bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in prey abundance unlikely to explain the demography of a critically endangered Central European bat
Authors: Bontadina Fabio , Schmied Sebastian F. , Beck Andres , Arlettaz Raphaël 
Published: November 2007

Summary

Recognizing the factor(s) that caused a demographic crash is a prerequisite to the development of a tailored population restoration plan. While habitat destruction leaves little scope for population persistence, cryptic habitat deterioration (for example through reduction of food resources) may similarly render an area totally inhospitable, while it still appears to have a suitable habitat configuration.
Most European bat species have undergone dramatic declines over the past decades. Once among the most widespread and abundant bat species of Central Europe, the lesser horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus hipposideros (Bechstein 1800), is today extinct in many regions. Although changes in the agricultural landscape have been suggested as the major cause of decline, recent studies have shown that this bat forages almost exclusively in woodland, a habitat that has increased in area across continental Europe over the past decades. This suggests that habitat eradication per se is unlikely to be the main cause of decline. But could cryptic habitat deterioration play a harmful role?
We looked at the abundance of insect prey in woodland in the vicinity of colonial roosts with diverging demographic status (extinct, declining or recovering populations), both in the Swiss lowlands (Swiss Plateau) and in the Alps. We predicted that population size correlates positively with prey abundance.
Diet composition mirrored local insect prey abundance, confirming an opportunistic foraging strategy. Prey abundance showed marked seasonal variation, but did not differ between sites harbouring extinct, declining or recovering populations. There was also no difference in food abundance between extinct populations in the lowlands and recovering populations in the Alps.
Synthesis and applications. Cryptic habitat deterioration through a reduction in prey abundance is unlikely to preclude recolonization of abandoned areas by presently recovering populations. However, sufficient areas of natural forest should be preserved or created around potential nursery roosts. Moreover, connectivity between forest patches must be ensured (by creation of hedges and tree lines) to prevent any spatial gap in recolonization within semi‐open agricultural landscapes. Other threatened European forest bats may also benefit from these measures.
PROVIDER‐INITIATED HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING IN HEALTH FACILITIES – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF PREGNANT WOMEN?
Authors: GRUSKIN SOFIA , AHMED SHAHIRA , FERGUSON LAURA 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTSince the introduction of drugs to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, the purpose of and approach to HIV testing of pregnant women has increasingly become an area of major controversy. In recent years, many strategies to increase the uptake of HIV testing have focused on offering HIV tests to women in pregnancy‐related services. New global guidance issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) specifically notes these services as an entry point for provider‐initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC). The guidance constitutes a useful first step towards a framework within which PITC sensitive to health, human rights and ethical concerns can be provided to pregnant women in health facilities. However, a number of issues will require further attention as implementation moves forward. It is incumbent on all those involved in the scale up of PITC to ensure that it promotes long‐term connection with relevant health services and does not result simply in increased testing with no concrete benefits being accrued by the women being tested. Within health services, this will require significant attention to informed consent, pre‐ and post‐test counseling, patient confidentiality, referrals and access to appropriate services, as well as reduction of stigma and discrimination. Beyond health services, efforts will be needed to address larger societal, legal, policy and contextual issues.The health and human rights of pregnant women must be a primary consideration in how HIV testing is implemented; they can benefit greatly from PITC but only if it is carried out appropriately.
Editorial Comments
Authors: Emerson Edward C. 
Published: November 2007

As a new policy of the Journal, the Board of Editors have decided to invite views of noted experts in the field of actual and controversial problems in vascular disease. These views will be presented as "special editorials." These editorials do not necessarily reflect the consensus of the Board of Editors of the Journal, and the Board will make no efforts to impose its views on them. They are intended to present individual opinions from the leaders of our profession. We will also invite and, if possible, provide a place in the Journal for the expression of opposite viewpoints.
The Treatment of Thrombophlebitis Without Anti Coagulation : Report of Five Cases
Authors: Grabois Martin 
Published: November 2007

