Author Correction: A new coronavirus associated with human respiratory disease in China.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

A new coronavirus associated with human respiratory disease in China.

Emerging infectious diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Zika virus disease, present a major threat to public health1-3. Despite intense research efforts, how, when and where new diseases appear are still a source of considerable uncertainty. A severe respiratory disease was recently reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. As of 25 January 2020, at least 1,975 cases had been reported since the first patient was hospitalized on 12 December 2019. Epidemiological investigations have suggested that the outbreak was associated with a seafood market in Wuhan. Here we study a single patient who was a worker at the market and who was admitted to the Central Hospital of Wuhan on 26 December 2019 while experiencing a severe respiratory syndrome that included fever, dizziness and a cough. Metagenomic RNA sequencing4 of a sample of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the patient identified a new RNA virus strain from the family Coronaviridae, which is designated here 'WH-Human 1' coronavirus (and has also been referred to as '2019-nCoV'). Phylogenetic analysis of the complete viral genome (29,903 nucleotides) revealed that the virus was most closely related (89.1% nucleotide similarity) to a group of SARS-like coronaviruses (genus Betacoronavirus, subgenus Sarbecovirus) that had previously been found in bats in China5. This outbreak highlights the ongoing ability of viral spill-over from animals to cause severe disease in humans.

Effect of Nitrogen Flow Ratio on Composition, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Cr-B-O-N Films Deposited by Pulsed Direct Current Magnetron Sputtering.

Nano-crystalline CrB2 and Cr-B-O-N films with various nitrogen flow ratios were deposited using a pulsed direct current (PDC) magnetron sputtering technique. By means of electron probe micro-analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and atomic force microscopy, the influences of the nitrogen flow ratio on the phase constituents and microstructures of CrB2/Cr-B-O-N films were systematically investigated. Mechanical properties including the hardness and elastic modulus were explored by a nano-indentation tester. On increasing the nitrogen flow ratio, the N and O contents in films increased linearly and tended to become saturated, whereas the Cr and B contents decreased. With an increasing nitrogen flow ratio, the microstructure changed from a dense columnar structure to a bulky columnar structure, and then to a fine and stacked dense structure. Meanwhile, the deposition rate also changed with increasing nitrogen flow ratio, owing to the changes in structure. Crystalline phases were observed by the XRD and HRTEM analyses, consisting of several nanometer-size crystallites embedded in an amorphous matrix. The dramatically decreased hardness was attributed to the large fractional volume of the softer amorphous phase BN in films.

[Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets combined with desloratadine in treatment of chronic urticarial].

To analyze the efficacy and safety of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets combined with desloratadine as well as desloratadine alone in the treatment of chronic urticaria by Meta-analysis,in order to provide evidence-based reference for clinical treatment.PubMed,CBM,Wan Fang,VIP database and CNKI database were retrieved to collect randomized controlled trials( RCT) about Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets combined with desloratadine( test group) as well as desloratadine alone( control group) in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5. 3 software after data extraction and quality evaluation( a total of 15 RCTs were included,involving 1 411 patients). Meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate( RR = 1. 28,95%CI[1. 22,1. 35],P<0. 000 01) and the quality of life improvement rate( RR = 1. 49,95% CI[1. 33,1. 66],P< 0. 000 01) of the test group were better than those of the control group,and the recurrence rate( RR = 0. 29,95%CI[0. 21,0. 40],P<0. 000 01) was significantly lower than that of the control group,with statistically significant differences; there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions( RR = 1. 02,95%CI[0. 68,1. 53],P = 0. 92) compared with the control group. Based on the included RCTs,the efficacy of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets combined with desloratadine in the treatment of chronic urticaria were superior to those of desloratadine alone,with similarity in safety. However,due to the low quality of RCTs and the lack of large-scale multi-center studies,the results shall not be further verified by clinical trials.

An alternative approach for repair of supracardiac and infracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in neonates and infants: superior approach with caval transection.

Recently, the superior approach with transaction of the superior vena cava was introduced for the repair of supracardiac anomalies in adults. We developed a bidirectional right-angle venous cannula and placed it within the innominate vein to make the modified superior approach with the superior caval transection suitable for neonates and tiny infants. We applied this modified superior approach for the repair of infracardiac forms of total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage.

