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Background: Individuals with severe motor and intellectual disabilities have become an aging population, and high cancer morbidity and mortality are critical issues affecting their survival. Cancer screening is a crucial method of resolving this issue; however, a suitable screening method for them has not been established. Methods: We used ultrasonography alone and performed breast cancer screening for women over 30 years old in our facility from 2016 to 2023. We observed the outcomes and calculated the recall/detection rate in this screening. Results: Three cases among 379 tested positive in this screening, all of which underwent radical surgery. They are alive and well without relapse present. We detected these breast cancer cases with a low recall rate. Conclusion: We were able to successfully detect breast cancer cases using ultrasonography alone. Ultrasonography is an effective and feasible tool for breast cancer screening in individuals with severe motor and intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus shows resistance to neutralizing antibody, it retains susceptibility to the cellular immune response. Here we characterize vaccine-induced T cells specific for various SARS-CoV-2 variants and identified HLA-A*24:02-restricted CD8+ T cells that strongly suppress Omicron BA.1 replication in vitro. Mutagenesis analyses revealed that a G446S mutation, located just outside the N-terminus of the cognate epitope, augmented TCR recognition of this variant. In contrast, no enhanced suppression of replication is observed against cells infected with the prototype, Omicron BA.2, and Delta variants that express G446. The enhancing effect of the G446S mutation is lost when target cells are treated with inhibitors of tripeptidyl peptidase II, a protein that mediates antigen processing. These ex vivo analysis and in vitro results demonstrate that the G446S mutation in the Omicron BA.1 variant affects antigen processing/presentation and potentiates antiviral activity by vaccine-induced T cells, leading to enhanced T cell recognition towards emerging variants. Mutations in the spike of SARS-CoV-2 can result in the escape of the neutralising antibody response but may retain susceptibility to the cellular immune response. Here the authors show the G446S mutation in the spike protein of Omicron BA.1 is associated with altered antigen presentation and potentiates activation of specific T cell immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endovascular treatment (EVT) is the main treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD). Despite advances in device development, the restenosis rate remains high in patients with femoropopliteal lesions (FP). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise training in reducing the 1-year in-stent restenosis rate of bare metal nitinol stents for FPs. This prospective, randomized, open-label, multicenter study was conducted from January 2017 to March 2019. We randomized 44 patients who had claudication with de novo stenosis or occlusion of the FP into an intensive exercise group (n = 22) and non-intensive exercise group (n = 22). Non-intensive exercise was defined as walking for less than 30 min per session, fewer than three times a week. We assessed exercise tolerance using an activity meter at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and physiotherapists ensured maintenance of exercise quality every month. The primary endpoint was instant restenosis defined as a peak systolic velocity ratio > 2.5 on duplex ultrasound imaging. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate the data. There were no significant differences in background characteristics between the groups. Six patients dropped out of the study within 1 year. In terms of the primary endpoint, intensive exercise significantly improved the patency rate of bare nitinol stents at 12 months. The 1-year freedom from in-stent restenosis rates were 81.3% in the intensive exercise group and 47.6% in the non-intensive exercise group (p = 0.043). No cases of stent fracture were observed in the intensive exercise group. Intensive exercise is safe and reduces in-stent restenosis in FP lesions after endovascular therapy for PAD. Clinical trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (No. UMIN 000025259). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drug-eluting stents (DESs) play an important role in endovascular therapy (EVT) for femoropopliteal (FP) lesions. Cilostazol improves patency after bare-metal nitinol stent (BNS) implantation for femoropopliteal lesions. This study aimed to establish whether cilostazol is effective in improving the patency of DESs and determine whether BNS or DESs with or without cilostazol are more effective in improving the 12-month patency after EVT for FP lesions. Materials and methods: In this prospective, open-label, multicenter study, 85 patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease due to de novo FP lesions were enrolled and treated with DESs with cilostazol from eight cardiovascular centers between April 2018 and May 2019. They were compared with 255 patients from the DEBATE SFA study, in which patients were randomly assigned to the BNS, BNS with cilostazol, or DES groups. The primary endpoint was the 12-month patency rate using duplex ultrasound (peak systolic velocity ratio < 2.5). This study was approved by the ethics committee of each hospital. Results: The 12-month patency rates for the BNS, BNS with cilostazol, DES, and DES with cilostazol groups were 77.6%, 93.1%, 82.8%, and 94.2%, respectively (p = 0.007). The 12-month patency rate was higher in the DES with cilostazol group than in the DES group (p = 0.044). In small vessels, the DES with cilostazol group had a higher patency rate than the DES group (100.0% vs. 83.4%, p = 0.023). Conclusions: DES with cilostazol showed better patency than DES alone. Cilostazol improved patency after EVT with DES in FP lesions and small vessels. Clinical trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (no. UMIN 000032473). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the J-SUPREME (J-S) and J-SUPREME II (J-SII) trials was to evaluate the performance of the Jetstream Atherectomy System for the treatment of Japanese patients with symptomatic occlusive atherosclerotic lesions in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. Materials and Methods: The J-S and J-SII trials were both prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trials. Patients in J-S underwent Jetstream atherectomy followed by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), whereas those in J-SII had adjunctive drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment following atherectomy. Patients were adults with Rutherford category 2, 3, or 4 and had stenotic, restenotic, or occlusive lesion(s) with a degree of stenosis ≥70 in the superficial femoral artery and/or proximal popliteal artery. In J-S, lesions were required to be calcified, and in J-SII lesions were required to be severely calcified. Results: A total of 50 patients were enrolled in J-S (mean age 72.3±8.7 years, lesion length 82.0±41.5 mm, 36% calcification PACSS Grade 3, 22% Grade 4) and 31 patients in J-SII (mean age 72.5±7.7 years, lesion length 122.6±55.6 mm, 19.4% calcification PACSS Grade 3, 77.4% Grade 4). No bailout stenting or bypass conversions were required. No major adverse events (MAEs) were reported for either trial through 1 month. The 6-month primary patency for J-S, with PTA alone following atherectomy, was 40.4% (19/47). The 6-month primary patency for J-SII, with DCB treatment following atherectomy, was 96.7% (29/30). At 6-month post-procedure, 79.2% (38/48) of patients in J-S, and 100% (30/30) of patients in J-SII had improved by at least 1 Rutherford category. Conclusion: J-SUPREME trial results demonstrate procedural safety and efficacy of the Jetstream Atherectomy System and J-SII showed sustained patency through 6 months following combination treatment with Jetstream atherectomy and DCB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

