Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of great saphenous venous insufficiency using a newly developed VENISTAR catheter: A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to assess the preliminary outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a newly developed catheter (VENISTAR) for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs). METHODS: In this prospective observational study, endovenous RFA using a VENISTAR catheter was performed on 16 saphenous veins in 12 patients between August and November 2019. Patients' pre- and post-procedural data were recorded. Doppler ultrasound imaging and clinical evaluation were performed at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months to determine the efficacy and safety of the treatment. RESULTS: Technical success and complete closure of the targeted GSVs immediately after the procedure were observed in all 16 limbs (100%). However, one patient (one limb) was found to have partial occlusion without significant reflux after 1 week of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis yielded a complete occlusion rate of 93% at 6 months of follow-up. The Venous Clinical Severity Scores at the time of all follow-up were significantly lower than those at baseline (3.3 ± 1.1 at baseline to 0.6 ± 0.6, 0.3 ± 0.6, 0.1 ± 0.4, and 0.2 ± 0.4 at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively) (p < .001). Mild post-procedural pain was noted in 7 and 4 limbs at 1 week and 1 month, respectively. Grade 1 ecchymosis over the ablated segment was noted in 5 (35.7%) of 14 limbs at 1-week follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous treatment of GSV insufficiency using a new VENISTAR radiofrequency catheter has been shown to be feasible, effective, and safe throughout the 6-month follow-up.

Clinical Outcomes of Arteriovenous Grafts Using the Superficial Vein versus Venae Comitantes as Venous Outflow.

Background: The superficial veins are commonly used in conventional autogenous arteriovenous fistulas and the placement of prosthetic grafts. When they are unsuitable, however, the use of the deep veins (venae comitantes) is generally considered to be a reasonable alternative. This study conducted a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes for arteriovenous grafts between 2 groups based on the type of venous outflow: superficial veins or venae comitantes. Methods: In total, 151 patients who underwent arteriovenous grafts from November 2005 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (superficial veins, n=89) and group B (venae comitantes, n=62). The primary, secondary patency, and complication rates were analyzed in each group. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed. Results: In total, 55 well-balanced pairs were matched. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant differences in the primary patency rate between the 2 groups at 1-year, 3-year and 5-year intervals (group A, 54.7%, 35.9%, 25.4% vs. group B, 47.9%, 16.8%, 12.6%; p=0.14), but there was a difference in the secondary patency rate (group A, 98.2%, 95.3%, 86.5% vs. group B, 87.3%, 76.8%, 67.6%; p=0.0095). The rates of complications, simple percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and stent insertion were comparable between the groups. Conclusion: Although this study demonstrated not particularly favorable secondary patency rates in the venae comitantes group, the venae comitantes may still be a viable option for patients with unsuitable superficial veins because there were no significant differences in the primary patency and complication rates between the 2 groups.

Aortic Valve Dysfunction and Aortopathy Based on the Presence of Raphe in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease.

(1) Background: To identify the association between the presence or absence of a raphe and aortic valve dysfunction, as well as the presence of aortopathy in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV); (2) Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 312 participants (mean (SD) age, 52.7 (14.3) years; 227 men (72.8%)) with BAV. The BAVs were divided into those with the presence (raphe+) or absence (raphe-) of a raphe. Valvular function was classified as normal, aortic regurgitation (AR), or aortic stenosis (AS) using TTE. The pattern of BAV aortopathy was determined by the presence of dilatation at the sinus of Valsalva and the middle ascending aorta using CCT; (3) Results: BAVs with raphe+ had a higher prevalence of AR (148 (79.5%) vs. 48 (37.8%), p < 0.001), but a lower prevalence of AS (90 (48.6%) vs. 99 (78.0%), p < 0.001) compared with those with raphe-. The types of BAV aortopathy were significantly different (p = 0.021) according to those with BAV-raphe+ and BAV-raphe-; (4) Conclusions: The presence of a raphe was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of AR, but a lower prevalence of AS and combined dilatation of the aortic root and middle ascending aorta. The presence of a raphe was an independent determinant of AR.

