Cycle In Man Research Articles

Safety and Efficacy of Extended Therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA: A German Multicenter Study.

Prospective results have demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy for up to 6 cycles in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. However, no systematic data are available outlining the feasibility of extended therapy beyond 6 cycles. We aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of extended [177Lu]Lu-PSMA radiopharmaceutical therapy in patients who have received more than 6 cycles. Methods: In total, 111 patients were included in this multicenter retrospective analysis. Based on individual decisions, patients underwent uninterrupted continuation of therapy (continuous treatment) or reexposure after a therapy break (rechallenge treatment) between 2014 and 2023. Overall survival, 50% prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline (measured 8-12 wk after treatment initiation or rechallenge), PSMA PET response, and grades per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events were assessed. χ2 tests, multivariable Cox regression analysis, and log-rank tests were applied for statistical analyses. Results: Patients received extended treatment with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA, either as a continuous treatment (43/111, 38.7%) or as a rechallenge (68/111, 61.3%) treatment, with median cumulative doses of 57.4 or 60.8 GBq, respectively. Overall survival from the initiation of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA was 31.3, 23.2, and 40.2 mo for the entire cohort, the continuous treatment group, and the rechallenge treatment group, respectively. The initial 50% PSA decline was significantly higher in the retreated group than in the continuous group (57/63 [90.4%] vs. 26/42 [61.9%]; P = 0.006). A 50% PSA decline was observed in 23 of 62 patients (37.1%) after the first rechallenge. The rate of grades 3-4 toxicity was comparable between continuous and rechallenge treatments (anemia, 7/43 [16.3%] vs. 13/68 [19.1%)], P = 0.6; leukocytopenia, 1/43 [2.3%] vs. 2/67 [3.0%], P = 0.3; thrombocytopenia, 3/43 [7.0%] vs. 3/68 [4.4%], P = 0.3; renal, 2/43 [4.7%] vs. 5/68 [7.4%], P = 0.2). Conclusion: Extended therapy with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA is safe and has not been associated with increased grades 3-4 toxicity. Patient candidates for extended treatment experienced a favorable median survival of 31.3 mo from the first administration. Response under [177Lu]Lu-PSMA rechallenge demonstrated preserved efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA after a treatment break.

Effect of advanced paternal age on reproductive outcomes in IVF cycles of non-male-factor infertility: a retrospective cohort study.

Advanced paternal age has been overlooked, and its effect on fertility remains controversial. Previous studies have focused mainly on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in men with oligozoospermia. However, few studies have reported on men with semen parameters within reference ranges. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing the reproductive outcomes of couples with non-male-factor infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In total, 381 cycles included were subgrouped according to paternal age (<35-year-old, 35-39-year-old, or ≥40-year-old), and maternal age was limited to under 35 years. Data on embryo quality and clinical outcomes were analyzed. The results showed that fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were not significantly different (all P > 0.05). The pregnancy rate was not significantly different in the 35-39-year-old group (42.0%; P > 0.05), but was significantly lower in the ≥40-year-old group (26.1%; P < 0.05) than that in the <35-year-old group (40.3%). Similarly, the implantation rate significantly decreased in the ≥40-year-old group (18.8%) compared with that in the <35-year-old group (31.1%) and 35-39-year-old group (30.0%) (both P < 0.05). The live birth rate (30.6%, 21.7%, and 19.6%) was not significantly different across the paternal age subgroups (<35-year-old, 35-39-year-old, and ≥40-year-old, respectively; all P > 0.05), but showed a declining trend. The miscarriage rate significantly increased in the 35-39-year-old group (44.8%) compared with that in the <35-year-old group (21.0%; P < 0.05). No abnormality in newborn birth weight was found. The results indicated that paternal age over 40 years is a key risk factor that influences the assisted reproductive technology success rate even with good semen parameters, although it has no impact on embryo development.

Corticospinal Excitability Is Lower During Eccentric Than Concentric Cycling in Men.