Total Aortic Arch Reconstruction With Triple-Branched Stent Graft or Hemiarch Replacement for Acute Debakey Type I Aortic Dissection: Five-Years Experience With 93 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the outcomes of a new triple-branched stent graft reconstruction technique of total aortic arch with those of the conventional strategy of replacing the hemiarch during the surgical treatment of acute Debakey type I aortic dissection over five years. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with acute Debakey type I aortic dissection underwent ascending aorta replacement combined with triple-branched stent graft reconstruction of the aortic arch from June 2008 to February 2010. Concurrently, 41 cases of Debakey type I aortic dissection underwent ascending aorta replacement combined with hemiarch replacement. Both groups received hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass and selective cerebral perfusion. RESULTS: Patient characteristics and in-hospital mortality of the two groups were similar. Postoperative data were not different between the groups. During the five years after surgery, there were no deaths in the stent graft group and three deaths in the hemiarch group. The late reinterventions/events during follow-up in the stent graft group were significantly less than those in the hemiarch group. On postoperative computed tomography, the aortic diameter of both groups was significantly reduced compared to the postoperative aortic diameter. There was no difference in diameter between one month and five years postoperatively in the stent graft group, although in the hemiarch group the diameter was significantly greater at five years than at one month postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The triple-branched stent graft reconstruction of the aortic arch is an effective and simplified procedure for the treatment of acute Debakey type I aortic dissection.

[Validation and comparison of pharmacogenetics-based warfarin dosing algorithms in Han Chinese patients].

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the existing three types of pharmacogenetics-based Warfarin dosing algorithms appropriately predict the actual maintenance dose in Han Chinese mechanical heart valve replacement patients (n = 130). METHODS: The patients' CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genetic polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP. The genotype of CYP2C9, VKORC1 and other information were used to calculate predicted doses. Accuracy of the models was assessed using the absolute value of the difference between predicted dose and actual dose, calculated on both an absolute and percentage basis. Actual weekly dose was also regressed on predicted weekly dose, from which we obtained R(2) values. Clinical accuracy of the predictions was assessed by computing the proportion in which the predicted dose was 20% or more below the actual dose (under dosed), within 20% of the actual dose (ideally dosed), or 20% or greater above the actual dose (over dosed). RESULTS: The average absolute error is the smallest for the predictions made by the Wen model (3.74 mg/wk), followed by the Ohno model (4.07 mg/wk) and IWPC model (5.05 mg/wk). R(2) was 40.2% in the Wen model, 38.2% in the Ohno model and 26.7% in the IWPC model. When comparing the percentage of patients for whom the predicted doses were ideal, the Wen model works the best (50.0%) in low-dose group (≤ 21 mg/wk), but the Ohno model works the best (85.29%) in middle-dose group (21 - 49 mg/wk), followed by the Wen model. CONCLUSION: The best accuracy is achieved by the Wen model and the best clinical accuracy is obtained by the Ohno model for predicting the actual maintenance dose in Han Chinese mechanical heart valve replacement patients.

[Outcome post orthotopic heart transplantation for patients with end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the outcome of orthotopic heart transplantation for patient with end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: This retrospective review analyzed the clinical data of nine patients (7 males) undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation for end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in our center. All patients received induced therapy protocols peri-operative and standard triple maintenance immunosuppressive therapy postoperative. RESULTS: One recipients developed acute renal failure due to renal artery embolism and allograft rejection in the early posttransplantive course, symptoms and signs were improved under continuous renal replacement therapy and steroid-pulse therapy, this patient died of sudden cardiac arrest at 32 months post transplantation. Another recipient developed demyelinating disease in frontal and parietal lobe and finally recovered with medical therapy. Eight patients survived the operation with good quality of life and there was no episode of rejection or infection or chronic graft arteriosclerosis during follow-up time. Three recipients developed left ventricular hypertrophy and there were no signs of grapg-vessel diseases in the survivals. CONCLUSION: Heart transplantation is the best therapeutic option for selected patients with end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Effects of isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase silencing on the migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of isoprenylcysteine carboxymethyltransferase (ICMT) silencing on the migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma was investigated by constructing the small interfering RNA (siRNA) of ICMT. METHODS: Through liposomal transfection, siRNA was transfected into human tongue squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 and SCC-4 cells (ICMT-siRNA group) with a negative control group (transfected with NC-siRNA) and a blank control group (transfected with a transfection reagent but not with siRNA). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the mRNA expression of ICMT and RhoA in each group of cells after transfection and to measure the silencing efficiency. Western blot was applied to examine the expression levels of ICMT, total RhoA, membrane RhoA, ROCK1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 proteins in each group. The migration and invasion abilities were evaluated via wound healing and Transwell motility assays. RESULTS: After CAL-27 and SCC-4 cells were transfected with ICMT-siRNA, the expression levels of ICMT genes and proteins decreased significantly in the experimental group compared with those in the negative and blank control groups (P<0.05). The mRNA and total protein expression levels of RhoA in the two groups were not significantly different (P>0.05). The expression levels of RhoA membrane protein, ROCK1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 decreased (P<0.05). The migration and invasion abilities were inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The migration and invasion abilities of CAL-27 and SCC-4 cells were reduced significantly after the transfection of ICMT-siRNA, and the involved mechanism might be related to the RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway.

