Daytime Changes Research Articles

Case Study: A Case-Series Evaluation of a Behavioral Sleep Intervention for Three Children with Autism and Primary Insomnia

To assess the effectiveness of a manualized multi-component behavioral sleep intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and primary insomnia. Three children (2 males and 1 female, aged 8-9 years) participated. The intervention consisted of a treatment handbook for parents; a distance treatment approach was used in which parents had weekly telephone contact with a therapist. The main behavioral strategies employed were Faded Bedtime with Response Cost and positive reinforcement. Within a case-series design, both subjective (parent-report questionnaires and sleep diaries) and objective (actigraphy) measures were used to record changes in children's sleep and daytime behavior. For all 3 children, mean sleep onset latency was reduced following the intervention. These improvements were generally maintained at follow-up 12 weeks later. The current study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of a manualized behavioral sleep intervention program for improving insomnia in children with ASD.

OLMESARTAN MEDOXOMIL/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE (OM/HCTZ) 40/25MG PROVIDES GREATER AMBULATORY BLOOD PRESSURE-LOWERING VS OM/HCTZ 20/25MG IN MODERATE-TO-SEVERE PATIENTS UNCONTROLLED BY OM: PP.5.207

Objective: To compare the efficacy of OM/HCTZ 40/25 mg versus 20/25 mg in terms of 24-h, daytime and night-time BP lowering, as assessed by ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), in patients whose BP was inadequately controlled by OM 40 mg. Design and Methods: This was a 16-week study in patients aged >/=18 years. The study consisted of 2 periods, each 8 weeks long. Eligible patients (N=1404) received 8 weeks' open-label OM 40 mg (Weeks 0–8). At Week 8 (baseline), patients with inadequate BP control (mean trough seated BP [SeBP] 140–180/90–115 mmHg, mean 24-h diastolic BP [DBP] >/=80 mmHg and >/=30% of daytime DBP readings >85 mmHg) were randomised to a further 8 weeks' double-blind treatment with OM/HCTZ 40/25 mg (N=502) or OM/HCTZ 20/25 mg (N=508) (Weeks 8–16). Changes in mean 24-h, daytime and night-time ABPM from Week 8 to Week 16, were measured as secondary parameters using a Spacelabs90207 device. Analyses were performed on the FAS (LOCF) using an ANCOVA model. Results: At baseline, mean patient age was 54.6 years and mean SeBP was 153.4/96.9 mmHg. By Week 16, significantly greater reductions in mean 24-h, daytime and night-time ambulatory DBP and SBP were achieved with OM/HCTZ 40/25 mg compared with OM/HCTZ 20/25 mg (Treatment differences for DBP reductions were: –1.6, –1.6 and –1.5 mmHg, respectively, in favour of OM/HCTZ 40/25 mg; p = 0.0016, 0.0031 and 0.0073, respectively. Treatment differences for SBP reductions were: –2.3, –2.3 and –2.0 mmHg, respectively, in favour of OM/HCTZ 40/25 mg; p = 0.0021, 0.0031 and 0.0104, respectively; Figure). Both doses of OM/HCTZ were well tolerated. Conclusions: ABPM provides reliable information on 24-h BP and is an accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk. In patients with moderate-to-severe hypertension, OM/HCTZ 40/25 mg produced further incremental significantly greater reductions in 24-h, daytime and night-time ambulatory BP compared with OM/HCTZ 20/25 mg, which may be of clinical relevance. A significant reduction in night-time BP is important to avoid stroke in the early morning hours.

Adolescents and Emerging Adults' Sleep Patterns: New Developments

Adolescents and Emerging Adults' Sleep Patterns: New Developments

Effect of exenatide on heart rate and blood pressure in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized pilot study

