1. Ribonucleic acid of yeast causes the formation of a potent hemolysin in broth cultures of Streptococcus pyogenes. 2. The hemolysin whose formation is induced by yeast ribonucleic acid appears to be identical with streptolysin S. 3. Desoxyribonucleic acid, products of acid or alkaline hydrolysis of ribonucleic acid, or many other substances tested, fail to produce a similar effect. 4. Digesti...

BACKGROUND Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is now an important therapeutic modality for patients with AF. However, data regarding changes in left atrial (LA) function after CA have indicated conflicting results depending on the AF types, follow-up period, and the analytical imaging tools. The objective of this review was to analyze the effect of CA on the LA size and functio...

Binding of the hepatocarcinogen 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF) and two metabolites, 2-aminofluorene (AF) and N-hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene (N-OH-AAF), to the DNA and protein of rat hepatic nuclei was examined in vitro and in a cell-free system. Three and one-half hr following a single injection of each compound in equimolar amounts. DNA contained approximately 50% more of the compounds per mg th...

BACKGROUND The development of ablative energy sources has simplified the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) during concomitant cardiac procedures. We report our results using argon-based endocardial cryoablation for the treatment of AF in patients undergoing concomitant cardiac procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty-three patients with AF who were undergoing concomitant cardiac pro...

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are two of the most common cardiovascular diseases. They often coexist and account for significant morbidity and mortality. Alterations in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis play a critical role in AF initiation and maintenance. This study was designed to specifically elucidate AF-associated remodeling of atrial Ca2+ cycling in the presence of mild HF. AF ...

OBJECTIVES The impact of beta-blockers on mortality and hospitalizations was assessed in the largest randomized trial of patients with both atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): the Atrial Fibrillation-Congestive Heart Failure trial. BACKGROUND Although beta-blockers are the cornerstone of therapy for HFrEF, a recent patient-level meta-analysis c...

OBJECTIVE There is a paucity and inconsistency of data regarding the natural history of patients affected by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined the prognostic implications of AF in a subset of patients with IDCM. METHODS We analyzed the data of 539 patients with IDCM enrolled in the Heart Muscle Disease Registry of Trieste. RESULTS At baseline...

BACKGROUND The effect of successful catheter ablation on left ventricular (LV) strain in patients with preserved LV systolic function is unknown. The aim of the present study was to assess the long-term effects of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) on LV strain and strain rate in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. METHODS AND RESULTS In 78 patients undergoing catheter a...

teucrium polium (labiatae) is a plant that widely grows in iran. some of species of teucrium are used for a considerable range of actions in traditional medicine and t. polium has frequently been used as anticonvulsant. in this study, we investigated the protective effects of t. polium ethanolic aqueous extracts and related fractions on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (ptz) and maximal e...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Several predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation have been identified, including age, type of AF, hypertension, left atrial diameter and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the atherosclerotic plaque thickness of the thoracic aorta is associated with a recurrence of AF after circumfere...