Effects of isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase silencing on the proliferation and apoptosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the effects of silencing isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransfe-rase (Icmt) through small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference on the proliferation and apoptosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). METHODS: Three siRNA were designed and constructed for the Icmt gene sequence and were then transfected into TSCC cells CAL-27 and SCC-4 to silence Icmt expression. The tested cells were divided as follows: RNA interference groups Icmt-siRNA-1, Icmt-siRNA-2, and Icmt-siRNA-3, negative control group, and blank control group. The transfection efficiency of siRNA was detected by the fluorescent group Cy3-labeled siRNA, and the expression of Icmt mRNA was screened by quantitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) selected the experimental group for subsequent experiments. The expression of Icmt, RhoA, Cyclin D1, p21, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK) were analyzed by Western blot. The proliferation abilities of TSCC cells were determined by cell counting kit-8 assay. The change in apoptosis was detected by AnnexinV-APC/propidium staining (PI) assay. Cell-cycle analysis was conducted by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The expression of Icmt mRNA and protein in TSCC cells significantly decreased after Icmt-siRNA transfection (P<0.05). No significant difference in RhoA mRNA and protein expression was detected (P>0.05), but the expression of RhoA membrane protein decreased compared with the negative control group and blank control groups (P<0.05). Cyclin D1 expression decreased, whereas p21 expression significantly increased and the relative expression of ERK protein in the experimental group did not significantly different that in the control group (P>0.05). However, the phosphorylation level of ERK was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The cell cycles of TSCC CAL-27 and SCC-4 were altered in G1/S, cell proliferation activity was inhibited, and apoptosis was induced (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Silencing Icmt can effectively downregulate its expression in TSCC cells, reduce the RhoA membrane targeting localization and cell proliferation, and induce apoptosis. Thus, Icmt may be a potential gene therapy target for TSCC.

[Effects of farnesyltransferase silencing on the migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effects of silencing farnesyltransferase (FTase) on the migration and invasion of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) through RNA interference. METHODS: TSCC cells (CAL27 and SCC-4) were cultured in vitro and then transfected with siRNA to silence FTase expression. The tested cells were categorized as follows: experimental group (three RNA interference groups), negative control group, and blank control group. mRNA expression of FTase and HRAS in each group was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. On the basis of FTase mRNA expression, the optimum interference group (highest silencing efficiency) was selected as the experimental group for further study. The protein expression of FTase, HRAS, p65, p-p65(S536), matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was analyzed by Western blot. The invasion and migration abilities of TSCC cells were determined by Transwell invasion assay and cell wound healing assay. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expression of FTase in the experimental group decreased compared with that in the negative control and blank control groups (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of HRAS was not significantly different among the groups (P>0.05). In the experimental group, the protein expression of p-p65(S536), MMP-9, HIF-1α, and VEGF decreased (P<0.05), whereas that of p65 had no significant change (P>0.05). The migration and invasion abilities of the experimental group were inhibited significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Silencing FTase in vitro could effectively downregulate its expression in TSCC cell lines and reduce the migration and invasion abilities to a certain extent. FTase could be a new gene therapy target of TSCC, and this research provided a new idea for the clinical treatment of TSCC.

