Hematological parameters and anaerobic threshold in Brazilian soccer players throughout a training program

We assessed the responses of hematological parameters and their relationship to the anaerobic threshold of Brazilian soccer players during a training program. Twelve athletes were evaluated at the beginning (week 0, T1), in the middle (week 6, T2), and at the end (week 12, T3) of the soccer training program. On the first day at 7:30 AM, before collecting the blood sample at rest for the determination of the hematological parameters, the athletes were conducted to the anthropometric evaluation. On the second day at 8:30 AM, the athletes had their anaerobic threshold measured. Analysis of variance with Newman-Keuls`post hoc was used for statistical comparisons between the parameters measured during the soccer training program. Correlations between the parameters analyzed were determined using the Pearson`s correlation coefficient. Erythrocytes concentration, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were significantly increased from T1 to T2. The specific soccer training program led to a rise in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit from T1 to T2. We assumed that these results occurred due to the plasma volume reduction and may be explained by the soccer training program characteristics. Furthermore, we did not observe any correlation between the anaerobic threshold and the hematological parameters.

Trigeminal pain and quantitative sensory testing in painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy

Objective: To evaluate patients with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 and painful peripheral neuropathy in order to investigate oral complaints and facial somatosensory findings. Research design and methods: Case-control study; 29 patients (12 women, mean age 57.86 yo) with Diabetes Mellitus type 2 and 31 age-gender-matched controls were evaluated with a standardized protocol for general characteristics, orofacial pain, research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders, visual analogue scale and McGill Pain questionnaire, and a systematic protocol of quantitative sensory testing for bilateral facial sensitivity at the areas innervated by the trigeminal branches, which included the thermal detection by ThermoSensi 2, tactile evaluation with vonFrey filaments, and superficial pain thresholds with a superficial algometer (Micromar). Statistical analysis was performed with Wilcoxon, chi-square, confidence intervals and Spearman (p < 0.05). Results: Orofacial pain was reported by 55.2% of patients, and the most common descriptor was fatigue (50%); 17.2% had burning mouth. Myofascial temporomandibular disorders were diagnosed in 9(31%) patients. The study group showed higher sensory thresholds of pain at the right maxillary branch (p = 0.017) but sensorial differences were not associated with pain (p = 0.608). Glycemia and HbA(1c) were positively correlated with the quantitative sensory testing results of pain (p < 0.05) and cold (p = 0.044) perceptions. Higher pain thresholds were correlated with higher glycemia and glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.027 and p = 0.026). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of orofacial pain and burning mouth was the most common complaint. The association of loss of pain sensation and higher glycemia and glycated hemoglobin can be of clinical use for the follow-up of DM complications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oculometric parameters of hyperopia in children with esotropic amblyopia

Purpose: To study the oculometric parameters of hyperopia in children with esotropic amblyopia, comparing amblyopic eyes with fellow eyes. Methods: Thirty-seven patients (5-8 years old) with bilateral hyperopia and esotropic amblyopia underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including cycloplegic refraction, keratometry and A-scan ultrasonography. Anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous chamber depth and total axial length were recorded. The refractive power of the crystalline lens was calculated using Bennett`s equations. Paired Student`s t-tests were used to compare ocular biometric measurements between amblyopic eyes and their fellow eyes. The associations of biometric parameters with refractive errors were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and linear regression. Multivariable models including axial length, corneal power and lens power were also constructed. Results: Amblyopic eyes were found to have significantly more hyperopic refraction, less corneal power, greater lens power, shorter vitreous chamber depth and shorter axial length, despite similar anterior chamber depth and lens thickness. The strongest correlation with refractive error was observed for the axial length/corneal radius ratio (r(36) = -0.92, p < 0.001 for amblyopic and r(36) = 0.87, p < 0.001 for fellow eyes). Axial length accounted for 39.2% (R(2)) of the refractive error variance in amblyopic eyes and 35.5% in fellow eyes. Adding corneal power to the model increased R(2) to 85.7% and 79.6%, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between axial length and corneal power, indicating decreasing corneal power with increasing axial length, and they were similar for amblyopic eyes (r(36) = 0.53,p < 0.001) and fellow eyes (r(36) = -0.57, p < 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was also found between axial length and lens power, indicating decreasing lens power with increasing axial length (r(36) = -0.72, p < 0.001 for amblyopic eyes and r(36) = -0.69, p < 0.001 for fellow eyes). Conclusions: We observed that the correlation among the major oculometric parameters and their individual contribution to hyperopia in esotropic children were similar in amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes. This finding suggests that the counterbalancing effect of greater corneal and lens power associated with shorter axial length is similar in both eyes of patients with esotropic amblyopia.

