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A Goicolea

Publications and source records attributed to A Goicolea.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

Persistence of the insecticide Dimilin 45 ODC on conifer forest foliage in an Atlantic-climate ecosystem.

The oil formulation of diflubenzuron (Dimilin 45 ODC) persisted for 10-12 weeks on the foliage of a conifer forest in an Atlantic-climate ecosystem. Within 22-30 days following treatment, 55-80% of the insecticide had been removed from the foliage. During this period, the concentration of diflubenzuron was higher than 370 ng g(-1). Aerial application at 56.3 g of Al ha(-1) resulted in deposition levels of the insecticide ranging from 867.5 to 1824.4 ng g(-1), depending upon forest characteristics. The results showed that aerial application is only a suitable technique for the treatment of forest areas with dense foliage and/or high tree density and no more than 15% of tree-free area. The only metabolite detected was 2,6-difluorobenzamide, and this persisted on foliage until the first rainfalls occurred. An empirical mathematical correlation was found to express the influence of meteorological variables--rainfall, solar radiation and temperature--on the persistence of the insecticide. These results suggested that degradation of diflubenzuron on foliage could be due to photodegradation. Some recommendations were made to optimize the deposition of the insecticide on foliage and to minimize its persistence and the off-site spray drift.

Diflubenzuron↗

[The ablation of atrial flutter. The long-term results after 8 years of experience].

OBJECTIVE: Since the 1990's radiofrequency ablation radiofrequency ablation of atrial flutter has evolved in its methods and results. We have reviewed the long term outcome in 62 patients with typical (common) or reversed (clockwise) flutter undergoing radiofrequency ablation between 1990 and 1997. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty men and 12 women, aged 22-78 years (57 +/- 12) with flutter recurring after cardioversion and antiarrhythmic drugs make this series. Flutter was typical in 59 cases and reversed in 3. There was no heart disease in 14, bronchopulmonary disease in 10, coronary disease in 9, cardiomyopathies in 6 and other processes in the remainder. In 5 cases with previous surgery for atrial or ventricular septal defect, Ebstein's anomaly or myxoma, we treated also a macro-reentry tachycardia around the atriotomy in the right atrium. Radiofrequency ablation was directed to the inferior vena cava-tricuspid isthmus in typical and reversed flutter, and to the isthmus between the inferior end of the atriotomy and the inferior vena cava, in the lateral right atrium, in the atriotomy tachycardias. We subdivided our patients in Group 1 (24 patients), treated until the end of 1994, and Group 2 (38 patients) treated since 1995 using specially designed catheters and trying to produce isthmus block as the endpoint of the procedure. RESULTS: Radiofrequency ablation interrupted flutter in 61 of 62 cases (98.4%), and the atriotomy tachycardia in all 5. The number of application in Group 1 was 18.6 +/- 10.1 vs 12 +/- 10 in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Follow-up was 40 +/- 24 months in Group 1 vs 16 +/- 9.5 in Group 2. Flutter recurred in 58% of Group 1 and 13% of Group 2 patients (p < 0.001), usually 1-3 months after radiofrequency ablation and they were successfully treated by new radiofrequency ablation with a small number of applications. There was no recurrence of atriotomy tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation occurred in 14 patients (23%) (11 paroxysmal, 3 persistent), with equal incidence in both groups. At the end of follow-up 85% of the patients were in sinus rhythm, although 6 needed pacemakers for sinus node dysfunction (3) or AV ablation (3). Antiarrhythmic drugs were used by 46% of patients in Group 1 and 26% in Group 2 (p = NS) for atrial arrhythmias or recurrent flutter. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment for flutter and macro-reentry atriotomy tachycardia. Progress in methods have improved results significantly. Atrial fibrillation can still be a problem in 20-25% of the patients after flutter control.

Adult↗

Determination of the insecticide pyridafenthion in river water, soils and wine by adsorptive stripping voltammetry.

