Use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking strain analysis to characterize and differentiate aortic annular strain patterns in aortic valve regurgitation versus normal aortic valves.

Background: Understanding the aortic annulus is important for obtaining reproducible and durable aortic valve (AV) repair and allowing advances for transcatheter AV replacement treatment of aortic regurgitation (AR). Significant limitations exist when using echocardiography and computed tomography-based imaging with feature tracking at the aortic annulus.

Aims: Cardiac magnetic resonance is used to obtain regional longitudinal strain and can be modified to obtain circumferential annular strain at the fibrous and muscular portions of the AV annulus.

Impact of Aortic Stenosis on Myofiber Stress: Translational Application of Left Ventricle-Aortic Coupling Simulation.

The severity of aortic stenosis (AS) has traditionally been graded by measuring hemodynamic parameters of transvalvular pressure gradient, ejection jet velocity, or estimating valve orifice area. Recent research has highlighted limitations of these criteria at effectively grading AS in presence of left ventricle (LV) dysfunction. We hypothesized that simulations coupling the aorta and LV could provide meaningful insight into myocardial biomechanical derangements that accompany AS.

Transforming Growth Factor-β and Interleukin-1β Signaling Pathways Converge on the Chemokine CCL20 Promoter.

CCL20 is the only chemokine ligand for the chemokine receptor CCR6, which is expressed by the critical antigen presenting cells, dendritic cells. Increased expression of CCL20 is likely involved in the increased recruitment of dendritic cells observed in fibroinflammatory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CCL20 expression is increased by the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β.

Rennet Coagulation and Cheesemaking Properties of Thermally Processed Milk: Overview and Recent Developments.

Thermally induced changes in milk proteins and minerals, particularly interactions among caseins and denatured whey proteins, influence important properties of dairy products in both positive and negative ways. Whereas the extensive protein connectivity and increased water-holding capacity resulting from such heat-induced protein modification account for the much desired firmness of acid gels of yogurt, thermal processing, on the other hand, severely impairs clotting and adversely affects the cheesemaking properties of rennet-coagulated cheeses. In technological terms, the principal ongoing challenge in the cheese industry is to take advantage of the water-holding capacity of thermally aggregated whey proteins without compromising the rennetability of cheese milk or the textural and functional attributes of cheese.

Novel mitral repair device for the treatment of severe mitral regurgitation: preclinical ovine acute and chronic implantation model.

Objective: A project is now underway to implement a novel percutaneous mitral repair system for severe mitral regurgitation (MR). The initial phase of the project consists of proof-of-concept by testing device characteristics using open surgical implantation. When surgical proof-of-concept of the intended percutaneous design is completed, a second phase of the project will consist of in vivo testing of the percutaneous transseptal system.

Foodborne and waterborne pathogenic bacteria in selected Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.

The World Ranking Food Safety Performance reports by Charlebois in 2008 and 2010 importantly stimulated international discussion and encouraged efforts to establish realistic international benchmarks for food safety performance among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. This paper presents the international incidence of 5 common foodborne pathogens and describes the challenges of comparing international data. Data were compiled from surveillance authorities in the countries, such as the Natl.

Selective targeting of TGF-β activation to treat fibroinflammatory airway disease.

Airway remodeling, caused by inflammation and fibrosis, is a major component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and currently has no effective treatment. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been widely implicated in the pathogenesis of airway remodeling in COPD. TGF-β is expressed in a latent form that requires activation.

Minimally invasive surgical implantation of the percutaneous left atrial appendage transcatheter occlusion device: initial experience in a canine model.

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of thromboembolism and stroke. Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion is associated with a decreased risk of stroke in patients with AF. Percutaneous implantation of the percutaneous LAA transcatheter occlusion (PLAATO) device has shown reduction in stroke risk and decreased need for anticoagulation.

Mitral valve prolapse.

Mitral valve prolapse is defined as abnormal bulging of the mitral valve leaflets into the left atrium during ventricular systole. Mitral valve prolapse is a common condition that is a risk factor for mitral regurgitation, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, and endocarditis. Myxomatous degeneration is the most common cause of mitral prolapse in the United States and Europe, and progression of myxomatous mitral prolapse is the most common cause of mitral regurgitation that requires surgical treatment.

Interleukin-1beta induces increased transcriptional activation of the transforming growth factor-beta-activating integrin subunit beta8 through altering chromatin architecture.

The integrin αvβ8 is a cell surface receptor for the latent domain (LAP) of the multifunctional cytokine TGF-β. Through its association with LAP, TGF-β is maintained in a latent form that must be activated to function. Binding to the integrin αvβ8 with subsequent metalloproteolytic cleavage of LAP represents a major mechanism of TGF-β activation in vivo.

Mouse and human lung fibroblasts regulate dendritic cell trafficking, airway inflammation, and fibrosis through integrin αvβ8-mediated activation of TGF-β.