Physiologic parameters that affect pulse transit time difference between the upper and lower limbs in children

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a known parameter that is related to arterial distensibility. However, its potential is hampered by the absence of appropriate techniques to estimate it noninvasively. PWV can be used as an assessment of increased arterial stiffness that is linked to systolic hypertension, excess cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.(1,2)

Comparison of Quantitative T-Wave Alternans Profiles of Healthy Subjects and ICD Patients

Background: Current relevance of T-wave alternans is based on its association with electrical disorder and elevated cardiac risk. Quantitative reports would improve understanding on TWA augmentation mechanisms during mental stress or prior to tachyarrhythmias. However, little information is available about quantitative TWA values in clinical populations. This study aims to create and compare TWA profiles of healthy subjects and ICD patients, evaluated on treadmill stress protocols. Methods: Apparently healthy subjects, not in use of any medication were recruited. All eligible ICD patients were capable of performing an attenuated stress test. TWA analysis was performed during a 15-lead treadmill test. The derived comparative profile consisted of TWA amplitude and its associated heart rate, at rest (baseline) and at peak TWA value. Chi-square or Mann-Whitney tests were used with p values <= 0.05. Discriminatory performance was evaluated by a binary logistic regression model. Results: 31 healthy subjects (8F, 23M) and 32 ICD patients (10F, 22M) were different on baseline TWA (1 +/- 2 mu V; 8 +/- 9 mu V; p < 0.001) and peak TWA values (26 +/- 13 mu V; 37 +/- 20 mu V; p = 0,009) as well as on baseline TWA heart rate (79 +/- 10 bpm; 67 +/- 15 bpm; p < 0.001) and peak TWA heart rate (118 +/- 8 bpm; 90 +/- 17 bpm; p < 0.001). The logistic model yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 88.9% and 92.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Healthy subjects and ICD patients have distinct TWA profiles. The new TWA profile representation (in amplitude-heart rate pairs) may help comparison among different research protocols. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2009;14(2):108-118.

Image reconstruction affects computer tomographic assessment of lung hyperinflation

Objectives: Lung hyperinflation may be assessed by computed tomography (CT). As shown for patients with emphysema, however, CT image reconstruction affects quantification of hyperinflation. We studied the impact of reconstruction parameters on hyperinflation measurements in mechanically ventilated (MV) patients. Design: Observational analysis. Setting: A University hospital-affiliated research Unit. Patients: The patients were MV patients with injured (n = 5) or normal lungs (n = 6), and spontaneously breathing patients (n = 5). Interventions: None. Measurements and results: Eight image series involving 3, 5, 7, and 10 mm slices and standard and sharp filters were reconstructed from identical CT raw data. Hyperinflated (V-hyper), normally (V-normal), poorly (V-poor), and nonaerated (V-non) volumes were calculated by densitometry as percentage of total lung volume (V-total). V-hyper obtained with the sharp filter systematically exceeded that with the standard filter showing a median (interquartile range) increment of 138 (62-272) ml corresponding to approximately 4% of V-total. In contrast, sharp filtering minimally affected the other subvolumes (V-normal, V-poor, V-non, and V-total). Decreasing slice thickness also increased V-hyper significantly. When changing from 10 to 3 mm thickness, V-hyper increased by a median value of 107 (49-252) ml in parallel with a small and inconsistent increment in V-non of 12 (7-16) ml. Conclusions: Reconstruction parameters significantly affect quantitative CT assessment of V-hyper in MV patients. Our observations suggest that sharp filters are inappropriate for this purpose. Thin slices combined with standard filters and more appropriate thresholds (e.g., -950 HU in normal lungs) might improve the detection of V-hyper. Different studies on V-hyper can only be compared if identical reconstruction parameters were used.

