bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron impact contribution to infrared NO emissions in auroral conditions
Authors: Campbell L. , Brunger M. J.
Published: November 2007

Infrared emissions from nitric oxide, other than nightglow, are observed in aurora, principally due to a chemiluminescent reaction between excited nitrogen atoms and oxygen molecules that produces vibrationally excited NO. The rates for this chemiluminescent reaction have recently been revised. Based on new measurements of electron impact vibrational excitation of NO, it has been suggested that electron impact may also be significant in producing auroral NO emissions. We show results of a detailed calculation which predicts the infrared spectrum observed in rocket measurements, using the revised chemiluminescent rates and including electron impact excitation. For emissions from the second vibrational level and above, the shape of the spectrum can be reproduced within the statistical errors of the analysis of the measurements, although there is an unexplained discrepancy in the absolute value of the emissions. The inclusion of electron impact improves the agreement of the shape of the predicted spectrum with the measurements by accounting for part of the previously unexplained peak in emissions from the first vibrational level.
β‐arrestins and heterotrimeric G‐proteins: collaborators and competitors in signal transduction
Authors: DeFea K
Published: November 2007

G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), also known as seven transmembrane receptors (7‐TMRs), are the largest protein receptor superfamily in the body. These receptors and their ligands direct a diverse array of physiological responses, and hence have broad relevance to numerous diseases. As a result, they have generated considerable interest in the pharmaceutical industry as drug targets. Recently, GPCRs have been demonstrated to elicit signals through interaction with the scaffolding proteins, β‐arrestins‐1 and 2, independent of heterotrimeric G‐protein coupling. This review discusses several known G‐protein‐independent, β‐arrestin‐dependent pathways and their potential physiological and pharmacological significance. The emergence of G‐protein‐independent signalling changes the way in which GPCR signalling is evaluated, from a cell biological to a pharmaceutical perspective and raises the possibility for the development of pathway specific therapeutics.

British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)153, S298–S309; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707508; published online 26 November 2007
Differential effects of glucose on agonist‐induced relaxations in human mesenteric and subcutaneous arteries
Authors: MacKenzie A , Cooper E J , Dowell F J
Published: November 2007

Background and purpose:

Acute periods of hyperglycaemia are strongly associated with vascular disorder, yet the specific effects of high glucose on human blood vessel function are not fully understood. In this study we (1) characterized the endothelial‐dependent relaxation of two similarly sized but anatomically distinct human arteries to two different agonists and (2) determined how these responses are modified by acute exposure to high glucose.

Experimental approach:

Ring segments of human mesenteric and subcutaneous arteries were mounted in a wire myograph. Relaxations to acetylcholine and bradykinin were determined in a control (5 mM) and high glucose (20 mM) environment over a 2 and 6 h incubation period.

Key results:

Bradykinin‐induced relaxation in both sets of vessels was mediated entirely by EDHF whilst that generated by acetylcholine, though principally generated by EDHF, also had contribution from prostacyclin and possibly nitric oxide in mesenteric and subcutaneous vessels, respectively. A 2‐h incubation of high glucose impaired bradykinin‐induced relaxation of subcutaneous vessels whilst, in contrast, the relaxation generated by bradykinin in mesenteric vessels was enhanced at the same time point. High glucose significantly augmented the relaxation generated by acetylcholine in mesenteric and subcutaneous vessels at a 2 and 6 h incubation point, respectively.

Conclusions and implications:

Short periods of high glucose exert a variable influence on endothelial function in human isolated blood vessels that is dependent on factors of time, agonist‐used and vessel studied. This has implications for how we view the effects of acute hyperglycaemia found in patients with diabetes mellitus as well as other conditions.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, 480–487; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707592; published online 26 November 2007
Vibrational relaxation in simulated two-dimensional infrared spectra of two amide modes in solution
Authors: Dijkstra Arend G. , la Cour Jansen Thomas , Bloem Elin , Knoester Jasper
Published: November 2007

Two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy is capable of following the transfer of vibrational energy between modes in real time. We develop a method to include vibrational relaxation in simulations of two-dimensional infrared spectra at finite temperature. The method takes into account the correlated fluctuations that occur in the frequencies of the vibrational states and in the coupling between them as a result of interaction with the environment. The fluctuations influence the two-dimensional infrared line shape and cause vibrational relaxation during the waiting time, which is included using second-order perturbation theory. The method is demonstrated by applying it to the amide-I and amide-II modes in N-methylacetamide in heavy water. Stochastic information on the fluctuations is obtained from a molecular dynamics trajectory, which is converted to time dependent frequencies and couplings with a map from a density functional calculation. Solvent dynamics with the same frequency as the energy gap between the two amide modes lead to efficient relaxation between amide-I and amide-II on a 560fs time scale. We show that the cross peak intensity in the two-dimensional infrared spectrum provides a good measure for the vibrational relaxation.
Multiple period-doubling bifurcation route to chaos in periodically pulsed Murali-Lakshmanan-Chua circuit-controlling and synchronization of chaos
Authors: Parthasarathy S. , Manikandakumar K.
Published: November 2007

