Endovascular treatment of acute complicated type B dissection: morphological changes at midterm follow-up.

Purpose: To review midterm results and morphological changes following endovascular treatment of acute complicated type B dissection and to study the relation between extent of dissection and treatment outcome.

Methods: Between February 2001 and March 2008, 52 patients (38 men; median age 67 years, range 40-82) received thoracic stent-grafts for acute complicated type B dissections. Outcome for those patients treated for intramural hematoma (IMH; group 1, n = 7) or type IIIa dissection (group 2, n = 17) were compared to those with type IIIb dissection (group 3, n = 28).

CD47 regulates collagen I-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression and intestinal epithelial cell migration.

Increased epithelial cell expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme is a characteristic event of both inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. We here report the novel findings that collagen I-induced de novo synthesis of COX-2 in intestinal epithelial cells is inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX) and by an inhibitory peptide selective for the heterotrimeric G alpha(i3)-protein. These findings could be explained by a regulatory involvement of the G-protein-dependent integrin-associated protein CD47.

A beta cell-specific knockout of hormone-sensitive lipase in mice results in hyperglycaemia and disruption of exocytosis.

Aims/hypothesis: The enzyme hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is produced and is active in pancreatic beta cells. Because lipids are known to play a crucial role in normal control of insulin release and in the deterioration of beta cell function, as observed in type 2 diabetes, actions of HSL in beta cells may be critical. This notion has been addressed in different lines of HSL knockout mice with contradictory results.

Thrombus embolization into IVC filters during catheter-directed thrombolysis for proximal deep venous thrombosis.

Purpose: To assess the frequency of embolization into retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters during catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and stent placement for acute iliocaval deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Methods: Serial phlebograms from 40 patients (28 women; median age 32 years) consecutively treated with CDT for DVT during a 12-year period were retrospectively evaluated for visible emboli in the IVC filter. Clinical and procedural data extracted from a prospectively maintained database were evaluated to identify predictors for embolization into the filter.

Palmitate-induced beta-cell dysfunction is associated with excessive NO production and is reversed by thiazolidinedione-mediated inhibition of GPR40 transduction mechanisms.

Background: Type 2 diabetes often displays hyperlipidemia. We examined palmitate effects on pancreatic islet function in relation to FFA receptor GPR40, NO generation, insulin release, and the PPARgamma agonistic thiazolidinedione, rosiglitazone.

Principal Findings: Rosiglitazone suppressed acute palmitate-stimulated GPR40-transduced PI hydrolysis in HEK293 cells and insulin release from MIN6c cells and mouse islets.

The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in Iceland: a retrospective population based study.

Background: Indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation have expanded considerably in recent years, resulting in steadily growing numbers of ICD recipients worldwide. The aim of this study was to review the overall experience with ICDs in Iceland.

Methods: This was a retrospective single centre study set at the University Hospital in Iceland.