staple and one four-leg staple placed orthogonally to each other. Each specimen was biomechanically tested simulating forefoot weightbearing on the toes and metatarsals. The testing was performed at 35-37 °C under progressively increasing cyclic axial loading until construct failure, accompanied by motion tracking capturing movements in the joints. Results: Combined adduction and dorsiflexion movement of the TMT-1 joint in unloaded foot condition was associated with no significant differences among all pairs of groups (p ≥ 0.128). In contrast, the amplitude of this movement between unloaded and loaded foot conditions within each cycle was significantly bigger for the two CCI fixation techniques compared to both crossed-screws and plate-and-screw techniques (p ≤ 0.041). No significant differences were detected between the two CCI fixation techniques, as well as between the crossed-screws and plate-and-screw techniques (p ≥ 0.493) for this parameter of interest. Furthermore, displacements at the dorsal and plantar aspects of the TMT-1 joint in unloaded foot condition, together with their amplitudes, did not differ significantly among all pairs of groups (p ≥ 0.224). Conclusions: The low-profile superelastic nitinol staples demonstrate comparable biomechanical performance to established crossed-screws and plate-and-screw techniques applied for fusion of the first tarsometatarsal joint.

The dynamics of molecular, immune and physiological features of the host and the gut microbiome, and their interactions before and after onset of laying in two hen strains

Aggregation of data, including deep sequencing of mRNA and miRNA data in jejunum mucosa, abundance of immune cells, metabolites, or hormones in blood, composition of microbiota in digesta and duodenal mucosa, and production traits collected along the lifespan, provides a comprehensive picture of lifelong adaptation processes. Here, respective data from two laying hen strains (Lohmann Brown-Classic (LB) and Lohmann LSL-Classic (LSL) collected at 10, 16, 24, 30, and 60 wk of age were analyzed. Data integration revealed strain- and stage-specific biosignatures, including elements indicative of molecular pathways discriminating the strains. Although the strains performed the same, they differed in the activity of immunological and metabolic functions and pathways and showed specific gut-microbiota-interactions in different production periods. The study shows that both strains employ different strategies to acquire and maintain their capabilities under high performance conditions, especially during the transition phase. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the capacity of such integrative analyses to elucidate molecular pathways that reflect functional biodiversity. The bioinformatic reduction of the multidimensional data provides good guidance for further manual review of the data.

The active core microbiota of two high-yielding laying hen breeds fed with different levels of calcium and phosphorus

The nutrient availability and supplementation of dietary phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) in avian feed, especially in laying hens, plays a vital role in phytase degradation and mineral utilization during the laying phase. The required concentration of P and Ca peaks during the laying phase, and the direct interaction between Ca and P concentration shrinks the availability of both supplements in the feed. Our goal was to characterize the active microbiota of the entire gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (crop, gizzard, duodenum, ileum, caeca), including digesta- and mucosa-associated communities of two contrasting high-yielding breeds of laying hens (Lohmann Brown Classic, LB; Lohmann LSL-Classic, LSL) under different P and Ca supplementation levels. Statistical significances were observed for breed, GIT section, Ca, and the interaction of GIT section x breed, P x Ca, Ca x breed and P x Ca x breed (p < 0.05). A core microbiota of five species was detected in more than 97% of all samples. They were represented by an uncl. Lactobacillus (average relative abundance (av. abu.) 12.1%), Lactobacillus helveticus (av. abu. 10.8%), Megamonas funiformis (av. abu. 6.8%), Ligilactobacillus salivarius (av. abu. 4.5%), and an uncl. Fusicatenibacter (av. abu. 1.1%). Our findings indicated that Ca and P supplementation levels 20% below the recommendation have a minor effect on the microbiota compared to the strong impact of the bird’s genetic background. Moreover, a core active microbiota across the GIT of two high-yielding laying hen breeds was revealed for the first time.

Multi-Omics Reveals Different Strategies in the Immune and Metabolic Systems of High-Yielding Strains of Laying Hens

Lohmann Brown (LB) and Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) are two commercially important laying hen strains due to their high egg production and excellent commercial suitability. The present study integrated multiple data sets along the genotype-phenotype map to better understand how the genetic background of the two strains influences their molecular pathways. In total, 71 individuals were analyzed (LB, n = 36; LSL, n = 35). Data sets include gut miRNA and mRNA transcriptome data, microbiota composition, immune cells, inositol phosphate metabolites, minerals, and hormones from different organs of the two hen strains. All complex data sets were pre-processed, normalized, and compatible with the mixOmics platform. The most discriminant features between two laying strains included 20 miRNAs, 20 mRNAs, 16 immune cells, 10 microbes, 11 phenotypic traits, and 16 metabolites. The expression of specific miRNAs and the abundance of immune cell types were related to the enrichment of immune pathways in the LSL strain. In contrast, more microbial taxa specific to the LB strain were identified, and the abundance of certain microbes strongly correlated with host gut transcripts enriched in immunological and metabolic pathways. Our findings indicate that both strains employ distinct inherent strategies to acquire and maintain their immune and metabolic systems under high-performance conditions. In addition, the study provides a new perspective on a view of the functional biodiversity that emerges during strain selection and contributes to the understanding of the role of host–gut interaction, including immune phenotype, microbiota, gut transcriptome, and metabolome.

