The effect of TNF-α inhibitor treatment on microRNAs and endothelial function in collagen induced arthritis.

Chronic inflammation causes dysregulated expression of microRNAs. Aberrant microRNA expression is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In this study we determined whether TNF-α inhibition impacted the expression of miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-155-5p, and whether changes in the expression of these miRNAs were related to inflammation-induced changes in endothelial function in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (n = 24), CIA (n = 24) and CIA+etanercept (n = 16) groups. CIA and CIA+etanercept groups were immunized with bovine type-II collagen, emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Upon signs of arthritis, the CIA+etanercept group received 10mg/kg of etanercept intraperitoneally, every three days. After six weeks of treatment, mesenteric artery vascular reactivity was assessed using wire-myography. Serum concentrations of TNF-α, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) were measured by ELISA. Relative expression of circulating miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-155-5p were determined using RT-qPCR. Compared to controls, circulating miRNA-155-5p, VCAM-1 and PTX-3 concentrations were increased, and vessel relaxation was impaired in the CIA (all p<0.05), but not in the CIA+etanercept (all p<0.05) groups. The CIA group had greater miRNA-146a-5p expression compared to the CIA+etanercept group (p = 0.005). Independent of blood pressure, miRNA-146a-5p expression was associated with increased PTX-3 concentrations (p = 0.03), while miRNA-155-5p expression was associated with impaired vessel relaxation (p = 0.01). In conclusion, blocking circulating TNF-α impacted systemic inflammation-induced increased expression of miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-155-5p, which were associated with endothelial inflammation and impaired endothelial dependent vasorelaxation, respectively.

The effects of estrogen deficiency and aging on myocardial deformation and motion in normotensive female rats.

OBJECTIVE: Estrogen deficiency is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in postmenopausal women and ovariectomized rats. Whether the relationship between estrogen deficiency and LV dysfunction is independent of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors remains uncertain. This study assessed the effects of short-term and long-term estrogen deficiency on cardiac structure and function using conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography, independent of traditional CVD risk factors. METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into short-term (6 wks) ovariectomized (n = 9), short-term sham-operated (n = 10), long-term (6 mo) ovariectomized (n = 8), and long-term sham-operated (n = 9) groups. Cardiac geometry, systolic and diastolic function, and myocardial deformation and motion were measured using echocardiography. RESULTS: Ovariectomy had no effect on conventional echocardiography measures of cardiac structure or function. Compared with short-term, long-term groups had reduced LV internal diameter (false discovery rate [FDR] adjusted P = 0.05) and impaired relaxation (e'; FDR adjusted P = 0.0005) independent of body mass and blood pressure (BP). Global longitudinal strain was impaired in ovariectomized compared with sham-operated rats (FDR adjusted P = 0.05), but not after adjusting for body mass and BP (FDR adjusted P = 0.16). Global longitudinal strain (FDR adjusted P = 0.05), strain rate (FDR adjusted P = 0.002), and velocity (FDR adjusted P = 0.04) were impaired in long-term compared with short-term groups. Global longitudinal strain rate remained impaired after adjustments for body mass and BP (FDR adjusted P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen deficiency does not independently cause cardiac remodeling, LV dysfunction, or impaired myocardial deformation. Traditional CVD risk factors accompanying estrogen deficiency may account for cardiac remodeling and dysfunction observed in postmenopausal women.

Use of Recycled Fine Aggregates from C&DW for Unbound Road Sub-Base.

