Ralstonia mannitolilytica in cystic fibrosis: A new predictor of worse outcomes

Background

Patients with Cystic Fibrosis are subject to repeated respiratory tract infections, with recent increasing isolation of unusual pathogens. Ralstonia species have lately been isolated at our institution, an organism historically frequently misidentified as Burkholderia or Pseudomonas. The prevalence of Ralstonia spp. in cystic fibrosis populations has yet to be determined, along with its clinical implications.

Case presentations

Seven patients out of the 301 followed at our cystic fibrosis clinic have had Ralstonia strains identified in their respiratory tract. Most strains identified were multi-drug resistant. After aquisition of Ralstonia spp., the patients' clinical course was characterized by more frequent and more severe respiratory infections along with prolonged hospitalizations, greater decline of lung function, and greater mortality. The mortality rate in this group of patients was 86%. No other factor that could explain such a dramatic evolution was identified upon review of patient data. Some of the strains involved were recognized as clones on Pulse Field Electrophoresis Gel, raising the question of person-to-person transmission.

Conclusion

New pathogens are identified with the evolution of the microbiota in cystic fibrosis respiratory tracts. In our cohort of patients, acquisition of Ralstonia spp. was associated with dramatic outcomes in terms of disease acceleration and raised mortality rates. It is of critical importance to continue to better define the prevalence and clinical impact of Ralstonia in cystic fibrosis populations.

Improvement of the Corrosion Resistance of NiTi Stents by Surface Treatments

Because of its optimal radiopacity, superelasticity and shape memory properties Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) is an ideal material for the fabrication of stents. Indeed, these properties can facilitate the implantation and precise positioning of those devices. However, in vitro studies on NiTi report the dependency of the alloy biocompatibility and corrosion behavior to surface treatments. Oxidation of the surface seems to be very promising to improve both the corrosion resistance and the biocompatibility of NiTi. The present study investigate the effect of electropolishing, heat treatment (in air and in a salt bath) and nitric acid passivation to modify the oxide layer on NiTi stents. Techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES) have been used to develop relationships between corrosion behavior, surface characteristics and surface treatment. Results show that all surface treatments improve the corrosion behavior of the alloy. SEM results indicate that treated stents which exhibit a smooth and uniform surface show a higher corrosion resistance than non treated stents which possess a very porous oxide layer. AES results, indicate that the best corrosion behavior was observed for the stents which exhibit the thinnest oxide layer (electropolished and passivated samples).

Infarct size and left ventricular function in the PRoximal Embolic Protection in Acute myocardial infarction and Resolution of ST-segment Elevation (PREPARE) trial: ancillary cardiovascular magnetic resonance study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with combined proximal embolic protection and thrombus aspiration results in smaller final infarct size and improved left ventricular function assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients compared with primary PCI alone. Background Primary PCI with the Proxis system improves immediate microvascular flow post-procedure as measured by ST-segment resolution, which could result in better outcomes.

METHODS

The ancillary CMR study included 206 STEMI patients who were enrolled in the PRoximal Embolic Protection in Acute myocardial infarction and Resolution of ST-Elevation (PREPARE) trial. CMR imaging was assessed between 4 and 6 months after the index procedure.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in final infarct size (6.1 g/m(2) vs 6.3 g/m(2), p = 0.78) and left ventricular ejection fraction (50% vs 50%, p = 0.46) between both groups. Also, systolic wall thickening in the infarct area (44% vs 45%, p = 0.93) or the extent of transmural segments (8.3% of segments vs 8.3% of segments, p = 0.60) showed no significant differences. The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events at 6 months was similar in the Proxis and control group (8% vs 10%, respectively, p = 0.43). Conclusions Primary PCI with combined proximal embolic protection and thrombus aspiration in STEMI patients did not result in significant differences in final infarct size or left ventricular function at follow-up CMR. In addition, there was no difference in the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events at 6 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

number ISRCTN71104460.

In women with terminal cancer does having a family meeting affect the place of death?

e20516

Background: An important objective of the patient self determination act is for patients to see their wishes fulfilled, particularly at the end of life. Studies by Tiernan et al have shown that up to 80% of patients prefer to die at home however only a small proportion of patients actually die at home. Our work on support care networks show that a large proportion of women with cancer rely on multiple persons for health care proxy roles and for primary support. Given this, we sought to determine whether conducting a formal family meeting predicts whether a patient's preferred place of death corresponds with their actual place of death. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 105 women seen at Women & Infants’ Hospital within the last 12 weeks of their death and stratified patients between those who had a documented family meeting and those who did not. Results: Seventy-two percent (n= 105) of the study sample had family meetings in the last 12 weeks of life. Of those who had family meetings, 61% of patients whose preference of place of death coincide with their actual place of death (p<0.0001). In the sample of patients whose wishes coincide with their family meetings (n=76), almost 60% died at home and 34% died at inpatient hospice. Of those who did not have family meetings, 89% had unknown preferences of place of death, 48% died at the nursing home, 24% died in the hospital and 24% died at home. These results reached statistical significance (p= 0.001). Conclusions: Women who had a family meeting within the last 12 weeks of life were significantly more likely to die at home or with hospice services as compared to those who did not. This highlights the importance of including a patient's support networks into any communication between those dying from cancer and their healthcare providers. A larger study is warranted to determine whether this experience is specific to women with terminal cancer or is applicable to all patients with cancer facing the end of life.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Chronic total occlusion: the last frontier of the interventional cardiology?]

