The association of the Friesinger score and pulse pressure in an urban South Asian patient population: pulse pressure,an independent predictor of coronary artery disease

Increase in pulse pressure has been shown to be predisposing factor for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in diverse patient populations but its relationship with the severity of CAD, particularly in the South Asians immigrant population of United States has not been demonstrated. We performed a single-center, cross-sectional study. Pulse pressure was calculated by the difference between the systolic and diastolic brachial blood pressures, and the Friesinger score (FS) was used to quantify the severity of CAD with the score of 5 used as a cutoff for extensive disease. We also sought to assess the correlation between the Friesinger score and the 10-year cardiovascular event (CVD) risk as calculated by the Framingham score. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between explanatory variables and a high Friesinger score were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models. P values below .05 were considered to be statistically significant. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 10 software package (College Station, TX). The mean pulse pressure was significantly higher in participants with an FS of ≥5 compared with participants with an FS of <5 (63 vs. 46 mm Hg; P = .004). In univariate analysis, a pulse pressure ≥40 mm Hg was associated with a five-fold increased odds of a higher FS compared with a pulse pressure <40 mm Hg (P = .039), which was unchanged in multivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, even after adjustment for presence of hypertension, a 10 mm Hg increase in pulse pressure was associated with a 1.97-fold increased odds of a higher FS (95% CI 1.22–3.71, P = .009). The mean Framingham score was higher in participants with a higher FS, but this difference was not significant (32.7 vs. 20.3; P = .1139). Our study demonstrates that pulse pressure, a well-established marker of vascular health, is a significant independent predictor of the severity of CAD as assessed by coronary angiography in South Asians.     

The sink action of cerebrospinal fluid volume flow. Effect on brain water content.

Effects of changes in serum osmolarity on volume flow of fluid into the cerebral ventricles of cats were measured by ventriculocisternal perfusion with mock cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), mock CSF containing acetazolamide, or a 30 mOsm/liter sucrose solution. Serum osmolarity was altered by intravenous infusion of a sucrose solution ranging between 10 and 650 mOsm/liter changing volume flow. For all perfusion fluids, regression lines relating volume flow to infused solution osmolarity were parallel. After infusion of a 10 mOsm/liter solution, brain water content increased. One hour after infusion, volume flow returned to normal, although serum was still hypotonic. Gray matter water content was still elevated; white matter returned to normal. The results suggest that the source of increased volume flow is the brain, and that the CSF acts as a sink, limiting excess water accumulation during water intoxication.     

The prevalence of male sexual dysfunction and potential risk factors in Turkish men: a Web-based survey

The purpose of this study is to detect the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and also to investigate possible risk factors that may cause sexual dysfunction in Turkish men. We developed a Web-based survey. In total, 3185 invitations to complete the survey were e-mailed and 2288 individuals submitted responses (72%). The men were interviewed in person, using the Florida Sexual History Questionnaire (FSHQ) Turkish version, and sexual dysfunction was assessed by this questionnaire. male sexual dysfunction (MSD) was evaluated with FSHQ. According to the FSHQ Turkish version, sexual function domains included sexual desire, sexual development, intercourse, erection, ejaculation, and satisfaction. According to the FSHQ score, 43.3% reported on MSD (FSHQ score相似文献   

The plateled-derived growth factor level (PDGF) in Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and its relationship disease activation

The research reported in this paper was designed to study the role of plateled-derived growth factor (PDGF) in Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). The PDGF levels in 9 patients with HD and 12 NHL and in a control group consisting of 20 people, was measured by ELISA method. The PDGF values in the disease group of 19 patients were raised. The values of PDGF in the control group were 28.977+/-9 pg/ml, but were measured at 147.083+/-54 pg/ml in HD group and 131.487+/-56 pg/ml in NHL group (p < 0.01). The observation of a 5-fold increase in PDGF values in the disease group when compared to the control group suggests that PDGF could itself be considered as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of HD and NHL. In order to support this, there is a need to design additional studies monitoring PDGF in larger number of patients at various stages of the disease.     

Current practice of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization in adult patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma: The results of a survey from Turkish hematology research and education group (ThREG)

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is an established treatment option for adult patients presenting with multiple myeloma (MM), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and various subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in upfront and/or relapsed/refractory disease settings. Although there are recently published consensus guidelines addressing critical issues regarding autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization (HPCM), mobilization strategies of transplant centers show high variability in terms of routine practice. In order to understand the current institutional policies regarding HPCM in Turkey and to obtain the required basic data for preparation of a national positional statement on this issue, Turkish Hematology Research and Education Group (ThREG) conducted a web-based HPCM survey. The survey was designed to include multiple-choice questions regarding institutional practice of HPCM in adults presenting MM, HL, and NHL. The representatives of 27 adult HCT centers participated to the study. Here we report the results of this survey shedding light on the real-world experience in Turkey in terms of autologous HPCM mobilization strategies in patients presenting with MM and lymphoma.