13C NMR study of the ion-binding selectivity of a new ammonium ionophore.

A bicyclic peptide, cyclo (L-Glu(1)-D-Leu(2)-Aib(3)-L-Lys(4)-D-Leu(5)-D-Ala(6))-cyclo-(1gamma-4epsilon) (I), was designed and synthesized to provide an ammonium ion complexation site in a tetrahedral geometry. Molecular modeling, dynamics and electrostatic studies for I indicated that it exhibits some selectivity for ammonium ions over potassium and sodium ions. NMR measurements in CDCl(3)/CD(3)OD (1:1) show that for those carbonyl groups involved in cation binding, (13)C resonances shifted downfield with increasing cation concentration.

Posttranscriptional regulation of BK channel splice variant stability by miR-9 underlies neuroadaptation to alcohol.

Tolerance represents a critical component of addiction. The large-conductance calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channel (BK) is a well-established alcohol target, and an important element in behavioral and molecular alcohol tolerance. We tested whether microRNA, a newly discovered class of gene expression regulators, plays a role in the development of tolerance.

A randomized clinical trial of regional cerebral perfusion versus deep hypothermic circulatory arrest: outcomes for infants with functional single ventricle.

Objective: Regional cerebral perfusion has been adopted as a means to improve neuroprotection during aortic arch reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a strategy of regional cerebral perfusion rather than one of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest during aortic arch reconstruction would improve neurodevelopment without increasing morbidity or mortality for patients undergoing the Norwood operation.

Methods: A randomized trial was performed in infants with single ventricle anatomy undergoing the Norwood operation.

Extended resection and end-to-end anastomosis for aortic coarctation in infants: results of a tailored surgical approach.

Background: The surgical repair of aortic coarctation in infants has evolved over time. This study evaluates our current approach utilizing extended end-to-end anastomosis without prosthetic material to enlarge all areas of aortic arch hypoplasia.

Methods: The Michigan Congenital Heart Center database was reviewed for infants who underwent repair of isolated aortic coarctation from January 1, 1990, to January 1, 2000.

Risk factors for cerebrovascular events following fontan palliation in patients with a functional single ventricle.

The risk for cerebrovascular events (CVEs) is increased in children with functional single ventricles (FSVs). However, there are limited data indicating the prevalence of CVEs or the role of preventative therapy. To measure the prevalence of clinically evident CVEs in patients with FSVs, identify risk factors, and analyze the effect of aspirin on the risk for CVEs, a retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent Fontan palliation at the University of Michigan from January 1, 1975, to June 30, 1998 (n = 402).