Sonothrombolysis in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BackgroundPreclinical studies have demonstrated that high mechanical index (MI) impulses from a diagnostic ultrasound transducer during an intravenous microbubble infusion (sonothrombolysis) can restore epicardial and microvascular flow in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).ObjectivesThis study tested the clinical effectiveness of sonothrombolysis in patients with STEMI.MethodsPatients with their first STEMI were prospectively randomized to either diagnostic ultrasound–guided high MI impulses during an intravenous Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, Massachusetts) infusion before, and following, emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or to a control group that received PCI only (n = 50 in each group). A reference first STEMI group (n = 203) who arrived outside the randomization window was also analyzed. Angiographic recanalization before PCI, ST-segment resolution, infarct size by magnetic resonance imaging, and systolic function (LVEF) at 6 months were compared.ResultsST-segment resolution occurred in 16 (32%) high MI PCI versus 2 (4%) PCI-only patients before PCI, and angiographic recanalization was 48% in high MI/PCI versus 20% in PCI only and 21% in the reference group (p < 0.001). Infarct size was reduced (29 ± 22 g high MI/PCI vs. 40 ± 20 g PCI only; p = 0.026). LVEF was not different between groups before treatment (44 ± 11% vs. 43 ± 10%), but increased immediately after PCI in the high MI/PCI group (p = 0.03), and remained higher at 6 months (p = 0.015). Need for implantable defibrillator (LVEF ≤30%) was reduced in the high MI/PCI group (5% vs. 18% PCI only; p = 0.045).ConclusionsSonothrombolysis added to PCI improves recanalization rates and reduces infarct size, resulting in sustained improvements in systolic function after STEMI. (Therapeutic Use of Ultrasound in Acute Coronary Artery Disease; NCT02410330).     

Cyclical strain improves artificial equine tendon constructs in vitro

Tendon injuries are a common cause of morbidity in humans. They also occur frequently in horses, and the horse provides a relevant, large animal model in which to test novel therapies. To develop novel cell therapies that can aid tendon regeneration and reduce subsequent reinjury rates, the mechanisms that control tendon tissue regeneration and matrix remodelling need to be better understood. Although a range of chemical cues have been explored (growth factors, media etc.), the influence of the mechanical environment on tendon cell culture has yet to be fully elucidated. To mimic the in vivo environment, in this study, we have utilised a novel and affordable, custom‐made bioreactor to apply a cyclical strain to tendon‐like constructs generated in three‐dimensional (3D) culture by equine tenocytes. Dynamic shear analysis (DSA), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to determine the mechanical and chemical properties of the resulting tendon‐like constructs. Our results demonstrate that equine tenocytes exposed to a 10% cyclical strain have an increased amount of collagen gel contraction after 7 and 8 days of culture compared with cells cultured in 3D in the absence of external strain. While all the tendon‐like constructs have a very similar chemical composition to native tendon, the application of strain improves their mechanical properties. We envisage that these results will contribute towards the development of improved biomimetic artificial tendon models for the development of novel strategies for equine regenerative therapies.     

机械磨削术治疗瑞尔黑变病的疗效观察

目的:探讨机械磨削术治疗Riehl’s黑变病的临床疗效。方法:2010年2月-2018年10月笔者科室收治瑞尔黑变病患者8例,所有患者采用机械磨削治疗,均随访1年以上。利用5分法对机械磨削治疗的临床疗效进行评价,患者对治疗满意度进行评价。结果:8例Riehl’s黑变病患者,经治疗皮损均较治疗前消退75%以上,未见复发,7例非常满意,1例满意。不良反应均能耐受,主要为红斑、结痂及短暂的色素沉着。结论:机械磨削术治疗Riehl’s黑变病安全、有效。     

基于1H-NMR植物代谢组学技术分析青海产区枸杞子的化学特征

目的:采用核磁共振氢谱(~1H-NMR)植物代谢组学技术比较青海产区枸杞子与其他产区(宁夏、甘肃、新疆、内蒙古)枸杞子的化学成分差异。方法:收集5个产区共97份枸杞子样本,其中青海61个样本,采用50%甲醇提取,检测~1H-NMR图谱,结合多元统计分析,对比青海产区枸杞子与其他产区枸杞子的化学差异性,并对各产区样本的枸杞多糖进行含量测定(以无水葡萄糖计),检测波长490 nm。结果:枸杞子的~1H-NMR图谱共检测到32个化学成分,多元统计分析表明青海产区枸杞子与其他产区样本相比,无明显分离趋势;青海产区枸杞子与宁夏产区相比,以及青海省6个不同地区的枸杞子相比,重叠样品较多,均不能显著分开。相似度结果表明,大多数样品的相似度0.85;化合物的单变量分析结果显示,除了蔗糖、葡萄糖、脯氨酸等个别代谢物在各产区样本中存在显著差异外,其余代谢物在各产区样品中的含量分布基本一致。青海与其他产区样本中枸杞多糖含量无显著性差异,且枸杞多糖含量与~1H-NMR指认的小分子化合物的相关系数处于-0.2～0.4。结论:采用~1HNMR植物代谢组学技术从整体化学组成上分析了青海产区枸杞子的化学特征,并结合枸杞多糖含量测定,显示青海产区枸杞子与其他产区枸杞子的化学差异较小。建立的基于~1H-NMR的枸杞子质量评价方法可为其质控水平提升及种植产区选择提供科学依据。     