Five patients with active thrombophlebitis diagnosed by signs and symptoms, and confirmed by thermograms and venograms, were admitted to Moss Reha bilitation Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They all had relative or abso lute contraindications to anticoagulation (gastrointestinal and genitourinary bleeding, and deep decubitus ulcers). They were not treated by the conventional means of bed rest, warm soaks and elevation of the involved extremity. The treatment consisted of a full rehabilitation program, including range of motion, transfer and ambulation exercises. They were fitted with anti EM stockings, and the extremities were elevated when at rest. The goal in treating thrombophlebitis should be early resolution of the condi tion, and prevention of pulmonary embolism. Bed rest leads to venous stasis, predisposes the patient to extension of the thrombus and increases the incidence of thromboembolism. Therefore, patients were mobilized immediately. Elastic stockings and elevation of the extremity have also been shown to increase venous flow, leading to a decrease in the formation and extension of the throm bus, and to a reduction of the threat of thromboembolism. There was no evidence of thromboembolism in the five cases. Thus, an active program of exercise and ambulation, in addition to anti EM stockings and elevation of the extremity when at rest, is worth considering, even though thrombophlebitis has occurred and anticoagulation is contraindicated. This is especially true in a rehabilitation program where ambulation is a significant goal. Experiences with larger numbers of such patients would help to confirm this impression.
The Value of Exercise Stress Testing in Predicting Benefit From Aorto Coronary Bypass Surgery
Authors: Stuart Robert J. , Ziprick D.A. , Ellestad Myrvin H. 
Published: November 2007

A total of 142 saphenous vein bypass patients who underwent pre- and postoperative treadmill stress tests were analyzed. The double product at the onset of ischemia improved in 15 of 25 females (68%) and 67 of 117 males (58%). In patients with a history of preoperative angina, 103 of 132 (78%) were relieved after operation, but only 81 of 132 (61%) improved their double product. In those with preoperative angina during treadmill stress testing, 48 of 79 (61%) improved. In patients without preoperative angina on treadmill stress testing, 40 of 65 (62%) improved their double product. When ST depression developed at a workload of 4 METS on the preoperative treadmill stress test, 54 of 87 (62%) improved. When ST depression developed at 6 METS, 20 of 34 (58%) improved their double product at the point of ischemia. The patient's sex, angina during treadmill stress testing, and the workload associated with ischemia did not help identify those who would benefit from bypass surgery. Treadmill stress testing does demonstrate the disparity be tween symptomatic and functional improvement and provides an important parameter for evaluation of aortocoronary bypass.
Hypertension Detection and Compliance: Permanent Site Hypertensive Evaluation—A New Method of Increasing Patient Compliance
Authors: Hutchison James C. 
Published: November 2007

Screening is successful in detecting hypertension, but reducing morbidity and mortality depends on achieving patient compliance. Cardiovascular disease has declined significantly since the thiazide diuretics have become generally available and provided effective and safe treatment of hypertension. More people are now aware of their blood pressure, and more hypertensive people are under treatment than ever before. Unfortunately many are not being treated— or if treated, they are not receiving adequate therapy. After several years of experimentation in screening, the concept of per manent site hypertension evaluation with an automatic recording device was instituted in a pharmacy. Detection during the first year in 926 people revealed that 51 % were hypertensives. There were 17% with mild hypertension, 9% with moderate hypertension, and 25% under treatment. Those under treatment were assumed to be hypertensive—normal being considered 140/90, and hyperten sive 160/100. Those between were considered mild hypertensives. After the second year, 1726 people had been screened and hypertension was detected in 48%; 18% had mild hypertension, 10% had more severe hypertension, and 20% were being treated. Compliance was measured in two groups of patients. Short-term compliance (up to 6 months) was measured in 441 patient revisits: initially 16% were normotensive, but on revisit after 6 months, 37% were normotensive—a reduc tion in mild hypertension from 52% to 33%. Long-term compliance (6 months to 2 years) was measured in 402 patient revisits: initially 19% were normotensive, and on revisit 32%—an increase in compliance with a reduction from 48% to 35% in mild hypertension. A new method, permanent site hypertension evaluation with patient revisits, is suggested as a new way of increasing patient compliance. The presence of normotension is assumed to mean compliance. The easy availability of per manent sites may induce the patient to return regularly, or the patient may be testing the medication or his physician. Whatever the case, normotension is the aim of compliance.
The Usefulness of Theophylline in Nonasthmatic Airway Obstruction
Authors: Schmidt R. , Altschuler S. 
Published: November 2007