The anti-tumor properties of two tumstatin peptide fragments in human gastric carcinoma.

AIM: The aim was to study the anti-tumor activities and mechanisms of two synthetic peptide fragments of tumstatin (alpha3 (IV) NC1 domain) in human gastric carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: MTT assay and cell cycle assay were used to study the anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities of two peptide fragments in vitro. Apoptosis induced by the two peptide fragments was demonstrated by TUNEL assay and morphological observation. The orthotopic tumor model was established to investigate the activities of two peptide fragments in vivo. Intratumor vascularization and the expressions of VEGF, bFGF, Fas, FasL, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase 3 were determined using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Peptide 19 inhibited SGC-7901 proliferation and induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, peptide 21 suppressed the proliferation of HUVEC-12 cells in vitro. Each peptide arrested both cell lines at the G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle, and they also synergistically suppressed in vitro and in vivo tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis revealed the strong expression of Fas, FasL and caspase 3 in orthotopic tumor tissues treated with peptide 19 alone or in combination with peptide 21. Decreased expressions of VEGF and bFGF and decreased microvessel density (MVD) in orthotopic tumor tissues were seen in mice treated with peptide 21 alone or in combination with peptide 19. CONCLUSION: Two tumstatin peptide fragments facilitate two unique antitumor activities. Thus, they are drug candidates in the treatment of gastric carcinoma.

MMP-1 is overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer tissues and the knockdown of MMP-1 expression inhibits tumor cell malignant behaviors in vitro.

Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) is a member of the zinc-dependent endopeptidase family, which cleaves the extracellular matrix. The present study investigated the functional role of MMP-1 in breast cancer ex vivo and in vitro in order to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms. The levels of MMP-1 were analyzed in 99 breast cancer specimens using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. A stable short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown of MMP-1 expression was performed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and the effects were examined using MTT and colony formation assays, as well as migration and invasion assays, while western blotting was used to detect the activation of intracellular signaling. The MMP-1 protein was more highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer tissues than in estrogen receptor(+) and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor(3+) breast cancer tissues (P<0.05). Furthermore, the MMP-1 levels were significantly higher in the tumor and tumor stromal cells of lymph node metastatic breast cancer tissues than in those of non-metastatic tissues. The knockdown of MMP-1 expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells using MMP-1 shRNA significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and the expression of the Myc proto-oncogene protein, phosphorylated and total RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase 1, and B-cell lymphoma 2, but increased the protein levels of apoptosis regulator BAX and caspase 3. In conclusion, the data suggest that MMP-1 serves an important role in breast cancer development and metastasis. Future studies should assess MMP-1 as a prognostic marker for patients with breast cancer and its inhibition as a novel strategy for controlling breast cancer.

[Effects of silencing Rce1 in vitro on the invasion and migration of tongue carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the influence of Rce1 on invasion and migration of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells by silencing the Rce1 gene with RNA interference. METHODS: The tongue squamous cell carcinoma Cal-27 and SCC-4 cells were cultured in vitro. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) of the Rce1 gene was designed, and the Rcel gene expression was silenced vialiposome transfection. According to the siRNA transfected by liposome, the experimental group was divided into three groups, namely, Rce1-siRNA-1, Rce1-siRNA-2, and Rce1-siRNA-3 groups. Negative control group was transfected by siCON, and the blank control group was untransfected by siRNA. The Rce1, RhoA, and K-Ras gene expression levels in each group were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The Rce1, RhoA, K-Ras, MMP-2, and MMP-9 protein expression levels were analyzed by Western blot. The invasiveness of tongue cancer cell Cal-27 and SCC-4 were determined by Transwell invasion assay, and cell migration assay was performed by cell scratch assay. RESULTS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot results showed that compared with the negative and blank control groups, the Rce1 gene and protein expression levels in three experimental groups decreased (P<0.05). The RhoA, K-Ras gene and protein expression levels were insignificantly different among groups (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels decreased (P<0.05). Transwell invasion assay results showed that the total number of cells in the PET film of the experimental groups was significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). The cell scratch test showed that the cell closure time of the scratch in the interference group was significantly longer than those in the control and blank groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Silencing Rce1 in vitro can effectively downregulate its expression in tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells Cal-27 and SCC-4 and reduce the migration and invasion abilities of these cells.