How corticospinal excitability changes during eccentric locomotor exercise is unknown. In the present study, 13 volunteers performed 30-min strenuous concentric and eccentric cycling bouts at the same power output (60% concentric peak power output). Transcranial magnetic and electrical femoral nerve stimulations were applied at exercise onset (3rd min) and end (25th min). Motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) amplitude was measured for the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles with surface electromyography (EMG) and expressed as a percentage of maximal M-wave amplitude (MMAX). EMG amplitude 100 ms prior to MEPs and the silent period duration were calculated. There was no change in any neural parameter during the exercises (all P > 0.24). VL and RF MMAX were unaffected by exercise modality (all P > 0.38). VL MEP amplitude was greater (26 ± 11.4 vs. 15.2 ± 7.7% MMAX; P = 0.008) during concentric than eccentric cycling whereas RF MEP amplitude was not different (24.4 ± 10.8 vs. 17.2 ± 9.8% MMAX; P = 0.051). While VL EMG was higher during concentric than eccentric cycling (P = 0.03), RF EMG showed no significant difference (P = 0.07). Similar silent period durations were found (RF: 120 ± 30 ms; VL: 114 ± 27 ms; all P > 0.61), but the silent period/MEP ratio was higher during eccentric than concentric cycling for both muscles (all P < 0.02). In conclusion, corticospinal excitability to the knee extensors is lower and relative silent period longer during eccentric than concentric cycling, yet both remained unaltered with time.

MP31-04 DOES INTRACYTOPLASMIC MORPHOLOGICALLY SELECTED SPERM INJECTION IMPROVE LIVE BIRTH RATES COMPARED TO ICSI IN MEN WITH INFERTILITY AND RAISED SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION?

You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Therapy (MP31)1 Sep 2021MP31-04 DOES INTRACYTOPLASMIC MORPHOLOGICALLY SELECTED SPERM INJECTION IMPROVE LIVE BIRTH RATES COMPARED TO ICSI IN MEN WITH INFERTILITY AND RAISED SPERM DNA FRAGMENTATION? Runzhi Chen, Tharu Tharakan, Channa Jayasena, Sheena Lewis, Jaya Parikh, Meen-Yau Thum, James Nicopoullos, Tet Yap, and Suks Minhas Runzhi ChenRunzhi Chen More articles by this author , Tharu TharakanTharu Tharakan More articles by this author , Channa JayasenaChanna Jayasena More articles by this author , Sheena LewisSheena Lewis More articles by this author , Jaya ParikhJaya Parikh More articles by this author , Meen-Yau ThumMeen-Yau Thum More articles by this author , James NicopoullosJames Nicopoullos More articles by this author , Tet YapTet Yap More articles by this author , and Suks MinhasSuks Minhas More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002035.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: There is conflicting evidence on the role of intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) in assisted reproductive technology (ART), and whether it increases live birth rates (LBR) compared to conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In particular, the role of IMSI on ART outcomes in infertile men with raised sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) is controversial. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 2,693 ICSI and 765 IMSI cycles from a single institution. Primary outcome measures included fertilisation rate (FR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), miscarriage rate (MR), and live birth rates (LBR). Subgroup analysis was performed on couples who had undergone SDF testing with the Comet assay. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify variables which may predict LBR in both the overall cohort of patients, and in the subgroup of patients with SDF data. An average Comet score (ACS) of ≥29% was used as the threshold for elevation, as previously defined. RESULTS: The LBR was comparable between ICSI and IMSI cycles in the overall study population; 18.1% and 21.0%, respectively. Subgroup analysis of men with a raised SDF (Table 1) demonstrated a lower MR (40.9% vs. 88.9%, p=0.003) and higher LBR (17.5% vs. 3.2%, p=0.003) in IMSI compared to ICSI cycles. No differences in clinical outcomes were observed between IMSI and ICSI cycles in men with a normal SDF. Multiple regression analysis revealed that IMSI significantly increased the probability of LBR (OR 7.052 [95% CI 1.826–27.237], p=0.005) in men with raised SDF. . . CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that whilst IMSI may not be beneficial in the general infertile male population undergoing ART, it does improve LBR in men with raised SDF and male factor infertility. Source of Funding: N/A © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e556-e556 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Runzhi Chen More articles by this author Tharu Tharakan More articles by this author Channa Jayasena More articles by this author Sheena Lewis More articles by this author Jaya Parikh More articles by this author Meen-Yau Thum More articles by this author James Nicopoullos More articles by this author Tet Yap More articles by this author Suks Minhas More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Prevalence and correlates of transport cycling in Chile: Results from 2014 to 2015 national surveys