mRNA-based vaccines have been used globally to eradicate the coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccine efficacy and adverse reactions depend on immune responses, such as proinflammatory cytokine production and lymphocyte activation. We conducted a prospective cohort study to investigate relationships among specific antibody titers, adverse reactions, proinflammatory cytokine production, and immune-regulatory microRNA (miRNA) levels in serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) after COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2). Local adverse reactions after the second dose, such as local pain and swelling, were less correlated with those of systemic symptoms, such as fever and muscle pain, whereas serum TNF-α levels were associated with systemic adverse reactions and with specific antibody titers. Interestingly, EV miR-92a-2-5p levels in sera were negatively correlated with degrees of adverse reactions, and EV miR-148a levels were associated with specific antibody titers. Our data suggest a potential of circulating EV miRNAs as biomarkers for vaccine efficacy and adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report the 3-year results of Innova™ stent implantation for the treatment of femoropopliteal (FP) lesions in a real-world setting. Methods: This single-arm, retrospective, multicenter clinical study analyzed 481 lesions from 453 consecutive patients with symptomatic peripheral artery diseases (Rutherford category 1–6) who underwent endovascular therapy with implantation of Innova™ self-expanding nitinol stent for FP lesions. The primary outcome measure was the 3-year restenosis rate based on doppler-ultrasound or angiographic criteria. The secondary outcome measures included the rates of 3-year major amputation and major adverse limb events. Results: Restenosis following Innova™ implantation was found in 61% of the cases at 3 years. At the end of 3 years, the rates of major amputations and major adverse limb events were 3 and 31%, respectively. In cases free from restenosis at 1 year, no predictive factors for restenosis at 3 years could be determined. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated mid-term clinical outcomes after Innova™ stent implantation for the treatment of FP lesions in a real-world population. The Innova™ stent demonstrated acceptable clinical outcomes in a real-world setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease is a prognostic factor for cardiovascular disease. Worsening renal function (WRF), specifically, is an important predictor of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluate the prognostic impact of mid-term WRF after PCI on future cardiovascular events. We examined the renal function data of 1086 patients in the first year after PCI using the SHINANO 5-year registry. Patients were divided into two groups, mid-term WRF and non-mid-term WRF, and primary outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death. Mid-term WRF was defined as an increase in creatinine (≥ 0.3 mg/dL) in the first year after PCI. Mid-term WRF was found in 101 patients (9.3%), and compared to non-mid-term WRF, it significantly increased the incidence of MACE (p < 0.001), and all-cause death (p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (p = 0.001). Furthermore, mid-term WRF patients had higher incidence of future heart failure (p < 0.001) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (p = 0.01). Patients with both mid-term WRF and chronic kidney disease had increased MACE compared to patients with either condition alone (p < 0.001). Similarly, patients with mid-term WRF and acute kidney injury had increased MACE compared to patients with either condition alone (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed mid-term WRF as a strong predictor of MACE (hazard ratio: 2.50, 95% confidence interval 1.57–3.98, p < 0.001). Mid-term WRF after PCI negatively affects MACE, as well as future admission due to heart failure and new-onset atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and acute kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to differentiate between TINU syndrome and sarcoidosis in young people with renal abnormalities and ocular lesions. Since the spontaneous prognosis of interstitial nephritis is different between the two, it was considered necessary to actively conduct tests for differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A strong association exists between diabetes mellitus and critical limb ischemia. Methods and Results: We performed endovascular therapy on 1060 limbs in 884 patients with below knee lesions only. The patients were divided into diabetes (DG) and nondiabetes groups (NDG). Limb salvage was poorer in the DG (79% vs 89%, P =.0061). No significant difference was observed in mortality, amputation-free survival (AFS), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). Multivariate analysis revealed diabetes status, infection, poor activity of daily living (ADL), younger age, and procedure failure as independent predictors of major amputation in DG. In the NDG, procedure failure was the predictor, and younger age and poor ADL showed tendency of major amputation. Conclusions: Mortality, AFS, and TVR showed no significant difference between the 2 groups, but major amputation was more frequent in DG. Not only revascularization but also infection and diabetes control were very important for limb salvage in DG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate the innate immune responses, such as the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines after vaccination can cause local adverse reactions, such as pain, itching, swelling, and redness. Previous studies have shown that circulating EV miR-451a regulates innate immune responses, and miR-451a levels in serum EVs are negatively correlated with the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression levels in response to the influenza vaccine. Since excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production is a cause of the local adverse reactions to vaccination, we investigated whether miR-451a levels in serum EVs correlate with local symptoms at the vaccination site, such as pain, itching, swelling, and redness. Interestingly, miR-451a levels in serum EVs were inversely correlated with the number of symptoms after vaccination. We determined the level of several other immune-regulatory miRNAs in serum EVs. Using the immune-regulatory miRNA levels of miR-22, miR-29a, miR-451a, and miR-107, we calculated a normalized miRNA level for each healthy donor and found that the normalized miRNA levels were significantly correlated with