We consider a simple nonautonomous dissipative nonlinear electronic circuit consisting of Chua’s diode as the only nonlinear element, which exhibit a typical period doubling bifurcation route to chaotic oscillations. In this paper, we show that the effect of additional periodic pulses in this Murali-Lakshmanan-Chua (MLC) circuit results in novel multiple-period-doubling bifurcation behavior, prior to the onset of chaos, by using both numerical and some experimental simulations. In the chaotic regime, this circuit exhibits a rich variety of dynamical behavior including enlarged periodic windows, attractor crises, distinctly modified bifurcation structures, and so on. For certain types of periodic pulses, this circuit also admits transcritical bifurcations preceding the onset of multiple-period-doubling bifurcations. We have characterized our numerical simulation results by using Lyapunov exponents, correlation dimension, and power spectrum, which are found to be in good agreement with the experimental observations. Further controlling and synchronization of chaos in this periodically pulsed MLC circuit have been achieved by using suitable methods. We have also shown that the chaotic attractor becomes more complicated and their corresponding return maps are no longer simple for large n-periodic pulses. The above study also indicates that one can generate any desired n-period-doubling bifurcation behavior by applying n-periodic pulses to a chaotic system.

This article is being retracted effective 14 September 2010.
Effect of the number of parents and their combining ability on the performance of synthetic varieties in tall fescue
Authors: Piano E. , Annicchiarico P. , Romani M. , Pecetti L.
Published: November 2007

Finding the optimal parent number for synthetic varieties has a crucial importance in forage breeding. The objective of this work was exploring this number for Mediterranean tall fescue selected for forage yield. The general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability of parents, and their effects on the performance and the inbreeding depression of synthetics, were also assessed. The full-sib families from the diallel cross of 20 genotypes chosen from well performing populations were evaluated for fresh biomass over 13 harvests in Sanluri (Sardinia, Italy). The Syn 1 and Syn 2 of 15 synthetics varying in parent number (4, 8, 12, 16 or 20) and, within same number, in mean GCA of parents were evaluated for dry matter yield over 11 harvests in Lodi (northern Italy) in a greenhouse simulating the temperature pattern of a Mediterranean environment. The yield responses of Syn 2 synthetics with 2 to 20 parents with highest mean GCA were predicted from yield values of S1 and F1 progenies, also evaluated in Lodi. The variance of GCA effects was almost 2-fold larger than that of SCA effects. The observed vigour loss from Syn 1 to Syn 2 of the 4-parent synthetics (−6%) tended to be greater than those of higher parent number groups. The 4-parent synthetics with larger SCA effects tended to greater inbreeding depression. The comparison among synthetics with different parent number and highest GCA of their parents indicated the superiority of the 4-parent synthetic over any other in both generations (P < 0.05). The predicted yield response was maximised by the 3-parent synthetic. The results and other considerations suggest adoption of 4- to 6-parent synthetics.
Cue‐responding behaviours of oncology nurses in video‐simulated interviews
Authors: Uitterhoeve Ruud , De Leeuw Jacqueline , Bensing Jozien , Heaven Cathy , Borm George , DeMulder Pieter , Van Achterberg Theo
Published: November 2007

Title.  Cue‐responding behaviours of oncology nurses in video‐simulated interviews

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to describe nurse–patient interactions, i.e. nurses’ cue‐responding behaviour in encounters with actors playing the role of patients.

Background.  Patients with cancer seldom express their concerns directly but express cues instead. Few studies empirically investigated nurses’ cue‐responding behaviour and the subsequent influence of disclosure of cues and concerns.

Methods.  In this descriptive observational study, conducted from April to June 2004, five oncology nurses interviewed an actor playing the role of a patient with cancer. Each nurse performed seven different interviews (n = 35); these were videotaped and subsequently rated for cue‐responding using the Medical Interview Aural Rating Scale. Mixed model analysis was used to investigate the relation between cues and cue‐responding.

Findings.  Half of the patients’ cues were responded to with distancing behaviours. The other half of the cues were either explored (33%) or acknowledged (17%). In 16% of these responses, nurses used open directive questions. One out of four open directive questions were used as a distancing response, suggesting that open directive questions are not used to explore or acknowledge cues of patients. Cue‐responding influenced subsequent expression of concerns and emotions, i.e. disclosure of a concern is two times higher after exploration or acknowledging of a preceding cue than after a distancing response.

Conclusion.  Cue‐responding is a valuable concept which can contribute to our understanding of optimal ways of communicating. Cue‐responding behaviour facilitates the disclosure of worries and concerns of patients. Further research is needed to assess the clinical relevancy of cue‐responding.
Eco‐evolutionary vs. habitat contributions to invasion in salmon: experimental evaluation in the wild
Authors: KINNISON MICHAEL T. , UNWIN MARTIN J. , QUINN THOMAS P.
Published: November 2007

