Peripheral Velocity Research Articles

Assessment of peripheral nerve conduction in iron deficiency anemia patients in Indian rural adult population attending a tertiary care hospital

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency anemia in India. Peripheral neuropathy can result due to iron deficiency as it disrupts myelination and neuronal energetics in neuronal functioning. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) can quantitatively detect peripheral nerve dysfunction. This study was conducted to observe effect of IDA on peripheral nerve conduction velocity in adults using neuroelectrophysiological techniques with the aim to recommend Complete Blood Count for serologic evaluation of patients with peripheral neuropathy in Indian population. Objectives: This study aims to compare motor and sensory nerve conduction study parameters between controls and IDA patients and evaluate the effect of various grades of IDA on motor and sensory nerves. Methodology: 30 newly diagnosed patients of IDA in age group of 20-45 yrs and 30 healthy controls in same age group were recruited in this study. NCS was conducted on bilateral motor and sensory median and ulnar nerves in Neurophysiology laboratory using Neurosoft machine. Neuroelectrophysiological data of both the groups was evaluated and analysed using Student’s unpaired t test. Also, patients were categorised as mild, moderate and severe anemia cases and one way ANOVA was used for comparison among patients with various grades of anemia. Results: CMAP (compound muscle action potential), SNAP (sensory nerve action potential) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of bilateral median and ulnar nerves was reduced and DL (distal latency) was increased in bilateral median and ulnar nerves in patients with IDA compared to controls. The results were statistically significant (p=0.001). A highly significant difference between motor and sensory nerve conduction values between mild, moderate and severe IDA patients was also observed (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study confirmed peripheral nerves involvement in IDA patients. As severity of anemia increases, peripheral neuropathy worsens. These results can be extrapolated for screening patients with peripheral neuropathy for iron deficiency as a routine part of diagnostic approach for peripheral neuropathy.

P17-067-23 Peripheral Nerve Conduction Velocities in Malnourished Bangladeshi Children Before and After Nutrition-Specific Intervention

P17-067-23 Peripheral Nerve Conduction Velocities in Malnourished Bangladeshi Children Before and After Nutrition-Specific Intervention

The Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Is Associated with Systemic Neurodegeneration in Long-Term Type 1 Diabetes.

To determine whether the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness can be used as an indicator for systemic neurodegeneration in diabetes. We used existing data from 38 adults with type 1 diabetes and established polyneuropathy. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values of four scanned quadrants (superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal) and the central foveal thickness were extracted directly from optical coherence tomography. Nerve conduction velocities were recorded using standardized neurophysiologic testing of the tibial and peroneal motor nerves and the radial and median sensory nerves, 24-hour electrocardiographic recordings were used to retrieve time- and frequency-derived measures of heart rate variability, and a pain catastrophizing scale was used to assess cognitive distortion. When adjusted for hemoglobin A1c, the regional thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layers was (1) positively associated with peripheral nerve conduction velocities of the sensory and motor nerves (all P < 0.036), (2) negatively associated with time and frequency domains of heart rate variability (all P < 0.033), and (3) negatively associated to catastrophic thinking (all P < 0.038). Thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer was a robust indicator for clinically meaningful measures of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy and even for cognitive comorbidity. The findings indicate that the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer should be studied in adolescents and people with prediabetes to determine whether it is useful to predict the presence and severity of systemic neurodegeneration.

A Case Series of Patients With MYBPC1 Gene Variants Featuring Undulating Tongue Movements as Myogenic Tremor

Myosin-binding protein C1 (MYBPC1) encodes myosin-binding protein C, slow type (sMyBP-C), an accessory protein that regulates actomyosin cross-linking, stabilizes thick filaments, and modulates contractility in muscle sarcomeres and has recently been linked to myopathy with tremor. The clinical features of MYBPC1 mutations manifesting in early childhood bear some similarities to those of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), such as hypotonia, involuntary movement of the tongue and limbs, and delayed motor development. The development of novel therapies for SMA has necessitated the importance of differentiating SMA from other diseases in the early infancy period. We report the characteristic tongue movements of MYBPC1 mutations, along with other clinical findings, such as positive deep tendon reflexes and normal peripheral nerve conduction velocity testing, which could help in considering other diseases as differential diagnoses.

