Tissue perfusion in DIEP flaps using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography, Hyperspectral imaging, and Thermal imaging.

Flap necrosis continues to occur in skin free flap autologous breast reconstruction. Therefore, we investigated the benefits of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) using quantitative parameters for the objective, perioperative evaluation of flap perfusion. In addition, we investigated the feasibility of hyperspectral (HSI) and thermal imaging (TI) for postoperative flap monitoring. A single-center, prospective observational study was performed on 15 patients who underwent deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction (n=21). DIEP-flap perfusion was evaluated using ICGA, HSI, and TI using a standardized imaging protocol. The ICGA perfusion curves and derived parameters, HSI extracted oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) and deoxyhemoglobin (deoxyHb) values, and flap temperatures from TI were analyzed and correlated to the clinical outcomes. Post-hoc quantitative analysis of intraoperatively collected data of ICGA application accurately distinguished between adequately and insufficiently perfused DIEP flaps. ICG perfusion curves identified the lack of arterial inflow (n=2) and occlusion of the venous outflow (n=1). In addition, a postoperatively detected partial flap epidermolysis could have been predicted based on intraoperative quantitative ICGA data. During postoperative monitoring, HSI was used to identify impaired perfusion areas within the DIEP flap based on deoxyHb levels. The results of this study showed a limited added value of TI. Quantitative, post-hoc analysis of ICGA data produced objective and reproducible parameters that enabled the intraoperative detection of arterial and venous congested DIEP flaps. HSI appeared to be a promising technique for postoperative flap perfusion assessment. A diagnostic accuracy study is needed to investigate ICGA and HSI parameters in real-time and demonstrate their clinical benefit.

Rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism and pit membrane thickness in Citrus scions.

Embolism resistance of xylem tissue varies among species and is an important trait related to drought resistance, with anatomical attributes like pit membrane thickness playing an important role in avoiding embolism spread. Grafted Citrus trees are commonly grown in orchards, with the rootstock being able to affect the drought resistance of the whole plant. Here, we evaluated how rootstocks affect the vulnerability to embolism resistance of the scion using several rootstock/scion combinations. Scions of 'Tahiti' acid lime, 'Hamlin', 'Pera' and 'Valencia' oranges grafted on a 'Rangpur' lime rootstock exhibit similar vulnerability to embolism. In field-grown trees, measurements of leaf water potential did not suggest significant embolism formation during the dry season, while stomata of Citrus trees presented an isohydric response to declining water availability. When 'Valencia' orange scions were grafted on 'Rangpur' lime, 'IAC 1710' citrandarin, 'Sunki Tropical' mandarin or 'Swingle' citrumelo rootstocks, variation in intervessel pit membrane thickness of the scion was found. The 'Rangpur' lime rootstock, which is known for its drought resistance, induced thicker pit membranes in the scion, resulting in higher embolism resistance than the other rootstocks. Similarly, the rootstock 'IAC 1710' citrandarin generated increased embolism resistance of the scion, which is highly relevant for citriculture.

Inter- and intraindividual variability in virtual single-tooth implant positioning.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the inter- and intraindividual variability in virtual single-tooth implant positioning based on the level of expertise, specialty, total time spent, and the use of a prosthetic tooth setup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Virtual implant planning was performed on matched pre- and post-extraction intraoral scans (IOS), and cone-beam computed tomography scans of 15 patients. Twelve individual examiners, involving six novices and experts from oral surgery and prosthodontics positioned the implants, first based on anatomical landmarks utilizing only the post-extraction, and second with the use of the pre-extraction IOS as a setup. The time for implant positioning was recorded. After 1 month, all virtual plannings were performed again. The individual implant positions were superimposed to obtain 3D deviations using a software algorithm. RESULTS: An interindividual variability with mean angular, crestal, and apical positional deviations of 3.8 ± 1.94°, 1.11 ± 0.55, and 1.54 ± 0.66 mm, respectively, was found. When assessing intraindividual variability, deviations of 3.28 ± 1.99°, 0.78 ± 0.46, and 1.12 ± 0.61 mm, respectively, were observed. Implants planned by experts exhibited statistically lower deviations compared to those planned by novices. Longer planning times resulted in lower deviations in the experts' group but not in the novices. Oral surgeons demonstrated lower crestal, but not angular and apical deviations than prosthodontists. The use of a setup only led to minor adjustments. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial inter- and intraindividual variability exists during implant positioning utilizing specialized software planning. The level of expertise and the time invested influenced the deviations of the implant position during the planning sequence.

