Cardiovascular System Commons^™

Use Of Coronary Techniques In Celiac And Hepatic Artery Stenting In Post-Hepatic Transplant Patients, Harpreet Parmar, Ryan Beard, Mark W. Mewissen, Armaan Shaikh, Tanvir Bajwa

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) remains a rare but serious complication after liver transplantation. While invasive surgical techniques were needed for HAS treatment in the past, recently endovascular techniques, including hepatic artery stenting, have been proven to be a safe and effective treatment. The present work focused on a review of the recent literature regarding HAS as well as recent cases demonstrating the various presentations of HAS and the variety of approaches to endovascular intervention. Our single-center experience has shown endovascular treatment of HAS to be safe and effective, including the two specific cases discussed here. While further research is needed, …

New Paradigms In The Treatment Of Acute Complicated And Uncomplicated Type B Aortic Dissection, Eric S. Weiss

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

The treatment of acute type B aortic dissection is a rapidly evolving field, due in a large part to the advent of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This review will summarize the current literature on the management of both complicated and uncomplicated type B dissections, with special attention paid to emerging evidence supporting earlier aggressive treatment.

Novel Oral Anticoagulants For Stroke Prophylaxis And Venous Thromboembolism Prevention And Treatment, Laith G. Alsayegh

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are becoming popular management options for stroke prophylaxis in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation as well as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism treatment and prophylaxis. NOACs have similar efficacy to warfarin along with noninferior safety profiles. Patient comorbidities, size, renal and hepatic function, and concomitant drug regimen play a role in which NOAC a physician may choose.

The Search For High-Impact Diagnostic And Management Tools For Low-And Middle-Income Countries: A Self-Powered Low-Cost Blood Pressure Measurement Device Powered By A Solid-State Vibration Energy Harvester, Onur Bilgen, John G. Kenerson, Muge Akpinar-Elci, Rebecca Hattery, Lisbet M. Hanson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The World Health Organization has established recommendations for blood pressure measurement devices for use in low-resource venues, setting the triple A expectations of Accuracy, Affordability, and Availability. Because of issues related to training and assessment of proficiency, the pendulum has swung away from manual blood pressure devices and auscultatory techniques towards automatic oscillometric devices. As a result of power challenges in the developing world, there has also been a push towards semiautomatic devices that are not dependent on external power sources or batteries. Beyond solar solutions, disruptive technology related to solid-state vibrational energy harvesting may be the next iterative solution …

Vascular Regulation Via Kir Channels And Na+ /K+-Atpase, Anne R. Crecelius, Frank A. Dinenno

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Despite the longstanding knowledge that blood flow increases in proportion to metabolic activity of skeletal muscle, the underlying mechanisms that govern this response have only recently been identified.¹ Given the role of endothelial cells in mediating exercise hyperemia,² interest has been focused on endothelium-derived vasodilation occurring via the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and vasodilating prostaglandins (PGs; i.e. prostacyclin) or endothelium- derived hyperpolarization. A number of studies performed in humans have established a minimal-to-modest role for NO and PGs during mild- and moderate- intensity exercise. In animal preparations, prevention of hyperpolarization attenuates contraction-induced hyperemia; however, performing similar studies …

The Effects Of A Four-Week Whole-Body High-Intensity Training Program On Female Athletes 2015, Lindsey Taylor

Master's Theses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the aerobic benefits and changes in running economy (RE) following a fourweek whole-body high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on an athletic female population. Participants: Fourteen female student-athletes volunteered to participate in the study. Design: Participants reported on two occasions for VO2max and RE testing and were divided into two training groups based upon baseline VO2max: Endurance (END; n=6) and HIIT (n=8). Participants completed 12 total training sessions. During each session, END completed 30 minutes of vigorous-intensity running, while HIIT completed a total of four minutes of whole-body intervals. Measures: Maximal oxygen …

Oseltamivir-Warfarin Interaction In Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Case Report And Review., Jonathan B. Wagner, Susan M. Abdel-Rahman

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

An 8-year-old boy with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with a previous history of thrombosis within the inferior vena cava receiving stable warfarin dosing for anticoagulation was diagnosed with influenza B. He was subsequently placed on oseltamivir therapy according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical practice guidelines. During the hospitalization, his international normalized ratio steadily increased to supratherapeutic levels and returned to baseline after discontinuation of oseltamivir therapy. This case represents a drug-drug interaction that has not been previously reported in children or adolescents. An extensive review of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic literature did not uncover a definitive …

Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing 5’-Inositol Phosphatase-2 (Ship2) Is An Effector Of Lymphatic Dysfunction, Germaine D. Agollah

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

The lymphatic system is essential for the transport of excess fluid, protein, and foreign materials from interstitial tissues to lymph nodes; for immune surveillance, and to maintain fluid homeostasis. Dysregulated lymphatics can be attributed to pathological conditions including tumor metastasis, inflammation, chronic wounds, obesity, blood vascular disorders, and lymphedema. Of these, lymphedema is the most extreme of lymphatic disorders and is represented by a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild, subtle presentation to severe, disfiguring, overt presentation. Lymphedema is more manageable in the early stages of disease but severely reduces quality of life with progression. Due to lack of molecular …

Role Of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase In The Healing Process Of The Heart Following Myocardial Infarction, Laura L. Daniel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Ataxia telangiectasia (AT), caused by mutations in the gene encoding ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), is a rare autosomal recessive disorder. AT individuals exhibit neuronal degeneration and are predisposed to cancer. Carriers of this disorder are predisposed to cancer and ischemic heart disease. Heart disease, mostly due to myocardial infarction (MI), is a leading cause of death in the US. Following MI, release of catecholamines in the heart stimulates β- adrenergic receptors (β-AR). Our lab has shown that β-AR stimulation increases ATM expression in the heart and myocytes, and ATM plays an important role in β-AR-stimulated myocardial remodeling with effects …

Lifeguard Fitness Readiness: Certification Vs. Qualification, Jacob Rasmussen

Annual Graduate Student Symposium

Among lifeguard certifying bodies, there is a lack of minimum cardio and strength requirements. Once certified, it is assumed that a lifeguard is physically able to perform rescues. This study will review in-service logs for cardio and strength components within lifeguard training to design appropriate in-service fitness readiness guidelines.

Effects Of Cannabidiol On Contractions And Calcium Signaling In Rat Ventricular Myocytes, Ramez M. Ali, Lina T. Al Kury, Keun-Hang Susan Yang, Anwar Qureshi, Mohanraj Rajesh, Sehamuddin Galadari, Yaroslav M. Shuba, Frank Christopher Howarth, Murat Oz

Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Faculty Articles and Research

Cannabidiol (CBD), a major nonpsychotropic cannabinoid found in Cannabis plant, has been shown to influence cardiovascular functions under various physiological and pathological conditions. In the present study, the effects of CBD on contractility and electrophysiological properties of rat ventricular myocytes were investigated. Video edge detection was used to measure myocyte shortening. Intracellular Ca2+ was measured in cells loaded with the Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent indicator fura-2 AM. Whole-cell patch clamp was used to measure action potential and Ca2+ currents. Radioligand binding was employed to study pharmacological characteristics of CBD binding. CBD (1 μM) caused a significant decrease in the amplitudes of …

Medical Students In Microscopic Anatomy And Pathology Laboratories: Design Of An E-Learning Histology And Histopathology Atlas As An Evolving Response To Interdisciplinary Pre-Clinical Curricular Needs, Michelle S. Davis, Alexandra Mills, Gisela Butera, Donald S. Karcher, Patricia S. Latham, Janette Krum, Rosalyn A. Jurjus

Anatomy and Regenerative Biology Faculty Publications

E-learning, also known as computer-assisted learning, successfully bridges anatomical knowledge and transferrable skills, such as critical analysis, teamwork, leadership and communication. Several institutions have already integrated histology and physiology in team based laboratory approaches, but integration of histology and pathology instruction has been done to a lesser extent. Our aim was to develop an e-learning atlas that integrates microanatomy and pathology laboratory for an interdisciplinary pre-clinical medical curriculum.

A multidisciplinary team of teaching faculty and students developed an online atlas (microanatomyatlas.com) that includes a library of histology and histopathology images. Traditional laboratory manual instructions and study objectives were added onto …

The Effect Of Active Video Games On The Heart Rate Of Older Adults, Yeon Bai, Shahla M. Wunderlich, Diane M. Hanel

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Scholarship and Creative Works

Background: Heart rate is used as a health biomarker. This aim of this study was to investigate the effects of playing active video games on the heart rate of older adults, in comparison to the heart rate after common table recreational activity.

Methods: An experimental study with 40 participants was conducted: a control group (n=20) participated in common Pokeno® card games; an experimental group (n=20) played WiiTM bowling. The participants’ pre- and post-activity heart rates were measured and compared between and within groups using t-tests.

