A LcDOF5.6-LcRbohD regulatory module controls the reactive oxygen species-mediated fruitlet abscission in litchi.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been emerging as a key regulator in plant organ abscission. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of ROS homeostasis in the abscission zone (AZ) is not completely established. Here, we report that a DOF (DNA binding with one finger) transcription factor LcDOF5.6 can suppress the litchi fruitlet abscission through repressing the ROS accumulation in fruitlet AZ (FAZ). The expression of LcRbohD, a homolog of the Arabidopsis RBOHs that are critical for ROS production, was significantly increased during the litchi fruitlet abscission, in parallel with an increased accumulation of ROS in FAZ. In contrast, silencing of LcRbohD reduced the ROS accumulation in FAZ and decreased the fruitlet abscission in litchi. Using in vitro and in vivo assays, we revealed that LcDOF5.6 was shown to inhibit the expression of LcRbohD via direct binding to its promoter. Consistently, silencing of LcDOF5.6 increased the expression of LcRbohD, concurrently with higher ROS accumulation in FAZ and increased fruitlet abscission. Furthermore, the expression of key genes (LcIDL1, LcHSL2, LcACO2, LcACS1, and LcEIL3) in INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION signaling and ethylene pathways were altered in LcRbohD-silenced and LcDOF5.6-silenced FAZ cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate an important role of the LcDOF5.6-LcRbohD module during litchi fruitlet abscission. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular regulatory network of organ abscission.

Bestrophin3 Deficiency in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Activates MEKK2/3-MAPK Signaling to Trigger Spontaneous Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Aortic dissection (AD) is a fatal cardiovascular disorder without effective medications due to unclear pathogenic mechanisms. Bestrophin3 (Best3), the predominant isoform of bestrophin family in vessels, has emerged as critical for vascular pathological processes. However, the contribution of Best3 to vascular diseases remains elusive. METHODS: Smooth muscle cell-specific and endothelial cell-specific Best3 knockout mice (Best3SMKO and Best3ECKO, respectively) were engineered to investigate the role of Best3 in vascular pathophysiology. Functional studies, single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics analysis, and coimmunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry were performed to evaluate the function of Best3 in vessels. RESULTS: Best3 expression in aortas of human AD samples and mouse AD models was decreased. Best3SMKO but not Best3ECKO mice spontaneously developed AD with age, and the incidence reached 48% at 72 weeks of age. Reanalysis of single-cell transcriptome data revealed that reduction of fibromyocytes, a fibroblast-like smooth muscle cell cluster, was a typical feature of human ascending AD and aneurysm. Consistently, Best3 deficiency in smooth muscle cells decreased the number of fibromyocytes. Mechanistically, Best3 interacted with both MEKK2 and MEKK3, and this interaction inhibited phosphorylation of MEKK2 at serine153 and MEKK3 at serine61. Best3 deficiency induced phosphorylation-dependent inhibition of ubiquitination and protein turnover of MEKK2/3, thereby activating the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade. Furthermore, restoration of Best3 or inhibition of MEKK2/3 prevented AD progression in angiotensin II-infused Best3SMKO and ApoE-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS: These findings unveil a critical role of Best3 in regulating smooth muscle cell phenotypic switch and aortic structural integrity through controlling MEKK2/3 degradation. Best3-MEKK2/3 signaling represents a novel therapeutic target for AD.