Seminal glucose levels: a prognostic factor of sperm survival to cryopreservation?

OBJECTIVE: Considering that glucose is an important component of seminal plasma and is a cryoprotectant at high concentrations, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of glucose levels in fresh semen with the sperm survival and motility rates following cryopreservation. METHODS: This was a prospective study including 149 men undergoing semen analysis due to male and/or female infertility. The seminal samples were analyzed according to the World Health Organization standards and glucose concentrations were measured using a dipstick glucometer. Samples were cryopreserved with Test Yolk Buffer-Gentamicine freezing medium under liquid nitrogen for an average of 120 days. The frozen aliquots were thawed at 37°C for 10 minutes and analyzed using the same methods and protocols used pre-freezing. RESULTS: Glucose levels ranged from 14 to 99 mg/dL and were similar in individuals with normal (n=100) vs. abnormal (n=49) semen analysis. The rates of sperm recovery (total, alive or motile sperm) in the cryopreserved samples did not change among samples with different glucose levels (p>0.05, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Spearman's correlation coefficient). CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be no association between glucose levels in human semen samples and their resistance to cryopreservation.

Integrated Bioluminescent Immunoassays for High-Throughput Sampling and Continuous Monitoring of Cytokines.

Immunoassays show great potential for the detection of low levels of cytokines, due to their high sensitivity and excellent specificity. There is a particular demand for biosensors that enable both high-throughput screening and continuous monitoring of clinically relevant cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). To this end, we here introduce a novel bioluminescent immunoassay based on the ratiometric plug-and-play immunodiagnostics (RAPPID) platform, with an improved intrinsic signal-to-background and an >80-fold increase in the luminescent signal. The new dRAPPID assay, comprising a dimeric protein G adapter connected via a semiflexible linker, was applied to detect the secretion of IL-6 by breast carcinoma cells upon TNFα stimulation and the production of low concentrations of IL-6 (∼18 pM) in an endotoxin-stimulated human 3D muscle tissue model. Moreover, we integrated the dRAPPID assay in a newly developed microfluidic device for the simultaneous and continuous monitoring of changes in IL-6 and TNFα in the low-nanomolar range. The luminescence-based read-out and the homogeneous nature of the dRAPPID platform allowed for detection with a simple measurement setup, consisting of a digital camera and a light-sealed box. This permits the usage of the continuous dRAPPID monitoring chip at the point of need, without the requirement for complex or expensive detection techniques.

Real-Time Immunosensor for Small-Molecule Monitoring in Industrial Food Processes.

Industrial food processes are monitored to ensure that food is being produced with good quality, yield, and productivity. For developing innovative real-time monitoring and control strategies, real-time sensors are needed that can continuously report chemical and biochemical data of the manufacturing process. Here, we describe a generalizable methodology to develop affinity-based biosensors for the continuous monitoring of small molecules in industrial food processes. Phage-display antibody fragments were developed for the measurement of small molecules, as exemplified with the measurement of glycoalkaloids (GAs) in potato fruit juice. The recombinant antibodies were selected for use in a competition-based biosensor with single-molecule resolution, called biosensing by particle motion, using assay architectures with free particles as well as tethered particles. The resulting sensor measures GAs in the micromolar range, is reversible, has a measurement response time below 5 min, and enables continuous monitoring of GAs in protein-rich solutions for more than 20 h with concentration measurement errors below 15%. The demonstrated biosensor gives the perspective to enable a variety of monitoring and control strategies based on continuous measurement of small molecules in industrial food processes.

