bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Loneliness and Social Support with College Freshmen's Academic Performance and Persistence
Authors: Nicpon Megan Foley , Huser Laura , Blanks Elva Hull , Sollenberger Sonja , Befort Christie , Kurpius Sharon E. Robinson
Published: February 2007

Based on Tinto's (1993) model of academic persistence, this study investigated the relationship of loneliness, social support, and living arrangements with academic persistence decisions of 401 college freshmen. Participants completed a series of standardized instruments during class time. Social support was negatively related to loneliness and positively related to academic persistence decisions. Less loneliness and more social support predicted more positive persistence decisions. Neither social support nor loneliness was related to GPA; however, freshmen living on campus had higher GPAs than those living off campus. Women perceived receiving more social support from both friends and family than did men. These results are discussed in light of what might be done to influence greater persistence.
‘Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes’: An Interview with Barbara Rahke, Executive Director of Philaposh
Authors: Flum Marian , Slatin Craig
Published: February 2007

This is the fourth in our series of interviews to explore the ways in which health and safety and environmental health issues can be used in union organizing and mobilizing efforts.
Survey of Academic Orientations Scores and Persistence in College Freshmen
Authors: Davidson William B. , Beck Hall P.
Published: February 2007

This study examined whether six academic orientations as assessed by the Survey of Academic Orientations played a role in the attrition of college freshmen. Using logistic regression, the dichotomous variable of reenrolling or not was regressed on 522 students' scores measuring structure dependence, creative expression, reading for pleasure, efficacy, apathy, and mistrust of instructors. Scores on two orientations, efficacy and apathy, significantly predicted the reenrollment decision. The theoretical implications of the results were discussed as well as possible interventions to improve retention.
Cultural Context and Cordage Twist Direction
Authors: Custer Jay F.
Published: February 2007

Data on cordage impressions of ceramic vessels from several sites in Delaware and southeast Pennsylvania show significant cordage twist direction variation in relation to individual households, decorative styles, and cordage use. Variation within these cultural contexts complicates the use of cordage twist variation data to identify distinctive social groupings within the central Middle Atlantic region.
Struggling to Make Sense: Patterns of Impairment in Adult Narrative Discourse
Authors: McCabe Allyssa , Bliss Lynn S.
Published: February 2007

Narrative discourse coherence pays a critical role in making sense of past experiences and connecting with others. Such coherence varies among adults who have sustained neurological impairment. The purpose of this article is to describe impairments of narrative discourse in adults with brain injury. The following dimensions of discourse impairment are focused upon: topic maintenance, informativeness, event sequencing, referencing, conjunctive cohesion, and fluency. Examples of impaired adult narrative discourse are presented. Applications of this material are presented.
Sociodemographic Correlates of Public Perceptions regarding a Smoking Ban in Bars and Restaurants
Authors: Torabi Mohammad R. , Seo Dong-Chul
Published: February 2007

As the health threat of environmental tobacco smoke is widely recognized, more state and local governments join the passage of ordinances that ban smoking in public establishments. This study investigated public perceptions regarding banning smoking in bars and restaurants among Indiana residents. A representative sample of 529 adult Indiana residents ages 18 or older was interviewed using random-digit dialing after two waves of pilot tests. Of the total respondents, 65% favored the smoking ban in bars and restaurants. Logistic regression analyses indicated that gender, education, and spouse's education were significant predictors for attitudes toward the smoking ban in bars and restaurants.
Integrating Mailed Personalized Feedback and Alcohol Screening Events: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Benson Trisha A. , Ambrose Carrie , Mulfinger Amanda M. M. , Correia Christopher J.
Published: February 2007

This study characterized a sample of college students attending National Alcohol Screening Day (NASD), and tested the feasibility of using NASD as a platform for initiating the delivery of mailed personalized feedback forms. Participants ( N = 153, 65% female) attended NASD and completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT [1]). A subset of at-risk drinkers completed additional questionnaires about their alcohol use and received personalized feedback through the mail. Thirty-four percent of the participants scored above the recommended clinical cutoff on the AUDIT. Men reported higher levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related negative consequences. The subset of at-risk drinkers reported frequent occasions of binge drinking and relatively high blood alcohol concentrations (BAC). NASD is an effective way of identifying college students with clinically significant levels of alcohol use, and provides an efficient mechanism for initiating the delivery of personalized feedback. More research on the combined effects of NASD and personalized feedback is warranted.
The Use of Luminol as a Presumptive Blood Test for Prehistoric Archaeological Artifacts
Authors: Vish Al , Yeshion Theodore E.
Published: February 2007

Much controversy exists surrounding the reliability of the science of blood residue analysis and taxa identification in archaeology. Validating simple presumptive blood tests before proceeding to taxa identification should be an immediate priority. This article serves to introduce luminol as an additional presumptive tool in blood residue studies.
Ursprünge und Entwicklung der Begriffe Chiralität und Händigkeit in der chemischen Sprache
Authors: Cintas Pedro
Published: February 2007

