MedWorm: Hypertension

Moyamoya: to cut or not to cut is not the only question. A paediatric neurologist's perspective

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The paediatric neurologist is usually the clinician who makes the diagnosis of moyamoya in children, yet most of the debate in the literature has focused on surgical management of the condition. Semantic confusion and variable use of the term among neuroradiologists continues to be unhelpful. Increasing recognition of moyamoya, for example in sickle cell disease, and the publication of clinical guidelines encouraging referral for surgical evaluation highlight the need to identify and engage with management of the condition. In practical terms, the most frequent management issues for the paediatric neurologist, other than when to refer for surgery, are headache, hypertension, and the concern of the family that other children might be affected. These issues are discussed in the context of th...

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Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program Teams With Medical Technology Leaders Entra Health Systems and Vasamed to Provide Improved Access to Care for African American Men

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:48:00 +0100

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Saturday November 7, 2009, black-owned barbershops across Los Angeles will participate in a program sponsored by the Diabetic Amputation Prevention (DAP) Foundation and Dr. Bill Releford to screen African American men for diabetes, hypertension, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Entra Health Systems of San Diego, working in partnership with Vasamed Inc. (Pink Sheets:VSMD) of Eden Prairie, MN will provide the latest medical testing technology to help volunteers from the Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program evaluate basic health parameters for thousands of men at over 100 barbershops in LA. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Aspirin for primary prevention of vascular disease in people with diabetes

BMJ Online First — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:53:33 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with pregnancy: case report

Revista Brasileira de Terapia Intensiva — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:36:37 +0100

A púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica (PTT) é uma entidade rara em pacientes críticos. Relatamos um caso clínico de paciente gestante admitida em unidade de terapia intensiva obstétrica com quadro de alteração de sensório, atribuído inicialmente à doença hipertensiva da gravidez. Evoluiu com piora do quadro geral caracterizada por anemia e plaquetopenia grave, suscitando a investigação diagnóstica de púrpura trombocitopênica trombótica após o reconhecimento do perfil hematológico. Os autores enfatizam a importância do conhecimento da doença como marcador de prognóstico para pacientes obstétricas, em vista da semelhança com outras patologias comuns ao ciclo gravídico-puerperal e o fato do diagnóstico e tratamento precoce serem determinantes para o desfecho.Case r...

Chronic Illness in Non-heterosexual Contexts: An Online Survey of Experiences

Feminism — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:24:16 +0100

In this article we contribute to the expansion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) health psychology beyond the confines of sexual health by examining the experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual people living with non-HIV related chronic illness. Using a (predominantly) qualitative online survey, the perspectives of 190 LGB people with 52 different chronic illnesses from eight countries were collected. The five most commonly reported physical conditions were arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, asthma and chronic fatigue syndrome. Our analysis focuses on four themes within participants’ written comments: (1) ableism within LGBT communities; (2) isolation from LGBT communities and other LGB people living with chronic illness; (3) heteronormativity within sources of...

Key Player Identified In Cascade That Leads To Hypertension-Related Kidney Damage

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

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Key Player Identified In Cascade That Leads To Hypertension-Related Kidney Damage

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

A key player in a cascade that likely begins with stress and leads to high blood pressure and kidney damage has been identified by researchers who say the finding may lead to better ways to control both. Medical College of Georgia researchers have found endothelin, a powerful blood vessel constrictor and inflammatory peptide, increases the number of T cells in the kidneys, which helps recruit other immune cells, causing inflammation and destruction. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

Genes Linked to 'Pot' Belly

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Genes Linked to 'Pot' BellyCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/5/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/6/2009 (Source: MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General)

Hypertension Common in Children of Alzheimer's Patients

Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

High blood pressure, evidence of arterial disease and markers of inflammation in the blood are more common in middle-aged individuals whose parents have Alzheimer's disease than in individuals without a parental history of the condition. (Source: Medical Headlines From Ivanhoe.com)

Don't try this at home?

BMJ Online First — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:08:44 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Is the Way to Man's Heart (and Lung) Through the Abdomen?

Critical Care — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is increasingly recognized to be both prevalent and clinically important in medical and surgical ICUs. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) can impact organ function throughout the body, and it can also complicate standard measurements used in ICU care. The article by Krebs et al. reports the effect of IAP on respiratory function, gas exchange and hemodynamic function. Their results show a relatively small effect of modestly elevated IAP on these variables in their patient population. However, their work raises several questions for clinicians and researchers regarding the pathophysiology and management of IAP. (Source: Critical Care)

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Hypertension, Inflammatory Markers More Common in Offspring of Patients With Alzheimer's

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:24:26 +0100

Study results suggest that the associations are independent of APOE genetic status and underscore the need to assess offspring for primary prevention of hypertension. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

The metabolic syndrome: common origins of a multifactorial disorder

Postgraduate Medical Journal — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:51 +0100

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a combination of cardiometabolic risk determinants including obesity (central adiposity), insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, dyslipidaemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and hypertension. MetS is rapidly increasing in prevalence worldwide as a consequence of the continued obesity "epidemic", and as a result will have a considerable impact on the global incidence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Currently, there is debate concerning whether the risk of cardiovascular disease is greater in patients diagnosed with MetS than that of the sum of the individual risk factors. At present, no unifying origin that can explain the pathogenesis of MetS has been identified and therefore no unique pharmacological treatment is available. Thi...

Genetic variation in CYP27B1 is associated with congestive heart failure in patients with hypertension

Future Medicine: Pharmacogenomics — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:30:24 +0100

Pharmacogenomics , November 2009, Vol. 10, No. 11, Pages 1789-1797. (Source: Future Medicine: Pharmacogenomics)

Hypertension, arterial disease in middle age contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

MedWire News - Cardiology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:54:11 +0100

Hypertension and evidence of arterial disease and a pro-inflammatory status in middle age contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, say researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Cardiology)

Usefulness of Triglycerides-to–High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio for Predicting the First Coronary Event in Men

The American Journal of Cardiology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:53:44 +0100

In conclusion, the TG/HDL ratio has a high predictive value of a first coronary event regardless of BMI. (Source: The American Journal of Cardiology)

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The J-Curve Between Blood Pressure and Coronary Artery Disease or Essential Hypertension: Exactly How Essential?

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:50:09 +0100

The topic of the J-curve relationship between blood pressure and coronary artery disease (CAD) has been the subject of much controversy for the past decades. An inverse relationship between diastolic pressure and adverse cardiac ischemic events (i.e., the lower the diastolic pressure the greater the risk of coronary heart disease and adverse outcomes) has been observed in numerous studies. This effect is even more pronounced in patients with underlying CAD. Indeed, a J-shaped relationship between diastolic pressure and coronary events was documented in treated patients with CAD in most large trials that scrutinized this relationship. In contrast to any other vascular bed, the coronary circulation receives its perfusion mostly during diastole; hence, an excessive decrease in diastolic press...

Hypertension and the “J-Curve”

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:50:09 +0100

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is one of the most common preventable causes of premature death worldwide. Approximately 8 million deaths/year (i.e., 14% of all deaths worldwide) are directly attributable to an elevated BP, and with the worldwide prevalence of hypertension predicted to increase by more than 50% by 2025, the magnitude of BP-related death is set to increase further (). Abundant data from randomized clinical trials have confirmed that the therapeutic lowering of BP in hypertensive people substantially reduces the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and as a consequence, the routine treatment of hypertension is one of the most common interventions in medicine. BP treatment guidelines have progressively reduced the BP threshold at which treatment should begin and the B...

Obstructive sleep apnea and heart failure

Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:47:44 +0100

Opinion statement Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exerts several effects that may be particularly deleterious in patients with heart failure (HF). OSA should be considered especially in HF patients who are obese or have the metabolic syndrome, systemic hypertension, or pulmonary hypertension. HF patients in whom OSA is suspected should undergo a full evaluation by a sleep specialist, including a polysomnogram, to diagnose OSA and differentiate this disease from central sleep apnea. Those found to have OSA should then receive continuous positive airway pressure and/or other interventions, and standard disease management strategies should be used to maximize compliance. Those who cannot tolerate continuous positive airway pressure may be candidates for mandibular advancement d...