the number of local symptoms after vaccination. Our data indicated that immune-regulatory miRNA levels in serum EVs can be used as biomarkers to assess local symptoms after influenza vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reef aorta is rare type of atherosclerotic diseases with severe calcification in the visceral part of the aorta. We present a case of coral reef aorta with severe abdominal aortic stenosis in a 67-year-old man. The patient presented with hypertension, claudication, and rapid progression of renal dysfunction over several months. Angiography revealed a severely stenotic suprarenal abdominal aorta resulting in renal ischemia and dysfunction. In addition, his right kidney was completely atrophied. After open surgical repair of the stenotic aorta including renal artery reconstruction, renal function did not improve. There was stenotic anastomosis to the renal artery. After endovascular therapy to the stenotic anastomosis, renal function dramatically improved. Stenotic coral reef aorta may be the cause of kidney dysfunction. In addition, surgical complication of stenotic anastomosis may be successfully treated by endovascular therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the impact of endovascular therapy (EVT) on inflammatory cytokine levels and its relationship with in-stent restenosis in patients with peripheral artery disease. The study prospectively enrolled 35 patients with intermittent claudication who underwent EVT of the iliofemoral artery. Levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and at 2 hours, 4 hours, and 3 months after EVT. All cytokine levels increased significantly after EVT (IL-6 [pg/mL]: from 1.51 [0.84-1.93] before EVT to 6.97 [4.05-20.41] at 2 hours and 13.29 [4.57-31.88] at 4 hours; MCP-1 [pg/mL]: from 326.65 [265.60-406.55] before EVT to 411.18 [341.21-566.27] at 2 hours and 519.36 [383.58-644.85] at 4 hours; TNF-α [pg/mL]: from 1.08 [0.77-1.29] before EVT to 1.25 [0.94-1.81] at 2 hours and 1.27 [0.95-1.59] at 4 hours, all P < .001). However, cytokine levels did not differ significantly between lesions with and without in-stent restenosis. Overall, our results suggest that EVT significantly increases IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α levels in the ischemic leg, but this effect is not associated with a higher rate of in-stent restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the 1-year outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for elderly patients (aged ≥ 80 years) in the second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era. Methods and Results: Between August 2012 and July 2013, 1923 consecutive patients (mean age, 71 ± 11 years; ≥80 years, 23%; men, 77%) who underwent 2250 elective/urgent PCI procedures were enrolled in the Shinshu Prospective Multicenter Analysis for Elderly Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention registry. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs; cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) at 1 year. The 1-year incidence of MACEs, cardiac death, and stroke was significantly higher in elderly patients than in nonelderly patients (12.4% vs 5.3%, P < .0001; 7.8% vs 2.2%, P < .0001; and 2.8% vs 1.3%, P = .033, respectively). However, no significant difference in elective PCI procedures was detected. In elderly patients, the incidence of cardiac death and target lesion revascularization was significantly lower for DES than for non-DES (2.7% vs 10.5%, P = .0001 and 4.1% vs 8.6%, P = .029, respectively). Conclusion: Although elderly patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than younger patients, the adverse events rate was comparable in those patients who underwent elective PCI in the second-generation DES era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the mid-term outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo coronary stenting in the second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) era. We evaluated the 1-year outcomes of AF patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with second-generation DES. This retrospective cohort analysis used integrated data from the SHINANO registry, a prospective observational multicenter cohort study, which enrolled 1923 consecutive patients undergoing PCI for any coronary artery disease. We retrospectively recruited 917 of these patients (mean age, 71.3 ± 10.0 years; male, 77 %) who received PCI with 2nd generation DES. The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical events (NACE: cardiac death, stroke, MI, stent thrombosis, and major bleeding) at 1 year. The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiac death, stroke, and MI), stroke, MI, and major bleeding at 1 year. One-year follow-up was completed in 871 (94.9 %) patients, of whom 85 had AF. The incidence of NACE (15.4 vs. 7.3 %, P = 0.008), MACE (10.6 vs. 5.4 %, P = 0.047), and major bleeding (6.0 vs. 2.3 %, P = 0.049) were all significantly higher in AF compared to non-AF patients. On multivariate analysis, AF was an independent predictor of NACE (HR 2.32, 95 % CI 1.24-4.34, P = 0.008). In the second-generation DES era, patients with AF undergoing PCI still have a poorer prognosis, with more thrombotic and bleeding events, than those without AF. More attention should be paid to the thrombotic and bleeding risk in AF patients undergoing PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The admission shock index (SI) enables prediction of short-term prognosis. This study investigated the prognostic implications of admission SI for predicting long-term prognoses for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The participants were 680 patients with AMI who received percutaneous coronary intervention. Shock index is the ratio of heart rate and systolic blood pressure. Patients were classified as admission SI <0.66 (normal) and ≥0.66 (elevated; 75th percentile). The end point was 5-year major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Elevated admission SI was seen in 176 patients. Peak creatine kinase levels were significantly higher and left ventricular ejection fraction was lower in the elevated SI group, which had a worse MACEs. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, SI ≥0.66 was a risk factor for MACE. Elevated admission SI was associated with poorer long-term prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although there is increasing evidence of the effectiveness of endovascular therapy for complex aortoiliac (AI) occlusive disease, it is not universally applied to TASC D lesions. Methods: A total of 2096 patients, 2601 limbs with AI occlusive disease, were enrolled. The lesions were categorized as TASC D (395) or TASC A-C (2206), and we compared baseline data, procedure, and follow-up result between the 2 groups. Results: The success rate of the procedure was significantly lower in the TASC D group (91.6% vs 99.3%, P < .01), and more procedure complications occurred in the TASC D group (11.1% vs 5.2%, P < .01). The results of a 5-year follow-up revealed no significant difference in primary patency (77.9% vs 77.1%, P = .17) and major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLE; 30.5% vs 33.4%, P = .42) between the 2 groups. A multivariate analysis revealed complications and critical limb ischemia are independent predictors of MACLE in the TASC D group. Conclusion: The success rate of the procedure was lower in the TASC D group. Complications were more frequent in the TASC D group, and they were related to MACLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of beta-blockers therapy has been recommended to reduce mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), which has become the mainstay of treatment for AMI, is associated with a lower mortality than fibrinolysis. The benefits of beta-blockers after primary PCI in AMI patients without pump failure are unclear. We hypothesized that oral beta-blocker therapy after primary PCI might reduce the mortality in AMI patients without pump failure. The assessment of lipophilic vs. hydrophilic statin therapy in acute myocardial infarction (ALPS-AMI) study was a multi-center study that enrolled 508 AMI patients to compare the efficacy of hydrophilic and lipophilic statins in secondary prevention after myocardial infarction. We prospectively tracked cardiovascular events for 3 years in 444 ALPS-AMI patients (median age 66 years; 18.2 % women) who had Killip class 1 on admission and were discharged alive. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The 3-year follow-up was completed in 413 patients (93.0 %). During this follow-up, 21 patients (4.7 %) died. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients on beta-blockers had a significantly lower incidence of all-cause mortality (2.7 vs. 7.3 %, log-rank p = 0.025). After adjusting for the calculated propensity score for using beta-blockers, their use remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.309; 95 % confidence interval 0.116-0.824; p = 0.019). In the statin era, the use of beta-blocker therapy after primary PCI is associated with lower mortality in AMI patients with Killip class 1 on admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) have abnormalities of calcium-phosphate (CaP) homeostasis and high CaP product contributes to atherosclerosis pathogenesis and adverse events. Patients on HD with critical limb ischemia (CLI) are at risk for major amputation and death because of advanced systemic atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between CaP product and amputation-free survival (AFS) in CLI after endovascular treatment (EVT). We retrospectively analyzed 221 CLI patients on HD. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, AFS was significantly lower in patients with CaP product ⩾55 mg2/dL2 compared to those with CaP product <55 mg2/dL2 (54.3% vs 78.5%, p = 0.002). However, neither serum phosphate nor calcium levels were individually associated with AFS. In multivariate analysis, CaP product ⩾55 mg2/dL2 was an independent predictor for AFS in CLI patients on HD (hazard ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.78–5.15; p-value <0.001). We concluded abnormal CaP homeostasis was associated with lower AFS after EVT in CLI patients on HD, and can serve for their risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although skin perfusion pressure (SPP) is widely used clinically to predict probability of wound healing, correlation between clinical outcomes and SPP has not been systematically studied. Methods: This subanalysis of the prospective multicenter OLIVE registry of patients who received infrainguinal endovascular therapy (EVT) for critical limb ischemia (CLI) assessed the association between clinical outcomes and postoperative SPP in 211 consecutive patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with amputation-free survival (AFS), modified major adverse limb events (MALEs), and complete wound healing as dependent variables and postprocedural SPP as independent variable. Result: Pre- and postprocedural SPP was 28 ± 11 and 46 ± 18 mm Hg, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, postprocedural SPP correlated with 1-year AFS (P = .018), modified MALEs (P < .001), and wound healing (P = .022). Conclusion: Postprocedural SPP correlates with clinical outcomes after EVT for patients with CLI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal period to achieve target percent reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level for secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not well established. Methods: The Assessment of Lipophilic vs. Hydrophilic Statin Therapy in AMI (ALPS-AMI) study enrolled 508 patients (mean age, 66.0± 11.6 years; 80.6% male) who were hospitalized for AMI and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Of these patients, 81 were excluded because of the absence of LDL-C measurements at 4 weeks after randomization. In the remaining 427 patients, the target LDL-C level reduction of ≥30% was achieved and not reached within 4 weeks after randomization in 204 cases (early reduction group) and 223 cases (late reduction group). The groups were formed prospectively and analyzed with regard to the composite end point (major adverse cardiovascular event [MACE]: all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and stroke) and clinical outcomes. Results: MACE were significantly more frequent in the late reduction group compared to the early reduction group (9.4% vs. 3.4%, P = 0.013). The incidence of cardiac deaths was also significantly higher in the late reduction group (3.1% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.044). On age-adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis in statin-naïve patients, percent reduction of LDL-C level during the initial 4 weeks (HR, 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, P = 0.042) and baseline LDL-C level (HR, 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97–0.99, P = 0.033) predicted adverse events. Conclusions: Rapid reduction of LDL-C level is strongly associated with favorable outcome in patients with AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to determine whether serial measurements of oxidative stress levels could serve as a predictive marker for cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Biological antioxidant potential (BAP) levels were measured at admission and at 6, 12, and 24 months in 69 patients with STEMI. The CV events abruptly increased 6 to 10 months after successful percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with STEMI, and the 6-month BAP levels were significantly lower in patients with CV events (2456 μmol/L [interquartile range: 2237-2615 μmol/L]) than in those without (2849 μmol/L [2575-2987 μmol/L], P < .001). A decreased 6-month BAP level was an independent and significant predictor of long-term CV events (hazard ratio = 2.45; 95% confidence intervals 1.10-5.78; P = .04). Our findings suggest that serial changes in antioxidant capacity, assessed by BAP levels, may serve as a predictive marker for CV events after STEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although limb salvage rate has improved in critical limb ischemia (CLI), an improvement in CLI prognosis has been scarcely reported. Multidisciplinary therapy (MT) including revascularization, wound bed preparation, treatment of comorbidity, and education of patients with CLI may improve prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of MT in prognostic improvement. We retrospectively analyzed 72 patients with CLI and assessed whether MT improved prognosis. The incidence of amputation-free survival (freedom from major amputation [MA] and death) was significantly different between the MT and conventional groups at 2 years (0% vs 33%; P = .024). After multivariate analysis, transfusion (hazard ratio [HR] 5.778; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.372-14.073; P < .001), multivessel coronary disease (HR 3.353; 95% CI, 1.309-8.590; P = .012), and C-reactive protein >5 mg/dL (HR 3.958; 95% CI, 1.359-11.531; P = .012) were independent predictors for MA or death. We concluded that MT was effective in improved mortality and limb salvage rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the relationship between J waves and the ventricular morphology and function using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) of 105 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac MRI were reviewed, and those with signs of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, complete left bundle branch block, complete right bundle branch block, or chronic atrial fibrillation, where the J wave is difficult to distinguish, were excluded. The ECGs of the remaining 68 patients were analyzed for the presence of J waves. Ventricular morphologic abnormalities were identified on MRI, based on the largest short-axis diameter in the right and left ventricles ( d-RV/ d-LV), the area ( a-RV/ a-LV), and the ratio RV/LV. The percentage contraction of the RV (PC-RV) was used as a measure of ventricular function. Thirty-two patients (47.0 %) had J waves defined as QRS-ST junction elevation >0.1 mV from baseline in the inferior/lateral leads (J group; 56 ± 15 years; 19 males). Thirty-six patients (53.0 %) did not present J waves (NJ group; 58 ± 15 years; 27 males). The d-RV and a-RV in the J group were larger than those in the NJ group (41 ± 5.2 vs 36 ± 6.6 mm, P = 0.002 and 14 ± 2.9 vs 12 ± 3.4 cm, P = 0.022, respectively). The RV/LV ratio in the J group was larger than that in the NJ group (0.83 ± 0.15 vs 0.68 ± 0.15, P < 0.001). The PC-RV in the J group was smaller than that in the NJ group (0.28 ± 0.14 vs 0.36 ± 0.15, P = 0.013). J-wave amplitude was correlated positively with d-RV ( P = 0.010) and negatively with PC-RV ( P = 0.005). These results suggested that J waves are associated with right ventricular morphologic and functional abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The impact of long-acting calcium channel blocker ( CCB) administration on serial changes in left ventricular ( LV) function and morphology in hypertensive patients with LV hypertrophy remains unclear. This study attempted to clarify this impact by comparing the effects of administration of azelnidipine with that of amlodipine using conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography. Methods An equal number (16) of 32 hypertensive patients was prospectively assigned to a group administered 5 mg of amlodipine/day or a group administered 16 mg of azelnidipine/day. LV function and morphology was examined by conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment initiation. Results Both groups were found to have experienced a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure by 1 month after treatment initiation; a significant reduction in septal thickness and LV mass index at 6 and 12 months. Transmitral flow E/A ratio and early diastolic mitral annular velocity at lateral wall significantly improved at 12 months. On the other hand, a significant improvement of global longitudinal strain was observed earlier than the above indexes at 3, 6, and 12 months. Ar-A duration difference was significantly decreased at 3 months. The global circumferential strain improved significantly at 3 months, but there were no significant changes in mid-/apical circumferential and radial strains throughout the study period. Conclusion Azelnidipine has beneficial effects on LV mass regression, transmitral flow, tissue Doppler, and LV longitudinal strain that are comparable to those of amlodipine on the same parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the impact of angiosome-oriented revascularization on clinical outcomes in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients excluding those with both diabetes and wound infection. Methods: Using a retrospective multicenter database, a propensity score matching analysis was performed of 539 consecutive CLI patients (375 men; mean age 71 ± 11 years) without concurrent wound infection and diabetes who underwent balloon angioplasty of isolated infrapopliteal lesions. Propensity score matching produced 2 groups of 182 patients each who underwent angiosome-oriented direct revascularization (123 men; mean age 72 ± 11 years) or indirect revascularization (125 men; mean age 72 ± 11 years). The groups were compared for wound healing rate, freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE), and amputation-free survival (AFS). Results: In the overall population, indirect revascularization was performed in 36.6% (n=197). In the propensity matching analysis, the complete wound healing rate at 12 months was higher in the direct group than the indirect revascularization patients (75% vs. 64%, p=0.01), while freedom from MALE (p=0.99) and AFS (p=0.17) were not significantly different at up to 24 months. In multivariate analysis, indirect revascularization had an independent negative impact on wound healing (adjusted hazard ratio 0.7, p=0.008). Conclusion: After propensity matching analysis for CLI patients other than those with both diabetes and wound infection, the wound healing rate was higher after direct revascularization than after indirect revascularization, whereas MALE and AFS were not significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine in claudicant patients with aortoiliac lesions the relationship between the post-exercise ankle-brachial index (ABI) and the peripheral fractional flow reserve (p-FFR), a physiological test that has heretofore been used to assess coronary and renal artery stenosis. Methods: Sixteen male patients (mean age 68.1 ± 7.5 years) with isolated iliac artery lesions detected by ultrasound in 17 limbs were enrolled in this study. Resting ABI was measured and a treadmill test was administered to measure the post-exercise ABI. During angiography, the p-FFR was measured using a pressure guidewire after administration of papaverine to induce hyperemia. Changes in the ABI during exercise and p-FFR at hyperemia were calculated. Results: The mean resting ABI and post-exercise ABI were 0.87 ± 0.12 and 0.65 ± 0.24, respectively. There was no complication during the measurement of p-FFR. The mean p-FFR at hyperemia was 0.71 ± 0.14. A significant linear correlation was observed between post-exercise ABI and p-FFR at hyperemia (r=0.857, p<0.001), which was stronger than the correlation between post-exercise ABI and peak-to-peak pressure gradient at hyperemia (r=-0.626, p=0.013). Conclusions: Measuring p-FFR appears to be a feasible and safe procedure, and there is a significant linear correlation between post-exercise ABI and p-FFR in aortoiliac lesions. The p-FFR was more accurate than a peak-to-peak pressure gradient in assessing the physiological significance of a stenosis. Though larger studies are required, p-FFR might be used to physiologically assess stenosis in PAD patients with isolated aortoiliac lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Importance of fatty acid components and imbalances has emerged in coronary heart disease. In this study, we analyzed fatty acids and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in a Japanese cohort. Methods: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) was diagnosed in 101 patients by ABI ≤0.90 and/or by angiography. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and components of serum fatty acids were examined in all patients (mean age 73.2±0.9 years; 81 males), and compared with those in 373 age- and sex-matched control subjects with no evidence of PAD. Results: The presence of PAD (mean ABI: 0.71±0.02) was independently associated with low levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85–0.96; P = 0.002), eicosapentaenoic acid∶arachidonic acid (EPA∶AA) ratio (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17–0.86; P = 0.021), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96–0.98; P<0.0001), and with a high hemoglobin A1c level (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.06–1.69; P = 0.013). Individuals with lower levels of GLA (≤7.95 µg/mL) and a lower EPA∶AA ratio (≤0.55) had the lowest ABI (0.96±0.02, N = 90), while the highest ABI (1.12±0.01, N = 78) was observed in individuals with higher values of both GLA and EPA∶AA ratio (P<0.0001). Conclusion: A low level of GLA and a low EPA∶AA ratio are independently associated with the presence of PAD. Specific fatty acid abnormalities and imbalances could lead to new strategies for risk stratification and prevention in PAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify predictors of the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with planned surgery for aortic aneurysms, we reviewed clinical profiles and angiography records of 191 patients with aortic aneurysms (34 thoracic, 137 abdominal, and 20 thoracoabdominal; 162 men; mean age, 75.2 ± 7.7 years). The incidence of CAD was 38.7% among all the patients. Patients with CAD had significantly low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as compared with patients without CAD (45 ± 9 vs 51 ± 13 mg/dL; P = .009). Multivariate analysis showed that only low HDL-C levels were associated with the presence of CAD (adjusted odds ratio, 0.946; 95% confidence interval, 0.911-0.983; P = .004). The optimal cutoff level of HDL-C to predict CAD was 47.50 mg/dL. The CAD is common in patients with aortic aneurysms, and low levels of HDL-C are independently associated with the presence of CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal artery stenting is expected to improve or stabilize renal function. However, the efficacy of renal artery stenting in severely reduced renal function is unclear. We evaluated 23 patients with class IV or V renal dysfunction who were treated for renal artery stenosis between 2004 and 2009. Improvement in renal function was found in 7 (30%) patients, all of whom were treated with distal protection device. Deterioration of renal function was found in 4 (17%) cases. In these 4 cases, distal protection device could not be used for anatomical reasons. The use of distal protection device was associated with significantly less renal deterioration after the procedure (P < .05, odds ratio 0.21 [confidence interval 0.09-0.50]). Renal artery stenting can stabilize or improve renal function in patients with severe renal dysfunction. Distal protection devices may be beneficial in patients who require renal artery stenting due to severely reduced renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose : To report long-term outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) for aortoiliac bifurcation lesions. Methods : Patients enrolled in the multicenter REtrospective AnaLysis of Aorto-Iliac stenting (REAL-AI) registry in Japan were pooled. Of 2096 patients who underwent EVT for de novo aortoiliac disease between January 2005 and December 2009, 190 patients (148 men; mean age 70±9 years) had aortoiliac bifurcation lesions that were treated with stents, whose configuration (single, V, or kissing) and type (balloon-expandable or self-expanding) were subjected to regression analysis to determine any impact on primary patency along with other demographic, clinical, and lesion characteristics, including Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II C/D classification. The primary endpoints were restenosis and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary endpoints were all-cause death, major cardiovascular events, and major cardiovascular + limb events. Results : The overall complication rate was 6.3%, and 1- and 5-year primary patency rates were 87% and 73%, respectively. Over a mean follow-up of 31±15 months, there were 36 (19.0%) restenoses, 22 (11.6%) TLRs, and 4 (2.1%) reocclusions; stent fracture (2, 1.1%) and major amputation (2, 1.1%) were rare. Only female gender [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 4.26, 95% CI 1.89 to 9.71, p<0.001] and residual diameter stenosis (AHR 1.04, 96% CI 1.01 to 1.06, p=0.01) were independent predictors of primary patency. Conclusion : Stenting for aortoiliac bifurcation lesions was found to be safe and effective. Neither stent configuration nor type appeared to affect vessel patency in true bifurcation lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the efficacy of statin treatment after endovascular therapy (EVT) for isolated below-the-knee (BTK) lesions in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). From March 2004 to June 2011, 812 patients (984 limbs, 69.0 % male, 71.6 ± 10.0 years old) with CLI underwent successful EVT for de novo isolated BTK lesions at 11 cardiovascular centers in Japan. Of these patients, 169 patients were treated with statins. Successful EVT was defined as direct-line flow to the pedal arch with <30 % residual stenosis. The multicenter data were analyzed retrospectively for outcomes of overall survival, amputation-free survival (AFS), cardiovascular death, limb salvage, freedom from repeat revascularization, and major adverse limb events [MALE: repeat revascularization for the limb or major amputation (defined as above-the-ankle amputation)]. The mean follow-up period was 19.4 ± 17.6 months. Overall survival, AFS and freedom from repeat revascularization at 4 years were significantly higher in patients treated with statins (64.5 vs. 45.9 %, P = 0.004; 64.1 vs. 43.0 %, P = 0.003; and 56.4 vs. 45.4 %, P = 0.03, respectively). However, rates of cardiovascular death, limb salvage, and MALE at 4 years did not differ significantly between the two groups (86.0 vs. 75.2 %, P = 0.11; 87.2 vs. 87.7 %, P = 0.39; and 84.4 vs. 82.9 %, P = 0.64, respectively). After adjusting all outcomes against differences in prespecified baseline variables, there was no significant difference in overall survival, AFS, cardiovascular death, limb salvage, repeat revascularization, and MALE between the groups. In a subgroup of 513 patients who were ambulatory at baseline, statin treatment significantly improved overall survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.54, 95 % confidential interval (CI) 0.29-0.97, adjusted P = 0.04] and numerically improved AFS (HR 0.63, 95 % CI 0.35-1.07, adjusted P = 0.086). In this subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in the rates of repeat revascularization, cardiovascular death, limb salvage, and MALE between patients treated with and without statins. In this retrospective study, the statin treatment after successful EVT establishing one straight line for isolated BTK lesions with CLI do not influence overall survival, AFS, and the rates of cardiovascular