Dual-functional pentamode metamaterial with water-like and topological transmission properties.

In this paper, a water-like pentamode metamaterial (PM) with a single metallic material is designed and the topological edge-state transmission properties of elastic waves in the PM are thoroughly investigated. Numerical results indicate that by introducing structural perturbation into PM, the Dirac point degeneracy atK-point can be opened and topological band inversion can be generated. Topological edge states are also obtained by organizing PM structural units, which are robust to defects such as bending and cavities. In addition, it also has the mimics water in acoustic properties over a wide frequency range, i.e. it exhibits transparency when surrounded by water. Therefore, it will have both good transmission efficiency and acoustic stealth performance when used as an underwater waveguide. The dual-functional PM proposed in this study provides theoretical guidance for designing underwater stealth acoustic waveguides.

Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas contain no adipose tissue resulting in thoracic spine kyphosis: A case report.

RATIONALE: Aggressive vertebral hemangiomas (AVHs) destroy continuous vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs and resulting in spinal kyphosis is extremely rare. The very aggressive behavior was attributable to its significant vascular component and contained no adipose tissue. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report a case of thoracic spine kyphosis of AVHs with multiple vertebral bodies and intervertebral disc destruction in a 45-year-old woman. DIAGNOSES: Based on the imaging studies, the patient underwent surgical removal of this lesion and spinal reconstruction. Histopathology consistent with vertebral hemangioma and contained no adipose. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent surgical removal of the lesion and spinal reconstruction. After subperiosteal dissection of the paraspinal muscles and exposure of the laminae, the laminae of the T5-7 vertebrae were removed and exposing the lesion. The lesion was soft and showed cystic changes, completely curetted and autogenous bone was implanted. Vertebroplasty was performed through T3-T9 pedicles bilaterally. Pedicle screw fixation was performed for segmental fixation and fusion. OUTCOMES: After 9 days of operation, the incision healed cleanly and free of pain. She was discharged in good general condition. The patient remained asymptomatic after follow-up 6 months of postoperative. LESSONS: AVHs destroy multiple vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs and resulting in spinal kyphosis is extremely rare.

Response of vertebral fractures to treatment with denosumab in a patient with postpartum osteoporosis: a case report and literature review.

Postpartum osteoporosis (PO) is a rare condition characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of vertebral fragility fracture. We encountered a 34-year-old woman who developed back pain 1 week after delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed three vertebral compression fractures. Pretreatment BMD evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry revealed a low T-score and Z-score (-2.0 and -2.0, respectively; BMD, 0.876 g/cm2) in the affected region of the spine. The patient was diagnosed with PO and treated with subcutaneous injection of denosumab 60 mg (Prolia; Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA) every 6 months. After two treatments, the BMD had significantly increased and the back pain was improved; the patient therefore decided to terminate the treatment. Two months later, her back pain worsened and BMD decreased as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry examination of the lumbar spine. Therefore, the patient resumed treatment with denosumab, and the BMD of the lumbar spine increased after another two treatments. Therefore, we consider denosumab to be promising in the management of PO with respect to increased BMD and decreased pain.

An RBD bispecific antibody effectively neutralizes a SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