Arterial Lactate in Cardiogenic Shock: Prognostic Value of Clearance Versus Single Values

ObjectivesThis study sought to compare single lactate values at admission (L1) and after 8 h (L2) with lactate clearance (LC) for mortality prediction in cardiogenic shock (CS).BackgroundEarly estimation of prognosis in CS complicating acute myocardial infarction is crucial for tailored treatment selection. Arterial lactate is the most widely used point-of-care parameter in CS. In septic shock, lactate reduction over time—LC—has been extensively investigated. However, in CS, only limited data exist, and the prognostic value of LC is unknown.MethodsThis study is a subanalysis of the IABP-SHOCK II (Intraaortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II) trial and the corresponding registry. Lactate levels were prospectively collected. All-cause mortality at 30 days was assessed as primary endpoint.ResultsFor 671 of 783 (85.7%) patients, L1 and L2 values were available. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (L1: 0.69; L2: 0.76; LC: 0.59) showed no difference between L1 and LC (p = 0.20). In contrast, L2 was a significantly better predictive parameter than L1 or LC (p < 0.001 for both). In multivariable stepwise Cox regression analysis, L2 ≥3.1 mmol/l (best cutoff value by Youden index) and LC <–3.45%/h remained independently predictive for time to death (p < 0.001 for both), with L2 showing the highest chi-square test score (42.1) and hazard ratio (2.89; 95% confidence interval: 2.10 to 3.97).ConclusionsArterial lactate after 8 h is superior in mortality prediction in comparison with baseline lactate and LC. A cutoff value of 3.1 mmol/l for lactate after 8 h showed the best discrimination for assessing early prognosis in CS and may serve as new treatment goal. (Intraaortic Balloon Pump in Cardiogenic Shock II [IABP-SHOCK II]; NCT00491036)     

Combination of Percutaneous Rotational Thrombectomy and Drug-Coated Balloon for Treatment of Femoropopliteal Artery Nonembolic Occlusion: 12-Month Follow-up

PurposeTo evaluate safety and efficacy of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy using the Rotarex catheter combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) in treatment of femoropopliteal artery occlusive disease.Materials and MethodsBetween January 2016 and February 2018, 81 patients with acute or subacute femoropopliteal artery occlusions were treated with the Rotarex catheter combined with DCB. Lesions were classified according to the onset of symptoms as acutely (< 14 d) or subacutely (14 d to 3 mo) occluded. The mean lesion length was 12.1 cm ± 6.7. The primary endpoint was target lesion patency at 1 year as evaluated by duplex ultrasound (peak systolic velocity ratio < 2.4) and freedom from clinically indicated target lesion revascularization. Amputation rate, major adverse events, and ankle-brachial index at 12 months were evaluated.ResultsTechnical success rate was 100% (n = 81). Bailout stents were necessary in 14 patients owing to residual stenosis or flow-limiting dissection. Additional thrombolysis was applied in 10 interventions. No major adverse events occurred during hospital stay. There were 9 restenosis cases during the 12-month follow-up period. Primary patency rate was 87.3% (62/71), and freedom from target lesion revascularization rate was 90.1% (64/71). Ankle-brachial index significantly increased from 0.46 ± 0.15 to 0.77 ± 0.14 during follow-up. The amputation rate was 1.4% at 12 months.ConclusionsThese initial data from 2 centers suggest that the combination of the Rotarex catheter and DCB may be safe and effective for treatment of acute or subacute thrombotic femoropopliteal occlusion with superior immediate and midterm results achieved.     

No Correlation Between Clinical Outcomes and Changes in the Tibia-Metaphyseal Angle Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundDespite numerous advances in the implant design and surgical technique, improvement in patient satisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has plateaued. Various TKA alignment strategies have been introduced that impact the coronal positioning of the tibial component relative to the native joint line. This study aims to analyze if postoperative variance of the joint line from preoperative native alignment is correlated with changes in patient-reported outcomes following primary TKA.MethodsA retrospective review of an academic center’s patient population identified all primary TKAs between 2013 and 2021 with full-length, standing radiographs and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) data. These measures included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement, Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System, and Veterans RAND 12 scores. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements for hip-knee angle, tibia-metaphyseal angle, tibial-axis orientation angle, and joint-line obliquity angle were recorded. Three-month, 1-year, and 2-year PROM scores were correlated with the change in degrees for each of the angles using a Spearman’s correlation. A Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare angular changes with a change in PROM scores.ResultsOne hundred and ninety nine patients (204 knees) with a mean age of 67 years were included. Average follow-up was 23 months. Three-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up rates were 93%, 64%, and 34%, respectively. Improvements were seen across all PROMs regardless of an angular change.ConclusionThere were no clear correlations between PROMs and variation in joint line obliquity in the coronal plane. These data suggest that the magnitude of the variation in coronal tibial alignment from native alignment does not impact PROMs. Further study is indicated to correlate an angular change with functional measures.