Enoxaparin as an Anticoagulant in a Multipara with a Mechanical Mitral Valve: A Case Report.

Patients who have undergone mechanical valve replacement require anticoagulation therapy with warfarin to prevent thromboembolism. However, administering warfarin to pregnant patients increases their risk of warfarin embryopathy or central nervous system disorders. Consequently, safer alternatives, such as heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin injection, are substituted for warfarin. However, limited research has been conducted on this subject, with no large-scale studies and particularly few investigations involving multiparous patients. A patient who had previously undergone mechanical mitral valve replacement for atrial septal defect and mitral stenosis received anticoagulant therapy with enoxaparin during 2 pregnancies. Upon confirmation of pregnancy, warfarin was replaced with subcutaneously injected enoxaparin with a dosage of 1 mg/kg at 12-hour intervals. The enoxaparin dosage was controlled using an anti-factor Xa assay, with a target range of 0.3-0.7 IU/mL. Intravenous heparin injections were administered starting 3 days prior to the expected delivery date and were continued until delivery, after which warfarin was resumed. No complications were observed during the deliveries.

Comparison of Graft Survival Between Full-Thickness and Lamellar Pig-to-Monkey Corneal Xenotransplantation from the Same Genetically Engineered Pig Model with Minimal Immunosuppression.

BACKGROUND: The graft survival rate of full-thickness corneal xenotransplantation (XTP) with minimal immunosuppression in genetically engineered pigs is unknown, whereas lamellar corneal XTP shows satisfactory results. We compared graft survival between full-thickness and lamellar transplantations in the same genetically engineered pig. METHODS: Six pig-to-monkey corneal transplantations were performed on 3 transgenic pigs. Two corneas harvested from 1 pig were transplanted into 2 monkeys using full-thickness and lamellar corneal xenotransplantation. The transgenic donor pigs used were α1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout + membrane cofactor protein (GTKO+CD46) in one recipient and GTKO+CD46+ thrombomodulin (TBM) in the other. RESULTS: The graft survival time for GTKO+CD46 XTP was 28 days. With the addition of TBM, the survival differences between lamellar and full-thickness XTP were 98 days versus 14 days and >463 days (ongoing) versus 21 days, respectively. An excessive number of inflammatory cells was observed in failed grafts, but none were in the recipient's stromal bed. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike full-thickness corneal XTP, lamellar xenocorneal transplantation does not exhibit surgical complications, such as retrocorneal membrane or anterior synechia. The graft survival of lamellar XTP in this study was not as good as in our previous experiments, although the survival period was superior to that of full-thickness XTP. The difference in graft survival based on transgenic type is not definitive. Further studies using transgenic pigs and minimal immunosuppression need to focus on improving graft survival of lamellar XTP and using a larger sample size to determine the potential of full-thickness corneal XTP.

Current Status of Genetically Engineered Pig to Monkey Kidney Xenotransplantation in Korea.

