bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bergmann's rule and the geography of mammal body size in the Western Hemisphere
Authors: Rodríguez Miguel Á. , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Á. , Hawkins Bradford A. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTAim  To describe the geographical pattern of mean body size of the non‐volant mammals of the Nearctic and Neotropics and evaluate the influence of five environmental variables that are likely to affect body size gradients.Location  The Western Hemisphere.Methods  We calculated mean body size (average log mass) values in 110 × 110 km cells covering the continental Nearctic and Neotropics. We also generated cell averages for mean annual temperature, range in elevation, their interaction, actual evapotranspiration, and the global vegetation index and its coefficient of variation. Associations between mean body size and environmental variables were tested with simple correlations and ordinary least squares multiple regression, complemented with spatial autocorrelation analyses and split‐line regression. We evaluated the relative support for each multiple‐regression model using AIC.Results  Mean body size increases to the north in the Nearctic and is negatively correlated with temperature. In contrast, across the Neotropics mammals are largest in the tropical and subtropical lowlands and smaller in the Andes, generating a positive correlation with temperature. Finally, body size and temperature are nonlinearly related in both regions, and split‐line linear regression found temperature thresholds marking clear shifts in these relationships (Nearctic 10.9 °C; Neotropics 12.6 °C). The increase in body sizes with decreasing temperature is strongest in the northern Nearctic, whereas a decrease in body size in mountains dominates the body size gradients in the warmer parts of both regions.Main conclusions  We confirm previous work finding strong broad‐scale Bergmann trends in cold macroclimates but not in warmer areas. For the latter regions (i.e. the southern Nearctic and the Neotropics), our analyses also suggest that both local and broad‐scale patterns of mammal body size variation are influenced in part by the strong mesoscale climatic gradients existing in mountainous areas. A likely explanation is that reduced habitat sizes in mountains limit the presence of larger‐sized mammals.
Some Observations on Pm,n Relations within Set Classes
Authors: RUSS MICHAEL 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIt is well known (from Riemann, Lewin, Cohn and others) that two voices of a triad (set class 3–11) may be held and one moved ‘parsimoniously’ by a tone or semitone to produce another triad; or two voices of a dominant and half‐diminished seventh (set class 4–27) may be held while two voices are displaced by a semitone to produce another dominant or half‐diminished seventh (Lewin's ‘DOUTH2’ relation). This article takes 4–27 as its starting point and first explores examples of such parsimonious voice‐leading between sets of the same class in nineteenth‐century music (notably Brahms, Chopin and Musorgsky). The discussion introduces the idea of a diminution existing between forms of 4–27 when the two voices do not proceed simultaneously. The capability of tetrachords of other classes as well as set classes of larger cardinality to engage in parsimonious voice‐leading either by semitone or whole tone is then explored (with examples drawn from the music of Bartók, Mahler, Scriabin and Stravinsky). The type and degree of parsimony are indicated by the Pm,n designations developed by Douthett and Steinbach, and the article examines the ways in which the capacity of sets to behave in this manner may be predicted from interval strings and invariant subsets.
A Case Report of Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion
Authors: Prockter G.J. 
Published: November 2007

A case is reported of survival following acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion in which endarterectomy led to recovery of gut of doubtful viability and enabled a useful and significant portion of the gut to be retained. Acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion with gangrene of the gut has shown a high mortality and few cases have been reported of a successful outcome following surgery. The interest in this case is that following surgery the patient survived and the portion of gut retained was of sufficient propor tions to maintain the patient in a satisfactory state of nutrition.
Complete Heart Block Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gupta M.C. , Singh M.M. , Wahal P.K. , Mehrotra M.P. , Gupta S.K. 
Published: November 2007