Fine recycled aggregates are produced in large quantities when crushing Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW). Even if coarse recycled aggregates are commonly used for road foundations, fine particles are often rejected as they are considered detrimental for the long-term behaviour of foundations. Physicochemical, mineralogical and mechanical characterizations (through X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, the chloride and sulphate contents, Los Angeles abrasion, micro-Deval resistance and static plate load tests) were performed on raw and treated fine recycled materials for understanding both the effects of the preparation, the compaction and the freeze-thaw cycles on the properties and the evolution of fine particles. Special attention was provided to the shape analysis of fines by means of image analyser. The results showed that the main characteristic parameters to be considered are the sieving curve and the proportion of grades. The mixes containing the highest quantity of fine particles, specifically lower than 63 µm, usually inducing a higher water demand and a higher capillary rise. This can be explained by specific surface and bluntness parameters which increase with the finer particles, inducing a higher surface roughness and, consequently, a higher potential interaction with water. Compaction did not seem to have a major effect on the production of fines (despite some breakdown occurred during compaction) and on the shape of materials (the bluntness and convexity increased slightly, while the elongation values remained similar after the compaction process). The static plate load tests showed that bearing capacity is slightly lower than the specifications for the road foundation after compaction. However, the studied material could meet the maximum criteria for secondary roads foundation construction on the wear resistance criteria. Recycled aggregates from C&DW without sufficient quality could be blended with other aggregates to enable their usage for upper-level road foundation.

Associations of inflammatory markers with impaired left ventricular diastolic and systolic function in collagen-induced arthritis.

BACKGROUND: High-grade inflammation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Evidence to support a role of systemic inflammation in mediating impaired LV function in experimental models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains limited. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of high-grade systemic inflammation on LV diastolic and systolic function in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS: To induce CIA, bovine type-II collagen emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant was injected at the base of the tail into 21 three-month old Sprague Dawley rats. Nine-weeks after the first immunisation, LV function was assessed by pulsed Doppler, tissue Doppler imaging and Speckle tracking echocardiography. Cardiac collagen content was determined by picrosirius red staining; circulating inflammatory markers were measured using ELISA. RESULTS: Compared to controls (n = 12), CIA rats had reduced myocardial relaxation as indexed by lateral e' (early diastolic mitral annular velocity) and e'/a' (early-to-late diastolic mitral annular velocity) and increased filling pressures as indexed by E/e'. No differences in ejection fraction and LV endocardial fractional shortening between the groups were recorded. LV global radial and circumferential strain and strain rate were reduced in CIA rats compared to controls. Higher concentrations of circulating inflammatory markers were associated with reduced lateral e', e'/a', radial and circumferential strain and strain rate. Greater collagen content was associated with increased concentrations of circulating inflammatory markers and E/e'. CONCLUSION: High-grade inflammation is associated with impaired LV diastolic function and greater myocardial deformation independent of haemodynamic load in CIA rats.

Influence of Activators on Mechanical Properties of Modified Fly Ash Based Geopolymer Mortars.

The aim of this work was to study the influence of the type of activator on the formulation of modified fly ash based geopolymer mortars. Geopolymer and alkali-activated materials (AAM) were made from fly ashes derived from coal and biomass combustion in thermal power plants. Basic activators (NaOH, CaO, and Na2SiO3) were mixed with fly ashes in order to develop binding properties other than those resulting from the use of Portland cement. The results showed that the mortars with 5 mol/dm3 of NaOH and 100 g of Na2SiO3 (N5-S22) gave a greater compressive strength than other mixes. The compressive strengths of analyzed fly ash mortars with activators N5-S22 and N5-C10 (5 mol/dm3 NaOH and 10% CaO) varied from 14.3 MPa to 5.9 MPa. The better properties of alkali-activated mortars with regular fly ash were influenced by a larger amount of amorphous silica and alumina phases. Scanning electron microscopy and calorimetry analysis provided a better understanding of the observed mechanisms.

Associations of inflammatory markers and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 with endothelial dysfunction in collagen-induced arthritis.

