Electron Leak From the Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Complex I at Site I Is Crucial for Oxygen Sensing in Rabbit and Human Ductus Arteriosus.

Background As partial pressure of oxygen (pO) rises with the first breath, the ductus arteriosus (DA) constricts, diverting blood flow to the pulmonary circulation. The DA's O sensor resides within smooth muscle cells. The DA smooth muscle cells' mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) in proportion to oxygen tension, causing vasoconstriction by regulating redox-sensitive ion channels and enzymes.

Effect of Chronic Digoxin Use on Mortality and Heart Failure Hospitalization in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Background Digoxin acutely increases cardiac output in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right ventricular failure; however, the effects of chronic digoxin use in PAH are unclear. Methods and Results Data from the Minnesota Pulmonary Hypertension Repository were used. The primary analysis used likelihood of digoxin prescription.

Reducing use of coagulation tests in a family medicine practice setting: An implementation study.

Introduction: Clinicians often order the international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) to evaluate for the possibility of inherited bleeding disorders despite sensitivities and specificities of 1%-2%. The most accurate tool to evaluate for bleeding disorders is a validated bleeding assessment tool (BAT). Our aim was to reduce coagulation testing by >50% in a large family practice in Ontario, Canada.

Using health administrative data to identify patients with pulmonary hypertension: A single center, proof of concept validation study in Ontario, Canada.

Real-world identification of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is largely based on the use of administrative databases identified by ICD codes. This approach has not been validated. The aim of this study was to validate a diagnosis of PH and its comorbidities using ICD 9/10 codes.

Shear stress and platelet-induced tensile forces regulate ADAMTS13-localization within the platelet thrombus.

Background: The multimeric glycoprotein von Willebrand factor (VWF) mediates platelet adhesion and aggregation at the site of vessel injury. The adhesive activity of VWF is influenced by its multimer length which is regulated by the metalloprotease ADAMTS13. The ability of ADAMTS13 to regulate platelet thrombus growth in a shear-dependent manner has been described, however, the mechanistic basis of this action has not been well characterized.

Clinical Determinants and Prognostic Implications of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Hypertension Caused by Chronic Lung Disease.

Background Patients with pulmonary hypertension caused by chronic lung disease (Group 3 PH ) have disproportionate right ventricle ( RV ) dysfunction, but the correlates and clinical implications of RV dysfunction in Group 3 PH are not well defined. Methods and Results We performed a cohort study of 147 Group 3 PH patients evaluated at the University of Minnesota. RV systolic function was quantified using right ventricular fractional area change ( RVFAC ) and dP /dt/instantaneous pressure.

Albuminuria, Reduced Kidney Function, and the Risk of ST - and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background Chronic kidney disease is a recognized independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but whether the risks of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction ( STEMI ) and non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction ( NSTEMI ) differ in the chronic kidney disease population is unknown. Methods and Results Using administrative data from Ontario, Canada, we examined patients ≥66 years of age with an outpatient estimated glomerular filtration rate ( eGFR ) and albuminuria measure for incident myocardial infarction from 2002 to 2015. Adjusted Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models accounting for the competing risk of death were used.