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Abstract Synaptic receptors respond to neurotransmitters by opening an ion channel across the post-synaptic membrane to elicit a cellular response. Here we use recent Torpedo acetylcholine receptor structures and functional measurements to delineate a key feature underlying allosteric communication between the agonist-binding extracellular and channel-gating transmembrane domains. Extensive mutagenesis at this inter-domain interface re-affirms a critical energetically coupled role for the principal α subunit β1-β2 and M2-M3 loops, with agonist binding re-positioning a key β1-β2 glutamate/valine to facilitate the outward motions of a conserved M2-M3 proline to open the channel gate. Notably, the analogous structures in non-α subunits adopt a locally active-like conformation in the apo state even though each L9’ hydrophobic gate residue in each pore-lining M2 α-helix is closed. Agonist binding releases local conformational heterogeneity transitioning all five subunits into a conformationally symmetric open state. A release of conformational heterogeneity provides a framework for understanding allosteric communication in pentameric ligand-gated ion channels.

Abstract Bites by elapid snakes (e.g. cobras) can result in life-threatening paralysis caused by venom neurotoxins blocking neuromuscular nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Here, we determine the cryo-EM structure of the muscle-type Torpedo receptor in complex with ScNtx, a recombinant short-chain α-neurotoxin. ScNtx is pinched between loop C on the principal subunit and a unique hairpin in loop F on the complementary subunit, thereby blocking access to the neurotransmitter binding site. ScNtx adopts a binding mode that is tilted toward the complementary subunit, forming a wider network of interactions than those seen in the long-chain α-Bungarotoxin complex. Certain mutations in ScNtx at the toxin-receptor interface eliminate inhibition of neuronal α7 nAChRs, but not of human muscle-type receptors. These observations explain why ScNtx binds more tightly to muscle-type receptors than neuronal receptors. Together, these data offer a framework for understanding subtype-specific actions of short-chain α-neurotoxins and inspire strategies for design of new snake antivenoms.

The continuous growth of roots depends on their ability to maintain a balanced ratio between cell production and cell differentiation at the tip. This process is regulated by the hormonal balance of cytokinin and auxin. However, other important regulators, such as plant folates, also play a regulatory role. In this study, we investigated the impact of the folate precursor para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) on root development. Using pharmacological, genetic, and imaging approaches, we show that the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana roots is repressed by either supplementing the growth medium with PABA or overexpressing the PABA synthesis gene GAT-ADCS. This is associated with a smaller root meristem consisting of fewer cells. Conversely, reducing the levels of free root endogenous PABA results in longer roots with extended meristems. We provide evidence that PABA represses Arabidopsis root growth in a folate-independent manner and likely acts through two mechanisms: (i) the G2/M transition of cell division in the root apical meristem and (ii) promoting premature cell differentiation in the transition zone. These data collectively suggest that PABA plays a role in Arabidopsis root growth at the intersection between cell division and cell differentiation.

BackgroundAlternative strategies are recommended to accelerate onchocerciasis elimination in problematic areas including areas where annual ivermectin (IVM) distributions are unable to interrupt transmission. The aim of this study was to accelerate progress towards elimination in the Massangam health district, West Region of Cameroon where impact evaluations demonstrated ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis infection and high microfilaria (mf) prevalence despite more than 20 years of annual IVM distribution.Methodology/principal findingsParasitological, entomological, and breeding site surveys were conducted in 2015 delineating a focus of high transmission and identified three communities with high mf prevalence. Individuals in these communities were screened for mf yearly for a period of two years and those positive treated each year with doxycycline 100mg daily for five weeks. In addition, surrounding communities were given biannual IVM. Temephos-based applications were performed once a week for 10 consecutive weeks on Simulium damnosum s.l. breeding sites. Parasitological and entomological assessments were conducted after two years of implementation and findings compared with 2015 baseline. Alternative strategies accelerated progress towards elimination through a significant mf reduction (χ2: 40.1; pConclusion/significanceThis study provides evidence that alternative strategies are feasible and effective and should be considered in areas where transmission is sustained throughout long term uninterrupted MDA with IVM. However, there is need to consider wider transmission zones, and further explore optimal timing of larviciding with treatment to impact transmission.

