[Growth stimulating, fungicidal and nematicidal properties of new microbial substances and their impact on si/miRNA synthesis in plant cells].

New substances on the basis of soil streptomycete Streptomyces avermitilis metabolites and also compositions of preparation averkom with elicitors show growth regulating activity and bioprotective properties, proved in experiments with wheat spring of variety Grizo and cucumbers of variety Nezhinskiy. Most of the created substances possess the antagonistic action in relation to phytopathogenic fungi, as well as antinematode activity in relation to the gallic nematode Meleodoidyne incognita. In the conditions of the artificial nematode infecting the preparation averkom and its modifications demonstrate protective action (up to 85-100 %) on cucumber sprouts of Nezhinskiy variety. The considerable differences were found out in the index of homology percentage between small regulatory RNA (si/miRNA) and mRNA of experimental (that were treated by substances on the infectious background) and control cucumbers, and wheat plants.

[Isolation and amplification cDNA of 8H07 gene conservative region of nematode Heterodera schachtii with high relationship to its rape homolog].

Original method of small regulatory si/miRNA isolation from plant cells was elaborated. PCR amplification of fragment cDNA 8H07 nematode Heterodera schachtii gene was carried out. Using Northern-blot method hybridization of plant si/miRNA with cDNA fragment of conservative region 8H07 gene the presence of their high homology is found out. The amplified cDNA fragment of nematode 8H07 gene in future will be used for creation recombinant gene with complementary antisense dsRNA sequence for increasing resistance of rape plants to parasitic nematodes.

Incidence and prognosis of non-Q-wave vs. Q-wave myocardial infarction following catheter-based reperfusion therapy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical importance of classifying myocardial infarction (MI) into non-Q-wave (NQWMI) vs. Q-wave (QWMI) subsets is controversial and might depend on the therapeutic reperfusion strategy employed. The prognostic implications of NQWMI development following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been reported. AIM: To examine the incidence, determinants and prognostic implications of NQWMI vs. QWMI development following primary PCI. DESIGN: The ACSIS Registry, a 2-month nationwide survey conducted biennially, prospectively collects data from all MI admissions in Israel. METHODS: Outcomes were compared among patients managed by primary PCI who subsequently developed NQWMI vs. QWMI. Independent predictors of Q-wave development and 1-year mortality were determined by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazard model, respectively. RESULTS: Of 4537 MI patients with ST-segment elevation on admission, 1230 (27%) were treated with primary PCI. A discharge diagnosis of NQWMI was made in 259 (21.1%) patients. The baseline features and PCI strategies employed were similar among NQWMI vs. QWMI patients, though peak creatine kinase levels were higher (median 795 U/l vs. 1681 U/l, P = 0.0001) and severe left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) impairment (<40%) more frequent (22.6% vs. 43.9%, P < 0.0001), in the latter group. Mortality at 1-year was significantly lower in NQWMI vs. QWMI patients (3.9% vs. 10.8%, P log-rank = 0.001). By Cox proportional hazard analysis, NQWMI vs. QWMI was an independent predictor of freedom from 1-year mortality [HR = 0.34 (95% CI: 0.15-0.79), P = 0.01]. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of NQWMI after primary PCI is associated with an excellent prognosis independent of established prognosticators, including LVEF.

Increased erythrocyte aggregation in men with coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction.

We studied the association between erythrocyte aggregation (EA) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with coronary artery disease (CAD). Men with CAD documented by coronary angiography filled the Sexual Health Inventory for Males questionnaire to detect ED and assess its severity. EA was evaluated by filming slides of blood smear. Low percentage of slide field covered by erythrocytes represented increased EA. Overall, 133 men with CAD, mean ages 62.4+/-12.2 years, were included: 100 (75.2%) with ED and 33 (24.8%) without ED. EA was increased among men with ED compared with men without ED (percentage of slide field covered by erythrocytes 66.7+/-14.7 vs 73.1+/-14.5%; P=0.03). After adjustment for age, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, EA was associated with ED severity (r=0.18; P=0.038). We conclude that EA is increased in men with CAD and ED. This finding may be relevant to the pathophysiology of ED in men with CAD.

[Dental management of patients using anti agregant drugs: background, risks and clinical guidelines].

The object of this review is to juxtapose the risk of discontinuing anti-thrombotic therapy versus the benefit of less bleeding during dental procedures. The use of anti-thrombotic therapy to prevent cardiovascular thrombotic events is fundamental in the treatment of arterial sclerosis. Aspirin and Clopidogrel (Plavix) are the two anti-thrombotic drugs mainly used for this purpose. In patients with a history of symptomatic arteriosclerotic heart disease, aspirin therapy reduces the risk of myocardial infarction. Since the risk of recurrent cardiovascular event is known to be higher during the first few months following a symptomatic cardiovascular event, optimal treatment during this period is crucial. Any patient suffering from symptomatic arteriosclerosis should receive permanent anti-thrombotic therapy, unless strongly contraindicated. Poor compliance with or discontinuation of the anti-thrombotic therapy is associated with higher risk for a cardiovascular events. The risk of a cardiovascular event increase 3-4 days after discontinuation of anti-thrombotic therapy. A conventional dental treatment does not normally cause massive bleeding in patients using antithrombotic therapy. There is no evidence to support discontinuation of antithrombotic therapy prior to dental procedures. Therefore, considering the importance of anti-thrombolitic therapy in ateriosclerotic patients and the risk involved in discontinuing this therapy on the one hand, and the low risk of significant bleeding during dental procedures in patients using anti-thrombotic therapy on the other hand, one should be extra cautious in discontinuing antithrombotic therapy before dental procedures. Our recommendations are detailed in the article.

