Weight loss with a modified Mediterranean-type diet using fat modification: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: There is evidence that Mediterranean diets with a high proportion of olive oil and nuts can be effective for weight management and prevention of cardiovascular disease. It might be difficult for populations with other eating habits to follow such diets. Therefore, a modified Mediterranean-type diet using fat modification through neutral and butter-flavored canola oil, walnuts and walnut oil with two portion-controlled sweet daily snacks was tested in Germany. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Randomized waiting-list control study with overweight/grade 1 obese subjects: 12-week self-help modified Mediterranean-type diet, 6 weeks of diet plans and 6 weeks of weight loss maintenance training. Trial duration was 12 months. Intervention group (IG) included 100 participants (average age of 52.4 years, weight 85.1 kg and body mass index (BMI) 30.1 kg/m(2)), waiting-list control group (CG) included 112 participants (52.6 years, 84.1 kg and 30.1 kg/m(2)). RESULTS: Per-protocol weight loss after 12 weeks was 5.2 kg in IG vs 0.4 kg in CG (P ⩽ 0.0001), BMI -1.8 vs -0.1 kg/m(2) (P ⩽ 0.0001), waist circumference -4.7 vs -0.9 cm (P ⩽ 0.0001). Triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol improved significantly in IG but not in CG. One-year dropouts: 44% in IG and 53% in CG. Weight loss after 12 months: 4.2 kg (pooled data). CONCLUSION: A five-meal modified Mediterranean-type diet with two daily portion-controlled sweet snacks was effective for weight management in a self-help setting for overweight and grade 1 obese subjects. Fat modification through canola oil, walnuts and walnut oil improved blood lipids even at 12 months.

The serine proteinase thrombin promotes migration of human renal carcinoma cells by a PKA-dependent mechanism.

In this study, we demonstrated that thrombin activates protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAP kinases), transcription factor nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B), and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in the human renal carcinoma cell line A-498. In addition, it enhanced the migratory capacity, but had no effect on the proliferation of A-498 cells. The effect of thrombin on migration could be blocked by the PKA inhibitor H-89 but was not influenced by inhibition of PKC, MAP kinases or NF-kappa B. We concluded, that thrombin acts as a regulator on human A-498 renal carcinoma cell migration including PKA.

Duplex scanning of the peripheral arteries: correlation of the peak velocity ratio with angiographic diameter reduction.

The correlation of the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the peak velocity ratio (PVR, calculated as intrastenotic PSV divided by proximally recorded PSV) with percent diameter reduction was studied in 62 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. PSV values correlated well with angiographic diameter reduction (r = 0.81, n = 106 stenoses), but due to large variability the sensitivity and specificity in the detection of greater than 50% stenoses were only 66% and 80% (for a cutoff value of 180 cm/s). The PVR showed less interindividual variability and exhibited a strong correlation with percent diameter reduction (r = 0.93,n = 106 stenoses). A 2.4 fold increase of the peak systolic velocity values with respect to the proximal site (i.e., PVR = 2.4) or more indicated a more than 50% stenosis with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 94%. Figures for PVR are provided to quantitate the degree of stenoses in the 50-99% range. Calculation of PVR may normalize for patient variation and allow noninvasive quantification of lumen narrowing with high sensitivity and specificity.

[Phantom studies of the value of color-coded Doppler sonography in arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremities]. / Phantomuntersuchungen zur Wertigkeit der farbkodierten Doppler-Sonographie bei der arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit der unteren Extremitäten.

A new practically orientated phantom for evaluating Doppler Duplex equipment was developed and used to determine the possibilities and limits of color coded Doppler Sonography (Angiodynography) in the diagnosis of arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremity. The problems that may occur in quantifying flow in these arteries are analyzed. The influence of superimposed slices of various soft-tissues on flow quantification, on the spectral waves and on color coded visualisation of the arteries and the possibility to compensate those changes by the use of sonographic contrast agents are discussed.

Blood flow velocity measurements for carotid stenosis estimation: interobserver variation and interequipment variability.

