Discordant resting and hyperaemic coronary physiology among unselected patients referred for coronary angiography: a single centre experience

Abstract Background Physiological assessment of intermediate coronary artery lesions to guide therapy is well established. Recently, the use of non-hyperaemic pressure ratios (NHPRs) has been suggested as a reliable alternative to hyperaemic assessment, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR). However certain patient / lesion subsets, including proximal lesion location, young patient age and assessment of non-LAD vessels, have been associated with discordance of resting and hyperaemic measurements which has led to some confusion over their interpretation and integration into routine clinical practice. Purpose To evaluate the frequency of discordant resting and hyperaemic measurements among patients undergoing assessment of intermediate coronary artery stenoses, and to identify common lesion-specific features within patients with discordant data. Methods From our coronary physiology database, we identified consecutive lesions which had been assessed between October 2020 and March 2021 with both resting (resting full-cycle ratio; RFR) and hyperaemic (wire-based FFR with peripheral adenosine) indices. Positive RFR defined as <0.89 (negative RFR >0.93, grey zone RFR 0.89–0.93). Positive FFR defined as <0.80 (negative FFR ≥0.80). Concordance between measurements was assessed: Group 1 (RFR -ve, FFR +ve: positive discordance); Group 2 (RFR -ve, FFR -ve: normal concordance), Group 3 (RFR +ve, FFR +ve: abnormal concordance) and Group 4 (RFR +ve, FFR -ve: negative discordance). Results 100 lesions were identified as being assessed with both RFR and FFR, in 83 patients (67% male), mean age 67 (±12) years, vessel assessed; LAD 66, RCA 19, LCx 13, LMCA 1 and radial graft 1; with 45 being proximal lesions. 30 RFR measurements were in the grey zone. Of the remaining 70 lesions, 55 results (79%) were concordant (Group 2 = 31, Group 3 = 24), with 15 results (21%) being discordant (Group 1 = 3, Group 4 = 12). Negative predictive value (NPV) of RFR (for FFR <0.80) was 91%, when grey zone RFR measurements were excluded. Discordance was not related to age (69 vs 68 years, p=0.75), lesion location (proximal lesion with discordance (6/15) vs proximal lesion with concordance (27/55), p=0.91, figure 1) or non-LAD vessel (non-LAD with discordance (9/15) vs non-LAD lesion with concordance (20/55), p=0.77, figure 2). Conclusion Overall within our patient group, there appeared to be a good association of RFR to FFR. In particular, RFR had a high NPV for an FFR <0.80. The clinical relevance of discordant measurements requires further investigation. However, our data suggest that a positive RFR (<0.89) measurement may not always correlate with a significant FFR measurement (<0.80), and the mechanism for this is unclear. Consequently, caution should be applied when including these measures in every day practice, in particular within patients with a positive RFR measurement. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Download Full-text

Abstract 13148: Combined Association of Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Profile and Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CAC) With Cardiovascular Risk and CAC Progression: The St Francis Heart Study

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.13148 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Salman Waheed ◽

