Regression Of Mass Research Articles

Impact of conduction disturbances on left ventricular mass regression and geometry change following transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Our study aimed to compare the difference of LV mass regression and remodeling in regard of conduction disturbances (CD) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). A prospective analysis of 152 consecutive TAVR patients was performed. 53 patients (34.9%) had CD following TAVR, including 30 (19.7%) permanent pacemaker implantation and 23 (15.2%) new left bundle branch block. In 123 patients with 1-year follow-up, significant improvement of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (baseline vs 12-month: 65.1 ± 13.2 vs 68.7 ± 9.1, P = 0.017) and reduced LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) (39.8 ± 25.8 vs 34.3 ± 17.1, P = 0.011) was found in non-CD group (N = 85), but not in CD group (N = 38). Both groups had significant decrease in LV mass index (baseline vs 12-month: 148.6 ± 36.9 vs. 136.4 ± 34.7 in CD group, p = 0.023; 153.0 ± 50.5 vs. 125.6 ± 35.1 in non-CD group, p < 0.0001). In 46 patients with 3-year follow-up, only non-CD patients (N = 28) had statistically significant decrease in LV mass index (Baseline vs 36-month: 180.8 ± 58.8 vs 129.8 ± 39.1, p = 0.0001). Our study showed the improvement of LV systolic function, reduced LVESV and LV mass regression at 1 year could be observed in patients without CD after TAVR. Sustained LV mass regression within 3-year was found only in patients without CD.

Left Ventricle Mass Regression After Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Veterans

BackgroundDifferences in left ventricular mass regression (LVMR) between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) have not been studied. We present clinical and echocardiographic data from veterans who underwent TAVR and SAVR, evaluating the degree of LVMR and its association with survival. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed TAVR (n = 194) and SAVR (n = 365) procedures performed in veterans from 2011 to 2019. After 1:1 propensity matching, we evaluated mortality and secondary outcomes. Echocardiographic data (median follow-up 957 days, interquartile range 483-1652 days) were used to evaluate LVMR, its association with survival, and predictors of LVMR. ResultsThere was no difference between SAVR and TAVR patients in mortality (for up to 8 years), stroke at 30 days, myocardial infarction, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, reoperation, or structural valve deterioration. SAVR patients (67.3% [101 of 150]) were more likely to have LVMR than TAVR patients (55.7% [44 of 79], P = .11). The magnitude of LVMR was greater for the SAVR patients (median, −23.3%) than for the TAVR patients (median, −17.8%, P = .062). SAVR patients with LVMR had a survival advantage over SAVR patients without LVMR (P = .016). However, LVMR was not associated with greater survival in TAVR patients (P = .248). ConclusionsSAVR patients were more likely to have LVMR and had a greater magnitude of LVMR than TAVR patients. LVMR was associated with better survival in SAVR patients, but not in TAVR patients.

Effect of Sex on Mortality and Left Ventricular Remodeling After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

The effect of sex on mortality is controversial; furthermore, sex differences in left ventricular (LV) remodeling after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain unknown. This study included 2,588 patients (1,793 [69.3%] female) enrolled in the Optimized CathEter vAlvular iNtervention (OCEAN)-TAVI Japanese multicenter registry between October 2013 and May 2017. We retrospectively analyzed the effect of sex on mortality, and evaluated changes in the LV mass index (LVMI) after TAVI. Female sex was significantly associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (log-rank P<0.001 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that female sex was independently associated with lower cumulative long-term mortality (hazard ratio 0.615; 95% confidence interval 0.512-0.738; P<0.001). Regression in the LVMI was observed in both sexes, and there was no significant difference in the percentage LVMI regression from baseline to 1 year after TAVI between women and men. Women had a survival advantage compared with men among patients with LVMI regression at 1 year, but not among patients with no LVMI regression. We found that female sex is associated with better survival outcomes after TAVI in a large Japanese registry. Although LVMI regression was observed in women and men after TAVI, post-procedural LV mass regression may be related to the sex differences in mortality.

