Identification of a second glycoform of the clinically prevalent O1 antigen from Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Carbapenemase and extended ß-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates represent a major health threat, stimulating increasing interest in immunotherapeutic approaches for combating Klebsiella infections. Lipopolysaccharide O antigen polysaccharides offer viable targets for immunotherapeutic development, and several studies have described protection with O-specific antibodies in animal models of infection. O1 antigen is produced by almost half of clinical Klebsiella isolates. The O1 polysaccharide backbone structure is known, but monoclonal antibodies raised against the O1 antigen showed varying reactivity against different isolates that could not be explained by the known structure. Reinvestigation of the structure by NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of the reported polysaccharide backbone (glycoform O1a), as well as a previously unknown O1b glycoform composed of the O1a backbone modified with a terminal pyruvate group. The activity of the responsible pyruvyltransferase (WbbZ) was confirmed by western immunoblotting and in vitro chemoenzymatic synthesis of the O1b terminus. Bioinformatic data indicate that almost all O1 isolates possess genes required to produce both glycoforms. We describe the presence of O1ab-biosynthesis genes in other bacterial species and report a functional O1 locus on a bacteriophage genome. Homologs of wbbZ are widespread in genetic loci for the assembly of unrelated glycostructures in bacteria and yeast. In K. pneumoniae, simultaneous production of both O1 glycoforms is enabled by the lack of specificity of the ABC transporter that exports the nascent glycan, and the data reported here provide mechanistic understanding of the capacity for evolution of antigenic diversity within an important class of biomolecules produced by many bacteria.

Atrial fibrillation ablation workflow optimization facilitated by high-power short-duration ablation and high-resolution mapping.

AIMS: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a time-demanding procedure. High-power short-duration (HPSD) ablation protocols and high-density mapping catheters have recently been introduced to clinical practice. We investigated the impact of high-density mapping and HPSD ablation protocols on procedural timing, efficacy, and safety by comparing different standardized set-ups. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three electrophysiology (EP) laboratory set-ups were analysed: (i) circular catheter for mapping and HPSD ablation with 30/35 W guided by an ablation index (AI); (ii) pentaspline catheter for mapping an HPSD ablation with 50 W guided by an AI; and (iii) pentaspline catheter for mapping and HPSD ablation with 90 W over 4 s using a novel ablation catheter. All patients underwent PVI without additional left atrial ablation strategies. Procedural data and operating intervals in the EP laboratory were systematically analysed. Three hundred seven patients were analysed (30/35 W AI: n = 102, 50 W AI: n = 102, 90 W/4 s: n = 103). Skin-to-skin times [105.3 ± 22.7 (30/35 W AI) vs. 81.4 ± 21.3 (50 W AI) vs. 69.5 ± 12.2 (90 W/4 s) min, P ≤ 0.001] and total laboratory times (132.8 ± 42.1 vs. 107.4 ± 25.7 vs. 95.2 ± 14.0 min, P < 0.001) significantly differed among the study groups. Laboratory interval analysis revealed significant shortening of mapping and ablation times. Arrhythmia-free survival after 12 months was not different among the study groups (log-rank P = 0.96). CONCLUSION: The integration of high-density mapping and HPSD protocols into an institutional AF ablation process resulted in reduced procedure times without compromising safety or efficacy.

Venous vascular closure system vs. figure-of-eight suture following atrial fibrillation ablation: the STYLE-AF Study.

