Saint Louis University

About: Saint Louis University is a education organization based out in St Louis, Missouri, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 18927 authors who have published 34895 publications receiving 1267475 citations. The organization is also known as: SLU & St. Louis University.

Augmentation of coronary blood flow by intra-aortic balloon pumping in patients after coronary angioplasty.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Controversy exists regarding the ability of intra-aortic balloon pumping to increase coronary blood flow in patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. To assess the effects of intra-aortic balloon pumping on coronary hemodynamics, we measured coronary blood flow velocity with a 0.018-in. Doppler-tipped angioplasty guide wire in 15 patients who received an intra-aortic balloon pump for typical clinical indications. METHODS AND RESULTS Intra-aortic balloon pumping augmented diastolic pressure 83 +/- 35%. In nine patients before angioplasty, peak diastolic coronary flow velocity beyond the stenosis (mean diameter narrowing, 95 +/- 7%) was 5.3 +/- 9.6 cm/sec and was unaffected by intra-aortic balloon pumping. After angioplasty, the improved coronary luminal diameter narrowing (n = 12; mean narrowing, 18 +/- 12%) was associated with increased distal diastolic flow velocity integral and peak diastolic and mean velocities (13.3 +/- 8.4 units: 36.4 +/- 18.3 and 24.0 +/- 11.4 cm/sec, respectively; all p < 0.01 versus before angioplasty), which were further augmented (36 +/- 37%, 54 +/- 49%, and 26 +/- 17%, respectively; all p < 0.01) with intra-aortic balloon pumping. Intra-aortic balloon pumping did not significantly increase the distal systolic velocity integral (10 +/- 59%) or peak systolic velocity (3 +/- 33%). Similar degrees of balloon pump augmentation of distal coronary flow velocity values were observed in five angiographically normal reference arteries in four patients. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate lack of significant flow improvement beyond most critical stenoses with intra-aortic balloon pumping and the unequivocal restoration and intra-aortic balloon pump-mediated augmentation of both proximal and distal coronary blood flow velocities after amelioration of severe coronary obstructions in patients after successful coronary angioplasty.

Classical conditioning and celebrity endorsers: An examination of belongingness and resistance to extinction

Abstract: Three studies attempt to better explain how celebrities are used effectively as conditioned stimuli in the associative learning process. Study 1 establishes that direct affect transfer can occur using celebrities via conditioning. Study 2 suggests that celebrity conditioning will be more effective when there is an appropriate fit (belongingness) between the celebrity and the product endorsed—also known as the match-up hypothesis. Finally, Study 3 examines whether attitudes toward brands paired with celebrities are resistant to efforts to extinguish them using extinction procedures. The findings suggest that conditioning with celebrities yields brand attitudes that are robust and enduring. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Practice Parameter: Evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy: Role of laboratory and genetic testing (an evidence-based review). Report of the American Academy of Neurology, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Abstract: Background: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) is the most common variety of neuropathy. Since the evaluation of this disorder is not standardized, the available literature was reviewed to provide evidence-based guidelines regarding the role of laboratory and genetic tests for the assessment of DSP. Methods: A literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents was performed to identify the best evidence regarding the evaluation of polyneuropathy published between 1980 and March 2007. Articles were classified according to a four-tiered level of evidence scheme and recommendations were based upon the level of evidence. Results and Recommendations: 1) Screening laboratory tests may be considered for all patients with polyneuropathy (Level C). Those tests that provide the highest yield of abnormality are blood glucose, serum B12 with metabolites (methylmalonic acid with or without homocysteine), and serum protein immunofixation electrophoresis (Level C). If there is no definite evidence of diabetes mellitus by routine testing of blood glucose, testing for impaired glucose tolerance may be considered in distal symmetric sensory polyneuropathy (Level C). 2) Genetic testing should be conducted for the accurate diagnosis and classification of hereditary neuropathies (Level A). Genetic testing may be considered in patients with cryptogenic polyneuropathy who exhibit a hereditary neuropathy phenotype (Level C). Initial genetic testing should be guided by the clinical phenotype, inheritance pattern, and electrodiagnostic features and should focus on the most common abnormalities which are CMT1A duplication/HNPP deletion, Cx32 (GJB1), and MFN2 mutation screening. There is insufficient evidence to determine the usefulness of routine genetic testing in patients with cryptogenic polyneuropathy who do not exhibit a hereditary neuropathy phenotype (Level U). Neurology ® 2009;72:185–192

Strategic alliance-based sourcing and market performance: evidence from foreign firms operating in China

Abstract: Although foreign multinational firms from the Triad regions increasingly use mainland China as both a sourcing and a marketing location, no study has directly examined the sourcing strategy–performance linkage. Using resource complementarity and resource dependence theory, we extend the sourcing literature and apply these perspectives to an important transitional economy— China. These two theoretical perspectives suggest that product and uncertainty factors moderate the relationship between strategic alliance-based sourcing (SA sourcing) of major components and market performance. We find that, at low levels of product innovativeness and technological uncertainty, the use of SA sourcing is positively related to market performance. However, the effects of product differentiation and demand uncertainty on the sourcing–performance relationship are insignificant. Journal of International Business Studies (2005) 36, 187–208. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400120