Improving cardiovascular magnetic resonance access in low- and middle-income countries for cardiomyopathy assessment: rapid cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of a simplified, rapid cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol embedded in care and supported by a partner education programme on the management of cardiomyopathy (CMP) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Rapid CMR focused particularly on CMP was implemented in 11 centres, 7 cities, 5 countries, and 3 continents linked to training courses for local professionals. Patients were followed up for 24 months to assess impact. The rate of subsequent adoption was tracked. Five CMR conferences were delivered (920 attendees-potential referrers, radiographers, reporting cardiologists, or radiologists) and five new centres starting CMR. Six hundred and one patients were scanned. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance indications were 24% non-contrast T2* scans [myocardial iron overload (MIO)] and 72% suspected/known cardiomyopathies (including ischaemic and viability). Ninety-eighty per cent of studies were of diagnostic quality. The average scan time was 22 ± 6 min (contrast) and 12 ± 4 min (non-contrast), a potential cost/throughput reduction of between 30 and 60%. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings impacted management in 62%, including a new diagnosis in 22% and MIO detected in 30% of non-contrast scans. Nine centres continued using rapid CMR 2 years later (typically 1-2 days per week, 30 min slots). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid CMR of diagnostic quality can be delivered using available technology in LMICs. When embedded in care and a training programme, costs are lower, care is improved, and services can be sustained over time.

Mechanistic insights into the amidolysis of a phosphate triester: the antagonistic role of water.

The breakdown of O,O-diethyl-2,4-dinitrophenyl phosphate in formamide (FMD) solutions is assessed using kinetic studies and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. Regiospecific nucleophilic amidolysis via P-O bond cleavage is observed, leading to non-toxic diester and FMD regeneration. In the systems evaluated, water plays an antagonistic role: while it is key for the breakdown of the reaction intermediate, it inhibits the nucleophilic activity of FMD by hydrogen bonding effects.

Apparent digestibility and ingestive behavior of Nellore bulls with low and high residual feed intake.

The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between ingestive behavior, apparent digestibility, and residual feed intake (RFI) of finishing Nellore bulls fed a high concentrate diet. One hundred and twenty Nellore bulls, housed in individual pens, were evaluated in individual performance tests. The animals were fed a high concentrate diet (23:77 roughage/concentrate ratio). The animals were classified as low RFI, medium RFI, and high RFI. Data from ten animals from each group were used. Fecal production and nutrient digestibility were calculated using indigestible neutral detergent fiber as an internal marker. The feeding behavior was evaluated over 24 h by direct observation every 5 min. The most efficient animals (low RFI, 8.58 kg DM/day) consumed 27.62% less feed than the least efficient animals (high RFI, 10.95 kg DM/day). Animals with medium efficiency (mean RFI, 9.49 kg DM/day) consumed 15.39% less than high RFI. Nutrient digestibility coefficients were similar except for ether extract (P < 0.03) which was 8% greater for the high-RFI animals. No effect was observed for ingestive behavior (P > 0.05). Animals spent, on average, 3 h 28 min feeding, 7 h 32 min ruminating, and 13 h 40 min in idle time. In the present study, ingestive behavior and dry matter digestibility were not responsible for between-animal variation in residual feed intake in Nellore bulls fed a high concentrate diet.

Amlodipine as adjuvant therapy to current chelating agents for reducing iron overload in thalassaemia major: a systematic review, meta-analysis and simulation of future studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Iron overload in thalassaemia is a crucial prognostic factor and a major cause of death due to heart failure or arrhythmia. Therefore, previous research has recommended amlodipine as an auxiliary treatment to current chelating agents for reducing iron overload in thalassaemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the results of three randomized clinical trials evaluating the use of amlodipine in thalassaemia patients through 12 databases were carried out. RESULTS: Our final cohort included 130 patients. Insignificant difference in decreasing liver iron concentrations was found between amlodipine and control groups {weighted mean difference = -0·2, [95% confidence interval = (-0·55-0·15), P = 0·26]}. As regards serum ferritin, our analysis also showed no significant difference in serum ferritin between amlodipine and control groups {weighted mean difference [95% confidence interval = -0·16 (-0·51-0·19), P = 0·36]}. Similarly, there was insignificant difference in cardiac T2* between amlodipine and control groups {weighted mean difference [95% confidence interval = 0·34 (-0·01-0·69), P = 0·06]}. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the growing evidence supporting the role of amlodipine in reducing iron overload in thalassaemia patients, our meta-analysis did not find that evidence collectively significant. The results of our simulation suggest that when more data are available, a meta-analysis with more randomized clinical trials could provide more conclusive insights.

