The Bgee suite: integrated curated expression atlas and comparative transcriptomics in animals

Bgee is a database to retrieve and compare gene expression patterns in multiple animal species, produced by integrating multiple data types (RNA-Seq, Affymetrix, in situ hybridization, and EST data). It is based exclusively on curated healthy wild-type expression data (e.g., no gene knock-out, no treatment, no disease), to provide a comparable reference of normal gene expression. Curation includes very large datasets such as GTEx (re-annotation of samples as ‘healthy’ or not) as well as many small ones. Data are integrated and made comparable between species thanks to consistent data annotation and processing, and to calls of presence/absence of expression, along with expression scores. As a result, Bgee is capable of detecting the conditions of expression of any single gene, accommodating any data type and species. Bgee provides several tools for analyses, allowing, e.g., automated comparisons of gene expression patterns within and between species, retrieval of the prefered conditions of expression of any gene, or enrichment analyses of conditions with expression of sets of genes. Bgee release 14.1 includes 29 animal species, and is available at https://bgee.org/ and through its Bioconductor R package BgeeDB.

When the Ice Has Gone: Colonisation of Equatorial Glacier Forelands by Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are among the early colonisers of recently deglaciated terrains. While patterns of carabid colonisation along forelands of retreating glaciers have been thoroughly investigated in temperate climates, information remains scarce in tropical mountains. This study aimed to describe for the first time the carabid beetle species assemblages along the chronosequence of two tropical Andean glaciers (Antisana and Carihuairazo, Ecuador). Shannon index, taxonomic distinctness and species assemblage composition did not reveal deterministic and directional patterns. Only the principal coordinate analysis performed on the Antisana dataset showed that some species had a clear preference for terrains deglaciated for more than 200 years. Our results showed that equatorial glacier forelands are colonised by pioneer species that persist from the recently deglaciated terrains (less than 25 years) to terrains deglaciated since more than 200 years. This pattern fits the 'addition and persistence model' of high-latitude glacier forelands, rather than the 'species replacement model' of the Alps. The pioneer species observed are high-altitude specialists adapted to constantly cold environments, but not specifically ice-related. In the current context of climate warming, pioneer and cold-adapted species living near the glaciers of equatorial mountains are therefore only threatened by the 'summit trap' risk, unlike in temperate regions, as they are not strictly linked to the glacier microclimate.

Central serous chorioretinopathy complicating solar retinopathy treated with glucocorticoids

BACKGROUND

Solar retinopathy and central serous chorio-retinopathy are two well-defined clinical entities which affect the macular area. Their association has never been described. The relation of central serous chorioretinopathy with the exposure to glucocorticoids has been recently suggested.

CASE REPORT

Central serous chorioretinopathy developed in a patient who received corticosteroid therapy for solar retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

This case report provides additional evidence that central serous chorioretinopathy may develop under the effect of glucocorticoids. Retinal damage resulting from a previous insult, such as solar retinopathy, may act as the permissive factor.

[Profile of pO2. I. Profile of transretinal pO2 in hypoxia]

Transretinal PO2 measurements during systemic hypoxia, made during variations of the PO2 by steps of 10 mmHg between 120 and 30 mmHg, have shown that the PO2 values measured at the inner-retina up to half the thickness of the retina remained stable. On the other hand, those measured at the choroid and at the outer-retina decreased in a linear manner according to the variations of PaO2. These results suggest a regulation in the retinal blood flow, allowing the PO2 to remain stable for the different steps of hypoxia studied. On the other hand, the values measured at the choroid and at the outer-retina showed the absence of regulation in the choroidal blood flow during hypoxia. Systemic hypoxia may affect the metabolism of the photoreceptors and the pigmentary epithelium.

[Profile of pO2. Regulation of papillary pO2]

PO2 measurements using a double barelled recess type microelectrodes were measured in the optic nerve head of miniature pigs during systemic hyperoxia (100% oxygen breathing) and variations of the systemic blood pressure by intravenous injection of Adrenaline or trinitrine. During either systemic hyperoxia, or progressive variations of blood pressure, the intervascular PO2 remained stable. These results suggest a regulation of the tissue PO2 of the optic nerve head, as the retina does, at constant values.

[Regulation of papillary pO2]

PO2 measurements using a double barelled recess type microelectrodes were measured in the optic nerve head of miniature pigs during systemic hyperoxia (100% oxygen breathing) and variations of the systemic blood pressure by intravenous injection of Adrenaline or trinitrine. During either systemic hyperoxia, or progressive variations of blood pressure, the intervascular PO2 remained stable. These results suggest a regulation of the tissue PO2 of the optic nerve head, as the retina does, at constant values.

