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ABO blood groups are considered to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, the definite effect of ABO blood groups on the clinical outcome of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is still undetermined. We evaluated whether ABO blood groups can predict long-term major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events (MACCE) in CABG patients.In this retrospective cohort study, we retrieved the clinical files of eligible patients treated with isolated CABG in our hospital between March 2007 and March 2016. We divided the patients into four ABO subgroups. The primary study endpoints were the occurrence of all-cause mortality and MACCE during long-term follow-ups. We used Cox regression survival analysis to define the association of ABO blood groups with the occurrence of MACCE.Of 17,892 patients who underwent isolated CABG, 17,713 (mean age, 61.19±9.47 years, 74.6% male) were successfully followed, and their data used in the final analysis. Our multivariable analysis demonstrated that patients with different blood groups had similar 5-year mortality and 5-year MACCE.Our findings suggest that in patients who underwent CABG, ABO blood groups were not associated with long-term MACCE.

Background and aim of the study Several studies have compared early and late outcomes of on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and off-pump CABG. However, there is still an ongoing debate on this matter, especially in patients with triple-vessel coronary artery disease (3VD). Methods We randomly assigned 274 consecutive patients with 3VD to two equal groups to undergo on-pump CABG or off-pump CABG. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), including all-cause mortality, acute coronary syndrome, stroke or transient ischemic attack, and the need for repeat revascularization. The secondary outcomes were postoperative infection, ventilation time, ICU admission duration, hospital stay length, and renal failure after surgery. Results The median follow-up duration was 31.2 months (range 24.6–35.2 months). The mean age of patients was 61.4 ± 9.3 years (range: 38–86), and 207 (78.7%) were men. There were 15 (11.2%) and 9 (7.0%) MACCE occurrences in on-pump and off-pump groups, respectively (P value = 0.23). MACCE components including all-cause death, non-fatal MI, CVA, and revascularization did not significantly differ between on-pump and off-pump groups. We observed no difference in the occurrence of MACCE between off-pump and on-pump groups in multivariable regression analysis (HR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.24–1.32; P value = 0.192). There were no statistical differences in postoperative outcomes between the off-pump and on-pump CABG groups. Conclusions Off-pump CABG is an equal option to on-pump CABG for 3VD patients with similar rates of MACCE and postoperative complications incidence when surgery is performed in the same setting by an expert surgeon in both methods. (IRCT20190120042428N1).

Background The disturbance in the international normalized ratio (INR) in patients receiving warfarin therapy is of concern. We aimed to evaluate coagulation features in hospitalized patients under warfarin treatment for prosthetic heart valves during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia pandemic. Methods Between 20 February and 28 March 2020, 10 patients (7 males) who were under warfarin therapy for prosthetic heart valves were hospitalized after a diagnosis of COVID‐19 in Tehran Heart Center, Tehran, Iran. The clinical, paraclinical, and in‐hospital outcomes were described. The patients were followed for 4 weeks. Results The median age was 62 years. All the patients received antiviral treatment, either lopinavir/ritonavir or oseltamivir. The serum level of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein ranged between 0.24 and 15.24 mg/dL. Alanine aminotransaminase was normal in all the patients except for two, with levels 1.6 and 4.2 times above normal values. The INR increased in all the patients. One (10%) patient died in the hospital. No bleeding, ischemic, or thrombotic events occurred during the hospital stay and within the 4‐week follow‐up. Conclusions Antiviral therapy in patients with COVID‐19 with prosthetic heart valves might be an issue responsible for an uncontrolled INR. Liver injury may happen in a minority of patients. Bridging in these patients during the antiviral treatment might be required and because of significant INR fluctuations, it might be safer to prescribe antiviral treatment in an inpatient setting.

