Isolated deep convections over the Tibetan Plateau in the rainy season during 2001–2020

The Tibetan Plateau(TP)is a prevalent region for convection systems due to its unique thermodynamic forcing.This study investigated isolated deep convections(IDCs),which have a smaller spatial and temporal size than mesoscale convective systems(MCSs),over the TP in the rainy season(June-September)during 2001–2020.The authors used satellite precipitation and brightness temperature observations from the Global Precipitation Measurement mission.Results show that IDCs mainly concentrate over the southern TP.The IDC number per rainy season decreases from around 140 over the southern TP to around 10 over the northern TP,with an average 54.2.The initiation time of IDCs exhibits an obvious diurnal cycle,with the peak at 1400–1500 LST and the valley at 0900–1000 LST.Most IDCs last less than five hours and more than half appear for only one hour.IDCs generally have a cold cloud area of 7422.9 km^(2),containing a precipitation area of approximately 65%.The larger the IDC,the larger the fraction of intense precipitation it contains.IDCs contribute approximately 20%–30%to total precipitation and approximately 30%–40%to extreme precipitation over the TP,with a larger percentage in July and August than in June and September.In terms of spatial distribution,IDCs contribute more to both total precipitation and extreme precipitation over the TP compared to the surrounding plain regions.IDCs over the TP account for a larger fraction than MCSs,indicating the important role of IDCs over the region.

Seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas under long-period earthquakes

At present,there is not much research on mid-story isolated structures in mountainous areas.In this study,a model of a mid-story isolated structure considering soil-structure interaction(SSI)in mountainous areas is established along with a model that does not consider SSI.Eight long-period earthquake waves and two ordinary earthquake waves are selected as inputs for the dynamic time history analysis of the structure.The results show that the seismic response of a mid-story isolated structure considering SSI in mountainous areas can be amplified when compared with a structure that does not consider SSI.The structure response under long-period earthquakes is larger than that of ordinary earthquakes.The structure response under far-field harmonic-like earthquakes is larger than that of near-fault pulse-type earthquakes.The structure response under near-fault pulse-type earthquakes is larger than that of far-field non-harmonic earthquakes.When subjected to long-period earthquakes,the displacement of the isolated bearings exceeded the limit value,which led to instability and overturning of the structure.The structure with dampers in the isolated story could adequately control the nonlinear response of the structure,effectively reduce the displacement of the isolated bearings,and provide a convenient,efficient and economic method not only for new construction but also to retrofit existing structures.

Effects of Metallothionein on Isolated Rat Heart

To investigate the effects of metallothionein （MT） on isolated rat heart, 16 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. In control group （group C）, distilled water was injected intraperitoneally and 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused with Langendorff and stored at 4℃ for 3 h with histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate （HTK） solutions, and then isolated hearts were perfused for 2 h by Langendorff. In experimental group （group E）, 3.6% ZnSO4 was injected intraperitoneally, 24 h later isolated hearts were perfused by Langendorff and stored at 4℃ for 3 h with HTK solutions, and then the isolated hearts were perfused for 2 h with Langendorff. MT content, the recovery of hemodynamics, myocardial water content （MWC）, lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and creatine kinase （CK） leakage, adenosine triphosphate （ATP） and malondialdehyde （MDA） content, superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity, myocardial cell Ca^2＋ content, Ca^2＋-ATPase activity of mitochondria （[Ca^2＋-ATPase]m） and its Ca^2＋ content （[Ca^2＋]m）, synthesizing ATP activity of mitochondria （[ATP]m）, and the ultrastructure of cells were examined. There were a significant increase in group E in hemodynamic recovery, ATP content, SOD activity, [Ca^2＋-ATPase]m activity, [ATP]m activity, and substantial reduction in MWC, LDH and CK leakage, MDA content, myocardial cell Ca^2＋ content, [Ca^2＋]m content, and the ultrastructural injury were obviously milder than that of group C. This study demonstrated that MT has protective effects on isolated rat heart.

