Unveiling the Launaea nudicaulis (L.) Hook medicinal bioactivities: phytochemical analysis, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anticancer activities.

Commonly used antimicrobial agents are no longer effective due to their overuse or misuse. In addition, many medicinal plant extracts can combat infectious diseases due to their main active constituents or secondary metabolites. The current study aimed to assess the bioactivities of Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf extract (LE) against different multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates. The ethyl acetate extract of a Launaea nudicaulis (LN) leaf was analyzed using GC-MS, which identified 27 key bioactive compounds. The major constituents found were as follows: 7-acetyl-6-ethyl-1,1,4,4-tetramethyltetralin, isopropyl myristate, thiocarbamic acid, N,N-dimethyl, S-1,3-diphenyl-2-butenyl ester, hahnfett, cyclopentane acetic acid, 3-oxo-2-pentyl-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, and dotriacontane. Our study demonstrated that the LN leaf was a rich source of other important phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The relative biosafety of the L. nudicaulis LE was determined from the elevated inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) of 262 µg/mL, as calculated from the cytotoxicity assay against the Wi-38 normal cell line. Conversely, 12.7 and 24.5 µg/mL were the recorded low IC50 values for the tested extract against the MCF-7 and Hep-G2 cancerous cell lines, respectively, reflecting its potent activity against the tested cancerous cell lines. Microbiologically, the susceptible P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested extract showed a growth inhibition zone diameter, in the well diffusion assay, ranging from 11.34 ± 0.47 to 26.67 ± 0.47 mm, and a percent inhibition (PI) value of 50-106.2%, reflecting its acceptable activity. In addition, the broth microdilution assay recorded minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) in the ranges of 15.625-1,000 µg/mL and 125-1,000 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the L. nudicaulis LE revealed showed promising activity and high selectivity against P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the extract exhibited natural anticancer activities with safe low concentrations, indicating its potential as a superior candidate for future studies of its active constituents.

Bioactive compounds enrichment in rabbit doe's diet pre-and during pregnancy improves productive and reproductive performance and cost-effectiveness under hot climates.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of diet supplementation with a symbiotic (SY), bee pollen (BP), honey bee (HB), date palm pollen (DPP) and their mixture (MIX) on female rabbit productive and reproductive performances under desert hot climates. Seventy-two Californian does of 5 months age and average body weight of 3250 ± 78.2 g were randomly allotted into six groups, each of 12 does. All does orally receive 3 ml distilled water for 10 days before mating and 28 days during pregnancy. Treatments were repeated for four consecutive parities. The first group served as control (C) given distilled water only, however the second, third, fourth and fifth groups were supplemented with 3 ml distilled water containing 0.2 ml SY, 200 mg DPP, 200 mg BP, 0.2 ml HB/doe per day, respectively. While, the sixth group does were given all previous ingredients (MIX). Sexual receptivity rate, fertility rate, kindling rate, and newborn traits were recorded. Also, maternal feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and digestibility coefficients of nutrients were recorded. Does in all groups were artificially inseminated with 0.5 ml of fresh heterospermic semen of 15 fertile bucks extended in Tris at 806-1006 sperm/ml. Treatment increased maternal body weight and daily gain with highest values (P < 0.05) in BP, SY, and MIX does. All treatments enhanced feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with control. Number services per conception decreased (P < 0.01), while litter size and weight and survival at birth and weaning increased (P < 0.01) in treated than control does. Treated does produced more milk than control. Digestibility coefficients of all nutrients were improved (P < 0.01) in treated does. In conclusion, supporting rabbit does pre- and during pregnancy with diets supplemented with a mixture of honey bee, date palm pollen, bee pollen, and synbiotic improves the productive and reproductive performances of rabbit does and their offspring.

Leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. kurrat) aqueous extract loaded on selenium nanoparticles protects against testis and brain injury induced by mercuric chloride in rats.

