PhysiBoSS 2.0: a sustainable integration of stochastic Boolean and agent-based modelling frameworks.

In systems biology, mathematical models and simulations play a crucial role in understanding complex biological systems. Different modelling frameworks are employed depending on the nature and scales of the system under study. For instance, signalling and regulatory networks can be simulated using Boolean modelling, whereas multicellular systems can be studied using agent-based modelling.

Frailty, disability and comorbidity: different domains lead to different effects after surgical aortic valve replacement in elderly patients.

Objectives: Frailty syndrome predicts adverse outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement. However, disability or comorbidity is frequently associated with preoperative frailty evaluation. The effects of these domains on early and late outcomes were analysed.

Quick spontaneous remodelling of thrombosed false lumen in acute type-A aortic dissection.

Natural history of acute Stanford type A aortic dissection (AAAD) implies the need of emergent surgical treatment in the vast majority of cases. Nevertheless, conservative treatment has been described to yield acceptable outcomes, when compared to surgery, in selected high risk cases of thrombosed false lumen. We report a significant quick remodelling of the false lumen occurred in an 85-year-old female 6 days after conservative treatment.

Use of self-expanding venous cannula in tricuspid reoperation.

Significant tricuspid regurgitation requiring surgical correction is associated with poor survival in patients undergoing tricuspid valve reoperations. Right chamber dilatation increases the risk of injury during resternotomy. The novel technique of peripheral cannulation using an expandable venous cannula for cardiopulmonary bypass can help to reduce the risk of complications and associated morbidity, thus enhancing the short-term outcomes.

Leaflet tear in a Trifecta aortic bioprosthesis 34 months after implantation.

Bioprosthetic valves are used in aortic valve replacement to avoid lifelong anticoagulation. Bovine pericardial valves have excellent haemodynamics and equivalent freedom from reoperation compared with a porcine bioprosthesis [ 1]. However, early failure (parastent post-cusp tear) can take place due to mechanical stress.