Characterisation and engineering of a thermophilic RNA ligase from Palaeococcus pacificus.

RNA ligases are important enzymes in molecular biology and are highly useful for the manipulation and analysis of nucleic acids, including adapter ligation in next-generation sequencing of microRNAs. Thermophilic RNA ligases belonging to the RNA ligase 3 family are gaining attention for their use in molecular biology, for example a thermophilic RNA ligase from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum is commercially available for the adenylation of nucleic acids. Here we extensively characterise a newly identified RNA ligase from the thermophilic archaeon Palaeococcus pacificus (PpaRnl).

Validation of the GERAADA score to predict 30-day mortality in acute type A aortic dissection in a single high-volume aortic centre.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate employing the German Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection Type A (GERAADA) score to predict 30-day mortality in an aortic centre in the USA.

Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2021, 689 consecutive patients underwent surgery for acute type A dissection at a single institution. Excluded were patients with missing clinical data (N = 4).

Non-inferior outcomes in lower urgency patients transplanted with extended criteria donor hearts.

Background: Recent work has suggested that outcomes among heart transplant patients listed at the lower-urgency (United Network for Organ Sharing Status 4 or 6) status may not be significantly impacted by donor comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to investigate outcomes of extended criteria donors (ECD) in lower versus higher urgency patients undergoing heart transplantation.

Methods: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was queried for all adult patients undergoing heart transplantation from October 18, 2018 through December 31, 2021.

Decreased survival of simultaneous heart-kidney transplant recipients in the new heart allocation era.

Background: In 2018, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) modified their heart allocation policy to reduce waitlist mortality. The rates of simultaneous heart-kidney transplant (SHKT) have dramatically increased in recent years, despite increased rates of posttransplant renal failure in the new policy era. This study sought to investigate the impact of the new allocation system on waitlist and posttransplant outcomes of simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation.

Outcomes of aortic valve repair with the reimplantation technique and maintenance of commissural orientation.

Background: Debate still persists on whether valve-sparing root reimplantation (VSRR) of a very asymmetric bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) should be completed such that the asymmetry of the native commissural orientation is retained, or if it should be made symmetric (180°-180°). Herein, we present our approach, in which the native asymmetry is preserved, and the valve is reimplanted in a 210°-150° orientation.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 130 patients with BAV who underwent VSRR between January 1, 2004 and March 1, 2023 at a single institution.