Symptomatic fibroids in a perimenopausal woman with previous two caesarean sections and incisional hernia repair. Can surgery be avoided?

Leiomyomas are the most common benign gynaecological tumour and contribute to 40-60% of hysterectomies performed all over the world. Despite proven benefits of GnRH analogues in reducing the size of myoma, it is used mostly as a temporary preoperative drug, as it has not shown to be associated with complete mass regression. We present a case of an abnormal uterine bleeding in a perimenopausal woman with history of multiple caesarean sections and incisional hernia repair. The patient was diagnosed with leiomyoma and was severely symptomatic due to anaemia. She responded to GnRH analogues and the mass regressed completely after 6 months. A favourable outcome in this patient establishes the role of medical treatment in symptomatic uterine fibroids in perimenopausal woman with previous abdominal surgeries where the risks of surgical intervention may be higher.

Comparison of Aortic Gradient and Ventricular Mass after Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis with Rapid Deployment, Sutureless, and Conventional Bioprostheses

Background: The use of rapid deployment and sutureless aortic prostheses is increasing. Previous reports have shown promising results on haemodynamic performance and mortality rates. However, the impact of these bioprostheses on left ventricular mass (LVM) regression remains unknown. We decided to study the changes in remodelling and LVM regression in isolated severe aortic stenosis treated with conventional or Perceval® or Intuity® valves. Method and Results: From January 2011 to January 2016, 324 bioprostheses were implanted in our centre. The collected characteristics were divided into 3 groups: conventional valves, Perceval®, and Intuity®, and they were analysed after 12 months. There were 183 conventional valves (56%), 72 Perceval® (22%), and 69 Intuity® (21.2%). The statistical analysis showed significant differences in transprosthetic postoperative peak gradient (23 [18–29] mm Hg vs. 21 [16–29] mm Hg and 18 [14–24] mm Hg, p < 0.001), ventricular mass electrical criteria regression (Sokolow and Cornell products), and 1-year survival (90 vs. 93% and 97%, log rank p value = 0.04) in conventional, Perceval®, and Intuity® groups. Conclusions: We observed differences in haemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters related to the different types of prosthesis. Patients with the Intuity® prosthesis had the highest reduction in peak aortic gradient and the higher ventricular mass regression. Besides, patients with the Intuity® prosthesis had less risk of mortality during follow-up than the other two groups. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Long-term outcomes of renal denervation and related sex characteristics: data from a three-year follow-up

Aim. To study the long-term outcomes of renal denervation (RDN) within 3-year follow-up with an assessment of blood pressure (BP) changes, the severity of target organ damage and the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with resistant hypertension (RH), taking into account sex characteristics.Material and methods. A total of 42 patients with RH were examined at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 years after RDN on the background of antihypertensive therapy. Twenty-four-hour BP monitoring, echocardiography, assessment of creatinine level and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as determination of some cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, 6, 10, tumor necrosis factor-α) were performed.Results. There was a persistent BP decrease in men and women for three years compared with the initial level by an average of 17 [4; 31]/10 [0; 18] mm Hg (p&lt;0,05). Decrease in BP variability from 17,9±5,1 to 15,2±3,6 mm Hg was observed mainly by means of women, while the decrease in left ventricular mass from 250,4±64,0 to 229,3±61,9 g was mainly by means of men. Creatinine level was unchanged, while eGFR decreased from 78,8±16,1 to 74,5±20,3 ml/ min/1,73 m2 over 3 years; the mean eGFR decline was 1,4 ml/min/1,73 m2 in year. All studied cytokines tended to decrease regardless of sex: tumor necrosis factor-α — from 2,1 [1,2; 77] to 2,1 [1,7; 2,6] pg/ml (p=0,022); IL-1β — from 2,2 [1,5; 2,4] to 1,6 [1,1; 1,5] pg/ml (p=0,034); IL-6 — from 3,8 [1,6; 4,9] to 2,8 [1,8; 3,0] pg/ml (p&gt;0,05), IL-10 — from 5,8 [3,2; 8,2] to 2,8 [2,6; 2,9] pg/ml (p=0,000), correlating with IL-6 dynamics.Conclusion. Three years after RDN, there is a persistent decrease in mean 24-hour BP, regardless of sex. In women, a more pronounced BP variability decrease is observed, while in men — regression of left ventricular mass. There is no significant decrease in eGFR in the long-term period. The decrease in proinflammatory cytokines maintains, and in some cases becomes more pronounced within three years after RDN.