Characteristics, prevalence and sources of stress in individuals who discontinue assisted reproductive technology treatments: a systematic review.

By considering the reasons behind discontinuing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, several studies have indicated that 'stress' is an important issue, but the prevalence of stressors and stress responses, either acute or chronic, remains unclear. In this systematic review, we evaluated the characteristics, prevalence and causes of what was perceived and reported as 'stress' by couples who discontinued ART treatment. Electronic databases were systematically searched, and studies were considered eligible if they evaluated stress as a possible reason for ART discontinuation. Twelve studies were included, with 15,264 participants from eight countries. In all studies, 'stress' was assessed through generic questionnaires or medical records, not by validated stress questionnaires or biomarkers. The prevalence of 'stress' ranged from 11-53%. When the results were pooled, 'stress' was cited as a reason for ART discontinuation by 775 out of 2507 participants (30.9%). Clinical factors associated with worse prognosis, physical discomfort due to treatment procedures, family demands, time pressure and economic burden were identified as sources of 'stress' that contributed to ART discontinuation. Precisely knowing the characteristics of the stress associated with infertility is essential to devise preventive or supportive interventions to help patients to cope and endure the treatments. Further studies are necessary to investigate whether the mitigation of stress factors can reduce ART discontinuation rates.

Redox-Active Lewis Pairs Yield Diradicaloids and Enable Modular Control of the Diradical Character.

Stable metal-free diradicaloids are fascinating compounds, typically based on covalent polycyclic or nitrogen-containing π-conjugated frameworks. Unfortunately, their preparation and the modulation of their diradical character require substantial synthetic efforts. The present work introduces a synthetic approach to diradicaloids by the ease and modularity of Lewis pair formation. Binding redox-active bis(catecholato)silane Lewis acids to ditopic tetraoxolene Lewis bases yields adducts with varying spin ground states. Computational analyses disclose that the diradical character increases with the electron donor ability of the catechols and the electron accepting ability of the tetraoxolene. Hence, this protocol grants access to diradicaloids with rationally adjustable diradical character of high potential for numerous applications in a single step.

Outcomes and Patency of Endovascular Infrapopliteal Reinterventions in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

PURPOSE: Endovascular revascularization is the preferred treatment to improve perfusion of the lower extremity in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Patients with CLTI often present with stenotic-occlusive lesions involving the infrapopliteal arteries. Although the frequency of treating infrapopliteal lesions is increasing, the reintervention rates remain high. This study aimed to determine the outcomes and patency of infrapopliteal endovascular reinterventions. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study of 3 Dutch hospitals included patients who underwent an endovascular infrapopliteal reintervention in 2015 up to 2021 after a primary infrapopliteal intervention for CLTI. The outcome measures after the reintervention procedures included technical success rate, the mortality rate and complication rate (any deviation from the normal postinterventional course) at 30 days, overall survival, amputation-free survival (AFS), freedom from major amputation, major adverse limb event (MALE), and recurrent reinterventions (a reintervention following the infrapopliteal reintervention). Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine risk factors for AFS and freedom from major amputation or recurrent reintervention. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients with CLTI were included. A total of 87 limbs underwent an infrapopliteal reintervention in which 122 lesions were treated. Technical success was achieved in 99 lesions (81%). The 30-day mortality rate was 1%, and the complication rate was 13%. Overall survival and AFS at 1 year were 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55%-79%) and 54% (95% CI, 37%-67%), respectively, and those at 2.5 years were 45% (95% CI, 33%-56%) and 21% (95% CI, 11%-33%), respectively. Freedom from major amputation, MALE, and recurrent reinterventions at 1 year and 2.5 years were 59% (95% CI, 46%-70%) and 41% (95% CI, 25%-56%); 54% (95% CI, 41%-65%) and 36% (95% CI, 21%-51%); and 68% (95% CI, 55%-78%) and 51% (95% CI, 33%-66%), respectively. A Global Limb Anatomic Staging System score of III showed an increased hazard ratio of 2.559 (95% CI, 1.078-6.072; p=0.033) for freedom of major amputation or recurrent reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that endovascular infrapopliteal reinterventions can be performed with acceptable 30-day mortality and complication rates. However, outcomes and patency were moderate to poor, with low AFS, high rates of major amputations, and recurrent reinterventions. CLINICAL IMPACT: This multicenter retrospective study evaluating outcome and patency of endovascular infrapopliteal reinterventions for CLTI, shows that endovascular infrapopliteal reinterventions can be performed with acceptable 30-day mortality and complication rates. However, the short- and mid-term outcomes of the infrapopliteal reinterventions were moderate to poor, with low rates of AFS and a high need for recurrent reinterventions. While the frequency of performing infrapopliteal reinterventions is increasing with additional growing complexity of the disease, alternative treatment options such as venous bypass grafting or deep venous arterialization may be considered and should be studied in randomized controlled trials.