BACKGROUND: Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) is poisonous to humans and animals and typically damages the nervous system and other organs. Mercuric chloride exposition disclosed to initiation of oxidative stress pathway can result in a defect in male fertility and testis tissue. Synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were characterized with a diameter range minimal than 100 nm, having the effective sets of the biological matter. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of biosynthesized SeNPs, prepared by leek extract on Wistar rats' testicles and brain. METHODS: Thirty-five Wistar male rats (120-150 g) were randomly split into five groups (n = 7), orally ingested with leek aqueous extract loaded on SeNPs, and then the animals were administered with mercury II chloride (HgCl2) to induce testis injury and damage the nervous system. RESULTS: The used dose of mercuric chloride led to oxidative stress damage in the testis of the rats which was evidenced by a decrease in testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) levels, and an increase in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and caspase-3. Also, HgCl2 decreased the levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brains of rats. In addition, A decrease was observed in the levels of antioxidant markers, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), as well as an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß and Bax in both testes and brains. Pre-treatment with leek extract loaded on SeNPs significantly ameliorated testosterone, LH, FSH, PCNA and caspase-3 levels in the testis and DA, 5-HT, NE and BDNF in brains. Although the contents of MDA, NO, TNF-α, IL-1ß, NF-κB and Bax decreased significantly in both. glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, superoxide dismutase and Bcl-2 levels were significantly improved in both organs. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that treatment with aqueous leek extract loaded on SeNPs may offer promising prospects for the advancement of anti-inflammation activity against testis injury and also have a very key role in neurobehavioral alterations as a result of mercury toxicity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance of Muscovy ducklings (Cairina moschata).

OBJECTIVE: The current experiment was performed to investigate the influence of different dietary levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, immune response, caecal microbiota, and carcass characteristics of Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) during 7 to 63 d of age. METHODS: A total of 240 unsexed 7-d-old ducklings were distributed into five (treatment) groups; each one contained six replicates with eight ducklings each. Birds of the first group were fed basal diet without MOLM and served as control, while the other four groups were fed basal diet with 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.0%, and 2.0% MOLM inclusion level, respectively. RESULTS: The obtained results revealed that including MOLM in the diets significantly improved body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and economic efficiency compared with the control group. Among the different MOLM inclusion treatments, increasing MOLM inclusion level decreased (p<0.05) such previous parameters. Decreasing MOLM inclusion levels in duckling diets increased (p>0.05) the digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and nitrogen free extract, however all MOLM treatments were significantly higher than the control group. Results also revealed that feeding ducks lower MOLM inclusion levels (0.25% or 0.50%) improved blood parameters (p<0.05) compared with the higher inclusion levels (1.0% or 2.0% MOLM) and the control group. Ducks fed different MOLM levels had significantly higher phagocyte index and activity, immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity compared with control group. CONCLUSION: Despite the beneficial effects of all MOLM treatments on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological status, and immune response of duckling, the increasing MOLM inclusion level in the diet had deleterious effects on such studied traits, consequently 0.25% was the best MOLM inclusion level in duckling diets.

Mechanical and antibacterial properties of hybrid polymers composite reinforcement for biomedical applications.

This research investigates the biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and tribological properties of a hybrid composite material composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), hydroxyapatite (HAp), and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Ti O2). The study explores the microstructural characteristics of the composite material using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Samples of HDPE-30%HAp with varying concentrations of Ti O2 (5, 10, 15, and 20%) were prepared and extruded using a twin-screw machine. The hybrid composite materials underwent mechanical tests (tensile, flexural, and hardness), tribological tests (friction and wear rate), and antibacterial tests (resistance to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria). The results indicate that the optimal hybrid composite sample was HDPE-30%HAP-10% Ti O2, which demonstrated excellent mechanical properties (maximum tensile strength of 25.93 MPa and young modulus of 480 MPa) and a low coefficient of friction (COF∼ 0.07) while achieving high wear resistance (wear rate in the order of 10-4 m m3N-1 m-1). The study shows that the improvement in mechanical properties results in a corresponding improvement in tribological properties. The antibacterial tests revealed that the hybrid composite material exhibited resistance to E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The findings of this study suggest that the HDPE-30%HAP-10% Ti O2 composite is a promising material for use in biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and desirable mechanical and tribological properties. The study demonstrates the potential of reinforced hybrid composite materials in overcoming the disadvantages of monolithic and hybrid micro-composites and highlights the importance of investigating the microstructural, tribological, and mechanical strength characteristics of composite materials for biomedical applications.

Lithium-Calcium Greases Having Carbon Nanotubes and Aluminum Oxide Base Nanoadditives: Preparation and Characteristics of Nanogrease.