Background. Bypass graft surgery of the coronary artery has a significant effect on the creation and development of sexual dysfunction among male patients. The previous studies have demonstrated that date palm pollen (DPP) increases the count and quality of sperm. Additionally, it has been shown that DPP has a protective effect against myocardial infarction and cardiac remodeling. Therefore, this is the first study investigating the impact of DPP (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on managing male sexual dysfunction after coronary artery bypass graft. Methods. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients (DPP group n = 30, control group n = 30) of Iranian men after coronary artery bypass graft. Two parallel groups were randomly generated from the study participants. The intervention group was prescribed 3 grams of the powder of DPP twice a day (9 AM and 9 PM) for two months, while the control group received the same prescription of the placebo powder. Results. The DPP consumption significantly increased the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (from 23.21 to 46.57) and the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Desire (HISD) (from 59.39 to 64.45) scores over time in the intervention group. However, there were no significant changes in the control group. Conclusion. Daily intake of 6 g DPP for two months exhibited beneficial effects on the symptoms of male sexual dysfunction in patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

OBJECTIVES Atorvastatin can decrease cardiac injury after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We compared the effects of 80 and 40 mg of atorvastatin per day on the levels of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) after an isolated CABG. METHODS This randomized single-blind parallel clinical trial enrolled 125 patients (mean age = 60.59 ± 8.37 years) who were candidates for elective isolated CABG at the Tehran Heart Center between May 2017 and December 2017. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 80 mg (n = 62) or 40 mg of atorvastatin (n = 63) per day, 5 days before surgery. The levels of cTnT and CK-MB, used as myocardial injury markers, were measured at baseline and then at 8 and 24 hours after CABG. RESULTS The levels of CK-MB and cTnT at baseline and at 8 and 24 hours following CABG were not significantly different between the two groups. Our repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the levels of CK-MB and cTnT increased significantly over time (P < .001). No significant interaction was observed between time and the atorvastatin dosage on the levels of either CK-MB (P = .159) or cTnT (P = .646). In addition, the between-group effects were not significant for CK-MB (P = .632) and cTnT (P = .126). CONCLUSION The higher dose of atorvastatin (80 mg) did not exert a more protective effect than the standard dose of atorvastatin (40 mg) after CABG surgery.

Open total arch replacement is allied to high rates of mortality and morbidity; surgeons, therefore, tend to choose hybrid aortic arch repair as a less invasive operative procedure for the treatment of aortic arch aneurysms, especially in high-risk patients. However, studies on the early and late outcomes of patients undergoing hybrid aortic arch repair have revealed high rates of reintervention and reoperation compared with open total arch replacement. Here, we describe a male patient with late retrograde aortic dissection after hybrid thoracic endovascular aortic repair for aortic arch aneurysms. The patient returned 3 years after the procedure with signs of dyspnea on exertion and chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography showed dissection of the ascending aorta, for which he underwent a redo Bentall procedure. The patient was weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass without any problem and discharged after 7 days.

Background: World health organization (WHO) declared the novel coronavirus 2019 outbreak a pandemic on 11 March 2020 No data have been published so far regardi

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is defined as abnormal systolic tricuspid leakage with normal valve structures, and its prognostic role and management in patients with left-heart valve disease is well known. Due to paucity of data on FTR in patients with ischemic heart disease, the aim of our prospective study was to compare the prognostic effect of FTR between patients with moderate FTR and those with less-than-moderate FTR undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This prospective cohort study included all the patients who were candidate for isolated CABG and were referred for preoperative transthoracic echocardiography between April 2018 and November 2018. Patients were categorized into two groups: less-than-moderate FTR and moderate FTR. The endpoints of the study were the prognostic effect of FTR on short-term mortality and morbidities as a composite endpoint, as well as length of hospitalization, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and ventilation time. Of a total of 410 patients, 363 patients (mean age = 62.4 years, 63.7% men) entered our final analysis. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that composite endpoints of short-term mortality and morbidities was not significantly different between the two groups, but moderate FTR had a statistically significant effect on length of hospitalization (P = 0.002) and the ventilation time (P = 0.048). This effect, however, did not persist after adjustments for probable known confounders. Our study indicated no significant prognostic effect for preoperative FTR versus less-than-moderate FTR on short-term mortality and morbidities, as well as length of hospitalization, length of ICU stay, and the ventilation time.

