High endothelial venules as potential gateways for therapeutics.

High endothelial venules (HEVs) are specialized blood vessels that support the migration of lymphocytes from the bloodstream into lymph nodes (LNs). They are also formed ectopically in mammalian organs affected by chronic inflammation and cancer. The recent arrival of immunotherapy at the forefront of many cancer treatment regimens could boost a crucial role for HEVs as gateways for the treatment of cancer. In this review, we describe the microanatomical and biochemical characteristics of HEVs, mechanisms of formation of newly made HEVs, immunotherapies potentially dependent on HEV-mediated T cell homing to tumors, and finally, how HEV-targeted therapies might be used as a complementary approach to potentially shape the therapeutic landscape for the treatment of cancer and immune-mediated diseases.

Assessment of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Cirrhinus mrigala induced by trypan blue - An azo dye.

Cytotoxicity in freshwater fishes induced by industrial effluents and dyes is a global issue. Trypan blue dye has many applications in different sectors, including laboratories and industries. This study determines to detect the cytotoxic effects of trypan blue dye in vivo. The objective of this study was to estimate the sub-lethal effects of azodye in fish. Cirrhinus mrigala, a freshwater fish, was exposed to three different grading concentrations of dye 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 20 mg/L in a glass aquarium. Significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the weight of fish was observed as 0.728 ± 0.14 g and 2.232 ± 0.24 g, respectively, in the trial groups exposed to 10 and 20 mg/L of dye in a week. After exposure to trypan blue dye, fishes were dissected to remove liver and kidney tissues. Histopathological assessments determined hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by trypan blue through the paraffin wax method. This dye induces mild alterations in the liver such as congestion, hemolysis, dilated sinusoids, ruptured hepatocytes, vacuolization, edema of hepatocytes, necrosis, degeneration, aggregation, and inflammation. This dye not only alters liver tissue, also induces an acute level of tissue alterations in the kidneys, such as degeneration of epithelial cells of renal tubules, shrinkage of the glomerulus, congestion, reduced lumen, degeneration of glomerulus, absence of space of bowmen, glomerulonephritis, necrosis in hematopoietic interstitial tissues and glomerulus, reduced lumen, vacuolar degeneration of renal tubules, increased per tubular space. The current study concludes that trypan blue dye released even in small amounts is found to be associated with a high incidence of cytotoxicity. Such tissue alterations in this species could be used as biomarkers for azo dyes.

Myocardial Infarction Induces Cardiac Fibroblast Transformation within Injured and Noninjured Regions of the Mouse Heart.

Heart failure (HF) is associated with pathological remodeling of the myocardium, including the initiation of fibrosis and scar formation by activated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Although early CF-dependent scar formation helps prevent cardiac rupture by maintaining the heart's structural integrity, ongoing deposition of the extracellular matrix in the remote and infarct regions can reduce tissue compliance, impair cardiac function, and accelerate progression to HF. In our study, we conducted mass spectrometry (MS) analysis to identify differentially altered proteins and signaling pathways between CFs isolated from 7 day sham and infarcted murine hearts. Surprisingly, CFs from both the remote and infarct regions of injured hearts had a wide number of similarly altered proteins and signaling pathways that were consistent with fibrosis and activation into pathological myofibroblasts. Specifically, proteins enriched in CFs isolated from MI hearts were involved in pathways pertaining to cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion, chaperone-mediated protein folding, and collagen fibril organization. These results, together with principal component analyses, provided evidence of global CF activation postinjury. Interestingly, however, direct comparisons between CFs from the remote and infarct regions of injured hearts identified 15 differentially expressed proteins between MI remote and MI infarct CFs. Eleven of these proteins (Gpc1, Cthrc1, Vmac, Nexn, Znf185, Sprr1a, Specc1, Emb, Limd2, Pawr, and Mcam) were higher in MI infarct CFs, whereas four proteins (Gstt1, Gstm1, Tceal3, and Inmt) were higher in MI remote CFs. Collectively, our study shows that MI injury induced global changes to the CF proteome, with the magnitude of change reflecting their relative proximity to the site of injury.