The airway is a primary portal of entry for noxious environmental stimuli that can trigger airway remodeling, which contributes significantly to airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic asthma. Important pathologic components of airway remodeling include fibrosis and abnormal innate and adaptive immune responses. The positioning of fibroblasts in interstitial spaces suggests that they could participate in both fibrosis and chemokine regulation of the trafficking of immune cells such as dendritic cells, which are crucial antigen-presenting cells.

Interaction between casein micelles and whey protein/κ-casein complexes during renneting of heat-treated reconstituted skim milk powder and casein micelle/serum mixtures.

Casein micelles were separated from unheated reconstituted skim milk powder (RSMP) and were resuspended in the serum of RSMP that had been heated, with and without dialysis of this serum against unheated RSMP. Using size-exclusion chromatography, it was found that the soluble complexes of whey protein (WP) with κ-casein in the serum of the heated milk bind progressively to unheated casein micelles during renneting, even prior to the onset of clotting. Similar trends were noted when casein micelles from RSMP heated at pH values of 6.

Transcription of the transforming growth factor beta activating integrin beta8 subunit is regulated by SP3, AP-1, and the p38 pathway.

Integrin alphavbeta8 is a critical regulator of transforming growth factor beta activation in vasculogenesis during development, immune regulation, and endothelial/epithelial-mesenchymal homeostasis. Recent studies have suggested roles for integrin beta8 in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, brain arteriovenous malformations, and select cancers (Araya, J., Cambier, S.

Influence of the emulsion droplet type on the rheological characteristics and microstructure of rennet gels from reconstituted milk.

Rheological and microstructural properties of rennet-induced milk gels containing different fat globules were studied. Recombined milks were prepared by mixing reconstituted low-heat skim milk powder and anhydrous milk fat emulsified with reconstituted skim milk powder (SMP), sodium caseinate (NaCas), whey protein isolate (WPI) or Tween 20. Final elastic modulus of the rennet gels containing WPI- or Tween 20-stabilized fat globules showed significantly lower values compared with those prepared with SMP-emulsified fat globules.

Squamous metaplasia amplifies pathologic epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in COPD patients.

Squamous metaplasia (SM) is common in smokers and is associated with airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A major mechanism of airway obstruction in COPD is thickening of the small airway walls. We asked whether SM actively contributes to airway wall thickening through alteration of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in COPD.

In vitro and in vivo studies of ePTFE vascular grafts treated with P15 peptide.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of P15 cell-binding peptide treated ePTFE vascular grafts in vitro and in vivo. The P15 peptide was covalently immobilized onto ePTFE vascular grafts by an atmospheric plasma coating method. In vitro cell growth properties were studied using primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and primary human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMCs).

Peptide-coated vascular grafts: an in vivo study in sheep.

The data on function and patency of prosthetic vascular grafts in various clinical settings are limited. The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare the function and patency of P15-coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts to uncoated ePTFE grafts in sheep. The P15 cell-binding peptide was covalently immobilized onto the surface of ePTFE grafts by a novel atmospheric plasma coating method.

Methods for analysis of conjugated linoleic acids and trans-18:1 isomers in dairy fats by using a combination of gas chromatography, silver-ion thin-layer chromatography/gas chromatography, and silver-ion liquid chromatography.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are octadecadienoic acids (18:2) that have a conjugated double-bond system. Interest in these compounds has expanded since CLA were found to be associated with a number of physiological and pathological responses such as cancer, metastases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, immunity, and body fat/protein composition. The main sources of these conjugated fatty acids are dairy fats.

Clinical and six-month angiographic evaluation of coronary arterial graft interrupted anastomoses by use of a self-closing clip device: a multicenter prospective clinical trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a self-closing surgical clip with an interrupted technique in left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery bypass grafting.

Methods: Eighty-two patients were enrolled and treated (February 2000 through August 2001) in a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter trial. Left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery anastomoses were performed in 60 off-pump coronary artery bypasses (73%), 12 conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (15%), and 10 minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (12%) procedures.

Integrin alphavbeta8-mediated activation of transforming growth factor-beta inhibits human airway epithelial proliferation in intact bronchial tissue.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a potent multifunctional cytokine that is an essential regulator of epithelial proliferation. Because TGF-beta is expressed almost entirely in a latent state in vivo, a major source of regulation of TGF-beta function is its activation. A subset of integrins, alphavbeta8 and alphavbeta6, which are expressed in the human airway, has recently been shown to activate latent TGF-beta in vitro, suggesting a regulatory role for integrins in TGF-beta function in vivo.

Heart xenograft survival with chimeric pig donors and modest immune suppression.

Objective: To assess the use of donor pigs with cellular chimerism for prevention of acute rejection with modest immune suppression. The clinical use of pig organ xenografts is currently precluded by severe acute rejection, which resists standard immune suppression.

Summary Background Data: For long-term survival of pig organ xenografts, immune suppression significantly greater than used with allografts would currently be necessary, leaving the recipient immune deficient and at increased risk for infections.