Long-term outcome of aortic dissection with patent false lumen: predictive role of entry tear size and location.

BACKGROUND: Patent false lumen in aortic dissection has been associated with poor prognosis. We aimed to assess the natural evolution of this condition and predictive factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four consecutive patients, 108 surgically treated type A and 76 medically treated type B, were discharged after an acute aortic dissection with patent false lumen. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed before discharge, and computed tomography was performed at 3 months and yearly thereafter. Median follow-up was 6.42 years (quartile 1 to quartile 3: 3.31-10.49). Forty-nine patients died during follow-up (22 type A, 27 type B), 31 suddenly. Surgical or endovascular treatment was indicated in 10 type A and 25 type B cases. Survival free from sudden death and surgical-endovascular treatment was 0.90, 0.81, and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.36-0.55) at 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified baseline maximum descending aorta diameter (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.32 [1.10-1.59]; P=0.003), proximal location (HR: 1.84 [1.06-3.19]; P=0.03), and entry tear size (HR: 1.13 [1.08-1.2]; P<0.001) as predictors of dissection-related adverse events, whereas mortality was predicted by baseline maximum descending aorta diameter (HR: 1.36 [1.08-1.70]; P=0.008), entry tear size (HR: 1.1 [1.04-1.16]; P=0.001), and Marfan syndrome (HR: 3.66 [1.65-8.13]; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Aortic dissection with persistent patent false lumen carries a high risk of complications. In addition to Marfan syndrome and aorta diameter, a large entry tear located in the proximal part of the dissection identifies a high-risk subgroup of patients who may benefit from earlier and more aggressive therapy.

Role of the nuclear receptor coactivator AIB1/SRC-3 in angiogenesis and wound healing.

The nuclear receptor coactivator amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1/SRC-3) has a well-defined role in steroid and growth factor signaling in cancer and normal epithelial cells. Less is known about its function in stromal cells, although AIB1/SRC-3 is up-regulated in tumor stroma and may, thus, contribute to tumor angiogenesis. Herein, we show that AIB1/SRC-3 depletion from cultured endothelial cells reduces their proliferation and motility in response to growth factors and prevents the formation of intact monolayers with tight junctions and of endothelial tubes. In AIB1/SRC-3(+/-) and (-/-) mice, the angiogenic responses to subcutaneous Matrigel implants was reduced by two-thirds, and exogenously added fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 did not overcome this deficiency. Furthermore, AIB1/SRC-3(+/-) and (-/-) mice showed similarly delayed healing of full-thickness excisional skin wounds, indicating that both alleles were required for proper tissue repair. Analysis of this defective wound healing showed reduced recruitment of inflammatory cells and macrophages, cytokine induction, and metalloprotease activity. Skin grafts from animals with different AIB1 genotypes and subsequent wounding of the grafts revealed that the defective healing was attributable to local factors and not to defective bone marrow responses. Indeed, wounds in AIB1(+/-) mice showed reduced expression of FGF10, FGFBP3, FGFR1, FGFR2b, and FGFR3, major local drivers of angiogenesis. We conclude that AIB1/SRC-3 modulates stromal cell responses via cross-talk with the FGF signaling pathway.

Growth and mortality of the fish Citharichthys xanthostigma (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae) off the Western coast of Baja California, México.

Longfin sanddab (Citharichthys xanthostigma) represents a very important fishery resource in Southern and Baja California but are not very well known. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the growth and mortality of longfin sanddab population in the Mexican Pacific Ocean at Baja California, México. Data on growth were obtained for longfin sanddab collected with otter trawls during six cruises off the Western coast of Baja California. A total of 1017 longfin sanddab were caught over the sampling period, and from 860 specimens, the male to female ratio was 1:1.8. The relationship between total weight (W) and standard length (SL) is described: W=0.00000743 SL(3.196) for females and W=0.00000764 SL(3.193) for males. Age groups were estimated from length frequency data, and von Bertalanffy annual growth parameters for all fish data combined were the following: L infinity=289.2 mm SL, k=0.20, t0=-0.73; for males, they were L infinity=265.9 mm SL, k=0.21, t0=-0.68, and for females, L infinity=293.6 mm SL, k=0.23, t0=-0.35. Longfin sanddab caught during this study reached a maximum age of 10 years, and at that age, males attained smaller sizes than females. The age groups had a total mortality (Z) rate of 0.82 year(-1), a fishing mortality (F) of 0.52 year(-1), and a natural mortality (M) of 0.3 year(-1). Although the longfin sanddab is not a target species of commercial fisheries, it suffers high mortality as part of the bycatch in the shrimp fishery.