Detecting Changes in Tissue Perfusion With Hyperspectral Imaging and Thermal Imaging Following Endovascular Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease.

PURPOSE: Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and thermal imaging allow contact-free tissue perfusion measurements and may help determine the effect of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with peripheral arterial disease. This study aimed to detect changes in perfusion with HSI and thermal imaging peri-procedurally and determine whether these changes can identify limbs that show clinical improvement after 6 weeks. METHODS: Patients with Rutherford class 2-6 scheduled for EVT were included prospectively. Hyperspectral imaging and thermal imaging were performed directly before and after EVT. Images were taken from the lateral side of the calves and plantar side of the feet. Concentrations of (de)oxyhemoglobin, oxygen saturation, and skin temperature were recorded. Angiographic results were determined on completion angiogram. Clinical improvement 6 weeks after EVT was defined as a decrease ≥ one Rutherford class. Peri-procedural changes in perfusion parameters were compared between limbs with and without good angiographic results or clinical improvement. To identify limbs with clinical improvement, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine cutoff values for change in HSI. RESULTS: Included were 23 patients with 29 treated limbs. Change in HSI values and temperature was not significantly different between limbs with good and poor angiographic results. Change in peri-procedural deoxyhemoglobin, determined by HSI, at the calves and feet was significantly different between limbs with and without clinical improvement at 6 week follow-up (p=0.027 and p=0.017, respectively). The ROC curve for change in deoxyhemoglobin at the calves showed a cutoff value of ≤1.0, and ≤-0.5 at the feet, which were discriminative for clinical improvement (sensitivity 77%; specificity 75% and sensitivity 62%; specificity 88%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HSI can detect changes in perfusion at the calves after EVT in patients with Rutherford class 2-6. Peri-procedural deoxyhemoglobin changes at the calves and feet are significantly different between limbs with and without clinical improvement. Decrease in deoxyhemoglobin directly after EVT may identify limbs that show clinical improvement 6 weeks after EVT.

Angioplastia coronária com stent em pacientes operados de cardiopatias congênitas / Coronary angioplasty with stent in patients operated on for congenital heart disease