Exposure to wastewater effluent disrupts hypoxia responses in killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)

Hypoxia (low oxygen) often occurs in aquatic ecosystems that receive effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The combination of hypoxia and WWTP effluent could impair fish health, because WWTP effluent contains multiple contaminants that could disrupt the physiological pathways fish use to cope with hypoxia, but the interactive effects of these stressors on fish physiology are poorly understood. We have examined this issue by exposing mummichog killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) to hypoxia (5 and 2 kPa O2) and/or 100% WWTP effluent for 21 days in a full factorial design. We then measured hypoxia tolerance, whole-animal metabolism, gill morphology, haematology, and tissue metabolites. In clean water, killifish responded to chronic hypoxia with improvements in hypoxia tolerance, as reflected by increases in time to loss of equilibrium at 0.5 kPa (tLOE). These improvements occurred in association with increases in the exposed surface of gill lamellae that resulted from a regression of interlamellar cell mass (ILCM). Concurrent exposure to wastewater attenuated the increases in tLOE and gill remodeling in chronic hypoxia, and nearly depleted brain glycogen stores. Therefore, exposure to WWTP effluent can disrupt the physiological mechanisms fish use to cope with chronic hypoxia and impair hypoxia tolerance. Our research suggests that the combination of stressors near WWTPs can have interactive effects on the physiology and health of fish.

IMPACT OF PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL RENAL ANGIOPLASTY ON LEFT VENTRICULAR MASS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO CARDIOVASCULAR OUTCOME IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH RENAL ARTERY STENOSIS

Objective: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is associated with secondary hypertension, which is often resistant to antihypertensive medication.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of renal angioplastry on left ventricular (LV) mass, as measured by echocardiography, and further to determine whether LV mass reduction is associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients with RAS. Design and method: A total of 144 hypertensive patients with RAS (mean age 69 years; 22.2% fibromuscular dysplasia [FMD]) who underwent angioplasty were included. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after one year, and were thereafter followed up for a median of 5.6 years for the primary composite outcomes. The primary endpoint of this study was first occurrence of the composite of cardiovascular events including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or adverse aortic event. Results: In both the FMD and atherosclerotic stenosis (ARAS) groups, LV mass decreased after angioplasty, but the decrease in LV mass index (-15.4 ± 18.3% versus -0.8 ± 27.8%, p &lt; 0.01) as well as the regression rate of LV hypertrophy was greater in FMD. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that FMD (odds ratio [OR] 2.94, p &lt; 0.01), severe RAS (greater than or equal to 90%) (OR 2.94, p &lt; 0.05), and higher LV mass index at baseline (OR 2.94 for 1 standard deviation increase, p &lt; 0.001) were independent predictors of LV mass index decrease of at least 20%. The primary composite outcomes occurred in 45 patients (31.3%). In FMD, lower LV mass index after one year (hazard ratio 2.81 for 1 standard deviation increase, p &lt; 0.05) or regression of LV mass (hazard ratio 0.75 for 5% decrease, p = 0.054) showed a tendency to be associated with better outcomes; however, these associations were not found in ARAS. Conclusions: Hypertensive patients with ARAS have less regression of LV mass in response to angioplasty than those with FMD, and LV mass regression is less useful as a surrogate marker of outcomes especially in ARAS.

