Performance on the Latin American version of the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (LAS-FNAME) distinguishes individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment from age-matched controls in a sample from Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The Latin American Spanish version of the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (LAS-FNAME) has shown promise in identifying cognitive changes in those at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its applicability for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) detection in the Latin American population remains unexplored. This study aims to analyze the psychometric properties in terms of validity and reliability and diagnostic performance of the LAS-FNAME for the detection of memory disorders in patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 31 participants with aMCI, diagnosed by a neurologist according to Petersen's criteria, and 19 healthy controls. Inclusion criteria for the aMCI group were to be 60 years of age or older, report cognitive complaints, have a memory test score (Craft Story 21) below a -1.5 z-score and have preserved functioning in activities of daily living. Participants completed LAS-FNAME and a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. RESULTS: LAS-FNAME showed the ability to discriminate against healthy controls from patients with aMCI (AUC= 75) in comparison with a gold-standard memory test (AUC = 69.1). LAS-FNAME also showed evidence of concurrent and divergent validity with a standard memory test (RAVLT) (r = 0.58, p < .001) and with an attention task (Digit Span) (r = -0.37, p = .06). Finally, the reliability index was very high (α = 0.88). DISCUSSION: LAS-FNAME effectively distinguished aMCI patients from healthy controls, suggesting its potential for detecting early cognitive changes in Alzheimer's prodromal stages among Spanish speakers.

S-1 maintenance therapy in Caucasian patients with metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma-final results of the randomized AIO MATEO phase II trial.

PURPOSE: Platinum-fluoropyrimidine combinations are standard of care for treatment of metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. The optimal duration of first-line chemotherapy is unknown, however, and maintenance strategies have not yet been established. DESIGN: MATEO is an international randomized phase II trial exploring efficacy and safety of S-1 maintenance therapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma. After 3 months of first-line platinum-fluoropyrimidine-based induction therapy, patients without progression were randomized in a 2 : 1 allocation to receive S-1 monotherapy (arm A) or to continue combination chemotherapy (arm B). The primary objective was to show non-inferiority of overall survival in the S-1 maintenance group. Progression-free survival, adverse events, and quality of life were secondary endpoints. RESULTS: From 2014 to 2019, 110 and 55 patients were randomized in arm A and arm B, respectively (recruitment closed prematurely). Median overall survival from randomization was 13.4 months for arm A and 11.4 months for arm B [hazard ratio 0.97 (80% confidence interval 0.76-1.23), P = 0.86]. Median progression-free survival from randomization was 4.3 and 6.1 months for arm A versus arm B, respectively [hazard ratio 1.10 (80% confidence interval 0.86-1.39), P = 0.62]. Patients in arm A had numerically fewer treatment-related adverse events (84.9% versus 93.9%) and significantly less peripheral sensory polyneuropathy ≥grade 2 (9.4% versus 36.7%). CONCLUSIONS: S-1 maintenance following platinum-based induction therapy leads to non-inferior survival outcomes compared with the continuation of platinum-based combination. Toxicity patterns favor a fluoropyrimidine maintenance strategy. These data challenge the continued use of platinum combination chemotherapy after response to 3 months induction therapy in patients with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative esophagogastric adenocarcinoma.

Police Fatal Force and Crime Reporting: A Test of Community Responses to Fatal Police-Civilian Encounters.

Public perceptions of police legitimacy and effectiveness have been challenged by recent high-profile use of fatal force incidents by the police. Prior scholarship suggests that that controversial incidents involving police use of force can engender distrust of the police. Further, the neighborhood effects literature has demonstrated the importance of community context for police-community relationships and differential responses to controversial incidents by neighborhoods. The current study assesses how communities of varying racial compositions and levels of economic disadvantage respond to police fatal force incidents by assessing neighborhood crime reporting behaviors. Using monthly 911 call data from Los Angeles, CA neighborhoods, this study explores this relationship with a series of fixed effects negative binomial regression models that model police homicides and crime reporting over a seven-year time period. Comparisons between neighborhoods of varying racial/ethnic composition and structural conditions permit the comparison of differential responses across neighborhood context. The results indicate that neighborhood crime reporting decreases following fatal police use of force incidents. Further, these responses varied across neighborhood contexts. Predominately Hispanic neighborhoods experienced greater declines in crime reporting compared to predominately White neighborhoods. Neighborhoods characterized by high levels of concentrated disadvantaged also experienced greater reductions in crime reporting compared to their more advantaged counterparts. Utilization of the formal legal system can be challenged by controversial police incidents; however, these effects are dependent on neighborhood context. Future research should explore how spatial proximity and media portrayal of incidents influence community responses.

