Genomic landscapes of ovarian clear cell carcinoma from latin countries reveal aberrations linked to survival and progression.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian clear cell carcinomas (OCCCs) are rare, aggressive and chemoresistant tumors. Geographical and ethnic differences in the incidence of OCCC have been reported with a higher incidence in Asiatic countries. There is a paucity of information regarding OCCC in Latin America (LA) and other countries. METHODS: Here, we characterized two cohorts of 33 patients with OCCC from LA (24 from Brazil and 9 from Costa Rica) and a cohort of 27 patients from Spain. Genomic analysis was performed for 26 OCCC using the OncoScan platform. Tumors were classified according to their genomic landscapes into subgroups. Clinical parameters were related to the frequency of genomic aberrations. RESULTS: The median overall survival (OS) was not significantly different between the cohorts. Genomic landscapes were characterized by different homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) levels. No difference in the distribution of genomic landscapes profiles was detected between patients from the different cohorts. OCCCs with MYC-amplified tumors harboring a concomitant loss of a region in chromosome 13q12-q13 that includes the BRCA2 gene had the longest OS. In contrast, patients carrying a high number (> 30) of total copy number (CN) aberrations with no concomitant alterations in MYC and BRCA2 genes presented the shortest OS. Furthermore, amplification of the ASH1L gene was also associated with a shorter OS. Initial-stage OCCCs with early progression were characterized by gains in the JNK1 and MKL1 genes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide new data from understudied OCCC populations and reveal new potential markers for OCCCs.

Subaortic membrane and aorto-septal angle: an echocardiographic assessment and surgical outcome.

BACKGROUND: Development of a subaortic membrane is not fully understood. Recurrence after surgical removal continues to be high. We sought to assess the differences in aorto-septal angles (AoSA) to possibly explain alterations within the left ventricular outflow tract, hence in subaortic membrane formation. METHODS: A total of 113 patients who underwent subaortic membrane resection were matched by age and sex with 113 controls. The subaortic membrane resection group included isolated subaortic membranes (n = 34, group I), associated with ventricular septal defect (n = 29, group II), or patent ductus arteriosus (n = 50, group III). RESULTS: Mean (± standard deviation) AoSA (in degrees) were not different between subaortic membrane groups I, II, and III but were steeper than their control groups (126.2 ± 9.2 vs 138.6 ± 7.0, 129.2 ± 9.9 vs 137.7 ± 10.0, and 126.2 ± 8.1 vs 135 ± 8.5, respectively; all Ps < .05). Additionally, group II had lower preoperative gradients (28.8 ± 20.7 mm Hg) compared to groups I and III (67.0 ± 32.9 and 66.2 ± 33.1 mm Hg, respectively, P < .001). Follow-up ranged from 3 to 132 months. In 22 (32%) patients, a subaortic membrane recurred. Early postoperative residual gradients and development of aortic regurgutation were associated with the need for reoperation (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a contributing role of the AoSA in the development of subaortic membrane. Further rheological experiments are warranted. Whether the steeper the angle the higher the risk of recurrence may be revealed by longer follow-up periods.

Reconstruction of pulmonary artery in a newborn using a porcine small intestinal submucosal patch.

In this case report, we evaluated cellular structure and the growth potential of a porcine small intestinal submucosal patch used for pulmonary artery augmentation in a 20-day-old newborn with pulmonary atresia. The patch was resected 2 months postoperatively due to apparent abnormal wall thickening and evaluated by histologic and immunohistologic staining.

