Seawater carbonate chemistry, POC, PIC, TPC, SPM, N, TEP and growth rate during experiments with coccolithophores Emiliania huxleyi (AC472), Calcidiscus leptoporus (AC370) and Syracosphaera pulchra (AC418) during experiments, 2011

The response of three coccolithophores (Emiliania huxleyi, Calcidiscus leptoporus and Syracosphaera pulchra) to elevated partial pressure (pCO2) of carbon dioxide was investigated in batch cultures. For the first time, we also report on the response of the non calcifying (haploid) life stage of these three species. The growth rate, cell size, inorganic (PIC) and organic carbon (POC) of both life stages were measured at two different pCO2 (400and 760 ppm) and their organic and inorganic carbon production calculated. The two lifestages within the same species generally exhibited a similar response to elevated pCO2, theresponse of the haploid stage being often more pronounced than that of the diploid stage. Thegrowth rate was consistently higher at higher pCO2 but the response of other processes varied among species. The calcification rate of C. leptoporus and of S. pulchra did not change at elevated pCO2 while increased in E. huxleyi. The POC production as well as the cell size of both life stages of S. pulchra and of the haploid stage of E. huxleyi markedly decreased at elevated pCO2. It remained unaltered in the diploid stage of E. huxleyi and C. leptoporus and increased in the haploid stage of the latter. The PIC:POC ratio increased in E. huxleyi and was constant in C. leptoporus and S. pulchra. These results suggest that the non-calcifying stage, is more responsive than the calcifying stage and that the most versatile genera will proliferate in a more acidic ocean rather than all coccolithophores will decline.

Kinematic and heart rate demands in 4x4 vs 7x7 small sided games in professional soccer players

Comparación de las variables cinemáticas y de frecuencia cardiaca en dos posesiones en fútbol

Heart rate recovery in elite Spanish male athletes

Recuperación de la frecuencia cardiaca en atletas varones españoles During postexercise recovery, heart rate (HR) initially falls rapidly, followed by a period of slower decrease, until resting values are reached. The aim of the present work was to examine the differences in the recovery heart rate (RHR) between athletes engaged in static and dynamic sports.

Influencia del ejercicio físico desarrollado durante el embarazo en la respuesta cardiaca fetal = Influence of a physical activity program performed during pregnancy on fetal heart response

