Validation of the fully automated Pangao PG-800B68 upper-arm device according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010.

Objective: This study aimed to validate the fully automated Pangao PG-800B68 upper-arm device according to the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol (ESH-IP) revision 2010.

Materials And Methods: Sequential measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were obtained in 33 participants using the standard mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device. The ESH-IP revision 2010 was followed precisely and 99 pairings of test device and reference blood pressure measurements were obtained for analysis.

Feasibility and effect of para-right bundle branch pacing in patients with atrial fibrillation and complete atrioventricular block.

Background: Chronic right ventricular apex (RVA) pacing can induce negative clinical effects. The aim of the present study was to compare RVA pacing with para-right bundle branch (para-RBB) pacing in terms of electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiographic (ECHO) features.

Methods: Forty-one consecutive persistent atrial fibrillation patients with an indication for permanent pacing treatment due to complete atrioventricular block were randomly assigned to receive a screw-in lead either in the RVA (n = 22) or at the para-RBB (n = 19).

Red blood cell distribution width and long-term outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in the drug-eluting stenting era: a two-year cohort study.

Background: Previous studies suggest the higher the red blood cell distribution width (RDW) the greater the risk of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the relationship between RDW and long-term outcome in CAD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with a drug-eluting stent (DES) remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the long-term effect of RDW in patients treated with drug-eluting stent for CAD.

Plaque characteristics and serum pregnancy-associated plasma protein A levels predict the no-reflow phenomenon after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between serum plasma pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and coronary plaque characteristics, and their prognostic value for coronary no-reflow after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: Patients with unstable angina undergoing PCI were divided into a normal reflow group and a no-reflow group after stent deployment. Coronary blood flow was measured angiographically; plaque components were detected by virtual histology intravascular ultrasound.

[Mesenchymal stem cells implantation increases the myofibroblasts congregating in infarct region in a rat model of myocardial infarction].

Objective: To investigate the modulation effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) implantation on the myofibroblasts congregating in the infarct region after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods: MI was induced in SD rats by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, and the experimental animals were assigned randomly into the sham group, MI + PBS group and MI + MSC group (myocardial injection of 0.1 ml 2×10(7)/ml in four locations in the infarct region).

Effect of the composition of atherosclerotic plaques and rate of platelet aggregation on elevation of serum levels of cardiac troponin T after percutaneous coronary interventions.

Purpose: Elevation of the levels of myocardial biomarkers after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has prognostic value in patients with coronary heart disease. We explored the relationship between elevation of the serum level of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) after PCI and platelet aggregation rate and coronary plaque composition.

Methods: Eighty patients with unstable angina pectoris underwent PCI and were divided into two groups according to serum cTnT level 24 hours after PCI: group I (cTnT ≥2 times the normal level) and group II (cTnT <2 times the normal level).

[Dural modulation effects of mesenchymal stem cells implantation on myocardial collagen remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction].

Objective: To investigate the modulation effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implantation on the collagen remodeling in myocardial infarction.

Methods: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced in SD rats by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, and the animals were assigned randomly into the Sham group, MI + PBS group and MI + MSCs group. Echocardiography and hemodynamic examinations were performed to evaluate the cardiac function.