Potent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 are a promising therapeutic against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the continuous emergence of neutralizing antibody escape variants makes it challenging for antibody therapeutics based on monospecific nAbs. Here, we generated an IgG-like bispecific antibody (bsAb), Bi-Nab, based on a pair of human neutralizing antibodies targeting multiple and invariant sites of the spike receptor binding domain (RBD): 35B5 and 32C7. We demonstrated that Bi-Nab exhibited higher binding affinity to the Delta spike protein than its parental antibodies and presented an extended inhibition breadth of preventing RBD binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2. In addition, pseudovirus neutralization results showed that Bi-Nab improved the neutralization potency and breadth with a lower half maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) against wild-type SARS-CoV-2, variants being monitored (VBMs) and variants of concern (VOCs). Notably, the IgG-like Bi-Nab enhanced the neutralizing activity against Omicron variants with potent capabilities for transmission and immune evasion in comparison with its parental monoclonal antibody (mAb) 32C7 and a cocktail (with the lowest IC50 values of 31.6 ng/mL against the Omicron BA.1 and 399.2 ng/mL against the Omicron BA.2), showing evidence of synergistic neutralization potency of Bi-Nab against the Omicron variants. Thus, Bi-Nab represents a feasible and effective strategy against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Biopsy-detected myocardial fibrosis predicts adverse cardiac events after pulmonary valve replacement in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors associated with adverse cardiac events (cardiac AEs) after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot are incompletely understood. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between histological myocardial fibrosis and cardiac AEs after PVR in patients with rTOF. METHODS: We consecutively collected clinical, cardiac magnetic resonance, echocardiography and electrocardiogram data of 51 patients with rTOF who underwent surgical PVR. The right ventricular outflow tract tissue was collected during the PVR and the degree of histological myocardial fibrosis was determined by a tailor-made automated image analysis method of picrosirius red staining. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 4.9 years, and 14 patients had cardiac AEs (a composite of heart failure admission and arrhythmia) during follow-up. The total analysis area of myocardial samples was 5782.18 mm2, and the median percentage of myocardial fibrosis was 20.6% (interquartile range 16.7-27.0%), which were significantly elevated in patients with cardiac AEs compared with patients without cardiac AEs (24.1% vs 19.7%, P = 0.007). Right ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular end-systolic volume index were significantly associated with myocardial fibrosis in multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis (R2 = 0.238). Cox proportional hazards regression identified degree of myocardial fibrosis [hazard ratio 1.127; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.047-1.213; P = 0.001] and age at PVR (hazard ratio 1.062; 95% CI 1.010-1.116; P = 0.019) were associated with increased risk of cardiac AEs. The incidence of adverse cardiac events was significantly increased when myocardial fibrosis >20.1% and age at PVR >18.2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Histological myocardial fibrosis was associated with biventricular systolic functions in rTOF. Higher myocardial fibrosis and older age at PVR are independent risk factors for the adverse cardiac events after PVR in patients with rTOF.

Atypical aggressive vertebral hemangioma of the sacrum with postoperative recurrence: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Aggressive vertebral hemangioma (VH) is an uncommon lesion in the adult population. The vast majority of aggressive VHs have typical radiographic features. However, preoperative diagnosis of atypical aggressive VH may be difficult. Aggressive VHs are likely to recur even with en bloc resection. CASE SUMMARY: A 52-year-old woman presented with a 3-mo history of numbness and pain in her right lower extremity. Physical examination showed sacral tenderness and limited mobility, and the muscle strength was grade 4 in the right digital flexor. Computed tomography revealed osteolytic bone destruction from S1 to S2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the mass was compressing the dural sac; it was heterogeneously hypointense on T1-weighted MRI and hyperintense on T2-weighted MRI, and gadolinium contrast enhancement showed that the tumor was heterogeneously enhanced and invading the vertebral endplate of S1. The patient developed progressive back pain and numbness in the bilateral extremities 6 mo postoperatively, and MRI examination showed recurrence of the mass. The mass was larger in size than before the operation, and it was extending into the spinal canal. CONCLUSION: The radiographic findings of atypical aggressive VH include osteolytic vertebral bone destruction, extension of the mass into the spinal canal, and heterogeneous signal intensity on T1-, T2-, and enhanced T1-weighted MRI. These characteristics make preoperative diagnosis difficult, and biopsy is necessary to verify the lesion. Surgical decompression and gross total resection are recommended for treatment of aggressive VH. However, recurrence is inevitable in some cases.

Differential metabolome responses to deltamethrin between resistant and susceptible Anopheles sinensis.

