10,814 research outputs found

    Functional and structural correlates of persistent ST elevation after acute myocardial infarction successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention

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    Functional and structural correlates of persistent ST elevation after acute myocardial infarction successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention. Galiuto L, Barchetta S, Paladini S, Lanza G, Rebuzzi AG, Marzilli M, Crea F. Source Institute of Cardiology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. [email protected] Abstract BACKGROUND: In the thrombolytic era, persistence of ST-segment elevation was considered a marker of left ventricular (LV) aneurysm. ST-segment elevation may still be found persistently raised after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Echocardiographic correlates of this finding, however, are still poorly known. METHODS AND RESULTS: 82 consecutive patients with first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and successful PCI were divided into patients with persistent ST-segment elevation at discharge (sum of ST >4 mm) (n = 33) and those without persistent ST-segment elevation (n = 49). Conventional and myocardial contrast echocardiography were performed at discharge and at 6 months. At discharge, LV aneurysm was more common in patients with persistent ST elevation (27% vs 8%, p<0.005). Similarly, the wall motion score index was higher (2.5 vs 2.0, p<0.005) and microvascular damage larger (2.3 vs 1.8, p<0.005) in patients with persistent ST-segment elevation. At 6 months' follow-up, LV volumes were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: After primary PCI, persistent ST-segment elevation is associated with LV aneurysm formation in 30% of cases, it is not associated with significantly larger LV dilatation but with larger microvascular damage and dysfunctioning risk area

    A century old regeneration problem of Shorea robusta Gaertn. F. in south Asia: SWOT analysis (Review)

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    Shorea robusta (Sal) Gaertn. F. a commercially and ecologically important forestry species of south Asia, is facing serious regeneration problem since last century. The continuously diminishing natural regeneration is associated with numerous abiotic and biotic factors, like edaphic, micro-climatic, physiological, genetic, anthropogenic, pathogens, insect-pests, etc. Following a good seed year and timely commencement of monsoon, Sal seeds germinate readily, and thousands of seedlings cover the forest floor. Subsequently, these get afflicted with die-back syndrome impeding shoot growth. Regular fire incidences during hot and dry season further aggravates the problem. Among biotic factors, Hoplocerambyx spinicornis, Cylindrocladium floridanum and Inonotus shoreae causes severe heartwood decay, blight and dieback leading to mortality. Moreover, over-exploitation, illegal felling, grazing, etc., have severely depleted the Sal forest. This review systematically explores the factors contributing to regeneration problem in S. robusta and opines appropriate silvicultural operations and management strategies for the conservation of Sal forests through SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. We emphasized on the ecological aspects, soil characteristics, micro-climatic factors and importance of associated species to develop sustainable management regimes. Highlighting all facets of Sal regeneration problem and SWOT assessment, we suggest comprehensive weaknesses and threat perceptions to formulate strategies to seal the gaps

    High-frequency seasonal variation of leaf fluorescence and reflectance in Mediterranean forest species under natural environmental conditions

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    The strategies of two evergreen Mediterranean tree species (Arbutus unedo L. and Quercus ilex L.) to face annual temperature variability and extreme event responses has been monitored in continuum by leaf fluorescence and reflectance. The effect of chilling spells and the accumulation of cold days with chilling and freezing temperatures on winter photo-inhibition was discussed in terms of modulation capacity for fluorescence parameters to daily temperature and irradiance conditions. Throughout the winter Q. ilex resulted less photoinhibited than A. unedo, showing a more dynamic response in all fluorescence parameters and a higher non-photochemical quenching capacity. These characteristics effectively act to maintain a higher electron transport capacity in Q. ilex than in A. unedo

    Thermodynamic Parameters for the Protonation of Poly(allylamine) in concentrated LiCl(aq) and NaCl(aq)

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    The acid-base properties of poly(allylamine) (MW ) 15 kDa) were determined by potentiometry and calorimetry in aqueous solutions at t ) 25 °C. Potentiometric measurements were carried out in a wide range of ionic strengths (0.1 e I/molâL-1 e 5.0) in NaCl(aq) and LiCl(aq), while enthalpy changes for the protonation of poly(allylamine) were determined by calorimetry in the same ionic strength range but only in NaCl(aq). Analysis of the experimental data was carried out using two different models: the first based on a modified Henderson-Hasselbalch two parameter equation and the second on the three parameter equation proposed by Ho ̈gfeldt. Protonation constants are given for both models and ionic media at t ) 25 °C, while ¢G, ¢H, and T¢S values were determined using the three parameter model alone. The dependence on ionic strength of protonation constants was determined by the SIT model (Specific ion Interaction Theory), while the parameters for the dependence on ionic strength of ¢H and T¢S were determined by a simple empirical equation. Comparison is also made of the protonation constants of poly(allylamine) and some low molecular weight polyamines. Thermodynamic parameters for the protonation of poly(allylamine) are very close to those of low molecular weight polyamines, which are included for purposes of comparison

    Séminaires — CReA-Patrimoine

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    Séminaire du CReA-Patrimoine, consacré cette année aux Représentation(s) de l'architecture en archéologie -  7 février, Jean-Claude Golvin, L'image de restitution des villes anciennes - 14 février : Jean-Pierre Adam, L'image virtuelle et l'image réelle dans l'étude de l'architecture égyptienne La suite du programme est accessible sur le site web du CReA-Patrimoine. Les conférences du premier quadrimestre sont accessibles en podcas

    The evolution in time of the concept of fast growing tree species: is it possible to use a definition applicable to all environmental conditions?

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    Although the expression “fast-growing species” (FGS) referred to tree species has been since long time used, a clear definition has not been adopted for decades. Starting from the Italian historical background, we searched for the definitions of FGS formulated over time at a national and international level. The mean annual increment (MAI) of 10 m3 ha-1, identified by the FAO, has been the most commonly considered threshold until recently. Subsequently, experimental activities and research efforts have consistently enhanced the productivity of FGS, and other definitions have been proposed accordingly. Hence, FGS should provide annual wood yields of 15-25 m3 ha-1 with rotations of less than 25-30 years. In Europe, the maximum MAI can reach about 20-25 m3 ha-1, while in fast-growing tropical plantations the MAI frequently exceeds 30-35 m3 ha-1. However, we deem that the threshold of 10 m3 ha-1 year-1 is still reliable for Mediterranean conditions. Since the fast-growing is a relative concept, strongly affected by species’ traits, environmental conditions and cultural practices, a future increase in the productivity levels of wood plantations can be expected

    Séminaires — CReA-Patrimoine

    No full text
    Séminaire du CReA-Patrimoine, consacré cette année aux Représentation(s) de l'architecture en archéologie -  7 février, Jean-Claude Golvin, L'image de restitution des villes anciennes - 14 février : Jean-Pierre Adam, L'image virtuelle et l'image réelle dans l'étude de l'architecture égyptienne La suite du programme est accessible sur le site web du CReA-Patrimoine. Les conférences du premier quadrimestre sont accessibles en podcas
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