death, limb salvage, and MALE. However, in ambulatory patients, the statins may improve overall survival and AFS after successful EVT establishing one straight line for isolated BTK lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the treatment of coronary artery disease, the no-reflow phenomenon can lead to severe impairment of viable cardiac muscle and all necessary measures should be taken to prevent it. Excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) may be indicated for lesions with a large thrombus burden due to potential to ablate thrombi and necrotic plaques. However, there are few reports on the use of ELCA for the prevention of distal embolism. Here, we report a case involving severe left ventricular dysfunction with a previous extensive anterior infarction, where ELCA was used in the right coronary artery to prevent the no-reflow phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and heart failure (HF) share many risk factors; however, the prevalence and characteristics of HF in patients with PAD have not been fully examined. We investigated 120 consecutive patients with PAD, defined by an ankle-brachial index ≤0.9. In all, 36 (30%) patients had brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels ≥100 pg/mL (high BNP group), and 84 (70%) patients had BNP levels <100 pg/mL (low BNP group). Univariate analysis showed that high BNP was associated with age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, and transmitral E-wave/early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e′) ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis established that a high BNP was strongly and independently associated with the highest quartile of E/e′, highlighting these patients’ diastolic dysfunction. The prevalence of high BNP levels in patients with PAD suggests that routine BNP measurements might be useful to detect HF. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of the S.M.A.R.T. Control stent vs. other stents in patients with symptomatic aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) followed for up to 4 years. Methods: A subgroup analysis of data from a retrospective multicenter registry examined 2036 symptomatic patients (1659 men; mean age 71±8 years) who received stent- supported endovascular therapy for 2541 AIOD lesions between April 2005 and December 2009. The cohort was divided into the S.M.A.R.T. stent group (955 patients/ 1196 lesions) and the "other" stent group (1081 patients/1345 lesions). The main study outcomes of primary patency and event-free survival at 4 years were compared before and after propensity matching analysis. The rates for freedom from major amputation, surgical conversion, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and major adverse limb events were also assessed. Results: The S.M.A.R.T. Control stent group had greater frequency of critical limb ischemia (CLI), TASC C/D lesions, and chronic total occlusions. The mean follow-up was 25±17 months in the S.M.A.R.T. group vs. 29±19 months in the other stent group. After propensity matching, 4-year primary patency (86% vs. 76%, p<0.001) and freedom from adverse limb events (93% vs. 90%, IO=0.04) were greater in the S.M.A.R.T. Control stent group, while event-free survival rates (75% vs. 77%, p=0.50) were similar between groups. Univariate subgroup analysis showed that use of the S.M.A.R.T. stent was associated with greater primary patency in patients with renal insufficiency (serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL) and CLI. Conclusion: After propensity matching analysis, the durability of the S.M.A.R.T. stent was superior to that of other stents, which might reflect differing design characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term clinical results after isolated infrapopliteal balloon angioplasty for critical limb ischemia (CLI) in end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis. Methods: Between April 2004 and October 2010, 406 CLI consecutive patients (275 men; mean age 71±11 years) who underwent balloon angioplasty for primary treatment of isolated infrapopliteal artery lesions in 465 limbs were enrolled in a multicenter, nonrandomized registry. The patients were classified into 2 groups, those on hemodialysis (242 patients with 283 limbs) and those not (164 patients with 182 limbs), for a retrospective comparative study of clinical outcomes [target extremity revascularization (TER), major amputation (MA), and survival] at an average 3.4±1.9 years. Results: Freedom from TER at 5 years was lower in the hemodialysis patients (48.3% vs. 65.4% in non-hemodialysis patients, p<0.001); 9.9% of hemodialysis patients had undergone bypass surgery in contrast to 3.8% of non-hemodialysis patients (p=0.011). Freedom from MA was 77.1% in hemodialysis patients and 85.1% in non-hemodialysis patients at 5 years (p=0.058). Hemodialysis patients had significantly poorer survival (24.3% vs. 48.0%, p<0.001) and MA-free survival (20.8% vs. 42.9%, p<0.001) than non-hemodialysis patients at 5 years. Multivariate predictors of MA or all-cause death were non-ambulatory status (p<0.001), gangrene (p=0.036), and higher C-reactive protein levels (p=0.048). Conclusion: Although hemodialysis patients have a higher TER rate compared to the general population, the long-term limb salvage rate after balloon angioplasty for isolated infrapopliteal lesions is acceptable; nevertheless, the MA-free survival rate is very low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A composite film containing photochromic spiropyran dye 1 and BaFCl:Eu was developed for X-ray dose measurement at a level of a few dozen gray (Gy). The reflectance intensity at selected wavelength, obtained from X-radiation, can be satisfactorily related to the absorbed dose in the range of 0−30 Gy. The composite film shows significant color change in the visible region, and the sensitivity of the composite to the absorbed dose was achieved based on the high molar extinction coefficient of the photomerocyanine form of dye 1. For practical application, the photoinduced blue area indicates an X-radiated area, and the initial pale pink area indicates an unexposed area. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Anthracyclines have profound consequences on the structure and function of the heart, which over time cause a cardiomyopathy that leads to congestive heart failure. Early detection of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction following a low dose of anthracyclines may be a preventive strategy. The aim of this study was to determine torsion analysis using two-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging (STI), useful for detecting early anthracycline-mediated cardiotoxicity. Methods and results Conventional and Doppler echocardiography images were obtained from 25 patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years) before chemotherapy and 1 and 3 months after treatment. The cumulative anthracycline doses were 98 ± 59 and 170 ± 87 g/m2 at 1 and 3 months, respectively. After standard echocardiography, LV torsion and twisting velocity profiles from apical and basal short-axis images were analysed using STI. LV dimensions and ejection fraction did not change throughout follow-up. Although isovolumic relaxation time showed prolongation 3 months after chemotherapy, other Doppler indices did not show significant changes. However, significant