Implantation of monocusp valve prolongs the duration of chest tube drainage in children with tetralogy of fallot after corrective surgery.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular outflow tract obstruction relief is one of the major procedures during the total correction of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Pulmonary insufficiency (PI) is usually inevitable after a transannular incision with a patch repair is performed. Therefore, some surgeons advocate to place a monocusp valve within the transannular patch (TAP) in order to decrease the severity of the PI. However, the monocusp valve seemed not be very effective in some patients who underwent the complete TOF repair. METHODS: Patients who had the classic form of TOF between January 2009 and January 2017 and underwent the corrective surgery with a TAP by the same cardiovascular surgeon were identified for further analysis. Clinical information including demographics at operation, perioperative data, and postoperative outcome were collected retrospectively and compared between the group with and without a monocusp valve. RESULTS: A total of 24 TOF cases were included in the final analysis, and 16 (66.7%) patients received a monocusp valve placement. The patients' characteristics before and during the surgery were similar between the two groups. The median duration of chest tube drainage after the total correction in the monocusp group was longer than those without the valve (p = 0.04). There was no difference in the immediate postoperative data, including the inflammation/infection status, the duration of mechanical ventilation, and the length of ICU and hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Implantation of a monocusp valve during the total TOF correction using a TAP did not bring benefit to improve the immediate postoperative outcomes, especially the duration of the pleural drainage. Further study with a prospective design and a larger number of cases is needed.

Diagnosis and Surgical Outcomes of Patients with Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery: A Single Taiwanese Medical Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), a very rare congenital cardiac anomaly, is associated with a high mortality rate among infants who are not diagnosed or treated in a timely manner. Surgical intervention with the reconstruction for a two-coronary-system circulation is the main treatment; however, there have been very few reported cases from Taiwan. In this study, we aim to describe the clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, surgery types, and surgical outcomes in patients with ALCAPA from a single Taiwanese medical center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with ALCAPA who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2001 and October 2018. Clinical presentations, noninvasive and invasive study results, surgical methods, and postoperative follow-up results were assessed from medical records. Moreover, literature on this particular cardiovascular anomaly was reviewed. RESULTS: The study included 6 patients (5 children and 1 adult). The diagnosis was confirmed using cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography in four patients and only echocardiography in two patients. All patients underwent surgical correction and survived. Four patients showed improvements in left ventricular function and mitral regurgitation (MR). CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention could avoid mortality regardless of the method of operation. ALCAPA can be definitively diagnosed using noninvasive echocardiography. Both left ventricular systolic function and mitral insufficiency could improve after the surgical intervention in pediatric patients. Repair or replacement of the mitral valve could be reserved for persistent MR complicated with congestive heart failure, particularly in patients who received the initial operation beyond infancy.

Procedural Characteristics and Outcomes of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Single-Center Experience of the First 100 Inoperable or High Surgical Risk Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: This is the first study of a Taiwanese population reporting transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) outcomes of the first 100 cases from a single center offering two different transcatheter heart valve technologies via six types of approaches. We herein report the 30-day and one-year outcomes in our first 100 TAVI patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. METHODS: From May 2010 to April 2016, 100 consecutive patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) who were considered unsuitable or at high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement underwent TAVI. Patient outcomes were classified according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 (VARC-2) definitions. The device performance was assessed using transthoracic echocardiography by independent investigators. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 81.1 years, where 54% were female, and the mean Logistic EuroSCORE was 21.5%. The Medtronic CoreValve was used in 84 patients and the Edwards Sapien or Sapien XT valve (ESV) in 16. The transfemoral approach was the most frequently used route (83%), followed by transapical (9%) access. Overall, there was no procedural death. The VARC-2 outcomes were as follows: device success, 95%; stroke, 1%; major vascular complication, 3%; a need for pacemaker implantation, 5.1%. At discharge, the incidence of postoperative mild, moderate or severe paravalvular leak was 30%, 3% and 0%, respectively. At one year, the all-cause mortality rate was 14.0%, and no valve-related dysfunction was observed. Through multivariable analysis, non-transfemoral access [hazard ratios (HR) 4.81; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66-14.09; p = 0.004] and advanced chronic kidney disease (stages 4-5), (HR 3.13; 95% CI 1.07-9.09; p = 0.036) were independently associated with an increased risk of one-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that TAVI shows good early and mid-term outcomes in terms of survival, technical success, valve-related adverse events and haemodynamic performance in high-risk patients with severe AS.