Prognostic impact of left ventricular mass regression after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy

BackgroundParavalvular regurgitation (PVR) has been known to be the primary determinant of poor left ventricular (LV) mass regression after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the incidence of significant PVR has been reduced considerably as TAVR technology evolved rapidly. This study aimed to investigate the time course and impact of LV mass index (LVMi) regression on long-term clinical outcomes in severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients without significant PVR after TAVR. MethodsOf 412 patients who underwent TAVR, 146 who had LV hypertrophy (LVMi ≥115 g/m2 for men and ≥ 95 g/m2 for women) at baseline and were alive at one year after TAVR were enrolled. The primary outcome was cardiovascular deaths and the impact of LVMi regression on clinical outcomes were examined. The patients with significant PVR were excluded. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 40 months (interquartile range, 26–58 months), 9 (6.2%) cardiovascular deaths, 21 (14.4%) all-cause deaths, and 9 (6.2%) hospitalizations occurred. In the multivariable analysis, the percentage change of LVMi was an independent predictor of cardiovascular deaths (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.01–1.05; P = 0.010), and composite outcome of cardiovascular deaths and rehospitalization for heart failure (adjusted HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00–1.04; P = 0.022). Baseline LVMi, eccentric hypertrophy, and TAVR-induced left bundle branch block were independently associated with LVMi regression. ConclusionsIn patients with severe AS who received successful TAVR without significant PVR, the degree of LVMi regression is an independent predictor of postoperative outcomes after TAVR.

Investigating Possible Gastroliths in a Referred Specimen of Bohaiornis guoi (Aves: Enantiornithes)

Gastroliths, where preserved, can provide indirect evidence regarding diet in extinct avian and non-avian dinosaurs. Masses of gastroliths consistent with the presence of a gastric mill are preserved in many Early Cretaceous Jehol birds mostly belonging to the Ornithuromorpha. Gastroliths are also present in basal birds Sapeornis and Jeholornis in which herbivory is supported by direct evidence these taxa consumed seeds in the form of crop or stomach contents. Although gastroliths have been correlated with herbivory in non-avian dinosaurs, the presence of gastroliths and bone together in Ambopteryx calls this association in to question. Despite being known from greater numbers of specimens than other avian lineages, no unequivocal direct or indirect evidence of diet has been recovered from Jehol deposits for the Enantiornithes. A referred specimen of Bohaiornis guoi IVPP V17963 was described as preserving a small number of gastroliths interpreted as rangle, gastroliths whose function is cleaning the stomach in extant raptorial birds. However, based on comparison with gastroliths in other Jehol birds, it has alternatively been suggested that the identified structures are not ingested stones at all but some unusual mineral precipitate. Considering the limited evidence regarding diet in Enantiornithes and the importance of accurately identifying the traces in Bohaiornis in order to understand the enantiornithine digestive system, we extracted two samples of these purported gastroliths and explored these traces using computerized laminography scanning, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, ground sections, and body size to gastral mass regressions. Similar analyses were conducted on gastroliths extracted from undisputed gastral masses of two Jehol ornithuromorphs and the non-avian pennaraptoran Caudipteryx. The combined results contradict the hypothesis that these traces are gastroliths and supports the interpretation they are mineral precipitate, most likely authigenic quartz (chalcedony). Although authigenesis is commonly responsible for the preservation of soft tissues, it is unclear if these traces record part of the tissues of this Bohaiornis. This study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in understanding unusual traces in the fossil record and reveal a previously unidentified taphonomic phenomenon in fossils from Jehol deposits.

Impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on left ventricular function recovery, mass regression and outcome in patients with aortic stenosis: protocol of the TAVI-NOR prospective study

IntroductionTranscatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a widely used treatment option as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) at high or intermediate...

Effectiveness of pile relief device with special reference to hemorrhoids and fissure in ano among general population - A clinical study

Background: Hemorrhoids and fissure are one of the most common anorectal problems. It is reported that 1 in 5 patients suffers hemorrhoids and fissure during their lifetime. Aim and Objectives: To study the effectiveness of “pile relief device” in the management of hemorrhoids and fissures among patients attending outpatient department. Methodology: Hence, a clinical study has been carried out among 1000 patients at Rana Piles Hospital, Sirhind (Punjab), to treat the fissures and hemorrhoids by a cryotherapy device called Pile Relief Device. Results: The result shown that there is significant regression of haemorrhoidal pile mass, healing of fissure mucosa, and no anal stenosis. Conclusion: The results were shown that the Pile Relief Device is effective over today's conventional line of treatment.

