Significant Increase In Peak Research Articles

Longitudinal assessment of coagulation potential before, during, and following an in vitro fertilization cycle

IntroductionThe association between estrogen and hypercoagulability is well-established but little is known about coagulation dynamics during IVF. Our goal was to measure coagulation potential prior to, during, and following an IVF cycle and to investigate differences by conception outcome. Materials and methodsPatients undergoing IVF with fresh embryo transfer at a single academic center using oral contraceptive pills for cycle batching underwent evaluation of thrombin generation using the calibrated automated thrombogram at multiple points during the IVF cycle. Multiple thrombin generation parameters were compared across timepoints and by IVF cycle outcome using ANOVA repeated measures analysis. ResultsOf the 17 patients included, 11 conceived. There was a significant increase in peak and total thrombin generation in the entire cohort between the pre-treatment natural follicular phase and following a short course of oral contraceptive pills used for cycle batching. Further increase in these parameters was seen at the time of oocyte retrieval. In the pre-treatment natural follicular phase, patients who conceived had lower peak thrombin generation. There were changes throughout the cycle for factors II, V, VIII, X, XI, XII, antithrombin, and tissue factor pathway inhibitor. Only Factor XI was distinguishable by conception status; values were lower at all visits in patients who conceived. ConclusionIncreases in coagulation potential are seen in patients undergoing IVF following a short course of oral contraceptive pills for cycle batching and continue during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Those who conceived were seen to have lower peak thrombin generation in the pre-treatment natural follicular phase.

An integrated cell-to-pack design based on an origami sandwich structure to enhance cooling and mechanical performances of battery packs in electric vehicles

The rapid growth in the energy density of batteries in electric vehicles has led to the need for complex structural components and cooling systems to ensure the safety of the battery pack. However, these inactive materials occupy a significant portion, accounting for at least 35% of the pack's volume. To enhance the volume utilization rate of the battery pack, this paper proposes a novel origami structure with its optimized geometry that enhances thermal and mechanical performances as well as crashworthiness performance. The simulation results of temperature evaluation show that the proposed origami channels for a battery pack can reduce the maximum temperature by more than 2.6 °C at a 5C discharging rate and by over 20 °C under internal short-circuit conditions compared with a flat cooling channel. The experimental results of a quasi-static punch compression test demonstrate the enhanced mechanical properties of the origami channels with a significant increase in peak crushing force and impact energy absorption compared with flat cooling channels.

Rooting out ultraweak photon emission a-mung bean sprouts

It is well known that life has evolved to use and generate light, for instance, photosynthesis, vision and bioluminescence. What is less well known is that during normal metabolism, it can generate 1–100 photons s−1 cm–2 known as ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), biophoton emission or biological autoluminescence. The highest generation of these metabolic photons seem to occur during oxidative stress due to the generation and decay of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and their interaction with other components of the cell. To study this further, we have configured a sensitive detection system to study photon emission in germinating mung beans.Here we investigated growing mung beans over 7 days at a constant temperature of 21 ± 1 °C in a light tight box, using dual top and bottom opposing photomultiplier tubes. Over this time period we showed that in total, mung beans grown from seeds generated an average of 5 ± 1 counts s−1 above background. As the new bean stems grew, they showed a gradual linear increase in emission of up to 30 ± 1 counts s−1, in agreement with previous literature. In addition to this “steady-state” emission we also observe delayed luminescence and drought-stress response emission previously observed in other species. Finally, we also observe episodic increased emission events of between 2 and 15 counts s−1 for durations of around 3 h detected underneath the sample, and assign these to the growing of secondary roots.We then induce secondary root formation using aqueous solutions of growth hormones hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 167 µM) or 3-indole acetic acid (IAA, 0.5 µM) for watering. Both hormones show prolonged increase in emission above steady-state, over days 3–5 with at least 3 times the number of secondary roots formed compared with water alone. We also observed a significant peak increase in photon emission (474 and 1738 cps vs. 28 and 55 cps for water alone) for the H2O2 which we attribute to direct ROS reaction emission as confirmed by measurement on dead plants.Altogether we have expanded upon and demonstrated an instrument and biological system for reliably producing and measuring intrinsic metabolic photons, first observed 100 years ago by Alexander Gurwitsch.

