CTP-based estimated ischemic core: A comparative multicenter study between Olea and RAPID software

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CTP is increasingly used to assess eligibility for endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO). There remain variability and inconsistencies between software packages for estimation of ischemic core. We aimed to use heterogenous data from four stroke centers to perform a comparative analysis for CTP-estimated ischemic core between RAPID (iSchemaView) and Olea (Olea Medical).

METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter study, patients with anterior circulation LVO who underwent pretreatment CTP, successful EVT (defined TICI ≥ 2b), and follow-up MRI included. Automated CTP analysis was performed using Olea platform [rCBF < 25% and differential time-to-peak (dTTP)>5s] and RAPID (rCBF < 30%). The CTP estimated core volumes were compared against the final infarct volume (FIV) on post treatment MRI-DWI.

RESULTS

A total of 151 patients included. The CTP-estimated ischemic core volumes (mean ± SD) were 18.7 ± 18.9 mL on Olea and 10.5 ± 17.9 mL on RAPID significantly different (p < 0.01). The correlation between CTP estimated core and MRI final infarct volume was r = 0.38, p < 0.01 for RAPID and r = 0.39, p < 0.01 for Olea. Both software platforms demonstrated a strong correlation with each other (r = 0.864, p < 0.001). Both software overestimated the ischemic core volume above 70 mL in 4 patients (2.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial variation between Olea and RAPID CTP-estimated core volumes exists, though rates of overcalling of large core were low and identical. Both showed comparable core volume correlation to MRI infarct volume.

Radial localization of electron temperature pedestal and ELM-like events using ECE measurements at Wendelstein 7-X

A magnetic configuration scan was performed at Wendelstein 7-X stellarator by varying the rotational transform to analyze the plasma confinement for magnetic configurations with different edge magnetic island locations and sizes. For the magnetic configurations, where the 5/5 island chain was moved inside the last closed flux surface, it was observed with electron cyclotron emission measurements that an electron temperature, Te, pedestal develops in the plasma buildup phase and followed by the edge localized mode (ELM)-like crashes. From the mapping of the island to the plasma radius from HINT equilibrium, it was found that the Te pedestal is formed at the island location on the high field side of the plasma. The ELM-like crashes occur at the location of the pedestal and the transport barrier is broken typically with an energy loss of 3-4% during a single ELM-like event. The frequency and the amplitude of the ELM-like crashes were observed to be changing with island size, plasma heating power and density. Additionally during the plasma decay, after the heating was switched-off, a transition to degraded plasma confinement state was observed with changed Te profile gradients, faster decay rate of diamagnetic energy, and increased H-alpha levels.

Arterial Collapse during Thrombectomy for Stroke: Clinical Evidence and Experimental Findings in Human Brains and In Vivo Models

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Aspiration thrombectomy has become a preferred approach to recanalize large-vessel occlusion in stroke with a growing trend toward using larger-bore catheters and stronger vacuum pumps. However, the mechanical response of the delicate cerebral arteries to aspiration force has not been evaluated. Here, we provide preclinical and clinical evidence of intracranial arterial collapse in aspiration thrombectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We presented a clinical case of arterial collapse with previously implanted flow diverters. We then evaluated the effect of vacuum with conventional aspiration catheters (with and without stent retrievers) in a rabbit model (n = 3) using fluoroscopy and intravascular optical coherence tomography. Then, in a validated human cadaveric brain model, we conducted 168 tests of direct aspiration thrombectomy following an experimental design modifying the catheter inner diameter (0.064 inch, 0.068 inch, and 0.070 inch), cerebral perfusion pressures (mean around 60 and 90 mm Hg), and anterior-versus-posterior circulation. Arterial wall response was recorded and graded via direct transluminal observation.

RESULTS

Arterial collapse was observed in both the patient and preclinical experimental models. In the human brain model, arterial collapse was observed in 98% of cases in the M2 and in all the cases with complete proximal flow arrest. A larger bore size of the aspiration catheter, a lower cerebral perfusion pressure, and the posterior circulation in comparison with the anterior circulation were associated with a higher probability of arterial collapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial collapse does occur during aspiration thrombectomy and is more likely to happen with larger catheters, lower perfusion pressure, and smaller arteries.