Key player identified in cascade that leads to hypertension-related kidney damage

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Medical College of Georgia) A key player in a cascade that likely begins with stress and leads to high blood pressure and kidney damage has been identified by researchers who say the finding may lead to better ways to control both. Medical College of Georgia researchers have found endothelin, a powerful blood vessel constrictor and inflammatory peptide, increases the number of T cells in the kidneys, which helps recruit other immune cells, causing inflammation and destruction. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Clinical review: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors for pulmonary arterial hypertension

NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the evidence for their use: its structure is consistent with other articles in the series, and covers: . The clinical problem . Pathophysiology and effect of therapy . Clinical evidence . Clinical use . Adverse effects . Areas of uncertainty . Guidelines . Recommendations (Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine)

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Risk Factors Identified for Alzheimer's Disease

Modern Medicine — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

High blood pressure and inflammatory markers signal an increased risk for the development of Alzheimer's disease among middle-aged persons who have a parent with the disease, according to a study in the November issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Adding Fuel to the J-Curve Fire; Debate Is Reignited

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:01:00 +0100

More discussion about the J-curve in hypertension is published this week; one expert believes the undue attention being paid to this subject might discourage doctors from treating high blood pressure aggressively. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Address Drinking, Smoking to Raise Life Expectancy: WHO

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:16:34 +0100

About one in four premature deaths worldwide can be traced to five preventable health factors -- alcohol use, poor childhood nutrition, unsafe sex, bad sanitation and hygiene, and high blood pressure -- according to the World Health Organization (WHO). (Source: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs News)

Scrutiny of cardiovascular risk factors by assessing arterial stiffness in erectile dysfunction patients

World Journal of Urology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:51:22 +0100

Conclusions Thus, PWV, PP and E/Et may be employed as markers to identify ED patients with potential cardiovascular risk factors, including MS and obesity. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00345-009-0486-xAuthors Shih-Tai Chang, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Division of Cardiology 6, Sec. West Chai-Pu Road Pu-TZ City, Chaiyi Hsien TaiwanChi-Ming Chu, National Defense Medical Center and University Section of Health Informatics, Institute of Public Health Taipei TaiwanJen-Te Hsu, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Division of Cardiology 6, Sec. West Chai-Pu Road Pu-TZ City, Chaiyi Hsien TaiwanChang-Min Chung, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Division of Cardiology 6, Sec. West Chai-Pu Road Pu-TZ City, Chaiyi Hsien TaiwanKuo-Li Pa...

Adding fuel to the J-curve fire; debate is reignited

theHeart.org — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:30:56 +0100

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Effects of the molecular mass of tense-state polymerized bovine hemoglobin on blood pressure and vasoconstriction

Journal of Applied Physiology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:56:56 +0100

This study was designed to analyze systemic and microvascular responses to the molecular mass and plasma concentration of tense (T)-state polymerized bovine Hb (PolybHb) solutions. Experiments were performed using the hamster window chamber model subjected to successive hypervolemic infusions of T-state PolybHb solutions. PolybHb plasma concentrations were evaluated, namely, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/dl, respectively. Infusion of PolybHb solutions with molecular mass >500 kDa elicited hypertension and vasoconstriction proportional to the plasma concentration and inversely proportional to the PolybHb cross-link density. However, two high-molecular mass PolybHb solutions, PolybHb(40:1)high PolybHb(50:1)high, did not elicit vasoconstriction at all concentrations studied, whereas PolybHb(50:1)high...

EU greenlights Novartis’ 3-in-1 hypertension pill

Cardiovascular Business News — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:33:28 +0100

The European Commission has granted Novartis marketing authorization for Exforge HCT, a new 3-in-1 treatment for people with high blood pressure. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Cerebral microbleeds predict first-ever symptomatic cerebrovascular events

Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:46:54 +0100

Conclusion: The presence of CMB is an independent predictor of first-ever symptomatic cerebrovascular diseases. (Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery)

High Fructose Intake Correlated With High Blood Pressure

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:45:06 +0100

Consumption of 74 grams of fructose (2.5 cans of soda) is correlated with an increased systolic blood pressure; the relation between fructose intake and blood pressure appears to be linear. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Treatment strategies to minimize or prevent chronic allograft dysfunction in pediatric renal transplant recipients: an overview.

Paediatric Drugs — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:10:02 +0100

Authors: Höcker B, Tönshoff B Long-term allograft survival poses a major problem in pediatric renal transplantation, with allograft nephropathy being the principal cause of graft failure after the first post-transplant year. The mechanisms of nephron loss resulting in graft dysfunction are multiple, comprising both immunologic factors such as acute and chronic antibody- or T-cell-mediated rejection and non-immunologic components. The latter include peri-transplant injuries and renovascular lesions (renal artery stenosis, thrombosis) as well as cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Another relevant issue leading to progressive nephron loss and declining kidney transplant function is acute and chronic nephrotoxicity induced by the calcine...

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Echocardiography in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosis, prognosis, and role in management

European Journal of Echocardiography — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:08:55 +0100

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is diagnosed on the basis of left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy for which there is insufficient explanation (e.g. mild hypertension or mild aortic stenosis with marked hypertrophy). Echocardiography is an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with HCM. Echocardiographic assessment requires a comprehensive assessment in several imaging planes with careful attention to correct beam alignment in order to minimize errors in the measurement of LV wall thickness and appropriate identification of hypertrophy with an unusual distribution. (Source: European Journal of Echocardiography)

High Blood Pressure And Markers Of Inflammation In Blood More Common In Offspring Of Parents With Alzheimer's Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

High blood pressure, evidence of arterial disease and markers of inflammation in the blood in middle age appear more common in individuals whose parents have Alzheimer's disease than in individuals without a parental history of the condition, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

H1N1 Swine Flu Deadly in All Age Groups

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: H1N1 Swine Flu Deadly in All Age GroupsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/4/2009 10:29:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 11/4/2009 10:29:07 AM (Source: MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General)

Laparoscopic retrieval of disconnected shunt catheters from the peritoneal cavity as a day-case procedure in children—early feasibility report

Child's Nervous System — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:58:28 +0100

Conclusions Peritoneally migrated shunt catheters have a risk of viscus injury, particularly bowel perforation. In our experience, laparoscopic retrieval of migrated shunt catheters was safe both as an emergency procedure and electively, when it was performed as a day-case basis in selected patients with excellent outcome. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00381-009-1013-5Authors Melissa Short, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Department of Paediatric Surgery Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6NH UKGuirish Solanki, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Department of Neurosurgery Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6NH UKGirish Jawaheer, Birmingham Children’s Hospital Department of Paediatric Surgery Steelhouse Lane Birmingham B4 6NH UK Journal ...

UCF research could lead to speech help for Chinese stroke victims

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Khui Phu has survived diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and civil war. Now, the 58-year-old Orlando resident and native of Cambodia is fighting another battle: to regain his ability to speak and understand the several languages he once... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

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Allergan wins brimonidine patent infringement case

Modern Medicine — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware has ruled in favor of Allergan Inc. in its patent infringement lawsuit against two sets of defendants seeking to market purported generic versions of the company?s formulations of brimonidine tartrate 0.1% and 0.15% (Alphagan P) for ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Specifically, the court ruled that Allergan's five patents related to the ophthalmic solutions are valid and enforceable. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A 46-year-old-woman presents with exertional dyspnea and syncope and receives a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Treatment with sildenafil is recommended. Sildenafil and tadalafil are phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors that ameliorate pulmonary arterial hypertension by increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the smooth-muscle cells of the pulmonary artery. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

CME: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Pulmonary hypertension in pregnancy: two cases and review of the literature

Internal Medicine Journal — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in pregnancy carries a mortality of 30[ndash]56%. There are few published data to guide clinicians in its management. Two pregnant women with severe PAH have been treated at Royal Perth Hospital with a successful result in both. Their presentation and management are described. We review the physiological changes in pregnancy, pathophysiology in PAH, and review the literature describing treatment of PAH in pregnancy. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)

Clopidogrel application: beyond coronary artery disease

Clinical Science — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel, a P2Y12 antagonist, is a cornerstone for treatment of patients with stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and acute coronary artery disease followed with or without percutaneous coronary intervention. Giachini and colleagues found that clopidogrel could normalize the increased phenylephrine-induced vascular contraction and impaired acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation in mesenteric arteries from angiotensin II-infused Sprague-Dawley rats. This might develop a new area for clopidogrel application. However, whether clopidogrel can improve the arterial function in patients with hypertension or diabetes, or whether clopidogrel outweighs the beneficial effect aspirin in those patients, remains an open field for future inquiry. (Source: Clin...

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Sex differences in adaptive down-regulation of pre-macula densa sodium transporters with Ang II infusion in mice.

