Ascorbic acid prevents vascular dysfunction induced by oral glucose load in healthy subjects.

Objectives: To examine the effects of oral glucose load on forearm circulatory regulation before and after ascorbic acid administration in healthy subjects.

Design: Microcirculation study with laser Doppler was performed at the hand in basal conditions, after ischemia and after acetylcholine and nitroprusside; strain gauge plethysmography was performed at basal and after ischemia. The tests were repeated in the same sequence 2 hour after oral administration of glucose (75 g).

Long-term results of aortic valve replacement with Edwards Prima Plus stentless bioprosthesis: eleven years' follow up.

Background And Aim Of The Study: The Edwards Lifesciences Prima Plus stentless valve (ELSV) is a bioprosthesis manufactured from a porcine aortic root. The study aim was to evaluate late clinical outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR) with ELSV implanted as a miniroot in patients with aortic valve disease.

Methods: Between 1993 and 2004, 318 patients (232 males, 86 females; mean age 69 +/- 9 years; range: 37-83 years) underwent AVR with the ELSV.