On-X Heart Valve Prosthesis: Numerical Simulation of Hemodynamic Performance in Accelerating Systole.

Numerical simulation of the bileaflet mechanical heart valves (BMHVs) has been of interest for many researchers due to its capability of predicting hemodynamic performance. A lot of studies have tried to simulate this three-dimensional complex flow in order to analyze the effect of different valve designs on the blood flow pattern. However, simplified models and prescribed motion for the leaflets were utilized.

Prognostic value of left ventricular myocardial performance index in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Background: Left ventricular myocardial performance index is a Doppler-derived parameter of nongeometrical ventricular function that measures both systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle. The objective of this study was to compare prognostic value of left ventricular myocardial performance index with global left ventricle function in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods: One hundred consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery for coronary artery disease were studied from March 2004 through September 2006.

Beta-funaltrexamine inhibits inducible nitric-oxide synthase expression in human astroglial cells.

The inducible isoform of nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) is involved in neuropathogenesis associated with infection and disease in the brain. Hence, there is considerable interest in the identification of therapeutic interventions to prevent iNOS-mediated pathology. Astroglia are a major site of iNOS expression during neuropathogenesis.

The opioid antagonist, beta-funaltrexamine, inhibits chemokine expression in human astroglial cells.

Emerging evidence indicates that neuroinflammatory responses in astroglia, including chemokine expression, are altered by opioids. Astroglial chemokines, such as CXCL10, are instrumental in response to many neuropathological insults. Opioid mediated disruption of astroglial CXCL10 expression may be detrimental in opioid abusers or patients receiving acute opioid therapy.

Cesarean section in a patient with Wolfe-Parkinson-White syndrome.

A 30 year old woman with abnormal fetal presentation was scheduled for emergency cesarean section. The patient had been a known case of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and appeared exceedingly anxious. She was given diazepam 5 mg and sufentanil 15 microgram as premedication following which routine and conventional general anesthesia was administered.