Comparison of the effects of carvedilol and nebivolol on diastolic functions of the left ventricle in patients with non-ischemic heart failure

Background: We investigated whether carvediolol or nebiovolol with vasodilator properties will produce different effects on diastolic function of the left ventricle (LV) in heart failure (HF) with low ejection fraction (EF).Methods: Sixty-one non-ischemic HF patients with EF ≤ 40% randomly received carvedilol (n = 31, 16 male) or nebivolol (n = 30, 19 male). Clinical and echocardiographic evaluations were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months after therapy. Mitral inflow velocities (E and A waves), deceleration time of E wave (DT), isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), mitral annular velocities (Ea and Aa waves) were evaluated. Mitral E/A and E/Ea ratios were calculated.Results: In carvediolol and nebivolol groups, mitral E/A ratio (from 1.08 ± 0.31 to 0.87 ± 0.30 vs. from 0.98 ± 0.20 to 0.80 ± 0.20, p = 0.30) and IVRT (from 108 ± 13 to 94 ± 10 ms vs. from 107 ± 22 to 92 ± 10 ms, p = 0.25) similarly decreased while DT prolonged (from 184 ± 40 to 218 ± 42 ms vs. from 193 ± 37 to 222 ± 36 ms, p = 0.71). Also, E/Earatio significantly decreased in each group (p = 0.01), but it was lower in nebivolol group than carvedilol group at 6 months (10.2 ± 2 vs. 11.8 ± 2, p = 0.01). Carvediolol and nebivolol reduced similarly N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide level (from 666 to 137 vs. 661 to 123 pg/dL, p = 0.41, respectively) and improved functional capacity (p > 0.05).Conclusions: At 6 month follow-up, carvedilol and nebivolol appear to similarly improve LV diastolic functions in non-ischemic HF patients

Mechanism of Immediate Recurrences of Atrial Fibrillation After Restoration of Sinus Rhythm

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/74034/1/j.1540-8159.2004.00389.x.pd

The evaluation of Pat-Pat related injuries in the western black sea region of Turkey

BACKGROUND: Accidents caused by motorized vehicle in the agricultural sector are frequently observed. In Turkey; accidents arising from motorized vehicles, named Pat-Pat, which are used by farmers in the Western Black Sea region is not unusual. METHODS: One hundred five patients who were brought into the Emergency Department of Duzce University, Medical Faculty Hospital between September 2009 and August 2010 due to Pat-Pat related accidents were evaluated. RESULTS: The cases consisted of 73 (69.5%) males and 32 (30.5%) females, ranging from 2 to 73 years of age. In the 10-39 age group, a total of 63 (60.0%) cases were determined. The months when the greatest rate of cases applied to the hospital consisted of July, August, September and the season is summer. The cases were exposed to trauma in roads in 54 (51.4%), and 51 (48.6%) occurred in agricultural area without roads. Eighty seven (82.9%) cases were injured due to the overturning of vehicle. The patients were brought to the hospital using a private vehicle in 54 (51.4%) of the cases and in 51 (48.6%) cases, 112 ambulance system was used. The cases were determined to apply to the hospital most frequently between 6 pm-12 am. The injuries frequently consisted of head-neck and spine traumas, thorax traumas and upper extremity traumas. In 55 (52.4%) cases, open wound-laceration was determined. Seventy five (71.4%) cases were treated in the Emergency Department, and 28 (26.7%) were hospitalized. Three (2.9%) cases were deceased. CONCLUSIONS: Serious injuries can occur in Pat-Pat related accidents, and careful systematic physical examination should be conducted. In order to prevent these accidents, education of farm operators and engineering studies on the mechanics and safety of these vehicles should be taken and legal regulations should be created

Randomized Comparison of Bipolar versus Unipolar Plus Bipolar Recordings During Segmental Ostial Ablation of Pulmonary Veins

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73720/1/j.1540-8167.2002.00851.x.pd

Integrated Fabrication Processes of Novel Hybrid Materials

Integrated fabrication techniques in order to develop novel multi-functional hybrid materials for potential applications in energy conversion and sustainability were investigated. There are three major areas of investigation involved. First, we developed and demonstrated more efficient and cost effective alternative synthesis techniques to fabricate hybrid materials. Second, we designed and synthesized a new class of hybrid materials, for energy conversion, and evaluate their performance. Third, we synthesized and characterized new wear and corrosion resistant materials. Experimental approaches, including fabrication process development, materials preparation, characterization, and physical analysis were used. The study was validated to be beneficial for future design and development of hybrid material systems via more efficient and cost effective advanced fabrication techniques targeting energy conversion, wear and corrosion resistance. The first part of research focused on fabrication. Rapid solidification, thermal treatment, and spin coating techniques were studied and integrated into effective techniques for making new hybrid materials. The processing time, temperature, and environments were evaluated against microstructure. Eventually, two classes of novel hybrid materials were developed. The second part of research focused on fabrication of a new hybrid material utilizing rapid solidification, and spin coating processes. Piezoelectric poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with magnetocaloric Gd5Si2Ge2 was developed. The PVDF – Gd5Si2Ge2 hybrid material system was found to convert magnetic energy into electrical power. The maximum electrical power output was 0.11 V that is equivalent to a power density of 14.3 mW/cm^3 Oe. An adiabatic device was built to test for pyroelectric energy conversion. This device was built in such a way that it can also be further used for waste heat recovery. The power density and the conversion efficiency were calculated. The very same system was capable of pyroelectric energy conversion using the adiabatic device. The efficiency for the energy converter was 0.43% and the maximum voltage output was 0.16 V. The third part of the research focused on fabrication of a new hybrid material utilizing rapid solidification, and thermal treatment processes. A quasicrystalline Al75Mn14Si7Fe4 with Ferro-Silico-Aluminate geopolymer phase hybrid material system was also fabricated. The role of geopolymer phase on the wear and corrosion resistance was studied. The relative amount of icosahedral (i-phase) phase was attributed to the wear resistance. The geopolymer phase was responsible for the increased corrosion resistance