We determined the role of high-grade inflammation on endothelial function and its association with biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in collagen-induced arthritis. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a control (n = 12) or collagen-induced arthritis (CIA; n = 21) group. To induce arthritis, Bovine-type-II collagen emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant was injected at the base of the tail. Nine-weeks after the primary immunisation, vascular reactivity in mesenteric and saphenous arteries was assessed using a wire-myograph. Serum concentrations of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), C-reactive protein (CRP)) and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)) were measured by ELISA. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation in mesenteric and saphenous arteries was impaired in CIA compared to controls (P < 0.05). Responses to sodium nitroprusside were similar between controls and CIA in mesenteric arteries and marginally impaired in saphenous arteries of CIA rats. Compared to controls, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, CRP (all P < 0.00001) and VCAM-1 (P = 0.02) were elevated in CIA. TNF-α (std ß(SE) = 0.39(0.16); P = 0.03), IL-6 (std ß(SE) = 0.37(0.17); P = 0.03), IL-1ß (std ß(SE) = 0.41(0.16); P = 0.02) and CRP (std ß(SE) = 0.36(0.17); P = 0.04) were associated with VCAM-1. Associations between inflammatory markers and the maximal relaxation (Emax) to acetylcholine in mesenteric arteries were no longer significant after adjusting for VCAM-1 (except for IL-1ß). VCAM-1 was inversely associated with the Emax to acetylcholine in mesenteric (std ß(SE) = -0.49(0.16); P = 0.01) but not in saphenous arteries (std ß(SE) = -0.06(0.18); P = 0.76). In conclusion, exposure to high-grade inflammation impairs endothelial-dependent relaxation. The inflammation-induced increase in VCAM-1 concentrations may contribute to the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation in mesenteric arteries of CIA rats.

Increased systolic blood pressure associated with hypertriglyceridemia in female Sprague-Dawley rats.

The effect of hyperlipidemia on the cardiovascular system is uncertain in females. The aim of the present study was to determine whether administration of a lipogenic diet alters cardiovascular parameters in female rats. Fifty female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into 2 groups of rats receiving a standard or a high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFHS) for 6 weeks (n = 25 per group). Body mass, blood lipids concentrations, triglycerides clearance, blood pressures (BPs), systolic and diastolic functions, as well as vascular reactivity were assessed at the end of the diet intervention. At termination, body mass was similar between the 2 groups. Fasting blood triglycerides concentration (BTG) was greater in the HFHS group. Triglycerides clearance was impaired in the HFHS group. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration was lower in the HFHS group. The early-to-late diastolic filling velocity ratio (E/A) was lower in the HFHS group and negatively associated with BTG. The sensitivity (EC50) of mesenteric arteries to phenylephrine was greater in HFHS and was negatively associated with BTG, but not HDL. Systolic BP was higher in the HFHS group and was positively associated with BTG and HDL. The association between systolic BP and BTG was independent of other lipids measured. In conclusion, hypertriglyceridemia may have increased resistance arteries responsiveness to alpha-agonist and systolic BP in female rats.

Early Wave Reflection and Pulse Wave Velocity Are Associated with Diastolic Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) impacts arterial and diastolic function. This study examined whether arterial properties can determine diastolic function in RA. In 173 RA patients, arterial function measures including carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), central systolic and pulse pressure, pulse pressure amplification, and the magnitude and timing of the forward and reflected waves were measured using applanation tonometry. Diastolic function parameters including the ratio of early-to-late transmitral velocity (E/A) and ratio of E to the mean of the lateral and septal wall myocardial tissue lengthening (e') were measured using echocardiography. The timing of the reflected wave was associated with E/A; PWV was related to E/e'. The timing of the reflected wave, forward wave magnitude, and pulse pressure amplification were associated with impaired relaxation; PWV was related to increased left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. Early wave reflection and PWV are associated with LV-impaired relaxation and increased filling pressure, respectively, in RA.

Data on thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability and water absorption of a cementitious mortar containing end-of-waste plastic aggregates.

The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "Hygro-thermal and durability properties of a lightweight mortar made with foamed plastic waste aggregates" (Coppola et al., 2018) [1]. This article focuses the attention on thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability and water absorption of a lightweight cementitious mortar containing foamed end-of-waste plastic aggregates, produced via foam extrusion process [2]. Thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability and water absorption data are made available to allow comparison and/or extend the analysis. Experimental investigations showed that the presence of plastic aggregates decreased thermal conductivity, water vapour resistance and capillary water absorption.

Effects of High Salt-Low Potassium Diet on Blood Pressure and Vascular Reactivity in Male Sprague Dawley Rats.