Although trait evolution over contemporary timescales is well documented, its influence on ecological dynamics in the wild has received much less attention particularly compared to traditional ecological and environmental factors. For example, evolution over ecologically relevant timescales is expected in populations that colonize new habitats, where it should theoretically enhance fitness, associated vital rates of survival and reproduction, and population growth potential. Nonetheless, success of exotic species is much more commonly attributed to ecological aspects of habitat quality and ‘escape from enemies’ in the invaded range. Here, we consider contemporary evolution of vital rates in introduced Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) that quickly colonized New Zealand and diverged overc. 26 generations. By using experimental translocations, we partitioned the roles of evolution and habitat quality in modifying geographical patterns of vital rates. Variation in habitat quality within the new range had the greatest influence on broad geographical patterns of vital rates, but locally adapted salmon still exhibited more than double the vital rate performance, and hence fitness, of nonlocal counterparts. The scope of this fitness evolution far exceeds the scale of divergence in trait values for these populations, or even the expected fitness effects of particular traits. These results suggest that contemporary evolution can be an important part of the eco‐evolutionary dynamics of invasions and highlight the need for studies of the emergent fitness and ecological consequences of such evolution, rather than just changes in trait values.
Functional relationships between Quebec forest soil microfungi and their environment
Authors: Widden Paul
Published: November 2007

Multiple regression and canonical correlation analyses revealed the importance of soil temperature, moisture, potassium, nitrate, ammonium and pH in influencing the occurrence of soil microfungi in four forest soils. The relationships among abiotic factors and the fungal community were complex and varied among forest soils. The major environmental trend was for temperature to increase as soil moisture decreased, as a result of seasonal change, but the microfungi did not appear to respond linearly to this trend. This suggests that for many fungi, both summer and winter represent periods of adversity, whereas spring and fall may be more favorable. Comparison of the responses of individual species to environmental parameters with literature data on their physiological responses indicates that often there is agreement, but this was not invariably so. A lack of correspondence between field and laboratory data probably reflects the importance of biotic factors in determining fungal community structure. For many species, data on physiological responses to many environmental factors are lacking. This proved to be particularly so with respect to potassium, which has been shown in this and other field studies to have a significant correlation with the occurrence of some soil microfungi.
Clitopilus fuscogelatinosus and Rhodocybe carlottae, new species in the Entolomataceae (Agaricales) from Canada
Authors: Redhead S. A. , Baroni T. J.
Published: November 2007

Clitopilus fuscogelatinosus sp. nov. is described in section Pleurotelloides Singer. The type was on rotting coniferous wood in coastal Newfoundland. Rhodocybe carlottae sp. nov., with a second colour variety, var. vinacea, is described in section Rhodophana (Kühner) Singer. Both varieties were found in coniferous forests on the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia.
Comparison of malt agar with malt agar plus orthophenylphenol for isolating Armillariamellea and other fungi from conifer roots
Authors: Whitney R. D. , Myren D. T. , Britnell W. E.
Published: November 2007

Armillariamellea isolations from the roots of dead and dying conifer saplings increased by 40% when o-phenylphenol (OPP) was added to malt agar compared with isolations on malt agar alone; they were similar on the two media from the roots of larger, healthy trees. This is attributed largely to the inhibiting effect of the additive on fast-growing Hyphomycetes and other fungi which are far more abundant in the roots of dead or dying saplings than in the roots of healthy older trees. Decay-causing Basidiomycetes other than A. mellea were isolated less frequently, whereas bacteria and yeasts were isolated more frequently, when OPP was added to the malt agar medium. This suggests that the additive must be used with discretion.
Root rot damage in naturally regenerated stands of spruce and balsam fir in Ontario
Authors: Whitney R. D.
Published: November 2007

In an 11-year study in northern Ontario, root rot damage was heaviest in balsam fir, intermediate in black spruce, and least in white spruce. As a result of root rot, 16, 11, and 6%, respectively, of dominant or codominant trees of the three species were killed or experienced premature windfall. Butt rot, which resulted from the upward extension of root rot into the boles of living trees, led to a scaled cull of 17, 12, and 10%, respectively, of gross merchantable volume of the remaining living trees in the three species. The total volume of wood lost to rot was, therefore, 33, 23, and 16%, respectively. Of 1108 living dominant and codominant balsam fir, 1243 black spruce, and 501 white spruce in 165 stands, 87, 68, and 63%, respectively, exhibited some degree of advanced root decay. Losses resulting from root rot increased with tree age. Significant amounts of root decay and stain (>30% of root volume) first occurred at 60 years of age in balsam fir and 80 years in black spruce and white spruce. For the three species together, the proportion of trees that were dead and windfallen as a result of root rot increased from an average of 3% at 41–50 years to 13% at 71–80 years and 26% at 101–110 years. The root rot index, based on the number of dead and windfallen trees and estimated loss of merchantable volume, also increased, from an average of 17 at 41–50 years to 40 at 71–80 years and 53 at 101–110 years. Death and windfall of balsam fir and black spruce were more common in northwestern Ontario than in northeastern Ontario. Damage to balsam fir was greater in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Forest region than in the Boreal Forest region. In all three tree species, the degree of root rot (decay and stain) was highly correlated with the number of dead and windfallen trees, stand age, and root decay at ground level (as a percentage of basal area) for a 10-tree sample.
Electric Field effects on Excitation Dynamics in Electron Donor and Acceptor Pairs of Porphyrin and Fullerene
Authors: Ohta Nobuhiro
Published: November 2007