Radiographical Survey of Osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Fold Cats caused by the TRPV4 gene variant.

The unique appearance of Scottish Fold cats is caused by a single gene variant in TRPV4, which impacts the development of cartilage. This results in the ears folding forward and variable effects on articular cartilage and bone. While some find this appearance desirable, early work demonstrated that homozygous cats with two copies of this variant develop severe radiographic consequences. Subsequent breeding programs have mated heterozygous cats with straight-eared cats to ensure an equal mix of heterozygous (fold) and wild-type (nonfolded) offspring, in the hope of raising healthy cats. More recent radiological surveys suggest that these heterozygous cats may also have medical problems consisting of deformed distal extremities in the worst cases and accelerated onset of osteoarthritis. However, these previous studies were undermined by selection biases, lack of controls, unblinded assessment and lack of known genotypes. Our aim was to determine if heterozygous cats exhibit radiological abnormalities when controlling for these limitations. Specifically, DNA and radiographs were acquired for 22 Scottish Fold cats. Four reviewers, blinded to the ear phenotype, assessed the lateral radiographs. Genotyping showed that all 10 folded-ear cats were heterozygous, and none of the straight-ear cats (n = 12) had the abnormal TRPV4 variant. Although each reviewer, on average, gave a numerically worse 'severity score' to folded-ear cats relative to straight-ear cats, the images in heterozygous cats showed much milder radiological signs than previously published. This study provides additional information to be considered in the complicated debate as to whether cats with the TRPV4 variant should be bred for folded ears given the potential comorbidities.

Effective repair of articular cartilage using human pluripotent stem cell-derived tissue.

In an effort to develop an effective source of clinically relevant cells and tissues for cartilage repair a directed differentiation method was used to generate articular chondrocytes and cartilage tissues from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). It has previously been demonstrated that chondrocytes derived from hESCs retain a stable cartilage-forming phenotype following subcutaneous implantation in mice. In this report, the potential of hESC-derived articular-like cartilage to repair osteochondral defects created in the rat trochlea was evaluated. Articular cartilage-like tissues were generated from hESCs and implanted into the defects. After 6 and 12 weeks, the defects were evaluated histologically and immunohistochemically, and the quality of repair was assessed using a modified ICRS II scoring system. Following 6 and 12 weeks after implantation, hESC-derived cartilage tissues maintained their proteoglycan and type II collagen-rich matrix and scored significantly higher than control defects, which had been filled with fibrin glue alone. Implants were found to be well integrated with native host tissue at the basal and lateral surfaces, although implanted human cells and host cells remained regionally separated. A subset of implants underwent a process of remodeling similar to endochondral ossification, suggesting the potential for a single cartilaginous implant to promote the generation of new subchondral bone in addition to repair of the articular cartilage. The ability to create cartilage tissues with integrative and reparative properties from an unlimited and robust cell source represents a significant advance for cartilage repair that can be further developed in large animal models before clinical- setting application.

The Use of Dried Bovine Hemoglobin and Plasma for Mass Rearing New World Screwworm.

The success of the Screwworm Eradication Program is due to continuous mass rearing and dispersal of large numbers of competitive sterile flies in the field. Spray-dried powders of whole bovine blood, chicken egg, and milk substitute constituted the nutritional components of the traditional artificial larval diet used for mass rearing New World Screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), Diptera: Calliphoridae. However, due to shifting availability and increasing costs of diet ingredients, it is necessary to investigate alternative products for the diet. Recently, spray-dried whole bovine blood became unavailable for purchase in the quantities that the Screwworm Program requires and thus were obliged to purchase bovine blood subproducts. Previous research showed that bovine hemoglobin could be substituted for whole blood with good results in small trials. Here, we report results of NWS larval diets prepared with bovine blood subproducts, hemoglobin and plasma, in 20-liter trays used in mass rearing. Diets were prepared using three separate hemoglobin/plasma ratios. Though all three configurations of hemoglobin and plasma were successful in the larval diet, we found the diets containing 1.5% total plasma, as opposed to 0.5 and 1%, produced heavier larvae and pupae, and resulted in more pupae per unit of diet. Considering cost, we determined that the ideal ratio for the blood portion of the diet for mass rearing is 80% hemoglobin and 20% plasma.