Insecticide-based vector control measures play an important role in the prevention and control of insect-borne infectious diseases such as malaria; however, insecticide resistance has become a severe global problem for vector control. To date, the metabolic mechanism by which Anopheles sinensis, the most widely distributed malaria vector in China and Asia, detoxifies insecticides is not clear. In this study, the molecular metabolite changes in both the larval and adult stages of deltamethrin susceptible (DS) and deltamethrin-resistant (DR) An. sinensis mosquitoes were analysed by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after exposure to deltamethrin. There were 127 differential metabolites in larval DR An. sinensis and 168 in adults. Five metabolites (glycerophosphocholine, deoxyguanosine, DL-methionine sulfoxide, D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate and N-acetyl-alpha-D-glucosamine1-phosphate) were downregulated in both DR larvae and adults, and one metabolite (aspartyl-glutamine) was upregulated, and the ratio of down- and up-regulation of these metabolites was 5:1. The differential metabolites between the DS and DR mosquitos were mainly classified into organic oxygen compounds, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, glycerophospholipids and purine nucleotides, and the common pathway enriched in both the larval and adult DR An. sinensis was glycerophospholipid metabolism. The findings of this study provide further mechanistic understanding of insecticide resistance in An. sinensis.

Handmade tri-leaflet ePTFE conduits versus homografts for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the performance of handmade tri-leaflet expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) conduits in the absence of a suitable homograft. METHODS: Patients who underwent right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with tri-leaflet ePTFE conduits or homografts between December 2016 and August 2020 were included. The primary endpoint was the incidence of moderate or severe conduit stenosis (≥ 36 mmHg) and/or moderate or severe insufficiency. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of severe conduit stenosis (≥ 64 mmHg) and/or severe insufficiency. RESULTS: There were 102 patients in the ePTFE group and 52 patients in the homograft group. The median age was younger [34.5 (interquartile range: 20.8-62.8) vs. 60.0 (interquartile range: 39.3-81.0) months, P = 0.001] and the median weight was lower [13.5 (10.0-19.0) vs. 17.8 (13.6-25.8) kg, P = 0.003] in the ePTFE group. The conduit size was smaller (17.9 ± 2.2 vs. 20.5 ± 3.0 mm, P < 0.001) and the conduit Z score was lower (1.48 ± 1.04 vs. 1.83 ± 1.05, P = 0.048) in the ePTFE group. There was no significant difference in the primary endpoints (log rank, P = 0.33) and secondary endpoints (log rank, P = 0.35). Multivariate analysis identified lower weight at surgery [P = 0.01; hazard ratio: 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.94] and homograft conduit use (P = 0.04; hazard ratio: 8.43; 95% CI 1.14-62.29) to be risk factors for moderate or severe conduit insufficiency. No risk factors were found for moderate or severe conduit stenosis or conduit dysfunction on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Handmade tri-leaflet ePTFE conduits showed acceptable early and midterm outcomes in the absence of a suitable homograft, but a longer follow-up is needed.

Two approaches for newborns with critical congenital heart disease: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal diagnosis and planned peripartum care is an unexplored concept in China. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the "prenatal diagnosis and postnatal treatment integrated model" for newborns with critical congenital heart disease. METHODS: The medical records of neonates (≤ 28 days) admitted to Fuwai Hospital were reviewed retrospectively from January 2019 to December 2020. The patients were divided into "prenatal diagnosis and postnatal treatment integrated group" (n = 47) and "non-integrated group" (n = 69). RESULTS: The age of admission to the hospital and the age at surgery were earlier in the integrated group than in the non-integrated group (5.2 ± 7.2 days vs. 11.8 ± 8.0 days, P < 0.001; 11.9 ± 7.0 days vs. 16.5 ± 7.7 days, P = 0.001, respectively). The weight at surgery also was lower in the integrated group than in the non-integrated group (3.3 ± 0.4 kg vs. 3.6 ± 0.6 kg, P = 0.010). Longer postoperative recovery time was needed in the integrated group, with a median mechanical ventilation time of 97 h (interquartile range 51-259 h) vs. 69 h (29-168 h) (P = 0.030) and with intensive care unit time of 13.0 days (8.0-21.0 days) vs. 9.0 days (4.5-16.0 days) (P = 0.048). No significant difference was observed in the all-cause mortality (2.1 vs. 8.7%, P = 0.238), but it was significantly lower in the integrated group for transposition of the great arteries (0 vs. 18.8%, log rank P = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The prenatal diagnosis and postnatal treatment integrated model could significantly shorten the diagnosis and hospitalization interval of newborns, and surgical intervention could be performed with a lower risk of death, especially for transposition of the great arteries.