A single-center experience of type B aortic intramural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: The outcomes of the best medical treatment (BMT) and intervention treatment (INT) in a single-center experience were reported in type B intramural hematoma (IMH). METHODS: From February 2015 to February 2021, a total of 195 consecutive patients with type B IMH were enrolled in the study. The primary end point was mortality, and the secondary end points included clinical and imaging outcomes. The clinical outcomes were aortic-related death, retrograde type A aortic dissection, stent graft-induced new entry tear, endoleak, and reintervention. The imaging outcome was evaluated through the latest follow-up computed tomography angiography, which included aortic rupture, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, rapid growth of aortic diameter, newly developed or enlarged penetrating aortic ulcer or ulcer-like projection (ULP) and increased aortic wall thickness. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess the association between different treatments. RESULTS: Among the enrolled patients, 115 received BMT, and 80 received INT. There was no significant difference in early (1.7% vs 2.5%; P = 1.00) and midterm all-cause death (8.3% vs 5.2%; P = .42) between the BMT and INT groups. However, patients who underwent INT were at risk of procedure-related complications such as stent graft-induced new entry tear and endoleaks. The INT group was associated with a profound decrease in the risk of ULP, including newly developed ULP (4.3% vs 26.9%; P < .05), ULP enlargement (6.4% vs 31.3%; P < .05), and a lower proportion of high-risk ULP (10.9% vs 45.6%; P < .05). Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of IMH regression between the two groups, the maximum diameter of the descending aorta in patients receiving INT was larger compared with those treated with BMT. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our limited experience, patients with type B IMH treated with BMT or INT shared similar midterm clinical outcome. Patients who underwent INT may have a decreased risk of ULPs, but a higher risk of procedure-related events and patients on BMT should be closely monitored for ULP progression.

Incidence, Predictors, and Implications of Secondary Aortic Intervention Following Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Type B Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Secondary aortic intervention (SAI) following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is not uncommon. However, a satisfactory management system has not been established for these patients. We aimed to report our single-center experience with SAI after prior TEVAR for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). METHODS: From January 2010 to May 2017, 860 eligible patients with TBAD underwent TEVAR. One hundred seven (12.4%) patients required SAI, either endovascularly (n=76) or surgically (n=31). The main indications for SAI were entry flow (n=58 [54.2%]), aneurysm expansion of the proximal or remote aorta (n=26 [24.3%]), retrograde type A aortic dissection (n=11 [10.3%]), distal stent-graft-induced new entry tear (n=6 [5.6%]), and stent migration (n=4 [3.7%]). The Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to determine the degree of freedom from SAI and the prognosis. Cox proportional hazards were used to screen for risk factors for SAI and poor prognosis. RESULTS: The overall 30-day mortality rate after SAI was 4.7% (n=5): endovascular (n=2 [2.6%]) vs open surgery (n=3 [9.7%]; p=0.145). The cumulative survival rates with or without SAI were 86.3%±3.6% vs 95.7%±0.8% at 3 years and 82.0%±4.2% vs 92.2%±1.1% at 5 years, respectively (log-rank p<0.001). Although no significant difference in survival was observed, the incidence of SAI was significantly greater in patients who underwent TEVAR during the chronic phase (acute [11.6%] vs subacute [9.6%] vs chronic [27.8]; p<0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that prior TEVAR in the chronic phase (hazard ratio [HR]=1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03-2.90; p=0.039), maximum aortic diameter (HR=1.05, 95% CI=1.04-1.07; p<0.001), and arch involvement (HR=1.48, 95% CI=1.01-2.18; p=0.048) were predictors of the incidence of SAI. In addition, the maximum aortic diameter was demonstrated to be the only risk factor for prognosis after adjusting for confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for chronic TBAD patients should be reconsidered. Open surgery is preferable for those with proximal progression, whereas endovascular treatment is more suitable for distal lesions. Close surveillance and timely reintervention after TEVAR, whether via endovascular techniques or open surgery, are necessary to prevent devastating complications. CLINICAL IMPACT: The management of patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is challenging. We summarized our single-center experience regarding secondary aortic intervention after TEVAR for TBAD. We found that TEVAR for chronic TBAD patients should be carefully evaulated, and open surgery is recommended for those with proximal progession, while endovascular treatment is more preferable for distal lesions.