A novel pretherapeutic gene expression-based risk score for treatment guidance in gastric cancer.

Background: Perioperative chemotherapy is an established treatment of advanced gastric cancer patients. Treatment selection is based on clinical staging (cT). We aimed to establish and validate a prognostic score including clinical and molecular factors, to optimize treatment decisions for these patients. Patients and methods: We analyzed 626 carcinomas of the stomach and of the gastro-esophageal junction from two academic centers including primarily resected and pre-/perioperatively treated patients. Patients were divided into a training (N = 269) and validation (N = 357) set. Expression of 11 target genes was measured by quantitative PCR in resected tumors. A risk score to predict overall survival (OS) was generated and validated. Intra-tumoral heterogeneity was assessed by analyzing 50 tumor areas from 10 patients. Results: A risk score including the expression of CCL5, CTNNB1, EXOSC3 and LZTR1 and the clinical parameters cT, tumor localization and histopathologic type suggested two groups with a significant difference in OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17-0.52]. The risk score was successfully validated in an independent cohort (HR 0.32; 95% CI 0.21-0.51; P < 0.001) as well as in subgroups of primarily resected (HR 0.30; 95% CI 0.17-0.54; P < 0.001) and pre-/perioperatively treated patients (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.17-0.81; P = 0.009). A significant difference in OS of high- and low-risk patients was also found in primarily resected patients with intestinal (HR 0.45; 95% CI 0.23-0.90; P = 0.020) and nonintestinal-type carcinomas (HR 0.1; 95% CI 0.02-0.42; P < 0.001). Intra-tumor heterogeneity analysis indicated a classification reliability of 95% for a supposed analysis of three biopsies. Conclusion: The identified risk score could substantially contribute to an improved management of gastric cancer patients in the context of perioperative chemotherapy.

Long-term genetic selection reduced prevalence of hip and elbow dysplasia in 60 dog breeds.

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) impact the health and welfare of all dogs. The first formally organized assessment scheme to improve canine health centered on reducing the prevalence of these orthopedic disorders. Phenotypic screening of joint conformation remains the currently available strategy for breeders to make selection decisions. The present study evaluated the efficacy of employing phenotypic selection on breed improvement of hips and elbows using the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals complete database spanning the 1970-2015 time period. Sixty breeds having more than 1000 unique hip evaluations and 500 elbow evaluations (1,056,852 and 275,129 hip and elbow records, respectively) were interrogated to derive phenotypic improvement, sex and age at time of assessment effects, correlation between the two joints, heritability estimates, estimated breeding values (EBV), and effectiveness of maternal/paternal selection. The data demonstrated that there has been overall improvement in hip and elbow conformation with a reduction in EBV for disease liability, although the breeds differed in the magnitude of the response to selection. Heritabilities also differed substantially across the breeds as did the correlation of the joints; in the absence of a universal association of these differences with breed size, popularity, or participation in screening, it appears that the breeds themselves vary in genetic control. There was subtle, though again breed specific, impact of sex and older ages on CHD and ED. There was greater paternal impact on a reduction of CHD. In the absence of direct genetic tests for either of these two diseases, phenotypic selection has proven to be effective. Furthermore, the data underscore that selection schemes must be breed specific and that it is likely the genetic profiles will be unique across the breeds for these two conditions. Despite the advances achieved with phenotypic selection, incorporation of EBVs into selection schemes should accelerate advances in hip and elbow improvement.

Synthesis, antiproliferative activities, and computational evaluation of novel isocoumarin and 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin derivatives.

A series of novel isocoumarin derivatives were synthesized using Castro-Stephens cross-coupling. Moreover, novel 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin derivatives were obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding isocoumarin precursors. The antiproliferative activity of all compounds was evaluated in vitro in different tumor cells. Furthermore, docking calculations were performed for the kallikrein 5 (KLK5) active site to predict the possible mechanism of action of this series of compounds. Theoretical findings indicate that the 3,4-dihydroisocoumarin derivative 10a forms hydrogen bonds with Ser190 and Gln192 residues of KLK5. This derivative was the most active compound in the series with potent antiproliferative activity and high selectivity index (SI > 378.79) against breast cancer cells (MCF-7, GI50 = 0.66 µg mL(-1)). This compound represents a promising matrix for developing new antiproliferative agents.

