Donor Preconditioning After the Onset of Brain Death With Dopamine Derivate n-Octanoyl Dopamine Improves Early Posttransplant Graft Function in the Rat.

Heart transplantation is the therapy of choice for end-stage heart failure. However, hemodynamic instability, which has been demonstrated in brain-dead donors (BDD), could also affect the posttransplant graft function. We tested the hypothesis that treatment of the BDD with the dopamine derivate n-octanoyl-dopamine (NOD) improves donor cardiac and graft function after transplantation. Donor rats were given a continuous intravenous infusion of either NOD (0.882 mg/kg/h, BDD+NOD, n = 6) or a physiological saline vehicle (BDD, n = 9) for 5 h after the induction of brain death by inflation of a subdural balloon catheter. Controls were sham-operated (n = 9). In BDD, decreased left-ventricular contractility (ejection fraction; maximum rate of rise of left-ventricular pressure; preload recruitable stroke work), relaxation (maximum rate of fall of left-ventricular pressure; Tau), and increased end-diastolic stiffness were significantly improved after the NOD treatment. Following the transplantation, the NOD-treatment of BDD improved impaired systolic function and ventricular relaxation. Additionally, after transplantation increased interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor TNF-α, NF-kappaB-p65, and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB-p105 gene expression, and increased caspase-3, TNF-α and NF-kappaB protein expression could be significantly downregulated by the NOD treatment compared to BDD. BDD postconditioning with NOD through downregulation of the pro-apoptotic factor caspase-3, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and NF-kappaB may protect the heart against the myocardial injuries associated with brain death and ischemia/reperfusion.

A study of structural and functional connectivity in early Alzheimer's disease using rest fMRI and diffusion tensor imaging.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition where in early diagnosis and interventions are key policy priorities in dementia services and research. We studied the functional and structural connectivity in mild AD to determine the nature of connectivity changes that coexist with neurocognitive deficits in the early stages of AD. METHODS: Fifteen mild AD subjects and 15 cognitively healthy controls (CHc) matched for age and gender, underwent detailed neurocognitive assessment and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Rest fMRI was analyzed using dual regression approach and DTI by voxel wise statistics. RESULTS: Patients with mild AD had significantly lower functional connectivity (FC) within the default mode network and increased FC within the executive network. The mild AD group scored significantly lower in all domains of cognition compared with CHc. But fractional anisotropy did not significantly (p < 0.05) differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: Resting state functional connectivity alterations are noted during initial stages of cognitive decline in AD, even when there are no significant white matter microstructural changes.

Long-term impact of liver transplantation on respiratory function and nutritional status in children and adults with cystic fibrosis.

Early liver transplant (LT) has been advocated for patients with cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD) and evidence of deterioration in nutritional state and respiratory function to prevent further decline. However, the impact of single LT on long-term respiratory function and nutritional status has not been adequately addressed. We performed a retrospective analysis of the outcomes of 40 (21 adult/19 pediatric) patients with CFLD transplanted between 1987 and 2009 with median follow-up of 47.8 months (range 4-180). One and five-year actuarial survival rates were 85%/64% for adult and 90%/85% for pediatric LT cohorts, respectively. Lung function remained stable until 4 years (FEV(1) % predicted; pretransplant 48.4% vs. 45.9%, 4 years posttransplant) but declined by 5 years (42.4%). Up to 4 years posttransplant mean annual decline in FEV(1) % was lower (0.74%; p = 0.04) compared with the predicted 3% annual decline in CF patients with comorbidity including diabetes. Number of courses of intravenous antibiotics was reduced following LT, from 3.9/year pretransplant to 1.1/year, 5 years posttransplant. Body mass index was preserved posttransplant; 18.0 kg/m(2) (range 15-24.3) pretransplant versus 19.6 kg/m(2) (range 16.4-22.7) 5 years posttransplant. In conclusion, LT is an effective treatment for selected patients with cirrhosis due to CFLD, stabilizing aspects of long-term lung function and preserving nutritional status.

Synthesis and in vitro studies for structure-based design of novel chalcones as antitubercular agents targeting InhA.

