The rs2236609 Polymorphism Is Related to Increased Risk Susceptibility of Atrial Fibrillation.

Introduction: Genetic variations in the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium channels (IKs) are reported to contribute to an increased susceptibility to arrhythmias. This study aims to investigate the frequency and the possible association of the rs2236609 polymorphism in the KCNE1 gene and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: This was a case-control study that recruited 100 patients suffering from AF (mean age 49.

Heat Shock Protein Association with Clinico-Pathological Characteristics of Gastric Cancer in Jordan : HSP70 is Predictive of Poor Prognosis.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major health problem worldwide and is one of the ten most commonly diagnosed cancers in Jordan. GC is usually diagnosed at late aggressive stages in which treatment options are limited. Recently, heat shock proteins (HSPs) found to be overexpressed in a wide range of malignancies have been considered as promising candidate biomarkers for GC.

Colonic mucosal expression of heat-shock proteins may have a potential prognostic value in ulcerative colitis.

Background And Study Aims: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong, chronic, progressive, and relapsing inflammatory disease. Endoscopy with biopsies is the mainstay in diagnosis and assessment. The development of biomarkers is important for the diagnosis and follow-up of UC.

New insights on non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma in mid Delta Region, Egypt.

Purpose: The rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide, including in Egypt. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses are major risks. Non-B non-C HCC was reported in some countries.

Associations of variants in MTHFR and MTRR genes with male infertility in the Jordanian population.

Folate pathway is expected to play an important role in spermatogenesis since it is involved in DNA synthesis, repair and methylation. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between male infertility and the MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) and MTRR (A66G) polymorphisms. A group of 300 males was recruited in this study from different Jordanian infertility clinics.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Levels as Indicator for the Efficacy of Cancer Treatment.

Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin (α-AT) is a member of the serine protease inhibitors (serpins) family. Liver cells are the major source of synthesis and secretion of (α-AT) into the blood. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that α-AT is expressed and secreted by many types of malignant cells.

The importance of alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) and neopterin serum levels in the evaluation of non-small cell lung and prostate cancer patients.

Objective: Increased serum levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) and neopterin were observed in many diseases including different types of cancer. The aim of this work is to determine alpha1-AT and neopterin serum levels in newly diagnosed untreated non-small cell lung and prostate cancer patients and to test their relation to cancer staging.

Methods: Radial Immunodiffusion and ELISA methods were used to determine alpha1-AT and neopterin serum levels, consequently.

Comparing the effect of arginine vasopressin on ear and finger photoplethysmography.

Study Objective: To test whether the relative insensitivity of craniofacial vessels to catecholamines differs in response to arginine vasopressin.

Design: Prospective, observational human study.

Setting: University hospital.

The relationship between the photoplethysmographic waveform and systemic vascular resistance.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between systemic vascular resistance (SVR), finger & ear photoplethysmographic measurements in 14 adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: Patients were monitored with photoplethysmographs of the finger and ear and continuous cardiac output (QT) via thermodilution catheter. The relationship between SVR, finger plethysmographic amplitude, width and ear plethysmographic amplitude, width was assessed with linear regression.

Impact of withdrawal of 450 ml of blood on respiration-induced oscillations of the ear plethysmographic waveform.

Objective: It has been widely appreciated that ventilation-induced variations in systolic blood pressure during mechanical ventilation correlate with changes in intravascular volume. The present study assessed whether alterations in volume status likewise can be detected with noninvasive monitoring (ear plethysmograph) in non-intubated subjects (awake volunteers).

Methods: Eight healthy adults were monitored with EKG, noninvasive blood pressure, an unfiltered ear plethysmograph, and a respiratory force transduction belt before (PRE) and after (POST) withdrawal of 450 ml of blood from an antecubital vein.

Optimizing the medical management of diabetic patients undergoing surgery.

Patients with diabetes are prone to metabolic derangements because of their lack of effective insulin. Comorbid conditions, such as coronary artery disease, nephropathy, and autonomic neuropathy warrant preoperative assessment to ensure safety in the perioperative period. Preoperative evaluation must include assessment of chronic complications of diabetes.

What is the best site for measuring the effect of ventilation on the pulse oximeter waveform?

The cardiac pulse is the predominant feature of the pulse oximeter (plethysmographic) waveform. Less obvious is the effect of ventilation on the waveform. There have been efforts to measure the effect of ventilation on the waveform to determine respiratory rate, tidal volume, and blood volume.

The use of joint time frequency analysis to quantify the effect of ventilation on the pulse oximeter waveform.

Objective: In the process of determining oxygen saturation, the pulse oximeter functions as a photoelectric plethysmograph. By analyzing how the frequency spectrum of the pulse oximeter waveform changes over time, new clinically relevant features can be extracted.

Methods: Thirty patients undergoing general anesthesia for abdominal surgery had their pulse oximeter, airway pressure and CO(2) waveforms collected (50 Hz).

Analysis of the ear pulse oximeter waveform.

Objective: For years researchers have been attempting to understand the relationship between central hemodynamics and the resulting peripheral waveforms. This study is designed to further understanding of the relationship between ear pulse oximeter waveforms, finger pulse oximeter waveforms and cardiac output (CO). It is hoped that with appropriate analysis of the peripheral waveforms, clues can be gained to help to optimize cardiac performance.