Liver cirrhosis and antibiotic therapy but not TIPS application leads to a shift of the intestinal bacterial communities: A controlled, prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The gut-liver axis is discussed to play an important role in hepatic cirrhosis. Decompensated liver cirrhosis is associated with portal hypertension, which can lead to a variety of complications. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an established treatment option for the complications of portal hypertension. In this study we focused on the effect of TIPS on intestinal microbial composition in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with liver cirrhosis were compared to 18 healthy adults. Seventeen patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension received a TIPS. Clinical characteristics, including age, sex, and liver function measured with a Child-Pugh score and model for end-stage liver disease score, were obtained. Intestinal microbial composition was assessed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from stool probes before and after TIPS. RESULTS: TIPS led to a reduction of hepatic venous pressure gradient. However, TIPS did not cause a shift in the intestinal bacterial communities. Independent from the application of TIPS, antibiotic therapy was associated with a significant difference in the intestinal bacterial microbiota and also a reduced α-diversity. In addition, a significant difference was observed in the intestinal bacterial composition between patients with liver cirrhosis and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The presence of liver cirrhosis and the use of antibiotic therapy, but not the application of TIPS, were associated with a significant shift of the intestinal bacterial communities, showing a high impact on the microbiota of patients with liver cirrhosis.

Cross-tissue comparison of telomere length and quality metrics of DNA among individuals aged 8 to 70 years.

Telomere length (TL) is an important biomarker of cellular aging, yet its links with health outcomes may be complicated by use of different tissues. We evaluated within- and between-individual variability in TL and quality metrics of DNA across five tissues using a cross-sectional dataset ranging from 8 to 70 years (N = 197). DNA was extracted from all tissue cells using the Gentra Puregene DNA Extraction Kit. Absolute TL (aTL) in kilobase pairs was measured in buccal epithelial cells, saliva, dried blood spots (DBS), buffy coat, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using qPCR. aTL significantly shortened with age for all tissues except saliva and buffy coat, although buffy coat was available for a restricted age range (8 to 15 years). aTL did not significantly differ across blood-based tissues (DBS, buffy coat, PBMC), which had significantly longer aTL than buccal cells and saliva. Additionally, aTL was significantly correlated for the majority of tissue pairs, with partial Spearman's correlations controlling for age and sex ranging from ⍴ = 0.18 to 0.51. We also measured quality metrics of DNA including integrity, purity, and quantity of extracted DNA from all tissues and explored whether controlling for DNA metrics improved predictions of aTL. We found significant tissue variation: DNA from blood-based tissues had high DNA integrity, more acceptable A260/280 and A260/230 values, and greater extracted DNA concentrations compared to buccal cells and saliva. Longer aTL was associated with lower DNA integrity, higher extracted DNA concentrations, and higher A260/230, particularly for saliva. Model comparisons suggested that incorporation of quality DNA metrics improves models of TL, although relevant metrics vary by tissue. These findings highlight the merits of using blood-based tissues and suggest that incorporation of quality DNA metrics as control variables in population-based studies can improve TL predictions, especially for more variable tissues like buccal and saliva.

Long-term outcome of natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in Austria: a nationwide retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The use of natalizumab (NAT) in multiple sclerosis (MS) may be complicated by progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare and life-threatening opportunistic brain infection. We aimed to analyze the course of MS after PML recovery together with the long-term outcome of NAT-associated PML (NAT-PML) in Austria. METHODS: Retrospective study based on identification of cases in the nationwide Austrian MS treatment registry (AMSTR) and MS centers with review of patient records. The expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was used to measure neurological disability and outcome. RESULTS: As of December 2022, we identified 15 NAT-PML cases in Austria; only 20% occurred after 2016, when increased vigilance commenced. Two patients did not survive acute PML, and an additional patient died five years later, yielding a mortality rate of 20%. Seizures occurred exclusively in patients with pronounced EDSS increase. Gadolinium (Gd)-enhancement on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on PML suspicion was associated with minor changes of post-PML neurological disability. Long-term follow-up of up to 132 months (median 76 months) was available in 11/15. The overall median EDSS increased from 3.5 at pre-PML to 6.5 at the last assessment. Regarding inflammatory MS-related disease activity during the observation period, one single individual experienced an MS relapse and another patient had two Gd-enhancing brain lesions. Three patients converted to progressive MS within three years from PML and the EDSS further increased in 6/11. CONCLUSIONS: The number of NAT-PML cases is decreasing over time. While many patients accumulated severe persistent neurological deficits compared to pre-PML, inflammatory MS-related disease activity after PML recovery was rare.