BACKGROUND: In South Korea, pig-to-nonhuman primate trials of solid organs have only been performed recently, and the results are not sufficiently satisfactory to initiate clinical trials. Since November 2011, we have performed 30 kidney pig-to-nonhuman primate xenotransplantations at Konkuk University Hospital. METHODS: Donor αGal-knockout-based transgenic pigs were obtained from 3 institutes. The knock-in genes were CD39, CD46, CD55, CD73, and thrombomodulin, and 2-4 transgenic modifications with GTKO were done. The recipient animal was the cynomolgus monkey. We used the immunosuppressants anti-CD154, rituximab, anti-thymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. RESULTS: The mean survival duration of the recipients was 39 days. Except for a few cases for which survival durations were <2 days because of technical failure, 24 grafts survived for >7 days, with an average survival duration of 50 days. Long-term survival was observed 115 days after the removal of the contralateral kidney, which is currently the longest-recorded graft survival in Korea. We confirmed functioning grafts for the surviving transplanted kidneys after the second-look operation, and no signs of hyperacute rejection were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although our survival results are relatively poor, they are the best-recorded results in South Korea, and the ongoing results are improving. With the support of government funds and the volunteering activities of clinical experts, we aim to further improve our experiments and contribute to the commencement of clinical trials of kidney xenotransplantation in Korea.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using a new bipolar electrode in a canine model: a new endovenous radiofrequency electrode.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of a newly developed endovenous radiofrequency (RF) catheter compared with that of the existing RF catheter in a canine model. Methods: Seven dogs underwent ablation using 1 control catheter (ClosureFAST, CF; Covidien) and 1 experimental catheter (VENISTAR, VS; STARmed Co., Ltd.) in the femoral and cephalic veins. The ablated vein was evaluated macroscopically (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, TTC), microscopically (hematoxylin and eosin staining), and ultrasonographically. Vessel injury score was used to evaluate the ablating effect objectively. Veins from 1 dog were evaluated on the day of ablation, while in the remaining 6 dogs, the ablated veins were evaluated 2 weeks later. Results: A total of 23 veins (CF, 11 veins; VS, 12 veins) were ablated in 7 dogs. Non-TTC-stained vein wall areas were identified in all ablated veins. No significant difference was observed in the mean vessel injury score (2.54 ± 1.16 vs. 2.42 ± 1.13, P = 0.656) and the mean vessel wall thickness (0.32 ± 0.03 mm vs. 0.31 ± 0.05 mm, P = 0.212) between CF and VS. There was no blood flow in all veins ablated with VS, whereas there was remaining blood flow in 1 vein ablated with CF. Perivenous complication was not observed. Conclusion: Endovenous RF ablation using a newly developed VS RF catheter seems to provide comparable occlusion rate and degree of vein wall injury without perivenous adverse events compared to the most commonly used RF catheter (CF).

Observational evidence linking ocean sulfur compounds to atmospheric dimethyl sulfide during Icelandic Sea phytoplankton blooms.

In two Icelandic Sea spring blooms (May 2018 and 2019) in the North Atlantic Ocean (62.9-68.0°N, 9.0-28.0°W), chlorophyll-a and dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) concentrations and DMSP lyase activity (the DMSP-to-dimethyl sulfide (DMS) conversion efficiency) were measured at 67 stations, and the hourly atmospheric DMS mixing ratios were concurrently measured only in May 2019 at Storhofdi on Heimaey Island, located south of Iceland (63.4°N, 20.3°W). The ocean parameters for biology (i.e., chlorophyll-a, DMSP, and DMSP lyase activity) were broadly associated in distribution; however, the statistical significance of the association differed among four ocean domains and also between 2018 and 2019. Specifically, the widespread dominance of Phaeocystis, coccolithophores, and dinoflagellates (all rich in DMSP and high in DMSP lyase activity) across the study area is a compelling indication that variations in DMSP-rich phytoplankton were likely a main cause of the variations in statistical significance. For all the ocean domains defined here, we found that the DMS production capacity (calculated using the exposures of air masses to ocean biology prior to their arrivals at Heimaey and the atmospheric DMS mixing ratios of those air masses at Heimaey) was surprisingly consistent with in situ ocean S data (i.e., DMSP and DMSP lyase activity). Our study shows that the proposed computational approach enabled the detection of changes in DMS production and emission in association with changes in ocean primary producers.