Electroabsorption and electrofluorescence spectra have been measured using electric field modulation spectroscopy for a mixture of tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and fullerene (C60) in a PMMA film. Fluorescence of TPP is enhanced and de-enhanced by an electric field in zinc and free-base compounds, respectively, indicating that the electron transfer from the excited state of TPP to C60 is decelerated in zinc compound and accelerated in free-base compound by an electric field. TPP was also found to form complex upon mixing with C60 which exhibits a broad emission in the wavelength region longer than that of TPP emission. The electroabsorption spectra show that a charge separation occurs upon photoexcitation to the absorption band located near the Soret band. The complex emission is significantly quenched by an external electric field in both zinc and free base compounds, suggesting that the nonradiative decay of the excited complex is accelerate d by an electric field.
The Q-t rAtio in Treadmill Stress Testing
Authors: Kemp George L.
Published: November 2007

An evaluation of the Q-T ratio as a means of differentiating normal from abnormal tread mill stress test results was attempted. Digitalized subjects were included in the study to determine if false-positive treadmill stress test results could be identified by this means. The results indicate a lack of specificity in relying upon the Q-T ratio measurements before and after maximal treadmill stress testing.

Q-T ratio, Treadmill Stress Testing.
Inhibition of Aggregation of Human and Rat Platelets By Fibrinolytic Drug Phenformin
Authors: Kovács Iren B. , Csalay L. , Görög P.
Published: November 2007

Aggregation of human platelets by ADP, adrenaline and collagen was inhib ited by phenformin in citrated plasma. As low as 12.5 μg/ml final concentration of phenformin resulted 50% inhibition of adrenaline induced aggregation of platelets. Platelet aggregation induced by ADP was greatly enhanced by adren aline in citrated plasma of rat. Applied in low concentration phenformin dimin ished the adrenaline-induced increased sensitivity of rat platelets to ADP.

Phenformin is an oral antidiabetic drug, the effectiveness of which to increase fibrinolytic activity of blood have been established by Fearnley and Chakra barti (1) and supported by Isacson and Nilsson (2). Besides antidiabetic and fibrinolytic activity Phenformin has a blood cholesterol level lowering effect (3). Phenformin in combination with ethyloestrenol proved to be effective in the treatment of various occlusive vascular diseases (4). In human subjects the drug-combination decreased the adhesiveness of platelets to glass beads but Phenformin alone was without effect (4). We have not found any data concern ing the effect of Phenformin on aggregation of platelets of the blood of humans or experimental animals. Because the importance of platelet aggregation and plug formation in hemostasis and thrombosis has been well established, it seemed interest to investigate the effect of Phenformin from this aspect.
A Rational Approach To Traumatic Aortic Rupture
Authors: Redman Helen C.
Published: November 2007

Twenty-four patients with deceleration trauma and widened mediastinums have been studied for aortic laceration. Eight had lacerations. Analysis of the chest films demonstrates that the findings of aortic laceration are those of mediastinal bleeding and are nonspecific. While deceleration trauma appears to be causative, a widened mediastinum with such trauma is not diagnostic of aortic laceration. Upright films often cannot be obtained and are not necessary. Serial chest films are contraindicated. Aortography is the definitive technique and should be performed if clinical suspicion of aortic laceration exists.

Laceration of the thoracic aorta caused by rapid decleration injury is a surgical emergency. Less than 20% of these patients reach the emergency room alive and, of these, 90% will exsanguinate within four weeks, 25% within 24 hours.1 Therefore prompt diagnosis and surgery are imperative. The chest film findings of aortic laceration are nonspecific since any mediastinal bleeding can give the same radiographic appearance. Aortography must be performed to confirm this diagnosis. We have recently seen 24 patients with severe decelera tion injuries all of whom had mediastinal abnormalities suggestive of aortic laceration. Eight actually had lacerations and these cases form the basis for this report.
The Arteriolar Effects of Cinnarizine and Flunarizine
Authors: Verhaegen H. , Roels V. , Adriaensen H. , Brugmans J. , De Cock W. , Dony J. , Jageneau A. , Schuermans V.
Published: November 2007

Multitechnical non-invasive procedures were used to assess the arteriolar effects of cinnarizine and its difluoroderivative, flunarizine, in 20 normal volun teers and in 43 elderly patients with occlusive disease of the extremities due to arteriosclerosis, 22 of whom had intermittent claudication. The trial involved six separate studies of which three were double-blind cross-over, one was a 6- month open study followed by a 6-month double-blind study and two were open studies. Significant drug-related effects were obtained by venous occlusion plethysmometry, differentiated pulse plethysmometry, oscillometry, claudicom eter, postexercise arm-ankle pressure gradients and exercise tolerance measure ments, but not by light plethysmometry and skin temperature measurements. The results indicated that cinnarizine and flunarizine improved vascular disten sion and blood flow in normal volunteers, as well as in patients with occlusive disease of the extremities due to arteriosclerosis. The patients also showed increased postexercise arm-ankle pressure gradients, improved arterial pulsa tions and better exercise performance and tolerance. The drugs were devoid of effects on sympathetic reflexes, resting blood pressure and pulse rate; they were devoid of side-effects and were well tolerated also by patients treated with antihypertensives and cardiac glycosides. Flunarizine was at least as effective as its parent compound at two to three times lower dose levels.
When Does a Fourth Sound Become an Atrial Gallop?
Authors: Perez Gloria L. , Luisada Aldo A.
Published: November 2007

A study of the fourth sound was conducted on 100 normal subjects (ages 1-88 years) and 42 clinical cases with either aortic stenosis, systemic hypertension or coronary heart disease. This study was based on the graphic recognition of a presystolic sound when the tracing was taken with the use of one or more of 5 different high pass filters. Attention was paid to the existence of the fourth sound, its magnitude, and its vibrational frequency.