Background: The authors aimed to estimate the therapeutic potential of novel chalcones against tuberculosis. Methods: 11 synthesized compounds were tested for in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37RV; American Type Culture Collection number: 27294) using the microplate alamarBlue assay. Molecular docking and pharmacokinetic parameter analyses were then performed. Results: The most potent compounds, (2E)-1-(4-bromophenyl) (2E)-1-(2-nitrophenyl) prop-2-en-1-one, -3-(2-nitrophenyl) prop-2-en-1-one (4-bromophenyl) (2E)-1-(3-phenoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, 3-(phenoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (4-bromophenyl) prop-2-en-1-one and (2E)-1-(4-bromophenyl)-3-(5-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one, showed in vitro activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 µg/ml. Conclusion: Compounds LSD2, LSD12, LSD13 and LSD15 showed strong in vitro antimycobacterial activity at a concentration of 6.25 µg/ml.

A cross-sectional study on health-seeking behavior in relation to reproductive tract infection among ever-married rural women in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive tract infection (RTI) is the infection of the reproductive tract. Due to the hesitation in reporting the symptoms and receiving the treatment from the health centers, there is a significant dropout. The health care-seeking actions of the women reflects the attentiveness of the disease in that community and the inadequacy of the health care facility. Since the women from the rural area belongs to high-risk group for RTI, this study was conducted with the objective to assess the health care-seeking behavior about reproductive tract infection among rural women in the reproductive age group in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. Primary care physicians play a vital role in improving health care system, assessing the health-seeking practice helps in improvement and decision making and implementing. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of Chettinad hospital. A sample size of 330 was arrived by multi-stage random sampling and population proportion to size method. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire of DLHS- 4 on RTI/STI. Data entered in MS-EXCEL and analyzed using SPSS version 21 and results interpreted. RESULTS: The prevalence of RTI was found to be 50.3%. 60.8% of the affected females received treatment with majority of them in the group following home remedies. Significant association was noted between treatment seeking behavior, age, and the socioeconomic status (P- < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The women in the reproductive age group in the rural areas should be provided with regular health education regarding the symptoms of the RTI and also motivate them to seek appropriate treatment.

Design, Synthesis and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of Pyridine, Thiadazole, Benzimidazole and Acetyl Thiophene Analogues as Anti Tubercular Agents Targeting Enzyme Inh A.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that affects one-third of the global population. The emergence of Multi-resistant (MDR) strains and high susceptibility of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons to the disease forced to develop novel antituberculosis agents and preferably have a novel mechanism of action as to avoid cross-resistant with other agents. A literature survey indicated that Pyridine, Thiadiazole, Benzimidazole and Acetyl thiophene derivatives exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anti-mycobacterial activity. METHODS: Thus, a series of Pyridine, Thiadiazole, Benzimidazole and Acetyl thiophene based molecules were designed and docked against crucial mtb enzyme target InhA (Enoyl Acyl Carrier Protein Reductase) Enzyme. The docked molecules were screened against good docking-score and multiple interactions and opted for synthesis. Synthesized molecules were recrystallized to obtain purity. All the purified compounds were characterized by various spectral analyses and evaluated for antimycobacterial activity against tuberculosis H37RV strain by Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA) method. RESULTS: The experimental results showed that Schiff bases of Pyridine (Compounds 'd') and Benzimidazole derivatives (Compounds 'i' ) possess good anti-tubercular activity with an MIC below 1.6 µg /mL. Furthermore, compound 'e' of benzimdazole derivative showed good antitubercular activity with an MIC below 6.25 µg /mL, whereas 2 - acetyl thiopene compounds exhibited moderate antitubercular activity below 50µg/mL. CONCLUSION: The comparative in vitro and molecular docking study analysis reveals that compared to chalcones of Acetyl thiophene derivatives, Pyridine, Thiadazole and Benzimidazole based Schiff bases exhibited best antitubercular activity.