Involvement of a novel cAMP signaling mediator for beige adipogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cold temperature stimulates the sympathetic nervous system that activates ß-adrenergic receptor signals in brown and beige adipocytes, leading to the induction of adaptive thermogenesis in mammals. Prominin-1 (PROM1) is a pentaspan transmembrane protein that is widely identified as a marker for stem cells, although the role of this protein as a regulator of many intracellular signaling cascades has been recently delineated. The main focus of the current study is to identify the previously unknown role of PROM1 in beige adipogenesis and adaptive thermogenesis. METHODS: Prom1 whole body knockout (Prom1 KO) mice, Prom1 adipogenic progenitor (AP) cell-specific knockout (Prom1 APKO) mice and Prom1 adipocyte-specific knockout (Prom1 AKO) mice were constructed and were subject for the induction of adaptive thermogenesis. The effect of systemic Prom1 depletion was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunostaining, and biochemical analysis in vivo. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine the identity of PROM1-expressing cell types, and the resultant cells were subject to beige adipogenesis in vitro. The potential role of PROM1 and ERM in cAMP signaling was also assessed in undifferentiated AP cells in vitro. Finally, the specific effect of Prom1 depletion on AP cell or mature adipocytes on adaptive thermogenesis was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunostaining, and biochemical analysis in vivo. RESULTS: Prom1 KO mice displayed an impairment in cold- or ß3-adrenergic agonist-induced adaptive thermogenesis in subcutaneous adipose tissues (SAT) but not in brown adipose tissues (BAT). By fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis, we identified that PROM1 positive cells are enriched in PDGFRα+Sca1+ AP cells from SAT. Interestingly, Prom1 knockout stromal vascular fractions showed reduced PDGFRα expression, suggesting a role of PROM1 in beige adipogenic potential. Indeed, we found that Prom1-deficient AP cells from SAT showed reduced potential for beige adipogenesis. Furthermore, AP cell-specific depletion of Prom1, but not adipocyte-specific depletion of Prom1, displayed defects in adaptive thermogenesis as evidenced by resistance to cold-induced browning of SAT and dampened energy expenditure in mice. CONCLUSION: We found that PROM1 positive AP cells are essential for the adaptive thermogenesis by ensuing stress-induced beige adipogenesis. Identification of PROM1 ligand might be useful in the activation of thermogenesis that could be potentially beneficial in combating obesity.

Tcf7l2 in hepatocytes regulates de novo lipogenesis in diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with type 2 diabetes may more easily progress towards severe forms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Although the Wnt effector transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) is closely associated with type 2 diabetes risk, the role of TCF7L2 in NAFLD development remains unclear. Here, we investigated how changes in TCF7L2 expression in the liver affects hepatic lipid metabolism based on the major risk factors of NAFLD development. METHODS: Tcf7l2 was selectively ablated in the liver of C57BL/6N mice by inducing the albumin (Alb) promoter to recombine Tcf7l2 alleles floxed at exon 5 (liver-specific Tcf7l2-knockout [KO] mice: Alb-Cre;Tcf7l2f/f). Alb-Cre;Tcf7l2f/f and their wild-type (Tcf7l2f/f) littermates were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) for 22 weeks to reproduce NAFLD/NASH. Mice were refed a standard chow diet or an HCD to stimulate de novo lipogenesis (DNL) or fed an HFD to provide exogenous fatty acids. We analysed glucose and insulin sensitivity, metabolic respiration, mRNA expression profiles, hepatic triglyceride (TG), hepatic DNL, selected hepatic metabolites, selected plasma metabolites and liver histology. RESULTS: Alb-Cre;Tcf7l2f/f essentially exhibited increased lipogenic genes, but there were no changes in hepatic lipid content in mice fed a normal chow diet. However, following 22 weeks of diet-induced NAFLD/NASH conditions, liver steatosis was exacerbated owing to preferential metabolism of carbohydrate over fat. Indeed, hepatic Tcf7l2 deficiency enhanced liver lipid content in a manner that was dependent on the duration and amount of exposure to carbohydrates, owing to cell-autonomous increases in hepatic DNL. Mechanistically, TCF7L2 regulated the transcriptional activity of Mlxipl (also known as ChREBP) by modulating O-GlcNAcylation and protein content of carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP), and targeted Srebf1 (also called SREBP1) via miRNA (miR)-33-5p in hepatocytes. Eventually, restoring TCF7L2 expression at the physiological level in the liver of Alb-Cre;Tcf7l2f/f mice alleviated liver steatosis without altering body composition under both acute and chronic HCD conditions. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In mice, loss of hepatic Tcf7l2 contributes to liver steatosis by inducing preferential metabolism of carbohydrates via DNL activation. Therefore, TCF7L2 could be a promising regulator of the NAFLD associated with high-carbohydrate diets and diabetes since TCF7L2 deficiency may lead to development of NAFLD by promoting utilisation of excess glucose pools through activating DNL. DATA AVAILABILITY: RNA-sequencing data have been deposited into the NCBI GEO under the accession number GSE162449 ( www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE162449 ).

