bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Takayasu's Arteritis: A Hospital-Region Based Study on Occurrence, Treatment and Prognosis
Authors: Urban Waern A. , Andersson P. , Hemmingsson A. 
Published: November 2007

Occurrence of Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is described in this work in a defined area of Sweden, namely the Uppsala Hospital region (1.3 million inhabitants). During the eight year period 1969-1976 there were 15 cases of TA discharged from the hospitals in this region. The estimated yearly prevalence was 0.64 per 100,000 inhabitants. All subjects underwent angiography of the aorta and the main vessels. The authors point to the necessity of performing a total aortography. The most common lesions in this study were confined to the subclavian arteries in contrast to the commonly reported lesions of the aortic arch. Six of the fifteen subjects died during the study period. Those who died more often had hyper tension hypercholesterolemia and were smokers to a greater extent than those who survived. Treatment with corticosteroids and azathioprin seemed to im prove the prognosis. At present a total aortography and/or biopsy of the vessel at autopsy or operation is the most accurate way of establishing the diagnosis.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group Comparison of Disopyramide Phosphate* and Quinidine in Patients with Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: Arif Mohammed , Laidlaw James C. , Oshrain Carl , Willis Park W. , Nissen Catherine H. , McDermott Daniel J. , Smith W. Scott , Karim Aziz , Wilson Richard R. 
Published: November 2007

This report summarizes the results of a randomized, double-blind, parallel group, multicenter study which compared the antiarrhythmic activity and safety of oral disopyramide phosphate and oral quinidine sulfate. A total of 124 outpatients, whose pretreatment rates of ventricular and/or supraventricular arrhythmias were documented by ambulatory ECG recordings, were randomly assigned to receive either oral disopyramide or oral quinidine for the eight- week course of the study. Every two weeks, ten-hour ambulatory ECG record ings were obtained from each patient and blood was drawn to determine serum concentrations of assigned drug. Ninety-six patients, 56 of 62 subjects randomized to disopyramide and 40 of 62 subjects randomized to quinidine, were able to complete the eight-week trial. Disopyramide and quinidine were found to be similar and highly effective in reducing ectopic activity. However, disopyramide was better tolerated. Twenty-two of the 62 patients randomized to quinidine discontinued therapy due to side effects, while only six of 62 randomized to disopyramide discon tinued therapy. The mean blood levels observed were 2.9 mcg/ml for diso pyramide and 2.5 mcg/ml for quinidine.
Somatostatin and Peripheral Blood Flow in Man
Authors: Savi Luigi , Cardillo Carmine , Bombardieri Giuseppe 
Published: November 2007

Somatostatin (SS), a physiological substance which inhibits secretion of GH, TSH, glucagon and insulin, was evaluated as a vasoactive agent. In normal and arteriopatic subjects SS was administered intravenously by bolus for 3 minutes and by infusion for 30 minutes. Rheography and plethysmography of lower limbs were performed before, during and after somatostatin administration. A marked improvement of blood flow, provoked by somatostatin, was ob served. A reduction of heart rate was also observed. Some hypotheses about the mechanism with which SS acts upon peripheral circulation are discussed.
Investigation of the Venous Hemodynamics of the Lower Limb by Venous Pressure Models
Authors: Psathakis Nikolaos D. , Psathakis Dimitrios N. 
Published: November 2007

The conversion of the measured ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) to a value resulting from a resting venous pressure of 100 mmHg is significant for a standardized evaluation of the venous dynamics in different patients. By apply ing the formulas derived from the measured ambulatory and resting venous pressures, the venous insufficiency and the functional reserves can be calculated in percent. By combining the refilling time (RT) with the venous pressure index (VPI), the venous pressure hemodynamic index (VPHI) results, which is a very sensitive parameter also for minimal changes in the venous hemodynamic. Thus, the venous dynamics can be compared before and after a treatment in the same or in different persons.
Mossy Leg — An Unusual Therapeutic Success
Authors: Beninson Joseph , Redmond Michael J. 
Published: November 2007

