Echocardiographic

SBE-β-CD molecular weight in of LV size (LV end-diastolic diameter LV end-systolic diameter [LV-ESD]), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and mitral regurgitation (MR) were obtained at baseline and after 4 weeks of monitoring or pacing in all dogs except one who had lead dislodgement.\n\nResults: In the control group (n = 4), no significant changes in LV dimensions or function were noted. In the paced group (n = 6), LV-EDD and LV-ESD increased from 3.58 +/- 0.65 cm and 2.47 +/- 0.55 cm to 4.15 +/- 0.59 cm and 3.21 +/- 0.47 cm, respectively (P < 0.01). In addition, LVEF decreased from 60 +/- 7% to 46 +/- 9% (P < 0.05). No changes in MR were noted.\n\nConclusion: We have shown that coupled pacing simulating ventricular bigeminy was feasible and resulted in increased LV dimensions and decreased LV function. By controlling the percentage of pacing, the coupling interval and the location of the pacing lead, this new model will allow the assessment of the relative roles of these variables in the development of ectopy-induced cardiomyopathy. (PACE 2011; 34:291-295)”
“Long-term storage of articular cartilage (AC) has excited great interest due to the practical surgical significance of this tissue. The liquidus-tracking (LT) method developed by Pegg et al. (2006) [29] for vitreous preservation of AC achieved reasonable

survival of post-warming chondrocytes in situ, but the design of the entire procedure was more dependent on trial and error. Mathematical modeling would help to better understand the LT process, and thereby make selleck chemicals possible improvements to attain higher cell survival. Mass transfer plays a dominant role in the LT Selleckchem AS1842856 process. In the present study, a diffusion model

based on the free-volume theory and the Flory-Huggins thermodynamics theory was developed to predict the permeation of dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) into AC. A comparison between the predicted mean concentration of Me2SO in the AC disc and the experimental data over wide temperature and concentration ranges [-30 to 37 degrees C, 10 to 64.5% (w/w)] shows that the developed model can accurately describe the permeation of Me-2-SO into AC [coefficient of determination (R-2): 0.951-1.000, mean relative error (MRE): 0.8-12.8%]. With this model, the spatial and temporal distribution of Me2SO in the AC disc during a loading/unloading process can be obtained. Application of the model to Pegg et al.’s LT procedure revealed that the liquidus line is virtually not followed for the center part of the AC disc. The presently developed model will be a useful tool in the analysis and design of the LT method for vitreous preservation of AC. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Purpose of reviewOptic pathway gliomas (OPGs) and orbitofacial plexiform neurofibromas are two of the more common ophthalmic manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1.