Background: Reference genes, which are often referred to housekeeping genes, are frequently used to normalize mRNA levels between different samples. However the expression level of these genes may vary among tissues or cells, and may change under certain circumstances. Thus the selection of reference gene(s) is critical for gene expression studies. For this purpose, 10 commonly used housekeeping genes were investigated in isolated human neutrophils.

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In diabetic patients with MV-CAD, CABG was associated with a lower rate of long-term MACCE relative to PCI for both ACS and SIHD. A well-powered randomized trial of CABG versus PCI in the ACS population is warranted because these patients have been largely excluded from prior trials.

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HSP25, a previously uncharacterized member of the ␣-crystallin family of small heat shock proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans, has been examined using biochemical and immunological techniques. HSP25 is the second largest of 16 identifiable small heat shock proteins in the nematode and is expressed at all developmental stages under normal growth conditions. Recombinant HSP25 produced in Escherichia coli exists predominantly as small oligomers (dimers to tetramers) and possesses chaperone activity against citrate synthase in vitro. In C. elegans, HSP25 is localized to dense bodies and Mlines in body wall muscle, to the lining of the pharynx, and to the junctions between cells of the spermathecal wall. Affinity chromatography of nematode extracts on a column of immobilized HSP25 resulted in specific binding of vinculin and ␣-actinin but not actin, as revealed by Western blotting. These results suggest a role for HSP25 in the organization or maintenance of the myofilament lattice and adherens junctions in C. elegans.

Compared with LITA+SVG, MAG is associated with reduced mortality, repeated revascularization, myocardial infarction, and heart failure among patients with multivessel disease who are undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting without increased mortality or other adverse events at 30 days. The long-term benefits consistently observed across multiple outcomes and subgroups support the consideration of MAG for a broader spectrum of patients who are undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in routine practice.

In patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a strategy of CVI-S seems to be associated with lower mortality and repeat revascularization rates. However, MVI may be considered in selected patients and in the setting of nonculprit left anterior descending artery disease. These findings warrant prospective evaluation in large adequately powered randomized controlled trials.

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