Laminin-221 Enhances Therapeutic Effects of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived 3-Dimensional Engineered Cardiac Tissue Transplantation in a Rat Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Model.

Background Extracellular matrix, especially laminin-221, may play crucial roles in viability and survival of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs) after in vivo transplant. Then, we hypothesized laminin-221 may have an adjuvant effect on therapeutic efficacy by enhancing cell viability and survival after transplantation of 3-dimensional engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) to a rat model of myocardial infarction. Methods and Results In vitro study indicates the impacts of laminin-221 on hiPS-CMs were analyzed on the basis of mechanical function, mitochondrial function, and tolerance to hypoxia.

Surgical Results for Infective Endocarditis Complicated With Cardiogenic Shock.

Background: Infective endocarditis remains associated with substantial mortality and morbidity rates, and the presence of acute heart failure (AHF) compromises clinical results after valve surgery; however, little is known in cardiogenic shock (CGS) patients. This study evaluated the clinical results and risk of mortality in CGS patients after valve surgery.

Methods and results: This study enrolled 585 patients who underwent valve surgery for active endocarditis at 14 institutions between 2009 and 2017.

Results of surgical management of infective endocarditis associated with Staphylococcus aureus.

Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a leading cause of infective endocarditis (IE), and such cases are on the rise. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of surgical intervention in patients with SA-associated IE and to identify the factors associated with outcomes.

Methods: Between 2009 and 2017, 585 patients underwent valve surgery for definitive left-sided IE at 14 affiliated hospitals.

Diabetes mellitus adversely affects mortality and recurrence after valve surgery for infective endocarditis.

Background: Although diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE), little is known about the outcome of valve surgery for active IE in patients with DM. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of valve surgery for IE in patients with DM.

Methods: Between 2009 and 2016, 470 patients underwent valve surgery for definitive left-sided active IE at 12 affiliated hospitals.

Recent Surgical Results for Active Endocarditis Complicated With Perivalvular Abscess.

Background: Surgical treatment for endocarditis patients with a perivalvular abscess is still challenging.

Methods and results: From 2009 to 2016, 470 patients underwent surgery for active endocarditis at 11 hospitals. Of these, 226 patients underwent aortic valve surgery.