Complete heart block (CHB) developed in 10.3% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). It was more frequent among patients with inferior myocardial infarction compared to anterior myocardial infarction, but the mortality was significantly high among patients with anterior MI who devel oped CHB. A new classification into primary (P) and secondary (S) CHB is suggested by the sequence of events. The incidence and mortality of SCHB was significantly high when compared to the incidence and mortality of PCHB. Wide QRS complexes, a heart rate of less than 60/min, and syncopal attacks were the grave prognostic signs. Progression from a lesser degree of AV block and regression of CHB to a lesser degree of AV Block were both observed in 25.8% cases. Circulatory failure in the form of shock, hypotension, congestive heart failure, and left ventricular failure, alone or in combination was a factor in 17 of the 22 patients who died. Four of 5 patients who underwent transvenous pacing also died.
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 diagnosed, its survival rates are greater than 80%; if not, the condi tion is uniformly fatal with death most com monly due to massive hemoptysis. A review of the world's literature and an illustrated case are presented. A total of 30 cases have been described, but the published incidence may be low. Of the cases presented in sufficient detail for analysis, 92% (23 of 25) were associated with an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. The most consistent symptom was hemoptysis (22 of 23, 96%), especially massive he moptysis (15 of 19, 79%). Plain chest radio graphs demonstrated an aneurysm in 46% (6 of 13 evaluable cases). Either an aneurysm on the chest x-ray or massive hemoptysis, or both were seen in 94% of cases (16 of 17). The most rewarding test (in 5 of 7, 71 %) was the thoracic aortogram. Surgical correction was followed by an 82% survival rate (9 of 11). Untreated, the eventual mortality was 100%, although one patient died as late as 6 months after the initial presentation with massive hemoptysis.
Cardiomyopathy with Cardiomegaly: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Gupta Satyendra C. 
Published: November 2007

The clinical, angiographic, and available autopsy data of 32 patients with cardiomyopathy with cardiomegaly were reviewed. Twenty-six patients had alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Of these, 20 patients had patent coronary arteries, and 6 had significant occlusive coronary artery disease. Six patients denied any history of excessive alcohol intake, had significant occlusive coronary artery'disease, and were grouped as ischemic cardiomyopathic. A total of 12 patients (37.5%) had significant occlusive coronary artery disease. The clinical separation of patients with cardiomegaly due to alcoholic cardiomyopathy from those with occlusive coronary artery disease is ex tremely difficult. Clinical parameters, including history of chest pain and presence or absence of abnormal Q waves on electrocardiograms, are of little value in individual cases. It seems likely that many patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy may present clinically and electrocardiographically as pa tients with silent occlusive coronary artery disease. This study underlines the importance of coronary angiography in making a precise diagnosis. The mortality rate during the 5-year follow-up period was 56%. The patients with alcoholic cardiomyopathy with occlusive coronary artery disease carried the worst prognosis. The outlook for patients with cardiomyopathy and cardio megaly becomes grave once they develop left ventricular end diastolic pressure over 24 mm Hg.
Thrombolytic Therapy for Thromboembolism of Vertebrobasilar Artery
Authors: Nenci G.G. , Gresele P. , Taramelli M. , Agnelli G. , Signorini E. 
Published: November 2007

Thrombolytic therapy was carried out on four patients with brain stem stroke due to thromboembolism of the vertebrobasilar system. Diagnosis was confirmed by angiography. Clinical and instrumental findings indicated a very poor prognosis. Two of these patients were treated with urokinase and the other two with streptokinase for periods ranging from 16 to 44 hours. The interval between onset of symptoms and start of therapy was less than 10 hours for three of these patients. All made a gradual and almost complete recovery after only a few hours of treatment, and only one presented minimal residual neurological disability. The conditionof the fourth patient, who started therapy four days after the first episode, remained unchanged until he died 16 hours later. Our observations suggest that thrombolytic therapy may be useful in treat ing recent acute life-threatening brain stem stroke.
Diffuse Dilatation of Autogenous Saphenous Vein Grafts Used to Replace the Renal and Superior Mesenteric Arteries. A Case Report
Authors: Robicsek Francis , Vajtai Peter 
Published: November 2007

