Follow-up of women with cervical adenocarcinoma in situ treated by conization: A single centre clinical experience

OBJECTIVE

Hysterectomy has been the historical gold standard final step in the treatment algorithm of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) recommended by most North American colposcopy guidelines. AIS disproportionately affects young childbearing age women, therefore a fertility sparing treatment option is desirable. Our study examines the impact of conservative treatment of AIS with conization followed by serial surveillance.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was completed of patients treated for AIS from 2006 to 2020. Charts were identified by pathologic diagnosis of AIS on cervical and uterine specimens. Charts were excluded if AIS was not treated with conization, if AIS was not confirmed on initial conization specimen, or if invasive disease was found at initial conization.

RESULTS

121 patient charts were analyzed. Median age of patients at first conization and hysterectomy was 34.8 and 40.9, respectively. First conization was by Cold Knife Cone in 58% of patients, and by Loop Electrosurgical Excisional Procedure in 42% of patients. Median follow-up period in our study was 609 days. 5% of patients had recurrence, with only one patient who recurred as cancer. One case of recurrence had a positive initial conization margin. Median time to recurrence was 700 days. 47% of patients underwent eventual hysterectomy. Residual AIS was found in 23% of hysterectomy specimens. Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed on hysterectomy specimen in four patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the oncologic safety of treating AIS with conization and serial surveillance. Routine hysterectomy completed as a part of the AIS treatment algorithm, as in current clinical guidelines, is unnecessary.

An individual patient data meta-analysis of wound care in patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) involves extensive mucocutaneous loss, and care is supportive. The approach to wound care includes surgical debridement or using dressings while leaving the epidermis intact. Robust evidence for either approach is lacking. We compared surgical debridement to the use of dressings while leaving the epidermis in situ (referred to hereon as dressings) in adult patients with TEN. The primary outcome assessed was mortality. The secondary outcome was time to re-epithelialisation. The impact of medications was evaluated. An individual patient data (IPD) systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken. A random effects meta-analysis and survival analysis for IPD data examined mortality, re-epithelisation time and the effect of systemic medications. The quality of evidence was rated per the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). PROSPERO: CRD42021266611 Fifty-four studies involving 227 patients were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, with a GRADE from very low to moderate. There was no difference in survival in patients who had surgical debridement or dressings (univariate: p = 0.91, multivariate: p = 0.31). Patients who received dressings re-epithelialised faster than patients who underwent debridement (multivariate HR: 1.96 [1.09-3.51], p = 0.023). Intravenous immunoglobulin (univariate HR: 0.21 [0.09-0.45], p < 0.001; multivariate HR: 0.22 [0.09-0.53], p < 0.001) and cyclosporin significantly reduced mortality (univariate HR: 0.09 [0.01-0.96], p = 0.046; multivariate HR: 0.06 [0.01-0.73], p = 0.028) irrespective of the wound care. This study supports the expert consensus of the dermatology hospitalists, that wound care in patients with TEN should be supportive with the epidermis left intact and supported with dressings, which leads to faster re-epithelialisation.

Implementation of N-Interval fourier transform analysis - Application to compound action potentials

N -Interval Fourier Transform Analysis (N -FTA) allows for spectral separation of a periodic target signal from uncorrelated background interference. A N -FTA pseudo-code is presented. The spectral resolution is defined by the repetition rate of the near periodic signal. Acceptance criteria for spectral targets were defined such that the probability of accepting false positives is less than 1 500 . Simulated and recorded neural compound action potentials (CAPs) were investigated. Simulated data allowed for comparison with reference solutions demonstrating the stability of N -FTA at conditions being comparable to real world data. Background activity was assessed with small errors. Evoked target components were assessed down to power spectral density being approximately N times below the background level. Validation was completed investigating a measured CAP. In neurophysiological recordings, this approach allows for accurate separation of near periodic evoked activity from uncorrelated background activities for frequencies below 1kHz.•N-FTA allows for spectral separation of a periodic target signal from uncorrelated interference by analyzing a segment containing N target signal repetitions.•A MATLAB implementation of the algorithm is provided along with simulated and recorded data.•N-FTA was successfully validated using simulated and measured data for CAPs.

Recombinant BoHV-5 glycoprotein (rgD5) elicits long-lasting protective immunity in cattle

BoHV-5 is a worldwide distributed pathogen usually associated with a lethal neurological disease in dairy and beef cattle resulting in important economic losses due to the cattle industry. Using recombinant gD5, we evaluated the long-duration humoral immunity of the recombinant vaccines in a cattle model. Here we report that two doses of intramuscular immunization, particularly with the rgD5ISA vaccine, induce long-lasting antibody responses. Recombinant gD5 antigen elicited tightly mRNA transcription of the Bcl6 and the chemokine receptor CXCR5 which mediate memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells in germinal centers. In addition, using an in-house indirect ELISA we observed higher and earlier responses of rgD5-specific IgG antibody and the upregulation of mRNA transcription of IL2, IL4, IL10, IL15, and IFN-γ in rgD5 vaccinated cattle, indicating a mixed immune response. We further show that rgD5 immunization protects against both BoHV -1 and -5. Our findings indicate that the rgD5-based vaccine represents an effective vaccine strategy to induce an efficient control of herpesviruses.