INTRODUCCIÓN: El riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares y los índices de obesidad infantil han ido en aumento durante los últimos años empobreciendo la salud de la población. La Teoría de Barker relaciona el estado de salud de la madre con el desarrollo fetal, asociando a un deficiente estado físico y hábitos de vida negativos de la mujer embarazada con el aumento del riesgo de padecer cardiopatías en la infancia y adolescencia, así como predisponer al recién nacido a padecer sobrepeso y/u obesidad en su vida posterior. Por otro lado los estudios efectuados sobre ejercicio físico durante el embarazo reportan beneficios para salud materna y fetal. Uno de los parámetros más utilizados para comprobar la salud fetal es su frecuencia cardiaca, mediante la que se comprueba el buen desarrollo del sistema nervioso autónomo. Si se observa este parámetro en presencia de ejercicio materno podría encontrarse una respuesta crónica del corazón fetal al ejercicio materno como consecuencia de una adaptación y mejora en el funcionamiento del sistema nervioso autónomo del feto. De esta forma podría mejorar su salud cardiovascular intrauterina, lo que podría mantenerse en su vida posterior descendiendo el riesgo de padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares en la edad adulta. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la influencia de un programa de ejercicio físico supervisado en la frecuencia cardiaca fetal (FCF) en reposo y después del ejercicio materno en relación con gestantes sedentarias mediante la realización de un protocolo específico. Conocer la influencia de un programa de ejercicio físico en el desarrollo del sistema nervioso autónomo fetal, relacionado con el tiempo de recuperación de la FCF. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se diseñó un ensayo clínico aleatorizado multicéntrico en el que participaron 81 gestantes (GC=38, GE=43). El estudio fue aprobado por el comité ético de los hospitales que participaron en el estudio. Todas las gestantes fueron informadas y firmaron un consentimiento para su participación en el estudio. Las participantes del GE recibieron una intervención basada en un programa de ejercicio físico desarrollado durante la gestación (12-36 semanas de gestación) con una frecuencia de tres veces por semana. Todas las gestantes realizaron un protocolo de medida de la FCF entre las semanas 34-36 de gestación. Dicho protocolo consistía en dos test llevados a cabo caminando a diferentes intensidades (40% y 60% de la frecuencia cardiaca de reserva). De este protocolo se obtuvieron las principales variables de estudio: FCF en reposo, FCF posejercicio al 40 y al 60% de intensidad, tiempo de recuperación de la frecuencia cardiaca fetal en ambos esfuerzos. El material utilizado para la realización del protocolo fue un monitor de frecuencia cardiaca para controlar la frecuencia cardiaca de la gestante y un monitor fetal inalámbrico (telemetría fetal) para registrar el latido fetal durante todo el protocolo. RESULTADOS: No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la FCF en reposo entre grupos (GE=140,88 lat/min vs GC= 141,95 lat/min; p>,05). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el tiempo de recuperación de la FCF entre los fetos de ambos grupos (GE=135,65 s vs GC=426,11 s esfuerzo al 40%; p<,001); (GE=180,26 s vs GC=565,61 s esfuerzo al 60%; p<,001). Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la FCF posejercicio al 40% (GE=139,93 lat/min vs GC=147,87 lat/min; p<,01). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la FCF posejercicio al 60% (GE=143,74 lat/min vs GC=148,08 lat/min; p>,05). CONLUSIÓN: El programa de ejercicio físico desarrollado durante la gestación influyó sobre el corazón fetal de los fetos de las gestantes del GE en relación con el tiempo de recuperación de la FCF. Los resultados muestran un posible mejor funcionamiento del sistema nervioso autónomo en fetos de gestantes activas durante el embarazo. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The risk to suffer cardiovascular diseases and childhood obesity index has grown in the last years worsening the health around the population. Barker´s Theory related maternal health with fetal development establishing an association between a poorly physical state and an unhealthy lifestyle in the pregnant woman with the risk to suffer heart disease during childhood and adolescence, childhood overweight and/or obese is related to maternal lifestyle. By the other way researches carried out about physical exercise and pregnancy show benefits in maternal and fetal health. One of the most studied parameters to check fetal health is its heart rate, correct fetal autonomic nervous system development and work is also corroborated by fetal heart rate. Looking at this parameter during maternal exercise a chronic response of fetal heart could be found due to an adaptation and improvement in the working of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore its cardiovascular health could be enhanced during its intrauterine life and maybe it could be maintained in its posterior life descending the risk to suffer cardiovascular diseases in adult life. OBJECTIVES: To know the influence of a supervised physical activity program in the fetal heart rate (FHR) at rest, FHR after maternal exercise related to sedentary pregnant women by a FHR assessment protocol. To know the influence of a physical activity program in the development of the autonomic nervous system related to FHR recovery time. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A multicentric randomized clinical trial was design in which 81 pregnant women participated (CG=38, EG=43). The study was approved by the ethics committee of all of the hospitals participating in the study. All of the participants signed an informed consent for their participation in the study. EG participants received an intervention based on a physical activity program carried out during gestation (12-36 gestation weeks) with a three days a week frequency. All of the participants were tested between 34-36 weeks of gestation by a specific FHR assessment protocol. The mentioned protocol consisted in two test performed walking and at a two different intensities (40% and 60% of the reserve heart rate). From this protocol we obtained the main research variables: FHR at rest, FHR post-exercise at 40% and 60% intensity, and FHR recovery time at both walking test. The material used to perform the protocol were a FH monitor to check maternal HR and a wireless fetal monitor (Telemetry) to register fetal beats during the whole protocol. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in FHR at rest between groups (EG=140,88 beats/min vs CG= 141,95 beats/min; p>,05). There were statistical differences in FHR recovery time in both walking tests between groups (EG=135,65 s vs CG=426,11 s test at 40% intensity; p<,001); (EG=180,26 s vs CG=565,61 s test at 60% intensity; p<,001). Statistical differences were found in FHR post-exercise at 40% intensity between groups (EG=139,93 beats/min vs CG=147,87 beats/min; p<,01). No statistical differences were found in FHR at rest post-exercise at 60% intensity between groups (EG=143,74 beats/min vs CG=148,08 beats/min; p>,05). CONCLUSIONS: The physical activity program performed during gestation had an influence in fetal heart of the fetus from mother in the EG related to FHR recovery time. These results show a possible enhancement on autonomic nervous system working in fetus from active mothers during gestation.

