Anatomical and clinical factors associated with infrapopliteal arterial bypass outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

The aim of this study was to identify anatomical and clinical factors associated with limb-based patency (LBP) loss, major adverse limb events (MALEs), and poor amputation-free survival (AFS) after an infrapopliteal arterial bypass (IAB) surgery according to the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System. A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IAB surgery between January 2010 and December 2021 at a single institution was performed. Two-year AFS, freedom from LBP loss, and freedom from MALEs were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Anatomical and clinical predictors were assessed using multivariate analysis. The total number of risk factors was used to calculate risk scores for subsequent categorization into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups. IABs were performed on 103 patients. The rates of two-year freedom from LBP loss, freedom from MALEs, and AFS were 71.3%, 76.1%, and 77.0%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that poor run-off beyond the ankle and a bypass vein caliber of < 3 mm were significantly associated with LBP loss and MALEs. Moreover, end-stage renal disease, non-ambulatory status, and a body mass index of < 18.5 were significantly associated with poor AFS. The rates of freedom from LBP loss and MALEs and the AFS rate were significantly lower in the high-risk group than in the other two groups (12-month low-risk rates: 92.2%, 94.8%, and 94.4%, respectively; 12-month moderate-risk rates: 58.6%, 84.6%, and 78.3%, respectively; 12-month high-risk rates: 11.1%, 17.6%, and 56.2%, respectively; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). IAB is associated with poor clinical outcomes in terms of LBP, MALEs, and AFS in high-risk patients. Risk stratification based on these predictors is useful for long-term prognosis.

Regeneration Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Sheets in a Rabbit Meniscal Defect Model Improves Tensile Strength and Load Distribution Function of the Meniscus at 12 Weeks.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties, such as the tensile strength and load distribution function, of the meniscus tissue regenerated using adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) sheets in a rabbit meniscal defect model. METHODS: ADSC sheets were prepared from adipose tissue of rabbits. The anterior half of the medial meniscus was removed from both knees. One knee was transplanted with an ADSC sheet; the contralateral knee was closed without transplantation. Mechanical tests were performed at 4 and 12 weeks posttransplantation. In the tensile test, tensile force was applied to the entire medial meniscus, including the normal area (n = 10/group). Compression tests were performed on the entire knee, with soft tissues other than the ligament removed. A pressure-sensitive film was inserted under the medial meniscus and a 40-N load was applied (n = 5/group). RESULTS: In the tensile test, the elastic modulus in ADSC-treated knees was higher at 12 weeks (ADSC: 70.30 ± 18.50 MPa, control: 43.71 ± 7.11 MPa, P = .009). The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) in ADSC-treated knees at 12 weeks was also higher (ADSC: 22.69 ± 5.87 N, control: 15.45 ± 4.08 N, P = .038). In the compression test, the contact area was larger in the ADSC group at 4 weeks (ADSC: 31.60 ± 8.17 mm2, control: 20.33 ± 2.86 mm2, P = .024) and 12 weeks (ADSC: 41.07 ± 6.09 mm2, control: 30.53 ± 5.47 mm2, P = .04). Peak pressure was significantly lower in ADSC-treated knees at 12 weeks (ADSC: 11.91 ± 1.03 MPa, control: 15.53 ± 2.3 MPa, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The regenerated meniscus tissue, 12 weeks after transplantation of the ADSC sheets into the meniscal defect area, had high elastic modulus and UTS. In the meniscus-tibia compartment, the contact area was large and the peak pressure was low. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ADSC sheets promoted regeneration of meniscus. ADSC sheet transplantation for meniscal defects could be an effective regenerative therapy.

Speed whip ripstop technique during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using quadriceps tendon results in higher fixation strength.