Primary carcinosarcoma of the spleen is a rare, aggressive splenic malignancy. To date, seven cases have been reported in the literature. We report a first case of primary carcinosarcoma of the spleen in France. A 75-year-old woman with a medical history of hysterectomy for uterine adenocarcinoma presented with left hypochondrium pain following blunt abdominal trauma. A splenic mass was noted on computed tomography (CT) scan. A splenectomy was performed by laparotomy. Histology revealed a malignant mixed Mullerian tumor. The PET scan allowed us to confirm that it was a primary lesion of the spleen. She is currently undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy despite the tumor progression. The interest of this case lies in the rarity of primary carcinosarcomas of the spleen and the circumstances of its diagnosis.

Intestinal volvulus is rare and responsible for upper bowel obstruction. They occur more frequently in a patient with abdominal surgery history. We report a case of small intestine volvulus on Meckel diverticulum, which occurred in a 21-year-old patient, with no history of laparotomy. The diagnosis confirmation was intraoperative, and the management consisted in a segmental resection of the small intestine with immediate anastomosis. The postoperative follow-up was good. This case underlines the scarcity and the severity of this presentation which therefore requires appropriate care in order to improve the prognosis.

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STHs) are among the most prevalent afflictions of the developing world, with approximately 2 billion people infected worldwide. Heavily infected individuals suffer from severe morbidity that can result in death. These parasitic diseases also impair physical and mental growth in childhood, thwart educational advancement, and hinder economic development. Periodic deworming with Albendazole or Mebendazole of high-risk groups (school-age children, preschool children, and pregnant women) can significantly lower the levels of infections below the threshold associated with morbidity. However, an important proportion of the population (adults) is excluded from this high-risk group treatment based-strategy, and might lead to the persistence of these diseases in endemic areas despite the repeated treatments. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of this neglected at-risk group in the spread and persistence of STH in Cameroon. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Akonolinga health district (Centre Region, Cameroon) to assess the prevalence and intensity of these helminth infections. Stool samples were collected from males and females, aged 18 years and over, and analyzed using the Kato-Katz technique. Results: A total of 334 patients, among which 181 (54.2%) females and 153 (45.8%) males, were examined. The STH of major concern was found in this group of individuals, with overall prevalence equal to 18.0% (95% CI: 14.2–22.4) for Ascaris lumbricoides, 43.7% (95% CI: 38.5–49.1) for Trichuris trichiura, and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.1–10.8) for Necator americanus. Conclusion: This study reveals that STH infections are prevalent in adults in the Akonolinga health district, with moderate to high risk and light intensity of infection. These infected adults might constitute a potential parasite reservoir and a source of dissemination and persistence of these infections, highlighting the need to really take into account this neglected group of individuals in the mass treatment policy.

The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) relies on rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to determine where annual mass drug administration for LF is required and when it can be stopped. These tests detect a Wuchereria bancrofti glycoprotein in the blood of infected persons via a carbohydrate moiety recognized by the monoclonal antibodies AD12 and DH6.5. Loiasis cross-reactivity with LF RDTs has recently been recognized as a serious obstacle to LF elimination in loiasis-endemic areas. To better understand the nature of this cross-reactivity, we used the DH6.5 antibody to immunoaffinity purify Loa loa antigens from the sera of individuals with a positive RDT due to loiasis. Immunoblot analysis revealed many circulating AD12/DH6.5-reactive antigens, and proteomic analysis identified multiple L. loa proteins in LF RDT-positive loiasis sera. These included both secreted and somatic proteins, suggesting that they may be released by dying L. loa adult worms and/or microfilariae. Unlike the single high molecular weight W. bancrofti circulating filarial antigen that is reliably present in the blood of persons with bancroftian filariasis, reactive L. loa antigens appeared to be only transiently present in the blood of a subset of persons with loiasis. These key differences between the circulating antigens of W. bancrofti and L. loa can be used to differentiate positive results generated by both species and may lead to improved diagnostic tests for LF and loiasis.