Degradation of Organophosphates Promoted by 1,2,4-Triazole Anion: Exploring Scaffolds for Efficient Catalytic Systems.

Organophosphate (OP) pesticides are responsible for numerous human deaths every year. Nucleophilic substitution is an important method to mitigate the toxicity of obsolete stocks of OPs. Herein, the degradation of O,O-diethyl-2,4-dinitrophenyl phosphate (DEDNPP) and pesticide diethyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate (Paraoxon) promoted by 1,2,4-triazole (TAZ) was investigated by means of kinetic studies, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses, and theoretical calculations. Results showed fast degradation of OPs is promoted by the anionic form of the nucleophile (TAZ(-)) in pH > 8.5 (optimal at pH = 11). Rate enhancements of 106 and 105-fold in relation to neutral hydrolysis of DEDNPP and Paraoxon were observed, respectively, consistent with alpha-nucleophiles reactivity. TAZ(-) regioselectively promotes the degradation of DEDNPP via P-O bond break, forming a quickly hydrolyzable phosphorylated intermediate, regenerating the nucleophile. Calculations using M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory revealed that the equivalent nitrogen atoms of TAZ(-) are the main nucleophilic center of the molecule. This study expands the knowledge on the reactivity of iminic compounds as detoxificant agents of OPs, indicating the efficiency and selectivity of TAZ(-) in aqueous medium, encouraging the design of novel TAZ-based catalysts.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in women with cardiovascular disease: position statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR).

This document is a position statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) on recommendations for clinical utilization of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in women with cardiovascular disease. The document was prepared by the SCMR Consensus Group on CMR Imaging for Female Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and endorsed by the SCMR Publications Committee and SCMR Executive Committee. The goals of this document are to (1) guide the informed selection of cardiovascular imaging methods, (2) inform clinical decision-making, (3) educate stakeholders on the advantages of CMR in specific clinical scenarios, and (4) empower patients with clinical evidence to participate in their clinical care. The statements of clinical utility presented in the current document pertain to the following clinical scenarios: acute coronary syndrome, stable ischemic heart disease, peripartum cardiomyopathy, cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction, aortic syndrome and congenital heart disease in pregnancy, bicuspid aortic valve and aortopathies, systemic rheumatic diseases and collagen vascular disorders, and cardiomyopathy-causing mutations. The authors cite published evidence when available and provide expert consensus otherwise. Most of the evidence available pertains to translational studies involving subjects of both sexes. However, the authors have prioritized review of data obtained from female patients, and direct comparison of CMR between women and men. This position statement does not consider CMR accessibility or availability of local expertise, but instead highlights the optimal utilization of CMR in women with known or suspected cardiovascular disease. Finally, the ultimate goal of this position statement is to improve the health of female patients with cardiovascular disease by providing specific recommendations on the use of CMR.

Effects of plant extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (mart.) coville, Lafoensia pacari a. st.-hil, copaifera spp., and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel on in vitro rumen fermentation.

The effects of doses CTL (0 mg), 30, 300 and 3000 mg/L of extracts from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (SA), Lafoensia pacari A. St.-Hil (LP), Copaifera spp. (CO) and Pterodon emarginatus Vogel (PE) on ruminal fermentation were investigated in eight experiments conducted in randomized complete block designs. The in vitro system contained four fermentation vessels. Each treatment was allocated in one vessel in each run. Incubation was run four and five times with diets 50:50 and 10:90 (roughage to concentrate ratio) respectively. Incubation vessel was the experimental unit, and each incubation run was a block. All plant extracts negatively affected DM degradation at 3000 mg/L. In diet 50:50, SA-3000 increased the molar proportion of propionate (p < 0.05), yet it decreased the concentration of fermentation products (p < 0.05); LP-300 reduced ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N; 98 vs. 120 mg/dl for LP-300 and average of CTL and LP-30, respectively) and isobutyrate (p < 0.05); CO-300 reduced (p < 0.05) NH3 -N (98 vs. 123 mg/dl for CO-300 and average of CTL and CO-30, respectively); and P. emarginatus had no positive effects on rumen fermentation (p > 0.05). In diet 10:90, SA-300 reduced (p < 0.001) NH3 -N and total volatile fatty acids (VFA); LP-30 increased (p < 0.05) total VFA (85 vs. 63 mM for LP-30 and CTL, respectively), molar proportions of acetate and propionate, and had lower C2 :C3 than CTL (3.6 vs. 4.3, respectively); CO-300 decreased acetate and increased propionate, reducing C2 :C3 (p < 0.001; 2.8 vs. 3.6 for CO-300 and average of other doses, respectively); PE-30 and PE-300 reduced NH3 -N by 14% and increased total VFA by 29% compared with CTL (p < 0.05). Further in vivo investigations may consider L. pacari (LP-30), Copaifera spp. (CO-300) oleoresin and P. emarginatus oleoresin (PE-30 and PE-300) in diets with high inclusion of concentrate.