Prediction Model for Postoperative Pressure Injury in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a risk assessment model to predict postoperative National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel stage 2 or higher pressure injury (PI) risk in patients undergoing acute type A aortic dissection surgery. METHODS: This retrospective assessment included consecutive patients undergoing acute type A aortic dissection surgery in the authors' hospital from September 2017 to June 2021. The authors used LASSO (logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analysis to identify the most relevant variables associated with PI by running cyclic coordinate descent with 10-times cross-validation. The variables selected by LASSO regression analysis were subjected to multivariate logistic analysis. A calibration plot, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis were used to validate the model. RESULTS: There were 469 patients in the study, including 94 (27.5%) with postoperative PI. Ten variables were selected from LASSO regression: body mass index, diabetes, Marfan syndrome, stroke, preoperative skin moisture, hemoglobin, albumin, serum creatinine, platelet, and d-dimer. Four risk factors emerged after multivariate logistic regression: Marfan syndrome, preoperative skin moisture, albumin, and serum creatinine. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.765. The calibration plot and the decision curve analysis both suggested that the model was suitable for predicting postoperative PI. CONCLUSIONS: This study built an efficient predictive model that could help identify high-risk patients.

Management and Outcomes of Non-A Non-B Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: The results of best medical treatment (BMT), endovascular based treatment (EBT), and total arch replacement (TAR) with frozen elephant trunk (FET) treatment in a single centre experience were reported in non-A non-B aortic dissection patients. METHODS: From January 2016 to May 2020, 215 consecutive patients with acute or subacute non-A non-B aortic dissection were enrolled. The primary endpoints were all cause death. Secondary endpoints included follow up adverse aortic event (AE), a composite of the outcomes of dissection related death, rupture, retrograde type A aortic dissection, stent graft induced new entry tear, secondary endoleak, and follow up re-intervention. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to evaluate associations between different treatments and outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 215 dissection patients, 127 (59.1%) received EBT, 42 (19.5%) received TAR + FET, and the remaining 46 (21.4%) received BMT. Thirty day mortality was higher in patients receiving TAR + FET (7.1%) than in those treated with EBT (1.6%) or BMT (2.2%) (p = .12). However, after a median follow up of 39.1 (27.0 - 50.7) months, no additional death was recorded in the TAR + FET group, while nine (7.3%) patients died in the EBT group and 14 (31.8%) died in the BMT group (p < .001). Specifically, EBT and TAR + FET showed no significant difference in midterm mortality rate, follow up AE, and re-intervention for complicated or uncomplicated dissection patients involving zone 2. For patients with uncomplicated non-A non-B aortic dissection involving zone 2, EBT could profoundly decrease the mortality rate, follow up AE and re-intervention when compared with BMT (p < .010 for all), although this difference was not statistically significant between TAR + FET and BMT. No statistical comparison was performed in patients with zone 1 involvement because of the limited number of patients. CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that EBT or TAR + FET might be a viable strategy for non-A non-B aortic dissection patients.

Association between platelet counts and morbidity and mortality after endovascular repair for type B aortic dissection.

This study aimed to assess the association of postoperative platelet counts with early and late outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD). We retrospectively evaluated 892 patients with TBAD who underwent TEVAR from a prospectively maintained database. Postoperative nadir platelet counts were evaluated as a continuous variable, and a categorical variable (thrombocytopenia), which was defined as platelet count≤ the lowest 10% percentile (108 × 109/l). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the impact of postoperative thrombocytopenia on early outcomes, and multivariable cox regression analyses on long-term mortality. Patients with postoperative thrombocytopenia experienced significantly higher rates of postoperative mortality, prolonged intensive care unit stay, death, stroke, limb ischemia, mesenteric ischemia, acute kidney injury (AKI), and puncture-related hematoma (P< .05 for each), but similar rates of immediate type I endoleak and spinal cord ischemia. Multivariable logistic analyses showed that postoperative thrombocytopenia was independently associated with postoperative stroke, limb ischemia, and AKI. Similar results were observed when postoperative nadir platelet count was modeled as a continuous predictor (P< .05 for each). By multivariable Cox analyses, postoperative thrombocytopenia was an independent predictor for long-term all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.72, 95% CI, 1.72-4.29, P< .001). For every 30 × 109/L decrease in postoperative platelet count, the risk of long-term all-cause mortality increased by 15% (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.07-1.25; P< .001). Therefore, postoperative thrombocytopenia might be a useful tool for risk stratification after TEVAR.