A quantitative and morphometric study of mast cells in cutaneous leishmaniasis

Background Mast cells (MCs) are related with healing process in chronic inflammatory diseases, although in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) its importance is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation of MC with clinical findings in patients with the localized form of CL. Methods A cohort of 85 patients with CL was evaluated. MCs count was performed in pre-treatment biopsies and correlation with clinical findings and Leishmania species determined by PCR were performed. Results The MCs count in patients with CL caused by Leishmania (V.) braziliensis was 14.3 +/- 9.8 cells/mm(2), and 7.0 +/- 6.5 cells/mm(2) in patients with L. (L.) amazonensis (P < 0.05). The linear regression of MCs count with the age showed a tendency of cell number decreasing, according to ageing of the patient (r(2) = 0.05; P < 0.05). The association of disease`s duration and MCs count was positive (r(2) = 0.11; P < 0.05). There was not any association of MCs count with number of lesions neither with Leishmania antigen expression. The MCs count was higher in patients with earlier healing after treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion MC can be important in CL and related with healing lesion.

Magnetic resonance imaging of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome: Correlation with clinical findings and electrophysiological investigation

Objective: To compare clinical evaluation, electrophysiological investigation and magnetic resonance findings in assessing the severity of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients and methods: Seventy-four patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome were prospectively recruited. Clinical evaluation included symptoms severity score and two-point discrimination, sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities were determined by electroneuromyography and imaging parameters were obtained after wrist magnetic resonance. The Wilcoxon test was used to define the differences between measurements of median nerve area. The Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were used to determine the relationships between all the measured parameters. Results: Cross-sectional area of median nerve was smaller at hamate level than at radio-ulnar joint and pisiform levels (p < 0.001). With exception of median nerve area at hamate level, there was a lower degree of correlation between MRI parameters and findings obtained by clinical assessments and electrophysiological measurements. The median nerve area at hamate level correlated negatively with duration of symptoms, two-point discrimination, symptoms severity score and positively with sensory nerve conduction velocity (P < 0.01). Conclusion: In patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, median nerve area measured by wrist magnetic resonance at hamate level may be considered as a valuable indicator to grading the severity of disease. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A quantitative coronary angiography-matched comparison between a prospective randomised multicentre cutting balloon angioplasty and bare metal stent trial (REDUCE III) and the Rapamycin-Eluting Stent Evaluation At Rotterdam Cardiology Hospital (RESEARCH) study

Aims: There remains significant concern about the long-term safety of drug-eluting stents (DES). However, bare metal stents (BMS) have been used safely for over two decades. There is therefore a pressing need to explore alternative strategies for reducing restenosis with BMS. This study was designed to examine whether IVUS-guided cutting balloon angioplasty (CBA) with BMS could convey similar restenosis rates to DES. Methods and results: In the randomised REstenosis reDUction by Cutting balloon angioplasty Evaluation (REDUCE III) study, 521 patients were divided into four groups based on device and IVUS use before BMS (IVUS-CBA-BMS: 137 patients; Angio-CBA-BMS: 123; IVUS-BA-BMS: 142; and Angio-BA-BMS: 119). At follow-up, the IVUS-CBA-BMS group had a significantly lower restenosis rate (6.6%) than the other groups (p=0.016). We performed a quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) based matched comparison between an IVUS-guided CBA-BMS strategy (REDUCE III) and a DES strategy (Rapamycin-Eluting-Stent Evaluation At Rotterdam Cardiology. Hospital, the RESEARCH study). We matched the presence of diabetes, vessel size, and lesion severity by QCA. Restenosis (>50% diameter stenosis at follow-up) and target vessel revascularisation (TVR) were examined. QCA-matched comparison resulted in 120-paired lesions. While acute gain was significantly greater in IVUS-CBA-BMS than DES (1.65 +/- 0.41 mm vs. 1.28 +/- 0.57 mm, p=0.001), late loss was significantly less with DES than with IVUS-CBA-BMS (0.03 +/- 0.42 mm vs. 0.80 +/- 0.47 mm, p=0.001). However, no difference was found in restenosis rates (IVUS-CBA-BMS: 6.6% vs. DES: 5.0%, p=0.582) and TVR (6.6% and 6.6%, respectively). Conclusions: An IVUS-guided CBA-BMS strategy yielded restenosis rates similar to those achieved by DES and provided an effective alternative to the use of DES.

