Factor VII -323 decanucleotide D/I polymorphism in atrial fibrillation: implications for the prothrombotic state and stroke risk.

Unlabelled: There are limited data on the influence of genetic polymorphisms in atrial fibrillation (AF) stroke risk. We hypothesized that a functional haemostatic polymorphism, that is, the factor VII -323 Del/Ins polymorphism, would influence the prothrombotic state associated with AF, as well as stroke risk. Other functional polymorphisms were also tested.

Half sine, monophasic and biphasic transcranial magnetic stimulation of the human motor cortex.

Objective: To compare half sine transcranial magnetic stimuli (TMS) with conventional monophasic and biphasic stimuli, measuring resting and active motor threshold, motor evoked potential (MEP) input/output curve, MEP latency, and silent period duration.

Methods: We stimulated the dominant hand representation of the motor cortex in 12 healthy subjects utilising two different MagPro stimulators to generate TMS pulses of distinct monophasic, half sine and biphasic shape with anteriorly or posteriorly directed current flow.

Results: The markedly asymmetric monophasic pulse with a posterior current flow in the brain yielded a higher motor threshold, a less steep MEP input/output curve and a longer latency than all other TMS types.