Competitive Reactivity of Tautomers in the Degradation of Organophosphates by Imidazole Derivatives.

The harmful impact caused by pesticides on human health and the environment necessitates the development of efficient degradation processes and control of prohibited stocks of such substances. Organophosphates (OPs) are among the most used agrochemicals in the world and their degradation can proceed through several possible pathways. Investigating the reactivity of OPs with nucleophilic species allows one to propose new and efficient catalyst scaffolds for use in detoxification. In light of the remarkable catalytic activity of imidazole (IMZ) at promoting dephosphorylation processes of OPs, the reactivity of 4(5)-hydroxymethylimidazole (HMZ) with diethyl-2,4-dinitrophenylphosphate (DEDNPP) and Paraoxon are evaluated by combining experimental and theoretical approaches. It is observed that HMZ is an efficient and regiospecific catalyst with reactivity modulated by competing tautomers. To propose an optimal IMZ-based catalyst, quantum chemical calculations were performed for monosubstituted 4(5)IMZ derivatives that might cleave DEDNPP. Both inductive effects and hydrogen bonding by the substituents are shown to influence barriers and mechanisms.

Temperament and performance of Nellore bulls classified for residual feed intake in a feedlot system.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance in feedlot and temperament of Nellore bulls classified by residual feed intake. The residual feed intake was calculated as the difference between the observed and predicted dry matter intake. Bulls classified as low residual feed intake had lower dry matter intake (kg day-1) and dry matter intake (g kg-1 d-1) of body weight, and were more efficient in feed conversion ratio than those classified as medium and high. The average daily gain didn't differ among residual feed intake classes and was 1.69 kg day-1, 1.82 kg day-1 and 1.71 kg day-1 for bulls classified as low, medium, or high, respectively. The residual feed intake was positively associated with dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio and subcutaneous fat thickness. The subcutaneous fat thickness was lower in bulls classified as low residual feed intake than in those with medium and high. No differences were observed in flight speed and reactivity score among residual feed intake classes. Overall, we concluded that bulls classified as low residual feed intake consumed less dry matter than high, with no differences in average daily gain, temperamentand had better feed efficiency, albeit their subcutaneous fat thickness was lower.

A personalized computational model of edema formation in myocarditis based on long-axis biventricular MRI images.

BACKGROUND: Myocarditis is defined as the inflammation of the myocardium, i.e. the cardiac muscle. Among the reasons that lead to this disease, we may include infections caused by a virus, bacteria, protozoa, fungus, and others. One of the signs of the inflammation is the formation of edema, which may be a consequence of the interaction between interstitial fluid dynamics and immune response. This complex physiological process was mathematically modeled using a nonlinear system of partial differential equations (PDE) based on porous media approach. By combing a model based on Biot's poroelasticity theory with a model for the immune response we developed a new hydro-mechanical model for inflammatory edema. To verify this new computational model, T2 parametric mapping obtained by Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging was used to identify the region of edema in a patient diagnosed with unspecific myocarditis. RESULTS: A patient-specific geometrical model was created using MRI images from the patient with myocarditis. With this model, edema formation was simulated using the proposed hydro-mechanical mathematical model in a two-dimensional domain. The computer simulations allowed us to correlate spatiotemporal dynamics of representative cells of the immune systems, such as leucocytes and the pathogen, with fluid accumulation and cardiac tissue deformation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the proposed mathematical model is a very promising tool to better understand edema formation in myocarditis. Simulations obtained from a patient-specific model reproduced important aspects related to the formation of cardiac edema, its area, position, and shape, and how these features are related to immune response.

A randomized trial of amlodipine in addition to standard chelation therapy in patients with thalassemia major.