[Age and growth of Oreochromis aureus (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Sanalona Reservoir, Sinaloa, Mexico]. / Edad y crecimiento de la mojarra Oreochromis aureus (Pisces: Cichlidae) en la Presa Sanalona, Sinaloa, México.

Oreochromis aureus is an important fishing resource in this reservoir but little biological information is available for management purposes. To study its age and growth in the site, we obtained samples using gill nets of six mesh sizes, and collecting fish from commercial catches, on a bimonthly basis, from November 2006 to September 2007. Total length (Lt), total weight (Pt), sex and gonadosomatic maturity were analyzed. Age determination was done by readings of scale growth marks, and its validation was made by the marginal and gonadosomatic index. A total of 384 fish were collected. Length and weight varied from 125 to 345 mm and from 40 to 671 g, respectively. Growth in length and weight are described by the following von Bertalanffy equations: Lt=416 [1-e(-0.3682)(t+0.4975)] and Pt=1323 [1-e(-0.3682(t+0.4975)](3.0652). Two growth marks per year were registered, these were associated to metabolic and environmental factors like reproduction and temperature.

Fecundity, growth, and survival of the angelfish Pterophyllum scalare (Perciformes: Cichlidae) under laboratory conditions.

The freshwater angelfishes (Pterophyllum) are South American cichlids that have become very popular among aquarists, yet scarce information on their culture and aquarium husbandry exists. We studied Pterophyllum scalare to analyze dietary effects on fecundity, growth, and survival of eggs and larvae during 135 days. Three diets were used: A) decapsulated cysts of Artemia, B) commercial dry fish food, and C) a mix diet of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and the cladoceran Daphnia magna. The initial larval density was 100 organisms in each 40 L aquarium. With diet A, larvae reached a maximum weight of 3.80 g, a total length of 6.3 cm, and a height of 5.8 cm; with diet B: 2.80 g, 4.81 cm, and 4.79 cm, and with diet C: 3.00 g, 5.15 cm, and 5.10 cm, respectively. Significant differences were observed between diet A, and diet B and C, but no significantly differences were observed between diets B and C. Fecundity varied from 234 to 1,082 eggs in 20 and 50 g females, respectively. Egg survival ranged from 87.4% up to 100%, and larvae survival (80 larvae/40 L aquarium) from 50% to 66.3% using diet B and A, respectively. Live food was better for growing fish than the commercial balanced food diet. Fecundity and survival are important factors in planning a good production of angelfish.

Fecundity of the crustacean Mysidopsis californica (Mysida, Mysidae) under semi-controlled conditions.

Mysid crustaceans are frequently used in the laboratory to feed cephalopods and fish, but not along the Pacific coast, where they are scarce. There is no commercial aquaculture of mysids in the Pacific Ocean. To change this situation, we calculate fecundity, survival, and sex ratio of Mysidopsis californica under semi-controlled conditions. Mysids were collected manually using a 500 microm-mesh net along the rocky coast of Mazatlin, Sinaloa, Mexico. They were transferred to three 30 L seawater aquaria in the laboratory, and fed (ad libitum) Artemia nauplii and rotifers. Two generations were obtained. The relationship between the number of juveniles born and parent female lengths showed a rate of 1.56 juveniles released per each unit of increasing parent female length. An average parent female length of 6.92 mm (SD=0.82) gave 9.96 (SD=4.29) released juveniles. The frequency of female length showed a mean of 7.3 mm (SD=0.54), whereas that of juveniles showed a mean of 1.7 mm (SD=0.16). Survival and sex ratios (females-males) varied from 77.7% to 88.6% and 2.5:1 to 3.0:1, respectively.

Long-term follow-up of aortic intramural hematoma: predictors of outcome.

BACKGROUND: Aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) evolves very dynamically in the short-term to regression, dissection, or aortic rupture. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term clinical and morphological evolution of medically treated IMH. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty of 68 consecutive patients with aortic IMH monitored clinically and by imaging techniques at 3, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter were prospectively studied. Mean follow-up was 45+/-31 months. In the first 6 months, total IMH regression was observed in 14 and progression to aortic dissection in 18 patients; in 14 of these, the dissection was localized, and 12 later developed pseudoaneurysm. At the end of follow-up, the IMH had regressed completely without dilatation in 17 patients (34%), progressed to classical dissection in 6 (12%), evolved to fusiform aneurysm in 11 (22%), evolved to saccular aneurysm in 4 (8%), and evolved to pseudoaneurysm in 12 (24%). Evolution to dissection was related to echolucency (P<0.02) and to longitudinal extension of IMH (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed an independent association between regression and smaller maximum aortic diameter and between aneurysm formation and atherosclerotic ulcerated plaque and absence of echolucent areas in IMH. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent long-term evolution of IMH is to aortic aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm. Complete regression without changes in aorta size is observed in one third of cases, and progression to classical dissection is less common. A normal aortic diameter in the acute phase is the best predictor of IMH regression without complications, and absence of echolucent areas and atherosclerotic ulcerated plaque are associated with evolution to aortic aneurysm.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach with paraneoplastic leukocytosis: a case report and review of literature.