American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tiwari S, Li L, Riazi S, Halagappa VK, Ecelbarger CM An increase in blood pressure (BP) due to angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion or other means is associated with adaptive pressure natriuresis due to reduced sodium reabsorption primarily in proximal tubule (PT) and thick ascending limb (TAL). We tested the hypothesis that male and female mice would show differential response to Ang II infusion with regard to the regulation of the protein abundance of sodium transporters in the PT and TAL, and whether these responses would be modulated by aging. Young (~3 months) and old (~21 months) male and female mice were infused with Ang II @ 800 ng/kg*bw/min by osmotic minimpump for 7 days or received a sham operation. Ang II increased MAP, measured by radiotelemetry, significantly more in...

Sympathetic activity is not increased in L-NAME Hypertensive rats.

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the evaluation of the sympathetic drive in conscious rats demonstrated that the arterial hypertension induced by L-NAME treatment over the course of two and fourteen days does not show sympathetic overactivity. Key words: Baroreflex, nitric oxide, sympathetic activity, L-NAME hypertension. PMID: 19889865 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology)

Hypoxic pulmonary vasodilation: A paradigm shift with a hydrogen sulfide mechanism.

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Olson KR, Whitfield NL, Bearden SE, St Leger J, Nilson E, Gao Y, Madden JA Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HVC), an intrinsic and assumed ubiquitous response of mammalian pulmonary blood vessels, matches regional ventilation to perfusion via an unknown oxygen sensing mechanism. Global pulmonary hypoxia experienced by individuals suffering from COPD or numerous hypoventilation syndromes including sleep apnea, often produces maladaptive pulmonary hypertension (PH) but PH is not observed in diving mammals where profound hypoxia is routine. Here we examined the response of cow and sea lion pulmonary arteries (PA) to hypoxia and observed the expected HVC in the former and a unique hypoxic vasodilation (HVD) in resistance vessels from the latter. We then used this disparate resp...

Further understanding of fat biology: Lessons from a fat fly.

exp Mol Med — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hong JW, Park KW Obesity is a leading risk factor for insulin resistance, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular complications, collectively referred to as metabolic diseases. Given the prevalence of obesity and its associated medical problems, new strategies are required to prevent or treat obesity and obesity-related metabolic effects. Here we summarize contributors of obesity, and molecular mechanisms controlling adipogenesis from studies in mammalian systems. We also discuss the possibilities of using Drosophila as a genetic model system to advance our understanding of players in fat biology. PMID: 19887892 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: exp Mol Med)

Sildenafil Inhibits Chronically Hypoxic Upregulation of Canonical Transient Receptor Potential Expression in Rat Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle.

American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined the effect of sildenafil on basal [Ca(2+)](i), SOCE, and the expression of TRPC in PASMCs under prolonged hypoxia exposure. We also examined the effect of sildenafil on TRPC1 and TRPC6 expression in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle (PA) from rats that developed chronically hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (CHPH). Compared to vehicle control, treatment with sildenafil (300 nM) inhibited prolonged hypoxia induced increases of: 1) basal [Ca(2+)](i); 2) SOCE; 3) mRNA and protein expression of TRPC in PASMCs. Moreover, sildenafil (50mg/kg/day) inhibited mRNA and protein expression of TRPC1 and TRPC6 in PA from chronically hypoxic (10% O(2) for 21 days) rats, which were associated with decreased right ventricular pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy. Furthermore, we found, in PAS...

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Subclinical Organ Damage Moves Hypertensive Patients Into High Risk Range for CVD

Medscape Cardiology Headlines — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:42:36 +0100

In patients with hypertension, physicians should assess the presence of subclinical organ damage, an indication of high absolute risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Cardiology Headlines)

Is routine aspirin use not advised?

NHS News Feed — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:58:00 +0100

Conclusion This article represents the considered judgment of the DTB based on the existing research evidence and expert opinion. Although steps would have been taken to identify and include the most relevant evidence, some relevant studies may have been missed. The question of whether apparently healthy people should take aspirin as a preventative measure is difficult to answer due to the fine balance between benefits and risks. Treatment guidelines (such as those issued by NICE) are produced based on the best evidence available at the time. These guidelines are revised as new evidence becomes available, and when they are next updated they could potentially come to similar conclusions as those reached in this review. Until then, doctors will continue to make recommendations about taking a...

Vitamin C's pro-oxidant alter ego

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:28:26 +0100

The antioxidant vitamin C is well know for mopping up free radicals, but it can also create them – with surprising resultsIf the health foods and supplements industry is to be believed, antioxidants are the panacea of modern times. These miraculous molecules rummage around our bodies scavenging free radicals or "reactive oxygen species" (ROS), dangerously unstable chemicals that damage our DNA and proteins.Oxidative stress – an excess of ROS – is said to be responsible for many diseases, and perhaps even ageing. Indeed, many of the health benefits of fruit and veg are ascribed to the ability of antioxidants to shield us from oxidative stress.It might therefore come as a surprise to learn that vitamin C, a well-known antioxidant, has a "pro-oxidant" alter ego that can benefit arteries...

Combined Home/GP Hypertension Control Program Successful in Pakistan

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:07:54 +0100

A synergistic approach of educating general practitioners about hypertension control together with a program to send lay workers into people's homes to educate them about the management of high blood pressure has proven successful in low- to middle-income households in Pakistan. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

The Novel Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor 4-amino-tetrahydro-L-biopterine Prevents Brain Edema Formation and Intracranial Hypertension following Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice

Journal of Neurotrauma — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:22:31 +0100

Journal of Neurotrauma , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Journal of Neurotrauma)

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High Blood Pressure and the Brain

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:02:45 +0100

Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Healthy Living, High Blood Pressure, Men's Health (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Coronary Aging in HIV‐Infected Patients

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:59:22 +0100

Conclusions. Increased vascular age is frequent among HIV‐infected patients and appears to be associated with CD4+ cell count. If these findings were to be confirmed in prospective trials, a positive response to ART with an increase in CD4+ cell count may become a marker of increased risk of atherosclerosis development. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Evaluation of Rectal Varices by Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Patients With Portal Hypertension

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:26:12 +0100

The usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the evaluation of rectal varices (RV) was determined in 50 patients with portal hypertension (PH) and 25 PH-free controls. F1 and F2 varices and angiectasia were specific for the PH group as evaluated by endoscopy, but there was no difference between the PH and the control groups with respect to the frequency of blue vein. The detection rate of submucosal veins (SMV) with EUS was 88% for the PH group and 68% for the control group. The mean SMV diameter was significantly greater for the PH group than for the control group, and no 2-mm or larger SMV was detected in the control group. Serum albumin and cholinesterase levels were significantly higher for the RV(+) patients with SMV 2mm or more in diameter in the PH group than for th...

Lung cross-sectional area predicts pulmonary hypertension in emphysema

MedWire News - Respiratory — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:19:20 +0100

Measuring the cross-sectional area of small pulmonary vessels is an accurate and non-invasive method to estimate the degree of pulmonary hypertension in patients with emphysema, researchers report. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)

News From The Annals Of Internal Medicine, Nov. 3, 2009

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Early Releases 1. Report Questions Whether Family Health History Disclosure Improves Clinical Decision Making Systematic collection of family history is a potentially important step in personalizing healthcare. Family health history can reveal important information about a patient, and may prompt specialist investigation or positive lifestyle changes. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Does Sleep Apnea Underlie Your Patient’s Refractory Hypertension?

Consultant Live — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

I understand that patients with refractory hypertension have a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. Can this be screened for in an office setting? (Source: Consultant Live)

Health News of the Day

Clinical Cases and Images — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:36:00 +0100

is a daily summary made from the selected links I post on Twitter. It is in a bullet points format with links to the original sources which include 350 RSS feeds that produce about 2,500 items per day:High fructose intake is linked to high blood pressure - 2.5 sugary soft drinks a day is enough to elevate the pressure. Median fructose intake was 74 gm/day (2.5 sugary soft drinks) - associated with a 36% higher risk of having BP equal or greater than 140/90 http://bit.ly/3DUaI030% decline in kidney function was associated with drinking 2 or more diet sodas a day http://bit.ly/4klebAChildren who watch more TV - even those exposed to TV while other people are watching - more likely to be aggressive http://bit.ly/4xXtJ1A diet heavy in processed and fatty foods may increase the risk of depress...

Superfood Profile: Discover the Many Health Benefits of Chlorella

NaturalNews.com — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) With the quality of commercially-grown produce declining rapidly, obtaining nutritious fruits and vegetables is not an easy task. Few of us eat enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis; it's a fact that grows more true with each generation. So how do we answer these issues, knowing the bounty of nutrients we're missing? One solution is chlorella, a green single-cell algae that packs a huge nutritious punch.Chlorella is an astounding package of complete nutrition, considering it is such a simple life form, which is probably why it is often referred to as nature's multivitamin. The synergistic nature of chlorella's nutrients is undeniable. All of its natural properties function together in a way individual supplements can't touch. Chlorella is famous for providing a vast a...

High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's Offspring

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's OffspringCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/2/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/3/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's Offspring

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's OffspringCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/2/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/3/2009 (Source: MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General)

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Diet Soda, Sodium Tied to Kidney Trouble: Studies

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Diet Soda, Sodium Tied to Kidney Trouble: StudiesCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/2/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/3/2009 (Source: MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General)

High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's Offspring

MedicineNet Alzheimer — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's OffspringCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/2/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/3/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Alzheimer)

High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's Offspring

MedicineNet Feet and Fitness General — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's OffspringCategory: Health NewsCreated: 11/2/2009 4:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 11/3/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Feet and Fitness General)

Hypertension, Diabetes, And Elevated Cholesterol Among Insured And Uninsured U.S. Adults [Web Exclusives]

Health Affairs — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:03:48 +0100

In this paper we explore whether uninsured Americans with three chronic conditions were less likely than the insured to be aware of their illness or to have it controlled. Among those with diabetes and elevated cholesterol, the uninsured were more often undiagnosed. Among hypertensives and people with elevated cholesterol, the uninsured more often had uncontrolled conditions. Undiagnosed and uncontrolled chronic illness, which is common among insured people, is even more frequent among the uninsured. (Source: Health Affairs)

Inflammation, Genes, and Hypertension All Contribute to Alzheimer's Risk

U.S. News - Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:29:00 +0100

While you can't control your genes, you can improve the other two and lower your risk of dementia. (Source: U.S. News - Health)

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Journal Scan: Strict Blood Pressure Control and Progression of Renal Failure in Children (N Engl J Med 2009;361:1639-1650.)

Cardiosource — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in children 3-18 years of age with underlying kidney disorders and hypertension. All participants were treated with high-dose ramipril (6 mg/m2). Participants were then randomized to the conventional BP target of 50-90th percentile for. . . (Source: Cardiosource)

Cerebral Microbleeds Are Uncommon in Ischemic Stroke Associated with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation

Journal of Neuroimaging — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study examines the prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (MBs) in stroke patients with NVAF. A total of 132 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with NVAF admitted to our Stroke Unit were recruited if complete magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies including T2* imaging had been performed within less than 72 hours. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were documented and cerebrovascular risk factors were monitored. Among 132 patients (mean age 74.1 ± 9.8 years), only 9 (6.8%) had MBs (mean number 6.2) as detected on T2* MR images. No statistically significant differences between patients without versus with MBs were observed regarding arterial hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease. However, small vessel disease (SVD) was significantly more freq...

School of Medicine Researchers Discover New Class of Molecules That May Help Prevent Fatal Complications in Patients with Kidney Disease

University of Maryland School of Medicine News Headlines — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have made an important discovery about why potassium builds up to dangerous levels in the bloodstream, a relatively common medical problem that affects about eight percent of hospitalized patients. They have identified a new molecular pathway and a new class of molecules responsible for preventing potassium from being excreted normally through the kidney. Their study was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The researchers hope their discovery will lead to the development of a new class of drugs to treat the condition, known as hyperkalemia, which is caused when patients can’t properly excrete excess potassium. If it is not treated promptly, it can cause fatal cardiac arrest. “We are particularly e...

Erectile Dysfunction and Correlated Factors in Brazilian Men Aged 18–40 years

The Journal of Sexual Medicine — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Prevalence of ED in this young population was high, mostly of mild severity. Low education and psychosocial problems were associated to ED and, due probably to the sample subjects' young age, no association was found with organic problems. Measures in the fields of education and psychosocial difficulties prevention would have a positive impact in the control of erectile dysfunction in the young population. Martins FG, and Abdo CHN. Erectile dysfunction and correlated factors in Brazilian men aged 18[ndash]40 years. J Sex Med **;**:**[ndash]**. (Source: The Journal of Sexual Medicine)

Community-Based Interventions to Promote Blood Pressure Control in a Developing Country: A Cluster Randomized Trial.

Annals of Internal Medicine — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Family-based HHE delivered by trained lay health workers, coupled with educating GPs on hypertension, can lead to significant blood pressure reductions among patients with hypertension in Pakistan. Both strategies in combination may be feasible for upscaling within the existing health care systems of Indo-Asian countries.Primary Funding Source:Wellcome Trust. PMID: 19884620 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine)

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Home Health Education and Physician Training to Improve Care for Patients With High Blood Pressure in a Developing Country.

Annals of Internal Medicine — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: PMID: 19884617 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Annals of Internal Medicine)

School of Medicine Researchers Discover New Class of Molecules That May Help Prevent Fatal Kidney Disease Complication

University of Maryland School of Medicine News Headlines — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Combined home/GP hypertension control program successful in Pakistan

theHeart.org — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:00:00 +0100

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Vascular Factors and Markers of Inflammation in Offspring With a Parental History of Late-Onset Alzheimer Disease

Archives of General Psychiatry — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:05:22 +0100

Conclusions Hypertension and the expression of an innate pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in middle age are early risk factors of AD in old age. For the offspring of affected families, it provides clues for screening and preventive strategies, of which blood pressure control can be implemented directly. (Source: Archives of General Psychiatry)

Vascular Factors and Markers of Inflammation in Offspring With a Parental History of Late-Onset Alzheimer Disease [Original Article]

Archives of General Psychiatry — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:05:22 +0100

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High Blood Pressure Likely in Alzheimer's Offspring

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +0100

And hypertension could contribute to developing the brain disease, study finds Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Topics: Alzheimer's Disease, High Blood Pressure (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Vascular Factors and Inflammation Predict Later Alzheimer's (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Geriatrics — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:10:05 +0100

The presence of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and certain markers of inflammation in midlife were early signals of later-life Alzheimer's disease, a Dutch family study found. (Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics)

Heart rate variability in familial Mediterranean fever

Rheumatology International — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:03:54 +0100

In conclusion, patients with FMF who are continuously treated with low-dose colchicine have not developed amyloidosis and have normal HRV parameters in the supine and upright position. Further investigation of occult dysautonomia in FMF is needed. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00296-009-1214-yAuthors Naomi Nussinovitch, Chaim Sheba Medical Center Hypertension Unit, Department of Internal Medicine D Tel Hashomer IsraelAvi Livneh, Sheba Medical Center, The Heller Institute of Medical Research Department of Medicine F Tel Hashomer IsraelKeren Katz, Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv IsraelPnina Langevitz, Sheba Medical Center, The Heller Institute of Medical Research Department of Medicine F Tel Hashomer IsraelOlga Feld, Sheba M...

Blood pressure variation in the Kazakhs of Xinjiang, China, and its frequency analysis: Non-dipper type hypertension and ultradian rhythm

Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:41:22 +0100

Non-dipper-type variation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hypertension were more prevalent than the dipper-type variation among the Kazakhs of the province of Xinjiang, China, in a cross-sectional survey of the population. To analyze the time structure and causes of the non-dipper-type of the SBP variation, we examined how it differed in the Kazakhs and the Hans. All subjects of both ethnic groups were admitted to local healthcare facilities for 24-hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and spectral analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV). The circadian variation of the SBP was analyzed using the maximum entropy method. We also obtained the frequency domain of the HRV. The peak spectral densities for the mean SBP occurred with 27.932-hr and 11.75 periodicity in the Hans, and wit...

Localization of NADPH oxidase in sympathetic and sensory ganglion neurons and perivascular nerve fibers

Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:41:19 +0100

Abstract: Superoxide anion (O2−•) production was previously reported to be increased in celiac ganglia (CG) during DOCA–salt hypertension, possibly via activation of the reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. This suggested a role for neuronal NADPH oxidase in autonomic neurovascular control. However, the expression and localization of NADPH oxidase in the peripheral neurons are not fully known. The purpose of this study was to examine the subcellular localization of NADPH oxidase in sympathetic and sensory ganglion neurons and perivascular nerve fibers. In rat CG, p22phox and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were colocalized in all neurons. P22phox was also localized to dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons that contain calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). In mesent...