Long-term results of concomitant atrioventricular valve intervention and the Fontan operation.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal timing for atrioventricular valve (AVV) repair in patients with a Fontan circulation remains controversial. Few studies have reported the long-term outcomes of AVV repair concomitant with a Fontan operation. METHODS: From January 2006 to December 2018, a total of 89 patients who developed moderate or severe AVV regurgitation before a Fontan operation were divided into 2 groups: group 1, including 37 patients who did not undergo concomitant AVV repair; and group 2, including 52 patients who received AVV repair concomitant with a Fontan operation. RESULTS: The mean age at the time of the Fontan operation was 6.74 years for group 1 and 8.96 years for group 2, respectively. Early death occurred in 3 patients [2 patients (5.4%) in group 2, patient 1 (1.9%) in group 1]. Freedom from long-term death, cardiac function reduction and protein-losing enteropathy were similar among the 2 groups. Common AVV function was apparently poorer than mitral valve function after repair [hazard ratio (HR) 3.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-11.17; P = 0.014]. The occurrence of AVV valve failure in group 1 was lower than that in group 2 (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.91; P = 0.026). AVV function became worse during the follow-up period than that at discharge in both groups (P = 0.03 in group 1 and P = 0.001 in group 2). CONCLUSIONS: The long-term results of AVV repair concomitant with a Fontan operation are favourable.

Doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect closure through tricuspid approach: a clinical analysis.

BACKGROUND: The research was to introduce the experience of doubly committed subarterial ventricular septal defect (DCVSD) repaired through tricuspid approach. METHODS: From January, 2015 to September, 2019, 86 consecutive DCVSD paediatrics underwent repair via right subaxillary vertical incision (RAVI) through tricuspid approach. Perioperative and follow-up data were collected. RESULTS: The age and weight at operation were 28.1 ± 18.5 (range: 7-101) months and 12.2 ± 4.2 (6-26.5) kg. There were two patients combined with discrete subaortic membrane, two patients with patent ductus arteriosus, one patient with atrial septal defect, and two patients with abnormal muscle bundle in right ventricular outflow tract. The mean size of ventricular septal defect was 7.0 ± 2.4 (3-13) mm. The defect was repaired with a piece of Dacron patch in 68 patients or directly with 1-2 pledgetted polypropylene sutures in 18 patients. The cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time were 46.2 ± 13.3 (23-101) minutes and 29.2 ± 11.5 (12-84) minutes. After 3.1 ± 2.4 (0-14) hours' ventilator assist and 23.2 ± 32.1 (0-264) hours' ICU stay, all patients were discharged safely. At the latest follow-up (27.9 ± 14.6 months), echocardiography showed trivial residual shunt in two patients. There was no malignant arrhythmia occurred and there was no chest deformity or asymmetrical development of the breast was found. CONCLUSIONS: DCVSD repaired via right subaxillary vertical incision through tricuspid approach was safe and feasible, providing a feasible alternative to median sternotomy, and it can be performed with favourable cosmetic results.