Nathaniel Reichek ◽

Alan Guerci ◽

Jie J Cao

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Coronary Artery Calcium ◽

Coronary Revascularization ◽

Risk Profile ◽

Group 4 ◽

Heart Study ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Objective: Both coronary artery calcium (CAC) and clinical risk profile (RP) predict cardiovascular (CV) risk. Little is known about the association of combined CAC and RP with risk of CV outcomes and CAC progression. Methods: We followed 1,225 asymptomatic adults from the observational arm of the St Francis Heart Study for a median of 3.9 years. Participants were categorized into four groups based on CAC and RP (using 2013 AHA guidelines for statin eligibility): group 1 (N=336) CAC<80 th percentile (for age and gender), statin not indicated; group 2 (N=350) CAC<80 th percentile, statin indicated; group 3 (N=209) CAC≥80 th percentile, statin not indicated and group 4 (N=330) CAC≥80 th percentile, statin indicated. We compared the risk among groups for a composite CV outcome that included non-fatal MI, coronary death, coronary revascularization, stroke and peripheral arterial revascularization. We also examined the association of groups with CAC progression at four years from baseline. Results: Mean age was 59±6 years. Those eligible for statin were older (61±5 vs 55±5 years) and more likely to be male (82% vs.51%) than those not eligible. Median [IQR] CAC was higher in statin eligible than in noneligible subjects, 0 [0-7] vs. 9 [0-54] for groups 1 and 2 and 210 [115-404] vs. 482 [257-837] for groups 3 and 4. Adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) for the composite CV outcome was 6.9 (0.8-58.9), 15.2 (1.9-119.3), and 37.8 (4.8-297.2) for groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively compared to group 1. There was a higher progression of CAC from baseline to year 4 among group 3 (median: 210 to 350) and group 4 (482 to 822) compared to group 1 (0 to 3) and group 2 (9 to 16), P<0.001. Conclusion: While higher CAC is associated with greater CV outcome risk and CAC progression, statin therapy eligibility is associated with a higher CV outcome risk both among those with and without elevated CAC. Our findings suggest that RP remains important and should not be overlooked when CAC testing is used.

Download Full-text

Effects of methylprednisolone on cardiac lymph in acute myocardial ischemia in dogs

AJP Heart and Circulatory Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpheart.1977.232.6.h602 ◽

1977 ◽

Vol 232 (6) ◽

pp. H602-H607

Author(s):

M. Ali ◽

A. Ellis ◽

G. Glick

Keyword(s):

Acid Phosphatase ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Myocardial Ischemia ◽

Proteolytic Enzymes ◽

Acute Myocardial Ischemia ◽

Circumflex Coronary Artery ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

It has been proposed that administration of pharmacologic doses of glucocorticoids may be beneficial in the setting of acute myocardial ischemia because of their ability to stabilize lysosomal membranes and thereby to prevent the leakage of proteolytic enzymes into the cytoplasm and interstitium. We collected cardiac lymph in anesthetized open-chest dogs in successive 2-h periods and used acid phosphatase as our marker lysosomal enzyme. In group 1 (n=5), we studied the effect of time alone. In these dogs, the total amount of acid phosphatase decreased (P less than 0.05). In group 2 (n=5), methylprednisolone, 30 mg/kg iv, was given. This drug did not change any variable we measured. Ligation of the circumflex coronary artery in group 3 (n=7), produced a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in the amount of acid phosphatase drained from the heart compared to group 1. In the dogs of group 4 (n=5), methylprednisolone did not reduce, and may have augmented, the total amount of acid phosphatase draining from the heart. Thus glucocorticoids do not appear to reduce the amount of acid phosphatase released by the ischemic myocardium into the cardiac lymph.

Download Full-text

Correlation between depth of myocardial bridging and coronary angiography findings

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1080/02841850802282837 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 49 (8) ◽

pp. 883-888 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

M. Elmali ◽

K. Soylu ◽

O. Gulel ◽

I. K. Bayrak ◽

D. Koprulu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coronary Artery ◽

Muscle Thickness ◽

Clinical Findings ◽

Myocardial Bridging ◽

Group 4 ◽

Atherosclerotic Stenosis ◽

Ischemic Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Background: Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital anomaly in which a segment of coronary artery is surrounded by myocardium. Purpose: To investigate the correlation between muscle thickness over the tunneled coronary artery (depth) in MB and the presence of milking effect (ME) and systolic narrowing ratio in catheter angiography (CA). Material and Methods: The records of 36 patients who underwent a coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and following CA examination for suspicious ischemic coronary artery disease, between March 2005 and September 2007, were retrospectively evaluated. According to the depth of MB on CTA, patients were grouped into four groups: group 1, <1 mm; group 2, 1– <2 mm; group 3, 2– <4 mm; group 4, ≥4 mm. The presence of milking effect, systolic narrowing ratio, and atherosclerotic stenosis at CA were recorded. CTA and CA results were then compared to evaluate the correlation. Results: In total, ME was found in 15 arteries at CA (42%). There was no ME in group 1; it was present in 11% of group 2, 67% of group 3, and 100% of group 4. Starting from group 3, the percentage of likelihood of seeing the milking effect was 77%, and the percentage of systolic narrowing was between 30 and 70%. There was a significant correlation between depth of MB and systolic narrowing ( P<0.01), while no significant correlation between length of MB and systolic narrowing was found ( P=0.32). In seven of the 36 patients (group 1, 0; group 2, 1; group 3, 3; group 4, 3), clinical findings were related to pure MB. Conclusion: The depth of MB is positively related to coronary narrowing and clinical ischemic findings.