Enzyme replacement therapy for children with acid sphingomyelinase deficiency in the real world: A single center experience in Taiwan

BackgroundAcid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal storage disease with multi-systemic involvement, with no disease-modifying treatment available. Olipudase alfa is an investigational enzyme product developed to replace the deficient acid sphingomyelinase in ASMD patients. Several clinical trials have reported promising safety and efficacy results in adult and pediatric patients. However, no data have been reported outside of the clinical trial setting yet. This study aimed to evaluate major outcomes in pediatric chronic ASMD patients receiving olipudase alfa in the real-world setting. Materials and methodsTwo children with type A/B (chronic neuropathic) ASMD have received olipudase alfa treatment since May 2021. Clinical parameters, including height, weight, complete blood count, liver function tests, lipid profiles, biomarkers, abdominal ultrasonography with shear wave elastography, chest computed tomography, nerve conduction studies, neurodevelopmental evaluations, and six-minute walk tests, were checked at baseline and every three to six months in the first year of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) to assess its efficacy and safety. ResultsThe two patients in our study started olipudase alfa treatment at the age of 5 years and 8 months and 2 years and 6 months. During the first year of treatment, both patients saw a reduction in their hepatic and splenic volumes as well as liver stiffness. Height z-score, weight z-score, lipid profiles, biomarker levels, interstitial lung disease scores, and bone mineral densities also improved over time. The six-minute walk test showed a gradual increase in walking distance in both patients. There were no obvious improvements or deterioration in neurocognitive function and peripheral nerve conduction velocities after treatment. No severe infusion-associated reactions were noted during the first year of treatment. One patient had two episodes of transient but significantly elevated liver enzymes during the dose-escalation phase. The patient was asymptomatic, and the impaired liver function resolved spontaneously within two weeks. ConclusionOur results provide real-world experience that olipudase alfa is safe and effective in improving major systemic clinical outcomes for pediatric chronic ASMD patients. Monitoring of liver stiffness by shear wave elastography is a noninvasive procedure that can monitor treatment efficacy during ERT.

Thermal Effects in the End-Winding Region of Electrical Machines

The main heat transfer mechanism in the end-winding region of electrical machines is convection. In order to increase the air motion, the rotor is equipped with a series of blades. Their geometry is reflected in the fanning factor, i.e., the ratio between the rotor peripheral speed and air velocity. An accurate calculation procedure for the fanning factor has not yet been given. Knowing its value is crucial for the determination of air velocity and heat transfer coefficient (HTC), as the latter describes the end-winding heat removal capability. In this study, the convective heat transfer phenomena between the end winding and air inside the end-winding region were analyzed, with the heat generated only in the end winding, mimicked with a custom designed coil, and air moved by the blades. The analysis was performed by experimental testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Measurements data were used to build a reliable CFD model. Further on, CFD results were used to derive a generalized analytical equation for calculation of the end-winding HTC, related to blade geometry and rotor rotational speed. The developed analytical model significantly improves the quality of real-time lumped circuit thermal modeling of electrical machines and, thus, enriches this field of science.

Continuous H2O2 production sustained by anodic O2 for the destruction of the antibiotic ampicillin by photoelectro-Fenton process in a rotating cylinder electrode reactor