In general it was accepted that a magnitude of ½ of the first heart sound or a frequency of 30 Hz denoted a pathologic fourth sound. However, exceptions were found among normal subjects, so that only the combination of the two criteria could be considered highly significant for a pathologic phenomenon (gallop).

Patients with aortic stenosis presented an increase in magnitude of the fourth sound but incidence and vibrational frequency were similar to those of controls. Patients with hypertension had a greater incidence of fourth sounds, especially in middle age (100%); middle age patients usually had a greater magnitude while older patients had more often an increase in vibrational frequency. Patients with coronary heart disease (evidence of old infarcts) had an increase in the incidence, magnitude, and vibrational frequency in comparison with controls.

These data and the cause of the fourth sound are discussed.

The fourth sound has been repeatedly studied in the past, both as an auscultatory finding and a graphic phenomenon. Attempts were made for separating the normal fourth sound from that denoting a pathological phenomenon but, so far, no clear cut criteria for the differentiation have been obtained. We thought, therefore, that a new study was indicated.
Graphic Findings in Acute Aortic Regurgitation Caused By Destruction of Aortic Cusp
Authors: Zoneraich Samuel , Zoneraich Olga , Rhee Jai J. , Gupta Mohinder P.
Published: November 2007

The diagnosis of ruptured aortic cusp leading to acute aortic insufficiency was made by echophonocardiographic techniques in a patient with non- vegetative aortic valvular endocarditis and a negative clinical history. Early closure of the mitral valve, weak first heart sound, tall A wave of apexcardiogram, and early diastolic murmur indicated acute aortic regur gitation. Fine high frequency echoes of the aortic root and aortic leaflets suggested ruptured aortic leaflet unlike that reported in the presence of vegetations. Timing of S 1 in acute aortic regurgitation by phonocardio gram, echocardiogram, and pulse techniques could not establish a single causative valvular relation in the genesis of this sound.
Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Echocardiographic Pseudoid-Iopathic Hypertrophic Subaortic Stenosis
Authors: Pandian M. Ganesa , Greenwald Jonathan G. , Lichtman Alvin , Truax Hollis
Published: November 2007

An echocardiographic study of a 67-year-old patient with pseudoidio pathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis due to secondary pulmonary hyper tension is reported. Autopsy revealed findings consistent with pulmonary hypertension, and no evidence of idiopathic subaortic stenosis was found.
Systolic Pressure Slope: System for Automated Display and Calculation
Authors: Johnston K.W. , Hager M. , Cobbold R.S.C.
Published: November 2007

The rate of rise of arterial blood pressure—the systolic pressure slope— has been measured noninvasively at the ankle and has been shown to be reduced by minor degrees of peripheral arterial stenosis. This report describes an electronic system used to display the systolic part of the arterial pressure wave. The system uses noninvasive data from an ECG, a blood pressure cuff, and a Doppler ultrasound detector. From these data the systolic pressure slope is measured automatically. One hundred and sixty-eight recordings from the limbs of 10 normal subjects were ana lyzed in detail and confirmed the reproducibility of the system. The points used to calculate the systolic slope fell close to a straight line, with cor relation coefficients averaging 0.96. An average of eight repeat measure ments were made per limb, and the coefficients of variation averaged 6.5%. Mean values for the normalized systolic pressure slope agreed with pre viously published data.
Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate on Canine Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Bello A. , Bianco J.A. , Velarde H. , Diaz F.A. , Izquierdo J.P. , Jaen C.R.
Published: November 2007

Left ventricular performance was evaluated in seven canine right heart bypass preparations during and after the intraauricular administration of sodium bicarbonate (100 ml, 1100 Osm, 60 mEq). Under conditions of constant cardiac input and left ventricular volume, sodium bicarbonate produced mild and brief left ventricular depression, as manifested by a decline of left ventricular dp/dt with simultaneous rise of left ventricular end-diastrolic and left atrial pressures. These findings occurred as aortic impedance fell. Identical results accrued in paced and unpaced prepara tions. The data lends credence to the proposition that a sudden rise in blood pCO 2 produces increased transport of CO2 across the cardiac mem branes with intracellular acidosis. However, the data is also compatible with hyperosmolality induced contractile depression. Possible clinical im plications are discussed.
Influence of Glucagon On the Cardiovascular Effects of Procainamide
Authors: Prasad Kailash , Weckworth Paul
Published: November 2007