AIMS: Simplified ablation technologies for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are increasingly performed worldwide. One of the most common complications following PVI are vascular access-related complications. Lately, venous closure systems (VCSs) were introduced into clinical practice, aiming to reduce the time of bed rest, to increase the patients' comfort, and to reduce vascular access-related complications. The aim of the present study is to compare the safety and efficacy of using a VCS to achieve haemostasis following single-shot PVI to the actual standard of care [figure-of-eight suture and manual compression (MC)]. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a prospective, multicentre, randomized, controlled, open-label trial performed at three German centres. Patients were randomized 1:1 to undergo haemostasis either by means of VCS (VCS group) or of a figure-of-eight suture and MC (F8 group). The primary efficacy endpoint was the time to ambulation, while the primary safety endpoint was the incidence of major periprocedural adverse events until hospital discharge. A total of 125 patients were randomized. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The VCS group showed a shorter time to ambulation [109.0 (82.0, 160.0) vs. 269.0 (243.8, 340.5) min; P < 0.001], shorter time to haemostasis [1 (1, 2) vs. 5 (2, 10) min; P < 0.001], and shorter time to discharge eligibility [270 (270, 270) vs. 340 (300, 458) min; P < 0.001]. No major vascular access-related complication was reported in either group. A trend towards a lower incidence of minor vascular access-related complications on the day of procedure was observed in the VCS group [7 (11.1%) vs. 15 (24.2%); P = 0.063] as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Following AF ablation, the use of a VCS results in a significantly shorter time to ambulation, time to haemostasis, and time to discharge eligibility. No major vascular access-related complications were identified. The use of MC and a figure-of-eight suture showed a trend towards a higher incidence of minor vascular access-related complications.

[Impact Analysis of a new, Cross-sector Service Provision of Gastroenterologic Endoscopic Services in Accordance with 115f SGB V (Hybrid-DRG): Allocation Matrix and Cost Analysis]. / Auswirkungsanalyse einer neuen, sektorenübergreifenden Erbringung bisher stationärer endoskopischer gastroenterologischer Leistungen entsprechend §115f SGB V (Hybrid-DRG): Zuordnungsmatrix und Kostenanalyse.

BACKGROUND: With the introduction of §115f SGB V, the prerequisites for "sector-equal remuneration" ('Hybrid DRG') have been created. In an impact analysis, we assigned inpatient gastroenterological endoscopic (GAEN) cases in a matrix of future hybrid DRG versus outpatient surgery (AOP) or inpatient treatment. METHODS: In selected DRGs (G47B, G67A, G67B, G67C, G71Z, H41D, H41E) an allocation matrix of GAEN cases was created on medical grounds. For this purpose, service groups from the DGVS service catalog ('Leistungskatalog') were assigned to the groups: 'Hybrid-DRG', 'AOP' and 'Inpatient' by a group of experts based on the DGVS position paper. Cost data from the DGVS-DRG project for the 2022 data year from 36 InEK calculation hospitals with a total of 232,476 GAEN cases were evaluated. RESULTS: 26 service groups from the DGVS service catalog were assigned to a "Hybrid-DRG", 24 to the "inpatient" group, and 12 to the "AOP" group. 7 performance groups were splitted "depending on the OPS code" and classified at this level. Cases with additional fees were excluded from a hybrid DRG because these cannot be agreed there.The cost analysis shows that services that are already in the AOP have a similar cost level to services that have been classified as 'Hybrid-DRG'. With the cost calculation, a cost level could be presented for the hybrid DRGs formed. CONCLUSION: Based on clearly defined structural, procedural and personnel requirements, services from suitable DRGs can be transferred to a hybrid DRG. Assigning services without the involvement of clinical experts seems extremely difficult. Case assignment based on arbitrary contextual factors increases complexity without demonstrably increasing the quality of the assignment and needs to be further developed. A cost analysis can be derived from the known inpatient costs and must serve as the basis for the 2025 Hybrid DRG catalog.

Magnetic resonance assessment of left atrial scar formation following a novel very high-power short-duration workflow for atrial fibrillation ablation.

AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation protocols using energy delivery with very high power and short duration (vHPSD) have been introduced to improve lesion formation. This study reports procedural data of vHPSD ablation in AF patients and analyses characteristics of ablation-induced left atrial (LA) scar formation from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing index pulmonary vein isolation following our institutional Q4U-AF workflow were prospectively enrolled. Ablation was conducted using a contact force sensing catheter allowing for vHPSD ablation using a temperature-controlled ablation mode. Thirty patients underwent cardiac late gadolinium enhancement MRI of the LA 3 months after ablation to assess LA scar. Mean procedural duration was 66.5 ± 14.8 min. Mean ablation time was 4.7 ± 0.9 min with a mean number of 69.9 ± 14.2 applications. First-pass isolation was achieved in 51 patients (85%) for the right pulmonary veins (RPVs), in 37 patients (61.7%) for the left pulmonary veins (LPVs), and in 34 patients (56.7%) for both pulmonary veins (PVs). Magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months post-ablation demonstrated a mean scar width of 14.4 ± 2.6 mm around RPVs and 11.9 ± 1.9 mm at LPVs (P > 0.05). Complete PV encirclement was observed in 76.7% for RPVs, in 76.7% for LPVs, and in 66.7% for both PV pairs. During a mean follow-up of 4.7 ± 1.4 months, arrhythmia recurrence was observed in 3.3% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary vein isolation following a novel vHPSD workflow resulted in short procedure duration and high acute and mid-term efficacy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated durable and transmural PV lesions with homogeneous and contiguous scar formation.

EASY-WPW: a novel ECG-algorithm for easy and reliable localization of manifest accessory pathways in children and adults.

AIMS: Accessory pathway (AP) ablation is a standard procedure for the treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)-based delta wave analysis is essential for predicting ablation sites. Previous algorithms have shown to be complex, time-consuming, and unprecise. We aimed to retrospectively develop and prospectively validate a new, simple ECG-based algorithm considering the patients' heart axis allowing for exact localization of APs in patients undergoing ablation for WPW. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our multicentre study included 211 patients undergoing ablation of a single manifest AP due to WPW between 2013 and 2021. The algorithm was developed retrospectively and validated prospectively by comparing its efficacy to two established ones (Pambrun and Arruda). All patients (32 ± 19 years old, 47% female) underwent successful pathway ablation. Prediction of AP-localization was correct in 197 patients (93%) (sensitivity 92%, specificity 99%, PPV 96%, and NPV 99%). Our algorithm was particularly useful in correctly localizing antero-septal/-lateral (sensitivity and specificity 100%) and posteroseptal (sensitivity 98%, specificity 92%) AP in proximity to the tricuspid valve. The accuracy of EASY-WPW was superior compared to the Pambrun (93% vs. 84%, P = 0.003*) and the Arruda algorithm (94% vs. 75%, P < 0.001*). A subgroup analysis of children (n = 58, 12 ± 4 years old, 55% female) revealed superiority to the Arruda algorithm (P < 0.001*). The reproducibility of our algorithm was excellent (Ï°>0.8; P < 0.001*). CONCLUSION: The novel EASY-WPW algorithm provides reliable and accurate pre-interventional ablation site determination in WPW patients. Only two steps are necessary to locate left-sided AP, and three steps to determine right-sided AP.

Lesion formation following pulsed field ablation for pulmonary vein and posterior wall isolation.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed field ablation (PFA) results in unique lesion formation, but there is lack of in-vivo validation in terms of scar formation following atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to access atrial lesion formation based on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) following PFA for pulmonary vein (PV) and posterior wall isolation (PWI). METHODS: AF ablation was performed in 10 patients using a 31 mm pentaspline PFA catheter. After pulmonary vein isolation (PVI; n = 8 PFA-applications/ PV; n = 4 in basket and n = 4 in flower configuration), another eight applications in flower configuration were conducted for concomitant PWI. Patients underwent LGE CMR 3 months after ablation aiming for quantification of left atrial (LA) scar. RESULTS: Acute procedural success was achieved in all patients. Mean procedure duration was 62 ± 7 min. and mean LA dwell time of the PFA catheter was 13 ± 2 min. Mean post ablation total LA scar burden was 8.1 ± 2.1% and mean scar width was 12.8 ± 2.1 mm. At the posterior LA, 22.6 ± 2.2% of the anatomical segment resulted in chronic scar tissue, concentrated at the PW. Postablation CMR found no evidence for PV stenosis or collateral damage of adjacent structures. At 7 months of follow-up, 9/10 patients (90%) were free from arrhythmia recurrence. CONCLUSION: PFA for AF resulted in durable and transmural atrial scar tissue at the PVs and PW. LGE CMR found a very homogeneous and contiguous lesion pattern with no signs for collateral damage.