BackgroundCardiovascular effects of glucose-lowering agents are of increasing interest. Our aim was to assess the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide on heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsIn this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects with T2DM on metformin and/or a thiazolidinedione were randomized to receive exenatide (5 μg for 4 weeks followed by 10 μg) or placebo BID for 12 weeks. Heart rate and BP were assessed with 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The primary measure was change from baseline in mean 24-hour HR.ResultsFifty-four subjects (28 exenatide, 26 placebo) were randomized and comprised the intent-to-treat population. Baseline values (exenatide and placebo) were (mean ± SE) 74.4 ± 2.1 and 74.5 ± 1.9 beats/minute for HR, 126.4 ± 3.2 and 119.9 ± 2.8 mm Hg for systolic BP (SBP), and 75.2 ± 2.1 and 70.5 ± 2.0 mm Hg for diastolic BP (DBP). At 12 weeks, no significant change from baseline in 24-hour HR was observed with exenatide or placebo (LS mean ± SE, 2.1 ± 1.4 versus -0.7 ± 1.4 beats/minute, respectively; between treatments, p = 0.16). Exenatide therapy was associated with trends toward lower 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime SBP; changes in DBP were similar between groups. No changes in daytime or nighttime rate pressure product were observed. With exenatide, body weight decreased from baseline by -1.8 ± 0.4 kg (p < 0.0001; treatment difference -1.5 ± 0.6 kg, p < 0.05). The most frequently reported adverse event with exenatide was mild to moderate nausea.ConclusionsExenatide demonstrated no clinically meaningful effects on HR over 12 weeks of treatment in subjects with T2DM. The observed trends toward lower SBP with exenatide warrant future investigation.Trial registrationNCT00516074

Daytime Changes of Leaf Water Potential in 3 Species of Halophytes Measured at 3 Sites in Western Part of Inner Mongolia

Daytime Changes of Leaf Water Potential in 3 Species of Halophytes Measured at 3 Sites in Western Part of Inner Mongolia

Age-related alterations in parameters of energy balance upon central alpha-MSH infusion

Event Abstract Back to Event Age-related alterations in parameters of energy balance upon central alpha-MSH infusion Andreas Schmidt1*, Arpád O. Szabad1, Szilvia Soós1, Miklós Székely1 and Erika Pétervári1 1 University of Pécs, Department of Pathophysiology and Gerontology, Medical School, Hungary Hypothalamic melanocortins (MC) like alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) play an important role in the regulation of energy balance: they suppress food intake (FI), enhance metabolic rate (MR) with a decline in body weight (BW). Aging is characterized by two major trends: obesity in the middle-aged, later anorexia of aging. As one of the major catabolic mediators, α-MSH may participate in these alterations. In our study, the effects of a central α-MSH infusion on parameters of energy balance were investigated in juvenile, young, middle-aged and old (2-, 4-, 12- and 24-months old, respectively) male Wistar rats. Body temperature (Tc), spontaneous activity (ACT), heart rate (HR, indicator of MR) were recorded in a biotelemetric system. FI and BW were measured daily. An Alzet osmotic minipump was implanted into a lateral cerebral ventricle providing a 7-day-long infusion of 1 μg/μl/h α-MSH. Decline of FI and BW during the infusion was weakest in the 12- and most pronounced in the 24-month-old rats. Elevations of the mean 12-h day- and night-time Tc values showed a different pattern. No effects were seen in juvenile rats, modest daytime changes occurred in the young and old groups, both values increased significantly in the middle-aged animals. Tachycardia developed only in the 2 older groups. In the old rats, however, the rise in nighttime HR lasted only for 4 days, whereas the middle-aged animals were able to maintain high night- and daytime HR throughout the infusion. ACT did not change in any group. In conclusion, middle-aged rats appear to be insensitive to the anorexigenic but not the metabolic effects of α-MSH, their slight weight loss may be attributed to MR-rise, indicated by rises in Tc and HR. On the other hand, FI and BW are particularly sensitive to MC-s in aged rats. The effects of α-MSH on different parameters of energy balance do not change parallel to one another during aging. OTKA 49321, PTE ÁOK-KA-34039-25/2009, GVOP-3.2.1.-2004-0271/3.0. Conference: IBRO International Workshop 2010, Pécs, Hungary, 21 Jan - 23 Jan, 2010. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Homeostatic and neuroendocrine systems Citation: Schmidt A, Szabad AO, Soós S, Székely M and Pétervári E (2010). Age-related alterations in parameters of energy balance upon central alpha-MSH infusion. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: IBRO International Workshop 2010. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2010.10.00125 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 28 Apr 2010; Published Online: 28 Apr 2010. * Correspondence: Andreas Schmidt, University of Pécs, Department of Pathophysiology and Gerontology, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary, m.balasko@hotmail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Andreas Schmidt Arpád O Szabad Szilvia Soós Miklós Székely Erika Pétervári Google Andreas Schmidt Arpád O Szabad Szilvia Soós Miklós Székely Erika Pétervári Google Scholar Andreas Schmidt Arpád O Szabad Szilvia Soós Miklós Székely Erika Pétervári PubMed Andreas Schmidt Arpád O Szabad Szilvia Soós Miklós Székely Erika Pétervári Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Effects observed in the Latin American sector ionospheric F region during the intense geomagnetic disturbances in the early part of November 2004