Effects of glucagon on procainamide-induced cardiac toxicity were studied in anesthetized dogs. Procainamide in doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg pro duced dose-dependent decreases in the blood pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular work index, and left ventricular systolic pressure; and increases in the left ventricular end diastolic and right atrial pressure, and total systemic vascular resistance. Glucagon antagonized most of the effects of procainamide on the cardiovascular system. Glucagon may be effective in antagonizing procainamide-induced cardiac toxicity.
Effect of Alcohol On the Atrial Fibrillation Threshold in Dogs
Authors: Kostis John B. , Goodkind M. Jay , Skvaza H. , Gerber Norris H. , Kuo Peter T.
Published: November 2007

The atrial fibrillation threshold was measured in 10 anesthetized dogs by delivering a series of impulses directly to the right atrium after infusion of 4.5 ml of 5% glucose per kilogram of body weight, and after 1.5 ml of absolute alcohol per kilogram in 3 ml/kg of 5% glucose. There were no changes in the atrial fibrillation threshold after glucose. The mean AFT before alcohol was 6.8 volts. Immediately after alcohol infusion, the arterial blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was 300.7 mg/100 ml, and the AFT increased to 9.75 volts ( P < 0.01); 20 minutes later the BAC was 181.2 mg/100 ml and the AFT 8.5 ( P < 0.02). There was no rebound decrease in AFT up to 65 minutes. The findings suggest that in anesthe tized normal dogs, alcohol may have a direct mild antiarrhythmic effect on the atria. Atrial fibrillation in alcoholics may be due to alcohol indirectly through electrolyte, autonomic, or histologic changes.
Calf Blood Flow and Ankle Systolic Blood Pressure in Intermittent Claudication Monitored Over Five Years
Authors: Hutchison K.J. , Williams H.T.G.
Published: November 2007

The response of calf blood flow and ankle blood pressure to 2 minutes of ischemic exercise were recorded every 6 months over a 5-year period in 9 patients with intermittent claudication who were treated conservatively on a regime including alpha tocopherol. No statistically significant change was noted in the pattern of the calf blood flow response over this period. Statistically significant ( P < 0.05) increases in resting and minimal postexercise ankle systolic pressures were partially attributable to a concomitant increase in central arterial pressure as indicated by brachial systolic pressure. Results from 18 patients over 1 year and from 14 patients over 2 years are consistent with these findings. The evidence presented suggests that the arterial disease process was stable over this period.
Double-Blind Trial of Oral Papaverine in Chronic Cerebrovascular Ischemia
Authors: Shaw Terry G. , Stirling Meyer John
Published: November 2007

A preliminary analysis of the effect of long-term therapy with oral papaver ine has been made in 11 patients with chronic cerebral ischemia due to cerebral arteriosclerosis. The cases were classified as remote cerebral infarction (6 pa tients) or vertebrobasilar arterial insufficiency (5 patients). The patients received 225 mg or 450 mg daily, assigned in a double-blind manner. Most showed clinical improvement and improvement on the EEG. There was a statistically significant increase in regional cerebral blood flow in the vertebrobasilar arterial distribution, including the brain stem and cerebellar and posterior cerebral regions, particularly in the right hemisphere. Evidence appears to indicate that zones of severe remote cerebral infarction are refractory to pharmacologically induced vasodilation.
Anastomotic Rupture of Aortic Grafts
Authors: Komoto Yoshiaki , Uchida Hatsuzo , Teramoto Shigeru
Published: November 2007

Proximal suture line disruption is one of the severe complications of syn thetic vascular grafting for arteriosclerotic aortic disorders. The pathology of clinical and experimental cases revealed that a small bite of each stitch cut into the host aorta and became disrupted. Making each stitch as large as possible in the host aorta is the first procedural choice for aortic replacement surgery. Protecting the anastomotic line with a synthetic mesh cloth wrapping is prefer able.
Right Coronary Arteriocameral Fistula Into the Right Ventricle
Authors: Munsi S.C. , Dalal J.J. , Nair K.G.
Published: November 2007

A case of a right coronary artery fistula into the right ventricle is presented. The clin ical diagnosis was based on the presence of a continuous murmur best heard in the epi gastrium, which increased in intensity and duration on inspiration. This report stresses the importance of this sign in the localization of the arterial fistula to the right ventricle. To the best of our knowledge, there are no pre vious reports of this sign.
Prinzmetal's Variant Angina Associated With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report
Authors: Toyama Yoshifumi , Tanaka Hiromitsu , Nuruki Kohji , Shirao Tetsuya
Published: November 2007

Prinzmetal's variant of angina oc curred in a 48-year-old man who sus tained two attacks of subarachnoid hem orrhage within 10 days. The first anginal pain started at the same time that the second cerebrovascular accident devel oped, but subsequent anginal episodes were not accompanied by other symp toms or signs that indicated new devel opment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Twelve days later, when nuchal rigidity was fairly improved, the episodes of chest pain ended. A vasospasm of the large coronary arteries—probably due to the derangement of the autonomic ner vous system caused by subarachnoid hemorrhage—was presumed to contrib ute to the occurrence of the variant an gina. Based on this case and on review of the literature, we propose that coronary arterial spasm is one of several causes of the cardiac changes seen in subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Value of Treadmill Exercise Testing in Patients With Complete Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Susmano Armando , Teran Julio C.
Published: November 2007

Exercise electrocardiography and selective coronary arteriography was per formed in 24 consecutive patients with complete bundle branch block. The criteria for a positive exercise electrocardiogram (E-ECG) were a 1 mm depres sion or elevation in the J point from the control state, as well as in the ST segment measured at 0.04 seconds from the J point.