Chiralität, ein erstmals von Kelvin vorgeschlagener Schlüsselbegriff, wurde Mitte der 1960er Jahre wieder in die Lehrbücher eingeführt. Seither war er eine Quelle für zahlreiche Betrachtungen und Inspirationen. Dieser Essay geht den nichtchemischen Ursprüngen des Begriffs und seinen semantischen Nebenbedeutungen nach, die nicht nur die Sprache der Chemie befruchten, sondern beispielsweise auch in die Philosophie hineinreichen.
Unconventional Mixed‐Valent Complexes of Ruthenium and Osmium
Authors: Kaim Wolfgang , Lahiri Goutam Kumar
Published: February 2007

Recent developments have helped to extend the repertoire of mixed‐valent ruthenium and osmium complexes beyond conventional systems. This extension has been achieved by using sophisticated ligands and by creating more variegated coordination patterns. The strategies employed include the use of multidentate ligands (which give rise to multinuclear and chelate complexes) and the use several redox active components (non‐innocent ligands and oxidation‐state ambivalence). The results offer enhanced chemical insight into metal–ligand electron‐transfer situations and suggest that mixed‐valent materials may eventually be exploited in molecular electronics and molecular computing.
Synthesis and properties of novel aromatic copolyamides containing chloro‐substituted phthalazinone moiety in the main chain
Authors: Liu Pengtao , Liu Cheng , Jian Xigao
Published: February 2007

A series of novel copolyamides were synthesized by the direct polycondensation of 1,2‐dihydro‐2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4‐[3‐chloro‐4‐(4‐carboxyphenoxyl)phenyl]‐phthalazinone (1), terephthalic acid (TPA) with three commercial diamines. The inherent viscosities of the polyamides were between 0.82 and 1.86 dL/g. When the molar ratios of 1 and TPA were higher than 1 : 1, the polymers were soluble in some polar aprotic solvents such as N‐methyl‐pyrrolidone and N,N‐dimethyl acetamide etc. These polymers were amorphous with 10% weight loss temperatures in N2 above 490°C and their glass transition temperatures were above 269°C. Some films of the polymers were pale yellow and transparent with tensile strengths up to 147.8 MPa, initial modulus up to 2.56 GPa and elongations at break values up to 9.8%, which depended on the repeating unit structures. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Tailoring of elastomeric grafted coating via sol–gel chemistry of crosslinked polymethylhydrosiloxane
Authors: Thami Thierry , Bresson Bruno , Fretigny Christian
Published: February 2007

Thin coating of crosslinked polymethylhydrosiloxane are grafted on silica using sol–gel process that leads to polymer layers tailored in term of thickness and elasticity. The degree of crosslinking is tuned by sol–gel polycondensation of a mixture of methyldiethoxysilane(DH) HSi(CH3)(OCH2CH3)2 and triethoxysilane (TH) HSi(OCH2CH3)3, yielding triethoxysilane‐based networks. Samples with well‐defined thicknesses from nanometer to micrometer range are prepared by sol–gel dip‐coating method on silicon surface. Homogeneous or gradient‐thickness coating can be produced in this way. It results in surface‐attached networks bearing SiH functionalities covalently anchored to the substrate. Powdered gels of DH/TH composition from 50/50 to 95/5 (mol %) were also prepared for a comparison purpose. The structure of the gels was investigated by NMR and FTIR, showing that DH/TH mixtures react totally to yield homogeneous matrix. The surface‐attached polymer films are very stable and present high hydrophobicity as evidenced by contact angle measurements. Their surface and mechanical properties have been qualitatively studied using the atomic force microscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1504–1516, 2007
Effect of electron beam irradiation and vinyl acetate content on the physicochemical properties of LDPE/EVA blends
Authors: Ali Z. I.
Published: February 2007

The radiation‐induced crosslinking, compatibility, and surface modification of low density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate blends (LDPE/EVA) were investigated. The structural and physical properties were characterized in terms of gel content, hot set, mechanical properties, contact angle, and surface free energy. The highest crosslink density was obtained at 20 wt % of EVA. Gel content of LDPE/EVA blends was increased with increasing irradiation dose, vinyl acetate (VA), and EVA contents. The hot set results are consistent with the gel content data. Mechanical testing showed that the tensile strength of samples increased with increasing irradiation dose up to 180 kGy, whereas the elongation at break was decreased with increasing irradiation dose. Contact angle measurements showed that the surface hydrophillicity of LDPE blend was increased with increasing irradiation dose and contents of both VA and EVA. The surface free energy was greatly dependent on irradiation dose and content of both VA and EVA. The total surface free energies of different LDPE formulations were in the range 17.25–32.51 mN/m, in which the polar (pσ) and disperse (dσs) values were within the range 16.52–26.6 and 0.9–5.91 mN/m, respectively. In conclusion, electron beam irradiation and blending LDPE with EVA improved the wettability or adhesion properties of LDPE/EVA blends. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Formation of nanoporous poly(methyl silsesquioxane) thin films using adamantane for low‐k application
Authors: Cha B. J. , Yang J. M.
Published: February 2007