The Formation of an Insulin-responsive Vesicular Cargo Compartment Is an Early Event in 3T3-L1 Adipocyte Differentiation

Differentiating 3T3-L1 cells exhibit a dramatic increase in the rate of insulin-stimulated glucose transport during their conversion from proliferating fibroblasts to nonproliferating adipocytes. On day 3 of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation, basal glucose transport and cell surface transferrin binding are markedly diminished. This occurs concomitant with the formation of a distinct insulin-responsive vesicular pool of intracellular glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and transferrin receptors as assessed by sucrose velocity gradients. The intracellular distribution of the insulin-responsive aminopeptidase is first readily detectable on day 3, and its gradient profile and response to insulin at this time are identical to that of GLUT1. With further time of differentiation, GLUT4 is expressed and targeted to the same insulin-responsive vesicles as the other three proteins. Our data are consistent with the notion that a distinct insulin-sensitive vesicular cargo compartment forms early during fat call differentiation and its formation precedes GLUT4 expression. The development of this compartment may result from the differentiation-dependent inhibition of constitutive GLUT1 and transferrin receptor trafficking such that there is a large increase in, or the new formation of, a population of postendosomal, insulin-responsive vesicles.

Mutation in bone morphogenetic protein receptor-IB is associated with increased ovulation rate in Booroola Mérino ewes

Ewes from the Booroola strain of Australian Mérino sheep are characterized by high ovulation rate and litter size. This phenotype is due to the action of the FecBB allele of a major gene named FecB, as determined by statistical analysis of phenotypic data. By genetic analysis of 31 informative half-sib families from heterozygous sires, we showed that the FecB locus is situated in the region of ovine chromosome 6 corresponding to the human chromosome 4q22–23 that contains the bone morphogenetic protein receptor IB (BMPR-IB) gene encoding a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) receptor family. A nonconservative substitution (Q249R) in the BMPR-IB coding sequence was found to be associated fully with the hyperprolificacy phenotype of Booroola ewes. In vitro, ovarian granulosa cells from FecBB/FecBB ewes were less responsive than granulosa cells from FecB+/FecB+ ewes to the inhibitory effect on steroidogenesis of GDF-5 and BMP-4, natural ligands of BMPR-IB. It is suggested that in FecBB/FecBB ewes, BMPR-IB would be inactivated partially, leading to an advanced differentiation of granulosa cells and an advanced maturation of ovulatory follicles.

Deficiency of retinoblastoma protein leads to inappropriate S-phase entry, activation of E2F-responsive genes, and apoptosis.

The retinoblastoma susceptibility gene (Rb) participates in controlling the G1/S-phase transition, presumably by binding and inactivating E2F transcription activator family members. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with no, one, or two inactivated Rb genes were used to determine the specific contributions of Rb protein to cell cycle progression and gene expression. MEFs lacking both Rb alleles (Rb-/-) entered S phase in the presence of the dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor methotrexate. Two E2F target genes, dihydrofolate reductase and thymidylate synthase, displayed elevated mRNA and protein levels in Rb- MEFs. Since absence of functional Rb protein in MEFs is sufficient for S-phase entry under growth-limiting conditions, these data indicate that the E2F complexes containing Rb protein, and not the Rb-related proteins p107 and p130, may be rate limiting for the G1/S transition. Antineoplastic drugs caused accumulation of p53 in the nuclei of both Rb+/+ and Rb-/- MEFs. While p53 induction led to apoptosis in Rb-/- MEFs, Rb+/- and Rb+/+ MEFs underwent cell cycle arrest without apoptosis. These results reveal that diverse growth signals work through Rb to regulate entry into S phase, and they indicate that absence of Rb protein produces a constitutive DNA replication signal capable of activating a p53-associated apoptotic response.