Prediction model for postoperative severe acute lung injury in patients undergoing acute type A aortic dissection surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a risk assessment model to predict postoperative severe acute lung injury (ALI) risk in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD). METHODS: Consecutive patients with ATAAD admitted to our hospital were included in this retrospective assessment and placed in the postoperative severe ALI and nonsevere ALI groups based on the presence or absence of ALI within 72 h postoperatively (oxygen index [OI] ≤ 100 mmHg). Patients were then randomly divided into training and validation groups in a ratio of 8:2. Univariate and multivariate stepwise forward logistic regression analyses were used to statistically assess data and establish the prediction model. The prediction model's effectiveness was evaluated via 10-fold cross-validation of the validation group to facilitate the construction of a nomogram. RESULTS: After the screening, 479 patients were included in the study: 132 (27.6%) in the postoperative severe ALI group and 347 (72.4%) in the postoperative nonsevere ALI group. Based on multivariate logistics regression analyses, the following variables were included in the model: coronary heart disease, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) ≥ 257.5 min, left atrium diameter ≥ 35.5 mm, hemoglobin ≤ 139.5 g/L, preCPB OI ≤ 100 mmHg, intensive care unit OI ≤ 100 mmHg, left ventricular posterior wall thickness ≥ 10.5 mm, and neutrophilic granulocyte percentage ≥ 0.824. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the modeling group was 0.805 and differences between observed and predicted values were not deemed statistically significant via the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 = 6.037, df = 8, p = .643). For the validation group, the area under the ROC curve was 0.778, and observed and predicted value differences were insignificant when assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (χ2 = 3.3782, df = 7; p = .848). The average 10-fold cross-validation score was 0.756. CONCLUSIONS: This study established a prediction model and developed a nomogram to determine the risk of postoperative severe ALI after ATAAD. Variables used in the model were easy to obtain clinically and the effectiveness of the model was good.

Outcomes of preoperative antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute type A aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery. Sudden chest pain may lead to a risk of misdiagnosis as an acute coronary syndrome and may lead to subsequent antiplatelet therapy (APT). We used the Chinese Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS) Collaboration Database to study the effects of APT on clinical outcomes. METHODS: The AAS database is a retrospective multicentre database where 31 of 3092 patients had APT with aspirin or clopidogrel or both before surgery. Before and after propensity score matching (PSM), the incidence of complications and mortality was compared between APT and non-APT patients by using a logistic regression model. The sample remaining after PSM was 30 in the APT group and 80 in the non-APT group. RESULTS: The sample remaining after matching was 30 in the APT group and 80 in the non-APT group. We found 10 cases with percutaneous coronary intervention in the APT group (33.3%). The APT group received more volume of packed red blood cells, 8.4 ± 6.05 units; plasma, 401.67 ± 727 ml, and platelet transfusion (14.07 ± 8.92 units). The drainage volume was much more in the APT group (5009.37 ± 2131.44 ml, p = .004). Mortality was higher in APT group (26% vs. 10%, p = .027). The preoperative APT was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio: 6.808, 95% confidence interval: 1.554-29.828, p = .011). CONCLUSION: APT before ATAAD repair was associated with more transfusions and higher early mortality. The timing of surgery should be carefully considered based on the patient's status and the surgeon's experience.

Aortic balloon occlusion simplifies dissected thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair after frozen elephant trunk.

