Neste trabalho, consideramos álgebras de grupo semissimples F_G de grupos metacíclicos não abelianos que cindem sobre corpos finitos. Inicialmente, damos condições para que o número de componentes simples da álgebra F_G seja minimal e encontramos os idempotentes centrais primitivos quando a ordem do grupo é igual a p^l^, onde p e l são números primos distintos. Posteriormente, obtemos condições necessárias e suficientes para que o número de componentes simples da álgebra F_G seja minimal no caso em que a ordem do grupo é igual a 2n. Finalmente, quando G=D_{p^}, o grupo diedral de ordem 2p^, obtemos duas decomposições da álgebra F_D_{p^}$ como soma direta de ideais à esquerda minimais, calculamos suas dimensões e pesos e mostramos que, em uma destas decomposições, os códigos à esquerda minimais não são equivalentes a códigos abelianos, dando uma resposta afirmativa para uma conjectura formulada por Sabin e Lomonaco em 1995. / We consider semisimple group algebras F_G of non abelian split metacyclic groups over a finite field. First we give necessary and suficiente conditions for them to have a minimal number of simple components and find the primitive central idempotents of F_G in the case when the order G is equals p^l^, where p and l are different prime numbers. Then, we consider the special case when the order of G is 2n. Finally, when G=D_{p^} the dihedral group of order 2p^, we obtain two decomposition of the algebra into direct sum of minimal left ideals, compute their dimensions and weights. We show that one of these decompositions gives raise to minimal codes that are not combinatorially equivalent to abelian codes giving an affirmative answer to a conjecture formulated by Sabin and Lomonaco in 1995.

A disfunção ventricular esquerda (VE) é o principal determinante de mau prognóstico nos pacientes com bloqueio atrioventricular completo congênito (BAVTC) e marcapasso (MP). A dissincronia mecânica do VE pode desempenhar um papel importante no desenvolvimento da disfunção ventricular. Como o uso do MP é um fator de risco para dissincronia, nosso(s) objetivo(s) foram: (1) avaliar a dissincronia do VE pelo ecocardiograma tridimensional (3D) em tempo real e comparar com os parâmetros de dissincronia pelo Doppler tecidual ; (2) verificar a possível correlação entre o local do estímulo e o segmento ativado tardiamente; (3) correlacionar o tempo de marcapasso e a presença de dissincronia e remodelamento ventricular. Avaliamos 50 pacientes com BAVTC e MP através do ecocardiograma bidimensional (2D), Doppler tecidual e ecocardiograma tridimensional. Dados clínicos e anteriores ao implante do MP foram revistos pelos prontuários. Houve 12 (23,5%) pacientes com dissincronia pelo 3D e 14 (28%) pelo Doppler tecidual. Em 16 (32%) e 20 (40%) havia disfunção ventricular esquerda pelos 2D e 3D respectivamente. O remodelamento ventricular ocorreu em 50% dos pacientes. Houve uma excelente correlação entre o Doppler tecidual e o 3D para diagnóstico de dissincronia (kappa = 0,735, p <0,001). A fração de ejeção do VE (FEVE) correlacionou-se negativamente com a dissincronia pelo eco 3D (r= -0,58, p = 0,000001). A duração do ciclo cardíaco medida pelo intervalo RR teve também uma significante correlação negativa com o índice de dissincronia pelo 3D (r=-0,74, p=0,0011). O remodelamento do VE pelo Eco 3D (índices de esfericidade e conicidade) teve uma boa correlação com a disfunção do VE (p = 0,005 e 0,003 respectivamente). O tempo de marcapasso, a idade do implante e o local do eletrodo não se correlacionaram com a dissincronia. Comparando os pacientes com BAVTC e MP menores que 18 anos com um grupo controle de crianças normais, houve uma significante diferença em relação aos volumes do VE, índices de dissincronia, esfericidade e conicidade. Em conclusão, neste estudo transversal de pacientes com BAVTC e uso crônico de MP, o ecocardiograma tridimensional teve uma excelente correlação com o Doppler tecidual no diagnóstico de dissincronia mecânica. A posição do eletrodo não foi preditora do segmento ativado tardiamente. O tempo de MP não se correlacionou com a presença de dissincronia e disfunção do VE. Houve uma boa correlação entre a dissincronia, remodelamento e disfunção do VE / The left ventricle (LV) dysfunction is the major reason for poor outcome in patients with congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) and pacemaker (PM). The LV mechanical dyssynchrony may play a significant