IntroductionActive travel surveillance in Latin American is scarce and concentrated in a few countries. Surveillance of transport cycling in Chile is critical to document, to serve as a baseline from which to measure future planned strategies to increase transport cycling. This study aimed to document the prevalence of transport cycling in urban-dwelling Chilean adults and to examine factors associated with transport cycling in this population. MethodsData were collected from two cross-sectional National Environmental Surveys. Surveys were administered through a computer-assisted telephone interview system to representative samples of adult residents of the 15 regional capital cities in 2014 (n = 5057) and 2015 (n = 5664). Multivariable, multi-level logistic regression modelling was used to assess correlates of bicycling as the primary transport mode (yes, no) in the total sample and separately by sex. ResultsTransport cycling was reported by 7% of participants in 2014 and 2015. The highest prevalence estimates were found in males (9–10%), participants aged 18–24 years (12%), participants of low socioeconomic status (7%), and participants living in cities with warm summers and mild winters (8–9%). Low socioeconomic status was associated with greater likelihood of cycling in men (OR: 1.75 (95%CI 1.35–2.28), p < 0.001) but with reduced likelihood of cycling in women (OR: 0.68 (95% CI 0.52–0.91), p = 0.009). Associations between environmental factors and transport cycling were stronger in women than in men. ConclusionsTransport cycling prevalence in Chile is low compared to other Latin American countries. Associations between environmental factors and transport cycling differed by gender. City planners should consider how environmental factors influence gender inequalities in transport cycling in their cities.

Gender differences in cycling patterns and attitudes towards cycling in a sample of European regular cyclists

Previous research has shown that men cycle more than women and women tent to report less favourable perceptions and attitudes towards cycling than men. Gender differences in perceptions and attitudes towards cycling may be influenced by such difference in bicycle use. Attitudinal differences concerning cycling between male and female may be the consequence and not only the cause of gender imbalance in bicycle use. To our knowledge, no previous research has focused on gender differences in perceptions and attitudes towards cycling involving a sample with gender balance in bicycle use (e.g. regular cyclists). In our study, we investigated gender differences in attitudes towards cycling and towards cycling infrastructure, purpose of cycling, risk perception, and exposure to severe crashes in a large sample of regular cyclists. Following a cross-sectional design, we collected data from 2417 participants from Hungary, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, and United Kingdom. A survey was administered to an online panel of respondents. Gender differences in attitudes towards cycling were small in terms of effect size or non-significant, with women having more positive attitudes in personal benefits rather than mobility benefits. Women reported gender-stereotyped reasons for cycling more than men, except for social activities. Also, women showed higher discomfort than men cycling in mixed traffic and higher risk perception than men. Furthermore, men reported higher exposure to severe crashes than women. We contend that bicycle use and gender role (i.e. society's shared beliefs concerning a range of attitudes, norms, and behaviours that are generally considered appropriate or desirable for individuals based on their actual or perceived sex) can affect differences between male and female cyclists in perceptions, attitudes towards cycling, and cycling behaviours.