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Low-tech tools, high-pressure stakes

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:03:33 +0100

Despite the many ways to introduce inaccuracies in low-tech cuff measurements of blood pressure, the benefits of treating high blood pressure diagnosed this way can be great. (Source: Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine)

Follow-up of Mild Papilledema in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension with Optical Coherence Tomography [Eye Movements, Strabismus, Amblyopia, and Neuro-Ophthalmology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:54:16 +0100

Peripapillary RNFL thickness abnormalities assessed by OCT in patients with mild papilledema were quantitatively correlated with visual field sensitivity losses. OCT could be useful for monitoring retinal nerve fiber layer loss in mild papilledema. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Team-based care improves BP control in hypertension

MedWire News - Hypertension — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:55:04 +0100

A strategy of team-based care for patients with hypertension achieves greater reductions in blood pressure than standard intervention, results of a meta-analysis demonstrate. (Source: MedWire News - Hypertension)

Elevating Blood Pressure as a Strategy to Increase Tumor-targeted Delivery of Macromolecular Drug SMANCS: Cases of Advanced Solid Tumors

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:24:26 +0100

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the improved method of arterial infusion therapy of SMANCS (SX) with lipiodol under the angiotensin-induced hypertensive state for various difficult-to-treat solid tumors. Most patients were unresectable with no other therapeutic options, recurrence after resection, or patients do not respond to common treatments. The new method utilizes angiotensin II (AT) to induce hypertension (e.g. ~15–30 mmHg above norm) for 15–20 min. This method was successfully applied to metastatic liver cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, massive renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic and other abdominal solid cancers. This AT-induced hypertension resulted in remarkably enhanced tumor delivery accompanied by improved therapeutic response, and a shorter time to achieve 50% re...

Darbepoetin in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD: no major benefits and possible harms?

NeLM - News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NEJM Area: News A controlled trial found that darbepoetin did not reduce the risk of death or other major outcome event in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but did appear to be associated with an increased risk of stroke. Type 2 diabetes and CKD frequently co-exist and are both associated with greatly increased risk of serious morbidity and mortality. Controlling risk factors such as hypertension and lipid levels improves outcomes, and as a result epoetin and related drugs have been used widely in such patients to treat the anaemia that occurs. There have, however, been no placebo-controlled trials to prove efficacy and some authorities considered that such trials were unnecessary or unethical. This trial was carried out to investigate whe...

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ASN: Sodium, Sweeteners and Fructose Raise Health Risks

Modern Medicine — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Excessive consumption of sodium and artificial sweeteners increases the risk of declining kidney function, while excess fructose consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, according to a study presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition, held from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1 in San Diego. (Source: Modern Medicine)

In vitro vasorelaxation mechanisms of bioactive compounds extracted from Hibiscus sabdariffa on rat thoracic aorta

Nutrition & Metabolism — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results demonstrate the vasodilator potential of hibiscus sabdariffa and contribute to his valuation as therapeutic alternative. (Source: Nutrition & Metabolism)

American Society of Hypertension Young Scholars Award

ScanGrants feed — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

ASH members may nominate a qualified young investigator for the 2010 ASH Young Scholars Award. The Young Scholars Award recognizes the achievements of outstanding young investigators in the field of hypertension. The awardee will receive $6,000: $3,000 to the investigator as an individual award and $3,000 to support his/her research laboratory. The awardee will also be asked to give a brief lecture presenting the research for which the award was given at the ASH Annual Scientific Meeting. Only candidates from North America will be considered. Candidates must have received an advanced, professional degree within the last 15 years and be currently active in research in hypertension or related cardiovascular disease. A candidate may be nominated by one or more ASH members within the...

American Society of Hypertension Call for Scientific Award Nominations

ScanGrants feed — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The American Society of Hypertension, Inc. (ASH) requests nominations for the 2010 ASH Distinguished Scientist Award. One of five (5) awards is given each year depending on the field to which the award recipient has made his/ her contribution. The purpose of the ASH Distinguished Scientist Award is to honor a scientist or physician for outstanding achievements in the field of hypertension. The award recipient will receive a framed certificate and a $10,000 honorarium. The awardee will be requested to present a 30-minute lecture during the plenary awards session at the ASH Annual Meeting and will receive complimentary registration and reimbursement for travel expenses and hotel accommodations. Sponsors who wish to have their candidates nominated for an award must be current ASH me...

Association of HLA Class II Genes with Systemic Sclerosis in Spanish Patients.

J Rheumatol — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: HLA alleles play a role in genetic susceptibility to SSc in Spanish patients. Some alleles are more prevalent in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and in patients with certain SSc-specific autoantibodies (anti-Topo I and ACA). PMID: 19884273 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: J Rheumatol)

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Trajectories of Entering the Metabolic Syndrome. The Framingham Heart Study.

Circulation — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions-Particular trajectories and combinations of factors on entering the MetS confer higher risks of incident cardiovascular disease and mortality in the general population and among those with MetS. Intense efforts are required to identify populations with these particular combinations and to provide them with adequate treatment at early stages of disease. PMID: 19884471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Chronic Pulmonary Artery Pressure Elevation Is Insufficient to Explain Right Heart Failure.

Circulation — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion-These data brought into question the commonly held concept that RV failure associated with pulmonary hypertension is due strictly to the increased RV afterload. PMID: 19884466 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation)

Baveno V

NLH - Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases - Events — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:20:20 +0100

International Consensus Workshop and Postgraduate Course: Current Consensus and Future Directions in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Portal Hypertension (Source: NLH - Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases - Events)

deli'> Delivering New Data Local Traffic Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes Up to 35% of preterm births are due to preeclampsia, a complication in 2�8% of pregnancies that is characterized by maternal high blood pressure, edema, protein in the urine, and abnormal liver function. Exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with prematurity and may also be linked with preeclampsia. A new study is the first to home in on specific components of air pollution�those generated by traffic�as being associated with preeclampsia and further supports their role in preterm birth [EHP 117:1773�1779; Wu et al.]. Preeclampsia, which resolves only with delivery of the baby, can cause maternal illness and death, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and infant death. Each year more than half a million infants in the United States are born prematurely (at less than 37 weeks� gestation) and consequently face increased risks for developmental delays, lifelong health problems, and neonatal death. These challenges are particularly severe for infants born prior to 30 weeks� gestation. The study was based upon 81,186 singleton births that occurred during 1997�2006 at four Southern California hospitals within the same health care system. The system�s database provided information on the mothers� demographic characteristics, medical history, and pregnancy complications; their home address at the time they gave birth; and their infants� gestational age, sex, and birth weight. Traffic pollution generated within a 3-km radius of each mother�s residence was estimated using a comprehensive dispersion model that incorporated meteorologic variables (such as atmospheric stability and wind), roadway geometry, traffic counts, and vehicle emission factors. The exhaust components nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 �m (PM2.5) served as surrogates for local traffic pollution in the model. The researchers estimated average exposures over the entire pregnancy at approximately 7 ppb for NOx and 2 �g/m3 for PM2.5. After accounting for other factors that might be related to preeclampsia and exposure, the authors estimated that pregnant women in the highest quartile of PM2.5 exposure had a 42% increased relative risk of preeclampsia compared with women in the lowest quartile, and those in the highest quartiles of NOx and PM2.5 exposure had 128% and 81% higher relative risk than women in the lowest quartiles, respectively, for delivery at less than 30 weeks� gestation. The sophisticated dispersion model and detailed individual clinical data are particular strengths of the study, but the findings are limited by information that was not available, such as workplace exposures, changes in residence during pregnancy, and maternal smoking. The researchers speculate that the toxic mechanisms described in air pollution studies of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases�specifically, oxidative stress and a generalized inflammatory response�might also partly explain preterm delivery and preeclampsia. They emphasize that the current study does not specifically indict NOx and PM2.5, although the results support a connection between traffic-related air pollution and adverse reproductive outcomes. Julia R. Barrett, MS, ELS, a Madison, Wisconsin�based science writer and editor, has written for EHP since 1996. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers and the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences.

Science Selections from EHP — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

deli"> Delivering New Data Local Traffic Pollution and Pregnancy Outcomes Up to 35% of preterm births are due to preeclampsia, a complication in 2�8% of pregnancies that is characterized by maternal high blood pressure, edema, protein in the urine, and abnormal liver function. Exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with prematurity and may also be linked with preeclampsia. A new study is the first to home in on specific components of air pollution�those generated by traffic�as being associated with preeclampsia and further supports their role in preterm birth [EHP 117:1773�1779; Wu et al.]. Preeclampsia, which resolves only with delivery of the baby, can cause maternal illness and death, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and infant death. Each year more t...

Coexpression of CYP11B2 or CYP11B1 with adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase for assessing the potency and selectivity of aldosterone synthase inhibitors.