Cost-utility analysis of direct ventricular assist device vs double bridges to heart transplantation in patients with refractory heart failure.

OBJECT: This study compared the cost-utility of direct ventricular assist device (VAD) vs double bridges, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) before VAD, to heart transplantation in patients with refractory heart failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a health payer perspective, a Markov model was developed. The cycle length was 1 month, and the time horizon was a lifetime. Probabilities and direct cost data were calculated from a nationwide claim database. Utility inputs were adopted from published sources. The utility was expressed as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Both costs and utility were discounted by an annual rate of 3%. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to test the stability of the model. RESULTS: The direct VAD group had less lifetime costs (USD 95 910 vs USD 129 516) but higher lifetime QALYs than the double bridges group (1.73 vs 0.89). The sensitivity analysis revealed that the direct VAD group consistently had lower cost and higher QALYs during all variations in model parameters. The probability that direct VAD was cost-effective exceeded 75% at any levels of willing-to-pay. CONCLUSION: From a health insurance payer perspective, direct VAD bridge to heart transplantation appeared to be more cost-effective than double bridges in patients with refractory heart failure.

Comparisons of Differentiation Potential in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Wharton's Jelly, Bone Marrow, and Pancreatic Tissues.

Background. Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from autoimmune destruction of ß-cells. Insulin-producing cells (IPCs) differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in human tissues decrease blood glucose levels and improve survival in diabetic rats. We compared the differential ability and the curative effect of IPCs from three types of human tissue to determine the ideal source of cell therapy for diabetes. Methods. We induced MSCs from Wharton's jelly (WJ), bone marrow (BM), and surgically resected pancreatic tissue to differentiate into IPCs. The in vitro differential function of these IPCs was compared by insulin-to-DNA ratios and C-peptide levels after glucose challenge. In vivo curative effects of IPCs transplanted into diabetic rats were monitored by weekly blood glucose measurement. Results. WJ-MSCs showed better proliferation and differentiation potential than pancreatic MSCs and BM-MSCs. In vivo, WJ-IPCs significantly reduced blood glucose levels at first week after transplantation and maintained significant decrease till week 8. BM-IPCs reduced blood glucose levels at first week but gradually increased since week 3. In resected pancreas-IPCs group, blood glucose levels were significantly reduced till two weeks after transplantation and gradually increased since week 4. Conclusion. WJ-MSCs are the most promising stem cell source for ß-cell regeneration in diabetes treatment.

Undifferentiated Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Induces Insulin-Producing Cell Differentiation and Suppression of T-Cell-Mediated Autoimmunity in Nonobese Diabetic Mice.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is caused by T-cell-mediated autoimmune destruction of pancreatic ß-cells. Systemic administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) brings about their incorporation into a variety of tissues with immunosuppressive effects, resulting in regeneration of pancreatic islets. We previously showed that human MSCs isolated from Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSCs) represent a potential cell source to treat diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of this study was to discern whether undifferentiated WJ-MSCs can differentiate into pancreatic insulin-producing cells (IPCs) and modify immunological responses in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. Undifferentiated WJ-MSCs underwent lentiviral transduction to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) and then were injected into the retro-orbital venous sinus of NOD mice. Seven days after transplantation, fluorescent islet-like cell clusters in the pancreas were apparent. WJ-MSC-GFP-treated NOD mice had significantly lower blood glucose and higher survival rates than saline-treated mice. Systemic and local levels of autoaggressive T-cells, including T helper 1 cells and IL-17-producing T-cells, were reduced, and regulatory T-cell levels were increased. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were increased, and dendritic cells were decreased. At 23 days, higher human C-peptide and serum insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance were found. Additionally, WJ-MSCs-GFP differentiated into IPCs as shown by colocalization of human C-peptide and GFP in the pancreas. Significantly more intact islets and less severe insulitis were observed. In conclusion, undifferentiated WJ-MSCs can differentiate into IPCs in vivo with immunomodulatory effects and repair the destroyed islets in NOD mice.