Cardiovascular disease resulting from iron accumulation is still a major cause of death in patients with thalassemia major (TM). Voltage-gated calcium-channel blockade prevents iron entry into cardiomyocytes and may provide an adjuvant treatment to chelation, reducing myocardial iron uptake. We evaluated whether addition of amlodipine to chelation strategies would reduce myocardial iron overload in TM patients compared with placebo. In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 62 patients were allocated to receive oral amlodipine 5 mg/day or placebo in addition to their current chelation regimen. The main outcome was change in myocardial iron concentration (MIC) determined by magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months, with patients stratified into reduction or prevention groups according to their initial T2* below or above the normal human threshold of 35 ms (MIC, 0.59 mg/g dry weight). At 12 months, patients in the reduction group receiving amlodipine (n = 15) had a significant decrease in MIC compared with patients receiving placebo (n = 15) with a median of -0.26 mg/g (95% confidence interval, -1.02 to -0.01) vs 0.01 mg/g (95% confidence interval, -0.13 to 0.23), P = .02. No significant changes were observed in the prevention group (treatment-effect interaction with P = .005). The same findings were observed in the subgroup of patients with T2* <20 ms. Amlodipine treatment did not cause any serious adverse events. Thus, in TM patients with cardiac siderosis, amlodipine combined with chelation therapy reduced cardiac iron more effectively than chelation therapy alone. Because this conclusion is based on subgroup analyses, it needs to be confirmed in ad hoc clinical trials. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier as #NCT01395199.

A free software for the calculation of T2* values for iron overload assessment.

Background Iron overload assessment with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using T2* has become a key diagnostic method in the management of many diseases. Quantitative analysis of the MRI images with a cost-effective tool has been a limitation to increased use of the method. Purpose To provide a free software solution for this purpose comparing the results with a commercial solution. Material and Methods The free tool was developed as a standalone program to be directly downloaded and ran in a common personal computer platform without the need of a dedicated workstation. Liver and cardiac T2* values were calculated using both tools and the values obtained compared between them in a group of 56 patients with suspected iron overload using Bland-Altman plots and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC). Results In the heart, the mean T2* differences between the two methods was 0.46 ms (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.037 -0.965) and in the liver 0.49 ms (95% CI, 0.257-0.722). The CCC for both the heart and the liver were significantly high (0.98 [95% CI, 0.966-0.988] with a Pearson ρ of 0.9811 and 0.991 [95% CI, 0.986-0.994] with a Pearson ρ of 0.996, respectively. No significant differences were observed when analyzing only patients with abnormal concentrations of iron in both organs compared to the whole cohort. Conclusion The proposed free software tool is accurate for calculation of T2* values of the liver and heart and might be a solution for centers that cannot use paid commercial solutions.

Radiographic Analysis of the Beef Cattle Digits Slaughtered after 114 Days of Confinement.

Foot disorders are responsible for up to 5% of confinement losses. Identifying the cause of lameness and applying the correct treatment are crucial measures. The possibility of determining the probable origins of digital lesions, their extension, and assistance in cases in which it was not possible to reach a definitive clinical diagnosis demonstrates that the radiographic evaluation provides information of great importance on cattle digits. Thus, this study aimed to investigate possible radiographic changes in the hoof, bone structures, and soft tissues of the digits of Nelore bulls at the end of the confinement period. Regarding the main signs, 100% (n = 24) showed proliferation of enthesophytes and osteophytes and irregular contours, 62.5% (n = 15) enlargement of vascular channels, 37.5% (n = 9) osteolysis, 33.4% (n = 8) gas content in the white line region, 20.84% (n = 5) gas content in the dorsal lamina region, and 4.16% (n = 1) presented palisade periosteal reaction. Ten (41.7%) out of 24 (100%) animals evaluated at the end of the confinement presented lameness, three animals of score three, four animals of score two, and three animals of score one. The higher the score indicating the severity of the signs observed in the visual assessment of the radiographs, the higher the internal angle values (moderate correlation of 0.5 and p < 0.05). A higher prevalence of osteo-proliferative radiographic changes was identified at the end of the 114-day confinement period in the third phalanx of Nellore cattle even in animals that had no lameness.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of bulls fed tannins associated or not with monensin.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tannin (a mix of hydrolyzable and condensed) and its association with monensin on feed efficiency, growth performance, and carcass of bulls fed high-grain diets with 14% and 13% crude protein (CP). Bulls (64 Nellore and 96 crossbred Angus × Nellore; initial body weight (BW) = 342 ±â€…25 kg; 20 ±â€…1 months) were allocated into 20 pens (8 from the same breed per pen). The treatments were T14 - 1.5 g of tannin/kg of dry matter (DM) (Bypro; Silva Team Brasil, Estância Velha, Brazil) in a diet with 14% of CP; M14 - 25 ppm monensin (Rumensin; Elanco Saúde Animal, São Paulo, Brazil) in a diet with 14% of CP; TM14 - 1.5 g of tannin/kg of DM and 25 ppm monensin in a diet with 14% of CP; TM13 - 1.5 g of tannin/kg of DM and 25 ppm monensin in a diet with 13% of CP. Data were analyzed using a randomized block design with pens as experimental units. Supplementation with tannin resulted in greater final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI) compared with Monensin (P < 0.05). The association between Tannin and Monensin decreased (P < 0.05) DMI without affecting growth performance, consequently improving the gain-to-feed ratio compared to the Tannin-alone treatment. When Tannin was combined with Monensin, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in net energy for gain and net energy for maintenance compared with Tannin supplementation alone. Bulls supplemented with Tannin in their diet exhibited greater (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight, carcass gain, and gluteus medius area compared with those supplemented with Monensin alone. Final BW, ADG, and DMI were lower (P < 0.05) when the CP content of the diet was decreased from 14% to 13%. The optimal combination for achieving maximum growth and feed efficiency was observed when bulls were fed with tannin and monensin combined in a diet containing 14% CP.