Analytical Biochemistry — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: LaSala D, Shibanaka Y, Jeng AY Excessive production of aldosterone has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and heart failure. One approach to ameliorate the deleterious effects of aldosterone is to suppress its biosynthesis. The enzyme aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) is responsible for the final step of aldosterone synthesis. It requires electron transfer from the adrenodoxin/adrenodoxin reductase system to catalyze the production of aldosterone. A stable cell line simultaneously overexpressing recombinant human CYP11B2 as well as human adrenodoxin and adrenodoxin reductase was established to help maximize the enzyme activity. The homogenate of these cells was used to develop an in vitro CYP11B2 assay using 11-deoxycorticosterone as a substrate. By the same stra...

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Health Care Reform: What Is Our Problem?

Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

You can always count on Americans to do the right thing—after they've tried everything else.—Winston Churchill, 1944 I have a friend who recently retired. He had worked for more than 20 years as a clinician for a well-known health care system. During his employment, he and his family had health care coverage from the agency where he worked. His coverage included everything from emergency care to primary care to specialty provider consults. In the past several years he was diagnosed with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and lipids, and a torn rotator cuff. His coverage provided surgery, medications, therapy, and education. It helped him get his health in control and he is now considered to be active and healthy: he swims, he bikes, he takes his medications, and he watches his ...

Effects of renal autograft ischemia and reperfusion associated with renal transplantation on arterial blood pressure variables in clinically normal cats.

American Journal of Veterinary Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-In clinically normal cats, hypertension was not induced by clinically relevant periods of ischemia-reperfusion injury of renal autografts and was not an inherent consequence of the transplantation process. Causes of marked posttransplantation hypertension in cats with chronic kidney disease require further investigation. PMID: 19878026 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Veterinary Research)

Morbidity involving the hallucinogenic designer amines MDA and 2C-I.

Journal of Forensic Sciences — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report demonstrates the utility of testing for a wider menu of compounds using LC-MS/MS in order to better characterize the prevalence and toxicities of novel amines such as 2C-I. PMID: 19878416 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences)

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: review of the demographics, pathophysiology, current diagnosis, and treatment.

Neurosurgical Focus — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Filippidis A, Kapsalaki E, Patramani G, Fountas KN Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare clinicopathological entity. The incidence of CVST in children and neonates has been reported to be as high as 7 cases per million people, whereas in adults the incidence is 3-4 cases per million. The predisposing factors to this condition are mainly genetic and acquired prothrombotic states and infection. The clinical picture of CVST is nonspecific, highly variable, and can mimic several other clinical conditions. Diagnosis of CVST is established with the implementation of neuroimaging studies, especially MR imaging and venography. Identification and elimination of the underlying cause, anticoagulation, proper management of intracranial hypertension, and anticonvulsant prophyla...

Efficacy of endovascular stenting in dural venous sinus stenosis for the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Neurosurgical Focus — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arac A, Lee M, Steinberg GK, Marcellus M, Marks MP Multiple pathophysiological mechanisms have been proposed for the increased intracranial pressure observed in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The condition is well characterized, with intractable headaches, visual obscurations, and papilledema as dominant features, mainly affecting obese women. With the advent of MR venography and increased use of cerebral angiography, there has been recent emphasis on the significant number of patients with IIH found to have associated nonthrombotic dural venous sinus stenosis. This has led to a renewed interest in endovascular stenting as a treatment for IIH. However, the assumption that venous stenosis leads to a high pressure gradient that decreases CSF resorption through arach...

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Effects of Treadmill Running and Resistance Exercises on Lowering Blood Pressure During the Daily Work of Hypertensive Subjects

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, both 20 minutes of TR and RE resulted in postexercise hypotension, and were able to reduce BP throughout 7 hours after exercise, even throughout the subject's regular occupational activities. Also, the RE promoted higher cardiac protection and can be a useful model of physical exercise prescription for hypertension individuals. (C) 2009 National Strength and Conditioning Association (Source: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research)

Public health consequences of chronic kidney disease.

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Weiner DE With its rising incidence and prevalence, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, both in the United States and worldwide. Recent worldwide initiatives have attempted to garner attention for CKD by emphasizing that the condition is "common, harmful, and treatable." In the United States, as many as 26 million adults may have CKD, an increase from approximately 10% of the US adult population between 1988 and 1994 to >13% just one decade later. Similar rates have been seen worldwide, with a CKD prevalence of 13% in Beijing, China and 16% in Australia. In the United States, the dramatic rise in the prevalence of CKD likely reflects similar increases in obesity and its sequelae-namely, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The preva...

Adult GH deficiency throughout lifetime.

European Journal of Endocrinology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Thomas JD, Monson JP It is now accepted that adults with severe GH deficiency (GHD) demonstrate impaired physical and psychological well-being and may benefit from replacement with recombinant human GH. Post-marketing surveillance surveys, such as the Pfizer International Metabolic Database (KIMS), were initially set-up to provide safety data on long-term treatment but have the added benefit of providing ongoing observational data on the effect of GH replacement on body composition, lipid and glucose status, hypertension, bone density and quality of life. These data demonstrate that although GHD has clinical impact at all ages, the individual consequences of this condition may take on greater significance at different stages in life. At all ages, accurate, safe diagnosis and a...

Cardiovascular risk factors in hypopituitary GH-deficient adults.

European Journal of Endocrinology — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Taken together, data from KIMS confirm earlier knowledge about the important benefits of GH replacement therapy, but also on the use of GH in specific subgroups such as isolated GHD, patients above 65 years, and patients after irradiation. No subgroup yet has been identified as not responding well to GH. PMID: 19684057 [PubMed - in process] (Source: European Journal of Endocrinology)

Association between fto polymorphism, adiposity peak and adiposity rebound in the northern finland birth cohort 1966

Atherosclerosis — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the association between the FTO SNP rs9939609 and both age and BMI at AP and AR using longitudinal data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. AP and AR were derived from random effects models fitted at >0–1.5 years and >1.5–13 years (N=2782 infants and N=3413 children with minimum three measurements per age window). Additionally, correlations between derived parameters and BMI at age 31 were studied. Age at AP correlated weakly with BMI at AR (r=0.18) but not at 31 (r=0.02), whereas age at AR correlated inversely with BMI at AR (r=−0.50) and at 31 (r=−0.44). BMI at AP and BMI at AR predicted adult BMI (r=0.20 and r=0.45, respectively). The FTO risk allele associated with slightly later AP but not with BMI at AP. AR was earlier for risk allele homozygo...

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Association of variants in candidate genes influencing electrolyte transport and the autonomic nervous system with blood pressure variation

Atherosclerosis — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Rationale: While heritability of hypertension is estimated to be as high as 60%, identifying the responsible genes is proving challenging. Our strategy was to perform a candidate gene association study with dense tagging SNP coverage of multiple genes selected based on known involvement in two pathways important to BP regulation; electrolyte transport and the autonomic nervous system. (Source: Atherosclerosis)

Local polymorphisms influence stk39 gene expression but are not associated with blood pressure

Atherosclerosis — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Blood pressure (BP) has significant heritability, but the genes responsible remain largely unknown. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the STK39 gene were recently associated with hypertension by genome-wide association in an Amish population; in vitro data from transient transfection experiments using reporter constructs suggested that altered STK39 expression might mediate the effect. However, other large studies have not implicated STK39 in hypertension. We determined whether reported SNPs influenced STK39 expression in vivo, or were associated with BP in a large British Caucasian cohort. (Source: Atherosclerosis)

Intraocular pressure reduction after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eyes: Evaluation of a causal relationship between the natural lens and open-angle glaucoma

Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:44:13 +0100

Conclusions: Intraocular pressure reduction was proportional to preoperative IOP; the highest preoperative IOPs decreased the most and the lowest increased slightly. One-year IOP reductions were sustained for 10 years and were similar in patients of all ages. The IOP reductions were similar to previously reported reductions in nonglaucomatous eyes, indicating that the aging crystalline lens may be a major cause of ocular hypertension and glaucoma and that phacoemulsification with IOL implantation may help prevent and treat adult glaucoma. (Source: Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery)

Amniotic fluid embolism: an evidence-based review

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:41:41 +0100

We reviewed the best evidence on amniotic fluid embolism (AFE). The estimated incidence of AFE is 1:15,200 and 1:53,800 deliveries in North America and Europe, respectively. The case fatality rate and perinatal mortality associated with AFE are 13-30% and 9-44%, respectively. Risk factors associated with increased risk of AFE include advanced maternal age, placental abnormalities, operative deliveries, eclampsia, polyhydramnios, cervical laceration, and uterine rupture. Hemodynamic response to AFE is biphasic, with initial pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure, followed by left ventricular failure. Promising therapies include selective pulmonary vasodilators and recombinant activated factor VIIa. Important topics for future research are presented. (Source: American Journal o...