Apparently pure, primary squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach is exceedingly rare. To date, less than 100 cases have been reported. Here, we describe a case of primary squamous cell carcinoma arising in the gastric antrum of an 83-year-old man with persistent leukocytosis, which resolved on resection of the tumor. No foci of squamous metaplasia or gland-forming elements were identified in the resection specimen, although there was marked chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia. There was no evidence of Helicobacter, fungal, or parasitic infection. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies for human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus were negative. This case suggests that gastric squamous cell carcinoma likely arises in the setting of long-standing, chronic inflammation, and like squamous cell carcinoma in other organ systems, may be associated with paraneoplastic leukocytosis.

Growth and mortality of the fish Citharichthys xanthostigma (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae) off the Western coast of Baja California, México

Longfin sanddab (Citharichthys xanthostigma) represents a very important fishery resource in Southern and Baja California but are not very well known. The purpose of this study is to provide information on the growth and mortality of longfin sanddab population in the Mexican Pacific Ocean at Baja California, México. Data on growth were obtained for longfin sanddab collected with otter trawls during six cruises off the Western coast of Baja California. A total of 1 017 longfin sanddab were caught over the sampling period, and from 860 specimens, the male to female ratio was 1:1.8. The relationship between total weight (W) and standard length (SL) is described: W=0.00000743 SL3.196 for females and W=0.00000764 SL3.193 for males. Age groups were estimated from length frequency data, and von Bertalanffy annual growth parameters for all fish data combined were the following: L∞=289.2mm SL, k=0.20, t0=-0.73; for males, they were L∞=265.9mm SL, k=0.21, t0=-0.68, and for females, L∞=293.6mm SL, k=0.23, t0=-0.35. Longfin sanddab caught during this study reached a maximum age of 10 years, and at that age, males attained smaller sizes than females. The age groups had a total mortality (Z) rate of 0.82 year-1, a fishing mortality (F) of 0.52 year-1, and a natural mortality (M) of 0.3 year-1. Although the longfin sanddab is not a target species of commercial fisheries, it suffers high mortality as part of the bycatch in the shrimp fishery. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (2): 689-705. Epub 2010 June 02.

Se presenta información sobre el crecimiento y mortalidad de la población del C. xanthostigma (lenguado alón) en el Pacífico Mexicano de Baja California, México. Datos sobre su crecimiento fueron obtenidos de peces capturados con red de arrastre durante seis cruceros en la costa Oeste de Baja California, México. Se capturaron 1 017 peces en este periodo. La relación machos:hembras de 860 ejemplares fue de 1:1.2. La relación peso total (W) y longitud estándar (SL) se estimó para hembras: W=0.00000743 SL 3.196 y para machos: W=0.00000764 SL 3.193. La edad de los grupos se calculó con datos de frecuencia por longitud, el crecimiento de von Bertalanffy global fue: L∞=289.2mm SL, k=0.20, t0= -0.73; para los machos: L∞=265.9 mm SL, k=0.21, t0= -0.68 y para las hembras: L∞=293.6mm SL, k=0.23, t0=-0.35, anualmente. La captura de C. xanthostigma durante este estudio alcanzó una edad máxima de 10 años. Los machos alcanzan tallas menores que las hembras a la misma edad. Los grupos de edad tuvieron una tasa de mortalidad total (Z) de 0.82 por año, una mortalidad por pesca (F) de 0.52 por año y mortalidad natural (M) de 0.3 por año. Aunque el C. xanthostigma no es una especie objetivo (comercial), sufre una alta mortalidad indirecta durante la pesca del camarón.