The individual relationship between atrial fibrillation sources from CARTOFINDER mapping and atrial cardiomyopathy: The catch me if you can trial.

BACKGROUND: Targeting individual sources identified during atrial fibrillation (AF) has been used as an ablation strategy with varying results. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between regions of interest (ROIs) from CARTOFINDER (CF) mapping and atrial cardiomyopathy from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients underwent index catheter ablation for persistent AF (PERS AF). Pre-processed LGE CMR images were merged with the results from CF mapping to visualize harboring regions for focal and rotational activities. Atrial cardiomyopathy was classified based on the four Utah stages. RESULTS: Procedural success was achieved in all patients (n = 20, 100%). LGE CMR revealed an intermediate amount of 21.41% ± 6.32% for LA fibrosis. ROIs were identified in all patients (mean no ROIs per patient n = 416.45 ± 204.57). A tendency towards a positive correlation between the total amount of atrial cardiomyopathy and the total number of ROIs per patient (regression coefficient, ß = 10.86, p = .15) was observed. The degree of fibrosis and the presence of ROIs per segment showed no consistent spatial correlation (posterior: ß = 0.36, p-value (p) = .24; anterior: ß = -0.08, p = .54; lateral: ß = 0.31, p = 39; septal: ß = -0.12; p = .66; right PVs: ß = 0.34, p = .27; left PVs: ß = 0.07, p = .79; LAA: ß = -0.91, p = .12). 12 months AF-free survival was 70% (n = 14) after ablation. CONCLUSION: The presence of ROIs from CF mapping was not directly associated with the extent and location of fibrosis. Further studies evaluating the relationship between focal and rotational activity and atrial cardiomyopathy are mandatory.

First clinical experience using a novel automated mapping algorithm for mapping of ventricular arrhythmias.

A new automated vector-based mapping algorithm (AMA) for 3-dimensional (3D) mapping has been introduced. The aim of this study was to present our experience using AMA to recognize additional catheter ablation targets in patients with ventricular arrhythmias (VA). A total of 16 patients (ICM; ischemic cardiomyopathy, n = 6; NICM; non-ischemic cardiomyopathy n = 10) suffering from VA underwent catheter ablation. Following bipolar voltage mapping, AMA was utilized to reveal zones of decelerated conduction velocity vectors (CVV) and this information was superimposed onto the 3D reconstructions and compared with the presence of scar. Mapping time was 28.1 ± 10 min for the endocardial reconstruction of the left ventricle (LV) and 17 ± 5.4 min for the epicardium (n = 6 patients). The mean area of LV low voltage was 13.9 ± 15% (endocardial) and 11.9 ± 5.7% (epicardial). Decelerating CVV zones were revealed in all patients (mean conduction velocity threshold of 39.3 ± 13%). Sustained VA have been terminated through ablation and substrate modification was performed in all patients. Correlation between the presence of CVV deceleration zones and areas of abnormal low voltage from bipolar mapping was revealed in only 37.5% of patients, but there was good correlation between scar from unipolar voltage mapping and the presence of CCV deceleration zones (94%; p = 0.008). The novel AMA may improve the understanding of individual VA substrates due to the visualization of decelerated CVV zones and their correlation with abnormal low voltage predominantly from unipolar mapping.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Reinforced Collagen Gel: A Comparison between Two Approaches to Differentiation towards Smooth Muscle Cells.

