Visually estimated coronary artery calcium score improves SPECT-MPI risk stratification.

Aims: Computed tomographic attenuation correction (CTAC) scans for single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) may reveal coronary artery calcification. The independent prognostic value of a visually estimated coronary artery calcium score (VECACS) from these low-dose, non-gated scans is not established.

Methods & Results: VECACS was evaluated in 4,720 patients undergoing SPECT-MPI with CTAC using a 4-point scale.

Ergonomic interventions for office workers with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review.

Introduction: Ergonomic interventions designed for office and computer work have become widely available and heavily marketed but there is little evidence to support their use with workers who already have a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The purpose of any ergonomic intervention can be to improve worker comfort, safety and/or productivity. The ergonomic research in secondary prevention typically focuses outcomes on improved worker comfort but less if any emphasis has been put on productivity and safety.

[Results of endovascular revascularization with the use of stents after coronary bypass surgery in patients with ischemic heart disease].

Aim: To compare results of stenting in patients with and without prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods: In 21 patients after CABG stents were implanted both in venous grafts and native vessels (secondary revascularization) and in 25 patients without history of CABG native vessels were stented (primary revascularization).

Results: Primary revascularization: there was 1 periprocedural non Q wave myocardial infarction (4%), angina disappeared in 88% and recurred in 1 year in 24% of patients; one year restenosis rate - 18.

Evaluation of left ventricular function during roentgen contrast ventriculography.

Changes in the left ventricular (LV) function during direct ventriculography (contrast medium injected into LV cavity) and during intravenous left ventriculography (contrast medium injected into right atrium) were assessed in 22 normal subjects. During angiography the left ventricular pressure was continuously recorded by a microtip manometer catheter. LV images and pressure curves were analysed by a computer analysis system.

Omega-conotoxin blockade of calcium currents in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes: different action on EGTA-modified calcium channels.

Calcium currents from neonatal rat ventricular heart muscle cells grown in primary culture were examined using the "whole-cell" voltage clamp technique. An inward current characterized by large amplitude and slow inactivation decay was induced when the extracellular Ca2+ concentration was reduced by EGTA. This current was suppressed by extracellular Na+ removal, or by calcium antagonists, and increased by epinephrine and BAY K 8644.