Eleven of 12 patients with complete left bundle branch block had a positive E-ECG. Nine of them had normal coronary arteriograms, except one with less than 50% lesions in two arteries. Two patients had severe three-vessel disease. Only one patient had a true negative exercise test. No patient had a false negative test.

Nine of 12 patients with complete right bundle branch block had a positive E-ECG. One of these 9 had minimal nonobstructive disease, while the other 8 had severe two- or three-vessel coronary artery disease. Three of the 12 right bundle branch block patients had a negative E-ECG. Two of them had a true negative exercise test, and one a false negative test.

Because of a high incidence of probably false positive results, E-ECG appears to be unreliable in detecting coronary artery disease in patients with complete left bundle branch block. But it can provide useful information in the non- invasive evaluation of coronary artery disease in patients with complete right bundle branch block.
The Effect of Flunarizine Treatment on Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Flameng W. , Verheyen F. , Borgers M. , De Clerck F. , Brugmans J.
Published: November 2007

In a first group of experiments, control and ischemic blood was sampled from healthy male volunteers before and 3 hours after the administration of a single 40-mg oral dose of flunarizine or placebo. The blood samples were stored for 24 hours at 0°C to induce partial transformation of discocytes into echi nocytes (crenation). The effect of the drug on the degree of crenation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. In control blood, flunarizine treat ment significantly suppressed the discocyte-echinocyte transformation. Similar results were obtained with ischemic blood, although individual variability was greater.

In a second group of experiments still in progress, control blood was taken from patients with intermittent claudication before and 24 hours after the first oral dose of flunarizine (4 × 20 mg) or placebo. The results again indicated that in patients flunarizine significantly reduced the echinocyte formation in stored blood samples.

Based on the results of earlier studies it is postulated that flunarizine exerts its effect at the plasma membrane of the erythrocyte by inhibiting excessive influx of extracellular Ca2+. This mechanism of action, by which the compound suppresses echinocyte formation, may be similar to that by which it reduces hyperviscosity and possibly improves red blood cell (RBC) deformability.
A Systems Approach to the Diagnosis of Venous Thrombosis and Insufficiency
Authors: Winsor Travis , Feldsher Jack S.
Published: November 2007

This systems approach to the diagnosis of venous vascular obstruction and venous insufficiency relies on use of the segmental pneumoplethysmograph. The method is a useful diagnostic tool when evaluating these diseases. The drainage test indicates deep, large venous thrombosis. The dependency test indicates either thrombosis or venous insufficiency. And the tourniquet test differentiates the presence of deep from superficial vein insufficiency.
Echocardiographic Findings in Patients With Aortitis Syndrome
Authors: Tanaka Hiromitsu , Mihara Kenroh , Ookura Hideyo , Toyama Yoshifumi , Sasaki Hiromitsu , Kashima Tomoyoshi , Kanehisa Takuya
Published: November 2007

Echocardiography was performed in 18 patients with the aortitis syndrome and in 20 age-matched normal volunteers. The aortic root dimension, the aortic dimension at the level of the sinotubular ridge, the aortic arch dimension, the left ventricular internal dimension, the left atrial dimension, the interventricular septal thickness, and the left ventricular posterior wall thickness were measured. All measurements, except for the left atrial dimension, were significantly greater in patients with aortitis syndrome than in the control subjects. We concluded (1) that the patients with the aortitis syndrome may have an enlarged or narrowed aorta, a dilated left ventricle and left atrium, and a thickened interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall; (2) that the incidence and the degree of these abnormalities depend on the presence of complications such as aortic regurgitation and arterial hypertension; and (3) that M-mode as well a cross- sectional echocardiography plays an important role in the assessment of the aorta and heart in the aortitis syndrome.
Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm in Patients Without Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Comerford Thomas J. , Propert David B.
Published: November 2007

Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR) has been reported in patients with acute myocardial infarction, digitalis excess, and subarachnoid hemorrhage, and in pa tients with rheumatic, primary myocardial, and hypertensive heart disease. Discovery of AIVR in 2 patients without heart disease led us to review reports from 700 Holter monitor studies.

Seven patients without recent myocardial infarction were studied retrospectively. Three of the 7 had no evidence of heart dis ease ; 5 of the 7 had abnormalities of the cen tral nervous system. Examples of AIVR show approximation of the sinus rate and ectopic rate; onset and offset occur abruptly or with sinus rate slowing and fusion beats. One patient remained in AIVR for up to 10 minutes accompanied by retrograde atrial capture. The rhythm's acceleration with ex ercise suggests that it is under autonomic in fluence, a phenomenon also seen in CNS stimulation studies in dogs.