Of the many different materials used to replace diseased arteries, autogenous saphenous vein grafts are among the most favored.1 This view is also explicitly expressed regarding patients who suffer from occlusive arterial disease of the abdominal viscera, particularly the renal vessels.2-4 There is, however, recent information which suggests that for reasons unknown saphenous vein grafts in the renal position are likely to be subject to both diffuse and aneurysmatic dilatation,3,5 a complication seen only seldom in the femoral1,6 and practically never in the coronary7-8 position. The purpose of this paper is to present the case of a young woman with fibromuscular stenosis of both her abdominal renal and the mesenteric arteries whose condition was surgically corrected using autogenous vein grafts. Despite the fact that at the time of her surgery her saphenous vein appeared to be both macroscopically and microscopically intact and postoperatively her blood pressure returned to normal, she developed diffuse, aneurysmatic dilatation of all of her vein grafts.
Aortic Valvular Malformation Associated With Coincident Cardiovascular Anomalies: Morphologic Considerations
Authors: Folger Gordon M. , Stein Paul D. 
Published: November 2007

The association of a bicuspid aortic valve with other congenital cardiac mal formations, prominently coarctation of the aorta, is widely accepted with esti mates of frequency reported to be 20% overall1 and ranging between 25-50% to as high as 85% when there is coarctation. 2-5 The anatomic configuration of the valve has received little comment and, excepting those individuals requiring aortic valve surgery coincident with repair of other malformations, has been limited to postmortem examination. Recently, however, an angiographic tech nique for accurately evaluating the morphology of the aortic valve has been utilized allowing for the determination of aortic valvular appearance at routine evaluation by cardiac catheterization. 6 We have currently examined 17 individuals with various forms of congenital cardiac malformations in whom an aortic valvular abnormality was suspected as a coexistent abnormality employing the technique of orifice-view aortogra phy. The present report concentrates on the aortic valvular anatomy of these patients.
Pentoxifylline Treatment in Patients with Occlusive Peripheral Arterial Disease. Circulatory Changes and Effects on Prostaglandin Synthesis
Authors: Poggesi Loredana , Scarti Luca , Boddi Maria , Masotti Giulio , Serneri Gian Gastone Neri 
Published: November 2007

Pentoxifylline has recently been reported to stimulate in vitro the synthesis of prostacyclin. However it is not known so far whether the drug is able to stimulate prostacyclin synthesis in man also in vivo. In the present study the effects of pentoxifylline on prostaglandin synthesis and several circulatory pa rameters were studied in 10 controls and 10 patients with occlusive arterial disease after acute i.v. and medium term oral treatment. Prostacyclin (as 6- keto-PGF1alpha) and PGE 2 plasma concentrations have been measured together with arterial blood flow, peripheral vascular resistance, platelet aggregation and red blood cell deformability. Pentoxifylline was found both in healthy sub jects and patients to significantly increase prostacyclin plasma concentration after i.v. treatment. In medium term oral treatment prostacyclin concentration was found to increase only two hours after administration and not 8 hours after. No significant variations in PGE2 plasma concentration were found at any time in both groups. Pentoxifylline significantly enhanced resting and post-ischemic blood flow of the lower limbs and simultaneously decreased peripheral vascular resistance both in healthy subjects and patients. Different grades of delayed platelet aggregation and increased red blood cell deformability were also ob served. In conclusion results of the present placebo controlled study show that pen toxifylline increases arterial blood flow in patients with occlusive arterial dis ease. Moreover pentoxifylline induces a temporary stimulation of prostacyclin synthesis which can be suggested to contribute to the clinical activity of the drug as far as an antithrombotic effect in terms of inhibition of platelet aggregation is concerned.
Two Pumps and One Heart: Studies and Theoretic Considerations
Authors: Burch George E. , Cronvich James A. 
Published: November 2007

Using 2 pumps specially constructed to simulate the right and left ventricles of the heart of man, it was shown that very small differences in output per stroke of the 2 pumps will result in a significant change in the volume of the "pulmonary" circulatory system and could become "pathophysiologically" im portant with time. These studies demonstrate that both ventricles must be well synchronized and regulated to maintain good health and to prevent dyspnea and other manifestations of CHF. They also indicate the inadequacy of the conven tional methods used for measuring cardiac output in man and the need to mea sure stroke volume or cardiac output of both ventricles separately and simultaneously. It must not be assumed that the cardiac output is always equal for both ventricles even in the presence of myocardial disease. An explanation is introduced for the acute onset of dyspnea associated with angina pectoris and with exercise. Also, the concept that the ventricles fill, at least in part, by "sucking" action is presented, with support from these and other theoretic considerations.
Spiral Saphenous Vein Graft for Replacement of Internal Jugular Vein: A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Leafstedt Stuart W. , Rubenstein Richard B. , Pallanch John F. , Wilder William H. 
Published: November 2007