[Physiologic requirements of high level gymnastics]. / Exigences physiologiques necessaires a la pratique de la gymnastique de haut niveau.

The evolution of the physiological profile of gymnasts over the past 40 years is outlined. Generally, gymnasts have a low aerobic aptitude in spite of an increase in the number of training hours. During the last decades, anaerobic power of gymnasts has increased. And now, the maximal power output measured by the Wingate test in high level male gymnasts is between 12 and 14 W.Kg-1 and in female gymnasts between 10 and 12 W.Kg-1. Measurement of higher blood lactate values also confirms that the anaerobic capacity has increased.

Late incomplete lesion coverage following Cypher stent deployment for diffuse right coronary artery stenosis.

The availability of the only drug eluting stent currently approved in the USA has been limited, so that operators often resort to the deployment of multiple undersized stents and post-stenting high pressure inflations with larger balloons to achieve optimal lesion coverage and stent expansion. A case of stent fracture following percutaneous coronary intervention in which this strategy was used is reported.

Sulfonylureas are not associated with increased mortality in diabetics treated with thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Sulfonylurea compounds may impair ischemic preconditioning and endogenous fibrinolysis. Increased mortality has been reported in diabetics receiving these drugs prior to admission for acute myocardial infarction when treated by direct angioplasty. Although thrombolytics are currently employed far more frequently than direct angioplasty the effect of sulfonylureas on mortality in the setting of thrombolysis has not been previously addressed. METHODS: Two hundred forty five diabetics treated with either accelerated t-PA or streptokinase in a national, multi-center, randomized comparison of argatroban vs. heparin (n=1200) were grouped by anti-diabetic treatment prior to hospitalization, and their outcomes were compared by retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar in all groups (sulfonylureas: n=121, oral medications other than sulfonylureas: n=17, insulin: n=28, diet alone: n=79). Sulfonylurea use was not associated with increased mortality or adverse event rates. By logistic regression analysis with diet treatment as reference, only prior insulin use was associated with higher risk for mortality at 30 days and 1 year (odds ratios 4.5 and 5.22, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sulfonylureas use prior to admission is not associated with adverse outcomes in diabetics treated with thrombolytics for myocardial infarction. Since direct angioplasty may increase mortality in patients taking these drugs, a randomized trial is needed to specifically compare different strategies of acute reperfusion in diabetics.Abbreviated abstract. Increased mortality has been reported in diabetics using sulfonylureas when treated for myocardial infarction by direct angioplasty. No study has specifically addressed the effect of these drugs on outcomes in the setting of thrombolysis. In a retrospective analysis of 245 diabetics treated with thrombolysis in a randomized comparison of argatroban vs. heparin, outcomes were compared in relation to anti-diabetic therapy prior to admission. Sulfonylurea use did not adversely affect prognosis, which was worst among diabetics previously treated with insulin. In conclusion, sulfonylureas do not worsen outcomes of diabetics treated with current thrombolytic regimens in comparison with other anti-diabetic treatments.

Pause-dependent torsade de pointes following acute myocardial infarction: a variant of the acquired long QT syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: We report on a previously unrecognized form of the long QT syndrome (QT interval prolongation and pause-dependent polymorphic ventricular tachycardia [VT]) entirely related to myocardial infarction (MI). BACKGROUND: Polymorphic VT in the setting of acute MI generally occurs during the hyperacute phase, is related to ischemia, and is not associated with QT prolongation. Although QT prolongation after MI is well described, typical pause-dependent polymorphic VT (torsade de pointes) secondary to uncomplicated MI was previously unknown. METHODS: Of 434 consecutive admissions for acute MI, 8 patients had progressive QT prolongation that led to typical torsade de pointes. None of these patients had active ischemia or other known causes of QT prolongation. These patients were compared with 100 consecutive patients with uncomplicated MI who served as controls. RESULTS: The incidence of torsade de pointes following MI was 1.8% (95% confidence interval 0.8% to 3.6%). The QTc intervals of patients and controls were similar on admission. The QTc lengthened by day 2 in both groups, but more so in patients with torsade de pointes (from 470 +/- 46 to 492 +/- 57 ms [p < 0.05] and from 445 +/- 58 to 558 +/- 84 ms, respectively [p < 0.01]). Maximal QT prolongation and torsade de pointes occurred 3 to 11 days after infarction. Therapy included defibrillation, magnesium, lidocaine and beta-blockers. Three patients required rapid cardiac pacing. The long-term course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: Infarct-related torsade de pointes is uncommon but potentially lethal. An acquired long QT syndrome should be considered in patients recovering from MI who experience polymorphic VT as specific therapeutic measures are mandatory.