Muscle Sympathetic Activity Kinetics during One‐leg Cycling in Men and Women with and without Heart Failure: Evidence for Preserved Cardiopulmonary Baroreflex Sympathoinhibition

Microneurographic recordings of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) are generally analyzed over discrete epochs, usually in minutes. This is sufficient for determining resting sympathetic outflow but may obscure physiologically relevant information regarding temporal changes during an acute stress, such as exercise. To address this limitation, we applied a moving average to examine continuously the effects of one‐leg cycling on MSNA in 22 participants with (n=11) and without (n=11) heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). MSNA burst frequency and incidence were acquired over an 8 minute period: 2 minutes of baseline, zeroload cycling, moderate intensity cycling (50% of VO2 peak), and recovery. MSNA was analyzed in 30 second epochs, advancing in five‐second increments to create a 91 point overlapping moving average plot. Area under the curve analysis demonstrated that both MSNA burst frequency and incidence were higher in HFrEF than controls during zeroload and moderate intensity cycling (both, p&lt;0.05). To estimate the reflex sympathoinhibitory consequences of skeletal muscle‐pump induced increases in cardiopulmonary blood volume at the start of exercise, we calculated the nadir reduction in MSNA burst frequency and incidence during the first 30 seconds of zeroload (HFrEF vs. controls: −6±7 vs. −7±4 bursts/min; −12±11 vs. −15±5 bursts/100 heartbeats) and moderate intensity (HFrEF vs. controls: −7±5 vs. −6±7 bursts/min; −11±7 vs. −8±9 bursts/100 heartbeats) cycling; no differences were observed between HFrEF and controls (all, p&gt;0.05). Such initial reductions in MSNA burst frequency were observed in 9/11 HFrEF and 11/11 controls with zeroload cycling; reductions occurred in 11/11 HFrEF and 7/11 controls with moderate intensity cycling (both, p&gt;0.05). These similar group‐mean magnitude reductions in MSNA at the onset of exercise are consistent with preserved cardiopulmonary‐reflex mediated sympathoinhibition in HFrEF; the subsequent increase in MSNA is consistent with an exaggerated muscle metaboreflex contribution. As peripheral neurogenic vasoconstriction contributes to exercise intolerance in HFrEF, exercise regimens with shorter durations (e.g. high intensity interval training) may be better tolerated and more efficacious elements of conditioning protocols for such patients.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by Grants‐in‐Aid from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario (T4938, NA6298). P.J.M. was supported by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship. J.S.F. was supported by the Canada Research Chair Program.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory responses to various arm cycling regimens in men with spinal cord injury.

Repeated measures within-subjects crossover study. High intensity interval exercise (HIIE) elicits higher oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) versus moderate intensity continuous exercise (MICE) in men with spinal cord injury (SCI). No study has compared hemodynamic responses to HIIE versus MICE in SCI. In this study, we determined hemodynamic and cardiorespiratory responses to different bouts of arm cycling in men with SCI. Human Performance Laboratory, San Diego, CA. Five men (age and injury duration = 42.6 ± 16.1 yr and 9.9 ± 7.6 yr) with SCI participated in the study. VO2peak and peak power output were initially assessed. Subsequent visits included MICE, HIIE, sprint interval exercise (SIE), and a no-exercise control (CON). Energy expenditure was matched across modes and equal to 100 ± 10 kcal. During the bouts, cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), HR, and VO2 were measured. Heart rate, SV, and CO increased in response to all exercise bouts and were higher during exercise versus CON. During HIIE and SIE, heart rate approached 90% of maximum, and stroke volume increased by 40% which was higher (p < 0.05) versus MICE and CON. In addition, exercise led to a two (MICE) to threefold increase in CO (HIIE and SIE) although it was not different from CON. VO2 during SIE and HIIE was higher (p < 0.05) versus MICE. Similar to results in non-disabled populations, HIIE and SIE elicit near-maximal values of SV and CO.

A novel solution for freezing small numbers of spermatozoa using a sperm vitrification device.