Growth responses of sugarcane to mycorrhizal spore density and phosphorus rate

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, commonly found in long-term cane-growing fields in northern Queensland, are linked with both negative and positive growth responses by sugarcane ( Saccharum spp.), depending on P supply. A glasshouse trial was established to examine whether AM density might also have an important influence on these growth responses. Mycorrhizal spores ( Glomus clarum), isolated from a long-term cane block in northern Queensland, were introduced into a pasteurised low-P cane soil at 5 densities ( 0, 0.06, 0.25, 1, 4 spores/g soil) and with 4 P treatments ( 0, 8.2, 25, and 47 mg/kg). At 83 days after planting, sugarcane tops responded positively to P fertilizer, although responses attributable to spore density were rarely observed. In one case, addition of 4 spores/g led to a 53% yield response over those without AM at 8 mg P/kg, or a relative benefit of 17 mg P/kg. Root colonisation was reduced for plants with nil or 74 mg P/kg. For those without AM, P concentration in the topmost visible dewlap ( TVD) leaf increased significantly with fertiliser P (0.07 v. 0.15%). However, P concentration increased further with the presence of AM spores. Irrespective of AM, the critical P concentration in the TVD leaf was 0.18%. This study confirms earlier reports that sugarcane is poorly responsive to AM. Spore density, up to 4 spores/g soil, appears unable to influence this responsiveness, either positively or negatively. Attempts to gain P benefits by increasing AM density through rotation seem unlikely to lead to yield increases by sugarcane. Conversely, sugarcane grown in fields with high spore densities and high plant-available P, such as long-termcane-growing soils, is unlikely to suffer a yield reduction from mycorrhizal fungi.

Evaluation of resynchronization of contractile function following biventricular pacing using colour tissue Doppler imaging

Biventdcular (BV) pacing is evaluated as an alternative treatment for patients with dilated cardiomyppathy (both ischemic and non-ischemic) and end-stage heart failure. Colour tissue Doppler imaging using echocardiography allows noninvasive, quantitative assessment of radial motion in the long-axis with measurement of peak systolic velocity timing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate quantitatively, the systolic performance of the left ventricle and the resynchrenization of contraction (before vs after implantation). Patients and methods: 25 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (11 ischemic), NYHA class III or IV, QRS duration >120 ms received a biventricular pacemaker. Routine 2D echo and colour tissue Doppler imaging were performed before and within 1 week following implantation. LVEF was assessed using the biplane Sampson's method.Peak systolic velocity (PSV) and time to PSV (TPV) were assessed in 4 regions (basal anterior, inferior, lateral and septal). By averaging the TPV from all 4 regions, a synchronization index was dedved from these measurements. Reaults: LVEF improved by 9±9% following pacing; 17 patients improved LVEF 5% or more. The change in PSV in the septal and lateral regions related significantly to the change in LVEF (r=0.74, r=0.62).The change in synchronization index before vs after pacing (as a measurement of REsynchronization) was related to the change in LVEF (y=120x+5.6, r=0.79, P

Timing continuous or discontinuous movements across effectors specified by different pacing modalities and intervals

Sensorimotor synchronization is hypothesized to arise through two different processes, associated with continuous or discontinuous rhythmic movements. This study investigated synchronization of continuous and discontinuous movements to different pacing signals (auditory or visual), pacing interval (500, 650, 800, 950 ms) and across effectors (non-dominant vs. non-dominant hand). The results showed that mean and variability of asynchronization errors were consistently smaller for discontinuous movements compared to continuous movements. Furthermore, both movement types were timed more accurately with auditory pacing compared to visual pacing and were more accurate with the dominant hand. Shortening the pacing interval also improved sensorimotor synchronization accuracy in both continuous and discontinuous movements. These results show the dependency of temporal control of movements on the nature of the motor task, the type and rate of extrinsic sensory information as well as the efficiency of the motor actuators for sensory integration.

Un nuovo modello computazionale di fibra di Purkinje umana: dal modello medio alla popolazione di modelli e ritorno.