Nanoporous poly(methyl silsesquioxane) PMSSQ thin films for low‐k application have been prepared using chemically attached adamantylphenols as pore generating materials (porogen). To obtain the mechanically stable porous structure, multifunctional 1,2‐bistrimethoxysilylethane (BTMSE) was employed in addition to methyltrimethoxysilane as a main matrix material. From the decomposition of porogen, confirmed by FTIR and TGA, the nanoporous thin films containing pores less than 5 nm, which are characterized using sorption analysis, were successfully achieved. The dielectric constant was significantly decreased to 1.9, while maintaining the stable mechanical properties with the elastic modulus of 3.7 GPa measured by a nanoindenter. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Effect of novel benzoxazine reactive diluent on processability and thermomechanical characteristics of bi‐functional polybenzoxazine
Authors: Jubsilp Chanchira , Takeichi Tsutomu , Rimdusit Sarawut
Published: February 2007

Effects of a monofunctional benzoxazine diluent (Ph‐a) on properties of a bifunctional benzoxazine resin (BA‐a) have been investigated. The BA‐a/Ph‐a mixtures are miscible in nature rendering the properties highly dependent on their compositions. The viscosity of the BA‐a resin can be reduced to one third using only about 10% by weight the Ph‐a diluent. The addition of the Ph‐a resin into the BA‐a resin can also lower the liquefying temperature of the resin mixtures whereas the gel point is marginally decreased. The gel point, which depends on the BA‐a/Ph‐a mixtures and the cure temperature, was determined by the frequency independence of loss tangent in the vicinity of the sol‐gel transition. The relaxation exponent values of the copolymer were found to be 0.24–0.55, which is dependent on the cure temperature. Gel time of the BA‐a/Ph‐a systems decreases with increasing temperature according to an Arrhenius relation with activation energy of 60.6 ± 1.5 kJ/mol. Flexural moduli of the BA‐a/Ph‐a polymers also increase with the Ph‐a mass fraction, however, with the sacrifice of their flexural strength and glass‐transition temperature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Pull‐up/pull‐down corrections for ground‐penetrating radar data
Authors: Leckebusch Jürg
Published: February 2007

Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the best methods for detailed and high precision three‐dimensional imaging of the subsoil. A range of specific processing steps are available to correct the geometrical distortion of the georadar data. Nevertheless it is not yet possible to correct for pull‐up/pull‐down effects due to chances of velocity in target features. Unfortunately these effects can easily change the lower boundary of a structure by more than 30% of the preserved height. Hence pull‐up/pull‐down is one of the most important geometrical distortions in archaeological prospection. After a detailed three‐dimensional interpretation of the data cube, the calculation of an individual correction becomes possible and can be applied to each structure separately. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interleukin‐4 regulates proteoglycan‐induced arthritis by specifically suppressing the innate immune response
Authors: Cao Yanxia , Brombacher Frank , Tunyogi‐Csapo Miklos , Glant Tibor T. , Finnegan Alison
Published: February 2007

Objective

Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) is an antiinflammatory cytokine that inhibits the onset and severity of proteoglycan‐induced arthritis (PGIA). To distinguish the role of IL‐4 in the innate immune response versus the adaptive immune response, we generated mice with a specific deletion of the IL‐4 receptor α‐chain (IL‐4Rα) in macrophages and neutrophils.

Methods

To obtain mice in which IL‐4Rα is deleted in macrophages and neutrophils, we intercrossed mice carrying a loxP‐flanked (floxed) IL‐4Rα allele and Cre recombinase expressed under control of the regulatory region for the lysozyme M gene (LysMcre mice) with conditional IL‐4Rαflox/flox mice and then mated them to complete IL‐4Rα−/− mice to obtain hemizygous LysMcreIL‐4Rαflox/− mice. LysMcre‐negative IL‐4Rαflox/− mice (IL‐4Rαflox/− mice) were used as control mice. PGIA was induced by immunization with human PG in adjuvant. The onset, incidence, and severity of arthritis were monitored over time. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines were measured in the sera of PG‐immunized mice, and cytokine and chemokine transcripts were measured in joints.

Results

The severity of PGIA was exacerbated in IL‐4Rα−/− and LysMcreIL‐4Rαflox/− mice in comparison with control (IL‐4Rαflox/−) mice. The increase in arthritis susceptibility in IL‐4Rα−/− and LysMcreIL‐4Rαflox/− mice correlated with elevated serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐6 and with elevated cytokine (IL‐1β and IL‐6) and chemokine (macrophage inflammatory protein 1α [MIP‐1α] and MIP‐2) transcripts from joints. However, arthritis susceptibility did not correlate with IL‐2 or interferon‐γ (IFNγ) concentrations or with PG‐specific antibody IgG2a isotype, since levels of IL‐2, IFNγ, or PG‐specific antibody IgG2a isotype in control (IL‐4Rαflox/−) and LysMcreIL‐4Rαflox/− mice were reduced in comparison with those in IL‐4Rα−/− mice.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that IL‐4 functions as a major antiinflammatory cytokine in PGIA by governing the activity of macrophages/neutrophils and less so by controlling T cell activity and autoantibody isotype expression.
Relationship between appearance and psychological distress in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Monaghan Sally M. , Sharpe Louise , Denton Fiona , Levy Jo , Schrieber Leslie , Sensky Tom
Published: February 2007

Objective

To examine the relationship between physical appearance concerns and psychological distress in patients with rheumatic diseases.

