Dexamethasone-eluting stents for the prevention of in-stent restenosis: Evidence for a differential effect in insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a strong predictor of in-stent restenosis. This may be due to a higher level of vascular inflammation. We hypothesized that diabetic patients will benefit from dexamethasone-eluting stents, since local inflammation and consequently neointimal growth are suppressed and no systemic side effects will occur. Methods: 21...

Oral matrix metalloproteinase inhibition and arterial remodeling after balloon dilation: An intravascular ultrasound study in the pig

Background - Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity after balloon angioplasty by intraperitoneal injection of batimastat reduces late lumen loss by inhibition of constrictive remodeling. In the present study, we investigated whether the oral MMP inhibitor marimastat inhibits constrictive remodeling in favor of neutral or expansive...

Do patients matter? Contribution of patient and care provider characteristics to the adherence of general practitioners and midwives to the Dutch national guidelines on imminent miscarriage

Objective - To assess the relative contribution of patient and care provider characteristics to the adherence of general practitioners (GPs) and midwives to two specific recommendations in the Dutch national guidelines on imminent miscarriage. The study focused on performing physical examinations at the first contact and making a follow up...

Acceleration of fibrinolysis by high-frequency ultrasound: The contribution of acoustic streaming and temperature rise

High-frequency ultrasound has been shown to accelerate enzymatic fibrinolysis. One of the supposed mechanisms of this effect is the enhancement of mass transport by acoustic streaming, i.e., ultrasound-induced macroscopic flow around the clot. In this study, which is aimed at further elucidating the mechanisms of the acceleration of fibrinolysis...

Metalloproteinase inhibition reduces constrictive arterial remodeling after balloon angioplasty: A study in the atherosclerotic Yucatan micropig

Background - Arterial remodeling after balloon angioplasty has been recognized as a major determinant of restenosis. Perturbation of collagen metabolism might be important. After balloon injury, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression is upregulated. We investigated the effect of Batimastat, a nonspecific MMP inhibitor, on late lumen loss,...