Here, we report a case of a dissected thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair after frozen elephant trunk implantation, using aortic balloon occlusion technique to simplify the proximal anastomosis and avoid deep hypothermic circulatory arrest.

A comparison of single and double arterial cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass for acute type A aortic surgery: A single center, retrospective observational study.

Background: Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is a cardiovascular emergency and has high mortality and morbidity. We retrospectively compared the effects on outcomes of single arterial cannulation via axillary artery (AAC) with double arterial cannulation via axillary and femoral artery (DAC) in patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for ATAAD.Methods: Between January 2017 and May 2021, four hundred 29 patients who underwent aortic arch repair with circulatory arrest for ATAAD were divided into AAC group (n = 283) and DAC group (n = 146). The propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis were performed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of the groups.Results: After PSM (n = 137 in each), the DAC group had a longer duration of CPB (229 vs 244, p = 0.011), aortic cross-clamp time (121 vs 149, p < 0.001), durations of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stay (7 vs 8, p = 0.014) and hospital stay (19 vs 25, p < 0.001) compared with AAC group. The incidences of dialysis (21% vs. 31%, p = 0.073), postoperative stroke (9% vs 15%, p = 0.143), ECMO support (2% vs 7%, p = 0.077), in-hospital mortality (7% vs 14%, p = 0.071) and follow-up mortality (10% vs 19%, p = 0.059) showed no significant difference between two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed postoperative ECMO (OR: 16.69, 95% CI: 1.78-156.29; p = 0.014) or stroke (OR: 11.34, 95% CI: 2.64-48.72; p < 0.001) were associated with in-hospital mortality. Univariate Cox regression results showed stroke history (OR: 4.61, 95% CI: 1.90-11.16; p = 0.001), aortic valvuloplasty (OR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07-0.59; p = 0.003), postoperative ALT day1 (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.00; p = 0.008), ECMO (OR: 16.30, 95% CI: 4.78-55.61; p < 0.001), tracheotomy (OR: 3.78, 95% CI: 1.08-13.20; p = 0.037), postoperative stroke (OR: 4.61, 95% CI: 1.90-11.16; p < 0.001) and re-exploration for bleeding (OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.01-12.27; p = 0.048) were associated to follow-up mortality.Conclusions: For surgical treatment of ATAAD with CPB when compared to double axillary and femoral artery, single axillary cannulation was associated with shorter durations of CPB and ACC as well as ICU and hospital stays but no with significant difference in mortality.

Impact of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the impact of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). BACKGROUND: The impact of RAS inhibitors on outcomes after TAVR was unclear. METHODS: A systematic review of articles comparing outcomes of patients using and not using RAS inhibitors after TAVR was performed through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Primary outcome was midterm all-cause mortality. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated with the corresponding 95% confidence interval using random effect models. RESULTS: Five studies with 23,319 patients were included. Patients treated with RAS inhibitors had lower midterm all-cause mortality after TAVR than those without RAS inhibitors in both the unmatched (13.3 vs. 17.2%, RR 0.77, p = .005) and propensity score matched cohorts (13.5 vs 16.2%, RR 0.83, p < .001). Cardiovascular mortality (10.4 vs. 15.6%, RR 0.68, p < .001), rate of heart failure readmission (12.2 vs. 14.5%, RR 0.80, p = .006), and new-onset atrial fibrillation (14.0 vs. 23.7%, RR 0.73, p = .003) were also lower with RAS inhibitors. No difference was found between two groups regarding cerebrovascular events, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, major vascular complications, acute kidney injury, permanent pacemaker implantation, and moderate/severe paravalvular aortic regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: RAS inhibitors were associated with lower midterm all-cause mortality after TAVR.