Immune cell dynamics in response to an acute laboratory stressor: a within-person between-group analysis of the biological impact of early life adversity.

Early life adversity (ELA) is a risk factor for early onset morbidities and mortality, a relationship that may be driven in part by immune system dysregulation. One mechanism of dysregulation that has yet to be fully examined in the context of ELA is alterations to immune cell dynamics in response to acute stress. Using a within-person between-group experimental design, we investigated stress-induced changes in immune cell populations, and how these changes may be altered in individuals with a history of ELA. Participants were young adults (N = 34, aged 18-25 years, 53% female, 47% with a history of ELA). Complete immune cell counts were measured at four time-points over a 5-hour window across two sessions (Trier Social Stress Test [TSST] vs. no-stress) separated by a week. Across all participants, total white blood cells increased over time (F(3,84)=38.97, p < .001) with a greater increase in response to the TSST compared to the no-stress condition at 240 minutes post-test (b = 0.43±.19; t(179)=2.22, p = .027). This pattern was mirrored by neutrophil counts. Lymphocyte counts were initially depressed by TSST exposure (b =-205±.67; t(184)=-3.07, p = .002) but recovered above baseline. ELA status was associated with higher stress-induced immune cell counts, a difference likely driven by increases in neutrophils (F(1,22)=4.45, p = .046). Overall, these results indicate differential immune cell dynamics in response to acute stress in individuals with a history of ELA. This points to altered immune system functioning in the context of stress, a finding that may be driving increased morbidity and mortality risk for ELA-exposed individuals.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt vs conservative treatment for recurrent ascites: A propensity score matched comparison.

BACKGROUND: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is an effective intervention for recurrent tense ascites. Some studies show an increased risk of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) associated with TIPS placement. It is not clear whether ACLF in this context is a consequence of TIPS or of the pre-existing liver disease. AIM: To better understand the risks of TIPS in this challenging setting and to compare them with those of conservative therapy. METHODS: Two hundred and fourteen patients undergoing their first TIPS placement for recurrent tense ascites at our tertiary-care center between 2007 and 2017 were identified (TIPS group). Three hundred and ninety-eight patients of the same time interval with liver cirrhosis and recurrent tense ascites not undergoing TIPS placement (No TIPS group) were analyzed as a control group. TIPS indication, diagnosis of recurrent ascites, further diagnoses and clinical findings were obtained from a database search and patient records. The in-hospital mortality and ACLF incidence of both groups were compared using 1:1 propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, the TIPS and No TIPS groups were comparable in terms of laboratory values and ACLF incidence at hospital admission. There was no detectable difference in mortality (TIPS: 11/214, No TIPS 13/214). During the hospital stay, ACLF occurred more frequently in the TIPS group than in the No TIPS group (TIPS: 70/214, No TIPS: 57/214, P = 0.04). This effect was confined to patients with severely impaired liver function at hospital admission as indicated by a significant interaction term of Child score and TIPS placement in multivariate logistic regression. The TIPS group had a lower ACLF incidence at Child scores < 8 points and a higher ACLF incidence at ≥ 11 points. No significant difference was found between groups in patients with Child scores of 8 to 10 points. CONCLUSION: TIPS placement for recurrent tense ascites is associated with an increased rate of ACLF in patients with severely impaired liver function but does not result in higher in-hospital mortality.

Assessment of Quality of Life after Endovascular and Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

Postoperative quality of life is an important outcome parameter after treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The aim of this retrospective single-center study was to assess and compare the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients after open repair (OR) or endovascular treatment (EVAR), and furthermore to investigate the effect of incisional hernia (IH) formation on HRQoL. Patients who underwent OR or EVAR for treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2008 and 2016 at a University Medical Center were included. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. The incidence of IH was recorded from patient files and by telephone contact. SF-36 scores of 83 patients (OR: n = 36; EVAR: n = 47) were obtained. The mean follow-up period was 7.1 years. When comparing HRQoL between OR and EVAR, patients in both groups scored higher in one of the eight categories of the SF36 questionnaires. The incidence of IH after OR was 30.6%. In patients with postoperative IH, HRQoL was significantly reduced in the dimensions "physical functioning", "role physical" and "role emotional" of the SF-36. Based on this data, it can be concluded that neither OR nor EVAR supply a significant advantage regarding HRQoL. In contrast, the occurrence of IH has a relevant impact on the HRQoL of patients after OR.

