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This study compared two new-generation drug-eluting coronary stents that release zotarolimus or everolimus. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were similar with the two stents, although there was a somewhat higher rate of stent thrombosis with the zotarolimus stent. In this study comparing two new-generation drug-eluting coronary stents, clinical and angiographic outcomes were similar, although there was a somewhat higher rate of stent thrombosis with the zotarolimus stent. The use of early drug-eluting stents consisting of a metal platform and the controlled release of a therapeutic agent from a durable polymer matrix has partially addressed the problem of restenosis. 1 , 2 Although these first-generation polymers were considered biocompatible, they have been associated with allergic reactions and inflammation, which in combination with incomplete strut endothelialization have led to early and late stent thrombosis. 3 New-generation polymer coatings aim more specifically at mimicking the endothelial lining in order to prevent thrombotic complications. In addition, basic research has shown that some of these polymeric materials could potentially up-regulate genes related to thrombosis, inflammation, . . .

The purpose of this study was to assess in vivo the reproducibility of tissue characterization using spectral analysis of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) radiofrequency data (IVUS-VH). Despite the need for reproducibility data to design longitudinal studies, such information remains unexplored. IVUS-VH (Volcano Corp., Rancho Cordova, USA) was performed in patients referred for elective percutaneous intervention and in whom a non-intervened vessel was judged suitable for a safe IVUS interrogation. The IVUS catheters used were commercially available catheters (20 MHz, Volcano Corp., Rancho Cordova, USA). Following IVUS-VH acquisition, and after the disengagement and re-engagement of the guiding catheter, an additional acquisition was performed using a new IVUS catheter. Fifteen patients with 16 non-significant lesions were assessed by 2 independent observers. The relative inter-catheter differences regarding geometrical measurements were negligible for both observers. The inter-catheter relative difference in plaque cross-sectional area (CSA) was 3.2% for observer 1 and 0.5% for observer 2. The limits of agreement for (observer 1 measurements) lumen, vessel, plaque and plaque burden measurements were 0.82, -1.10 mm(2); 0.80, -0.66 mm(2); 1.08, -0.66 mm(2); and 5.83, -3.89%; respectively. Limits of agreement for calcium, fibrous, fibrolipidic and necrotic core CSA measurements were 0.22, -0.25 mm(2); 1.02, -0.71 mm(2); 0.61, -0.65 mm(2); and 0.43, -0.38 mm(2) respectively. Regarding the inter-observer agreement, the limits of agreement for lumen, vessel, plaque and plaque burden measurements were 2.61, -2.09 mm(2); 2.20-3.03 mm(2); 1.70, -3.04 mm(2); and 9.16, -16.41%; respectively, and for calcium, fibrous, fibrolipidic and necrotic core measurements of 0.08, -0.09 mm(2); 0.89, -1.28 mm(2); 0.74, -1.06 mm(2); and 0.16, -0.20 mm(2); respectively. The present study demonstrates that the geometrical and compositional output of IVUS-VH is acceptably reproducible.

We investigated the effect of three types of plant sterols (4-desmethylsterols, 4,4'-dimethylsterols, and pentacyclic triterpene alcohols) in three forms (free, esterified with FA, or with phenolic acids) on cholesterol absorption. Plant sterol fractions derived from soybean (99% 4-desmethylsterols), rice bran (70% 4,4'-dimethylsterols), or shea nut (89% pentacyclic triterpene alcohols) were fed to male hamsters (n = 20/group) as free sterols or esterified with FA or phenolic acids (cinnamic or ferulic). Cholesterol absorption was measured after 5-8.5 (mean, 7) wk by a dual-isotope technique. Soybean sterol intake significantly reduced cholesterol absorption efficiency (23%) and plasma total cholesterol (11%). Rice bran sterols tended to lower cholesterol absorption efficiency by 7% and plasma total cholesterol by 5%, whereas shea nut sterols had no effect. In hamsters, dietary 4-desmethylsterols were more effective than 4,4'-dimethylsterols in lowering cholesterol absorption and levels of cholesterol in blood. Pentacyclic triterpene alcohols had no effect on the absorption of cholesterol or on its level in blood. Esterification with FA did not impair the ability of 4-desmethylsterols and 4,4'-dimethylsterols to inhibit cholesterol absorption, whereas esterification with phenolic acids reduced this ability. This study supports the use of 4-desmethylsterols, esterified with FA to increase solubility, as the most effective cholesterol-lowering plant sterols in the diet.

We investigated the effect of three types of plant sterols (4‐desmethylsterols, 4,4′‐dimethylsterols, and pentacyclic triterpene alcohols) in three forms (free, esterified with FA, or with phenolic acids) on cholesterol absorption. Plant sterol fractions derived from soybean (99% 4‐desmethylsterols), rice bran (70% 4,4′‐dimethylsterols), or shea nut (89% pentacyclic triterpene alcohols) were fed to male hamsters (n=20/group) as free sterols or esterified with FA or phenolic acids (cinnamic or ferulic). Cholesterol absorption was measured after 5–8.5 (mean, 7) wk by a dual‐isotope technique. Soybean sterol intake significantly reduced cholesterol absorption efficiency (23%) and plasma total cholesterol (11%). Rice bran sterols tended to lower cholesterol absorption efficiency by 7% and plasma total cholesterol by 5%, whereas shea nut sterols had no effect. In hamsters, dietary 4‐desmethylsterols were more effective than 4,4′‐dimethylsterols in lowering cholesterol absorption and levels of cholesterol in blood. Pentacyclic triterpene alcohols had no effect on the absorption of cholesterol or on its level in blood. Esterification with FA did not impair the ability of 4‐desmethylsterols and 4,4′‐dimethylsterols to inhibit cholesterol absorption, whereas esterification with phenolic acids reduced this ability. This study supports the use of 4‐desmethylsterols, esterified with FA to increase solubility, as the most effective cholesterol‐lowering plant sterols in the diet.