PURPOSE: To compare the biomechanical strength of different fixation configurations using a suspensory button in a soft-tissue quadriceps tendon graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Thirty fresh-frozen bovine Achilles tendons (10 mm wide, 50 mm long, and 4 mm thick) were used in this study. Tendons were assigned to three groups (n = 10 per group) with different suture configurations using adjustable loops with a suspensory button: group A, with the threads of an adjustable loop fixed by crossing at the tip of the loop and the entire loop; group B, continuous loops with hanging buttons were directly sutured to the tendon with eight simple sutures; group C, fixation was performed using the speed whip ripstop technique. Tensile tests with five cycles of preloading were performed at 50 N, held at 50 N for 1 min, and load-to-failure testing was conducted until rupture at 5 mm/min. The difference in the elongation and the maximum load-to-failure force were measured. RESULTS: The average elongation was significantly larger in group B (16.6 ± 2.2 mm) than in groups A (10.3 ± 2.4 mm) and C (10.0 ± 1.0 mm), (p < 0.001). The average load-to-failure force varied significantly between the three groups, 157.5 ± 33.4 N in group A, 253.4 ± 45.5 N in group B, and 337.7 ± 21.0 N in group C, (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fixation using the speed whip ripstop technique to fix the suspensory button and soft-tissue transplant tendon resulted in minimal elongation and higher fixation strength. Simple devices that use this method have already been developed. Since it can be fixed using a relatively simple method, speed whip ripstop technique was shown to be advantageous for femoral fixation in ACL reconstruction using soft-tissue quadriceps tendon. The findings of this study could help surgeons reduce graft re-tear rates in ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A, laboratory control study.

Relationship of early postoperative perceived leg length discrepancy to the progression of osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip after unilateral total hip arthroplasty-a retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching.

[Purpose] This study aimed to identify the relationship between the early postoperative perceived leg length discrepancy after unilateral total hip arthroplasty and the progression of osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip. [Participants and Methods] This was a retrospective cohort study of 65 patients who underwent primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty for bilateral hip osteoarthritis. The minimum joint space width of the contralateral hip was measured preoperatively. The change in minimum joint space width one year postoperatively compared with preoperatively was measured. At three weeks postoperatively, patients were divided into the perceived and non-perceived leg length discrepancy groups using the block test. Patients with a perceived leg length discrepancy of 2 mm or more and less than 2 mm were grouped into the perceived and non-perceived leg length discrepancy groups, respectively. Before and after propensity score matching, the change in minimum joint space width between the two groups from the preoperative period to one year postoperatively was compared. [Results] In the pre-propensity matching sample, there was no significant difference in the change in minimum joint space width between the two groups. In the post-propensity matching sample, the change in minimum joint space width in the perceived leg length discrepancy group was significantly larger than that in the non-perceived leg length discrepancy group. [Conclusion] The early postoperative perceived leg length discrepancy after unilateral total hip arthroplasty may affect the progression of osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip.

Efficacy of Fusion Imaging in Endovascular Revascularization of the Superficial Femoral Artery.

BACKGROUND: The demand for endovascular revascularization (ER) to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) has steadily increased. However, ER comes at the cost of increased contrast and radiation exposure, particularly in more complex cases. Fusion imaging is a new technology that may address these issues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fusion imaging in ER of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). METHODS: Patients with PAD undergoing ER of the SFA from February 2016 to July 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. A group of patients treated using fusion imaging was compared with a control group treated without fusion imaging. The primary end points were the contrast dose, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and operative time. RESULTS: A total of 51 patients (fusion group, n = 26; control group, n = 25) underwent ER during the study period. Significantly lower iodinated contrast doses were observed in the fusion than in the control group (56.1 ± 23.7 vs. 87.9 ± 44.9 mL; P = 0.003), as well as significantly shorter fluoroscopy times (21.2 ± 11.1 vs. 44.9 ± 31.4 min; P = 0.001), lower radiation exposure (29.9 ± 8.9 vs. 122.2 ± 223.1 mGy; P = 0.04), and shorter operative times (88.3 ± 32.1 vs. 126.1 ± 66.8 min; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The use of fusion imaging technology during ER of the SFA can significantly reduce the contrast dose, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and operative time.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Sheets Promote Meniscus Regeneration Regardless of Whether the Defect Involves the Inner Half or the Whole Width of the Anterior Half of the Medial Meniscus in a Rabbit Model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the regenerative effect of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) sheets in two different rabbit models of meniscal defects. METHODS: Forty-two rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: the whole (Group 1) or the inner half (Group 2) of anterior half of the medial meniscus was removed from both knees. The ADSC sheets were transplanted into one knee, whereas in the other knee the meniscal defect was left untreated (self-control). The histological score and expression of genes encoding collagen type I and II (COL1/2), SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), and aggrecan (ACAN) were compared between the ADSC sheet-treated and untreated menisci at 4 and 12 weeks. The ADSC sheet-treated menisci at 12 weeks were also analyzed immunohistochemically to assess the collagen component. RESULTS: The histological score was significantly higher in the treated side than in the control side at 4 and 12 weeks in both groups (Group 1; P = .016 and .032; Group 2; P = .030 and .016, respectively). All genes evaluated showed significantly higher expression in the treated side than in the control side in both groups, except COL2 and SOX9 at 4 weeks and COL2 at 12 weeks in Group 1, and COL1 in Group 2 at 4 weeks. The ADSC sheet-treated meniscus in Group 1 contained mostly COL1, whereas the Group 2 had less COL1, but was rich in COL2. CONCLUSIONS: ADSC sheets can promote meniscal regeneration regardless of whether the defect involves the inner half or whole width of the anterior half of the medial meniscus. However, the collagen component of the ADSC sheet-treated tissue differs depending on the defect site. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ADSCs may help meniscal regeneration due to meniscal defects after meniscectomy. This study suggests longer-term follow-up and mechanical analysis as next steps.