Negative Venous Leg Ultrasound in Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics and Predictors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and predictors of negative venous leg ultrasound in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 168 patients with acute PE (median age 73 years, 44% women) evaluated with complete venous leg ultrasound. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of negative venous ultrasound in acute PE. Venous leg ultrasound was negative for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in 78 patients (46.4%). Patients with negative venous ultrasound were less likely to have a history of DVT (7.7% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.0273) and had significantly lower D-dimer levels (median 2.5 vs. 6.2 mg/dL p < 0.0001). Negative venous ultrasound was more frequent in PE diagnosed with V/P-SPECT than in PE diagnosed with CT (66.2% vs. 34.0%, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of negative venous ultrasound increased with more peripherally located PE (29.5% for central/lobar, 43.1% for segmental, and 60.6% for subsegmental PE, p = 0.0049). For the multivariate analysis, a diagnosis of PE with V/P-SPECT rather than CT (OR 3.2, p = 0.0056) and lower D-dimer levels (OR 0.94, p = 0.0266) were independent predictors of negative venous ultrasound. In conclusion, venous leg ultrasound was negative for DVT in almost half of patients with acute PE. Negative venous ultrasound was more common in patients with no history of DVT, lower D-dimer levels, PE diagnosed with V/P-SPECT rather than CT, and more peripherally located PE.

Isolated calf deep venous thrombosis: frequency on venous ultrasound and clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether to include calf veins in the initial ultrasound evaluation of suspected deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We sought to investigate the frequency and clinical characteristics of isolated calf DVT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we investigated a cohort of 596 patients (median age 69 years, 52.3% women) who had been imaged with complete lower extremity venous duplex ultrasound for suspected acute DVT. Radiology reports were analyzed for the presence and localization of DVT. Clinical information was collected from patients' electronic charts. RESULTS: DVT was found in 157 patients (26.3%), of which 74 patients (47.1%) had isolated calf DVT. Isolated calf DVTs were located in the posterior tibial veins (22 patients, 29.7%), peroneal veins (41 patients, 55.4%) and muscle veins (19 patients, 25.7%). There were no differences in age or sex between patients with isolated calf DVT and patients with proximal DVT. Isolated calf DVT was more commonly associated with leg pain (52.7% vs. 33.7%, p = 0.0234) and less commonly associated with subjective leg swelling (35.1% vs. 55.4%, p = 0.0158) and objectively measured difference in leg circumference (23% vs. 39.8%, p = 0.0268). D-Dimers were significantly lower in patients with isolated lower leg DVT (median 2.3 vs. 6.8 mg/L, p < 0.0001) compared to patients with proximal DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated calf DVT represents approximately half of DVT cases and has different clinical characteristics than proximal DVT.

Range extension and conservation status of the rare Solanaceae shrub, Solanum conocarpum.

BACKGROUND: The British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, two island groups located in the Caribbean archipelago, hold unique plant diversity and high endemism. Until recently, Solanum conocarpum was considered a rare plant species endemic to the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. Ongoing botanical surveys in this region are revealing new populations and refining our understanding of the distribution of these narrow endemic plant species. The objective of this paper is to assess the conservation status of S. conocarpum, including a review of its geographic range, population numbers, threats and conservation actions needed for its long-term survival. NEW INFORMATION: In this paper, we present new occurrences for S. conocarpum, extending its geographic range to a new island, Tortola and new territory, the British Virgin Islands. Despite this range expansion, this species is evaluated as Endangered (EN), based on Criteria B1b(iii,v)+2b(iii,v)+C2a(i), according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. The extent of occurrence (EOO = 46 km2) and area of occupancy (AOO = 20 km2) are highly restricted. On St. John (US Virgin Islands), the historically recorded individuals at Reef Bay, Europa Ridge and Sabbat Point are now considered extirpated due to disturbance from development compounded by invasive species, as well as the impact of feral ungulates and drought stress. These threats are impacting the species across the whole island of St. John and contributing to a continuing decline of suitable habitat, despite the island being a National Park. On the island of Tortola, the species occurs on unprotected lands subject to development and habitat modification and decline by feral ungulates. Based on these threats acting separately across the two islands, two locations were defined. The estimated total number of mature individuals ranges between 150 and 250, with the largest subpopulation at Nanny Point in the US Virgin Islands, containing 108 mature individuals. Conservation action, focused on protecting this species' habitat, is urgently needed.

Prevalence of visceral artery involvement in patients with peripheral artery disease found on run-off MRA.