Solid-phase extraction or liquid-liquid extraction has been combined with adsorptive stripping voltammetry at a hanging mercury drop electrode to isolate, determine, quantify and recover trace concentrations of pyridafenthion in water, wine and soil. A systematic study of the experimental parameters affecting the stripping response was carried out by differential pulse voltammetry. By using an accumulation potential of 400 mV and an accumulation time of 540 s, the limit of detection was 0.17 microgram l-1 and the relative standard deviation (n = 10) was 1.9% at a concentration level of 8.5 micrograms l-1. Different methods are proposed which eliminate matrix interferences. These results have been applied to the systematic study of this compound in water, wine and soil. The lowest detectable concentration for pyridafenthion is 34 micrograms l-1 in water, 102 micrograms l-1 in wine and 80 micrograms kg-1 in soil. Recoveries of the pyridafenthion from supplied environmental samples were in all cases higher than 92% with a relative standard deviation lower than 3%.

Electrochemistry↗

[The application of the polymerase chain reaction technic for the detection of human papillomavirus sequences].

The polymerase chain reaction technique was applied to detect sequences of human Papillomavirus (HPV) by controls of cellular lines of cervical cancer and of tissues obtained through biopsy with a HPV-positive clinical diagnosis. A set of consensus oligonucleotides, which are complementary to a highly conserved region within the open reading frame E1 of the viral genome of HPV affecting the cervical mucosa, was used. With these primers it was possible to amplify DNA sequences corresponding to HPV 6 and 11, considered in the low risk group, and to HPV 16, 18, 31 and 33, included in the high risk group. The study of the sensitivity of the amplification technique showed a level of detection of 3,5 viral particles per each cellular diploid genome.

DNA, Viral↗

Mechanisms of entrainment of human common flutter studied with multiple endocardial recordings.

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms of common atrial flutter entrainment have not been directly studied in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Endocardial mapping in six cases of common flutter showed large right atrial (RA) reentry circuits. Activation was craniocaudal in the anterolateral right atrium and caudocranial in the septum. The inferior vena cava-tricuspid isthmus (IVC-TV) closed the circuit. The high right atrium was paced at progressively shorter cycle lengths (CLs) in all, and the IVC-TV was paced in three cases. We recorded six to eight simultaneous RA electrograms from septum and anterior wall. Transient entrainment was recognized from all sites by capture of all electrograms at two or more paced CLs, with total or partial preservation of baseline flutter sequence and return to baseline after pacing. Antidromic circuit penetration was documented in five cases during high RA pacing and in one with IVC-TV pacing. Short CLs induced orthodromic conduction delays that resulted in a postpacing pause longer than basal flutter CL. ECG fusion with high RA pacing correlated poorly with antidromic septal penetration. This was related to overlap of orthodromic septal activation with anterior wall activation of the following cycle. Pacing disorganized flutter into a brief irregular rapid rhythm in two cases and atrial fibrillation in one case. In two cases, complete antidromic septal penetration led to sudden flutter interruption, and in another case it led to circuit inversion. CONCLUSIONS: Direct recordings confirm orthodromic and antidromic penetration of flutter circuits by high and low RA pacing. Short CLs modify the circuit. Disorganization is the most common mode of flutter interruption.

Aged↗

Radiofrequency ablation of the inferior vena cava-tricuspid valve isthmus in common atrial flutter.

Endocardial mapping has suggested that common atrial flutter (AF) is based on right atrial reentry surrounding the inferior vena cava (IVC). The isthmus between the IVC and the tricuspid valve (TV) appears essential to close the circuit. To test this hypothesis, radiofrequency was applied to the IVC-TV isthmus, with catheter electrodes, in 9 patients with AF. Mapping confirmed a right atrial circuit surrounding the IVC in all. In 4 patients another type of AF was induced that followed the circuit in the opposite direction. Radiofrequency interrupted AF in all patients. Multiple endocardial recordings showed that interruption was due to activation block at the point of application. Radiofrequency produced very brief or sustained, atrial fibrillation in 2 patients, which resulted in sinus rhythm. AF recurred in 4 patients with the same activation pattern and was interrupted again with radiofrequency in the IVC-TV isthmus in 3. AF was noninducible in 7 patients after 1 to 4 sessions. AF-free periods of 2 to 18 months without drugs were observed after radiofrequency, but 2 patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. These results confirm that the IVC-TV isthmus is an essential part of the AF circuit. Ablation of this area may be of therapeutic value, but technical improvements are needed. Long-term efficacy of the procedure is uncertain.

Aged↗

Catheter ablation of atrial flutter circuits.