Timing and Outcome of Endovascular Repair for Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of intervention timing, from symptom onset to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), on early and late outcomes in high risk patients with uncomplicated type B aortic dissection (uTBAD). METHODS: The study retrospectively evaluated 267 uTBAD patients with high risk radiographic features who underwent pre-emptive TEVAR during the acute and subacute periods. Demographics, comorbidities, pre-operative imaging features, peri-procedural details, and follow up outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Among the 267 pre-emptive TEVARs for high risk uTBAD, 130 were performed in the acute phase (1-14 days); and 137 in the subacute phase (15-90 days), from initial presentation. The mean age was 55.9 ± 11.0 years and 222 (83.1%) were men. The 30 day mortality rate in the acute group was five times higher than that in the subacute group (3.8% vs. 0.7%), although without statistically significant difference (p = .11). No statistically significant difference in 30 day outcomes (aortic rupture, retrograde type A dissection [RTAD], immediate type Ia endoleak, stroke, spinal cord ischaemia, and re-intervention) was noted (p > .05 for each). Of note, aortic rupture, RTAD, and disabling stroke were observed only in the acute group. Multivariable logistic analyses showed that intervention timing was not associated with 30 day outcomes. The median clinical follow up was 48.2 ± 25.9 months (range 1 - 106 months). There were no significant differences in all cause mortality, dissection related death, late intervention, or aortic related late events among timing cohorts (p > .05 for each). Furthermore, aortic remodelling, by analysing the flow status of the false lumen and evaluation of aortic diameters, either at the thoracic aorta level or the abdominal aorta level, was similar between the two groups. Multivariable Cox analyses showed that intervention timing was not associated with late outcomes. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates that TEVAR for high risk uTBAD in the acute phase was associated with a trend toward higher rates of early complications, while the long term outcomes were comparable with those of the subacute phase.

Therapeutic management of acute type A aortic intramural hematoma.

OBJECTIVES: The proper therapeutic management for acute type A aortic intramural hematoma (IMH) is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes following emergency surgery or conservative treatment for patients with this disease. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2018, 124 consecutive patients were diagnosed with an acute type A aortic IMH and were included in this study. According to our surgical indications, they were divided into two groups: an operation group (OG) and a conservative treatment group (CG). RESULTS: Of 124 patients, 83 (66.9%) patients accepted emergency surgery and 41 (33.1%) patients accepted strict conservative treatment. There were no differences between these two groups in early mortality and complications. However, the late mortality of patients in the CG was significantly higher than for patients in the OG. A maximum aortic diameter in the ascending aorta and aortic arch ≥ 45 mm and maximum thickness of IMH in the same section ≥ 8 mm were risk factors for IMH related death in patients undergoing conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality associated with emergency surgery for patients with acute type A aortic IMH was satisfactory. In clinical centers with well-established surgical techniques and postoperative management, emergency surgical treatment may provide a better outcome than medical treatment for patients with acute type A aortic IMH.

Prognostic dynamic nomogram integrated with metabolic acidosis for in-hospital mortality and organ malperfusion in acute type B aortic dissection patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

BACKGROUND: Organ malperfusion is a lethal complication in acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD). The aim of present study is to develop a nomogram integrated with metabolic acidosis to predict in-hospital mortality and organ malperfusion in patients with ATBAD undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). METHODS: The nomogram was derived from a retrospectively study of 286 ATBAD patients who underwent TEVAR from 2010 to 2017 at a single medical center. Model performance was evaluated from discrimination and calibration capacities, as well as clinical effectiveness. The results were validated using a prospective study on 77 patients from 2018 to 2019 at the same center. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis of the derivation cohort, the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality and organ malperfusion identified were base excess, maximum aortic diameter ≥ 5.5 cm, renal dysfunction, D-dimer level ≥ 5.44 µg/mL and albumin amount ≤ 30 g/L. The penalized model was internally validated by bootstrapping and showed excellent discriminatory (bias-corrected c-statistic, 0.85) and calibration capacities (Hosmer-Lemeshow P value, 0.471; Brier Score, 0.072; Calibration intercept, - 0.02; Slope, 0.98). After being applied to the external validation cohort, the model yielded a c-statistic of 0.86 and Brier Score of 0.097. The model had high negative predictive values (0.93-0.94) and moderate positive predictive values (0.60-0.71) for in-hospital mortality and organ malperfusion in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: A predictive nomogram combined with base excess has been established that can be used to identify high risk ATBAD patients of developing in-hospital mortality or organ malperfusion when undergoing TEVAR.