Noise exposure in the workplace is a common reality in Québec, Canada as it is elsewhere. However, the extent to which noise acts as a causal or contributive factor in industrial work-related accidents has not been studied thoroughly despite its plausibility. This article aims to describe the importance or potential importance, during investigations looking into the specific causes of each work-related fatal accident, of noise as an explanatory factor. The written information contained in the accident reports pertaining to contextual and technical elements were used. The study used multiple case qualitative content analysis. This descriptive study was based on the content analysis of the 788 reports from the Commission de la santé et de la sécurité du travail du Québec [Workers′ Compensation Board (WCB)] investigating the fatal work-related accidents between 1990 and 2005. The study was descriptive (number and percentages). Noise was explicitly stated as one of the explanatory factors for the fatal outcome in 2.2% (17/788) of the fatal accidents, particularly when the work involved vehicular movement or the need to communicate between workers. Noise was not typically considered a unique cause in the accident, notably because the investigators considered that the accident would have probably occurred due to other risk factors (for example, disregard of safety rules, shortcomings in work methods, and inadequate training). Noise is an important risk factor when communication is involved in work. Since noise is ubiquitous and may also interfere with vigilance and other risk factors for accidents, it may be a much more important contributing factor to accidents than is currently recognized.

A technology of backup alarms based on the use of a broadband signal has recently gained popularity in many countries. In this study, the performance of this broadband technology is compared to that of a conventional tonal alarm and a multi-tone alarm from a worker-safety standpoint. Field measurements of sound pressure level patterns behind heavy vehicles were performed in real work environments and psychoacoustic measurements (sound detection thresholds, equal loudness, perceived urgency and sound localization) were carried out in the laboratory with human subjects. Compared with the conventional tonal alarm, the broadband alarm generates a much more uniform sound field behind vehicles, is easier to localize in space and is judged slighter louder at representative alarm levels. Slight advantages were found with the tonal alarm for sound detection and for perceived urgency at low levels, but these benefits observed in laboratory conditions would not overcome the detrimental effects associated with the large and abrupt variations in sound pressure levels (up to 15-20 dB within short distances) observed in the field behind vehicles for this alarm, which are significantly higher than those obtained with the broadband alarm. Performance with the multi-tone alarm generally fell between that of the tonal and broadband alarms on most measures.

Nordic walking requires the association of walking and coordination of limbs while orienteering in a natural environment. It has been shown to improve functional capacities more than normal walking. However, its cognitive benefits are less clear. The main hypothesis was that this training improves visuospatial capacities and inhibition functions. A total of 14 healthy older adults were included. The training was performed in three sessions of 75 min a week for 8 weeks. Pre-, intermediate, and post-tests were carried out. Cognitive functions including global cognition (MoCA), executive functions (Color-Word Stroop test), speed of information processing, switching capacities (Trail Making Test A and B), and visuospatial capacities (Rey Complex Figure Copy Task) were assessed. Motor functions including balance control (Unipedal Balance Test), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go), hamstring flexibility (Chair Sit and Reach test), and motor coordination (Four-Square Stepping Test) were evaluated. Physical function, including lower limb strength (Timed Sit-To-Stand) and cardiovascular capacities (Incremental Shuttle Walking Test), was measured. Cardiovascular capacity, strength of lower limbs, and motor coordination were positively affected by training. With respect to cognition, training improved visuospatial capacities, while switching capacities, information processing speed, and executive functions did not improve. A possible explanation is that they needed a longer program duration to show benefits. However, analyses of responders suggested that NW positively affected cognitive functioning in a subset of participants. Eight weeks of NW training produced physical, motor, and cognitive improvements. A longer training duration could be necessary to extend the benefits to executive functions in all participants.