Sedimentary build-ups of pre-salt isolated carbonate platforms and formation of deep-water giant oil fields in Santos Basin,Brazil

In response to the problems of unclear distribution of deep-water pre-salt carbonate reservoirs and formation conditions of large oil fields in the Santos passive continental margin basin,based on comprehensive utilization of geological,seismic,and core data,and reconstruction of Early Cretaceous prototype basin and lithofacies paleogeography,it is proposed for the first time that the construction of pre-salt carbonate build-ups was controlled by two types of isolated platforms:inter-depression fault-uplift and intra-depression fault-high.The inter-depression fault-uplift isolated platforms are distributed on the present-day pre-salt uplifted zones between depressions,and are built on half-and fault-horst blocks that were inherited and developed in the early intra-continental and inter-continental rift stages.The late intra-continental rift coquinas of the ITP Formation and the early inter-continental rift microbial limestones of the BVE Formation are continuously constructed;intra-depression fault-high isolated platforms are distributed in the current pre-salt depression zones,built on the uplifted zones formed by volcanic rock build-ups in the early prototype stage of intra-continental rifts,and only the BVE microbial limestones are developed.Both types of limestones formed into mound-shoal bodies,that have the characteristics of large reservoir thickness and good physical properties.Based on the dissection of large pre-salt oil fields discovered in the Santos Basin,it has been found that both types of platforms could form large-scale combined structural-stratigraphic traps,surrounded by high-quality lacustrine and lagoon source rocks at the periphery,and efficiently sealed by thick high-quality evaporite rocks above,forming the optimal combination of source,reservoir and cap in the form of“lower generation,middle storage,and upper cap”,with a high degree of oil and gas enrichment.It has been found that the large oil fields are all bottom water massive oil fields with a unified pressure system,and they are all filled to the spill-point.The future exploration is recommended to focus on the inter-depression fault-uplift isolated platforms in the western uplift zone and the southern section of eastern uplift zones,as well as intra-depression fault-high isolated platforms in the central depression zone.The result not only provides an important basis for the advanced selection of potential play fairways,bidding of new blocks,and deployment of awarded exploration blocks in the Santos Basin,but also provides a reference for the global selection of deep-water exploration blocks in passive continental margin basins.

Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect: Ultrasound, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects of 85 Cases in the Cardiology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart disease of all congenital heart defects. The aim of this study was to investigate the echographic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of ventricular septal defects (VSD) in the general cardiology department of the Hôpital National Ignace Deen. Methods: A retrospective data collection was carried out from January 2018 to December 2023 including 85 cases of isolated IVC was performed. The variables studied were epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary. Results: Of the 320 patients seen during the study period for congenital heart disease, 85 (26.556%) were isolated IVCs. Age at diagnosis ranged from 3 months to 16 years, with an average age of 3.59 years. The most represented ethnic group was the Fulani (50.58%). The 8.24% came from consanguineous marriage versus 22.35%. 91.76% of children had a history of bronchitis. The most common clinical signs found were systolic murmur (90.58%), growth retardation (51.76%). Only 4 cases (4.70%) had a malformation associated with IVC represented by DiGeorges disease (2.35%) and trisomy 21 (2.35%). Nearly half the patients had type IIb VIC (44.71%). The other half were represented by type 1 (18.82%), type IIa (20%), type III (10.59%) and type IV (5.88%). According to site more than two-thirds of VICs (71.64%) were perimembranous in location, followed by infundibular (16.47%) and muscular (11.76%) VICs. In our study 55.29% presented an indication for both surgical intervention and medical treatment, while 16.47% required only medical treatment. In contrast, 28.23% were placed under exclusive surveillance. Of the 47 patients for whom surgery was indicated, 29 (61.17%) underwent surgical repair, while 18 (38.83%) were awaiting confirmation for surgery. Conclusion: VIC is the most common congenital heart disease. An early detection strategy and the establishment of specialized centers could improve the outcome of these children.

Traumatic isolated bilateral gluteus minimus injuries misdiagnosed as lumbar radiculopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND The tear of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons can cause chronic buttock pain,especially in middle-aged individuals;these tears occur mostly in association with degenerative changes in the muscles and tendons.Chronic injuries are more common than acute injuries,and concurrent injuries to the gluteus medius and minimus tendons without chronic pain are rare,especially isolated injuries to both sides of the gluteus minimus;such a case has not yet been reported.CASE SUMMARY The authors present a case of bilateral acute traumatic injuries to the gluteus minimus during buttock strengthening exercises in a 75-year-old male patient.The patient completely returned to his pre-injury lifestyle after 8 weeks of injury,with no limitations,but the diagnosis was initially delayed due to misdiagnosis as lumbar radiculopathy,resulting in unnecessary socio-economic burden on the patient.CONCLUSION When treating patients who complain of hip pain,it is important to consider various causes to make a correct diagnosis.