Sodium (Na) intake increases vascular reactivity. Whether low potassium (K) intake affects vascular reactivity-associated blood pressure (BP) changes is uncertain. This study aimed to determine whether Na-induced increases in BP and vascular reactivity are altered by low K intake. Male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to 3 dietary groups for 6 weeks: a standard Na-K diet (control, n = 12), a high Na-normal K diet (HS-NormK, n = 12), and a high Na-low K diet (HS-LowK, n = 12). BP was measured at baseline and after the dietary intervention. Na and K excretions and vascular reactivity were measured after the dietary intervention. The Na/K ratio was significantly higher in the HS-LowK compared with the other groups. Systolic and diastolic BPs increased significantly in the HS-NormK and HS-LowK groups. In mesenteric arteries, the dose-response curves for phenylephrine-induced contractions shifted to the left and the EC50 (mean ± SD) was significantly lower in the HS-NormK (0.51 ± 0.17 µM, P = 0.003) and HS-LowK (0.69 ± 0.14 µM, P = 0.005) groups compared with the control (3.24 ± 0.79 µM). Systolic (r = -0.58 P = 0.002) and diastolic (r = -0.61 P = 0.001) BPs were associated with the EC50 of phenylephrine-induced contraction in mesenteric arteries. High Na intake induces increased alpha-1 receptor responsiveness in mesenteric arteries, which may be responsible for the increase in BP and is not affected by low dietary K intake.

Systemic Angiotensinogen Concentrations Are Independently Associated With Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in a Community Sample.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction characterizes heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. Although it is recognized that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) decreases LV diastolic function, whether systemic angiotensinogen (AGT) contributes to these effects is uncertain. Hence, the aim was to determine the relationship between systemic AGT concentrations and LV diastolic function. METHODS: LV diastolic function was determined from the mean of the lateral and septal wall myocardial tissue lengthening at the mitral annulus (average e') and from the ratio of early transmitral blood flow velocity (E) to average e' (E/e') in 445 Black African participants from a community sample. RESULTS: In multivariate regression models with adjustments for age, sex, waist circumference diabetes mellitus, alcohol and tobacco use, hypertension treatment, systolic blood pressure (BP), and relative wall thickness, the square root of serum AGT concentrations was independently associated with E/e' (partial r (95% confidence interval [CI]) = 0.11 (0.02-0.21), P = 0.04), but not with average e' (partial r (95% CI) = -0.06 (-0.15 to 0.04), P = 0.25). There was no association between plasma renin concentrations and markers of diastolic function (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Circulating AGT concentrations are associated with LV diastolic function beyond BP and other confounders in an African population. Hence, through circulating AGT, the systemic RAAS may play an important role in contributing to LV diastolic function in Black Africans.

Prevention of ßeta-adrenergic-induced Adverse Cardiac Remodeling by Gonadectomy in Male but Not Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Chronic ß-adrenergic stimulation induces left ventricular (LV) remodeling in male but not in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). However, the role of sex steroids in mediating these effects has not been determined. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of gonadectomy on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced LV remodeling in SHR. Gonadectomy was performed on 9-month-old male and female SHR. LV remodeling was induced by daily ISO injection (0.04 mg/kg) for 6 months. LV dimensions and functions were determined in vivo by echocardiography and ex vivo using isolated perfused heart preparations. In males, ISO increased LV end diastolic (LVED) diameter in sham-operated (in millimeter, ISO: 8.12 ± 0.26 vs. Con: 6.67 ± 0.20, P = 0.0002) but not in castrated SHR (ISO: 6.97 ± 0.31 vs. Con: 6.53 ± 0.15, P = 0.66). Similarly, ISO increased the volume intercept of the LVED pressure-volume relationship in sham-operated (in milliliters, ISO: 0.26 ± 0.02 vs. Con: 0.19 ± 0.01, P = 0.01) but not in castrated SHR (ISO: 0.17 ± 0.02 vs. Con: 0.17 ± 0.01, P = 0.99). In females, ISO only increased LVED diameter (ISO: 6.43 ± 0.13 vs. Con: 6.07 ± 0.09, P = 0.027). However, ovariectomy did not modify any LV dimensions measured in vivo and ex vivo. In conclusion, testosterone may be responsible for the chronic ß-adrenergic-induced LV dilation and eccentric remodeling observed in male but not female SHR.