The role of physiological understanding in plant breeding; From a breeding perspective

The role of physiological understanding in improving the efficiency of breeding programs is examined largely from the perspective of conventional breeding programs. Impact of physiological research to date on breeding programs, and the nature of that research, was assessed from (i) responses to a questionnaire distributed to plant breeders and physiologists, and (ii) a survey of literature abstracts. Ways to better utilise physiological understanding for improving breeding programs are suggested, together with possible constraints to delivering beneficial outcomes. Responses from the questionnaire indicated a general view that the contribution by crop physiology to date has been modest. However, most of those surveyed expected the contribution to be larger in the next 20 years. Some constraints to progress perceived by breeders and physiologists were highlighted. The survey of literature abstracts indicated that from a plant breeding perspective, much physiological research is not progressing further than making suggestions about possible approaches to selection. There was limited evidence in the literature of objective comparison of such suggestions with existing methodology, or of development and application of these within active breeding programs. It is argued in this paper that the development of outputs from physiological research for breeding requires a good understanding of the breeding program(s) being serviced and factors affecting its performance. Simple quantitative genetic models, or at least the ideas they represent, should be considered in conducting physiological research and in envisaging and evaluating outputs. The key steps of a generalised breeding program are outlined, and the potential pathways for physiological understanding to impact on these steps are discussed. Impact on breeding programs may arise through (i) better choice of environments in which to conduct selection trials, (ii) identification of selection criteria and traits for focused introgression programs, and (iii) identifying traits for indirect selection criteria as an adjunct to criteria already used. While many breeders and physiologists apparently recognise that physiological understanding may have a major role in the first area, there appears to be relatively Little research activity targeting this issue, and a corresponding bias, arguably unjustified, toward examining traits for indirect selection. Furthermore, research on traits aimed at crop improvement is often deficient because key genetic parameters, such as genetic variation in relevant breeding populations and genetic (as opposed to phenotypic) correlations with yield or other characters of economic importance, are not properly considered in the research. Some areas requiring special attention for successfully interfacing physiology research with breeding are discussed. These include (i) the need to work with relevant genetic populations, (ii) close integration of the physiological research with an active breeding program, and (iii) the dangers of a pre-defined or narrow focus in the physiological research.

Voiding Dysfunction in Patients With Parkinson`s Disease: Impact of Neurological Impairment and Clinical Parameters

Aims: We assessed the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) of patients with Parkinson`s disease (PD) and their association with different clinical parameters. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 110 patients (84 men), with a mean age of 61.8 +/- 9.6 years. Mean duration of the disease was 12.3 +/- 7.2 years. Neurological impairment was assessed by the Hoehn-Yahr and the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating scales. LUTS were assessed by the International Continence Society questionnaire. We evaluated the impact of age, PD duration, neurological impairment, gender, and use of anti-Parkinsonian drugs on the voiding function. Results: On multivariate analysis, voiding dysfunction increased with the neurological impairment, but not with patient`s age or disease duration. Quality of life (QOL) was affected by the severity of LUTS, and the symptoms with the worst impact were frequency and nocturia. Sixty-three (57.2%) patients were symptomatic. They did not differ with the asymptomatic as to age and disease duration, but had more severe neurological impairment. No impact on LUTS was associated with the use of levodopa, anticholinergics, and dopamine receptor agonists. Men and women were similarly affected by urinary symptoms. Conclusions: The severity of the neurological disease is the only predictive factor for the occurrence of voiding dysfunction, which affects men and women alike. Neztrourol. Urodynam. 28.510-515, 2009. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A quantitative chemiluminescent method for studying replicative and stress-induced premature senescence in cell cultures

