Novel baroreflex activation therapy in resistant hypertension: results of a European multi-center feasibility study

This study assessed the safety and efficacy of a novel implantable device therapy in resistant hypertension patients.

Evaluation of chronic HCV infection in transplanted livers using a modified histological activity index

The majority of histopathological classifications of primary chronic viral hepatitis and recurrence of HCV infection in liver transplants is based on the histological activity index (HAI) introduced by Knodell et al in 1981; however, correlation between HAI and clinical/laboratory data is poor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present a modification of HAI (mHAI) adapted to distinct features of graft infection, and to evaluate its usefulness in the description of disease activity.

Clinical experience with the ATS 3f Enable® Sutureless Bioprosthesis

The ATS 3f Enable® Bioprosthesis is a self-expanding valve with a tubular design that allows for decreased leaflet stress and preservation of aortic sinuses. We report the midterm results of a prospective, multicenter clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of this stented bioprosthesis in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement with or without concomitant procedures.

Position paper on the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension: joint recommendations by the European Society of Hypertension, by the European Respiratory Society and by the members of European COST (COoperation in Scientific and Technological research) ACTION B26 on obstructive sleep apnea

This article is aimed at addressing the current state of the art in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures and treatment options for appropriate management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in cardiovascular (particularly hypertensive) patients, as well as for the management of cardiovascular diseases (particularly arterial hypertension) in OSA patients. The present document is the result of the work done by a panel of experts participating in the European Union COST (COoperation in Scientific and Technological research) ACTION B26 on OSA, with the endorsement of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH). These recommendations are particularly aimed at reminding cardiovascular experts to consider the occurrence of sleep-related breathing disorders in patients with high blood pressure. They are at the same time aimed at reminding respiration experts to consider the occurrence of hypertension in patients with respiratory problems at night.

Prevalence of genes encoding extracellular proteases in Staphylococcus aureus - important targets triggering immune response in vivo

Proteases of Staphylococcus aureus have long been considered to function as important virulence factors, although direct evidence of the role of particular enzymes remains incomplete and elusive. Here, we sought to provide a collective view of the prevalence of extracellular protease genes in genomes of commensal and pathogenic strains of S. aureus and their expression in the course of human and mouse infection. Data on V8 protease, staphopains A and B, aureolysin, and the recently described and poorly characterized group of six Spl proteases are provided. A phylogenetically diverse collection of 167 clinical isolates was analyzed, resulting in the comprehensive genetic survey of the prevalence of protease-encoding genes. No correlation between identified gene patterns with specific infections was established. Humoral response against the proteases of interest was examined in the sera derived from human patients and from a model mouse infection. The analysis suggests that at least some, if not all, tested proteases are expressed and secreted during the course of infection. Overall, the results presented in this study support the hypothesis that the secretory proteases as a group may contribute to the virulence of S. aureus.

Recommendations for the management of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea and hypertension

This article is aimed at addressing the current state-of-the-art in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic procedures and treatment options for appropriate management of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in cardiovascular (in particular hypertensive) patients, as well as for the management of cardiovascular diseases (in particular arterial hypertension) in OSA patients. The present document is the result of work performed by a panel of experts participating in the European Union COST (Cooperation in Scientific and Technological research) Action B26 on OSA, with the endorsement of the European Respiratory Society and the European Society of Hypertension. In particular, these recommendations are aimed at reminding cardiovascular experts to consider the occurrence of sleep-related breathing disorders in patients with high blood pressure. They are also aimed at reminding respiration experts to consider the occurrence of hypertension in patients with respiratory problems at night.