Impact of electrophysiological features acquired after anatomical repair of congenital corrected transposition of the great arteries on late mortality and ventricular dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with anatomically repaired congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, the impact of electrophysiological features on postoperative ventricular dysfunction remains less well known. Our goal was to investigate the role of fragmented QRS and QRS duration in mortality and systemic ventricular dysfunction after anatomical repair of corrected transposed great arteries. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent anatomical repair in our institution from January 2005 to December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. Fragmented QRS was defined as ≥1 discontinuous deflections in narrow QRS complexes, and ≥2 in wide QRS complexes, in 2 contiguous electrocardiogram leads. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality and systemic ventricular dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were included. Among them, 30, 15 and 29 underwent the Senning arterial switch, the Senning Rastelli and the hemi-Mustard/bidirectional Glenn/Rastelli procedures, respectively. The primary end point occurred in 9 (12.2%) patients and included 7 late deaths and 2 cases of late-onset systemic ventricular dysfunction. Fragmented QRS and QRS prolongation were noted in 19 (25.7%) and 21 (28.4%) patients, respectively. In patients with the primary end point, QRS fragmentation (6/9 vs 10/65; P < 0.001) and QRS prolongation (6/9 vs 15/65; P = 0.013) were noted more frequently than in patients without the primary end point. No statistical differences in these electrocardiogram findings were found among patients treated with 3 surgical strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Appearance of QRS fragmentation or QRS prolongation is associated with death or ventricular dysfunction in anatomically repaired corrected transposition of the great arteries. Although there is a trend that QRS fragmentation and QRS prolongation appear more frequently in patients who had the Senning-arterial switch operation, there is no statistically significant difference associated with these electrocardiogram features among varied procedures.

Anatomic Repair of Left Main Coronary Artery Atresia: Coronary Ostioplasty With Autologous Pulmonary Artery.

BACKGROUND: Left main coronary arterial (LMCA) atresia is a rare coronary arterial anomaly with extremely limited data on the optimal management. We aimed to report our single-surgeon experience of the ostioplasty in patients with LMCA atresia. METHODS: From July 2018 to December 2019, pediatric patients who presented with LMCA atresia and subsequently underwent surgical coronary ostioplasty were recruited into this retrospective study. Concomitant mitral repair was applied when the regurgitation was moderate or more severe. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients diagnosed with LMCA atresia were included. Mitral regurgitation was found in all of them, including 6 (66.7%) severe, 1 (11.1%) moderate, and 2 (22.2%) mild. In addition to ischemic lesions, which were found in 7 (77.8%) patients, structural mitral problems were also common (presented in 7 [77.8%] patients). All the patients underwent coronary ostioplasty with autologous pulmonary arterial patch augmenting the anterior wall of the neo-ostium. Mean aortic cross clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time was 88.1 ± 18.9 and 124.6 ± 23.6 minutes, respectively. During a median of 10.9 (range: 3.3 to 17.2) months' follow-up, there was only 1 death at 5 months after surgery. All survivors were recovered uneventfully with normal left-ventricular function; however, with 4 (50.0%) having significant recurrence of mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: With favourable surgical outcomes, coronary ostioplasty for LMCA atresia may be an option of revascularization. Structural mitral problems presented in majority patients, resulting in the requirement of concomitant mitral repair. However, the optimal technique of mitral repair remains unclear.

Mid-term results of modified L-shaped incision technique for supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical outcomes of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repair by the posterior technique (PT) remain unsatisfactory. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the modified L-shaped incision technique with the PT for supracardiac TAPVC repair. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2019, 121 consecutive patients with supracardiac TAPVC undergoing surgical repair in our institution were included (L-group, n = 53; PT group, n = 68). A propensity score-matched analysis was performed. Patients with single-ventricle physiology or atrial isomerism were excluded. All clinical data were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: In the unmatched cohort, the median follow-up duration was 33 months (interquartile range 26-65 months). There were 5 operative mortalities (4.1%) and 12 late mortalities (9.9%). Postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO) was documented in 21 patients. After matching (52 pairs), the overall survival rate in the L-group was 88.2% at both 3 and 5 years. For the propensity score-matched patients with preoperative PVO (n = 20), statistically significant differences (P = 0.002) were found by Kaplan-Meier curves with freedom from death and postoperative PVO at 1 and 3 years of 100% and 85.7% [standard deviation (SD): 13.2%] in the L-group and 90% (SD: 9.5%) and 22.9% (SD: 14.1%) in the PT group, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that the use of the PT was an independent risk factor for death and postoperative PVO (hazard ratio 4.12, 95% confidence interval 1.12-15.16; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The modified L-shaped incision technique provided an acceptable outcome for supracardiac TAPVC repair. Compared with PT, the modified L-shaped incision technique was significantly associated with decreased death and postoperative PVO in patients with obstructed supracardiac TAPVC.