Edad y crecimiento de la mojarra Oreochromis aureus (Pisces: Cichlidae) en la Presa Sanalona, Sinaloa, México

Age and growth of Oreochromis aureus (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Sanalona Reservoir, Sinaloa, Mexico. Oreochromis aureus is an important fishing resource in this reservoir but little biological information is available for management purposes. To study its age and growth in the site, we obtained samples using gill nets of six mesh sizes, and collecting fish from commercial catches, on a bimonthly basis, from November 2006 to September 2007. Total length (Lt), total weight (Pt), sex and gonadosomatic maturity were analyzed. Age determination was done by readings of scale growth marks, and its validation was made by the marginal and gonadosomatic index. A total of 384 fish were collected. Length and weight varied from 125 to 345mm and from 40 to 671g, respectively. Growth in length and weight are described by the following von Bertalanffy equations: Lt=416 [1-e-0.3682 (t+0.4975)] and Pt=1323[1-e -0.3682(t+0.4975)]]3.0652. Two growth marks per year were registered, these were associated to metabolic and environmental factors like reproduction and temperature. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 325-338. Epub 2010 March 01.

Oreochromis aureus es un importante recurso pesquero en el embalse, por lo cual se realizó un estudio sobre su edad y crecimiento desde noviembre del 2006 a septiembre del 2007. Se realizaron muestreos bimensuales con redes agalleras de varios tamaños de luz de malla, y también se colectaron peces de la captura comercial. Se midió la longitud total (Lt), el peso total (Pt), el sexo y la madurez gonádica. La edad se determinó mediante lecturas de marcas de crecimiento en escamas y su validación se realizó mediante el índice marginal e índice gonadosomático. Se colectaron 384 peces, las tallas y pesos variaron de 125 a 345mm y de 40 a 671g, respectivamente. El crecimiento en longitud y peso se describe mediante las ecuaciones de von Bertalanffy: Lt = 416 [1-e-0.3682 (t+0.4975)] y Pt = 1323[1- e-0.3682(t+0.4975)]]3.0652. Se determinaron dos marcas de crecimiento durante el año. Estas fueron asociadas con factores metabólicos y medioambientales como la reproducción y la oscilación de temperatura, combinada con procesos de mezcla y disminución de los niveles del agua del embalse.

Obstructive sleep apnea and thoracic aorta dissection.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a process that is associated with the development of arterial hypertension, the main risk factor for aortic dissection and during obstructive episodes of the upper airways with marked increases in transmural pressure of the aorta wall. The aim of this work was to study the association between aortic dissection and OSAS. Nineteen consecutive patients with thoracic aorta dissection and 19 hypertensive patients of similar age, sex, and body mass index were studied by clinical questionnaire and polysomnography. Snoring and nonrefreshing sleep were common in both groups. Thirteen patients (68%) from each group showed an apnea-hypopnea index of more than 5 per hour. However, patients with aortic dissection presented a higher apnea-hypopnea index (28 [30.3] versus 11.1 [10.4], p=0.032). Seven patients with dissection presented an apnea-hypopnea index of more than 30 versus 1 patient in the control group (p=0.042). Patients with thoracic aorta dissection presented a high prevalence of previously undiagnosed and frequently severe OSAS. Further studies, including this diagnosis as a prognostic variable in the follow-up of patients with aortic dissection, are required. Our results suggest that in patients with aortic dissection and symptoms consistent with OSAS, a sleep study should be considered in their clinical management.

Fecundity, growth, and survival of the angelfish Pterophyllum scalare (Perciformes: Cichlidae) under laboratory conditions

The freshwater angelfishes (Pterophyllum) are South American cichlids that have become very popular among aquarists, yet scarce information on their culture and aquarium husbandry exists. We studied Pterophyllum scalare to analyze dietary effects on fecundity, growth, and survival of eggs and larvae during 135 days. Three diets were used: A) decapsulated cysts of Artemia, B) commercial dry fish food, and C) a mix diet of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and the cladoceran Daphnia magna. The initial larval density was 100 organisms in each 40L aquarium. With diet A, larvae reached a maximum weight of 3.80g, a total length of 6.3 cm, and a height of 5.8cm; with diet B: 2.80g, 4.81cm, and 4.79cm, and with diet C: 3.00g, 5.15cm, and 5.10cm, respectively. Significant differences were observed between diet A, and diet B and C, but no significantly differences were observed between diets B and C. Fecundity varied from 234 to 1 082 eggs in 20 and 50g females, respectively. Egg survival ranged from 87.4% up to 100%, and larvae survival (80 larvae/40L aquarium) from 50% to 66.3% using diet B and A, respectively. Live food was better for growing fish than the commercial balanced food diet. Fecundity and survival are important factors in planning a good production of angelfish. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (3): 741-747. Epub 2009 September 30.