Outcomes among preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus: Relationship with treatment, gestational age, hemodynamic status and timing of treatment

BACKGROUND

There remains controversy regarding the outcomes resulting from treatment versus conservative management of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) among preterm infants. The effects of extreme prematurity, hemodynamic status of the PDA, and age at treatment remain poorly defined.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective case-control study including infants <  1250 gm who were categorized into 3 groups: Group 1: without PDA, Group 2: with untreated PDA, and Group 3: treated PDA. Diagnosis and treatment of PDA extracted from the medical records. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes compared using chi-square and analysis of variance. Logistic regression used to estimate adjusted odds ratios.

RESULTS

The study included 734 infants, with 141(19%) in Group 1, 329 (45%) in 2, and 264 (36%) in 3. Group 3 had higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (aOR, 2.9; 95%CI 1.7-4.8). Infant treated for hemodynamically significant PDA (HSPDA) had higher incidence of BPD (aOR, 1.9; 95%CI 1.0-3.8) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (aOR, 3.4; 95%CI 1.6-6.9). There were no differences in outcome associated with treatment among≤26 weeks gestation and the age when treated.

CONCLUSION

Infants with PDA who were treated had higher incidence of BPD. Among those who were treated, those with HSPDA had a higher incidence of BPD and ROP.

Radiation-Induced Imaging Changes and Cerebral Edema following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain AVMs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

T2 signal and FLAIR changes in patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery for brain AVMs may occur posttreatment and could result in adverse radiation effects. We aimed to evaluate outcomes in patients with these imaging changes, the frequency and degree of this response, and factors associated with it.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Through this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery for brain AVMs who had at least 1 year of follow-up MR imaging were identified. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate predictors of outcomes.

RESULTS

One-hundred-sixty AVMs were treated in 148 patients (mean, 35.6 years of age), including 42 (26.2%) pediatric AVMs. The mean MR imaging follow-up was 56.5 months. The median Spetzler-Martin grade was III. The mean maximal AVM diameter was 2.8 cm, and the mean AVM target volume was 7.4 mL. The median radiation dose was 16.5 Gy. New T2 signal and FLAIR hyperintensity were noted in 40% of AVMs. T2 FLAIR volumes at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were, respectively, 4.04, 55.47, 56.42, 48.06, and 29.38 mL Radiation-induced neurologic symptoms were encountered in 34.4%. In patients with radiation-induced imaging changes, 69.2% had new neurologic symptoms versus 9.5% of patients with no imaging changes (P = .0001). Imaging changes were significantly associated with new neurologic findings (P < .001). Larger AVM maximal diameter (P = .04) and the presence of multiple feeding arteries (P = .01) were associated with radiation-induced imaging changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation-induced imaging changes are common following linear particle accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery for brain AVMs, appear to peak at 12 months, and are significantly associated with new neurologic findings.

A Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score Predicts Progression of Islet Autoimmunity and Development of Type 1 Diabetes in Individuals at Risk

OBJECTIVE

We tested the ability of a type 1 diabetes (T1D) genetic risk score (GRS) to predict progression of islet autoimmunity and T1D in at-risk individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the 1,244 TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants (T1D patients' relatives without diabetes and with one or more positive autoantibodies) who were genotyped with Illumina ImmunoChip (median [range] age at initial autoantibody determination 11.1 years [1.2-51.8], 48% male, 80.5% non-Hispanic white, median follow-up 5.4 years). Of 291 participants with a single positive autoantibody at screening, 157 converted to multiple autoantibody positivity and 55 developed diabetes. Of 953 participants with multiple positive autoantibodies at screening, 419 developed diabetes. We calculated the T1D GRS from 30 T1D-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used multivariable Cox regression models, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and area under the curve (AUC) measures to evaluate prognostic utility of T1D GRS, age, sex, Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) Risk Score, positive autoantibody number or type, HLA DR3/DR4-DQ8 status, and race/ethnicity. We used recursive partitioning analyses to identify cut points in continuous variables.