Scaffolds made of degradable polymers, such as collagen, polyesters or polysaccharides, are promising matrices for fabrication of bioartificial vascular grafts or patches. In this study, collagen isolated from porcine skin was processed into a gel, reinforced with collagen particles and with incorporated adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs). The cell-material constructs were then incubated in a DMEM medium with 2% of FS (DMEM_part), with added polyvinylalcohol nanofibers (PVA_part sample), and for ASCs differentiation towards smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the medium was supplemented either with human platelet lysate released from PVA nanofibers (PVA_PL_part) or with TGF-ß1 + BMP-4 (TGF + BMP_part). The constructs were further endothelialised with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (ECs). The immunofluorescence staining of alpha-actin and calponin, and von Willebrand factor, was performed. The proteins involved in cell differentiation, the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and ECM remodelling proteins were evaluated by mass spectrometry on day 12 of culture. Mechanical properties of the gels with ASCs were measured via an unconfined compression test on day 5. Gels evinced limited planar shrinkage, but it was higher in endothelialised TGF + BMP_part gel. Both PVA_PL_part samples and TGF + BMP_part samples supported ASC growth and differentiation towards SMCs, but only PVA_PL_part supported homogeneous endothelialisation. Young modulus of elasticity increased in all samples compared to day 0, and PVA_PL_part gel evinced a slightly higher ratio of elastic energy. The results suggest that PVA_PL_part collagen construct has the highest potential to remodel into a functional vascular wall.

Past and future impacts of land-use changes on ecosystem services in Austria.

Environmental and socio-economic developments induce land-use changes with potentially negative impacts on human well-being. To counteract undesired developments, a profound understanding of the complex relationships between drivers, land use, and ecosystem services is needed. Yet, national studies examining extended time periods are still rare. Based on the Special Report on land use, land management and climate change by the Austrian Panel on Climate Change (APCC), we use the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to (1) identify the main drivers of land-use change, (2) describe past and future land-use changes in Austria between 1950 and 2100, (3) report related impacts on ecosystem services, and (4) discuss management responses. Our findings indicate that socio-economic drivers (e.g., economic growth, political systems, and technological developments) have influenced past land-use changes the most. The intensification of agricultural land use and urban sprawl have primarily led to declining ecosystem services in the lowlands. In mountain regions, the abandonment of mountain grassland has prompted a shift from provisioning to regulating services. However, simulations indicate that accelerating climate change will surpass socio-economic drivers in significance towards the end of this century, particularly in intensively used agricultural areas. Although climate change-induced impacts on ecosystem services remain uncertain, it can be expected that the range of land-use management options will be restricted in the future. Consequently, policymaking should prioritize the development of integrated land-use planning to safeguard ecosystem services, accounting for future environmental and socio-economic uncertainties.

Direct comparison of two 50 W high power short duration approaches-Temperature- versus ablation index-guided radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION: Approaches applying higher energy levels for shorter periods (high power short duration, HPSD) to improve lesion formation for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation have been introduced. This single-center study aimed to compare the efficacy, safety, and lesion formation using the novel DiamondTemp (DT) catheter or an ablation index (AI)-guided HPSD ablation protocol using a force-sensing catheter with surround-flow irrigation. METHODS: One hundred thirteen consecutive patients undergoing radiofrequency-guided catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF were included. Forty-five patients treated with the DT catheter (50 W, 9 s), were compared to 68 consecutive patients undergoing AI-guided ablation (AI anterior 550; AI posterior 400) adherent to a 50 W HPSD protocol. Procedural data and AF recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: Acute procedural success was achieved in all patients (n = 113, 100%). DT-guided AF ablation was associated with a longer mean procedure duration (99.10 ± 28.30 min vs. 78.24 ± 25.55, p < .001) and more RF applications (75.24 ± 30.76 min vs. 61.27 ± 14.06, p = .019). RF duration (792.13 ± 311.23 s vs. 1035.54 ± 287.24 s, p < .001) and fluoroscopy dose (183.81 ± 178.13 vs. 295.80 ± 247.54 yGym2 , p = .013) were lower in the DT group. AI-guided HPSD was associated with a higher AF-free survival rate without reaching statistical significance (p = .088). Especially patients with PERS AF (p = .009) as well as patients with additional atrial arrhythmia substrate (p = .002) benefited from an AI-guided ablation strategy. CONCLUSION: Temperature- and AI- controlled HPSD RFCA using 50 W was safe and effective. AI-guided HPSD ablation seems to be associated with shorter procedure durations and fewer RF applications. Particularly in advanced AF, freedom from AF-recurrence may be improved using an AI-guided HPSD approach.