BACKGROUND: Because of the wide range of recommended threshold values for carotid stenosis graduation we performed a prospective study to determine interobserver and interequipment variability of quantitative blood flow velocity measurements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recorded absolute blood flow velocities and velocity ratios in 21 patients with carotid artery stenosis using two colour coded duplex ultrasound systems an ATL Ultramark 9 HDI, and a Hewlett Packard SONOS 2500 system. The ATL system was used for the interobserver variation study, where each patient was examined twice on the same day. The Doppler angle was recorded together with blood flow velocities (peak systolic velocity and mean maximum velocity from the velocity-time-integral both in the stenosis jet and 4-5 cm distally in the cranial portion of the internal carotid artery off poststenotic turbulences). RESULTS: The ATL system generated significantly higher blood flow velocity values as compared with the HP system (218 +/- 156 cm/s vs. 169 +/- 114 cm/s; p < 0.001). The Mean Velocity Ratio (the ratio of intrastenotic Vmean and poststenotic Vmean) was constant with both duplex systems. The HP system yielded 10% (Cl, 7-13%) lower predicted stenosis estimates than the ATL system with Vmax as the stenosis criterion. The stenosis estimates calculated from Mean Velocity Ratio values did not differ significantly. The 95% Cl for predicted diameter reduction between two observer was 13.6% (Vmax) and 15.4% (Mean Velocity Ratio). CONCLUSION: Because of significant interequipment differences of colour coded duplex ultrasound systems we recommend calculation of the Mean Velocity Ratio to avoid interpatient and interequipment variation of absolute flow velocities. According to our interobserver variability study, a change of more than 15% diameter reduction on follow-up examinations indicates disease progression or regression.

[Duplex ultrasound measurement of morphologic parameters before and following repeated puncture of the femoral artery for intermittent infusion therapy]. / Duplexsonographische Messung morphologischer Parameter vor und nach wiederholter Punktion der Arteria femoralis zur intermittierenden Infusionstherapie.

In order to estimate morphologic changes of the femoral artery after an intermittent intraarterial infusion therapy duplex scanning was performed before therapy, immediately after a series of 26 (10 to 52) infusions, and 30 weeks after hospital discharge. Minimum and maximum values of internal and external vessel diameter and thickness of wall were estimated in the common femoral artery, superficial femoral artery, and deep femoral artery. The external diameter values and the thickness of wall increased significantly after therapy. After 30 weeks these values decreased but did not reach the initial values.

[Hemodynamic effects of intermittent intra-arterial infusion treatment with prostaglandin E1 in peripheral arterial occlusive disease]. / Hämodynamische Effekte einer intermittierenden intraarteriellen Infusionsbehandlung mit Prostaglandin E1 bei peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit.

14 femoral arteries of twelve patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (Fontaine stage II: n = 4, stage III/IV: n = 10) were investigated before, immediately after a series of 26 (ten to 52) intraarterial infusions with prostaglandin E1, and 30 weeks later. Using combined B-mode and pulsed Doppler (duplex) ultrasound blood flow measurements were performed in the common femoral, the superficial femoral, and the deep femoral artery. There was a significant decrease of resting blood flow volume in the common femoral artery after therapy (418.5----362.2 [p less than 0.01]----324.5 ml/min [p less than 0.05]) in the group of patients treated successfully. The peak flow (maximum value of blood flow volume during reactive hyperaemia) in the common femoral artery increased significantly after therapy (597.3----779.1 [p less than 0.05]----843.7 ml/min). The increase of peak flow correlated well with clinical improvement. Other parameters (blood flow velocities, pulse rise time, pulse decrease time, pulsatility index) changed without correlation to clinical outcome. The increase of peak flow after therapy might be caused by an improved collateral circulation, and the decrease of resting blood flow might be due to metabolic effects of prostaglandin E1 (improved oxygen utilization).