Pediatric Mitral Regurgitation: Standardized Repair-Oriented Strategy With Leaflet Plication.

To introduce a standardized strategy and reproducible procedures of mitral repair for mitral regurgitation in the pediatric population with leaflet plication as a principal technique. Consecutive patients who had undergone mitral repair by our standardized repair-oriented strategy in our institution from January 2016 to December 2019 were included retrospectively. The standardized repair strategy included 3-step inspections and repair from the subvalvular to leaflet, and then to the annular level. The main surgical techniques included chordae detachment, papillary muscle splitting, leaflet plication, and posterior annuloplasty. The indication for leaflet plication was that the distance between 2 adjacent chordae tendineae was greater than 4 mm. A total of 113 patients were enrolled. During 22.6-month (range, 2-50 months) follow-up period, primary endpoint was documented in 15 (13.3%) patients, including 1 (0.9%) death, 0 transplantation, and 14 (12.4%) functional mitral failure. Freedom form primary endpoints at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years was 94.7%, 94.7%, and 82.3%, respectively. Significant independent predictors of functional mitral valve failure were younger age (hazard ratio [HR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-0.72; P = 0.037) and ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) (HR, 24.34; 95% CI, 4.52-47.33; P < 0.001). Leaflet plication was significantly associated with well-functioned mitral valve (HR, 7.42; 95% CI, 2.35-30.54; P = 0.004). Compared with nonischemic MR group, ischemic MR group was noted with higher occurrence of primary endpoint events (11/28 vs 4/85, P < 0.001). The short- to mid-term outcomes of standardized mitral repair technique with leaflet plication were favorable, among which, however, repair for mitral regurgitation with ischemic lesions is comparatively challenging.

Tricuspid valvuloplasty for isolated tricuspid regurgitation in children.

BACKGROUND: Isolated congenital tricuspid regurgitation other than Ebstein's anomaly was rare especially for children. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and to assess the results of tricuspid valvuloplasty for children with isolated tricuspid regurgitation. METHODS: From January 2010 to June 2019, 10 consecutive patients with isolated tricuspid regurgitation who were unresponsive to drug therapy underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty in our hospital. Patients' clinical data were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: Mean age at operation was 48.5 ± 31.0 (range: 9-106) months and mean weight at operation was 16.1 ± 6.9 (range: 8.6-33.0) kg. All patients presented severe isolated tricuspid regurgitation. According to pathological lesions, the main causes accounted for chordae tendinea rupture (3/10), leaflet cleft (2/10), mal-connected chordal tendinea to leaflets (2/10), elongated chordae (1/10) and chordae absent (1/10), and severe anterior leaflet dysplasia (1/10). Individualised tricuspid valvuloplasty was adapted to all of them successfully. Post-operative echocardiography showed no tricuspid regurgitation in two patients and mild regurgitation in eight patients. The cardiothoracic ratios on their chest roentgenograms decreased from 0.59 ± 0.05 to 0.54 ± 0.05. At the latest follow-up (50.4 ± 47.2 months), echocardiography showed that mild to moderate tricuspid regurgitation in seven patients, moderate tricuspid regurgitation in three patients, and no patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation. All patients were in NYHA functional class I. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with isolated tricuspid regurgitation who were not well responsive to drug therapy, individualised tricuspid valve repair can achieve an excellent result.