RESULTS

Higher T1D GRS significantly increased the rate of progression to T1D adjusting for DPT-1 Risk Score, age, number of positive autoantibodies, sex, and ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 for a 0.05 increase, 95% CI 1.06-1.6; P = 0.011). Progression to T1D was best predicted by a combined model with GRS, number of positive autoantibodies, DPT-1 Risk Score, and age (7-year time-integrated AUC = 0.79, 5-year AUC = 0.73). Higher GRS was significantly associated with increased progression rate from single to multiple positive autoantibodies after adjusting for age, autoantibody type, ethnicity, and sex (HR 2.27 for GRS >0.295, 95% CI 1.47-3.51; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

The T1D GRS independently predicts progression to T1D and improves prediction along T1D stages in autoantibody-positive relatives.

INDUCED CYTOMICTIC VARIATIONS AND SYNCYTE FORMATION DURING MICROSPOROGENESIS IN PHASEOLUS VULGARIS L

The intercellular translocation of chromatin material along with other cytoplasmic contents among the proximate meiocytes lying in close contact with each other commonly referred as cytomixis was reported during microsporogenesis in Phaseolus vulgaris L., a member of the family Fabaceae. The phenomenon of cytomixis was observed at three administered doses of gamma rays viz. 100, 200, 300 Gy respectively in the diploid plants of Phaseolus vulgaris L. The gamma rays irradiated plants showed the characteristic feature of inter-meiocyte chromatin/chromosomes transmigration through various means.such as channel formation, beak formation or by direct adhesion between the PMC's (Pollen mother cells). The present study also reports the first instance of syncyte formation induced via cytomictic transmigration in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Though the frequency of syncyteformation was rather low yet these could play a significant role in plant evolution. It is speculated that syncyte enhances the ploidy level of plants by forming 2n gametes and may lead to the production ofpolyploid plants. The phenomenon of cytomixis shows a gradual inclination along with the increasing treatment doses of gamma rays. The preponderance of cytomixis was more frequent during meiosis I as compared to meiosis II. An interesting feature noticed during the present study was the channel formation among the microspores and fusion among the tetrads due to cell wall dissolution. The impact of this phenomenon is also visible on the development of post-meiotic products. The formation of heterosized pollen grains; a deviation from the normal pollen grains has also been reported. The production of gametes with unbalanced chromosomes is of utmost importance and should be given more attention in future studies as they possess the capability of inducing variations at the genomic level and can be further utilized in the improvement of germplasm.

Relationship of Oxygen Saturation with Neonatal and Maternal factors in Vaginal and Cesarean Deliveries

INTRODUCTION

Hypoxemia is the major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aims to determine the influence of birth weight, Apgar score, gestation age, body mass index and hemoglobin of mother on levels of SpO2 in healthy newborns born vaginally and through cesarean section.

METHODS

A hospital Based, observational study conducted in Department of Pediatrics, Universal College of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital, Bhairahawa, Lumbini, Nepal; on 49 vaginal and 49 cesarean deliveries with Apgar Score ≥ 6. SpO2 was estimated by pulse oximeter post-ductally between 1 to 30 minutes of birth. The observed SpO2 values were correlated with neonatal and maternal factors.

RESULTS

Vaginal and Cesarean deliveries SpO2 were comparable for birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score of neonates, body mass index and hemoglobin of the mother. Birth weight in vaginally delivered babies and Apgar score in cesarean births showed significant change in SpO2 (P<0.05). At all points of time the SpO2 values were higher in neonates, born by cesarean than those born out of spontaneous vaginal deliveries (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SpO2 levels in neonates born through cesarean section were higher in comparison to thoseborn by vaginal route. Birth weight and Apgar score had correlation with SpO2 in vaginal and cesarean births, respectively.