Methods

A total of 60 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 44 with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 53 with recent‐onset RA were evaluated for levels of appearance concern and a range of illness‐specific measures to determine how these demographic and clinical variables were related to the dependent variable psychological distress.

Results

Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, we found that both appearance concerns and levels of disability were predictive of depression in patients with RA. In the SLE sample, physical disability was predictive of depression when appearance concerns were not included in the analysis. However, disability did not predict depression when appearance concerns were entered into the analysis. This indicates that appearance concerns mediated the relationship between disability and depression in SLE. There was no association between appearance concerns and anxiety in either sample.

Conclusion

The results suggest that appearance concerns are strongly related to depression in patients with rheumatic diseases and should be routinely assessed.
Hydrolytic resolution of (R,S)‐2‐hydroxycarboxylic acid esters in biphasic media: Implication for rate‐limiting formation or breakdown of tetrahedral intermediates in acylation step
Authors: Wang Pei‐Yun , Chen Teh‐Liang , Tsai Shau‐Wei , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: February 2007

A thermally stable esterase (SNSM‐87) from Klebsiella oxytoca is explored as an enantioselective biocatalyst for the hydrolytic resolution of (R,S)‐2‐hydroxycarboxylic acid esters in biphasic media, where the best methyl esters possessing the highest enantioselectivity and reactivity are selected and elucidated in terms of the structure–enantioselectivity correlations and substrate partitioning in the aqueous phase. With (R,S)‐2‐chloromandelates as the model substrates, an expanded Michaelis–Menten mechanism for the rate‐limiting acylation step is adopted for the kinetic analysis. The Brønsted slope of 25.7 for the fast‐reacting (S)‐2‐chloromandelates containing a difficult leaving alcohol moiety, as well as that of 4.13 for the slow‐reacting (R)‐2‐chloromandelates in the whole range of leaving alcohol moieties, indicates that the breakdown of tetrahedral intermediates to acyl‐enzyme intermediates is rate‐limiting. However, the rate‐limiting step shifts to the formation of tetrahedral intermediates for the (S)‐2‐chloromandelates containing an easy leaving alcohol moiety, and leads to an optimal enantioselectivity for the methyl ester substrate. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 30–38. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vesalius: His delineation of the framework of the human body in the ‘fabrica’ and ‘epitome’
Authors: Spencer W G
Published: February 2007

The Fourth Vicary Lecture, delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons of Engiand on December 14, 1922.
The influence of œstrogenic compounds in causing hernia and descent of the testis in mice
Authors: Burrows Harold
Published: February 2007

The causation of scrotal hernia in mice by the administration of œstrone (œstrin) was described by the author in a previous number of this Journal.1 Since that article was written, further observations have been made in this branch of pathology which are perhaps worth recording.
Heparin in thrombosis and embolism
Authors: Murray Gordon D W
Published: February 2007

Heparin was discovered by Howell in 1916 and he showed that it increased the coagulation time of blood. No experimental work was done to prove whether it had any effect on thrombosis in blood-vessels. Thrombosis and obliteration of the lumen may result from injury of the intima of blood-vessels by various means, as Welch,2 Zurhelle,3 Schimmelbusch,4 and Zahn5 have shown. They have described the accumulation of platelets at the site of injury. Very soon leucocytes were added to the mass of platelets, and finally fibrin made its appearance, so that, ultimately, the ordinary blood-clotting processes were added to those of the earlier thrombus. As these changes have been fully described by these investigators, no attempt was made to repeat their work in our experiments.

As it was our object to study whether heparin would prevent these processes, different means of producing thrombi with moderate certainty were investigated. We found6 that superficial veins in the extremities of dogs may be moderately severely traumatized without producing thrombosis, but finally we developed a technique by which thrombosis could be produced in well over 80 per cent.
Solitary caecal diverticulum strangulated in a femoral hernia
Authors: Naunton-Morgan R M , Maw A
Published: February 2007

Hernial sacs may contain a variety of contents. This report is of an unusual case in which a solitary true caecal diverticulum was strangulated in a femoral hernia.
Decreased E-cadherin expression is associated with haematogenous recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus
Authors: Tamura S , Shiozaki H , Miyata M , Kadowaki T , Inoue M , Matsui S , Iwazawa T , Takayama T , Takeichi M , Monden M
Published: February 2007

Reduced expression of E-cadherin is associated with tumour invasiveness and metastasis. To elucidate whether E-cadherin expression correlates with clinical outcome in patients with oesophageal cancer, 62 patients were investigated immunohistochemically using an anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibody (HECD-1). Eight patients had normal levels of expression in the tumour, 25 had tumours that expressed high levels (50 per cent or more tumour cells staining positive for E-cadherin) and 29 had tumours expressing low levels (less than 50 per cent of cells expressing E-cadherin). Patients with normally expressing tumours had a better prognosis at 3 years than those with low-expressing tumours (P < 0·05). Postoperative death was correlated significantly with lymphatic invasion, lymph node metastasis, E-cadherin expression and depth of invasion (P < 0·05). Furthermore, haematogenous recurrence was correlated with E-cadherin expression (rs = 0·38, P < 0·01) and blood vessel invasion (rs = 0·28, P < 0·05). These results suggest that evaluation of E-cadherin immunoreactivity may predict haematogenous recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with oesophageal cancer.
Complete prevention of impaired anastomotic healing in diabetic rats requires preoperative blood glucose control
Authors: Verhofstad M H J , Hendriks Th
Published: February 2007