Elephantiasis verrucosa nostrum occurs when lymphatic obstruction of sufficient magnitude causes back pressure in the lymphatic channels forceful enough to produce superficial vessel dilation which has a "pebbly" or cobble-stone appearance. Unchecked this can progress to a marked verrucous or mossy appearance, frequently complicated by infection, with swelling and gross deformity. The patient presented here was both post-phlebitic and post-lymphatic with significant deformity. He showed dramatic improvement on a regimen of antibiotics and elevation followed by decompression and routine use of pressure-gradient support garments. This has not recurred and he has remained under control since 1979.
Effects of Mesoglycan Sulfate on the Arterial Elastic Module
Authors: Andreozzi Guiseppe Maria , Signorelli Salvatore , Duca Salvatrice Lo , Minacapelli Concetta , Amico-Roxas Maria T. , Minardo Giovanna , Cacciaguerra Giuseppe 
Published: November 2007

Ten patients with peripheral obstructive arterial disease (POAD) in stages I and II according to Leriche-Fontaine, were subjected to therapy with mesogly can sulfate (60 mg/day for twenty days), to evaluate the effect of the drug on the elastic module of the arterial wall. The wall elasticity was deduced from some Doppler velocitographic indices (arterial dynamics index, resistance index, per fusion pressure index, tibial distensibility index); from the analysis of systolic, protodiastolic, and end diastolic velocity variations; and from computerized analysis of the Doppler sound spectrum. The results show a significant improvement of arterial wall elasticity, which suggests a rational use for the drug in the initial stages of peripheral obstructive arterial disease.
Changes in Systemic and Pulmonary Vascular Reactivity in Hypertension Following Nifedipine and Verapamil
Authors: Bailo Mariangela , Fiorentini Cesare , Folli Andreina , Galli Claudia , Loaldi Alessandro , Maltagliati Anna , Tosi Elena , Tamborini Gloria , Guazzi Maurizio D. 
Published: November 2007

Excessive vascular tone and overresponsiveness to adrenergic stimuli char acterize the hemodynamics of the greater and the lesser circulation in hyperten sion. We tested whether calcium entry blockade with verapamil (11 cases) or nifedipine (11 cases) may improve the vascular regulation in high blood pres sure. Mental arithmetic and cold were used as adrenergic activators. The former stimulus produced obvious elevation of epinephrine plasma concentra tion, increase of cardiac output (CO), slight systemic vasodilatation, pulmonary vasoconstriction, and rise of blood pressure in both circuits. After calcium an tagonists, the epinephrine reaction to the arithmetic test was significantly attenuated, variations in CO and systemic blood pressure were unchanged, pul monary vasoconstriction was abolished, and the pressure rise in the lesser cir cuit was halved. The cold pressor test increased norepinephrine plasma concen tration (NE pc), systemic and pulmonary blood pressure, and vascular resist ance and did not alter CO. The attained NE pc during cold was unvaried after verapamil and significantly enhanced after nifedipine; pressure and resistance responses of the two circuits were almost unchanged after the former, whereas systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance rises were importantly attenuated after the latter compound, resulting in much lower pressure reactivity. A modulation of the sympathoadrenal reaction, per se, can explain changes in the systemic and in the pulmonary vasomotion with calcium blockade during arithmetic. It would seem that after verapamil the sympathetic system was still activated during cold to such an extent as to maintain the same vasoconstrictor potency. NE pc suggests that the sympathetic discharge was not reduced by nifedipine. The impressive attenuation of the constrictor reaction in the two circuits would imply the existence of a shared vascular disorder in which cal cium ions are involved, which is more sensitive to nifedipine.
Are Strokes More Likely to Result from Severe Carotid Atherosclerotic Stenoses? If Not, Why Not?
Authors: Schoenfeld Myron R. , Aronow Wilbert S. , Paul Patti 
Published: November 2007