This research presents the results of the effect of different concentrations (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt %) of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3) on the characteristics of lithium-calcium grease (LCG). The LCG/Al2O3 and LCG/MWCNT were studied and illustrated by measuring the dropping point, consistency, thermal conductivity, and tribological characteristics of nanograins (wear, friction, and welding point) by using a four-ball tribometer. The morphologies of the additives and the nanogrease were examined and evaluated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The worn surface of the ball surface was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. Based on the obtained results, the nanoadditive can significantly enhance the grease properties. The grease having a 4 wt % content of Al2O3 and MWCNT presented the lowest wear scar diameter and friction coefficient. Consequently, the welding point, dropping point, and thermal conductivity indicated that adding nanoadditives could strikingly enhance the lubricating effect of grease by 26, 32, and 75%, respectively. Finally, this study provides a lubricant with promising results that can be used under extreme pressure.

A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind study to investigate the effect of a high oral loading dose of cholecalciferol in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, new insights on serum STAT-3 and hepassocin.

OBJECTIVE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver metabolic disease affecting millions globally. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a high oral loading dose of cholecalciferol supplement on NAFLD patients and to investigate its potential role on serum inflammatory biomarkers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus were involved in the study. Eligible patients were randomized among two equal groups. Group 1 received the standard conventional therapy in addition to a placebo. Group 2 received the conventional therapy plus cholecalciferol for 4 months. The improvement in the patients' glycaemic control parameters, liver function tests, lipid profile, and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D at the end of the study was set as a primary outcome. The secondary outcome was the decrease in steatosis grade in the ultrasound and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), signal transducer and activator of factor-3 (STAT-3), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hepassocin serum levels at the end of the study. RESULTS: Group 2 revealed a significant reduction in the serum levels of lipid profile measures, hs-CRP, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), STAT-3, NO, hepassocin, and MDA compared to the baseline and group 1 results. Whereas group 1 did not show these significant changes. Both groups observed no significant changes in glycemic index, TNF-α, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and albumin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Cholecalciferol is recommended as additional therapy to modulate lipid peroxidation and systemic inflammation alongside other NAFLD therapies.

Differential Regulation of Retinoic Acid Metabolism in Fanconi Anemia.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disease characterized by heterogeneous congenital abnormalities and increased risk for bone marrow failure and cancer. FA is caused by mutation of any one of 23 genes, the protein products of which function primarily in the maintenance of genome stability. An important role for the FA proteins in the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) has been established in vitro . While the endogenous sources of ICLs relevant to the pathophysiology of FA have yet to be clearly determined, a role for the FA proteins in a two-tier system for the detoxification of reactive metabolic aldehydes has been established. To discover new metabolic pathways linked to FA, we performed RNA-seq analysis on non-transformed FA-D2 ( FANCD2 -/- ) and FANCD2-complemented patient cells. Multiple genes associated with retinoic acid metabolism and signaling were differentially expressed in FA-D2 ( FANCD2 -/- ) patient cells, including ALDH1A1 and RDH10 , which encode for retinaldehyde and retinol dehydrogenases, respectively. Increased levels of the ALDH1A1 and RDH10 proteins was confirmed by immunoblotting. FA-D2 ( FANCD2 -/- ) patient cells displayed increased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity compared to the FANCD2-complemented cells. Upon exposure to retinaldehyde, FA-D2 ( FANCD2 -/- ) cells exhibited increased DNA double-strand breaks and checkpoint activation indicative of a defect in the repair of retinaldehyde-induced DNA damage. Our findings describe a novel link between retinoic acid metabolism and FA and identify retinaldehyde as an additional reactive metabolic aldehyde relevant to the pathophysiology of FA.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Superior Vena Cava: A State-of-the-Art Review.