Variations in phytoremediation potential and phytoavailability of heavy metals in different Salix genotypes subjected to seasonal flooding.

Climate-related flooding poses a potential challenge to phytoremediation of metal polluted areas. In the present study, uptake, translocation and accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Zn and Cu), and their phytoavailability in six flood-tolerant Salix genotypes were investigated under simulated seasonal flooding conditions (non-flooding conditions were kept as the control). Plants were cultivated in a greenhouse with open windows using the soil polluted with Cd, Zn and Cu for 110 days. All the control (non-flooded) genotypes did not exhibit visible toxic symptoms, whereas the flooded genotypes showed leaf chlorosis and developed both lenticels and adventitious roots. Biomass production and metal accumulation in tissues varied with Salix genotypes. The flooded genotypes dramatically decreased aerial biomass production compared with corresponding non-flooded genotypes. All the control Salix genotypes showed relatively high accumulation for Cd, Zn and Cu in aerial parts due to high EDTA-extractable metals in the rhizosphere, exhibiting phytoextraction features. In contrast, the flooded genotypes drastically decreased uptake, translocation, accumulation, and extraction capacities for Cd, Zn and Cu in aerial parts, differing with genotypes, and tended to phyto-stabilize them in roots, especially Cu. This study indicated that flooding is a leading factor on phytoremediation efficiency for contaminated sites with willows.

Covert nail injury to the back: A case report.

Occupational trauma in carpentry is common in our society due to lack of awareness on occupational safety and poor availability and adherence towards protective equipment. Given below is an unusual case of a young carpenter who presented in the orthopaedic outpatient department with complaint of difficulty in walking for the last four days. On examination, restricted movement of the hip joint on extension was observed. On further work up in the form of radiological investigations, a long iron nail was discovered as incidental finding in the back in close proximity to the ascending colon and duodenum in the retroperitoneum. Elective laparotomy was performed to remove the nail, after which the patient improved clinically and his presenting complaints were completely resolved on further follow up. This demonstrates the unusual way in which such a case can present in the outpatient department instead of the emergency department and with symptoms that may prompt one to think of anything but foreign body trauma, emphasising the need for proper history and meticulous relevant clinical examination, as covert foreign body injury can occur to the back, especially in patients involved in such occupations.

Thermal vulnerability detection in integrated electronic and photonic circuits using infrared thermography.

Failure prediction of any electrical/optical component is crucial for estimating its operating life. Using high temperature operating life (HTOL) tests, it is possible to model the failure mechanisms for integrated circuits. Conventional HTOL standards are not suitable for operating life prediction of photonic components owing to their functional dependence on the thermo-optic effect. This work presents an infrared (IR)-assisted thermal vulnerability detection technique suitable for photonic as well as electronic components. By accurately mapping the thermal profile of an integrated circuit under a stress condition, it is possible to precisely locate the heat center for predicting the long-term operational failures within the device under test. For the first time, the reliability testing is extended to a fully functional microwave photonic system using conventional IR thermography. By applying image fusion using affine transformation on multimodal acquisition, it was demonstrated that by comparing the IR profile and GDSII layout, it is possible to accurately locate the heat centers along with spatial information on the type of component. Multiple IR profiles of optical as well as electrical components/circuits were acquired and mapped onto the layout files. In order to ascertain the degree of effectiveness of the proposed technique, IR profiles of complementary metal-oxide semiconductor RF and digital circuits were also analyzed. The presented technique offers a reliable automated identification of heat spots within a circuit/system.

Adsorption of Cd and Pb in contaminated gleysol by composite treatment of sepiolite, organic manure and lime in field and batch experiments.