Analysis of ascending aortic diameter and long-term prognosis in patients with ascending aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to review the ascending aortic diameter of patients undergoing surgery for AAD in China and its influence on prognosis. METHODS: In the period between January 2018 and January 2020, 265 patients eligible for analysis of ascending aorta were included in this study. The maximum diameter of the ascending aorta was assessed using preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan for patients. RESULTS: The mean diameter of the ascending aorta of the reference population was 48.16 ± 9.37 mm, and the percentage of subjects with an aorta <55 mm was 80.38%. In this study, we found that BMI, hypertension, and bicuspid aortic valve are the main factors affecting the widening of the ascending aorta, and the diameter of the ascending aorta in patients with AAD is negatively correlated with the patient's long-term prognosis. However, there is no significant difference in survival rates among patients with different ascending aortic diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Ascending aortas with smaller diameter are also prone to dissection, most of which occur at a lower surgical threshold than recommended by current guidelines. Therefore, the diameter of ascending aorta cannot be used as an independent risk factor for high-risk patients with aortic dissection, but it can be used as an important indicator to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients.

A preoperative mortality risk assessment model for Stanford type A acute aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Acute aortic dissection type A is a life-threatening disease required emergency surgery during acute phase. Different clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, and imaging features of patients with acute aortic dissection type A are the risk factors of preoperative mortality. This study aims to establish a simple and effective preoperative mortality risk assessment model for patients with acute aortic dissection type A. METHODS: A total of 673 Chinese patients with acute aortic dissection type A who were admitted to our hospital were retrospectively included. All patients were unable to receive surgically treatment within 3 days from the onset of disease. The patients included were divided into the survivor and deceased groups, and the endpoint event was preoperative death. Multivariable analysis was used to investigate predictors of preoperative mortality and to develop a prediction model. RESULTS: Among the 673 patients, 527 patients survived (78.31%) and 146 patients died (21.69%). The developmental dataset had 505 patients, calibration by Hosmer Lemeshow was significant (χ2 = 3.260, df = 8, P = 0.917) and discrimination by area under ROC curve was 0.8448 (95% CI 0.8007-0.8888). The validation dataset had 168 patients, calibration was significant (χ2 = 5.500, df = 8, P = 0.703) and the area under the ROC curve was 0.8086 (95% CI 0.7291-0.8881). The following independent variables increased preoperative mortality: age (OR = 1.008, P = 0.510), abrupt chest pain (OR = 3.534, P < 0.001), lactic in arterial blood gas ≥ 3 mmol/L (OR = 3.636, P < 0.001), inotropic support (OR = 8.615, P < 0.001), electrocardiographic myocardial ischemia (OR = 3.300, P = 0.001), innominate artery involvement (OR = 1.625, P = 0.104), right common carotid artery involvement (OR = 3.487, P = 0.001), superior mesenteric artery involvement (OR = 2.651, P = 0.001), false lumen / true lumen of ascending aorta ≥ 0.75 (OR = 2.221, P = 0.007). Our data suggest that a simple and effective preoperative death risk assessment model has been established. CONCLUSIONS: Using a simple and effective risk assessment model can help clinicians quickly identify high-risk patients and make appropriate medical decisions.

Involvement of miR-145 in the development of aortic dissection via inducing proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells.