In this work, the experimental characterization of a rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) reactor employed for the complete degradation of the antibiotic ampicillin (AMP) by photoelectro-Fenton (PEF) process has been addressed for the first time. Once produced from water oxidation at six Ti|IrO2 anodic plates, O2 was quickly transported by forced convection toward the central RCE, which consisted of a 316 stainless-steel cylinder covered with a (C-PTFE)-coated carbon cloth, thus ensuring the continuous production of H2O2 from the two-electron O2 reduction reaction (ORR). The accumulated H2O2 reached a concentration of 83.3 mg L−1 H2O2 after 60 min in a 50 mM Na2SO4 solution at pH 3, operating at an RCE peripheral velocity U = 79.6 cm s−1 and fixed cathodic potential of Ecath = −0.45 V vs. SHE. Furthermore, the optimum PEF conditions led to the complete destruction of 10 mg L−1 AMP in only 10 min upon addition of 0.4 mM Fe2+ as catalyst under UVA light irradiation, with a low electrolytic energy consumption of 0.211 kWh (g TOC)−1. In addition, the evolution of final carboxylic acids and inorganic ions over the electrolysis time was monitored by chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. PEF treatment clearly outperformed the anodic oxidation with (AO-H2O2) and the electro-Fenton (EF) processes, which opens the door to a sustainable and powerful electrochemical technology with no need for an air compressor for H2O2 production and viable under limitless sunlight irradiation.

Arterial stiffness and vascular ageing in COVID-19 recovered young patients – A comparative study

Background: Many studies suggest the effect of SARS-COV2 on the renin angiotensin system causing arterial stiffness in acute cases of COVID-19 infection. However, no study has been conducted to analyze the long-term effect. Hence, this study was planned. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, pulse wave velocity, ankle brachial index, arterial stiffness index, and percentage mean arterial pressure (MAP) in COVID-19 recovered young patients without any history of comorbidity and compare it to apparently healthy age-matched controls. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional case–control study was conducted at a tertiary care center on 120 healthy volunteers in the age group 18–30 years after written informed consent. Inclusion Criteria: Cases are patients with a history of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 report, age-matched control having no history of RT-PCR positive report. Group P (6–12 months), Group Q (more than 12–18 months), and Group R (more than 18 months) after being tested RT-PCR positive. Group C is the control. The analysis of variance test was used for analysis. Results: Heart rate and peripheral pulse wave velocity are significantly increased in all three groups as compared to the control. Right brachial and right ankle arterial stiffness index and percentage MAP in the right and left ankle are significantly increased in all three case groups compared to the control group. Conclusion: The patients with a history of COVID-19 infection are at an increased risk of arterial stiffness and vascular ageing.

Effects of Rotary Tine Tool Velocity on Soil Reaction Forces, Power, and Energy Intensity

Highlights Draft force and torque on a vertical rotary tine tool were studied for various longitudinal velocities and speed ratios. Draft force increased with longitudinal velocity but decreased with speed ratio, and soil reaction torque increased with both longitudinal velocity and speed ratio. Total power required by the tool increased with speed ratio, and energy intensity increased with speed ratio and longitudinal velocity, with substantial changes observed at higher velocities. Abstract. Studying soil-tool interaction can provide valuable information on the actuation force and energy requirements of a weeding tool operating in soil. Soil-tine interaction was investigated for a vertical rotary tine tool that was intended to be used as a weeding tool for an automated mechanical intra-row weeder. The main objective of the research was to investigate the effects of linear and rotational velocities on soil reaction forces and power associated with actuation of the rotary tine tool in soil. A series of soil bin experiments were conducted in loam soil. Soil horizontal (draft) force and torque on the tool were measured at three longitudinal/travel velocities of 0.09 m s-1, 0.29 m s-1, and 0.5 m s-1 that were used to move the tool linearly across the soil bin length. The speed ratio, defined as the ratio of the longitudinal velocity to the peripheral velocity of the rotary tines, determined the rotational speeds required for the study. The draft force and torque were evaluated at four speed ratio levels (0, 1, 1.5, and 2). An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) performed for statistical analysis using p &amp;lt; 0.05 showed that both longitudinal velocity and speed ratio had significant main and interaction effects on the draft force and torque. In most cases, the draft force decreased while torque increased with increasing speed ratios for the different longitudinal velocities used in the study. Power and energy intensity were also calculated using draft force and torque measurements for different experimental settings. For increases in speed ratios, the power requirements for tool draft force decreased, whereas the power requirements for rotating the tool increased for each longitudinal velocity. At the highest test travel speed of 0.5 m s-1, the power decreased from 66 W to 28 W for draft and increased from 0 W to 76 W for rotation of the tool at increasing speed ratios. The maximum total power calculated for the tool was 110 W at 0.5 m s-1 and a speed ratio of 2. The study shows the changes in power and energy requirements of a vertical rotary tine tool for different operating parameters for weed control. This information could be valuable for optimizing the physical weeding process. Keywords: Energy intensity, Power, Rotary tool, Soil-tine interaction, Weed control.