AV-node isolation as an alternative to AV-node ablation in patients undergoing pace & ablate strategy.

INTRODUCTION: Atrioventricular (AV)-node ablation (AVNA) is a common therapy option for rate control strategy of permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that isolation of the AV nodal isolation (AVNI) is associated with a more frequent preservation of an adequate escape rhythm compared to AVNA. METHODS: This retrospective study included 20 patients with therapy-refractory AF being treated with AVNI and 40 historical AVNA-controls. In AVNI the AV-node region was mapped using a 3D mapping system. Ablation was performed around the previously mapped HIS-cloud regions isolating the atrium from the AV-node. In the AVNI group, ablation was performed with irrigated tip ablation catheter in all cases. The two approaches were compared regarding rate of escape rhythm, delta QRS, and procedural data. RESULTS: The number of patients with adequate escape rhythm in AVNI was significantly superior to AVNA immediately postoperative (90% vs. 40%, p < 0.01) and during follow-up (77% vs. 36%, p < 0.05). The median change in QRS width was 0 ms in AVNI versus +26 ms in AVNA (p < 0.01). Thirty percent new bundle branch blocks in AVNA were observed compared to 0% in AVNI (p < 0.01). In the AVNI group, fluoroscopy time and total dose area product were significantly lower (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that AV-node isolation using 3D navigation mapping system is a feasible and effective alternative to conventional AVNA. The precise application of radiofrequency lesions preserves a stable AV-junctional rhythm.

A frozen decade: Ten years outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation using a single shot device for pulmonary vein isolation.

AIMS: Cryoballoon-guided pulmonary vein isolation (CB-PVI) for symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an established treatment option with encouraging results in terms of safety and efficacy. Data reporting on long-term data beyond a follow-up (FU) period of 5 years is scarce. This prospective study aimed to evaluate very long-term outcome after CB-PVI for AF. METHODS: Data from consecutive patients treated with CB-PVI for symptomatic and drug refractory AF between 2005 and 2012 were analyzed. Patients with a FU of ≥9 years after index CB-PVI were included. All patients were continuously followed-up in our outpatient clinic. Arrhythmia recurrence was defined as AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) lasting >30 s beyond a 3-month blanking period. RESULTS: A total of 385 patients (71% male) were included. Mean age was 58 ± 10 years and paroxysmal AF was present in 93% of patients. Mean FU duration was 124 ± 24 months. At the end of the observational period, 73% of all patients were in stable sinus rhythm after a mean of 2 ± 0.8 ablation procedures. Patients with AF/AT recurrence were older (60 ± 8 vs. 57 ± 10 years; p = .019), had a higher CHA2 DS2 -Vasc Score (2.47 ± 1.46 vs. 1.98 ± 1.50; p = .01) and presented with a larger left atrium (LA)-diameter (43 ± 5.6 vs. 40 ± 5.1 mm; p = .002). The LA-diameter was also a significant predictor for AF/AT recurrence after CB-PVI (odds ratio: 0.939, 95% confidence interval: [0.886, 0.992], p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: CB-PVI as index procedure for AF ablation resulted in favorable long-term outcome in symptomatic AF. CB-PVI might be recommended as interventional therapy in patients with lower LA remodeling.

Two competing cryoballoon technologies for single shot pulmonary vein isolation: first experiences with the novel system.