Natural history of left ventricular remodelling in aortic stenosis treated by surgery: Differences according to sex

Many studies have shown differences between men and women regarding left ventricular remodelling in aortic stenosis with opposing results. Our aim is to see if women have a better preoperative and reverse remodelling in aortic stenosis. A comprehensive echocardiographic study of systolic, diastolic function and myocardial fibrosis was performed preoperatively, at 1 year and 3 years in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis (± coronary artery bypass grafting). In total, 477 patients were included (200 women and 277 men). Women had a more concentric remodelling, a lower indexed left ventricular (LV) mass (103.7 ± 29.9 vs. 115.9 ± 29.3; P < 0.001), a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ( P = 65% vs. 61%, P = 0.01) and were more symptomatic at the time of surgery. One year after surgery ( n = 221, 95 women, 126 men), there was a regression in left ventricular mass (−23.5 g/m 2 in women, −18.0 g/m 2 in men), a better LVEF (+1.0 in women, +3.0 in men) and Global Longitudinal Strain. However, there was no statistically significative interaction of sex on the evolution of those parameters (for LV mass, interaction P = 0.12). Three years after surgery ( n = 91, 42 women, 49 men), there was a tendency to an interaction of sex on the evolution of the LV mass. Indeed, the regression was higher among women (interaction P = 0.066). It is of note that sex was independently associated in a multivariate model with LV mass reduction (expressed in percentage) ( P = 0.03). Despite a tendency, we have not showed any significant interaction of sex on the postoperative evolution of echocardiographic parameters regarding left ventricular remodelling in aortic stenosis treated by surgery. Nevertheless, sex was independently associated with LV mass reduction expressed in percentage.

Early myocardial remodeling after aortic valve replacement

Background: Aortic valve disease leads to eccentric or concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and changes in the left ventricle function. The goal of aortic valve replacement (AVR) is to alleviate the pressure and volume overload on the left ventricle, allowing myocardial remodeling and regression of LV mass. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess early LV remodeling in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and/or moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation after AVR. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the department of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery between January 2015 and February 2016. All patients undergoing AVR exclusively over 1 year were included in the study. Patients were assessed at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after AVR by transthoracic echocardiography. Peak and mean pressure gradients across aortic valve, LV ejection fraction, fractional shortening, LV dimensions, and LV mass along with other parameters were measured in the pre- and postoperative period. Results: A total of 33 patients with different lesions who underwent AVR were evaluated. All but one child (aged 12 years) were adults with a median age of 52 years ± 14.6 years including 21 males and 12 females. The LV mass index (LVMI) regression occurred over time in all cases. Mean LVMI decreased to 149.20 ± 53.7 g/m2 at 1 week and 120.8 ± 45.49 g/m2 at 6 weeks of AVR from its baseline value of 180.8 ± 58.9 g/m2 (P < 0.001). Six patients who were followed up to 1 year had mean LVMI 122.46 ± 50.0 g/m2. Conclusion: Marked reduction in LV mass was discerned after AVR as early as 1 week and further reduction continued up to 6 weeks; however, regression thereafter was not statistically significant.

Routine betamethasone therapy of non-hydropic fetuses with CPAM - the way to improve perinatal outcome?