Mean platelet volume is the most valuable hematologic parameter in differentiating testicular torsion from epididymitis within the golden time.

Background: We aimed to assess the diagnostic value of hematologic parameters in the differential diagnosis of testicular torsion and epididymitis within and after the golden time. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 250 patients aged <25 years who were diagnosed with epididymitis (n=119) or testicular torsion (n=131). The characteristics and hematologic parameters of patients in the two groups were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the validity of hematologic parameters as differential diagnostic tools with respect to the golden time (defined as 6 h of symptom duration). Further, we evaluated the predictive factors associated with orchiectomy in patients with testicular torsion. Results: The mean patient age was 14.4 years. Among patients with testicular torsion, 91.40% (53 of 58) underwent detorsion and orchiopexy within the golden time, whereas only 27.40% (20 of 73) of the affected testes were preserved after the golden time. Within the golden time, mean platelet volume (MPV) seemed to be the most valuable hematologic parameter [area under the curve (AUC) 0.855, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.778-0.932]. In a multivariate analysis, symptom duration (symptoms beyond the golden time) was associated with orchiectomy in patients with testicular torsion. Conclusions: MPV showed the greatest hematologic value in the early stage of testicular torsion and epididymitis, suggesting its potential use for the differential diagnosis of these two conditions within the golden time.

Central role of Prominin-1 in lipid rafts during liver regeneration.

Prominin-1, a lipid raft protein, is required for maintaining cancer stem cell properties in hepatocarcinoma cell lines, but its physiological roles in the liver have not been well studied. Here, we investigate the role of Prominin-1 in lipid rafts during liver regeneration and show that expression of Prominin-1 increases after 2/3 partial hepatectomy or CCl4 injection. Hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration are attenuated in liver-specific Prominin-1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice. Detailed mechanistic studies reveal that Prominin-1 interacts with the interleukin-6 signal transducer glycoprotein 130, confining it to lipid rafts so that STAT3 signaling by IL-6 is effectively activated. The overexpression of the glycosylphosphatidylinsositol-anchored first extracellular domain of Prominin-1, which is the domain that binds to GP130, rescued the proliferation of hepatocytes and liver regeneration in liver-specific Prominin-1 knockout mice. In summary, Prominin-1 is upregulated in hepatocytes during liver regeneration where it recruits GP130 into lipid rafts and activates the IL6-GP130-STAT3 axis, suggesting that Prominin-1 might be a promising target for therapeutic applications in liver transplantation.

Korean guideline of desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia in men.

PURPOSE: Nocturia is the most bothersome of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Desmopressin, a synthetic analog of the human hormone vasopressin, has been used for the treatment of nocturia. However, the guidelines include varying recommendations for the use of desmopressin for the management of nocturia in men. Therefore, the Korean Urological Association (KUA) developed recommendations for desmopressin for the treatment of nocturia in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rigorous systematic review was performed and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology was used to rate the certainty of evidence for patient outcomes and to develop the evidence into recommendations. The steering group, guidelines development group, systematic review team, and external review group consisted of members of the Korean Continence Society, Korean Society of Geriatric Urological Care, and KUA, respectively, who were involved in the guidelines development process. RESULTS: The guidelines address the benefits, harms, patients' values and preferences, costs, and resources related to desmopressin by using a single clinical question: What is the effectiveness of desmopressin compared to that of placebo, behavior modification, or other pharmacological therapies? CONCLUSIONS: The guidelines development panel suggests desmopressin for men with nocturia instead of placebo, behavior modification, or alpha-blocker monotherapy (low certainty of evidence, weak recommendation). Additionally, the panel suggests desmopressin combination therapy with alpha-blockers for men with nocturia instead of alpha-blocker monotherapy or alpha-blocker combination therapy with anticholinergic agents (low certainty of evidence, weak recommendation).

