Temporal Trends in Low-Dose Aspirin Use (from the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus Study).

Although established in secondary prevention, the use of low-dose aspirin for primary cardiovascular prevention remains uncertain. We assessed the temporal trend of low-dose aspirin use in people at primary and secondary prevention over 14 years. We used data from the population-based CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study.

Macrophages Upregulate Estrogen Receptor Expression in the Model of Obesity-Associated Breast Carcinoma.

Breast cancer (BC) and obesity are two heterogeneous conditions with a tremendous impact on health. BC is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, and the prevalence of obesity in women worldwide reaches pandemic proportions. Obesity is a significant risk factor for both incidence and worse prognosis in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) BC.

[Rapid decrease of serum endothelin-1 levels after treatment with ACE inhibitors in chronic cardiac failure].

Circulating endothelin-1, a very strong peptide vasoconstrictor first discovered in 1988, is raised in cardiac failure. This increase contributes to the deleterious effects of cardiac failure. Although specific anti-endothelin drugs are under development in this condition, the effects of more commonly used drugs on circulating endothelin-1 levels are not well known.

Investigation of the thoracic aorta in cholesterol embolism by transoesophageal echocardiography.

Objectives: To examine the thoracic aorta of patients with severe cholesterol embolism (CE) by transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE).

Methods: The thoracic aorta of 20 consecutive patients with CE was compared with that in a control population matched for age and risk factors by TOE. Patients were prescribed steroids after CE was diagnosed.

[Pulmonary hypertension caused by talcoma in a couple of drug addicts].

The authors report a case of severe pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in a couple of HIV seropositive heroin addicts. The parallel clinical course in these two patients with only mild immunodeficiency and the fact that they both had the same supplier were in favour of PHT secondary to talcoma. In the light of these cases, one wonders whether, as suggested by certain epidemiological studies currently underway, drug addiction should be considered to be a cause of PHT in its own right.