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Biphasic
Terms modified by Biphasic Selected AbstractsBiphasic versus Monophasic Cardioversion in Shock-Resistant Atrial Fibrillation:JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2003A Randomized Clinical Trial Introduction: Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation using monophasic transthoracic shocks occasionally is ineffective. Biphasic cardioversion requires less energy than monophasic cardioversion, but its efficacy in shock-resistant atrial fibrillation is unknown. Thus, we compared the efficacy of cardioversion using biphasic versus monophasic waveform shocks in patients with atrial fibrillation previously refractory to monophasic cardioversion. Methods and Results: Fifty-six patients with prior failed monophasic cardioversion were randomized to either a 360-J monophasic damped sinusoidal shock or biphasic truncated exponential shocks at 150 J, followed by 200 J and then 360 J, if necessary. If either waveform failed, patients were crossed over to the other waveform. The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of patients achieving sinus rhythm following initial randomized therapy. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression examined independent predictors of shock success, including patient age, sex, left atrial diameter, body mass index, drug therapy, and waveform. Twenty-eight patients were randomized to the biphasic shocks and 28 to the monophasic shocks. Sinus rhythm was restored in 61% of patients with biphasic versus 18% with monophasic shocks (P = 0.001). Seventy-eight percent success was achieved in patients who crossed over to the biphasic shock after failing monophasic cardioversion, whereas only 33% were successfully cardioverted with a monophasic shock after crossover from biphasic shock (P = 0.02). Overall, 69% of patients who received a biphasic shock at any point in the protocol were cardioverted successfully, compared to 21% with the monophasic shock (P < 0.0001). The type of shock was the strongest predictor of shock success (P = 0.0001) in multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion: An ascending sequence of 150-, 200-, and 360-J transthoracic biphasic cardioversion shocks are successful more often than a single 360-J monophasic shock. Thus, biphasic shocks should be the recommended configuration of choice for all cardioversions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 868-872, August 2003) [source] Atypical Electrocardiographic Features of Cavotricuspid Isthmus-Dependent Atrial Flutter Occurring during Left Atrial Fibrillation AblationANNALS OF NONINVASIVE ELECTROCARDIOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Janice Y. Chyou M.D. Background: Patients who have undergone percutaneous catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) may develop cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)-dependent atrial flutter (AFL), which can occur either spontaneously during left atrial (LA) ablation for AF or by induction from sinus rhythm during the procedure. The electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of CTI-dependent AFL occurring during LA ablation have not been described. The purpose of this study was to describe the ECG features of CTI-dependent AFL occurring during percutaneous LA catheter ablation for AF. Methods and Results: Of 223 patients presenting for first AF ablation at our institution between May 2004 and February 2008, 20 patients (9%) developed CTI-dependent AFL during LA ablation for AF. CTI-dependent AFL developed spontaneously in 4 patients (20%) and was induced in 16 patients (80%). Among these 20 patients, 3 (15%) had typical ECG patterns and 17 (85%) had atypical ECG patterns. Flutter waves in the inferior leads were biphasic in 10 patients (50%), downward in 3 patients (15%), positive in 3 patients (15%), and not fitting the above classifications in 4 patients (20%). There was no statistically significant association between AFL pattern and LA size, left ventricular ejection fraction, total ablation time, duration of prior AF, or type of prior AF. Conclusion: A majority of patients with CTI-dependent AFL occurring during LA ablation have atypical ECG patterns. Biphasic flutter waves in the inferior leads are common ECG features, occurring in one-half of patients. Right atrial CTI-dependent AFL should be suspected even if the ECG appearance is atypical. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):200,208 [source] A Mild Protocol for Allylation and Highly Diastereoselective syn or anti Crotylation of Aldehydes in Biphasic and Aqueous Media Utilizing Potassium Allyl- and Crotyltrifluoroborates.CHEMINFORM, Issue 12 2003Avinash N. Thadani Abstract For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text. [source] Estimating the spatiotemporal pattern of volumetric growth rate from fate maps in chick limb developmentDEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 2 2009Yoshihiro Morishita Abstract Morphogenesis is achieved through volumetric growth of tissue at a rate varying over space and time. The volumetric growth rate of each piece of tissue reflects the behaviors of constituent cells such as cell proliferation and death. Hence, clarifying its spatiotemporal pattern accurately is a key to bridge between cell behaviors and organ morphogenesis. We here propose a new method to estimate the spatiotemporal pattern of volumetric growth rate from fate map data with limited resolution on space and time by using a mathematical model. We apply the method to chick wing data along the proximodistal axis, and find that the volumetric growth pattern is biphasic: it is spatially uniform in earlier stages (until stage 23), but in later stages the volumetric growth occurs approximately 4.5 times as fast as in the distal region (within approximately 100 ,m from the limb tip) than in the proximal region. Developmental Dynamics 238:415,422, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Diagnosis of recurrent synovial sarcoma by fine needle aspiration cytology,a case reportDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 8 2007D.C.H., Ghazala Mehdi M.D. Abstract Cytodiagnosis of synovial sarcoma can be a daunting task, owing to the varied cytomorphological appearances possible, depending on whether the tumour is monophasic or biphasic in architecture. We report herewith a case of recurrent synovial sarcoma in a young male who presented with a swelling in the neck. The diagnosis was established by fine needle aspiration cytology. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:521,524. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dose- and time-dependent responses for micronucleus induction by X-rays and fast neutrons in gill cells of medaka (Oryzias latipes)ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 2 2004Akinori Takai Abstract Medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) were exposed to various doses of X-rays or fast neutrons, and the frequency of micronucleated cells (MNCs) was measured in gills sampled at 12- or 24-hr intervals from 12 to 96 hr after exposure. The resulting time course of MNC frequency was biphasic, with a clear peak 24 hr after exposure, irrespective of the kind of radiation applied and the dose used. The half-life of MNCs induced in the gill tissues by the two exposures fluctuated around 28 hr, with no significant dose-dependent trend for either X-ray- or neutron-exposed fish. As assayed 24 hr after exposure, the MNC frequency increased linearly over the control level with increasing doses of both X-rays and fast neutrons. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of fast neutrons to X-rays for MNC induction was estimated to be 4.3 ± 0.6. This value is close to the RBE value of 5.1 ± 0.3 reported for fast neutron induction of somatic crossing-over mutations in Drosophila melanogaster that arise from recombination repair of DNA double-strand breaks. These results and other data support our conclusion that the medaka gill cell micronucleus assay is a reliable short-term test for detecting potential inducers of DNA double-strand breaks. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 44:108,112, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Toxicokinetics of sediment-associated polybrominated diphenylethers (flame retardants) in benthic invertebrates (Lumbriculus variegatus, oligochaeta)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 1 2004Matti T. Leppänen Abstract Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants showing rapid temporal increase in some sample types. The compounds are known to biomagnify in aquatic food webs and are assumed to archive into sediments and soils. Currently, no direct evidence indicates whether sediment-associated PBDEs are available for biota. The aim of the present study was to explore the uptake and elimination of two common congeners (47 and 99) in sediment-inhabiting invertebrates to shed light on possible bioavailability of sediment-associated PBDEs. Two clean lake sediments were spiked with environmentally relevant concentrations of 14C-labeled tetra- and pentabromo diphenylether, and oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus) were exposed for three or four weeks to allow kinetic accumulation calculations. Subsequent depuration tests were performed after three weeks of exposure to obtain depuration rates. Both congeners were clearly bioavailable, and only slight differences in steady-state tissue concentrations were found between the four sediment-ingesting oligochaete treatments (biota sediment accumulation factors [BSAFs], 3.0,3.7). The tetrabromo diphenylether-exposed oligochaetes that did not ingest sediment had clearly lower influx rates (0.1 vs 1,3 nmol h -1) than sediment-ingesting worms. Also, the estimated BSAF (1.8) was statistically different from that of the sediment-ingesting oligochaetes. These findings support the significance of feeding behavior in bioaccumulation of very hydrophobic organic contaminants. Depuration of both congeners was biphasic, indicating two kinetically different compartments in L. variegatus. Compartment A made up 73 to 92% of total radioactivity in tissues and had relatively fast depuration rates (half-lives, 10.5,47.5 h); the smaller compartment B had very slow depuration rates. No significant biotransformation of PBDEs was evident. The present study clearly demonstrates that the sediment-associated PBDEs, like other hydrophobic organic contaminants of environmental concern, are not totally sequestered from sediment-inhabiting oligochaetes and are subject to trophic transfer. [source] Modulation by adenosine of both muscarinic M1 -facilitation and M2 -inhibition of [3H]-acetylcholine release from the rat motor nerve terminalsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 11 2002Laura Oliveira Abstract The crosstalk between adenosine and muscarinic autoreceptors regulating evoked [3H]-acetylcholine ([3H]-ACh) release was investigated on rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations. Motor nerve terminals possess facilitatory M1 and inhibitory M2 autoreceptors that can be activated by McN-A-343 (1,30 µm) and oxotremorine (0.3,100 µm), respectively. The muscarinic receptor antagonist, dicyclomine (3 nm,10 µm), caused a biphasic (inhibitory/facilitatory) effect, indicating that M1 -facilitation prevails during 5 Hz stimulation trains. Concomitant activation of AF,DX 116-sensitive M2 receptors was partially attenuated, as pretreatment with M1 antagonists, muscarinic toxin 7 (MT-7, 0.1 nm) and pirenzepine (1 nm), significantly enhanced inhibition by oxotremorine. Activation of A2A -adenosine receptors with CGS 21680C (2 nm) (i) potentiated oxotremorine inhibition, and (ii) shifted McN-A-343-induced facilitation into a small inhibitory effect. Conversely, the A1 -receptor agonist, R- N6 -phenylisopropyl adenosine (R-PIA, 100 nm), attenuated the inhibitory effect of oxotremorine, without changing facilitation by McN-A-343. Synergism between A2A and M2 receptors is regulated by a reciprocal interaction with facilitatory M1 receptors, which may be prevented by pirenzepine (1 nm). During 50 Hz-bursts, facilitation (M1) of [3H]-ACh release by McN-A-343 disappeared, while the inhibitory (M2) effect of oxotremorine became predominant. This muscarinic shift results from the interplay with A2A receptors, as it was precluded by the selective A2A receptor antagonist, ZM 241385 (10 nm). In conclusion, when the muscarinic M1 positive feedback loop is fully operative, negative regulation of ACh release is mediated by adenosine A1 receptors. During high frequency bursts, tonic activation of A2A receptors promotes M2 autoinhibition by braking the M1 receptor operated counteraction. [source] Facial nerve injury-induced disinhibition in the primary motor cortices of both hemispheresEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 6 2000Tamás Farkas Abstract Unilateral facial nerve transection induces plastic reorganization of the somatotopic order in the primary motor cortex area (MI). This process is biphasic and starts with a transient disinhibition of connections between cortical areas in both hemispheres. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, cortical excitability has been studied by paired pulse electrical stimulation, applied either within the MI or peripherally to the trigeminal nerve, while the responses were recorded bilaterally in the MI. The ratios between the amplitudes of the second and first evoked potentials (EPs or fEPSPs) were taken as measures of the inhibitory capacity in the MI ipsilateral or contralateral to the nerve injury. A skin wound or unilateral facial nerve exposure immediately caused a transient facilitation, which was followed by a reset to some level of inhibition in the MI on both sides. After facial nerve transection, the first relatively mild reduction of inhibition started shortly (within 10 min) after denervation. This was followed by a second step, involving a stronger decrease in inhibition, 40,45 min later. Previous publications have proved that sensory nerve injury (deafferentation) induces disinhibition in corresponding areas of the sensory cortex. It is now demonstrated that sham operation and, to an even greater extent, unilateral transection of the purely motoric facial nerve (deefferentation), each induce extended disinhibition in the MIs on both sides. [source] Elimination Mechanisms in the Aminolysis of Sulfamate Esters of the Type NH2SO2OC6H4X , Models of Enzyme InhibitorsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 24 2008William J. Spillane Abstract The kinetics of the reaction of 4-nitrophenyl sulfamate NH2SO2OC6H4NO2 -4 (1a) in acetonitrile (ACN) with a series of pyridines (pKa range ca. 8 units) and alicyclic amines (pKa range ca. 3.6 units) has been studied in the presence of excess amine at various temperatures. The compounds 1a,1f are important as model substrates for the medicinally important sulfamate esters 667-coumate and emate and analogues. Pseudo-first-order rate constants (kobsd.) have been obtained mainly by the release of 4-nitrophenol/4-nitrophenoxide. Slopes of plots of kobsd. vs. [amine] gave second-order rate constants (k2), and Brönsted plots were biphasic for the aminolysis (with alicyclic amines) with an initial slope ,1 = 0.53 and a subsequent slope ,2 = 0.19. The change in slope occurs near the first pKa of 1a (17.9) in ACN. Leaving-group effects were probed by using the same series of phenyl sulfamates, i.e. 1a,f and the alicyclic amines N -formylpiperazine and pyrrolidine. The reactions were considered to be dissociative in nature involving E2- and E1cB- type mechanisms with the phenyl sulfamate anion 2 being involved in pyridine and in the weaker alicyclic amines (,1 segment) and a phenyl sulfamate dianion 3 being involved with the stronger alicyclic bases (,2 segment). The calculation of Leffler indices (,) for bond-forming (base···H+) and bond-breaking (S,OAr) steps allows fuller interpretation of the mechanisms occurring, which are seen as having the N -sulfonylamines, HN=SO2 and ,N=SO2 on the reaction pathways leading to products. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] Dose- and time-dependent oval cell reaction in acetaminophen-induced murine liver injury,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2005Alexander V. Kofman We examined the response of murine oval cells, that is, the putative liver progenitor cells, to acetaminophen. Female C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with varying doses of N -acetyl-paraaminophen (APAP) (250, 500, 750, and 1,000 mg/kg of weight) and sacrificed at 3, 6, 9, 24, and 48 hours. In preliminary studies, we showed that anticytokeratin antibodies detected A6-positive cells with a sensitivity and specificity of greater than 99%. The oval cell reaction was quantified, on immunostaining for biliary-type cytokeratins, as both number and density of oval cells per portal tract, analyzed by size of portal tract. Acetaminophen injury was followed by periportal oval cell accumulation displaying a moderate degree of morphological homogeneity. Oval cell response was biphasic, not temporally correlating with the single wave of injury seen histologically. Increases in oval cells were largely confined to the smallest portal tracts, in keeping with their primary derivation from the canals of Hering, and increased in a dose-dependent fashion. The timing of the two peaks of the oval cell reaction also changed with increasing dose, the first becoming earlier and the second later. In conclusion, our studies indicate a marked oval cell activation during the height of hepatic injury. Oval cells appear to be resistant to acetaminophen injury. The close fidelity of mechanism and histology of acetaminophen injury between mouse and human livers makes it a useful model for investigating liver regeneration and the participation of stem/progenitor cells in that process. (HEPATOLOGY 2005.) [source] Analysis of hepatitis B viral load decline under potent therapy: Complex decay profiles observedHEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2001Sharon R. Lewin We used a new real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay that is sensitive, has a wide dynamic linear range, and is highly reproducible to quantify hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the serum of infected individuals undergoing potent antiviral therapy. In addition, we made frequent measurements of viral load after initiation of treatment and maintained follow-up to about 12 weeks. To analyze the data we used a new model of HBV decay, which takes into account that existing drug treatments do not completely block de novo infection and the possibility of noncytolytic loss of infected cells. On initiation of therapy, there was a mean delay