Uncontrolled diabetes severely impairs early healing of experimental intestinal anastomosis. This study aimed to compare the potential beneficial effect of insulin treatment, started before or immediately after surgery. A normal blood glucose level was attained in diabetic rats by twice-daily administration of insulin, commenced either 4 days before operation (insulin-1 group) or on the day of operation (insulin-2 group). A non-diabetic control group and an uncontrolled diabetic group were also studied. Three days after operation, mean(s.d.) bursting pressures in the diabetic group were severely reduced compared with those in controls: 1.0(1.4) versus 8.1(2.9) kPa in the ileum and 4.9(4.7) versus 18.1(5.8) kPa in the colon. For ileal anastomosis, values in both groups of animals receiving insulin were similar to those in controls, but for colonic anastomosis the mean bursting pressure in the insulin-2 group remained significantly (P< 0.017) below that in the insulin-1 group (10.2(6.4) versus 20.7(7.9) kPa respectively). After 7 days mean bursting pressures in both ileum and colon were restored to control levels in the insulin-1 group but not in the insulin-2 group. Anastomotic abscess formation after 3 days was also significantly (P< 0.017) more common in the diabetic and insulin-2 groups, but not in the insulin-1 group than in the control group. Postoperative blood glucose control alone does not completely prevent the detrimental effects of uncontrolled diabetes on healing intestinal anastomoses.
Clinical significance of the tumour capsule in the treatment of parotid pleomorphic adenomas
Authors: McGurk M , Renehan A , Gleave E N , Hancock B D
Published: February 2007

The propensity of pleomorphic adenomas to recur is generally attributed to the biological nature of the tumour, and surgery close to the capsule is perceived as undesirable. At the Christie Hospital, Manchester, between 1947 and 1992, 475 tumours arising within the superficial portion of the parotid gland were treated by two surgical techniques: extracapsular dissection (380 patients) and superficial parotidectomy (95). Recurrence rates were 2 per cent in each group (median follow-up. 125 years). Contact of the tumour with the facial nerve was recorded in 51 per cent of patients. There was no difference between the treatment groups in the incidence of permanent facial nerve injury (2 versus 1 per cent respectively). This study demonstrates that dissection in close proximity to the tumour is possible without inducing recurrence and that in practice the microinvasion of the capsule by tumour buds has limited clinical significance.
Thoracoscopic parathyroidectomy of an ectopic mediastinal adenoma
Authors: Gullstrand P , Olsson G , Olsson M , Sundkvist K , Leidner B , Mårtensson O
Published: February 2007

Thoracoscopic parathyroidectomy in a patient with an adenoma in the lower mediastinum is described. This is a new method, probably reducing morbidity compared with median sternotomy, and has to the authors' knowledge not been described before.
Impact of splenectomy on circulating immunoglobulin levels and the development of postoperative infection following total gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Fujita T , Matai K , Kohno S , Itsubo K
Published: February 2007

Splenectomy increases the postoperative morbidity of total gastrectomy for carcinoma of the stomach. The reasons for this increased risk of postoperative infection are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of splenectomy on circulating immunoglobulin levels and to determine whether splenectomy was an independent risk factor for the development of postoperative infection in 154 patients undergoing total gastrectomy for carcinoma of the stomach. Splenectomy reduced circulating immunoglobulin M levels in the early postoperative period following total gastrectomy. However, it was not identified as an independent risk factor for the development of postoperative infection by multivariate analysis.
Major Variations in Anatomical Origin of the Coronary Arteries: Angiographic Observations in 4,250 Patients without Associated Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Engel H. Jurgen , Torres Carlos , Page Harry L.
Published: February 2007

In 51 (1.2%) of 4,250 patients studied by selective coronary arteriography, one or more major elements of the coronary arterial system originated from the sinuses of Valsalva in an ectopic manner. The majority of variations involved the left coronary artery. The majority of ectopic ostia were located in the right sinus of Valsalva. Failure to recognize variations in coronary arterial origin can prolong arteriography procedures and lead to errors in interpretation of coronary artery anatomy and pathology. It is concluded from this experience that the incidence and location of major variations in coronary arterial origin are relatively predictable. The data are useful in expediting coronary arteriography procedures and thus improving patient care.
Routine use of the Hydrogen Platinum Electrode System in Shunt Detection
Authors: Wilson Michael R. , Fontana Mary E. , Wooley Charles F.
Published: February 2007

Routine use of the hydrogen platinum electrode system (HPES) in 1,375 consecutive cardiac catheterizations facilitated shunt detection in 171 patients, led to the diagnosis of unsuspected shunts in 18 patients, and was of particular value in accurately localizing unusual left‐to‐right shunts.

Left‐to‐right shunts were detected in 171 patients (12% of the total catheterizations). Eighteen unsuspected shunts (10% of the total shunts, or 1% of the total catheterizations) were found. Atrial septal defect (ASD), partial anomalous pulmonary drainage (PAPVD), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and ruptured Valsalva aneurysm were demonstrated, usually associated with other congenital or acquired lesions.