Lean mass sparing in resistance-trained athletes during caloric restriction: the role of resistance training volume

Many sports employ caloric restriction (CR) to reduce athletes’ body mass. During these phases, resistance training (RT) volume is often reduced to accommodate recovery demands. Since RT volume is a well-known anabolic stimulus, this review investigates whether a higher training volume helps to spare lean mass during CR. A total of 15 studies met inclusion criteria. The extracted data allowed calculation of total tonnage lifted (repetitions × sets × intensity load) or weekly sets per muscle group for only 4 of the 15 studies, with RT volume being highly dependent on the examined muscle group as well as weekly training frequency per muscle group. Studies involving high RT volume programs (≥ 10 weekly sets per muscle group) revealed low-to-no (mostly female) lean mass loss. Additionally, studies increasing RT volume during CR over time appeared to demonstrate no-to-low lean mass loss when compared to studies reducing RT volume. Since data regarding RT variables applied were incomplete in most of the included studies, evidence is insufficient to conclude that a higher RT volume is better suited to spare lean mass during CR, although data seem to favor higher volumes in female athletes during CR. Moreover, the data appear to suggest that increasing RT volume during CR over time might be more effective in ameliorating CR-induced atrophy in both male and female resistance-trained athletes when compared to studies reducing RT volume. The effects of CR on lean mass sparing seem to be mediated by training experience, pre-diet volume, and energy deficit, with, on average, women tending to spare more lean mass than men. Potential explanatory mechanisms for enhanced lean mass sparing include a preserved endocrine milieu as well as heightened anabolic signaling.

Whole-body [18F]-FDG-PET/MRI for staging of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma: first results from a single-center evaluation

Aim

In 2015, the revised International Pediatric Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Staging System was published. It mentions [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET/MRI as the latest method to perform whole-body imaging. However, supporting data are pending. Our aim was to investigate the performance of whole-body [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET/MRI in pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients by using a limited number of MRI sequences.

Materials and methods

Ten pediatric patients with histologically proven non-Hodgkin lymphoma underwent whole-body [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET/MRI at staging. The retrospective analysis included three steps: First, [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET and MR scans were evaluated separately by a nuclear medicine physician and a pediatric radiologist. Nineteen nodal and two extranodal regions as well as six organs were checked for involvement. Second, discrepant findings were reviewed together in order to reach consensus. Third, [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET/MRI findings were correlated with the results of other clinical investigations.

Results

Of the 190 lymph node regions evaluated, four were rated controversial. Consensus was reached by considering metabolic, functional and morphologic information combined. Concordantly, [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET and MRI detected Waldeyer’s ring involvement in two patients whose Waldeyer’s ring was negative on clinical assessment. In four patients MRI showed pleural effusion. However, in only two of them an increased glucose metabolism as a reliable sign of pleural involvement was detectable. In six patients [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET and MRI detected skeletal lesions although bone marrow biopsy was positive in only one of them.

Conclusion

Despite the small number of cases evaluated, whole-body [¹⁸F]-FDG-PET turned out to be a valuable tool for staging of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

COVID-19 critique et anticorps anti-Interféron : série de 11 cas

Introduction

La survenue de formes sévères ou critiques de COVID-19, avec nécessité d’une hospitalisation en réanimation, est associée à la présence d’anticorps anti-Interféron de classe I dans environ 10 % des cas [1]. Ces anticorps identifiés dans le contexte de la COVID-19 bloquent les molécules d’interféron (IFN) et expliqueraient chez ces patients, la survenue d’une atteinte grave de COVID-19, avec une absence d’élimination précoce du virus SARS-CoV-2. Ainsi, il s’agirait d’une forme de déficit immunitaire, acquis, dirigé contre le virus SARS-CoV-2 mais aussi potentiellement contre d’autres virus. Les caractéristiques cliniques, biologiques et morphologiques des patients présentant ces anticorps n’ont pas été décrites précisément, l’évolution des patients n’est pas connue.

Patients et méthodes

Une recherche d’anticorps anti-Interféron a été réalisée chez des patients ayant été pris en charge en réanimation à l’hôpital Bégin, à l’hôpital Avicenne et à l’hôpital Foch pour une COVID-19. La présence d’anticorps anti-IFNalpha2 et anti-IFNomega étaient recherchée par test ELISA puis confirmée par un test fonctionnel d’inhibition de la phosphorylation de STAT1. Les caractéristiques cliniques des patients ont été relevées à partir des dossiers médicaux. Un suivi médical a été organisé afin de suivre leur évolution sur le plan clinique, biologique et morphologique.

Résultats

Onze patients ont été identifiés. Il s’agissait de 11 hommes. L’âge médian au diagnostic était de 60 ans (min 36 - max 80). Parmi les autres facteurs de risques de COVID-19 grave classiquement identifiés, on retrouvait chez eux, du diabète pour 1 patient, de l’hypertension artérielle pour 6 patients et de l’obésité (IMC > 30 kg/m²) pour 5 patients. L’IMC médian était de 29,8 kg/m² (min 24 - max 32,8). Il n’était pas noté d’antécédent remarquable, notamment pas d’argument pour un déficit immunitaire, pas d’endocrinopathie auto-immune. On retrouvait 1 BPCO, 2 asthmes, 1 coronaropathie et 1 valve aortique mécanique. Au diagnostic de COVID-19, les signes cliniques initiaux habituels de l’infection étaient retrouvés : asthénie (n = 11), fièvre (n= 10), toux (n = 5). Deux patients présentaient des diarrhées et 2 de l’insuffisance rénale aiguë, modérée. Chez 2 patients, on notait une embolie pulmonaire sur le scanner initial. L’évolution était marquée par une aggravation justifiant une admission en réanimation après une médiane de 7 jours (min 3 - max 12), pour une forme sévère chez 2 patients avec au maximum une oxygénothérapie au masque à haute concentration jusqu’à 15L/min pour 1 patient et 4L/min pour 1 autre. Une forme critique survenait chez 9 patients, avec recours à une intubation oro-trachéale pour ventilation mécanique pour 7 cas, une oxygénothérapie nasale à haut débit (OPTIFLOW) était suffisante dans 2 cas. Des pneumopathies bactériennes documentées nécessitaient une antibiothérapie spécifique dans 6 cas. Dans 10 cas, des traitements à visée spécifique du COVID-19 étaient entrepris : corticothérapie (n = 4), hydroxychloroquine (n = 4), lopinavir/ritonavir (n = 3) et tocilizumab (n = 2). En raison du développement d’un SDRA sévère, des séances d’optimisation de l’oxygénothérapie par décubitus ventral étaient entreprises chez 5 patients, avec nécessité d’un recours à une ECMO véno-veineuse pour le jeune patient de 36 ans. Afin d’éliminer les Ac antiIFN, ce dernier a également bénéficié avec succès de 3 séances d’échanges plasmatiques. Au total, 9 patients ont survécu, la durée médiane d’hospitalisaiton en réanimation était de 16 jours (min 2 - max 31). Les 2 décès sont intervenus après limitation thérapeutique pour SDRA réfractaire. Avec un suivi médian de 4,2 mois (min 1 - max 11,2), on note une bonne évolution chez l’ensemble des patients survivants, aucune réinfection n’a été observée et une régression quasi complète des lésions pulmonaires scanographiques (n = 4/5) était retrouvée à 3 mois. Lors du dernier bilan réalisé, il n’était pas constaté d’anomalie de la NFS (n = 7/8), ni syndrome inflammatoire (n = 6/7) et le taux d’immunoglobulines était normal (4/4).

Conclusion

Cette série de cas donne une première description des patients ayant présenté une forme critique de COVID-19 avec Ac anti-IFN de classe I. En dehors de la faible prévalence de comorbidités, il ne semble pas y avoir de phénotype clinique particulier chez cette population en dehors de la prédominance masculine.

Effects on the Ileal Microbiota of Phosphorus and Calcium Utilization, Bird Performance, and Gender in Japanese Quail

In this study, we aimed to investigate the ileum digesta of a large cohort of Japanese quail fed the same diet, with similar environmental conditions. We also address how P utilization (PU), Ca utilization (CaU), and bird performance (feed intake (FI), feed conversion (FC), and body weight gain (BWG)) modify intestinal microbiota of male and female quail. Despite the great number of samples analyzed (760), a core microbiome was composed of five bacteria. The Unc. Lactobacillus, Unc. Clostridaceae 1, Clostridium sensu stricto, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus alactolyticus were detected in all samples and contributed to more than 70% of the total community. Depending on the bird predisposition for PU, CaU, FI, BWG, and FC, those species were present in higher or lower abundances. There was a significant gender effect on the ileal microbial community. While females had higher abundances of Lactobacillus, males were more colonized by Streptococcus alactolyticus. The entire cohort was highly colonized by Escherichia coli (8%-15%), an enteropathogenic bacteria. It remains unclear, if microbiota composition followed the mechanisms that caused different PU, CaU, FI, FC, and BWG or if the change in microbiota composition and function caused the differences in PU, CaU, and performance traits.

[Hereditary Polyneuropathies]

Hereditary neuropathies are a group of diseases of which the most prevalent is Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT). From the clinical point of view pes cavus is a typical yet not specific sign for CMT. Motor signs like bilateral foot drop are dominant over sensory signs. Mutations in some 80 genes can lead to CMT. Whereas clinical sign can hardly differentiate between these genotypes, there is a clear differentiation by classical neurography: median nerve conduction velocity of less or more than 38 m / s differentiates between CMT type 1 and CMT type 2. The two most common forms are CMT1A induced by duplication of the PMP22 gene and hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy (HNPP) induced by deletion of the PMP22 gene.

[Differential diagnosis of cystic abdominal masses in children]

BACKGROUND

Cystic abdominal masses are a common main or incidental finding in daily radiological practice; however, differentiation is not always trivial.

OBJECTIVES

In children, cystic abdominal masses represent a special feature compared to adults, since the spectrum of congenital lesions must be taken into consideration. The article gives a structured overview of the most common entities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The standard methods in abdominal imaging in pediatric radiology are ultrasound and MRI. Based on a literature review, the most important differential diagnoses with their characteristics in ultrasound and MRI were compiled.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

With anatomical classification, presence or absence of solid components as well as the contrast agent behavior in the MRI, the cystic masses can be well differentiated and classified into three groups: congenital and acquired cysts as well as neoplasms.

High-Precision Ramsey-Comb Spectroscopy Based on High-Harmonic Generation

High-harmonic generation (HHG) is widely used for up-conversion of amplified (near) infrared ultrafast laser pulses to short wavelengths. We demonstrate that Ramsey-comb spectroscopy, based on two such pulses derived from a frequency-comb laser, enables us to observe phase effects in this process with a few mrad precision. As a result, we could perform the most accurate spectroscopic measurement based on light from HHG, illustrated with a determination of the 5p^{6}→5p^{5}8s^{2}[3/2]_{1} transition at 110 nm in ^{132}Xe. We improve its relative accuracy 10^{4} times to a value of 2.3×10^{-10}. This is 3.6 times better than shown before involving HHG, and promising to enable 1S-2S spectroscopy of He^{+} for fundamental tests.

P4572Lipoprotein(a) is not associated with survival after acute coronary syndromes

Aims

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with coronary artery disease in population studies, however studies on its predictive value in patients with established cardiovascular disease, in particular after acute coronary syndromes (ACS), are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Lp(a) is associated with survival after ACS.

Methods and results

We analyzed 4469 consecutive patients that underwent coronary angiography for ACS. Lp(a) measurement at time of ACS was available in 1245 patients and median follow-up for cardiovascular and total mortality was 5.0 (IQR 3.2–8.0) years. 655 (52.6%) presented with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 424 (34.1%) with Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and 166 (13.3%) underwent coronary angiography for unstable angina. Cardiovascular mortality was 9.1% and total mortality was 15.7%. Patients were stratified into four groups to their Lp(a) levels. (≤15 mg/dL, >15–30 mg/dL, >30–60 mg/dL, and >60 mg/dL). Multivessel disease was significantly more common in patients with Lp(a) >60 mg/dL (p<0.05). Increased levels of Lp(a) were not associated with cardiovascular mortality (HR compared with Lp(a) ≤15 mg/dL were 1.2, 1.2, and 1.0, respectively; p=0.69) and not with total mortality (HR compared with Lp(a) ≤15 mg/dL were 1.2, 1.2, and 1.2, respectively; p=0.46).

Central Figure

Conclusion

Lp(a) levels at time of ACS were neither associated with cardiovascular nor with total mortality. Although Lp(a) has been shown to be associated with incidence of coronary artery disease, this study does not support any role of Lp(a) as a risk factor after ACS. This should be taken into account for development of outcome studies for agents targeting Lp(a) plasma levels.

P5627Automated detection of calcified plaques in coronary optical coherence tomography images using image segmentation based on machine learning

Background and aim

Automated image recognition based on machine learning methods was proven to be feasible in several medical imaging applications recently. Beside image classification methods to categorize input images for example into healthy or suspicious, image segmentation allows accurate localization of pathologies and thereby facilitates a wide area of applications. Because of the unique composition of every machine learning problem the applicability of image segmentation methods for detecting coronary pathologies in optical coherence tomography images remains unclear. Furthermore, the prediction accuracy of deep learning methods usually depends on vast amounts of training data which are often not available for particular medical questions. Therefore special strategies need to be applied to achieve satisfying results with smaller training datasets. We aimed to investigate the applicability of machine learning methods for plaque detection in coronary OCT images, especially considering the challenge of a small training dataset.

