Project description:1.If a threatened plant has the problem of inaccurate species delimitation, its conservation programs that have previously been implemented might be debated.2.We made a comprehensive comparison of the critically endangered R. amesiae and its close relative R. concinnum, employing both morphological and population genomic data (ddRAD-seq).3.We suggest that the critically endangered R. amesiae can be merged into R. concinnum. Hence, the threatened status of R. amesiae is needed to be reevaluated.
Project description:Individuals with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) are at significantly higher risk of developing aortic complications than individuals with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV) and defective signaling during the embryonic development and/or life time exposure to abnormal hemodynamic have been proposed as underlying factors. However, an explanation for the molecular mechanisms of aortopathy in BAV has not yet been provided. We combined proteomics, RNA analyses, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy to identify molecular differences in samples of non-dilated ascending aortas from BAV (N = 62) and TAV (N = 54) patients. Proteomic analysis was also performed for dilated aortas (N = 6 BAV and N = 5 TAV) to gain further insight into the aortopathy of BAV. Our results collectively showed the molecular signature of an endothelial/epithelial-mesenchymal (EndMT/EMT) transition-like process, associated with instability of intimal cell junctions and activation of RHOA pathway in the intima and media layers of ascending aorta in BAV patients. We propose that an improper regulation of EndMT/EMT during the spatiotemporally related embryogenesis of semilunar valves and ascending aorta in BAV individuals may result in aortic immaturity and instability prior to dilation. Exasperation of EndMT/EMT state in post embryonic life and/or exposure to non-physiological hemodynamic could lead to the aneurysm of ascending aorta in BAV individuals.
Project description:PurposeTo evaluate the aortic neck anatomy in Korean patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).Materials and methodsWe examined computed tomography scans of 343 patients with AAAs (≥5.5 cm for men or ≥5 cm for women) between 2009 and 2018. Eligibility of neck anatomy for endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was assessed with the standard instructions for use (IFU) (length ≥15 mm, suprarenal angulation (SRA) ≤45°, infrarenal angulation (IRA) ≤60°, and diameter 18-32 mm) and the extended IFU (length ≥10 mm, SRA ≤60°, IRA ≤75°, and diameter 17-32 mm).ResultsThere were 71 women (20.7%), and 61 patients (17.8%) with rupture. Women had smaller neck diameters (21.3 vs. 23.4 mm, P<0.001 for proximal neck; 22.2 vs. 24.5 mm, P<0.001 for distal neck), and higher angulations (51.5° vs. 37.8°, P<0.001 for SRA; 77.7° vs. 57.0°, P<0.001 for IRA) than men. However, the neck length was not significantly different. Patients with ruptured AAAs had shorter neck lengths (21.0 vs. 26.8 mm, P=0.005) than those with intact AAAs. However, the neck diameters and angulations were not significantly different. EVAR eligibility for standard and extended IFUs was found in 37.5% and 55.1% of men, and 11.3% and 25.4% of women (P<0.001 for both IFUs); neck anatomy was eligible in 34.0% of intact AAAs and 23.0% of ruptured AAAs (P=0.098).ConclusionA significant proportion of the Korean patients did not meet the IFU for EVAR, mainly due to the angulated neck. Women, and patients with ruptured AAAs, were less likely to meet the IFU criteria.
Project description:Conducted proteomics on samples from patients with aortic aneurysm and from non-dilated controls. Furthermore, we investigated both patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and also the more normal tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). The aim was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind the higher propensity of BAV patients to develop aorta dilation and consequent aortic aneurysm.
Project description:BackgroundTreatment of cardiovascular risk factors slows the progression of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress- and hemin-induced enzyme providing cytoprotection against oxidative stress when overexpressed. However, nothing is known about the effects of cardiometabolic standard therapies on HO-1 expression in aortic walls in patients with end-stage AAA.MethodsThe effects of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), beta-blockers, diuretics, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and therapeutic anticoagulation on HO-1 mRNA and protein expressions were analyzed in AAA patients using multivariate logistic regression analysis and comparison of monotherapy.ResultsAnalysis of monotherapy revealed that HO-1 mRNA and protein expressions were higher in patients on diuretics and lower in patients on statin therapy. Tests on combinations of antihypertensive medications demonstrated that ACE inhibitors and diuretics, ARBs and diuretics, and beta-blockers and diuretics were associated with increase in HO-1 mRNA expression. ASA and therapeutic anticoagulation were not linked to HO-1 expression.ConclusionDiuretics showed the strongest association with HO-1 expression, persisting even in combination with other antihypertensive medications. Hence, changes in aortic HO-1 expression in response to different medical therapies and their effects on vessel wall degeneration should be analyzed in future studies.
Project description:Acute and chronic aortic diseases have been diagnosed and studied by physicians for centuries. Both the diagnosis and treatment of aortic diseases have been steadily improving over time, largely because of increased physician awareness and improvements in diagnostic modalities. This comprehensive review discusses the pathophysiology and risk factors, classification schemes, epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, management options, and outcomes of various aortic conditions, including acute aortic dissection (and its variants intramural hematoma and penetrating aortic ulcers) and thoracic aortic aneurysms. Literature searches of the PubMed database were conducted using the following keywords: aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, aortic ulcer, and thoracic aortic aneurysm. Retrospective and prospective studies performed within the past 20 years were included in the review; however, most data are from the past 15 years.
Project description:Conducted proteomics on samples from patients with aortic aneurysm and from non-dilated controls. Furthermore, we investigated both patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV) and also the more normal tricuspid aortic valves (TAV). The aim was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind the higher propensity of BAV patients to develop aorta dilation and consequent aortic aneurysm.
Project description:Longitudinal changes in aortic diameters of young patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) have not been completely described, particularly over long periods of follow-up. This retrospective study sought to characterize the rates of proximal aortic dilation in young patients, identify risk factors for TAA progression, and evaluate the predictive utility of early echocardiographic follow-up. Inclusion criteria were: (1) TAA or TAA-predisposing genetic diagnosis, (2) age < 25 years at first echocardiogram, and (3) minimum of 5 years of echocardiographic follow-up. Proximal aortic diameters were measured by echocardiography and Z-scores calculated to index for body surface area. TAA severity was classified as no TAA (Z-score < 2), mild (Z-score 2 to 4), or at least moderate (Z-score > 4). Among 141 included patients, mean age at first echocardiogram was 7.3 ± 3.5 years. Mean follow-up duration was 9.8 ± 3.5 years. Fifty five patients had a genetic syndrome, and 38 of the non-syndromic patients had bicuspid aortic valve (BAV). The rate of aortic dilation was significantly higher at the ascending aorta than other aortic segments. BAV and age > 10 years at first echocardiogram were associated with increased rate of ascending aorta dilation. At the ascending aorta, over 25% of patients had categorical increase in TAA severity between first and last echocardiograms, and such patients demonstrated higher rate of dilation within their first 2 years of follow-up. These longitudinal findings highlight progressive ascending aorta dilation in young patients, which may worsen around adolescence. This may help determine timing of follow-up and target ages for clinical trials.