Recanalization of chronic total occlusion remains a challenge for the interventional cardiologist and accounts for 10-20% of all angioplasty procedures in high-volume catheterization laboratories. During the last few years, development in guidewires and devices as well as the emergence of new techniques from japanese centers resulted in a higher success rates in experienced operator's hands. The impact of drug eluting stents on restenosis has improved longterm outcome after chronic total occlusion successfull recanalization. This procedure requires time, patience from the operator and does also expose the patient to increased radiation and contrast administrations. In symptomatic patients, when recanalization is successful, the clinical outcome and the event free survival are improved.

[Percutaneous therapies for aortic and mitral valvular disease]

For a few years, numerous articles and lectures were published as well as presented at major meetings on percutaneous therapies for valvular heart disease. Calcific aortic stenosis in the elderly is frequent and difficult to manage with 1/3 of patients not operated because of high surgical risks. In 2002, the first percutaneous aortic valve bioprosthesis was implanted. Since then, several hundreds of interventions were performed with 2 different valves (Cribier-Edwards, Corevalve). Preliminary results are encouraging. Regarding percutaneous mitral valve interventions, balloon valvuloplasty for stenosis is well established but treatment modalities for mitral insufficiency remain complex due to a wide disease spectrum. Therefore, development is more at a preliminary level and the window of application may be narrower, but still attractive.

Early quantitative coronary angiography of saphenous vein grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting harvested by means of open versus endoscopic saphenectomy: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic saphenectomy is associated with a decreased incidence of wound complications without an increase in histologic trauma or endothelial dysfunction in published reports. Concern remains about the patency of saphenous vein grafts harvested endoscopically and the development of early intimal hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to compare early quantitative coronary analysis of saphenous vein grafts used for coronary artery bypass grafting harvested with the open versus endoscopic techniques.

METHODS

Forty patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with at least 1 saphenous vein graft were randomized preoperatively to open versus endoscopic saphenectomy with bipolar cauterization of side branches. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed a mean of 3 months (range, 1-9 months) after the operation.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the patency rates of internal thoracic artery grafts between the open and endoscopic groups and no statistically significant difference in the patency rates of saphenous vein grafts between both groups (85.2% vs 84.4%, P =.991). Quantitative coronary angiography showed no difference in graft stenosis (>or=50% of the internal diameter of the graft) in the body of the saphenous vein grafts in the open versus endoscopic saphenectomy groups (3.7% vs 0%, P =.280).

CONCLUSION

Angiographic appearance and patency rates of saphenous vein grafts harvested with the endoscopic technique are similar to those of saphenous vein grafts harvested with the open technique. These results support the use of endoscopic saphenectomy because of the known lower incidence of wound and infectious complications and superior functional results.

Stent implantation in acute myocardial infarction using a heparin-coated stent: a pilot study as a preamble to a randomized trial comparing balloon angioplasty and stenting

Preliminary experience with primary stenting in myocardial infarction has suggested a greater benefit in clinical outcome than has been obtained with direct balloon angioplasty. However, subacute thrombosis (SAT) remains a limitation for this new mode of therapy. In the BENESTENT II Pilot and main trials, the incidence of SAT with the heparin-coated Palmaz-Schatz stent was only 0.15%. Therefore, as a preamble to a large randomized trial, the feasibility and safety of the use of the Heparin-Coated Palmaz-Schatz trade mark Stent in Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) was tested in 101 patients enrolled between April and September 1996 in 18 clinical centres. In 101 stent-eligible AMI patients, as dictated by protocol, a heparin-coated stent was implanted. The primary objectives were to determine the in-hospital incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE: death, MI, target lesion revascularization) and bleeding complications, while the secondary objectives were the procedural success rate and the MACE, the restenosis and reocclusion rates at 6.5 months. Stent implantation (n 3 129 stents) was successful in 97 patients of the 101 who were included in this trial. During their hospital stay, two patients died and no patient experienced re-infarction, ischaemia prompting re-PTCA or CABG. Four patients suffered a bleeding complication, three major and one minor, of whom three required surgical repair. At 210 days follow-up, 81% of the patients were event free. At 6.5 months restenosis was documented in 18% of the 88 patients who underwent follow-up angiography, including three total occlusions. The results, both with respect to QCA and the occurrence of MACE, compare favourably with studies using elective stenting in both stable and unstable angina patients. As a result of this pilot study, a large randomized trial comparing direct balloon angioplasty with direct stenting in 900 patients with AMI was initiated in December 1996.

Nitinol versus stainless steel stents: acute thrombogenicity study in an ex vivo porcine model

Acute and subacute stents thrombosis along with thrombus mediating neointimal proliferation within the stent struts remain major concerns in coronary stenting. Up to date, there is an obvious lack of data on the thrombogenicity of stent materials in physiological conditions. This study was performed to compare the relative thrombogenicity of nitinol versus stainless steel stents. Nitinol stents were laser cut to reproduce the exact geometry of the stainless steel Palmaz stents and tested in an ex vivo AV shunt porcine model under controlled conditions. Nitinol stents presented only small amounts of white and/or red thrombus principally located at the strut intersections while Palmaz stents clearly exhibited more thrombus. As a result, 125I-fibrin(ogen) adsorption and (111)I-platelets adhesion were significantly lower on nitinol than on stainless steel devices (36%, p = 0.03 for fibrin(ogen) and 63%, p = 0.01 for platelet). These results were confirmed by scanning electron observations showing different thrombus morphologies for nitinol and stainless steel. Along with the unique mechanical properties of nitinol, its promising haemocompatibility demonstrated in our study may promote their increasing use for both peripheral and coronary revascularization procedures.