Immunogenicity of an inactivated vaccine for intravaginal application against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5)

The present study was carried out to evaluate the intravaginal vaccine potential against bovine alphaherpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5). Sixty three cows were divided into seven groups (n: 9) and inoculated intravaginally (VA) or intramuscularly (IM) with inactivated BoHV-5, associated with the recombinant B subunit of the heat-labile enterotoxin of E. coli (rLTB), 2-hydroxyethylcellulose (Drug Delivery System A - DDS-A) or Poloxamer 407 (Drug Delivery System B - DDS-B) as follows: G1 (DDS-A + BoHV-5 + rLTB), G2 (DDS-A + BoHV-5), G3 (DDS-B + BoHV-5 + rLTB), G4 (DDS-B + BoHV-5), G5 (BoHV-5 + rLTB), G6 (Negative control) e G7 (Positive control). The local and systemic humoral responses were measured by indirect ELISA (IgA and IgG) and serum neutralization tests, and the cellular response was measured by a quantitative direct ELISA (IL-2 and IFN-Gamma). The results showed the group inoculated by the IM route, G5, demonstrated the highest levels of IgG in the vaginal mucosa among the experimental groups (p < 0.05). In the groups tested with polymers (G1 and G3) in the vaginal mucosa, even higher levels of IgG were seen in comparison to the positive control (G7; p < 0.01). Higher levels of IgA were also noted in relation to the other groups (p < 0.05) on days 30, 60 and 90 post-inoculations. The groups G1 and G3 also provided higher titers of neutralizing antibodies (Log2) in relation to other treatments (p < 0.01) 90 days after inoculation. In the nasal mucosa, there was an increase in the levels of IgA and IgG with the use of vaccines from groups G1 and G3, in relation to the positive control, G7 (p < 0.05) at 60 and 90 days after the first inoculation. Moreover, neutralizing antibodies titers were detected at 60 and 90 days by serum neutralization. The inclusion of the evaluated polymers resulted in a superior response (p < 0.05) of immunoglobulins and IL-2 and IFN-Gamma in relation to the treatment using only rLTB (G5). This data demonstrates the capabilities of a vaccine with an intravaginal application in cattle to stimulate a local and systemic immune response.

Saturn Anomalous Myriametric Radiation, a New Type of Saturn Radio Emission Revealed by Cassini

A new radio component namely Saturn Anomalous Myriametric Radiation (SAM) is reported. A total of 193 SAM events have been identified by using all the Cassini Saturn orbital data. SAM emissions are L-O mode radio emission and occasionally accompanied by a first harmonic in R-X mode. SAM's intensities decrease with increasing distance from Saturn, suggesting a source near Saturn. SAM has a typical central frequency near 13 kHz, a bandwidth greater than 8 kHz and usually drifts in frequency over time. SAM's duration can extend to near 11 hr and even longer. These features distinguish SAM from the regular narrowband emissions observed in the nearby frequency range, hence the name anomalous. The high occurrence rate of SAM after low frequency extensions of Saturn Kilometric Radiation and the SAM cases observed during compressions of Saturn's magnetosphere suggest a special connection to solar wind dynamics and magnetospheric conditions at Saturn.

Further evidence from common garden rearing experiments of heritable traits separating lean and siscowet lake charr (Salvelinus namaycush) ecotypes

Genetic evidence of selection for complex and polygenically regulated phenotypes can easily become masked by neutral population genetic structure and phenotypic plasticity. Without direct evidence of genotype‐phenotype associations it can be difficult to conclude to what degree a phenotype is heritable or a product of environment. Common garden laboratory studies control for environmental stochasticity and help to determine the mechanism that regulate traits. Here we assess lipid content, growth, weight, and length variation in full and hybrid F₁ crosses of deep and shallow water sympatric lake charr ecotypes reared for nine years in a common garden experiment. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and quantitative‐trait‐loci (QTL) genomic scans are used to identify associations between genotypes at 19,714 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) aligned to the lake charr genome and individual phenotypes to determine the role that genetic inheritance plays in ecotype phenotypic diversity. Lipid content, growth, length, and weight differed significantly among lake charr crosses throughout the experiment suggesting that pedigree plays a large roll in lake charr development. Polygenic scores of 15 SNPs putatively associated with lipid content and/or condition factor indicated that ecotype distinguishing traits are polygenically regulated and additive. A QTL identified on chromosome 38 contained >200 genes, some of which were associated with lipid metabolism and growth, demonstrating the complex nature of ecotype diversity. The results of our common garden study further indicate that lake charr ecotypes observed in nature are predetermined at birth and that ecotypes differ fundamentally in lipid metabolism and growth.

Reflection and Refraction of the L-O Mode 5 kHz Saturn Narrowband Emission by the Magnetosheath

The reflection-by-sheath mechanism of 5 kHz narrowband emissions (NB) at Saturn is confirmed by Cassini observations during several crossings of the magnetopause, which show that the 5 kHz NB can be prevented from escaping Saturn's magnetosphere. The L-O mode 5 kHz NB remained visible in areas of low plasma density but disappeared in regions of high plasma density. In three cases, NB disappeared immediately after the crossings of Saturn's magnetopause. A possible reflected NB event observed near the magnetosheath is discussed. This mechanism can help explain the 5 kHz NB observed at low latitudes outside the Enceladus plasma torus and their upper frequency limit variations. This mechanism significantly improves the current understanding of the 5 kHz NB.

Static Magnetic Stimulation Induces Changes in the Oxidative Status and Cell Viability Parameters in a Primary Culture Model of Astrocytes

Astrocytes play an important role in the central nervous system function and may contribute to brain plasticity response during static magnetic fields (SMF) brain therapy. However, most studies evaluate SMF stimulation in brain plasticity while few studies evaluate the consequences of SMF at the cellular level. Thus, we here evaluate the effects of SMF at 305 mT (medium-intensity) in a primary culture of healthy/normal cortical astrocytes obtained from neonatal (1 to 2-day-old) Wistar rats. After reaching confluence, cells were daily subjected to SMF stimulation for 5 min, 15 min, 30 min, and 40 min during 7 consecutive days. Oxidative stress parameters, cell cycle, cell viability, and mitochondrial function were analyzed. The antioxidant capacity was reduced in groups stimulated for 5 and 40 min. Although no difference was observed in the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase or the total thiol content, lipid peroxidation was increased in all stimulated groups. The cell cycle was changed after 40 min of SMF stimulation while 15, 30, and 40 min led cells to death by necrosis. Mitochondrial function was reduced after SMF stimulation, although imaging analysis did not reveal substantial changes in the mitochondrial network. Results mainly revealed that SMF compromised healthy astrocytes' oxidative status and viability. This finding reveals how important is to understand the SMF stimulation at the cellular level since this therapeutic approach has been largely used against neurological and psychiatric diseases.