Following its introduction into clinical practice, the cryoballoon (CB) has proved to be an alternative for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). In comparison with the standard radiofrequency procedure, the CB method results in a shorter procedure time and learning curve as well as a higher degree of reproducibility. A new cryoballoon (NCB) was recently introduced on the market. In this review, we addressed the following questions: Is the new system technically similar to the previous one? Is there a difference in terms of periprocedural parameters? Are acute success and complication rates similar? Is the learning curve different?

First clinical experience using a visualized sheath for atrial fibrillation ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, a novel steerable sheath allowing its real-time visualization within a 3D-mapping system was introduced to facilitate atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. AIM: This study aimed to assess safety and efficacy of AF ablation using the visualized sheath and to compare its performance with a matched control group of patients who received ablation with conventional and non-visualized sheaths. METHODS: The study included consecutive patients between 09/2019 and 02/2021 who underwent routine AF ablation using the visualized sheath. Patients were regularly followed-up in our outpatient's clinic. Arrhythmia recurrence was defined as any atrial fibrillation (AF)/ atrial tachycardia (AT) episode lasting > 30 s after a blanking period of 3 months. RESULTS: A total number of 100 patients undergoing ablation using the visualized sheath were compared to a group of 99 matched patients. No major complications were observed. Total procedure duration (108 ± 22 min vs. 112 ± 12 min; p = 0.045), fluoroscopy time (7 ± 3 min vs. 10 ± 5 min; p < 0.001) and -dose (507 ± 501 cGy*cm2 vs. 783 ± 433 cGy*cm2 ; p < 0.001) were significantly lower using the visualized sheath. The benefit in terms of procedure duration was mainly driven by a shortened left atrial dwell time (73 ± 13 min vs. 79 ± 12 min; p = 0.001). During a mean follow-up of 12 months, the overall procedural success was 85% in the visualized sheath group versus 83% in the control group (p = 0.948). CONCLUSION: AF ablation using the novel visualized sheath is safe and effective and leads to a measurable decrease of procedure duration and radiation exposure. The integration of the novel sheath might help to further improve safety and efficacy of AF ablation.

High Participant Satisfaction Achieved Using Cryolipolysis for Fat Reduction of the Abdomen and Flanks.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) data evaluating the physical and psychosocial impact of cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) treatment are limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess, by means of PRO instruments, multidimensional aspects of satisfaction following cryolipolysis treatment of the flanks and abdomen. METHODS: This was a multinational, prospective, single-cohort, interventional study. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants stating they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with treatment at 12 weeks post final treatment. Secondary endpoints included satisfaction categorized by treatment area, total number of treatment cycles, baseline BMI, and fat volume reduction measured by 3-dimensional photography at 12 weeks post final treatment. Exploratory endpoints assessed the physical and psychosocial impacts of treatment. Safety was monitored throughout the study. RESULTS: Of 112 participants who were treated, 74.1% were female. The mean age and BMI were 42.5 years and 24.9 kg/mg2, respectively. Of the 106 evaluable participants, 89.6% were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with treatment results. Satisfaction was high regardless of body area(s), total number of treatment cycles, or baseline BMI. Mean [standard deviation] fat volume reduction was 264.8 [411.4] mL. Overall, 90.6% reported "noticeable" or "very noticeable" fat reduction, 89.6% were "likely" or "very likely" to treat additional areas, and 93.4% would recommend cryolipolysis to a friend. Twenty-four (21.4%) participants reported treatment-emergent adverse events; 23 (20.5%) reported these as adverse device effects. No serious device-related or unanticipated adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) for fat reduction of the flanks and/or abdomen was well-tolerated and associated with high levels of satisfaction across multidimensional PROs.

The development and characterization of an E. coli O25B bioconjugate vaccine.