Download Full-text

Discordance predictor between fractional flow reserve and resting full-cycle ratio in clinical characteristics

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2481 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

H Ohashi ◽

H Takashima ◽

H Ando ◽

A Suzuki ◽

S Sakurai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Fractional Flow Reserve ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Fractional Flow ◽

Gold Standard Method ◽

Group 4 ◽

Flow Reserve ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Introduction Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a gold standard method to evaluate functional lesion severity in daily clinical practice. Recently, the resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) which was newly developed resting indices was launched. Unlike other resting indices evaluated in diastolic phase, RFR is evaluated during entire cardiac phase. Previous studies showed discordance predictors between FFR and instantaneous wave-free ratio. However, it is previously unreported what predictor cause discordant outcome between FFR and RFR. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical predictors of discordance between FFR and RFR. Methods A total of 156 patients with 220 lesions were prospectively enrolled in this study. RFR was evaluated before inducing hyperemia. FFR was measured after intravenous adenosine triphosphate administration (180 mcg/kg/min). According to FFR and RFR values, the patients and lesions were classified into 4 groups: Concordant negative (Group-1 [n=114]: FFR >0.80, RFR >0.89); negative FFR and positive RFR (Group-2 [n=18]: FFR >0.80, RFR ≤0.89); positive FFR and negative RFR (Group-3 [n=25]: FFR ≤0.80, RFR >0.89); Concordant positive (Group-4 [n=63]: FFR ≤0.80, RFR ≤0.89). Among them, discordance predictors with clinical characteristics between RFR and FFR were compared using by two separate logistic regression analyses. (Group-1 vs. Group-2, Group-3 vs. Group-4, respectively). Age, sex and those predictors with a p value ≤0.10 were included in a multivariate regression analysis using by forward stepwise selection to identify independent predictors of discordance. Results On multiple regression analysis, hemodialysis (HD) (OR:6.072 [1.090–33.836]), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR:9.053 [1.776–46.162]) and left anterior descending artery (LAD) (OR:9.264 [2.092–41.031]) were significantly associated with positive RFR among negative FFR groups (Groupe 2 discordance). Conversely, diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR:0.212 [0.062–0.721]) and Hb (OR:1.480 [1.102–1.987]) were significantly associated with negative RFR among positive FFR groups (Groupe 3 discordance) Conclusions Since the clinical characteristics with HD, PAD, LAD, DM and Hb may influence concordant with FFR during RFR evaluation, it should be considered when interpreting RFR. Distribution and independent predictors Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Download Full-text

Adverse events in acute myocardial infarction patients: the DAPT Score for risk stratification in an Asian population

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.1419 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

S Nakada ◽

A Lee ◽

W Huang ◽

K K Yeo ◽

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Cerebrovascular Disease ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Bleeding Risk ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Ischemic Events ◽

