[Risk Factors for Adverse Aortic Remodeling in Post-TEVAR Patients with Acute Stanford B Aortic Dissection].

OBJECTIVES: To assess morphological changes of distal aorta and the risk factors for adverse aortic remodeling inpost-TEVAR（thoracic endovascular aortic repair） patients with acute Stanford B aortic dissection. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the patients who underwent TEVAR for a type B dissection between October 2005 and December 2015. CT angiogram (CTA) was obtained for each patients preoperatively, postoperatively and during the post-operational follow-up. Based on Criadol partition principle, we divided the aorta into descending thoracic aorta area, suprarenal abdominal aorta area, infrarenal abdominal aorta area and iliac artery area, and evaluated the distribution of aortic tears and the form of true and false lumen in different aortic partition. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the risk factors affecting distal aortic remodeling. RESULTS: Of 216 patients (mean follow-up (3.9±2.1) years) who were regularly followed up in our center, 47 patients (21.8%) occurred adverse remodeling in distal aorta. Univariate logistic regression indicated that abnormal aortic wall structure (Marfan's syndrome) and patent false lumen (existence of distal tears, decreased complete false lumen thrombosis) were associated with distal aortic adverse remodeling. Multivariate logistic regression showed that more tears in descending thoracic aorta area ( OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.12-1.58, P=0.005) and less tears in infrarenal abdominal aorta area ( OR=0.49, 95% CI=0.22-0.71, P<0.001) were independent risk factors affecting remodeling in distal aorta after TEVAR. CONCLUSIONS: Aortic wall structure abnormalities, a patent false lumen, more tears in descending thoracic aorta area, less tears in infrarenal abdominal aorta area are independent risk factors for adverse aortic remodeling in post-TEVAR patients with acute Stanford B aortic dissection.

[Application of Biological Heart Valves (BHV) and Mechanical Heart Valves (MHV) in the Female Patients of Childbearing Age: a Matched Paired Study].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of biological heart valves (BHV) and mechanical heart valves (MHV) in childbearing age women (CAW) during the perinatal and short-moderate term postoperative (SMTP) periods. METHODS: There were 33 patients [(25.2±7.1) yr.] undergoing BHV replacement from September 2009 to December 2014 had completely followed-up,whose data were retrospectively collected. A 1∶4 matching study was conducted,therefore there were 132 patients undergoing MHV were included. The collected date included the clinical outcomes in the perioperative, perinatal,and SMTP period event-free survival (EFS) was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: The average follow-up time was (5.8±3.6) years,and the two groups had similar baseline . The clinical outcomes difference of perinatal and SMTP between the two groups were not significant. There were 17 patients in BHV group and 60 in MHV group with pregnancy and birth experiences (PBE),which also showed no significant difference for adverse events both in the maternity and in the fetus. The rates of valve-related adverse events of BHV replacement patients with and without PBE were 5.9% and 0% at 3 years after the operation, and 11.8% and 5.9% after 5 years. PBE was not identified as an adverse prognostic factor for EFS (P=0.43). CONCLUSION: Either artificial BHV or MHV replacement can achieve ideal SMTP effect in CAW. BHV seems not superior to MHV. Pregnancy and birth experience will not increase the risk of BHV relevant adverse events.

[The Association Between Bone Morphogenic Protein-4 and in-situ Saphenous Vein Graft Pathology in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Revascularization].

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the expression levels of bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) in saphenous veins harvested from diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and to investigate its association with in-situ morphological and pathological changes within the venous wall. METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2014, forty patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and risk factors matched non-DM controls (n =40) were enrolled prospectively. Of the 40 DM patients, 24 had noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDM) and the remaining 16 had insulin-dependent diabetes (IDM). Segments of saphenous vein without surgical dilatation from these 80 patients were obtained. Vessel wall characteristics were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the expression and distribution of BMP4 was assessed by Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry analysis. RESULTS: The intimal and medial thickness of the saphenous veins harvested from DM patients were higher than those from non-DM controls. Compared with non-DM patients, the expression level of BMP4 was significantly elevated in diabetic veins ( P<0.05), and BMP4 was highly expressed in smooth muscle cells located in the medial layer. Moreover, the expression levels of BMP4 in diabetic veins were significantly correlated with intimal thickness (r =0.655, P<0.01), intimal area (r =0.684, P<0.01), medial thickness (r =0.642, P<0.01) and medial area (r =0.692, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The pre-existing intimal and medial hyperplasia were significantly correlated with the high expression levels of BMP4 in saphenous veins harvested from diabetic patients, implying a potential role of BMP4 in the progression of vein graft stenotic diseases in this cohort of post-CABG patients. Future studies were warranted in investigating novel therapeutic strategy targeting at BMP4 for improving long-term vein graft patency.