Background Doppler sonography is a type of sonography used for imaging the blood flow in the vessels and heart. This technique uses ultrasound waves with high frequency. In some patient candidates for venous graft, the identification of the suitable vein is not possible with clinical examination. Objective This study compared the effects of preoperative color Doppler sonography of lower extremity veins on the postoperative outcomes of saphenectomy. Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 100 candidates of an off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) hospitalized in Afshar Hospital in Yazd in 2015. Patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients in the study group and 50 patients in the control group. Patients in the study group underwent color Doppler sonography of lower extremity veins using the Medison 8000 Live device. Patients in the control group were assessed preoperatively by routine venous examination without undergoing color Doppler sonography. The prepping and draping methods and also the preoperative antibiotics were the same for both groups. The patients were assessed for wound infection, edema, hematoma, and DVT 2 days, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact test. Results The length of incision for saphenectomy was 29.20 ± 3.71 cm in the Doppler group and 28.98 ± 3.72 cm in the non-Doppler group with no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.768). The two groups were not significantly different with respect to age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and history of peripheral vessels disease, postoperative infection, postoperative organ edema, postoperative hematoma, and postoperative DVT. Conclusion Preoperative color Doppler sonography of the saphenous vein before saphenectomy has no effect on reducing the postoperative complications, and saphenectomy on the basis of intraoperative examination of the vein course by the surgeon has acceptable consequences. Clinical trial registration The trial was registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) (http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th) with the TCTR ID: TCTR20160708001. Funding The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a disorder that is inherited by autosomal dominant pattern. The main cause of FH disease is the occurrence of mutations in low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene sequence, as well as apolipoprotein B and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 genes, located in the next ranks, respectively. Materials and Methods: Forty-five unrelated Iranian patients with FH were screened using a high-resolution melting (HRM) method for exon 9 along with intron/exon boundaries of LDLR gene. Samples with shift in resultant HRM curves were compared to normal ones, sequenced, and analyzed. Results: Our findings revealed a missense mutation c. 1246C>T and a known variant IVS9-30C>T (rs1003723) that was recognized in 71% of the patients (22%: homozygous and 49%: heterozygous genotypes). In silico analysis, predicted the pathological effect of the c. 1246C>T mutation in LDLR protein structure, but IVS9-30C>T variant had no predicted effect on splice site and branch point function. Conclusion: FH is a hereditary type of hypercholesterolemia that leads to premature cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, and early diagnosis is needed. We detected a rare missense mutation (1246C>T) and a common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Iranian population. These reports could help in the genetic diagnosis and counseling of FH patients.

Introduction: One of the strongest and most consistent predictors of morbidity and mortality of an individual is socio -economic status (SES) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is maybe the most prominent disturbance caused by socio-economic inequality. To investigate the relation between socio - economic factors with CAD this study was conducted in Yazd province. Materials and Methods:This retrospective case-control study based on hospital was performed from January 1391 to October 1392 in Yazd province.The total sample size achieved from statistical software was 500 patients (n=250 in case and n=250 in control group). Data were collected using questionnaire (face to face interviews), Laboratory and anthropometric measurements and physical examination.To analyze the results, statistical tests such as chi-square, student T-test and Conditional Multiple Logistic Regression were conducted. Results:Elementary education and total family monthly income 6 member in case group was statistically significantly higher. After checking of simultaneous effect of socio–economic variables in logistic regression model, Elementary education still showed a significant relation (OR=10.462,95%CI:1.68-65.33). Also findings indicate that Families with 700,000-1,000,000 Tomans of monthly income were in lower risk of getting CAD (OR=0.275,95%CI:0.078- 0.97). In addition, the risk of getting CAD in city residents was 9.3 (95%CI:1.220-71.041) times higher than rural's. Conclusions:Overall, it seems that urbanization, poor education and low income can play a role in the causation of CAD Yazd province.So for the prevention of CAD, promoting healthy lifestyles, alleviating poverty, increasing knowledge about CAD risk factors and national policy changes seems to be necessary.