AIVR occurs infrequently in patients without demonstrable heart disease. Our ex perience suggests a good prognosis, but fur ther study is needed on the natural history of AIVR in asymptomatic patients and on the necessity of treatment.
Epidemiology of Coronary Artery Disease Among Hansen's Patients
Authors: Moulopoulos Spyridon D. , Diamantopoulos Emmanouel J. , Adamopoulos Panayiotis N. , Anthopoulos Lambros P.
Published: November 2007

The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) and its risk factors were studied in 475 Hansen's patients (HP's) by a special questionnaire, physical examination, electrocardiogram at rest and after exercise, and biochemical and hematologic investigations. It was found that the prevalence of CHD (Minnesota codes 1-1 to 1-3 and 4-1) was 10.92%, which is higher than that found in epidemiologic studies of nonHansen's populations. The only CHD risk factors detected were age, obesity, and hypertension. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of CHD between HP's living confined in the institution and those living in their homes. Factors enhancing the development of CHD in this group may include hypertension and obesity as well as psychological factors, which particularly common in these patients, and of course old age.
Angiographic Evaluation of Vascular Changes in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Tsuchiya Masaharu , Miura Soichiro , Asakura Hitoshi , Hibi Toshifumi , Tanaka Tadashi , Aiso Sadakazu , Hiramatsu Kyoichi
Published: November 2007

Selective superior and inferior mesenteric angiography was carried out in 25 patients with ulcerative colitis. Vascular changes in angiography were com pared with the clinical features of the patients. There was no correlation be tween vascular changes in angiography and the duration of illness or the extent of involvement. The vascular changes of large vessels, such as increased diame ter of the inferior mesenteric artery, had better correlation with the severity or the activity of illness. However, we found that in some cases microcirculatory changes of small vessels of the intestinal wall, such as the findings of capillary brush or loss of normal tapering of vasa recta, still remain in remission of this disease. We assume that this microcirculatory disturbance plays an important role in the pathophysiology of ulcerative colitis.
Cerebral Infarction in Hypertensive and Nonhypertensive Subjects in a Community of Japan: The Hisayama Study
Authors: Ueda Kazuo , Omae Teruo , Hirota Yasuo , Takeshita Moriyuki , Katsuki Shibanosuke , Tanaka Kenzo , Enjoji Munetomi
Published: November 2007

To compare the clinical features associated with stroke in hypertensive pa tients with those in nonhypertensives, we analyzed the records and the autopsy findings of cases of cerebral infarction in the Hisayama prospective study from 1961 through 1973.

Of the total 128 cases of cerebral infarction, 79 (61.7%) occurred in patients admitted as hypertensives. In addition, of the 17 normotensive subjects at entry, (29.4%) had blood pressure levels that shifted into the hypertension range while 13 of 18 (72.2%) with borderline hypertension at entry had blood pressure levels that changed into the hypertensive range before stroke.

In reviewing clinical symptoms and autopsy findings we frequently found that small, deep cerebral infarction, most often located in basal ganglia, in hy pertensive old persons. On the other hand, arrhythmia on ECG and focal in farcts on sytemic organs of the body were more often found in nonhypertensive patients with cerebral infarction than in hypertensives. This suggested that em bolism of cardiac origin may at least contribute to the development. of cerebral infarction in nonhypertensive subjects.
The Diabetic Foot
Authors: Levin Marvin E.
Published: November 2007

Diabetic foot problems are common and result in multiple and prolonged hospitalizations, which often lead to amputation. While peripheral vascular dis ease and neuropathy are not totally preventable with current forms of therapy, many of the foot lesions resulting from these complications can be prevented by patient education and prophylactic foot care. This educational program should be a major endeavor of any physician caring for the diabetic.
Clinical Use of Plethysmography in the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis and Arterial Occlusive Disease: Part 1
Authors: d'Inverno E.
Published: November 2007

This two-part study deals with the clinical use of an ECG-triggered venous occlusion plethysmograph, the "Periflow." This first part describes procedures for arterial and for venous examination. Methodologrc and technological im provement over former VOP devices is indicated. And results of investigation on arterial pathology in 99 patients versus 76 normal subjects are evaluated. (Venous pathology will be treated in a second paper.)

From this study it can be concluded that most significant information about arterial status is obtained by analyzing the time-related course of a reactive hy peremia that has to clear off an experimentally induced arterial debt. The relia bility of the qualitative diagnostic differentiation and of the quantitative assess ment is determined by the proposed parameter handling in order to judge the method's suitability for objective diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pe ripheral vascular diseases.
Aortobronchial Fistula: Keys to Successful Management
Authors: Demeter Stephen L. , Cordasco Edward M.
Published: November 2007

Aortobronchial fistula is a rare but highly lethal condition. If it is diag nosed, survival rates are greater than 80%; if not, the condition is uniformly fa tal with death usually due to massive hemoptysis. A high index of suspicion is necessary to establish the diagnosis. The most consistent symptoms are hemop tysis (96%) and massive hemoptysis (79%). The most rewarding test is a thoracic aortogram (with a sensitivity of 71 %). Characteristics of this condition, as de scribed in the literature, and an illustrative case are presented.