Authors discuss novel approach to the management of fetal congenital pulmonary cystic malformation (CPAM) and possible benefit of routine administration of betamethasone, which is currently recommended only for severe cases. The article presents authors' own experience with antenatally diagnosed CPAM and describes 4 cases of prenatally diagnosed CPAM without hydrops treated by two doses of betamethasone at 21-31 weeks of gestation with the aim of improving the perinatal prognosis by effect on not only mortality but also postnatal morbidity. Article also summarizes current knowledge on all aspects of the prenatal CPAM focusing on its treatment options. Data were obtained from the literature search based on the PubMed and Scopus database with additional search of particular articles from reference list of the selected publications.All 4 patients from the case reports showed regression of the pulmonary mass after maternal administration of betamethasone with 100 % survival rate. Even though it is not possible to say if the CPAM regression was due to the betamethasone treatment, we did not observe any complication in relation to the treatment and all cases survived until discharge. During the literature search, we did not find any data on betamethasone administration in non-hydropic fetuses with CPAM in relation to the overall perinatal and postnatal morbidity, neither data comparing the outcome between the treated versus observed only fetuses.Routine betamethasone treatment should be discussed in antenatally diagnosed CPAM cases without fetal hydrops in order to reduce the perinatal morbidity associated with CPAM (Tab. 1, Ref. 47). Keywords: betamethasone, CPAM (congenital pulmonary adenomatoid malformation), fetal therapy.

Complete Pelvic Mass Regression Following Tuberculosis Treatment as Indicated by F18-FDG PET/CT

A 19-year-old woman with a history of tuberculosis (TB) in her family presented to the infectious disease clinic of our hospital with right flank pain, nausea, vomiting, a 10-kg weight loss, and decreased urine volume for the past two months. Approximately five years ago, within a year of family TB contact

Express assessment of physical development of school-age children by body mass index

Objective — to compare the informativity of methods for assessing physical development by body mass index (BMI) and regression scales from the standpoint of detecting and predicting obesity in school‑age children.Materials and methods. A cross‑sectional study of the physical development of 3,265 school‑age children (aged 7 to 17, including 1,579 boys and 1,686 girls) living in a large industrial city was conducted. Indicators of length and body mass were studied according to standard methods. Evaluation of physical development was carried out by centile BMI tables as well as the national Ukrainian standards according to the order of Ministry of Health of Ukraine «On Approval of The Criteria for assessing the physical development of children of school age» and «On approval of The Protocols of treatment for children with endocrine diseases». Statistical data processing was performed using the method of statistical aggregation and t‑test in software package SPSS Statistics v.20 and Microsoft Excel.Results. According to the results of the assessment of the level of physical development using aggregate centile tables of BMI as recommended by the WHO to create national standards, it was found that children with normal body weight (15 — 85th percentile) exceed 50 %, except for boys of 10 and 13 years. The risk groups for obesity included 6.9 — 15.4 % of boys with the largest number at 11 — 13 years of age and 7.9 — 14.1 % of girls aged 10, 13 and 14 years. Among boys aged 8 — 10 and 14 years, obesity was identified in more than 20 %, and among girls aged 8 — 10 years — in 16.2 %. Comparing the results of the assessment according to WHO standards and national criteria for assessing physical development revealed a «tougher» approach to the selection of obese children aged 12 — 17 years with a difference of up to 7 % among boys and up to 19 % among girls. Among children aged 8 — 9 years, obesity was more often identified by centile tables.Conclusions. The body mass index should be used for an approximate express assessment of the child’s physical development, subject to further clarification during a more detailed medical examination using national regression scales to detect and predict childhood obesity. There is a need to create an automated algorithm for assessing the physical development of school‑age children in the workplace of medical staff.

Biomass, Productivity, and Biomass Turnover (P/B) Ratios of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in High Elevation Ponds in St. Ann, Jamaica (West Indies)