beta-Galactosidase (beta-Gal) activity is a widely accepted biomarker to detect senescence both in situ and in vitro. A cytochemical assay based on production of a blue-dyed precipitate that results from the cleavage of the chromogenic substrate X-Gal is commonly used. Blue and nonblue cells are counted under the microscope and a semiquantitative percentage of senescent cells can be obtained. Here, we present a quantitative, fast, and easy to use chemiluminescent assay to detect senescence. The Galacton chemiluminescent method used to detect the prokaryotic beta-Gal reporter enzyme in transfection studies was adapted to assay mammalian beta-Gal. The assay showed linear production of luminescence in a time- and cell-number-dependent manner. The chemiluminescent assay showed significant correlation with the cytochemical assay in detecting replicative senescence (Pearson r = 0.8486, p < 0.005). Moreover, the chemiluminescent method (Galacton) also detected stress-induced senescence in cells treated with H2O2 similar to the cytochemical assay (X-Gal) (Galacton: control 25.207.3 +/- 6548.6. H2O, 52,487.4 +/- 16,284.9, p < 0.05; X-Gal: control 41.31 +/- 7.0%, H2O2 92.97 +/- 2.8%, p < 0.01). Thus, our method is well suited to the detection of replicative and stress-induced senescence in cell culture. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Qualitative and Quantitative Real Time Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography for Detecting Hibernating Myocardium

Background: Real time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) is an emerging imaging modality for assessing myocardial perfusion that allows for noninvasive quantification of regional myocardial blood flow (MBF). Aim: We sought to assess the value of qualitative analysis of myocardial perfusion and quantitative assessment of myocardial blood flow (MBF) by RTMCE for predicting regional function recovery in patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: Twenty-four patients with coronary disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < 45%) underwent RTMCE before and 3 months after CABG. RTMCE was performed using continuous intravenous infusion of commercially available contrast agent with low mechanical index power modulation imaging. Viability was defined by qualitative assessment of myocardial perfusion as homogenous opacification at rest in >= 2 segments of anterior or >= 1 segment of posterior territory. Viability by quantitative assessment of MBF was determined by receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis. Results: Regional function recovery was observed in 74% of territories considered viable by qualitative analysis of myocardial perfusion and 40% of nonviable (P = 0.03). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of qualitative RTMCE for detecting regional function recovery were 74%, 60%, 77%, and 56%, respectively. Cutoff value of MBF for predicting regional function recovery was 1.76 (AUC = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.62-0.92). MBF obtained by RTMCE had sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 50%, positive predictive value of 75%, and negative predictive value of 78%. Conclusion: Qualitative and quantitative RTMCE provide good accuracy for predicting regional function recovery after CABG. Determination of MBF increases the sensitivity for detecting hibernating myocardium. (Echocardiography 2011;28:342-349).

On the dynamics of mechanical milling in a vibratory mill

The dynamics of mechanical milling in a vibratory mill have been studied by means of mechanical vibration, shock measurements, computer simulation and microstructural evolution measurements. Two distinct modes of ball motion during milling, periodic and chaotic vibration, were observed. Mill operation in the regime of periodic vibration, in which each collision provides a constant energy input to milled powders, enabled a quantitative description of the effect of process parameters on system dynamics. An investigation of the effect of process parameters on microstructural development in an austenitic stainless steel showed that the impact force associated with collision events is an important process parameter for characterizing microstructural evolution. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.