Raymond K Wong

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Journals/Publications

• Wong, R. K. (2024). First year update as cardiovascular perfusion's open access international journal. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 56(1), 1.
• Wong, R. K. (2024). New Graduates Encouraged to Submit their Work for Publication. The Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology, 56(2), 34-36. doi:10.1051/ject/2024012
• Wong, R. K. (2024). Publishing challenges for perfusionists whose first language is not English. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 56(3), 82-83.
• Diao, H., Dai, W., Wurm, D., Lu, Y., Shrestha, L., He, A., Wong, R. K., & Chen, Q. M. (2023). Del Nido cardioplegia or potassium induces Nrf2 and protects cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress. American journal of physiology. Cell physiology, 325(6), C1401-C1414.
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  Open heart surgery is often an unavoidable procedure for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The procedure-associated reperfusion injury affects postoperative cardiac performance and long-term outcomes. We addressed here whether cardioplegia essential for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery activates Nrf2, a transcription factor regulating the expression of antioxidant and detoxification genes. With commonly used cardioplegic solutions, high K, low K, Del Nido (DN), histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK), and Celsior (CS), we found that DN caused a significant increase of Nrf2 protein in AC16 human cardiomyocytes. Tracing the ingredients in DN led to the discovery of KCl at the concentration of 20-60 mM capable of significant Nrf2 protein induction. The antioxidant response element (ARE) luciferase reporter assays confirmed Nrf2 activation by DN or KCl. Transcriptomic profiling using RNA-seq revealed that oxidation-reduction as a main gene ontology group affected by KCl. KCl indeed elevated the expression of classical Nrf2 downstream targets, including TXNRD1, AKR1C, AKR1B1, SRXN1, and G6PD. DN or KCl-induced Nrf2 elevation is Ca concentration dependent. We found that KCl decreased Nrf2 protein ubiquitination and extended the half-life of Nrf2 from 17.8 to 25.1 mins. Knocking out Keap1 blocked Nrf2 induction by K. Nrf2 induction by DN or KCl correlates with the protection against reactive oxygen species generation or loss of viability by HO treatment. Our data support that high K concentration in DN cardioplegic solution can induce Nrf2 protein and protect cardiomyocytes against oxidative damage. Open heart surgery is often an unavoidable procedure for the treatment of coronary artery disease. The procedure-associated reperfusion injury affects postoperative cardiac performance and long-term outcomes. We report here that Del Nido cardioplegic solution or potassium is an effective inducer of Nrf2 transcription factor, which controls the antioxidant and detoxification response. This indicates that Del Nido solution is not only essential for open heart surgery but also exhibits cardiac protective activity.
• Wong, R. (2023). Role of generative artificial intelligence in publishing. What is acceptable, what is not. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 55(3), 103-104.
• Wong, R. K. (2023). A brand-new era has begun for JECT. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 55(1), 1-2.
• Wong, R. K. (2022). Diversity and Inclusion to Reduce Disparities. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 54(1), 3-4.
• Wong, R. K. (2022). Open Access Publishing and New Perfusion Safety Initiative. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 54(3), 173-174.
• Wong, R. K. (2022). The Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology to Modernize. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 54(2), 105-106.
• Wong, R. K., & Rosenthal, T. (2022). New Era for JECT Announced. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 54(4), 265-266.
• Wong, R. (2021). ECMO Remains a Major Part of Our Scope of Practice. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 53(3), 159-160.
• Wong, R. K. (2021). Leadership and Mentoring. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 53(4), 237-238.
• Wong, R. K. (2021). Promoting Awareness of Disparities in Perfusion Research and Reporting. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 53(1), 5-6.
• Wong, R. K. (2020).

  Capturing Our COVID-19 Efforts.