Safety and immunogenicity of a genetically engineered human immunodeficiency virus vaccine

A phase 1 trial of a candidate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccine was done in 25 healthy seronegative subjects. The antigen, env2-3 (SF2), was a nonglycosylated polypeptide representing the gp120 region of the env gene of the HIV-1(SF2) isolate. It was produced in genetically engineered yeast as a denatured molecule incapable of binding CD4. A synthetic lipophilic muramyl tripeptide (MTP-PE) was used as an adjuvant. Ten subjects received adjuvant alone and 15 received 50- or 250-micrograms doses of env2-3 (SF2) administered intramuscularly in two immunization regimens. In general, adjuvant and vaccine were well tolerated. Antibody responses to both the homologous antigen, env2-3 (SF2), and antigens from other highly divergent HIV isolates were elicited in the majority of vaccine recipients. However, antibody titers were low, without neutralizing activity. In 9 of 11 subjects who received the complete vaccine immunization series, a significant specific T lymphocyte response was observed.

Comparison of multivessel coronary angioplasty with surgical revascularization with both internal mammary arteries

To evaluate medium-term clinical results of two major methods of myocardial revascularization, we compared 80 consecutive patients with multivessel percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with 80 consecutive patients with coronary surgery using both internal mammary arteries in all and additional venous grafts in some. Patients in the surgical group had a higher extent of coronary artery disease. In patients with PTCA a mean of 2.2 vessels per patient were attempted, and in patients with surgery 2.7 distal anastomoses per patient were performed. Primary success for PTCA and surgery was 86% vs 94% and complications occurred in 7% vs 6%, respectively. Control angiograms, done in 86% of patients (59/69) after successful PTCA, showed a recurrence in 42% (25/59). Repeat PTCA was done in 15, elective surgery in seven, and a medical treatment was pursued in 3% patients with restenosis. Recurrence of symptoms after successful surgery was found in three patients (4%). They were treated with PTCA. Clinical follow-up was available for all patients, at a mean of 12 +/- 6 months after PTCA and 16 +/- 9 months after surgery. Mean improvement was 1.5 NYHA functional classes after successful PTCA and 2.1 after surgery; 60% (48/80) vs 89% (48/80), respectively, were in class I (p less than .0001). There were fewer PTCA patients than surgical patients without antianginal drugs at follow-up (19% [11/58] vs 37% [18/48]; p less than .05), and their double product during exercise testing was inferior (272 +/- 56 vs 295 +/- 47 mm Hg X beats/min/100; p less than .05). Medium-term clinical outcome appears better after successful surgery with both internal mammary arteries than after successful multivessel PTCA.

Criteria for intraventricular conduction disturbances and pre-excitation. World Health Organizational/International Society and Federation for Cardiology Task Force Ad Hoc

In an effort to standardize terminology and criteria for clinical electrocardiography, and as a follow-up of its work on definitions of terms related to cardiac rhythm, an Ad Hoc Working Group established by the World Health Organization and the International Society and Federation of Cardiology reviewed criteria for the diagnosis of conduction disturbances and pre-excitation. Recommendations resulting from these discussions are summarized for the diagnosis of complete and incomplete right and left bundle branch block, left anterior and left posterior fascicular block, nonspecific intraventricular block, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and related pre-excitation patterns. Criteria for intraatrial conduction disturbances are also briefly reviewed. The criteria are described in clinical terms. A concise description of the criteria using formal Boolean logic is given in the Appendix. For the incorporation into computer electrocardiographic analysis programs, the limits of some interval measurements may need to be adjusted.

[Regional myocardial perfusion in coronary stenosis of varying degrees]

Stenoses of the left anterior descending coronary artery of varying severity (15-73% of internal diameter, 20-95% of internal surface) were created in 25 open-chest pigs. The regional distribution of myocardial blood flow perfusion was studied by the radioactive microspheres technique at rest and during reactive hyperemia. Reactive hyperemic responses to 10 sec occlusions were used to produce maximal flow increases and to judge the physiological significance of the narrowings in the subendocardial and subepicardial layers in calculating coronary flow reserves. Measurements of coronary reserve are sensitive indices of functional impairment even when resting flow is unimpaired. At 75% stenosis the subendocardial coronary reserve is completely abolished and the zone perfused by the stenosed artery is unable to increase its flow when needed if the experimental conditions do not change. Any further increase in oxygen demand will provoke electrical and metabolic disorders. For abolition of the subepicardial coronary reserve a 94% stenosis is required.

[Results of long term surgical treatment of isolated stenosis of the left descending coronary artery]

