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Central and regional hemodynamic studies were performed before and after administration of nitrendipine, a recently introduced calcium-channel blocker, in 10 normotensive patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. None of them had a mean pulmonary artery pressure higher than 20 mm Hg. Ninety minutes after oral intake of 20 mg nitrendipine, cardiac output increased by 22, heart rate increased by 12, mean arterial pressure decreased by 7, and pulmonary artery pressures as well as filling pressures of the heart did not change. Venous admixture and alveolar to arterial PO2gradients increased by 54 and 22, respectively. Hepatic blood flow increased by 33. Renal blood flow remained unchanged and glomerular filtration rate decreased by 11.

Arterial blood gas levels, lung volumes, and diffusing properties for carbon monoxide were measured in 22 patients with uncomplicated acute pancreatitis who had no clinical or radiographic evidence of pulmonary involvement. Mild arterial hypoxemia (<75 mm Hg) was present in four patients. The mean values of inspiratory lung volumes were clearly reduced, and the diffusing properties were sharply altered; the mean value for the diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide per unit of lung volume (Krogh's constant [Kco]) was 78 percent of predicted. Four patients with a low Kcoin the first four days after an acute episode had normal values when reevaluated one week later. These findings suggest the occurrence, even in mild acute pancreatitis, of transient pulmonary injury mainly localized at the level of the capillaries, leading to decreased gas transfer.

We investigated a patient with coronary arteriovenous fistula (CAVF)by two-dimensional echocardiography (2-DE), cardiac Doppler, cardiac catheterization and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These investigations clearly showed the abnormal vascular structures. NMR is another valuable noninvasive and safe method of confirming the presence of a CAVF.

The article provides insights on proper planting of Verbena Estrella series of greenhouse plants including Merlot, Voodoo Red and Salmon Star. It suggests growers to plant Verbena Estrella in a well-drained soil mix and to pinch the greenhouse plant twice. It also advises them to adopt uniform water management and to prevent foliar diseases.