role in the development of LV dysfunction in this population. As the long-term pacing is a potential risk factor for dyssynchrony, we sought to: (1) evaluate by real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) the LV dyssynchrony and compare with Tissue Doppler (TDI) parameters; (2) verify the potential correlation between the electrode location and the latest segment activated; (3) correlate the time of pacing and LV dyssynchrony and LV remodeling. Two-dimensional (2D), TDI and RT3DE were performed in 50 patients with CCAVB and PM (mean age of 21,4 years DP 13,4). Clinical data were reviewed. Twelve (23,5%) had LV dyssynchrony by RT3DE and 14 (28%) by Tissue Doppler criteria. Sixteen (32%) and 20 (40%) had LV dysfunction by 2D and 3D, respectively. LV remodeling occurred in 50% of patients. There was an excellent correlation between RT3DE and TDI (Kappa = 0,735; p <0,001). The LV ejection fraction (LVEF) had a significant negative correlation with the dyssynchrony index by 3D (r = -0,58, p = 0,000001). The duration of the cardiac cycle measured by RR interval had a significant negative correlation with the LV dyssynchrony index by 3D (r = - 0,74, p = 0,0011). LV remodeling demonstrated by the sphericity and conic indexes had a good correlation with the presence of LV dysfunction (p = 0,005 and 0,003 respectively). The pacing time, the age at pacemaker implantation and the location of the electrode did not correlate with LV dyssynchrony. Patients bellow 18 years of age were significantly different in terms of LV dyssynchrony indexes, LV remodeling and LV volumes when compared with a control group with similar age and body surface area. In conclusion, in a cohort study of patients with CCAVB and long-term pacing, the RT3DE had an excellent correlation with TDI to evaluate LV dyssynchrony. The pacing site was not a predictor of the latest segment activation. The pacing time did not correlate with LV dyssynchrony and dysfunction. There was a correlation between the LV dyssynchrony and the presence of remodeling and dysfunction

L'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche (HVG) est un remodelage prédicteur du développement d'une insuffisance cardiaque et de la mortalité cardiovasculaire. L'hypertension artérielle est une cause majeure de l'HVG, puisque 30% des patients hypertendus développent une HVG. Un dépistage biologique précoce de l'HVG post hypertensive permettrait d'optimiser la prise en charge des patients et d'empêcher que l'HVG évolue vers l'insuffisance cardiaque. L'utilisation de biomarqueurs est un outil rapide, efficace et peu couteux pour le diagnostic de nombreuses pathologies. Dans la pratique clinique il n'existe pas de biomarqueurs pour identifier les patients hypertendus avec HVG de ceux sans ce remodelage. Le premier objectif de notre étude a été d'identifier des biomarqueurs plasmatiques de l'HVG post hypertensive. Une analyse métabolomique obtenue par spectroscopie de résonance magnétique nucléaire du proton (H1) a été effectuée sur les échantillons de plasma de 48 patients hypertendus avec HVG, 48 hypertendus sans HVG et 24 témoins. A l'aide d'outils bio-informatiques et d'analyses statistiques adaptées, nous avons mis en évidence la présence d'un ratio des groupements chimiques méthylène/ méthyle (-CH2-/-CH3) des chaines aliphatiques des lipides plasmatiques augmenté chez les patients hypertendus avec HVG (p<0.001). Ce ratio détecte la présence d'une HVG chez les patients hypertendus avec une sensitivité de 52.08% et une spécificité de 85.42%. Nous proposons que le ratio -CH2-/-CH3 des chaines aliphatiques lipidiques présent dans plasma représente un biomarqueur diagnostique de l'HVG dans l'hypertension artérielle. L'incidence de l'HVG est aussi augmentée chez les patients qui souffrent du syndrome métabolique (MetS). Le MetS est défini par la présence d'une obésité abdominale plus deux facteurs parmi la dyslipidémie, l'insulino-résistance et l'hypertension artérielle. Ces facteurs synergisent et sont les responsables de l'instauration d'une HVG et d'une progression vers l'insuffisance cardiaque. Des données publiées montrent que les patients MetS ont un taux réduit de l'insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2). L'IGFBP2 a un rôle potentiel dans le diabète et dans le métabolisme, mais il n'existe pas d'étude sur son rôle dans les pathologies cardiaques causées par une dérégulation métabolique. Le premier objectif de