Differences in cellular and microstructural properties of the semitendinosus muscle tendon between young and adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Poor outcomes associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in paediatric patients are a major concern. The tendon structure and its cellular characteristics are key factors that affect the mechanical properties of tendons. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of growth on the cellular and microstructural properties of the tendon of the semitendinosus muscle in humans. METHODS: Semitendinosus muscle tendon samples from 76 patients who underwent ligament reconstruction were examined and divided into three groups: immature (10.8 ± 2.7 years old), young (16.5 ± 1.8 years old), and adult (35.2 ± 8.6 years old), based on age and the state of the epiphyseal plate in the distal femur. The number of tendon cells per unit area was assessed, and the major-to-minor-length ratio of the tendon cell nuclei was calculated to evaluate the shape of the nuclei using haematoxylin and eosin staining. The collagen fibril diameter and distribution were determined using electron microscopy. RESULTS: The major-to-minor-length ratio of the tendon cell nuclei significantly increased with age (p-value; immature vs. young: 0.018, young vs adult: 0.001, immature vs adult: 0.001). The shape of the tendon cell nuclei was rounder in the immature group and more elongated in the adult group. A significant decrease in the number of tendon cells was observed with age (immature: 565 ± 134/mm2, young: 356 ± 105/mm2, adult: 272 ± 81/mm2; p-value: immature vs young: 0.001, young vs adult: 0.012, immature vs adult: 0.001). The mean fibril diameter in the immature group was significantly smaller (p-value: immature vs young: 0.018, young vs adult: 0.001, immature vs adult: 0.001). The distribution of the collagen fibrils changed from right skewed in the immature group to flat in the adult group. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of the tendon cells and the microstructure of collagen in muscle tendons significantly changed with age.

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) of the major salivary glands: an assessment of the optimal number and combination of b-values.

Purpose: To examine the optimal number and combination of b-values in intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusionweighted imaging (DWI) of the major salivary glands. Material and methods: IVIM-DWI was performed on 10 healthy volunteers using 13 b-values (low b-values: 0-100 s/mm2; high b-values: 200-1000 s/mm2). The IVIM parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient of the bilateral major salivary glands were calculated using 13 b-values and were considered the standard values. We sequentially reduced the number of b-values to 10, 8, 6, and 5. The parameters in each combination were calculated. The standard values were compared with the parameters from each reduced b-value in IVIM-DWI. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine whether there were any differences between the parameters in each combination. Bonferroni correction was conducted for multiple comparisons. Results: There were no significant differences between the standard values and parameters from the 2 combinations of 6 b-values. However, significant differences were observed between the standard values and parameters from some combinations of only 2 low or only 2 high b-values. Conclusions: IVIM-DWI of the major salivary glands could be performed using a minimum of 6 b-values. However, they should contain 3 low and 3 high b-values.

Early evaluation of the infrainguinal revascularization strategy selection tool of the Global Vascular Guidelines for chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients.