Melittin-induced metabolic changes on the Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney cell line

ABSTRACT In this study, the toxic effects of melittin on Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney cells (MDBK) were analyzed with respect to mitochondrial functionality by reduction of MTT and flow cytometry, apoptosis potential, necrosis, oxygen reactive species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation using flow cytometry and cell membrane destabilization by confocal microscopy. The toxicity presented dose-dependent characteristics and mitochondrial activity was inhibited by up to 78.24 ±3.59% (P<0.01, n = 6) in MDBK cells exposed to melittin (10μg/mL). Flow cytometry analysis revealed that melittin at 2μg/mL had the highest necrosis rate (P<0.05) for the cells. The lipoperoxidation of the membranes was also higher at 2μg/mL of melittin (P<0.05), which was further confirmed by the microphotographs obtained by confocal microscopy. The highest ROS production occurred when the cells were exposed to 2.5μg/mL melittin (P<0.05), and this concentration also increased DNA fragmentation (P<0.05). There was a significative and positive correlation between the lipoperoxidation of membranes with ROS (R=0.4158), mitochondrial functionality (R=0.4149), and apoptosis (R=0.4978). Thus, the oxidative stress generated by melittin culminates in the elevation of intracellular ROS that initiates a cascade of toxic events in MDBK cells.

Anti-atherogenic properties of Kgengwe (Citrullus lanatus) seed powder in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice are mediated through beneficial alterations in inflammatory pathways

Kgengwe fruits are commonly consumed in sub-Saharan countries. Recent reports indicated low coronary artery disease rates in those regions. To investigate anti-atherogenic properties and potential mechanisms of action of Kgengwe seed powder (KSP), male low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDL-r-KO) mice were fed with an atherogenic diet supplemented with (treated, n = 10) or without (controls, n = 10) 10% (w/w) KSP for 20 weeks. Proximate analysis revealed that KSP contained 38% fibre and 15% lipids. KSP supplementation was not associated with significant changes in body weight gain rate, food intake, and plasma lipid levels. However, the average atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic roots in the KSP-treated group was 58% smaller than that in the control group (0.26 vs 0.11 mm2, p < 0.05). This strong anti-atherogenic effect was associated with significant increases in the average plasma levels of certain cytokines such as IL-10 (6 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05), GM-CSF (0.1 vs 0.2 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and EPO (7 vs 16 pg/mL, p < 0.05) along with reductions in the average levels of plasma MCP-1 (19 vs 14 pg/mL, p < 0.05) and MIP-2 (28 vs 13 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Except for relatively high levels of saturated fatty acids, KSP possesses balanced nutrient compositions with strong anti-atherogenic properties, which may be mediated through alterations in inflammatory pathways. Additional studies warrant confirmation and mechanism(s) of action of such effects. Novelty: Kgengwe seeds prevent atherogenesis in LDL-r-KO mice. Kgengwe seeds increase circulating levels of IL-10 and EPO. No reduction in plasma total cholesterol levels.

Apamin-induced alterations in J774 1.6 macrophage metabolism

ABSTRACT Among the immune system cells, macrophages have an important role. Apamin, a bee venom constituent, is important in the defense of these insects. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the metabolism of J774 1.6 macrophage cell line when exposed to isolated and purified apamin, using cytotoxicity tests by MTT reduction and analysis by flow cytometry (apoptosis / necrosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), membranous lipoperoxidation (LPO), electrical potential of the mitochondrial membrane (mMP) and DNA fragmentation). None of the tested concentrations (10 to 100μg/mL) were cytotoxic according to MTT reductions. Apoptosis rates decreased at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0μg/mL (P<0.05), while necrosis rates increased (P<0.05). However, rates of healthy cells at the highest tested concentration (10μg/mL) did not differ from control (P>0.05). Apamin did not alter ROS, LPO, or DNA fragmentation. Therefore, all analyzed concentrations (1.25 to 10μg/mL) decreased mMP. Such decrease in apoptosis might be due to a suppression of mitochondrial pro-apoptotic messengers, as this peptide causes no oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage. Highly sensitive techniques are majorly important for proper interpretation of cellular toxicity mechanisms, combined with routine laboratory methods.

Evidence for a thoracic crop in the workers of some Neotropical Pheidole species (Formicidae: Myrmicinae)

The ability of ant colonies to transport, store, and distribute food resources through trophallaxis is a key advantage of social life. Nonetheless, how the structure of the digestive system has adapted across the ant phylogeny to facilitate these abilities is still not well understood. The crop and proventriculus, structures in the ant foregut (stomodeum), have received most attention for their roles in trophallaxis. However, potential roles of the esophagus have not been as well studied. Here, we report for the first time the presence of an auxiliary thoracic crop in Pheidole aberrans and Pheidole deima using X-ray micro-computed tomography and 3D segmentation. Additionally, we describe morphological modifications involving the endo- and exoskeleton that are associated with the presence of the thoracic crop. Our results indicate that the presence of a thoracic crop in major workers suggests their potential role as repletes or live food reservoirs, expanding the possibilities of tasks assumed by these individuals in the colony. Our contribution emphasizes the utility of combining data from external and internal morphology to better understand functional and behavioral mechanisms.

Black queen cell virus and Nosema ceranae coinfection in Africanized honey bees from southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: Bees are fundamental in several aspects, especially in relation to plant biodiversity and pollination. Recently, immense losses are being faced in the number of Brazilian colonies, mainly in southern states of the country, which has a strong beekeeping activity. There are indications that, among the reasons for the losses, pathogens that affect the health of bees may be involved. Among them, the microsporidium Nosema and the black queen cell virus (BQCV) stand out for their prevalence. In this study, 92 colonies of 17 apiaries from southern Brazil were evaluated for infection by Nosema ceranae, Nosema apis and BQCV. Nucleic acid extractions and cDNA synthesis were performed from adult bee samples, followed by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and multiplex PCR. Eight BQCV positive samples were subjected to sequencing. The results showed that N. ceranae and BQCV are circulating in the Southern region of the country, which may be the reason for the loss of colonies. N. apis was not found. N. ceranae was found in 57.6% (53/92) of the colonies and BQCV in 32.6% (30/92). Co-infection was found in 25% (23/92) of the colonies studied, a factor that is suggested to be reducing the hosts’ longevity due to the synergistic action of the pathogens. The samples submitted to sequencing indicated similarity of 96.8 to 100% between them, in addition to strong similarity with sequences from Asia, United States, Germany and Peru. This study reports the circulation of N. ceranae and BQCV in apiaries in southern Brazil, in addition to being the first phylogenetic analysis of the Brazilian BQCV sequence.