Human behavior. Sex equality can explain the unique social structure of hunter-gatherer bands

The social organization of mobile hunter-gatherers has several derived features, including low within-camp relatedness and fluid meta-groups. Although these features have been proposed to have provided the selective context for the evolution of human hypercooperation and cumulative culture, how such a distinctive social system may have emerged remains unclear. We present an agent-based model suggesting that, even if all individuals in a community seek to live with as many kin as possible, within-camp relatedness is reduced if men and women have equal influence in selecting camp members. Our model closely approximates observed patterns of co-residence among Agta and Mbendjele BaYaka hunter-gatherers. Our results suggest that pair-bonding and increased sex egalitarianism in human evolutionary history may have had a transformative effect on human social organization.

Multiple Choice Questions-Part II (Classification, Item Preparation, Analysis and Banking)

No Abstract Available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jucms.v2i3.11830 Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences Vol.2(3) 2014: 54-59

SMAR1 coordinates HDAC6-induced deacetylation of Ku70 and dictates cell fate upon irradiation

Acetylation status of DNA end joining protein Ku70 dictates its function in DNA repair and Bax-mediated apoptosis. Despite the knowledge of HDACs and HATs that are reported to modulate the acetylation dynamics of Ku70, very little is known about proteins that critically coordinate these key modifications. Here, we demonstrate that nuclear matrix-associated protein scaffold/matrix-associated region-binding protein 1 (SMAR1) is a novel interacting partner of Ku70 and coordinates with HDAC6 to maintain Ku70 in a deacetylated state. Our studies revealed that knockdown of SMAR1 results in enhanced acetylation of Ku70, which leads to impaired recruitment of Ku70 in the chromatin fractions. Interestingly, ionizing radiation (IR) induces the expression of SMAR1 and its redistribution as distinct nuclear foci upon ATM-mediated phosphorylation at serine 370. Furthermore, SMAR1 regulates IR-induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by facilitating Chk2 phosphorylation. Alternatively, SMAR1 provides radioresistance by modulating the association of deacetylated Ku70 with Bax, abrogating the mitochondrial translocation of Bax. Thus, we provide mechanistic insights of SMAR1-mediated regulation of repair and apoptosis via a complex crosstalk involving Ku70, HDAC6 and Bax.

Large-volume blood patch to multiple sites in the epidural space through a single-catheter access site for treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension can be a therapeutic challenge to the treating physician. In this study, we present our experience with the administration of a large-volume blood patch to multiple sites in the epidural space through a single-catheter access site.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension who underwent a large-volume blood patch to multiple sites in the epidural space through a single-catheter access site from 2010 to 2012. Patient demographic data, clinical charts, indications for treatment, radiographic images, procedure notes, and postprocedure hospital course were reviewed.

RESULTS

Overall, 9 patients were identified who underwent 20 blood patch procedures. Patients were selected to undergo the large-volume procedure either because they had a failed site-directed epidural blood patch or if imaging demonstrated multiple possible leak sites. There were 6 women and 3 men, with an average age of 33.5 years. The mean volume of blood injected per procedure was 54.1 mL (median=55 mL; range=38-70 mL). All patients had an orthostatic headache as one of their presenting symptoms; 22% also presented with neurocognitive decline and behavioral changes; 89% of patients had improvement or resolution of their symptoms; and 80% of patients who had a previously failed site-directed epidural blood or fibrin glue patch improved with a large volume catheter-directed blood patch.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience supports the use of a large-volume blood patch to multiple sites in the epidural space through a single-catheter access site for the treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Additionally, our results indicate a role for this procedure in refractory cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Pediatric Precursor B-cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Presenting with Extensive Skeletal Lesions

Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL) of the B cell type is uncommon, and extranodal presentation is even rarer. It is difficult to suspect this diagnosis without clinically obvious lymph nodal mass or bone marrow involvement. A 3-year-old girl presented with progressive pain and swelling of the right knee joint of 3 months duration. Radiograph revealed expansile lytic lesion at the supracondylar area of the right femur; with pathological fracture and multiple lytic areas in both femora. She neither had lymphadenopathy nor organomegaly. Her blood counts, peripheral smear examination and bone marrow examination were normal. Right supracondylar biopsy revealed diagnosis of a precursor B cell LL. Computerized tomography scan revealed a hypodense, poorly enhancing lesion in the left adnexal region. Although rare, precursor B-cell LL may present with extensive bone lesions. Early and accurate diagnosis of this entity is very important due to its high cure rates.