Vitamin D3 seems more appropriate than D2 to sustain adequate levels of 25OHD: a pharmacokinetic approach.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The superiority of cholecalciferol (D3) over ergocalciferol (D2) in sustaining serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels is controversial. To compare D2 with D3 we performed a single-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial spanning 11 weeks. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Healthy volunteers (n=33, aged 33.4±6 years) were divided into three groups (n=11, each): D2, D3 and placebo. Treatment started with a loading dose (100,000 IU) followed by 4800 IU/day (d) between d7 and d20 and follow-up until d77. Serum samples were obtained at baseline and at days 3, 7, 14, 21, 35, 49, 63 and 77. RESULTS: Baseline 25OHD values in the D2 group were lower than those in the D3 and placebo groups (P<0.01). Placebo 25OHD levels never changed. As after the loading dose both D2 and D3 groups had reached similar 25OHD levels, we tested equivalence of the area under the concentration × time curve (AUC) between d7 and d77. The AUC was 28.6% higher for D3 compared with D2, and both were higher with respect to placebo. At d77, D2 25OHD levels were higher than those at baseline, but similar to placebo; both were lower than D3 (P<0.04). According to raw data, the elimination half-life of 25OHD was 84 and 111 days under D2 and D3 supplementation, respectively; after subtracting the placebo values, the corresponding figures were 33 and 82 days. CONCLUSIONS: D2 and D3 were equally effective in elevating 25OHD levels after a loading dose. In the long term, D3 seems more appropriate for sustaining 25OHD, which could be relevant for classic and non-classic effects of vitamin D.

Activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway correlates with prognosis in stage II colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with UICC/AJCC stage II colon cancer have a high 5-year overall survival rate after surgery. Nevertheless, a significant subgroup of patients develops tumour recurrence. Currently, there are no clinically established biomarkers available to identify this patient group. We applied reverse-phase protein arrays (RPPA) for phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase pathway activation mapping to stratify patients according to their risk of tumour recurrence after surgery. METHODS: Full-length proteins were extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples of 118 patients who underwent curative resection. RPPA technology was used to analyse expression and/or phosphorylation levels of six major factors of the phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase pathway. Oncogenic mutations of KRAS and BRAF, and DNA microsatellite status, currently discussed as prognostic markers, were analysed in parallel. RESULTS: Expression of phospho-AKT (HR=3.52; P=0.032), S6RP (HR=6.3; P=0.044), and phospho-4E-BP1 (HR=4.12; P=0.011) were prognostic factors for disease-free survival. None of the molecular genetic alterations were significantly associated with prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway evidenced on the protein level might be a valuable prognostic marker to stratify patients for their risk of tumour recurrence. Beside adjuvant chemotherapy targeting of upregulated PI3K/AKT signalling may be an attractive strategy for treatment of high-risk patients.

Immediate surgery for acute internal carotid artery dissection and thrombosis during filter deployment prior to stenting: a case report.

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a validated option in the treatment of selected extracranial carotid artery stenosis. Carotid artery dissection during CAS is a rare but potentially devastating complication. We report a case of acute dissection and thrombosis of the left internal carotid artery during filter tip wire engaging maneuvers, complicated by intraoperative complete blindness of the left eye. Immediate conversion to carotid endarterectomy was performed under general anesthesia with electroencephalographic monitoring. The patient was discharged home symptomless and remains asymptomatic eight months after the operation, with normal left internal carotid patency and fully recovered eyesight. In conclusion, the management of acute carotid occlusion during CAS requires emergent evaluation and definitive endovascular or open surgical repair to minimize neurologic morbidity. We advocate that all endovascular procedures are carried out in a well-established surgical environment.

WNT6 is a novel target gene of caveolin-1 promoting chemoresistance to epirubicin in human gastric cancer cells.