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Anomalias congênitas da origem ou trajeto das coronárias podem necessitar correção cirúrgica. Outras cardiopatias congênitas requerem translocação das coronárias na cirurgia corretiva (ex: transposição das grandes artérias [TGA]). Compressão extrínseca, acotovelamentos, retração cicatricial entre outros podem causar insuficiência coronária (ICo) no pós-operatório (PO) precoce ou tardio. O manejo terapêutico destas situações não é bem estabelecido na literatura. Objetivo é relatar nossa experiência com a angioplastia coronária nestes pacientes e seus desfechos. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de pacientes previamente operados de cardiopatias congênitas que necessitaram de reimplante de uma ou 2 coronárias. ICo foi suspeitada clinicamente e confirmada por angiografia, ultra-som (US) ou angiotomografia coronária (TC). Confirmada a obstrução, procedeu-se com implante de stent eluído seguido de reavaliação clínica, métodos de imagem intra-coronário e exames de rastreamento para ICo. Dupla antiagregação foi mantida por 3 meses e o AAS indefinidamente. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Quatro pacientes (lactente, criança, adolescente e adulto jovem) previamente operados (TGA [n=2], origem anômala da coronária esquerda [CE], trajeto maligno da CE) foram submetidos com sucesso a angioplastia com stent. No caso da TGA do lactente, o procedimento foi realizado por via carotídea em ECMO no PO precoce. Neste, o stent foi implantado no tronco da coronária direita. Nos 3 casos eletivos com angina estável no PO tardio, mecanismos diversos de estenose foram observados no US e/ou na TC. Nestes, os stents foram implantados via femoral no tronco da coronária esquerda. Não houve complicações dos procedimentos. Stents compatíveis com o diâmetro de coronária do adulto foram usados. Todos os pacientes apresentaram melhora clínica e laboratorial imediata e se mantiveram sem ICo no seguimento. O lactente permaneceu com acinesia na parede inferior. CONCLUSÕES: A angioplastia coronária deve ser considerada no manejo de pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas que necessitaram de reimplante das coronárias e que apresentam ICo precoce ou tardia. Nesta experiência inicial, o procedimento se mostrou factível, seguro e eficaz.

Experiência inicial com o implante percutâneo da prótese S3 Edwards na posição pulmonar / Initial experience with percutaneous implantation of the S3 Edwards prosthesis in the pulmonary position

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: O implante percutâneo da valva pulmonar foi iniciado com valva Melody há mais de 20 anos. Esta é adequada para condutos e biopróteses na via de saída do ventrículo direito (VSVD) com diâmetros internos de 16-22 mm. A valva Sapien S3 (Edwards), comumente usada para TAVIs, foi recentemente aprovada no Brasil para a posição pulmonar. O objetivo é relatar a experiência inicial com esta nova bioprótese. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional de pacientes com disfunção (estenose e/ou insuficiência) em biopróteses, condutos e VSVD nativas ou modificadas por retalhos. O procedimento foi realizado sob anestesia geral e a prótese S3 foi colocada através de bainha DrySeal 24 F após teste de complacência da VSVD e de compressão coronária. Fraturas intencionais nas biopróteses com balões de ultra alta pressão foram realizadas previamente de acordo com o operador. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Sete pacientes (11 a 35 anos; 26-80 kgs) com VSVD disfuncional (2 nativas, 1 conduto; 3 biopróteses; 1 retalho transanular) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso. As 3 biopróteses foram fraturadas com sucesso. Foram usadas próteses de 23 a 29 mm (estas nas VSVD mais dilatadas). Houve dificuldades para avanço do sistema em 2 pacientes. O implante no local desejado foi obtido em todos os casos com redução significativa do gradiente e/ou abolição da insuficiência. Não houve complicações. Em um seguimento variando de 1-6 meses a função valvar permanece preservada na ecocadiografia e houve melhora significativa da classe funcional. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta experiência inicial, o implante da prótese S3 na posição pulmonar foi factível, seguro e eficaz no curto prazo. Esta reprodutibilidade dos resultados já descritos na literatura é importante para que possamos continuar expandindo as indicações e absorver melhoramentos futuros no nosso meio.

Experiência nacional com o implante percutâneo da prótese MyVal na posição pulmonar / National experience with the percutaneous implantation of the MyVal prosthesis in the pulmonary position