notre étude sur l'IGFBP2 a été de mesurer le taux plasmatique d'IGFBP2 et le taux d'expression cardiaque de l'ARN messager d'IGFBP2 dans une cohorte de patients avec et sans MetS. Nous avons montré que le taux plasmatique ainsi que le taux d'ARN messager cardiaque d'IGFBP2 sont diminués chez les patients avec le Mets comparé à des témoins. Puis, nous avons mesuré le tôt cardiaque d'ARN messager de l'IGFBP2 dans un model murin de MetS. Pour générer ce modèle, nous avons nourri des souris C57BL/6J avec du régime gras à 60% pendant 15 semaines. Le taux d'expression cardiaque de l'ARN messager de l'IGFBP2 est réduit chez les souris avec Mets, en accord avec les résultats obtenu chez l'homme. Enfin, nous avons testé si la thérapie génique utilisant un virus adeno-associé qui exprime l'IGFBP2 humaine (AAV9-hIGFBP2) pouvait restaurer un niveau normal d'IGFBP2 et interférer avec l'HVG causé par le MetS chez ces souris. Nos résultats montrent que l'injection de l'AAV9-hIGFBP2 rétabli durablement le niveau cardiaque d'IGFBP2 chez la souris avec MetS et qu'IGFBP2 prévient l'épaississement des parois du ventricule gauche, l'hypertrophie et la dysfonction cardiaque. Nos résultats suggèrent qu'IGFBP2 est une nouvelle cible thérapeutique potentielle de l'HVG. / Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a strong predictor of future heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Arterial hypertension is considered as the main causative agent for LVH as 30% of hypertensive patients develop LVH. These patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular complications and heart failure. Early diagnosis of LVH and prompt treatment are crucial to reduce LVH and stop its progression towards heart failure. Biomarkers could represent a rapid, effective and low-cost tool to discriminate hypertensive patients with LVH from those with normal LV size. Therefore, we aimed to identify plasma metabolomics biomarkers by 1H NMR to provide novel diagnostic tools for rapid detection of LVH in populations of hypertensive individuals. We realized a cross-sectional study including 48 hypertensive patients with LVH matched with 48 hypertensive patients with normal LV size, and 24 healthy controls. Two-dimensional targeted M-mode echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular mass index. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was used for the multivariate analysis of the 1H NMR spectral data. From the 1H NMR analysis, we found that the methylene/methyl (-CH2-/-CH3) ratio of aliphatic chain from plasma lipids was significantly increased (p<0.001) in hypertensive patients with LVH compared to hypertensive patients without LVH and to control. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a cutoff value of 2.34 provided a 52.08% sensitivity and 85.42% specificity for discriminating LVH (AUC=0.703, p-value<0.001). We propose the -CH2/-CH3 ratio from plasma aliphatic lipid chains as a biomarker for the diagnosis of LVH in arterial hypertension. LVH incidence is also increased in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is defined by central obesity plus any two medical conditions such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hypertension. These factors synergize to cause LV dysfunction and HF. Published data have shown that MetS patients have low plasma insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2). IGFBP2 was shown to play a role in diabetes and metabolism, but studies investigating its role in cardiac diseases are lacking. We first aimed to investigate plasma IGFBP2 levels and cardiac IGFBP2 mRNA levels in MetS patients. Both plasma levels and heart expression levels of IGFBP2 were decreased in patients with MetS compared to control patients. Further, in a C57BL/6J mouse model of 60% high fat diet-induced MetS, we measured cardiac mRNA IGFBP2 levels. According to the observed data in human, mice with MetS showed a decreased cardiac IGFBP2 mRNA level. Finally, we investigated whether a gene therapy strategy using adeno-associated virus 9 carrying human IGFBP2 coding sequence (AAV9-hIGFBP2) could prevent from MetS associated left ventricular hypertrophy. Our data showed that AAV9-hIGFBP2 injection restored durably cardiac IGFBP2 levels in mouse heart and prevented from left ventricle wall thickening, hypertrophy and dysfunction. These clinical and animal data suggest that IGFBP2 is a potential new cardiac therapeutic target in MetS.