  . The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 52(2), 87. doi:10.1182/ject-522fte
• Wong, R. K. (2020). Academic Perfusion at Its Best and a New Tradition. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 52(4), 259-260.
• Wong, R. K. (2020). Letters to the Editor. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 52(3), 163-164.
• Alouidor, B., Sweeney, R. E., Tat, T., Wong, R. K., & Yoon, J. (2019). Microfluidic Point-of-care Ecarin Based Clotting and Chromogenic Assays for Monitoring Direct Thrombin Inhibitors. Journal of ExtraCorporeal Technology, 51, 29-37.
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  Directthrombininhibitors(DTIs),suchasbivalirudin and dabigatran, have maintained steady inpatient and outpatientuseassubstitutesforheparinandwarfarin,respectively, because of their high bioavailability and relatively safe “ontherapy” range. Current clinical methods lack the capacity to directly quantify plasma DTI concentrations across wide ranges. At present, the gold standard is the ecarin clotting time (ECT), where ecarin maximizes thrombin activity and clotting time is evaluated to assess DTIs’ anticoagulation capability. This work focused on the development of a microfluidic paper analytic device (uPAD) that can quantify the extent of anticoagulation as well as DTI concentration within a patient’s whole blood sample. Capillary action propels a small blood sample to flow through the nitrocellulose paper channels. Digital images of whole blood migration are then captured by our self-coded Raspberry Pi and/or the Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone camera. Both the flow length and the blue absorbance from the plasma front on the mPAD were measured, allowing simultaneous, dual assays: ecarin clotting test (ECT) and ecarin chromogenic assay (ECA). Statistically significant (p < .05) changes in flow and absorbance were observed within our translational research study. Currently, there are no quantitative, commercially available point-of-care tests for the ECT and ECA within the United States. Both the ECT and ECA assays could be instrumental to differentiate between supratherapeutic and subtherapeutic incidents during bridging anticoagulanttherapyandlimittheunwarranteduseofreversal agents.
• Sweeney, R. E., Nguyen, V., Alouidor, B., Budiman, E., Wong, R. K., & Yoon, J. (2019). Flow Rate and Raspberry Pi-based Paper Microfluidic Blood Coagulation Assay Device. IEEE Sensors Journal, 19(13), 4743-4751. doi:doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2019.2902065
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  Monitoring blood coagulation in response to an anticoagulant (heparin) and its reversal agent (protamine) is essential during and after surgery, especially with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A current clinical standard is the use of activated clotting time (ACT), where the mechanical movement of a plunger through a whole blood-filled channel is monitored to evaluate the endpoint time of coagulation. As a rapid, simple, low-volume, and cost-effective alternative, we have developed a paper microfluidic assay and Raspberry Pi-based device with the aim of quantifying the extent of blood coagulation in response to varying doses of heparin and protamine. The flow rate of blood through the paper microfluidic channel is automatically monitored using Python-coded edge detection algorithm. For each set of assay, 8 uL of fresh human whole blood (untreated and undiluted) from human subjects is loaded onto each of 8 sample pads, which have been preloaded with varying amounts of heparin or protamine. Total assay time is 3-5 minutes including the time for sample loading and incubation.
• Wong, R. K. (2019).

  Introduction and Tributes.

  . The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 51(1), 7-8.
• Wong, R. K. (2019).

  JECT Authors: a Diverse, Highly Prized Group.

  . The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 51(2), 59-60.
• Wong, R. K. (2019).

  Publication Ethics.

  . The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 51(4), 193-194.
• Wong, R. K. (2019). Learning about Journal Metrics. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 51(3), 131-132.
• Yoon, J., Wong, R. K., Budiman, E., Alouidor, B., Nguyen, V., & Sweeney, R. E. (2019). Flow Rate and Raspberry Pi-based Paper Microfluidic Blood Coagulation Assay Device. IEEE Sensors Journal, 19(13), 4743-4751. doi:https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2019.2902065
  More info