Bilateral radical neck dissection with internal jugular vein extirpation, be it simultaneous or staged, results in severe cephalic venous hypertension. Symp toms remit with time, however, acutely contribute to the morbidity of the proce dure. Internal jugular vein replacement using autogenous saphenous vein that is fashioned into a spiral conduit has been used in three patients undergoing bilat eral or second side radical neck dissection. The technique entails construction of a large vein conduit by wrapping saphenous vein around a chest tube in a spiral fashion. Patients treated had objective relief of the acute venous hypertension based on cephalic venous pres sure measurements. The three patients undergoing the spiral vein grafting were notable for the lack of any expected symptoms derived from venous hyperten sion, and postoperative venograms demonstrate graft patency at one to two weeks.
Transcutaneous Oximetry in Evaluation of the Initial Peripheral Artery Disease in Diabetics
Authors: Modesti Pietro Amedeo , Boddi Maria , Poggesi Loredana , Gensini Gian Franco , Neri Serneri Gian Gastone 
Published: November 2007

This study was performed to evaluate the reliability of transcutaneous ox imetry as compared with strain gauge plethysmography and with Doppler in the assessment of the initial peripheral vascular disease in diabetics who are still asymptomatic. Twenty-five diabetics (38 lower extremities) with different degrees of periph eral vascular disease, classified according to Fontaine, were investigated. Ten healthy subjects (16 lower extremities) served as controls. In the first group of patients (still asymptomatic) it was possible to select by transcutaneous oximetry and by plethysmography a subpopulation that pre sented a significant reduction in the arterial flow of the limbs. Moreover, a significant correlation between data obtained by strain gauge plethysmography and transcutaneous oximetry was found (p < 0.001), whereas correlation with data from Doppler was lacking.
Transcatheter Embolization of Hepatic Arteriovenous Fistula in Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease — A Case Report
Authors: Roman Cecelia F. , Se Do Cha  , Incarvito John , Cope Constantin , Maranhao Vladir 
Published: November 2007

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu disease) is asso ciated with arteriovenous fistulas throughout the body that can cause hemody namic abnormalities. Owing to their size and extent, surgical repair is often not feasible. A patient referred for presumed valvular heart disease is described. On the basis of oximetry data at cardiac catheterization, a large intrahepatic arterio venous fistula was discovered by aortography. This finding and a history of recurrent epistaxis were consistent with Osler-Weber-Rendu disease. Owing to the size of the fistula, embolization of the right hepatic artery with Gianturco coils was chosen as treatment, with resultant symptomatic improvement and decreased arteriovenous shunting.
IV Radionuclide Total-Body Arteriography: A New Noninvasive Whole-Body Screening Procedure— A Case Report
Authors: Yang David Chang-Sing , Gould Lawrence , Yee Wyman K. , Patel Devayani , Giovanniello Joseph 
Published: November 2007

Recently the authors introduced a new technique of intravenous (IV) radionuclide total-body arteriography. The major arterial system, multiple organs of the whole body, and cardiac function can be evaluated with one small IV injection in the arm. After analyzing more than 1000 cases, they have found that many pathologies can be detected and/or confirmed in this procedure. This new technique may be used as a general whole-body screening test for those patients at high risk for disease.
Hemodynamic Effects of Prostacyclin Infusions in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Wollersheim Hub , Thien Theo 
Published: November 2007