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: O implante percutâneo da valva pulmonar tem sido realizado há mais de 20 anos, principalmente nos condutos e biopróteses na via de saída do ventrículo direito (VSVD). Algumas limitações são observadas com os sistemas disponíveis atuais incluindo diâmetros finais limitados a 22 mm (Melody) e/ou necessidade de bainhas de alto perfil (22-24 F) e rigidez do sistema (Sapien S3). O objetivo é avaliar a factibilidade, segurança e eficácia do implante da prótese MyVal (Meril) na posição pulmonar. MÉTODOS: Estudo piloto prospectivo observacional de pacientes com disfunção da VSVD (estenose e/ou insuficiência) necessitando de revalvularização segundo critérios clínicos. O procedimento foi realizado sob anestesia geral e a prótese MyVal colocada através de sistema 14-16 Fr após teste de complacência da VSVD e de compressão coronária. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Oito pacientes (5 a 67 anos; 15-80 kgs) com VSVD disfuncional (2 condutos; 3 biopróteses; 2 com retalho transanular e uma nativa) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso. Foram usadas próteses de 20 a 32 mm (estas nas VSVD mais dilatadas). Com exceção da criança de 15 kgs, não houve dificuldades para avanço do sistema. O implante no local desejado foi obtido em todos os casos com redução significativa do gradiente e/ou abolição da insuficiência. A criança de 15 kgs apresentou trombose femoral após. Em um seguimento variando de 1 mês a 1 ano e meio a função valvar permanece preservada na ecocadiografia. Houve melhora significativa da classe funcional. CONCLUSÕES: O implante da prótese MyVal na posição pulmonar foi factível, seguro e eficaz no curto prazo nesta experiência inicial. O sistema de menor perfil e mais flexível se mostrou versátil permitindo também abordar crianças pequenas. As VSVD dilatadas com ou sem retalhos puderam ser revalvularizadas com próteses 32 mm. Estudos com mais pacientes e com maior seguimento são necessários.

Implante percutâneo valvar em biopróteses cirúrgicas na posição tricúspide em pacientes com cardiopatias congênitas / Percutaneous valve implantation in surgical bioprostheses in the tricuspid position in patients with congenital heart disease

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Algumas cardiopatias congênitas cursam com anormalidades na valva tricúspide que requerem plastia ou troca valvar. A durabilidade das biopróteses na posição tricúspide é baixa com necessidade de reintervenção de cerca 50% em 5 anos. O implante percutâneo valvar dentro destas próteses ("valve-in-valve") tem sido descrito com resultados animadores. O objetivo é relatar a experiência inicial com este procedimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo observacional de pacientes previamente operados de cardiopatias congênitas com bipróteses com disfunção (estenose e/ou insuficiência) em posição tricúspide submetidos a revalvularização percutânea. Foram utilizadas as próteses Melody, Sapien XT e S3 e MyVal por via femoral ou jugular. A escolha do diâmetro foi 1-3 mm maior que o anel interno protético. O seguimento foi clínico e ecocardiográfico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Sete pacientes (11 a 35 anos; 32-80 kgs) previamente operados (4 Ebstein, 2 Fallot e 1 EPV crítica) com bioprótese tricúspide foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso e implante na posição desejada. A valva Melody implantada a 24 mm apresentou insuficiência moderada. Nas 3 biopróteses S3 e MyVal implantadas a 26-30 mm o funcionamento valvar foi adequado com abolição do gradiente e da insuficiência. Uma paciente apresentou bloqueio AV total revertido com corticóide 2 semanas após. Um paciente (da Melody) com anemia falciforme faleceu de sepsis 1 ano depois. Em um seguimento variando de 1 mês a 3 anos a função valvar permaneceu preservada na ecocadiografia nos 6 pacientes com melhora significativa da classe funcional. Conclusões: Nesta experiência inicial, a revalvularização percutânea da bioprótese tricúspide foi factível, segura e eficaz no curto prazo. Próteses disponíveis em diâmetros maiores (S3 e MyVal) parecem ser mais adequadas.

Reabilitação percutânea dos condutos extra cardíacos no PO tardio de Fontan. Para que esperar por complicações? / Percutaneous rehabilitation of extracardiac conduits in the late postoperative period of Fontan. Why wait for complications?