Background/purpose: The optimal endurance exercise parameters remain to be defined to potentiate long-term functional recovery after stroke. We aim to assess the effects of individualized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with either long or short intervals on neurotrophic factors and their receptors, apoptosis markers and the two-main cation-chloride cotransporters in the ipsi- and contralesional cerebral cortices in rats with cerebral ischemia. Endurance performance and sensorimotor functions were also assessed METHODS: Rats with a 2 h transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) performed work-matched HIIT4 (intervals: 4 min) or HIIT1 (intervals: 1 min) on treadmill for 2 weeks. Incremental exercises and sensorimotor tests were performed at day 1 (D1), D8, and D15 after tMCAO. Molecular analyses were achieved in both the paretic and non-paretic triceps brachii muscles and the ipsi- and contralesional cortices at D17 RESULTS: Gains in endurance performance are in a time-dependent manner from the first week of training. This enhancement is supported by the upregulation of metabolic markers in both triceps brachii muscles. Both regimens alter the expression of neurotrophic markers and chloride homeostasis in a specific manner in the ipsi- and contralesional cortices. HIIT acts on apoptosis markers by promoting anti-apoptotic proteins in the ipsilesional cortex CONCLUSION: HIIT regimens seem to be of clinical relevance in the critical period of stroke rehabilitation by strongly improving aerobic performance. Also, the observed cortical changes suggest an influence of HIIT on neuroplasticity in both ipsi- and contralesional hemispheres. Such neurotrophic markers might be considered as biomarkers of functional recovery in individuals with stroke., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests. All the authors disclose professional relationships with companies or manufacturers who will benefit from the results of the present study., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The temporal pattern of cortical plasticity induced by high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) is required to clarify their relative benefits to prevent neurological disorders. The purpose of this study is to define the time-dependent effects of work-matched HIIT and MICT on cortical plasticity, endurance, and sensorimotor performances over an 8-week training period in healthy rats. Adult healthy rats performed incremental exercise tests and sensorimotor tests before and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks of training. In parallel, cortical markers related to neurotrophic, angiogenic, and metabolic activities were assessed. Results indicate that HIIT induced an early and superior endurance improvement compared to MICT. We found significant enhancement of speed associated with lactate threshold (SLT) and maximal speed (Smax) in HIIT animals. MICT promoted an early increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and angiogenic/metabolic markers but showed less influence at 8 weeks. HIIT upregulated the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) as well as neurotrophic, metabolic/angiogenic markers at 2 and 8 weeks and downregulated the neuronal K-Cl cotransporter KCC2 that regulates GABAA-mediated transmission. HIIT and MICT are effective in a time-dependent manner suggesting a complementary effect that might be useful in physical exercise guidelines for maintaining brain health., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

A case of a severe paravalvular mechanical mitral prosthesis leak (PVL) in a high-risk surgical patient, complicated with acute heart failure at presentation is described. Considering the high surgical risk and the specific echocardiographic features that would prevent the interventional cardiologist to have a direct access to the PVL with a traditional vascular plug or duct occluder, a percutaneous PVL closure with an Amplatzer-Amulet (Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois, United States) LAA device (28 mm) was chosen for the contiguity of the PVL to the left atrial appendage (LAA). A new-onset hemolysis post-PVL closure and severe renal failure requiring hemodialysis occurred after the procedure, treated with surgical device removal and leak suture. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that describes the attempt to close a PVL, contiguous to the LAA, using the Amulet device. The attempt to close a PVL with these features with an Amplatzer-Amulet device, although promising, does not appear completely safe to reach the goal, as in our case. In our opinion, the most important reasons are that specific technical recommendations and broad experiences are lacking. Indeed, specific outcomes of this kind of approach are, to date, still unknown., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

We report a 5-month-old infant who developed an unexpected acute ischaemia of the right lower limb following a surgical perimembranous interventricular communication closure. This rare case of ischaemia was due to an occlusive right common iliac artery dissection. It was early managed by angioplasty with two ABSORB® bioresorbable stents, resulted in complete revascularisation of the right leg.

