Circulation
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Opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) is a crucial event in lethal reperfusion injury. Phosphorylation (inhibition) of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) has been involved in cardioprotection. We investigated whether phosphorylated GSK3beta may protect the heart via the inhibition of mPTP opening during postconditioning. ⋯ These results suggest that S9-phosphorylation of GSK3beta is required for postconditioning and likely acts by inhibiting the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore.
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Comparative Study
Impact of time of presentation on the care and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction.
Prior studies have demonstrated an inconsistent association between patients' arrival time for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and their subsequent medical care and outcomes. ⋯ Despite slightly fewer primary percutaneous coronary interventions and overall revascularizations and significantly longer door-to-balloon times, patients presenting with AMI during off-hours had in-hospital mortality similar to those presenting during regular hours.
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Renal dysfunction predicts mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. How renal dysfunction relates to hemodynamics and mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) remains unclear. ⋯ Renal dysfunction is associated with a worse hemodynamic profile and is an independent predictor of mortality in PAH. Measurement of SCr is practical and offers a simple way to noninvasively predict outcome.
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Brief interruptions in chest compressions reduce the efficacy of resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Interruptions of this type are inevitable during hands-off periods for shock delivery to treat ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The safety of a rescuer remaining in contact with a patient being shocked with modern defibrillation equipment has not been investigated. ⋯ Rescuers performing chest compressions during biphasic external defibrillation are exposed to low levels of leakage current. The present findings support the feasibility of uninterrupted chest compressions during shock delivery, which may enhance the efficacy of defibrillation and cardiocerebral resuscitation.