The Effects of Ethanolamine Nitrate Ester Ferulate (ENF)on Isolated Working Guinea Pig Heart and Rat AorticRing

The cardiac and vascular effect of ethanolamine nitrate ester ferulate (ENF) wasinvestigated on isolated working guinea pig heart (IWH) and rat aortic ring. The coronary blood flowwas remarkably increased while the cardiac functions of IWH were not significantly altered by ENFranging from 10-8 to 10-4 mol/L. The percentages of vasorelaxation of ENF t 10 μmol/L) and nicoran-dil (NIC, 10 μmol/L) on K+ (80 mmol/L)-induced contraction in aortic rings were 72 ± 8% and17±8%, respectively. The relaxation effects of ENF and NIC on phenylephrine (PE, 5 μmol/L) in-duced contraction were in a dose-dependent manner. When vessel segments were exposed to PE withmethylene blue (MB, 10 μmol/L) or with glibenclamide (GLI, 10 pmol/L), the percentages of relaxa-tion of ENF (10 μmol/L) and NIC ( 1 0 μmol/L) were 4 1 ±11 % and 49±7% or 76± 14% and the 33±9%,respectively. The results suggested that ENF improved coronary circulation and the vasodilation of ENF was mediated bv nitrate-like action.

Large isolated fibrous tumors in the upper esophagus: A case report

BACKGROUND Solitary fibrous tumors(SFT)are rare spindle cell tumors that are usually benign.A total of 10 cases of SFTs in the upper esophagus have ever been reported.Here,we report the anesthetic management of a patient with a large isolated fibrous tumor of the upper esophagus compressing the tracheal membrane.We also provide a literature review of the current research.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 49 year old male with“cough aggravation and wheezing after exercise”,who underwent esophagectomy for a large isolated fibrous tumor compressing the tracheal membrane in the upper esophagus.We advise the use of a single-lumen tube with a blocker in patients with difficult airways to reduce the incidence of airway injury and fibrinoscopy at all stages of the perioperative period to guide airway management.This case study is the first report of the anesthetic management of a large,isolated fibrous tumor compressing the tracheal membrane in the upper esophagus.CONCLUSION This rare case emphasizes the importance of perioperative management of anesthesia in patients with large isolated fibrous tumors of the upper esophagus that compress the tracheal membrane.The use of blocker reduce the incidence of airway injury and fibrinoscopy at the perioperative period to guide airway mana-gement.

Gradual Clamping Reduced Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in an Isolated Rat Heart Model

Objectives: We hypothesized that the organisms and their organs or tissues could adapt themselves to the gradual changes of environment for surviving or reducing damage. This study explored whether gradual clamping (GC) could reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rat heart. Methods: Twelve rats were randomized to IR group and GC group, then the hearts were isolated and perfused with Langendorff apparatus. Before cardioplegia, the perfusion was stopped abruptly in IR group while slowly with 5-minute in GC group. The hearts were subjected to 30-minute ischemia and 60-minute reperfusion. The left ventricular develop pressure (LVDP) and systolic pressure (LVSP), the maximal rate of the increase and decrease of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax, ﹣dp/dtmax) were measured by polygraph system at different time points. The recovery of the variables was expressed as the ratio of these values at individual time point after reperfusion to the baseline respectively. Results: The recovery of LVDP after reperfusion was better than that in IR group (P = 0.034). No significant difference in the recovery of LVSP, +dp/dtmax and ﹣dp/dtmax between groups was observed. Conclusions: Gradual clamping could improve the recovery of LVDP after IR, suggesting that gradual clamping could reduce myocardial IR injury.