Sex-Specific Effects of Adrenergic-Induced Left Ventricular Remodeling in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to determine whether adrenergic-induced left ventricular (LV) dilation and eccentric remodeling in pressure-overload hypertrophy is sex specific. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chronic ß-adrenoreceptor activation was produced in male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) by means of daily administration of isoproterenol (ISO; 0.04 mg/kg daily) from 9 to 15 months of age. LV chamber dimensions were determined in vivo by means of echocardiography and ex vivo in isolated perfused heart preparations. The acute hemodynamic response to ISO, the degree of myocardial necrosis and apoptosis, and collagen distribution were also assessed. Female SHRs demonstrated inotropic and chronotropic responses to ISO similarly to male SHRs. Compared with control subjects (saline solution vehicle), following chronic ISO administration, LV end-diastolic diameter (mm) was increased in male (ISO 7.8 ± 0.3 vs control 6.6 ± 0.2; P < .001) but not in female (ISO 6.3 ± 0.2 vs control 6.2 ± 0.2; P = .23) SHRs. Similarly, compared with control, ISO administration increased the volume intercept of the LV end-diastolic pressure-volume relation (mL) in male (ISO 0.31 ± 0.02 vs control 0.22 ± 0.01; P < .0001) but not in female (ISO 0.17 ± 0.01 vs control 0.17 ± 0.01; P = 1.00) SHRs. Relative wall thickness was also decreased in male SHRs receiving ISO but not in female SHRs receiving ISO. Chronic ISO administration increased the percentage of area covered by interstitial collagen in male but not in female SHRs. Finally, chronic adrenergic stimulation failed to influence LV chamber or myocardial systolic function in either male or female SHRs. CONCLUSIONS: Male SHRs are more susceptible to adrenergic-induced LV dilation and eccentric LV remodeling than female SHRs. These effects are associated with increased collagen deposition. In pressure-overload hypertrophy, LV dilation and eccentric LV remodeling occur before LV dysfunction in male rats.

Management of Testicular Silicone Gel-Filled Prosthesis Rupture: Case Report of a Rare Event and a Review of the Literature.

Introduction. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of a single testicular prosthesis in a patient who had undergone bilateral orchiectomy and silicone gel-filled prosthesis insertion. The consequences of this rare event are discussed. There is no management algorithm. Case Presentation. A 55-year-old man presented to our outpatient department with altered consistency in his right testicular prosthesis and a painful right hemiscrotum with no systemic symptoms thirty-three years after the implantation of the prosthesis. We removed this implant without replacement, in accordance with the patient's wishes. Conclusion. The long time between the implantation and the spontaneous rupture is remarkable and was never before described. The removal of the prosthesis was straightforward and it would have been possible to implant a new prosthesis after taking into account the condition of the skin.

Circulating resistin concentrations are independently associated with aortic pulse wave velocity in a community sample.

AIMS: The role of the adipokine, resistin in mediating increases in aortic stiffness is uncertain. We aimed to determine independent relations between circulating resistin concentrations and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and wave reflection in a community-based sample with a high prevalence of untreated hypertension and obesity. METHODS: Plasma resistin, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein concentrations (ELISA); carotid-femoral (aortic) PWV and the aortic reflected wave index (applanation tonometry and SphygmoCor software) were determined in 683 randomly selected participants of African ancestry from SOWETO, South Africa who had never received antihypertensive therapy. RESULTS: Resistin concentrations were not independently associated with office or 24-h (n = 492) blood pressure (BP). In a stepwise regression model with BMI included in the model, age (P < 0.0001), mean arterial pressure (P < 0.0001), plasma resistin concentrations (P < 0.005), female sex (P = 0.01), and creatinine concentrations (P < 0.01) contributed independently to variations in PWV. Independent relations between resistin concentrations and PWV persisted with further adjustments for C-reactive protein concentrations (P < 0.005), and the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (P < 0.02). Similar relations were noted with waist circumference rather than BMI in the model. Resistin concentrations were not independently associated with aortic reflected wave index or aortic BP. CONCLUSION: Resistin is independently and directly associated with aortic stiffness and these effects occur beyond BP, insulin resistance, and general inflammation.