[A nomogram of duplex ultrasound quantification of peripheral arterial stenoses. Studies of the cardiovascular model and in angiography patients]. / Ein Nomogramm zur duplexsonographischen Quantifizierung peripherer Arterienstenosen. Untersuchungen am Kreislaufmodell und bei angiographierten Patienten.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Blood flow velocity measurements were performed with duplex ultrasound in vitro (flow phantom) and in 62 patients who underwent angiography due to peripheral vascular disease. RESULTS: Intrastenotic peak systolic velocity (PSV) divided by proximally recorded PSV (peak velocity ratio, PVR) exhibited a strong correlation with percent diameter reduction: r2 = 0.86; N = 106 stenoses. A PVR value > or = 2.4 indicated a more than 50% stenosis with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 94%. Calculation of PVR may normalize for patient variation and allow noninvasive quantification of lumen narrowing with high sensitivity and specificity. The intraobserver variability (95% CI) of stenosis quantification using PVR values was 10%. A nomogram simplifies estimation of lumen narrowing after measurement of intrastenotic and proximal PSV values. CONCLUSION: Quantification of peripheral artery stenoses can be performed easily and noninvasively with duplex ultrasound using the peak velocity ratio (PVR).

[Pseudoaneurysm with associated arteriovenous fistula after transfemoral puncture]. / Pseudoaneurysma mit daraus hervorgehender AV-Fistel nach transfemoraler Punktion.

BACKGROUND: Local vascular complications after transfemoral cardiac catheterization occur with an incidence of 5%. Most commonly these lesions are pseudoaneurysms, av-fistulas, arterial dissections or direct vascular injuries. Undiagnosed vascular lesions can lead to fatal consequences especially in patients with chronic heart failure by av-fistula with significant shunt volume. CASE REPORT: We report a vascular complication of combined pseudoaneurysm and av-fistula originated from the pseudoaneurysm. The lesion was diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound. CONCLUSION: The suspicion of a vascular lesion after vascular catheterization should immediately lead to color Doppler ultrasound. Noninvasive duplexsonography will lead to early diagnosis of vascular complications and prompt further surgical or conservative intervention with reduction of long-term sequela and morbidity.

[Dose-dependent side effects of acetylsalicylic acid therapy. Results of a prospective randomized clinical study in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease]. / Dosisabhängige Nebenwirkungen der Acetylsalicylsäuretherapie. Ergebnisse einer prospektiven, randomisierten klinischen Studie bei Patienten mit peripherer arterieller Verschlusskrankheit.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: In 359 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease who had undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), a randomized double-blind, controlled clinical study was done to investigate the tolerability of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) given for reocclusion prophylaxis. A comparison was made between a conventional daily dose of 900 mg ASA and a dose of 50 mg ASA. RESULTS: Within an observation period of one year following PTA, 35 patients (20%) in the 900 mg group, and 32 patients (17%) in the 50 mg group left the trial because of side effects (p = NS). Under the higher dose, however, severe gastrointestinal side effects (ulcer, haemorrhagic gastritis requiring transfusion) were significantly more common (nine patients delta 5.1% vs two patients delta 1.1%, respectively; p = 0.03). Overall, 107 patients (30%) reported subjective side effects such as upper abdominal pain, a sensation of fullness or nausea during the course of the trial. 62 of these patients were from the 900 mg group (35%) as compared with 45 patients (24%) in the 50 mg group (p = 0.02). Self-scoring of epigastric pain on the basis of a visual analogue scale revealed a score of 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.9 to 1.6) in the 900 mg group and 0.8 (95% confidence interval 0.6 to 1.0) in the 50 mg group. The subjective pain intensity showed a uniform time course for all three types of symptom, with a maximum after three months. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the superior tolerability of the lower dose, in particular in elderly patients. For long-term treatment, the smallest possible effective dose should be chosen.

[The instrumental diagnosis of arterial diseases especially of arterial occlusive diseases]. / Zur apparativen Diagnostik von Erkrankungen der Arterien insbesondere der arteriellen Verschlusskrankheit.