  Monitoring blood coagulation in response to an anticoagulant (heparin) and its reversal agent (protamine) is essential during and after surgery, especially with cardiopulmonary bypass. A current clinical standard is the use of activated clotting time, where the mechanical movement of a plunger through a whole blood-filled channel is monitored to evaluate the endpoint time of coagulation. As a rapid, simple, low-volume, and cost-effective alternative, we have developed a paper microfluidic assay and Raspberry Pi-based device with the aim of quantifying the extent of blood coagulation in response to varying doses of heparin and protamine. The flow rate of blood through the paper microfluidic channel is automatically monitored using the Python-coded edge detection algorithm. For each set of the assay, 8-μL of fresh human whole blood (untreated and undiluted) from human subjects is loaded onto each of eight sample pads, which have been preloaded with varying amounts of heparin or protamine. The total assay time is 3-5 min including the time for sample loading and incubation.
• Fitzgerald, D., & Wong, R. (2017). The Goal Directed Therapy Symposium: Goal Directed Therapy in Perfusion - The New Take on Adequacy of Perfusion. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 49(2), P1.
• Iwanski, J., Knapp, S. M., Avery, R., Oliva, I. B., Wong, R. K., Runyan, R. B., & Khalpey, Z. I. (2017). Clinical outcomes meta-analysis: measuring subendocardial perfusion and efficacy of transmyocardial laser revascularization with nuclear imaging. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 12(1). doi:10.1186/s13019-017-0602-8
• Yu, S., Khalpey, Z. I., Wong, R. K., Huynh, T., & Nielsen, V. G. (2017). Complete antithrombin replacement for anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass to repair severe infective mitral valve endocarditis. Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis. doi:10.1097/mbc.0000000000000668
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  : We present a case of a 26-year-old patient with severe infective endocarditis complicated with cerebral septic emboli that required essentially complete replacement of his circulating antithrombin activity to achieve an activated coagulation time near 480 s. The need for this degree of antithrombin administration may have been secondary to ongoing systemic inflammation and consequent thrombin generation despite blood culture results demonstrating no bacteremia. In sum, ongoing loss of endogenous antithrombin activity secondary to inflammation and the need for more than 80% normal activity to conduct safe cardiopulmonary bypass may require extraordinary administration of exogenous antithrombin in similar settings.
• Iwanski, J., Kazui, T., Tran, P. L., Basken, R., Wong, R. K., & Khalpey, Z. I. (2016). Novel method using rotational thromboelastography analysis for intraoperative management of device patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Blood coagulation & fibrinolysis : an international journal in haemostasis and thrombosis, 27(8), 943-47. doi:10.1097/MBC.0000000000000516
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  Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic disease in response to previous heparin exposure. Direct thrombin inhibitors are suitable candidates for the prophylaxis of thrombosis in patients with HIT. Currently activated clotting time and activated partial thromboplastin time are used to guide dosing and monitor anticoagulation. These assays provide a measure of clot initiation and only account for a small fraction of the coagulation pathway. In this case study we performed rotational thromboelastography (ROTEM) analysis on a patient with HIT implanted with a continuous-flow CentriMag device for left ventricular support. ROTEM evaluation confirmed a decline in activated clotting time values and provided information regarding intrinsic and extrinsic clotting times. Monitoring ROTEM parameters aided in the detection of coagulopathies and the decision to administer platelet or fresh frozen plasma products. Utilizing ROTEM can guide clinical decisions in transfusions, particularly in patients with HIT, where platelet and fibrinogen levels can be safely maintained to prevent thrombosis.
• Iwanski, J., Wong, R. K., Larson, D. F., Ferng, A. S., Runyan, R. B., Goldstein, S., & Khalpey, Z. (2016). Remodeling an infarcted heart: novel hybrid treatment with transmyocardial revascularization and stem cell therapy. SpringerPlus, 5(1), 738.
