Genome-wide epigenetic profiling and transcriptome analysis in pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A focus on Black female children.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder characterized by airway obstruction during sleep. Diagnosing pediatric OSA is challenging, particularly in underrepresented populations, leading to disparities in treatment and long-term negative health outcomes. Our study aimed to identify alternative diagnostic tools by investigating genome-wide epigenetic changes and associated transcriptomic alterations in Black female, pediatric patients with OSA.

HPV Strain Predicts Severity of Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis with Implications for Disease Screening.

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP) is the most common benign neoplasm of the larynx in children, presenting with significant variation in clinical course and potential for progression to malignancy. Since JoRRP is driven by human papillomavirus (HPV), we evaluated viral factors in a prospective cohort to identify predictive factors of disease severity. Twenty children with JoRRP undergoing routine debridement of papillomas were recruited and followed for ≥1 year.

Using a dependent schedule to measure risky choice in male rats: Effects of d-amphetamine, methylphenidate, and methamphetamine.

Risky choice is the tendency to choose a large, uncertain reward over a small, certain reward, and is typically measured with probability discounting, in which the probability of obtaining the large reinforcer decreases across blocks of trials. One caveat to traditional procedures is that independent schedules are used, in which subjects can show exclusive preference for one alternative relative to the other. For example, some rats show exclusive preference for the small, certain reinforcer as soon as delivery of the large reinforcer becomes probabilistic.

Evaluation of US and MRI techniques for carotid stenosis: a novel phantom approach.

Carotid atherosclerosis is very important in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia. Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the predominant noninvasive techniques capable to identify the presence and stage of intra-plaque hemorrage. In this work, we propose a novel dedicated phantom that can be used for both US and MRI scanners to evaluate carotid atherosclerotic lesions.

Effects of GluN2B-selective antagonists on delay and probability discounting in male rats: Modulation by delay/probability presentation order.

The contribution of the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor to impulsivity has recently been examined. Ro 63-1908, a highly selective antagonist for the GluN2B, decreases impulsive choice. Because the order in which delays are presented modulates drug effects in discounting procedures, one goal of the current study was to determine the effects of Ro 63-1908 in delay discounting procedures in which the delays to obtaining the large reinforcer either increase or decrease across the session.

CT and MRI slice separation evaluation by LabView developed software.

The efficient use of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment necessitates establishing adequate quality-control (QC) procedures. In particular, the accuracy of slice separation, during multislices acquisition, requires scan exploration of phantoms containing test objects. To simplify such procedures, a novel phantom and a computerised LabView-based procedure have been devised, enabling determination the midpoint of full width at half maximum (FWHM) in real time while the distance from the profile midpoint of two progressive images is evaluated and measured.

Long-term effects of bariatric surgery on peripheral endothelial function and coronary microvascular function.

Background: We previously demonstrated that bariatric surgery (BS) leads to a short-term significant improvement of endothelial function and coronary microvascular function. In this study we assessed whether BS maintains its beneficial effect at long-term follow up.

Design: We studied 19 morbidly obese patients (age 43±9years, 12 women) without any evidence of cardiovascular disease who underwent BS.

Association of coronary microvascular dysfunction with restenosis of left anterior descending coronary artery disease treated by percutaneous intervention.

Background: Several patients with successful percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) show evidence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD), which can be responsible for persistent positivity of electrocardiographic exercise stress test (EST). In this study, we assessed whether post-PCI CMVD may predict clinical outcome in patients undergoing successful elective PCI of an isolated stenosis of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery.

Methods: We studied 29 patients (age 64±6, 23 M) with stable coronary artery disease and isolated stenosis (>75%) of the LAD coronary artery who underwent successful PCI with stent implantation.

Poor tolerance and limited effects of isosorbide-5-mononitrate in microvascular angina.

Objectives: To assess the effects of isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) in patients with microvascular angina (MVA).

Methods: We randomized 20 MVA patients, treated with a β-blocker or a calcium antagonist, to 60 mg slow-release ISMN (halved to 30 mg if not tolerated) or placebo once a day for 4 weeks; the patients were then switched to the other treatment for another 4 weeks. Their clinical status was assessed with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and the EuroQoL score for quality of life.

Peripheral arterial function and coronary microvascular function in patients with variant angina.

Objectives: In this study, we assessed whether any abnormalities in coronary microvascular and peripheral vasodilator functions are present in patients with variant angina (VA) caused by epicardial coronary artery spasm (CAS).

Methods: We studied 23 patients with VA (i.e.

Correlation between coronary microvascular function and angina status in patients with stable microvascular angina.

Background: Classical anti-ischemic drugs are the first-line form of treatment in patients with microvascular angina (MVA), but they often fail to achieve a satisfactory control of angina symptoms. It is unknown whether there is any relation between improvement of angina status and changes in microvascular function induced by classical anti-ischemic drugs in MVA patients.

Aim: To assess whether, in MVA patients, the effects of classical anti-ischemic drugs on symptoms and quality of life (QoL) are related to changes in coronary microvascular function.

Endothelial and platelet function in children with previous Kawasaki disease.

We investigated whether children with a previous Kawasaki disease (KD) have evidence of abnormal vascular and/or platelet function. We included 14 patients with previous KD and 14 matched controls. We assessed endothelial function by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), coronary microvascular function by coronary blood flow response (CBFR) to cold pressor test, and platelet reactivity by measuring monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPAs) and CD41-platelet expression by flow cytometry.