The hemi-Mustard/bidirectional Glenn atrial switch procedure in the double-switch operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries: rationale and midterm results.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the risks and benefits of the double-switch operation using a hemi-Mustard atrial switch procedure and the bidirectional Glenn operation for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. To avoid complications associated with the complete Senning and Mustard procedures and to assist right-heart hemodynamics, we favor a modified atrial switch procedure, consisting of a hemi-Mustard procedure to baffle inferior vena caval return to the tricuspid valve in conjunction with a bidirectional Glenn operation. METHODS: Between January 1994 and September 2009, anatomic repair was achieved in 48 patients. The Rastelli-atrial switch procedure was performed in 25 patients with pulmonary atresia and the arterial-atrial switch procedure was performed in 23 patients. A hemi-Mustard procedure was the atrial switch procedure for 70% (33/48) of anatomic repairs. RESULTS: There was 1 in-hospital death after anatomic repair. There were no late deaths or transplantation. At a median follow-up of 59.2 months, 43 of 47 survivors are in New York Heart Association class I. Bidirectional Glenn operation complications were uncommon (2/33), limited to the perioperative period, and seen in patients less than 4 months of age. Atrial baffle-related reoperations or sinus node dysfunction have not been observed. Tricuspid regurgitation decreased from a mean grade of 2.3 to 1.2 after repair (P = .00002). Right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit longevity is significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a 15-year experience with the double-switch operation using a modified atrial switch procedure with favorable midterm results. The risks of the hemi-mustard and bidirectional Glenn operation are minimal and are limited to a well-defined patient subset. The benefits include prolonged conduit life, reduced baffle- and sinus node-related complications, and technical simplicity.

Are purified or expanded cord blood-derived CD133+ cells better at improving cardiac function?

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which express the CD133 marker, can differentiate into mature endothelial cells (ECs) and create new blood vessels. Normal angiogenesis is unable to repair the injured tissues that result from myocardial infarction (MI). Patients who have high cardiovascular risks have fewer EPCs and their EPCs exhibit greater in vitro senescence. Human umbilical cord blood (HUCB)-derived EPCs could be an alternative to rescue impaired stem cell function in the sick and elderly. The aim of this study was to purify HUCB-derived CD133(+) cells, expand them in vitro and evaluate the efficacy of the purified and expanded cells in treating MI in rats. CD133(+) cells were selected for using CD133-coupled magnetic microbeads. Purified cells stained positive for EPC markers. The cells were expanded and differentiated in media supplemented with fetal calf serum and basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Differentiation was confirmed by lack of staining for EPC markers. These expanded cells exhibited increased expression of mature EC markers and formed tubule-like structures in vitro. Only the expanded cells expressed VEGF mRNA. Cells were expanded up to 70-fold during 60 days of culture, and they retained their functional activity. Finally, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of purified and expanded CD133(+) cells in treating MI by intramyocardially injecting them into a rat model of MI. Rats were divided into three groups: A (purified CD133(+) cells-injected); B (expanded CD133(+) cells-injected) and C (saline buffer-injected). We observed a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction for groups A and B. In summary, CD133(+) cells can be purified from HUCB, expanded in vitro without loosing their biological activity, and both purified and expanded cells show promising results for use in cellular cardiomyoplasty. However, further pre-clinical testing should be performed to determine whether expanded CD133(+) cells have any clinical advantages over purified CD133(+) cells.

Dupla artéria torácica esqueletizada versus convencional na revascularização do miocárdio sem CEC em diabéticos / Double skeletonized internal thoracic artery vs. double conventional internal thoracic artery in diabetic patients submitted to OPCAB