INTRODUÇÃO E/OU FUNDAMENTOS: Pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de Fontan podem apresentar complicações tardias que incluem congestão venosa crônica, hepatopatia, enteropatia perdedora de proteínas, bronquite plástica entre outros. Com o crescimento somático, os condutos colocados aos 2-5 anos de idade com diâmetros entre 16-20 mm se alongam longitudinalmente causando redução progressiva do diâmetro interno. Tal fenômeno pode estar envolvido nas complicações descritas. Objetivo é relatar nossa experiência com a reabilitação percutânea tardia destes condutos. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional de pacientes com complicações tardias de Fontan com redução significativa do diâmetro do conduto externo na angiografia em PA ou perfil. A presença de gradientes não foi considerada como parâmetro para intervenção. Stents implantados com diâmetros de 18-20 mm foram usados. O seguimento constou de reavaliação clínica e laboratorial. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Quatro pacientes (mediana idade 18 anos) foram submetidos ao procedimento com sucesso e sem complicações. Três deles apresentavam sinais e sintomas de enteropatia perdedora de proteínas e o outro congestão venosa crônica e hepatopatia. Não foram observados gradientes de pressão no conduto. Entretanto, todos apresentavam dilatação significativa da VCI e supra-hepáticas com estase local. Os diâmetros médios dos condutos aumentaram de 12 +/- 3 para 19 +/- 2 mm. Alta hospitalar foi dada no dia seguinte. Todos apresentaram melhora dos parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais no seguimento. CONCLUSÕES: A reabilitação percutânea dos condutos extra cardíaco usados na Cirurgia de Fontan é uma modalidade terapêutica simples, segura e eficaz no manejo de possíveis complicações tardias. Postulamos que todos os pacientes no PO tardio de Fontan devam ser submetidos a investigação da redução do lumen do conduto após o estirão da puberdade e submetidos a este tipo de tratamento antes que possíveis complicações tardias se instalem. Esta conduta profilática mais agressiva deve ser investigada em experiências futuras com maior número de pacientes.

Determination of Changes in Tissue Perfusion at Home with Hyperspectral and Thermal Imaging in the First Six Weeks after Endovascular Therapy in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

The aims of this study were to assess changes in tissue perfusion up to 6 weeks after endovascular therapy (EVT), in hospital and at home, and to determine differences in tissue perfusion between patients with and without clinical improvement or good angiographic result. This single-center prospective cohort study included patients undergoing EVT for Rutherford stages two to six. Hyperspectral and thermal imaging were performed at the dorsal and plantar sides of the foot. These measurements consisted of a baseline measurement pre-EVT, and six follow-up measurements obtained at 1 and 4 h and 6 weeks in hospital, and 1 day, 7 days, and 14 days at home. Clinical improvement was defined as a decrease of one or more Rutherford class or decrease in the wound surface area and a good angiographic result was accomplished when a Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of PAD II C or D lesion was treated and uninterrupted flow continued in at least one below-the-knee artery in continuation with the inframalleolar arteries. The study included 34 patients with 41 treated limbs. Deoxyhemoglobin values were lower 1 h post-EVT compared with baseline and increased over time up to 6 weeks post-EVT. Significant differences in deoxyhemoglobin levels at 7 and 14 days post-EVT were determined between patients with and without clinical or angiographic success. This prospective pilot study shows the feasibility of hyperspectral imaging and thermal imaging post-EVT at home, which may decrease the need for hospital visits.

Laser Doppler Flowmetry Combined with Spectroscopy to Determine Peripheral Tissue Perfusion and Oxygen Saturation: A Pilot Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we assessed the ability of the EPOS system (Perimed AB, Järfälla, Stockholm, Sweden) to detect differences in tissue perfusion between healthy volunteers and patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with different severity of disease. METHODS: This single-center prospective pilot study included 10 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with PAD scheduled for endovascular therapy (EVT). EPOS measurements were performed at rest at 32 °C and 44 °C, followed by transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPo2) measurements. The measurements were performed on the dorsal and medial side of the foot, as well as the lateral side of the calf. EPOS parameters included hemoglobin oxygen saturation (HbSo2) and speed-resolved red blood cell (RBC) perfusion. RESULTS: HbSo2 at 44 °C was significantly different between the three groups for all measurement locations. The overall speed-resolved RBC perfusion at 44 °C was statistically significant between the groups on the dorsal and medial side of the foot but not on the calf. TcPo2 values were not significantly different between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the EPOS system can depict differences in tissue perfusion between healthy volunteers, patients with Fontaine class IIb PAD, and those with Fontaine class III or IV PAD but only after heating to 44 °C.