Safety and efficacy of Mynx vascular closure device for the closure of common femoral artery access after ipsilateral stent placement.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the Mynx vascular closure device (VCD) for arteriotomy closure after stent placement near the common femoral artery (CFA) access site. METHODS: A total of 88 patients (73 men; mean age, 72 ± 9.2 years; 136 procedures) who underwent closure of CFA arteriotomy using the Mynx VCD after stent placement in proximal superficial femoral artery (SFA) with antegrade approach, or in common or external iliac artery with retrograde approach were retrospectively studied. Technical success and access site complication were evaluated. Body mass index (BMI), platelet count, international normalized ratio, prior history of ipsilateral CFA access, access direction, degree of CFA calcification, stent location and diameter, total procedure time, and sheath size were analyzed to evaluate their relationship with technical failure and development of bleeding complications. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 94.9% (129/136) patients. The mean time to hemostasis was 0.7 ± 1.8 min. Technical failure was significantly associated with low BMI (p = 0.001). Other variables presented no significant relationship with technical failure and development of complications. Ultrasonography on the day after the procedure revealed that 8 (5.9%) patients had hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: Mynx VCD for arteriotomy closure is feasible and provides hemostatic safety after stent placement near antegrade or retrograde CFA access. However, Mynx VCD may have a poor technical success rate among patients with low BMI.

Early Interferon-Gamma Response in Nonhuman Primate Recipients of Solid-Organ Xenotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: To understand changes in biological responses in nonhuman primate (NHP) recipients of xenotransplantation (XTP), we retrospectively investigated chronological changes in cytokine profiles of NHP recipients after solid-organ XTP. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected from 7 NHP recipients of pig heart or kidney XTP with α-1,3-galactosyltransferase gene knockout (GTKO) under anti-CD154-based immune suppression at the following time points: immediately before; 2 hours, 3 days, and 7 days after XTP; and weekly thereafter until the graft failed. The plasma levels of the following cytokines were measured: interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12p70, IL-8, IL-10, IL-15, tumor necrosis factor, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), D-dimer, C3a, and histone-complexed DNA fragments. For in vitro experiments, human natural killer (NK) cells were cocultured with wild-type porcine endothelial cells (PECs), GTKO-PECs, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, with or without anti-CD154 antibody. IFN-γ levels in the culture supernatants were compared. RESULTS: IFN-γ levels peaked on day 7 or 10 of XTP and then decreased to basal levels, whereas proinflammatory cytokine levels increased along with the elevation of histone-complexed DNA fragments and were sustained until xenograft failure. In vitro, human NK cells produced more IFN-γ when in contact with wild-type PECs than with human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which was not reduced by the use of GTKO-PECs or addition of anti-CD154 antibody to the mixture. CONCLUSIONS: In NHP recipients of XTP, the early peak of IFN-γ priming subsequent inflammatory responses may be attributed to NK cell activation in response to xenografts.

Facility-based and home-based multidomain interventions including cognitive training, exercise, diet, vascular risk management, and motivation for older adults: a randomized controlled feasibility trial.

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of multidomain intervention (MI) tailored to the Korean context. In an outcome assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial, participants without dementia and with one or more modifiable dementia risk factors, aged 60-79 years, were randomly assigned to the facility-based MI (FMI; n=51), the home-based MI (HMI; n=51), or the control group receiving general health advice (n=50). The 24-week intervention comprised vascular risk management, cognitive training, social activity, physical exercise, nutrition guidance, and motivational enhancement. The FMI participants performed all intervention programs at a facility three times a week. The HMI participants performed some programs at a facility once every 1-2 weeks and performed others at home. The primary outcome was feasibility measured through retention, adherence, and at least no differences from the control group in the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). In the FMI and HMI groups, the retention rates were 88.2% and 96.1%, and adherence to the intervention was 94.5% and 96.8%, respectively. The RBANS total scale index score improved significantly in the FMI (5.46 ± 7.50, P = 0.004) and HMI (5.50 ± 8.14, P = 0.004) groups compared to the control group (-0.74 ± 11.51). The FMI and HMI are feasible and there are indicators of efficacy.

