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In the United States, about one million people are seen to visit the operating theater for cardiac surgery annually. However, nearly half of these visits result in complications such as renal, neurological, and cardiac injury of varying degrees. Historically, many mechanisms and approaches have been explored in attempts to reduce injuries associated with cardiac surgery and percutaneous procedures. Devices such as cardioplegia, mechanical circulatory support, and other methods have shown promising results in managing and preventing life-threatening cardiac-surgery-related outcomes such as heart failure and cardiogenic shock. Comparably, cardioprotective devices such as TandemHeart, Impella family devices, and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) have also been proven to show significant cardioprotection through mechanical support. However, their use as interventional agents in the prevention of hemodynamic changes due to cardiac surgery or percutaneous interventions has been correlated with adverse effects. This can lead to a rebound increased risk of mortality in high-risk patients who undergo cardiac surgery. Further research is necessary to delineate and stratify patients into appropriate cardioprotective device groups. Furthermore, the use of one device over another in terms of efficacy remains controversial and further research is necessary to assess device potential in different settings. Clinical research is also needed regarding novel strategies and targets, such as transcutaneous vagus stimulation and supersaturated oxygen therapy, aimed at reducing mortality among high-risk cardiac surgery patients. This review explores the recent advances regarding the use of cardioprotective devices in patients undergoing percutaneous procedures and cardiac surgery.

Pluripotent-stem-cell-derived human intestinal organoids (HIOs) model some aspects of intestinal development and disease, but current culture methods do not fully recapitulate the diverse cell types and complex organization of the human intestine and are reliant on 3D extracellular matrix or hydrogel systems, which limit experimental control and translational potential for regenerative medicine. We describe suspension culture as a simple, low-maintenance method for culturing HIOs and for promoting in vitro differentiation of an organized serosal mesothelial layer that is similar to primary human intestinal serosal mesothelium based on single-cell RNA sequencing and histological analysis. Functionally, HIO serosal mesothelium has the capacity to differentiate into smooth-muscle-like cells and exhibits fibrinolytic activity. An inhibitor screen identifies Hedgehog and WNT signaling as regulators of human serosal mesothelial differentiation. Collectively, suspension HIOs represent a three-dimensional model to study the human serosal mesothelium.

Marijuana has long remained one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the United States and other countries. Recently, it has been estimated that 55 million Americans use this psychoactive drug, with growing usage being attributed to the legalization of marijuana in several states. A concerning implication of increased marijuana use is the alarming number of individuals who report driving under the influence of the drug. It is estimated that nearly 12 million people in the US alone have driven a vehicle while being under the influence of marijuana. To counterbalance the growing use of marijuana and potential associated dangers, it is imperative to develop detection technologies for marijuana usage. An electrochemical-based detection technology, akin to the alcohol breathalyzer, would provide an attractive solution to this growing societal problem. The first step toward this goal is to develop a fundamental reaction that converts tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, to a derivative with diagnostic spectroscopic changes. We report the development of a mild electrochemical method for the oxidation of THC to its corresponding p-quinone isomer. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the resultant quinone show a dramatic shift in comparison to THC. This exceedingly simple protocol provides a foundational step toward the development of an electrochemical-based marijuana breathalyzer.

We report a modular synthetic strategy for accessing heteroatom-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that relies on the controlled generation of transient heterocyclic alkynes and arynes. The strained intermediates undergo in situ trapping with readily accessible oxadiazinones. Four sequential pericyclic reactions occur, namely two Diels–Alder / retro-Diels–Alder sequences, which can be performed in a stepwise or one-pot fashion to assemble four new carbon–carbon (C–C) bonds.

“What is more important in our jobs: the research or the researchers?” This question came up recently during an impromptu phone conversation with my colleague Neil Garg of the University of Califor...