A avaliação do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) é uma das principais contribuições da ecocardiografia no estudo da função cardíaca e inclui a mensuração dos diâmetros da cavidade e espessura das paredes em diástole e sístole. O estudo por meio do modo M tem sido usado como padrão para a realização da mensuração e para o cálculo de índices sistólicos, mas o modo bidimensional também é utilizado para este fim. As medidas podem ser adquiridas a partir de dois planos de imagem: transversal e longitudinal. A definição de intervalos de confiança para valores normais de VE permite a identificação de remodelamento ventricular, concêntrico ou excêntrico, decorrente de doenças cardiovasculares ou sistêmicas. Assim sendo, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as medidas ecocardiográficas desta câmara obtidas pelos seguintes métodos: modo M em corte transversal, modo M em corte longitudinal, modo bidimensional em corte transversal e modo bidimensional em corte longitudinal. Adicionalmente, estudou-se o comportamento do efeito do peso e do sexo nos métodos mencionados. Foram selecionados 40 cães adultos da raça Pastor Alemão sem alterações cardiovasculares. A realização do ecocardiograma de cada animal inclui os quatro métodos descritos acima, de acordo com o recomendado pela literatura. Foram pesquisados os efeitos do corte e do método, bem como a influência do peso e do sexo, sobre cada medida estudada, linear ou derivada. O peso apresentou correlação com todas as medidas lineares de VE em pelo menos um dos métodos, mas não com fração de encurtamento (FE) e fração de ejeção (FEj). Utilizando-se a análise univariada, verificou-se que machos apresentaram todas as medidas estudadas significativamente maiores que fêmeas em pelo menos um dos métodos, exceto FE e FEj, cujos valores não foram diferentes entre os sexos. Observou-se efeito isolado do corte apenas sobre diâmetro diastólico final do ventrículo esquerdo (DdFVE), com medidas maiores obtidas no corte transversal, e mudança de comportamento do sexo nos cortes com influência significativa do peso sobre septo interventricular em diástole (SIVd). Houve efeito isolado do modo sobre os índices de função sistólica FE e FEj, com valores maiores fornecidos pelo modo M. O peso teve efeito isolado positivo sobre parede livre de ventrículo esquerdo em diástole (PLVEd), exceto no modo M em corte transversal e (diâmetro sistólico final de ventrículo esquerdo (DsFVE). O sexo, retirada a influência do peso, teve efeito isolado apenas sobre DdFVE, com machos apresentando valores significativamente maiores que fêmeas em ambos os cortes no modo bidimensional. Os resultados Os resultados mostram que há risco de erro de interpretação quando valores normais de referência, gerados a partir de determinado método, são utilizados para a avaliação de um paciente examinado por técnica de mensuração diversa, especialmente quando se obtém resultados nos limites superior ou inferior de normalidade. / Left ventricle (LV) evaluation is one of the most important contributions of echocardiography in the assessment of cardiac function. It includes measurements of internal diameter and wall thickness at end-diastole and end-sistole of this chamber. M Mode echocardiography has been widely used for measuring linear dimensions and quantifying systolic function, but bidimensional mode is also used with the same purpose. The LV measurement can be derived from transverse or longitudinal images of the heart. The establishment of normal confidence intervals of LV dimensions allows identification of concentric or excentric ventricular remodeling process secondary to cardiovascular and systemic diseases. The aim of this study was to compare LV measurements obtained from four methods: M mode in short-axis, M mode in long-axis, bidimensional mode in short-axis and bidimensional mode in long-axis view of the heart. In addition the effect of weight and gender over measures was studied in the methods mentioned above. Forty adult German Shepherds without cardiovascular diseases were selected. The echocardiogram of each animal included the four described methods, according previous referenced recommendations. The effects of axis and mode as well as weight and gender were studied for each linear or derived LV measure. Weight correlated with all linear LV measures at least in one method, but not with ejection fraction (EF) and shortening fraction (SF). All LV measures of males were greater than those of females at least in one method, except for EF and SF, which did not differ between sexes. Isolated effect of the axis was observed only for LV end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), with greater values obtained from short-axis views. The combined effect of axis, gender and weight was identified in interventricular septal end diastolic thickness. There was isolated effect of mode over EF and SF, with greater measures derived from bidimensional mode methods. Weight had isolated significant positive effect over LV enddiastole posterior wall thickness in all methods, except from M mode performed in short axis, and LV end-sistolic diameter. Gender had isolated effect only over LVEDD, males showing greater values than females in bidimensional mode in short and long axis. Professionals should be aware of the possibility of erroneous interpretation when using data obtained by a different method of that used in the patient exam as reference, mainly for the values situated in inferior and superior limits of confidence intervals.