The role of adenosine in preconditioning by brief pressure overload in rats.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Brief pressure overload of the left ventricle reduced myocardial infarct (MI) size in rabbits has been previously reported. Its effects in other species are not known. This study investigates effects of pressure overload and the role of adenosine in rats in this study. METHODS: MI was induced by 40-minute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 3-hour reperfusion. MI size was determined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Brief pressure overload was induced by two 10-minute episodes of partial snaring of the ascending aorta. Systolic left ventricular pressure was raised 50% above the baseline value. Ischemic preconditioning was elicited by two 10-minute coronary artery occlusions. RESULTS: The MI size (mean ± standard deviation), expressed as percentage of area at risk, was significantly reduced in the pressure overload group as well as in the ischemic preconditioning group (17.4 ± 3.0% and 18.2 ± 1.5% vs. 26.6 ± 2.4% in the control group, p < 0.001). Pretreatment with 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline (SPT), an inhibitor of adenosine receptors, did not significantly limit the protection by pressure overload and ischemic preconditioning (18.3 ± 1.5% and 18.2 ± 2.0%, respectively, p < 0.001). SPT itself did not affect the extent of infarct (25.4 ± 2.0%). The hemodynamics, area at risk and mortality were not significantly different among all groups of animals. CONCLUSION: Brief pressure overload of the left ventricle preconditioned rat myocardium against infarction. Because SPT did not significantly alter MI size reduction, our results did not support a role of adenosine in preconditioning by pressure overload in rats.

IL-1ß-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell Migration Involves MLCK Activation via PKC Signaling.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) migrate via the bloodstream to sites of injury, possibly attracted by inflammatory cytokines. Although many cytokines can induce stem cell migration, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We found that tail vein-injected MSCs migrate to the pancreas in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. An ELISA assay revealed that hyperglycemic NOD mice have higher pancreatic levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) than normal NOD mice and that IL-1ß stimulates MSC migration in a Transwell assay and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing system. Microarray analysis showed that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is involved in IL-1ß-induced MSC migration, while Western blots showed that IL-1ß stimulates MLCK expression and activation and that MLCK-siRNA transfection reduces MSC migration. Kinase inhibitors, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and a knockdown study revealed that IL-1ß-induced MLCK expression is regulated by the PKCδ/NF-κB signaling pathway, and a kinase inhibitor study revealed that IL-1ß-induced MLCK activation occurs via the PKCα/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. These results show that IL-1ß released from the pancreas of hyperglycemic NOD mice induces MSC migration and that this is dependent on MLCK expression via the PKCδ/NF-κB pathway and on MLCK activation via the PKCα/MEK/ERK signaling cascade. This study increases our understanding of the mechanisms by which MSCs home to injury sites.

Intraportal injection of insulin-producing cells generated from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells decreases blood glucose level in diabetic rats.

We studied the process of trans-differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) into insulin-producing cells. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model was used to study the effect of portal vein transplantation of these insulin-producing cells on blood sugar levels. The BM-MSCs were differentiated into insulin-producing cells under defined conditions. Real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry and glucose challenge were used to evaluate in vitro differentiation. Flow cytometry showed that hBM-MSCs were strongly positive for CD44, CD105 and CD73 and negative for hematopoietic markers CD34, CD38 and CD45. Differentiated cells expressed C-peptide as well as ß-cells specific genes and hormones. Glucose stimulation increased C-peptide secretion in these cells. The insulin-producing, differentiated cells were transplanted into the portal vein of STZ-induced diabetic rats using a Port-A catheter. The insulin-producing cells were localized in the liver of the recipient rat and expressed human C-peptide. Blood glucose levels were reduced in diabetic rats transplanted with insulin-producing cells. We concluded that hBM-MSCs could be trans-differentiated into insulin-producing cells in vitro. Portal vein transplantation of insulin-producing cells alleviated hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.

One-year results of transcatheter aortic valve implantation as an alternative treatment for severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients.

