Structural changes in endocrine pancreas of male Wistar rats due to chronic cola drink consumption. Role of PDX-1.

The objective of this work was to analyze the structural changes of the pancreatic islets in rats, after 6 month consuming regular and light cola for 6 months. Also, we have analyzed the possible role of PDX-1 in that process. Finally, with the available knowledge, we propose a general working hypothesis that explains the succession of phenomena observed.

Pulmonary hypertension and pregnancy outcomes: data from the Registry Of Pregnancy and Cardiac Disease (ROPAC) of the European Society of Cardiology.

Aims: To describe the outcomes of pregnancy in women with pulmonary hypertension.

Methods And Results: In 2007 the European Registry on Pregnancy and Heart Disease was initiated by the European Society of Cardiology. Consecutive patients with all forms of cardiovascular disease, presenting with pregnancy, were enrolled with the aim of investigating the pregnancy outcomes.

Leflunomide-induced pulmonary hypertension in a young woman with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

Leflunomide, a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, has been shown to be effective in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among other side effects, systemic hypertension has been described, and also a case of possible pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been reported. Symptomatic PH in RA is rare.

Histomorphometry of umbilical cord blood vessels in preeclampsia.

The authors hypothesized that preeclampsia may change the phenotype of umbilical cord vessels. Segments of umbilical cords were obtained from 29 pregnant women (20 healthy and 9 with preeclampsia), which were histomorphometrically assessed. Birth weight was 2928 ± 613 g for the control group vs 1749 ± 656 g for the preeclampsia group (P<.

Pharmacologic reversion of persistent atrial fibrillation with amiodarone predicts long-term sinus rhythm maintenance.

Objective: The study analyzed the role of different variables that determine long-term sinus rhythm maintenance in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who are treated with amiodarone.

Background: It has been recognized that different factors influence long-term sinus rhythm preservation after the conversion of persistent atrial fibrillation. Although the duration of the arrhythmia appears to be the most important factor, consistent information regarding the role of the mode of arrhythmia conversion (pharmacologic or electric) is still lacking.