[Proximal Aorta Reconstruction for Type A Aortic Dissection Patients without Intimal Tear in Aortic Arch: the Early and Mid-outcomes].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early and mid-outcomes of proximal aorta reconstruction for type A aortic dissection (AAD) patients without intimal tear in aortic arch, and assess the safety and efficacy of this surgical strategy. METHODS: From January 2010 to February 2013, there were 23 AAD patients without intimal tear in the aortic arch received proximal aorta reconstruction surgery. Clinical data of these patients were analyzed retrospectively, the mean age was (48.04 ± 12.37) years old (21-73 yr.). Twelve cases were acute aortic dissection, the others were chronic dissection. Bentall surgery was performed for 13 cases, Cabrol surgery for 2 cases, Wheat surgery for 1 case, ascending aorta replacement and aortic valve repair was employed for 1 patient, simple ascending aorta replacement for 6 cases. The patients received follow-up every 3 to 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: The duration of CPB time was (182.83 ± 36.98) min, cardiac arrest time was (111.87 ± 18.82) min, circulatory arrest time was (24.22 ± 6.38) min. The complications were lung infection (4 cases, 17.4%), tracheotomy (2 cases), peritoneal dialysis (1 case), 2 cases suffered transient neurological dysfunction. None stroke, paralysis, and permanent neurological dysfunction occurred. All the patients were discharged. Mean time of follow-up was (38.35 ± 11.95) months (18-56 months). All patients were alive and return to normal life, the proportion of false lumen closure was 65.22% (15 cases). None patients need secondary surgery. CONCLUSION: Proximal aorta reconstruction is safe and effective for AAD patient without intimal tear in aortic arch, the operation strategy can be used individually.

The relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms in FGID patients and D-type personality and emotion regulation strategies.

This study examines the relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and type D personality traits, as well as emotion regulation strategies. Analyzing a diverse group of FGID patients, we uncover significant effects of gender and age on gastrointestinal symptoms. Negative Affectivity emerges as a key predictor, positively associated with symptom severity, whereas Social Inhibition correlates negatively with Abdominal Pain. Additionally, our findings suggest that the expressive suppression strategy predicts heightened gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas cognitive reappraisal predicts lower levels of certain symptoms. These findings provide valuable insights for precise diagnosis and tailored treatments of FGIDs. Further research is warranted to explore underlying mechanisms and inform evidence-based interventions.

Single-Center Preliminary Experience with Gutter-Plugging Chimney Stent-Graft for Aortic Dissection.

PURPOSE: To report the early 2-year results and experience of a novel gutter-plugging chimney stent-graft in a single center that participated in the clinical trial of Prospective Study for Aortic Arch Therapy with stENt-graft for Chimney technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with aortic dissection were treated with the novel chimney stent-grafts named Longuette™ for the left subclavian artery revascularization. Primary study outcomes were the incidence of freedom from major adverse events within 30 days and success rate of the operation over 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were enrolled between September 2019 and December 2020. The immediate technical success rate (stent-grafts successfully deployed without fast-flow type Ia or type III endoleak intraoperatively) was 100%, and there were no conversions to open repair. Type Ia and type II endoleaks were noted in three patients (8.8%) and one patient (2.9%) at discharge, respectively. One patient (2.9%) with type Ia endoleak underwent coil embolization at 12 months because of false lumen dilation, and one (2.9%) case of type Ia endoleak resolved spontaneously at 24 months. One chimney stent (2.9%) was revealed with stenosis at discharge and occluded with thrombosis at 6 months postoperatively. During the 2-year follow-up, there was no death, rupture, stroke, paraplegia, left arm ischemia, retrograde dissection, stent-graft induced new entry, or stent migration. CONCLUSION: The initial results of the Longuette™ stent-graft for revascularization of the left subclavian artery are encouraging with a high technical success rate. Further multicenter follow-up outcomes are required to assess the long-term durability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, Case Series.

Which sites better represent the sensory function of hands in convalescent stroke patients? A study based on electrophysiological examination.