Results: The findings signified an 11.9% increase (p

Conclusions: The inclusion of active video games …

Lead Burden As A Factor For Higher Complication Rate In Patients With Implantable Cardiac Devices, Christopher Kolibash, Naoyo Mori, Jasbir Sra, Masood Akhtar, M. Eyman Mortada

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose

Lead revisions have increased over the last decade. Patients who do not undergo lead extraction face an increased lead burden. Consequences of increased lead burden have not been fully defined. We sought to characterize the complication rate and outcomes in patients with sterile redundant leads.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 242 consecutive patients [mean age 74 ± 12 years; 66.9% male] who underwent lead revision that resulted in an abandoned lead from January 2005 to June 2010. Patients were placed in a cohort based on number of leads after last recorded procedure (Group A: ≤2 [n=58]; Group B: 3-4 [n=168]; …

Association Between Body Surface Area And Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, Kambiz Shetabi, Tonga Nfor, Fengyi Shen, Anjan Gupta, Tanvir Bajwa, Suhail Allaqaband

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events, but some studies suggest higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with better outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We sought to determine the effect of body surface area (BSA) on adverse events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI and how this relates to the reported obesity paradox theory.

Methods

We analyzed a prospective registry of patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI at a tertiary care hospital from 2003 to 2009. Post-PCI complications and 1-year all-cause mortality were compared across BSA quartiles. Relationship with 1-year …

Pursuing Cardioprotective Health Through Research, Sterling Giles

AUCTUS: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship

Recent VCU Chemistry graduate Salma Omer and her team of fellow researchers discovered that the supplement Viagra, intended for treating erectile dysfunction, may protect the heart from diabetic damage and damage from excessive alcohol consumption.

Intravascular Atp And The Regulation Of Blood Flow And Oxygen Delivery In Humans, Anne R. Crecelius, Brett S. Kirby, Frank A. Dinenno

Health and Sport Science Faculty Publications

Regulation of vascular tone is a complex response that integrates multiple signals which allow for blood flow and oxygen supply to appropriately match oxygen demand. Here, we discuss the potential role of intravascular ATP as a primary factor in these responses and propose that deficient ATP release may contribute to impairments in vascular control exhibited in aged and diseased populations.

Female Breakfast Skippers Display A Disrupted Cortisol Rhythm And Levated Blood Pressure, Megan Witbracht, Nancy L. Keim, Shavawn Forester, Adrianne Widaman, Kevin D. Laugero

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Chronic stress and over-activity in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis may link breakfast skipping and poor cardiometabolic health. Missing the first major meal of the day in rodents prolongs elevated circulating corticosterone at a time when it's normally decreasing. To extend these findings to humans, we hypothesized that habitual breakfast skippers would display a similar pattern of circulating cortisol and alterations in meal and stress-induced cortisol reactions. Normal weight to obese women aged 18–45 years old who were strictly defined as either breakfast skippers (n = 30) or breakfast eaters (n = 35) were invited to participate in our …

Vigorous Exercise Effect On Cardiovascular Health, Aryeh Mahana

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Many studies examine the effects of vigorous cardiovascular exercise on the heart. Intense exercise causes frequent muscle contractions in the heart and specific biomarkers that usually signify a myocardial infarction are released into the bloodstream. However, studies indicate that there might not be a correlation between the release of biomarkers and cardiac function. Another study shows that long term vigorous exercise negatively affects the heart by dramatically increasing the mass and volume of the right and left ventricles, thereby resulting in hypertrophy. The cardiac hypertrophy is still evident even after the subjects have stopped exercising. Cardiac hypertrophy results in myocardial …

Dopaminergic Signaling Within The Primary Cilia In The Renovascular System, Kimberly F. Atkinson, Samred H. Kathem, Xingjian Jin, Brian S. Muntean, Wissam A. Aboualaiwi, Andromeda M. Nauli, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Activation of dopamine receptor type-5 (DR5) has been known to reduce systemic blood pressure, most likely by increasing renal vasodilation and enhancing natriuresis in the kidney. However, the mechanism of DR5 in natriuresis and vasodilation was not clearly known. We have previously shown that DR5 is localized to primary cilia of proximal renal epithelial and vascular endothelial cells. We here show that selective activation of DR5 specifically induces calcium influx only in the primary cilia, whereas non-selective activation of dopamine receptor induces calcium fluxes in both cilioplasm and cytoplasm. Cilia-independent signaling induced by thrombin only shows calcium signaling within cytoplasm. …