Systematic review - endoscopic and imaging-based techniques in the assessment of portal haemodynamics and the risk of variceal bleeding

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:10:43 +0100

Published November 2009Bottom-line conclusion: Endoscopic and imaging-based measurements of portal haemodynamics provide an alternate means for the assessment of complications of portal hypertension. Further studies are required to validate their use in risk stratification and the evaluation of drug therapies in patients with portal hypertension. (Source: Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Common clinical problems)

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Sorafenib: Renal impairment, hypertension and proteinuria: case report

Reactions — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:02:00 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Systematic review - endoscopic and imaging-based techniques in the assessment of portal haemodynamics and the risk of variceal bleeding

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Liver — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:49:03 +0100

Systematic review - endoscopic and imaging-based techniques in the assessment of portal haemodynamics and the risk of variceal bleeding

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Diagnostic procedures — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:40:19 +0100

Systematic review - endoscopic and imaging-based techniques in the assessment of portal haemodynamics and the risk of variceal bleeding

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Oesophagus — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:30:20 +0100

The Dietary Quality of Persons with Heart Failure in NHANES 1999–2006

Journal of General Internal Medicine — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:50:37 +0100

Conclusions Dietary quality of persons with self-reported heart failure was poor. Public health approaches and clinical dietary interventions are needed for persons with this increasingly prevalent clinical syndrome. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11606-009-1139-xAuthors Stephenie C. Lemon, University of Massachusetts Medical School Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, S7-745 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester MA 01655 USABarbara Olendzki, University of Massachusetts Medical School Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, S7-745 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester MA 01655 USARobert Magner, University of Massachusetts Medical School Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, S7-745 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester MA 01655...

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11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-2 and type-1 (11β-HSD2 and 11β-HSD1) and 5β-reductase activities in the pathogenia of essential hypertension

Endocrine — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:55:19 +0100

Abstract Cortisol availability is modulated by several enzymes: 11β-HSD2, which transforms cortisol (F) to cortisone (E) and 11β-HSD1 which predominantly converts inactive E to active F. Additionally, the A-ring reductases (5α- and 5β-reductase) inactivate cortisol (together with 3α-HSD) to tetrahydrometabolites: 5αTHF, 5βTHF, and THE. The aim was to assess 11β-HSD2, 11β-HSD1, and 5β-reductase activity in hypertensive patients. Free urinary F, E, THF, and THE were measured by HPLC–MS/MS in 102 essential hypertensive patients and 18 normotensive controls. 11β-HSD2 enzyme activity was estimated by the F/E ratio, the activity of 11β-HSD1 in compare to 11β-HSD2 was inferred by the (5αTHF + 5βTHF)/THE ratio and 5β-reductase activity assessed using th...

A Recipe For Hypertension: High Fructose Corn Syrup

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), according to a paper presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, California. The findings suggest that cutting back on processed foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may help prevent hypertension. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Multicenter Clinical Trial To Test Blood Pressure Strategy

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

The National Institutes of Health is launching a large multicenter randomized clinical trial to determine whether maintaining blood pressure levels lower than current recommendations further reduces the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases, or age-related cognitive decline. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Intake of fructose linked with hypertention

Xinhuanet Chinaview Health — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:28:28 +0100

Taking a diet high in fructose boosts the risk of hypertension, a new study suggests, which was based on analysis of 4,528 adults without a history of high blood pressure. (Source: Xinhuanet Chinaview Health)

High Fructose Intake May Raise Blood Pressure

WebMD Health — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:09:08 +0100

High fructose intake is linked to high blood pressure, according to a study presented at a medical conference. (Source: WebMD Health)

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Hypertension Guidelines Reappraised In Light Of New Research

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A Task Force of the European Society of Hypertension have released the official European guidelines on the management and treatment of hypertension. The guidelines are an update of those published in 2007, and will be published in the November issue of the Journal of Hypertension. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Thai adults: a national health survey

BMC Nephrology — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The identification of CKD patients should be evaluated and monitored for appropriate intervention for progression to kidney disease from this screening. (Source: BMC Nephrology)

Lipid accumulation mediated by adiponectin in C2C12 myogenesis.

BMB Reports — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yin C, Long Q, Lei T, Chen X, Long H, Feng B, Peng Y, Wu Y, Yang Z Plasma concentrations of adiponectin have been shown to be decreased in patients with obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Recent studies have found that adiponectin reduces lipid accumulation in macrophage foam cells which may impact the development of atherosclerosis. However, it remains unclear whether adiponectin is involved in the process of lipid accumulation during myogenesis. Using C2C12 myoblasts, we investigated the effect of adiponectin on intramyocellular lipid accumulation during myogenesis. The results showed that intracellular lipid accumulation is significantly decreased during C2C12 differentiation, apparently due to increased fatty acid oxidation and decreased...

Aripiprazole and Hypertension in Adolescents

Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:57:08 +0100

Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology Oct 2009, Vol. 19, No. 5: 601-602. (Source: Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology)

Pregnancy complications tied to kids' poor thinking

Reuters: Health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:24:12 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Could high blood pressure-related complications during pregnancy be tied to thinking skills in children years later? (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Pregnancy Complications Tied to Kids' Poor Thinking

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:24:12 +0100

Could high blood pressure-related complications during pregnancy be tied to thinking skills in children years later? Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Topic: High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Administration of alfacalcidol for patients with predialysis chronic kidney disease may reduce cardiovascular disease events

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:30:10 +0100

Conclusion These data showed that oral administration of alfacalcidol for predialysis CKD patients was associated with reduced risk for CVD. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10157-009-0233-zAuthors Sachiyo Sugiura, Tosei General Hospital Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology 160 Nishioiwake-cho Seto Aichi 489-8642 JapanDaijo Inaguma, Tosei General Hospital Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology 160 Nishioiwake-cho Seto Aichi 489-8642 JapanAkimitsu Kitagawa, Tosei General Hospital Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology 160 Nishioiwake-cho Seto Aichi 489-8642 JapanMinako Murata, Tosei General Hospital Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology 160 Nishioiwake-cho Seto Aichi 489-8642 JapanYutaka Kamimura, Tosei General Hospital De...

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in an 87-year-old woman with Escherichia coli bloodstream infection

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:30:08 +0100

We present the case of an 87-year-old woman with history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, ischemic heart diseases, urinary tract infections, and cerebrovascular disease who experienced a transient clinical picture characterized by confusion, lethargy, and acute renal dysfunction in the course of urinary tract infection with Escherichia coli bacteremia. Escherichia coli bloodstream infection was associated with brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns in which the lesion distribution was consistent with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Diagnosis of PRES was confirmed by demonstration of vasogenic edema on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps and near-complete resolution of clinical manifestations at discharge. Conten...

Adrenal incidentaloma, clinical, metabolic, follow-up aspects: single centre experience

Endocrine — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:27:29 +0100

Abstract To investigate clinical characteristics, metabolic parameters and follow-up findings of subjects with incidentally discovered adrenal tumors. 376 consecutive subjects who have been evaluated since 2002 were included. Initial radiological examination was CT. Hormonal evaluation included 8.00 a.m. cortisol, DHEA-S, ACTH and in hypertensive subjects, plasma renin activity, and serum aldosterone. Urinary free cortisol (UFC), urinary normetanephrine, and metanephrine were measured. Overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test was performed. Radiological evaluation was performed at 6th and 12th months and annually in subsequent visits. Hormonal evaluation was performed 6 months after the initial visit and annually in subsequent visits. Additionally, patients ...

Do distinct populations of dorsal root ganglion neurons account for the sensory peptidergic innervation of the kidney?

AJP: Renal Physiology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:16:31 +0100

Peptidergic afferent renal nerves (PARN) have been linked to kidney damage in hypertension and nephritis. Neither the receptors nor the signals controlling local release of neurokinines [calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP)] and signal transmission to the brain are well-understood. We tested the hypothesis that PARN, compared with nonrenal afferents (Non-RN), are more sensitive to acidic stimulation via transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels and exhibit a distinctive firing pattern. PARN were distinguished from Non-RN by fluorescent labeling (DiI) and studied by in vitro patch-clamp techniques in dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG; T11-L2). Acid-induced currents or firing due to current injection or acidic superfusion were studied in 252 neuron...

