Objective To investigate the effect of Notch1 and Jagged1 on the growth of prostate cancer PC3 cells and the regulation of Jagged1 expression by its receptor Notch1 in PC3. Methods Notch1 and Jagged1 expression were inhibited by siRNA interference. The growth rate of PC3 cells was measured by MTT. Notch1 expression was inhibited by siRNA interference and promoted by transfection of Notch1 cDNA. The changes of Notch1 and Jagged1 protein and mRNA levels were measured by Western blot and Real-time RCR. Results The growth of PC3 cells decreased after inhibiting Notch1 and Jagged1 expression. Jagged1 protein level decreased after inhibiting Notch1 expression and increased after over-expressing Notch1. Moreover, the change of Jagged1 protein level was discordant with the situation of mRNA. Conclusion In PC3 cells, Notch1 and Jagged1 are important to cell growth. Notch1 may regulate Jagged1 expression.

Objective     To discuss the key points of anesthesia for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) surgery. Methods     We retrospectively collected and analyzed the data of 70 patients who underwent TAVI in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital from March 2014 to October 2015. There were 39 males and 31 females with an average age of 73.7±4.5 years. The perioperative preparation and anesthesia points of TAVI were summarized. Results     All of the 70 included patients were aged and at high risk severe comorbidities such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. The aortic stenosis and regurgitation occurred in 39 and 31 patients respectively. No patients died during the surgery. The total success rate was 95.7%. Conclusion     TAVI is a complex procedure for high risk patients and need more attention during anesthesia. The successful conduction of the procedure requires the whole team to prepare carefully and cooperate closely.

Objective     To report our experience with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to determine perioperative predictors for ERAS failure. Methods     Between May 2018 and January 2019, 80 patients undergoing TAVI in our hospital were recruited. Among them, 40 patients (24 males, 16 females, aged 73.0±5.0 years) successfully received ERAS, defined as successful extubation in operating room (an ERAS group) and the other 40 patients (28 males, 12 females, aged 73.0±7.0 years, a non-ERAS group) failed to perform ERAS.  Results     Compared with the non-ERAS group, patients in the ERAS group were associated with a significantly lower incidence of postoperative complications (30.0% vs. 52.5%, P=0.04), shorter postoperative ICU stay (2.2±0.4 d vs. 4.0±4.8 d, P=0.00) and hospital stay (7.0±2.3 d vs. 9.5±4.8 d, P=0.00), and less medical cost (311±20 thousand yuan vs. 347±80 thousand yuan, P=0.00). Independent predictors of ERAS failure were poor preoperative heart function and elevated B-type natriuretic peptides.  Conclusion     ERAS protocol is feasible and effective in patients undergoing TAVI. Poor preoperative heart function is an independent predictor of failure in early extubation which, in turn, is associated with prolonged ICU and hospital stay and dramatic worsening of patient outcomes.