From January 2014 to April, 2015, eight high elevation ponds were sampled in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica. These ponds were classified as small, mixed, or large based on cluster analysis, which created these groups based on size and physicochemical parameters. Regression of mass on length was completed for most benthic macroinvertebrate taxa, and consequently 170 length-mass equations were developed for use in mass determination locally and regionally. The sample area was taxonomically rich, consisting of 78 species, 43 families, and 14 orders, with class Insecta having the largest number of taxa. Biomass was constant over time, which implied that food availability was not limited for invertebrates in the sample area. The results indicated that biomass in the sample area was dominated by Aeshnidae and Belostomatidae, which had significantly higher values than most other taxa. Culicidae, and the families of Diptera in general, were not well represented in the biomass within the sample area. Total production for the sample area was estimated to be 398.87 g m-2yr-1, with the highest values for production being obtained for Anisoptera, Podocopoida, and Ephemeroptera; while the P/B ratio of Podocopoida was significantly higher than most taxa. When the results were assessed based on pond groups, families of the class Insecta, particularly Aeshnidae and Belostomatidae, had significantly high biomass in large and mixed ponds, while Physidae dominated the biomass of small ponds. The productivity results almost mirrored what was observed for biomass; however, Cypridoidea (ostracods) showed high productivity in the mixed group although its biomass contribution was <3%. These findings are the first to examine biomass, production and P/B ratios in a lentic habitat in Jamaica, compute length-mass equations, and form an important record against which other studies within the island and throughout the Caribbean can be compared to.

The Degree of Cardiac Remodelling before Overload Relief Triggers Different Transcriptome and miRome Signatures during Reverse Remodelling (RR)-Molecular Signature Differ with the Extent of RR.

This study aims to provide new insights into transcriptome and miRome modifications occurring in cardiac reverse remodelling (RR) upon left ventricle pressure-overload relief in mice. Pressure-overload was established in seven-week-old C57BL/6J-mice by ascending aortic constriction. A debanding (DEB) surgery was performed seven weeks later in half of the banding group (BA). Two weeks later, cardiac function was evaluated through hemodynamics and echocardiography, and the hearts were collected for histology and small/bulk-RNA-sequencing. Pressure-overload relief was confirmed by the normalization of left-ventricle-end-systolic-pressure. DEB animals were separated into two subgroups according to the extent of cardiac remodelling at seven weeks and RR: DEB1 showed an incomplete RR phenotype confirmed by diastolic dysfunction persistence (E/e’ ≥ 16 ms) and increased myocardial fibrosis. At the same time, DEB2 exhibited normal diastolic function and fibrosis, presenting a phenotype closer to myocardial recovery. Nevertheless, both subgroups showed the persistence of cardiomyocytes hypertrophy. Notably, the DEB1 subgroup presented a more severe diastolic dysfunction at the moment of debanding than the DEB2, suggesting a different degree of cardiac remodelling. Transcriptomic and miRomic data, as well as their integrated analysis, revealed significant downregulation in metabolic and hypertrophic related pathways in DEB1 when compared to DEB2 group, including fatty acid β-oxidation, mitochondria L-carnitine shuttle, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells pathways. Moreover, extracellular matrix remodelling, glycan metabolism and inflammation-related pathways were up-regulated in DEB1. The presence of a more severe diastolic dysfunction at the moment of pressure overload-relief on top of cardiac hypertrophy was associated with an incomplete RR. Our transcriptomic approach suggests that a cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolic-related gene expression dysregulation underlies diastolic dysfunction persistence after pressure-overload relief, despite left ventricular mass regression, as echocardiographically confirmed.

Complete remission of heavily treated ovarian clear cell carcinoma with ARID1A mutations after pembrolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy: a case report

BackgroundPatients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) have a poor prognosis because they show low sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. New treatments for refractory OCCC are urgently needed.Case presentationWe present a patient with refractory OCCC in whom conventional chemotherapy failed. Cachexia was induced by the disseminating recurrent tumors. Tumor tissue staining and genomic analysis revealed PD-L1 negativity, a low tumor burden, stable microsatellite instability, and two mutations in ARID1A. The patient was administered pembrolizumab combined with bevacizumab triweekly. Her serum CA-125 level decreased dramatically after the first cycle. A computerized tomography scan showed marked regression of the recurrent masses after 3 cycles, and the patient reached complete remission after 9 cycles. She showed good recovery from cachexia. We observed no marked side effects except for mild polyarthritis of the small joints.ConclusionsThe therapeutic effect of checkpoint inhibitors combined with angiogenesis inhibitors is very promising in our patient with OCCC. Further clinical trials of tumors including ARID1A mutations are warranted.