A set of 11 genes, termed the common rejection module, predicts acute graft rejection in solid organ transplant patients and may help to identify novel drug targets in transplantation.

Rationale: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a systemic connective tissue disorder notable for the development of aortic root aneurysms and the subsequent life-threatening complications of aortic dissection and rupture. Underlying fibrillin-1 gene mutations cause increased transforming growth factor-␤ (TGF-␤) signaling. Although TGF-␤ blockade prevents aneurysms in MFS mouse models, the mechanisms through which excessive TGF-␤ causes aneurysms remain ill-defined. Objective:We investigated the role of microRNA-29b (miR-29b) in aneurysm formation in MFS. Methods and Results: Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we discovered that miR-29b, a microRNA regulating apoptosis and extracellular matrix synthesis/deposition genes, is increased in the ascending aorta of Marfan (Fbn1 C1039G/؉ ) mice. Increased apoptosis, assessed by increased cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, enhanced caspase-3 activity, and decreased levels of the antiapoptotic proteins, Mcl-1 and Bcl-2, were found in the Fbn1 C1039G/؉ aorta. Histological evidence of decreased and fragmented elastin was observed exclusively in the Fbn1 C1039G/؉ ascending aorta in association with repressed elastin mRNA and increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity, both targets of miR-29b. Evidence of decreased activation of nuclear factor B, a repressor of miR-29b, and a factor suppressed by TGF-␤, was also observed in Fbn1 C1039G/؉ aorta. Furthermore, administration of a nuclear factor B inhibitor increased miR-29b levels, whereas TGF-␤ blockade or losartan effectively decreased miR-29b levels in Fbn1 C1039G/؉ mice. Finally, miR-29b blockade by locked nucleic acid antisense oligonucleotides prevented early aneurysm development, aortic wall apoptosis, and extracellular matrix deficiencies. Conclusions:

False lumen patency influences the late outcomes of acute type A aortic dissection repair. Outcomes of distal reoperation were acceptable; thus, careful follow-up and timely reoperation may improve the late outcomes.

The patent false lumen influences postoperative aortic enlargement. However, with careful follow-up, a favorable prognosis is expected even for patients with a residual patent false lumen.

Stage 3 AKI is significantly associated with lower long-term survival after operation for AAAD. Patient follow-up after discharge that focuses on cardiovascular issues may benefit patients who survive AKI after AAAD operation.

Background-Interleukin-17 , which is predominantly produced by T helper 17 cells distinct from T helper 1 or T helper 2 cells, participates in the pathogenesis of infectious, autoimmune, and allergic disorders. However, the precise role in allograft rejection remains uncertain. In the present study, we investigated the role of IL-17 in acute allograft rejection using IL-17-deficient mice. Methods and Results-Donor hearts from FVB mice were heterotopically transplanted into either C57BL/6J-IL-17-deficient (IL-17

Preoperative sarcopenia defined from the psoas muscle area was associated with long-term outcomes after valve surgery. Thus, the measurement of psoas muscle area can help facilitate more accurate risk scoring in elderly patients.

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