Does a novel sperm vitrification device (SpermVD) provide an efficient method for freezing a small number of human spermatozoa from men suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia? The novel SpermVD is an efficient and simple carrier method for freezing a small number of spermatozoa in low-volume droplets, reducing post-thaw search time from hours to minutes, allowing a 96% recovery rate and leading to successful use of sperm for fertilization. Previous methods for cryopreservation of small numbers of human spermatozoa (e.g. mini-straws, ICSI pipette, alginate beads, cryoloop) have been proposed as a solution for cases of severe male infertility. Many drawbacks have prevented their widespread use, including cumbersome preparation and sperm retrieval procedures, and the fact that the thawed spermatozoa are not immediately available for micromanipulation and required additional treatment which posed excess risk of harm. We conducted a feasibility experiment of the novel SpermVD and a prospective cohort study of ICSI cycles in men suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia in two outpatient fertility IVF clinics, from 2015 through 2017. All patients underwent extended ejaculate search prior to the day of oocyte retrieval, and any single motile spermatozoa found was transferred to 0.8 μl droplets of 1:1 washing medium/cryoprotectant on the SpermVD, then plunged into liquid nitrogen for cryopreservation. In patients with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent surgical TESE, both the motile and immotile spermatozoa found underwent cryopreservation using the SpermVD. On the day of oocyte retrieval, the SpermVD was thawed, directly transfered to the ICSI plate and retrieved spermatozoa were used for the ICSI procedure. The prospective cohort included 44 cases. We used the SpermVD to vitrify 631 spermatozoa, of which 540 (86%) were motile. The average number of frozen spermatozoa per patient was 14.3 ± 9.3. After thawing, we retrieved 607 spermatozoa, producing a recovery rate of 96%. The average number of thawed spermatozoa was 13.8 ± 9.2. The recovery of 180 thawed motile sperm accounted for 33% of all frozen motile spermatozoa. The fertilization rate was 59%. Of 44 oocyte retrieval procedures, 24 (55%) clinical pregnancies were achieved. The delivery rate (not including three ongoing pregnancies) was 32% and the miscarriage rate was 29%. Although we presented the SpermVD on 44 cases, a larger cohort would provide more information. Moreover, we cryopreserved only motile sperm from the ejaculates and not immotile sperm, thus limiting the knowledge regarding the efficacy of the VD for immotile sperm from this source. The novel SpermVD is a simple efficient carrier, optimizing the protocol for freezing a small number of spermatozoa. It may allow for the routine use of frozen spermatozoa after TESE for men suffering from non-obstructive azoospermia and thus avoid repeated TESE surgeries. Furthermore, in cases of non-obstructive azoospermia, routine cryopreservation of the retrieved spermatozoa prior to the IVF cycle may avoid the risk of cycle cancelation and thus decrease the number of unnecessary oocyte retrieval procedures. There was no external funding. There are no competing interests. IRB no 00119-16-ASMC.

Apoptosis In Recovering Human Skeletal Muscle after High Intensity Cycling In Men Receiving Ergogenic Rg1 Compound

PURPOSE: To examine the impact of high intensity exercise on cell death in human skeletal muscle during recovery with Rg1 supplementation, which has been shown to increase endurance performance. METHODS: Using randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover design, twelve young men were studied on three occasions: Placebo, Rg1 (1 mg) and Rg1 (5 mg) supplementation 1 h prior to a high-intensity exercise. Biopsied samples were taken from vastus lateralis before, immediately after and 3 h after a 1-h cycling exercise at 75% VO2max. RESULTS: Apoptotic and necrotic cells in vastus lateralis increased immediately after 1 h cycling (80-140% and 80-120%, P < 0.05), concurrent with macrophage infiltration (both CD68+ and CD163+). Increases in iNOS and myogenic factor Myf5 mRNA levels after exercise were further elevated during Rg1 supplemented trial. Rg1 (5 mg) significantly increased high intensity endurance performance and accelerates the disappearance of apoptotic and necrotic cell number occurred 3 h after exercise during recovery. CONCLUSION: High intensity exercise increased cell death in human skeletal muscle after high intensity aerobic exercise. The ergogenic compound Rg1 accelerates phagocytosis to remove unhealthy muscle cell in exercised skeletal muscle.

