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- Low-dose ionizing radiation modulates the expression of proangiogenic genes in critical limb ischemia patients : preliminary resultsPublication . Ministro, Augusto; Pereira, Rita; Pinto, Vanda; Santos, Susana Constantino Rosa; Pedro, LuisObjective: Low-dose ionizing radiation (LDIR), namely, 0.3 Gy, delivered during 4 consecutive days, has been reported to stimulate angiogenesis and arteriogenesis in a preclinical model of hindlimb ischemia. Here we performed a single-center, investigator-blinded, randomized, shamcontrolled clinical trial to evaluate the effects of LDIR exposure in the expression of proangiogenic genes in endothelial cells isolated from muscles of patients with critical limb ischemia.
- Echocardiographic assessment of cardiac anatomy and function in adult ratsPublication . Ribeiro, Sónia; Pereira, Ana Rita S.; Pinto, Ana Teresa; Rocha, Filipe; Ministro, Augusto; Fiuza, Manuela; Pinto, Fausto J.; Santos, Susana Constantino RosaThe use of experimental animal models has become crucial in cardiovascular science. Most studies using rodent models are focused on two-dimensional imaging to study the cardiac anatomy of the left ventricle and M-mode echo to assess its dimensions. However, this could limit a comprehensive study. Herein, we describe a protocol that allows an assessment of the heart chamber size, left ventricular function (systolic and diastolic) and valvular function. A conventional medical ultrasound machine was used in this protocol and different echo views were obtained through left parasternal, apical and suprasternal windows. In the left parasternal window, the long and short axis were acquired to analyze left chamber dimensions, right ventricle and pulmonary artery dimensions, and mitral, pulmonary and aortic valve function. The apical window allows the measurement of heart chamber dimensions and evaluation of systolic and diastolic parameters. It also allows Doppler assessment with detection and quantification of heart valve disturbances (regurgitation or stenosis). Different segments and walls of the left ventricle are visualized throughout all views. Finally, the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta can be imaged through the suprasternal window. A combination of ultrasound imaging, Doppler flow and tissue Doppler assessment have been obtained to study cardiac morphology and function. This represents an important contribution to improve the assessment of cardiac function in adult rats with impact for research using these animal models.