Contamination of arable land with trace metals is a global environmental issue which has serious consequences on human health and food security. Present study evaluates the adsorption of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) by using different quantities of composite of sepiolite, organic manure and lime (SOL) at field and laboratory scale (batch experiments). Characterization of SOL by SEM, EDS and FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of elemental and functional groups (hydroxyl, C⋯H and -COOH groups) on its surface. The field experiment was performed in a paddy field of gleysol having moderate contamination of Cd and Pb (0.64 mg kg-1 and 53.44 mg kg-1). Here, different rates of SOL (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% w/w) were applied by growing low and high Cd accumulator rice cultivars. Application of SOL at 2% w/w showed considerable efficiency to increase soil pH (up to 19%) and to reduce available Cd (42-66%) and Pb (22-55%) as compared to the control. Moreover, its application reduced metal contents in roots, shoots and grains of rice by 31%, 36% and 72% (for Cd) and 41%, 81% and 84% (for Pb), respectively in low accumulator cultivar. Further, the batch sorption experiment was performed to evaluate the adsorption capacity of SOL in a wide range of contamination. Obtained sorption data was better fitted to the Langmuir equation. Our results highlight the strong efficiency of composite treatment for an enhanced in-situ metal immobilization under field and lab conditions. Further, applied treatments greatly reduced the metal contents in rice grains. In a nut shell, application of SOL in a contaminated gleysol should be considered for soil remediation and safe food production.

Identification of high cadmium-accumulating oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivars for phytoremediation of an Oxisol and an Inceptisol.

Forty oilseed sunflower cultivars were screened in two soil types for phytoremediation of Cd coupled with maximum biomass yield and oil production. Several cultivars exhibited a significant difference in biomass and yield with enhanced uptake in shoots and low accumulation in roots from two Cd-contaminated soil types, an Oxisol and an Iceptisol. The Transfer Factor of Cd was >1 in several cultivars in both soil types, where as a significant difference in phytoextraction of Cd was observed in the Oxisol (acidic soil), greater than in the Inceptisol (alkaline soil). The results revealed that of the 40 cultivars, S9178, Huanong 667in the Oxisol and cvs. DW 667, HN 667, Huanong 667 and 668F1 in the Inceptisol showed a high biomass, better yield and enhanced accumulation of Cd in the shoots but a lesser accumulation in oil. The screened cultivar S 9178 produced the greatest amount of oil (55.6%) with 77% oleic acid, which makes it suitable for human consumption. Cultivar Huanong 667 was found to be the highest accumulating cultivar in both soil types. It is therefore suggested that some sunflower cultivars do exhibit phytoremediation potential together with agro-production potential.

Interactions between cadmium and zinc in uptake, accumulation and bioavailability for Salix integra with respect to phytoremediation.

The willow (Salix spp.) is a potential accumulator of cadmium (Cd)/zinc (Zn), and the interaction between Cd and Zn is an important factor influencing their phytoextraction potentials. In this study, interactions between Cd and Zn in uptake, accumulation and bioavailability for Salix integra clone SI63 were investigated through nutrient solution and soil culture methods. The result of the soil culture showed that Cd had additive effects for Zn-caused biomass reduction. The result from nutrient solution indicated that added Zn showed antagonistic (low Cd level) or synergistic (moderate and high Cd levels) effects on shoot Cd accumulation and antagonistic effects on root Cd accumulation. Irrespective of nutrient solution or soil culture experiment, Cd addition always had antagonistic effects on Zn accumulation in both shoots and roots. Under Cd10Zn50 condition, the clone accumulated higher Cd and Zn concentrations (95 µg g-1 Cd and 165 µg g-1 Zn) in shoots. Cd slightly increased bioavailable Zn in the rhizosphere, and EDTA well predicted bioavailable Cd and Zn in the rhizosphere. Interactions of Cd-Zn markedly changed their respective phytoextraction potentials, especially for Zn. This result will provide a new insight into improving phytoextraction potentials of both Cd and Zn using willows through applying metal interactions.

Immobilization and sorption of Cd and Pb in contaminated stagnic anthrosols as amended with biochar and manure combined with inorganic additives.

