Characterization of Blue Light Treatment for Infected Wounds: Antibacterial Efficacy of 420, 455, and 480 nm Light-Emitting Diode Arrays Against Common Skin Pathogens Versus Blue Light-Induced Skin Cell Toxicity.

To determine effective treatment strategies against bacterial infections of chronic wounds, we tested different blue light (BL)-emitting light-emitting diode arrays (420, 455, and 480 nm) against wound pathogens and investigated in parallel BL-induced toxic effects on human dermal fibroblasts. Wound infection is a major factor for delayed healing. Infections with and are clinically relevant caused by their ability of biofilm formation and their quickly growing antibiotics resistance.

Between Fate Choice and Self-Renewal-Heterogeneity of Adult Neural Crest-Derived Stem Cells.

Stem cells of the neural crest (NC) vitally participate to embryonic development, but also remain in distinct niches as quiescent neural crest-derived stem cell (NCSC) pools into adulthood. Although NCSC-populations share a high capacity for self-renewal and differentiation resulting in promising preclinical applications within the last two decades, inter- and intrapopulational differences exist in terms of their expression signatures and regenerative capability. Differentiation and self-renewal of stem cells in developmental and regenerative contexts are partially regulated by the niche or culture condition and further influenced by single cell decision processes, making cell-to-cell variation and heterogeneity critical for understanding adult stem cell populations.

Effects of a dual-filter-based cerebral embolic protection device in transcatheter aortic valve replacement on cerebral oxygen saturation: A prospective pilot study.

Purpose: The Sentinel Cerebral Protection System (Sentinel-CPS) is increasingly used in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the impact of inserting the Sentinel-CPS inside the brain-supplying arteries on cerebral perfusion and oxygenation is unknown.

Methods: Twenty patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) cerebral embolic protection using the Sentinel-CPS were prospectively observed.

Secondary aortic valve replacement in continuous flow left ventricular assist device therapy.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the outcome of secondary surgical aortic valve replacement (sSAVR) in patients with severe aortic regurgitation (AR) in the context of ventricular assist device (VAD) therapy. From 2009 to 2020, 792 patients underwent cf-LVAD implantation [HVAD (Medtronic, USA), n = 585, and HM 3 (Abbott, USA), n = 207]. All cf-LVAD patients with severe AR requiring secondary AVR were enrolled in this study.

Rationale and feasibility of transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation in small conduits with the Edwards Sapien valves.

Background: Conduit dilatation above 110% and TPVI in conduits <16 mm is not recommended. However, if we want to reach normal values for RVOT diameters and diminish reintervention rates, pushing these boundaries is essential.

Methods: Analysis of subsequent patients who underwent TPVI with Edwards Sapien valves in conduits ≤16 mm between 2010 and 2020.

Transcatheter or surgical aortic valve implantation in chronic dialysis patients: a German Aortic Valve Registry analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of transcatheter and surgical aortic valve implantation in chronic dialysis patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS).

Background: Chronic dialysis patients undergoing heart valve surgery are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality. Whether interventional techniques can reduce this risk is unclear because dialysis patients have thus far been excluded from randomized trials.

Perioperative management of patients with undergoing durable mechanical circulatory support.

Durable mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices revolutionized the treatment options for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF). Implantation of durable mechanical support has become an integral treatment modality in end-stage HF patients and it is associated with improved quality of life and survival. There is no doubt that this needs an interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach of cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, cardiac anesthesiologists, perfusionists, intensivists, psychologists, assist device coordinators as well as physiotherapists and intensive care.

The European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS): second EUROMACS Paediatric (Paedi-EUROMACS) report.

Objectives: A second paediatric report has been generated from the European Registry for Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support (EUROMACS). The purpose of EUROMACS, which is operated by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, is to gather data related to durable mechanical circulatory support for scientific purposes and to publish reports with respect to the course of mechanical circulatory support therapy. Since the first report issued, efforts to increase compliance and participation have been extended.

Heart transplantation after SynCardia total artificial heart implantation.