Greater interest in imaging the superior vena cava (SVC) in recent years has arisen because of increased focus on disorders of the right heart; the growing use of transvenous access lines, dialysis catheters, and device leads; and the emergence of right ventricular mechanical circulatory support systems via the transcatheter approach. As a low-pressure venous conduit in the right upper mediastinum, the SVC is prone to compression by various pathologic processes, to invasion by malignancies originating in nearby structures, and to complications arising from intraluminal device leads and indwelling catheters. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance venography are the modalities of choice for structural imaging of the SVC. Ultrasound allows a reasonable, yet less detailed anatomic assessment of this venous conduit. Spectral and color Doppler imaging by ultrasound are the most valuable noninvasive tools for the interrogation of SVC blood flow, a marker of the filling pattern of the right heart. Analysis of the velocity, duration, and direction of the Doppler waveforms and their phasic response to respiration makes it possible to distinguish normal from abnormal flow patterns and offers diagnostic insights into disorders that affect right heart function. The aims of this review are to demonstrate the added value SVC imaging provides during transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic studies, to outline its usefulness for the detection and evaluation of structural abnormalities, and to detail the role of spectral Doppler imaging in aiding the diagnosis of various disorders that affect the right heart.

Acute severe thrombocytopenia following iodinated radiographic contrast medium infusion: a case report.

Acute contrast-induced thrombocytopenia is an unusual complication, and it is a rare event with the use of modern low-osmolarity iodinated contrast medium. There are only a few reports that exist in English literature. Case presentation: The authors report the case of a 79-year-old male patient with severe, life-threatening thrombocytopenia after administration of intravenous nonionic low-osmolarity contrast medium. His platelet count dropped from 179×109/l to 2×109/l after 1 h of radiocontrast infusion. Which has returned gradually to normal level within days with corticosteroid administration and platelet transfusion. Conclusion: Iodinated contrast-induced thrombocytopenia is a rare complication with an unknown causative mechanism. There is no definitive treatment for this condition, with corticosteroids being used in most cases. The platelet count normalizes within a few days regardless of any interventions, but supportive treatment is important to avoid any unwanted complications. Further studies are still needed for a better understanding of the exact mechanism of this condition.

Serum total IgE as immunological marker in patients with chronic hepatitis B Virus infection, and hepatitis B related hepatocellular carcinoma.

This study evaluated the efficacy of IgE in predicting disease progression in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to normal controls. The study included 60 HBV-infected patients. Of these, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B but not related to HCC and 30 patients with related HCC. Serum level of IgE was measured by ELISA. Serum level of IgE was higher in HCC patients than non-HCC patients (p < 0.005). Significant correlations were detected between IgE, transaminases (ALT, AST), alpha-fetoprotein and severity scores in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The level of IgE was correlated with HB viral load. Stronger correlations were evident between IgE, prothrombin time and total bilirubin. In conclusion, IgE levels may be considered as non-invasive markers for monitoring liver disease progression in CHB.

Does Secondary Antibiotic Prophylaxis Improve Clinical Outcomes in Adult Rheumatic Heart Disease Patients Post-Valve Replacement?

BACKGROUND: Secondary prevention of recurrent rheumatic fever in individuals with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) requires continuous antibiotic prophylaxis. However, the impact of antibiotic prophylaxis on the outcome of patients with severe RHD who underwent heart valve replacement is unknown. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between the use of antibiotics as secondary prophylaxis in RHD patients who underwent valve replacement and clinical outcomes including mortality, reoperation, and valve-related hospitalization. METHODS: We retrospectively compared outcomes of adult patients who underwent heart valve replacement for RHD at our institution from 1990 through 2014 and who received secondary antibiotic prophylaxis (prophylaxis group) with those who did not receive prophylaxis (nonprophylaxis group) using propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1094 patients (56% females, median age 40 years, range 31-53 years) were included with a median follow-up of 9.6 years (range 2.9-12.6 years). Antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed in 201 patients (18%). Propensity score matching analysis demonstrated no significant difference in overall survival (95% [92%-98%] vs 97% [95%-99%], respectively; P = .7), valve-related hospitalization-independent survival (72% [range 65%-78%] vs 81% [range 76%-88%]; P = .25), and redo valve surgery-independent survival [76% [range 70%-83%] vs 75% [range 72%-79%]; P = .41) at 10-year follow-up in the nonantibiotic prophylaxis versus the antibiotic prophylaxis group. CONCLUSION: Secondary antibiotic prophylaxis among adult RHD patients following valve replacement is not associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Trichotillomania Prevalence in an Arab Middle Eastern Population.