The Sun was very active in the early part of November 2004. During the period of 8–10 November 2004, intense geomagnetic disturbances with two superstorms were observed. In this paper, we have investigated the generation and suppression of equatorial ionospheric irregularities and the daytime changes in the F region electron density in the Latin American sector during the period of intense geomagnetic disturbances. We present the ionospheric sounding observations carried out at Manaus and Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, during this geomagnetically disturbed period. Also, GPS observations obtained from several stations in Brazil, Argentina, and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, during the disturbed period are presented. During the main phase of the first superstorm, around the prereversal enhancement time (night of 7–8 November), prompt penetration of electric field was observed and the presence of equatorial ionospheric irregularities was detected from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (in the northern hemisphere) to Bahia Blanca, Argentina (in the southern hemisphere). The ionospheric sounding observations at Manaus indicate inhibition of prereversal enhancement on the nights of 9–10 and 10–11 November, possibly due to the disturbed thermospheric winds or disturbance electric fields. Virtually no phase fluctuations on the nights of 9–10 and 10–11 November were observed in the Latin American sector. During the daytime on 8 November, the vertical total electron content (VTEC) observations show a negative storm phase at Porto Alegre (Brazil) and Bahia Blanca (Argentina). Again during the daytime on 10 November, the VTEC observations show a negative storm phase from Brasilia (Brazil) to Bahia Blanca. These negative storm phases are associated with a decrease in the O/N2 ratio. During the daytime on 9 November, the VTEC observations show a positive storm phase extending from St. Croix to Porto Alegre, and again on 10 November, VTEC observations show a positive storm phase. These positive storm phases observed are possibly due to changes in large‐scale wind circulation and an increase in the O/N2 ratio.

The Efficacy of Montelukast during the Allergy Season in Pediatric Patients with Persistent Asthma and Seasonal Aeroallergen Sensitivity

Objective. To determine the effect of montelukast on asthma during the allergy season in children with persistent asthma and seasonal aeroallergen sensitivity. Design. This 3-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group multicenter study compared daily montelukast 5 mg chewable tablets and placebo in patients 6–14 years of age with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≥ 60 and ≤ 85% predicted, persistent asthma that is also active during allergy season, and documented sensitivity to seasonal allergens. Concomitant inhaled corticosteroid use was permitted in up to 40% of enrolled patients. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline in FEV1 over 3 weeks of treatment. Additional endpoints included the percentage change from baseline in β -agonist use, average changes in daytime and nighttime symptom score, AM and PM peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), investigator's global asthma evaluation, and parent/guardian global asthma evaluation at the end of the treatment period. Adverse experiences (AEs) were collected to assess safety and tolerability. Results. A total of 421 patients were randomized to montelukast (N = 203) or placebo (N = 218). For the primary endpoint, the percentage change from baseline FEV1, montelukast was not significantly different from placebo (least squares mean 9.53% vs. 9.15%, respectively; p = 0.810). Compared with placebo, montelukast was associated with significantly lower (better) investigator's global asthma evaluation (LS mean 2.71 vs. 2.98; p < 0.05) and parent/guardian global asthma evaluation (LS mean: 2.63 vs. 2.90; p < 0.05) scores. There were no significant differences between treatment groups for the other efficacy evaluations. Both treatments were well tolerated, with no significant differences observed in AE rates. Conclusion. Montelukast did not significantly improve FEV1 compared with placebo over three weeks of treatment during the allergy season in pediatric patients with seasonal allergen sensitivity. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00289874)

Interim results of a compassionate-use clinical trial of Morcher iris diaphragm implantation: Report 1