The authors studied by carotid duplex ultrasonography 478 unselected el derly patients (age sixty to one hundred one years, mean 82±8), in their long- term health care facility. Of these, 108 had previously experienced strokes owing to atherothrombotic brain infarcts, documented by a neurologist, and 370 had not. The degree of extracranial internal or common carotid narrowing in these patients was classified by standard Vmax Doppler criteria as 0-40%, 40- 80%, and 80-100% luminal diameter reduction. The authors found that 87% of the patients had little or no carotid stenosis (0-40% luminal diameter reduction). Nevertheless, 79% of the previous strokes had occurred in these patients, and the incidence of strokes in this group was 21%. Severe, but not mild or moderate, degrees of carotid obstruction (80- 100% luminal diameter reduction) were associated with a 100% stroke inci dence. The authors conclude that strokes most commonly result from causes other than ischemia due to in situ severe extracranial internal or common carotid stenosis or occlusion.
Percutaneous Angioplasty of Totally Occluded Coronary Vein Bypass Grafts: Case Histories
Authors: Mosseri Morris , Admon Dan , Hasin Yonathan , Kriwitzki Michael , Rosenheck Shimon , Gotsman Mervyn S. 
Published: November 2007

Seven patients with totally occluded coronary artery bypass vein grafts underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. All patients had either acute or recent occlusion of the graft itself. In 2 patients the proximal and in 3 the distal anastomosis were also narrowed. The vein graft was successfully dilated in all the patients. Six patients also received direct intragraft thrombolytic therapy during the procedure. Five uncomplicated patients improved clinically. One patient was studied routinely as part of a myocardial infarction-streptokinase protocol and had no symptoms. This patient had a no-reflow phenomenon. One patient did not receive intragraft thrombolytic therapy and the procedure was complicated by embolization with myocardial infarction and a cerebral embolus. In 2 patients, a routine angiogram was performed two to six months after graft dilatation and in both the grafts were patent. Another patient, initially successfully dilated, had recurrent angina and restenosis of the proximal anastomosis ten months after angioplasty; this was successfully redilated. Angioplasty of acutely or recently totally occluded coronary vein grafts is feasible and improves angina when present. Additional thrombolytic therapy prevents embolization.
Effects of Pentoxifylline and Metabolite on Red Blood Cell Deformability as Measured by Ektacytometry
Authors: Cummings Doyle M. , Ballas Samir K. 
Published: November 2007

The present investigation sought to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline and its major hydroxyhexyl metabolite on red blood cell (RBC) deformability using the technique of ektacytometry. Red blood cells were harvested from normal volunteers (normal RBCs) and patients with sickle cell disease (abnormal RBCs) and incubated with varying concentrations of pentoxifylline and its major metabolite for varying time periods. The deformability of both treated and untreated RBCs from both patient groups was assessed by ektacytometric analysis. In contrast to the in vitro effects of pentoxifylline on whole-blood filterability, the present results demonstrated no effect of pentoxifylline or metabolite on RBC deformability at any concentration or incubation time period. Pentoxifylline does not enhance RBC deformability following acute in vitro incubation, and this suggests the need for further evaluation of the mechanism of action of this drug.
The Role of Leukocyte Depletion by in Vivo Use of Leukocyte Filter in Lung Preservation After Warm Ischemia
Authors: Ide Hirofumi , Ino Takashi , Hasegawa Tsuguo , Matsumoto Hiroshi 
Published: November 2007

The oxygen metabolites of leukocytes have been implicated as playing the central role in reperfusion injury of preserved lung for transplantation. Furthermore, it is still unknown how leukotrienes take part in this process. Twelve mongrel dogs were used, divided into two groups. In group A, left thoracotomy and hilar stripping of the left lung was performed under anesthesia. During warm ischemia (two hours) and reperfusion (two hours), a filter was used three times between the femoral artery and vein, and quantitative in vivo blood filtration was performed. In group B, warm ischemia and reperfusion was done in the same fashion without filtration. As for tissue free radical assay, lipid peroxidation products were measured by means of thiobarbituric acid. Tissue leukotriene B4 and C4 levels were measured by radio immunoassay. In addition, peripheral blood count and tissue wet/dry ratio were analyzed. Significant leukocyte depletion of peripheral blood with leukocyte efflux from reperfused lung was observed in group A. Significant increase of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) titers after reperfusion was observed in group B, whereas no significant fluctuation of tissue MDA titers was noted in group A. Concerning leukotriene B4 and C4, no significant increase was observed in either group. Tissue damage estimated by lung wet/dry ratio was considered to be controlled in group A compared with group B. Thus, the authors conclude that in vivo use of a leukocyte filter is efficient in removal of peripheral blood leukocytes and in preservation of reperfused lung after warm ischemia and that oxygen metabolities of leukocytes are considered to play a role in tissue damage in this process.
Experimental Analysis of Sapphire Contact Probes for ND-YAG Laser Angioplasty
Authors: Ashley Simon , Brooks Stephen G. , Gehani Abdurrazzak A. , Kester Ralph C. , Rees Michael R. 
Published: November 2007

