Feature-Tracking Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Death in a Multicenter Population of Patients With Ischemic and Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Incremental to Ejection Fraction and Late Gadolinium Enhancement

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking–derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) in a large multicenter population of patients with ischemic and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Differences in amiodarone efficacy in relation to ejection fraction and basal rhythm in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, data are lacking concerning the association of AF and VAs. This study aimed to clarify the association between AF and VAs and to investigate the effect of amiodarone on the incidence of VAs in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).

Ejection fraction in left bundle branch block is disproportionately reduced in relation to amount of myocardial scar

Introduction

The relationship between left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and LV myocardial scar can identify potentially reversible causes of LV dysfunction. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) alters the electrical and mechanical activation of the LV. We hypothesized that the relationship between LVEF and scar extent is different in LBBB compared to controls.

The influence of human C-peptide on renal function and glucose utilization in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients

Summary The possible influence of C-peptide administration on renal function and whole body glucose utilization was examined in 11 patients (Group 1) with Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. They were given an i. v. insulin infusion during the night before the study and were euglycaemic at the time of examination. The glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow were measured by clearance techniques using constant-rate infusions of inulin and sodium para-aminohippurate. After baseline measurements C-peptide was infused during two periods of 60 min at rates of 5 and 30 pmol·kg^–1·min^–1. In a control study 0.9% NaCl was infused during two 60 min periods in ten Type 1 diabetic patients (Group 2), Glomerular filtration rate decreased by 7%(p<0.001), effective renal plasma flow increased by 3%, (p<0.05) and whole-body glucose utilization rose by approximately 25%(p<0.05) above basal during low-dose C-peptide infusion. Group 2 showed an unaltered glomerular filtration rate, effective renal plasma flow and glucose utilization during 60 min of NaCl infusion. The differences between Group 1 and Group 2 in glomerular filtration rate and glucose utilization were statistically significant. It is concluded that short-term administration of C-peptide in physiological amounts to patients with Type 1 diabetes may reduce the glomerular filtration rate and increase whole-body glucose utilization. The results suggest the possibility that short-term C-peptide administration may exert a regulatory influence on renal function and stimulate glucose utilization in Type 1 diabetic patients.     

Left ventricular function changes during pharmacological and physiological interventions and routine activities monitored in healthy volunteers by a portable radionuclide probe (VEST)

A miniaturized radionuclide cardiac probe incorporated in a semi-rigid plastic chest garment has made ambulatory left ventricular (LV) function evaluation possible, with gated nuclear data being stored on tape together with electrocardiographic data, for subsequent off-line processing.After red blood cell labelling with 555 MBq (15 mCi)^99mTc and standard gated blood pool imaging in 45° LAO, we performed a continuous monitoring of LV function in 20 healthy male volunteers (age range: 22–25 years), in resting control conditions as well as during activities (standing, walking, climbing stairs) and after interventions (isosorbide dinitrate intake, Trendelenburg position, inflation of cuffs around the thighs).VEST-monitoring proved to be a reliable method that gave reproducible results: changes of ejection (EF) in basal conditions were lower than 5% in 95% of the patients. Changes in LV function caused by daily activities were easily demonstrated. While standing effected no significant EF changes, walking and climbing increased EF by 6.9% (p<0.05) and 21.2% (p<0.05) respectively.Changes in LV volumes caused by alterations in venous return were also demonstrated. Compared with baseline, Trendelenburg increased end-diastolic volume (EDV) by 2.9% while isosorbide dinitrate and inflation of cuffs decreased it by 5.7% and 2.2% respectively.     

高效液相色谱用于布鲁氏菌标准株的鉴别试验

用高效液相色谱法对羊种、牛种、猪种、犬种、鼠种和绵羊副睾种布鲁氏菌6个标准菌种菌株进行鉴别试验,以目视法观察菌株核酸样品的峰形数量、高度以及出峰保留时间,分析各菌株图谱的A区,结果表明:6个布鲁氏菌种都出现了各自独特的洗脱图峰,峰形清晰可辨,并且B区和C区峰形可能是布鲁氏菌属的“特征峰区”。     

Basic Principles of the Echocardiographic Evaluation of Mitral Regurgitation

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common form of valvular heart disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment decisions are completely dependent on accurate diagnosis of both mechanism and severity of MR, which can be challenging and is often done incorrectly. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most commonly used imaging test for MR; transesophageal echocardiography is often needed to better define morphology and MR severity, and is essential for guiding transcatheter therapies for MR. Multidetector computed tomography has become the standard to assess whether transcatheter valve replacement is an option because of its ability to assess valve sizing, access, and potential left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Finally, cine cardiac magnetic resonance has been recommended by recent guidelines to quantify MR severity when the distinction between moderate and severe MR is indeterminate by echocardiography. This paper focuses on the main questions to be answered by imaging techniques and illustrates some common tips, tricks, and pitfalls in the assessment of MR.     

参附注射液对左心衰竭病人左心功能的影响

目的探讨参附注射液对慢性左心衰竭病人左心功能的影响.方法选择6例慢性左心衰竭病人,应用SPECT观察参附注射液注射前及注射后5 min、30min、60 min对左心功能各项指标的影响.结果参附注射液注射后较注射前左室射血分数(LVEF)下降(P＜0.05或0.01),以30 min时下降最明显(P＜0.01).结论参附注射液在短时间内能使慢性左心衰竭病人的左心功能下降.