Investigation of microRNA expression signatures in HCC via microRNA Gene Chip and bioinformatics analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dysregulation of miRNAs is closely involved with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression, oncogenesis and signalling pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in expression of miRNAs in HCC tissue in comparison to healthy liver tissue, as well as to explore the key miRNA-targeted genes. METHODS: Gene Chip microarray analysis was used to analyse differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in tissues, and qRT-PCR was performed to validate the top 9 downregulated miRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed for target genes using the DAVID database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the target genes was created by STRING and visualised using Cytoscape. Three online miRNA databases were utilised to aid in the prediction of genes targeted by the top 10 significantly altered DEMs. RESULTS: In total, 153 upregulated and 206 downregulated miRNAs were identified in HCC tissue. The genes targeted by the top 10 increased and decreased miRNAs were 6 and 1060, respectively. Moreover, FOXO1 was projected to be regulated by all twenty miRNAs. A PPI network was constructed that consisted of 956 nodes and 1298 edges. Four significant modules, consisting of 66 hub genes, were detected from the PPI system via MCODE. Functional enrichment demonstrated that miRNAs have a vital function in cancer development and advancement. CONCLUSION: In summary, our study identified DEMs in HCC tissue, major target genes and possible molecular mechanisms that underlie HCC, providing novel insights for treatment approaches.

Effectiveness of Bidirectional Glenn Shunt Placement for Palliation in Complex Congenitally Corrected Transposed Great Arteries.

Surgery for complex congenitally corrected transposed great arteries is one of the greatest challenges in cardiovascular surgery. We report our experience with bidirectional Glenn shunt placement as a palliative procedure for complex congenitally corrected transposition. We retrospectively identified 50 consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with congenitally corrected transposition accompanied by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and ventricular septal defect and who had then undergone palliative bidirectional Glenn shunt placement at our institution from January 2005 through December 2014. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to subsequent surgeries: Fontan completion (total cavopulmonary connection, 13 patients) (group 1), anatomic repair (hemi-Mustard and Rastelli procedures without Glenn takedown, 11 patients) (group 2), and prolonged palliation (no further surgery, 26 patients) (group 3). After shunt placement, no patient died or had ventricular dysfunction. Overall, mean oxygen saturation increased significantly from 79.5% ± 13.5% preoperatively to 94.1% ± 7.3% (P <0.001). The median time from shunt placement to Fontan completion and anatomic repair, respectively, was 2.1 years (range, 1.6-5.2 yr) and 1.1 years (range, 0.6-2.4 yr). Only 2 late deaths occurred, both in group 1. In group 3, time from shunt placement to latest follow-up was 4.5 years (range, 2.3-8 yr). At latest follow-up, mean oxygen saturation was 91.6% ± 10.3%, and no patients had impaired ventricular function. Bidirectional Glenn shunt placement as an optional palliative procedure for complex congenitally corrected transposition has favorable outcomes. Later, patients can feasibly be treated by Fontan completion or anatomic repair. Use of a bidirectional Glenn shunt for open-ended palliation is also acceptable.

Modified Single Repair Technique for Complete Atrioventricular Septal Defect: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

There were controversies about the priority of modified single patch (MSP) technique compared with two-patch (TP) technique for patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD). From 2002 to 2013, patients who diagnosed as balanced CAVSD in our institution were retrospectively included. Patients with unbalanced ventricles or associated anomalies were excluded. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint consist of left atrioventricular dysfunction or left atrioventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). A total of 74 patients underwent MSP repair and 102 patients underwent TP repair. After 1:1 propensity matching, there were 46 Rastelli type A CAVSD patients in each group. Patients in MSP group had shorter cardiopulmonary bypass time [median (interquartile range) 73.5 (65.5-95.0) versus 105.0 (88.8-130.0) min, P < 0.001] and aortic cross-clamp time [105.5 (90.0-128.0) versus 143.0 (122.0-184.0) min, P < 0.001]. In total, the primary endpoint occurred in 12 patients, including 2/46 (4.3%) in MSP group and 10/46 (21.7%) in TP group. That 1-year, 3-year, 5-year survival rate can be calculated as 95.6%, 95.6%, 95.6% in MSP group and 92.6%, 80.4%, 78.2% in TP group, P = 0.015. No significant statistical difference found for the secondary endpoints that 7/46 (15.2%) patients occurred moderate or severe LAVVR in MSP group versus 11/46 (23.9%) patients in TP group, P = 0.293. No LVOTO occurred in both groups. Besides the simplicity of technique, MSP technique may be safer.