Clinical application of a digital thoracic drainage system for objectifying and quantifying air leak versus the traditional vacuum system: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Digital thoracic drainage systems have recently been introduced and widely used in clinical practices in developed countries. These systems can monitor intrathoracic pressure changes and air leaks in real time, and also allow for objective and quantitative analyses, which aid in managing patients with a prolonged persistent air leak into the pleural space. We investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of such a new device versus the traditional vacuum system for treating patients with pneumothorax. METHODS: Closed thoracostomy drainage was carried out on 100 adult patients with primary or secondary pneumothorax between January 2017 and December 2018. All the patients were aged ≥18 years and treated with a chest tube at a single medical center by the same cardiothoracic surgeons and intensivists. Patients who underwent closed thoracostomy drainage using an indwelling 24-French chest tube were divided into 2 groups immediately before closed thoracostomy: the digital thoracic drainage group (digital group, n=50) and the traditional analogue thoracic drainage group (analogue group, n=50). The detailed information about demographic data, treatment outcome, duration of indwelling catheterization., hospital days, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction was evaluated. We also evaluated whether digitally recorded intrapleural pressure changes and air leaks would predict chest tube removal timing and outcome. RESULTS: The baseline parameters of the 2 groups were comparable with no significant differences in sex, age, weight or body mass index. The mean hospital day was shorter in the digital group than in the analogue group (17.96±12.23 vs. 18.32±16.64, P=0.902), and there was no statistically significant difference in the hospital length of stay between the 2 groups. Air leaks through the chest tube and duration of chest tube indwelling hours showed no significant statistical differences between the digital and analogue groups (213.47±219.80 vs. 261.94±184.47, P=0.235 and 223.44±218.75 vs 275.29±186.06, P=0.205, respectively). Total drainage amount and ambulation time per day were significantly higher in the digital group than in the analogue group [209.62±139.63 vs. 162.48±80.42 (P=0.042) and 6.42±3.62 vs.3.94±1.74 (P<0.001), respectively]. Hours of full expansion were significantly shorter and sleep disturbance caused by the noise of chest tube drainage was less in the digital group than in the analogue group [25.64±14.55 vs. 46.52±25.53 (P<0.001) and 2.38±1.03 vs. 5.70±2.87 (P<0.001), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: To date, there is no definite consensus and guidelines on the standardized digital suction system in pneumothorax. This study proposed the guidelines for the application of digital thoracic drainage systems in pneumothorax and also suggested that digital thoracic drainage systems might be a valuable tool to determine chest tube removal timing and reducing the length of hospital stay in patients with pneumothorax.

The Association between Morphological and Functional Characteristics of the Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Bicuspid Aortopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the association between morphological and functional characteristics of the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and bicuspid aortopathy and to identify the determinants of aortic dilatation using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 312 subjects (mean [SD] age, 52.7 [14.3] years; 227 males [72.8%]) who underwent TTE and CCT. The BAVs were classified by anterior-posterior (BAV-AP) or right-left (BAV-RL) orientation of the cusps and divided according to the presence (raphe+) or absence of a raphe (raphe-) based on the CCT and intraoperative findings. The dimensions of the sinus of Valsalva and the proximal ascending aorta were measured by CCT. We assessed the determinants of aortic root and proximal ascending aortic dilatation (size index > 2.1 cm/m²) by Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 312 patients, BAV-AP was present in 188 patients (60.3%), and 185 patients (59.3%) were raphe+. Moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis (AS) was the most common hemodynamic abnormality (54.8%). The most common type of aortopathy was the combined dilated root and mid-ascending aortic phenotype (62.5%). On multivariable analysis, age and AS severity were significantly associated with aortic root dilatation (p < 0.05), and age, sex, and AS severity were significantly associated with ascending aortic dilatation (p < 005). However, the orientation of the cusps, presence of a raphe, and severity of aortic regurgitation were not associated with aortic root and ascending aortic dilatation. CONCLUSION: BAV morphological characteristics were not determinants of aortic dilatation. Age, sex, and AS severity were predictors of bicuspid aortopathy. Therefore, age, sex, and AS severity, rather than valve morphology, need to be considered when planning treatment for BAV patients.

