The Prognostic Role of Global Longitudinal Strain and NT-proBNP in Heart Failure Patients Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether baseline GLS (global longitudinal strain), NT-proBNP, and changes in these after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can predict long-term clinical outcomes and the echocardiographic-based response to CRT (defined by 15% relative reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume).

Methods: We enrolled 143 patients with stable ischemic heart failure (HF) undergoing CRT-D implantation. NT-proBNP and echocardiography were obtained before and 6 months after.

Left atrial reverse remodeling predicts long-term survival after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling has been identified as a strong predictor of long-term survival in patients receiving CRT. Interestingly, CRT induces reverse remodeling in the left atrium (LA) as well. It is currently unknown to what extent LA reverse remodeling is correlated to long-term survival after CRT.

The GUL-1 Protein Binds Multiple RNAs Involved in Cell Wall Remodeling and Affects the MAK-1 Pathway in .

The GUL-1 is part of the COT-1 pathway, which plays key roles in regulating polar hyphal growth and cell wall remodeling. We show that GUL-1 is a bona fide RNA-binding protein (RBP) that can associate with 828 "core" mRNA species. When cell wall integrity (CWI) is challenged, expression of over 25% of genomic RNA species are modulated (2,628 mRNAs, including the GUL-1 mRNA).

Appointing nurses trained in organ donation to improve family consent rates.

Background: One of the most important bottlenecks in the organ donation process worldwide is the high family refusal rate.

Aims And Objectives: The main aim of this study was to examine whether family guidance by trained donation practitioners increased the family consent rate for organ donation.

Design: This was a prospective intervention study.

The Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Approach for Potential Organ Donors in the Emergency Department.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation process of a multidisciplinary approach for potential organ donors in the emergency department (ED) in order to incorporate organ donation into their end-of-life care plans.

Methods: A new multidisciplinary approach was implemented in 6 hospitals in The Netherlands between January 2016 and January 2018. The approach was introduced during staff meetings in the ED, intensive care unit (ICU), and neurology department.