Given G = (V,E) an undirected graph with matching number ν(G), we define d-blockers as subsets of edges B such that ν(G′ = (V,E \B)) ≤ ν(G)−d. We define d-transversals T as subsets of edges such that every maximum matchingM has |M ∩T | ≥ d. We explore connections between d-blockers and d-transversals. Special classes of graphs are examined which include complete graphs, regular bipartite graphs...

Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are monoclonal antibodies that block the programmed death-1 receptor (PD-1, CD279), resulting in dis-inhibition of tumor-specific immune responses. Both are recently approved for use in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, and nivolumab as well for non-small cell lung cancer.

In 1964, Albretch Fleckenstein described an inhibitory action ofverapamil and prenylamine on excitation-contraction coupling that was similar to calcium depletion. By the late 1970s, the clinical use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) was widely accepted for variety of cardiovascular indications, including hypertension, dysrhythmias, and angina. Later indications, including Raynaud phenomenon, ...

finding of elevated leptin levels in cardiac failure patients stage NYHA II or III is supported by Filippatos et al. and others. From their data, however, it appears that leptin levels tend to decrease in cachectic patients with more advanced stages of the disease, which has only recently been confirmed by others. This does not necessarily contradict our observations. The patients reported in o...

This expository paper discusses some conjectures related to visibility and blockers for sets of points in the plane.

BUMC PROCEEDINGS 2003;16:123–126 The angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) represent a newer class of antihypertensive agents. Their mechanism of action differs from that of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which also affect the renin-angiotensin system. The ARBs were developed to overcome several of the deficiencies of ACE inhibitors: competitive inhibition of ACE results ...

beta-Adrenergic blocking drugs have been available for several years to treat ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular and noncardiovascular disorders. There are multiple drugs in this class with various pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that may be important in specific clinical situations and in avoiding certain adverse reactions. These drugs have been shown to be efficaci...

BACKGROUND ß-Adrenergic receptor antagonists (beta-blockers) are frequently used with the aim of reducing perioperative myocardial ischemia and infarction. However, randomized clinical trials specifically designed to evaluate the effects of beta-blockers on mortality in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery have yielded conflicting results. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effect o...

BACKGROUND Randomized trials have demonstrated the efficacy of selected beta-blockers in systolic heart failure, but the comparative effectiveness of different beta-blockers in practice is poorly understood. METHODS We compared mortality associated with different beta-blockers following hospitalization for heart failure between 2001 and 2003. Longitudinal exposure to beta-blockers was ascerta...

BACKGROUND Beta-blockers refer to a mixed group of drugs with diverse pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties. They have shown long-term beneficial effects on mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) when used in people with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. Beta-blockers were thought to have similar beneficial effects when used as first-line therapy for hypertension. Howev...