AIM2 Inflammasome Activation Contributes to Aortic Dissection in a Sporadic Aortic Disease Mouse Model.

Background: The absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome induces pyroptosis, tissue inflammation, and extracellular matrix destruction. We tested the hypothesis that the AIM2 inflammasome contributes to aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) development by promoting pyroptosis in smooth muscle cells (SMCs).

Methods: We examined AIM2 expression in aortic tissues from patients with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) and aortic dissection (ATAD) and from organ donor controls.

Fixed and Variable Relationship Models to Define the Volume-Value Relationship in Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Macroeconomic Analysis Using Evidence-Based Thresholds.

Objective: Increased surgical volume has been associated with improved patient outcomes at the surgeon and hospital level. To date, clinically meaningful stratified volume benchmarks have yet to be defined for surgeons or hospitals in the context of spinal fusion surgery. The objective of this study was to establish evidence-based thresholds using outcomes and cost to stratify surgeons and hospitals performing spinal fusion surgery by volume.