This study evaluated the effectiveness of oral bronchodilator therapy using theophylline in patients with nonreversible chronic obstructive pulmonary dis ease. Twelve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were entered into a doubleblind crossover study using either active drug theophylline in 200 mg capsules (Elixophyllin) or placebo for 3 months, followed by 3 months of the alternate capsule. At baseline and monthly visits, data were recorded, including history, physical examination, and pulmonary function testing. Clinically, 7 of 11 patients responded favorably to theophylline, 3 were unchanged, and 1 improved on placebo. Comparison of each sign and symptom individually revealed no statistically significant differences. Pulmonary function (FEV1 and FVC) showed slight deterioration with placebo, but not with active drug therapy. These findings suggest that nonasthmatic patients may improve clinically during theophylline therapy whereas their pulmonary function may deteriorate during placebo therapy.
Echocardiographic Determination of Septal and Left Ventricular Wall Motion in the Early Hours of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kounis Nicholas G. 
Published: November 2007

Interventricular septal and left ventricular posterior wall excursions and ve locities were determined by M-mode echocardiography in the early hours of acute myocardial infarction in 43 patients. In the group with anterior in farction, including 24 patients, the systolic septal excursion (SSE), systolic sep tal velocity (SSV), diastolic septal excursion (DSE), and diastolic septal velocity (DSV) were decreased ( P < 0.001). The posterior wall excursion during iso- volumetric contraction (B-C) and the mean systolic posterior wall velocity (PWVmean) were also decreased ( P < 0.02). The posterior wall excursion dur ing ejection (PWE) was not affected significantly. In the group with inferior infarction, including 19 patients, the B-C excur sion was not significantly affected, but the PWE and PWVmean were dimin ished ( P < 0.001). The opposing healthy interventricular septum showed an in creased movement-compensatory hyperactivity. These findings indicate that the acute myocardial ischemia which grossly af fects the mobility of the myocardium can be detected and determined in the early hours by M-mode echocardiography.
Plethysmographic Registration of Volume Changes in a Hand Vein Effects of Serotonin and of a Specific Antagonist
Authors: Jageneau A.H.M. , Hörig Ch. , Loots W. , Symoens J. 
Published: November 2007

The influence of serotonin on a selected dorsal hand vein can be evaluated by changes in tangential wall tension, volume, and pressure. A plethysmo graphic method has been used to record the changes in venous capacitance at constant pressure after IV injection of small doses of serotonin. R 41 468, a specific serotonin antagonist, has been given orally (10, 20, or 40 mg) or intravenously (2.5 or 10 mg) to healthy volunteers. A reduction or a complete blockade of activity of serotonin was observed after all doses of R 41 468. Duration and strength of the antagonism were dose-dependent. This pharmacologic in vivo model allows investigations into substances with an effect on vascular smooth muscles.
The Antihypertensive Effects of a Pure and Selective Serotonin-Receptor Blocking Agent (R 41 468) in Elderly Patients
Authors: De Cree J. , Leempoels J. , De Cock W. , Geukens H. , Verhaegen H. 
Published: November 2007

In a first experiment, an acute intravenous administration of 10 mg R 41 468, a pure serotonin-receptor blocking agent with high selectivity for blood vessels and thrombocytes and devoid of central effects, dramatically reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 23 elderly hypertensive patients. Heart rate and cardiac output remained virtually unchanged. In a second double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study a highly significant decrease of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was obtained in 14 elderly hypertensive patients during an 8-day oral treatment with 40 mg t.i.d. of R 41 468. No serious side-effects were observed. An oral maintenance therapy with R 41 468 for 3 weeks showed a further reduction of blood pressure, resulting in a normalization of blood pressure, taking into account the advanced age of the patients. R 41 468 most probably acts by decreasing the venous capacitance bed constriction. Essential hypertension might be causally related to an impair ment of venous function, in which serotonin might be an important pressor factor.
Correction and Monitoring of Postoperative Cerebral Vasospasm
Authors: Dalessandri Kathie , John James N. St. , Carson Stanley N. 
Published: November 2007

