Familial co-occurrence of congenital heart defects follows distinct patterns

Aims Congenital heart defects (CHD) affect almost 1% of all live born children and the number of adults with CHD is increasing. In families where CHD has occurred previously, estimates of recurrence risk, and the type of recurring malformation are important for counselling and clinical decision-making, but the recurrence patterns in families are poorly understood. We aimed to determine recurrence patterns, by investigating the co-occurrences of CHD in 1163 families with known malformations, comprising 3080 individuals with clinically confirmed diagnosis. Methods and results We calculated rates of concordance and discordance for 41 specific types of malformations, observing a high variability in the rates of concordance and discordance. By calculating odds ratios for each of 1640 pairs of discordant lesions observed between affected family members, we were able to identify 178 pairs of malformations that co-occurred significantly more or less often than expected in families. The data show that distinct groups of cardiac malformations co-occur in families, suggesting influence from underlying developmental mechanisms. Analysis of human and mouse susceptibility genes showed that they were shared in 19% and 20% of pairs of co-occurring discordant malformations, respectively, but none of malformations that rarely co-occur, suggesting that a significant proportion of co-occurring lesions in families is caused by overlapping susceptibility genes. Conclusion Familial CHD follow specific patterns of recurrence, suggesting a strong influence from genetically regulated developmental mechanisms. Co-occurrence of malformations in families is caused by shared susceptibility genes

Evaluation of PET and laparoscopy in STagIng advanced gastric cancer:A multicenter prospective study (PLASTIC-study)

BACKGROUND: Initial staging of gastric cancer consists of computed tomography (CT) and gastroscopy. In locally advanced (cT3-4) gastric cancer, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with CT (FDG-PET/CT or PET) and staging laparoscopy (SL) may have a role in staging, but evidence is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of PET and SL in addition to initial staging in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. METHODS: This prospective observational cohort study will include all patients with a surgically resectable, advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (cT3-4b, N0-3, M0), that are scheduled for treatment with curative intent after initial staging with gastroscopy and CT. The modalities to be investigated in this study is the addition of PET and SL. The primary outcome of this study is the proportion of patients in whom the PET or SL lead to a change in treatment strategy. Secondary outcome parameters are: diagnostic performance, morbidity and mortality, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of these additional diagnostic modalities. The study recently started in August 2017 with a duration of 36 months. At least 239 patients need to be included in this study to demonstrate that the diagnostic modalities are break-even. Based on the annual number of gastrectomies in the participating centers, it is estimated that approximately 543 patients are included in this study. DISCUSSION: In this study, it is hypothesized that performing PET and SL for locally advanced gastric adenocarcinomas results in a change of treatment strategy in 27% of patients and an annual cost-reduction in the Netherlands of euro916.438 in this patient group by reducing futile treatment. The results of this study may be applicable to all countries with comparable treatment algorithms and health care systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03208621 . This trial was registered prospectively on June 30, 2017

Evaluation of PET and laparoscopy in STagIng advanced gastric cancer: A multicenter prospective study (PLASTIC-study)

Background: Initial staging of gastric cancer consists of computed tomography (CT) and gastroscopy. In locally advanced (cT3-4) gastric cancer, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with CT (FDG-PET/CT or PET) and staging laparoscopy (SL) may have a role in staging, but evidence is scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of PET and SL in addition to initial staging in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study will include all patients with a surgically resectable, advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (cT3-4b, N0-3, M0), that are scheduled for treatment with curative intent after initial staging with gastroscopy and CT. The modalities to be investigated in this study is the addition of PET and SL. The primary outcome of this study is the proportion of patients in whom the PET or SL lead to a change in treatment strategy. Secondary outcome parameters are: diagnostic performance, morbidity and mortality, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness of these additional diagnostic modalities. The study recently started in August 2017 with a duration of 36 months. At least 239 patients need to be included in this study to demonstrate that the diagnostic modalities are break-even. Based on the annual number of gastrectomies in the participating centers, it is estimated that approximately 543 patients are included in this study. Discussion: In this study, it is hypothesized that performing PET and SL for locally advanced gastric adenocarcinomas results in a change of treatment strategy in 27% of patients and an annual cost-reduction in the Netherlands of €916.438 in this patient group by reducing futile treatment. The results of this study may be applicable to all countries with comparable treatment algorithms and health care systems

Seizure control and acceptance of the ketogenic diet in GLUT1 deficiency syndrome: a 2- to 5-year follow-up of 15 children enrolled prospectively.