Background: The SynCardia total artificial heart (TAH) is the only approved TAH device. This report summarizes our single-center experience with the SynCardia TAH with particular focus on the outcome after subsequent heart transplantation.

Methods: We retrospectively analysed the outcome of all transplanted SynCardia TAH patients at our center between 2001 and 2019 in comparison to transplanted left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and biventricular assist device (BVAD) patients and to transplanted patients without prior durable mechanical circulatory support (non-MCS).

Patient eligibility for application of a two-filter cerebral embolic protection device during transcatheter aortic valve implantation: does one size fit all?

Objectives: This study sought to determine the percentage of patients potentially eligible for implantation of the Sentinel™ Cerebral Protection System (Sentinel-CPS) during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to identify the reasons for treatment exclusion.

Methods: We retrospectively performed an analysis of pre-TAVI multislice computed tomography (MSCT) aortograms and data review of all patients undergoing a TAVI procedure in 2017 (n = 317). MSCT evaluation included the assessment of aortic arch anatomy and the vascular dimensions of the brachiocephalic and left common carotid artery.

Efficacy of Electrical Baroreflex Activation Is Independent of Peripheral Chemoreceptor Modulation.

Arterial baroreflex activation through electrical carotid sinus stimulation has been developed for the treatment of resistant hypertension. Previous studies suggested that the peripheral chemoreflex is tonically active in hypertensive patients and may inhibit baroreflex responses. We hypothesized that peripheral chemoreflex activation attenuates baroreflex efficacy evoked by electrical carotid sinus stimulation.

Intermediate outcomes of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement with the Edwards Sapien 3 valve - German experience.

: After encouraging results with the Edwards Sapien and XT valves, this study aimed to review procedural data and early outcomes for the Sapien 3 valves for transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR). : We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of cases who underwent a Sapien 3 TPVR between 2015 and 2017 in 7 centers in Germany with a follow-up of up to 2 years. : 56 patients could be enrolled (weight 58,5 ± 25,0 kg; 53% Tetralogy of Fallot, 45% native RVOT).

The standing of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation compared to surgery in a non-preselected cohort with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract - Reasons for failure and contraindications.

Background: Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) numbers are rising but are still minor compared to surgery due to several contraindications. We sought to analyze the impact of PPVI compared to standard surgery in an unselected cohort with dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Reasons for PPVI failure and possible contraindications were explored.

The role of long-term mechanical circulatory support in the treatment of end-stage heart failure.

Heart failure is a clinical syndrome of multifactorial aetiology with typical symptoms and diverse prevalence depending on the world region, reaching more than 10% in the population over 70 years of age. The prognosis, in spite of a dynamic improve- ment in medical therapy, remains poor. The only treatment for these patients is heart transplantation, however, its availability is highly limited because of the shortage of donor organs.

A murine model to study vasoreactivity and intravascular flow in lung isograft microvessels.

Intravital microscopy of orthotopic lung tissue is technically demanding, especially for repeated investigations. Therefore, we have established a novel approach, which allows non-invasive repetitive in vivo microscopy of ectopic lung tissue in dorsal skinfold chambers. Syngeneic subpleural peripheral lung tissue and autologous endometrium (control) were transplanted onto the striated muscle within dorsal skinfold chambers of C57BL/6 mice.

Inter-hospital transfer of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-assisted patients: the hub and spoke network.

Background: The treatment of cardiogenic shock (CS) in peripheral hospitals may be challenging when acute mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is not available. Tertiary care centers may provide mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) teams to support the treatment of CS-patients externally.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our single-center experience with a mobile ECMO team focussing on decision-making and survival data of CS-patients retrieved by ECMO support from peripheral hospitals to our tertiary care center between January 2012 and October 2018.

Normal values of the pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) and the right ventricular ejection time (RVET) in children and adolescents and the impact of the PAAT/RVET-index in the assessment of pulmonary hypertension.

New echocardiographic modalities including pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) and right ventricular ejection time (RVET) are evolving to facilitate an early non-invasive diagnosis for pulmonary hypertension (PH) in adults. In children, PAAT depends on age, body surface area (BSA) and heart rate (HR) and is used to predict PH. Normal values of RVET and their role to predict PH in children are still missing.