Previously, some nitroheteroaryl-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were identified to have potent activity against Leishmania sp. The present aim was to complete the in vitro analysis, thereby investigating the in vivo efficiency of the analogues 15a, 21a and 21b against infected BALB/c mice.Following parasite inoculation and intraperitoneal drug administration (5 and 20 mg/kg/day) for 5 days, the course and size of cutaneous lesions, histopathology of the liver, parasite loads in the spleen through limiting dilution assay as well as spleen cell activation assays through cytokine secretion profiles were studied in BALB/c mice, over a period of 23 and 30 days post-drug injections.The analogues significantly decreased lesion size and progression of infection in the liver and spleen, and were associated with granuloma formation, which correlates with disease regression in the liver of murine hosts. Moreover, the analogues had immunomodulatory effects, stimulating interferon-γ expression and suppressing interleukin-10 and interleukin-5 production, favouring type-1 immune responses and resolution of the parasitic infection.Our results highlight marked differences between the responses of key anatomical organs to the thiadiazole derivatives in comparison with the current antileishmanial drug, meglumine antimoniate. The in vivo observations provide further evidence on the efficiency of the compounds for Leishmania treatment. The immunomodulatory function plays an essential role in enhancing cell-mediated immunity for complete clearance of the pathogen.

Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of arrhythmia following elective off-pump coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery, occurring on the 2 nd or 3 rd postoperative day. Postoperative atrial fibrillation and early complications may be the cause of long term morbidity and mortality after hospital discharge. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) seems to be most significantly associated with cardiovascular disorders. This study was designed to evaluate whether preoperative hsCRP (≥3 mg/dl) can predict post-elective off-pump CABG, AF, and early complications in patients with severe left ventricle dysfunction (Ejection Fraction (EF)3 mg/dl) (n=51) and group N with preoperative normal hsCRP (0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative hsCRP ≥3 mg/dl can predict incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation and early complications such as midsternotomy infection, respiratory dysfunction, and hospital stay following elective off-pump CABG.

This study evaluates the effect of preoperative increased level of serum creatinine (Cr) on early outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). 1140 patients who underwent CABG in our center were studied. Patients with Cr >2.25 mg/dl or preoperative dialysis and who had off-pump operations were excluded. Group 1 consisted of 892 patients with normal Cr (0.5-1.2 mg/dl) and group 2 consisted of 248 (21.8%) patients with mild increased level of serum Cr (1.3-2.2 mg/dl). Patients in group 1 were younger than group 2. There were more patients with hypertension in group 2, but there were not statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of the frequency of diabetes, smoking, cerebrovascular disease and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in group 2. Cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB) was longer in group 2. Early mortality was 3.2% in group 1 and 8.4% in group 2 (P

Nader Nouri-Majalan1, Ehsan Fotouhi Ardakani2, Khalil Forouzannia3, Hosein Moshtaghian41Department of Nephrology, 3Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, 4Department of Anesthesiology, Afshar Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; 2Ali bin Abu Taleb Medical College, Yazd Azad University, Yazd, IranBackground: Acute renal failure is a common complication of cardiac surgery, with oxidants found to play an important role in renal injury. We therefore assessed whether the supplemental antioxidant vitamin E and the inhibitor of xanthine oxidase allopurinol could prevent renal dysfunction after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.Methods: Of 60 patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 60 mL/min scheduled to undergo CABG surgery, 30 were randomized to treatment with vitamin E and allopurinol for 3–5 days before surgery and 30 to no treatment. Serum creatinine levels and potassium and creatinine clearances were measured preoperatively and daily until day 5 after surgery. Results: The patients consisted of 31 males and 29 females, with a mean age of 63 ± 9 years. After surgery, there were no significant differences in mean serum creatinine (1.2 ± 0.33 vs 1.2 ± 0.4 mg/dL; p = 0.43) concentrations, or creatinine clearance (52 ± 12.8 vs 52 ± 12.8 mL/min; p = 0.9). The frequency of acute renal failure did not differ in treatment group compared with control (16% vs 13%; p = 0.5). Length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was significantly longer in the control than in the treated group (3.9 ± 1.5 vs 2.6 ± 0.7 days; p < 0.001).Conclusion: Prophylactic treatment with vitamin E and allopurinol had no renoprotective effects in patients with pre-existing renal failure undergoing CABG surgery. Treatment with these agents, however, reduces the duration of ICU stay.Keywords: antioxidants, coronary artery bypass, prevention and control, renal function