Identification of Clade E Avipoxvirus in Brazil

Avian poxvirus (APV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus that affects many domestic and wild birds worldwide. APVs are classified into three clades (A to C), represented by fowlpox (FP) virus (clade A), canarypox virus (clade B), and psittacinepox virus (clade C), although two additional clades (D and E) have been proposed. In this study, a tumorlike skin lesion found in a domestic fowl was submitted for molecular diagnosis of Avipoxvirus by PCR and sequencing. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the amplified segment of the corelike 4b protein and polymerase genes clustered in clade E. The APVs in clade E were previously reported from outbreaks in Hungary (flock of turkeys) and in Mozambique (layer chickens), associated with a possible vaccine failure to protect against clade E viruses. To our knowledge, this report is the first identification of clade E in this country, providing new information about host range and genetic diversity of APVs in Brazil, and may represent a potential risk of FP disease outbreaks in commercial poultry.

Molecular Detection of Human Adenovirus and Rotavirus in Feces of White-Eared Opossums

The white-eared opossums (Didelphis albiventris) is the largest Brazilian marsupial and a great example of animal synanthropy. Considering the high potential as a carrier of viruses originating from environmental contamination, the presence of Human adenovirus (AdV) and rotavirus was investigated in the feces of rescued white-eared opossums, which were in the process of rehabilitation. The feces of 49 animals were initially investigated by immunochromatography, with three samples positive for AdV and one sample positive for rotavirus. When submitted to PCR and nested PCR, the samples of six animals were positive for AdV and three animals were positive for group A rotavirus. Two positive samples in the immunochromatographic assay were not confirmed by PCR. After sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of AdV samples, all were identified within the genus Mastadenovirus, one being HAdV-C, four HAdV-E, and one being similar to a Mastadenovirus found in primates. This is the first report of molecular confirmation of human adenovirus and rotavirus in white-eared opossums. These data could be important of anticipation some emerging diseases and their effects on ecosystems health.

Shades of grey: what is paediatric psoriasiform dermatitis and what does it have in common with childhood psoriasis?

BACKGROUND

While the majority of children with a chronic itchy rash suffer from atopic dermatitis (AD) and other forms of dermatitis, psoriasis is in the differential diagnosis. Certain patterns such as guttate and napkin psoriasis are accepted as classic paediatric psoriasis (PP); however, there are many patients who do not fit these classic forms of PP nor fulfil the accepted criteria for AD. 'Psoriasiform dermatitis' (PD) is a term that has been used for these patients; however, it has not been formally defined. Identification of this group of patients, who although not having the typical clinical features of psoriasis, respond well to psoriasis-specific treatment, may assist treatment decisions for these patients.

AIM

To describe PD and compare it with typical PP.

METHODS

Patients with classic PP (n = 109) were compared with a control group with AD (n = 449) and assessed for 21 clinical features associated with PP. Multivariate nonlinear regression analyses determined which features best separated the groups. Patients with dermatitis who demonstrated any of these 21 features (n = 43), which were used to diagnose PD, were then compared with the PP and AD groups. They were managed with psoriasis-specific treatment and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 21 clinical features, 12 were found to clearly separate the classic PP and AD groups. Using the eight most significant (P < 0.0001) features, we found these two groups clearly separated at a score of 3 out of 8. Children with PD with ≥ 4 of these features responded well to treatment for psoriasis with a mean reduction of PASI by 85% at 6 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that patients with dermatitis who have ≥ 4 psoriasis-associated features may have a condition that has been previously alluded to but not defined in the literature, 'psoriasiform dermatitis'. Treatments usually reserved for patients with psoriasis appear to be effective in these patients.

Antiviral activity of native banana lectin against bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) are responsible for major economic losses of livestock worldwide, making their eradication an important objective of veterinary research. Vaccines against these infectious agents are commercially available but have some limitations due to the specific features of these viral agents. The development of new antiviral drugs is therefore essential. Native banana lectin (BanLec) is a lectin isolated from banana fruit (Musa acuminata) and has a high affinity for mannose glycans found in several viral envelopes. The inhibitory properties of this lectin against several viruses has already been demonstrated. The aim of this work was therefore to test the antiviral and virucidal activities of BanLec against BVDV-1 and BoHV-1. Its antiviral activity was assessed by measuring the viral titer and viability of susceptible Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney cells (MDBK) treated with BanLec before and after viral infection. The virucidal properties of BanLec were determined by preincubation of the lectin with the viruses, followed by measurement of the viral load in exposed cells. Treatment with 25 μg/mL BanLec resulted in high levels of inhibition against BVDV-1 (99.98%) and BoHV-1 (99.68%) without affecting cell viability, demonstrating promising potential as an antiviral agent.

Complementary and alternative medicine and musculoskeletal pain in the first year of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor treatment in early breast cancer patients

Background

Patients with breast cancer (BC) show strong interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), particularly for adverse effects of adjuvant endocrine treatment — e.g., with letrozole. Letrozole often induces myalgia/limb pain and arthralgia, with potential noncompliance and treatment termination. This analysis investigated whether CAM before aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy is associated with pain development and the intensity of AI-induced musculoskeletal syndrome (AIMSS) during the first year of treatment.

Patients and methods

The multicenter phase IV PreFace study evaluated letrozole therapy in postmenopausal, hormone receptor–positive patients with early BC. Patients were asked about CAM use before, 6 months after, and 12 months after treatment started. They recorded pain every month for 1 year in a diary including questions about pain and numeric pain rating scales. Data were analyzed for patients who provided pain information for all time points.

Results

Of 1396 patients included, 901 (64.5%) had used CAM before AI treatment. Throughout the observation period, patients with CAM before AI treatment had higher pain values, for both myalgia/limb pain and arthralgia, than non-users. Pain increased significantly in both groups over time, with the largest increase during the first 6 months. No significant difference of pain increase was noted regarding CAM use.

