“From running the experiments myself to designing them to be run by others, the initial steps have always been my favourite. Those moments when a sponsor explains the challenge he/she/they are facing, and together we brainstorm to assemble a solution. Eventually, a ground-breaking idea—a parameter, a test, something—comes to mind, which crystallizes the solution. At that point, we both know that this idea changes everything: it collapses obstacles and opens the path forward. That moment has remained one of my greatest motivators throughout the years.”
Dan’s undergrad studies in Biochemistry (Bishop’s University) were followed by graduate studies in Thoracic Physiology (Université de Sherbrooke). Dan’s post-graduate work was in Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Cardiology.
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Volume overload induced by aortic/pulmonary valve endocarditis
Purpose
Heart failure results from valve regurgitation
Gradual ventricular eccentric hypertrophy with dyskinesia
Decreased cardiac output associated with decreased ejection fraction, increase TAPSE
Detectable within 48H post injection
Method
Localized injection of 1M Staph Aureus CFU across the valve
Valve dysfunction appears within 48-72 hours, model lasts from 96H to 14 days
Study outcome
Cardiac echography (ultrasound shows clear regurgitation)
CFU determination in valve (terminal)
Invasive hemodynamics (BP, HR, ECG)
Histology
Species
Mice, rats