Laser angioplasty may offer percutaneous recanalization of occluded vessels where conventional guidewire and balloon techniques fail. Metal laser thermal angioplasty probes may, however, cause excessive thermal damage due to high tip temperatures (>400.C). Therefore, contact probes made from artificial sapphire crystal designed for general laser surgery are currently being evaluated for use in laser angioplasty with continuous wave Nd-YAG energy. The sapphire modifies the laser energy in various ways, and this paper examines the physical characteristics of five types of rounded sapphire probe (SMTR, MTR, MTRL, OS, LT) and how these properties are affected by clinical usage.The laser beam profile emitted by these probes demonstrates a focal spot 1-2 mm in front of the tip. However, the forward transmission of Nd-YAG energy through the sapphires varied (SMTR, 85%; MTR, 83%; MTRL, 75%; OS, 54%; LT, 69%). Probe heating occurs owing to energy absorption within the sapphire. The surface temperature of the sapphires was measured in air by infrared thermography and the hottest region within the probes localized by an isothermographic technique. At energy settings used clinically (20 J, 10 watts for 2 s) the SMTR, MTR, and MTRL probes exhibited higher temperature rises (94-112.C) than the OS and LT probes (30.C), and heating was localized to the front surface of the former probes. Peak sapphire temperatures remained lower than those of metal probes even at higher energies. After clinical use, the MTR probe demonstrated reduced transmission, beam defocusing, and increased heating, due to surface pitting. Thus, recanalization with sapphire probes occurs by a combination of photothermal and contact thermal effects that are localized to the probe tip and may reduce the degree of thermal injury associated with metal probes. Understanding these basic properties is important to the application and development of contact probes for laser recanalization.
Significance of U Wave Polarity in Patients with a Prior Inferior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kanemoto Nariaki , Hosokawa Joji , Chino Masao , Takahashi Tetsuo 
Published: November 2007

Sixty consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography and left ventriculography from six to eight weeks after the onset of definite inferior myocardial infarction were divided into three groups according to the polarity of U waves in (1) leads II, III, aVF and (2) in leads V4 to V6 (positive = Group P, flat or isoelectric = Group F, and negative = Group N). The following parame ters were analyzed: (1) ECG score; (2) global ejection fraction: (3) regional area change: (4) number of asynergic, and akinetic segmental radii; (5) number of asynergic and akinetic areas: and (6) number of diseased coronary arteries and the incidence of left anterior descending artery (LAD) disease. There were no significant differences among the three groups according to the polarity of U waves in two subgroups by the site of U waves in age, gender, systemic blood pressure, and ECG scores. The polarity of U waves in leads II•III•aVF (subgroupl) correlated with the size of myocardial infarction; regional area changes in inferior segment (Area 2) were 64.1±8.2 in group P1, 31.8±14.7 in group F1, and 21.0±15.8 in group N1 (p<0.01, F = 32.8). The polarity of U waves in leads V 4-6 (subgroup2) correlated with anterolateral wall motion; re gional area changes in anterolateral segments (Area 5) were 76.8± 11.6 in group P, 66.5±18.5 in group F, and 48.9±17.1 in group N (p<0.01, F = 18.6). The incidence of multivessel disease increased from group P2 (36.4%), to group F2 (54.5%), to group N2 (75.0%), and the incidence of LAD disease increased from 27.3%, to 45.5%, to 68.8%, respectively. A negative U wave in either location suggested severely decreased apical wall motion, and there was a tendency for global ejection fractions to decrease in the following order: group P, group F, and group N. From these results, the authors conclude that the polarity of U waves may be one of the parameters correlating with the wall motion and left ventricular function in prior inferior myocardial infarction.
EPA in the Prevention of Restenosis Post PTCA
Authors: Bowles Mark Howard , Klonis Demo , Plavac Thomas G. , Gonzales Brenda , Francisco Dan A. , Roberts Roger W. , Boxberger Gregory R. , Poliner Larry R. , Galichia Joseph P. 
Published: November 2007

