Predictors of right atrial dilatation and long-term function after right ventricular outflow tract surgical repair: Quantification of restrictive physiology matters

Right diastolic dysfunction; Right atrium function; Restrictive physiologyDisfunción diastólica derecha; Función de la aurícula derecha; Fisiología restrictivaDisfunció diastòlica dreta; Funció de l'aurícula dreta; Fisiologia restrictivaRight ventricular (RV) diastolic dysfunction in patients with a surgically-repaired RV outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction merits further studies. Right atrial (RA) dilation and function may be related to (RV) diastolic dysfunction in this setting. The end-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) in the pulmonary artery (PA) has been suggested as a non-invasive marker of poor RV compliance, however, there is controversy regarding its true significance; EDFF quantification may help elucidate this controversy. Objective to study predictors of RA enlargement and dysfunction in patients with a surgically-repaired RVOT obstruction and its relationship with quantitative EDFF. Methods In 81 consecutive patients (mean age: 37.5 (±7) years), transthoracic echocardiography (Echo) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed. Echo parameters: RA size (indexed RA area (iRAA)), RA function (RA global strain (RAGS)) and maximum EDFF velocity-time integral (VTI-EDFF) obtained during a whole respiratory cycle. CMR-indexed RA area (imRAA) was also obtained. Patients were divided into three groups according to iRAA, imRAA and RAGS; bivariate analysis was performed. A multivariate model was then applied using variables that were found to be statistically significant in the bivariate analysis. Results Upon multivariate analysis, higher VTI-EDFF values and the presence of significant tricuspid regurgitation proved to be independent factors associated with increased iRAA and imRAA and lower RAGS, whereas RV volumes, function and pulmonary regurgitant fraction were not. Conclusion VTI-EDFF linearly correlated with the degree of RA dilation and deformation; EDFF quantification as against qualitative assessment may be considered a non-invasive tool for diastolic RV dysfunction

A systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction

Funding: This work was funded by the European Society for Evolution (which funds a Special Topic Network on Evolutionary Ecology of Thermal Fertility Limits to CF, AB, RRS and TARP), the Natural Environment Research Council (NE/P002692/1 to TARP, AB and RRS, NE/X011550/1 to LRD and TARP), the Biotechnology and \Biological Sciences Research Council (BB/W016753/1 to AB, TARP and RRS) and a Heisenberg fellowship from the German Research Foundation (FR 2973/11-1 to CF).1. Exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively affect animal reproduction, by disrupting the ability of individuals to produce any offspring (fertility), or the number of offspring produced by fertile individuals (fecundity). This has important ecological consequences, because reproduction is the ultimate measure of population fitness: a reduction in reproductive output lowers the population growth rate and increases the extinction risk. Despite this importance, there have been no large‐scale summaries of the evidence for effect of temperature on reproduction. 2. We provide a systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction. We systematically searched for published studies that statistically test for a direct link between temperature and animal reproduction, in terms of fertility, fecundity or indirect measures of reproductive potential (gamete and gonad traits). 3. Overall, we collated a large and rich evidence base, with 1654 papers that met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1191 species. 4. The map revealed several important research gaps. Insects made up almost half of the dataset, but reptiles and amphibians were uncommon, as were non‐arthropod invertebrates. Fecundity was the most common reproductive trait examined, and relatively few studies measured fertility. It was uncommon for experimental studies to test exposure of different life stages, exposure to short‐term heat or cold shock, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or to independently assess male and female effects. Studies were most often published in journals focusing on entomology and pest control, ecology and evolution, aquaculture and fisheries science, and marine biology. Finally, while individuals were sampled from every continent, there was a strong sampling bias towards mid‐latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, such that the tropics and polar regions are less well sampled. 5. This map reveals a rich literature of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction, but also uncovers substantial missing treatment of taxa, traits, and thermal regimes. This database will provide a valuable resource for future quantitative meta‐analyses, and direct future studies aiming to fill identified gaps.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Impact of interstitial lung disease on the survival of systemic sclerosis with pulmonary arterial hypertension