Stent placement to prevent restenosis after angioplasty in small coronary arteries

BACKGROUND

Lesions in small-diameter vessels (<3 mm) define a group with distinct clinical and morphological characteristics. There is an inverse relationship between vessel size and angiographic restenosis rate. This study assessed whether stents reduce angiographic restenosis in small coronary arteries compared with standard balloon angioplasty.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We randomly assigned 351 symptomatic patients needing dilatation of 1 native coronary vessel between 2.3 and 2.9 mm in size to angioplasty alone (n=182) or stent implantation (n=169). The primary end point was angiographic restenosis at 6 months. Secondary end points included death, myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, and target vessel revascularization in hospital and at 6 months. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of major in-hospital complications. There was a trend toward fewer in-hospital events in the stent group (3% versus 7.1% in angioplasty group, P=0.076). Crossovers to stent occurred in 37 patients (20.3%). Repeat angiography at 6-month follow-up was performed in 85.3% of patients. Angiographic restenosis occurred in 28% of the stent group and 32.9% of the angioplasty group (P=0.36). Target vessel revascularization was required in 17.8% versus 20.3% of patients (P=0.54), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Stenting and standard coronary angioplasty are associated with equal restenosis rate in small coronary arteries. With a lower in-hospital complication rate, stenting may be a superior strategy in small vessels.

Complications of cardiac catheterization in the current era: a single-center experience

Consecutive cardiac catheterization procedures done over a 2-yr period (April 1996 to March 1998) were prospectively analyzed to determine and characterize procedure-related complications (in-hospital and 1-mo follow-up), as they occur at present. During the study period, 11,821 procedures (7,953 diagnostic and 3,868 therapeutic) were performed. The majority of procedures (> 60%) were done in high-risk patients. Stents were implanted in 33% of patients, and adjunctive abciximab was used in 6.6% of therapeutic procedures. The overall complication rate was 8% (3.6% of diagnostic procedures and 15.1% of therapeutic procedures). The procedure-related mortality rates were 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.5% for total, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, respectively. Cardiac complications were seen in 3.9% (1.5% of diagnostic and 9% of therapeutic procedures). Emergency cardiac surgery was required in 0.05% of the diagnostic procedure group and 0.3% of the therapeutic procedure group (total, 0.1%). Despite marked changes in patient population and practice, the complication rates of cardiac catheterization remain very low.

Influence of stent expansion states on platelet deposition in an extracorporeal porcine arteriovenous shunt model using a multichannel perfusion chamber

Limited data are available about incomplete stent expansion (SE) on platelet deposition (PD). We examined PD following different SE using an extracorporeal porcine arteriovenous shunt model to which a perfusion chamber with four parallel silastic tubes were connected. Blood flow was set at a 20 and 100 mL/min in 1.8 and 3.1 mm diameter tubes, respectively. P154 stents were deployed completely (Group A, n=15) or incompletely (Group B, n=15) in 1.8 mm (n=13) and 3.1 mm (n=17) tubes. 51Cr-labelled platelet autologous blood was injected 1 hr before the perfusion. After 15 min-perfusion, the testing tubes were assessed for radioactivity counts. In-stent cross sectional area was measured by intravascular ultrasound. There was a significant difference in PD between group A and B regardless of channel size (118+/-18.4 vs 261.4+/-52.1 pits x 10(6)/cm2, p<0.05). With adjusted shear rate and similar stenosis, PD was similar in both tubes. In smaller 1.8 mm tubes, a stenosis as subtle as 10% was associated with a significant PD difference (226.1+/-20 vs 112.9+/-20.5 plts x 10(6)/cm2, p<0.005). This model enabled a repetitive, simultaneous comparison of PD following different SE states. It seems that the quality of SE remains crucial in smaller channels.

Transverse chromatic aberration and colour-defined motion

A number of recent studies have explored the role of the chromatic system in motion processes using the isoluminance paradigm. A major concern when using such methodological procedures is potential artefacts produced by chromatic aberrations. In the present study we address the problem of optically induced luminance artefacts produced by transverse chromatic aberrations (TCA), which may contaminate the results obtained in chromatic motion-nulling experiments. Results show that different TCA levels artificially increase chromatic motion sensitivity values to varying degrees above 0.5 cpd for red/green gratings. The data also suggest the notion that naturally occurring TCA can decrease motion-nulling thresholds for chromatic gratings at high spatial frequencies. Furthermore, our data show that the motion-nulling paradigm for chromatic gratings may in fact be an efficient functional method for assessing the amount of TCA produced by optical factors.

Effect of modification of oxide layer on NiTi stent corrosion resistance

Because of its good radiopacity, superelasticity, and shape memory properties, nickel-titanium (NiTi) is a potential material for fabrication of stents because these properties can facilitate their implantation and precise positioning. However, in vitro studies of NiTi alloys report the dependence of alloy biocompatibility and corrosion behavior on surface conditions. Surface oxidation seems to be very promising for improving the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of NiTi. In this work, we studied the effect on corrosion resistance and surface characteristics of electropolishing, heat treatment, and nitric acid passivation of NiTi stents. Characterization techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization tests, scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to relate corrosion behavior to surface characteristics and surface treatments. Results show that all of these surface treatments improve the corrosion resistance of the alloy. This improvement is attributed to the plastically deformed native oxide layer removal and replacement by a newly grown, more uniform one. The uniformity of the oxide layer, rather than its thickness and composition, seems to be the predominant factor to explain the corrosion resistance improvement.

