[1685][1686][1687][1688][1689][1690][1691][1692][1693]. Objective: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), assessed by indirect measurement of aortic pressure, is blunted in obesity. Additionally, the potential effect of cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, aortic compliance, and metabolic parameters on BRS of obese subjects was investigated. Research Methods and Procedures:A group of 30 women with BMI Ͼ30 kg/m 2 and a group of 30 controls with BMI Ͻ25 kg/m 2 were examined. BRS was estimated by the sequence technique, cardiac ANS activity by short-term spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), and aortic compliance by the method of applanation tonometry. Results: BRS was lower in obese women (9.18 Ϯ 3.77 vs. 19.63 Ϯ 9.16 ms/mm Hg, p Ͻ 0.001). The median values (interquartile range) of the power of both the high-frequency and low-frequency components of the HRV were higher in the lean than in the obese participants Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant and independent association between BRS and age (p ϭ 0.003), BMI (p Ͻ 0.001), and high-frequency power of HRV (p Ͻ 0.001). These variables explained 72% of the variation of BRS values. Discussion: BRS is severely reduced in obese subjects. BMI, age, and the parasympathetic nervous system activity are the main determinants of BRS. Baroreflex behavior is of clinical relevance because an attenuated BRS represents a negative prognostic factor in cardiovascular diseases, which are common in obesity.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a prevalent and potentially life threatening disease. Many animal models have been developed to simulate the natural history of the disease or test preclinical endovascular devices and surgical procedures. The aim of this review is to describe different methods of AAA induction in animal models and report on the effectiveness of the methods described in inducing an analogue of a human AAA. The PubMed database was searched for publications with titles containing the following terms "animal" or ''animal model(s)'' and keywords "research", "aneurysm(s)'', "aorta", "pancreatic elastase'', "Angiotensin", "AngII" "calcium chloride" or "CaCl2". Starting date for this search was set to 2004, since previously bibliography was already covered by the review of Daugherty and Cassis (2004).We focused on animal studies that reported a model of aneurysm development and progression. A number of different approaches of AAA induction in animal models has been developed, used and combined since the first report in the 1960's. Although specific methods are successful in AAA induction in animal models, it is necessary that these methods and their respective results are in line with the pathophysiology and the mechanisms involved in human AAA development. A researcher should know the advantages/disadvantages of each animal model and choose the appropriate model.

Endovascular treatment with fenestrated or/and branched stent-grafts is a new therapeutic option with encouraging results for patients considered unfit for conventional open repair. However, prolonged follow-up studies are needed in order to draw robust conclusions.

Hybrid open endovascular repair is a new therapeutic option with encouraging results for patients considered unfit for conventional open repair. However, further research is required to draw robust conclusions.

Carotid artery stenting with cerebral protection devices can be safely and effectively performed, with acceptable morbidity and high technical success, by using radial artery access. We recommend obtaining imaging of the aortic arch and supra-aortic trunks with computed tomography, as well as a duplex scan of radial artery, before attempting carotid artery stenting using radial artery access. Further study is needed before recommending that femoral access be replaced by radial access for carotid artery intervention.