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of several different Morcher iris diaphragms in the treatment of partial or complete aniridia. Jules Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA. This ongoing prospective single-site nonrandomized interventional clinical trial was designed to evaluate Morcher iris diaphragm models 50D, 50F, 96S, and 96F. Safety measures included changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical complications, adverse events, and postoperative interventions. Efficacy measures included changes in best corrected glare visual acuity and changes in daytime and nighttime glare sensitivity, measured by questionnaire responses. Thirteen patients (13 eyes) completed a 1-year follow-up. Regarding safety, there was a statistically significant improvement in median BCVA of 2 Snellen lines (P= .002). One patient lost 2 letters of BCVA on the 20/20 line. There were 2 adverse events. One was minor bleeding during a posterior synechialysis that resolved without intervention. The second was piggyback intraocular lens decentration from worsening zonular dialysis in an eye with a trauma history. One postoperative intervention was the repositioning of a 50D ring. Regarding efficacy, there was a statistically significant median improvement in best corrected glare acuity of 10 Snellen lines (P<or=.001). Subjective daytime glare improved 5 questionnaire scale points (P= .004), and nighttime glare sensitivity improved 3 scale points (P= .001). Morcher iris diaphragms were relatively safe and very effective in reducing the light and glare sensitivity associated with partial or complete aniridia.

Effect of zonal E × B plasma drift on electron density in the low-latitude ionospheric F region at a solar activity maximum near vernal equinox

The variations in the density of the ionospheric F2 layer maximum (NmF2) under the action of the zonal plasma drift perpendicularly to the magnetic (B) and electric (E) fields in the direction geomagnetic west-geomagnetic east have been studied using the three-dimensional nonstationary theoretical model of electron and ion densities (N e and N i ) and temperatures (T e and T i ) in the low-latitude and midlatitude ionospheric F region and plasmasphere. The method of numerical calculations of N e , N i , T e , and T i , including the advantages of the Lagrangian and Eulerian methods, is used in the model. A dipole approximation of the geomagnetic field (B), taking into account the non-coincidence of the geographic and geomagnetic poles and differences between the positions of the Earth’s and geomagnetic dipole centers, is accepted in the calculations. The calculated NmF2 and altitudes of the F2 layer maximum (hmF2) have been compared with these quantities measured at 16 low-latitude ionospheric sounding stations during the geomagnetically quiet period October 11–12, 1958. This comparison made it possible to correct the input model parameters: the NRLMSISE-00 model [O], the meridional component of the neutral wind velocity according to the HWW90 model, and the meridional component of the equatorial plasma drift due to the electric field specified by the empirical model. It has been indicated that the effect of the zonal E × B plasma drift on NmF2 can be neglected under daytime conditions and changes in NmF2 and hmF2 under the action of this drift are insignificant under nighttime conditions north of 25° and south of −26° geomagnetic latitude. The effect of the zonal E × B plasma drift on NmF2 and hmF2 is most substantial in the nightside ionosphere approximately from −20° to 20° geomagnetic latitude, and the neglect of this drift results in an up to 2.4-fold underestimation of NmF2. The found dependence of the effect of the zonal E × B plasma drift on NmF2 and hmF2 on geomagnetic latitude is related to the longitudinal asymmetry of B, asymmetry of the neutral wind about the geomagnetic equator, and changes in the meridional E × B plasma drift at a change in geomagnetic longitude.

Strong-wind events and their impact on the near-surface climate at Kohnen Station on the Antarctic Plateau

AbstractStrong-wind events occur 10–20 times per year at Kohnen Station, East Antarctica (75°00′S, 0°04′E, 2892 m above sea level), and are often caused by warm-core cyclones in the north-eastern Weddell Sea. An uncommon event occurred in January 2002, when blocking both in the south Atlantic Ocean and in the south Tasman Sea caused a split-up of the circumpolar vortex, and large amounts of heat and moisture were transported onto the Antarctic Plateau. During strong-wind events over the plateau the near-surface temperature can increase by tens of degrees, which is partly caused by the advection of heat, but for an important part by the destruction of the stable temperature-deficit layer by enhanced vertical mixing. The temperature rise is larger during the winter/night than during the summer/day, due to a better-developed temperature deficit. Snowdrift during the January 2002 event linearly increased surface roughness for momentum with friction velocity, for values over about 0.18 m s-1. The cloud cover during the event reduced down-welling solar radiation by 32%, and increased the albedo from about 0.86 to 0.92. Changes in longwave radiation largely cancelled the daytime changes in shortwave radiation, thus net radiation was most affected at night.