To assess severity markers and outcomes of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with or without pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH-SSc/non-PAH-SSc), and the impact of interstitial lung disease (ILD) on PAH-SSc. Non-PAH-SSc patients from the Spanish SSc registry and PAH-SSc patients from the Spanish PAH registry were included. A total of 364 PAH-SSc and 1589 non-PAH-SSc patients were included. PAH-SSc patients had worse NYHA-functional class (NYHA-FC), worse forced vital capacity (FVC) (81.2 ± 20.6% vs 93.6 ± 20.6%, P < 0.001), worse tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (17.4 ± 5.2 mm vs 19.9 ± 6.7 mm, P < 0.001), higher incidence of pericardial effusion (30% vs 5.2%, P < 0.001) and similar prevalence of ILD (41.8% vs. 44.9%). In individuals with PAH-SSc, ILD was associated with worse hemodynamics and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Up-front combination therapy was used in 59.8% and 61.7% of patients with and without ILD, respectively. Five-year transplant-free survival rate was 41.1% in PAH-SSc patients and 93.9% in non-PAH-SSc patients (P < 0.001). Global survival of PAH-SSc patients was not affected by ILD regardless its severity. The multivariate survival analysis in PAH-SSc patients confirmed age at diagnosis, worse NYHA-FC, increased PVR, reduced DLCO, and lower management with up-front combination therapy as major risk factors. In conclusion, in PAH-SSc cohort risk of death was greatly increased by clinical, PFT, and hemodynamic factors, whereas it was decreased by up-front combination therapy. Concomitant ILD worsened hemodynamics and PFT in PAH-SSc but not survival regardless of FVC impairment

Impact of interstitial lung disease on the survival of systemic sclerosis with pulmonary arterial hypertension

To assess severity markers and outcomes of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) with or without pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH-SSc/non-PAH-SSc), and the impact of interstitial lung disease (ILD) on PAH-SSc. Non-PAH-SSc patients from the Spanish SSc registry and PAH-SSc patients from the Spanish PAH registry were included. A total of 364 PAH-SSc and 1589 non-PAH-SSc patients were included. PAH-SSc patients had worse NYHA-functional class (NYHA-FC), worse forced vital capacity (FVC) (81.2 +/- 20.6% vs 93.6 +/- 20.6%, P < 0.001), worse tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (17.4 +/- 5.2 mm vs 19.9 +/- 6.7 mm, P < 0.001), higher incidence of pericardial effusion (30% vs 5.2%, P < 0.001) and similar prevalence of ILD (41.8% vs. 44.9%). In individuals with PAH-SSc, ILD was associated with worse hemodynamics and pulmonary function tests (PFT). Up-front combination therapy was used in 59.8% and 61.7% of patients with and without ILD, respectively. Five-year transplant-free survival rate was 41.1% in PAH-SSc patients and 93.9% in non-PAH-SSc patients (P < 0.001). Global survival of PAH-SSc patients was not affected by ILD regardless its severity. The multivariate survival analysis in PAH-SSc patients confirmed age at diagnosis, worse NYHA-FC, increased PVR, reduced DLCO, and lower management with up-front combination therapy as major risk factors. In conclusion, in PAH-SSc cohort risk of death was greatly increased by clinical, PFT, and hemodynamic factors, whereas it was decreased by up-front combination therapy. Concomitant ILD worsened hemodynamics and PFT in PAH-SSc but not survival regardless of FVC impairment

A Targetable GATA2-IGF2 Axis Confers Aggressiveness in Lethal Prostate Cancer

SummaryElucidating the determinants of aggressiveness in lethal prostate cancer may stimulate therapeutic strategies that improve clinical outcomes. We used experimental models and clinical databases to identify GATA2 as a regulator of chemotherapy resistance and tumorigenicity in this context. Mechanistically, direct upregulation of the growth hormone IGF2 emerged as a mediator of the aggressive properties regulated by GATA2. IGF2 in turn activated IGF1R and INSR as well as a downstream polykinase program. The characterization of this axis prompted a combination strategy whereby dual IGF1R/INSR inhibition restored the efficacy of chemotherapy and improved survival in preclinical models. These studies reveal a GATA2-IGF2 aggressiveness axis in lethal prostate cancer and identify a therapeutic opportunity in this challenging disease