The present study evaluated the efficiency of pre-selected composite amendments (CA-1: biochar-lime-sepiolite-zeolite and CA-2: manure-lime-sepiolite) for immobilization and sorption of Cd and Pb in field and batch sorption experiments. The field experiment was performed in a co-contaminated clay purple soil (stagnic anthrosols). Along with a control experiment (T1), CA-1 and CA-2 were tested at different rates including 750, 1500, 3000 and 6000 kg ha-1 by growing wheat as the test crop. The obtained results revealed that the highest dose of both composites (T5: 6000 kg ha-1 and T9: 6000 kg ha-1) increased the soil pH to 6.85 and 6.81, respectively as compared to the control (5.63). DTPA-extractable Cd and Pb contents decreased with composite treatments (T7 and T4) at harvest stage samples. Metal fractionation depicted that application of amendments decreased the exchangeable fraction at harvesting stage. Application of CA-2 and CA-1 (3000 kg ha-1) significantly increased the plant biomass (by 28% and 24%, respectively) and grain yield (by 26% and 22%, respectively) of wheat. Furthermore, batch sorption experiment results revealed that Langmuir adsorption model better fitted the sorption results with R2 values ranging between 0.99 and 0.91 for Cd and Pb, respectively. CA-1 and CA-2 exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity for Cd with no significant difference among treatments but Pb adsorption capacity was highest in CA-1 followed by CA-2 and control. The results of our experiments revealed that the application of organics combined with inorganic materials enhanced Cd and Pb immobilization and sorption, consequently reducing metals availability in laboratory and field conditions. Moreover, for field trials, application of the composite amendments at 3000 kg ha-1 emerged as the suitable treatment for tested wheat-grown area.

Characterization of fava bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes for phytoremediation of cadmium and lead co-contaminated soils coupled with agro-production.

The identification of high yield genotypes that are capable of accumulating multiple heavy metals in the non-edible parts (roots and shoots), but not in the edible parts (seeds) and have desired nutritional value is necessary for accomplishing phytoremediation coupled with agro-production. In this study, 17 fava bean genotypes were screened in two different field conditions to examine their phytoremediation potential in terms of uptake and translocation of Cd and Pb. Ten genotypes, LBAO, JNJX, DCAN, QXCJ, QIKM, LXYC, YDL6, RBCD, QPID and ZHW6 were found as the best accumulators for Cd and Pb with permissible limit of metals in seeds. The concentration of plant nutrients were genotype and soil type dependent and there was a significant correlation between these two factors. Furthermore, the three genotypes DCAN, LBAO and LXYC showed best performance in alluvial soil type while QPID, RBCD and LXYC were the best in red soil type. Genotype LXYC was similar for both soil types and appeared to be the best fit for phytoremediation coupled with agro-production for slightly or moderately Cd and Pb co-contaminated soil. Therefore, fava bean LXYC genotype is suggested as a potential candidate for phytoremediation of Cd/Pb co-contaminated soils coupled with agro-production.

Preincubation and vermicomposting of divergent biosolids exhibit vice versa multielements stoichiometry and earthworm physiology.