Daytime Changes in Postural Stability and Repeatability of Posturographic Measurements

Daytime sleepiness correlates with sleep-related accidents, but convenient tests for occupational sleepiness monitoring are scarce. The effect of daytime on balance, on posturographic measurements, and on their repeatability was investigated in 30 healthy volunteers as part of our work to develop such a test. The daytime effect was assessed by measuring balance at 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm. The repeatability was assessed with morning trials once a week for 1 month. The posturographic test was performed on a static force platform, and the balance was evaluated from a fractal dimension of sway, most common sway amplitude, and time interval for open-loop stance control. The balance worsened during the day, and it was possible to determine whether the measurement was performed in the morning or in the afternoon. The morning balance remained unchanged during the month-long test. Posturographic measurements are repeatable and have a circadian effect, which may be influenced by sleepiness.

Acute overconsumption of a high‐fat diet alters heart rate variability

Changes in heart rate variability (HRV) indicative of altered autonomic tone are seen chronic obesity, but changes in HRV due to acute overeating are less certain. This study determined if acute overeating of a high-fat diet (HFD) altered HRV during the day and/or night. Adult female New Zealand white rabbits (n=7) consumed a control diet (CONT) before switching to an ad-lib HFD. Using telemetry, 3-min ECG segments were recorded every 20 min for 3 d of CONT and the first 3 d of HFD. Data were analyzed during the day and night for heart rate (HR), RR interval standard deviation (RRISD), RMS of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), low frequency (LF) and high frequency power (HF), and LF/HF. HFD and respective CONT periods were compared by paired t-test. (*p≤0.05) Table 1. HRV was altered by HFD more at night than during the day. At night, HR increased 37% and RRISD, RMSSD, and HF decreased 60%, 66%, and 86%, respectively. LF/HF increased 170%. HFD-induced daytime changes showed similar trends, but differences were not significant. Therefore, acute overeating of a HFD produced immediate nighttime HRV changes indicating parasympathetic withdrawal and a shift toward sympathetic dominance. Funded by NIH HL64913.

Do states upgrading to primary enforcement of safety belt laws experience increased daytime and nighttime belt use?

As of 1 January 2007, 26 states and the District of Columbia have enacted primary enforcement of their safety belt laws, which allows law enforcement to stop motorists and cite them solely when they observe a vehicle occupant who is not wearing a safety belt. Interrupted time series analyses were used to determine whether six states which upgraded to primary enforcement laws experienced changes in nighttime (9:00 p.m. to 4:59 a.m.) and daytime (5:00 a.m. to 8:59 p.m.) safety belt use based on proxy estimates from fatal crash-involved vehicle occupants. Nighttime and daytime safety belt use increased in five of the six states after the primary enforcement laws were enacted. Because the methods used in these analyses reduced the likelihood that these increases resulted from preexisting secular trends towards increased belt use, the results provide strong support that upgrading from secondary to primary enforcement increases occupant safety belt use during both daytime and nighttime periods.

Daytime, Temporal, and Seasonal Variations of N2O Emissions in an Upland Cropping System of the Humid Tropics

Nitrous oxide (N2O) contributes to global climate change, and its emission from soil–crop systems depend on soil, environmental, and anthropogenic factors. Thus, we evaluated the variability of N2O emissions measured by microchambers (cross section: 184 cm2) from a groundnut–fallow–maize–fallow cropping system of the humid tropics. The crops received inorganic nitrogen (N) plus crop residues (NC), inorganic N alone as ammonium sulfate (RN), and half of the inorganic N along with crop residues and chicken manure (N1/2CM), amounting for the crop rotation to 322, 180, and 400 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The N2O fluxes during the groundnut–maize crop rotation were log‐normally distributed, and the frequency distributions were positively skewed. Daytime changes in N2O fluxes were inconsistent, and the 50% of total N2O emission during the 12 h measurement periods was attained earlier under maize (∼11∶00 h) than groundnut covers (∼13∶00 h). Spatial variability in each treatment with eight gas chambers was large but smaller during the cropping periods than the fallow, indicating masking efficiency of crop covers for the soil heterogeneity that was accelerated presumably by antecedent climatic variables. The temporal variability of N2O emissions was also large (coefficients of variation, CV, ranged from 60 to 81%), involving both input differences between treatments and measurement periods. As such, the relative deviation from the annual mean of total N2O emission was high during the period after a large N application with a maximum of +480%, due to addition of chicken manure. The seasonal contribution of summer and monsoon to N2O emissions was insignificant. However, intensive rainfall negatively (−0.65**) and the amount of added N from either source positively (0.83***) correlated with the integrated N2O emissions, and those were exponential. Results suggest that around noon (12∶00 h) gas collection could represent well the daily N2O fluxes, increasing the number or size of the gas chambers could minimize the large variability, and mainly the rainfall and N inputs regulated its emissions in the humid tropics of Malaysia.