Stroke-induced cognitive impairments affect the long-term quality of life. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is now considered a promising strategy to enhance cognitive functions. This review is designed to examine the role of HIIT in promoting neuroplasticity processes and/or cognitive functions after stroke. The various methodological limitations related to the clinical relevance of studies on the exercise recommendations in individuals with stroke are first discussed. Then, the relevance of HIIT in improving neurotrophic factors expression, neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity is debated in both stroke and healthy individuals (humans and rodents). Moreover, HIIT may have a preventive role on stroke severity, as found in rodents. The potential role of HIIT in stroke rehabilitation is reinforced by findings showing its powerful neurogenic effect that might potentiate cognitive benefits induced by cognitive tasks. In addition, the clinical role of neuroplasticity observed in each hemisphere needs to be clarified by coupling more frequently to cellular/molecular measurements and behavioral testing.

Background and Purpose: The objective is to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with long versus short intervals on endurance and motor performance. Their influence on neuroplasticity markers is assessed in the ipsilesional and contralesional cortex and hippocampus since their remodeling could improve functional recovery., Methods: Rats performed work-matched HIIT4 (long intervals: 4 minutes) or HIIT1 (short intervals: 1 minute) on treadmill for 2 weeks following transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Forelimb grip strength evaluated motor function while incremental exercise tests measured the endurance performance. Key neuroplasticity markers were assessed by Western blot., Results: Both regimens were effective in enhancing both the speed associated with the lactate threshold and maximal speed at D8 and D15. Neuroplasticity markers were upregulated in the contralesional hemisphere after training contrary to the ipsilesional side. Grip strength completely recovered but is faster with HIIT4., Conclusions: HIIT with short and long intervals induced early aerobic fitness and grip strength improvements. Our findings revealed that neuroplasticity markers were upregulated in the contralesional cortex and hippocampus to promote functional recovery.

(1) Combining aerobic, coordination and cognitive training allows for more improved physical and cognitive performance than when performed separately. A Nordic walking (NW) and two cognitive-motor circuit training programs (CT-c and CT-fit) are compared. CT-c and CT-fit stimulate cognition differently: CT-c, is through conventional complex coordination training performed in single and dual-task conditions; CT-fit, incorporates it into complex goal-directed actions, implemented by fitness gaming technology (2) The aim is to determine whether CT-fit brings additional benefits to cognition compared to more traditional training. (3) Forty-five healthy independent living community dwellers participants (65-80 years) will be included after a general medical examination. The main exclusion criteria are signs of cognitive impairments (Mini-Mental State Examination < 26/30) and physical impairments. Pre and post-tests will be performed to assess: cognitive functions (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Trail Making Test; Stroop task, working memory test, Rey Complex Figure copy task, Oral Trail Making Test, and dual-task); motor fitness (Bipedal and unipedal balance test, gait assessments, Time Up and Go, chair sit and reach test and four-square stepping test); and physical fitness (10 m incremental shuttle walking test, maximal handgrip force, Timed-Stands test). (4) Incorporating cognitive demands into complex, goal-directed actions using fitness gaming technology should be the best solution to optimize training benefits.

We report an unusual case of a 12-month-old boy diagnosed with anomalous origin of a single coronary artery from the pulmonary artery associated with patent ductus arteriosus. The patient survival was attributed to left-to-right shunt (patent ductus arteriosus) allowing for appropriate myocardial perfusion. Successful surgical correction involved patent ductus arteriosus closure, mitral annuloplasty and reimplantation of the coronary artery into the aortic root.