OBJECTIVE: The Global Vascular Guidelines (GVG) propose a novel Global Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) with the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system as a clinical decision-making tool for interventions in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). We assessed the validity of clinical staging and the relationship between the treatments recommended by the GVG and the outcomes of the actual procedures. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, observational study included 117 patients with CLTI undergoing infrainguinal revascularization in our hospital between 2015 and 2019. Of those patients, 55 underwent open bypass (OB) and 62 underwent endovascular revascularization (EVR). Femoropopliteal, infrapopliteal, and inframalleolar GLASS grades were assigned based on angiographic images. These grades were combined to determine the revascularization strategy recommended by the GVG: "endovascular," "indeterminate," and "open bypass." The indeterminate category includes three subcategories: GLASS stage III, WIfI stage 2; GLASS stage II, WIfI stage 3; and GLASS stage II, WIfI stage 4. For the purposes of this study, we labeled these subcategories A, B, and C, respectively. The primary outcome was the correlation between the revascularization strategies recommended by the GVG and the actual procedures performed. The relationships between the actual procedures and overall survival, limb salvage, and patency were also examined. RESULTS: The femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal GLASS grades were higher in the OB group. EVR was performed more often for GLASS stages I and II and was more often classified as indeterminate B and C, whereas OB was performed more often in GLASS stage III and was more often classified as indeterminate A. There were no statistically significant differences in the inframalleolar/pedal disease descriptor or in the 30-day postoperative complication rates between the two groups. In higher GLASS stages, the technical success rate of EVR was lower, and lesion complexity was more severe. Patients for whom the recommended strategy according to the GVG would have been OB but who underwent EVR were associated with low limb salvage and patency rates. CONCLUSIONS: The GVG provide good guidance for the selection of the revascularization strategy. When the GVG indicate OB, it should be the treatment of choice, rather than EVR, for patients who are fit to undergo the procedure.

Clinical study of anatomical ACL reconstruction using a rounded rectangular dilator.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was that to compare clinical results between the rounded rectangular femoral tunnel ACL reconstruction (RFTR) and the conventional round femoral tunnel ACL reconstruction using a hamstring tendon. The hypothesis was that ACL reconstruction performed using the rounded rectangular dilator technique was better than that performed using the conventional round femoral tunnel technique in terms of clinical results and bone tunnel enlargement. METHODS: We conducted retrospective study. After exclusions, 40 patients were included in the conventional anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction (ASBR) group and 40 patients were included in the RFTR group. The evaluation items were knee stability, Lysholm knee score, IKDC subjective score at 2 years after surgery and bone tunnel enlargement. RESULTS: The RFTR group had a larger femoral tunnel area (average area, 53.1 ± 4.0 mm2 vs. 46.1 ± 7.0 mm2; P < 0.01), better anteroposterior stability, and higher Lysholm scores than the ASBR group (average side-to-side difference for anterior tibial translation, 0.6 ± 0.8 mm vs. 1.6 ± 1.4 mm; P < 0.01; average Lysholm score, 98.5 ± 2.1 vs. 97.5 ± 3.5; P < 0.01). Further, bone tunnel enlargement ratio was significantly lower in the RFTR group (73 ± 38% vs. 107 ± 41%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We designed and developed an original rounded rectangular dilator to perform a novel ACL surgery. This technique can create a larger bone tunnel and improve clinical results than the conventional round anatomical single-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Usefulness of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block in combination with femoral nerve block for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective trial.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to compare the combination of femoral nerve block (FNB) with interspace between the popliteal artery and the capsule of posterior knee (IPACK) block (IPACK group) with the combination of FNB with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) block (LFCN group) for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that the lower pain scores and decreased suppository use would be noted in patients administered a combination of FNB and IPACK block. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-randomized prospective controlled clinical trial was conducted. The IPACK and LFCN groups included 40 patients each. The patients received IPACK block and LFCN block alternately. Thirty minutes prior to the surgery and after administration of general anesthesia, patients received an ultrasound-guided FNB and IPACK block or LFCN block. After ACL reconstruction, the visual analog scale pain scores were recorded at 30 min, 4 h, 8 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the surgery. The administration and use of analgesic suppositories were assessed. These measures were compared among the treatment types at each time-point using the Welch's t-test. RESULTS: Suppository use was significantly less in the LFCN group than in the IPACK group. The pain scores were significantly lower in the LFCN group at 30 min, 4 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the surgery. CONCLUSION: The combination of FNB with LFCN block during ACL reconstruction significantly reduces pain in the early postoperative period compared to a combination of FNB with IPACK block. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective control trial, Level II.

Development of a new phantom simulating extracellular space of tumor cell growth and cell edema for diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: A phantom for diffusion-weighted imaging is required to standardize quantitative evaluation. The objectives were to develop a phantom simulating various cell densities and to evaluate repeatability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acrylic fine particles with three different diameters were used to simulate human cells. Four-degree cell density components were developed by adjusting the volume of 10-µm particles (5, 20, 35, and 50% volume, respectively). Two-degree components to simulate cell edema were also developed by adjusting the diameter without changing number (17% and 40% volume, respectively). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to find a significant correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and particle density. Coefficient of variation (CV) for ADC was calculated for each component for 6 months. A p value < 0.05 represented a statistically significance. RESULTS: Each component (particle ratio of 5, 17, 20, 35, 40, and 50% volume, respectively) presented ADC values of 1.42, 1.30, 1.30, 1.12, 1.09, and 0.89 (× 10-3 mm2/s), respectively. A negative correlation (r = - 0.986, p < 0.05) was observed between ADC values and particle ratio. CV for ADC was less than 5%. DISCUSSION: A phantom simulating the diffusion restriction correlating with cell density and size could be developed.