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da técnica utilizada na dissecção das artérias torácicas na evolução de pacientes diabéticos submetidos a revascularização sem CEC. MÉTODOS: Setenta pacientes diabéticos submetidos a revascularização sem CEC com duas artérias torácicas foram avaliados. No grupo A, as artérias torácicas foram dissecadas de modo convencional, enquanto no grupo B foram esqueletizadas. RESULTADOS: A idade média do grupo A foi de 52,14±7,35 anos contra 55,71±8,1 anos no grupo B (p=0,057). No grupo A, seis (17,1%) pacientes eram diabéticos insulinodependentes contra nove (25,7%) no grupo B (p=0,561). O EUROSCORE foi de 3,97±2,49 para o grupo A contra 4,14±3,06 no grupo B (p=0,879). O número médio de anastomoses distais no grupo A foi de 3±0,77 contra 3,03±0,89 para o grupo B (p=0,981). Três (8,57%) dos pacientes do grupo A apresentaram mediastinite contra nenhum do grupo B (p=0,239). A diabetes insulino-dependente foi o único fator estatisticamente significativo (p=0,008) para mediastinite. Neste grupo, a utilização de artéria torácica interna esqueletizada diminuiu significativamente a incidência de mediastinite (p=0,044). CONCLUSÃO: A incidência de mediastinite foi menor no grupo onde ambas as artérias torácicas foram dissecadas de forma esqueletizada, apesar de, devido ao baixo número de casos, não apresentar diferença estatística. Nos portadores de diabetes insulino-dependente, 50 por cento dos pacientes do grupo em que a artéria torácica foi obtida de forma convencional apresentaram mediastinite, sendo que a utilização de artéria torácica esqueletizada diminuiu significativamente a incidência de mediastinite.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of the technique used in the dissection of thoracic arteries in the evolution of diabetic patients submitted to OPCAB. METHODS: Seventy diabetic patients submitted to OPCAB using bilateral thoracic arteries were evaluated. In Group A, thoracic arteries were dissected as a pedicle, while in Group B they were skeletonized. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in Group A was 52.14 ± 7.35 years old versus 55.71 ± 8.1 years for Group B (p=0.057). In Group A, six patients (17.1%) were insulin dependent against nine (25.7%) in Group B (p = 0.561). The EUROSCORE was 3.97 ± 2.49 for Group A opposed to 4.14 ± 3.06 for Group B (p = 0.879). The number of distal anastomoses in Group A was 3 ± 0.77 versus 3.03 ± 0.89 in Group B (p = 0.981). Three patients (8.57%) from Group A presented with mediastinitis. Insulin dependence was the only significant risk factor (p=0.008) for mediastinitis. In this group the use of skeletonized internal thoracic arteries significantly decreased the incidence of mediastinitis (p = 0.044). Conclusion: The incidence of mediastinitis was lower in the group for which mammary arteries were dissected using skeletonization. Among insulin-dependent diabetics, 50 percent of the patients from the group in which the pedicled internal thoracic artery was utilized presented with mediastinitis; the utilization of skeletonized internal thoracic arteries significantly decreases the incidence of mediastinitis.

Influência da estimulação biatrial temporária externa na prevenção da fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório de revascularização miocárdica sem circulação extracorpórea / Influence of external temporary biatrial pacing on the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass without extracorporeal circulation

FUNDAMENTO: A fibrilação atrial é a mais comum complicação no pós-operatório de revascularização miocárdica, aumentando a incidência de morbi-mortalidade. OBJETIVO: O propósito deste estudo prospectivo e randomizado foi testar a hipótese de que a estimulação cardíaca temporária biatrial reduz a incidência da fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório de revascularização miocárdica. MÉTODOS: Em uma casuística de 98 pacientes não-consecutivos, submetidos a revascularização miocárdica sem circulação extracorpórea, foram implantados respectivamente dois eletrodos temporários em átrio direito e em átrio esquerdo e conectados a cada par de saída atrial do marcapasso, além dos eletrodos implantados no ventrículo direito. Foram randomizados dois grupos (controle: 49 pacientes sem a estimulação biatrial; terapêutico: 49 pacientes com a estimulação biatrial). As variáveis de interesse foram: fibrilação atrial (presença ou não), tempo de hospitalização. RESULTADOS: A incidência de fibrilação atrial foi de 36,73 por cento no grupo controle e 14,29 por cento no grupo terapêutico (p=0,0194). O tempo de hospitalização foi de 7,00±2,82 dias nos pacientes sem fibrilação atrial (n=73), e de 9,20±2,87 dias nos pacientes com fibrilação atrial (n=25) (p=0,0001). A idade foi importante preditor da arritmia, variou de 62,34±9,00 anos no grupo sem fibrilação atrial, e de 67,20±7,42 anos no grupo com fibrilação atrial (p=0,0170). CONCLUSÃO: A estimulação temporária biatrial profilática é efetiva na prevenção da fibrilação atrial, quando comparada ao grupo controle. Permanência hospitalar foi maior nos pacientes que apresentaram fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório e a idade foi importante preditor para o desenvolvimento da arritmia.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation is the most common complication after myocardial revascularization, and it increases morbidity/mortality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to test the hypothesis that temporary biatrial pacing is effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after myocardial revascularization. METHODS: Ninety-eight non-consecutive patients who had undergone off-pump myocardial revascularization received two temporary electrodes attached to the right and left atria, which were connected to either pair of atrial pacemaker electrodes, in addition to the leads implanted in the right ventricle. Two groups of patients were randomized (control: 49 patients with no biatrial pacing; therapeutic: 49 patients with biatrial pacing). The variables of interest were atrial fibrillation (present or absent) and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The incidence of atrial fibrillation was 36.73 percent in the control group and 14.29 percent in the therapeutic group (p=0.0194). Length of hospital stay was 7.00 ± 2.82 days for patients with no atrial fibrillation (n=73) and 9.20 ± 2.87 days for patients with atrial fibrillation (n=25) (p=0.0001). Age was an important predictor of arrhythmia and ranged between 62.34 ± 9.00 years in the group with no atrial fibrillation and 67.20 ± 7.42 years in the group with atrial fibrillation (p=0.0170). CONCLUSION: Compared to controls, prophylactic temporary biatrial pacing is effective in preventing atrial fibrillation. Hospital stay was longer for patients who developed postoperative atrial fibrillation, and age was an important predictor for the development of arrhythmia.