There have been several case reports in which various hypertension-inducing regimens have been used in the treat ment of postoperative cerebral vaso spasm. Regimens have included the use of metaraminal bitarate, norepineph rine with intravascular volume expan sion, and high-dose dopamine with mannitol and volume expansion. Clini cal response has been very favorable. Our patient improved markedly after administration of dopamine and intra vascular volume expansion. Little work has been done to docu ment vasospasm as the cause of the ischemia or to demonstrate increased cerebral blood flow following treat ment. We suggest that noninvasive Doppler flow velocity studies may be an ideal tool for the further assessment of these patients.
Pitfall of Venous Occlusion Plethysmography
Authors: Knox R. , Cramer M. , Fell G. , Breslau P. , Beach K. , Strandness D.E. 
Published: November 2007

The supposition that the lower limb expands uniformly in circumference during venous occlusion has been investigated. The 3 compartments of the calf were found to expand to differing degrees depending on the volume of muscle within the compartment. The effect of this phenomenon on the measurement of venous outflow and capacitance using an overlapping strain gauge was assessed. When using an overlapping strain gauge, the anatomical site of overlap was found to alter the measured values of outflow and capacitance by as much as 50%. These errors do not arise with strain gauges designed to fit a small range of limb circumferences, so that no overlap occurs. The reproducibility of plethysmography may be enhanced by attention to the site and degree of overlap of gauges which are designed to fit all sizes of limb. Technicians performing venous occlusion plethysmography should be aware of these variations, so that the examination technique can be stan dardized.
Serum Drug Concentrations in Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease After Administration of a Sustained Release Procainamide Preparation
Authors: Zema Michael J. , Mirando Timothy 
Published: November 2007

Despite widespread marketing of a sustained release preparation of pro cainamide hydrochloride (PROCAN-SR, Parke-Davis), published literature demonstrating its efficacy in maintaining uniform serum drug levels over a 6-hour dosing interval is derived from only normal healthy volunteers. Thirty-three patients with ischemic heart disease, ages 30-88 years, were administered 1-4g/24 hours (mean dose 34 mg/kg/day) of PROCAN-SR in 4 equally divided doses on a Q6H schedule. After achievement of steady-state equilibrium drug concentration, procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography on sera obtained from blood samples drawn 2, 3.5 and 5 hours after an oral dose. Mean maximal procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide serum concentra tions were 4.6± 1.8 ug/ml and 4.2±2.1 ug/ml respectively. Mean minimal concentrations were 3.5± 1.7 ug/ml and 3.6±2.0 ug/ml respectively. The mean change in drug concentration was small (1.1 ug/ml procainamide and 0.6 ug/ml N-acetylprocainamide) with procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide con centrations varying only by 27 and 15 percent respectively. These data demonstrate in a population of patients with ischemic heart disease, that Q6H dosing with a sustained release procainamide hydrochloride preparation (PROCAN-SR, Parke-Davis) is associated with only a small ac ceptable variation between maximal and minimal serum procainamide and N-acetylprocainamide concentrations. This preparation should, therefore, offer greater patient convenience and compliance without sacrificing antiar rhythmic efficacy.
Electrophysiologic Properties of Furosemide in Man
Authors: Gould Lawrence , Chokshi A.B. , Patel S. , Gomes G.I. 
Published: November 2007

Furosemide has been extensively used in the treatment of heart failure and its effect on cardiovascular dynamics are well established.1 Clinical relief of the symptoms of pulmonary congestion frequently precedes any demonstrable diuretic effect, suggesting that extra renal factors may also be involved.2 More recent studies on the extra-renal action of furosemide showed an increase of venous capacitance as an early hemodynamic effect of the drug.3 In spite of furosemides wide use in the treatment of heart failure and hypertension, there is no information on the electrophysiologic properties of the drug in man. The present study involving 8 human subjects was undertaken to determine what effect intravenously administered furosemide has on the human conduction system.
Are Pressure-Volume Relations at End-Systole a Reflection of Left Ventricular Myocardial Contractility?
Authors: Ahmed S. Sultan , Regan Timothy J. 
Published: November 2007