Methods

Originating from a dataset of 104 OCT frames containing calcified plaques, we performed image preprocessing using a custom build OCT image processing software to crop the luminal part as well as the areas outside the circular OCT signal to reduce entropy. Furthermore, plaques were identified and marked by an experienced OCT analyst, drawing plaque-enclosing polygonal masks using the same software. We also performed common image augmentation strategies, primarily applying rotation and zoom operations. Subsequently, we split the samples randomly into training, validation and test datasets (80:10:10%). To train the segmentation model, we fed the training and validation samples into an U-Net Convolutional Neuronal Network implementation with domain-specific adaptions using the RMSprop optimizer based on the publicly available PyTorch library.

Results

After 50 training epochs, we could achieve a prediction accuracy of 74.4% with the current configuration measured by the Sørensen–Dice coefficient comparing the similarity of the predicted plaque masks with the ground truth samples (figure 1 illustrates an exemplary comparison between predicted and ground truth plaque masks).

Exemplary projection of a predicted mask

Conclusion

We were able to show that image segmentation based on machine learning strategies is a feasible way for automated plaque detection in coronary OCT imaging even based on small training datasets. Larger training datasets are necessary to raise prediction accuracy.

Hereditäre Polyneuropathien

Polyneuropathien zählen zu den häufigsten neurologischen Erkrankungen. Die Charcot-Marie-Tooth Erkrankung (CMT) ist ihre häufigste erblich bedingte Form. Orthopädische Symptome wie ein Hohlfuß oder Krallenzehen können ein erstes Anzeichen der Krankheit sein. Verdachtsfälle können mithilfe elektrophysiologischer und sonografischer Methoden abgeklärt und ggf. molekulargenetisch genau charakterisiert werden.

Beneficial effects of levosimendan on survival in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiovascular surgery

BACKGROUND

The impact of levosimendan treatment on clinical outcome in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support after cardiovascular surgery is unknown. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of levosimendan might improve survival when adequate end-organ perfusion is ensured by concomitant ECMO therapy. We therefore studied the impact of levosimendan treatment on survival and failure of ECMO weaning in patients after cardiovascular surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled a total of 240 patients undergoing veno-arterial ECMO therapy after cardiovascular surgery at a university-affiliated tertiary care centre into our observational single-centre registry.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up period of 37 months (interquartile range 19-67 months), 65% of patients died. Seventy-five per cent of patients received levosimendan treatment within the first 24 h after initiation of ECMO therapy. Cox regression analysis showed an association between levosimendan treatment and successful ECMO weaning [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.41; 95% confience interval (CI) 0.22-0.80; P=0.008], 30 day mortality (adjusted HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.30-0.89; P=0.016), and long-term mortality (adjusted HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.42-0.98; P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest an association between levosimendan treatment and improved short- and long-term survival in patients undergoing ECMO support after cardiovascular surgery.

THRIVE score predicts clinical and radiological outcome after endovascular therapy or thrombolysis in patients with anterior circulation stroke in everyday clinical practice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Based on the data of several trials the Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score has been shown to predict outcome after either intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular therapy (ET) in acute stroke patients. It is unknown whether the THRIVE score can also predict outcome in everyday clinical practice. Using our prospectively obtained stroke database the utility of the THRIVE score to predict clinical and radiological outcome in everyday clinical practice was analysed.

METHODS

The relationships between THRIVE and good outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2 at discharge), poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale 5-6), in-hospital death, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) as well as infarct size were examined in patients with distal intracranial carotid artery, M1 and M2 occlusions after either IVT or ET.

RESULTS

From January 2008 to October 2016 a total of 546 patients were treated with IVT and 492 patients received ET with stent retrievers (with or without IVT). In both treatment groups the THRIVE score predicted clinical outcome (Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared tests for trend P < 0.001 for good outcome, P < 0.001 for poor outcome and P < 0.001 for in-hospital death). In the ET group the THRIVE score remained an independent predictor of outcome after controlling for recanalization. The THRIVE score was associated with the infarct size after IVT or ET, whereas it did not predict SICH rates in either treatment group.

CONCLUSIONS

In everyday clinical practice the THRIVE score strongly predicts clinical outcome and the extent of ischaemia after ET or IVT in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions.

Structural and mechanistic insights into a Bacteroides vulgatus retaining N-acetyl-β-galactosaminidase that uses neighbouring group participation

Bacteroides vulgatus is a member of the human microbiota whose abundance is increased in patients with Crohn's disease. We show that a B. vulgatus glycoside hydrolase from the carbohydrate active enzyme family GH123, BvGH123, is an N-acetyl-β-galactosaminidase that acts with retention of stereochemistry, and, through a 3-D structure in complex with Gal-thiazoline, provide evidence in support of a neighbouring group participation mechanism.

