Neurohormonal activation with attendant aldosteronism contributes to the clinical appearance of congestive heart failure (CHF). Aldosteronism is intrinsically coupled to Zn2+ and Ca2+ dyshomeostasis, in which consequent hypozincemia compromises Zn2+ homeostasis and Zn2+-based antioxidant defenses that contribute to the CHF prooxidant phenotype. Ionized hypocalcemia leads to secondary hyperparathyroidism with parathyroid hormone-mediated Ca2+ overloading of diverse cells, including cardiomyocytes. When mitochondrial Ca2+ overload exceeds a threshold, myocyte necrosis follows. The reciprocal regulation involving cytosolic free [Zn2+]i as antioxidant and [Ca2+]i as prooxidant that can be uncoupled in favor of Zn2+-based antioxidant defenses. Increased [Zn2+]i acts as a multifaceted antioxidant by: i) inhibiting Ca2+ entry via L-type channels and hence cardioprotectant from the Ca2+-driven mitochondriocentric signal-transducer-effector pathway to nonischemic necrosis; ii) serving as catalytic regulator of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase; and iii) activating its cytosolic sensor, metal-responsive transcription factor that regulates the expression of relevant antioxidant defense genes. Albeit present in subnanomolar range, increased cytosolic free [Zn2+]i enhances antioxidant capacity that confers cardioprotection. It can be achieved exogenously by ZnSO4 supplementation or endogenously, using a β3 receptor agonist, (e.g., nebivolol) that enhances NO generation to release inactive cytosolic Zn2+ bound to metallothionein. By recognizing the pathophysiologic relevance of Zn2+ dyshomeostasis in the prooxidant CHF phenotype and by exploiting the pharmacophysiologic potential of [Zn2+]i as antioxidant, vulnerable cardiomyocytes under assault from neurohormonal activation can be protected and the myocardium spared from adverse structural remodeling.

4Hypertension (HTN) is particularly burdensome in lowincome groups. Federal-qualified health centers (FQHCs) provide care for low-income and medically underserved populations. To assess the rates and predictors of blood pressure (BP) control in an FQHC in Michigan, a retrospective analysis of all patients with HTN, coronary artery disease, and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) seen between January 2006 and December 2008 was conducted. Of 212 patients identified, 154 had a history of HTN and 122 had DM. BP control was achieved in 38.2% of the entire cohort and in 31.1% of patients with DM. The mean age was lower in patients with controlled BP in both the total population (P=.05) and the DM subgroup (P=.02). A logistic regression model found only female sex (odds ratio, 2.27; P=.02) to be associated with BP control and a trend towards an association of age with uncontrolled BP (odds ratio, 0.97; P=.06). BP control in nondiabetics was 47.8% vs 31.1% in diabetic patients (P=.02). We found that patients who attended the FQHC had a lower rate of BP control compared with the national average. Our study revealed a male sex disparity and significantly lower rate of BP control among DM patients. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2013;15:254-263. ª2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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In this single-center retrospective review, post hoc reconstruction of psychosocial profiles using the PACT scale and independent assessment of postimplant outcomes, including survival and adverse events, did not show any association. However, given the small number of patients in the low score PACT groups as well as limited duration of follow-up, further studies are required to elucidate the association.

BackgroundAutoimmune pancreatitis is a rare chronic inflammatory pancreatic disease that is increasingly being diagnosed worldwide. As a result of overlap in clinical and radiological features, it is often misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer. We report the case of a patient with autoimmune pancreatitis that was initially misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer.Case presentationA 31-year-old Caucasian man presented to our hospital with epigastric pain, jaundice and weight loss. His CA 19-9 level was elevated, and computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound revealed a pancreatic head mass abutting the portal vein. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography showed narrowing of the biliary duct and poor visualization of the pancreatic duct. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed atypical ductal epithelial cells, which raised clinical suspicion of adenocarcinoma. Because of the patient's unusual age for the onset of pancreatic cancer and the acuity of his symptoms, he was referred to a tertiary care center for further evaluation. His immunoglobulin G4 antibody level was 365 mg/dL, and repeat computed tomography showed features typical of autoimmune pancreatitis. The patient's symptoms resolved with corticosteroid therapy.ConclusionAutoimmune pancreatitis is a rare disease with an excellent response to corticosteroid therapy. Its unique histological appearance and response to corticosteroid therapy can reduce unnecessary surgical procedures. A thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is important in rendering the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis.