Novel biomarkers for cardiovascular risk prediction.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The primary prevention of CVD is dependent upon the ability to identify high-risk individuals long before the development of overt events. This highlights the need for accurate risk stratification.

Protective effect of heme oxygenase-1 on Wistar rats with heart failure through the inhibition of inflammation and amelioration of intestinal microcirculation.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) has likely contributed to the increased prevalence of heart failure (HF). As a result of reduced cardiac function, splanchnic blood flow decreases, causing ischemia in villi and damage to the intestinal barrier. The induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) could prevent, or lessen the effects of stress and inflammation.

[Low testosterone levels are inversely correlated with carotid artery plaque formation in elderly women].

Objective: To study the relationship between serum testosterone levels and the plaque formation of the carotid artery in a population-based cohort of independently living healthy women above 60 years of age.

Methods: Analysis of the healthy elders from a population-based cohort study in 9 communities of Beijing. Carotid intima-media thickness and atherosclerotic plaques were determined ultrasonographically.

[The value of age-adjusted D-dimer cut-off value in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis in elderly patients].

Objective: To validate the value of age-adjusted D-dimer combined with clinical probability to confirm or exclude deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in elderly patients.

Method: Elderly patients ( ≥ 65 years) suspected with DVT were evaluated by Wells score and D-dimer test. All patients underwent ultrasonography examination except for patients with Wells score < 2 and negative D-dimer test results.

Progesterone levels and carotid intima-media thickness: a negative association in older northern Chinese men.

In experimental research, progesterone has been found to be beneficial to the central nervous and cardiovascular systems; however, its potential role in preventing atherosclerosis in elderly men remains unclear. In this prospective study, we analyzed data in 385 older men and women from 6 communities in Beijing, China, in order to discover whether progesterone is associated with carotid intima-media thickness and plaque occurrence. Intima-media thickness and atherosclerotic plaques were determined by use of ultrasonography.