Impact of ASPECTS on computed tomography angiography source images on outcome after thrombolysis or endovascular therapy in large vessel occlusions

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular therapy (ET) is superior to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in selected patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusions. However, it is unclear if this positive effect also applies to patients with extensive early ischaemic changes. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) on the CT angiography source images (SI) on outcome after ET or IVT.

METHODS

Using our prospectively obtained stroke database and the admission SI-ASPECTS divided into three groups (0-5, 6-7 and 8-10), primarily the rates of good outcome [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 at discharge] after either ET (n = 255) or IVT (n = 479) were compared.

RESULTS

A favorable SI-ASPECTS (8-10) was present in 501 patients, 132 patients had a moderately favorable SI-ASPECTS (6-7) and 101 patients had an unfavorable SI-ASPECTS (0-5). Irrespective of the treatment modality, no patient with an unfavorable SI-ASPECTS had a good outcome and 38% died during hospital stay. Whilst significantly more patients with a favorable SI-ASPECTS had a good outcome after ET than after IVT (51% vs. 35%, P < 0.01), there was only a non-significant trend towards a good outcome after ET than after IVT in patients with a moderately favorable ASPECTS (25% vs. 14%, P = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

Patients with extensive early ischaemic changes on CT scans (SI- ASPECTS ≤5) might not profit from ET. The impact of ET on outcome in patients with moderately favorable SI-ASPECTS should be addressed in further trials.

[Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Isolated Brainstem Death]

BACKGROUND

Worldwide there are differences in the procedure of determining brain death. An irreversible loss of all brain functions, including cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem is mandatory for the diagnosis of brain death in Germany. On the basis of a case report some important aspects of the new recommendations of the German guidelines are discussed.

CASE REPORT

We present the case of a 41-year old patient who was admitted to our clinic due to acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Angiography revealed an aneurysm of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The patient was comatose without any brainstem reflexes and showed apnoea. However, on day 3, EEG showed alpha activity as a sign of residual cortical function. We diagnosed an isolated brainstem death. The next day EEG was isoelectric and brain death was confirmed.

DISCUSSION

The diagnosis of isolated brainstem death does not allow a confirmation of death in Germany. Our case presents a primary infratentorial brain damage mandating additional confirmatory tests.

Craniocervical manual lymphatic drainage and its impact on intracranial pressure - a pilot study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Theoretical considerations and the results of animal studies indicate that manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) might have an impact on intracranial pressure (ICP). There is a lack of clinically qualitative investigations on patients with severe cerebral diseases.

METHODS

Between April 2013 and January 2015 a prospective observational study was performed on patients who were undergoing intracranial pressure measurement and treatment with MLD. ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded continuously 15 min before the procedure, during MLD (22 min) and for 15 min after the procedure. For analysis the data treatment units were divided into two groups: patients with a mean baseline ICP <15 mmHg (group 1) and patients with a mean ICP ≥15 mmHg before MLD (group 2).

RESULTS

A total of 133 treatment units (61 patients) were analysed (group 1 n = 99; group 2 n = 34). The mean baseline ICP was 10.4 mmHg overall, and 8.3 mmHg and 18.6 mmHg respectively in group 1 and group 2; ICP significantly decreased during therapy with MLD and this persisted during the follow-up period in group 2. MAP did not show any significant differences between the different periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed a significant reduction of ICP during therapy with craniocervical MLD in patients with severe cerebral diseases.

Endovascular therapy versus thrombolysis in patients with anterior circulation stroke in everyday clinical practice

BACKGROUND

In patients with large vessel occlusions, endovascular treatment has been shown to be superior to intravenous thrombolysis in recent trials.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of endovascular treatment on clinical and radiological outcome in everyday clinical practice.

METHODS

We compared the rates of good outcome (modified Rankin scale ≤ 2 at discharge), in-hospital death, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages, and infarct sizes in patients with distal intracranial carotid artery, M1 and M2 occlusions during two time periods.