Similar Substrate Use During Prolonged Cycling in Men and Women

Similar Substrate Use During Prolonged Cycling in Men and Women

Empirical speed models for cycling in the Oslo road network

Knowing the speed at which a cyclist travels is important in route and mode choice modelling. Empirical evidence suggests that it varies significantly in accordance with—among other things—infrastructure and topology. Despite this, in many network-based transport models cycling speed is constant, making travel distance the predominant variable of cycling behavior. Motivated by the lack of a comprehensive speed model in the literature, we present models for bicycles and e-bikes estimated based on a large-scale collection of GPS data in the Oslo area. In the models, speed on a network link is described as a function of several characteristics of the infrastructure and topology, and differs by user segments such as gender, trip purpose and type of bicycle. Model parameters are estimated with regression models using data from close to 50,000 single cycling trips. The data indicate that, on average, men cycle at a faster rate than women, although the difference is significantly less in the case of e-bikes. There is a non-linear and non-monotonic relationship between speed and gradient, with speed increasing up to a gradient of − 6%, but decreasing thereafter most likely due to safety concerns. Notable is the fact that cycling speed is significantly higher on routes where cyclists and pedestrians have their own dedicated space.

Amitriptyline and Sexual Function: A Systematic Review Updated for Sexual Health Practice

Amitriptyline is an old drug but is still prevalently used as the first-line treatment for a variety of common diseases. Surprisingly, knowledge of sexual risks with amitriptyline comes from only one clinical trial and several case reports from three decades ago. In the current study, a systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) related to amitriptyline and sexual dysfunction (SD) was performed. The frequency, gender-difference, types, disease-specificity and time course of SD, and the relationship between SD and nonsexual adversity were studied. A total of 14 publications, including 8 qualified randomized clinical trials, were eligible. The frequency of SD in overall, male and female patients was 5.7, 11.9 and 1.7%, respectively. SD was six-fold higher in men than women. The frequency of SD was 6.9% in depressive patients compared with 0.8% in non-depressive patients (p = .008), and gradually decreased at 8 weeks after treatment (p = .02). Amitriptyline impacted arousal and libido more than orgasm and ejaculation in male patients but mainly libido in female patients. SD was significantly correlated with insomnia linearly whereas somnolence and nausea dually. Therefore, amitriptyline-associated SD mainly occurs in depressive and male patients, disturbs each phase of the sexual response cycle in men but mainly libido in women, gradually decreases under long-term treatment, and can be predicted by the co-existence of insomnia, somnolence or nausea during treatment. Clinicians should caution and tailor the gender and disease vulnerability of amitriptyline in their practice.

Bright Light Delights: Effects of Daily Light Exposure on Emotions, Restactivity Cycles, Sleep and Melatonin Secretion in Severely Demented Patients.

We tested whether the effects of a dynamic lighting system are superior to conventional lighting on emotions, agitation behaviour, quality of life, melatonin secretion and circadian restactivity cycles in severely demented patients. As a comparison, an age matched control patient group was exposed to conventional lighting. For none of the output measures were significant differences between the two lighting conditions found during the 8 study weeks in fall/winter. Thus, we divided the patient cohort (n = 89) into two groups, solely based on the median of their daily individual light exposure. Patients with higher average daily light exposure (>417 lx) showed significantly longer emotional expressions of pleasure and alertness per daily observations than patients with lower daily light exposure. Moreover, they had a higher quality of life, spent less time in bed, went to bed later and initiated their sleep episodes later, even though the two groups did not differ with respect to age, severity of cognitive impairment and mobility. In general, men were more agitated, had shorter sleep with more wake episodes, had a lower circadian amplitude of relative rest-wake activity and interdaily circadian stability than women. In particular, lower daily light exposures significantly predicted lower circadian amplitudes of rest-activity cycles in men but not in women. This may indicate sex specific susceptibility to daily light exposures for rest-activity regulation in older demented patients. Our results provide evidence that a higher daily light exposure has beneficial effects on emotions and thus improved quality of life in a severely demented patient group.