AIM: The current study aimed to examine miR-145's contribution to thoracic aortic dissection (AD) development by modulating the biological functions of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: The concentration of circulating miR-145 was determined in patients with AD and healthy controls using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Aortic specimens were obtained from both individuals with Stanford type A AD undergoing surgical treatment and deceased organ donors (serving as controls) whose causes of death were nonvascular diseases. Then, qPCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization were applied to assess miR-145 amounts and location, respectively. Furthermore, qPCR and immunoblot were employed to determine SMAD3 (the target gene of miR-145, involved in the TGF-ß pathway) amounts at the gene and protein levels, respectively. Moreover, in vitro transfection of VSMCs with miR-145 mimics or inhibitors was conducted. Finally, the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were employed for detecting VSMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, respectively. RESULTS: The amounts of miR-145 in plasma and aortic specimens were markedly reduced in the AD group in comparison with control values (P < .05). miR-145 was mostly located in VSMCs. Proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs were significantly induced in vitro by the downregulation of miR-145. Also, miR-145 modulated SMAD3 expression. CONCLUSIONS: miR-145 was found to be downregulated in patients with AD, which induced the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of VSMCs by targeting SMAD3. This suggested the involvement of miR-145 in the pathogenesis of AD.

Outcomes of Evolut R Versus CoreValve After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Superiority of the new-generation, self-expanding Evolut R compared with the first-generation CoreValve on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unclear. This meta-analysis sought to investigate the outcomes of Evolut R vs CoreValve after TAVI. METHODS: A systematic review of studies comparing outcomes of Evolut R and CoreValve after TAVI was performed through PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Crude risk ratios (RRs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model. Outcomes of interest were mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), severe bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI), major vascular complications (MVC), permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI), moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation (PVR), and device failure. RESULTS: Six studies involving 11,530 patients (4,597 receiving Evolut R and 6,933 receiving CoreValve) were included. There was no significant difference in 30-day all-cause mortality between Evolut R and CoreValve (3.4% vs 5.0%, p = 0.10). The incidence of MI (0.2% vs 0.5%, p = 0.02), AKI (6.0% vs 9.2%, p = 0.001), moderate or severe PVR (6.4% vs 8.0%, p = 0.04), and device failure (3.5% vs 5.2%, p = 0.04) were significantly lower in Evolut R than CoreValve. There were trends toward less severe bleeding (7.2% vs 8.8%, p = 0.05) and PPI (18.6% vs 20.8%, p = 0.05) in Evolut R. The rates of stroke or TIA and MVC were similar between the two prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with CoreValve, Evolut R did not reduce 30-day all-cause mortality, but significantly improved periprocedural complications after TAVI.

Management of type B aortic dissection with an isolated left vertebral artery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to report our single-center experience of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and concomitant procedures in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) with an isolated left vertebral artery (ILVA) and the early to midterm outcomes in these patients. METHODS: Between March 2011 and June 2018, there were 31 patients (27 men; median age, 55 years; range, 31-66 years) with TBAD and an ILVA who received TEVAR and concomitant procedures in our center. Demographics, coexisting medical conditions, imaging features, operation details, and follow-up outcomes in these patients were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: All patients received aortic stent grafts; nine patients also received chimney stents, and 10 patients received aortic arch bypasses. The technical success rate was 96.8% (30/31), with only one patient (3.2%) showing immediate type IA endoleak. One patient experienced transient neurologic deficit, and a puncture-related femoral artery pseudoaneurysm was observed in one patient; both recovered completely before their hospital discharge. There was no death in the early term. The median duration of follow-up was 33 months (range, 2-90 months). Reintervention for a type II endoleak by using coils to seal the origin of the left subclavian artery was performed in one (3.1%) case 72 months postoperatively. One (3.2%) death occurred 42 months after operation as a result of rectal cancer. No neurologic deficits, chimney stent occlusions, or bypass occlusions were observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our limited experience reveals that TEVAR and concomitant procedures are relatively safe and viable for treatment of TBAD with an ILVA. Further studies with larger samples of patients and longer follow-ups are needed to confirm these findings.