Background—Autologous bone marrow cells (BMCs) transplanted into ventricular scar
tissue may differentiate into cardiomyocytes and restore myocardial function. This study …

Background— Given the central importance of nitric oxide (NO) in the development and
clinical course of cardiovascular diseases, we sought to determine whether the powerful …

Purpose The purpose of these guidelines is to facilitate the analysis and reporting of results
of operations on diseased cardiac valves. The definitions and recommendations that follow …

Background— C-reactive protein (CRP) has been suggested to actively participate in the
development of atherosclerosis. In the present study, we examined the role of the potent …

and by CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L and CD154) interactions. 18–22 Once adherent, the
monocytes transmigrate into the tunica intima, the innermost layer of the arterial wall, passing …

Background— Adipocyte-derived hormones may represent a mechanism linking insulin
resistance to cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we evaluated the direct effects of …

You are contacted by a concerned 34-year-old airline pilot with a leaky bicuspid aortic valve
recently diagnosed by an echocardiogram that had been requested by his new employer as …

Background— Accumulating evidence suggests that C-reactive protein (CRP), in addition to
predicting vascular disease, may actively facilitate lesion formation by inciting endothelial …

Background In a randomized trial comparing mitral-valve repair with mitral-valve replacement
in patients with severe ischemic mitral regurgitation, we found no significant difference in …

Background— Myocardial ischemia provides a potent stimulus to angiogenesis, and the
mobilization and differentiation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has been shown to be …