[Analysis of surgical treatment for Standford type A aortic dissection].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the surgical experience of type A aortic dissection. METHODS: From January 2001 to December 2006, 54 cases were admitted for Standford type A aortic dissection, including 36 cases of acute aortic dissection and 18 cases of chronic. Thirty-five cases underwent emergence operation and 11 cases underwent selective/limited operation, while 8 cases received medical treatment According to the modus operandi of root of aorta, 9 cases underwent ascending aorta replacement merely, 11 cases for Bentall operation, 12 cases for Wheat operation and ascending aorta replacement, 14 cases for David operation and ascending aorta replacement. According to the modus operandi of aortic arch and descendens, 6 cases underwent right hemiarch replacement, 25 cases for total arch replacement with four branches aortic graft, 24 cases for stent-graft elephant trunk technique. One patient of coronary heart disease and 1 patient of right coronary fracture underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Deep hyperthermic circulatory arrest and antegrade selective cerebral perfusion were applied with aortic arch operation. Surface cooling was applied with selective/limited operation. RESULTS: Four patients died in operation group (8.7%) and 8 died in non-operation group (75.0%). Postoperative complication included 1 mental symptom, 3 pleural/pericardial effusion, 1 hoarseness, 1 sternal rupture and poor wound healing. All the complication were cured. The operative out-hospital patients were followed up (13.0 +/- 14.2) months and the quality of life was satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Standford type A aortic dissection should be operated aggressively. Expected outcome could be acquired with optimum modus operandi, proper cerebral protection and dealing with postoperative complication timely.

Influence of Cu Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cr-Cu-N Coatings.

The Cr-Cu-N coatings with various Cu contents (0-25.18 (±0.17) at.%) were deposited on Si wafer and stainless steel (SUS 304) substrates in reactive Ar+N2 gas mixture by a hybrid coating system combining pulsed DC and RF magnetron sputtering techniques. The influence of Cu content on the coating composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. The microstructure of the coatings was significantly altered by the introduction of Cu. The deposited coatings exhibit solid solution structure with different compositions in all of the samples. Addition of Cu is intensively favored for preferred orientation growth along (200) direction by restricting in (111) direction. With increasing Cu content, the surface and cross-sectional morphology of coatings were changed from triangle cone-shaped, columnar feature to broccoli-like and compact glassy microstructure, respectively. The mechanical properties including the residual stress, nanohardness, and toughness of the coatings were explored on the basis of Cu content. The highest hardness was obtained at the Cu content of 1.49 (±0.10) at.%.

Isradipine attenuates MPTP-induced dopamine neuron degeneration by inhibiting up-regulation of L-type calcium channels and iron accumulation in the substantia nigra of mice.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) on MPTP-induced dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration and iron accumulation in the substantia nigra (SN) of mice. By real-time PCR and western blots, we first quatified expressions of L-type Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 calcium channel α1 subunits in the SN of experimental mice treated with MPTP. We found that the expressions of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 calcium channel α1 subunits markedly increased after MPTP treatment for 2 and 3 weeks. Secondly, we observed the effects of isradipine, a LTCC antagonist, on MPTP-induced DA neuron degeneration and iron accumulation in the SN. Our results showed that isradipine treatment prevented against MPTP-induced Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 calcium channel α1 subunits up-regulation in the SN. We also found that isradipine prevented against MPTP-induced DA neuron depletion in the SN and partly restored the DA content in the striatum. Moreover, we found that isradipine inhibited the increase of iron positive cells in the SN of the MPTP-treated mice. Finally, we investigated the effects of isradipine on cellular iron accumulation in the dopaminergic MES23.5 cell line. Our studies showed that MPP+ treatment accelerated iron influx in the MES23.5 cells. Treatment with Bayk8644 further aggravated iron accumulation. Treatment with isradipine prevented against MPP+-induced iron influx in the MES23.5 cells. These results suggest that up-regulation of LTCCs may be responsible for the DA neuron degeneration in the MPTP-treated mice, The LTCCs may directly contribute to iron influx into DA neurons, and isradipine may suppress cellular iron accumulation and prevents neurodegeneration.