Se realizaron estudios de cultivo en laboratorio del pez ángel, Pterophyllum scalare, para analizar los efectos de su dieta en la fecundidad, crecimiento y sobrevivencia en huevos y larvas por un período 135 días. Tres dietas diferentes se utilizaron A) quistes decapsulados de Artemia, B) comida comercial seca para pez, C) una mezcla de rotíferos, Brachionus plicatilis y el cladocero, Daphnia magna. La densidad inicial de larvas en acuarios de 40L fue de 100 organismos. Utilizando la dieta A, las larvas alcanzaron un peso máximo de 3.80g, una longitud total de 6.3cm y una altura de 5.8cm; utilizando la dieta B, fue de 2.80g, 4.81cm y 4.79cm y con la dieta C, fue de 3.00g, 5.15cm y 5.10cm, respectivamente. Diferencias significativas se observaron entre la dieta A y las dietas B y C. La fecundidad varió de 234 a 1082 huevos en hembras de 20 y 50g, respectivamente. La sobrevivencia de los huevos varió de 87.4% a 100% y la sobrevivencia de las larvas (80 larvas por acuario de 40L) varió entre 50 y 66.3% con las dietas B y A, respectivamente. Los resultados indicaron, que la comida viva fue mejor para el crecimiento de los peces, que los alimentados con la comida comercial balanceada. La fecundidad y la sobrevivencia son factores importantes para la planificación de una buena producción del pez ángel.

Prognostic value of clinical and morphologic findings in short-term evolution of aortic intramural haematoma. Therapeutic implications.

AIMS: Intramural haematoma (IMH) forms part of the acute aortic syndrome presenting physiopathologic and evolutive patterns different from those of aortic dissection. The aim of this study was to determine the mortality and predictive factors of IMH in the first 3 months of evolution. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients diagnosed of IMH (12 type A, 56 type B) were prospectively studied. Ten patients (eight type A, two type B) were surgically treated for clinical or haemodynamic evolution. Mortality rate was 19% (six type A and seven type B): five surgically treated (three type A, two type B) and eight medically treated (three type A, five type B). No relationship was observed between clinical variables and evolution. Maximum aortic diameter was greater in the group of patients who died (65.5+/-14.4 mm vs 46.0+/-7.6 mm; P<0.0001). Mortality rate in patients with aortic diameter >50 mm was 50% (P<0.0001). Significant periaortic bleeding was mortality-related (47%; P<0.005). Multivariate analysis showed only a significant relationship between mortality and maximum aortic diameter >50 mm (OR=11.33; P<0.005) and ascending aorta involvement (OR=11.18; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intramural haematoma mortality in the first 3 months of evolution is high (19%). Maximum aortic diameter >50 mm and ascending aorta involvement are predictive of early mortality.

Fecundity of the crustacean Mysidopsis californica (Mysida, Mysidae) under semi-controlled conditions

Mysid crustaceans are frequently used in the laboratory to feed cephalopods and fish, but not along the Pacific coast, where they are scarce. There is no commercial aquaculture of mysids in the Pacific Ocean. To change this situation, we calculate fecundity, survival, and sex ratio of Mysidopsis californica under semi-controlled conditions. Mysids were collected manually using a 500 µm-mesh net along the rocky coast of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. They were transferred to three 30 L seawater aquaria in the laboratory, and fed (ad libitum) Artemia nauplii and rotifers. Two generations were obtained. The relationship between the number of juveniles born and parent female lengths showed a rate of 1.56 juveniles released per each unit of increasing parent female length. An average parent female length of 6.92 mm (SD=0.82) gave 9.96 (SD=4.29) released juveniles. The frequency of female length showed a mean of 7.3 mm (SD=0.54), whereas that of juveniles showed a mean of 1.7 mm (SD=0.16). Survival and sex ratios (females-males) varied from 77.7 % to 88.6 % and 2.5:1 to 3.0:1, respectively. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 535-539. Epub 2008 June 30.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue calcular la fecundidad, supervivencia y la proporción de sexos de Mysidopsis californica en condiciones semi-controladas. Los animales fueron recolectados manualmente utilizando una red con malla de 500 µm a lo largo de la costa rocosa de Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México. Una vez en el laboratorio fueron colocados en tres acuarios de 30 L cada uno y alimentados con nauplios de Artemia y rotíferos; estudiándose dos generaciones. La relación entre el número de jóvenes nacidos y la longitud de las madres dio una tasa de 1.56 jóvenes nacidos por cada unidad de incremento de la longitud de la hembra. En promedio, hembras de 6.92 mm (SD=0.82) producían 9.96 (SD=4.29) jóvenes. La frecuencia de la longitud promedio de la hembra fue de 7.3 mm (SD=0.54), mientras que los jóvenes medían en promedio 1.7 mm (SD=0.16). La supervivencia y la proporción de sexos (hembrasmachos) varió entre 77.7 % y 88.6 % y entre 2.5:1 y 3.0:1, respectivamente.