Conclusions

CAM use does not prevent or improve the development of AIMSS. Pain intensity was generally greater in the CAM group. Therefore, because of the risk of non-compliance and treatment discontinuation due to the development of higher pain levels, special attention must be paid to patient education and aftercare in these patients.

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Pain levels of myalgia/limb pain and arthralgia increase under letrozole intake.

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Within one year pain levels increase in both, CAM users as well as non-CAM users.

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In CAM users pain levels were higher at all time points than in non-CAM users.

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The greatest increase of pain levels was noted in the first six treatment months.

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CAM does not prevent or improve the development of myalgia/limb pain and arthralgia.

Impedance and conductivity of bovine myocardium during freezing and thawing at slow rates - implications for cardiac cryo-ablation

Increasing impedance during freezing might be a valuable marker for guiding cardiac cryo-ablation. We provide model based insights on how decreasing temperature below the freezing point of tissue relates to the percentage of frozen water. Furthermore, we provide experimental data for comparing this percentage with the increase in impedance. Measurements were performed on a bovine tissue sample at frequencies between 5 and 80 kHz. Slow cooling and heating rates were applied to minimize temperature gradients in the myocardial sample and to allow accurate assessment of the freezing point. Computer simulation was applied to link impedance with temperature dependent conductivities. The osmotic virial equation was used to estimate the percentage of frozen water. Measurements identified the freezing point at -0.6 ^∘C. At -5 ^∘C, impedance rose by more than a factor of ten compared to that at the freezing point and the percentage of frozen water was estimated as being 89%. At -49 ^∘C impedance had increased by up to three orders of magnitude and ice formation was most pronounced in the extracellular space. Progressive ice formation in tissue is reflected by a large increase in impedance, and impedance increases monotonically with the percentage of frozen water. Its analysis allows for experimental assessment of factors relevant to cell death. Solid ice contributes to the rupture of the micro-vasculature, while phase shifts reflect concentration differences between extra- and intracellular space driving osmotic water transfer across cell membranes.

Infecção latente pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 1 em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) no Rio Grande do Sul

RESUMO Apesar dos bovinos serem considerados os hospedeiros naturais do BoHV-1, estudos sorológicos têm sugerido que búfalos podem ser suscetíveis ao BoHV-1 e a outros alfa-herpesvírus geneticamente relacionados. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar a presença de DNA viral de BoHV-1 em 202 amostras de gânglios trigêmeos de búfalos, pela técnica de semi-nested PCR, para detecção de um segmento do gene codificante da glicoproteína D (gD) do BoHV-1. Além disso, 242 amostras de soro foram analisadas pela técnica de soroneutralização (SN) para a detecção de anticorpos neutralizantes contra BoHV-1, BoHV-5 e BuHV. Todas as amostras clínicas foram coletadas em um matadouro na cidade de Pelotas, RS, Brasil. O DNA de BoHV-1 foi detectado em 61 (30,1%) gânglios, e os resultados da SN demonstraram que 27,6% dos animais apresentaram anticorpos contra, pelo menos, um dos vírus testados. O sequenciamento genômico e a análise de 14 amplicons confirmaram a presença do DNA do BoHV-1 nos tecidos analisados. Em resumo, os resultados indicam que o BoHV-1 está distribuído em rebanhos bubalinos provenientes da região Sul do Brasil. Entretanto, são necessárias investigações adicionais, no sentido de elucidar o papel exato dos búfalos na epidemiologia das infecções pelo BoHV-1.

Assessing the impact of mailing self-sampling kits for human papillomavirus testing to unscreened non-responder women in Manitoba

Background

CervixCheck, Manitoba's cervical cancer screening program, conducted a pilot study to assess whether screening participation could be improved in unscreened women by offering a mailed self-sampling kit for human papillomavirus (hpv) testing instead of a Pap test.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study design, a sample of unscreened women (n = 1052) who had been sent an invitation letter from CervixCheck in the past but who did not respond were randomized to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received a mailed hpv self-sampling kit; the control group received no additional communication. Returned hpv self-sampling swabs were analyzed by a provincial laboratory. After 6 months, screening participation in the two study groups was compared using a logistic regression model adjusted for age and area of residence (urban or rural). Secondary outcomes included hpv positivity, specimen inadequacy, compliance with follow-up, and time to colposcopy.

Results

Screening participation was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (n = 51, 9.6%, vs. n = 13, 2.5%; odds ratio: 4.7; 95% confidence interval: 2.56 to 8.77). Geographic area of residence (urban or rural) and age were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that hpv self-sampling kits can enhance screening participation in unscreened non-responder women in the setting of an organized screening program. Next steps should include additional research to determine the best implementation strategy for hpv self-sampling in Manitoba.

Chemical and cytotoxic analyses of three varieties of Brazilian propolis (green propolis, jataí propolis and brown propolis) and its anti-Sporothrix brasiliensis in vitro activity

ABSTRACT In this study, we described the antifungal activity of three Brazilian propolis extracts: brown, green and from jataí bees against Sporothrix brasiliensis. The extracts were obtained from ethanolic extraction and their chemical composition was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The cellular toxicity was measured in MDBK (Madin-Darby Bovine Kidney) cells and quantified by the MTT assay (3- (4,5 dimethylthiazol-2yl -2,5-diphenyl-2H bromine tetrazolato). For antifungal activity, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by broth microdilution. The results showed that cell toxicity was not observed at lower concentrations (0.097 to 0.39μg/ml) for all extracts in comparison to cell control. Among the chemical compounds identified, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and rutin were quantified. In antifungal activity, green and jataí did not exhibit activity against the isolates (MIC and MFC greater than 0.78mg/ml). However, all isolates of S. brasiliensis were sensitive to brown propolis (MIC of 0.09 to 0.78mg/ml), including the standard strain (P<0.001). Among the Brazilian propolis studied, the brown propolis showed activity against the S. brasiliensis isolates and more studies should be undertaken in order to evaluate its promising use in the treatment of sporotrichosis.