Os cães da raça Dachshund apresentam acondroplasia/hipocondroplasia, considerada uma condição fisiológica da raça, resultando num corpo longo com os membros curtos, arqueados e musculosos, esterno largo e proeminente, caixa torácica oval e ampla. Essas condições podem dificultar a realização e interpretação de alguns exames. A hipótese desse trabalho é que os cães da raça Dachshund tenham valores ecocardiográficos, eletrocardiográficos, radiográficos e pressóricos diferenciados. Para isso, foram estudados 69 cães adultos e sadios da raça Dachshund, sendo 28 (40,6%) machos e 41 (59,4%) fêmeas; com idade variando de 18 meses a 10 anos de idade; e peso médio de 8,4&#177;2,3 kg. Foram realizados exames ecocardiográfico, eletrocardiográfico, radiográfico, bem como determinação de pressão arterial sistêmica em todos os animais. Para a análise dos resultados, os animais foram categorizados, segundo, gênero, presença ou ausência de castração, faixa etária (A: &gt;1 a &le; 3 anos, B: &gt;3 a &le; 6 anos e C: &gt;6 a &le; 10 anos), peso (&lt; 8 kg e &ge; 8 kg) e circunferência torácica (&gt; 45 cm e &ge; 45 cm). Foram estabelecidos, em cães adultos e sadios da raça Dachshund, os valores de ecocardiografia convencional, eletrocardiografia, radiografia e de pressão arterial sistêmica por meio do método Doppler Os resultados ecocardiográficos principais, com a média e intervalo de confiança de 95% foram: septo interventricular em diástole SIVd (6,5 [6,3-6,7] cm), parede livre de ventrículo esquerdo em diástole PLVEd (6,3 [6,1-6,4] cm), diâmetro interno de ventrículo esquerdo na diástole DIVEd (2,5 [2,5-2,6] cm), diâmetro interno de ventrículo esquerdo na sístole DIVEs (1,2 [1,2-1,3] cm), fração de encurtamento - FE -(51,32 [49,79-52,84]%), fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo Fej (0,84 [0,82-0,85]). Não houve diferença estatística para gênero ou castração. Mas quando os cães foram separados pela faixa etária, houve diferença estatística significativa entre os grupos A e B (p = 0,0073) para SIVd e PLVEd; sendo que os valores para o grupo A foram de: SIVd (6,2 [5,9-6,5] cm) e PLVEd (6,0 [5,7-6,2] cm). Os valores para o grupo B foram: SIVd (6,9 [6,5-7,3] cm) and PLVEd (6,5 [6,3-6,8] cm). Não houve diferença entre o grupo C e os grupos A e B; os valores para o grupo C foram: SIVd (6,4 [5,9-6,8] cm) e PLVEd (6,4 [6,1-6,7] cm). Portanto, cães adultos da raça Dachshund possuem espessura maiores de SIVd e PLVEd quando comparados com valores padronizados para outras raças. Quando os animais foram divididos pelo peso (&gt;8 kg e &ge; 8 Kg), houve diferenças significativas para DVEd (2,44&#177;0,26 cm; 2,64&#177;0,27 cm; p&gt;0,001), como também para circunferência torácica (&gt; 45 cm e &ge; 45 cm), com valores de 2,43&#177;0,25 cm e 2,63&#177;0,27 cm (p&gt;0,001). Também foram estabelecidos valores ecocardiográficos para tamanho do átrio esquerdo, nos eixos látero-lateral e ápico-basilar, respectivamente, iguais a 2,24&#177;0,31 cm e 2,17&#177;0,31 cm; bem como os valores de Doppler tecidual do anel valvar mitral lateral: onda E`=0,11&#177;0,02 m/s, onda A´=0,10&#177;0,02 m/s e razões E´/A´=1,12&#177;0,33 m/s e E/E´=5,91&#177;1,21 m/s. Cães adultos e sadios da raça Dachshund podem apresentar prolapso valvar mitral (40,58%). O valor de pressão arterial sistêmica por meio do método Doppler na cauda de cães Dachshund adultos e sadios foi de 134&#177;20 mmHg diferenciando-se estatisticamente (p &gt; 0,0001) dos valores obtidos no membro torácico (155&#177;28 mmHg). / Dachshund dogs present achondroplasia/hypochondroplasia, considered a breed physiological condition, that results in a long body with short, arched and muscular limbs, large sternum, oval and wide ribcage and developed heart and lungs. All this factors can difficult exams realization and interpretation. The hypothesis is that Dachshund dogs have differentiated echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, radiographic, and systolic blood pressure parameters. Therefore, 69 adult and healthy Dachshund dogs were studied (28 [40.6%] males and 41 [59.4%] females); from 18 months to 10 years-old, weighting 8.4&#177;2.3 kg. Echocardiographic, electrocardiographic, radiographic and systemic arterial pressure evaluations were performed. Animals were categorized according to gender, neutered or not, age group (A: &gt;1 a &le; 3 years, B: &gt;3 a 6 years e C: &gt;6 a &le; 10 years), weight (&lt; 8 kg e &ge; 8 kg) e thoracic circumference (&lt; 45 cm e &ge; 45 cm). The values of conventional echocardiography, electrocardiography, radiography and systemic arterial pressure were established in Dachshund dogs using the Doppler method. The main echocardiographic results, with a mean and 95% confidence interval were: interventricular septum in diastole IVSd (6.5 [6.3-6.7] cm), left ventricular free wall in diástole - LVFWd (6.3 [6.1-6.4] cm), left ventricular internal diameter in diastole LVIDd (2.5 [2.5-2.6] cm), left ventricular internal diameter LVIDs (1.2 [1.2-1.3] cm), shortening fraction SF (51.32 [49.79-52.84]%), left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF (0.84 [0.82-0.85]). There was no statistical difference for gender or castration. But when dogs were categorized by age, there was a statistically significant difference between groups A and B (p = 0.0073) for IVSd and LVFWd.; and the values for group A were: IVSd (6.2 [5.9-6.5] cm) and LVFWd (6.0 [5.7-6.2] cm). The values for group B were: IVSd (6.9 [6.5-7.3] cm) and LVFWd (6.5 [6.3-6.8] cm). There was no difference between group C and groups A and B; The values for group C were: IVSd (6.4 [5.9-6.8] cm) and LVFWd (6.4 [6.1-6.7] cm). Therefore, adult dogs of the breed Dachshund have thickness of IVSd and LVFWd when compared with values standardized for other breeds. When