BACKGROUND: Extracellular matrix alterations are important elements in the arterial changes seen in diabetes, being associated with increased vascular stiffness and the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, no biomarkers for diabetes-related arterial changes have been defined.

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DOA-treated heart valves demonstrated greater recellularization and less calcification compared with standard glutaraldehyde-treated valves 6 months after implantation in the aortic position in pigs. DOA-treated heart valves demonstrated less calcification compared with standard glutaraldehyde-treated valves by qualitative analysis. Endothelial and fibroblast recellularization of the cusps was only observed in DOA-treated valves.

A practically feasible long-term porcine model of MVR has been established. Because the pig is superior to other species with respect to anatomical and physiological similarity to humans, we consider this model as an optimal platform for experimental preclinical testing of heart valve prostheses.

Background: Pelvic exenteration is a procedure with high morbidity despite careful patient selection. This study investigates potential associations between perioperative markers and major postoperative complications including survival. Methods: Retrospectively collected data for 195 consecutive patients who underwent total pelvic exenteration (January 2015eFebruary 2020) at a single tertiary university hospital were analyzed. Results: The 30-day mortality was 0.5%, and the rate of major postoperative complications (3 Clavien-Dindo) was 34.5%. Low albumin level (p ¼ 0.02) and blood transfusion (p ¼ 0.02) were significantly correlated with a major postoperative complication in univariate analyses. This had no impact on survival. Positive margins (p ¼ 0.003), liver metastasis (p ¼ 0.001) were related to poor survival in multivariate analyses for colorectal patients. A Charlson Comorbidity Index >6 (p < 0.05) was associated with poor survival in all patients. Conclusion: The occurrence of major postoperative complication does not negatively impact the overall survival. Pelvic exenteration is a potential life-prolonging operation when negative margins can be obtained, despite known risks for complications. Comorbidity is a predictor for inferior outcomes.