Sewage sludge and kitchen refuse are ubiquitously mounting wastes with high organic load, which if reprocessed they could salvage the environment. Reckoned with this certitude, an incubating study was initiated on sequential preincubation of sewage sludge with kitchen waste in 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70 ratios for 16 days ensued by vermicomposting of 30 days using Eisenia fetida. Concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) in the biosolid mixtures increased during preincubation but reduced progressively through vermicomposting due to bioaccumulation of these metals in the earthworm tissues. Earthworm growth parameters data reflected that sewage sludge and kitchen waste mixture with 70:30 ratio increased the number of cocoons (10.6%), biomass (8.2%), growth rate (8.3%), reproduction rate (12.2%), and decreased their mean mortality rate (80.1%) as compared to that in sole sewage sludge (control). Results of chemical analysis and SEM/EDS imaging, showed that alkalinity, organic carbon, C/N ratio, organic matter and concentration of trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) reduced while macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) increased in the final vermicompost as compared to that in initial mixtures. The FT-IR analysis also revealed that various biochemical functional groups underwent biodegradation during combined preincubation-vermicomposting. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of all trace elements in the earthworm tissues was higher with 70:30 ratio of substrates, with the trend of Cd > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr. Hence, this study concludes that combined preincubation-vermicomposting is the most efficient and ecofriendly technique for biodegradation, stabilization, and conversion of sewage sludge and kitchen waste into organic fertilizer. The nutrient rich vermicompost can be safely used as horticultural substrate and soil conditioner for efficient management of degraded soils. Finally, combined preincubation-vermicomposting is a sustainable system of recycling the sewage sludge along with kitchen waste.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in a young patient with left ventricular spongiform cardiomyopathy: A case report and review of literature.

Left ventricular spongiform or non compaction cardiomyopathy is one of the rarer forms of cardiomyopathy with a reported prevalence of 0.014-0.05% in adults. It is characterized by severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction occurring secondary to the failure of the myocardium to fuse resulting in non-compacted myocardium with a trabeculated appearance of the myocardium. Initially described on the basis of 2-D echocardiography, the identification of left ventricular non compaction has now improved with the introduction of sophisticated imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging that allows better visualization of the non-compacted myocardium assisting in accurate diagnosis. We report a case of isolated left ventricular spongiform or non-compaction cardiomyopathy that was diagnosed on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with classical features. The patient was started on standard heart failure medications along with anticoagulation and continues to do well on follow up.

The Association Between Physical activity with Cognitive And Cardiovascular Deconditioning In Age Related Decline Of College Students.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between physical activity and cognition in age-related decline of college students and to find the correlation between physical activity with cardiovascular deconditioning. METHODS: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to May 1, 2017, in different medical and engineering colleges of Rawalpindi and Islamabad in Pakistan.Data was collected through non-probability purposive sampling method. Demographic data was recorded and standardized assessment tools, including physical activity index and stroop colour word test for cognition, were used. Bivariate correlation analysis was used to determine association between different variables. RESULTS: Of the 702 subjects, 340(48.5%) were males and 362(51.7%) were females. The overall mean age was 21.84±1.73 years (range: 17-24 years), and mean body mass index was 22.12±3.6.Overall, 292 (41.8%) students were labelled as physically active and 410(58.8%) had sedentary lifestyle.Physical activity and cognition showed positive association (p=0.004) in students.Physically inactive participants showed cardiovascular and cognitive deconditioning with age (p = 0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was found to be a key tool of cardiovascular health and cognition.It ameliorated overall health and brought better academic performance of students engaged in sports-related activities.

Microelectrophoretic study of environmentally induced DNA damage in fish and its use for early toxicity screening of freshwater bodies.

This study investigates the potential of the comet and micronucleus assays of fish DNA as a means of screening the toxicity of aquatic environments. Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala collected from the River Chenab in Pakistan were used as a case study for the application of comet and micronucleus techniques. Comet and micronucleus assays were used to compare DNA damage in C. catla and C. mrigala collected from polluted areas of the River Chenab and farmed fish. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed an acute level of toxicity from Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, Sn, and Hg in river water. Comet assay showed significant (p < 0.05) DNA damage in C. catla representing 17.33 ± 2.42, 11.53 ± 2.14, and 14.17% DNA in the comet tail, averaged from three sites of the polluted area of the river. Tail moment was observed as 10.06 ± 2.71, 3.11 ± 0.74, and 14.70 ± 1.89, while olive moment was 8.85 ± 1.84, 3.83 ± 0.76, and 7.11 ± 0.73, respectively. Highly significant (p < 0.01) damage was reported in C. mrigala as 37.29 ± 2.51, 34.96 ± 2.53, and 38.80 ± 2.42% DNA in comet tail, tail moment was 23.48 ± 3.90, 19.78 ± 4.26, and 14.30 ± 1.82, and olive moment was 16.22 ± 2.04, 13.83 ± 1.96, and10.99 ± 0.90. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed in genotoxicity between farmed and polluted area fish. Micronucleus assay showed a similar picture of significant difference in respect to single and double micronucleus induction: i.e., 23.20 ± 4.19 and 2.80 ± 1.07‰ in C. catla and 44.80 ± 3.73 and 06.20 ± 0.97‰, respectively, in C. mrigala. Nuclear abnormalities were found as 6.00 ± 0.84 and 09.60 ± 1.72/thousand cells, respectively, in both species. The results of this study suggest that these novel fish DNA damage assays can be used as an expedient toxicity screening for aquatic environments.