HPES was of particular value in accurately localizing the venous drainage of 38 unusual or complex lesions with left‐to‐right shunting.

Five patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease had PAPVD, a higher incidence (1.2% of rheumatic mitral valve disease) than had previously been reported.

The rationale for use of a sensitive shunt detection method as a routine part of the catheterization procedure is discussed.
Evaluation of High Viscosity Contrast Media in Canine Selective Coronary Arteriography
Authors: Kaftori Joseph K. , Paulin Sven
Published: February 2007

A special high viscosity preparation of water soluble radiopaque contrast media was explored in animals for its suitability in selective coronary angiography. The high viscosity required power injection to accomplish adequate filling during selective coronary arteriography. The anticipated angiographic advantages, such as prolonged visualization and coating of the vascular walls, were marginal. Comparison with conventional preparations of the same contrast agent suggests that the high viscosity itself exerts some protective effect with regard to the immediate side effects on the electrocardiogram and mechanical function of the myocardium. However, the high viscosity preparation induced electrocardiographic signs compatible with myocardial ischemia not usually seen to follow the injection of conventional contrast agents. These were followed by mechanical heart failure or ventricular fibrillation resulting in death of 6 of the 10 experimental animals. It was concluded that high viscosity contrast media preparations are unsuitable for use in clinical selective coronary arteriography as presently practiced.
Pericardiocentesis: Insertion of a Pericardial Catheter
Authors: Owens William C. , Schaefer Richard A. , Rahimtoola Shahbudin H.
Published: February 2007

Pericardiocentesis is a lifesaving procedure in cardiac tamponade but is associated with significant and often life threatening complications. A patient is described in whom a catheter was inserted into the pericardium. This provided for prolonged pericardial drainage of purulent fluid and has the potential for decreasing the risk of this procedure.
Echocardiographic criteria of normal left atrial size in adults
Authors: Francis LCdr G. S. , Hagan Capt A. D. , Hart Patricia
Published: February 2007

Although the measurement of left atrial diameter (LAD) is a standard part of anyechocardiographic examination, the normal range for adults has never been well established or correlated with body surface area (BSA) and sex. We studied 100 males and 100 females whose ages ranged from 15 to 70 years, with no evidence of mitral value disease or other form of heart disease which might cause left atrial enlargement. All measurements were obtained between the external surface of posterior aortic root (AR) and the internal surface of the left atrial wall and were recorded at ventricular end diastole (ED) as well as end systole (ES). The LAD at ED ranged from 9.5 to 29.5 mm with a mean of 19 mm ± 5.0 S.D.; the diameter at ES ranged from 18.3 mm to 38.7 mm with a mean of 28.5 mm ± 5.1 S.D. The mean LAD at ED was 20.7 mm ± 4.8 S.D. in males compared to the mean diameter of 18.3 ± 4.9 S.D. in females which represents a significant difference (p<0.001). The LAD did not correlate with BSA. The left atrial dimension by ultrasound in these 200 normal patients was compared with the same measurement in 50 catheterized patients with mitral valve disease and proven left atrial enlargement. When absolute values of the left atrial dimension both at end systole and end diastole were determined by ultrasound, there was a clear separation between normal and abnormal (p<0.0001).
The hemodynamic simulation of mitral regurgitation in ventricular septal defect after myocardial infarction
Authors: Bethea Charles F. , Peter Robert H. , Behar Victor S. , Margolis James R. , Kisslo Joseph A. , Kong Yihong
Published: February 2007

The development of a ventricular septal defect (VSD) following myocardial infarction is an uncommon complication which clinically can be confused with mitral insufficiency due to infarction of a papillary muscle. The clinical and hemodynamic records of six patients with documented acute VSD secondary to myocardial infarction were analyzed to determine which descriptors would be of value in clinically separating these two entities. All six of our patients had a right heart catheterization showing an oxygen step‐up consistent with a VSD, and five had a large pulmonary wedge V wave suggesting concomitant mitral insufficiency. The echocardiogram showed only nonspecific chamber enlargement. Since these patients were being considered for open heart surgery to close the VSD, left and right cardiac catheterization including selective coronary arteriography was done. Despite large V waves being present in the pulmonary wedge and/or left atrial pressure tracing in five of the six patients, no mitral insufficiency was present on the left ventricular cineangiograms. It is concluded that a large pulmonary wedge and/or left atrial V wave does not necessarily indicate mitral insufficiency. Since both a VSD and mitral insufficiency are surgically correctable, patients who develop new holosystolic murmurs following myocardial infarction should have complete right and left heart catheterizations with LV angiography for accurate diagnosis if surgical correction of the lesion is contemplated.
Right ventricular mass estimation by angioechocardiography
Authors: Arcilla Rene A. , Mathew Rajamma , Sodt Peter , Lester Lucille , Cahill Noel , Thilenius Otto G.
Published: February 2007