Background: Recently, 1.5-Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was reported to provide a reliable alternative to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the quantification of aortic stenosis (AS) severity. Few data are available using higher magnetic field strength MRI systems in this context., Aims: To evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of the assessment of aortic valve area (AVA) using 3-Tesla CMR in routine clinical practice, and to assess concordance between TTE and CMR for the estimation of AS severity., Methods: Ninety-one consecutive patients (60 men; mean age 74±10years) with known AS documented by TTE were included prospectively in the study., Results: All patients underwent comprehensive TTE and CMR examination, including AVA estimation using the TTE continuity equation (0.81±0.18cm 2 ), direct CMR planimetry (CMRp) (0.90±0.22cm 2 ) and CMR using Hakki's formula (CMRhk), a simplified Gorlin formula (0.70±0.19cm 2 ). Although significant agreement with TTE was found for CMRp (r=0.72) and CMRhk (r=0.66), CMRp slightly overestimated (bias=0.11±0.18cm 2 ) and CMRhk slightly underestimated (bias=-0.11±0.17cm 2 ) AVA compared with TTE. Inter- and intraobserver reproducibilities of CMR measurements were excellent (r=0.72 and r=0.74 for CMRp and r=0.88 and r=0.92 for peak aortic velocity, respectively)., Conclusion: 3-Tesla CMR is a feasible, radiation-free, reproducible imaging modality for the estimation of severity of AS in routine practice, knowing that CMRp tends to overestimate AVA and CMRhk to underestimate AVA compared with TTE., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Lesions of adjacent structures have been reported after closure of large atrial septal defects with the Amplatzer septal occluder. In children, growth of the heart should modify the initial relationship between the device and surrounding structures., Aim: To compare the relationship between large Amplatzer septal occluder and adjacent cardiac structures at short-, mid-, and long-term follow-up in at-risk paediatric population using echocardiography., Methods: A total of 25 children (4.6±2.9 years old, 18 girls) with the largest atrial septal defect devices implanted between 1997 and 2002 were enrolled prospectively for complete echocardiogram 17.8±10.5 months (mid-term follow-up) and 8.8±0.9 years (long-term follow-up) after the procedure. RESULTS were compared with the echocardiogram carried out 2.1±3.4 days after the procedure (short-term follow-up)., Results: The minimal distance between the left disk and the mitral valve increased: 1.4±2.0 mm at short-term and 5.1±2.3 mm at long-term follow-up (p<0.05), leading to less contact between the disk and the anterior leaflet and less mitral regurgitation (10 at short-term, 4 at long-term follow-up, p<0.05). The number of devices straddling the aorta decreased from 17 to 12 at long-term follow-up (p<0.05). There was protrusion of disk in the venous structure in seven patients on the first echocardiogram, which disappeared at long-term follow-up., Conclusion: Although frequently in close contact with the aortic root, mitral valve, or venous returns, large devices tend to centre and move away from the surrounding structures, with decreased risk for long-term distortion.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the position and the progress of large Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) devices relevant to adjacent cardiac structures in growing children using MRI., Materials and Methods: Institutional review board approval for this study was obtained. Twenty-five children who underwent large ASO implantation were evaluated using MRI. All subjects were initially imaged 7 years earlier using the same protocol. Spatial and dynamic relationships between the ASO and the adjacent cardiac structures were compared to assess the progress over the 7-year growth span with respect to protrusion, contact, and extrinsic deformity of the mitral valve, the left atrial roof, the aortic annulus and root, and the ostia of adjacent veins., Results: No long-term device-related complications were documented during follow-up. Impingement of the ASO into the opening of the right superior and inferior pulmonary veins and the superior and inferior vena cava resolved completely, compared with initial observations, in five of 16, three of three, five of 10, and three of nine patients, respectively, and significantly regressed in the remaining patients. The device's contact with the mitral valve and the left atrial roof and the aortic root deformity resolved in seven of 10, 11 of 20, and 10 of 18 cases, respectively., Conclusion: The distance between the ASO and the surrounding structures increases with time in growing children who require large ASO devices, likely decreasing the risk of long-term complications.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether changes of uterine arteries and aortic isthmus Doppler blood flow recordings could enhance the prediction of necrotizing enterocolitis., Study Design: Doppler characteristics of the uterine artery, umbilical and middle cerebral arteries, ductus venosus, and aortic isthmus were reviewed in 123 growth-restricted fetuses who were then divided into 2 groups: with and without necrotizing enterocolitis., Results: Twelve of 123 newborn infants (9%) expressed necrotizing enterocolitis. This group showed significant association between necrotizing enterocolitis and bilateral notching on the uterine artery (83.3% vs 29.7%; P < .001), uterine artery mean resistance index (83.3% vs 36.9%; P < .002), aortic isthmus diastolic blood flow velocity integrals (Z score: -7.32 vs -3.99; P = .028), and absent or negative "a" wave on the ductus venosus (17% vs 1.8%; P = .021). With the use of logistic regression, uterine bilateral notching could predict necrotizing enterocolitis with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 70.3%., Conclusion: More than any other variable, uterine bilateral notching should be recognized as a strong risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis., (Copyright © 2012 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Isolated hemodynamically significant ventricular septal defects (VSD) were previously treated surgically. Since the introduction of percutaneous (PC) devices, the management of isolated VSD has evolved. In our center, Amplatzer devices have been implanted for selected isolated perimembranous VSD since 2002., Methods: The charts of all isolated PC perimembranous VSD closures and all surgical closures performed since 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic data were analyzed. The preclosure, immediate postclosure, and 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month postclosure results were assessed., Results: Thirty-seven patients underwent PC closure, and 34 had surgical treatment. Mean follow-up was 42.1 ± 26.0 months. The PC group was significantly older (p < 0.01) and larger in size (p < 0.001). Surgical patients had more severe congestive heart failure and a significantly lower VSD gradient (p < 0.004). At follow-up, there were no differences in the incidence of residual shunting between the two groups (p = 0.92). All valvular regurgitations improved over time, except for 3 aortic regurgitations (5.4%) in the PC group that got worse. Two permanent pacemakers were implanted for early complete heart block in the PC group, and one was implanted in the surgical group (p = 0.94)., Conclusions: The surgical results in our population were excellent. The selection of patients with perimembranous VSD remains a challenge to avoid post-PC intervention complications such as heart block and aortic insufficiency. For isolated VSD, PC closure, which avoids the morbidity of open heart surgery, should be considered as part of the therapeutic armamentarium., (Copyright © 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We present an unusual fortuitously discovered case of atresia of the left inferior pulmonary vein with drainage via anastomosis to the left upper pulmonary vein and the left atrium. Atresia of the pulmonary veins is a very rare anomaly that results from defective incorporation of the pulmonary venous system into the left atrium. The initial diagnosis, drawn from plain radiographs, was confirmed by cardiac catheterization and pulmonary angiography. The appearance of clinical signs, prognosis, and the need for treatment depend on how well substitute drainage is performed.

