DBAASP v.2: an enhanced database of structure and antimicrobial/cytotoxic activity of natural and synthetic peptides.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are anti-infectives that may represent a novel and untapped class of biotherapeutics. Increasing interest in AMPs means that new peptides (natural and synthetic) are discovered faster than ever before. We describe herein a new version of the Database of Antimicrobial Activity and Structure of Peptides (DBAASPv.

Analysis of the mitral coaptation zone in normal and functional regurgitant valves.

Background: Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is associated with leaflet displacement and tethering. Little is known about regional coaptation zones, including variations in coaptation length (CL) and contributions of anterior and posterior leaflets. Regional coaptation zones were analyzed in patients with normal mitral valves and with FMR.

Retrograde arterial perfusion, not incision location, significantly increases the risk of stroke in reoperative mitral valve procedures.

Background: A recent report suggested that a thoracotomy approach for reoperative mitral valve (MV) procedures was associated with an equivalent mortality and an unacceptable risk of stroke. We assessed these outcomes in a single institution's experience.

Methods: From 1992 through 2007, 905 patients underwent reoperative MV procedures.

A decade of minimally invasive mitral repair: long-term outcomes.

Background: Short-term results with minimally invasive approaches for mitral valve repair in degenerative disease have been encouraging, with potential for diminishing blood loss and hospital length of stay. Little is known, however, about the long-term efficacy of this approach. This report analyzes a single institution's results over 12 years with minimally invasive mitral repair.