of 1.6 days followed by a biphasic or muliphasic decay of plasma HBV DNA. The slope of the first phase varied considerably, with one individual having rapid decay, corresponding to a virion half-life of 1 hour, but others showing half-lives of up to 92 hours. Individuals either had a slow second-phase decline (t˝ = 7.2 ± 1.2 days) or a flat second phase. Some individuals exhibited a complex "staircase pattern" of decay, with further phases of viral DNA decline and phases with little change in viral load. [source] Ditopic Cyclodextrin-Based Receptors: New Perspectives in Aqueous Organometallic CatalysisADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 9 2010Natacha Six Abstract The mass transfer properties of mono- and ditopic ,-cyclodextrin-based receptors have been evaluated in a biphasic palladium-catalyzed Tsuji,Trost reaction and compared to one of the best mass-transfer promoters, namely the randomly methylated ,-cyclodextrin. While monotopic receptors appeared to be poor mass-transfer promoters of long alkyl chain allyl carbonates or urethanes, cooperative effects have been evidenced with ditopic cyclodextrin-based receptors, opening new perspectives in aqueous organometallic catalysis. [source] Properties and Catalytic Activities of New Easily-Made Amphiphilic Phosphanes for Aqueous Organometallic CatalysisADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 7 2010Michel Ferreira Abstract Mono- and disulfonated amphiphilic versions of triphenylphosphane (PPh3) and cyclohexyl(phenyl)phosphane were easily synthesized from commercial reagents and sulfuric acid. The behaviour of these phosphanes in solution was investigated by surface tension, isothermal titration calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. Two different supramolecular assemblies were evidenced according to the degree of sulfonation. The monosulfonated phosphanes formed well organized micelle-like aggregates while the disulfonated phosphanes formed heterogeneous and disorganized vesicle-like assemblies. The efficiency of these amphiphilic phosphanes was evaluated in the aqueous biphasic, palladium-catalyzed cleavage of allyl alkyl carbonates. [source] Polyurethane- and Polystyrene-Supported 2,2,6,6-Tetramethyl- piperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO); Facile Preparation, Catalytic Oxidation and Application in a Membrane ReactorADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 18 2008Muhammad Afzal Subhani Abstract In this contribution, the facile synthesis of two new polymer-supported 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) catalysts and their application in the catalytic oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds are described. For attachment of the TEMPO group to the polymer an isocyanate functionalized polymer is chosen. This new approach facilitates the synthesis in comparison with previously existing methods which generally require deprotonation of TEMPO prior to reaction with the polymer. Following this approach, polyurethane (PU)- and polystyrene (PS)-based TEMPO catalysts are prepared in a one-step reaction from commercially available compounds. Both polymer-supported catalysts showed promising yields for a variety of substrates using inorganic and/or organic co-oxidants in biphasic and/or monophasic systems. The recyclability of the corresponding catalysts was studied in repetitive batch experiments using filtration or distillation depending on the support type. Furthermore, application of the homogeneous polyurethane-supported TEMPO for the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol in a continously operated membrane reactor is demonstrated. [source] Relationship between inactivation kinetics of a Listeria monocytogenes suspension by chlorine and its chlorine demandJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004R. Virto Abstract Aims:, Chlorine demand by Listeria monocytogenes cells and inactivation of L. monocytogenes by chlorine (0·6,1·0 mg l,1) at different temperatures (4, 20 and 30°C) have been investigated in a batch reactor. Methods and Results:, Chlorine demand depended on the microbial concentration and was independent on the initial chlorine concentration and temperature. Chlorine decay was modelled by the addition of two first-order decay equations. Inactivation of L. monocytogenes by chlorine depended on the initial microbial concentration, initial chlorine concentration and temperature. A mathematical model based on a biphasic inactivation properly described survival curves of L. monocytogenes and a tertiary model was developed that satisfactorily predicted the inactivation of L. monocytogenes by different concentrations of initial chlorine at different temperatures. Conclusions:, Both available chlorine decay and inactivation of L. monocytogenes by chlorine were biphasic and can be modelled by a two-term exponential model. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The biphasic nature of survival curves of L. monocytogenes did not reflect the effect of a change of available chlorine concentration during the treatment. The microbial inactivation was caused by successive reactions that occur after the consumption of the chlorine by the bacterial cell components. [source] Solid state structure and mechanical properties of melt mixed poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/polycarbonate blendsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 6 2008I. González Abstract Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/poly (carbonate of bisphenol A) (PC) blends were obtained in the melt state by direct injection molding and also by extrusion followed by injection molding. The blends rich in PTT were monophasic, while the blends rich in PC were biphasic with the two components of the blends present in both phases. Both the monophasic and biphasic blends were partially miscibilized, and also partially reacted, as observed by FTIR. The extent of the reaction was greater in previously mixed blends. The observed synergism in the modulus of elasticity was attributed to the increased orientation of the blend components upon blending. Although decreases in elongation at break were observed and attributed to degradation of PTT, the blends were clearly ductile and compatible. This was a