Background: The classic management of neonates with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PAVSD) and moderately hypoplastic pulmonary arteries is usually a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt or ductus arteriosus stenting. We report our experience of transcatheter treatment of PAVSD by perforation followed by balloon dilation of the valve, as it is performed in pulmonary atresia - intact ventricular septum., Patients and Method: Three patients were treated at a mean age and weight of 7.5 days (range 7-8) and 2.9kg (range 2.5-3.3), respectively. Two newborns were prenatally diagnosed, with micro deletion 22q11 in one case. The three patients had no other pulmonary blood flow support than the ductus arteriosus and were on prostaglandin E1 infusion. The pulmonary atresia was predominantly valvular without significant muscular obstruction. By echocardiography, the mean size of the pulmonary annulus was 6.5mm (range 6-7). In all cases, the valvular perforation was performed with a 0.014 coronary guidewire, followed by balloon dilation when successfully., Results: The procedure succeeded in two cases but failed in the third newborn in whom a long subvalvar muscular stenosis was found at surgery. In the two successful cases, the mean postprocedural transpulmonary doppler gradient was 33.5mmHg (range 17-50). One patient experienced a femoral venous thrombosis that was successfully treated by heparin and a transient right bundle branch block occurred in another one. In the two successful cases, the prostaglandin E1 infusion was weaned and the surgical repair was performed at 4 and 12 months, respectively., Conclusion: In selected cases with PAVSD, perforation followed by balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve offers an interesting alternative to other surgical or transcatheter palliative therapies.