Early Vascular Aging in Obese Individuals with Low Cardiovascular Health

The American Heart Association updated the original recommendations for cardiovascular health (CVH) promotion, defining the Life's Essential 8 (L8). the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare vascular function, central hemodynamics and autonomic modulation in obese individuals with low and moderate CVH-L8. Both sexes, aged 40-70 years and Body Mass Index ≥30 and <40kg/m2, were submitted to anthropometric and biochemical evaluation, assessment of heart rate variability, endothelial function by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and central parameters by oscillometry. The CVH-L8 score was determined using the eight metrics defined in the new classification. Patients (n = 82) were divided according to CVH-L8 classification: moderate group (score CVH-L8 ≥ 50 ≤ 79 points, n = 47) and low group (score CVH-L8 ≤ 49 points, n = 35). Peripheral (119 ± 10 vs 125 ± 15 mmHg, p = 0.048) and central (111 ± 10 vs 118 ± 15 mmHg; p = 0.016) systolic blood pressures and pulse wave velocity (PWV) adequacy (- 0.08 ± 0.34 vs 0.15 ± 0.42m/s, p = 0.008) were significantly higher in low CVH-L8 group. Brachial FMD (9.24 ± 5.41 vs 6.79 ± 4.74%, p = 0.043) were lower in this same group. Only in the low CVH-L8 group low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF) ratio was significantly correlated with PWV (r = 0.338, p = 0.047) and atherogenic index of plasma with Framingham risk score (r = 0.446, p = 0.008), even after adjustment for age and sex. In this sample of obese individuals, low CVH-L8 was associated with higher peripheral and central blood pressures, and evidence of early vascular aging with arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction.

Abdominal and Peripheral Tissue Oxygen Supply during Selective Lower Body Perfusion for the Surgical Repair of Congenital Heart Disease: A Pilot Study.

Lower body perfusion (LBP) may be a strategy for maintaining organ perfusion during congenital heart disease surgery. It is hypothesized that renal and lower limb oxygen supply during LBP is superior to off-pump surgery and comparable to that of a standard cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). in this prospective single-center study, patients aged &lt;1 year were recruited if they were scheduled for a correction of aortic arch anomalies using antegrade cerebral perfusion and LBP (group 1), a repair of coarctation during aortic cross-clamping (group 2), or surgery under whole-body CPB (group 3). Renal (prefix "r") and peripheral (prefix "p") oxygen saturation (SO2), hemoglobin amount (Hb), blood velocity (Velo), and blood flow (Flow) were measured noninvasively. A total of 23 patients were included (group 1, n = 9; group 2, n = 5; group 3, n = 9). Compared to the baseline values, rSO2 and pSO2 decreased significantly in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3. Conversely, rHB significantly increased in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3, reflecting abdominal venous stasis. Compared to group 3, group 1 showed a significantly lower pFlow during CPB; however, rFlow, pFlow, and pVelo did not differ. according to these observations, LBP results in an improved renal oxygen supply compared to off-pump surgery and may prove to be a promising alternative to conventional CPB.

Arterial Stiffness following Endurance and Resistance Exercise Sessions in Older Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Arterial stiffness (AS) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Acute endurance training decreases AS, whereas acute resistance training increases it. However, these results are from studies in apparently healthy adults, and there is no information on the effects of such afterload AS in elderly patients with CAD. We aimed to investigate the effect of acute endurance or resistance training on the time course of changes in the indices of AS in elderly patients with CAD in order to understand how stiffness responds after training. We tested 18 trained men with CAD. AS was measured using central and peripheral pulse wave velocity (PWV) after 15 min of rest and after 5, 15, and 30 min of endurance and resistance training sessions. The endurance session consisted of high-intensity interval walking at 85-90% of maximum heart rate, and the resistance session consisted of 70% of the maximum of one repetition. An interaction effect was found for central and peripheral PWV (p ≤ 0.001; carotid, η2 = 0.72; aortic, η2 = 0.90; femoral, η2 = 0.74), which was due to an increase in PWV after resistance and a decrease in central and peripheral PWV after endurance. This study demonstrates that training mode influences the time course of AS responses to acute exercise in these patients. Acute endurance training decreased AS, whereas resistance training significantly increased it.

