Meta-Analysis of Ultrafiltration versus Diuretics Treatment Option for Overload Volume Reduction in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Introduction: Although diuretics are mainly used for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), inadequate responses and complications have led to the use of extracorporeal ultrafiltration (UF) as an alternative strategy for reducing volume overloads in patients with ADHF. Objective: The aim of our study is to perform meta-analysis of the results obtained from studies on extracorporeal venous ultrafiltration and compare them with those of standard diuretic treatment for overload volume reduction in acute decompensated heart failure. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were systematically searched using a pre‑specified criterion. Pooled estimates of outcomes after 48 h (weight change, serum creatinine level, and all-cause mortality) were computed using random effect models. Pooled weighted mean differences were calculated for weight loss and change in creatinine level, whereas a pooled risk ratio was used for the analysis of binary all-cause mortality outcome. Results: A total of nine studies, involving 613 patients, met the eligibility criteria. The mean weight loss in patients who underwent UF therapy was 1.78 kg [95% Confidence Interval (CI): −2.65 to −0.91 kg; p < 0.001) more than those who received standard diuretic therapy. The post-intervention creatinine level, however, was not significantly different (mean change = −0.25 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.56 to 0.06 mg/dL; p = 0.112). The risk of all-cause mortality persisted in patients treated with UF compared with patients treated with standard diuretics (Pooled RR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.64–1.56; p = 0.993). Conclusion: Compared with standard diuretic therapy, UF treatment for overload volume reduction in individuals suffering from ADHF, resulted in significant reduction of body weight within 48 h. However, no significant decrease of serum creatinine level or reduction of all-cause mortality was observed.

Association between LDL-C, Non HDL-C, and Apolipoprotein B Levels with Coronary Plaque Regression

Background:Previous reports have inferred a linear relationship between LDL-C and changes in coronary plaque volume (CPV) measured by intravascular ultrasound. However, these publications included a small number of studies and did not explore other lipid markers.Objective:To assess the association between changes in lipid markers and regression of CPV using published data.Methods:We collected data from the control, placebo and intervention arms in studies that compared the effect of lipidlowering treatments on CPV, and from the placebo and control arms in studies that tested drugs that did not affect lipids. Baseline and final measurements of plaque volume, expressed in mm3, were extracted and the percentage changes after the interventions were calculated. Performing three linear regression analyses, we assessed the relationship between percentage and absolute changes in lipid markers and percentage variations in CPV.Results:Twenty-seven studies were selected. Correlations between percentage changes in LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and percentage changes in CPV were moderate (r = 0.48, r = 0.47, and r = 0.44, respectively). Correlations between absolute differences in LDL-C, non‑HDL-C, and ApoB with percentage differences in CPV were stronger (r = 0.57, r = 0.52, and r = 0.79). The linear regression model showed a statistically significant association between a reduction in lipid markers and regression of plaque volume.Conclusion:A significant association between changes in different atherogenic particles and regression of CPV was observed. The absolute reduction in ApoB showed the strongest correlation with coronary plaque regression.

Left Atrial Volume Determinants in Patients with Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background:Left atrial volume (LAV) is a predictor of prognosis in patients with heart failure.Objective:We aimed to evaluate the determinants of LAV in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods:Ninety patients with DCM and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≤ 0.50 were included. LAV was measured with real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (eco3D). The variables evaluated were heart rate, systolic blood pressure, LV end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume and ejection fraction (eco3D), mitral inflow E wave, tissue Doppler e´ wave, E/e´ ratio, intraventricular dyssynchrony, 3D dyssynchrony index and mitral regurgitation vena contracta. Pearson´s coefficient was used to identify the correlation of the LAV with the assessed variables. A multiple linear regression model was developed that included LAV as the dependent variable and the variables correlated with it as the predictive variables.Results:Mean age was 52 ± 11 years-old, LV ejection fraction: 31.5 ± 8.0% (16-50%) and LAV: 39.2±15.7 ml/m2. The variables that correlated with the LAV were LV end-diastolic volume (r = 0.38; p < 0.01), LV end-systolic volume (r = 0.43; p < 0.001), LV ejection fraction (r = -0.36; p < 0.01), E wave (r = 0.50; p < 0.01), E/e´ ratio (r = 0.51; p < 0.01) and mitral regurgitation (r = 0.53; p < 0.01). A multivariate analysis identified the E/e´ ratio (p = 0.02) and mitral regurgitation (p = 0.02) as the only independent variables associated with LAV increase.Conclusion:The LAV is independently determined by LV filling pressures (E/e´ ratio) and mitral regurgitation in DCM.