BACKGROUND: Aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the gold standard treatment for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS). For the past 10 years, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has been applied in patients with high surgical mortality and morbidity risks. The preliminary results of our TAVI patients are presented in this study. METHODS: Ten high-risk patients with severe AS, for AVR, were referred and accepted for TAVI in the 6 month period from May 2010 to October 2010. The patient age, logistic EuroSCORE, femoral arterial diameter, aorta annulus size, aorta valve area (AVA), mean aortic pressure gradient (MPG), as well as coronary angiography results were all collected. Six patients were treated via the transapical approach in March 2010, whereas the other four were treated with the transfemoral approach, according to their femoral artery diameter and arterial quality. This study focuses on the immediate, 1 month, 3 month, and 1 year results of TAVI. RESULTS: The average age of the 10 patients receiving TAVI was 81.5 years. The mean calculated EuroSCORE was 28.3 ± 7.9%. The mean AVA was 0.61 ± 0.19 cm(2). The MPG was 48 ± 16 mmHg. The surgical technical success achieved 100%. There was no reported moderate to severe postoperative paravalvular aortic regurgitation, permanent complete atrioventricular block, major access site complication, or embolic stroke. Chronic renal failure, which necessitated permanent hemodialysis, developed in 10% of the patients. One acute myocardial infarction and one case of pneumonia developed postoperatively. The AVA was increased by 251%, whereas the MPG was decreased by 80% at the 3 month follow-up. The 30-day mortality rate was 10%. The all-cause 1-year mortality rate was 20%. CONCLUSION: This new technique and device requires greater caution and needs more practice to accumulate sufficient experience. The studied patients were very fragile, due to old age and multiple comorbidities. Our results are similar to findings of multicenter trials. With careful patient screening and selection, TAVI can be a promising treatment for high-risk severe AS patients.

Primary cardiac fibroma in an infant: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Cardiac fibromas (CFs) are benign primary tumors that typically occur during childhood and may be asymptomatic. However, due to the proximity of CFs to the cardiac structure, significant morbidity and mortality may also be anticipated. CFs do not show spontaneous regression and surgical resection generally remains the treatment of choice for these tumors in children. Thus, it is important to take aggressive steps to obtain accurate pretreatment image diagnosis. A full-term male infant was presented to our facility suffering from shortness of breath, after an episode of upper respiratory tract infection at age 1.5 months. Subsequent chest X-ray revealed widening of the mediastinum and trachea deviation. Cardiogenic pathology was suspected. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed, and we confirmed a diagnosis of benign CF. Thoracotomy biopsy of the tumor confirmed the pathological diagnosis.

Preconditioning threshold of brief pressure overload of the left ventricle.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that pressure overload of the left ventricle reduced myocardial infarct (MI) size in rabbits. The threshold of pressure overload was investigated in this study. METHODS: Pressure overload of the left ventricle was induced by partial snare of the ascending aorta in anesthetized, open-chest rabbits. Systolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP) was elevated 50% or 30% above baseline value by varying the degree of partial snaring. Different duration of pressure overload, including 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, or 2 minutes, was applied to determine the threshold of protective effects. Ischemic preconditioning was elicited by two 10-minute coronary artery occlusions and reperfusions. Ten minutes after different pretreatment, 1 hour occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 3 hours reperfusion was done to induce MI. The size of area at risk and MI were determined by blue dye injection and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining after experiments. RESULTS: Pressure overload increase of SLVP 50% above baseline value for 10 minutes, 5 minutes, and 3 minutes significantly reduced MI size (18.5 ± 3.6%, 21.4 ± 1.9% and 21.6 ± 1.7%, respectively, vs. 26.6 ± 1.0% in the control group, mean ± standard deviation, p < 0.01). A 30% increase of SLVP by pressure overload for 10 minutes, 5 minutes and 3 minutes also significantly decreased MI size (20.5 ± 2.5%, 21.6 ± 2.3%, and 21.5 ± 2.3%, p < 0.01). Ischemic preconditioning significantly decreased MI size (19.9 ± 2.8%, p < 0.001). Pressure overload to elevate SLVP 50% or 30% above baseline value for 2 minutes did not significantly alter MI size (25.0 ± 2.3% and 26.0 ± 1.7%, p = 0.122 and p = 0.457). Two episodes of 2 minutes pressure overload did not significantly decrease MI size (25.0 ± 2.2% and 25.5 ± 2.2%, p = 0.118 and p = 0.281). The hemodynamics, area at risk, and mortality were not significantly different among all groups of animals. CONCLUSION: Pressure overload to raise SLVP either 50% or 30% above baseline value reduced MI size. A minimum duration of 3 minutes was necessary to induce the protective effects.