Abstract 12758: Maternal Gestational Diabetes is Associated With Increased Aortic Stiffness in Pre-Adolescent Children

Introduction: Population studies have suggested adults born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Whether GDM exposure before birth is associated with abnormal CV health in childhood is unknown. In the present study, we prospectively explored the CV health of children of mothers with GDM (CGDM) with comparison to children of healthy mothers (controls) and examined relationships with maternal variables. Methods: CGDM and age- and sex-matched controls were recruited from the longitudinal Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Birth Cohort Study and underwent CV assessments. Outcome measures included left ventricular mass Z-score, EndoPAT reactive hyperemia index score (endothelial function), Doppler-based aortic and peripheral (common carotid to posterior tibial artery) pulse wave velocity (PWV), and carotid intima-media thickness. CGDM were further stratified into groups according to how maternal GDM was controlled (diet vs insulin). The mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), adherence to the 2007 Canada’s Food Guide, and intake of less healthy foods in the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters of pregnancy were also examined. Results: We assessed 25 CGDM and 27 controls (mean age 10.9±0.7 years) with comparable birth and baseline characteristics (Table). Aortic PWV was higher in CGDM vs controls (p=0.03), and higher in CGDM of insulin vs diet controlled mothers (p=0.03). No other measures of CV health differed. Mothers with GDM, but not controls, showed evidence of dietary improvement from the 2 nd to 3 rd trimester with improved adherence and reduced less healthy foods. Maternal BMI was unrelated to the child’s CV health. Conclusions: Even with maternal dietary improvement, CGDM have increased aortic stiffness, highest in offspring of mothers managed with insulin. Further work is needed to investigate the mechanisms by which GDM impacts the child’s vascular health and long-term implications.

Abstract 13297: Higher Maternal Serum Ferritin in the Third Trimester is Associated With Reduced Endothelial Function in the Preadolescent Child

Introduction: Elevated iron status in pregnancy has been implicated in gestational diabetes (GDM) development and in cardiovascular (CV) disease progression in adults. Animal models, however, have suggested maternal iron deficiency anemia may increase the offspring’s risk of CV disease. Whether maternal iron levels impact the CV health of the child in humans is unknown. This study investigated the relationship between maternal iron markers and the child’s CV health. Methods: This is a nested observational study tied to the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) Study. Children of mothers with and without GDM but otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies were prospectively recruited. Maternal serum ferritin, total iron binding capacity, and hemoglobin in the 2 nd and 3 rd trimesters were obtained. CV outcomes included: left ventricular mass Z-score, reactive hyperemia index score (lnRHI, EndoPAT), Doppler-based aortic and peripheral arterial pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima-media thickness. Univariate and multiple linear regression models, including maternal GDM as a covariate, were built to explore relationships between maternal iron markers and the child’s CV health. Results: Fifty-two children, 40 (77%) female, were assessed at a mean age of 10.9±0.7 years. Maternal serum ferritin in the 2 nd (median (IQR): 38.8 (39.2) ng/mL; B=-0.0039, p=0.01) and 3 rd trimesters (13.7 (9.0); B=-0.011, p=0.008) inversely related to the child’s lnRHI in univariate analyses, whereas no other relationships were observed between maternal iron markers and the child’s CV health. While the effect of 2 nd trimester serum ferritin was attenuated in a multiple linear model adjusting for maternal GDM, another model demonstrated a persistent relationship of 3 rd trimester serum ferritin with lnRHI (B=-0.028, p=0.007), not impacted by maternal GDM (B=-0.37, p=0.11) or their interaction term (B=0.020, p=0.07). Conclusions: High maternal serum ferritin in the 3 rd trimester may be associated with reduced endothelial function of the child. If validated, further work is needed to understand pathogenic mechanisms, and the impact of supplementation guidelines in pregnancy.