Analysis of the immediate outcomes of a comparative randomized study between aorto-saphenous mechanical anastomosis versus conventional anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate results of mechanical aorto-saphenous anastomosis compared with conventional anastomosis. METHOD: We evaluated 12 patients. The mean age ranged from 62.33 +/- 7.30 years. Of 12 patients submitted to surgery without extracorporeal circulation, 10 (83.3%) patients were male. Thirty-three proximal anastomoses were evaluated, 21 of them being performed through the conventional manner and 12 with the St. Jude Symmetry aortic connector. The time spent on anastomosis, and free flow and patency on the 4th day postoperative were analysed. RESULTS: The mechanical anastomosis was successfully performed in all patients. Electrocardiographic alteration compatible with myocardial infarctation (MI) on the 2nd day postoperative was observed only in one patient. The patient was referred to angiographic restudy, becoming evident a conventional proximal anastomosis occlusion for the marginal branch. Three patients had atrial fibrillation. The average time spent to perform the mechanical anastomosis was 44.08 +/- 9.26 seconds against 3.86 +/- 0.61 minutes of the conventional anastomosis (p = 0.0022). The average blood free flow observed in the mechanical anastomosis was 302.75 +/- 82.76 mL/min versus 190.75 +/- 51.53 mL/min (p = 0.0022). In the angiographic restudy performed on the 4th postoperative day, it was detected the occlusin of three mechanical anastomosis. There was no new conventional anastomosis (p = 0.2500). CONCLUSION: The present study showed a statistically significant superiority for mechanical anastomosis of the saphenous vein with the aorta when evaluated the blood free flow and the time to perform the anastomosis. In relation to the artery condition in the postoperative angiography, one cannot say there was statistically significant difference between the procedures studied.

Análise dos resultados imediatos de estudo comparativo entre anastomose mecânica aorto-safena versus convencional / Analysis of the immediate outcomes of a comparative randomized study between aorto-saphenous mechanical anastomosis versus conventional anastomosis

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados imediatos das anastomoses mecânicas aorto-safena, comparando-as às anastomoses convencionais. Método: Foram analisados 12 pacientes, com idade média...

Revascularização do miocárdio sem circulação extracorpórea em pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise / OPCAB in patients on hemodialysis