Preliminary investigation of the effects of surface treatments on biological response to shape memory NiTi stents

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) offers many advantages for the fabrication of coronary stents: shape memory, superelasticity, and radiopacity. However, many authors highlighted the selective dissolution of Ni from the alloy during the corrosion process that could lead to potential toxicity. The improvement of the NiTi stent's corrosion resistance by different surface treatments (electropolishing, heat treatment, and nitric acid passivation) was reported in a previous article. In the present study a comparative biocompatibility evaluation of such stents was performed through in vitro and in vivo assays. A cell proliferation test was completed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of surface treated NiTi using human fibroblasts. Then a stent implantation was performed in rabbit paramuscular muscle to study the inflammatory response generated by the same implants. Cell proliferation tests generally indicated an in vitro biocompatibility of our samples similar to the control group. An in vivo implantation study demonstrated the gradual overall reduction with time of the fibrocellular capsule thickness surrounding the implants. After a 12-week implantation period, the fibrous capsules surrounding the different implants tended toward the same value of 0.07 mm, which suggested that all surface treatments produced a similar biological response. This low value of the fibrocellular capsule indicated that our NiTi surface treated implants were relatively inert.

Randomized trial comparing intravenous nitroglycerin and heparin for treatment of unstable angina secondary to restenosis after coronary artery angioplasty

BACKGROUND

The treatment of unstable angina targets the specific pathophysiological thrombotic process at the site of the active culprit lesion. In unstable angina due to a restenotic lesion, smooth muscle cell proliferation and increased vasoreactivity may play a more important role than thrombus formation. Therefore, the relative benefits of nitroglycerin and heparin might differ in unstable angina associated with restenosis compared with classic unstable angina.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We randomized 200 patients hospitalized for unstable angina within 6 months after angioplasty (excluding those with intracoronary stents) to double-blind administration of intravenous nitroglycerin, heparin, their combination, or placebo for 63+/-30 hours. Recurrent angina occurred in 75% of patients in the placebo and heparin-alone groups, compared with 42.6% of patients in the nitroglycerin-alone group and 41.7% of patients in the nitroglycerin-plus-heparin group (P<0.003). Refractory angina requiring angiography occurred in 22.9%, 29.2%, 4. 3%, and 4.2% of patients, respectively (P<0.002). The odds ratios for being event free were 0.24 (95% CI, -0.13 to 0.45, P=0.0001) for nitroglycerin versus no nitroglycerin and 0.98 (95% CI, -0.55 to 1. 73, P=NS) for heparin versus no heparin. No patient died or suffered myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous nitroglycerin is highly effective in preventing adverse ischemic events (recurrent or refractory angina) in patients with unstable angina secondary to restenosis, whereas heparin has no effect.

A Ras-dependent chloride current activated by adrenocorticotropin in rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells

In the present study, we report that ACTH induces a transient chloride current. The lack of correlation between ACTH-induced cAMP production and amplitude of the Cl- current, as well as the absence of stimulation by forskolin or 8Br-cAMP indicated that the ACTH-induced current was not cAMP-dependent. We explored the possibility that one or several elements of the Ras/Raf MAPK cascade were involved. Indeed, we found that ACTH at 10(-10) M induced activation of Ras. Inhibition of the current by QEHA peptide, a Gbetagamma sequestrant, demonstrated that Gbetagamma subunits transduced the message. Blockage of the Ras activation using an inhibitor of farnesyl transferase (BZA-5B) or the monoclonal antibody H-Ras(259) abrogated the current. Moreover, the addition of Ras-GTPyS in the pipette medium gave rise to the Cl- current. Treatment of the cells with BZA decreased the aldosterone secretion induced by 10(-10) M ACTH but not that induced by 10(-8) M ACTH, confirming the involvement of Ras in steroid secretion. We conclude that ACTH triggers a Cl- current through the activation of the Ras protein by Gbetagamma subunits. This current, activated at physiological ACTH concentrations (1 to 100 pM) where cAMP production is very low, could play a significant role in aldosterone production.

Repair of left anterior descending coronary artery perforation by Magic Wallstent implantation

Coronary rupture is a rare complication of percutaneous coronary intervention. However, it may be associated with serious hemodynamic consequences often leading to tamponade, myocardial infarction, emergency surgical intervention, or death. We report a successful percutaneous repair of a brisk left anterior descending coronary artery perforation by the implantation of a Magic Wallstent.

Characterization of an ACTH-induced chloride current in rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is one of the principal activator of aldosterone secretion in rat zona glomerulosa cells, but its action on chloride currents is not well established. Here, we demonstrate that the hormone provoked a transient increase in a chloride current with a small unitary conductance estimated at 3.35 pS. Amplitude, as well as time-dependent increase of the ACTH-induced chloride current was independent of the intracellular cAMP concentration. In contrary, its decrease was sensitive to alkaline phosphatase and PKA-inhibitor H-89, indicating that protein phosphorylation, at least in part via PKA, is involved in the decline of the current.