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) cause a wide range of clinical diseases such as bacteremia and urinary tract infections. The increase of multidrug resistant ExPEC strains is becoming a major concern for the treatment of these infections and E. coli has been identified as a critical priority pathogen by the WHO. Therefore, the development of vaccines has become increasingly important, with the surface lipopolysaccharide constituting a promising vaccine target. This study presents genetic and structural analysis of clinical urine isolates from Switzerland belonging to the serotype O25. Approximately 75% of these isolates were shown to correspond to the substructure O25B only recently described in an emerging clone of E. coli sequence type 131. To address the high occurrence of O25B in clinical isolates, an O25B glycoconjugate vaccine was prepared using an E. coli glycosylation system. The O antigen cluster was integrated into the genome of E. coli W3110, thereby generating an E. coli strain able to synthesize the O25B polysaccharide on a carrier lipid. The polysaccharide was enzymatically conjugated to specific asparagine side chains of the carrier protein exotoxin A (EPA) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the PglB oligosaccharyltransferase from Campylobacter jejuni. Detailed characterization of the O25B-EPA conjugate by use of physicochemical methods including NMR and GC-MS confirmed the O25B polysaccharide structure in the conjugate, opening up the possibility to develop a multivalent E. coli conjugate vaccine containing O25B-EPA.

New Protocol for Long-Term Results With a Multi-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser for Melasma Treatment: A Descriptive Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a photoaging condition with a typical clinical and histological pattern under a genetic and epigenetic context. Over the years, many treatments modalities have been proposed including topical agents, oral medication, procedures, and combination treatments aiming at different aspects of the pathogenesis including photodamage, inflammation, vascularity, and pigmentation. Recently, lasers have become an alternative for the treatment of melasma using thermal energy to target, in a selective way, the chromophore found in the skin such as melanin. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to show how we have implemented a multifactorial approach that not only treats the symptoms but addresses the primary underlying cause of melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty female patients with dermal and mixed melasma were admitted to Medical Art between December 2017 and April 2018 and received a four-step Fotona laser protocol. Clinical evaluation of a clearance percentage of melasma was performed 1 month after the last session by a blinded dermatologist grading the images taken during the study. Follow-up evaluation was performed at 6 and 12 months following the completion of the laser treatment, which was 6 sessions. Patients were also asked following the end of the treatment about their satisfaction, which was evaluated with a 5-point scale. RESULTS: This descriptive cohort study included patients with melasma who underwent the four-step laser protocol treatment at 2-week intervals. The clearance percentage score showed 70% with excellent reduction, 25% with good reduction in appearance of melasma, none of the patients with a fair reduction, and 5% with a poor reduction. The mean score of patient satisfaction was 4,65 ± 0,93 (93%). CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that the four-step Fotona laser protocol is a safe and effective treatment option for melasma. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(2):150-154. doi:10.36849/JDD.1221.

Cool enough? Lessons learned from cryoballoon-guided catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Cryoballoon (CB)-guided ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is established in symptomatic AF patients. This study sought to determine the safety and efficacy of CB pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in young adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 93 consecutive patients aged <45 years referred to our center for AF ablation were included in this observational study. All patients received CB-guided PVI according to a standardized institutional protocol. Follow-up was performed in our outpatient clinic using 72-h Holter monitoring and periodic telephone interview. Recurrence was defined as any AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) episode >30 s following a 3-month blanking period. A propensity matched control group consisting of patients older than 45 years were used for further evaluation. Mean age was 35 ± 7 years, 22% suffered from persistent AF, 85% were male. Mean follow-up was 2.6 ± 2 years. At the end of the observational period, 83% of patients were free of any AF/AT episodes. There was an excellent overall 12-month success rate of 92%. In comparison to a matched group the overall recurrence rate was noticeably lower in the young group (15% vs. 27%). Increasing age was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.16 for recurrence. In a multivariate analysis model, left atrial diameter remained as significant predictor of AF/AT recurrence. The complication rate was low, no permanent phrenic nerve palsy was observed. CONCLUSION: CB-guided PVI in young adults is safe and effective with favorable long-term results. It may be considered as first-line therapy in this relatively healthy population.