Independent associations between resistin and left ventricular mass and myocardial dysfunction in a community sample with prevalent obesity.

BACKGROUND: Although the adipokine resistin may play a role in heart failure, the mechanisms of this effect are uncertain. Relations with left ventricular mass (LVM) and function are uncertain. METHODS: In 739 randomly selected participants from a community sample (43.6% obese), we assessed relations between circulating resistin concentrations and LVM index (LVMI), LVM beyond that predicted by stroke work (inappropriate LVMI [LVMinappr]) and systolic and diastolic LV function (echocardiography). RESULTS: Resistin concentrations were not independently associated with blood pressure (BP). However, resistin concentrations were associated with LVMI (partial r=0.12, p<0.0005), LVMinappr (partial r=0.18, p<0.0001) and LV hypertrophy (partial r=0.13, p<0.001) independent of BP, BMI, the homeostasis model of insulin resistance and additional confounders. Independent relations between resistin concentrations and LVMI and LVMinappr persisted with further adjustments for C-reactive protein concentrations. Resistin concentration (partial r=-0.12, p<0.002 in all and partial r=-0.15, p<0.0005 in untreated) was the only factor independently associated with LV midwall fractional shortening and these relations were enhanced at incremental concentrations of CRP. Resistin was not independently associated with transmitral and myocardial tissue Doppler indices of LV diastolic function. CONCLUSIONS: Resistin in-part explains variations in LVM, hypertrophy and myocardial systolic dysfunction, and these effects are independent of insulin resistance and general inflammatory changes.

Impact on ICSI outcomes of adding 24 h of in vitro culture before testicular sperm freezing: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To compare sperm parameters and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes for testicular spermatozoa frozen on the day of the biopsy (DO) with those frozen after 24 h of in vitro culture (D1). METHODS: In this retrospective study, from 1999 to 2012, forty-nine azoospermic patients were included to compare sperm (motility and viability) and outcomes (fertilization (FR), implantation (IR), pregnancy (PR) and delivery rates (DR)). RESULTS: The in vitro culture increased total motility (+2.8 %, p = 0.0161) but decreased viability (-8.3 %, p = 0.007). After 24 h of culture, the post-thaw changes in motility and viability were not significant. Twenty-six couples underwent ICSI: thirty-four ICSI were performed with spermatozoa cryopreserved at D0 and eighteen with spermatozoa frozen at D1. Cumulated IR and DR were lower for ICSI with D1 spermatozoa than with D0 spermatozoa (IR: 21.6 % with D0 vs. 9.8 % with D1, p = 0.102; DR: 27.5 % with D0 vs. 8.3 % with D1, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Despite improving motility, freezing spermatozoa 24 h after testicular biopsy had a potential negative effect on ICSI outcomes, notably on delivery rates. These results may be related to the detrimental impact of the additional culture on the nuclear integrity of sperm.

OBJECTIF: Comparer les paramètres spermatiques et les issues de fécondation in vitro avec micro-injection (ICSI) de spermatozoïdes testiculaires congelés le jour de la biopsie (D0) avec ceux congelés après 24 heures de culture in vitro (D1). MÉTHODES: Dans cette étude rétrospective, de 1999 à 2012, quarante-neuf patients présentant une azoospermie ont été inclus pour comparer les paramètres spermatiques (mobilité et vitalité) et les issues d'ICSI (taux de fécondation (FR), d'implantation (IR), de grossesse (PR), et d'accouchement (DR)). RÉSULTATS: La culture in vitro augmentait la mobilité (+2.8 %, p = 0.0161) mais diminuait la vitalité (-8.3 %, p = 0.007). Après cumul des 24 heures de culture et congélation, les différences observées n'étaient plus significatives. Vingt-six couples ont eu au moins une ICSI : 34 ont été réalisées avec des spermatozoïdes congelés à D0 et 18 ont été réalisées avec des spermatozoïdes congelés à D1. Les taux d'implantation et d'accouchement cumulés étaient plus faibles avec les spermatozoïdes congelés à D1 par rapport à ceux congelés à D0 (IR: 21.6 % avec D0 vs. 9.8 % avec D1, p = 0.102; DR: 27.5 % avec D0 vs. 8.3 % avec D1, p = 0.049). CONCLUSION: Malgré l'augmentation de la mobilité, la congélation de spermatozoïdes testiculaires 24 heures après la biopsie apparait avoir un impact négatif sur les issues d'ICSI, notamment sur les taux d'accouchement. Ces résultats pourraient être en lien avec les effets néfastes de l'association des deux procédés (l'incubation pendant 24H cumulée à la congélation-décongélation) sur l'intégrité nucléaire spermatique.

