The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyFrom bench to bedside: Can the improvements in left ventricular assist device design mitigate adverse events and increase survival?
In vitro tests demonstrated that the new cone-bearing configuration of the Jarvik 2000 (Jarvik Heart Inc, New York, NY) left ventricular assist device exhibits better hydraulic efficiency than the previous pin-bearing design. We investigated the long-term outcomes of patients who received the Jarvik 2000 left ventricular assist device, depending on bearing design. ⋯ Patients with the new pump configuration showed a better freedom from cardiovascular death and lower incidence of fatal stroke and right ventricular failure. Further studies are needed to prove the favorable impact of pump-enhanced fluid dynamics on long-term results.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2016
Comparative StudyWhat is a "good" result after transcatheter mitral repair? Impact of 2+ residual mitral regurgitation.
The study objective was to assess the impact on follow-up outcomes of residual mitral regurgitation 2+ in comparison with ≤ 1+ after MitraClip (Abbott Vascular Inc, Santa Clara, Calif) repair. ⋯ Residual 2+ mitral regurgitation after MitraClip implantation was associated with worse follow-up outcomes compared with ≤ 1+ mitral regurgitation, including survival, symptom relief, and mitral regurgitation recurrence. Better efficacy should be pursued by transcatheter mitral repair technologies.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2016
EditorialA systematic approach to initial data analysis is good research practice.
Initial data analysis is conducted independently of the analysis needed to address the research questions. Shortcomings in these first steps may result in inappropriate statistical methods or incorrect conclusions. ⋯ Examples of reporting of initial data analysis in publications are given. A systematic and careful approach to initial data analysis is needed as good research practice.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2016
Mitral valve gradient after valve repair of degenerative regurgitation with restrictive annuloplasty.
Outcomes of mitral valve repair have been well described for patients with degenerative regurgitation. The hemodynamic effects of repair have not been as well studied, however. We report hemodynamic outcomes in these patients. ⋯ Mitral valve repair for degenerative regurgitation results in a small mitral valve gradient that appears to decrease with time after discharge.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jan 2016
High-mobility group box-1 protein induces osteogenic phenotype changes in aortic valve interstitial cells.
Calcific aortic valve (AV) disease is known to be an inflammation-related process. High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) have been reported to participate in several inflammatory diseases. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the HMGB1-TLR4 axis is involved in calcific AV disease, and to evaluate the effect of HMGB1, and its potential mechanisms, on the pro-osteogenic phenotype change of valvular interstitial cells (VICs). ⋯ The HMGB1 protein may promote osteoblastic differentiation and calcification of VICs, through the TLR4-JNK-NF-κB signaling pathway.