Concomitant Bentall operation plus aortic arch replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND: The Bentall operation is recommended for thoracic aortic dissection or aneurysm involving the aortic root. However, if the lesion extends to the aortic arch, concomitant Bentall operation plus aortic arch replacement (CoBAAR) surgery is required. CoBAAR is challenging because of its complex cardiopulmonary procedure, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, and demanding operative techniques. Therefore, surgical mortality and morbidity rates for CoBAAR are very high. However, the Bentall operation performed as a single procedure may lead to reoperation if the residual aneurysm progresses. Therefore, CoBAAR as a one-stage surgery can lower the need for reoperation and possible further complications. METHODS: Nine patients received CoBAAR during January 2005 to May 2010. Six patients were diagnosed with Sanford type A aortic dissection and three with nondissecting ascending aortic and arch aneurysm. Four patients received a Bentall operation plus hemiarch replacement. The others received a Bentall operation plus total arch replacement along with elephant trunk because of extensive lesions. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality was 11.1% (1 patient with total arch replacement). Morbidity included stroke (2 patients), spinal cord injury (1 patient), mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours (5 patients), and temporary renal dialysis (3 patients). Eight patients survived. CONCLUSION: CoBAAR is a demanding operative technique requiring complex cardiopulmonary bypass. However, surgeons can perform this procedure on extensive ascending aortic dissection or aneurysm patients, achieving satisfactory results.

Thrombelastography change after bridging to left ventricular assist device from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

BACKGROUND: Circulatory assist devices are applied to support patients with end-stage heart failure or circulatory collapse. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and ventricular assist device (VAD) are the two devices that are commonly used in these situations. However, in patients undergoing ECMO, complications occur more frequently and are more severe than in those with VAD, especially in patients with coagulopathy. The cause of coagulopathy is seldom reported; therefore, the current prospective study was designed to compare the coagulation status between patients who received ECMO and bridged VAD thereafter. METHODS: The cases for our study were collected between December 2005 and January 2010. A total of 21 patients with VAD were enrolled. Seven patients received initial ECMO support and were subsequently shifted to VAD. Use of blood transfusion products by patients was recorded during application of ECMO and VAD. Thrombelastography (TEG) was performed pre-ECMO and pre-VAD, and thereafter to 1 week post-VAD implantation. The relevant parameters that were examined included coagulation time (R: resting, K: kinetics, seconds), angle (α, degrees), maximal amplitude (MA, mm), clot strength (G, dynes/cm(2)), and estimated percent lysis in 30 minutes (LY30, %). Coagulation status and average unit per day of blood transfusion at pre-VAD and post-VAD status were recorded. TEGs of pre-VAD and post-VAD implantation were compared in order to determine the frequency of bleeding. RESULTS: Average results from seven cases were incorporated into the current analysis. The patient transfusion requirement was reduced after implantation of the VAD. The TEG of post-VAD implantation was improved from the earlier pre-VAD results (ECMO status). Ultimately, TEG resulted in significant differences in R, K, angle, MA, and G, postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Coagulopathy of patients with VAD improved after bridging from ECMO, which can be attributed to improved coagulation factor and platelet function. Thus, bleeding complications are reduced.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted primary percutaneous coronary intervention may improve survival of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by profound cardiogenic shock.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assistance on the clinical outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) that is complicated by profound cardiogenic shock (CS) who received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected patients from January 2004 through December 2006 (stage 1); 25 patients who presented with AMI and received primary PCI and had profound CS were enrolled in the study. Intraaortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) was the only modality for extracorporeal support in our hospital. From January 2007 through December 2009 (stage 2), 33 patients who presented with AMI and received primary PCI and had profound CS were enrolled; for this stage; both intra-aortic balloon counter-pulsation and ECMO support were available in our facility. RESULTS: A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis displayed significantly improved survival for patients in stage 2 (P = .001; 1-year survival in stage 1 vs 2; 24% vs 63.64%). Patients presenting with either STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) or NSTEMI (Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) benefited from ECMO-assisted PCI (P < .05). In stage 1, patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation had a very low survival rate; however, in stage 2, the survival rate of patients with and without refractory ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation was similar (P = .316). CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted PCI for patients with AMI that is complicated by profound CS may improve the 30-day and 1-year survival rates.