animals were divided by weight (&lt; 8 kg and &ge; 8 kg), there were significant differences for LVIDd (2.44 &#177; 0.26 cm, 2.64 &#177; 0.27 cm, p (&lt; 0.001), as well as for thoracic circumference (&lt; 45 cm and &ge; 45 cm), with values of 2.43 &#177; 0.25 cm and 2.63 &#177; 0.27 cm (p &lt; 0.001). Echocardiographic values were also established for left atrial size, on the latero-lateral and apical-basilar axes at 2.24 &#177; 0.31 cm and 2.17 &#177; 0.31 cm, respectively. In addition, the tissue Doppler values of the lateral mitral valve ring: E\' wave = 0.11&#177;0.02 m/s, A\' wave = 0.10&#177;0.02 m/s and E\'/A\' ratios = 1,12&#177;0.33 m/s and E/E \'= 5.91&#177;1.21 m/s. Adult and healthy Dachshund dogs may present with mitral valve prolapse (40.58%). The Doppler method in the tail of healthy Dachshund dogs was 134 &#177; 20 mmHg, statistically different (p &lt; 0.0001) from values obtained in left forelimb (155 &#177; 28 mmHg).

A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é importante fator de risco cardiovascular. O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi verificar a associação de critérios eletrocardiográficos de HVE com as características anatômicas e histológicas do coração, em 51 pacientes submetidos à necropsia. Procedeu-se à medição do diâmetro transverso dos cardiomiócitos e da porcentagem de fibrose do ventrículo esquerdo e direito. Entre os pacientes que apresentavam HVE anatômica, o critério de Romhilt foi positivo em 92,3%, sendo superior aos demais critérios avaliados, com especificidade de 89,5% e sensibilidade de 68,8%, Foi o único que se associou a características anatômicas e histológicas do coração / The left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor. The purpose of the present retrospective paper is to examine the association of LVH electrocardiographic criteria with both anatomical and histological characteristics of the heart on 51 patients submitted to the necropsy. The study carried out the measurement of the transverse diameter of cardiomyocytes, as well as the percentage of fibrosis at both left and right ventriculi. Among those patients who presented anatomic LVH, the Romhilt criterium resulted positive in 92.3% of the cases, thus surpassing the other criteria evaluated, with specificity and sensibility up to 89.5% and 68.8% respectively. This was the only criterium associated to both anatomic and histological characteristics of the heart

Ce travail rend compte des potentialités et des obstacles majeurs des principaux partis et mouvements politiques colombiens. Ces groupes seront étudiés dans le champ désigné ici comme la gauche légale et réformiste. Cette analyse concerne la période entre la rédaction de la Constitution politique de 1991, et les élections sénatoriales et présidentielle de 2010. Le travail en trois parties décrira comment ces organisations ont été les actrices prépondérantes du renforcement de la démocratie, de la consolidation d’un groupe de politiciens professionnels de la gauche, et la recherche d’une solution du conflit armé qui (symbolise la Colombie) et les causes qui le déclenchent. La première partie montre une coalition politique formée des quelques organisations de gauche, en particulier des anciennes guérillas ayant abandonné leurs armes, qui forment l’Alliance Démocratique M-19 (Alianza Democrática M-19). Il sont impliqués dans l’élaboration de la Constitution et la transformation du bipartisme historique. La deuxième partie décrit les dynamiques concernant la recherche de la Paix (comme les conversations gouvernement-FARC). Les organisations appartenant à la gauche légale et réformiste y ont joué un rôle actif, qui fait renaître entre elles les liens brisés après le fiasco de l’AD M-19. La dernière partie met en évidence comment la recherche de la paix parmi d’autres conjonctures permet l’émergence de nouvelles alliances et organisation politiques. Elles donneront naissance à une sorte de parti qui est la synthèse de tous les groupes précédents. Ce parti sera le Pole Démocratique Alternatif (Polo Democrático Alternativo ; la plus grande expérience de cette gauche jusqu’à nous jours). / This work reports on the major achievements and hurdles encountered by the principal Columbian political parties and movements; these groups will be studied within the scope of the legal and reformist Left. The analysis spans from the drafting of the political constitution of 1991 until the senatorial and presidential elections of 2010. The work is divided in three parts: how these organisations became the major actors of the reinforcement of democracy; the story of the consolidation of a group of left political professionals, seeking a solution to the armed conflict which has become the symbol of Columbia; and finally, the causes which set these events into motion. The first part shows the implication of a political coalition –the Democratic Alliance M19-composed of a sample of leftist organisations and in particular the former and now disarmed guerrillas, in the elaboration of the constitution and the transformation of the historical bipartisanship. The second part shows the impulse given in part by the quest for peace (for example the talks between the government and the FARC). The movements connected with the legal reformist Left, played once again an active part which revived among them the ties distended after the fiasco of the ADM19. The last part underlines how the quest for peace, among other factors, allowed the forthcoming of new coalition and political organisations. They later give birth to a kind of party which is the synthesis of all the earlier groups. This party became the Democratic Alternative Pole (Polo Democrático Alternativo),the most important experience of the Columbian Left up to now.