Bioindicator and exposure data for a population based study of manganese

Exposure data and bioindicators were obtained for a study whose objective was detection of early manifestations of manganese (Mn) neurotoxicity in a population with potential environmental exposure. The study included persons with no history of neurotoxic workplace exposure in Southwest Quebec, drawn from seven postal code regions, defining a set of geographically contiguous zones. Blood samples were analyzed for total Mn (MnB), lead (PbB), total mercury (HgT) and serum iron (FeS). Drinking water samples from participants' residences were analyzed for manganese (MnW). At 4 sites, limited 24-hour high volume air samples for total particulates (TP) and PM10, were analyzed for Mn and Pb. Sociodemographic and dietary information was obtained by self-administered questionnaire. The geometric mean (GM) for MnB values (n = 297) was 7.14 micrograms/L. Levels of MnB in women (n = 156; GM 7.50 micrograms/L) were significantly higher than in men (n = 141; GM 6.75 micrograms/L). No relationship was found between MnB and PbB or HgT. FeS was significantly higher in men (GM 18.38 mumol/L) than women (GM 15.0 mumol/L). For women, MnB was correlated to FeS, with a tendency to decrease with increasing age. For men, no relationship was found between MnB levels and either FeS or age, although FeS showed a strong inverse relationship with age. The 24-hour mean levels of MnTP at the 4 sites varied between 0.009 microgram/m3 and 0.035 microgram/m3; intersite differences were not significant. For Mn in PM10 (MnPM10), mean values ranged from 0.007 microgram/m3 to 0.019 microgram/m3; intersite differences were significant. A total of 278 MnW samples were obtained, 16 from residences served by wells. The GM for MnW was 4.11 micrograms/L (range: 0.50-71.1 micrograms/L, excluding wells; MnW for wells ranged from non-detectable to 158.9 micrograms/L. Individually, there was no relation between MnW and MnB. Geographic analysis of the MnB and MnW data by an algorithm grouping contiguous postal code zones, combined with air data, lead to definition of a geographic parameter, distinguishing two regions relative to a former manganese alloy plant, which contributed significantly to MnB. A multiple regression model was developed, explaining 6.7% of the variability in MnB (F = 5.12; p < 0.001); when controlling for gender, geographic region with higher levels of airborne manganese and the frequency of consumption of cereals and leaf vegetables contributed positively to MnB levels, while serum iron was negatively related.

The oblique effect with colour defined motion throughout the visual field

We assessed the extent of the oblique effect (OE) and the meridional orientation effect (MOE) for a chromatic motion task using red/green gratings throughout an 80 degrees visual field. Four different stimulus orientations were tested. Generally, sensitivity to chromatic motion decreased with increasing eccentricity regardless of the visual field meridian. Also, sensitivity was highest for horizontal or vertical gratings, thus supporting the presence of an OE rather than of a MOE. The strength of the OE varied between subjects, but was present from the fovea to 20 degrees of eccentricity. At 40 degrees of eccentricity, chromatic motion was always perceived but the grating orientation did not consistently influence chromatic motion sensitivity. The present study confirmed our previous results on chromatic motion sensitivity and isoluminance ratios throughout the visual field. In addition, our data show that the chromatic system can exhibit OEs at lower spatial frequencies than is observed for the achromatic system.

Global motion cues and the chromatic system

The capacity of the isolated chromatic system to perceive global motion was tested in a 40-deg visual field by use of random-dot kinematograms. The method of equivalent cone contrasts was used to directly compare the chromatic and the achromatic systems. The minimum number of dots necessary to correctly identify the motion direction was on the order of 20% for the isochromatic conditions, whereas thresholds were rarely obtained in the chromatic conditions. For both the isochromatic and the chromatic conditions, the central visual field was the most sensitive area, whereas the periphery was slightly less sensitive. This study suggests that the chromatic system does not efficiently integrate local motion cues to generate a global motion percept.

Biocompatibility aspects of new stent technology

Stent implantation represents a major step forward since the introduction of coronary angioplasty. As indications continue to expand, better understanding of the early and late biocompatibility issues appears critical. Persisting challenges to the use of intracoronary stents include the prevention of early thrombus formation and late neointima development. Different metals and designs have been evaluated in animal models and subsequently in patients. Polymer coatings have been proposed to improve the biocompatibility of metallic stents or to serve as matrix for drug delivery and they are currently undergoing clinical studies. The promises of a biodegradable stent have not yet been fulfilled although encouraging results have recently been reported. Continuous low dose-rate brachytherapy combining the scaffolding effect of the stent with localized radiation therapy has witnessed the development and early clinical testing of radioactive stents. The combined efforts of basic scientists and clinicians will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of stent biocompatibility in the future.

Angioscopic evaluation of thrombus removal by the POSSIS AngioJet thrombectomy catheter

Coronary angioplasty in a thombotic vein graft is associated with a low success rate and a high risk of periprocedural complications. The aspiration thrombectomy catheter is a new device designed to treat such cases. We report a first angioscopic description of thrombus removal by the AngioJet thrombectomy catheter.

Prevention of restenosis after angioplasty in small coronary arteries with probucol

BACKGROUND

Restenosis remains the major limitation of coronary angioplasty. Coronary stents have reduced the incidence of restenosis in selected patients with relatively large vessels. No strategies to date have demonstrated a beneficial effect in vessels < 3.0 mm in diameter. We have shown in the MultiVitamins and Probucol (MVP) Trial that probucol, a potent antioxidant, reduces restenosis after balloon angioplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the benefit of probucol therapy is maintained in the subgroup of patients with smaller coronary vessels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied a subgroup of 189 patients included in the MVP trial who underwent successful balloon angioplasty of at least one coronary segment with a reference diameter < 3.0 mm. One month before angioplasty, patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: placebo, probucol (500 mg), multivitamins (beta-carotene 30000 IU, vitamin C 500 mg, and vitamin E 700 IU), or probucol plus multivitamins twice daily. The treatment was maintained until follow-up angiography was performed at 6 months. The mean reference diameter of this study population was 2.49+/-0.34 mm. Lumen loss was 0.12+/-0.34 mm for probucol, 0.25+/-0.43 mm for the combined treatment, 0.35+/-0.56 mm for vitamins, and 0.38+/-0.51 mm for placebo (P=.005 for probucol). Restenosis rates per segment were 20.0% for probucol, 28.6% for the combined treatment, 45.1% for vitamins, and 37.3% for placebo (P=.006 for probucol).