Catheter-delivered ultrasound therapy for native coronary arterial thrombosis and occluded saphenous vein grafts.

Acute coronary thrombosis, overlying ruptured atherosclerotic plaque, is the hallmark of myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Despite use of modern therapeutic modalities, including glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists and stenting, intracoronary thrombus heralds an increased risk of serious complications following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Abundant in vitro and in vivo experimental data have proven that ultrasound energy is capable of lysing intravascular thrombus without injuring the vessel wall. Expanding experience and technological advancements now allow us to use this tool in clinical practice. In this article we review the emergence of percutaneous ultrasonic thrombolysis as a safe and effective tool for treatment of patients in various clinical settings associated with coronary thrombosis.

Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene 1 induces expression of insulin genes in liver and ameliorates streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia.

Insulin gene expression is restricted to islet beta cells of the mammalian pancreas through specific control mechanisms mediated in part by specific transcription factors. The protein encoded by the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene 1 (PDX-1) is central in regulating pancreatic development and islet cell function. PDX-1 regulates insulin gene expression and is involved in islet cell-specific expression of various genes. Involvement of PDX-1 in islet-cell differentiation and function has been demonstrated mainly by 'loss-of-function' studies. We used a 'gain-of-function' approach to test whether PDX-1 could endow a non-islet tissue with pancreatic beta-cell characteristics in vivo. Recombinant-adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of PDX-1 to the livers of BALB/C and C57BL/6 mice activated expression of the endogenous, otherwise silent, genes for mouse insulin 1 and 2 and prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC 1/3). Expression of PDX-1 resulted in a substantial increase in hepatic immunoreactive insulin content and an increase of 300% in plasma immunoreactive insulin levels, compared with that in mice treated with control adenovirus. Hepatic immunoreactive insulin induced by PDX-1 was processed to mature mouse insulin 1 and 2 and was biologically active; it ameliorated hyperglycemia in diabetic mice treated with streptozotocin. These data indicate the capacity of PDX-1 to reprogram extrapancreatic tissue towards a beta-cell phenotype, may provide a valuable approach for generating 'self' surrogate beta cells, suitable for replacing impaired islet-cell function in diabetics.

[Severe heat stroke in an intensive care unit: course of the disease in the intensive care unit, and early and subsequent treatment results].

During the August 1998 heat wave in Tel Aviv we admitted many patients for acute heat-related illness; 6 had severe heat stroke and were admitted in critical condition. We describe their clinical courses during the first 5 days of hospitalization, including response to treatment and implications for future management of this disorder. The mean APACHE II score of the 6 was 30 +/- 3.5 and mean Glasgow Coma Scale rating 3.5 +/- 0.5; they were in hypovolemic shock and respiratory failure, necessitating mechanical ventilation. Despite early effective therapy (core temperature in all was reduced to less than 39 degrees C in less than 1 hour), there was 1 death (mortality 15%) and 4 required further intensive care for life-threatening multiple organ failure. During severe heat waves a significant number of referrals for acute heat-related illness must be anticipated, possibly overwhelming admission capacity of regional intensive-care units. Severe heat stroke complicated by multi-organ failure is not necessarily related to prior physical activity. Although important in determining prognosis, early treatment does not prevent severe complications. Mechanisms regulating body heat may remain disturbed for days following early treatment and apparent stabilization, mandating continued hospitalization.

Likelihood ratios: getting diagnostic testing into perspective.

In modern medicine, sophisticated laboratory tests and imaging studies are often emphasized at the expense of history and physical examination, rather than complementing clinical assessment. Ancillary testing often fails to advance the diagnostic process, and increases patient risk and the expense of medical care. The relative value of clinical evaluation and technological methods is rarely considered, and the power of the clinical evaluation is therefore underestimated. The likelihood ratio (LR) is a semiquantitative measure of the performance of diagnostic tests which indicates how much a diagnostic procedure modifies the probability of disease, and is calculated from the sensitivity and specificity of the test (or directly from the change in probability associated with the test result). We review the performance of frequently-used tests by their LRs, and compare them to the power of clinical assessment, with clinical cases to illustrate the application of LRs in the diagnostic process. The discriminative power of clinical assessment and ancillary tests is often similar, and the combination of the two greatly increases accuracy in the diagnostic process. Clinical assessment is indeed frequently more informative than current technical modalities. LRs assist in putting the value of testing in proper perspective. Practice in evaluating pre-test probabilities of disease and in the application of LRs should be enhanced in medical training.

Routine Coronary Arteriography Following Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Unsettled Controversy.

Although coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death in industrialized countries, the management of patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction varies significantly. The issue of routine arteriography and revascularization following thrombolytic therapy remains controversial despite substantial evidence associating infarct-related artery patency with improved cardiac function and survival. Randomized trials of routine intervention after myocardial infarction have generally failed to demonstrate advantages of this invasive approach but methodological problems limit their application to current practice. High-risk patients should be referred for arteriography. While awaiting definitive trials addressing the influence of routine arteriography on patient survival and its cost effectiveness, the management of other patient groups must be individualized.