Smarter Choices, Smarter Places: Delivering Targeted Local Interventions to Influence Active and Sustainable Transport Choices

The Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Programme supports behaviour change initiatives to increase active and sustainable travel. It is administered by Paths for All on behalf of Transport Scotland. The Programme aims to make walking and cycling a mode of choice for short local journeys in our towns, cities and villages. It also encourages other forms of sustainable choices such as public transport use and car share. Together, the projects will help to cut Scotland’s carbon emissions and improve our air quality, reverse the trend towards sedentary lifestyles and tackle health inequalities. The Programme builds on the work and outcomes of a number of pilot projects and will contribute to achieving the outcomes, visions and aspirations of numerous Scottish Government policy priorities for health, climate and transport. Now in its second year, the Programme allocates funds to local authorities across Scotland on a population basis. £5 million has been made available to local authorities in 2015/16 and again in 2016/17, and awards must be match funded by at least 50%. Each authority develops packages of measures that are tailored to distinct communities or target audiences and these are implemented by the end of each financial year. Typical case studies will be presented at the conference including Velocity in Inverness, a cafe and bicycle workshop whose aim is to inspire more folk to cycle and lead a healthy, happy lifestyle. Velocity run highly successful Women's Cycle to Health and Men's Cycle to Health projects - led rides for those with low motivation or confidence, feelings of isolation, stress or anxiety or low mood. The conference session will also discuss the impact of the programme in areas which would otherwise not have received funding for active and sustainable travel.

Total PYY and GLP-1 responses to submaximal continuous and supramaximal sprint interval cycling in men

Exercise-induced changes in appetite-regulating hormones may be intensity-dependent, however a clear dose-response relationship has not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in anorexigenic markers (total PYY and GLP-1) in response to rest or exercise at submaximal and supramaximal intensities. Ten active males completed four experimental sessions in randomized order: 1) Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT; 30 min cycling at 65% VO2max); 2) High intensity continuous training (HICT; 30 min cycling at 85% VO2max); 3) Sprint interval training (SIT; 6 × 30 s “all-out” cycling bouts with 4 min recovery periods); 4) Control (CTRL; no exercise). Blood samples were obtained immediately pre- and post-exercise, as well as 90-min post-exercise for the measurement of total PYY and GLP-1. Subjective hunger was assessed using a visual analog scale pre-breakfast and at the three blood sampling time-points. Total PYY concentrations increased immediately post-exercise following both HICT (P = 0.006) and SIT (P < 0.001) versus CTRL, while SIT was also greater (P = 0.005) compared to MICT. Total GLP-1 concentrations changed similarly across time-points (P < 0.001), with no differences between sessions (P = 0.280). Perceptions of hunger also changed similarly across time-points (P < 0.001) with no differences between trials (P = 0.085). These findings suggest that total PYY increases only after high-intensity exercise and exhibits a greater responsiveness to SIT compared to moderate-intensity exercise. Compensatory increases in hunger do not seem to occur at any exercise intensity. These findings support a dose-response relationship between exercise intensity and total PYY, though the effects on total GLP-1 and hunger perceptions seem unclear.

Sperm retrieval rate and pregnancy rate in infertile couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation and testicular sperm extraction for non-obstructive azoospermia in Hong Kong.

There are currently no local data on the sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates in in-vitro fertilisation and testicular sperm extraction cycles, especially with regard to the presence of genetic abnormalities. This study aimed to determine the sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates in infertile couples who underwent in-vitro fertilisation and testicular sperm extraction for non-obstructive azoospermia. This retrospective case series was conducted at a tertiary assisted reproduction unit in Hong Kong. Men with non-obstructive azoospermia who underwent in-vitro fertilisation and testicular sperm extraction between January 2001 and December 2013 were included. The main outcome measures were sperm retrieval and pregnancy rates. During the study period, 89 men with non-obstructive azoospermia underwent in-vitro fertilisation and testicular sperm extraction. Sperm was successfully retrieved in 40 (44.9%) men. There was no statistically significant difference in the sperm retrieval rate of those with karyotypic abnormalities (2/5, 40.0% vs 28/61, 45.9%; P=1.000) and AZFc microdeletion (3/6, 50.0% vs 28/61, 45.9%; P=1.000) compared with those without. Sperms were successfully retrieved in patients who had mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (2/3, 66.7%) but not in the patient with non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome. No sperms were found in men with AZFa or AZFb microdeletions. Pregnancy test was positive in 15 (16.9%) patients and the clinical pregnancy rate was 13.5% (12/89) per cycle. The clinical pregnancy rate per transfer was 34.3% (12/35). The sperm retrieval rate and clinical pregnancy rate per initiated cycle in men undergoing in-vitro fertilisation and testicular sperm extraction in our unit were 44.9% and 13.5%, respectively. No sperms could be retrieved in the presence of AZFa and AZFb microdeletions, but karyotype and AZFc microdeletion abnormalities otherwise did not predict the success of sperm retrieval in couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation and testicular sperm extraction. Genetic tests are important prior to testicular sperm extraction for patient selection and genetic counselling.