BACKGROUND: In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), run-off MR-angiography (MRA) is a commonly performed diagnostic test to obtain high-resolution images for evaluation of the arterial system from the aorta through the distal run-off vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of visceral artery involvement (VAI) in patients with PAD and leg symptoms examined with run-off MRA. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 145 patients (median age 68 years, range 27-91) who underwent MRA due to known or suspected PAD at our institution between 2012 and 2018. MRA examinations were re-evaluated for visceral artery stenosis. Patient dossiers were reviewed to determine cardiovascular risk factors, kidney function and Fontaine stage of PAD. RESULTS: Involvement of at least one visceral artery with ≥ 50% diameter stenosis was found in 72 (50%) patients. There were no differences in age, gender, MRA indication, Fontaine stage, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), cardiovascular risk factors or vascular comorbidities between patients with and without VAI. Renal artery (RA) involvement with ≥ 50% diameter stenosis was observed in 28 (20%) of patients. Patients with involvement of the RA were more likely to suffer from hypertension (79 vs. 54%, p = 0.019) and reduced renal function (glomerular filtration rate 70 vs. 88 mL/min/1.73m2, p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Visceral artery stenosis can be seen in half of patients with known or suspected PAD and leg symptoms on run-off MRA. Investigating for RA stenosis in patients with PAD and hypertension and/or impaired renal function may have high diagnostic yield.

Extravascular findings on run-off MR angiography: frequency, location and clinical significance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence, location and clinical relevance of extravascular findings (EVFs) on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the run-off vasculature. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed run-off MRAs of 194 consecutive patients (45 women and 149 men, median age 68 years, IQR 58-74 years). Our patient cohort consisted predominantly of individuals with known (n = 165, 85%) or suspected (n = 15, 8%) peripheral artery disease (PAD). All MRA examinations were performed between 2012 and 2018 on a 3 Tesla MRI scanner using a standardized protocol. Two radiologists re-evaluated the MRA images to identify EVFs, which were classified into findings with major (category I), moderate (category II) and minor (category III) clinical significance. RESULTS: A total of 501 EVFs were found in 172 of the 194 patients (89%). Twenty-seven findings (5%) were assigned to category I, 189 (38%) to category II and 285 (57%) to category III. 23 of 194 patients (12%) had at least one EVF with major clinical relevance (category I). Most of the 27 category I EVFs were observed in the soft tissues (n = 13, 48%). The remaining category I EVFs were found in the musculoskeletal (n = 7, 26%), urogenital (n = 4, 15%), lymphatic (n = 2, 7%) and gastrointestinal (n = 1, 4%) system. The majority of the category I EVFs were infectious (n = 14, 52%) or neoplastic (n = 10, 37%) pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Clinically relevant EVF can be encountered frequently on run-off MRA examinations. These results illustrate the importance of evaluating all organ systems when reporting MRA examinations, despite the clinical focus being the patients' vascular status.

Prevalence and predictors of alternative diagnoses on whole-leg ultrasound negative for acute deep venous thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prevalence, spectrum, and predictors of alternative diagnoses explaining leg symptoms in patients negative for suspected acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which can be detected with whole-leg ultrasound. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 789 patients (median age 70 years, 50.6% women) evaluated with a whole-leg ultrasound examination for suspected acute DVT within one year. All findings in the radiology report were analyzed and electronic chart review was performed to collect clinical information. RESULTS: Ultrasound was negative for acute DVT in 531 patients (67.3%). Among these, alternative diagnoses explaining leg symptoms were seen in 349 patients (65.7%). The most frequent alternative diagnoses were chronic venous insufficiency (147 patients, 27.7%), followed by lymphedema (48 patients, 9.0%) and chronic post-thrombotic changes (41 patients, 7.7%). Patients with alternative diagnoses were older (median 71 vs. 66 years, p = 0.0226), as well as more likely to present with leg swelling (39.5% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.0002), difference in leg circumference (25.5% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.0055) and redness (7.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.0213) than patients without alternative diagnosis. Independent predictors of finding alternative diagnoses on whole-leg ultrasound were older age (odds ratio 1.014 per year, p = 0.0119), leg swelling (OR 1.949, p = 0.0020) and history of previous DVT (OR 2.235, p = 0.0154). CONCLUSIONS: Alternative diagnoses explaining leg symptoms can be detected on whole-leg ultrasound in two thirds of patients with no evidence of acute DVT. Our data supports performing a comprehensive ultrasound evaluation beyond the venous system, particularly, in older patients, who present with leg swelling and a past history of DVT.