consequence of either their monophasic structure, or of the presence of the two components in the two phases of the blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Rietveld structure and in vitro analysis on the influence of magnesium in biphasic (hydroxyapatite and ,-tricalcium phosphate) mixturesJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 1 2009S. Kannan Abstract The structure of two different Mg-substituted biphasic (HAP and ,-TCP) mixtures along with the biphasic mixtures without substituted Mg2+ was investigated using Rietveld refinement technique. The substituted Mg2+ was found in the ,-TCP phase and its influence on the composition has led to an increase in HAP content of Mg-containing biphasic mixtures when compared with the HAP content detected in pure biphasic mixtures. The refined structural parameters of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 and ,-Ca3(PO4)2 confirmed that all the investigated compositions have crystallized in the corresponding hexagonal (space group P63/m) and rhombohedral (space group R3c) structures. The substitution of lower sized magnesium was found preferentially incorporated at the sixfold-coordinated Ca (5) site of ,-TCP, which is due to the strong Ca (5)·O interaction among all the five different Ca sites of ,-Ca3(PO4)2. The in vitro tests using primary culture of osteoblasts showed that all the tested samples are biocompatible and promising materials for in vivo studies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009 [source] Preparation and characterization of novel biphasic calcium phosphate powders (,-TCP/HA) derived from carbonated amorphous calcium phosphatesJOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, Issue 2 2009Yanbao Li Abstract Novel biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) powders composed of ,-tricalcium phosphate (,-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were prepared by thermal decomposition of carbonated amorphous calcium phosphates (CACP). At first, the CACP precipitates were synthesized by adding ammonium carbonate in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) at pH 10 with an initial Ca/P molar ratio of 1.60 at 5°C. The Ca/P molar ratios of the CACP precursors are between 1.50 and 1.67 investigated by ICP. Then BCP (,-TCP/HA) powders were obtained after heating the CACP precursors at relatively low temperature (800°C) for 3 h. ,-TCP/HA powders were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscopy/scanning electron microscopy, and sedimentation experiment. The results show that ,-TCP and HA phases form in one powder, ,-TCP/HA powders are sphere with the diameter of 300 nm to less than 100 nm varied with their chemical compositions and the ratio of ,-TCP and HA in the powders can be adjusted by the adding amount of carbonates. The possible formation process of biphasic ,-TCP/HA powders was proposed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009 [source] The Balance Between Concurrent Activation of ERs and PPARs Determines Daidzein-Induced Osteogenesis and Adipogenesis,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 5 2004ZhiChao Dang PhD Abstract The soy phytoestrogen daidzein has biphasic dose responses, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. Transcriptional and biochemical data show that PPARs, in addition to ERs, are molecular targets of daidzein, which divergently regulates osteogenesis and adipogenesis. Dose responses are the result of a balance among PPARs and between ERs and PPARs. Introduction: Soy phytoestrogens have been used for the purposes of treatment and prevention of osteoporosis. Biphasic dose responses of daidzein, one of the main soy phytoestrogens, have long been recognized, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of action are not yet clear. Materials and Methods: Mouse bone marrow cells and mouse osteoprogenitor KS483 cells that concurrently differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes were cultured. Biochemical measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, RT-PCR, and gene reporter assays were used in this study. Results: Daidzein, one of the major soy phytoestrogens, had biphasic effects on osteogenesis and adipogenesis. Daidzein stimulated osteogenesis (ALP activity and nodule formation) and decreased adipogenesis (the number of adipocytes) at concentrations below 20 ,M, whereas it inhibited osteogenesis and stimulated adipogenesis at concentrations higher than 30 ,M. When estrogen receptors (ERs) were blocked by ICI182,780, daidzein-induced effects were not biphasic. A decrease in osteogenesis and an increase in adipogenesis were observed at the concentrations higher than 20 and 10 ,M, respectively. In addition to ERs, daidzein transactivated not only peroxisome proliferator-activate receptor , (PPAR,), but also PPAR, and PPAR, at micromolar concentrations. Activation of PPAR, had no direct effects on osteogenesis and adipogenesis. In contrast, activation of PPAR, stimulated osteogenesis but had no effects on adipogenesis, whereas PPAR, inhibited osteogenesis and stimulated adipogenesis. Transfection experiments show that an activation of PPAR, or PPAR, by daidzein downregulated its estrogenic transcriptional activity, whereas activation of PPAR, upregulated its estrogenic transcriptional activity. Activation of ER, or ER, by daidzein downregulated PPAR, transcriptional activity but had no influence on PPAR, or PPAR, transcriptional activity. Conclusions: Daidzein at micromolar concentrations concurrently activates different amounts of ERs and PPARs, and the balance of the divergent actions of ERs and PPARs determines daidzein-induced osteogenesis and adipogenesis. [source] Focal Atrial Tachycardia Originating from the Left Atrial Appendage: Electrocardiographic and Electrophysiologic Characterization and Long-Term Outcomes of Radiofrequency AblationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007WANG YUN-LONG M.D. Introduction: This study sought to investigate electrophysiologic characteristics and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with focal atrial tachycardia (AT) arising from the left atrial appendage (LAA). Methods: This study included seven patients undergoing RFA with focal AT. Activation mapping was performed during tachycardia