Study on the Influence of Aspect Ratio on the Seismic Response and Overturning Resistance of a New Staggered Story Isolated Structure

The aspect ratio of the structure has a significant impact on the overall stability of the ultra high-rise building. A large aspect ratio of the structure increases the risk of overturning and reduces the lateral stiffness of the structure, leading to significant tensile and compressive stresses in the isolated bearings. To study the effect of aspect ratio on the seismic response and overturning resistance of a new staggered story isolated structure, three models with different aspect ratios were established. Nonlinear time-history analysis of the three models was conducted using ETABS finite element software. The results indicate that the overturning moment and overturning resistance moment of the superstructure in the new staggered story isolated structure increase with an increasing aspect ratio. However, the increase in the overturning moment of the superstructure is much greater than the increase in the overturning resistance moment, resulting in a decrease in the overturning resistance ratio of the superstructure with an increasing aspect ratio. The overturning moment and overturning resistance moment of the substructure in the new staggered story isolated structure decrease with an increasing aspect ratio. However, the decrease in the overturning moment of the substructure is greater than the decrease in the overturning resistance moment, leading to an increase in the overturning resistance ratio of the substructure with an increasing aspect ratio. The decrease in the overturning resistance ratio of the superstructure in the new staggered story isolated structure is much greater than the increase in the overturning resistance ratio of the substructure. Therefore, as the aspect ratio of the overall structure increases, the overturning resistance ratio of the superstructure and the entire structure decreases.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment of isolated gastric varices entwined with arteries:A case report

BACKGROUND Interventional endoscopic ultrasound is clinically used for the treatment of isolated gastric varices(IGVs)owing to its precise visualization.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old man was diagnosed with a large IGV during a routine physical examination.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed gastric varices entwined with an artery,which greatly increased the difficulty of treatment.We successfully treated the patient with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection.CONCLUSION Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided coil embolization combined with cyanoacrylate injection was safe and effective for the treatment of an IGV entwined with an artery.

Seismic Response of Adjacent Structure to Inter-Story Isolated Structure

Currently, land resources are becoming more and more constrained and structures are getting closer to each other. To investigate the seismic response of inter-story isolated structure to adjacent structure, models considering no soil-structure interaction (SSI), considering soil-structure interaction (SSI), and considering structure-soil-structure interaction (SSSI) were established. Nonlinear seismic response comparative analysis was conducted by varying the spacing between adjacent structure and inter-story isolated structure, as well as the weight of adjacent structure, under different earthquake inputs, in order to obtain the structural response characteristics. The results indicate that the inter-story drift and inter-story shear of the inter-story isolated structure without considering SSI are smaller than those considering SSI and SSSI. The inter-story drift and inter-story shear of the inter-story isolated structure considering SSSI are further affected compared to that of the inter-story isolated structure considering only SSI. As the spacing between adjacent structure and inter-story isolated structure increases, the influence of adjacent structure on inter-story isolated structure decreases. The variation in the spacing between the two structures has a negligible effect on the isolation layer of the inter-story isolated structure. With the increase in the weight of adjacent structure, the influence of adjacent structure on inter-story isolated structure becomes more significant. The increasing weight of adjacent structure has an increasing effect on the Isolation layer of the inter-story isolated structure.

Progressive Collapse Resistance of a New Staggered Story Isolated System

A new staggered isolated system developed from the mid-story isolated system is the new staggered story isolated system. There are not many studies on this structure currently. In this study, an 18-story new staggered story isolated system model is established using SAP2000. The dynamic nonlinear dynamic alternate method is used to analyze the structure against progressive collapse. Results show that the structure has good resistance to progressive collapse, and there is no progressive collapse under each working condition. The progressive collapse does not occur for the case of removing only one vertical structural member of the new staggered of isolated system. The side column has big influence on this isolated structures’ progressive collapse;the removal of vertical structural member of the isolation layer has less impact on the structure than the removal of the bottom vertical structural member. After the removing of the member, the internal force of the structure will be redistributed, and the axial force of the adjacent columns will change obviously, showing a trend of “near large and far small”.