OBJETIVO: Analisar evolução hospitalar dos pacientes portadores de insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) em hemodiálise, submetidos a operação sem circulação extracorpórea (CEC). MÉTODO: Cinqüenta e um pacientes portadores de IRC foram submetidos à operação sem CEC. A hemodiálise foi realizada no dia anterior à operação e no dia seguinte. A revascularização do miocárdio foi realizada com ponto de LIMA e estabilizador por sucção. RESULTADOS: A idade média foi de 61,28±11,09 anos e 31 (58,8 por cento) pacientes eram do sexo feminino. A classe funcional predominante foi a IV em 21 (41,1 por cento) dos pacientes. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo era ruim em 21 (41,1 por cento) pacientes. O EUROSCORE médio desta série de pacientes foi de 7,65±3,83. O número médio de artérias coronárias revascularizadas foi de 3,1±0,78 por paciente. O tempo médio de ventilação mecânica foi de 3,78±4,35 horas. A permanência média na CTI foi de 41,9±13,8 horas, enquanto a média de permanência hospitalar foi de 6,5±1,31 dias. Quanto às complicações, nove (17,6 por cento) pacientes desenvolveram FA e um (1,9 por cento) apresentou quadro de AVC isquêmico, com boa recuperação durante a internação. Não houve óbito nesta série. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes renais crônicos submetidos à hemodiálise sempre foram uma população de alto risco para revascularização do miocárdio. A ausência de CEC, aparentemente, cursa com baixos índices de morbi-mortalidade nesta população.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the hospital outcomes of patients, with chronic renal insufficiency in the hemodialysis, submitted to OPCAB. METHOD: Fifty-one patients with chronic renal insufficiency were submitted to OPCAB. Hemodialysis was performed on the day before and the day after the operation. Myocardial revascularization was performed using LIMA's suture and suction stabilization. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients, with an averageof 61.28±11.09 years, were analyzed. Thirty patients (58.8 percent) were female. The predominant functional class was IV in 21 (41.1 percent) of the patients. The left ventricle ejection fraction was dire in 21 (41.1 percent) patients. The mean EUROSCORE of this series was 7.65±3.83 and the mean number of distal anastomosis was 3.1±0.78 per patient. The average time of mechanical ventilation was 3.78±4.35 hours and the mean ICU stay was 41.9±13.8 hours, while the average hospitalization was 6.5±1.31 days. In respect to complications, nine (17.6 percent) of the patients developed atrial fibrilation, and one (1.9 percent) patient presented with a case of ischemic stroke but had a good recovery during hospitalization. There were no deaths in this series. CONCLUSION: Chronic renal patients submitted to hemodialysis were always a high risk population for myocardial revascularization. In this series, the absence of extracorporeal circulation appeared to be safe and efficient in this special subgroup of patients. The operations were performed with low indices of complications, absence of deaths and relatively low stays in the ICU and in hospital.

Revascularizacão do miocárdio sem circulacão extracorpórea com enxertos arteriais: análise de 300 casos / Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with arterial grafts: analysis of 300 cases

OBJETIVO: Recentemente, o uso de múltiplos enxertos arteriais nas cirurgias coronarianas vem conquistando grande interesse da comunidade médica diante da perspectiva de melhores resultados a longo prazo em relacão às veias safenas. O presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar os resultados imediatos da associacão da operacão de revascularizacão do miocárdio sem circulacão extracorpórea, com o uso exclusivo de enxertos arteriais. MÉTODO: Entre junho de 2000 a dezembro de 2004, 300 pacientes foram submetidos a operacão para revascularizacão do miocárdio sem circulacão extracorpórea, usando-se apenas enxertos arteriais. A artéria torácica interna esquerda foi o enxerto de primeira escolha, seguida da artéria radial do membro superior não-dominante, artéria torácica interna direita e artéria radial do membro dominante. RESULTADO: A idade dos pacientes variou entre 33 e 77 anos. Duzentos e trinta e quatro pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 66 do sexo feminino. Com relacão a fatores de risco coronarianos, 77 por cento tinham história de hipertensão arterial, 66 por cento história de tabagismo, 53 por cento níveis elevados de colesterol e 21 por cento eram diabéticos. Oitenta e quatro (28 por cento) pacientes apresentavam antecedente de infarto do miocárdio e 77 (25,6 por cento) necessitaram de nitroglicerina endovenosa no período pré-operatório. A fracão de ejecão era inferior a 30 por cento em 77 (25,6 por cento) pacientes e a cineangiocoronariografia mostrou lesão em três ou mais vasos em 63 por cento dos casos. O EuroSCORE variou de 0 a 12 pontos, com uma mortalidade esperada para este grupo de 3,7 por cento. O número total de anastomoses distais foi de 838, com média de 2,79n0,97 por paciente. Houve seis (2 por cento) óbitos nesta série, sendo dois por mediastinite, um por insuficiência renal após choque séptico, um por causas metabólicas, um por sangramento e um por broncopneumonia. Diabetes foi o único fator associado com aumento na mortalidade. CONCLUSAO: A utilizacão de enxertos arteriais nas operacões para revascularizacão do miocárdio sem circulacão extracorpórea não acarretou aumento da morbi-mortalidade imediata nesta série. Os resultados obtidos estão dentro do previsto através do EuroSCORE. O uso de enxertos arteriais em diabéticos deve ser realizado de maneira bastante criteriosa.