Current perspectives on mechanical circulatory support.

Mechanical circulatory support gained a significant value in the armamentarium of heart failure therapy because of the increased awareness of the prevalence of heart failure and the tremendous advances in the field of mechanical circulatory support during the last decades. Current device technologies already complement a heart transplant as the gold standard of treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure refractory to conservative medical therapy. This article reviews important aspects of mechanical circulatory support therapy and focuses on currently debated issues.

The risk of bacterial endocarditis after percutaneous and surgical biological pulmonary valve implantation.

Objective: This single center study compared the risk of bacterial endocarditis (BE) after surgical and percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation.

Methods: Between Jan 1st 2010 and Dec 31st 2015 all patients who received a biological pulmonary valve (surgical/interventional) were identified. The clinical follow-up was analyzed with regard to BE applying the modified Duke criteria and echocardiographic findings.

Novel Desmin Mutation p.Glu401Asp Impairs Filament Formation, Disrupts Cell Membrane Integrity, and Causes Severe Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia.

Background: Desmin () mutations cause severe skeletal and cardiac muscle disease with heterogeneous phenotypes. Recently, mutations were described in patients with inherited arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia, although their cellular and molecular pathomechanisms are not precisely known. Our aim is to describe clinically and functionally the novel -p.

Systematic review of cost-effectiveness of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in patients with ischaemic heart disease: A report from the cardiovascular committee of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine. Endorsed by the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability. Several diagnostic tests, such as myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS), are accurate for the detection of CAD, as well as having prognostic value for the prediction of cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, the diagnostic and prognostic value of these tests should be cost-effective and should lead to improved clinical outcome.

Differentiation of Impaired From Preserved Hemodynamics in Patients With Fontan Circulation Using Real-time Phase-velocity Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

Purpose: Progressive impairment of hemodynamics in patients with Fontan circulation is common, multifactorial, and associated with decreased quality of life and increased morbidity. We sought to assess hemodynamic differences between patients with preserved (preserved Fontans) and those with impaired circulation (impaired Fontans) after pulmonary vasodilation using oxygen and under forced breathing conditions.

Materials And Methods: Real-time phase-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed using non-ECG triggered echo-planar imaging (temporal resolution=24 to 28 ms) in the ascending aorta (AAo) and superior vena cava (SVC)/inferior vena cava (IVC) on room air, after 100% oxygen inhalation (4 L/min; 10 min) and on forced breathing in 29 Fontan patients (17.

The "Dog Bone Technique" A Novel Easy and Safe Catheter Maneuver for Aortic Arch and Coarctation Stenting.

Background: Various techniques are described to facilitate stable stent implantation in aortic arch stenosis or coarctation. We describe an alternative technique, which due to its unique appearance during stent implantation, we have named "Dog Bone Technique" (DBT).

Technique: The stent/balloon assembly is placed across the stenosis, the long sheath is retrieved to uncover the distal 20-50% of the stent.

Closure of very large PDA with pulmonary hypertension: Initial clinical case-series with the new Occlutech PDA occluder.

Objective: We report our recent experience with the new Occlutech PDA Occluder, which seems suitable especially for closure of large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) sizes with elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAH).

Background: Although considered a standard procedure in pediatric cath labs, closure of very large PDA (PDA/Aorta ratio > 0.5) and PAH remains a challenge.

Closure of Secundum Atrial Septal Defects by Using the Occlutech Occluder Devices in More Than 1300 Patients: The IRFACODE Project: A Retrospective Case Series.

Background: The Occlutech Figulla ASD device series (OFSO) shows an improved device design for interventional ASD closure, larger follow-up series are missing.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the feasibility, safety, implantation properties, results, and follow-up of ASD closure using Occlutech devices over a 5 year period by establishing a multi-institutional collaborative result registry with 16 contributing centers from 11 countries (IRFACODE).

Results: In 1315 patients of all age groups (female 66.