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs in 30% patients on the second or third day post operation; therefore, it is the most prevalent and complicated arrhythmia after open heart surgery. White blood cell (WBC) count seems to be most significantly associated with cardiovascular disorders. This study was designed to evaluate the exact relationship between preoperative WBC count and post-Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) AF in patients with severe left ventricle (LV) dysfunction who underwent elective off-pump coronary artery bypass. Methods: This study was conducted on 104 patients from among 400 patients with severe LV dysfunction undergoing elective off-pump CABG surgery from February 2011 to February 2012, in Afshar Cardiovascular Center, Yazd, Iran. Patients with emergency surgery, unstable angina creatinine higher than 2.0 mg/dL, malignancy, or immunosuppressive disease were excluded. Preoperative serological tests of the participants, such as WBC counts, were saved in their medical dossiers. Of the 400 patients undergoing CABG, AF was found in 54 cases; these 54 male patients formed the experimental group and 60 other patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay without postoperative AF were part of the control group. Results: The average age of the patients was 68.5±12.8 years. WBC counts in patients with and without AF three days before surgery were 12,340±155 and 8,950±170, respectively. On surgical day, WBC counts in the patients with and without AF were 13,188±140 and 9,145±255, respectively (P value three days before surgery: 0.04; P value on surgical day: 0.01). Of the 54 male patients with postoperative AF (POAF), duration of AF was more in cases with elevated WBC count (12,000-14,000) than in those with lower elevated WBC count (10,000-12,000) (]P=0.025), but there was no relationship between frequency of recurrence of AF and grading of elevation of WBC count (]P=0.81). Conclusion: These findings show that three days before surgery and on surgery day, there was a difference in WBC count between both groups. So, preoperative WBC count may predict the incidence and duration of AF; however, it cannot be a predictor of the frequency of recurrence of AF. Finally, WBC count is an independent marker for POAF and duration of AF.

The most common type of arrhythmia following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is atrial fibrillation (AF) with an incidence rate of 20-30%. Pericardial effusion is one of the etiologic factors of atrial fibrillation occurring after CABG. Posterior pericardiotomy (PP) causes the drainage of blood and fluids from the pericardial space into the pleural space leading to a decreased pericardial effusion. Most of the studies dealing with the occurrence of AF in the surgical operation of CABG have focused on patients undergoing on-pump CABG. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of posterior pericardiotomy on pericardial effusion and atrial fibrillation following the off-pump CABG. This study was a clinical trial conducted on 207 patients. The patients were randomly assigned to groups A, and B. Posterior pericardiotomy was performed on the patients in Group A. This was not done on patients in Group B. Following general anesthesia and median sternotomy, the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) and saphenous vein were harvested simultaneously. Following the injection of heparin, distal and proximal anastomosis was performed and at the end of surgery, a longitudinal incision with a length of 4 cm was performed parallel and posterior to the left phrenic nerve from the left vein to diaphragm for patients in the pericardiotomy group. 105 patients in the pericardiotomy group and 102 patients in the control group were examined regarding demographic variables, AF incidence, and pericardial effusion. There was no statistically significant correlation between two groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the rate of AF incidence (P=0.719) and the rate of pericardial effusion (P=1). Posterior pericardiotomy has no effect on postoperative AF incidence and pericardial effusion in patients undergoing the off-pump CABG.

Background and Objectives: Physical activity is one of the core components in cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs. This study investigated the effect of an intervention based on the health action process approach (HAPA) together with family support in the maintenance of physical activity and exercise capacity in coronary heart disease after discharge from rehabilitation. Method and Materials: In this randomized controlled trial, 96 patients with coronary heart disease were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups at the end of a rehabilitation program at Afshar Hospital, Yazd, Iran. HAPA Constructs and family support using a self-reported questionnaire and maximal oxygen uptake through a treadmill exercise test were measured prior to and 4 months after the intervention. Results: HAPA-based intervention together with family support increased scores of HAPA constructs and family support in the intervention group compared with the control group. The results showed that physical activity and exercise capacity in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group after the intervention. Conclusion: HAPA-based intervention together with family support can be a useful tool for maintenance of physical activity and exercise capacity in coronary heart disease.

Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) is a rare and late complication of cardiac surgery. If untreated, mortality rate is approximately 100% secondary to exsanguinations haemoptysis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for successful management. Open surgical repair is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate, ranging from 25% to 41%. Endovascular treatments of ABF is a less invasive treatment modality and have become an important alternative to open surgical intervention in aortic pathologies. We present a case of ABF that successfully is managed by endovascular approach.

Background: Symptomatic or asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), in which less than 1% of these patients suffer from clinically evident pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT and PE can increase other morbidities of coronary revascularization from short to long period, but no clear consensus still exists regarding proper thromboprophylaxis strategy in the literatures. This study was designed to compare the anti-platelet prophylaxis of aspirin plus heparin with heparin alone on asymptomatic perioperative DVT in patients that are candidates for elective off-pump CABG. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients, who are candidates for elective off-pump CABG, were randomly assigned to two groups: the aspirin plus heparin group (Group 1, n = 60) that received 80 mg daily aspirin orally and 5000 U unfractionated heparin per 8 h subcutaneously from admission to discharge time, and the heparin group (group 2, n = 60) that received same dose of heparin alone. All patients underwent right and left leg venous ultrasound examination during hospitalization, after which post-operative off-pump CABG complications such as deep vein thrombosis, bleeding and pulmonary embolism were evaluated in this study cases. Results: The mean age of the patients was 62.10 ± 10.71 years with a male to female ratio of 2.24. Asymptomatic DVT occurred in 12 (10%) patients who underwent elective off-pump CABG. DVT was found more in Group 2 (16.6%) as compared to Group 1 (3.3%) with statistical signifi cant difference (p = 0.015). Bleeding was detected in 5 (4.1%) cases in the patients sampled in this study (p = 0.34), 4 cases of which are from Group 1 and 1 case from Group 2. However, PE was shown in none of this study cases. Conclusions: The incidence of DVT decreased more with aspirin plus heparin as compared to heparin alone in patients who underwent elective off-pump CABG. As regards the results obtained in this study, more studies need to be conducted to establish this strategy for prophylaxis of DVT in CABG. (Cardiol J 2013; 20, 2: 139–143)

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2012.04.021. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn.

Molecular Strategies Contributing to Efficient Homing of Bone Marrow Stem Cells For successful systemic stem cell therapy, BMSCs must transmigrate across the endothelium and invade their target tissue.A prerequisite for a successful usage of BMSCs is that they exit the blood circulation via transmigration and invasion. The endothelial phenotype selectively modulates BMSCs transmigration and morphological changes. BMSCs exit the blood circulation by integrating into the endothelium, penetrating the basement membrane and invading the surrounding tissue via the formation of plasmic podia.

Molecular Aspects Contributing to Clinical Efficiency of Bone Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation The multifunctional plasticity of bone marrow derived stem cells represents the most favorable for transplantation. The immunosuppressive properties of BMSCs have been demonstrated on a wide range of innate and adaptive immune cells. BMSC have emerged to be one of the most promising candidates for cellular immunotherapy in solid organ transplantation because the reduction of conventional immunosuppression is highly desirable. Particularly, BMSCs are able to migrate to site of inflammation/ stress to balance the cells through the PI3K/Akt pathway. As well as, BMSCs are exclusively recruited to tumor site and inhibit cancerous cells by down-regulation of Wnt signaling and the protein kinases.

Bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells capable to differentiate into a variety of lineages. MSCs have emerged as reservoirs for tissue regeneration and wound healing. Through stress signals, MSCs show great tropism for the injured site to manage regenerative process via direct or indirect interactions. MSCs avoid the immune rejection, a high quality factor for treatment of degenerative diseases. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying dynamic regulation of various signals, plays an important role for future treatment of heart disorders.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiothoracic surgery. AF following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is associated with an increase in morbidity, mortality, hemodynamic instability, thromboembolic events, severity of heart failure and ICU and hospital stay. Corticosteroids have a variety of beneficial effects on recovery after elective surgery. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that low dose of Methylprednisolone (MP) can affect post-CABG AF and early complications in patients with severe left ventricle dysfunction who underwent elective off-pump coronary artery bypass. A total of 120 patients with LV dysfunction undergoing elective off- pump CABG randomly received either MP or placebo. Diabetic patients and those who were receiving corticosteroids were excluded. The MP group received 5mg/kg of MP intravenously after induction of anesthesia and the placebo group received an equal volume of normal saline. We evaluated Post-CABG variables including incidence, duration and frequency of AF recurrence and early morbidity such as bleeding, infection, vomiting, renal and respiratory dysfunctions, ICU or hospital stay and early mortality. The mean age of patients was 62.11 ± 12.34 years with the 2.4 male to female ratio. AF occurred in 23(19.2%) patients. No significant difference in the incidence of new AF was found between the placebo (21.7%) and MP group (16.7%) (P=0.47). MP did not affect postoperative bleeding, infection, vomiting, renal and respiratory dysfunction and mortality; however, MP significantly reduced ICU and hospital length of stay. MP did not affect the incidence, duration and frequency of AF recurrence in patients with severe LV dysfunction undergoing off-pump CABG. However, MP could reduce ICU and hospital stay significantly in these patients.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiothoracic surgery. AF following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is associated with an increase in morbidity, mortality, hemodynamic instability, thromboembolic events, severity of heart failure and ICU and hospital stay. Corticosteroids have a variety of beneficial effects on recovery after elective surgery. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that low dose of Methylprednisolone (MP) can affect post-CABG AF and early complications in patients with severe left ventricle dysfunction who underwent elective off-pump coronary artery bypass. A total of 120 patients with LV dysfunction undergoing elective off- pump CABG randomly received either MP or placebo. Diabetic patients and those who were receiving corticosteroids were excluded. The MP group received 5mg/kg of MP intravenously after induction of anesthesia and the placebo group received an equal volume of normal saline. We evaluated Post-CABG variables including incidence, duration and frequency of AF recurrence and early morbidity such as bleeding, infection, vomiting, renal and respiratory dysfunctions, ICU or hospital stay and early mortality. The mean age of patients was 62.11 ± 12.34 years with the 2.4 male to female ratio. AF occurred in 23(19.2%) patients. No significant difference in the incidence of new AF was found between the placebo (21.7%) and MP group (16.7%) (P=0.47). MP did not affect postoperative bleeding, infection, vomiting, renal and respiratory dysfunction and mortality; however, MP significantly reduced ICU and hospital length of stay. MP did not affect the incidence, duration and frequency of AF recurrence in patients with severe LV dysfunction undergoing off-pump CABG. However, MP could reduce ICU and hospital stay significantly in these patients.

Background: The transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus has advanced rapidly with improvements in device designs. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety, efficacy, and early and intermediate follow-up results of the percutaneous closure of persistent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with the Amplatzer ductal occluder (ADO) in children. Methods: Between May 2004 and March 2007, fifty patients between 7 months and 20 years of age underwent the transcatheter closure of PDA, using the ADO. The mean PDA diameter at its narrowest segment (pulmonary end) was 7.35±2.57 mm (range: 4 to 16mm). Follow-up evaluations were performed via echocardiography at 24 hours, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly after implantation. Results: Successful immediate occlusion of PDA was achieved in 42 (84%) of the 50 cases. In 5 cases, there were trivial intraprosthetic residual shunts. In addition, there was a small residual shunt in one case, left pulmonary artery narrowing in one case, and embolization of the device immediately after the procedure in one case. At 24 hours, color Doppler flow mapping revealed complete closure in all except one case with a small shunt. At 3 months’ follow-up, occlusion was complete in all the patients. At a median follow-up of 17 months (range: 3 months to 32 months), all the patients had complete closure. Conclusion: We conclude that although the transcatheter closure of PDA using the ADO is a highly effective and safe treatment for most patients, several complications including embolization and left pulmonary artery narrowing may occur in certain cases.