Comprehensive Analysis of Cardiac Xeno-Graft Unveils Rejection Mechanisms.

Porcine heart xenotransplantation is a potential treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. To understand molecular mechanisms of graft rejection after heart transplantation, we transplanted a 31-day-old alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (GTKO) porcine heart to a five-year-old cynomolgus monkey. Histological and transcriptome analyses were conducted on xenografted cardiac tissue at rejection (nine days after transplantation). The recipient monkey's blood parameters were analyzed on days -7, -3, 1, 4, and 7. Validation was conducted by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with selected genes. A non-transplanted GTKO porcine heart from an age-matched litter was used as a control. The recipient monkey showed systemic inflammatory responses, and the rejected cardiac graft indicated myocardial infarction and cardiac fibrosis. The transplanted heart exhibited a total of 3748 differentially expressed genes compared to the non-transplanted heart transcriptome, with 2443 upregulated and 1305 downregulated genes. Key biological pathways involved at the terminal stage of graft rejection were cardiomyopathies, extracellular interactions, and ion channel activities. The results of qPCR evaluation were in agreement with the transcriptome data. Transcriptome analysis of porcine cardiac tissue at graft rejection reveals dysregulation of the key molecules and signaling pathways, which play relevant roles on structural and functional integrities of the heart.

Feasibility and short-term complication rate of mechanochemical ablation for epifascial tributaries of incompetent great saphenous veins.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of skin complications after mechanochemical ablation with the ClariVein device (Merit Medical, South Jordan, Utah) for incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs) and compare the results in terms of the target vein characteristics, especially in the presence of an epifascial GSV tributary. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective study was performed. We reviewed 33 limbs of 32 patients with GSV insufficiency who had undergone mechanochemical ablation with the ClariVein device from December 2017 to February 2020. The 33 limbs were divided into two groups: the epifascial group, comprising 11 limbs of 11 patients, and the nonepifascial group, comprising 22 limbs of 21 patients. The patients underwent postoperative follow-up examinations at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The skin complication counts and scores on a four-point scale were recorded. RESULTS: Regarding the baseline characteristics, the epifascial group showed a significantly lower GSV depth in the distal thigh region compared with the nonepifascial group (2.64 ± 0.5 mm vs 7.05 ± 2.57 mm; P < .001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of the sclerosant (sodium tetradecyl sulfate) volume (5.45 ± 2.02 mL vs 6.59 ± 1.79 mL; P = .109) or ablation length (31.82 ± 3.92 cm vs 32.95 ± 4.05 cm; P = .449). All ClariVein procedures were technically successful (33 of 33 limbs; 100%), and no major complications were reported. The hyperpigmentation score was significantly greater in the epifascial group than in the nonepifascial group (score, 0.18 ± 0.4 vs 0 ± 0; P = .0401), although the hyperpigmentation count was not significantly different between the two groups (2 of 11 limbs [18.2%] vs 0 of 22 limbs [0.0%]; P = .1042). Although marginally higher counts and scores were observed in terms of phlebitis and bruising in the epifascial group, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous treatment with the ClariVein device for incompetent GSVs can be performed safely. However, caution should be exercised when the epifascial GSV tributary is treated during the ClariVein procedure because of its predilection to result in hyperpigmentation.