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  Transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) has emerged as an additional therapeutic option for patients suffering from diffuse coronary artery disease (CAD), providing immediate angina relief. Recent studies indicate that the volume of surgical cases being performed with TMR have been steadily rising, utilizing TMR as an adjunctive therapy. Therefore the purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date appreciation of the current state of TMR and its future developmental directions on CAD treatment. The current potential of this therapy focuses on the implementation of stem cells, in order to create a synergistic angiogenic effect while increasing myocardial repair and regeneration. Although TMR procedures provide increased vascularization within the myocardium, patients suffering from ischemic cardiomyopathy may not benefit from angiogenesis alone. Therefore, the goal of introducing stem cells is to restore the functional state of a failing heart by providing these cells with a favorable microenvironment that will enhance stem cell engraftment.
• Tran, P. L., Kazui, T., Perovic, V., Mikail, P., Lick, S., Smith, R., Betterton, E. W., Venkat, R., Iwanski, J., Wong, R. K., Slepian, M. J., & Khalpey, Z. (2016). Case Report: Disparate flow in HeartMate II patient with extensive left ventricle repair. Perfusion, 31(4), 349-52. doi:10.1177/0267659115614639
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  This case study reports the operative management of a 63-year-old male patient following implantation of the HeartMate II (HMII) left ventricular assist device (LVAD), with a non-compliant left ventricle (LV) and a reduced right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume. Intraoperatively, the patient had a thin, fragile LV wall with laminated clot; a ventricular septal defect was encountered during removal of the clot. Along with an aortic valve repair, the LV and the septum were reconstructed with multiple bovine pericardium patches, thus, moderately reducing the RV and LV stroke volume. A difference in cardiac output via a Swan-Ganz catheter (approximately 1.5 l/min) was observed as opposed to the HMII's estimated flow. The result was later replicated and verified in vitro via the Donovan Mock Circulation System (DMCS), where about 2 l/min lower flow on the HMII system was observed. In conclusion, the HMII flow rate displayed can be inaccurate and should only be used for trending.
• Tran, P. L., Pietropaolo, M., Valerio, L., Brengle, W., Wong, R. K., Kazui, T., Khalpey, Z. I., Redaelli, A., Sheriff, J., Bluestein, D., & Slepian, M. J. (2016). Hemolysate-mediated platelet aggregation: an additional risk mechanism contributing to thrombosis of continuous flow ventricular assist devices. Perfusion, 31(5), 401-8. doi:10.1177/0267659115615206
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  Despite the clinical success and growth in the utilization of continuous flow ventricular assist devices (cfVADs) for the treatment of advanced heart failure, hemolysis and thrombosis remain major limitations. Inadequate and/or ineffective anticoagulation regimens, combined with high pump speed and non-physiological flow patterns, can result in hemolysis which often is accompanied by pump thrombosis. An unexpected increase in cfVADs thrombosis was reported by multiple major VAD implanting centers in 2014, highlighting the association of hemolysis and a rise in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) presaging thrombotic events. It is well established that thrombotic complications arise from the abnormal shear stresses generated by cfVADs. What remains unknown is the link between cfVAD-associated hemolysis and pump thrombosis. Can hemolysis of red blood cells (RBCs) contribute to platelet aggregation, thereby, facilitating prothrombotic complications in cfVADs? Herein, we examine the effect of RBC-hemolysate and selected major constituents, i.e., lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and plasma free hemoglobin (pHb) on platelet aggregation, utilizing electrical resistance aggregometry. Our hypothesis is that elements of RBCs, released as a result of shear-mediated hemolysis, will contribute to platelet aggregation. We show that RBC hemolysate and pHb, but not LDH, are direct contributors to platelet aggregation, posing an additional risk mechanism for cfVAD thrombosis.
• Mookadam, F., Kendall, C. B., Wong, R. K., Kalya, A., Warsame, T., Arabia, F. A., Lusk, J., Moustafa, S., Steidley, E., Quader, N., & Chandrasekaran, K. (2012). Left ventricular assist devices: physiologic assessment using echocardiography for management and optimization. Ultrasound in medicine & biology, 38(2), 335-45.
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  Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) are being deployed increasingly in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and medically refractory congestive heart failure of any etiology. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the use of the Thoratec Heartmate II (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) for outpatient use. Echocardiography is fundamental during each stage of patient management, pre-LVAD placement, during LVAD placement, for postoperative LVAD optimization and long-term follow-up. We present a pragmatic and systematic echocardiographic approach that serves as a guide for the management of left ventricular assist devices.
• Najib, M. Q., Wong, R. K., Pierce, C. N., DeValeria, P. A., & Chaliki, H. P. (2012). An unusual presentation of left ventricular assist device thrombus. European heart journal cardiovascular Imaging, 13(6), 532.
