CD44 Isoform Expression Follows Two Alternative Splicing Pathways in Breast Tissue

The repertoire of distinct CD44 protein isoforms is generated by means of alternative pre-mRNA splicing of 10 variable exons located in the central region of the CD44 gene. We have used human breast ductal carcinoma as a model to identify two alternative splicing pathways of the CD44 pre-mRNA variable region that account for the generation of all of the CD44 isoforms described in breast tissue. An alternative splicing pathway that reflects inclusion of variable exons in a gradual 3′-to-5′ fashion is evidenced in breast ductal carcinoma and its lymph node metastases. This pathway is compatible with a mechanism that generates the standard form of CD44 (devoid of variable exons) and is distinguishable from an alternative splicing pathway that involves exclusively variant exon 3 and is observable in both normal and carcinoma breast tissue. We show that both pathways are detectable in the same cell type in the breast and provide a speculative model by which these splicing routes could take place.     

Cost and Mortality Analysis of an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit. Is It Really Efficient and Safe?

IntroductionHistorically, it has been assumed that Intermediate Respiratory Care Units (IRCU) were efficient, because they saved costs by reducing the number of admissions to intensive care units (ICU), and effective, because they specialized in respiratory diseases.MethodsThe number of IRCU admissions and mortality rate, historically and in 2016, were evaluated. For 2016, the grouped Related Diagnostic Groups (DRGs) were also described, and the savings achieved under all budgetary headings by avoiding UCI stays were calculated. A multivariate analysis was performed to associate costs with mean weights and complexity, and multiple logistic regression was performed on all patients admitted from 2004 to 2017 to describe the variables associated with mortality in our unit.ResultsAn IRCU generates savings of €500,000/year by reducing length of ICU stay. Analysis of the 2016 cohort shows that costs correlate with mean weight and mortality, and consequently complexity. The multivariate logistic regression analysis of the 2004–2017 cohort found respiratory frequency, leukopenia, anemia, hyperkalemia, and acidosis to be the variables best associated with mortality. The area under the curve for the logistic model was 0.75.ConclusionThe IRCU analyzed in our study was efficient in terms of ‘avoided costs’ and savings associated with complexity. Our results suggest that IRCUs have a lower mortality rate than other similar units, and are therefore a safe environment for patients.     

Muscular Architecture and Manometric Image of Gastroesophageal Barrier in the Rat

The two components of the gastroesophagealbarrier, the sphincter and the crural sling, closelyoverlap in humans, whereas they are widely separated inthe rat. This investigation correlates the anatomical components of the barrier and their manometriccounterparts in this animal. Sphincteric and cruralsling pressures were measured in four quadrants in 23rats. Muscle thickness was measured at nine levels of the gastroesophageal junction in the samequadrants in 12 rats and the muscular architecture ofthe region was studied in 10 fresh specimens. Themanometric sphincteric component is stronger on theright side where the thickest muscle fibers anchor tothe anterior and posterior borders of a mucosal ridgethat almost surround the cardia. Conversely, the slingpressure is highest towards the left where the muscular bundles straddle the esophagus. Inconclusion, there is a close correspondence between themanometric image and the muscular architecture of thecomponents of the gastroesophageal barrier in the rat. The anatomical arrangement of U-shapedmuscular bundles oriented in opposite directions createsa particularly powerful antireflux mechanism.     

Association between electrical and mechanical remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Heart Failure Reviews - Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may improve not only impaired left ventricular contractility but can also induce reverse remodeling of native conduction system....     

Protection of Chinese painted quails (Coturnix chinensis) against a highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus strain after vaccination

Chinese painted quails immunized with a single dose (6 μg HA) of inactivated H5N1 (clade 1) influenza vaccine NIBRG-14 and challenged with 100 LD₅₀ of the heterologous A/Swan/Nagybaracska/01/06(H5N1) (clade 2.2) strain were protected, whereas unvaccinated quails died after challenge. No viral antigens or RNA were detected in cloacal swabs from immunized animals. Sera obtained post-immunization gave low titres in serological assays against the vaccine and the challenge viruses. Our results demonstrate the protective efficacy of the NIBRG-14 strain against the challenge virus and the usefulness of these small birds in protection studies of influenza vaccines.