Diurnal Variation in Temperature, Mental and Physical Performance, and Tasks Specifically Related to Football (Soccer)

Football (soccer) training and matches are scheduled at different times throughout the day. Association football involves a variety of fitness components as well as psychomotor and game‐related cognitive skills. The purpose of the present research, consisting of two separate studies, was to determine whether game‐related skills varied with time of day in phase with global markers of both performance and the body clock. In the first study, eight diurnally active male association football players (19.1±1.9 yrs of age; mean±SD) with 10.8±2.1 yrs playing experience participated. Measurements were made on different days at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00 h in a counterbalanced manner. Time‐of‐day changes in intra‐aural temperature (used as a marker of the body clock), grip strength, reaction times, flexibility (markers of aspects of performance), juggling and dribbling tasks, and wall‐volley test (football‐specific skills) were compared. Significant (repeated measures analysis of variance, ANOVA) diurnal variations were found for body temperature (p<0.0005), choice reaction time (p<0.05), self‐rated alertness (p<0.0005), fatigue (p<0.05), forward (sit‐and‐reach) flexibility (p<0.02), and right-hand grip strength (p<0.02), but not left-hand grip strength (p=0.40) nor whole‐body (stand‐and‐reach) flexibility (p=0.07). Alertness was highest and fatigue lowest at 20:00 h. Football‐specific skills of juggling performance showed significant diurnal variation (p<0.05, peak at 16:00 h), whereas performance on the wall‐volley test tended to peak at 20:00 h and dribbling showed no time‐of‐day effect (p=0.55). In a second study, eight diurnally active subjects (23.0±0.7 yrs of age) completed five test sessions, at the same times as in the first study but with a second session at 08:00 h. Test‐re‐test comparisons at 08:00 h for all components indicated good reliability. Intra‐aural temperature showed a significant time‐of‐day effect (p<0.001) with mean temperature at 16:00 h (36.4°C) higher than at 08:00 h (35.4°C). There was no significant effect of chronotype on the temperature acrophase (peak time) (p>0.05). Diurnal variation was found for performance tests, including sit‐and‐reach flexibility (p<0.01) and spinal hyper‐extension (p<0.05). Peaks occurred between 16:00 and 20:00 h and the daytime changes paralleled the temperature rhythm. Diurnal variation was also found for football‐specific tests, including dribbling time (p<0.001, peak at 20:00 h) and chip test performance (p<0.01), being more accurate at 16:00 h (mean error=0.75 m) than at 08:00 h (mean error=1.01 m). Results indicate football players perform at an optimum between 16:00 and 20:00 h when not only football‐specific skills but also measures of physical performance are at their peak. Body temperature peaked at a similar time, but positive mood states seemed to peak slightly earlier. While causal links cannot be established in these experiments, the results indicate that the diurnal variation of some aspects of football performance is affected by factor(s) other than body temperature alone.

Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Ambulatory BP in Patients With Sleep Apnea and Hypertension: A Placebo-Controlled Trial