A combined angiocardiographic‐echocardiographic method for estimating right ventricular wall mass is described. Biplane cineangiocardiograms are analyzed for ventricular volume in end‐diastole, and wall thickness is determined from echocardiograms obtained with a high frequency transducer and strip chart recorder. The intracavitary and the external surface volumes of the ventricle are derived, and the difference multiplied by 1.050, the specific gravity of myocardium. Excellent correlation was observed between right ventricular wall mass and body surface area in normal children (r = 0.93). The mean right ventricular mass was 44.5 g/M2 as compared to 78.1 g/M2 for the left ventricle; corresponding mass/EDV values were 0.48 g/cm3 and 1.26 g/cm3, respectively. In isolated right ventricular pressure overload, the increase in right ventricular mass is chiefly due to the increase in wall thickness; in volume overload, it is due mostly to the increase in chamber volume.
A simple method for calculating left ventricular functions from angiographic data using a programmable hand calculator
Authors: Vogel John H. K. , Swenson Robert D. , Elings Virgil
Published: February 2007

The end diastolic volume and systolic ejection fraction have gained increasing acceptance as important indicators of ventricular performance. Time consuming calculations and lack of computer facilities have hindered the emergence of these calculations as a routine part of cardiac catheterization studies. The introduction of the programmable hand calculator has provided means for rapid analysis of ventricular volume data in an efficient and inexpensive manner. In this paper the step‐by‐step procedure for programming the hand calculator is given, as well as instructions for entering raw data and obtaining final calculations. Programs are given for both single plane and biplane cine angiographic studies.
Noninvasive diagnostic evaluation of the normal beall mitral prosthesis
Authors: Smith Ruth Ann , Kerber Richard E. , Snyder James W.
Published: February 2007

Phonocardiography and echocardiography were used to examine 20 patients with a normally functioning Beall disc mitral valve prosthesis. Phonocardiographic intervals were: Q‐S1 interval 67 ± 3 msec; A2‐OC interval 118 ± 8 msec. Maximal variation of the Q‐S1 interval within one examination was 21 ± 2 msec, for A2‐OC interval it was 31 ± 5 msec. Echocardiographic disc velocities were: opening velocity 296 ± 30 mm/sec, closing velocity 414 ± 44 mm/sec. Maximal variation of the opening velocity was 126 ± 25 msec; maximal variation of the closing velocity was 334 ± 57 msec. Abnormal poppet function was suspected in one patient with unusual prolongation and variability of A2‐OC interval.
Coronary artery dissection—A complication of cardiac catheterization without sequelae: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Meller Jose , Friedman Sanford , Dack Simon , Herman Michael V.
Published: February 2007

This report describes an acute right coronary artery dissection occurring during diagnostic cardiac catheterization. Following catheter manipulation in the vicinity of the aortic valve, the patient complained of mild chest discomfort and had transient electrocardiographic evidence of acute inferior wall myocardial infarction with runs of 2:1 atrioventricular block. Within 5 min, the EKG reverted to precatheterization appearance, and the patient was asymptomatic. Coronary angiography revealed a dissection of the proximal vessel without obstruction. The patient had no clinical sequelae while monitored in the intensive care unit. The patient underwent elective aortic and mitral valve replacement. The area of the dissection was directly visualized, and no abnormality was noted.

We review the literature of spontaneous and iatrogenic coronary artery dissections with regard to pathology, diagnosis, and prognosis, and make recommendations for therapy.
Determination of the origin of elevated plasma cpk after cardiac catheterization
Authors: Roberts Robert , Sobel Burton E. , Ludbrook Philip A.
Published: February 2007

Episodes of chest pain are not uncommon in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The diagnostic implications of this symptom may be complicated by the occasional appearance of electrocardiographic changes mimicking those seen in acute myocardial infarction, and by the frequent elevation of conventionally measured serum enzymes. Exclusion of infarction is particularly important when coronary revascularization is contemplated. Since the MB CPK isoenzyme is relatively specific to myocardium, we assayed CPK isoenzymes in plasma samples from 184 patients undergoing cardiac catheterization to determine whether CPK elevations accompanying catheterization can be distinguished from those associated with myocardial infarction. Samples were obtained every 2 hr for 24 hr, and CPK isoenzymes quantified by a kinetic fluorometric method. Total plasma CPK increased in all patients (mean peak 0.238 ± 0.042 (SD) IU/ml) but MB CPK remained normal in 181 patients (< 0.005 IU/ml). In the three remaining patients, MB CPK was elevated and myocardial infarction was confirmed by 99mTc (SN) pyrophosphate scan. Twelve patients after catheterization, in whom no intramuscular premedication was given, exhibited only minimal elevation of total plasma CPK. In contrast, 100 control patients with acute myocardial infarction exhibited peak total CPK activity averaging 0.833 ± 0.037 (SD), and MB CPK was elevated in all cases (0.078 ± 0.027 (SD) IU/ml). Thus, CPK elevations after catheterization reflect release of enzyme from noncardiac sources rather than from injured myocardium. Furthermore, increased plasma MB CPK activity may be considered a reliable index of myocardial infarction in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.
Systemic vasodilatation following diazepam after combined sympathetic and parasympathetic blockade in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Côté Pierre , Noble Jacques , Bourassa Martial G.
Published: February 2007