Combined superoxide dismutase mimetic and peroxynitrite scavenger protects against neointima formation after endarterectomy in association with decreased proliferation and nitro-oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE: Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (e.g., peroxynitrite) may trigger neointima formation leading to restenosis. In a rat carotid endarterectomy (CEA) model, we investigated the effects of the manganese(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin (MnTBAP), a superoxide dismutase (SOD) mimetic and peroxynitrite scavenger on neointima formation. METHODS: CEA was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals received either vehicle (control group; n=15) or 15 mg kg(-1) day(-1) MnTBAP intraperitoneally for 3 weeks (treatment group; n=13). Four groups of carotids were analysed: the left, uninjured carotids (sham) and the right, injured carotids (control CEA) from the control group, the right, injured carotids from the treatment group (CEA+MnTBAP) and an additional group of carotids that were harvested 1h following endarterectomy. The analysis of carotid arteries was performed by histology, immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured by lipid hydroperoxidase assay. RESULTS: Stenosis rate (10.5+/-8.1% vs. 45.4+/-28.3%), the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells (13.4+/-7.1% vs. 23.3+/-11.0%) and nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity (5.8+/-1.9 vs. 8.0+/-2.0) were significantly reduced in the vascular wall of the CEA+MnTBAP group compared with control CEA group. Ratio of Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labelling (TUNEL)-positive nuclei was significantly lower after antioxidant therapy (41.7+/-26.7% vs. 64.9+/-18.5%). Plasma MDA levels increased after endarterectomy (11.7+/-4.8 vs. 4.1+/-2.0 micromol l(-1)) and reduced in the treatment group (3.2+/-2.1 micromol l(-1)). No significant gene regulation after MnTBAP treatment could be noted. CONCLUSIONS: MnTBAP decreased neointima formation, which was associated with reduced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and attenuated local and systemic nitro-oxidative stress.

Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Changes in Pharyngeal Airway Following Isolated Lefort One Osteotomy for the Correction of Vertical Maxillary Excess: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Orthognathic surgery involves movement of jaws in all three planes, and this being a part of airway complex, displacement of jaws can influence the dimension of airway at all levels. Lefort one osteotomy surgery with superior repositioning is a common procedure done for patients with vertical maxillary excess. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the three-dimensional volumetric changes in airway after lefort one impaction surgery using three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3D-CBCT) in patients with vertical maxillary excess (VME). METHODS: A prospective analysis of 15 patients who underwent isolated lefort one impaction surgery was done with pre-operative (T0) and 3-months (T1) post-operative 3D-CBCT scans. Airway was divided into three segments, nasopharyngeal, velopharyngeal and oropharyngeal. Volumetric analysis of all these segments was done before and after surgery. Paired 't test' was used to assess the mean difference in airway volume and area between T0 and T1. One-way ANOVA was used to check the mean percentage difference in airway volume and area among the three segments. RESULTS: The mean percentage of nasopharyngeal volume difference was - 0.6299 ± 0.9146%, velopharyngeal volume difference was - 0.5205 ± 1.107%, oropharyngeal volume difference was - 1.492 ± 2.745%. Though volume and area of pharyngeal airway were decreased after maxillary impaction surgery in all three segments of airway studied, they were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Among the three segments of airway studied, oropharyngeal airway volume has shown the highest post-surgical reduction though statistically insignificant. ESS scores were within normal limits. Hence, we are of the opinion that there is lack of evidence to conclude that the patients undergoing lefort one superior repositioning for the treatment of VME might develop significant narrowing of PAS that may predispose the patient to breathing disorders.

Giant osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle.

Osteochondroma or osteocartilaginous exostosis is an exophytic lesion that arises from the cortex of the bone and is cartilage-capped. Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle is extremely rare. The following is a case report of an osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle removed via extended preauricular approach to the temporomandibular joint.

A comparative evaluation of compressive strength of Portland cement with zinc oxide eugenol and Polymer-reinforced cement: an in vitro analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ultimate compressive strength of 50% and 25% Portland cement mixed with Polymer-reinforced zinc oxide eugenol and zinc oxide eugenol cement after 1 hour, 24 hours, and 7 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty samples were selected. The samples were made cylindrical of size 6 × 8 mm and were divided into six groups as follows with each group consisting of 10 samples. Group 1: Polymer-reinforced zinc oxide eugenol with 50% Portland cement (PMZNPC 50%) Group 2: Polymer-reinforced zinc oxide eugenol with 25% Portland cement (PMZNPC 25%) Group 3: Polymer-reinforced zinc oxide eugenol with 0% Portland cement (PMZNPC 0%) Group 4: Zinc oxide eugenol with 50% Portland cement (ZNPC 50%) Group 5: Zinc oxide eugenol with 25% Portland cement (ZNPC 25%) Group 6: Zinc oxide eugenol with 0% Portland cement (ZNPC 0%) These samples were further subdivided based on time interval and were tested at 1 hour, 24 hours and at 7 th day. After each period of time all the specimens were tested by vertical CVR loaded frame with capacity of 5 tones/0473-10kan National Physical laboratory, New Delhi and the results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffe test. RESULTS: Polymer-reinforced cement with 50% Portland cement, Zinc oxide with 50% Portland cement, Polymer-reinforced cement with 25% Portland cement and Zinc oxide with 25% Portland cement exhibited higher compressive strength when compared to Zinc oxide with 0% Portland cement and Polymer-reinforced cement with 0% Portland cement, at different periods of time. The difference between these two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05) and it is suggested that mixture of 50% and 25% Portland cement in Zinc oxide eugenol and Polymer-modified zinc oxide cement can be used as core build up material and permanent filling material. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that 50% and 25% Portland cement in zinc oxide eugenol and polymer-modified zinc oxide eugenol results in higher compressive strength and hence can be used as permanent filling material and core built-up material.

The molecular structure, geometry, stability, thermal and fundamental modes of vibration of glycine dimer by DFT methods.

Glycine is an important amino acid for building up protein synthesis. Single crystal of glycine dimer was grown from aqueous solution by slow evaporation method. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the crystalline nature of grown crystal. It is interesting to study the molecular structure of a dimer, having well-defined channels formed through amphoterism bonding between CO⋯H bonds with split-valence basis sets, and the conformer is mirror symmetrical, in which the protonated organic cation plays a significant role to have a dimer pattern. Amphiprotic molecules, like dimeric glycine which can either donate or accept a proton (H(+)) from each other. Optical absorption study reveals that the transparency of the crystal in the entire visible region and the cutoff wavelength was found to be 235nm. Powder SHG test and thermogravimetric analysis shows glycine dimer crystal is optically active and thermally stable. The molecular structure, geometry, stability and theoretical vibrational spectra were calculated for glycine as a monomer and as a dimer linked by the amphoterism hydrogen bonding. The theoretical studies were performed using the B3LYP density functional method with the 6-311G (d,p) basis set. The detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra has been made on the basis of normal coordinate analysis.

Cinaciguat prevents neointima formation after arterial injury by decreasing vascular smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation.

AIMS: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, proliferation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix contribute to lumen loss after arterial injury leading to restenosis. Several studies indicated the role of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling in neointimal formation. Cinaciguat, the novel soluble guanylate cyclase activator, currently being in phase IIb clinical trial, has been shown to exert antiplatelet and anti-remodeling effects in animal models of vascular pathology. In this study we investigated the effects of cinaciguat on post-injury arterial stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=100) underwent endothelial denudation by wire injury of the right common carotid artery. Cinaciguat (10mg/kg/day orally) were administered to 50 rats (1-, 2-, 3-day and 1-, 3-week treatment time), while 50 rats received placebo. A 3-week treatment resulted in a significantly reduced vascular stenosis (17.53 ± 10.84% in the treatment group vs. 43.25 ± 30.83% in the control wire injury group) and neointima/media area ratio (0.45 ± 0.32 in the treatment group vs. 1.09 ± 0.69 in the control wire injury group). By using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, matrix-metallopreoteinase-9 (MMP-9) was found to be upregulated in the control-injured carotids over the whole follow-up, and cinaciguat significantly decreased MMP-9 expression by 3 weeks. As assessed by protein immunoblot, injury-induced local decrease of soluble guanylate cyclase ß1 subunit could be recovered by cinaciguat. In vitro wound healing assay with VSMCs revealed dose-dependent antimigratory and antiproliferative effects of cinaciguat. Plasma level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate was significantly elevated after 3 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results show that cinaciguat prevents injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia by decreasing VSMC migration and proliferation through the regulation of MMP-9.

The effects of anti-TNF-α treatment with adalimumab on growth in children with Crohn's disease (CD).

INTRODUCTION: Adalimumab is used to treat children with Crohn's disease (CD), but the effects of adalimumab on growth in CD have not been studied. AIM: To study growth and disease activity over 12 months (6 months prior to (T-6), baseline (T0) and for 6 months following (T+6) adalimumab). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Growth and treatment details of 36 children (M: 22) who started adalimumab at a median (10th, 90th) age of 14.7 years (11.3, 16.8) were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 36 cases, 28 (78%) went into remission. Overall 42% of children showed catch up growth, which was more likely in: (i) those who achieved remission (median change in height SDS (ΔHtSDS) increased from -0.2 (-0.9, 1.0) at T0 to 0.2 (-0.6, 1.6) at T+6, (p=0.007)), (ii) in those who were on immunosuppression ΔHtSDS increased from -0.2 (-0.9, 1.0) at T0 to 0.1 (-0.8, 1.3) at T+6, (p=0.03) and (iii) in those whose indication for using adalimumab therapy was an allergic reaction to infliximab, median ΔHtSDS increased significantly from -0.3 (-0.9, 1.0) at T0 to 0.3 (-0.5, 1.6) at T+6, (p=0.02). Median ΔHtSDS also increased from -0.4 (-0.8, 0.7) at T0 to 0.0 (-0.6, 1.6) at T+6, (p=0.04) in 15 children who were on prednisolone therapy when starting adalimumab. CONCLUSION: Clinical response to adalimumab therapy is associated with an improvement in linear growth in a proportion of children with CD. Improved growth is more likely in patients entering remission and on immunosuppression but is not solely due to a steroid sparing effect.

A British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition survey of the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Adalimumab is efficacious therapy for adults with Crohn's disease (CD). AIM: To summarise the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland paediatric adalimumab experience. METHODS: British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) members with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients <18 years old commencing adalimumab with at least 4 weeks follow-up. Patient demographics and details of treatment were then collected. Response and remission was assessed using the Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI)/Physicians Global Assessment (PGA). RESULTS: Seventy-two patients [70 CD, 1 ulcerative colitis (UC), 1 IBD unclassified (IBDU)] from 19 paediatric-centres received adalimumab at a median age of 14.8 (IQR 3.1, range 6.1-17.8) years; 66/70 CD (94%) had previously received infliximab. A dose of 80 mg then 40 mg was used for induction in 41(59%) and 40 mg fortnightly for maintenance in 61 (90%). Remission rates were 24%, 58% and 41% at 1, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Overall 43 (61%) went into remission at some point, with 24 (35%) requiring escalation of therapy. Remission rates were higher in those on concomitant immunosuppression cf. those not on immunosuppression [34/46 (74%) vs. 9/24 (37%), respectively, (χ(2) 8.8, P=0.003)]. There were 15 adverse events (21%) including four (6%) serious adverse events with two sepsis related deaths in patients who were also on immunosuppression and home parenteral nutrition (3% mortality rate). CONCLUSIONS: Adalimumab is useful in treatment of refractory paediatric patients with a remission rate of 61%. This treatment benefit should be balanced against side effects, including in this study a 3% mortality rate.