Comparison of three different embolic materials for varicocele embolization: retrospective study of tolerance, radiation and recurrence rate.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate pain, radiation and recurrence rates in patients undergoing varicocele embolization with three different embolic materials. METHODS: Retrospective study of 182 consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter retrograde varicocele embolization from July 2011 to May 2015 with glue (Glubran(®)2) (group 1, n=63), mechanical agents (coils and/or plugs) (group 2, n=53) or a sclerosing agent (polidocanol) (group 3, n=66). Patients were asked by telephone interview to evaluate pain during embolization and at 1, 7 and 30 days using a quantitative pain scale ranging from 0 to 10. Duration of scopy, kinetic energy released per unit mass (kerma) and dose area product (DAP) were assessed as radiation parameters during embolization procedures. Recurrence rates after treatment were also evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Patients in the three study groups were comparable for age, clinical indication and embolization side. No difference was noted for significant pain (pain score ≥3) during embolization and at 1, 7 and 30 days after treatment. Discomfort (pain score <3) was more frequent in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 at 7 days after the procedure (P=0.049). No difference in discomfort was noted during embolization or at 1 and 30 days. Duration of scopy was shorter (P<0.0001) and kerma was lower (P=0.0087) in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. DAP was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (P=0.04) but no difference was noted between groups 1 and 3, and groups 2 and 3. The recurrence rate at a mean follow-up of 24.4 months (range, 2-53 months) was significantly lower in group 1 than in the two other groups (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Glubran(®)2 acrylic glue for varicocele embolization is safe and leads to less radiation and lower recurrence rates than is the case for other embolic materials without any more significant pain.

Large vessel adventitial vasculitis characterizes patients with critical lower limb ischemia with as compared to without human immunodeficiency virus infection.

OBJECTIVES: Whether a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated vasculitis in-part accounts for occlusive large artery disease remains uncertain. We aimed to identify the histopathological features that characterize large vessel changes in HIV sero-positive as compared to sero-negative patients with critical lower limb ischemia (CLI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Femoral arteries obtained from 10 HIV positive and 10 HIV negative black African male patients admitted to a single vascular unit with CLI requiring above knee amputation were subjected to histopathological assessment. None of the HIV positive patients were receiving antiretroviral therapy. RESULTS: As compared to HIV negative patients with CLI, HIV positive patients were younger (p<0.01) and had a lower prevalence of hypertension (10 vs 90%, p<0.005) and diabetes mellitus (0 vs 50%, p<0.05), but a similar proportion of patients previously or currently smoked (80 vs 60%). 90% of HIV positive patients, but no HIV negative patient had evidence of adventitial leukocytoclastic vasculitis of the vasa vasorum (p<0.0001). In addition, 70% of HIV positive, but no HIV negative patient had evidence of adventitial slit-like vessels. Whilst T-lymphocytes were noted in the adventitia in 80% of HIV positive patients, T-lymphocytes were noted only in the intima in HIV negative patients. The presence of femoral artery calcified multilayered fibro-atheroma was noted in 40% of HIV positive and 90% of HIV negative patients with CLI. CONCLUSIONS: An adventitial vasculitis which characterizes large artery changes in CLI in HIV-infected as compared to non-infected patients, may contribute toward HIV-associated occlusive large artery disease.