Значимость нарушений ретинальной микроциркуляции как предикторов прогрессирования глаукомной оптической нейропатии

Purpose – to assess the significance of retinal microcirculation disorders in progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). Material and methods. In this 2-year prospective study 85 patients (124 eyes) the vessel density of the superficial parafoveal plexus (VD parafovea) and peripapillary retina (VD ppr) were measured with optical coherence tomography angiography, peripheral resistance index (RI) and blood flow velocity of the posterior short ciliary arteries (PSCA) and the central retinal artery (CRA) were studied by color Doppler flow mapping method. The predictor properties of each indicator were calculated from the area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results. The results of the study revealed a high significance of the values of relative density of the superficial plexus vessels in the parafoveolar region (VD parafovea AUC 0.70 ± 0.07), and the relative density of the microvasculature of the optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary retina (VD ppr 0.715 ± 0.07) as predictors of the progression of GON. Keywords: primary open-angle glaucoma, glaucomatous optic neuropathy, ocular blood flow, optical coherence tomography angiography

Effect of Grinding Process Parameters and Storage Time on Extraction of Antioxidants from Ginger and Nutmeg.

The aim of this study was to optimize the grinding process parameters (mesh size of grinder sieve (X1), the peripheral velocity of the grinding wheels (X2)), and the storage time (X3) of ground ginger rhizome and nutmeg to obtain ethanol and ethanol-water extracts with improved antioxidant properties. The optimal conditions were estimated using response surface methodology (RSM) based on a three-variable Box-Behnken design (BBD) in order to maximize the antioxidant capacity (AC) determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods, and the total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) method in spice extracts. Additionally, the phenolic acid profiles in extracts from optimized conditions were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). It was found that the optimal preparation conditions for antioxidant extraction were dependent on the spice source and solvent type. The best antioxidant properties in nutmeg extracts were achieved for X1 = 1.0 mm, X2 = 40-41 Hz and X3 = 7 days, whereas the optimized parameters for ginger extracts were more varied (1.0-2.0 mm, 43-50 Hz and 1-9 days, respectively). The ginger extracts contained 1.5-1.8 times more phenolic acids, and vanillic, ferulic, gallic, and p-OH-benzoic acids were dominant. In contrast, the nutmeg extracts were rich in protocatechuic, vanillic, and ferulic acids.

Electromagnetic fields simulating a rotating sphere and its exterior with implications to the modeling of the heliosphere

Vector displacements expressed in spherical coordinates are proposed. They correspond to electromagnetic fields in vacuum that globally rotate about an axis and display many circular patterns on the surface of a ball. The fields satisfy the set of Maxwell's equations, and some connections with magnetohydrodynamics can also be established. The solutions are extended with continuity outside the ball. In order to avoid peripheral velocities of arbitrary magnitude, as it may happen for a rigid rotating body, they are organized to form successive encapsulated shells, with substructures recalling ball‐bearing assemblies. A recipe for the construction of these solutions is provided by playing with the eigenfunctions of the vector Laplace operator. Some applications relative to astronomy are finally discussed.

Efficacy of interval exercise training to improve vascular health in sedentary postmenopausal females.

