miR-20b-5p attenuates hypoxia-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes via the HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway.

Chronic hypoxia is a common inducer of end-stage cardiovascular disease. In cells under hypoxia, the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a vital role in regulating downstream target genes. However, the mechanism of hypoxia in cardiomyocytes is still unclear.

Training of cardiac surgeons for Bosnia and Herzegovina: outcomes in coronary bypass grafting surgery.

Background: Bosnia and Herzegovina did not have invasive cardiac diagnosis or cardiac surgery before the recent war. With assistance from the United States and Norway, a cardiovascular clinic was developed. This study reports center-specific and surgeon-specific clinical outcomes.

Carotid artery stenting: experience of a single institute in china.

Concern regarding the safety of Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) exists because of the risk of cerebral embolization during the procedure. The purpose of this article is to discuss that technology modification may improve the outcomes of this procedure. Between October 1997 and October 2004, 439 consecutive patients with 478 stenotic carotid arteries were treated.

Miniaturization of a biomedical gas sensor.

In a previous study, we concluded that a conductivity based PCO2 sensor is an attractive solution for early detection of ischemia and presented two design geometries. For organ surface measurements, the planar design was suitable but it was difficult to insert the sensor into the tissue. A cylindrical design solution was favored for insertion due to the large membrane contact area and easy placement in a medical catheter.

Validation of estimated 3D temperature maps during hepatic cryo surgery.

A simple model for estimating temperature distribution within the frozen region during cryo ablation was tested for accuracy. Freezing experiments were conducted in both ex vivo and in vivo porcine livers. Temperature was measured during freezing using a fiber-optic temperature sensor.

Laparoscopic and open surgery for pheochromocytoma.

Background: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a promising alternative to open surgery although concerns exist in regard to laparoscopic treatment of pheocromocytoma. This report compares the outcome of laparoscopic and conventional (open) resection for pheocromocytoma particular in regard to intraoperative hemodynamic stability and postoperative patient comfort.

Methods: Seven patients laparoscopically treated (1997-2000) and nine patients treated by open resection (1990-1996) at the National Hospital (Rikshospitalet), Oslo.

MRI-guided celiac plexus block.

Celiac plexus block is used as a palliative procedure in cases of severe upper abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis or tumors of the pancreas. It can be guided by bony landmarks, fluoroscopy, ultrasound (US), or computed tomography (CT). To avoid severe complications, methods visualizing soft tissue, like CT and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, are preferable.