Reliability of home blood pressure monitoring: in the context of validation and accuracy.

Objective: Home blood pressure (BP) monitoring offers clinically relevant information enriched with more abundant data. However, there are few studies addressing the reliability of home BP devices and the quality of its data. This study aimed to evaluate the current status of home BP devices in terms of validation and accuracy.

Role of Triton X-100 in chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays capable of diagnosing genetic disorders.

The use of Triton X surfactants in developing 1,1'-oxalylimidazole chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays (ODI CEIs) with extended linear response range for the quantification of unconjugated estriol (uE3), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is reported for the first time. The wider linear dynamic range in ODI CLEIA results from Triton X series (e.g.

1,1'-Oxalyldiimidazole chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay capable of simultaneously sensing multiple markers.

In order to rapidly and simultaneously quantify and screen trace levels of multiple biomarkers in a single sample, rapid 1,1'-oxalyldiimidazole chemiluminescence (ODI CL) was applied as a biosensor of immunoassays using various enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and horseradish peroxidise (HRP). (1) Fluorescein was formed from the reaction of fluorescein diphosphate (FDP) and immuno-complex conjugated with ALP. (2) Resorufin was formed from the reaction between Amplex Red and H(2)O(2) in the presence of immuno-complex conjugated with HRP.

Association between plaque thickness of the thoracic aorta and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after ablation.

Background And Objectives: Several predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation have been identified, including age, type of AF, hypertension, left atrial diameter and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the atherosclerotic plaque thickness of the thoracic aorta is associated with a recurrence of AF after circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA).

Subjects And Methods: Among patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal or persistent AF, 105 consecutive (mean age 58±11 years, male : female=76 : 29) patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography and CPVA were studied.

Evidence of multiple pathways capable of emitting peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence using a charge coupled device spectrometer.

Peroxyoxalate chemiluminescence (PO-CL) spectra obtained simultaneously and continuously using a CCD spectrometer provide evidence of the complexity of PO-CL reactions.

Prognosis of heart failure patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction and coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aims: The long-term prognosis of patients with heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFPEF) and coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has not been previously investigated. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the long-term prognosis of HFPEF patients with COPD differs from that of heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF) and COPD. The secondary aim was to identify independent predictors of event-free survival in patients with HF and COPD.

Advent of innovative chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.

Using 1,1'-oxalyldiimidazole (ODI) chemiluminescence detection, a new chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) was developed to quantify prostate specific antigen (PSA) in human serum. The results observed in ODI CLEIA were compared with those obtained in commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), and luminol CLEIA. PSA complex-conjugated horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was formed from one-step sandwich immunoreaction of PSA, PSA primary antibody and PSA secondary antibody-conjugated HRP for 15 min in a strip-well at 36.

Effect of Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor blockers on patients following ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Background And Objectives: It is known that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ACEIs and ARBs, respectively) are effective in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF) in high-risk patients. However, it is not known whether ACEIs and ARBs are effective in preventing the recurrence of AF after catheter ablation.

Subjects And Methods: One hundred fifty-two patients (mean age, 57+/-10 years; M : F=94 : 58) who underwent catheter ablation due to drug-refractory paroxysmal (mean age, 57+/-10 years; M : F=58 : 43) or persistent AF (mean age, 56+/-10 years; M : F=36 : 15) were enrolled.

Death caused by simultaneous subacute stent thrombosis of sirolimus-eluting stents in left anterior descending artery and left circumflex artery.

Simultaneous drug-eluting stent thrombosis in multivessel disease is a low incidence, but could cause lethal clinical event. We report a case with death caused by simultaneous subacute stent thrombosis of sirolimus-eluting stents in the proximal left anterior descending artery and in the proximal left circumflex artery.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation and nerve growth factor concentration in humans.

Background: In animal models, expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) is increased after necrotic myocardial injury. Whether radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation increases NGF expression in humans is unclear.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine NGF concentrations in the aorta, coronary sinus, and peripheral veins before and after RF ablation in patients.