The effect of fish oil on restenosis was evaluated in patients undergoing coronary balloon angioplasty. In addition to routine pharmacotherapy, subjects were given 2.8 g of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) daily. Treatment was started within twenty-four hours after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). After six months of therapy, participants were subjected to coronary arteriography, exercise scintigraphy, exercise electrocardiography, or clinical evaluation. Follow-up evaluation involved 97 coronary lesions in 85 patients. Partial or significant restenosis occurred in 36.5% of patients and 33 % of vessels. The presence of severe stenosis before PTCA, dissection, thrombus, multilesion PTCA, and template bleeding time values were not correlated with restenosis. Dilation of the left anterior descending (LAD) and a residual stenosis≥ 35 % were associated with restenosis. Approximately 20% of the patients related difficulty in taking the fish oil. Furthermore, these results show no advantage over expected restenosis rates.
Higher Recurrence Rate After Coronary Angioplasty in Unstable Angina Pectoris
Authors: Johansson Sten R. , Ekström Lars , Emanuelsson Håkan 
Published: November 2007

Purpose: Recurrent stenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary an gioplasty (PTCA) is a significant problem, requiring repeat dilation in about one-third of all treated patients. Various clinical and procedure-related predic tors have been proposed. Between 1983 and 1987, 257 patients underwent 322 procedures, where 380 stenoses were attempted. Indications were: stable angina pectoris 73 %, unstable angina pectoris 22 %, other indication 5%. The primary success rate was defined as a <50% remaining postprocedure stenosis. Findings: Repeat angiograms were done for 88 % of the initially successful cases, either six months after PTCA or if there was a clinical recurrence. Restenosis was defined as a recurrence of a more than 50% diameter stenosis. The restenosis rate was 33 % and was significantly higher (p<0.05) for unstable (46 % ) than for stable angina pectoris (29%). There was a nonsignificant tendency to a higher restenosis rate in the left anterior descending artery than in the other coronary vessels. Implications: The increased restenosis rate seen after PTCA for unstable angina pectoris could be caused by a higher activity in systems affecting the proliferative processes in the smooth muscle cells of the arterial wall, which is thought to form the pathophysiologic basis for restenosis after PTCA.
Prediction of Postoperative Pulmonary Function Following Thoracic Surgery for Bronchial Carcinoma
Authors: Cordiner A. , De Carlo F. , De Gennaro R. , Pau F. , Flore F. 
Published: November 2007

At present surgery is accepted as the most effective mode of therapy for car cinoma of the lung. Because the lack of respiratory reserve is the major deter minant of postoperative function, it is useful to identify the patient, who is at significant risk. Eighteen patients with lung cancer (mean age = 56 ± 6.5 years) were studied preoperatively (preop) and postoperative (postop) (three to four months after lung resection) by spirometry, measurement of arterial blood gases, and quan titative lung scanning (99mTc). A predicted postoperative value of some variables was calculated by the formula: postop value = preop value x % function of regions of lung not resected. The correlation coefficient between the predicted (pred) and postoperatively observed (observ) values VC = vital capacity, FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in 1 second) is: VC pred/VC observ r = 0.83 p<0.001 FEV1 pred/FEV 1 observ r = 0.82 p < 0.001 The authors' results agree with earlier reports and show that the method used can accurately predict the postoperative respiratory function in patients under going lung resection (pneumonectomy or lobectomy). A predicted FEV1 of 0.8 L does not permit a surgical program, because, below this level, carbon dioxide retention becomes more frequent and exercise intolerance is increasingly severe (poor quality of life). The method proposed to predict the postoperative respira tory function is simple and routinely useful. The authors choose a perfusion in stead of ventilation scan, because the former provides similar predicted postoperative data, and can be done routinely.