Enhancement of clay-concrete interface strength through applying cycles of heating and cooling

This research studied the effect of heating and cooling cycles on the interface strength of saturated low plasticity clay soil (with a plasticity index of 12) in contact with concrete and the potential for using heating to increase pile capacity. A modified direct shear test device with clay specimen dimensions of 300 × 300 × 200 mm, featuring a concrete block at the bottom, was used for the tests. The heating system used heating rods to warm circulating water, which in turn heated the specimens. Four tests were conducted without heating-cooling cycles at ∼ 20 °C at effective normal stress of 30, 69, 110, and 150 kPa. Specimens subjected to effective normal stresses of 69, 110, and 150 kPa were tested under one heating cooling cycle up to 40, 55, and 70 °C, while the specimen under 30 kPa underwent only one heating-cooling cycle up to 70 °C. Additional tests were performed on specimens under 110 kPa with 4 heating-cooling cycles up to 40 °C, 4 heating-cooling cycles up to 55 °C, and 4 heating-cooling cycles up to 70 °C, as well as 9 heating-cooling cycles up to 55 °C. The results showed a significant increase in peak and post-peak interface friction angles by a range of 5.4% to 43.2%. The thermally induced volumetric strain due to contraction (TIVS) increased with increasing target temperature, but remained constant regardless of changes in applied effective normal stress.

Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of Congo red and malachite green by nanostructured Y2O3 synthesized by the coprecipitation method

Yttrium oxide is a wide bandgap semiconductor material, with a bandgap energy (Eg) between 4.86 and 5.68 eV, which may anticipate its limitations in photocatalysis. However, its ability to adsorb water and form hydroxyl radicals (•OH) suggests its possible application in the degradation of organic pollutant compounds. Therefore, Y2O3 was prepared by the coprecipitation method, with subsequent calcination at 500 °C. A unique morphology consisting of nanostructured semispheres, with sizes between 1.7 and 2.5 μm, was observed by electron microscopy. This material was used to degrade diluted aqueous solutions of Congo red (CR) and malachite green (MG). For CR, UV–vis spectra revealed a photodegradation percent of ∼24% after 60 min of exposure to UV (λ = 365 nm); meanwhile, the dissociative adsorption accounts for ∼22%, in the same period. Therefore, most of the degradation of this compound can be ascribed to this phenomenon. For MG, an average photodegradation of ∼94% was achieved in the same period, however, dissociative adsorption was estimated as ∼71%. The mechanism of degradation can be explained by the adsorption of dye molecules on Y2O3 and their degradation by reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are free hydroxyl radicals such as •OH and •O2− ions that have high oxidizing capacity. XPS analyses performed on samples used in dye degradation provide evidence of the role of ROS, as a significant peak increase associated with OH− groups was observed.

Abstract 13895: Impact of Coronary Revascularization on Cardiopulmonary Performance in Patients With Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion

Background: —CTO PCI represents the tip of iceberg in interventional cardiology, however owing to lack of enough data, there is still debate about its benefit. CPET combines measurement of gas indices with standard exercise and ECG parameters giving a comprehensive way for patient evaluation also there is plenty of data about its use in many cardiovascular diseases and about its prognostic value in many occasions. So we thought of using CPET in evaluating value of CTO PCI on various CPET parameters. Hypothesis: CTO PCI improves cardiopulmonary performance evaluated by CPET. Methods: fifty nine patients underwent successful CTO PCI and CPET at baseline and at12 month follow up, of whom nine patients had suboptimal results in control angiography which is a higher than usual incidence of re-stenosis, we compared the results of the CPET pre and post-PCI in both groups. Results: In patent group, CPET at follow up revealed a significant increase of peak oxygen consumption (Peak VO 2 ) (13.47±1.53 ml/kg/min vs. 17.84±0.99 ml/kg/min p <0.0001), VO 2 at anaerobic threshold (AT) (11.63 ± 1.14 ml/kg/min vs. 10.35 ±1.01ml/kg/min ( p < 0.0001), peak oxygen pulse ( 16.02 ±1.34 vs. 11.15 ± 1.36, p < 0.0001) and significant increase in peak cardiac index (3.78 ± 0.5 vs. 2.98 ±0.6, p < 0.0001). Also there was significant decrease of Peak VE/VCO 2 (32.98 ± 3.2 vs. 42.98 ± 6.2, p < 0.0001).In patients with re-stenosis, CPET at follow up revealed a significant decrease of peak oxygen consumption (Peak VO 2 ) (13.36±1.48 ml/kg/min vs. 12.41±0.97 ml/kg/min, p =0.02) and a significant increase of Peak VE/VCO 2 (42.73 ± 4.33 vs. 43.27 ± 3.29, p =0.01)also there was worse numerical values of other parameters despite not being statistically significant. Conclusions: CTO revascularization improves cardiopulmonary performance assessed by CPET in addition patients with re-occlusion after successful procedure had worse parameters even than their own baseline. CPET can provide a way for non-invasive follow-up of patients after PCI and earlier detection of in-stent re-stenosis that is more common in CTO.

Cardiorespiratory changes during robotic pelvic surgeries- A prospective observational Study

Robot assisted pelvic surgeries are associated with cardiorespiratory changes due to conjunction of carboperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg position for prolonged durations. To determine the changes in cardiovascular and respiratory systems in patients undergoing elective robot assisted pelvic surgeries under general anesthesia. A prospective observational study was conducted in 35 patients scheduled for elective robot assisted pelvic surgeries. Patients belonging to ASA class I and II were included and their intraoperative hemodynamic and respiratory parameters were noted post induction (baseline), at pneumoperitoneum, at and every 15 minutes after steep Trendelenburg positioning, at resuming supine position, at deflation of pneumoperitoneum and post-deflation. Primary outcome was mean arterial pressure. Secondary outcomes were systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, central venous pressure, airway pressures (peak, plateau and mean), pulmonary compliance, minute ventilation, end tidal carbondioxide levels and blood gas values. On assuming steep Trendelenburg position, there was significant increase in systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures. There was significant increase in peak, plateau and mean airway pressures and significant decrease in pulmonary compliance which led to increase in end tidal carbondioxide levels and minute ventilation. On resuming supine position and deflation of pneumoperitoneum, there was significant decrease in mean arterial pressure. Although the pulmonary compliance improved, it continued to be significantly lower than the post-induction baseline value. Robot-assisted pelvic surgeries are associated with significant changes in hemodynamic and respiratory parameters of patients.

Immunogenicity of a live attenuated classical swine fever vaccine in pigs under field conditions

A study was conducted for assessing the immunogenicity of live classical swine fever (CSF) vaccine in pigs under field conditions. Pre immunization blood samples and post immunization (PI) blood samples at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days post immunization (DPI) were collected. Th1 response was assessed by the expression of IFN-γ, IL- 2 and IL-12, and serum antibody titres and IL-10 expression were studied for Th2 response. The mean±SE of IFN- γ gene response as fold change (2ΔΔCt values) at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days post immunization (DPI) were 9.61±0.65, 3.49±0.44, 2.22±0.407, and 3.12±1.35 respectively. IFN-γ response showed significantly increased fold change during PI period. Significant peak increase in the expression level was observed at 30 DPI. IL-2 gene response showed significantly increased fold change during PI (Mean expression at 30, 60, 90, and 120 DPI was 4.41, 2.61, 3.291 and 2.09 respectively) and peak increase was observed at 30 DPI. IL-12 response also showed significant increase during PI with a peak expression at 30 DPI (Mean fold changes at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days post immunization were 4.92, 2.97, 2.72, and 3.61 respectively). Maximum IL-10 expression was observed at 60 DPI (Mean fold change at 30, 60, 90, and 120 days post immunization were 3.364±0.723, 11.56±1.64, 4.73±1.01, and 2.599±1.05 respectively). Pre- and post-immunization antibody responses were monitored by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody titres increased consistently from 30 days after primary immunization until 120 days. Montanide (gel 01) coupled PK-15 adapted live, CSV vaccine induced a good Th1 response followed by Th2 response.