CONCLUSIONS

Probucol reduces lumen loss and restenosis rate after balloon angioplasty in small coronary arteries.

Probucol and multivitamins in the prevention of restenosis after coronary angioplasty. Multivitamins and Probucol Study Group

BACKGROUND

Oxidizing metabolites generated at the site of coronary angioplasty can induce chain reactions that may lead to restenosis. Antioxidants may counter oxidative stress and modify neointimal formation and vascular remodeling. Experimental data and small clinical studies have suggested that antioxidants may prevent restenosis after angioplasty. In a double-blind, randomized trial, we studied whether drugs with antioxidant properties decrease the incidence and severity of restenosis after angioplasty.

METHODS

One month before angioplasty, 317 patients were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments: placebo, probucol (500 mg), multivitamins (30,000 IU of beta carotene, 500 mg of vitamin C, and 700 IU of vitamin E), or both probucol and multivitamins-all given twice daily. Patients were treated for four weeks before and six months after angioplasty. Patients received an extra 1000 mg of probucol, 2000 IU of vitamin E, both probucol and vitamin E, or placebo 12 hours before angioplasty, according to their treatment assignments. Base-line and follow-up angiograms were interpreted by blinded investigators using a quantitative approach.

RESULTS

The mean (+/-SD) reduction in luminal diameter six months after angioplasty was 0.12 +/- 0.41 mm in the probucol group, 0.22 +/- 0.46 mm in the combined-treatment group, 0.33 +/- 0.51 in the multivitamin group, and 0.38 +/- 0.50 mm in the placebo group (P = 0.006 for those receiving vs. those not receiving probucol, and P = 0.70 for those receiving vs. those not receiving vitamins. Restenosis rates per segment were 20.7 percent in the probucol group, 28.9 percent in the combined-treatment group, 40.3 percent in the multivitamin group, and 38.9 percent in the placebo group (P = 0.003 for probucol vs. no probucol). The rates of repeat angioplasty were 11.2 percent. 16.2 percent, 24.4 percent, and 26.6 percent, respectively (P = 0.009 for probucol vs. no probucol).

CONCLUSIONS

The antioxidant probucol is effective in reducing the rate of restenosis after balloon coronary angioplasty.

Isoluminance and chromatic motion perception throughout the visual field

Isoluminance and chromatic motion perception for red/green gratings were measured throughout an 80 deg visual field. Generally, the red/green isoluminance values changed with increasing eccentricity, i.e., observers increased the red luminance contrast for a fixed green luminance contrast. Enlarging the target size (to compensate for the cone density changes with eccentricity) and decreasing the spatial frequency (to compensate for receptive field property changes with eccentricity) did not change the isoluminance values within the central 20 deg, but the isoluminance ratios decreased beyond 20 deg. Our manipulations did not entirely compensate for a given eccentricity, which implies the need for a post-receptoral scaling function for the perception of drifting chromatic stimuli. Further, the results for isoluminance show heterogeneity between the visual field meridians where the red to green luminance ratio tends to be greater in the superior visual field. In our present conditions, chromatic motion was always perceived (up to 40 deg of eccentricity), but sensitivity generally decreased with increasing eccentricity. The inferior visual field was found to be the most sensitive to chromatic motion. We propose that the lower visual field and not the superior visual field is specialized for colour motion information.

Management of resistant coronary lesions by the cutting balloon catheter: initial experience

Resistant coronary lesions remain a challenge for modern angioplasty. Classical approaches include high-pressure inflations, prolonged inflations, or balloon oversizing. More recently, new technologies like rotablator, atherectomy, or laser have been proposed as adjunct to balloon angioplasty for the treatment of these specific lesions. However, all these technologies remain more difficult to handle, costly, and they do not offer long-term benefit over conventional methods. Therefore, a simple device such as the cutting balloon catheter which has been developed from a standard over the wire balloon catheter, may prove to be useful in resistant coronary lesions. We present our single center experience using the new cutting balloon catheter in six resistant lesions.

Inhibition of the T-type Ca2+ current by the dopamine D1 receptor in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells: requirement of the combined action of the G betagamma protein subunit and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate

Modulation of ionic Ca2+ currents by dopamine (DA) could play a pivotal role in the control of steroid secretion by the rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. In the present study, we report that DA decreases the T-type Ca2+ current amplitude in these cells. The use of pharmacological agonists and antagonists reveals that this effect is mediated by activation of the D1-like receptors. Modulation by cAMP is complex inasmuch as preincubation of the cells with 8-Br-cAMP or the specific adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, 2',3'-dideoxyadenosine, have no effect per se, but prevent the DA-induced inhibition. The inhibitory effect of DA was abolished by addition of GDPbetaS to the pipette medium but not by pertussis toxin. If a cell is dialyzed with medium containing G alpha(s)-GDP, the inhibitory effect is reduced and cannot be recovered by the addition of GTPgammaS, indicating that the alpha(s) is not involved, but rather the betagamma-subunit. Indeed, DA-induced inhibition was mimicked by G betagamma in the pipette and 8-Br-cAMP in the bath. Similarly, G betagamma release from the activation of the AT1 receptor of angiotensin II did affect the current amplitude only in the presence of 8-Br-cAMP in the bath. The mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, which can be activated by receptors coupled to Gs, was not involved as shown by the lack of activation of p42mapk by DA and the absence of effect of the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, PD 098059, on the DA-induced inhibition. Because the binding of G betagamma-subunits to various effectors involves the motif QXXER, we therefore tested the effect of the QEHA peptide on the inhibition of the T-type Ca2+ current induced by DA. The peptide, added to the medium pipette (200 microM), abolished the effect of DA. We conclude that the presence of the G betagamma and an increase in cAMP concentration are both required to inhibit the T-type Ca2+ current in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Membrane-delimited G protein-mediated coupling between V1a vasopressin receptor and dihydropyridine binding sites in rat glomerulosa cells

