Hydrostatic pressure stimulates the osteogenesis and angiogenesis of MSCs/HUVECs co-culture on porous PLGA scaffolds.

In native bone tissue regeneration, blood vessels, providing oxygen and nutrition for tissues, can promote the regeneration of bone and accelerate the repair of a defected area. In this study, Poly(D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) inverse opal scaffolds with high pore interconnectivity were fabricated and further modified with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The rat bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were co-cultured onto the scaffolds to enhance vascularization for bone tissue regeneration.

Blood lead level in Chinese adults with and without coronary artery disease.

Background: The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy study found that edetate disodium (disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) chelation therapy significantly reduced the incidence of cardiac events in stable post-myocardial infarction patients, and a body of epidemiological data has shown that accumulation of biologically active metals, such as lead and cadmium, is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, limited studies have focused on the relationship between angiographically diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) and lead exposure. This study compared blood lead level (BLL) in Chinese patients with and without CAD.

Balloon internal fixation: A novel approach to manipulate catheter knotting.

A successful alternative technique to resolve the catheter knotting during radial access using balloon internal fixation of 5F angiographic catheter in the cath laboratory.

Atorvastatin Pretreatment Ameliorates Mesenchymal Stem Cell Migration through miR-146a/CXCR4 Signaling.

Background: We previously found that atorvastatin (ATV) enhanced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) migration, by a yet unknown mechanism. CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is critical to cell migration and regulated by microRNA-146a (miR-146a). Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether ATV ameliorates MSCs migration through miR-146a/CXCR4 signaling.

Comparing hydroxyapatite with osteogenic medium for the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on PHBV nanofibrous scaffolds.

Having advantageous biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties known to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), hydroxyapatite (HA) is a commonly used material for bone tissue engineering. What remains unclear, however, is whether HA holds a similar potential for stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs to that of a more frequently used osteogenic-inducing medium (OIM). To that end, we used PHBV electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds to directly compare the osteogenic capacities of HA with OIM over MSCs.

Involvement of IL-17 in Secondary Brain Injury After a Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats.

The pro-inflammatory activity of interleukin 17, which is produced by the IL-23/IL-17 axis, has been associated with the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study investigated the potential role of IL-17 in secondary brain injury of TBI in a rat model. Our data showed that the levels of IL-17 increased from 6 h to 7 days and peaked at 3 days, in both the CNS and serum, which were consistent with the severity of secondary brain injury.

Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Neuron-Like Cells by Cerebrospinal Fluid Improves Motor Function of Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Rats.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) represent a promising tool for stem cell-based therapies. However, the majority of BMSC transplants only allow for limited recovery of the lost functions. We previously found that human cerebrospinal fluid (hCSF) is more potent than growth factors in differentiating human BMSCs into neuron-like cells .

S-Nitrosylation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 involves its activation induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation.

Previous studies have demonstrated that activation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (PYK2) in cerebral ischemia is involved in the modulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate-type (NMDA) glutamate receptor activity and Ca(2+) dynamics, resulting in ischemic neuron death ultimately. A number of reports indicate that PYK2 is a redox sensitive kinase that must be activated by an estrogen-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the mechanism of PYK2 activation remains incompletely illustrated.

An early warning scoring system for the prevention of acute heart failure.

Background: Early prediction and identification of the onset of acute heart failure (AHF) in high-risk patients are of great significance for preemptive treatment and a better prognosis. We sought to find a scoring system to predict the onset of AHF in patients in the acute heart failure unit (AHFU).

Methods: Data for 433 patients at of AHF in the AHFU were analyzed.

Serum uric acid and risk of left atrial thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Background: Serum uric acid (SUA) is a simple and independent marker of morbidity and mortality in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. In this study we aimed to investigate SUA and the risk of left atrial (LA) thrombus in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: In this retrospective study, 1359 consecutive patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography before catheter ablation of AF were enrolled.

Congenital anomalous coronary sinus ostium.

Congenital anomalous coronary sinus ostium is extremely rare. We describe a case of congenital left atrial coronary sinus ostium in a patient scheduled for ablation for atrial fibrillation. The anomalous coronary sinus ostium was found when contrast was injected during the ablation procedure and was confirmed by cardiac computed tomography.

Predictors of recurrence after a repeat ablation procedure for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: role of left atrial enlargement.

Aims: This study sought to explore the predictors of recurrence in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing repeat catheter ablation, especially the impact of left atrial (LA) remodelling after the original procedure on the outcome of repeat procedure.

Methods And Results: Ninety-five patients undergoing repeat ablation were enrolled in this study. Repeat procedure endpoints were pulmonary vein isolation, linear block when linear ablation is performed, and non-inducibility of atrial tachyarrhythmia by burst pacing.

Omega-3 fatty acids for postoperative atrial fibrillation: alone or in combination with antioxidant vitamins?

Background: The effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) are inconclusive in current studies. Moreover, the most appropriate composition of PUFA to play the protective role is unclear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to ascertain the protective role of PUFA on POAF and the most appropriate composition.

Pacing or ablation: which is better for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation-related tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome?

Background: Symptomatic prolonged sinus pauses on termination of atrial fibrillation (AF) are an accepted indication for pacemaker implantation. We evaluated the outcome of AF ablation in patients with paroxysmal AF-related tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome and compared the efficacy of catheter ablation with permanent pacing plus antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).

Methods And Results: Patients with prolonged symptomatic sinus pauses on termination of AF were retrospectively analyzed.

[Effect of fasudil of on rat cardiomyocytes acutely exposed to omethoate].

Objective: To investigate the effect of fasudil on in vitro cultured cardiomyocytes (CMs) exposed to omethoate and its possible mechanism.

Methods: Cardiomyocytes were isolated from male SD rats and were then cultured in DMEM conventionally. The CMs were divided into different groups based on the doses of omethoate and fasudil in culture media.