Resistance to chemotherapy is a major obstacle for curative treatment of human gastric cancer (GC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Wingless-type MMTV integration site family members (WNTs) are secreted glycoproteins involved in embryogenesis and, on inappropriate expression in the adult, in cancer. Here, we show expression of WNT6 in GC patient specimens, human GC cell lines and in a mouse model of GC. In human GC cells, WNT6 expression was enhanced by caveolin-1 (Cav1), a scaffold protein of plasma membrane caveolae. WNT6 knock-down and overexpression experiments demonstrated that WNT6 increased the resistance to apoptotic cell death induced by the anthracycline chemotherapeutics epirubicin (Epi) and doxorubicin (Dox). Epi increased the activity of the human WNT6 promoter through Cav1-dependent binding of ß-catenin to the proximal WNT6 promoter. Epi increased both WNT6/Wnt6 and Cav1 expression in human GC cells and within the tumor area of a murine model of GC (CEA424-SV40 TAg). In GC patients, WNT6 expression was positively associated with the tumor stage and the nodal status, and inversely correlated with the response to ECF (Epi, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) chemotherapy. These results showed that WNT6 and Cav1 are upregulated by chemotherapeutics and enhance the resistance of GC cells to anthracycline drugs. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving WNT6/Cav1-induced drug resistance will provide benefits in developing new therapies for GC.

The functional and molecular characterisation of human embryonic stem cell-derived insulin-positive cells compared with adult pancreatic beta cells.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Using a novel directed differentiation protocol, we recently generated up to 25% insulin-producing cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) (insulin(+) cells). At this juncture, it was important to functionally and molecularly characterise these hESC-derived insulin(+) cells and identify key differences and similarities between them and primary beta cells. METHODS: We used a new reporter hESC line with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cDNA targeted to the INS locus by homologous recombination (INS (GFP/w)) and an untargeted hESC line (HES2). INS (GFP/w) allowed efficient identification and purification of GFP-producing (INS:GFP(+)) cells. Insulin(+) cells were examined for key features of adult beta cells using microarray, quantitative PCR, secretion assays, imaging and electrophysiology. RESULTS: Immunofluorescent staining showed complete co-localisation of insulin with GFP; however, cells were often multihormonal, many with granules containing insulin and glucagon. Electrophysiological recordings revealed variable K(ATP) and voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel activity, and reduced glucose-induced cytosolic Ca(2+) uptake. This translated into defective glucose-stimulated insulin secretion but, intriguingly, appropriate glucagon responses. Gene profiling revealed differences in global gene expression between INS:GFP(+) cells and adult human islets; however, INS:GFP(+) cells had remarkably similar expression of endocrine-lineage transcription factors and genes involved in glucose sensing and exocytosis. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: INS:GFP(+) cells can be purified from differentiated hESCs, providing a superior source of insulin-producing cells. Genomic analyses revealed that INS:GFP(+) cells collectively resemble immature endocrine cells. However, insulin(+) cells were heterogeneous, a fact that translated into important functional differences within this population. The information gained from this study may now be used to generate new iterations of functioning beta cells that can be purified for transplant.

INS(GFP/w) human embryonic stem cells facilitate isolation of in vitro derived insulin-producing cells.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to generate human embryonic stem cell (hESC) reporter lines that would facilitate the characterisation of insulin-producing (INS⁺) cells derived in vitro. METHODS: Homologous recombination was used to insert sequences encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) into the INS locus, to create reporter cell lines enabling the prospective isolation of viable INS⁺ cells. RESULTS: Differentiation of INS(GFP/w) hESCs using published protocols demonstrated that all GFP⁺ cells co-produced insulin, confirming the fidelity of the reporter gene. INS-GFP⁺ cells often co-produced glucagon and somatostatin, confirming conclusions from previous studies that early hESC-derived insulin-producing cells were polyhormonal. INS(GFP/w) hESCs were used to develop a 96-well format spin embryoid body (EB) differentiation protocol that used the recombinant protein-based, fully defined medium, APEL. Like INS-GFP⁺ cells generated with other methods, those derived using the spin EB protocol expressed a suite of pancreatic-related transcription factor genes including ISL1, PAX6 and NKX2.2. However, in contrast with previous methods, the spin EB protocol yielded INS-GFP⁺ cells that also co-expressed the beta cell transcription factor gene, NKX6.1, and comprised a substantial proportion of monohormonal INS⁺ cells. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: INS(GFP/w) hESCs are a valuable tool for investigating the nature of early INS⁺ progenitors in beta cell ontogeny and will facilitate the development of novel protocols for generating INS⁺ cells from differentiating hESCs.