nfluence and mechanism of Xindakang on cardiac functions of isolated frog heart

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of flavonoids from Xindakang(Hippophae Fructus flavone)on myocardial systolic and diastolic functions of isolated frog hearts and explore the possible mechanism,and provide experimental basis for improving the effect and efficacy of Xindakang on cardiac function.METHODS The isolated frog heart perfusion specimens were prepared by Yagi′s method,and the effects of different concentrations of Xindakang on myocardial contractility(0.0125,0.025,0.05,0.1 and 0.2 g·L^(-1)),heart rate and cardiac output of isolated frog heart were studied.Acetylcholine,atropine and epinephrine were administered successively to analyze the effects of Xindakang on cardiac systolic function of isolated frogs under the action of different drugs,and compared with propranolol.The effect of extracellular calcium ion concentration on the action of Xindakang was studied by using low calcium concentration,high calcium concentration and normal Ren′s solution.To study the effect and possible mechanism of Xindakang on cardiac systolic function of frog.RESULTS The concentration of Xindakang in the range of 0.0125-0.1 g·L^(-1)could weaken the contractility of isolated frog heart and increase the concentration of Xindakang.The inhibitory effect of Xindakang on contractility of isolated frog heart was enhanced,and showed obvious dose-effect relationship.Cardiac output was significantly decreased by Xindakang(P<0.01),slow heart rate(P<0.05);M receptor blocker atropine could not antagonize the contractile effect of Xindakang,and Xindakang could not completely antagonize the contractile effect of adrenalin.Xindakang could inhibit the isolated frog heart in low calcium concentration,high calcium concentration and normal Ren′s solution,and increased with the increase of extracellular calcium concentration(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Xindakang has inhibitory effect on isolated frog heart,which may be achieved by blocking the calcium channel on myocardial cell membrane and reducing the calcium concentration in myocardial cells.

Dose-dependent effect of parathyroid hormone 1-34 fragment and its influence mechanism on the functional activity of isolated heart

The present investigation is the continuation of our prior clinical studies on the content of parathyroid hormone (PTH), its paracrine analog, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and electrolytes in blood of patients with heart failure. The results of these studies formed the basis for the nomination of the hypothesis on PTH and PTHrP compensatory-modulating effect on the contractile activity of heart. The objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanism of the compensatory-modulating effect of PTH on heart functional activity, which is realized by the study of effective doses of PTH by pharmacological analysis, using different inhibitors. The dose-dependent effect of PTH on the heart contraction rate and amplitude is studied on the frog isolated heart by the method of non-invasive registration of heart contractile activity. The method is based on the photoelectric principle of the reflected from the contractile object light ray transformation into an electric signaling. It is shown that the most effective dose that has positive chronotropic and inotropic effects on heart is 10–10 M hormone. To clarify the mechanism of PTH physiological dose action on the contractile activity of heart PTH 1-34 is combined with Ca-channel as well as phosphodiesterase blockers. The mentioned substances are applied based on the fact that PTH effect on target cells is mediated by secondary messengers, particularly calcium ions and cAMP. Based on the data obtained by combination of hormone with Verapamil (10–5 M) and Theophylline (10–4 M), we concluded on the involvement of calcium ions in the realization of chronotropic and cAMP in the inotropic effects on the heart.

Effect of berberine on reperfusion arrhythmias in the isolated rat heart

Effect of berberine on reperfusion arrhythmias was studied using a10min left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusionin the isolated rat heart.Berberine when given 10min before coronary ligation re-duced the incidence of reperfusion arrhythmias in a dose-dependent manner.With10-5,3.16×10-5 and 10-4mol/L of berberine,ventricular fibrillation was reducedfrom its control incidence of 100% to 90%,70% and 40% （P【0.05） respectively.Heart rate was also reduced in a dose-dependent manner,falling from its controlvalue of 282±11 to 180±11 beats/min with the highest concentration of berberine.Coronary flow was increased in all berberine treated groups.With anantiarrhythmic dose of berberine (10-4mol/L),hearts were paced （5 Hz） duringischemia period;under these conditions the anti-arrhythmic effect of berberinewas lost.When berberine (3.16×10-5 and 10-4mol/L) was administered just beforereperfusion,no anti-arrhythmic effects were observed.The α-adrenoceptor antago-nist phentolamine (2.6×10-5mol/L) prevented reperfusion arrhythmias and ismuch more effective than berberine.These results suggest that the prophylatic ef-fects of berberine on reperfusion arrhythmias in the isolated rat heart are due toits negative chronotropic properties.