Background: The infants with congenital cardiovascular diseases are faced with too much problems in the case of their ongoing life. Mothers’ stress investigation would be important because can receive the stress from his parents. The aim of the following study was determined anxiety in mothers of children undergoing cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted by an analytical study on 69 infants’ mothers who were operated due to their cardiovascular abnormalities in Yazd Afshar Hospital (2012). In this study, some demographic information and influential factors were recorded germane to mothers’ stress, including residential location, history of infant hospitalization or congenital disease as well as some questions in the case of stimuli of the hospital environment, family support, economic situation and the mothers’ awareness of their stress. Results: There are statistically significant differences between mothers’ stress and their age (P = 0.03) and infants’ age (P < 0.0001). There are not statically significant differences between mothers’ stress score mean and their educational level (P = 0.75), the infants’ hospitalization history (P = 0.57), the history of congenital of disease in family (P = 0.24) and the family support in infant care (P = 0.08). Conclusion: Those mothers who asserted the stimuli of the hospital environment, infant and its mother support, economic situation and the mothers’ awareness lack of disease and infant status as strong stress-making stimuli enjoy a stress high mean.

Background: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is a good predictor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by a chronic limitation of airflow. This study was designed to compare the effects and complications of theophylline alone, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) alone, and a combination of the two drugs on the rates of FEV1 in patients with COPD who were candidates for off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on 100 patients who had a smoking history of 27 pack years with a range of 20 to 40 pack years but were not heavy smokers and were candidates for elective off-pump CABG surgery in Afshar Cardiovascular Hospital, Yazd, Iran. The patients with a history of asthma and bronchospasm and non-COPD respiratory disorders were excluded. There were three groups, that is, the theophylline group ( n=33) that received theophylline 10 mg/kg TDS after consumption of food, NAC group ( n=33) who received NAC 10-15 mg/kg BD after consumption of food, and the combined group ( n=32) who received theophylline and NAC together. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square, and exact test for quantitative and qualitative variables. Results: One hundred patients with COPD enrolled in this study as possible candidates for CABG surgery. Average age of the patients was 60.36±10.21 years. Of the participants, 83 (83.3%) were male and 17 (17%) were female. Rate of postoperative FEV1 to basal FEV1 was 0.76±0.32, 0.66±0.22, and 0.69±0.24 in the treatments with theophylline, NAC, and the combination, respectively. Theophylline, NAC, and a combination of these drugs can decrease the rate of postoperative FEV1 compared to basal FEV1 significantly. (P=0.0001) Conclusion: Theophylline alone, NAC alone, and a combination of these drugs improve pulmonary function, and there are no significant differences between these protocols. Stomach discomfort and cardiac complications in treatment with theophylline alone is significantly higher than NAC alone and the combination.

Background: Atherosclerosis is one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality, in postmenopausal women. Homocysteine, a sulfur‑containing amino acid product of methionine metabolism, may play an important role in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between intra‑operative grading of coronary artery atherosclerosis and homocysteine level in postmenopausal women who were candidates for off‑pump coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG). Materials and Methods: In this cross‑sectional study, 136 postmenopausal women (with the mean age of 54.9±4 years) were enrolled as candidates for elective off‑pump CABG. For each patient the extent and severity of atherosclerosis was assessed by intra‑operative grading (IOG) and Gensini score system. Total homocysteine was determined with ELISA method after 12 hours of fasting. The patients were classified into two groups (diffuse vs. discrete) based on intra‑operative findings. Finally the relation between age, IOG, and Gensini score with homocysteine level was assessed by ANOVA, T‑test, and Tukey HSD test. Results: There was a positive correlation between intra‑operative grading and homocysteine level in both groups (P=0.005). The association between Gensini score and homocysteine was significant in higher levels of hyperhomocysteinemia (P