Influence of patient and tumor characteristics on early therapy persistence with letrozole in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer: results of the prospective Evaluate-TM study with 3941 patients

Background

Patients' compliance and persistence with endocrine treatment has a significant effect on the prognosis in early breast cancer (EBC). The purpose of this analysis was to identify possible reasons for non-persistence, defined as premature cessation of therapy, on the basis of patient and tumor characteristics in individuals receiving adjuvant treatment with letrozole.

Patients and methods

The EvAluate-TM study is a prospective, multicenter, noninterventional study in which treatment with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole was evaluated in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive EBC in the early therapy phase. Treatment persistence was evaluated at two pre-specified study visits after 6 and 12 months. As a measure of early therapy persistence the time from the start to the end of treatment (TTEOT) was analyzed. Cox regression analyses were carried out to identify patient characteristics and tumor characteristics predicting TTEOT.

Results

Out of the total population of 3941 patients with EBC, 540 (13.7%) events involving treatment cessation unrelated to disease progression were observed. This was due to drug-related toxicity in the majority of cases (73.5%). Persistence rates were 92.2%, 86.9%, and 86.3% after 6, 12, and 15 months, respectively. The main factors influencing premature treatment discontinuation were older age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.02/year], comorbidities (HR 1.06 per comorbidity), low body mass index, and lower tumor grade (HR 0.85 per grade unit).

Conclusion

These results support the view that older, multimorbid patients with low tumor grade and low body mass index are at the greatest risk for treatment discontinuation and might benefit from compliance and support programs.

Risk Factors Associated with the Presence of Viral Diseases in Domestic Poultry in the Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Background: The introduction of any infectious agent into an industrial or subsistence farm worries agribusiness owners in Brazil because it reduces product quality and increases treatment costs, although most diseases are untreatable, thus causing economic losses with morbidity and mortality. Therefore, an epidemiological survey of viral diseases associated with poultry was developed by performing a detailed description of the risk factors that may be related to existing diseases using domestic poultry sample data recorded in the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of College of Veterinary Medicine of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2000 to 2016.Materials, Methods & Results: Epidemiological and clinical-pathological data were collected and then compared with disease data by multivariate analysis using statistical EpiInfo version 6.04 and Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software. The frequencies and 95% confidence intervals (CI), association measures (odds ratio=OR and relative risk=RR), Chi-square test, and the results considered significant with a value of P ≤ 0.05 were described. A total of 410 samples of domestic poultry were tested, and the results showed 66 (16.1%) viral diseases. The following conditions were the most commonly found diseases in this study: Marek’s disease (42.4%), Infectious bursal disease (31.8%), Avian leukosis (16.6%), Avian pox (7.5%) and Avian infectious bronchitis (1.5%). In this article we discuss the most frequent viral diseases: Marek’s disease (DM) and Gumboro disease. It was also possible to conclude that birds with Marek's disease presented higher odds of developing nerve, tegumentary and locomotors signs (P ≤ 0.05).  As well as, more likely to present tumoriform lesions in the liver, spleen, kidneys and heart P ≤ 0.05, as well as lesions in the proventriculus, muscle lesions and in the sciatic nerve P ≤ 0.05. Laying poultry, backyard poultry production and young poultry constitute risk factors for DM (P ≤ 0.05).  The results showed that samples with mycotoxicoses were at higher risk of developing DM (P ≤ 0.05). Poultry from industrial system had a higher risk of developing Gumboro disease (P ≤ 0.05). Besides that, domestic poultry with Gumboro disease were more likely to develop signs of depression, nerve signals, tegumentary changes, bursitis, hepatomegaly, renal lesions and splenomegaly (P ≤ 0.05).Discussion: In this research we can observe the domestic poultry with DM presenting tumoriform lesions in several organs, this finding is common in this disease, because it is one of the most frequent viral diseases of neoplastic characteristic. The results show that young birds are a risk factor for DM. In fact, previous works already affirm young birds as being susceptible to disease in relation to adult birds. In this study, laying hens presented a risk factor for DM, however other authors also observed in cut birds or in both types of production. Industrial poultry are at higher risk for DM, this was also reported by other authors, because the disease is of high contagion and morbidity, industrial birds are under high density which facilitates the contact and dissemination of the virus among sick and susceptible birds. In this study, industrial poultry were a risk factor for Gumboro disease, however, other studies show that there is no difference between types of breeding and can also occur in backyard birds. Young poultry and laying hens are more susceptible, and the clinical signs found in the study are compatible with those described in the literature. Through this research on viral diseases, we conclude that our study may complement the already existing official data, since, in a research conducted in the same period, it did not identify the presence of viral diseases in the Southern of RS, but with our research it was possible to register this disease.

Rumen-protected methionine in cattle: influences on reproduction, immune response, and productive performance

ABSTRACT: Nowadays, information and knowledge generated about the main ingredients used in cattle diets have enabled greater assertiveness in their formulation. Among the ingredients, amino acids stand out as a promising tool, capable of reducing total crude protein (CP) levels and adjusting optimal metabolizable protein concentrations in diets. Nutritional programs allow diets due to amino acid requirements, providing the opportunity to increase the efficiency of the use of dietary nitrogen, increasing the scarce protein concentrates, maintaining or even boosting performance. This review aimed to present the influences of methionine, in its formulation protected from ruminal degradation, according to reproductive parameters, immune response, and productive performance in cattle. Reproduction-related benefits are linked to the early days of embryonic implantation in the uterine environment, which initially secretes through the histotroph produced by endometrial glands, the nutrients needed to develop the conceptus until implantation, and vascular communication with the mother. Given the immune response, the main results are related to the benefits of innate immunity, with marked increase in phagocytic capacity of neutrophils and monocytes, as well as an important antioxidant effect mediated by methionine products, such as glutathione. When evaluating the influences on productivity, the most evident correlation is the increase in protein in the milk of cows supplemented with methionine. Over the past decade, studies investigating the potential benefits of this strategic supplementation in beef cattle were intensified, expanding the opportunities for the development of new experimental projects.