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Recovery from renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is associated with altered renal hemodynamics, blunted pressure natriuresis, and sodium-sensitive hypertension

AJP: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:13:06 +0100

The present studies evaluated intrarenal hemodynamics, pressure natriuresis, and arterial blood pressure in rats following recovery from renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Acute I/R injury, induced by 40 min of bilateral renal arterial occlusion, resulted in an increase in plasma creatinine that resolved within a week. Following 5 wk of recovery on a 0.4% NaCl diet, the pressure-natriuresis response was assessed in anesthetized rats in which the kidney was denervated and extrarenal hormones were administered intravenously. Increasing renal perfusion pressure (RPP) from 107 to 141 mmHg resulted in a fourfold increase in urine flow and sodium excretion in sham control rats. In comparison, pressure diuresis and natriuresis were significantly attenuated in post-I/R rats. In sham rats, gl...

Pregnancy Complicated by Obesity: Midwifery Management

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:10:09 +0100

Obesity-related comorbidities such as gestational diabetes and hypertension have the potential to affect at least 25% of women in the United States. Midwives have been caring for and collaboratively managing these conditions in nonobese women for decades. Prenatal weight gain advice should be based on pregravid body mass index and aim for the lower end of the 1990 Institute of Medicine prenatal weight gain ranges. Obese women may require extra ultrasound and blood glucose testing during pregnancy. Pregnancy complicated by obesity may limit the place and style of birth. Midwives can integrate management techniques into the perinatal care of women whose body mass indices exceed 29 to reduce risk and future disease for mothers and newborns. (Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

Syrup high blood pressure warning

Nursing in Practice — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:42:14 +0100

A corn syrup used as an ingredient in many processed foods and soft drinks could be a major contributory factor to high blood pressure (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Fructose May Raise Blood Pressure

Forbes.com Health News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0100

Drinking more than two sweetened sodas a day boosts risk of hypertension, study finds (Source: Forbes.com Health News)

Snack and soft drink sweetener putting millions at risk of high blood pressure

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:52:12 +0100

Large quantities of fructose cause the liver to pump fats into the bloodstream that may damage arteries. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Pain management and sedation for children in the emergency department

BMJ Online First — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:30:31 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Atypical work hours and metabolic syndrome among police officers.

Archives of Environmental and Occupational Health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:30:03 +0100

This study examined whether atypical work hours are associated with metabolic syndrome among a random sample of 98 police officers. Shift work and overtime data from daily payroll records and reported sleep duration were obtained. Metabolic syndrome was defined as elevated waist circumference and triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and glucose intolerance. Multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of covariance models were used for analyses. Officers working midnight shifts were on average younger and had a slightly higher mean number of metabolic syndrome components. Stratification on sleep duration and overtime revealed significant associations between midnight shifts and the mean number of metabolic syndrome components among officers with less sleep (p = .013) and mor...

Pharmacogenetics of Antihypertensive Treatment: Detailing Disciplinary Dissonance

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:04:32 +0100

Hypertension pharmacogenetics seeks to find genetic predictors of response to antihypertensive agents. This review provides a snapshot of the latest research in the field. Pharmacogenomics (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Killer sweetener claim doubtful

NHS News Feed — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:51:00 +0100

This study is not a reason to panic about fructose. Fructose is found in fruit, which is an important part of a balanced diet. The message that we should eat a healthy, balanced diet is not altered by this study, and fructose can form part of this diet, although cakes, confectionary and sugary drinks that contain it should be eaten in moderation. Where did the story come from? Dr Diana I Jalal and colleagues from the University of Colorado carried out this research, which was presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s Renal Week conference. No sources of funding for the study were reported in the abstract of this presentation, which is available online. The study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal. What kind of scientific study was this? This was a cross-s...

Sugary soft drinks linked to high blood pressure

Nursing Times Breaking News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:19:00 +0100

New research shows that high fructose corn syrup, a common sweetener added to sugary soft drinks and processed food, can contribute to high blood pressure. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

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Drug-induced interstitial nephritis in a child with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:08:38 +0100

We present a case of drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), complicated with ARF, in a 2(1/2) -year-old girl with active INS. The child was referred to the Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece hospital with steroid-resistant NS; renal biopsy was performed, which did not show any remarkable findings and cyclosporine was admi-nistered in addition to steroid therapy. The first day after biopsy, the child developed gross hematuria and abdominal pain and an antibiotic was added to her treatment. In the following days, fever, vomiting, hypertension and ARF occurred. Ultrasound study revealed enlarged kidneys with increased echogenity and loss of corticomedullary differentiation. The antibiotic and cyclos-porine were stopped and the child was managed with furosemide, nife...

Biochemical nutritional parameters and their impact on hemodialysis efficiency.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:08:10 +0100

Authors: Abbas HN, Rabbani MA, Safdar N, Murtaza G, Maria Q, Ahamd A To determine the nutritional status of chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and the association of changes in serum albumin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) as indicators of nutritional status with the urea reduction ratio (URR) during dialysis, we studied 201 chronic HD patients (97 males and the mean age was 51 +/- 15 years). Diabetes was the cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 34% of the pa-tients, hypertension in 57%, chronic glomerulonephritis in 12%, and obstructive uropathy in 10%. BMI less than 18.5 (under weight) was found in 17% of patients, more 18.5 but less than 25 (nor-mal) in 56%, more than 25 but less than 30 (overweight) in 21%, a...

The effect of ligation of the distal vein in snuff-box arteriovenous fistula.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:08:07 +0100

Authors: Beigi AA, Masoudpour H, Alavi M Arterio-venous fistula (AVF) in the snuff-box region is one of the current techniques used for creating a vascular access in patients undergoing dialysis. The aim of this study is to find out whether ligating the distal vein in AVF in the snuff-box will bring about any change in the efficiency and complications of the fistula. Sixty patients (30 males, 30 females) suffering from chronic renal failure, who had been admitted for creating an AVF, were randomly divided into two groups after having filled out consent forms. After the AVF was made, the distal vein was ligated in the first group, but not in the second group. The patients were discharged after being given the necessary advice on how to take care of their fistula. They were examined on p...

Determinants of urinary albumin excretion within the normal range in patients with type 2 diabetes: the Randomised Olmesartan and Diabetes Microalbuminuria Prevention (ROADMAP) study

Diabetologia — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:03:37 +0100

Conclusions/interpretation Although observational correlations do not prove causality, in normoalbuminuric type 2 diabetic patients the albumin excretion rate is correlated with many factors that are potentially susceptible to intervention. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID no.: NCT00185159 Funding: This study was sponsored by Daichii-Sankyo. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00125-009-1577-3Authors E. Ritz, University of Heidelberg Department of Nephrology Heidelberg GermanyG. C. Viberti, KCL Guy’s Hospital London UKL. M. Ruilope, Hospital 12 de Octubre Division of Hypertension Madrid SpainA. J. Rabelink, Leiden University Medical Center Department of Nephrology and Hypertension Leiden the Netherland...

Protective modulation of carotid atherosclerosis in hyperalphalipoproteinemic individuals

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:37:30 +0100

This study was conducted on 169 asymptomatic individuals, classified as hyperalphalipoproteinemic (Hyper-A) (Hyper-A, n = 71, HDL-C ≥68 mg/dL) and controls (CTL) (CTL, n = 98, HDL-C >32 and <68 mg/dL). Enzymatic, nephelometric and ultracentrifugation methods were used for biochemical determinations. Hepatic lipase (HL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipids transfer protein (PLTP) activities were measured by radiometric exogenous methods. The prevalence of dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, sedentariness, postmenopausal women, coronary artery disease (CAD) and familial history of CAD were determined. High resolution β-mode carotid ultrassonography was performed. The Hyper-A group was older and had...

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Fructose May Raise Blood Pressure

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Fructose May Raise Blood PressureCategory: Health NewsCreated: 10/30/2009 8:10:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 10/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General)

Controlling hypertension in patients with diabetes.

The American Journal of Nursing — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 01:12:15 +0100

Authors: Roush K PMID: 19858859 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The American Journal of Nursing)

'Healthy' sweetener may cause high blood pressure

Scotsman.com News - Health — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A SUGARY ingredient in processed foods and soft drinks could be a recipe for high blood pressure, research suggests. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Weight status and hypertension among adolescent girls in Argentina and Norway: Data from the ENNyS and HUNT studies.

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study confirms a current world health problem by showing the high prevalence of obesity in adolescents and its association with hypertension in two different countries (one developed and one in transition). (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)