Group 1

Abstract Background Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is essential in mitigating adverse ischemic events after myocardial infarction (MI), and current guidelines have recommended the therapy to be administered for at least 1 year. Though prolonged DAPT helps to reduce ischemic events in high-risk patients, it can also increase the risk of significant bleeding. Risk stratification tools, such as the DAPT Score, can help to identify patients who are most or least likely to benefit from prolonged DAPT. Purpose To evaluate the performance of the DAPT Score as a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in an Asian cohort who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for MI. Methods The analysis cohort consisted of 2086 MI patients (86% of primary PCI patients) who were admitted to Singaporean hospitals between 2012 and 2014. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data regarding the index hospitalisation and 12-month follow-up period were collected. Patients were grouped according to their DAPT Score (high ischemic vs high bleeding risk) and DAPT duration (12 vs <12 months; Figure 1). The primary endpoint was MACE (all-cause mortality, recurrent MI and stroke). MACE as an outcome was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, smoking status, prior MI, PCI or coronary artery bypass graft, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, family history of coronary artery disease, vein graft stent and type of MI at presentation. Results The overall incidence rate of MACE in this cohort was 12.3%. There was a significantly higher MACE rate in Group 2 patients compared to Group 1 patients (high ischemic risk and <12-month DAPT vs high ischemic risk and 12-month DAPT; hazard ratio: 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.83, P=0.038). No other significant differences in MACE rates were observed among the rest of the groups (Group 3: 1.44 [0.89–2.34]; Group 4: 1.15 [0.61–2.16], P>0.050). Furthermore, MACE was independently associated with diabetes, hypertension, prior MI and cerebrovascular disease (1.49 [1.10–2.02], 1.43 [1.00–2.05], 1.41 [1.01–1.98], 3.06 [2.15–4.37], respectively, P<0.050). Patients <65 years and males were found to be protected against MACE (0.71 [0.51–0.99], 0.72 [0.52–0.99], respectively, P<0.050). The overall bleeding rate was 2.2% (Group 1: 2.0%; Group 2: 1.7%; Group 3: 6.0%; Group 4: 0.7%). Conclusions The DAPT Score predicted MACE up to 12 months after PCI in MI patients with high ischemic risk and <12 months of DAPT. This highlights the importance of adequate duration of DAPT in high ischemic risk MI patients. Moreover, the elderly, female, diabetic, hypertensive and those with prior cerebrovascular disease or MI were at increased risk for MACE. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Medical Research Council - Health Services Research Grants (Ministry of Health, Singapore) Cohorts Cox regression for MACE

Download Full-text

In-vivo evaluation of the effect of cyanoacrylate on prosthetic vascular graft infection – does cyanoacrylate increase the severity of infection?

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000867 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 49 (4) ◽

pp. 281-284

Author(s):

Atıf Yolgosteren ◽

Gencehan Kumtepe ◽

Melda Payaslioglu ◽

Cuneyt Ozakin

Keyword(s):

Vascular Graft ◽

Graft Infection ◽

Vascular Graft Infection ◽

Group 4 ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection ◽

Group 1

Summary. Background: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) is a complication with high mortality. Cyanoacrylate (CA) is an adhesive which has been used in a number of surgical procedures. In this in-vivo study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between PVGI and CA. Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups. Pouch was formed on back of rats until deep fascia. In group 1, vascular graft with polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) was placed into pouch. In group 2, MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected into pouch. In group 3, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece was placed into pouch and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. In group 4, 1 cm 2 vascular graft with PET piece impregnated with N-butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive was placed and MRSA strain with a density of 1 ml 0.5 MacFarland was injected. All rats were scarified in 96th hour, culture samples were taken where intervention was performed and were evaluated microbiologically. Bacteria reproducing in each group were numerically evaluated based on colony-forming unit (CFU/ml) and compared by taking their average. Results: MRSA reproduction of 0 CFU/ml in group 1, of 1410 CFU/ml in group 2, of 180 200 CFU/ml in group 3 and of 625 300 CFU/ml in group 4 was present. A statistically significant difference was present between group 1 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 2 and group 4 (p < 0.01), between group 3 and group 4 (p < 0.05). In terms of reproduction, no statistically significant difference was found in group 1, group 2, group 3 in themselves. Conclusions: We observed that the rate of infection increased in the cyanoacyrylate group where cyanoacrylate was used. We think that surgeon should be more careful in using CA in vascular surgery.

Download Full-text

Does Perioperative Hemoglobin A1c Level Affect the Incidence, Pattern and Mortality of Lower Extremity Amputation?