Caught in the act - Migration of a large right atrial thrombus to pulmonary artery during transthoracic echocardiography - A case report.

In cases of pulmonary embolism, the visualization of a free-floating right heart thrombus on conventional transthoracic echocardiography is extremely rare. Even rarer is an echocardiographic recording of migration of a free-floating clot from the right heart into the pulmonary vasculature leading to pulmonary embolism. We present a unique case of an elderly man who presented with dyspnoea, in whom a routine 2-D bed side transthoracic echo recorded the live transit of a free floating thrombus from the right heart into the pulmonary artery resulting in pulmonary embolism. The patient remained haemodynamically stable and was managed with anticoagulation. Our case objectively highlights the rare occurrence of free floating right heart thrombi and their association with pulmonary embolism and also focuses on the options of management of such thrombi.

Doppler waveform study as indicator of change of portal pressure after administration of octreotide.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of portal pressure lowering drug 'octreotide', by observing the Doppler waveform before and after the administration of intravenous bolus of octreotide and thus to assess indirectly its efficacy to lower the portal pressure. METHODS: This quassi experimental study was carried out in Medical Department in collaboration with Radiology Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center Karachi Pakistan from September 10, 2015 to February 5, 2016. Cases were selected from patients admitted in Medical Wards and those attending Medical OPD. Diagnosis of cirrhosis was confirmed by Clinical Examination and Lab & Imaging investigation in Medical Department. Doppler waveform study was done by experienced radiologist in Radiology Department before and after administration of octreotide. Doppler signals were obtained from the right hepatic vein. Waveform tracings were recorded for five seconds and categorized as 'monophasic', 'biphasic' and 'triphasic'. Waveform changes from one waveform to other were noted and analyzed. RESULTS: Significant change i.e. from 'monophasic' to 'biphasic' or 'biphasic' to 'triphasic' was seen in 56% cases while 'monophasic' to 'triphasic' was seen in 20% cases. No change was seen in 24% cases. Improvement in waveform reflects lowering of portal vein pressure. CONCLUSION: Non invasive Hepatic vein Doppler waveform study showed improvement in Doppler waveform after administration of octreotide in 76% cases. Doppler waveform study has the potential of becoming non invasive 'follow up tool' of choice for assessing portal pressure in patients having variceal bleed due to portal hypertension.