A veterinary cerumenomic assay for bovine laminitis identification.

Bovine laminitis disorder results in animal welfare and economic concerns in dairy and beef farms worldwide. However, the affected metabolic pathways, pathophysiologic characteristics, and inflammatory mechanisms remain unclear, hampering the development of new diagnostics. Using cerumen (earwax) as a source of volatile metabolites (cerumenomic) that carry valuable biological information has interesting implications for veterinary medicine. Nonetheless, up to now, no applications of veterinary cerumenomic assays have been made to identify bovine laminitis. This work aims to develop a veterinary cerumenomic assay for bovine laminitis identification that is non-invasive, robust, accurate, and sensitive to detecting the metabolic disturbances in bovine volatile metabolome. Twenty earwax samples (10 from healthy/control calves and 10 from laminitis calves) were collected from Nellore cattle, followed by Headspace/Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS/GC-MS) analysis and biomarker selection in two multivariate approaches: semiquantitative (intensity data) and semiqualitative (binary data). Following the analysis, cerumen volatile metabolites were indicated as candidate biomarkers for identifying bovine laminitis by monitoring their intensity or occurrence. In the semiquantitative strategy, the p-cresol presented the highest diagnostic figures of merit (area under the curve: 0.845, sensitivity: 0.700, and specificity: 0.900). Regarding the binary approach, a panel combining eight variables/volatiles, with formamide being the most prominent one, showed an area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.97, 0.81, and 0.90, respectively. In summary, this work describes the first veterinary cerumenomic assay for bovine laminitis that indicates new metabolites altered during the inflammatory condition, paving the way for developing laminitis early diagnosis by monitoring the cerumen metabolites.

Supplementation with live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii during the initial 42 days of the feedlot phase in Nellore beef cattle.

This study aimed to assess the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 supplementation during the initial feeding period on the performance of Nellore bulls in a feedlot system. One hundred ninety-eight Nellore bulls were used in a completely randomized block design, with blocking based on weight within each treatment group: light (331.4 kg; 4 pens), medium (349.7 kg; 4 pens), and heavy (362.5 kg; 3 pens). The treatments included CON-a basal diet, and SCB-basal diet plus a probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079; 1.0 × 1010 CFU/head/d). Experimental diets were administered for the first 42 d (21 d in the step-up phase and 21 d in the finishing diet -870 g concentrate/kg dry matter [DM]). Subsequently, both treatment groups were transitioned to the same basal diet for an additional 76 d, completing 118 d on feed. Linear regression analysis was conducted for dry matter intake (DMI) data. During the initial 42 d, DMI tended to be higher for SCB (P = 0.09); also bulls fed SCB reached the plateau of the curve at 9.17 kg DMI/d earlier (39 d, R2 = 0.97) than those fed CON (43 d; R2 = 0.96) diets. For the first 42 d, the SCB treatment exhibited higher final weight (393.0 vs. 401.4 kg, P = 0.02), total gain (49.3 vs. 53.5 kg, P = 0.02), daily weight gain (1.124 vs. 1.274 kg, P = 0.02), and G:F (0.174 vs. 0.188, P = 0.04). Over the entire 118-d period, SCB-fed bulls had greater final body weight (509.5 vs. 518.0 kg, P = 0.02), total body weight gain (163.7 vs. 170.3 kg, P = 0.01), and average daily gain (1.366 vs. 1.420 kg, P = 0.01). The feed efficiency of SCB-supplemented bulls was 8.05% higher than CON (P = 0.04), and the final carcass weight was 1.69% greater for animals fed SCB (283.8 vs. 288.6 kg, P = 0.04). Total carcass weight gain (110.9 vs. 114.7 kg) and daily carcass weight gain (0.924 vs. 0.956 kg) tended (P = 0.06) to increase by 3.46% in SCB-fed animals compared with those fed CON. Gain yield, carcass conversion, and carcass yield did not differ between treatments. There were no significant differences in the apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and ether extract between treatments. However, starch digestibility (92.7% vs. 88%) was greater for the control treatment (P < 0.001). Including live Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii yeast as a probiotic supplement during the initial 42 d in the feedlot enhanced early-stage growth performance in Nellore bulls. Notably, this supplementation carried over carcass gain over the entire feedlot period.

