Hepatic stellate cells are widely recognized for their contribution to liver fibrosis. This study investigated whether these cells also promote hepatic inflammation by producing neutrophil chemoattractants. Specifically, stellate cells were examined as potential sources of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), a rat chemokine resembling human interleukin-8. Stellate cells from normal rat liver expressed little or no CINC. In culture, CINC mRNA was induced rapidly, coinciding with the phenomenon of culture activation. CINC mRNA rose 4.6-fold within 3 days and was accompanied by secretion of immunoreactive and biologically active CINC protein (4.1 ng ⋅ μg DNA−1 ⋅ day−1). Studies in vivo demonstrated that CINC could be induced in stellate cells during liver injury. CINC mRNA rose significantly (4- to 6-fold) in two models of liver disease, both of which cause stellate cell activation. In summary, the data indicate that CINC is induced during stellate cell activation in culture and in vivo. They suggest that stellate cell-derived CINC can promote hepatic inflammation in vivo.

Endomyocardial biopsy in children remains important in the evaluation of cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and rejection following cardiac transplantation. We sought to evaluate the morbidity associated with endomyocardial biopsy on the basis of a large experience from a single institution.We reviewed records of all endomyocardial biopsies performed at our institution. Complications were defined as adverse events resulting from the biopsy requiring intervention or additional observation. We also reviewed the most recent echocardiogram from all the patients for the presence and severity of tricuspid valvar regurgitation.Between November 1986 and April 2002, we performed 1051 endomyocardial biopsies in 135 patients ranging in age from 9 days to 18 years. The internal jugular vein was the site of vascular access in 68% of the procedures. There were 10 acute procedural complications requiring intervention or additional observation. Severe tricuspid regurgitation developed in two patients who had undergone multiple biopsies after cardiac transplantation, one of whom underwent subsequent replacement of the tricuspid valve. There were no deaths or cardiac perforations. The total incidence of morbidity was 1.1%. No demographic or procedural factors were identified to be predictive of complications.In experienced hands, therefore, endomyocardial biopsy can be safely performed in children with very low morbidity.

Perventricular device closure of simple mVSD was associated with a high rate of procedural success, few adverse events, and short hospital LOS. Procedural adverse events were associated with the presence of concomitant complex surgery. Residual mVSD, AV valve insufficiency, or ventricular dysfunction were uncommon at mid-term follow-up. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Despite a statistically significant relationship between an electrocardiogram and echocardiography in the diagnosis of right ventricular hypertrophy, an electrocardiogram has limited value as a screening tool for right ventricular hypertrophy because of its relatively low sensitivity and positive predictive value.