Relative bioavailability of a 5 mg mosapride/10 mg rabeprazole fixed dose combination tablet versus separate single tablets in healthy volunteers: a single-dose randomized open-label crossover study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relative bioavailability of a new formulation containing 5 mg mosapride and 10 mg rabeprazole (T) and compare it with the branded formulations of both drugs co-administered in separate tablets (R) to meet the regulatory requirements of bioequivalence in Argentina. METHODS: A randomized-sequence, open-label, two-period crossover study was conducted on 24 healthy Caucasian volunteers in a fasting state. A single oral dose of either T or R formulations was followed by a 7-day washout period. Blood samples for mosapride were collected before administration (baseline) and at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after administration. Samples for rabeprazole were taken baseline and at 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 h after dosing. Mosapride and rabeprazole concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Adverse events were monitored based on clinical parameters and volunteer reports. RESULTS: The geometric means (90% CI) C(max) for mosapride in T and R were 23.13 (20.05-39.45) and 23.09 (21.69-32.37) ng/mL, the AUC(0-)(t) were 70.80 (66.23-102.37) and 70.81 (66.35-93.26) ng h/mL and the AUC(0-∞) were 74.05 (69.29-106.11) and 74.98 (70.43-97.77) ng h/mL. For rabeprazole T and R the C(max) were 197.42 (186.12-239.91) and 195.50 (186.08-250.07) ng/mL, the AUC(0-)(t) were 294.90 (275.13-374.15) and 296.96 (280.11-387.89) ng h/mL and the AUC(0-∞) were 301.12 (280.78-380.82) and 304.07 (286.60-394.21), respectively. No differences were detected between the formulations. The T/R ratios (90% CI) for C(max), AUC(0-)(t) and AUC(0-∞) were 100.17% (82.35-121.84), 99.99% (87.58-114.16) and 98.77% (87.02-112.11) for mosapride, and 100.99% (85.14-119.77), 99.31% (84.74-116.38) and 99.03% (85.07-115.28) for rabeprazole. No subject complained of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-dose study, the mosapride/rabeprazole tablets (test formulation) met the criterion for bioequivalence with the reference formulations. Study limitations include single-dose, open-label design, and a small sample of healthy volunteers.

How the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is tackling inherited disorders in the USA: using hip and elbow dysplasia as examples.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) maintains an on-line health pedigree database for inherited disorders of animals. With the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, the OFA maintains the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) for parent breed clubs to identify breed-specific required health tests. Analysis of the results of OFA evaluations in the hip and elbow registries show that selection based on phenotype improves conformation. Disorders with complex inheritance respond best to selection based on depth (ancestors) and breadth (siblings) of pedigree health test results. This information can be derived from vertical pedigrees generated on the OFA website.

[Anesthesia for minimally invasive cardiac procedure]. / Anesthésie pour interventions cardiaques minimalement invasives.

The objectives are to present the different minimally invasive cardiac surgery techniques to repair the mitral valve, TAVI and MitraClip, as well as the implications for the anaesthetist. Evaluate retrospectively the anaesthesist methods, change in monitoring and how the patients are selected. The mitral valve repair by minithoracotomy and video-surgery requires selective left intubation and monitoring by TEE. The TAVI methods seem to be working best under local anaesthesia and sedation for haemodynamic and neurologic monitoring. The MitraClip surgery requires an extensive monitoring during and after surgery. In conclusion, the care of patients that are candidates for a TAVI requires the same level of expertise as anaesthesiology in cardiac surgery. The number of procedures performed under sedation will increase. These patients require multidisciplinary care (surgeons, cardiologists, sonographers and anaesthesiologists) due to comorbidities, and the possible haemodynamic, neurologic and vascular complications. These patients have an Euroscore greater than 20% and a STS score greater than 10%. In our experience, 80% of the cases are done femorally, 17% of the cases are done through the subsclavian artery (Corevalve(®)). 80% of the patients have surgery with a local anaesthesia and sedation. 20% of the patients get surgery with general anaesthesia. For the Edwards-Sapien(®) valve, when the femoral approach is impossible, the patient can get surgery with general anaesthesia using the transapical access.