Background: Assessing hand sensation in stroke patients is necessary; however, current clinical assessments are time-consuming and inaccurate. Objective: This study aimed to explore the nature of light touch sensation and two-point discrimination (2-PD) of different hand sites in convalescent stroke patients based on somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP). Methods: Light touch sensation and 2-PD of the thumb, the index finger, the little finger, thenar, and hypothenar were measured (n = 112) using sensory measurement tools. Sensory differences among the hand sites were then compared. The correlation analysis between SEP and the hemiplegic hand function was made. Sensory functions were divided into three levels: sensory intactness, sensory impairment, and sensory loss. Results: Light touch sensations were mainly associated with sensory impairment in the finger and palm region. The 2-PD of the finger region was mainly sensory loss and that of the palm region was mainly sensory impairment. There was no statistical difference in the light touch sensation among the sites of the hand. The correlation coefficients between the 2-PD and SEP N20 amplitudes differed. The correlation coefficients of the thenar and hypothenar were the smallest, and that of the finger was the largest. Light touch sensation and 2-PD in patients with stroke were related to the hemiplegic hand function. Conclusion: Any site on the hand could be selected as the measurement site for light touch sensation. The little finger and hypothenar may be appropriate sites when screening for 2-PD. To improve the patient's recovery they could receive more sensory stimulation of the hand.

[A survey of glucose and lipid metabolism and concomitant diseases among inpatients in Guangdong province].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of dyslipidemia as well as its treatment and influence on accompanying diseases in impaired glucose status among inpatients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the inpatients registered in ten university hospitals of Guangdong, China during the week before the Diabetes Day in 2004. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profiles, BMI, waist to hip ratio (WHR) and concomitant disorders of the first screen during the hospitalization period were recorded. Those who had FBG level from 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L and not been previously diagnosed diabetes (PDM) underwent oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS: Of the 8753 inpatients investigated, 1067 cases had complete medical records (CMR case) including PDM cases and previously non-diagnosed diabetes ones with FBG > or = 5.6 mmol/L. Of the previously non-diagnosed diabetes cases with FBG levels from 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L, 65.8% accepted OGTT. Of the CMR cases, 41.9% had PDM, 21.7% was newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (NDM), 29.1% had impaired glucose regulation (IGR) and only 7.3% had normal glucose tolerance (NGT). The TG levels in NDM and PDM group were higher than those in IGR and NGT group (P < 0.05, respectively). The HDL-C levels in IGR, NDM and PDM group were lower than those in NGT group (P < 0.05, respectively). Sixty-nine point six percent of the diabetes mellitus (DM) inpatients was accompanied with dyslipidemia and the rate was higher than those in NGT (56.4%) and IGR inpatients (52.5%, P < 0.05, respectively). Only 22.8% of the PDM inpatients underwent treatment of dyslipidaemia and just 3.4% achieved the target suggested by the guideline of ATP-III. BMI was higher and waistline longer in the PDM and NDM inpatients than those in the NGT cases (P < 0.05, respectively). Seventy-two point eight percent of the PDM inpatients was complicated with more than one type of vascular diseases. Nine point seven percent and 0.2% of the NDM inpatients were tormented by diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy respectively. CONCLUSIONS: More inpatients with accompany DM or IGR had concomitant dyslipidemia than those with NGT, which included hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-high-density lipoproteinemia and metabolic syndrome. Concomitant vascular diseases were more frequently found in PDM inpatients than in the others. Some of the NDM and IGT inpatients were complicated with microvascular diseases.

Global longitudinal strain in prosthesis-patient mismatch: relation to left ventricular mass regression and outcomes.

AIMS: Aortic prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) increases left ventricular (LV) afterload and prevents LV mass regression (LVMR) after surgery. This study was designed to investigate the association between the baseline global longitudinal strain (GLS) and the postoperative LVMR, and its relation to adverse outcomes. METHODS: A total of 316 patients with aortic stenosis undergoing isolated mechanical prosthesis implantation were screened, and data from 91 patients with aortic PPM and 165 non-PPM patients were retrospectively collected. All 256 patients underwent measurement of GLS by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography preoperatively, and were followed up for postoperative changes of LV mass index (LVMi) and other clinical outcomes. RESULTS: During the follow-up, LVMi in PPM patients decreased significantly from 139.6 ±â€Š20.8 to 119.6 ±â€Š26.5 g/m (P < 0.001). These patients were divided into two groups according to the median value of the reduction rate of LVMi at final follow-up, and preoperative GLS markedly decreased in PPM patients with insignificant reduction in LVMi. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative GLS (odds ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval 1.27-11.05, P = 0.002) and preoperative LVMi (odds ratio 2.87, 95% confidence interval 1.21-8.13, P = 0.012) as independently associated with an insignificant LVMR. Moreover, PPM patients with limited reduction in LVMi were at an increased risk of cardiac death and major adverse valve-related events. CONCLUSION: In patients with aortic PPM early after surgery, reduced preoperative GLS could be a novel sensitive risk factor for a limited regression of LV hypertrophy, and this is associated with an increased risk of adverse events in PPM patients.