Atrial flutter (AF) mapping has shown circular activation in the right atrium (RA), with a "counterclockwise" rotation in a frontal view. The myocardial isthmus between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid valve (IVC-T) closes the activation circuit in its caudal end. The reproducibility of this activation pattern, and the fact that some "rare" AF with a "clockwise" rotation of activation use the same circuit, suggests that reentry is greatly facilitated by the anatomical arrangement of the caudal end of the RA. This suggested that ablation of the IVC-T isthmus may interrupt AF and prevent its recurrence. We have applied radiofrequency (RF) current to the IVC-T isthmus in nine patients, producing sudden interruption of activation at this point in five (all those treated with large surface electrode catheters). In three others, RF produced acceleration or disorganization, leading to interruption. Preliminary follow-up data suggest a favorable effect on AF recurrence, either by preventing it, or by making antiarrhythmic drugs effective.

Atrial Flutter↗

[Exercise-induced atrioventricular block].

Exercise-induced atrioventricular block in patients with normal atrioventricular conduction at rest is uncommon. Electrophysiologic studies have documented block distal to the atrioventricular node in these patients. Implantation of a permanent pacemaker is recommended because of a high incidence of subsequent symptomatic block. We report three symptomatic patients with exercise-induced atrioventricular block. Two patients showed a bundle branch block in the baseline electrocardiogram, suggesting a distal location of the block. In the remainder, with a normal QRS, the electrophysiologic study revealed AV block within the His bundle in response to atrial pacing.

Aged↗

Electrophysiologic studies in atrial flutter.

The clinical electrophysiologic approaches to atrial flutter (F) have been activation mapping and the observation of changes induced by programmed stimulation. Sequential endocardial activation mapping has recently yielded information indicating that common F is produced by a large right atrial (RA) reentry circuit, with counterclockwise rotation in the frontal plane, including the inferior vena cava in its center. Functional block in the crista terminalis and conduction slowing in the approaches to the atrioventricular node seem to be important to support reentry. F inscribing positive deflections in the inferior leads usually follows the same path, but in a clockwise direction. Atypical F may be produced by left atrial circuits. Atrial stimulation during F entrains the circuit, resetting it with each stimulus. Collision between antidromic and orthodromic activation during entrainment produces fusion that can be identified in the surface electrocardiogram. The last paced activation restarts F, unless circuit penetration has been enough to modify it by block or disorganization. Entrainment may result in F acceleration, with changes in activation sequence, suggesting a different type of reentry, possibly based on functional factors.

Atrial Flutter↗

Suppression of Torsades de Pointes with verapamil in patients with atrio-ventricular block.

Experimental data have suggested a relation between Torsades de Pointes and early post-depolarization (EPD). We have studied the effect of intravenous verapamil in three patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) and Torsades de Pointes (TP), to obtain indirect evidence of slow membrane channel involvement in the TP mechanism. In two cases TP were completely suppressed and in one there was marked, albeit partial, suppression. In two cases verapamil did not shorten QT, while in the third suppression verapamil was related to junctional escape acceleration and QT shortening. In one of the cases where QT was not changed, the abolition of long pauses may have played a role in TP suppression. The affect of verapamil on TP in our patients is consistent with a combination of mechanisms, including direct membrane effects (EPD inhibition) and junctional pacemaker acceleration. Verapamil might be of therapeutic value in this clinical setting.

Aged↗

Atrial endocardial mapping in the rare form of atrial flutter.

Endocardial atrial activation mapping was performed in 7 patients with rare atrial flutter (AF), inscribing predominantly positive deflections on leads II, III and aVF. In 2 cases both a rare and a common AF were mapped on different occasions. Every case displayed circular right atrial activation. In 5 of the 7 cases rare AF direction was clockwise (craniocaudal in the septum and posterior wall and caudocranial on the lateral and anterior walls). In 2 cases rare AF direction was counterclockwise (caudocranial in the septum and posterior wall and craniocaudal in the lateral and anterior walls). Both common AF rotated counterclockwise. A "line" of conduction delay or block was present in both clockwise and counterclockwise circuits between the posterior and lateral walls, in the probable location of the crista terminalis. This line of block extended the central obstacle made by the inferior vena cava toward, but perhaps not all the way to, the superior vena cava, making activation rotate roughly around the tricuspid ring. The ridge between the inferior vena cava and the tricuspid ring was a critical anatomic "closing" point in all clockwise and counterclockwise circuits. Right atrial macroreentry underlies rare AF. Direction of activation tends to be opposite to that in common AF. The cause of the positive deflection is unclear.