Correction to: Development of a new phantom simulating extracellular space of tumor cell growth and cell edema for diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake. Second column of "Cell edema" should read as.

The reproducibility of measurements using a standardization phantom for the evaluation of fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

OBJECTIVES: It is necessary to standardize the examination procedure and diagnostic criteria of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the reproducibility of measurements using a standardization phantom composed of different fibre materials with different fibre densities (FDs) for the evaluation of fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from DTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two types of fibre materials wrapped in heat-shrinkable tubes were used as fibre phantoms. We designed fibre phantoms with three different FDs of each fibre material. The standardization phantom was examined using DTI protocol six times a day, and each examination session was repeated once a month for 7 consecutive months. Fibre tracking was performed by setting regions of interest in the FA map, and FA was measured in each fibre phantom. Coefficients of variation (CVs) were used to evaluate the inter-examination reproducibility of FA values. Furthermore, Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the intra-operator reproducibility of FA measurements. RESULTS: All CVs for each fibre phantom were within 2% throughout the 7-month study of repeated DTI sessions. The high intra-operator reproducibility of the FA measurement was confirmed. DISCUSSION: High reproducibility of measurements using a standardization phantom for the evaluation of FA was achieved.

Comparison of intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging between turbo spin-echo and echo-planar imaging of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVES: To compare image quality, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)-derived parameters between turbo spin-echo (TSE)-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and echo-planar imaging (EPI)-DWI of the head and neck. METHODS: Fourteen volunteers underwent head and neck imaging using TSE-DWI and EPI-DWI. Distortion ratio (DR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), ADC and IVIM-derived parameters were compared between the two techniques. Bland-Altman analysis was performed to analyse reproducibility between the quantitative parameters of TSE-DWI and EPI-DWI. RESULTS: DR of TSE-DWI was significantly smaller than that of EPI-DWI. SNR and CNR of TSE-DWI were significantly higher than those of EPI-DWI. ADC and IVIM-derived parameters of TSE-DWI showed higher values than those of EPI-DWI, although the difference was not significant. Bland-Altman analysis showed wide limits of agreement between the two sequences. CONCLUSION: TSE-DWI can produce better image quality than EPI-DWI, while TSE-DWI possibly exhibits different values of quantitative parameters. Therefore, TSE-DWI could be a good alternative to EPI-DWI for patients sensitive to distortion. However, it is not recommended to use both TSE-DWI and EPI-DWI on follow-up. KEY POINTS: • Head and neck DWI is especially sensitive to magnetic inhomogeneity. • The distortion of images was less with TSE-DWI than with EPI-DWI. • TSE-DWI can possibly exhibit higher ADC and IVIM-derived parameters than EPI-DWI. • Bland-Altman analysis showed unacceptable LoA in quantitative analysis between TSE-DWI and EPI-DWI. • It is not recommended to use both TSE-DWI and EPI-DWI for follow-up.

The Responses of Arabidopsis Early Light-Induced Protein2 to Ultraviolet B, High Light, and Cold Stress Are Regulated by a Transcriptional Regulatory Unit Composed of Two Elements.

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Early Light-Induced Protein (ELIP) is thought to act as a photoprotectant, reducing the damaging effects of high light (HL). Expression of ELIP2 is activated by multiple environmental stresses related to photoinhibition. We have identified putative regulatory elements in an ELIP2 promoter using an octamer-based frequency comparison method, analyzed the role of these elements using synthetic promoters, and revealed a key transcriptional regulatory unit for ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation, HL, and cold stress responses. The unit is composed of two elements, designated as Elements A (TACACACC) and B (GGCCACGCCA), and shows functionality only when paired. Our genome-wide correlation analysis between possession of these elements in the promoter region and expression profiles in response to UV-B, HL, and cold suggests that Element B receives and integrates these multiple stress signals. In vitro protein-DNA binding assays revealed that LONG HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), a basic domain-Leucine zipper transcription factor, directly binds to Element B. In addition, mutant analysis of HY5 showed partial involvement in the UV-B and HL responses but not in the cold stress response. These results suggest that signals for UV-B, HL, and cold stress join at Element B, which recognizes the signals of multiple transcription factors, including HY5.