Effects of a combination of 3,4-methylenedioxymeth amphetamine and caffeine on real time stimulated dopamine release in the rat striatum: Studies using fast cyclic voltammetry

It is well documented that caffeine exacerbates the hyperthermia associated with acute exposure to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in rats. Previous reports have also indicated that MDMA-related enhancement of dopamine release is exacerbated in the presence of caffeine. In the present study we have examined whether the effects of MDMA on real-time stimulated dopamine release, in the absence of uptake inhibition, are accentuated in the presence of caffeine. Isolated striatal slices from adult male Wistar rats were treated acutely with MDMA, caffeine, or a combination, and their effects on single and 5pulse stimulated dopamine release monitored using the technique of fast cyclic voltammetry. Caffeine at 10 or 100μM had no significant effect on single pulse stimulated dopamine release. However 100μM caffeine caused a significant peak increase in 5pulse stimulated dopamine release. Both 1 and 30μM MDMA gave rise to a significant increase in both single and 5-pulse dopamine release and reuptake. A combination of 100μM caffeine and 1 or 30μM MDMA did not significantly enhance the effects of MDMA on single or 5pulse dopamine release and reuptake when compared to that applied alone. Utilizing single action potential dependent dopamine release, these results do not demonstrate a caffeine-enhanced MDMA-induced dopamine release.

Calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) increases L-type calcium current via protein kinase A signaling and modulates calcium cycling and contractility in isolated mouse ventricular myocytes

Calcitriol, the bioactive metabolite of vitamin D, exerts its effects through interaction with the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) to induce genomic responses. Calcitriol may also induce rapid responses via plasma membrane-associated VDR, involving the activation of second messengers and modulation of voltage-dependent channels. VDR is expressed in cardiomyocytes, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the rapid responses of calcitriol in the heart are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to analyze the rapid nongenomic effect of calcitriol on L-type calcium channels, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) transients, and cell contractility in ventricular myocytes. We used the whole-cell patch-clamp technique to record L-type calcium current (ICaL) and confocal microscopy to study global [Ca2+]i transients evoked by electrical stimulation and cell shortening in adult mouse ventricular myocytes treated with vehicle or with calcitriol. In some experiments, ICaL was recorded using the perforated patch-clamp technique. Calcitriol treatment of cardiomyocytes induced a concentration-dependent increase in ICaL density (Half maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 0.23 nM) and a significant increase in peak [Ca2+]i transients and cell contraction. The effect of calcitriol on ICaL was prevented by pretreatment of cardiomyocytes with the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT-5720 but not with the β-adrenergic blocker propranolol. The effect of calcitriol on ICaL was absent in myocytes isolated from VDR knockout mice. Calcitriol induces a rapid response in mouse ventricular myocytes that involves a VDR-PKA-dependent increase in ICaL density, enhancing [Ca2+]i transients and contraction.

Effect of umbilical cord blood stem cells transplantation on bladder dysfunction induced by cerebral ischemia in rats