to identify an earlier activation in the left atria and the LAA. The atrial appendage angiography was performed to identify the origin in the LAA before and after RFA. Results: AT occurred spontaneously or was induced by isoproterenol infusion rather than programmed extrastimulation and burst atrial pacing in any patient. The tachycardia demonstrated a characteristic P-wave morphology and endocardial activation pattern. The P wave was highly positive in inferior leads in all patients. Lead V1 showed upright or biphasic (±) component in all patients. Lead V2,V6 showed an isoelectric component in five patients or an upright component with low amplitude (<0.1 mV) in two patients. Earliest endocardial activity occurred at the distal coronary sinus (CS) ahead of P wave in all seven patients. Mean tachycardia cycle length was 381 ± 34 msec and the earliest endocardial activation at the successful RFA site occurred 42.3 ± 9.6 msec before the onset of P wave. RFA was acutely successful in all seven patients. Long-term success was achieved in seven of the seven over a mean follow-up of 24 ± 5 months. Conclusions: The LAA is an uncommon site of origin for focal AT (3%). There were consistent P-wave morphology and endocardial activation associated with this type of AT. The LAA focal ablation is safe and effective. Long-term success was achieved with focal ablation in all patients. [source] The Effect of Induction Method on Defibrillation Threshold and Ventricular Fibrillation Cycle LengthJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2006ENDRE ZIMA M.D. Introduction: Since no clinical data are available on the comparison of the "shock on T-wave" and "high frequency burst" ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction modes during defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing, we aimed to compare these two methods during implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. Methods: The DFT was determined with a step-down protocol using biphasic, anodal polarity (100%, 40%, 20% voltage control) shocks. Patients were randomized: VF was induced by 50 Hz burst in group B (n = 45) and T-wave shock in group T (n = 41). The DFT was defined as the lowest energy level that terminated VF; confirmed DFT (DFTc) was defined as the minimal energy level that consecutively terminated VF twice. Success rate of DFTc was calculated during an intraindividual test for the alternate induction method. Results: A total of 546 episodes of VF were induced: n = 278 (B) vs n = 268 (T). Incidence of VT during inductions was 9.9% (B) vs 2.7% (T), P < 0.05. Neither the DFT, 8.8 ± 4.0 J (B) vs 9.7 ± 4.2 J (T), nor the DFTc, 10.6 ± 5.1 J (B) vs 10.8 ± 4.2 J (T), proved to be significantly different. A significant correlation was found between VF cycle length (CL) and the concomitant DFT (r = 0.298, P < 0.05) in group T only. Subgroup analysis of patients under chronic class III antiarrhythmic treatment showed no increase of the DFT in either group and significantly lower incidence of VT induction in group T regardless of antiarrhythmic treatment. Conclusion: The DFT and the VFCL proved to be independent of the VF induction method. The T-wave shock was more unlikely to induce VT during DFT testing. These results suggest that both methods are reliable in DFT determination, though T-wave shock application is a more reliable method for DFT testing. [source] Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on Defibrillation EfficacyJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 3 2006KREKWIT SHINLAPAWITTAYATORN M.D. Introduction: Although fatal arrhythmia and sudden death have been reported in patients taking sildenafil citrate, its effect on defibrillation efficacy has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that sildenafil citrate increases the shock strength required to successfully defibrillate during ventricular fibrillation (VF). Methods and Results: A total of 26 pigs (20,25 kg) were randomly assigned into three groups. In each group, the defibrillation threshold (DFT) was determined at the beginning of the study using a three-reversal up/down protocol. Each shock (RV-SVC, biphasic) was delivered after 10 seconds of VF. Group 1 (n = 10) received 50 mg and group 2 (n = 10) received 100 mg of sildenafil citrate intravenously at a rate of 2 mL/minute for 50 minutes. Group 3 (n = 6) received 100 mL of saline intravenously at the same rate as in group 1. The DFT was determined again after the drug (drug-DFT) and saline (saline-DFT) administration. For 100-mg sildenafil citrate infusion, the DFT (483 ± 39 V, 18 ± 3 J) was significantly (P < 0.003 and P < 0.01, respectively) higher than the control-DFT (407 ± 123 V, 13 ± 7 J). This sildenafil citrate infusion increased the DFT ,19% by voltage, and ,38% by total energy. After 50-mg sildenafil citrate infusion, the DFT (454 ± 28 V, 15 ± 2 J) was not different than the control DFT (449 ± 28 V, 15 ± 2 J). Saline infusion (391 ± 18 V, 12 ± 1 J) did not alter the control DFT (399 ± 22 V, 12 ± 1 J). Conclusion: The 100-mg sildenafil citrate infusion, representing a supra-therapeutic plasma level, significantly increased the DFT. This finding indicates that VF occurring during supra-therapeutic sildenafil citrate treatment would require a stronger shock to successfully defibrillate. [source] Shock-Induced Epicardial and Endocardial Virtual Electrodes Leading to Ventricular Fibrillation via Reentry, Graded Responses, and Transmural ActivationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004FREDERICK G. EVANS Ph.D. Introduction: The mechanism of ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction by T wave shocks has been attributed to reentry, propagated graded responses (PGR), and triggered activity. The limitation of recording transmembrane potential (Vm) from only a single surface has hampered efforts to elucidate the relative role of these phenomena and their relationship to shock-induced virtual electrodes. Methods and Results:Vm patterns from epicardial and endocardial surfaces of isolated sheep right ventricles were recorded with two CCD cameras for monophasic (M) and biphasic (B) shocks delivered at various coupling intervals (CI) from a unipolar mesh electrode on the epicardium. VF was induced via (1) the formation of