[Early outcome of orthotopic heart transplantation: a report of 21 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To report the preliminary experience of 21 orthotopic heart transplantations without early death. METHODS: Between April 2002 and June 2005, 21 patients underwent orthotopic heart transplantation. Recipients' pulmonary vascular resistance ranged from 3.0 to 5.9 wood units [mean (4.3 +/- 1.4) wood units]; Stanford myocardial protective solution or HTK solution was perfused for donor heart myocardial preservation, donor heart cold ischemic period ranged from 52 to 310 min [mean (81 +/- 23) min]; Three patients had previous cardiac operations under cardiopulmonary bypass, conventional Stanford orthotopic cardiac transplantation in 20 cases and total heart technique in 1 case; Recipients received simulect preoperatively and cyclosporine A, cellcept and prednisone postoperatively for prevention of acute allograft rejection; Patients received appropriate medical control of hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia and uricacidemia. RESULTS: Acute right heart failure in 3 cases and pericardial effusion in 4 cases were observed at the early postoperative stage, but no any infection and acute rejection were found. All patients survived with good life quality. CONCLUSIONS: Heart transplantation may produce satisfying early results. Suitable selection of recipients with low pulmonary vascular resistance, excellent donor heart conservation, practised anastomotic technique, proper immunosuppression treatment and efficient postoperative management are key measures of orthotopic heart transplantation with excellent early outcome.

Protective effects of myricetin on chronic stress-induced cognitive deficits.

The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible effects of chronic administration of myricetin, a natural flavonoid, on chronic stress-induced learning and memory deficits in mice. The mice were restrained daily 4 h/day for 21 days in well-ventilated plexiglass tubes without access to food and water. These animals were injected with myricetin or vehicle 40 min before each restraint stress over a period of 21 days. Then, spatial learning and memory of the mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze task. We did not observe a significant difference in the escape latency in mice subjected to repeated restraint stress, which indicates that learning ability was not affected by restraint stress. However, the spatial memory ability was significantly impaired in the repeatedly restrained mice. Myricetin administration specifically increased the time spent in the target quadrant in mice exposed to chronic stress in the probe trial as tested in the Morris water maze task. Further studies showed that myricetin treatment decreased plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone levels of those mice subjected to repeated restraint stress. The effect of myricetin on the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus was also investigated. The result showed that myricetin normalized the decreased BDNF levels in mice subjected to repeated restraint stress. These findings provide more evidence that chronic administration of myricetin improves spatial memory in repeatedly restrained mice and BDNF signaling in the hippocampus may be involved in the protective effects of myricetin.

Repair of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection With Ascending Aorta Replacement Combined With Open Fenestrated Stent Graft Placement.

BACKGROUND: In the conventional ascending replacement for acute type A aortic dissection, the distal aortic anastomosis is frequently performed at the dissected site, and postoperative residual dissection in the arch and downstream aorta still occurs in most patients. We used open placement of a fenestrated stent graft during this operation. METHODS: During the conventional ascending replacement in 41 patients with acute type A aortic dissection, a fenestrated stent graft was inserted into the arch and the proximal descending aorta through the distal ascending transection. The distal ascending transection incorporating the proximal end of the fenestrated stent graft was directly anastomosed to the Dacron (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) tube graft. Survivors were examined by computed tomography angiography. RESULTS: The cardiopulmonary bypass time was 134.46 ± 19.03 minutes, aortic cross-clamp time was 46.38 ± 8.57 minutes, and selective cerebral perfusion and lower body arrest time was 12.50 ± 2.19 minutes. There was 1 in-hospital death but no difficult bleeding from the distal aortic anastomosis. On postoperative computed tomography, the false lumen closed, with complete thrombus formation around the inserted fenestrated stent graft found in all survivors (100%), at the diaphragmatic level in 28 patients (70%), and at the superior mesenteric arterial level in 3 (8%). CONCLUSIONS: An open fenestrated stent graft placement provided extensive primary repair of the thoracic aorta and a strong distal aortic stump during the conventional ascending aorta replacement for acute type A aortic dissection but did not increase the risk or technical difficulty of the operation.