A Low-Power Injection-Locked VCO for an Implantable MICS Band Transmitter with Wireless Frequency Reference and Tune-while-Lock Channel Calibration

This paper presents the design of an 800 MHz VCO for both free-running and injection locked operation in a novel low power transmitter with wireless frequency reference, operating in the MICS band (402-405 MHz). The transmitter employs simultaneous tuning and locking, to set the desired channel with a minimal injected power. The VCO is designed and fabricated in a 0.13 $\mu \mathrm{m}$ SiGe BiCMOS process and has a core area of 0.5 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{m}^{2}$. The measurement of the free-running VCO shows -107 dBc/Hz phase noise at 300 kHz frequency offset. If locked to an external frequency reference the VCO shows 118 dBc/Hz phase noise at 300 KHz offset, while consuming 3 mA from a 1.2 V supply (3.6 mW). When the VCO is tuned during the locking, 20 dBm of reference power is required to enable operation in the whole MICS band. The measured phase noise of the free-running VCO ensures reliable calibration of the proposed transmitter and the locked VCO satisfies all requirements of an implantable device using MICS band data transmission. Therefore, this VCO presents a key building block of an injection locked, frequency agile, implantable transmitter for the MICS band.

Immune responses in bovines to recombinant glycoprotein D of bovine herpesvirus type 5 as vaccine antigen

Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is responsible for outbreaks of meningoencephalitis that cause important economic losses in young cattle. BoHV-5 glycoprotein D (gD5) is essential for attachment and penetration into permissive cells and targeting of host immune systems, inducing strong humoral and cellular immune responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vaccinal immune response of vaccines formulated with the recombinant BoHV-5 gD (rgD5) in bovines. For the experiment, 72 heifers were randomly allotted into 6 different groups with 12 animals each. Group 1: vaccine formulated using inactivated BoHV-5 (iBoHV-5) adjuvanted with ISA50V2; Group 2: iBoHV-5 associated with 100 µg of rgD5 adjuvanted with ISA50V2; Group 3: 100 µg of rgD5 adjuvanted with ISA50V2; Group 4: 100 µg of rgD5 adjuvanted with Al(OH)₃; Group 5: commercial vaccine; and Group 6: control group. Two doses were administered in a 26-day interval and the third after 357 days from primo vaccination. Cattle vaccinated with the vaccines formulated with iBoHV-5 plus rgD5 showed a significant (p < 0.01) five-fold increase in total immunoglobulin G (IgG) for BoHV-5, BoHV-1, and rgD5 as compared with the commercial and control groups. Also, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in IgG1 and IgG2a levels was induced in serum for rgD5. In addition, these same vaccines showed significant (p < 0.01) four-fold higher titers of BoHV-1 and -5 neutralizing antibodies. The results demonstrated that the rgD5 conserved important epitopes that were able to stimulate bovine humoral immunity response capable of viral neutralization of BoHV-1 and -5, suggesting it as a promising vaccine antigen to be used in vaccine for BoHV-1 and -5 endemic areas.

Influence of side-effects on early therapy persistence with letrozole in post-menopausal patients with early breast cancer: Results of the prospective EvAluate-TM study

BACKGROUND

Endocrine treatment (ET) with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) is the treatment of choice in post-menopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer (EBC). However, adverse events (AEs) often lead to treatment discontinuation. This analysis aimed to identify side-effects that lead to patients failing to persist with letrozole treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Post-menopausal hormone receptor-positive EBC patients starting ET with letrozole were enroled in EvAluate-TM, a non-interventional study. Information regarding treatment compliance and persistence was gathered in months 6 and 12. Persistence was defined as the time from 30 d after the start to the end of treatment. The influence on persistence of musculoskeletal syndrome, menopausal disorder, sleep disorder and other AEs within the first 30 d was analysed using Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

Among 3887 patients analysed, the persistence rate after 12 months was >85%. In all, 568 patients (14.6%) discontinued the treatment, 358 of whom (63.0%) did so only because of side-effects. The main AEs influencing persistence were musculoskeletal symptoms (hazard ratio [HR] 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.90-3.42), sleep disorders (HR 1.95; 95% CI, 1.41-2.70) and other AEs (HR 2.03; 95% CI, 1.51-2.73). Menopausal disorder was not associated with non-persistence (HR 1.17; 95% CI, 0.74-1.84).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that side-effects of AIs such as musculoskeletal syndrome and sleep disorder lead to ET discontinuation within the first treatment year in significant numbers of EBC patients. Compliance programmes adapted for subgroups that are at risk for early non-persistence might help to ensure the recommended therapy duration.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

CFEM345DDE19.

Saccharomyces boulardii modulates and improves the immune response to Bovine Herpesvirus type 5 Vaccine

ABSTRACT There have been significant efforts towards the development of more efficient vaccines for animal health. A strategy that may be used to improve vaccine efficacy is the use of probiotics to enhance the immune response of the host, leading to increased immunogenicity of antigen preparations. Bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) is an example of an important animal pathogen for which vaccines have provided only limited protection. In this study, we examined the use of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb) as a potential adjuvant to improve vaccine efficiency. We found that the supplemented animals exhibited an enhanced systemic IgG antibody response toward a Th1 response in favor of IgG2a and increased mRNA expression levels of the cytokines IFN-y, IL-12, IL-17 and IL-10 in the spleen. These results suggest that Sb supplementation may provide a promising means for improving the efficiency of vaccines, particularly those that rely on a cell-mediated immune response.

Medical Informatics and the Quality of Health: New Approaches to Support Patient Care

Objectives: The Yearbook of Medical Informatics is published annually by the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) and contains a selection of excellent papers on medical informatics research which have been recently published (www.yearbook.uni-hd.de). The 2003 Yearbook of Medical Informatics took as its theme the role of medical informatics for the quality of health care. In this paper, we will discuss challenges for health care, and the lessons learned from editing IMIA Yearbook 2003.

Results and Conclusions: Modern information processing methodology and information and communication technology have strongly influenced our societies and health care. As a consequence of this, medical informatics as a discipline has taken a leading role in the further development of health care. This involves developing information systems that enhance opportunities for global access to health services and medical knowledge. Informatics methodology and technology will facilitate high quality of care in aging societies, and will decrease the possibilities of health care errors. It will also enable the dissemination of the latest medical and health information on the web to consumers and health care providers alike. The selected papers of the IMIA Yearbook 2003 present clear examples and future challenges, and they highlight how various sub-disciplines of medical informatics can contribute to this.