Ultrasound Doppler sonography is the most important tool in the assessment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The determination of systolic ankle pressure gives an useful overview of the degree of the disease. In a normotensive patient with a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg systolic ankle pressures between 100 and 140 mm Hg are present when the occlusive disease is in the stage of good compensation. Severe claudication will appear with ankle pressures between 70 and 95 mm Hg, lower values are indicating a critical limb ischaemia. Treadmill exercise is helpful for documentation of painfree and maximal walking distances. When a patient is suggested to be treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty or bypass surgery a duplex sonography or angiography is mandatory. In evaluating the Raynaud's phenomenon under the noninvasive techniques capillaroscopy of the nailfold is a useful tool. The diagnosis of thromboangiitis obliterans is usually established by clinical criterias. The radiographic findings may give important hints. In many cases of acute arterial occlusions angiography is necessary for finding the optimal therapy. The aneurysm of the abdominal aorta will be evaluated by ultrasound and computer tomography.

Multiple AV nodal pathways with multiple peaks in the RR interval histogram of the Holter monitoring ECG during atrial fibrillation.

Two or more peaks on the 24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) RR interval histogram of patients with atrial fibrillation suggests the presence multiple AV nodal pathways. The prevalence of multiple AV nodal pathways in this population is unknown. The study included 250 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation during 24-hour ECG. The number of peaks on the RR interval histogram was measured in each patient. A single peak was present in 153 patients (61%), 80 patients (32%) had two peaks, 13 patients (5%) had three, and 4 patients (2%) had four peaks. Among the 97 patients (39%) with > 1 AV nodal pathway, the estimated mean heart rate reduction by hypothetical ablation of all supernumerary AV nodal pathways with short refractory periods was 16 beats/min, from 82 to 65 beats/min. Among the overall population, 16 patients (6%) with > 1 AV nodal pathway had a mean heart rate > 100 beats/min. In this subgroup, modulation of AV node conduction by hypothetical ablation of all supernumerary AV nodal pathways with short refractory periods yielded an estimated reduction in mean heart rate of 26 +/- 15 beats/min, from 110 +/- 9 beats/min to 84 +/- 14 beats/min (P < 0.01), a 23% decrease. The presence of > 1 AV nodal pathway was suspected in 39% of all patients with permanent atrial fibrillation. The hypothetical ablation of all supernumerary AV nodal pathways with short refractory periods resulted in a clinically significant reduction in heart rate in 6% of patients in this population.

Dose-dependent effect of aspirin on carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet treatment with aspirin is well established as secondary prophylaxis after a transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke, but the effect of aspirin treatment on the course of carotid atherosclerosis is unknown. We investigated the effect of aspirin on the initial stages of carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were recruited from a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial to compare two doses of aspirin (900 mg versus 50 mg daily) with regard to restenoses after lower limb angioplasty. Of the 383 patients admitted to the angioplasty trial, 27 patients with 104 small carotid atheroma (< 50% lumen narrowing) were examined at entry and after 1 year of aspirin treatment with the use of a high-resolution ultrasound duplex system. Disease progression and regression were defined by a change of maximal plaque area (as measured by longitudinal ultrasound sections) of more than 2 SDs of the method. The change in plaque area was significantly different for the treatment groups: Average plaque size remained unchanged after treatment with 900 mg aspirin daily but increased markedly after treatment with 50 mg aspirin daily (p = 0.011). There were significantly more lesions in the 50-mg group showing progression than in the 900-mg group (23 plaques [47%] versus 13 plaques [24%], p = 0.025). Ultrasonic disappearance of a lesion was observed only in the 900-mg group in nine cases (seven soft plaques and two ulcerative plaques, p = 0.018). The six patients on 50 mg aspirin who continued smoking during the study showed significantly more progression compared with the seven nonsmokers in the 50-mg group (17 plaques [59%] versus six plaques [30%], p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that aspirin treatment slows carotid plaque growth in a dose-dependent fashion, with a dose of 900 mg daily more efficient than 50 mg daily.