The selective hemodynamic effects of an intravenous infusion of prostacyclin on skin and on forearm blood flow during inceasing doses up to 6 ng.kg. - 1min. -1 were evaluated in 12 healthy volunteers. The highest dose raised total skin blood flow (p=0.0001) as measured by laser Doppler with a concomitant rise in finger skin temperature (p=0.02). Capillary perfusion as measured by transcutaneous oxygen monitoring remained relatively unaffected (p=0.25). Cold-induced vasoconstriction and the recovery thereafter were not influenced. Diastolic blood pressure tended to decrease (p=0.06), but there was no change in systolic blood pressure, forearm blood flow, and calculated fore arm vascular resistance. The authors conclude that prostacyclin may have dissimilar vasoactive po tencies in different vascular beds as shown by a pronounced increase in total skin blood flow, owing to vasodilation of shunt vessels, simultaneously with an insignificant change in nutritional skin blood flow and forearm muscle blood flow.
Plethysmographic Evaluation of the Vascular Effects of Human Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Man
Authors: Gennari Carlo , Nami Renato , Pecchi Silvio , De Franco Vincenzo , Panza Filomena , Pavese Giovanni 
Published: November 2007

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide with potent cardio vascular effects that include positive inotropic and chronotropic actions systemic vasodilation, and hypotension in animals and in man. The mechanism of action of CGRP is still, however, not clear, and in particular it is not known whether vasodilation by CGRP occurs by changes in cutaneous or in muscular blood flow, or both. The aim of the study was, therefore, to evaluate the cutaneous and muscular blood flow, at rest and after ischemic test, induced by an IV bolus 25 μg human CGRP infusion in 5 healthy normotensive volunteers, using a strain gauge plethysmographic procedure with venous occlusion. Human CGRP pro voked a transient but significant decrease in sistolic and diastolic blood pressure, associated with tachycardia, marked flushing, a significant increase in plasma noradrenaline, adrenaline, and cyclic AMP levels, and a slight, but significant, decrease in serum total calcium. Moreover, a significant increase in the carpal cutaneous blood flow at rest was observed, with no significant change in the lower extremity muscular blood flow at rest and after ischemic test. Finally human CGRP produced a significant increase in the venous partial 02 pressure and in the hematocrit and a significant decrease in the venous partial CO2 pressure. The results of the present study confirm the acute cardiovascular and meta bolic effects of CGRP. In fact, hypotension, tachycardia, flushing, and the increased cutaneous blood flow indicate a systemic vasodilation by the neuropep tide, with a secondary sympathetic response, as documented by the augmented catecholamine and cyclic AMP plasma levels. Moreover, the plethysmographic study suggests a blood flow redistribution, from the muscular tissues to the cutaneous surface, with a relative lower oxygen uptake and CO2 release and a partial hemoconcentration phenomenon. In conclusion, these results are in agreement with the hypothesis that the vasodilative action of human CGRP is stronger on the skin than on the muscles of the lower extremities, even if a concomitant involvement of other vascular beds such as the splanchnic territory, by CGRP, cannot be excluded.
Emergency Arteriography in the Assessment of Penetrating Trauma to the Lower Limbs
Authors: Jebara Victor A. , Haddad Soha N. , Ghossain Michel A. , Nehmé Dolly , Aoun Noël , Tabet Georges , Ashoush Ramzi , Atallah Nagi G. , Boustany Fouad N. , Saade Bachir 
Published: November 2007

One hundred emergency arteriographies (EA) were performed in 87 patients with lower limb trauma due to high-velocity missiles. Thirteen patients had bilateral injuries. In 79 cases, EA findings were positive and led to emergency surgery. In 76 cases an arterial injury was found and treated, a positive predic tive value of 96% (76/79). In the other 3 cases, no arterial lesion was found (3 false positives). Among the 21 patients with normal findings from angiography, 10 had surgical exploration because of high clinical suspicion of vascular injury. Arterial injury was found in 2 cases (2 false negatives). In 8 patients, arteriogra phy modified the surgical procedure. In the 11 remaining patients, clinical and echo Doppler follow-up results were normal, a negative predictive value of 90% (19/21). Sensitivity was 97%, specificity 86%, and accuracy 95%.These data show that arteriography in stable patients is a safe and accurate procedure. It permits avoidance of unnecessary surgical exploration in selected patients and helps modify the surgical procedure.