Un día en la ópera

La finalidad de este proyecto, iniciado en el curso 2004-05, es que al terminar sus estudios, un alumno que haya cursado Secundaria y Bachillerato en el centro, conozca con cierto grado de profundidad seis óperas de diferentes épocas, estilos, nacionalidades y lenguas. Por ello, los tres objetivos principales de este proyecto son conocer obras significativas de la historia de la Ópera; participar activamente en su escenificación; y comprometerse a hacer una representación a final de curso. Pretende, por tanto, familiarizarse con el lenguaje de la ópera, trabajar en equipo, desarrollar técnicas interpretativas, conocer el mundo Clásico a través de sus mitos y aplicar conocimientos manuales e informáticos en la elaboración de decorados y programas. La experiencia se desarrolla durante el curso académico y se representa una obra de escenografía adaptada con la música en play back. También hacen exposiciones, taller de teatro y carteles en relación a la ópera seleccionada. La metodología consiste en crear grupos de trabajo coordinados y dirigidos por uno principal que se encarga de distribuir, orientar y asignar las funciones al resto de grupos. Este equipo también se encarga de supervisar y coordinar el trabajo para garantizar su realización. En la evaluación se tiene en cuenta, el interés despertado en los alumnos; la adecuación del proyecto a la programación del centro; y la colaboración en los distintos departamentos. Adjuntan como anexo tres DVD que contienen fotografías de los ensayos, el programa de la ópera, el cartel anuncio, material de la exposición, documentación sobre el mito de Orfeo y la Ópera..Madrid (Comunidad Autónoma). Consejería de Educación. Dirección General de Mejora de la Calidad de la EnseñanzaMadridMadrid (Comunidad Autónoma). Subdirección General de Formación del Profesorado. CRIF Las Acacias; General Ricardos 179 - 28025 Madrid; Tel. + 34915250893ES

A systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction

Publication status: PublishedFunder: European Society for Evolutionary Biology; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013632Exposure to extreme temperatures can negatively affect animal reproduction, by disrupting the ability of individuals to produce any offspring (fertility), or the number of offspring produced by fertile individuals (fecundity). This has important ecological consequences, because reproduction is the ultimate measure of population fitness: a reduction in reproductive output lowers the population growth rate and increases the extinction risk. Despite this importance, there have been no large‐scale summaries of the evidence for effect of temperature on reproduction. We provide a systematic map of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction. We systematically searched for published studies that statistically test for a direct link between temperature and animal reproduction, in terms of fertility, fecundity or indirect measures of reproductive potential (gamete and gonad traits). Overall, we collated a large and rich evidence base, with 1654 papers that met our inclusion criteria, encompassing 1191 species. The map revealed several important research gaps. Insects made up almost half of the dataset, but reptiles and amphibians were uncommon, as were non‐arthropod invertebrates. Fecundity was the most common reproductive trait examined, and relatively few studies measured fertility. It was uncommon for experimental studies to test exposure of different life stages, exposure to short‐term heat or cold shock, exposure to temperature fluctuations, or to independently assess male and female effects. Studies were most often published in journals focusing on entomology and pest control, ecology and evolution, aquaculture and fisheries science, and marine biology. Finally, while individuals were sampled from every continent, there was a strong sampling bias towards mid‐latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, such that the tropics and polar regions are less well sampled. This map reveals a rich literature of studies testing the relationship between temperature and animal reproduction, but also uncovers substantial missing treatment of taxa, traits, and thermal regimes. This database will provide a valuable resource for future quantitative meta‐analyses, and direct future studies aiming to fill identified gaps