Prevalence of respiratory failure and use of mechanical ventilation in heart failure patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate respiratory complications in heart failure patients undergoing left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Adult admissions (>18 years) undergoing LAAO during 2016-2020 were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. Heart failure (HF) was stratified into systolic (SHF) and diastolic heart failure (DHF) and were compared to those without HF. Outcomes of interested included acute respiratory failure, use of non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 74,440 admissions for atrial fibrillation undergoing LAAO, SHF and DHF were noted in 8335 (11.2%) and 10,925 (14.7%), respectively. The SHF cohort was predominantly male (78%) whereas DHF cohort were female (53%). Compared to those without HF, presence of SHF (2.3% vs. 0.6%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.61 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.10-2.36]; p = 0.01) and DHF (2.8% vs. 0.6%; adjusted OR 2.20 [95% CI 1.58-3.06]; p < 0.001) were associated with higher rates of acute respiratory failure. SHF (1.7% vs. 0.6%; adjusted OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.07-2.71]; p = 0.02) group but not DHF (1.2% vs. 0.6%; adjusted OR 1.21 [95% CI 0.78-1.89]; p = 0.39) was associated with higher rates of non-invasive ventilation, whereas the DHF group (0.9% vs. 0.2%; adjusted OR 1.91 [95% CI 1.08-3.34]; p = 0.02) but not SHF (0.8% vs. 0.2%; adjusted OR 1.54 [95% CI 0.83-2.84]; p = 0.17) was associated with higher rates of invasive mechanical ventilation use. In-hospital mortality was comparable between cohorts. CONCLUSION: Compared to those without HF, atrial fibrillation admissions with HF undergoing LAAO had higher rates of acute respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation rates without differences in in-hospital mortality.

Inpatient outcomes of mechanical circulatory support devices and heart transplantation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of HCM presents unique challenges for the management of cardiogenic shock and the use of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSD). However, outcomes investigations for MCSD and HT in HCM patients is limited to case reports. The present study investigated MCSD and HT outcomes in HCM patients in a large retrospective cohort. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (2016-2019) was used for the retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized for MCSD and HT using ICD-10 codes. Patients with implantation of more than one device category were excluded. These patients were divided into two cohorts, with and without HCM, and compared in terms of in-hospital mortality, trends in mortality rates, hospitalization costs and mean length of stay. RESULTS: Among 267,780 patients hospitalized for MCSD and HT, 1155 patients had underlying HCM. Underlying HCM was associated with increased odds of mortality in patients receiving left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.03-11.2, p = 0.04) and temporary MCSD (OR 2.5, CI 1.8-3.6, p < 0.001). HCM was not associated with increased mortality in patients hospitalized for HT (OR 0.67, CI 0.15-2.85, p = 0.6). Patients with HCM undergoing MCSD and HT had a longer mean length of stay (22.1 vs 13.2 days, p = 0.004), and higher mean hospitalization charges ($830,103 vs $460,383, p < 0.0001) as compared to non-HCM patients. CONCLUSION: Underlying HCM is associated with increased in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing LVAD and temporary MCSD placement. Further prospective studies are required to expand our understanding of prognosis among HCM patients undergoing MCSD and establish management guidelines.

Mitigating cadmium exposure risk in rice with foliar nano-selenium: Investigations through Caco-2 human cell line in-vivo bioavailability assay.

The contamination of paddy fields by cadmium and lead is a major issue in China. The consumption of rice grown in heavy metals contaminated areas poses severe health risks to humans, where bioavailability and bioaccessibility remains the critical factor for risk determination. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) can mitigate the toxicity of heavy metals in plants. However, there exists limited information regarding the role of Se-NPs in dictating cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rice for human consumption. Moreover, the impact of Se-NPs under simultaneous field and laboratory controlled conditions is rarely documented. To address this knowledge gap, a field experiment was conducted followed by laboratory scale bioavailability assays. Foliar application of Se-NPs and selenite (at 5, 10 mg L-1) was performed to assess their efficiency in lowering Cd accumulation, promoting Se biofortification in rice grains, and evaluating Cd exposure risk from contaminated rice. Obtained results indicate that foliar treatments significantly reduced the heavy metal accumulation in rice grains. Specifically, Se-NP 10 mg L-1 demonstrated higher efficiency, reducing Cd and Pb by 56 and 32 % respectively. However, inconsistent trends for bioavailable Cd (0.03 mg kg-1) and bioaccessible (0.04 mg kg-1) were observed while simulated human rice intake. Furthermore, the foliage application of Se-NPs and selenite improved rice quality by elevating Se, Zn, Fe, and protein levels, while lowering phytic acid content in rice grains. In summary, this study suggests the promising potential of foliage spraying of Se-NPs in lowering the health risks associated with consuming Cd-contaminated rice.