Current Vascular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1570161116666180123112529 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 354-364

Author(s):

Hassan Al-Thani ◽

Moamena El-Matbouly ◽

Maryam Al-Sulaiti ◽

Noora Al-Thani ◽

Mohammad Asim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Glycemic Control ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Lower Extremity Amputation ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 5 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Extremity Amputation ◽

Group 1

Background: We hypothesized that perioperative HbA1c influenced the pattern and outcomes of Lower Extremity Amputation (LEA). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients who underwent LEA between 2000 and 2013. Patients were categorized into 5 groups according to their perioperative HbA1c values [Group 1 (<6.5%), Group 2 (6.5-7.4%), Group 3 (7.5-8.4%), Group 4 (8.5-9.4%) and Group 5 (≥9.5%)]. We identified 848 patients with LEA; perioperative HbA1c levels were available in 547 cases (Group 1: 18.8%, Group 2: 17.7%, Group 3: 15.0%, Group 4: 13.5% and Group 5: 34.9%). Major amputation was performed in 35%, 32%, 22%, 10.8% and 13.6%, respectively. Results: The overall mortality was 36.5%; of that one quarter occurred during the index hospitalization. Mortality was higher in Group 1 (57.4%) compared with Groups 2-5 (46.9%, 38.3%, 36.1% and 31.2%, respectively, p=0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that poor glycemic control (Group 4 and 5) had lower risk of mortality post-LEA [hazard ratio 0.57 (95% CI 0.35-0.93) and hazard ratio 0.46 (95% CI 0.31-0.69)]; this mortality risk persisted even after adjustment for age and sex but was statistically insignificant. The rate of LEA was greater among poor glycemic control patients; however, the mortality was higher among patients with tight control. Conclusion: The effects of HbA1c on the immediate and long-term LEA outcomes and its therapeutic implications need further investigation.

Download Full-text

Association between cervical disc disease and lesions of multiple sclerosis

The Neuroradiology Journal ◽

10.1177/1971400920983565 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 197140092098356

Author(s):

Marwan Alkrenawi ◽

Michael Osherov ◽

Azaria Simonovich ◽

Jonathan Droujin ◽

Ron Milo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Spinal Cord ◽

Cervical Disc ◽

Cervical Disc Disease ◽

Disc Disease ◽

Group 4 ◽

Demyelinating Lesions ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Background Cervical discopathy and demyelinating lesions often co-exist in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our study examines the possible association between these two pathologies. Methods Medical records and cervical magnetic resonance imaging scans of MS patients with cervical discopathy who were seen at our MS clinic during 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The severity of the disc disease was classified as grade I (no compression), grade II (compression of the dural sac) and grade III (cord compression). The spinal cord in each scan was divided into six segments corresponding to the intervertebral space of the spine (C1–C6). Each segment was defined as containing demyelinating lesion and disc pathology (group 1), demyelinating lesion without disc pathology (group 2), disc pathology without demyelinating lesion (group 3) and no demyelinating lesion or disc pathology (group 4). Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association between demyelinating lesions and disc pathology. Results Thirty-four MS patients with cervical discopathy were included in the study (26 females; average age 42.9 ± 13.7 years; average disease duration 8.4 ± 5.4 years). A total of 204 spinal cord segments were evaluated. Twenty-four segments were classified as group 1, 27 segments as group 2, 52 segments as group 3 and 101 segments as group 4. There was no association between demyelinating lesions and the grade of disc disease ( p = 0.1 for grade I, p = 0.3 for grade II and p = 1 for grade III disc disease). Conclusion Our study did not find any association between cervical disc disease and demyelinating spinal cord lesion.