• Wong, R. K., Sleep, J. R., Visner, A. J., Raasch, D. J., Lanza, L. A., DeValeria, P. A., Torloni, A. S., & Arabia, F. A. (2011). Thrombography reveals thrombin generation potential continues to deteriorate following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery despite adequate hemostasis. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 43(1), 19-25.
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  The intrinsic and extrinsic activation pathways of the hemostatic system converge when prothrombin is converted to thrombin. The ability to generate an adequate thrombin burst is the most central aspect of the coagulation cascade. The thrombin-generating potential in patients following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be indicative of their hemostatic status. In this report, thrombography, a unique technique for directly measuring the potential of patients' blood samples to generate adequate thrombin bursts, is used to characterize the coagulopathic profile in post-CPB patients. Post-CPB hemostasis is typically achieved with protamine reversal of heparin anticoagulation and occasionally supplemented with blood product component transfusions. In this pilot study, platelet poor plasma samples were derived from 11 primary cardiac surgery patients at five time points: prior to CPB, immediately post-protamine, upon arrival to the intensive care unit (ICU), 3 hours post-ICU admission, and 24 hours after ICU arrival. Thrombography revealed that the Endogenous Thrombin Potential (ETP) was not different between [Baseline] and [PostProtamine] but proceeded to deteriorate in the immediate postoperative period. At the [3HourPostICU] time point, the ETP was significantly lower than the [Baseline] values, 1233 +/- 591 versus 595 +/- 379 nM.min (mean +/- SD; n=9, p < .005), despite continued adequacy of hemostasis. ETPs returned to baseline values the day after surgery. Transfusions received, conventional blood coagulation testing results, and blood loss volumes are also presented. Despite adequate hemostasis, thrombography reveals an underlying coagulopathic process that could put some cardiac surgical patients at risk for postoperative bleeding. Thrombography is a novel technique that could be developed into a useful tool for perfusionists and physicians to identify coagulopathies and optimize blood management following CPB.
• Jaroszewski, D. E., Halabi, W. J., Blair, J. E., Coakley, B. J., Wong, R. K., Parish, J. M., Vaszar, L. T., Kusne, S., Vikram, H. R., DeValeria, P. A., Lanza, L. A., & Arabia, F. A. (2009). Surgery for pulmonary coccidioidomycosis: a 10-year experience. The Annals of thoracic surgery, 88(6), 1765-72.
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  Coccidioidomycosis results from infection with Coccidioides species endemic to the southwestern United States. The mobile US population has resulted in incremental cases being found throughout the world. The fungal infection can result in pulmonary sequelae, including nodules, cavities, and complications requiring treatment by the thoracic surgeon.
• Jaroszewski, D. E., Marranca, M. C., Pierce, C. N., Wong, R. K., Steidley, E. D., Scott, R. L., Devaleria, P. A., & Arabia, F. (2009). Successive circulatory support stages: a triple bridge to recovery from fulminant myocarditis. The Journal of heart and lung transplantation : the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation, 28(9), 984-6.
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  Fulminant myocarditis with rapid onset of symptoms and hemodynamic compromise is a rare indication for mechanical support. Because of the potentially reversible nature of this illness, advanced mechanical circulatory support is warranted to achieve recovery or as a bridge to transplantation. Circulatory device options currently available allow for a phased implementation of support modalities in a manner that reduces costs and patient risk. We present a patient with fulminant myocarditis where extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support escalated to short-term Levitronix CentriMag (Levitronix, Waltham, MA) biventricular assist devices (BiVADs). These in turn were exchanged, without major surgery, to long-term paracorporeal VADs (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA). After rehabilitation and nearly total recovery, the patient was weaned from mechanical circulatory support after 104 cumulative days.
• Jaroszewski, D. E., Pierce, C. C., Staley, L. L., Wong, R., Scott, R. R., Steidley, E. E., Gopalan, R. S., DeValeria, P., Lanza, L., Mulligan, D., & Arabia, F. A. (2009). Simultaneous heart and kidney transplantation after bridging with the CardioWest total artificial heart. The Annals of thoracic surgery, 88(4), 1324-6.
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  End-stage renal failure is often considered a relative contraindication for total artificial heart implantation due to the increased risk of mortality after transplantation. We report the successful treatment of a patient having heart and renal failure with the CardioWest (SynCardia Inc, Tucson, AZ) total artificial heart for bridge-to-cardiac transplantation of a heart and kidney.