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the effect of human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells on bladder dysfunction induced by cerebral ischemia in rats. Materials and MethodsFemale rats were subjected to either 60 minute middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or a sham operation. Rats were divided into four groups: sham operation, MCAO without treatment, infusion with 1×106 CD34+ cells 30 minutes before MCAO, and infusion with 1×106 CD34+ cells 3 hours after MCAO. Bladder function was analyzed by cystometry at 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days after MCAO. Expressions of nerve growth factor (NGF), M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors were measured by immunohistochemistry and real time polymerase chain reaction. ResultsCystometric results showed that, following MCAO, rats have a significant increase in peak voiding pressure and residual volume. Conversely, there is a significant decrease in voided volumes and intercontraction intervals. Cystometric variables after pre- and postischemic CD34+ treatment nearly returned to levels found in sham-operated rats. The expression of bladder NGF and M3 was decreased after MCAO, but significantly increased following preischemic CD34+ treatment. There was decreased expression of bladder M2 mRNA despite an increased level of M2 immunoreactivity at 3 days and 7 days after MCAO. Expression of bladder M2 immunoreactivity and mRNA nearly returned to sham group levels after preischemic CD34+ treatment. ConclusionBladder dysfunction in a rat model caused by MCAO may be restored to normal micturition by treatment with human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells and may be related to the expressions of NGF, M2, and M3 in the bladder.

Impact of Combined Skin Sparing Mastectomy and Immediate Subpectoral Prosthetic Reconstruction on the Pectoralis Major Muscle Function

We assessed the subjective and objective functional loss induced by detachment of the pectoralis major muscle and whether synergistic function of adjacent muscles compensates for such loss. A preoperative to postoperative comparison of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 3-dimensional video-analysis of the range of motion, and dynamometric force assessment with electromyography registration were prospectively conducted in 22 women who underwent bilateral preventive breast surgery. Although the statistically significant postoperative increase of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (P = < 0.01) was indicative of more subjective disability, this difference is irrelevant for activities of daily life. This is in line with the observed postoperative lack of restrictions of range of motion of the shoulder. The mean postoperative maximum force measured in 4 directions reflective of the pectoralis major muscle function was 7.13 N, or 3.8%, lower than the preoperative force (P = 0.079). The mean postoperative maximum force in the 2 contramovement directions was 15.5 N, or 14%, higher than the preoperative force (P = 0.04). Electromyographically, both parts of the deltoid muscle preoperatively and postoperatively showed the same peaks in the 6 directions. Contrastingly, the clavicular part of the pectoralis major muscle postoperatively showed a statistically significant increase of peak of muscle activity in 3 of 4 directions reflective of pectoralis major function and in both contramovement directions, indicating compensatory activity. Daily life consequences of partial detachment of the pectoralis major muscle were acceptable in our patients.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy modulation of exercise left ventricular function and pulmonary O2 uptake in heart failure

To better understand the mechanisms contributing to improved exercise capacity with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), we studied the effects of 6 mo of CRT on pulmonary O(2) uptake (Vo(2)) kinetics, exercise left ventricular (LV) function, and peak Vo(2) in 12 subjects (age: 56 ± 15 yr, peak Vo(2): 12.9 ± 3.2 ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), ejection fraction: 18 ± 3%) with heart failure. We hypothesized that CRT would speed Vo(2) kinetics due to an increase in stroke volume secondary to a reduction in LV end-systolic volume (ESV) and that the increase in peak Vo(2) would be related to an increase in cardiac output reserve. We found that Vo(2) kinetics were faster during the transition to moderate-intensity exercise after CRT (pre-CRT: 69 ± 21 s vs. post-CRT: 54 ± 17 s, P < 0.05). During moderate-intensity exercise, LV ESV reserve (exercise - resting) increased 9 ± 7 ml (vs. a 3 ± 9-ml decrease pre-CRT, P < 0.05), and steady-state stroke volume increased (pre-CRT: 42 ± 8 ml vs. post-CRT: 61 ± 12 ml, P < 0.05). LV end-diastolic volume did not change from rest to steady-state exercise post-CRT (P > 0.05). CRT improved heart rate, measured as a lower resting and steady-state exercise heart rate and as faster heart rate kinetics after CRT (pre-CRT: 89 ± 12 s vs. post-CRT: 69 ± 21 s, P < 0.05). For peak exercise, cardiac output reserve increased significantly post-CRT and was 22% higher at peak exercise post-CRT (both P < 0.05). The increase in cardiac output was due to both a significant increase in peak and reserve stroke volume and to a nonsignificant increase in heart rate reserve. Similar patterns in LV volumes as moderate-intensity exercise were observed at peak exercise. Cardiac output reserve was related to peak Vo(2) (r = 0.48, P < 0.05). These findings demonstrate the chronic CRT-mediated cardiac factors that contribute, in part, to the speeding in Vo(2) kinetics and increase in peak Vo(2) in clinically stable heart failure patients.