Download Full-text

Association between serum oestradiol level on the hCG administration day and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET among 3659 singleton live births

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85692-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yu Liu ◽

Jing Li ◽

Wanyu Zhang ◽

Yihong Guo

Keyword(s):

Birth Weight ◽

Ovarian Stimulation ◽

Group 4 ◽

Group 6 ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 5 ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Impact ◽

Ivf Et ◽

Group 1

AbstractOestradiol, an important hormone in follicular development and endometrial receptivity, is closely related to clinical outcomes of fresh in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A supraphysiologic E2 level is inevitable during controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation (COH), and its effect on the outcome of IVF-ET is controversial. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the association between elevated serum oestradiol (E2) levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET cycles. The data of 3659 infertile patients with fresh IVF-ET cycles were analysed retrospectively between August 2009 and February 2017 in First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Patients were categorized by serum E2 levels on the day of hCG administration into six groups: group 1 (serum E2 levels ≤ 1000 pg/mL, n = 230), group 2 (serum E2 levels between 1001 and 2000 pg/mL, n = 524), group 3 (serum E2 levels between 2001 and 3000 pg/mL, n = 783), group 4 (serum E2 levels between 3001 and 4000 pg/mL, n = 721), group 5 (serum E2 levels between 4001 and 5000 pg/mL, n = 548 ), and group 6 (serum E2 levels > 5000 pg/mL, n = 852). Univariate linear regression was used to evaluate the independent correlation between each factor and outcome index. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. The LBW rates were as follows: 3.0% (group 1), 2.9% (group 2), 1.9% (group 3), 2.9% (group 4), 2.9% (group 5), and 2.0% (group 6) (P = 0.629), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of neonatal LBW among the six groups. We did not detect an association between peak serum E2 level during ovarian stimulation and neonatal birthweight after IVF-ET. The results of this retrospective cohort study showed that serum E2 peak levels during ovarian stimulation were not associated with birth weight during IVF cycles. In addition, no association was found between higher E2 levels and increased LBW risk. Our observations suggest that the hyper-oestrogenic milieu during COS does not seem to have adverse effects on the birthweight of offspring after IVF. Although this study provides some reference, the obstetric-related factors were not included due to historical reasons. The impact of the high estrogen environment during COS on the birth weight of IVF offspring still needs future research.

Download Full-text

Control of Vulval Competence and Centering in the Nematode Oscheius sp. 1 CEW1

Genetics ◽

10.1093/genetics/163.1.133 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 163 (1) ◽

pp. 133-146 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sophie Louvet-Vallée ◽

Irina Kolotuev ◽

Benjamin Podbilewicz ◽

Marie-Anne Félix

Keyword(s):

Germ Line ◽

Specific Mechanism ◽

C Elegans ◽

Group 4 ◽

Cell Ablation ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

P Cells ◽

Large Category ◽

Group 1

Abstract To compare vulva development mechanisms in the nematode Oscheius sp. 1 to those known in Caenorhabditis elegans, we performed a genetic screen for vulva mutants in Oscheius sp. 1 CEW1. Here we present one large category of mutations that we call cov, which affect the specification of the Pn.p ventral epidermal cells along the antero-posterior axis. The Pn.p cells are numbered from 1 to 12 from anterior to posterior. In wild-type Oscheius sp. 1 CEW1, the P(4-8).p cells are competent to form the vulva and the progeny of P(5-7).p actually form the vulva, with the descendants of P6.p adopting a central vulval fate. Among the 17 mutations (defining 13 genes) that we characterize here, group 1 mutations completely or partially abolish P(4-8).p competence, and this correlates with early fusion of the Pn.p cells to the epidermal syncytium. In this group, we found a putative null mutation in the lin-39 HOM-C homolog, the associated phenotype of which could be weakly mimicked by injection of a morpholino against Osp1-lin-39 in the mother’s germ line. Using cell ablation in a partially penetrant competence mutant, we show that vulval competence is partially controlled by a gonadal signal. Most other mutants found in the screen display phenotypes unknown in C. elegans. Group 2 mutants show a partial penetrance of Pn.p competence loss and an abnormal centering of the vulva on P5.p, suggesting that these two processes are coregulated by the same pathway in Oscheius sp. 1. Group 3 mutants display an enlarged competence group that includes P3.p, thus demonstrating the existence of a specific mechanism inhibiting P3.p competence. Group 4 mutants display an abnormal centering of the vulval pattern on P7.p and suggest that a specific mechanism centers the vulval pattern on a single Pn.p cell.

Download Full-text