• Anderson, M. B., Gratz, E., Wong, R. K., Benali, K., & Kung, R. T. (2007). Improving outcomes in patients with ventricular assist devices transferred from outlying to tertiary care hospitals. The journal of extra-corporeal technology, 39(1), 43-8.
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  In this retrospective study, the implant course and outcome of patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs) transferred from outlying "spoke" hospitals and converted nonsurgically to a device designed for ambulation at tertiary care "hub" hospitals are evaluated. Factors affecting the crucial decision to transfer and to convert devices have not previously been characterized. Data from 50 patients at 26 US hub institutions were voluntarily submitted to a VAD data registry at ABIOMED, between December 2003 and December 2005. The patients were transferred from 40 spokes on the BVS 5000 Blood Pump and converted to the AB5000 Ventricle (both ABIOMED) at hubs. Comparisons were made on implant indications, time-course, and end-organ function at the time of conversion between surviving patients and patients that had died. Patients who were transferred and converted had a survival to recovery or to next therapy rate of 42%. Eighteen of the surviving patients were still alive 30 days after the explant: 61% were weaned, 33% were transplanted, and 5.6% received a destination device. Average implant-to-transfer time was 1.5 vs. 2.0 days for 30-day survivors and expired patients, respectively, whereas support time from transfer to conversion was 4.8 vs. 4 days, respectively. At the time of device conversion, a total bilirubin below a threshold level of 3.5 mg/dL was predictive of 30-day survival (n = 26, p = .03, odds ratio = 2.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.22-6.16). Patients who survived 30 days were supported longer than those who died (35 vs. 21.1 days, p = .026). At least 18 patients recovered sufficiently on the AB5000 Ventricle to tolerate extubation and 11 patients were able to ambulate. Liver function after implant both at the spoke and before conversion at the hub may be a good indicator of patient survivability. Patients transferred from the BVS 5000 Blood Pump benefited from easy, safe conversion to the AB5000 Ventricle, which provided them with additional support time and afforded the opportunity to recover native heart function.
• Wong, R. K., Baldwin, A. L., & Heimark, R. L. (1999). Cadherin-5 redistribution at sites of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma-induced permeability in mesenteric venules. The American journal of physiology, 276(2 Pt 2), H736-48.
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  The response of the endothelial permeability barrier in microvascular networks of the rat mesentery to perfused immune inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was examined. TNF-alpha (12.5 U/ml) treatment did not change albumin permeability, but in combination with IFN-gamma (20 U/ml), there was a marked increase in the number of sites of extravascular albumin in postcapillary venules. Endothelial integrity was characterized by cadherin-5 immunoreactivity, which was localized to the continuous intercellular junctions of endothelium in arterioles, capillaries, and venules. Perfusion with the combined cytokines showed that the increased albumin permeability was dose dependent and correlated with the focal disorganization of cadherin-5 at intercellular junctions of venular endothelium. No correlation was found between the increase in albumin permeability and the localization of intravascular leukocytes or extravascular mast cells. These results show that the combination of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma induces an endothelial phenotype with focal loss of cadherin-5 intercellular adhesion, which, in part, facilitates passage of blood macromolecules and cells to the interstitium.

Presentations

• Wong, R. K., Diao, H., Chen, Q., & Dai, W. (2020, February). Cardioplegia provides myocardial protection via activation of Nrf2. 2020 AACP Annual Meeting. Reno, NV: American Academy of Cardiovascular Perfusion.

Poster Presentations

• Wong, R. K., & Collins, K. (2021, Spring). Potential Benefits of Autologous Mitochondrial Transfer in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Patients. AmSECT's 59th International Conference. Virtual: American Society of Extra-Corporeal Technology.
• Wong, R. K., & Fu, T. (2020, March). Exploring the Role of Obesity-derived Inflammatory Stress on Cardiac Surgery Outcomes. AmSECT's 58th International Conference. Nashville, TN: AmSECT.
• Heimark, R. L., & Wong, R. K. (1998, November). Proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma alter permeability and the cadherin-5/catenin complex via beta-catenin cleavage.. Cell Biology. San Francisco: The American Society for Cell Biology.