Transplantation of insulin-producing cells from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Although diabetes mellitus (DM) can be treated with islet transplantation, a scarcity of donors limits the utility of this technique. This study investigated whether human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord could be induced efficiently to differentiate into insulin-producing cells. Secondly, we evaluated the effect of portal vein transplantation of these differentiated cells in the treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. METHODS: MSCs from human umbilical cord were induced in three stages to differentiate into insulin-producing cells and evaluated by immunocytochemistry, reverse transcriptase, and real-time PCR, and ELISA. Differentiated cells were transplanted into the liver of diabetic rats using a Port-A catheter via the portal vein. Blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. RESULTS: Human nuclei and C-peptide were detected in the rat liver by immunohistochemistry. Pancreatic ß-cell development-related genes were expressed in the differentiated cells. C-peptide release was increased after glucose challenge in vitro. Furthermore, after transplantation of differentiated cells into the diabetic rats, blood sugar level decreased. Insulin-producing cells containing human C-peptide and human nuclei were located in the liver. CONCLUSION: Thus, a Port-A catheter can be used to transplant differentiated insulin-producing cells from human MSCs into the portal vein to alleviate hyperglycemia among diabetic rats.

Various modalities for evaluation of a fused heart in conjoined twins.

Conjoined twins are a rare congenital anomaly with an estimated incidence of 1/50,000 to 1/100,000. Among thoracopagus conjoined twins, 75% have a fused heart. We compare the usefulness of various modalities for evaluating cardiovascular structure in fused-heart conjoined twins. We report a series of 20 sets of thoracopagus conjoined twins as well as the results of a PubMed database literature review literature from 1982 to 2009. Twenty sets of fused-heart thoracopagus conjoined twins were evaluated by echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance image (MRI), and three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA). Imaging results were compared to findings at surgery or autopsy. All sets of conjoined twins underwent postnatal echocardiography; 11 sets (55%) underwent cardiac catheterization; 4 sets (20%) underwent MRI; and 1 set (5%) underwent 3D-CTA. All intracardiac anatomy (ICA) was identified by echocardiography. Cardiac catheterization, MRI, and 3D-CTA were able to identify extracardiac vascular structures as well as the ICA. 3D-CTA, which can be performed as early as the first week of life, is a noninvasive, less expensive, and the safe examination with minimal risk due to its short procedural time. Three-dimensional CTA is an effective and safe modality for evaluating the cardiovascular anatomy of fused-heart conjoined twins before surgery.

Brief pressure overload preconditions rabbit myocardium independent of adenosine receptor activation.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported brief pressure overload of the left ventricle reduced myocardial infarct size. The role of adenosine receptors was investigated in this study. METHODS: Pressure overload was achieved by two 10-minute partial snaring of the ascending aorta. Systolic left ventricular pressure was raised 50% above baseline value. Ischemic preconditioning was elicited by two 10-minute coronary artery occlusions. Ten minutes after different pretreatments, 60-minute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by 3-hour reperfusion was done to induce infarction. The area at risk and myocardial infarct size were determined by Evans blue dye injection and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. RESULTS: Myocardial infarct size (mean ± standard deviation), expressed as percentage of area at risk, was significantly reduced in the pressure overload group (19.3 ± 2.5 %, p < 0.001) and in the ischemic preconditioning group (18.3 ± 1.8 %, p < 0.001) versus the control group (27.3 ± 3.3 %). Pretreatment with 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist, limited the protection by ischemic preconditioning (26.8 ± 3.7%), but not that by pressure overload (19.2 ± 2.5%, p < 0.001). The 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline did not significantly affect the extent of infarct (26.4 ± 5.4%). The hemodynamics prior to treatment, area at risk, and mortality were not significantly different among all groups of animals. CONCLUSIONS: Brief pressure overload of the left ventricle preconditioned rabbit myocardium against infarction. Because 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline had no significant effect on this response, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that the underlying mechanism does not depend on activation of adenosine receptors.

Malignancy after heart transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and type of malignancies after heart transplantation at a medical institute in Taiwan. METHODS: From January 1987 to December 2008, a total of 66 patients who survived more than 30 days after transplantation were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Of the 66 heart transplant recipients, 8 (12.1%) post-transplant malignancies were diagnosed: 5 posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLD), 1 prostate cancer, 1 lung cancer, and 1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cheek. The clinical presentations were diverse, and the diagnoses were confirmed by biopsy. Only 1 patient died of PTLD and subsequent multiple organ failure. CONCLUSION: Cancer is a limiting factor for long-term survival after heart transplantation. The most common type in this study was PTLD. Early detection and aggressive treatment results in good response and preserves the allograft.