deteriorations in torsion (P < 0.0001 by ANOVA), twisting rate (P < 0.0001 by ANOVA), and untwisting rate (P < 0.001 by ANOVA) were found 1 month after chemotherapy. A significant negative correlation was observed between cumulative anthracycline doses and torsion (r = −0.524, P < 0.0001). Conclusion LV torsion analysis could be a useful non-invasive approach for early detection of subclinical anthracycline cardiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Anthracyclines have profound consequences on the structure and function of the heart, which over time cause a cardiomyopathy that leads to congestive heart failure. Early detection of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction following a low dose of anthracyclines may be a preventive strategy. The aim of this study was to determine torsion analysis using two-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging (STI), useful for detecting early anthracycline-mediated cardiotoxicity. Methods and results Conventional and Doppler echocardiography images were obtained from 25 patients (mean age 58 ± 11 years) before chemotherapy and 1 and 3 months after treatment. The cumulative anthracycline doses were 98 ± 59 and 170 ± 87 g/m2 at 1 and 3 months, respectively. After standard echocardiography, LV torsion and twisting velocity profiles from apical and basal short-axis images were analysed using STI. LV dimensions and ejection fraction did not change throughout follow-up. Although isovolumic relaxation time showed prolongation 3 months after chemotherapy, other Doppler indices did not show significant changes. However, significant deteriorations in torsion (P < 0.0001 by ANOVA), twisting rate (P < 0.0001 by ANOVA), and untwisting rate (P < 0.001 by ANOVA) were found 1 month after chemotherapy. A significant negative correlation was observed between cumulative anthracycline doses and torsion (r = −0.524, P < 0.0001). Conclusion LV torsion analysis could be a useful non-invasive approach for early detection of subclinical anthracycline cardiotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a patient with non-inducible atrial tachycardia (AT) after atriotomy for surgical repair of heart disease who underwent ablation successfully. Using a 3-D mapping system, we presumed the atriotomy site on the lateral right atrial wall by searching for linear double potentials (DP) during sinus/paced rhythm from the coronary sinus, but it was evaluated incompletely. We could verify the edges of the atriotomy scar precisely by pacing from close to the linear DP lesion and the opposite site. After ablation between the presumed atriotomy scar and the inferior vena cava and cavotricuspid isthmus, no AT recurred without anti-arrhythmic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two isozymes of trypsin (TR-I and TR-II) were purified from the viscera of Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonica ) by gel filtration and anion-exchange chromatography. Final enzyme preparations were nearly homogeneous in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and the molecular weights of both enzymes were estimated to be 24,000 Da by SDS-PAGE. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the TR-I, IVGGYECQAHSQPHTVSLNS, and TR-II, IVGGYECQPYSQPHQVSLDS, were found. Both TR-I and TR-II had maximal activities at around pH 8.0 and 60C for hydrolysis of Nα-p-tosyl-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride. The TR-I and TR-II were unstable at above 50C and below pH 5.0 and were stabilized by calcium ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide detailed information as to the modification of electrophysiological properties of pulmonary veins (PVs) and adjacent left atrial (LA) tissue caused by circumferential ablation (ABL) of superior and inferior pulmonary vein ostia using a novel radio-frequency balloon catheter (RBC), and to correlate such changes with recurrence or non-recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Background: Although isolation of the triggering foci in PVs using conventional ABL techniques is useful in the treatment of AF, ABL of PVs per se is time consuming and tends to be associated with high AF recurrence rate. Methods and Results: Forty-nine patients with AF refractory to antiarrhythmic medication underwent circumferential ablation of PV-LA junction by RBC. Post ablation changes in electrophysiological properties around the PV ostia were studied with a basket catheter and were correlated with AF recurrence in 34 (1st study) early cases (ablating 68 superior PVs) and 15 (2nd study) later cases (53 superior and inferior PVs). Total elimination of PV potentials or PV-LA dissociation was achieved in 93% (63/68 PVs) and 93% (49/53 PVs), respectively. During mean follow-up periods of 24.1 ± 4.1 and 13.3 ± 1.7 months, AF recurred in 38% (13/34 cases) and 13% (2/15) in early and later groups, respectively, but no case developed severe PV stenosis. Although the amplitude of PV and periostial LA potentials were decreased (p < 0.0001) in all patients, the remaining PV potentials in 34 non-recurrence cases were definitely smaller than those in 15 recurrence cases (p <0.0001). When a cut-off level of less than 0.4 mV in receiver operating characteristic curves was used, its negative predictive value for non-recurrence of AF was 93% and specificity was 95%. Conclusions: Circumferential ablation around the PV ostia using the RBC is effective in the treatment of AF even in a single session, and AF recurrence may well be predicted by precisely measuring the amplitude of remaining PV-LA potentials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

RF Thermal Balloon Catheter for PV Isolation. Introduction: A rapidly firing or triggered ectopic focus located within a pulmonary vein (PV) or close to the PV ostium could induce atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter for isolation of the PV from the left atrium (LA). Methods and Results: Twenty patients with drug-resistant paroxysmal AF were treated by isolating the superior PVs using an RF thermal balloon catheter. Using a transseptal approach, the balloon, which had an inflated diameter 5 to 10 mm larger than that of the PV ostium, was wedged at the LA-PV junction. It was heated by a very-high-frequency current (13.56 MHZ) applied to the coil electrode inside the balloon for 2 to 3 minutes, and the procedure was repeated up to four times. The balloon center temperature was maintained at 60° to 75°C by regulating generator output. Successful PV isolation was achieved in 19 of the 20 left superior PVs and in all 20 of the right superior PVs and was associated with a decrease in amplitude of the ostial potentials. Total procedure time was 1.8 ± 0.5 hours, which included 22 ± 7 minutes of fluoroscopy time. After a follow-up period of 8.1 ± 0.8 months, 17 patients were free from AF, with 10 not taking any antiarrhythmic drugs and 7 taking the same antiarrhythmic agent as before ablation. Electron beam computed tomography revealed no complications, such as PV stenosis at ablation sites. Conclusion: The PV and its ostial region can be safely and quickly isolated from the LA by circumferential ablation around the PV ostia using a radiofrequency thermal balloon catheter for treatment of AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 609-615, June 2003). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]