Aim: Trichotillomania (TTM) (hair-pulling disorder) is a relatively rare psychiatric condition. We are aware of no studies of this disorder in Arab Middle Eastern populations. We examine the prevalence and correlates of TTM in a community sample of individuals living in a large port city in western Saudi Arabia. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study of 511 adults aged 18 years or over living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was conducted. After inquiring about demographic information and self-reported psychiatric disorders, the Massachusetts General Hospital Hair-Pulling Scale (MGH-HPS) was administered to assess symptoms of TMM. Results: A total of 9 of 511 participants (1.8%) scored above the cutoff for suspected TTM on the MGH-HPS, whereas 203 (39.7%) had a history of hair-pulling. Those with suspected TTM were more likely to be female (2.8% vs 0.4% in males, P = 0.047) and somewhat more likely to have a history of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (6.7% vs 1.5%, P = 0.093). Hair pulling was also more common in unmarried, not living with family, and unemployed. Among those with a history of hair-pulling, the most frequent locations were from the face (62.7%), head (55.7%), and legs (15.3%). Conclusions: While a history of hair-pulling is common in this community sample (40%), suspected TTM is much less prevalent (<2%), although not rare by any means. When present, the condition is more common in women and possibly in those with OCD.

Nitazoxanide-based therapeutic regimen as a novel treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in children and adolescents: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: Antibiotic resistance and poor patient compliance with treatment cause Helicobacter pylori to show increased resistance to typical first-line therapeutic regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the new nitazoxanide-based treatment regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection vs. the current metronidazole-based regimens to address the problem of increasing metronidazole resistance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial enrolled 100 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group I received nitazoxanide-based triple therapy (nitazoxanide, proton pump inhibitor, and clarithromycin) for 14 days, whereas group II received standard treatment (metronidazole, omeprazole, and clarithromycin) for 14 days. On enrollment and after six weeks of treatment, all patients underwent careful history taking, full clinical examination, laboratory investigations (complete blood count, liver and renal function tests), and Helicobacter pylori stool antigen testing. RESULTS: Of the patients, 92% in the nitazoxanide group and 84% in the metronidazole group recovered from infection, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Patients in the nitazoxanide group showed a 54% lower risk of resistant infection (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.161-1.555) than those in the metronidazole group. CONCLUSIONS: The nitazoxanide-based therapeutic regimen produced higher eradication rates than the standard treatment. However, the difference was not substantial in this particular group of patients.

Covid-19 in recipients of living donor liver transplantation: a worse or an equivalent outcome?

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is representing a massive burden to the community with the new virus. There is few data regarding Covid-19 in liver transplant patients. Concerns were raised regarding the course of the disease in transplanted patients due to immunosuppression and risk of hepatic injuries. AIM: To describe the outcomes of Covid-19 infection in recipients of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 41 recipients of LDLT diagnosed with Covid-19 by real-time PCR or CT chest criteria of Covid-19 between April 2020 and April 2021. This Cohort was derived from Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation database, Ain Shams Specialized Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, which is considered one of the largest centers of LDLT in the Middle East. Patients were classified to mild, moderate, severe and critics according to clinical classification released by the National Health Commission of China. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients and 2 patients with reinfection were included in this cohort with mean age 54 years with 74% male and 26% female. The body mass index ranged from 19.3 to 37. About 30% were described as a mild case, 46.5% were moderate, 14% were severe and 9% were critical cases. Two cases developed infection twice. Total of 20 patients (46.5%) were managed in home isolation setting, 17 patients (39.5%) needed admission to ward, 4 patients (9%) in intermediate care unit and 2 patients (4%) admitted to intensive care unit. About 60% of cases were on room air, only 3 patients needed invasive methods, 2 patients needed face mask and 1 case needed invasive CPAP. In total, 41 patients recovered (95%) and 2 patients (5%) died; 1 was Covid related and the other one was non-Covid related. Female gender, higher BMI and hypertension were associated with severe course of the disease. CONCLUSION: In the setting of LDLT, the possibilities of catching Covid-19 infection are high due to chronic immunosuppression use. Yet, the outcome of infection in term of morbidity and the needs for hospital admission or intensive care is generally matched to general population.

