Dissipation characteristics of quantized spin waves in nano-scaled magnetic ring structures

The spatial profiles and the dissipation characteristics of spin-wave quasi-eigenmodes are investigated in small magnetic Ni$_{81}$Fe$_{19}$ ring structures using Brillouin light scattering microscopy. It is found, that the decay constant of a mode decreases with increasing mode frequency. Indications for a contribution of three-magnon processes to the dissipation of higher-order spin-wave quasi-eigenmodes are found

Rectal Bleeding Associated With Chronic Pancreatitis

Pseudocyst formation, with its attendant complications of compression, rupture, bleeding and fistula formation, is a well known complication of chronic pancreatitis. In 1966 Berne and Edmondson drew attention to the often fatal outcome of pancreatico-colonic fistula complicated by hemorrhage. We present two cases of this rare complication of chronic pancreatitis as defined by the Marseille classification

Dose-Related Effects of ACE Inhibition in Man: Quinapril in Patients with Moderate Congestive Heart Failure

Early treatment with ACE inhibitors of even moderate heart failure is clinically beneficial, even though haemodynamic measurements cannot adequately quantitate such improvement. Neurohumoral assessment is, however, supposed to be more accurate In 55 patients with moderate heart failure (ejection fraction ≤ 35%), we investigated the dose-dependent effects of ACE inhibition with quinapril taken orally (2.5, 5 or 10 mg b.i.d.) following a placebo-controlled, parallel design protocol over 12 weeks. Plasma components of the renin angiotensin system, catecholamines and ANF were measured together with haemodymmics both at rest and during exercise. Before ACE inhibitor treatment, median PRA, Ang I and II and catecholamines were normal, while ANF was increased All these parameters including ACE activity, rose during exercise. Chronic inhibition of ACE activity was dose-dependent and the maximal fall in Ang If occurred with quinapril 20 mg.day−1. Humoral changes appeared more assessible than haemodymmic alterations even though many of these changes were reasonably correlated. The effects of chronic ACE inhibition on circulating neurohumoral components in patients with moderate heart failure are small and dose-dependent. Since humoral changes are related to haemodynamics they should account for the clinical benefit. Appropriately high doses of ACE inhibitors should be chosen for treatment of heart failur

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy: Cardiac Homing and Beyond

Under conventional heart failure therapy, inflammatory cardiomyopathy usually has a progressive course, merging for alternative interventional strategies. There is accumulating support for the application of cellular transplantation as a strategy to improve myocardial function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the advantage over other stem cells that they possess immunomodulatory features, making them attractive candidates for the treatment of inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Studies in experimental models of inflammatory cardiomyopathy have consistently demonstrated the potential of MSCs to reduce cardiac injury and to improve cardiac function. This paper gives an overview about how inflammation triggers the functionality of MSCs and how it induces cardiac homing. Finally, the potential of intravenous application of MSCs by inflammatory cardiomyopathy is discussed