Objective: To observe the regulatory effects of miRNA-31 (miR-31) on LATS2 and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via down-regulating miR-31 expression in rat's cardiomyocytesin vitro. Methods: Rat's cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured for 10 daysin vitro, according to different intervention methods, the cells were divided into 4 groups:①Blank control group,②AngII intervention group,③Lentivirus with miR-31 inhibitor infection group,④Negative lentivirus infection group. On day-8, gene expressions of MiR-31, LATS2, cardiac hypertrophy ANP and β-MHC were examined by qRT-PCR; on day-10, cell morphology was observed by fluorescence staining. LATS2 protein expression was examined by Western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter plasmids were transfected into 293T cells, then luciferase activity was detected to identify the targeting effect of miR-31 on LATS2. Results: Compared with Blank control group, AngII intervention group showed increased gene expressions of miR31, cardiac hypertrophy ANP and β-MHC,P<0.05, enlarged cardiomyocyte surface,P<0.05; while decreased gene and proteinexpressions of LATS2,P<0.05. Compared with AngII intervention group, Lentivirus with miR-31 inhibitor infection group had down-regulated expressions of miR31, cardiac hypertrophy ANP and β-MHC,P<0.05, reduced cardiomyocyte surface, P<0.05; while slightly increased LATS2 gene expression and obviously increased protein expression,P<0.05. Dual luciferase reporter assay presented that relative luciferase activity of TRAF6-3' UTR+miR-146b was significantly decreased than TRAF6-3' UTR+miR-NC,P<0.01 and relative luciferase activity of LATS2-3' UTR+ miR-31 was signiifcantly reduced than LATS2-3' UTR-NC+miR-31,P<0.01. Conclusion: Cardiomyocytes hypertrophy could be reversed at certain degree by down-regulating miR-31; the targeting effect of miR-31 on LATS2 was involved in cardiomyocyte hypertrophyregulation.

Mitral valve disease is one of the most popular heart valve diseases. Precise positioning and displaying of the valve characteristics is necessary for the minimally invasive mitral valve repairing procedures. This paper presents a multi-resolution elastic registration method to compute the deformation functions constructed from cubic B-splines in three dimensional ultrasound images, in which the objective functional to be optimized was generated by maximum likelihood method based on the probabilistic distribution of the ultrasound speckle noise. The algorithm was then applied to register the mitral valve voxels. Numerical results proved the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Algorithms ; Heart Valve Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Likelihood Functions ; Mitral Valve ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Patient Positioning ; Probability ; Ultrasonography

Objective To observe the clinical features and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)imaging characteristics in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. Methods A total of 5 patients (4 males and 1 female) with the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (3 were proven by heart transplantation, 2 by endomyocardial biopsy) were evaluated by electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, chest X-ray and CMR with delayed Gadolinium enhancement. Results Echocardiograms were abnormal in all five patients; chest X-ray showed pulmonary hemorrhage ( 3 ), cardiomegaly (5), pleural effusion (3); echocardiogram showed atrial enlargement, left ventricular wall thickening, limited ventricular wall motion, etc. CMR exhibited increased thickness of the left ventricular wall, mild to moderate depression of systolic function ( mean ejection fraction: 32.5% ± 15.0% ) and bilateral atrial enlargement with restriction of diastolic ventricular filling. In all patients, there were widespread enhancement of the thickened myocardium on delayed postcontrast studies. In 4 patients, global subendocardial delayed gadolinium enhancement was found, in papillary muscles, and interventricular septa with" zebra-like" sign in 3 patients. Left ventricular transmural delayed gadolinium enhancement was found in 1 patient. Conclusions CMR shows a characteristic pattern of global subendocardial delayed gadolinium enhancement in cardiac amyloidosis. The findings may be valuable in the diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.

Objective: To evaluate the changes of left and right ventricular function in patients after percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). Methods: A total of 8 patients with successful PPVI in our hospital from 2014-05-27 to 2015-03-25 were studied. The patients received pre-operative evaluation including clinical symptoms, plasma BNP levels, ECG, chest X-ray, echocardiography, CT and MRI examinations. Post-operative follow-up study was conducted at 6 months after PPVI to compare the ventricular functional changes. Results: The average age in 8 patients was 14-42 (25.4±8.1) years including 7 with tetralogy of Fallot correction and 1 with pulmonary stenosis plasty for 24 years. Echocardiography found that 3 patients with mid to large pulmonary regurgitation and 5 with large regurgitation. Compared with pre-operation, at 6 months after PPIV, all patients had decreased right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) as (44.0±4.8) mm vs (33.6±7.1) mm, right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) (150.1±25.7) ml/m2 vs (111.4±39.1) ml/m2, RVESVI (107.8±21.5) ml/m2 vs (80.7±22.2) ml/m2 and right ventricular cardiac output (RV-CO) (6.8±1.3) L/min vs (4.9±0.8) L/min, but right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was similar (40.5±6.2) % vs (39.5±9.9) %, P>0.05; while
increased LVEDD (42.9±4.4) mm vs (46.1±3.0) mm, P<0.05, but LVEDVI (61.8±15.0) ml/m2 vs (72.4±17.6) ml/m2, LVESVI (47.8±12.4) ml/m2 vs (41.0±10.4) ml/m2, LVEF (50.9±5.5) % vs (52.8±6.7) % and LV-CO (3.7±1.0) L/min vs (4.2±1.0) L/min were similar, allP>0.05. Conclusion: PPVI may decrease right ventricular preload, improve its reverse remodeling and maintain systolic function at normal level in relevant patients; while the impacts on left ventricular function and geometry should be further studied.