Concomitant chronic venous insufficiency in patients with peripheral artery disease: insights from MR angiography.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical presentation of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can overlap and the conditions may co-exist. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of concomitant CVI in patients with PAD examined with run-off MR angiography (MRA). METHODS: We analysed 180 patients (median age 69 years, range 27 to 91) with known or suspected PAD who underwent MRA at our institution between 2012 and 2018. MRA datasets were re-evaluated for manifestations of CVI. Electronic charts were reviewed to analyse whether diagnosis of CVI was documented and to determine Fontaine stage of PAD. RESULTS: Evidence of possible CVI on MRA was found in 38 (21%) patients. Only seven (18%) of these patients had a documented diagnosis of CVI. Patients with co-existing PAD and CVI were more likely obese (median BMI 29.7 vs. 26.3 kg/m2, p = 0.001) and diabetic (55 vs. 35%, p = 0.039) than patients without CVI. The frequency of concomitant CVI manifestations decreased from distal to proximal with the lower leg affected in all 38 patients and the thigh in 17 patients (45%). Patients with co-existing PAD and CVI were more likely to have a clinical diagnosis of stage IV PAD than patients without co-existing CVI (57% vs. 34%, relative risk 1.68, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Signs of possible concomitant CVI can be seen in approximately one-fifth of patients with known or suspected PAD examined with run-off MRA. If present, these findings should be reported since CVI may mimic or contribute to symptoms attributed to PAD. KEY POINTS: • In total, 21% of patients with PAD patients examined with MR angiography show signs of possible co-existing CVI. • Patients with co-existing CVI were 1.7-fold more likely to have a clinical diagnosis of stage IV PAD. • Our data also showed that co-existing chronic venous insufficiency is under-diagnosed in patients with PAD.

Giant brachial artery aneurysm as a rare complication of a dialysis shunt.

Our patient exhibited a large tumor on his right upper arm where his former dialysis access site had been. X-ray, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging scan could not fully reveal the nature of that tumor. Eventually, a surgical approach showed a giant aneurysm of the inflowing brachial artery to a partially obliterated arteriovenous fistula. This case highlights the importance of ongoing care for patients with arteriovenous shunts. Even arteriovenous fistulas, that are obliterated or no longer in use, can, especially when immunosuppressant therapy and other vascular risk factors are added to the overall cardiovascular risk, transform and endanger the health of our patients.

Prevalence of May-Thurner Syndrome in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis at a Large Medical Referral Center. / Prävalenz des May-Thurner-Syndroms bei Patienten mit iliofemoraler tiefer Venenthrombose an einem universitären Zentrum.

OBJECTIVE: We set out to investigate the prevalence of May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) in a cohort of patients diagnosed with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis at a large medical referral center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 496 patients who were referred to the emergency unit of a large medical referral center with suspected venous thromboembolism (VTE) and were diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis of the iliac veins and/or the thigh on ultrasound. We retrospectively assessed the presence of MTS in the primary ultrasound examination and on additional imaging (available in n = 193 patients). RESULTS: Across all 496 patients with iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis, the median age was 70 years. 238 patients (48 %) were female. The thrombosis was left-sided in 263 cases (53 %), right-sided in 208 cases (42 %) and bilateral in 24 cases (5 %). In the subgroup of patients with left-sided and bilateral thrombosis, the growth pattern was classified as ascending in 142 patients (50 %), descending in 104 patients (36 %) and unclear in 41 patients (14 %). Additional imaging tests were available in 193 patients: 119 patients (41 %) underwent CT, 18 patients (6 %) MRI and 30 patients (10 %) underwent phlebography. Within the subgroup of patients with left-sided and bilateral thrombosis, MTS was confirmed in 88 patients (31 %), and the imaging findings in 17 patients (6 %) were highly suspicious of MTS. Differentiation was not possible in 86 patients (30 %) and MTS was excluded in 96 patients (33 %). CONCLUSION: Underlying MTS is not uncommon in the selected cohort of patients with deep iliofemoral vein thrombosis at a large referral center and should be excluded by imaging. KEY POINTS: · May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is a relatively frequent cause of deep vein thrombosis.. · MTS should be excluded in patients with left-sided or bilateral iliofemoral thrombosis.. · Cross-sectional imaging is helpful in this setting.. · Approximately one third of patients in this subgroup show signs of MTS.. CITATION FORMAT: · Heller T, Teichert C, Hafer J et al. Prevalence of May-Thurner Syndrome in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis at a Large Medical Referral Center. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2019; 191: 1107 - 1117.