Metabolic vs. functional effects of endothelin on isolated perfused working rat hearts

objective:To examine the dose-dependent effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on both cardiac function and myocardial metabolism. Methods: lsolated working rat hearts were perfused by oxygenated Krebs buffer with 13 C-enriched substrates (1. 0 mmol/L [3-13C] lactate and 0. 25 mmol/L [1,2~13C ] acetate) ; ET-1 was added to the perfusate to produce an estimated circulating concentration of 6O pmol/L (ET60) or 600 pmol/L (ET600). Myocardial energy metabolism and substrate utilization were analyzed by multi-nuclear (31P and 13 C) magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Meantime, cardiac output (CO), coronary flow (CF) and left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) were recorded (Millar catheter). Results: CT decreased when ET-1 level enhanced (- 30% for ET60 group and - 42% for ET600 group,Pr0. 05). CO transiently increased above control but fell after 35 min infusion (-4% in ET60 group and - 23% in ET600 group respectively,P <0. 05). LVDP was also decreased at the end of ET per fusions. 31P NMR spectroscopy showed a decrease in cellular phosphorylation potential ([ATP]/[ADP][Pi]) when ET-1 level increased (y= 5. 2303e-2-5. 517le 5x R ~ 2= 0. 885). However, It is interesting that the PCr/ATP ratio decreased only in ET6O group, while in ET6oo group the further decrease of [ATP]/[ADP][Pi] did not company a further decrease in PCr/ATP. This phenomenon may suggest an inhibition of CPK activity under the circumstance of high ET-1 level. 13C NMR spectroscopy showed an ET-1 mediated inhibition on exogenous lactate utilization. Conclusion: (1)En dothelin-1 has either a directly positive inotropic effect on isolated perfused rat hearts or an indirectly negative inotropic effect through reduced coronary flow; (2)High level ET-1 may decrease myocardial phosphorylation potential and inhibit CPK activity as well ; (3)Acetate is a better substrate comparing to lactate for myocardium of the patients with increased systemic ET levels.

Fulminant isolated cardiac sarcoidosis with pericardial effusion and acute heart failure: Challenging aspects of diagnosis and treatment

This case report illustrates challenging aspects of diagnosis and treatment of isolated sarcoid heart disease(SHD) and the role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance(CMR) imaging. Here, we present a previously healthy 45-year-old man, who was admitted with pericardial effusion and symptoms of acute heart failure. CMR followed by targeted left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy(EMB) revealed the diagnosis of isolated SHD. The combined use of CMR and EMB was crucial in diagnosing SHD. Furthermore, this case report demonstrates the value of CMR for monitoring response to therapy and lesion healing.

A Case Report of Isolated Left Ventricular Non-Compaction Presenting with Congestive Heart Failure and Intramural Thrombus

Isolated left ventricular non-compaction is recently described as a rare form of cardiomyopathy that is associated with a heart failure, life threatening cardiac arrhythmia and thromboembolic complications. The diagnosis is based on echocardiography demonstration of spongy myocardium. Here we report a case of 74 years old female patient diagnosed as an isolated left ventricular non-compaction with congestive heart failure, intramural thrombus and hypertension. There is no specific treatment for LVNC;therapeutic measures are directed towards the patient’s symptom (heart failure, arrhythmia and thrombotic events) and consideration of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and cardiac transplantation.

Alkaline phosphatase-positive cells isolated from human hearts have mesenchymal stem cell characteristics

Tissue-specific resident cells have been identified as a promising population of progenitor cells for cell-based therapies. We describe here the isolation from adult human hearts of tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase-positive cells (ALPL+ cells) with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) characteristics. Samples from 24 adult cadaveric donors were obtained from a valve bank. Mean total ischemia time was 21.5 ± 9.1 hours. The success rate for the isolation of human heart-derived cells by the explant culture technique was 70% for the right auricle (14 of 20 trials) and 33% for the right ventricle (7 of 21 trials). The total auricle-derived cell population (TAD) was used for the purification of ALPL+ cells. TAD and ALPL+ cells expressed markers for MSC and pericytes. TAD cells and ALPL+ cells differentiated into adipocytes, osteoblasts and chondroblasts, and ALPL+ cells expressed markers of these three lineages more strongly than TAD cells, as shown by RT-PCR. This population therefore has a greater potential for differentiation into mesechymal lineages than TAD cells. Both cell populations express some markers of cardiac progenitors, such as GATA4, CD117 and VEGF. ALPL+ cells expressed troponin T and ABCG2, which are also markers of the cardiac lineage. Heart samples from tissue banks could be considered as sources of MSC with putative commitment towards cardiac lineages, even after prolonged ischemia times.