Objective: To assess the application value of CT scanning in percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). Methods: A total of 19 patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation planed to receive PPVI in our hospital from 2014-05 to 2016-07 were studied. CT scan and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were conducted to collect the data of pulmonary root anatomy and to compare the difference of pulmonary annulus size measured by CT and TTE. The accuracy of pre-operative measurement was evaluated by the follow-up study at (1-26) months after the operation. Results: In all 19 patients, the mean anatomic measurements by CT were as follows: diameter of pulmonary annulus (24.3±3.5) mm, diameter of pulmonary sinotubular junction (25.4±4.0) mm, diameter at distal of main pulmonary artery (27.5±4.8) mm, diameter of right ventricular outflow tract (36.8±7.3) mm, length of main pulmonary artery (45.5±7.0) mm, diameter of left pulmonary artery (17.9±1.5) mm and diameter of right pulmonary artery (18.5±3.6) mm. The diameter of pulmonary annulus measured by CT was larger than TTE, P<0.05. During (1-26) months follow-up period, no patients suffered from stent fracture or translocation, peri-pulmonary valve regurgitation, obvious pulmonary regurgitation or coronary stenosis; 1 patient had increased flow rate at right pulmonary artery opening by stent blocking and 2 patients had residue mild stenosis of pulmonary valve. Conclusion: Pulmonary annulus size measured by CT and TTE was different; CT may precisely assess the morphology of pulmonary root with adjacent area which is important for pre-operative evaluation in PPVI patients.

Objective To characterize the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) features of peripartum cardiomyopathy(PPCM) and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy(IDCM), and to explore the value of MRI in the diagnosis of PPCM. Methods Ten cases of PPCM and 10 cases of Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) were included in this study. With 1.5 T MRI scanner, the heart shape (atrioventricular size, hypertrabeculation, thickness of the thinnest ventricular wall), function (ventricular wall movement and the overall function), cardiomyopathy perfusion were comprehensively evaluated. Paired samples t?test and Fisher exact probability method were used for statistical analysis. Results Between PPCM and IDCM group, there was no statistical significant difference in the atrioventricular size, cardiac output(CO), end diastolic volume(EDV), ejection fraction (EF), end systolic volume (ESV) and stroke volume (SV) (P>0.05). IDCM and PPCM group both showed ventricular wall thinning on MRI, with 4 cases of PPCM and 3 cases of IDCM presenting hypertrabeculation in the left ventricular apex. Seven cases of PPCM and 4 cases of IDCM depicted left ventricular local dysfunction, while 3 cases of PPCM and 6 cases of IDCM had abnormal integral movement. Two cases of PPCM appeared local delayed enhancement, while 4 cases of IDCM showed intramural delayed enhancement. After one year of follow?up, heart function recovered in 10 cases of PPCM and 4 cases of IDCM. Conclusions MRI diagnosis using multiple sequences is an ideal method in the evaluation of PPCM. Although there were no differences in cardiac morphology and function between PPCM and IDCM, the prognosis of PPCM is better than IDCM.

Objective To assess the feasibility and efficacy of Amplatzer duct occluder Ⅱ (ADOⅡ) in occlusion of aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Methods Seven patients,6 males and 1 female, with aortopulmonary collateral circulation diagnosed previously by cardiac Computed Tomograpy or cardioangiography from Mar 2014 to Apr 2015 were enrolled. All of them were treated with ADO Ⅱ. Results The age of the patients ranged between 5 - 71 months old and weight 4. 2 - 22. 0 kg. Successful hybrid approach was achieved in 6 of 7 patients. One patient failed the occlusion because of severe hypoxemia and mild-moderate residual shunt after catheter intervention. Total 15 aortopulmonary collateral vessels were embolized by 7 ADO-Ⅱ, 22 non-detachable coils ( Cook corp. ) and 2 detachable micro-coils ( Boston Scientific corp. ). Complete embolization was achieved in 2 patients,4 patients had mild residual shunt and 1 patient had mild-moderate residual shunt after the embolisation. No interventional complications recorded. Conclusions ADO Ⅱ has high controllability and suitable for application through small delivery catheter for minimally-invasive procedures to the vessels. It is a preferable alternative in treating pediatric patients with large and tortuous aortopulmonary collateral arteries.