La thèse, par le concept opératoire d’extrémisme, propose l’étude du rapport entre engagement politique et expérimentalisme littéraire en Italie au cours des années soixante-dix, en explorant les liens entre l’aspiration révolutionnaire des mouvements socio-politiques d’extrême gauche et la recherche d’une relation renouvelée entre littérature et réalité. Le poète et romancier Nanni Balestrini [1935-], membre de la Néo-avant-garde des années soixante et militant de la gauche extra-parlementaire dans la décennie suivante, apparaît comme un auteur exemplaire de cette tension. Par l’analyse de sa production littéraire des années soixante-dix, un corpus riche qui n’a été que partiellement exploré jusqu’ici, il s’agit de démontrer la mise en œuvre d’un engagement dans et par le langage littéraire, l’élaboration d’une pratique subversive de l’écriture qui puisse revêtir en même temps une fonc! tion politique. En suivant un parcours chronologique rendant compte des évolutions inhérentes à cette problématique, l’on passe ainsi de la recherche d’une littérature « interne à la classe ouvrière » avec le roman Vogliamo tutto [1971], qui préfigure d’autres expériences de « littérature sauvage », à la mise en œuvre d’une fonction heuristique et de contre-information de la littérature avec Vivere a Milano [1976] et La violenza illustrata [1976]. L’analyse des Ballate della signorina Richmond [1977] rend compte des influences croisées de la poétique balestrinienne avec le dernier mouvement contestataire de la décennie, le Mouvement de 1977, qui place au coeur de sa réflexion et de sa pratique politique la subversion du langage ainsi que l’élaboration de nouvelles formes de communication / This work studies the relationship between political commitment and experimentalism in literature using the conceptual tool of extremism. It looks at how the revolutionary aspirations of the social political movements of the extreme left interconnected with the quest for a renewed liaison between literature and reality. A fitting example is the poet and novelist Nanni Balestrini [1935-] who was part of the new avant-garde movement during the 1960s and of the extreme left movements in the years that followed. His writings of that period hold a richness that has not yet been fully tapped. His use of language demonstrates his commitment to the practice of subversive writing as well as his political motivation. When the evolution of these works is followed, the emergence of an “interior working class” literature is observed. An example is the Vogliamo tutto [1971] novel, which foreshadows experiences from the “savage literature”. In addi! tion, works such as Vivere a Milano [1976] and La violenza illustrata [1976] exemplify heuristic and counter-information functions of the literature, while the analysis of Ballate della signorina Richmond shows how Balestrini’s poetics and those of the 1977 political movement significantly influenced each other. The subversion of the language and the production of new forms of communication appear thus to be at the core of political beliefs and reflections

INTRODUÇÃO: A estimulação cardíaca artificial convencional em ponta do ventrículo direito é o tratamento de eleição para os quadros de bradicardia severa, contudo, apesar de excelente para corrigir a frequência cardíaca, favorece o surgimento de dissincronia ventricular mecânica, podendo agravar ou originar insuficiência cardíaca. Neste contexto, desde a década de 90 são utilizadas no Instituto Dante Pazzanese as estimulações septal (ou para-Hissiana) e bifocal de ventrículo direito (septal e apical). Postula-se que a estimulação em posição septal teria melhores resultados tanto em termos clínicos quanto às medidas elétricas e ecocardiográficas de função sistólica quando comparada à posição apical. Esta nova estimulação ainda não foi amplamente testada frente à estimulação convencional com as novas tecnologias de avaliação da sincronia cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Pacientes portadores de fibrilação atrial permanente, sem possibilidade de estimulação atrial, com disfunção sistólica leve ou moderada e bradicardia com indicação de marca-passo definitivo foram submetidos à implante de marca-passo bifocal de ventrículo direito com eletrodos em posição septal e apical em todos os casos. Os pacientes foram randomizados para estimulação unifocal por dois meses e a seguir submetidos à crossover no ponto de estimulação cardíaca. Após cada período de estimulação eram realizados eletrocardiograma e ecocardiograma transtorácico bidimensional com avaliação de parâmetros de sincronia do miocárdio ventricular. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 25 pacientes em cada grupo de estimulação na análise final do estudo. A estimulação em posição septal demonstrou uma menor duração do QRS estimulado (153 ± 12 ms vs. 174 ± 16 ms, p < 0,001) e melhor fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (44 ± 9% vs. 40 ± 8%, p < 0,001) quando comparada com a posição apical. A classe funcional (NYHA) também foi menor com a estimulação septal (1,8 ± 0,6 vs. 2,2 ± 0,7, p < 0,001). A avaliação da sincronia cardíaca evidenciou menos dissincronia interventricular (p < 0,001) e intraventricular com a estimulação septal (Septal to posterior delay: 33,1 ± 28,7 vs. 80,7 ± 46,2 ms, p < 0,001; Índice de Yu: 33,4 ± 8,6 ms vs. 50,2 ± 14,0 ms, p < 0,001; Strain radial: 78,8 ± 57,1 ms vs. 137,2 ± 50,2 ms, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação intrapaciente mostrou que, em comparação com a estimulação apical convencional, a estimulação em posição septal esteve associada à menor dissincronia cardíaca medida pela ecocardiografia, o que pode estar relacionado à melhor função sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo e consequentemente melhores resultados clínicos observados. / INTRODUCTION: Conventional artificial cardiac pacing in the right ventricle apex is the treatment of choice for severe bradycardia. Although it is excellent for correcting heart rate, it favors the onset of electromechanical ventricular dyssynchrony, which may aggravate or even lead to heart failure. In this context, the Septal (or para-Hissian) and bifocal (septal and apical) stimulation were used since the 90\'s in the Dante Pazzanese Institute. It was observed that the septal stimulation could have better results both in clinical terms and in the electrical and echocardiographic measurements of systolic function when compared to the apical stimulation. This new stimulation has not been yet extensively tested against conventional one with the new technologies of cardiac synchrony evaluation. METHODS: Patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, without possibility of atrial stimulation, with mild or moderate systolic dysfunction and bradycardia with indication of pacemaker were submitted to implantation of bifocal pacemaker in the right ventricle with electrodes in a septal and apical position in all cases. The patients were randomized to unifocal stimulation for two months and then underwent crossover, changing the point of cardiac stimulation. After each stimulation period, electrocardiogram and two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography were performed with evaluation of ventricular myocardial synchrony parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were included in each stimulation group in the final analysis of the study. Septal pacing demonstrated a shorter duration of the QRS (153 ± 12 ms vs. 174 ± 16 ms, p < 0.001) and a better left ventricular ejection fraction (44 ± 9% vs. 40 ± 8%, p < 0.001) when compared to the apical position. NYHA functional class was also lower with septal pacing (1.8 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). The cardiac synchrony evaluation showed less interventricular (p < 0.001) and intraventricular dyssynchrony with septal pacing (Septal to posterior delay: 33.1 ± 28.7 vs. 80.7 ± 46.2 ms, p < 0.001; Yu index: 33.4 ± 8.6 ms vs. 50.2 ± 14.0 ms, p < 0.001; Radial strain: 78.8 ± 57.1 ms vs. 137.2 ± 50.2 ms, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The intrapatient comparision showed that, compared to the apical conventional stimulation, the septal pacing was associated with lower cardiac dyssynchrony measured by echocardiography, which may be related to the better left ventricular systolic function and consequently better clinical results observed.

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices provide mechanical circulatory assistance for patients suffering from end-stage heart failure that are awaiting or ineligible for heart transplantation. Although actuarial survival and quality of life with these devices is comparable to allograft transplant, they are associated with severe adverse events, including cerebrovascular accidents. Recent advances in continuous-flow technology aim to mitigate the risk of stroke by including design features that minimize flow stasis, turbulence and endothelial dysfunction, as well as promote near-normal pulse pressures. The proposed study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial that aims to compare the stroke-free survival and associated incidence and risk of cerebrovascular accidents between three continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices in patients with refractory, end-stage heart failure planning to undergo bridge-to-transplant or destination therapy. Patients will be randomized to receive one of three devices (HeartMate II, Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA; HeartWare HVAD, HeartWare International Inc., Framingham, MA; HeartMate III, Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA). Patients will be monitored for stroke-free survival and incidence of cerebrovascular accident for 24 months post-implantation. Investigators will compare stroke-free survival with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank testing; in addition, investigators will examine each device’s level of risk for causing a cerebrovascular accident with chi square and odds ratio analysis. The data from this study will be used to guide treatment paradigms, device assignment and future development of technologies that mitigate stroke risk in this high-risk population.