Carotid baroreflex function at the onset of cycling in men.

Arterial baroreflex function is important for blood pressure control during exercise, but its contribution to cardiovascular adjustments at the onset of cycling exercise remains unclear. Fifteen healthy male subjects (24 ± 1 yr) performed 45-s trials of low- and moderate-intensity cycling, with carotid baroreceptor stimulation by neck suction at -60 Torr applied 0-5, 10-15, and 30-35 s after the onset of exercise. Cardiovascular responses to neck suction during cycling were compared with those obtained at rest. An attenuated reflex decrease in heart rate following neck suction was detected during moderate-intensity exercise, compared with the response at rest (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the reflex decrease in blood pressure elicited at rest, neck suction elicited an augmented decrease in blood pressure at 0-5 and 10-15 s during low-intensity exercise and in all periods during moderate-intensity exercise (P < 0.05). The reflex depressor response at the onset of cycling was primarily mediated by an increase in the total vascular conductance. These findings evidence altered carotid baroreflex function during the first 35 s of cycling compared with rest, with attenuated bradycardic response, and augmented depressor response to carotid baroreceptor stimulation.

Patient-Specific Quantitation of Mitral Valve Strain by Computer Analysis of Three-Dimensional Echocardiography: A Pilot Study.

A paucity of data exists on mitral valve (MV) deformation during the cardiac cycle in man. Real-time 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography now allows dynamic volumetric imaging of the MV, thus enabling computerized modeling of MV function directly in health and disease. MV imaging using 3D transesophageal echocardiography was performed in 10 normal subjects and 10 patients with moderate-to-severe or severe organic mitral regurgitation. Using proprietary 3D software, patient-specific models of the mitral annulus and leaflets were computed at mid- and end-systole. Strain analysis of leaflet deformation was derived from these models. In normals, mean strain intensity averaged 0.11±0.02 and was higher in the posterior leaflet than in the anterior leaflet (0.13±0.03 versus 0.10±0.02; P<0.05). Mean strain intensity was higher in patients with mitral regurgitation (0.15±0.03) than in normals (0.11±0.02; P=0.05). Higher mean strain intensity was noted for the posterior leaflet in both normal and organic valves. Regional valve analysis revealed that both anterior and posterior leaflets have the highest strain concentration in the commissural zone, and the boundary zone near the annulus and at the coaptation line, with reduced strain concentration in the central leaflet zone. In normals, MV strain is higher in the posterior leaflet, with the highest strain at the commissures, annulus, and coaptation zones. Patients with organic mitral regurgitation have higher strain than normals. Three-dimensional echocardiography allows noninvasive and patient-specific quantitation of strain intensities because of MV deformations and has the potential to improve noninvasive characterization and follow-up of MV disease.

Assessment of the upper body contribution to multiple-sprint cycling in men and women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of repeated cycling sprints on power profiles while assessing upper body muscle contraction. Eighteen physically active participants performed 8×10s repeated sprints while muscle activity was recorded via surface electromyography (sEMG) from the brachioradialis (BR), biceps brachii (BB), triceps brachii (TB) and upper trapezius (UT). Measurements were obtained at rest, during a functional maximum contraction (FMC) while participants were positioned in a seated position on the cycle ergometer and during the repeated sprint protocol. Results suggest that mainly type I muscle fibres (MFs) are being recruited within the upper body musculature due to the submaximal and intermittent nature of the contractions. Subsequently, there is no evidence of upper body fatigue across the sprints, which is reflected in the lack of changes in the median frequency of the power spectrum (P<0·05).