The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2019
Predissection-derived geometric and distensibility indices reveal increased peak longitudinal stress and stiffness in patients sustaining acute type A aortic dissection: Implications for predicting dissection.
To assess ascending aortic distensibility and build geometry and distensibility-based patient-specific stress distribution maps in patients sustaining type A aortic dissection (TAAD) using predissection noninvasive imaging. ⋯ Using predissection imaging, we identified increased stiffness and longitudinal wall stress in ascending aortas of patients with dissection. Patient-specific imaging-derived biomechanical property maps like these may be instrumental toward designing better prediction models of aortic dissection potential.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2019
Initial report on young cardiothoracic surgeons' first job: From searching to securing and the gaps in between.
Recent industry studies have projected a deficit in cardiothoracic surgeons by 2030. Little is known about the difficulties of the job search process after cardiothoracic training. The purpose of this study is to explore the current practices of the first job hunt and contract negotiation for young cardiothoracic surgeons, and to identify the gaps in resources available to applicants. ⋯ Little guidance exists to support the search and securing of young cardiothoracic surgeons' first employment. Resources, whether institutional or organizational, are sparse and difficult to tailor to individual needs. Given the potential ramification of early career decisions, focused support is needed to remediate the lack of preparation available to the newest generations of cardiothoracic surgeons.
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Aug 2019
Histone deacetylase 6 reduction promotes aortic valve calcification via an endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated osteogenic pathway.
Aortic valve (AoV) calcification occurs via a pathophysiologic process that includes osteoblastic differentiation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs). Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases. Here, we investigated the role of HDAC6 in AoV calcification. ⋯ HDAC6 inhibition promotes AoV calcification via an endoplasmic reticulum stress/ATF4-mediated osteogenic pathway. HDAC6 may be a novel target for AoV calcification prevention and treatment.