A novel electrocardiographic predictor of clinical response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Aims: A wide QRS with left bundle branch block pattern is usually required for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. However, ∼30% of patients do not benefit from CRT. We evaluated whether a detailed analysis of QRS complex can improve prediction of CRT success.

Cardiovascular impairment in a patient with acute myelitis.

Study Design: Case report.

Objective: to report and discuss the development of sudden symptomatic sinus bradycardia in a 35-year-old woman with acute myelitis.

Case Report: A 35-year-old woman presented rapidly progressive weakness and hypoesthesia in the left hemibody.

Effects of ivabradine and ranolazine in patients with microvascular angina pectoris.

Patients with microvascular angina (MVA) often have persistence of symptoms despite full classical anti-ischemic therapy. In this study, we assessed the effect of ivabradine and ranolazine in MVA patients. We randomized 46 patients with stable MVA (effort angina, positive exercise stress test [EST], normal coronary angiography, coronary flow reserve <2.

Lack of effect of nitrates on exercise stress test results in patients with microvascular angina.

Purpose: To assess the effects of short-acting nitrates on exercise stress test (EST) results and the relation between EST results and coronary blood flow (CBF) response to nitrates in patients with microvascular angina (MVA).

Methods: We completed 2 symptom/sign limited ESTs on 2 separate days, in a random sequence and in pharmacological washout, in 29 MVA patients and in 24 patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD): one EST was performed without any intervention (control EST, C-EST), and the other after sublingual isosorbide dinitrate, 5 mg (nitrate EST, N-EST). CBF response to nitroglycerin (25 μg) was assessed in the left anterior descending coronary artery by transthoracic Doppler-echocardiography.

Prognostic role of heart rate variability in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess the prognostic value of heart rate variability (HRV) in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and optimal medical therapy.

Methods: We enrolled 182 consecutive patients with a first STEMI (59.1 ± 11 years; 82.

Methods to investigate coronary microvascular function in clinical practice.

A growing amount of data is increasingly showing the relevance of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD) in several clinical contexts. This article reviews techniques and clinical investigations of the main noninvasive and invasive methods proposed to study coronary microcirculation and to identify CMVD in the presence of normal coronary arteries, also trying to provide indications for their application in clinical practice.

The patient with chronic ischemic heart disease. Role of ranolazine in the management of stable angina.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of death in Western Countries and accounts for very high costs worldwide. In this review we discussed the pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and management of chronic IHD. In particular, we discussed about the percutaneous coronary interventions and coronary artery bypass grafting, as well as to clinical trials that evaluated the advantages of one approach versus another.

Effect of ranolazine on arterial endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: To assess the effect of ranolazine on systemic vascular function in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: We randomized 30 consecutive T2DM patients with no evidence of cardiovascular disease and no insulin therapy to receive one of the following 3 forms of treatment in a blinded fashion: ranolazine, 375 mg bid for 3 weeks (group 1); ranolazine, 375 mg bid for 2 weeks, followed by placebo bid for 1 week (group 2); placebo bid for 3 weeks (group 3). Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitrate-mediated dilation (NMD) of the right brachial artery were assessed at baseline and after 48 h, and 2 and 3 weeks.

Clinical correlates and prognostic value of flow mediated dilation in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Endothelial dysfunction can predict cardiovascular outcomes in several populations of patients. The aim of this study was to assess the severity, time course, and clinical implications of endothelial dysfunction in patients with non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE) acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Sixty patients with NSTE ACS (mean age 62 ± 8 years, 44 men) and 40 controls with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 27 men) were studied.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction after elective percutaneous coronary intervention: correlation with exercise stress test results.

Objectives: We assessed whether exercise stress test (EST) results are related to the presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD) in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Previous studies showed that EST is poorly reliable in predicting restenosis after PCI; some studies also showed CMVD in the territory of the treated vessel.

Methods: We studied 29 patients (age 64 ± 6, 23 M) with stable coronary artery disease and isolated stenosis (>75%) of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, undergoing successful PCI with stent implantation.

Coronary microvascular function and cortical pain processing in patients with silent positive exercise testing and normal coronary arteries.

ST-segment depression during exercise stress testing in asymptomatic subjects showing normal coronary arteries is considered a "false-positive" result. Coronary microvascular dysfunction, however, might be a possible cause of ST-segment depression in these cases. We assessed the coronary blood flow response to adenosine and to cold pressor test in the left anterior descending artery, using transthoracic Doppler echocardiography in 14 asymptomatic subjects with exercise-induced ST-segment depression and normal coronary arteries (group 1), 14 patients with microvascular angina (group 2), and 14 healthy subjects (group 3).

Atrial fibrillation and the pharmacological treatment: the role of propafenone.

Background: Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent cardiac rhythm disturbance, with prevalence increasing with age. This disease is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke. The costs resulting from atrial fibrillation are really impressive.

Hypertension therapy and cardiovascular protection. Effects of angiotensin II receptor block with Valsartan.

Objectives: Arterial hypertension and its pharmacological control are discussed in view of the high cardiovascular risk due to lack of target blood pressure achievement. It is, therefore, underlined the need for a highly effective therapy, able to provide protection from organ damage through a marked antihypertensive activity. In addition to this basic property, also compliance of the patient to therapy is needed, in order to avoid that the effects of therapeutic measures should result fruitless.