Previously this laboratory characterized Slc39a8-encoded ZIP8 as a Zn(2+)/(HCO(3)(-))(2) symporter; yet, the overall physiological importance of ZIP8 at the whole-organism level remains unclear. Herein we describe the phenotype of the hypomorphic Slc39a8(neo/neo) mouse which has retained the neomycin-resistance gene in intron 3, hence causing significantly decreased ZIP8 mRNA and protein levels...

OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the prevalence and progression of neo-aortic root dilation and valvar regurgitation after staged reconstruction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). BACKGROUND In HLHS, the pulmonary valve functions as the neo-aortic valve. Neo-aortic valve dysfunction has been observed after arterial switch operation and the Ross procedure. METHODS Patients with HLHS b...

Cell cycle checkpoints are evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that uphold genomic integrity. Complete inactivation of the mouse checkpoint gene Hus1 results in chromosomal instability, genotoxin hypersensitivity, and embryonic lethality. To determine the functional consequences of partial Hus1 impairment, we generated an allelic series in which Hus1 expression was incrementally reduced...

OBJECTIVE After the arterial switch operation (ASO), disproportional neo-aortic growth during childhood has been reported. Even though it has been suggested neo-aortic dilation will stabilise in adulthood, data are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the change in neo-aortic dimensions, prevalence of neo-aortic dilation >40 mm and long-term outcome in adults who underwent ASO in childh...

BACKGROUND Modeling neo-aortic valve for arterial switch surgical planning to simulate the neo-aortic valve closure performance. METHODS We created five geometrical models of neo-aortic valve, namely model A, model B, model C, model D and model E with different size of sinotubular junction or sinus. The nodes at the ends of aorta and left ventricle duct fixed all the degrees of freedom. Trans...

The “Carnian Crisis” is documented in basinal, shallow-marine and epicontinental northwestern Tethyan facies areas by, successively, (1) a demise of carbonate platforms and reefs in the Julian 1/IIc, (2) a major faunal and floral turnover in the Late Julian and (3) a significant extinction event affecting conodonts and ammonoids at the Julian/Tuvalian boundary. Based on the study of 19 successi...