The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2009
Blood flow distribution in a large series of patients having the Fontan operation: a cardiac magnetic resonance velocity mapping study.
Our goal was to determine flow distribution in the cavopulmonary connections of patients with and without bilateral superior venae cavae who had the Fontan procedure. No large series exists that establishes the flow distributions in Fontan patients, which would be an important resource for everyday clinical use and may affect future surgical reconstruction. ⋯ Total Fontan cardiac index was 2.9 L x min(-1) x m(-2), with normal pulmonary flow splits (55% to the right lung). Inferior vena caval contribution to total flow increases with body surface area and age, consistent with data from healthy children.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2009
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-stimulated hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha mediates estrogen receptor-alpha-induced mesenchymal stem cell vascular endothelial growth factor production.
Vascular endothelial growth factor, a critical factor in angiogenesis, mediates stem cell paracrine protective effects on ischemic myocardium. Studies on the role of sex in stem cell function have demonstrated that female mesenchymal stem cells produce greater vascular endothelial growth factor and provide better cardiac protection compared with male mesenchymal stem cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms by which estrogen affects mesenchymal stem cell function as a potential therapeutic measure during ex vivo expansion, before therapeutic use. ⋯ 17beta-estradiol-induced vascular endothelial growth factor production from mesenchymal stem cells appears to be mediated through estrogen receptor-alpha-activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-mediated hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha expression.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2009
Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura: results of surgical treatment and long-term prognosis.
We sought to define the long-term outcome of surgically treated solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura. ⋯ Resection of benign solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura carries an excellent prognosis. Larger tumors are more likely to be malignant. Both benign and malignant tumors can recur. Although prolonged survival after resection of malignant tumors is possible, recurrence is common.