Metabolic and Cardiac Autonomic Effects of High-Intensity Resistance Training Protocol in Wistar Rats

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of metabolic and autonomic nervous control on high-intensity resistance training (HRT) as determined by pancreatic glucose sensitivity (GS), insulin sensitivity (IS), blood lactate ([La]), and heart rate variability (HRV) in rats. Thirty male, albino Wistar rats (292 ± 20 g) were divided into 3 groups: sedentary control (SC), low-resistance training (LRT), and HRT. The animals in the HRT group were submitted to a high-resistance protocol with a progressively increasing load relative to body weight until exhaustion, whereas the LRT group performed the same exercise regimen with no load progression. The program was conducted 3 times per week for 8 weeks. The [La], parameters related to the functionality of pancreatic tissue, and HRV were measured. There was a significant increase in peak [La] only in the HRT group, but there was a reduction in [La] when corrected to the maximal load in both trained groups (LRT and HRT, p < 0.05). Both trained groups exhibited an increase in IS; however, compared with SC and LRT, HRT demonstrated a significantly higher GS posttraining (p < 0.05). With respect to HRV, the low-frequency (LF) band, in milliseconds squared, reduced in both trained groups, but the high-frequency band, in milliseconds squared and nu, increased, and the LF in nu, decreased only in the HRT group (p < 0.05). The HRT protocol produced significant and beneficial metabolic and cardiac autonomic adaptations. These results provide evidence for the positive benefits of HRT in counteracting metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction.

P96 Serum protein N-glycosylation as a biomarker of paediatric NAFLD

IntroductionSerum protein N-glycosylation has previously been shown to distinguish adult patients with simple steatosis from those with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The pattern of the disease in paediatric patients is distinct...

Discrete Element Modeling of Strength Properties of Johnson Space Center (JSC-1A) Lunar Regolith Simulant

This paper simulates the three-dimensional axisymmetric triaxial compression of JSC-1A lunar regolith simulant under lunar and terrestrial gravity environments under a wide range of confining pressures and relative densities. To accomplish this, the discrete element method (DEM), using Particle Flow Code In Three-Dimensional (PFC3D) software, was employed. The paper focuses on the peak and the critical state (CS) friction angles, which were predicted in the ranges of 35.4°–82.7° and 31.2°–79.8°, respectively, depending on the specimen density and confining pressure. A significant increase in peak and CS friction angles was predicted at near-zero confining pressure. The DEM results validated an empirical model that relates the peak friction angle with the CS friction angle, relative density, and mean effective stress at the CS. Comparison of DEM results with lunar in situ measurements of friction angle, from Apollo missions and other extraterrestrial laboratory experiments under a microgravity environment,...

Impact of Resistance to Thyroid Hormone on the Cardiovascular System in Adults

The clinical manifestations of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) are highly variable, and the impact of RTH on the cardiovascular system has been poorly investigated. The objective of the study was to evaluate the cardiovascular characteristics of 16 untreated and asymptomatic patients with RTH compared with 16 euthyroid healthy controls to define the cardiovascular involvement in RTH syndrome. Sixteen untreated and asymptomatic RTH patients (eight males; aged 33 +/- 12 yr, range 21-45 yr) and 16 controls (nine males; aged 33 +/- 5 yr, range 24-42 yr) were enrolled. Clinical data, thyroid status, and echocardiographic results were recorded. Heart rate was comparable with that of controls, whereas arterial pressure was higher than controls. Mean interventricular septum diastolic thickness and mean left ventricular (LV) posterior wall diastolic thickness were significantly lower in RTH patients than controls with a consequent significant decrease of the mean LV mass and LV mass indexed by body surface area. Patients also had abnormalities of myocardial relaxation as indicated by a significant increase of peak A and consequent reduction of the early to late ratio. Finally, systemic vascular resistance was significantly higher in RTH patients than controls. Our results suggest the presence of cardiovascular alterations in asymptomatic and untreated RTH patients similar to those reported in hypothyroid patients. Our strict selection likely created a bias in the inclusion of a particular type of RTH patients, who could represent a minority of patients with RTH. However, no correlation was found between the type of mutation and cardiovascular characteristics of RTH patients.

