Measurement of the in-medium K0 inclusive cross section in pi(-) -induced reactions at 1.15 GeV/c.

The K0 meson production by pi(-) mesons of 1.15 GeV/c momentum on C, Al, Cu, Sn, and Pb nuclear targets was measured with the FOPI spectrometer at the Schwer-Ionen-Synchrotron accelerator of GSI. Inclusive production cross sections and the momentum distributions of K0 mesons are compared to scaled elementary production cross sections and to predictions of theoretical models describing the in-medium production of kaons. The data represent a new reference for those models, which are widely used for interpretation of the strangeness production in heavy-ion collisions. The presented results demonstrate the sensitivity of the kaon production to the reaction amplitudes inside nuclei and point to the existence of a repulsive KN potential of 20+/-5 MeV at normal nuclear matter density.

Gastroesophageal tumor embolization to the popliteal arteries.

Arterial tumor embolization is an unusual cause of acute arterial occlusion and is reported primarily in the oncologic literature. We report a case of acute bilateral popliteal artery emboli from adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus. Arterial tumor emboli are infrequent but should be considered in the differential diagnosis by the vascular surgeon caring for patients with malignancy.

Venous valvular assessment after retrograde catheterization.

PURPOSE: To determine whether retrograde passage of a coaxial infusion system (Mewissen-Katzen catheter and guide wire) into extremity veins with valves causes damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrograde common femoral vein puncture and passage of an infusion wire-catheter system through the superficial femoral and popliteal veins of one leg were performed in five anesthetized pigs. Heparinized saline was then infused via the catheter and wire for approximately 8 hours. The pigs were then killed, and the femoropopliteal veins were removed from both legs of each pig and examined by a pathologist. The noncatheterized leg veins served as a control in each animal. RESULTS: Valvular damage occurred in one of five pigs. This may have resulted from leg movement during catheter passage in this animal. CONCLUSION: Retrograde passage of a catheter-guide-wire infusion system caused minimal to no damage to the venous valves of pigs. This suggests that human venous valves may be spared injury during catheter-directed venous thrombolysis. Further study of catheter manipulation in a model of deep venous thrombosis is needed.