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for arterial hypertension. Several controlled trials have investigated the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on BP in patients with OSAS, but its effect on hypertensive patients has not been analyzed specifically.To analyze the effect of CPAP on ambulatory BP in patients with OSAS and hypertension who were undergoing antihypertensive treatment.We conducted a parallel, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 68 patients with OSAS and hypertension, who were receiving treatment with antihypertensive medication. Patients were randomly allocated to either therapeutic or subtherapeutic CPAP for 4 weeks. Ambulatory BP was registered at baseline and after treatment. Antihypertensive treatment was not changed during the study. Changes in BP were assessed on an intention-to-treat basis.There were no baseline differences in the apnea-hypopnea index, comorbidities, or ambulatory BP between groups. Objective compliance with CPAP was similar in both the therapeutic and subtherapeutic groups (5.0 +/- 1.4 h/d vs 4.4 +/- 1.9 h/d, respectively; p = 0.13 [mean +/- SD]). There was a small and statistically nonsignificant decrease (- 0.3 +/- 6.3 mm Hg vs - 1.1 +/- 7.9 mm Hg; difference, - 0.8 mm Hg [95% confidence interval, - 2.7 to 4.3]; p = 0.65) in 24-h mean BP (24hMBP) in both subtherapeutic and therapeutic groups after 4 weeks of treatment. No significant changes in systolic, diastolic, daytime, or nighttime BP were observed. The normal circadian dipper pattern was restored in a higher proportion of patients in the therapeutic group compared to the subtherapeutic CPAP group, although differences were not significant (11 of 32 patients vs 3 of 25 patients; odds ratio, 3.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 20.30; p = 0.10). There was no correlation between the magnitude of change in 24hMBP and CPAP compliance, OSAS severity, or number of antihypertensive drugs used.Four weeks of CPAP did not reduce BP in patients with OSAS and hypertension who were treated with antihypertensive medication, compared to placebo group.

The prospective, randomized investigation of the safety and efficacy of telmisartan versus ramipril using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (PRISMA I)

To compare the efficacy and safety of once-daily telmisartan and ramipril on blood pressure (BP) reductions during the last 6 h of the dosing interval. In a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint study using ambulatory BP monitoring, 801 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension were randomly assigned to once-daily treatment with telmisartan 80 mg for 14 weeks or ramipril 5 mg for 8 weeks and then force titrated to ramipril 10 mg for the last 6 weeks. Primary endpoints were the reduction from baseline in the last 6-h mean ambulatory systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). Secondary endpoints included changes in 24-h, morning, daytime and night-time mean ambulatory BP and ambulatory BP response rates. Telmisartan 80 mg produced greater reductions in the last 6-h mean ambulatory SBP and DBP compared with ramipril 5 mg (P < 0.0001) and 10 mg (P < 0.0001), and was superior to ramipril for all secondary ambulatory SBP and DBP endpoints (P < 0.05). Ambulatory BP response rates (24-h mean ambulatory SBP/DBP < 130/80 mmHg or reduction from baseline > or = 10 mmHg) were greater with telmisartan 80 mg (P < 0.01) than with ramipril 5 and 10 mg. Ramipril was associated with a higher incidence of treatment-related cough (5.7 versus 0.5% for telmisartan). Telmisartan was significantly more effective than ramipril in reducing BP throughout the 24-h dosing interval and particularly during the last 6 h, a time when patients appear to be at greatest risk of cerebro- and cardiovascular events. Both drugs were well tolerated, although ramipril was associated with a higher incidence of cough.

Geographic Information System (GIS), leakage detection, mathematical modeling project for the validation of the investment planning at Valles del Tuy adduction water network (Venezuela)

Valles del Tuy adduction network presented a great lack of knowledge concerning the system operational behavior. The discontinuity of water supply, water rationing by sector, nonexistence of operational control and changing regulation during the day by means of valves opening and closing made the system unpredictable. It was a real challenge to take into account all these factors and introduce them in a mathematical model. The result was a long-extended period model that was able to reproduce the system behavior with reliability in extended-period simulations. Based on it, a diagnosis of the critical points of the system was developed, that led to an improvement proposal. The proposals were focused on designing a controlled adduction system with the optimal operational behavior and without the necessity of making day-time changes for achieving a continuous and reliable water supply.

A HYDRAULIC MODEL ON THE TEMPORAL CHANGES OF TRANSPIRATION, CO2 ABSORPTOION AND PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN STOMATA

A phenomenological model (Hino 2003, 2004) on the stomatal mechanisms has been applied to calclate the daytime changes of transpiration, sensible and latent heats, CO2 absorption and phtosynthetic products.The model is constituted of the several plant-physiological processes such as water storage changes in plant cell, water uptake from soil through root and trunk, osmatic pressure change due to photosynthesis, CO2 absorption through stomata and CO2 concentration change in plant cell.Finally, the recently found phenomenon of'noon's nap of leaves' is explained from the present model.