Contains fulltext : 48360.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access)BACKGROUND: GLUT1 deficiency syndrome is caused by impaired glucose transport into the brain resulting in an epileptic encephalopathy, developmental delay, and a complex motor disorder. A ketogenic diet provides an alternative fuel to the brain and effectively restores brain energy metabolism. METHODS: Fifteen children with GLUT1 deficiency syndrome were enrolled prospectively for a 2.0 - 5.5-year follow-up of the effectiveness of a 3 : 1 LCT ketogenic diet. Eight patients enrolled were described previously, seven patients were novel. RESULTS: Four novel heterozygous GLUT1 mutations were identified. 10/15 patients remained seizure-free on the ketogenic diet in monotherapy. In 2/15 patients seizures recurred after 2(1/2) years despite adequate ketosis, but were controlled by add-on ethosuximide. In one patient seizures were reduced without complete seizure control. No serious adverse effects occurred and parental satisfaction with the diet was good. 2/15 patients discontinued the diet. CONCLUSION: GLUT1 deficiency syndrome represents a complex childhood encephalopathy that can be treated effectively by means of a ketogenic diet. The response to the diet did not correlate to clinical, biochemical, or genetic features of the disease. In contrast to previous reports, our results indicate that epilepsy is not always completely controlled by a ketogenic diet and can recur in a subset of patients

GEM detector conductor manufacturing experience

Feasibility studies and manufacturing experience on the GEM Magnet superconductor are presented, including all components - NbTi strand, cable, conduit manufacture, cable pulling, and aluminum sheath application

Update from a 12-year nationwide fungemia surveillance:increasing intrinsic and acquired resistance causes concern

ABSTRACT New data from the years 2012 to 2015 from the Danish National Fungemia Surveillance are reported, and epidemiological trends are investigated in a 12-year perspective (2004 to 2015). During 2012 to 2015, 1,900 of 1,939 (98%) fungal bloodstream isolates were included. The average incidence was 8.4/100,000 inhabitants, and this appears to represent a stabilizing trend after the increase to 10.1/100,000 in 2011. The incidence was higher in males than females (10.0 versus 6.8) and in patients above 50 years, and those changes were mainly driven by an increasing incidence among 80-to-89-year-old males (65.3/100,000 in 2014 to 2015). The proportion of Candida albicans isolates decreased from 2004 to 2015 (64.4% to 42.4%) in parallel with a doubling of the proportion of Candida glabrata isolates (16.5% to 34.6%, P &lt; 0.0001). C. glabrata was more common among females (34.0% versus 30.4% in males). Following an increase in 2004 to 2011, the annual drug use stabilized during the last 2 to 3 years of that time period but remained higher than in other Nordic countries. This was particularly true for the fluconazole and itraconazole use in the primary health care sector, which exceeded the combined national levels of use of these compounds in each of the other Nordic countries. Fluconazole susceptibility decreased (68.5%, 65.2%, and 60.6% in 2004 to 2007, 2008 to 2011, and 2012 to 2015, respectively, P &lt; 0.0001), and echinocandin resistance emerged in Candida (0%, 0.6%, and 1.7%, respectively, P &lt; 0.001). Amphotericin B susceptibility remained high (98.7%). Among 16 (2.7%) echinocandin-resistant C. glabrata isolates (2012 to 2015), 13 harbored FKS mutations and 5 (31%) were multidrug resistant. The epidemiological changes and the increased incidence of intrinsic and acquired resistance emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and of strengthened focus on antifungal stewardship. </jats:p