Neointimal fibrotic lead encapsulation - Clinical challenges and demands for implantable cardiac electronic devices.

Every tenth patient with a cardiac pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implanted is expected to have at least one lead problem in his lifetime. However, transvenous leads are often difficult to remove due to thrombotic obstruction or extensive neointimal fibrotic ingrowth. Despite its clinical significance, knowledge on lead-induced vascular fibrosis and neointimal lead encapsulation is sparse. Although leadless pacemakers are already available, their clinical operating range is limited. Therefore, lead/tissue interactions must be further improved in order to improve lead removals in particular. The published data on the coherences and issues related to lead associated vascular fibrosis and neointimal lead encapsulation are reviewed and discussed in this paper.

How Can the Health System Retain Women in HIV Treatment for a Lifetime? A Discrete Choice Experiment in Ethiopia and Mozambique.

INTRODUCTION: Option B+, an approach that involves provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all HIV-infected pregnant women for life, is the preferred strategy for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. Lifelong retention in care is essential to its success. We conducted a discrete choice experiment in Ethiopia and Mozambique to identify health system characteristics preferred by HIV-infected women to promote continuity of care. METHODS: Women living with HIV and receiving care at hospitals in Oromia Region, Ethiopia and Zambézia Province, Mozambique were shown nine choice cards and asked to select one of two hypothetical health facilities, each with six varying characteristics related to the delivery of HIV services for long term treatment. Mixed logit models were used to estimate the influence of six health service attributes on choice of clinics. RESULTS: 2,033 women participated in the study (response rate 97.8% in Ethiopia and 94.7% in Mozambique). Among the various attributes of structure and content of lifelong ART services, the most important attributes identified in both countries were respectful provider attitude and ability to obtain non-HIV health services during HIV-related visits. Availability of counseling support services was also a driver of choice. Facility type, i.e., hospital versus health center, was substantially less important. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to enhance retention in HIV care and treatment for pregnant women should focus on promoting respectful care by providers and integrating access to non-HIV health services in the same visit, as well as continuing to strengthen counseling.

Neuromyelitis optica in Austria in 2011: to bridge the gap between neuroepidemiological research and practice in a study population of 8.4 million people.

BACKGROUND: In 2008 the Austrian Task Force for Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) started a nation-wide network for information exchange and multi-centre collaboration. Their aim was to detect all patients with NMO or NMO spectrum disorders (NMO-SD) in Austria and to analyse their disease courses and response to treatment. METHODS: (1) As of March 2008, 1957 serum samples (of 1557 patients) have been tested with an established cell based immunofluorescence aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-ab) assay with a high sensitivity and specificity (both >95%). All tests were performed in a single reference laboratory (Clinical Dept. of Neurology of the Innsbruck Medical University). (2) A nation-wide survey with several calls for participation (via email newsletters, articles in the official journal of the Austrian Society of Neurology, and workshops) was initiated in 2008. All collected data will be presented in a way that allows that every individual patient can be traced back in order to ensure transparency and to avoid any data distortion in future meta-analyses. The careful and detailed presentation allows the visualization and comparison of the different disease courses in real time span. Failure and response to treatment are made visible at one glance. Database closure was 31 December 2011. All co-operators were offered co-authorship. RESULTS: All 71 NMO- or NMO-SD patients with AQP4-ab positivity (age range 12.3 to 79.6 years) were analysed in detail. Sex ratio (m:f = 1:7) and the proportion of patients without oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid (86.6%) were in line with previously published results. All identified patients were Caucasians. CONCLUSIONS: A nationwide collaboration amongst Austrian neurologists with good network communications made it possible to establish a database of 71 AQP4-ab positive patients with NMO/NMO-SD. This database is presented in detail and provides the basis for further studies and international cooperation in order to investigate this rare disease.

Effectiveness of frequency mapping on 28 nm device broken scan chain failures.

Frequency mapping methodology is an effective diagnostic tool for detection of manufacturing defects in scan chains. It analyses reflected laser modulations from toggling scan cells to localize defective scan path or scan cell. In this paper, we demonstrate experimentally that the use of solid immersion lens technology to enhance signal and spatial resolution is not a prerequisite for this technique up till 28 nm technology node. We present case studies to show the effectiveness of frequency mapping for detecting systematic and random broken scan chain failures on a 28 nm technology node test chip. We achieved 81% success rate in this methodology.