RESULTS

From January 2008 to October 2012, a total of 509 patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis and from November 2012 to December 2014, a total of 270 patients received endovascular treatment with stent retrievers (with or without intravenous thrombolysis). Significantly, more patients in the endovascular treatment group than in the intravenous thrombolysis group had a good outcome (37% vs. 27%, p < 0.01). The infarct sizes were significantly smaller after endovascular treatment than intravenous thrombolysis, whereas the symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages rates and in-hospital mortality were comparable between both treatment groups. The positive impact of endovascular treatment on clinical outcome was most pronounced in patients ≥75 years (31% endovascular treatment vs. 19% intravenous thrombolysis, p < 0.01), in patients with M1 occlusions (43% endovascular treatment vs. 25% intravenous thrombolysis, p < 0.01) and in patients with an admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥ 14 (24% endovascular treatment vs. 11% intravenous thrombolysis, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In everyday clinical practice and compared with intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular treatment significantly improved clinical outcome and was associated with smaller infarctions. This beneficial effect appeared to be highest in older patients, more severely affected patients, and in those with M1 occlusions.

Analysis of transition state mimicry by tight binding aminothiazoline inhibitors provides insight into catalysis by human O-GlcNAcase

2′-Aminothiazoline inhibitors of human OGA are tight binding transition state mimics for which binding depends on inhibitor pK_a.

The modification of nucleocytoplasmic proteins with O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) plays diverse roles in multicellular organisms. Inhibitors of O-GlcNAc hydrolase (OGA), the enzyme that removes O-GlcNAc from proteins, lead to increased O-GlcNAc levels in cells and are seeing widespread adoption in the field as a research tool used in cells and in vivo. Here we synthesize and study a series of tight binding carbohydrate-based inhibitors of human OGA (hOGA). The most potent of these 2′-aminothiazolines binds with a sub-nanomolar K_i value to hOGA (510 ± 50 pM) and the most selective has greater than 1 800 000-fold selectivity for hOGA over mechanistically related human lysosomal β-hexosaminidase. Structural data of inhibitors in complex with an hOGA homologue reveals the basis for variation in binding among these compounds. Using linear free energy analyses, we show binding of these 2′-aminothiazoline inhibitors depends on the pK_a of the aminothiazoline ring system, revealing the protonation state of the inhibitor is a key driver of binding. Using series of inhibitors and synthetic substrates, we show that 2′-aminothiazoline inhibitors are transition state analogues of hOGA that bind to the enzyme up to 1-million fold more tightly than the substrate. These collective data support an oxazoline, rather than a protonated oxazolinium ion, intermediate being formed along the reaction pathway. Inhibitors from this series will prove generally useful tools for the study of O-GlcNAc. The new insights gained here, into the catalytic mechanism of hOGA and the fundamental drivers of potency and selectivity of OGA inhibitors, should enable tuning of hOGA inhibitors with desirable properties.

The United Nations and One Health: the International Health Regulations (2005) and global health security

The One Health approach encompasses multiple themes and can be understood from many different perspectives. This paper expresses the viewpoint of those in charge of responding to public health events of international concern and, in particular, to outbreaks of zoonotic disease. Several international organisations are involved in responding to such outbreaks, including the United Nations (UN) and its technical agencies; principally, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO); UN funds and programmes, such as the United Nations Development Programme, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund; the UN-linked multilateral banking system (the World Bank and regional development banks); and partner organisations, such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). All of these organisations have benefited from the experiences gained during zoonotic disease outbreaks over the last decade, developing common approaches and mechanisms to foster good governance, promote policies that cut across different sectors, target investment more effectively and strengthen global and national capacities for dealing with emerging crises. Coordination among the various UN agencies and creating partnerships with related organisations have helped to improve disease surveillance in all countries, enabling more efficient detection of disease outbreaks and a faster response, greater transparency and stakeholder engagement and improved public health. The need to build more robust national public human and animal health systems, which are based on good governance and comply with the International Health Regulations (2005) and the international standards set by the OIE, prompted FAO, WHO and the OIE to join forces with the World Bank, to provide practical tools to help countries manage their zoonotic disease risks and develop adequate resources to prevent and control disease outbreaks, particularly at the animal source. All these efforts contribute to the One Health agenda.

Prenatal exposure to antidepressants and language competence at age three: results from a large population-based pregnancy cohort in Norway

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between maternal use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in pregnancy and language competence in their children at age three taking into account maternal symptoms of anxiety and depression.

DESIGN

Population-based prospective pregnancy cohort study.

SETTING

The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study; recruited pregnant women from 1999 through 2008.

POPULATION

45,266 women with 51,748 singleton pregnancies.

METHODS

The association between short- or long-term use of SSRI during pregnancy and language competence in the child was investigated using multinomial logistic regression with three outcome categories: long, complicated sentences, fairly complete sentences and language delay.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Children's language competence at age three measured by maternal report on a validated language grammar scale.

RESULTS

Women reported use of SSRI in 386 (0.7%) pregnancies. Of these, 161 (42%) reported long-term use. Compared with children whose mothers took no SSRI, using the best language category as the reference, adjusted relative risk ratios (RRR) of having fairly complete sentences were 1.21 (95% CI 0.85-1.72) and 2.28 (1.54-3.38) for short- and long-term SSRI use, respectively. The adjusted RRRs of language delay were 0.86 (0.42-1.76) and 2.30 (1.21-4.37). Symptoms of anxiety and depression in pregnancy were independently related to language delay, adjusted RRR 1.25 (1.03-1.50) and 1.83 (1.40-2.40) for short- and long-term symptoms, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Prolonged use of SSRI during pregnancy was associated with lower language competence in children by age three independently of depression. Having symptoms of depression throughout pregnancy had an independent effect.

Peri-interventional Subarachnoid Hemorrhage During Mechanical Thrombectomy with stent retrievers in Acute Stroke: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers in acute stroke has emerged as a promising new technique with the highest recanalization rate of the therapeutic procedures available so far. However, endovascular treatment is also associated with the risk of specific complications. One of those is the occurrence of peri-interventional subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which has been reported in 5-16 % of the cases. Interestingly, this rate is higher than that of angiographically detectable perforations (0-3 %), leaving the majority of peri-interventional SAH to be due to angiographically occult perforations. Little is known about the influence of this finding on clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical relevance of SAH due to occult perforations during thrombectomy with stent retrievers.

METHODS

Postinterventional computed tomography (CT) scans of 217 consecutive patients with acute occlusions of intracerebral arteries who were treated with stent retrievers in our department between October 2009 and October 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

SAH was found on postinterventional CT scans in 5.5 % of the cases. Seven cases were included for further analysis and matched to controls by the following characteristics: (1) site of occlusion, (2) result of the recanalization procedure according to the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score, (3) administration of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, (4) presence of proximal extracranial occlusion, (5) age, and (6) sex. Comparison of the angiographic data of the two cohorts showed no significant difference in the length of the procedures or the number of maneuvers needed for recanalization, nor were there significant differences in clinical outcomes as measured by NIHSS and mRS scores. Secondary symptomatic ICH occurred in one case in either cohort and led to death in both cases. The rate of asymptomatic ICH within the first 24 h after recanalization was significantly higher in the group with peri-interventional SAH (57 vs. 0 %, P = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

This small retrospective case-control study did not reveal a significant influence of peri-interventional SAH due to angiographically occult perforations on neurologic outcome of patients treated with stent retrievers.

Migrant women's utilization of prenatal care: a systematic review

Our objectives were to determine whether migrant women in Western industrialized countries have higher odds of inadequate prenatal care (PNC) compared to receiving-country women and to summarize factors that are associated with inadequate PNC among migrant women in these countries. We conducted searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO), reference lists, known experts, and an existing database of the Reproductive Outcomes And Migration international research collaboration for articles published between January, 1995 and April, 2010. Title and abstract review and quality appraisal were conducted independently by 2 reviewers using established criteria, with consensus achieved through discussion. In this systematic review of 29 studies, the majority of studies demonstrated that migrant women were more likely to receive inadequate PNC than receiving-country women, with most reporting moderate to large effect sizes. Rates of inadequate PNC among migrant women varied widely by country of birth. Only three studies explored predictors of inadequate PNC among migrant women. These studies found that inadequate PNC among migrant women was associated with being less than 20 years of age, multiparous, single, having poor or fair language proficiency, education less than 5 years, an unplanned pregnancy, and not having health insurance. We concluded that migrant women as a whole were more likely to have inadequate PNC and the magnitude of this risk differed by country of origin. Few studies addressed predictors of PNC utilization in migrant women and this limits our ability to provide effective PNC in this population.

Following ORR intermediates adsorbed on a Pt cathode catalyst during break-in of a PEM fuel cell by in operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy

In operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy data using the Δμ X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES) analysis procedure is used to follow the ORR intermediate adsorbate coverage on a working catalyst in a PEMFC during initial activation and break-in.

Flexibility of mobile laboratory unit in support of patient management during the 2007 Ebola-Zaire outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The mobile laboratory provides a safe, rapid and flexible platform to provide effective diagnosis of Ebola virus as well as additional differential diagnostic agents in remote settings of equatorial Africa. During the 2007 Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak of Ebola-Zaire, the mobile laboratory was set up in two different locations by two separate teams within a day of equipment arriving in each location. The first location was in Mweka where our laboratory took over the diagnostic laboratory space of the local hospital, whereas the second location, approximately 50 km south near Kampungu at the epicentre of the outbreak, required local labour to fabricate a tent structure as a suitable pre-existing structure was not available. In both settings, the laboratory was able to quickly set up, providing accurate and efficient molecular diagnostics (within 3 h of receiving samples) for 67 individuals, including four cases of Ebola, seven cases of Shigella and 13 cases of malaria. This rapid turn-around time provides an important role in the support of patient management and epidemiological surveillance.