Characterization of CD4+CD28null T cells in patients with coronary artery disease and individuals with risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Risk factors for atherosclerosis may contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation. A highly cytotoxic and inflammatory CD4(+) cell subset (CD4(+)CD28(null) cells) has been associated with inflammatory diseases, including acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of this study was to quantify and characterize CD4(+)CD28(null) cells in individuals with risk factors for atherosclerosis and patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). In order to achieve this goal, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with risk factors for atherosclerosis and patients with CAD were analyzed using flow cytometry to detect cytotoxic molecules and evaluate the expression of homing receptors and inflammatory cytokines in CD4(+) cell subsets. The cells were evaluated ex vivo and after stimulation in culture. We found no differences in the proportions of CD4(+)CD28(null) cells among the groups. Compared with the CD4(+)CD28(+) population, the ex vivo CD4(+)CD28(null) subset from all groups expressed higher levels of granzymes A and B, perforin, granulysin and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Individuals with risk factors and patients with ACS showed the highest levels of cytotoxic molecules. After stimulation, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in the CD4(+)CD28(null) subset from these groups increased more than in the other groups. Stimulation with LPS decreased the expression of cytotoxic molecules by CD4(+)CD28(null) cells in all groups. In conclusion, our results show that risk factors for atherosclerosis may alter the CD4(+)CD28(null) cells phenotype, increasing their cytotoxic potential. Our findings also suggest that CD4(+)CD28(null) cells may participate in the early phases of atherosclerosis.

Highlights of the 16th annual scientific sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

The 16th Annual Scientific Sessions of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) took place in San Francisco, USA at the end of January 2013. With a faculty of experts from across the world, this congress provided a wealth of insight into cutting-edge research and technological development. This review article intends to provide a highlight of what represented the most significant advances in the field of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) during this year's meeting.

Right and left ventricular function and myocardial scarring in adult patients with sickle cell disease: a comprehensive magnetic resonance assessment of hepatic and myocardial iron overload.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Sickle cell disease (SCD) who receive regular transfusions are at risk for developing cardiac toxicity from iron overload. The aim of this study was to assess right and left cardiac volumes and function, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and iron deposits in patients with SCD using CMR, correlating these values with transfusion burden, ferritin and hemoglobin levels. METHODS: Thirty patients with SCD older than 20 years of age were studied in a 1.5 T scanner and compared to age- and sex-matched normal controls. Patients underwent analysis of biventricular volumes and function, LGE and T2* assessment of the liver and heart. RESULTS: When compared to controls, patients with SCD presented higher left ventricular (LV) volumes with decreased ejection fraction (EF) with an increase in stroke volume (SV) and LV hypertrophy. The right ventricle (RV) also presented with a decreased EF and hypertrophy, with an increased end-systolic volume. Although twenty-six patients had increased liver iron concentrations (median liver iron concentration value was 11.83 ± 9.66 mg/g), only one patient demonstrated an abnormal heart T2* < 20 msec. Only four patients (13%) LGE, with only one patient with an ischemic pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal heart iron levels and myocardial scars are not a common finding in SCD despite increased liver iron overload. The significantly different ventricular function seen in SCD compared to normal suggests the changes in RV and LV function may not be due to the anemia alone. Future studies are necessary to confirm this association.