Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Intracoronary Optical Coherence Tomography 2018 : Current Status and Future Directions

Abstract: The advent of intravascular imaging has been a significant advancement in visualization of coronary arteries, particularly with optical coherence tomography (OCT) that allows for high-resolution imaging of intraluminal and transmural coronary structures. Accumulating data support a clinical role for OCT in a multitude of clinical scenarios, including assessing the natural history of atherosclerosis and modulating effects of therapies, mechanisms of acute coronary syndromes, mechanistic insights into the effects of novel interventional devices, and optimization of percutaneous coronary intervention. In this state-of-the-art review, we provide an overview of the published data on the clinical utility of OCT, highlighting the areas that need further investigation and the current barriers for further adoption of OCT in interventional cardiology practice.

Cortisol regulates the expression of Notch in osteoblasts.

Abstract: Glucocorticoids have important effects on osteoblastic replication, differentiation, and function, and the Notch family of receptors is considered to play a role in osteoblastic cell differentiation. We postulated that cortisol could regulate Notch and Notch ligand expression in osteoblastic cells, providing an additional mechanism by which glucocorticoids could regulate osteoblastic differentiation. We examined the expression and regulation of Notch1, 2, 3, and 4 and their ligands Jagged 1 and 2 and Delta 1 and 3 by cortisol in cultures of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Cortisol caused a time-dependent increase in Notch1 and 2 mRNA levels in MC3T3 cells. Notch3 and 4 were not detected in the presence or absence of cortisol. MC3T3 cells expressed Delta 1 and Jagged 1 but not Jagged 2 or Delta 3 mRNAs, and cortisol did not have a substantial effect on the expression of any of these ligands. Cortisol increased the rate of Notch1 and 2 transcription and, in transcriptionally arrested cells, did not modify the decay of the transcripts, indicating a transcriptional level of control. In conclusion, cortisol stimulates Notch1 and 2 transcription in osteoblasts. Since Notch signaling appears to play a negative role in osteoblastic differentiation, its increased expression could be relevant to the actions of cortisol in bone.

Comparison of Dual Therapies for Lowering Blood Pressure in Black Africans.

Abstract: Background The prevalence of hypertension among black African patients is high, and these patients usually need two or more medications for blood-pressure control. However, the most effect...