The pressure-volume relation at end-systole is reportedly altered by changes in contractility. To explore the potential of this ratio in man 185 subjects including 23 normals (Group I) were studied. In 35 patients of Group II (16 with mitral stenosis, 7 with atrial septal defect, and 12 with cor pulmonale) ESP/ESV like an index of contractility measuring force-velocity-length rela tionship (Cy Ix) was insignificantly different from Group I (ESP/ESV and Cy Ix in I = 1.73 ± .31 mmHg/sec, 1.46 ± .09 cm/sec/cm vs 1.44 ± .10, 1.31 ± .05 in II respectively.) With significantly reduced Cy Ix (1.03 ± .04, P<0.00001) ESP/ ESV was likewise reduced (1.16 ± .07, P<0.007) in 108 patients with compen sated LV disease (34 with alcoholic cardiomyopathy, 16 coronary artery dis ease, 30 aortic valve disease, 8 hypertension and 16 with other heart muscle disease.) Like the Cy Ix (0.70 ± .05, P<0.001) ESP/ESV was even lower (0.84 ± .13, P<0.05) in 14 patients with decompensated LV (Group IV). It was insensitive to changes in pressure (angiotensin and volume (dextran). However unlike the Cy Ix it did not vary with acute changes in inotropy (exercise and pacing). The correlations between ESP/ESV and ejection fraction and contractility index in the entire series though weak, were significant (r = .50 and .20 respectively, each P<0.006). Exclusion of patients with aortic valve disease and hypertension in the analysis tended to improve the relationship between the contractility and end-systolic pressure-volume parameters. In the latter two subgroups neither the ESV nor the ESP/ESV ratio related to the contractil ity index, both parameters however did correlate significantly with the ejection fraction. These results indicate that end-systolic pressure-volume relations provide useful measures of LV performance in man, though not expressing the contractility either in all patients or under all situations.
The Normal Doppler Venous Examination
Authors: Baker William H. , Hayes Andrew C. 
Published: November 2007

The clinical diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is but 50% accurate when compared to the results of contrast venography.1,2,3 This clinical inaccuracy had led to the dependence of the physician upon laboratory diag nosis. Whereas contrast venography is the gold standard of diagnosis, its expense, special equipment, personnel, and discomfort make it unsuitable for evaluating large numbers of patients. For this reason, numerous noninvasive tests utilizing plethysmographic and Doppler techniques have been developed to evaluate patients with suspected venous disease, and when expertly per formed have a degree of accuracy of approximately 90%.4,5,6,7 This degree of accuracy coincides with the experience of our peripheral vascular laboratory using the Doppler venous examination. Based on these statistics, our current practice is to evaluate patients sus pected of having DVT with a Doppler venous examination (Figure 1). If the test is abnormal or equivocal, contrast venography is usually obtained and an ticoagulation recommended. Contrariwise, if the Doppler venous examination is normal, venography is not obtained, and anticoagulation treatment is not recommended. This practice should reduce the number of venograms in a patient population that is not at an increased risk of pulmonary embolism or repeated deep venous thrombosis. To evaluate the validity and safety of this practice, one hundred eighty-six patients with normal Doppler venous exami nations in whom contrast venography was not obtained were evaluated and form the basis of this report.
Ventricular Fibrillation in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gupta M.C. , Singh M.M. , Singh Ram 
Published: November 2007

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) developed in 7.42% patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It was more frequent among patients with anterior myocardial infarction compared to inferior myocardial infarction. On the basis of sequence of events, cases of ventricular fibrillation (VF) were classified in to Primary (P), Secondary (S) and Agonal (A). 57.69% cases had SVF, 30.76% had AVF and only 11.53% cases had PVF. In all cases of PVF, ECG was normal prior to the development of VF and developed abruptly without any warning.