No abstract

This article analyzes the impact of removing the U.S. tobacco program in both a partial and general welfare economics framework. In a partial-equilibrium framework, a consumer tax-funded quota buyout can result in producer gains, consumer losses, net losses resulting from higher prices, and deadweight losses. In a general-equilibrium framework, society can gain from the buyout resulting from considerable potential savings from reduced healthcare costs attributable to a reduction in smoking. Additionally, we present a model that addresses the addictive qualities of tobacco while considering the effects of the quota buyout. We also conclude that another possible effect of the buyout is an increase in worker productivity because employees who are able to quit smoking reduce the amount of smoking-related sick days taken.

A 21-year-old woman suffering from increasing dyspnoea on intense physical exercise, was found to have a congenital right-sided arteriovenous pulmonary fistula. This was successfully and without complication embolized using a percutaneously introduced Gianturco wire coil. All symptoms disappeared after this procedure. Definite improvement in physical performance, in comparison with pre-embolization values, was documented by spiroergometry as early as two days later (oxygen uptake 1855 vs. 1459 ml/min; anaerobic threshold 920 vs. 790 ml/min; oxygen-pulse 10.6 vs. 8.0 ml/beat; oxygen partial pressure 77.5 vs. 67.6 mmHg; alveolar arterial oxygen difference 33 vs. 44 mm Hg). Further constant subjective and objective improvement in physical performance was demonstrated 3 months after embolization. This case confirms that embolization of a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula can rapidly achieve lasting improvement in exercise performance.

If through the decomposition Of ATP by its 'enzyme ATPase, (tonus and constrictison of the artery are maintained, it is possible that a drug which acutely relaxes the artery may do SO by interfering with the ATPase activity of the tissue. Studies aimed at clarifying this postulate are in progress. v102, 16.John C., Jr., Anal. Chem., in press.