Impact of Resistance to Thyroid Hormone on the Cardiovascular System in Adults

ABSTRACT Background The clinical manifestations of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) are highly variable, and the impact of RTH on the cardiovascular system has been poorly investigated. Aim The objective of the study was to evaluate the cardiovascular characteristics of 16 untreated and asymptomatic patients with RTH compared with 16 euthyroid healthy controls to define the cardiovascular involvement in RTH syndrome. Patients and Methods Sixteen untreated and asymptomatic RTH patients (eight males; aged 33 ± 12 yr, range 21–45 yr) and 16 controls (nine males; aged 33 ± 5 yr, range 24–42 yr) were enrolled. Clinical data, thyroid status, and echocardiographic results were recorded. Results Heart rate was comparable with that of controls, whereas arterial pressure was higher than controls. Mean interventricular septum diastolic thickness and mean left ventricular (LV) posterior wall diastolic thickness were significantly lower in RTH patients than controls with a consequent significant decrease of the mean LV mass and LV mass indexed by body surface area. Patients also had abnormalities of myocardial relaxation as indicated by a significant increase of peak A and consequent reduction of the early to late ratio. Finally, systemic vascular resistance was significantly higher in RTH patients than controls. Conclusions Our results suggest the presence of cardiovascular alterations in asymptomatic and untreated RTH patients similar to those reported in hypothyroid patients. Our strict selection likely created a bias in the inclusion of a particular type of RTH patients, who could represent a minority of patients with RTH. However, no correlation was found between the type of mutation and cardiovascular characteristics of RTH patients.

Physicochemical, pasting and thermal properties of tuber starches as modified by guar gum and locust bean gum

SummaryThis study was carried out in order to compare the functional characteristics of isolated starch from five tuber crops, yam, taro, sweet potato, yam bean and potato, as well as effect of guar gum (GG) and locust bean gum (LBG) on pasting and thermal properties of tuber starches. The results showed that total amylose content of five tested starches ranged from 17.85% to 30.36%. The results of pasting behaviour showed that potato starches exhibited the highest peak viscosity and yam starch presented a stable curve with little breakdown viscosity. Addition of GG and LBG resulted in a significant increase in peak, final viscosity, breakdown and setback viscosity for all tuber starches (P &lt; 0.05), but a slight decrease in pasting temperature. The gelatinisation enthalpy (ΔH) for starches with GG and LBG was slightly lower than those of the starches alone in yam and sweet potato, but not in taro and yam bean.

P.2.c.006 Survival rates of maintenance treatment with venlafaxine extended-release in patients with somatic symptoms

The present study, by the use of in vivo electrochemical detection of 5-hydroxyindole (peak ‘3’) in the bulbo spinal serotonergic system at the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) level, investigated the effects of the new tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) tianeptine, which has been shown to be a specific serotonin (5-HT) uptake enhancer. It was found that acutely administered tianeptine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a marked significant increase in peak 3 within the dorsal horn, an in vivo observation which is in accordance with the biochemical properties of tianeptine as studied in forebrain structures. In addition, the effect of tianeptine on the morphine-induced increase in 5-HT metabolism was investigated, by comparison with the previous data obtained with the specific 5-HT uptake inhibitor femoxetine in the MDH. It was shown that tianeptine can display additive effect with morphine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) on 5-HT metabolism at the MDH level. These results are discussed in relation to the effects of classical TCAs and the particular properties of tianeptine.