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Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease wherein neutrophils play a key role in plaque evolution. We observed that neutrophil CD11b was associated with a higher necrotic core volume in coronary plaques. Since platelets modulate neutrophil function, we explored the influence of neutrophil–platelet conjugates on the cytokine-modulated neutrophil complex CD11b/CD18 and CCR5 receptor expression. In 55 patients [68.53 ± 7.95 years old (mean ± SD); 71% male], neutrophil positivity for CD11b, CD18 and CCR5 was expressed as Relative Fluorescence Intensity (RFI) and taken as a dependent variable. Cytokines and chemokines were assessed by ELISA. Following log-10-based logarithmic transformation, they were used as independent variables in Model 1 of multiple regression together with Body Mass Index and albumin. Model 1 was expanded with the RFI of neutrophil CD41a+ (model 2). The RFI of neutrophil CD41a+ correlated positively and significantly with CD11b, CD18, and CCR5. In Model 2, CCR5 correlated positively only with the RFI of neutrophil CD41a+. Albumin maintained its positive effect on CD11b in both models. These observations indicate the complexity of neutrophil phenotypic modulation in stable CAD. Despite limitations, these findings suggest there is a role played by neutrophil–platelet interaction on the neutrophil cytokine-modulated expression of adhesive and chemotactic receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessment of Fontan circuit’s flow is traditionally evaluated by multiple through-plane phase-contrast MRI acquisitions (2D flow), while recently, a single volumetric 4D-flow MRI acquisition is emerging as a comprehensive tool for the hemodynamic evaluation in congenital heart diseases. Purpose: To compare 2D and 4D-flow MRI measurements in patients after Fontan palliation and to evaluate parameters affecting potential disagreement. Methods: 39 patients after Fontan palliation (23 males, age 22 ± 11 years) who underwent cardiac MRI with 2D and 4D-flow MRI acquisition were included in the study. In all patients, blood flow quantification in the Fontan circuit and aorta by 2D flow and by 4D flow MRI acquisition blinding to the 2D results was performed. The agreement between 2D and 4D-flow MRI was calculated as the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The mean absolute differences between 4D and 2D flows were analyzed using linear regression models. Results: 4D-flow MRI acquisition time was slightly lower than 2D (7.6 ± 1.8 min vs. 9.4 ± 3.3 min, p = 0.03). Flow was slightly predominant in the right pulmonary artery (58% of total pulmonary flow). Conduit/tunnel-pulmonary arteries flow accounted for 60% of the Fontan circuit. Agreement between 2D and 4D was overall good-to-excellent from ICC: 0.817 95% CI: 0.637–0.907 to 0.932 95% CI: 0.866–0.965. There was no significant influence of evaluated parameters on the agreement on 4D and 2D flow. Conclusions: 4D-flow MRI represents a valid tool in Fontan’s flow quantification. Further larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate the impact of advanced 4D-flow MRI parameters on the prognostic stratification in patients after Fontan palliation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing recognition of the role of lung ultrasound (LUS) to assess bronchiolitis severity in children. However, available studies are limited to small, single-center cohorts. We aimed to assess a qualitative and quantitative LUS protocol to evaluate the course of bronchiolitis at diagnosis and during follow-up. This is a prospective, multicenter study. Children with bronchiolitis were stratified according to clinical severity and underwent four LUS evaluations at set intervals. LUS was classified according to four models: (1) positive/negative; (2) main LUS pattern (normal/interstitial/consolidative/mixed) (3) LUS score; (4) LUS score with cutoff. Two hundred and thirty-three children were enrolled. The baseline LUS was significantly associated with bronchiolitis severity, using both the qualitative (positive/negative LUS p < 0.001; consolidated/normal LUS pattern or mixed/normal LUS p < 0.001) and quantitative models (cutoff score > 9 p < 0.001; LUS mean score p < 0.001). During follow-up, all LUS results according to all LUS models improved (p < 0.001). Better cut off value was declared at a value of >9 points. Conclusions: Our study supports the role of a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative LUS protocol for the identification of severe cases of bronchiolitis and provides data on the evolution of lung aeration during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]