American natural history. Volume 3. Part 1.--Mastology. By John D. Godman.

3

Numerical analysis of finite volume schemes for population balance equations

Magdeburg, Univ., Fak. für Mathematik, Diss., 2011

Entwicklung kardiovaskulärer Risikofaktoren bei Small for gestational age-Geborenen im jungen Erwachsenenalter und der Vergleich der metabolischen Situation dieser Patienten mit der von normotroph Geborenen

Magdeburg, Univ., Medizin. Fakultät, Diss., 2008

Technique and clinical applications of double balloon enteroscopy for the evaluation of small bowel diseases

Magdeburg, Univ., Med. Fak., Diss., 2012

Desenvolvimento vegetativo da berinjela (Solanum melongena L.) em função do volume de terra disponível

Com a finalidade de se verificar a influência do volume de terra disponível no desenvolvimento vegetativo da berinjela (Solanun melongena L.), conduziu-se um ensaio, em condições de casa de vegetação, no Setor de Horticultura da E.S.A, "Luiz de Queiroz", em Piracicaba, SP, utilizando-se da cultivar híbrida F 100. Foram utilizados recipientes (vasos) de 5 tamanhos diferentes: 200, 450, 3000, 4750 e 9000 cm³ de capacidade. Através dos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que: quanto maior o recipiente utilizado maior o desenvolvimento vegetativo da beringela, até um ponto em que poderia haver uma menor produtividade por unidade de área plantada. Para a berinjela, há a necessidade de recipiente que corresponda a uma capacidade de, no mínimo, 4750 centímetros cúbicos de substrato.

Contents [and index] to volume 14, numbers 1 to 3, Zoological series / Wilfred H. Osgood.

Fieldiana Zoology v.14, no. 4

Contents and index to volume 12, numbers 1 to 19, Zoological series / Wilfred H. Osgood.

v.12:no.19(1929)

Contents and index to volume 7, numbers 1 to 12, Zoological series / Charles B. Cory.

v.7:no.13(1912)

Contents and index to volume 1 / Charles B. Cory.

v.1:no.11(1917)

Index to volume I, numbers 1 to 17.

v.1:no.18(1900)

Alterações nos caracteres de peso, volume e densidade dos grãos de milho (Zea mays L.) provocadas pela seleção segundo o tamanho do embrião

Nos métodos de seleção comumente empregados para elevar o conteúdo de óleo nos grãos de milho se verifica alterações morfológicas, principalmente a redução de seu peso, devido ao balanço energético fisiológico entre o óleo e o carboidrato presentes nos grãos. O presente trabalho teve por finalidade avaliar as alterações em peso, volume e densidade dos grãos provocado pelo emprego do método de seleção entre famílias de meios irmãos para produtividade e dentro das famílias seleção visual para embrião grande, visando a obtenção de germoplasmas com alta produtividade de grãos e elevado conteúdo em óleo nos seus grãos. Para tanto, foi usado sementes S1 da população Alto Óleo onde foi feito seleção entre e dentro de famílias para produtividade e tamanho do embrião, respectivamente; e a população Original, onde somente foi realizado seleção entre e dentro de famílias para produtividade. O tipo de seleção empregada não provocou redução nos caracteres de peso e volume de 100 grãos, e sim, uma tendência para aumentar estas características na população Alto Óleo em relação à população Original. Para o caráter densidade dos grãos, embora estatisticamente não significativo, houve uma redução. Esta redução foi devido que o método seletivo usado na população Alto Óleo foi mais eficiente para o aumento do volume dos grãos do que para o peso desses.

The small species of Belostoma (Heteroptera, Belostomatidae): I. Key to species groups and a revision of the denticolle group

A key to species groups of the genus Belostoma Latreille, 1807, using new taxonomic characters are presented as well as the revision of the four species included in the denticolle group: B. denticolle Montandon, 1903, and three new species: B. orbiculatum from eastern Argentina and southern Brazil, B. retusum from eastern Argentina and B. amazonum from northern Brazil which are described and illustrated.