Comparison of the remineralization potential of CPP-ACP and CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride on eroded human enamel: An in situ study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in situ study was to compare the remineralization potential of pastes containing CPP-ACP and CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride on human enamel softened by a cola drink. DESIGN: Forty-five enamel specimens obtained from human third molar teeth were eroded in a cola drink for 8 min and then attached to intra-oral devices worn by five volunteers. The specimens were subjected to three different in situ remineralization protocols using: (1) CPP-ACP (Group I), (2) CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride (Group II), and (3) saliva (Group III, control). Vickers microhardness measurements were obtained at baseline followed by demineralization and remineralization stages. RESULTS: The CPP-ACP, CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride and saliva controls resulted in 46.24%, 64.25% and 2.98% increase in post-erosion microhardness values, respectively. One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in the mean microhardness values between pastes containing CPP-ACP and CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride. CONCLUSIONS: Both CPP-ACP and CPP-ACP with 900 ppm fluoride substantially remineralized the softened enamel, with the CPP-ACP and fluoride combination showing higher remineralization potential than CPP-ACP. This study confirmed the synergistic effect of fluoride with CPP-ACP on remineralization of eroded enamel.

Myocardial protection with the use of L-arginine and N-alpha-acetyl-histidine.

OBJECTIVE: Effective myocardial preservation is an important condition for cardiac surgery, especially in heart transplantation with long ischemia times. During ischemia and reperfusion, myocardial function is altered by cold-induced ischemic injury. Cold-induced ischemic injury is triggered by cold storage and the amino acid histidine, a main component of the storage solution histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK). Cold-induced ischemic injury generates free oxygen radicals in an iron-dependent way. We investigated the efficacy of new modifications with the addition of L-arginine and N-alpha-acetyl-histidine to the well-established HTK solution (Custodiol) using a rat heart transplant model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heterotopic transplantation was performed in Lewis rats (n = 20). After 1 hour of ischemic preservation and 1 hour of reperfusion, we assessed myocardial function and energy charge potential. The modifications of HTK solution included the addition of L-arginine, partial replacement of histidine with acetyl-histidine, and reduction of chloride concentration (HTK-1). In a second group, Custodiol served as the control. RESULTS: After 1 hour of reperfusion, left ventricular systolic pressure (106 +/- 33 vs 69 +/- 9 mm Hg; P < .05) and minimum rate of pressure development (dP/dt) (-1388 +/- 627 vs -735 +/- 219 mm Hg/s; P < .05) were significantly higher among the HTK-1 group compared with the control group. Energy charge potential did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the novel modified HTK-1 solution improved myocardial contractility and relaxation after heart transplantation.

The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor vardenafil improves cardiovascular dysfunction in experimental diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit generalized endothelial and cardiac dysfunction with decreased nitric oxide production. Elevated intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels contribute to an effective cardioprotection in different pathophysiological conditions. In this study, we investigated whether chronic treatment with the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor vardenafil could improve diabetic cardiovascular dysfunction by up-regulating the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in the vessel wall and myocardium. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Diabetes was induced in young rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg x kg(-1)). In the treatment group, vardenafil (10 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) was given orally for 8 weeks. Diabetic control animals received vehicle for the same time. Left ventricular pressure-volume relations were measured by using a microtip Millar pressure-volume conductance catheter, and indexes of contractility, such as the slope of end-systolic pressure-volume relationship (E(max)) and preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW), were calculated. In organ bath experiments for isometric tension with rings of isolated aortae, endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxation was investigated by using acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. KEY RESULTS: When compared with the non-diabetic controls, diabetic rats showed increased myocardial and vascular transforming growth factor-beta1 expression, impaired left ventricular contractility (impairment of E(max) by 53%, PRSW by 40%; P < 0.05) and vascular dysfunction. Treatment with vardenafil resulted in higher cGMP levels, reduced transforming growth factor-beta1 expression, significantly improved cardiac function (improvement of E(max) by 95%, PRSW by 69%; P < 0.05) and greater vasorelaxation to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside in aortae from diabetic animals. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Our results demonstrate that impaired vascular cGMP signalling contributes to the development of diabetic vascular and cardiac dysfunction, which can be prevented by chronic phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition.

Clozapine induced myocarditis: a rare but fatal complication.

The need to consider myocarditis as one cause of flu-like symptoms in patients taking clozapine should be well entrenched. Suspicion should be heightened if the symptoms develop during the first 6-8 weeks of therapy. The FDA and the drug's manufacturer have strengthened warnings to include that a potentially fatal myocarditis may occur when taking clozapine. We aim to highlight the side effects of clozapine and increase awareness of this condition associated with the usage of the drug.