Pulse Wave Velocity Predicts Response to Renal Denervation in Isolated Systolic Hypertension.

Background: Renal sympathetic denervation seems to be less effective as a treatment for hypertension in patients with isolated systolic hypertension, a condition associated with elevated central arterial stiffness. Because isolated systolic hypertension can also be caused by wave reflection or increased cardiac output, a more differentiated approach might improve patient preselection for renal sympathetic denervation. We sought to evaluate the additional predictive value of invasive pulse wave velocity for response to renal sympathetic denervation in patients with combined versus isolated systolic hypertension.

Endovascular ultrasound for renal sympathetic denervation in patients with therapy-resistant hypertension not responding to radiofrequency renal sympathetic denervation.

Aims: Recent studies have reported a considerable number of non-responders after renal sympathetic de-nervation (RSD) with radiofrequency technology. Here we report our results of repeat RSD using ultrasound in these patients.

Methods And Results: A cohort study was performed in patients who underwent ultrasound RSD after non-response to RSD with radiofrequency.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: the Leipzig experience.

Background: Minimally invasive techniques are progressively challenging traditional approaches in cardiothoracic surgery. Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) has become a routine procedure at our institution.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing minimally invasive isolated AVR between January 2003 and March 2014, at our institution.

Childhood obesity: impact on cardiac geometry and function.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess geometric and functional changes of the heart in obese compared with nonobese children and adolescents.

Background: Obesity in children and adolescents has increased over the past decades and is considered a strong risk factor for future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Obesity has been associated with myocardial structural alterations that may influence cardiac mechanics.

Exercise training prevents TNF-α induced loss of force in the diaphragm of mice.

Rationale: Inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are elevated in congestive heart failure and are known to induce the production of reactive oxygen species as well as to deteriorate respiratory muscle function.

Objectives: Given the antioxidative effects of exercise training, the aim of the present study was to investigate if exercise training is capable of preventing a TNF-α induced loss of diaphragmatic force in mice and, if so, to elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Prior to intraperitoneal injection of TNF-α or saline, C57Bl6 mice were assigned to four weeks of exercise training or sedentary behavior.

Muscle function and running activity in mouse models of hereditary muscle dystrophy: impact of double knockout for dystrophin and the transcription factor MyoD.

Introduction: Mice that lack both the transcription factor MyoD and dystrophin display a more pronounced myopathic phenotype when compared with mdx mice. No data on skeletal muscle function and the impact of exercise training are available.

Methods: Six-month-old wild-type, mdx, myoD(-/-), mdx:myoD(+/-), and mdx:myoD(-/-) mice were randomly assigned to either 4 weeks of voluntary running or sedentary behavior.