Multiparametric Approach for the Assessment of Mechanical Prosthetic Tricuspid Leaflet Function.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of comprehensive echocardiographic data to allow discrimination of normal versus abnormal mechanical prosthetic tricuspid valve (MPTV) leaflet function. The identification of such parameters is essential to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic measures. METHODS: The authors investigated bileaflet MPTV function by comparing transthoracic echocardiographic data from 21 episodes of leaflet dysfunction due to valve thrombosis in 12 patients with data from 56 individuals with normal MPTV function. All episodes of dysfunction were confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography and/or cine fluoroscopy. Transthoracic echocardiography-derived two-dimensional, color, and spectral Doppler variables, including MPTV peak early diastolic velocity (E velocity), mean gradient, pressure half-time, time-velocity integral (TVI) of the MPTV, ratio of TVIMPTV to TVI of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and TVI of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), and continuity-derived effective orifice area, were measured in both groups. RESULTS: Most episodes of MPTV dysfunction resulted from simultaneous involvement of both leaflets (57%), with leaflet(s) often immobilized in the open or semiopen position (71%). Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography performed similarly in detecting abnormal leaflet motion (90% vs 88%, P = .68), whereas transesophageal echocardiography was better in identifying MPTV thrombosis (31% vs 14%, respectively, P = .01). Color Doppler demonstrated flow propagation abnormalities in 67% of episodes of leaflet dysfunction but not in the control group (P < .0001). Doppler variables associated with MPTV leaflet dysfunction included E velocity > 1.6 m/sec, mean gradient > 5 mm Hg, PHT > 157 msec, TVIMPTV > 42 cm, TVIMPTV/TVILVOT > 2.3, TVIMPTV/TVIRVOT > 3.0, and continuity-derived effective orifice area ≤ 1.1 cm2, with most variables showing high and similar accuracy (area under the curve ≥ 95%). CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of MPTV leaflet dysfunction that provides parameters and criteria to distinguish normal versus abnormal prosthetic valve function.

Constrictive pericarditis following heart transplantation: Reality or fiction?

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a curable cause of diastolic heart failure with prior cardiac surgery being a recognizable etiology. We report a patient who developed CP one year following heart transplantation. Several clinical and imaging related factors may lead to diagnostic delays in similar patients, including the mistaken belief that transplanted hearts are devoid of pericardium and thus do not develop constriction. Post-transplantation pericardial effusion, mediastinitis, and cardiac rejection predispose to future CP. Caretakers should consider this entity in allograft recipients who develop heart failure symptoms of unclear etiology.

Established and candidate transthyretin amyloidosis variants identified in the Saudi population by data mining.

BACKGROUND: Familial transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTR) is an autosomal dominant disease with significant phenotypic heterogeneity. Its prevalence in Saudi Arabia has not previously been investigated. An existing exome variant database of Saudi individuals, sequenced to globally investigate rare diseases in the population, was mined for TTR variants and filtered for missense mutations resulting in single amino acid changes. A total of 13,906 Saudi exomes from unrelated individuals were analyzed blindly. RESULTS: Three TTR variants known to be associated with ATTR amyloidosis were identified. Additionally, three novel TTR mutations were identified. Structural analysis of the three novel variants suggests that at least two could be amyloidogenic. The most common variant associated with amyloidosis was p.Val142Ile (allele frequency 0.001). Further investigation of these variants and their translation to clinical practice may help to diagnose, monitor, and manage patients with ATTR amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: Multiple TTR variants potentially associated with systemic ATTR amyloidosis were identified in the Saudi population. Early diagnosis and intervention, facilitated by familial genetic testing of patients with ATTR amyloidosis, may benefit in the management of this disease. Early diagnosis could be enhanced through inclusion of ATTR variants in existing population-based screening programs.

Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdominal Aorta: A Comprehensive Review.

Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for the initial evaluation of disorders that involve the abdominal aorta (AA). The diagnostic value of ultrasound resides in its ability to allow assessment of the anatomy and structure of the AA using two- dimensional, three-dimensional, and contrast-enhanced imaging. Moreover, ultrasound permits evaluation of the physiologic and hemodynamic consequences of abnormalities through Doppler interrogation of blood flow, thus enabling the identification and quantification of disorders within the AA and beyond its boundaries. The approach to ultrasound imaging of the AA varies, depending on the purpose of the study and whether it is performed in a radiology or vascular laboratory or in an echocardiography laboratory. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the usefulness of ultrasound imaging for the detection and evaluation of disorders that involve the AA, detail the abnormalities that are detected or further assessed, and outline its value for echocardiographers, sonographers, and radiologists.