Objective: To explore the short and mid-term efficacy of device closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) for treating the patients with PFO combining cryptogenic stroke (CS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: A total of 56 PFO patients with CS and TIA receiving device closure in our hospital from 2009-05 to 2015-12 were retrospectively studied. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray were examined at 24h, 1 month, 3 and 6 months after theoperation; telephone visit was conducted every 6 months thereafter. Results: There were 54/56 PFO patients combining CS and 2 combining TIA; 53 (94.6%)patients received PFO occluder from Starway medical technology. Aspirin was used for 6 months after the operation. The patients were followed-up for the average of (34.67±23.24) months. No body suffered from post-operative stroke and TIA; no residual shunt was observed. Conclusion: The short and mid-term efficacy of device closure has been satisfactory for treating the patients with PFO combining CS and TIA; its overall clinical value should be further investigated in large population and long-term study.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of three-dimensional CT axial sequence assisted volumetric measurement (CTAS) in evaluating atrial septal defect (ASD).Methods:The patients with single secundum ASD who successfully underwent interventional therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected. The patients underwent coronary CT angiography (CTA) before and on the second day after closures, and DSA examinations during operation. A total of 52 cases met the inclusion conditions, among them, there were 37 patients with large defects which had deficient inferior rims ≤3 mm, and 15 patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension that occluded with fenestrated ASD occluder. The CT data of patients before and after operation were reconstructed by CTAS. Then the anatomical structure of ASD before the operation was evaluated, including the long diameter and short diameter of ASD, and the CT three-dimensional volume diameter of ASD was calculated by using the equivalent circle conversion formula of ellipse. The waist diameter of occluder and rims of the ASD were measured after occlusion on postoperative CT three-dimensional volume reconstruction images. Meanwhile, the deployed occluder waist dimension was measured in DSA examination during the operation by simulating the balloon measurement of ASD. Lastly, paired t-test and consistency analysis were carried out among the values of parameters. Results:Before operation, the equivalent circle diameter of ASD was (32.3±5.4) mm measured by CTAS. After ASD occlusion, the size of the waist dimension measured by DSA and CTAS were (32.5±4.9) mm and (32.6±4.9) mm. There were no significant differences between them ( P>0.05). There were also no significant differences for each rims of the ASD pre and post operation on CTAS except for the inferior rims and the total length of atrial septum in superior-inferior direction ( P>0.05). Conclusion:As an alternative to balloon sizing, CTAS can be used as a reference standard to conduct ASD interventional treatment.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of incision subcutaneous porous catheter combined with ropivacaine analgesia in enhanced recovery after laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 140 patients underwent gastrointestinal surgery from August 2021 to April 2022 in Shanghai Fourth People′s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 70 patients were given routine postoperative analgesia (control group), and 70 patients were given incision subcutaneous porous catheter combined with ropivacaine analgesia on the basis of routine postoperative analgesia (observation group). The visual analogue score (VAS) 4, 24, 32, 48, 56 and 72 h after operation was evaluated; and the complications of subcutaneous catheterization, incision infection, postoperative nausea vomiting, neurological symptoms, time to extubation, patient satisfaction degree, recovery time of intestinal function and hospital stay were recorded.Results:The VAS 4, 24, 32, 48, 56 and 72 h after operation in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group: 1.000 (- 0.250, 2.250) scores vs. 1.000 (- 1.000, 3.000) scores, 2.000 (1.000, 3.000) scores vs. 4.000 (2.000, 6.000) scores, 1.000 (0.000, 2.000) scores vs. 3.000 (1.000, 5.000) scores, 2.000 (1.000, 3.000) scores vs. 3.000 (1.750, 4.250) scores, (1.100 ± 0.934) scores vs. (2.085 ± 0.943) scores and (0.985 ± 0.842) scores vs. (1.814 ± 0.921) scores, and there was statistical difference ( P<0.05 or <0.01). The recovery time of intestinal function and hospital stay in observation group were significantly shorter than that that in control group: (1.743 ± 0.557) d vs. (2.200 ± 0.714) d and (8.043 ± 1.160) d vs. (8.757 ± 1.221) d, and there were statistical difference ( P<0.01); there were no statistical differences in the rate of incision infection, incidence of postoperative nausea vomiting, time to extubation and patient dissatisfaction rate between two groups ( P>0.05); there were no the complications of subcutaneous catheterization and neurological symptoms in two groups. Conclusions:The incision subcutaneous porous catheter combined with ropivacaine analgesia after laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery is a safe, effective and feasible method. Multimodal analgesia under enhanced recovery after surgery can increase the postoperative recovery after gastrointestinal operations and shorten the postoperative hospital stay.