Water stress signaling and hydraulic traits in three congeneric citrus species under water deficit.

Morpho-physiological strategies to deal with water deficit vary among citrus species and the chemical signaling through ABA and anatomical, hydraulic, and physiological traits were evaluated in saplings of Rangpur lime, Swingle citrumelo and Valencia sweet orange. Trunk and roots of Swingle citrumelo presented lower vessel diameter and higher vessel frequency as compared to the other species. However, relative water content at the turgor loss point (RWCTLP), the osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψ0), the osmotic potential at the turgor loss point (ΨTLP), bulk modulus of elasticity (ε) and the xylem water potential when hydraulic conductivity is reduced by 50% (Ψ50) and 88% (Ψ88) indicated similar hydraulic traits among citrus species, with Rangpur lime showing the highest hydraulic safety margin. Roots of Rangpur lime and Swingle citrumelo were more water conductive than ones of Valencia sweet orange, which was linked to higher stomatal conductance. Chemical signaling through ABA prevented shoot dehydration in Rangpur lime under water deficit, with this species showing a more conservative stomatal behavior, sensing, and responding rapidly to low soil moisture. Taken together, our results suggest that Rangpur lime - the drought tolerant species - has an improved control of leaf water status due to chemical signaling and effective stomatal regulation for reducing water loss as well as decreased root hydraulic conductivity for saving water resources under limiting conditions.

Bioluminescent RAPPID Sensors for the Single-Step Detection of Soluble Axl and Multiplex Analysis of Cell Surface Cancer Biomarkers.

Early diagnosis of cancer is essential for the efficacy of treatment. Our group recently developed RAPPID, a bioluminescent immunoassay platform capable of measuring a wide panel of biomarkers directly in solution. Here, we developed and systematically screened different RAPPID sensors for sensitive detection of the soluble fraction of Axl (sAxl), a cell surface receptor that is overexpressed in several types of cancer. The best-performing RAPPID sensor, with a limit of detection of 8 pM and a >9-fold maximal change in emission ratio, was applied to measure Axl in three different contexts: clinically relevant sAxl levels (∼0.5 and ∼1 nM) in diluted blood plasma, proteolytically cleaved Axl in the cell culture medium of A431 and HeLa cancer cells, and Axl on the membrane of A431 cells. We further extended the sensor toolbox by developing dual-color RAPPID for simultaneous detection of Axl and EGFR on A431 and HeLa cells, as well as an AND-gate RAPPID that measures the concurrent presence of these two cell surface receptors on the same cell. These new RAPPID sensors provide attractive alternatives for more laborious protein detection and quantification methods such as FACS and immunostainings, due to their simple practical implantation and low intrinsic background signal.

Mindfulness-based program to support lifestyle modification and weight loss in infertile women: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the short-term effects of a mindfulness-based program (MBP) on weight loss through lifestyle modification in infertile women who were overweight or obese. METHODS: The participants were randomly assigned to 8 consecutive weekly sessions of MBP plus diet or diet alone. Both groups received a customized dietary plan. Body measures were taken and a questionnaire was applied to evaluate dietary habits at baseline and three months later. RESULTS: The study was completed by 28 women in the MBP group and 24 in the control group. Body weight decreased 1.8 kg (2.1%) in the MBP group (p = 0.001, follow-up vs. baseline) and 1.7 kg (1.9%) in the control group (p = 0.035). There was an average reduction of 2.9 cm of waist circumference in the MBP group (p = 0.008) and 0.3 cm in the control group (p = 0.633). There was a significant reduction in the daily energy intake of the women attending the MBP (mean difference -430 Kcal/day, p=0.010) whereas no significant change was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: In the short term, this MBP did not affect weight loss in infertile women, but the MBP intervention contributed to reduce waist circumference, possibly due to a significant decrease in food energy intake. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-7by76r.