In rat glomerulosa cells, vasopressin stimulates intracellular calcium mobilization via at least two distinct mechanisms: the release of calcium from inositol-1,4,5-P3-sensitive stores and the activation of transmembrane calcium influx. In this study, we focused on the second mechanism through three experimental approaches. By videomicroscopically examining Fura-2-loaded cells, we demonstrate that vasopressin induces a dose-dependent and receptor-mediated calcium influx fully inhibited by either 1 microM nifedipine or a pertussis toxin pretreatment and potentiated by 1 microM BAY K 8644. Patch-clamp experiments also indicate that vasopressin stimulates L-type calcium current by 87% and only weakly inhibits T-type calcium current. To further characterize the coupling between the vasopressin receptor and the dihydropyridine calcium channel, we performed binding studies using tritiated nitrendipine. With this technique, we showed that on intact cells, vasopressin is able to increase the specific binding of tritiated nitrendipine in a dose-dependent manner (Kact = 2 nM). Pharmacological studies using a series of vasopressin analogs revealed that this effect is mediated via a V1a vasopressin receptor subtype. Furthermore, the vasopressin-stimulated nitrendipine binding was sensitive to pertussis toxin pretreatment, which affected only the maximum binding capacity of nitrendipine-binding sites. More interestingly, we demonstrate that vasopressin still increases nitrendipine binding to plasma membrane preparation and that GTP is absolutely necessary for such a hormonal effect. Altogether, these data confirm the existence of a tight and direct coupling between the V1a vasopressin receptor and a dihydropyridine calcium channel via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein.

Role of Ca2+ in the action of adrenocorticotropin in cultured human adrenal glomerulosa cells

The present report details the role of Ca2+ in the early events of ACTH action in human adrenal glomerulosa cells. Threshold stimulations of both aldosterone and cAMP production were obtained with a concentration of 10 pM ACTH, an ED50 of 0.1 nM, and maximal aldosterone stimulation (5.5-fold increase over control) at 10 nM ACTH. ACTH also induced a sustained increase of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) with maximal stimulation of 1.6 +/- 0.1-fold over control values. This increase does not involve mobilization of calcium from intracellular pools since no response was observed in Ca2+-free medium or in the presence of nifedipine, suggesting the involvement of Ca2+ influx by L-type Ca2+ channels. This was confirmed by patch clamp studies that demonstrated that ACTH stimulates L-type Ca2+ channels. Moreover, the Ca2+ ion is not required for ACTH binding to its receptor, but is essential for sustained cAMP production and aldosterone secretion after ACTH stimulation. These results indicate that, in human adrenal glomerulosa cells, a positive feedback loop between adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A-Ca2+ channels ensures a slow but sustained [Ca2+]i increase that is responsible for sustained cAMP production and aldosterone secretion.

Modulation of a Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel by angiotensin II in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells: involvement of a G protein

In the present study, we demonstrate the presence of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in rat glomerulosa cells. We find that angiotensin II (Ang II) inhibits this charybdotoxin-sensitive current. The effect of Ang II was dose-dependent with an inhibition constant (Ki) of 0.98 nM and a maximal effect observed at 200 nM. Time course of the blockage was as rapid as the one induced by charybdotoxin. This effect is mediated by the AT1 receptor subtype of Ang II, since it is blocked by DUP 753 but is unaffected by CGP 42112. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol dibutyrate (1 microM) or dialysis of the cell with inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (20 microM) were ineffective in blocking the current. However, experiments done with GDP beta S and GTP gamma S indicated that a G protein was involved. The inhibitory effect of Ang II was not pertussis toxin-sensitive, which excludes Gi protein, but was abrogated if an antibody raised against the alpha-subunit of the Gq/11 protein was present in the patch pipette medium. Further analysis showed that the Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel was able to modulate the membrane potential according to the level of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Whereas a thapsigargin-induced increase in [Ca2+]i hyperpolarized the membrane, this effect was not observed when Ang II was used to increase [Ca2+]i because of the blockage of the Ca(2+)-activated K+ current. The blockage of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current by Ang II would result in a synergistic effect on the Ang II-induced depolarization, thus favoring Ca2+ influx, an event essential to secretion.

Clinical implementation of a rapid, automated assay for assessing fetal lung maturity

We retrospectively determined cutoff levels and implemented the use of the TDxFLx assay in assessing the likelihood or absence of respiratory distress syndrome or fetal lung maturity (FLM) in a high-risk obstetric setting when compared to the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio and disaturated lecithin (DSL) measurements. Using a mature TDxFLx cutoff value of > or = 50 mg/g and an immature cutoff value of < 20 mg/g, 88% of L/S ratio and DSL measurements could be eliminated without compromise to the patient. The > or = 50 mg/g TDxFLx cutoff value resulted in a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 88%. We also recommend the use of the TDxFLx assay as a screening test in diabetic pregnancies. More timely patient care occurred when the rapid TDxFLx assay was implemented by the laboratory and used by clinicians.