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas: clinical experience with endovascular treatment as a primary therapy at 2 academic referral centers

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are a rare entity that, if left untreated, can lead to considerable morbidity with progressive spinal cord symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients with spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas that were primarily treated with endovascular embolization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients from 1997-2010 who underwent treatment at 2 academic referral centers for a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula. Follow-up was performed by clinical examination, and functional status was measured by use of the Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale, McCormick classification grading, and mRS scores. The nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pretreatment and posttreatment Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale gait and micturition scores, McCormick classification grading, and mRS scores. P values < .05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients were included. Five patients (2 endovascular, 3 surgical) were lost to follow-up and therefore were excluded from the analysis, 29 patients were initially treated from an endovascular approach (9 Onyx, 20 cyanoacrylate), and 4 patients were treated from a standard surgical approach. Five patients in the endovascular group subsequently underwent surgery for various reasons. The clinical improvements in the Aminoff-Logue Disability Scale gait and micturition scores, McCormick classification grading, and the mRS scores were statistically significant (P < .05, Wilcoxon signed rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that endovascular treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas can result in good clinical outcomes. Surgery remains the treatment of choice when safe embolization of the proximal radicular draining vein cannot be obtained or because the shunting artery of the spinal dural arteriovenous fistula also supplies the anterior spinal, posterior spinal, or a radiculomedullary artery.

Nasal endoscopy-evaluation in epistaxis

Epistaxis is generally of two types : one where a cause is recognised ( Local or Systemic ) and the other where the cause is not known. All cases of nose bleeds with no evident cause is customarily categorised into an Idiopathic type. Anterior rhinoscopy ordinarily gives a very limited view of the nose and the probable cause of epistaxis, and this, we feel could he one of the reasons why a proper diagnosis is not always likely. Another problem is the poor localisation of the site of bleeding point. Such cases pose a problem in implementing treatment, as the cause or the site is not easily located. This study tries to venture the exquisite and wide vision provided by the Nasal endoscope. This study also tries to investigate the possibility of reaching the inaccessible bleeding points, to treat them directly. The study was conducted on 60 patients who attended the Out Patient Department and the Indoor ward with complaints of Epistaxis.

Nasal encephalocoele -an atypical case

Nasal encephalocoele present at birth as a characteristic swelling over the nose and widening of intracanthal distance. Atypical nasal encephalocoeles are usually missed at birth due to absence of any external swelling and they present with diagnostic difficulties. These are very rare and present with only an intranasal mass. We report a case of an atypical nasal encephalocnele in a 8 year old boy who presented with a unilateral intranasal mass and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea.

Genomic impact of cigarette smoke, with application to three smoking-related diseases

There is considerable evidence that inhaled toxicants such as cigarette smoke can cause both irreversible changes to the genetic material (DNA mutations) and putatively reversible changes to the epigenetic landscape (changes in the DNA methylation and chromatin modification state). The diseases that are believed to involve genetic and epigenetic perturbations include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), all of which are strongly linked epidemiologically to cigarette smoking. In this review, we highlight the significance of genomics and epigenomics in these major smoking-related diseases. We also summarize the in vitro and in vivo findings on the specific perturbations that smoke and its constituent compounds can inflict upon the genome, particularly on the pulmonary system. Finally, we review state-of-the-art genomics and new techniques such as high-throughput sequencing and genome-wide chromatin assays, rapidly evolving techniques which have allowed epigenetic changes to be characterized at the genome level. These techniques have the potential to significantly improve our understanding of the specific mechanisms by which exposure to environmental chemicals causes disease. Such mechanistic knowledge provides a variety of opportunities for enhanced product safety assessment and the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions.