The results of medical and surgical management of isolated stenosis (greater than or equal to 50%) of the left anterior descending artery were compared retrospectively in a series of 124 consecutive patients. 57 patients were managed medically (Group I). 28 (49%) presented with angina and 36 (63%) with a previous myocardial infarction. The stenosis was greater than 90% in 38 patients (67%) and was associated with severe left ventricular dysfunction in 28 patients (49%). The average ejection fraction was 53.8 +/- 2.5%. 67 patients were managed surgically (Group II): 58 (87%) presented with angina and 28 (42%) with previous myocardial infarction. The stenosis was greater than 90% in 58 patients (87%) and associated with severe left ventricular dysfunction in 19 patients (28%). The average ejection fraction was 61.7 +/- 2.4%. The average length of follow-up was 41.9 +/- 4.1 months in Group I and 46.2 +/- 3.5 months in group II. 6 patients died in Group I, 5 of a cardiac cause, compared to 4 patients (3 of a cardiac cause) in Group II, with an operative mortality of 1.6%. One patient in Group I had a new myocardial infarction compared to 6 in Group II, 3 of which (4.4%) occurred in the perioperative period. Angina regressed after therapy in 23 patients (40%) in Group I and in 48 patients (72%) in Group II (p < 0.01). Angina was unchanged or became more severe in 12 and 5 patients respectively. 34 patients (60%) on drug therapy were able to resume their professional activities as opposed to 26 (42%) in the surgical group (p < 0.05). It would therefore appear that surgery for isolated stenosis of the left anterior descending artery does not significantly reduce mortality, or prevent recurrence of myocardial infarction, but it does significantly improve anginal pain. The same conclusions are obtained when the patients are classified in different sub groups, "operable" patients or those with previous myocardial infarction or with poor left ventricular function. Finally, the surgical indications were "good" in 21 patients, symptomatic with a proximal stenosis greater than 75%, good ventricular contraction on angiography, an ejectionfraction of at least 50%, and good arterial run-off. In these cases surgery was successful with regression of anginal pain in 19 patients (90%) but complicated by secondary infarction in two of them. These results were better than those obtained in the other operated patients, in which the surgical indications were judged retrospectively to have been "inadequate". Therefore, in isolated stenosis of the left anterior descending artery, aorto-coronary bypass surgery should be reserved to patients with "good surgical indications".

[The effect of slight to moderate stenoses on the coronary reserve and hemodynamics]

The effect of slight to moderate stenosis (less than or equal to 50% of external diameter) on the coronary reserve and coronary hemodynamics has been studied in 8 pigs. The coronary reserve was measured by the technique of reactive hyperemia, which consists of brief total occlusion of the artery concerned and sudden relaxation. The decrease in coronary reserve is directly proportional to the degree of stenosis. At 73% of stenosis the coronary reserve is completely abolished and the zone perfused by the stenosed artery is unable to increase its flow when needed. Slight to moderate stenosis soon causes the appearance of pressure gradients through the stenosis. The gradient increases simultaneously and proportionately to the increase of flow and is directly proportional to the degree of stenosis. These gradients decrease the perfusion pressure, and this induces an unhomogeneous distribution of myocardiac perfusion.

[Permeability of venous aortocoronary bypass 5 years later]

47 consecutive patients who had undergone aorto-coronary venous bypass surgery (mean: 1.6 graft per patient) have been investigated after a mean follow-up period of 5 years and 9 months (range: 44-108 months). 52 grafts out of 73 were found to be patent (71 p. 100), the best patency rate being shown by grafts on the LAD artery (27/32 = 85 p. 100). Long-term graft patency may be associated with an improved left ventricular ejection fraction; 77 p. 100 of the total patients experienced a lasting clinical benefit from the operation.

Effects of increased left ventricular work, hypoxia, or coronary ligation on hearts from rats at high altitude

Isolated perfused hearts from rats acclimatized to Jungfraujoch (altitude 3454 m) were less resistant to the effects of high levels of heart work or mild hypoxia than hearts from litter mates reared at Geneva (340 m). However, in response to coronary artery ligation hearts from acclimatized rats were better able to maintain tissue contents of adenosine triphosphate, phosphocreatine and glycogen. A projected explanation for the increased biochemical resistance to ischaemia was a relative increase in the coronary flow rate. The data support the hypothesis that exposure to high altitude helps to protect the heart against coronary occlusion by an increased resistance developing as a result of increased sensitivity to high levels of heart work and hypoxia.

Myocardial metabolism in cyanotic congenital heart disease studied by arteriovenous differences of lactate, phosphate, and potassium at rest and during atrial pacing

To study myocardial metabolism in chronic hypoxia due to cyanotic congenital heart disease, coronary arteriovenous differences of lactate (L), pyruvate (P), inorganic phosphate (Pi) and potassium (K) were measured in 14 cyanotic patients and seven controls, at rest and during atrial pacing. At rest, there was no difference in any parameter between cyanotic and noncyanotic patients. During atrial pacing (150-175/min) for 10 min, a moderate drop in L-extraction occurred in the control patients with some increase in L/P ratio in coronary venous blood. Cyanotic patients fell into two groups: in nine (group I), the arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) dropped with pacing. Their L-extraction fell sharply, from 28.1 +/- 3.12 to --2.8 5.51 and L production occurred in five. There was a significance increase in coronary venous L/P ratio. Five cyanotic patients (group II) showed no drop in SaO2 with pacing, and L extraction as well as L/P ratio remained stable. Uptake of Pi was noted in all patients at rest, during pacing this disappeared in controls and group I cyanotics but not in group II. No K changes were seen in any patient. Thus, myocardial metabolism is normal at rest in patients with cyanotic CHD; during atrial pacing, a shift toward anaerobic metabolism occurs if SaO2 drops; cyanotic patients whose SaO2 remains stable appear to withstand pacing better than controls.