Characterization of K+ and Ca2+ ionic currents in glomerulosa cells from human adrenal glands

Ionic currents of primary cultured glomerulosa cells from human adrenal glands were studied with the patch-clamp technique. Two types of outward K+ currents and two types of inward Ca2+ currents were described. The transient outward K+ current activated at potential positive to -40 mV and demonstrated a marked time-dependent inactivation. It was blocked by 4-aminopyridine but not tetraethylammonium. A second type of outward current activated rapidly at the depolarization onset and then increased slowly with no time-dependent inactivation. The transient inward T-type Ca2+ current was activated for potential positive to -60 mV with a maximal current amplitude at -30 mV and zero current voltage at +40 mV; it was completely inactivated for membrane potential positive to -40 mV. The pharmacological studies of the T-type channel showed that Ni2+ was a potent blocker but that the channel was not sensitive to dihydropyridine. The long-lasting inward Ca2+ current was activated for potentials positive to -20 mV with a maximum current amplitude at +70 mV. This current was increased by the agonist Bay K 8644 and blocked by the antagonist nifedipine; in addition, it was blocked by Cd2+ but less sensitive to Ni2+. This study revealed that glomerulosa cells from human adrenal demonstrated the presence of K+ and Ca2+ currents similar to those found in rat and bovine cells. Moreover, the main stimuli of aldosterone secretion, ACTH and angiotensin II, induce an increase in aldosterone secretion which is inhibited in a Ca(2+)-free external medium.

Glycerol interference in serum lipase assay falsely indicates pancreas injury

The measurement of serum lipase activity has been shown to be a very sensitive and specific marker for the diagnosis of pancreatic injury. Two case reports are presented showing that glycerol ingested coincidentally in the formulation of several medications taken therapeutically and given in the emergency room causes a falsely elevated serum lipase activity when measured on the Kodak Ektachem 700 clinical analyzer (Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY). The transient but falsely elevated serum lipase activity could potentially affect the differential diagnosis of patients by the admitting physician.

Background calcium permeable channels in glomerulosa cells from adrenal gland

The cell-attached recording mode of the patch-clamp technique was used to study Ca2+ permeable background currents of glomerulosa cells from rat and bovine adrenal gland. With a pipette filled with 110 mM BaCl2 or 90 mM CaCl2, three different types of unitary currents were detected. The B1 channel demonstrates a nonlinear I-V curve. The conductances are 4 and 7 pS at -40 and -70 mV, respectively. The curve of the opening probability vs. membrane potential is bell shaped with its maximum at -70 mV. The B2 channel has a conductance of 6 pS, while the B3 channel shows a nonlinear I-V relationship with conductances close to 17 and 10 pS at HPs of -60 and -20 mV. The three types of currents are insensitive to dihydropyridines. We suggest that these background currents could be responsible for the basal calcium influx and aldosterone secretion previously observed in nonstimulated glomerulosa cells.

Fluorescent peptide hormones: development of high affinity vasopressin analogues

Highly potent and specific peptide hormone analogues with fluorescent reporter groups are current research goals. Until now, however, only moderately potent analogues have been described. We report here several types of vasopressin (VP) analogues with different fluorophores attached to the peptide. In a first series, fluorophores were attached to the free epsilon amino function of [des-amino1-lysine8]VP (dLVP), producing agonistic analogues. In a second series, reporter groups were added to the N-terminal of open-chain antagonist structures. The biological activities of these analogues were assessed by two different sets of experiments: 1) The measurement of their binding affinities towards the V1a-vasopressin receptor subtype from WRK1 cells or rat liver membrane preparations; 2) Their ability to stimulate the phospholipase C activity in WRK1 cells. As expected, a simple acylation of fluorophores to dLVP resulted in a considerable loss of affinity. If however, the Lys8 side chain was extended through double Schiff-base formation with glutaraldehyde-ethylenediamine followed by reduction to an aminoalkyl aminoalkylamine, single fluorophores could be added without loss of affinity compared to VP. The open-chain analogues, on the other hand, while displaying weak affinity, nevertheless exhibited pure antagonistic behavior.

Technetium-99m sestamibi tomography in patients with spontaneous chest pain: correlations with clinical, electrocardiographic and angiographic findings

The sensitivity and specificity of technetium-99m hexakis-2-methoxy-2-isobutyl-isonitrile (sestamibi) single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) imaging for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease were studied in 45 patients admitted to the hospital for clinical suspicion of unstable angina. Only patients without prior myocardial infarction were included and all patients had technetium-99m sestamibi injection and a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) during and less than or equal to 4 h after an episode of chest pain. Coronary angiography performed in all patients during hospitalization showed significant coronary artery disease (greater than or equal to 50% luminal diameter reduction) in 26 of the 45 patients. The SPECT studies obtained after injection of technetium-99m sestamibi during an episode of spontaneous chest pain showed a sensitivity of 96% for the detection of coronary artery disease; the 12-lead ECG obtained at the time of the injection had a sensitivity of 35%. With the patient in the pain-free state, respective sensitivity values were 65% and 38%. Specificity for the radionuclide study was 79% during pain and 84% in the pain-free state; for the ECG, it was 74% both during and between episodes of pain. The site of the perfusion defect corresponded to the most severe coronary artery lesion in 88% of patients. The severity of the perfusion defect correlated with the extent of coronary artery disease: the defect score was 5.3 +/- 3.3 with one-vessel disease, 4.9 +/- 2.8 with two-vessel disease and 10.5 +/- 5.0 with three-vessel disease (p less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)