Preliminary experience with the percutaneous embolization of juvenile angiofibromas using only ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) for preoperative devascularization prior to surgical resection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Juvenile angiofibromas are hypervascular tumors that may benefit from preoperative devascularization to reduce intraoperative blood loss. Our purpose was to evaluate the extent of angiographic devascularization and intraoperative blood loss by using only Onyx for percutaneous juvenile angiofibroma tumor embolization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records and preoperative and postoperative imaging studies of a consecutive series of 9 patients with juvenile angiofibromas who were treated with preoperative embolization with direct percutaneous injection of Onyx followed by resection from a standard open surgical or endoscopic approach.

RESULTS

Two Fisch type I, 1 Fisch type II, 5 Fisch type IIIa, and 1 Fisch type IVa tumor were treated. Complete devascularization was achieved in all cases percutaneously with only Onyx. There were no complications. The average intraoperative blood loss was 567.7 mL (range, 10-1700 mL). An average of 2.2 needles (range, 1-5 needles) was placed into the tumor. An average of 14.6 mL of Onyx (range, 2-25 mL) was injected into each tumor. Four Fisch type IIIa tumors were removed completely from only an ENE approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Presurgical direct percutaneous embolization of a juvenile angiofibroma with only EVOH before surgical resection is safe and feasible. Our preliminary experience suggests that Onyx may offer a higher degree of devascularization compared with other embolic agents. This may facilitate an easier surgical resection with lower blood loss.

Acute life-threatening hemorrhage in patients with head and neck cancer presenting with carotid blowout syndrome: follow-up results after initial hemostasis with covered-stent placement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

CSP in patients with HNC presenting with CBS can provide immediate hemostasis to prevent exsanguination. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of CSP to control acute life-threatening hemorrhage in patients with HNC presenting with CBS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 10 patients (7 men, 3 women; mean age, 59 years) with HNC presenting with acute life-threatening hemorrhage from CBS that was treated with CSP. We studied patient demographics, presentations, procedures, initial and delayed complications, and technical and clinical outcomes on follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients achieved immediate hemostasis following CSP. Periprocedural complications consisted of groin hematomas (n=2), acute limb ischemia requiring thrombectomy, and an asymptomatic temporal lobe hemorrhage. Imaging and clinical follow-up were available for a mean of 17.7 months (range, 1-60 months). Two patients remained asymptomatic with a patent stent and no evidence of rebleeding at 17 and 21 months, respectively. Recurrent hemorrhages requiring retreatment were encountered in 3 patients secondary to stent infections (30%) at mean duration of 8 months. Neurologic morbidity resulted from stent thrombosis and stroke at 8 months in a single patient. Mortality was unrelated to CSP but was a result of palliative hospice care (n=3) at a mean of 2 months or natural disease progression (n=1) with documented patency of the stent at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute life-threatening hemorrhage from CBS related to advanced HNC can be safely and effectively treated with CSP. However, potential delayed ischemic or infectious complications are common in the exposed or infected neck.

Decreased glucose tolerance and plasma adiponectin:resistin ratio in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are among the most serious health pathologies worldwide. Stress has been proposed as a factor contributing to the development of these health risk factors; however, the underlying mechanisms that link stress to obesity and diabetes need to be further clarified. Here, we study in mice how chronic stress affects dietary consumption and how that relationship contributes to obesity and diabetes.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were subjected to chronic variable stress (CVS) for 15 days and subsequently fed with a standard chow or high-fat diet. Food intake, body weight, respiratory quotient, energy expenditure and spontaneous physical activity were measured with a customised calorimetric system and body composition was measured with nuclear magnetic resonance. A glucose tolerance test was also applied and blood glucose levels were measured with a glucometer. Plasma levels of adiponectin and resistin were measured using Lincoplex kits.

RESULTS

Mice under CVS and fed with a high-fat diet showed impaired glucose tolerance associated with low plasma adiponectin:resistin ratios.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study demonstrates, in a novel mouse model, how post-traumatic stress disorder enhances vulnerability for impaired glucose metabolism in an energy-rich environment and proposes a potential adipokine-based mechanism.