BackgroundMenopause represents a turning point where vascular damage begins to outweigh reparative processes, leading to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Exercise training reduces CVD risk in postmenopausal females via improvements in traditional risk factors and direct changes to the vasculature. We assessed the effect of moderate (MODERATE‐IT) versus heavy (HEAVY‐IT) intensity interval exercise training upon markers of cardiovascular health and vascular repair in postmenopausal females.MethodsTwenty‐seven healthy postmenopausal females (56 ± 4 yr) were assigned to 12 weeks of either MODERATE‐IT or HEAVY‐IT, twice per week. MODERATE‐IT consisted of 10s work, and 10s active recovery repeated for 30 min. HEAVY‐IT comprised 30s work, and 30s active recovery repeated for 21 ± 2 min. Endothelial function (flow‐mediated dilation), arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), and V̇O2peak were assessed pre‐training and post‐training. Blood samples were obtained pre‐training and post‐training for enumeration of circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), culture of CACs, and lipoprotein profile.ResultsV̇O2peak increased 2.4 ± 2.8 ml/kg/min following HEAVY‐IT only (p < 0.05). Brachial blood pressure and endothelial function were unchanged with exercise training (p > 0.05). Peripheral pulse wave velocity reduced 8% with exercise training, irrespective of intensity (p < 0.05). Exercise training had no effect on lipoprotein profile or endothelin‐1 (p > 0.05). CAC adhesion to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) increased 30 min post plating following MODERATE‐IT only (p < 0.05).ConclusionsHEAVY‐IT was more effective at increasing V̇O2peak in postmenopausal females. The ability of CACs to adhere to VSMC improved following MODERATE‐IT but not HEAVY‐IT. Interval training had the same effect on endothelial function (no change) and arterial stiffness (reduced), regardless of exercise intensity.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture with different frequencies in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

IntroductionChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication in patients with cancer during chemotherapy. It mainly leads to severe numbness of the hands and feet and causes great pain in patients. Electroacupuncture (EA) is considered to be beneficial in improving peripheral neuropathy and relieving numbness of the hands and feet. This trial aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of different frequencies of EA on CIPN in patients with cancer.Methods and analysisThis study is a randomized controlled trial. In total, 160 eligible CIPN patients are randomly assigned to the 2 Hz EA group, 100 Hz EA group, 2/100 Hz EA group, and control group in the ratio of 1:1:1:1. All patients in the EA treatment groups receive treatment with EA three times a week for 4 weeks and following up for 4 weeks. The patients in the control group are given Mecobalamin (MeCbl) tablets orally, one tablet at a time, three times a day, for 4 weeks, and following up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures are the participant neurotoxicity questionnaire (PNQ) and the peripheral neurotoxicity assessment rating (NCI CTCAE V5.0). Secondary outcomes are the quality of life scale (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the measurement of peripheral nerve conduction velocity (NCV). The results are evaluated at baseline, post-treatment phase, and following up for 4 weeks. All major analyses are based on the intention to treat principle.Ethics/disseminationThis protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital) on 7 December 2021. The license number is IRB-2021-458. This study provides clinical efficacy data of different frequencies of EA in the treatment of CIPN. The results help to prove whether EA is an effective therapy for CIPN and optimize the frequency of EA for CIPN. The results of this study are shared with health care professionals, the public, and relevant organizations through the publication of manuscripts and conference reports.Trial registration numberChiCTR2100054458.

Low Vitamin D Status Relates to the Poor Response of Peripheral Pulse Wave Velocity Following Acute Maximal Exercise in Healthy Young Men.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effects of vitamin D levels on peripheral pulse wave velocity (pPWV) following acute maximal exercise in healthy young adults. Fifty male healthy adults from National Chung Cheng University participated in the study. Participants were divided into the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) sufficiency group (n = 28, 25(OH)D ≥ 50 nmol/L) and deficiency group (n = 22, 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L). The acute maximal exercise was performed using an incremental cycling test to exhaustion. Additionally, the pPWV and blood pressure were obtained at rest and 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 min after acute maximal exercise. The results show that 25(OH)D deficiency group had higher pPWV at post-exercise (5.34 ± 0.71 vs. 4.79 ± 0.81 m/s, p < 0.05), post-exercise 15 min (5.13 ± 0.53 vs. 4.48 ± 0.66 m/s, p < 0.05) and post-exercise 30 min (5.26 ± 0.84 vs. 4.78 ± 0.50 m/s, p < 0.05) than the sufficiency group. Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between 25(OH)D levels and pPWV following acute maximal exercise. Our study demonstrated that low vitamin D status relates to the poor response of pPWV following maximal exercise in healthy young men. Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of incident cardiovascular events after acute exhaustive exercise, even in healthy and active adults.