Adult↗

Intracardiac coiling of permanent atrial leads.

We have observed intracardiac movement of permanently implanted atrial pacing leads in two patients with AAI pacemakers. This resulted in looping of the lead body into the right atrium and ventricle, without displacement of the tip or changes in the pacing or sensing thresholds. At surgery only a single fixation ligature was found and allowed sliding of the lead through the suture sheath, in both cases. The position was corrected by gently pulling the lead. Multiple ligature fixation may avoid this complication.

Aged↗

[An informatics program for the management of patients with pacemakers].

We are introducing a software package (Dbase III application) for the management of patients wearing cardiac pacemakers. It runs on any IBM compatible microcomputer with a minimum of 512 Kb RAM and a 10 Mb hard-disk. It works with 6 separate databases: 1) identification-indications; 2) implants; 3) explant-closure; 4) follow-up; 5) pacemakers, and 6) electrodes. The program runs completely by menus, tasks being started by one key stroke. The patient databases are structured following the European Pacemaker Patient Card, including its codes. Data introduction is facilitated by friendly screen formats. The pacemaker database contains 495 models and 304 electrodes of all brands. Automatic searches include: 1) hospital number (from last and/or first name); 2) complete pacing history; 3) listing of patients by stimulation mode, loss of follow-up or proximity of expected battery end of life; 4) pacemaker or electrode definition, and 5) pacemaker models contained in the database. The program has been applied by nurses for over 6 months in our service, proving its efficacy with an easier and better follow-up. The accuracy of the automatic searches has been confirmed manually.

Computers↗

[Chronic stimulation thresholds using carbon and platinum electrodes].

Low-output pacemaker programming depends on the absolute value of the chronic pacing threshold. To assess the chronic threshold with three different types of leads we have used Siemens-Vario pacemakers which allow us to measure the chronic voltage threshold noninvasively. Forty six patients had a 12 mm2 platinum tip lead; 38, 12 mm2 carbon tip lead an 15, 9 mm2 carbon tip lead (Siemens, 414-415, 412 and 423). Platinum leads longevity was 45 +/- 15.9 months; 12 mm2 carbon tip leads, 28 +/- 6.5 and 9 mm2 carbon tip leads, 17 +/- 4.5. Forty two months postimplantation chronic threshold (measured at 0.5 msec pulse-width) was 1.6 +/- 0.6 V for platinum electrodes and 1 +/- 0.3 V for 12 mm2 carbon tip leads (p less than 0.001). Twenty four months postimplantation 9 mm2 carbon electrodes chronic threshold was 1 +/- 0.4 V, and 1.7 +/- 0.5 V for platinum electrodes (p less than 0.001). There were no differences between carbon tip leads with 9 and 12 mm2 pacing area. The new activated carbon tip leads have lower chronic pacing thresholds than platinum electrodes with the same pacing area. Pacemaker-patients with these new type of leads can benefit of reduced output programming and increase their pacemaker longevity.

Aged↗

Validation of double-spike electrograms as markers of conduction delay or block in atrial flutter.

Recent mapping studies of atrial flutter have shown that fragmented electrograms can be found in most cases from the posterior, posteroseptal and posterolateral walls of the right atrium. The fragmentation pattern most often consists of a double spike. To further assess double-spike electrograms as a possible marker of conduction delay, bipolar electrograms were continuously recorded during atrial overdrive pacing of common flutter from the right atrium (7 patients) and from the proximal coronary sinus (5). Baseline double-spike separation of 50 to 130 ms was unchanged in 1 patient and slightly increased (5 to 25 ms) in 4 by coronary sinus pacing. The electrogram sequence was unchanged and the surface morphology was similar to that of basal flutter. Right atrial pacing decreased double-spike separation by 25 to 85 ms from basal values of 45 to 175 ms (23 to 83%), suggesting fusion in the area of fragmented electrograms. These findings suggest that double-spike electrograms represent activation on both sides of a conduction delay zone. The changes induced in these electrograms by pacing from the anterior right atrium and the coronary sinus are consistent with flutter circuits rotating counterclockwise (frontal plane) in the posterior right atrial wall in common atrial flutter.

Atrial Flutter↗