Two aspects of possible adaptation In cardiovascular performance caused by Increased plasma electrolytes were examined. Cells In anisotonic plasma may either act as osmometers or volume regulate. Blood flow rate Is dependent upon cell viscosity, which in turn is a consequence of cell volume and membrane deform-ability. Cell volume changes which Increase membrane deform-ability will thus potentially extend the limits of dehydration tolerance. It was found in R. catesbeiana and B. marinus that red blood cell Is maintain constant volume during dehydration. Cells in vitro Initially lose water, but then sodium, potassium and water move Into the cell. Cell viscosity within the physiologic range of hematocrits was higher In salt loaded non-regulating cell Is of B. marinus than In regulating isotonic cells.

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Relation between the reperfusion of pulmonary arteries after acute pulmonary embolism to the development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension Incomplete resolution of thromboemboli following acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a key factor in development of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). In our study, we evaluated the incidence, risk factors and clinical impact of incomplete reperfusion after acute PE. Study population and methods: 85 patients after the first acute PE were assessed clinically and by pulmonary scintigraphy and echocardiography at month 6, 12 and 24 after an acute PE. Results: Incomplete reperfusion was detected in 23.5 % of patients after 6 months, in 24.9 % of patients after 12 months and in 18.6 % of patients after 24 months. At month 6, patients with incomplete reperfusion were more obese when compared with patients with normal reperfusion BMI 30.8 vs 28.3 kg/m2 ; p=0.012) and their initial hemoglobin levels were higher (143.0 vs 136.0 g/l; p=0.012). Similar results were observed at month 12 - patients with residual perfusion defects were more obese (BMI 31.1 vs 28.5; p=0.016) with higher initial hemoglobin levels (144.0 vs 136.0; p=0.007). Patients with incomplete reperfusion at month 24 were significantly older (67.7 vs 55.0 years; p=0.02), their...

β-thalassemia is an autosomal recessive blood disease caused by mutations in β-globin genes that either reduce or altogether abolish β-globin chain synthesis. Normally, two β-globin chains would combine with two α-globin chains and a heme group to form hemoglobin. Because α-globin chain synthesis is unaffected in β-thalassemia patients, the unpaired α-globin chains accumulate and precipitate. The reduced formation of hemoglobin and accumulation of unpaired α-globin chains are the two fundamental molecular pathologies. In the most serious cases of the disease, the resulting complications develop before two years of age. Most often, these include severe anemia, pallor, jaundice, abdominal enlargement, and distinct craniofacial features. If left untreated, the disease is fatal before the age of three in the most serious cases. Each year, more than 40,000 births, mostly in Southeast Asia, Middle East, or Africa, are affected with β-thalassemia. With increased migration, however, β-thalassemia is becoming more common in Europe and North America. Currently, the most widespread treatment for the disease is transfusions and iron chelation therapy, and the only cure is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In recent years, however, multiple treatments and potential cures such as fetal hemoglobin inducers and gene therapy have shown promise. By analyzing the cost-efficiency, viability, and therapeutic benefits of current and future treatments, it can be seen that a combination of fetal hemoglobin inducers, transfusions, and iron chelation therapy will have the greatest impact for the vast majority of β-thalassemia patients.

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