Clinical and hemodynamic benefits have been documented after giving diazepam to patients with coronary heart disease. The mechanisms by which this agent produces its hemodynamics effects are poorly understood. Partial autonomic blockade was induced in 10 patients by the intravenous administration of 5 mg propranolol and 0.8 mg atropine. Coronary and systemic hemodynamics were normal before and unchanged (p>0.05) after propranolol and atropine administration. However, myocardial extraction of lactate improved in 9 out of 10 patients (from 11% to 24%, p<0.05). The patients then received 0.1 mg/kg diazepam intravenously. Diazepam had no effect on the coronary sinus blood flow and resistance while myocardial extraction of lactate further improved in all but one patient (from 24% to 35% at 5 min and 34% at 15 min, p<0.05). Heart rate increased by a mean of 4 beats at 5 min (p<0.01). Cardiac output was unchanged. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP) decreased significantly (p<0.001) at 5 and 15 min (6–10%) and left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) also diminished significantly (p<0.001) at 5 and 15 min (18–19%). These changes occurred despite autonomic blockade. These findings suggest, in the absence of change of myocardial blood flow and contractility, a direct peripheral action of the drug on arteries and/or veins.
Technique for transjugular placement of an umbrella filter in a left inferior vena cava
Authors: Grollman J. H. , Gray Robert K.
Published: February 2007

Transjugular placement of a Mobin‐Uddin umbrella filter in an anomalous left inferior vena cava to prevent recurrent pulmonary embolization may present technical difficulties. Preforming a slight curve in the applicator wire a short distance from its tip allowed catheterization and proper position of a filter in two cases.
Pulmonary artery wedge pressures in congenital heart disease
Authors: Neches William H. , Park Sang C. , Lenox Cora C. , Zuberbuhler J. R. , Mullins Charles E. , McNamara Dan G.
Published: February 2007

The bilateral measurement of pulmonary artery wedge pressure is essential in the cardiac catheterization evaluation of all patients with pulmonary artery hypertension. Five cases of pulmonary venous obstruction are presented, 4 of whom had additional intracardiac defects. The pulmonary artery hypertension in these 4 patients was initially attributed to the associated cardiac anomalies and because the left atrium had been entered directly with the catheter in each case, pulmonary artery wedge to the left atrium pressure gradients were initially either not obtained or were discounted as being artificial. Pulmonary venous obstruction was recognized in all 5 cases on the basis of an elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and the anatomic site of the obstruction was successfully documented. Unless bilateral pulmonary artery wedge pressures are measured in all patients with pulmonary artery hypertension regardless of the presence of additional cardiac anomalies, a surgically correctable cause of pulmonary hypertension may be overlooked.
Myocardial bridges in man: Clinical correlations and angiographic accentuation with nitroglycerin
Authors: Ishimori Tetsuo , Raizner Albert E. , Chahine Robert A. , Awdeh Mahir , Luchi Robert J.
Published: February 2007

Little is known of the clinical significance of myocardial bridges, which may be recognized angiographically as systolic coronary artery narrowing (SCAN). A retrospective review of a 1 year's experience (313 consecutive coronary arteriograms) revealed 5 patients with SCAN, an incidence of 1.6%. SCAN involved the proximal and/or middle segments of the left anterior descending coronary artery in all patients. It is of particular note that the administration of nitroglycerin noticeably accentuated the SCAN phenomenon in each of 3 patients to whom it was administered.

Four of the 5 patients had left ventricular hypertrophy due to hypertrophic car‐diomyopathy (2), aortic stenosis (1), and hypertension (1). All 5 patients with the SCAN phenomenon had anginal chest pains, and critical obstructive coronary atherosclerosis was observed in only 2 cases. The other 3 patients showed, otherwise, normal coronary arteriograms.

Thus, myocardial bridges appear to be angiographically manifest predominantly in patients with cardiac hypertrophy. Nitroglycerin, which accentuates SCAN, might be useful as a provocative test to enhance the angiographic recognition of this phenomenon. The possible role of myocardial bridges in the production of myocardial ischemia warrants further investigation.
A simplified method of echocardiographic data analysis
Authors: Schieken Richard M. , Jordan Horst R. , Clarke William , Lauer Ronald M.
Published: February 2007

Rapid accurate analysis of echocardiographic data is accomplished using a sonic digitizer and programmable calculator. This method allows the echocardiographer to select technically optimal areas of the recording for analysis. The resolution of the measuring device is 0.1 mm. A hardcopy printout of both measurement and calculation is provided. Instead of expensive on‐line computer, an inexpensive programmable calculator is used.
Preformed catheters for simplified transbrachial coronary arteriography
Authors: Co Eddy D. , Yap Vicente , Keelan Michael H.
Published: February 2007

The experience in 700 patients of transbrachial selective coronary arteriography using a preformed catheter is described. The excellent plastic memory and torque control of the polyurethane catheter combined with the characteristic gentle curve permit rapid and easy intubation of the coronary arteries. The so‐called „difficult”︁ cases encountered with the classic Sones technique have been catheterized with ease employing the technique described in this report. The exceptionally low complication rate (no deaths), abbreviated catheterization time, a success rate of 99.2%, and the high quality cine angiographic films make this technique a highly useful and effective method of transbrachial coronary arteriography.