Computationally Efficient Noninvasive Cardiac Activation Time Imaging

Objective: The computer model-based computation of the cardiac activation sequence in humans has been recently subject of successful clinical validation. This method is of potential interest for guiding ablation therapy of arrhythmogenic substrates. However, computation times of almost an hour are unattractive in a clinical setting. Thus, the objective is the development of a method which performs the computation in a few minutes run time.

Methods: The computationally most expensive part is the product of the lead field matrix with a matrix containing the source pattern on the cardiac surface. The particular biophysical properties of both matrices are used for speeding up this operation by more than an order of magnitude. A conjugate gradient optimizer was developed using C++ for computing the activation map.

Results: The software was tested on synthetic and clinical data. The increase in speed with respect to the previously used Fortran 77 implementation was a factor of 30 at a comparable quality of the results. As an additional finding the coupled regularization strategy, originally introduced for saving computation time, also reduced the sensitivity of the method to the choice of the regularization parameter.

Conclusions: As it was shown for data from a WPW-patient the developed software can deliver diagnostically valuable information at a much shorter span of time than current clinical routine methods. Its main application could be the localization of focal arrhythmogenic substrates.

A Signal Processing Pipeline for Noninvasive Imaging of Ventricular Preexcitation

Objectives: Noninvasive imaging of the cardiac activation sequence in humans could guide interventional curative treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by catheter ablation. Highly automated signal processing tools are desirable for clinical acceptance. The developed signal processing pipeline reduces user interactions to a minimum, which eases the operation by the staff in the catheter laboratory and increases the reproducibility of the results.

Methods: A previously described R-peak detector was modified for automatic detection of all possible targets (beats) using the information of all leads in the ECG map. A direct method was applied for signal classification. The algorithm was tuned for distinguishing beats with an adenosine induced AV-nodal block from baseline morphology in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) patients. Furthermore, an automatic identification of the QRS-interval borders was implemented.

Results: The software was tested with data from eight patients having overt ventricular preexcitation. The R-peak detector captured all QRS-complexes with no false positive detection. The automatic classification was verified by demonstrating adenosine-induced prolongation of ventricular activation with statistical significance (p <0.001) in all patients. This also demonstrates the performance of the automatic detection of QRS-interval borders. Furthermore, all ectopic or paced beats were automatically separated from sinus rhythm. Computed activation maps are shown for one patient localizing the accessory pathway with an accuracy of 1 cm.

Conclusions: The implemented signal processing pipeline is a powerful tool for selecting target beats for noninvasive activation imaging in WPW patients. It robustly identifies and classifies beats. The small beat to beat variations in the automatic QRS-interval detection indicate accurate identification of the time window of interest.

Atrial and Ventricular Myocardium Extraction Using Model-based Techniques

Objectives: This paper presents an efficient approach for extracting myocardial structures from given atrial and ventricular blood masses to enable non-invasive estimation of electrical excitation in human atria and ventricles.

Methods: Based on given segmented atrial and ventricular blood masses, the approach constructs the myocardial structure directly, in the case that the myocardium can be detected in the volume data, or by using mean model information, in the case that the myocardium cannot be seen in the volume data due to image modalities or artefacts. The approach employs mathematical and gray-value morphology operations. Regulated by the spatial visibility of the myocardial structure in the medical image data especially the atrial myocardium needs to be estimated repeatedly using the a-priori knowledge given by the anatomy.

Results: The approach was tested using eight patient data sets. The reconstruction process yielded satisfying results with respect to an efficient generation of a volume conductor model which is essential when trying to implement the estimation of electrical excitation in clinical application.

Conclusion: The approach yields ventricular and atrial models that qualify for cardiac source imaging in a clinical setting.

Towards Clinical Bioinformatics: Advancing Genomic Medicine with Informatics Methods and Tools

Objectives: To summarize the challenges facing clinical applications in the light of growing research results in genomic medicine and bioinformatics.

Methods: Analysis of the contents of the Yearbook of Medical Informatics 2004 of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA).

Results: The Yearbook of Medical Informatics 2004 includes 32 articles selected from 22 peer-reviewed scientific journals. A special section on clinical bio-informatics highlights recent developments in this field. Several guest editors review the promises and limitations of available methods and resources from biomedical informatics that are relevant to clinical medicine. Integrated data and knowledge resources are generally regarded to be central and key issues for clinical bioinformatics. Further review papers deal with public health implications of bioinformatics, knowledge management and trends in health care education. The Yearbook includes for the first time a section on the history of medical informatics, where the significant impact of the Reisensburg protocol 1973 on international health and medical informatics education is examined.

Conclusions: Close collaboration between bio-informatics and medical informatics researchers can contribute to new insights in genomic medicine and contribute towards the more efficient and effective use of genomic data to advance clinical care.

AAM-based Segmentation for Imaging Cardiac Electrophysiology

Objectives: Activation time (AT) imaging from electrocardiographic (ECG) mapping data has been developing for several years. By coupling 4-dimensional volume data (3D + time) the electrical sequence can be computed non-invasively. In this paper an approach for extracting the ventricular and atrial blood masses for structurally normal hearts by using cine-gated shortaxis data obtained via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is introduced.

Methods: The blood masses are extracted by employing Active Appearance Models (AAMs). The ventricular blood masses are segmented, applying the AAMs after providing apex cordis and base of the heart in the volume data, whereas the more complex geometry of the atria requires a more specific attempt. On account of this the atrium was divided into three divisions of appearance, where the images of the volume data in the related divisions have a maximum affinity. The first division reaches from the base of the heart to initial visibility of the upper and left lower pulmonary vein. The second division up from there to the last occurrence and the third division from there to the end of the visibility of the right upper and lower pulmonary vein. After extracting the cardiac blood masses the result gets triangulated and remeshed for activation time imaging.

Results: With this method the cardiac models of eight patients were extracted and the AT imaging approach was applied to single-beat ECG data of atrial and ventricular depolarization.

Conclusion: The advantage of the proposed AAM approach is that only a few initial parameters have to be set. Therefore, the approach can be integrated into a processing pipeline that works semi-automatically. The extracted models can be used for further investigations.