[Surgical Outcomes of Aortic Root Repair in Type A Acute Aortic Dissection].

We carried out a retrospective evaluation of the early and long-term outcomes of aortic root reconstruction for type A acute aortic dissection. Between January 2001 and March 2015, a total of 21 patients underwent aortic root reconstruction. Bentall operation was performed in 9 patients( B group) and Patch plasty of sinus of Valsalva patients was performed in 12 patients (V group). There were 3 in-hospital deaths due in the B group and 1 death due in the V group. Overall survival in the V group was 72.9% and was not significantly different from survival in the B group(66.7%). In conclusion, our study demonstrated good early and long-term outcomes for patch plasty of sinus of Valsalva for type A acute aortic dissection. There was no postoperative patch-related complication in the V group. Thus, a patch plasty of sinus of Valsalva for type A acute aortic issection may be acceptable.

[Right branch pulmonary artery stenosis with supravalvar aortic stenosis as a complication of Lecompte maneuver for tetralogy of Fallot associated with absent pulmonary valve].

The patient was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot associated with absent pulmonary valve syndrome and a low birth weight of 1,912 g. He suffered from respiratory distress on day 14 and received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. At 5 months of age and 4.1 kg, he underwent intracardiac repair including right ventricular outflow repair with a monocusp patch, patch closure of the ventricular septum defect and right pulmonary transposition to the anterior of the ascending aorta following the Lecompte maneuver for airway decompression. He was subsequently discharged to home and exhibited an uneventful clinical course with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation for 5 months postoperatively. However, right pulmonary artery and supra-aortic stenosis was noted 2 years after the operation. Computed tomography (CT) and angiography showed ascending aorta strangulation by the right pulmonary artery with right ventricular outflow regurgitation. Right pulmonary artery reconstruction using polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposition and repeat right ventricular outflow repair with bicuspid hand-sewn valves was therefore performed;the postoperative course was uneventful. Pre- and post-operative management using non-invasive positive pressure ventilation and airway decompression with pulmonary artery translocation is a useful strategy in patients exhibiting symptomatic tetralogy of Fallot associated with absent pulmonary valve syndrome in the neonatal period.

[Early and Late Outcomes of Valve Surgery in Active Infective Endocarditis Patients with Cerebral Complications].

We carried out a retrospective evaluation of the early and late outcomes of valve surgery for acute endocarditis patients with cerebrovascular disease. Between January 2002 and August 2014, a total of 17 patients (early group, n=10;delayed group, n=7) underwent valve surgery with or without an additional procedure. Craniotomy was performed in 1 patient in the early group and 2 patients in the delayed group before valve surgery. There was 1 in-hospital death due to acute respiratory distress syndrome in the early group and 1 death due to intestinal bleeding in the delayed group. Postoperative deterioration was observed in 1 in the delayed group. Overall survival in the early group was 90% and was not significantly different from survival in the delayed group (86%). In conclusion, our study demonstrated good early and mid-term outcomes for valve surgery in active endocarditis patients with cerebrovascular disease. There was no postoperative deterioration in the early group. Thus, an early operation for these patients may be acceptable.

Goofy coordinates the acuity of olfactory signaling.

The basic scheme of odor perception and signaling from olfactory cilia to the brain is well understood. However, factors that affect olfactory acuity of an animal, the threshold sensitivity to odorants, are less well studied. Using signal sequence trap screening of a mouse olfactory epithelium cDNA library, we identified a novel molecule, Goofy, that is essential for olfactory acuity in mice. Goofy encodes an integral membrane protein with specific expression in the olfactory and vomeronasal sensory neurons and predominant localization to the Golgi compartment. Goofy-deficient mice display aberrant olfactory phenotypes, including the impaired trafficking of adenylyl cyclase III, stunted olfactory cilia, and a higher threshold for physiological and behavioral responses to odorants. In addition, the expression of dominant-negative form of cAMP-dependent protein kinase results in shortening of olfactory cilia, implying a possible mechanistic link between cAMP and ciliogenesis in the olfactory sensory neurons. These results demonstrate that Goofy plays an important role in establishing the acuity of olfactory sensory signaling.