reentry following make or break excitation; (2) propagated graded responses during apparent isoelectric window; and (3) breakthrough activation patterns coincident with endocardial-to-epicardial gradients in Vm. M shocks depolarized both surfaces at long CIs and polarized epicardial and endocardial surfaces oppositely at short CIs. At intermediate CIs, postshock Vm patterns could lead to reentry on one surface or endocardial-to-epicardial gradients resulting in breakthrough. B induced VF less than M for short and intermediate CIs due to more homogeneous end-shock Vm patterns. However, at long CIs these homogeneous patterns resulted in more VF induction because B left the tissue closer to the Vm threshold for propagation. Conclusion: Postshock activity occurred either immediately via epicardial or endocardial reentry, or after a delay caused by transmural propagation or propagated graded responses. These findings could explain the isoelectric window and focal activation patterns observed on the epicardium following VF induction shocks. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 79-87, January 2004) [source] Biphasic versus Monophasic Cardioversion in Shock-Resistant Atrial Fibrillation:JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 8 2003A Randomized Clinical Trial Introduction: Cardioversion of atrial fibrillation using monophasic transthoracic shocks occasionally is ineffective. Biphasic cardioversion requires less energy than monophasic cardioversion, but its efficacy in shock-resistant atrial fibrillation is unknown. Thus, we compared the efficacy of cardioversion using biphasic versus monophasic waveform shocks in patients with atrial fibrillation previously refractory to monophasic cardioversion. Methods and Results: Fifty-six patients with prior failed monophasic cardioversion were randomized to either a 360-J monophasic damped sinusoidal shock or biphasic truncated exponential shocks at 150 J, followed by 200 J and then 360 J, if necessary. If either waveform failed, patients were crossed over to the other waveform. The primary endpoint was defined as the proportion of patients achieving sinus rhythm following initial randomized therapy. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression examined independent predictors of shock success, including patient age, sex, left atrial diameter, body mass index, drug therapy, and waveform. Twenty-eight patients were randomized to the biphasic shocks and 28 to the monophasic shocks. Sinus rhythm was restored in 61% of patients with biphasic versus 18% with monophasic shocks (P = 0.001). Seventy-eight percent success was achieved in patients who crossed over to the biphasic shock after failing monophasic cardioversion, whereas only 33% were successfully cardioverted with a monophasic shock after crossover from biphasic shock (P = 0.02). Overall, 69% of patients who received a biphasic shock at any point in the protocol were cardioverted successfully, compared to 21% with the monophasic shock (P < 0.0001). The type of shock was the strongest predictor of shock success (P = 0.0001) in multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion: An ascending sequence of 150-, 200-, and 360-J transthoracic biphasic cardioversion shocks are successful more often than a single 360-J monophasic shock. Thus, biphasic shocks should be the recommended configuration of choice for all cardioversions. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 868-872, August 2003) [source] Electrophysiologic Deterioration After One-Minute Fibrillation Increases Relative Biphasic Defibrillation EfficacyJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2000OSCAR H. TOVAR M.D. Biphasic Shocks and One-Minute Fibrillation. Introduction: The probability of survival decreases to 70% after 2 minutes of ventricular fibriltation. Bipliasic shocks are more effective than monophasic shocks in terminating short-duration (<30 sec) ventricular fibrillation. We tested the hypotheses that developing ischemia changes the electrophysiologic characteristics of fibrillation and that the relative efficacy of biphasic shocks increases as electrophysiologic characteristics deteriorate. Methods and Results: Monophasic (12 msec) and biphasic (6/6 msec) shocks (1 to 4 A) were tested in random order in isolated rabbit hearts after 1-minute ischemic fibrillation. Monophasic action potentials showed only a sporadic occurrence of electrical diastole after 5 seconds of fibrillation (24% of action potentials in the right ventricle and 18% in the left ventricle). After 60 seconds of fibrillation, diastole (17.83 ± 1.14 msec in the right ventricle and 21.52 ± 1.16 msec in the left ventricle) appeared after almost every action potential (P < 0.0001 compared with 5 sec), despite a lack of change in fibrillation cycle length and dominant frequency. Monophasie I50 was 2.89 A, and biphasic I50 was 1.4 A (77% reduction in energy). Normalized curve width decreased 28%. Retrospective analysis showed that shocks delivered early in the fibrillation action potential bad a greater probability of succeeding (89%) than shocks delivered late (30%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: After l-minute ischemic fibrillation, diastolic intervals occur during fibrillation. Therefore, defibrillation shocks have an approximately 29% probability of interacting with the fibrillation action potential during diastole. At this time, biphasic shocks produced a more deterministic defibrillation threshold and became even more efficacious (I50B/M = 0.48) than at short fibrillation durations (I50 B/M = 0.7). [source] Correlation of hepatic vein Doppler waveform and hepatic artery resistance index with the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseaseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 7 2010Amir Reza Mohammadinia MD Abstract Purpose. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various degrees of fatty infiltration in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on hepatic artery resistance index and hepatic vein waveform patterns. Methods. After identification and grading of fatty infiltration, 60 patients and 20 normal healthy subjects were examined using color and spectral Doppler sonography. The level of fatty liver infiltration was ascertained and graded by biopsy in patients and excluded by MRI in controls. The patients were allocated to four study groups consecutively, until the required number was reached, according to infiltration level as follows: normal (group A), mild (group B), moderate (group C), and severe (group D). The hepatic vein waveforms were classified into the three following groups: triphasic, biphasic, and monophasic waveform. The hepatic artery resistance index was calculated as the mean of three different measurements. Results. The incidence of monophasic and biphasic hepatic vein waveform was 2 (10%) for group B, 11 (55%) for group C, 16 (80%) for group D, and none for group A. The difference in the distribution of triphasic Doppler waveform pattern between the patients and the control group was significant (p < 0.001). Hepatic artery resistance index was 0.81 (±0.02), 0.78 (±0.03), 0.73 (±0.03), and 0.68 (±0.05), respectively, in groups A, B, C, and D and was significantly different between groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion. As the severity of nonalcoholic fatty infiltration increases, the incidence of abnormal hepatic vein waveforms increases and hepatic artery resistance index decreases. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 38:346-352, 2010 [source] Mechanism of the persistent sodium current activator veratridine-evoked Ca2+ elevation: implication for epilepsyJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2009Ádám Fekete Abstract Although the role of Na+ in several aspects of Ca2+ regulation has already been shown, the exact mechanism of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increase resulting from an enhancement in the persistent, non-inactivating Na+ current (INa,P), a decisive factor in certain forms of epilepsy, has yet to be resolved. Persistent Na+ current, evoked by veratridine, induced bursts of action potentials and sustained membrane depolarization with monophasic intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) and biphasic [Ca2+]i increase in CA1 pyramidal cells in acute hippocampal slices. The Ca2+ response was tetrodotoxin- and extracellular Ca2+ -dependent and ionotropic glutamate receptor-independent. The first phase of [Ca2+]i rise was the net result of Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration. The robust second phase in addition involved reverse operation of the Na+,Ca2+ exchanger and mitochondrial Ca2+ release. We excluded contribution of the endoplasmic reticulum. These results demonstrate a complex interaction between persistent, non-inactivating Na+ current and [Ca2+]i regulation in CA1 pyramidal cells. The described cellular mechanisms are most likely part of the pathomechanism of certain forms of epilepsy that are associated with INa,P. Describing the magnitude, temporal pattern and sources of Ca2+ increase induced by INa,P may provide novel targets for antiepileptic drug therapy. [source] Apolipoprotein E and ,-amyloid (1,42) regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3,JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2003A. Cedazo-Mínguez Abstract Glycogen synthase kinase-3, (GSK-3,) is implicated in regulating apoptosis and tau protein hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated the effects of two key AD molecules, namely apoE (E3 and E4 isoforms) and ,-amyloid (A,) 1,42 on GSK-3, and its major upstream regulators, intracellular calcium and protein kinases C and B (PKC and PKB) in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. ApoE3 induced a mild, transient, Ca2+ -independent and early activation of GSK-3,. ApoE4 effects were biphasic, with an early strong GSK-3, activation that was partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+, followed by a GSK-3, inactivation. ApoE4 also activated PKC-, and PKB possibly giving the subsequent GSK-3, inhibition. A,(1,42) effects were also biphasic with a strong activation dependent partially on extracellular Ca2+ followed by an inactivation. A,(1,42) induced an early and potent activation of PKC-, and a late decrease of PKB activity. ApoE4 and A,(1,42) were more toxic than apoE3 as shown by MTT reduction assays and generation of activated caspase-3. ApoE4 and A,(1,42)-induced early activation of GSK-3, could lead to apoptosis and tau hyperphosphorylation. A late inhibition of GSK-3, through activation of upstream kinases likely compensates the effects of apoE4 and A,(1,42) on GSK-3,, the unbalanced regulation of which may contribute to AD pathology. [source] Thiomers in noninvasive polypeptide delivery: In vitro and in vivo characterization of a polycarbophil-cysteine/glutathione gel formulation for human growth hormoneJOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Issue 7 2004Verena M. Leitner Abstract This study was aimed at investigating the potential of a new polycarbophil-cysteine (PCP-Cys)/glutathione (GSH) gel formulation to enhance the permeation of the model drug human growth hormone (hGH) across nasal mucosa in vitro and in vivo. The aqueous nasal gel contained PCP-Cys, GSH, and hGH in a final concentration of 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.6% (m/v), respectively. In vitro permeation studies were performed in Ussing chambers on freshly excised bovine nasal mucosa using fluorescence-labeled dextran (molecular mass: 4.3 kDa; FD-4) and hGH (FITC-hGH). The release profile of FITC-hGH from the gel formulation and an unmodified PCP control formulation was determined. Furthermore, in vivo studies in rats were performed comparing the PCP-Cys/GSH/hGH gel with PCP/hGH control gel and physiological saline. The permeation of FD-4 and FITC-hGH across the nasal mucosa was improved two-fold and three-fold, respectively, in the presence of PCP-Cys/GSH. The PCP-Cys/GSH/hGH gel and the PCP/hGH control gel showed the same biphasic and matrix-controlled drug release. The nasal administration of the PCP-Cys/GSH/hGH gel formulation to rats resulted in a significantly increased and prolonged hGH plasma concentration,time profile versus unmodified PCP gel and physiological saline. According to these results, PCP-Cys gels might represent a promising new strategy for systemic nasal polypeptide delivery. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 93:1682,1691, 2004 [source] | |||||||||||||||||||