Il lavoro presentato in questa tesi è stato svolto presso il Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, durante il mio periodo all’estero nel Computational Biology Group. Scopo del presente lavoro è stato lo sviluppo di un modello matematico del potenziale d’azione per cellule umane cardiache di Purkinje. Tali cellule appartengono al sistema di conduzione elettrico del cuore, e sono considerate molto importanti nella genesi di aritmie. Il modello, elaborato in linguaggio Matlab, è stato progettato utilizzando la tecnica delle Popolazione di Modelli, un innovativo approccio alla modellazione cellulare sviluppato recentemente proprio dal Computational Biology Group. Tale modello è stato sviluppato in 3 fasi: • Inizialmente è stato sviluppato un nuovo modello matematico di cellula umana del Purkinje cardiaco, tenendo in considerazione i modelli precedenti disponibili in letteratura e le più recenti pubblicazioni in merito alle caratteristiche elettrofisiologiche proprie della cellula cardiaca umana di Purkinje. Tale modello è stato costruito a partire dall’attuale gold standard della modellazione cardiaca ventricolare umana, il modello pubblicato da T. O’Hara e Y. Rudy nel 2011, modificandone sia le specifiche correnti ioniche che la struttura interna cellulare. • Il modello così progettato è stato, poi, utilizzato come “modello di base” per la costruzione di una popolazione di 3000 modelli, tramite la variazione di alcuni parametri del modello all’interno di uno specifico range. La popolazione così generata è stata calibrata sui dati sperimentali di cellule umane del Purkinje. A valle del processo di calibrazione si è ottenuta una popolazione di 76 modelli. • A partire dalla popolazione rimanente, è stato ricavato un nuovo modello ai valori medi, che riproduce le principali caratteristiche del potenziale d’azione di una cellula di Purkinje cardiaca umana, e che rappresenta il dataset sperimentale utilizzato nel processo di calibrazione.

“Saved by the Pacing Catheter”: Gigantic Right Atrial Thromboembolus as a Cause of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (PE) related to the presence of right heart thromboemboli entails a higher mortality rate than PE alone. Furthermore, right heart thromboemboli are often associated with deep venous thrombosis. The most effective therapy for haemodynamically stable patients remains unknown, although recent data suggest that thrombolytic therapy is associated with a better outcome. We describe the case of an 83-year-old woman, hospitalized with PE consequent to right heart thrombus-in-transit, in whom investigation revealed a concomitant deep venous thrombosis. She required thrombolysis, given the high mortality risk that is traditionally associated with this clinical entity.

Satisfação do utente, percepção da doença e atitudes face aos técnicos de saúde: estudo em utentes da consulta de seguimento de portadores de pacemaker e CDI.

Tese submetida como requisito parcial para a obtenção do grau de Mestre em Psicologia Aplicada Especialidade em Psicologia Clínica

Comportamiento metabólico, fisiológico y electrocardiográfico en trabajadores expuestos a altas temperaturas en una empresa líder en la explotación y coquización del carbón en Boyacá, Colombia, 2016

Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre la exposición ocupacional a altas temperaturas o sobrecarga térmica con el comportamiento fisiológico, metabólico y electrocardiográfico. Métodos: estudio de corte transversal, donde se incluyeron dos grupos (expuesto y no expuesto a altas temperaturas) en una empresa minera, en el departamento de Boyacá, Colombia, en el año 2016. El número de participantes fue de 160 trabajadores del género masculino, grupo expuesto (n=86) y grupo no expuesto (n=74). La exposición ocupacional a sobrecarga térmica se evaluó con el índice de temperatura de globo y bulbo húmedo (TGBH), el comportamiento fisiológico con el índice de costo cardiaco relativo (ICCR) con mediciones de frecuencia cardiaca (FC), el comportamiento metabólico con la determinación del colesterol total (CT), colesterol de alta densidad (C-HDL), colesterol de baja densidad (C-LDL), triglicéridos (TG) y glicemia basal (GL). Las alteraciones electrocardiográficas con la toma de Electrocardiograma de 12 derivaciones. También fueron evaluadas variables antropométricas, tensión arterial, hábitos y antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular en ambos grupos. Resultados: incrementos significativos del ICCR (p<0.001) y la carga física (p<0.001) fueron encontrados en los trabajadores expuestos a altas temperaturas. Los índices lipídicos y glicemia, así como los antecedentes personales cardiovasculares, IMC, consumo de cigarrillo y consumo de alcohol, no mostraron significancia. El antecedente familiar de ACV (p=0.043) y el EKG alterado (p=0.011) mostraron una asociación significativa con la exposición a altas temperaturas. El modelo de regresión lineal múltiple explicó la relación entre el incremento del ICCR y la exposición a altas temperaturas (β=4,213, IC 95%: 1.57,6.85) ajustado por variables fisiológicas y electrocardiográficas. Conclusiones: La exposición ocupacional a altas temperaturas, presenta asociación con las alteraciones cardiovasculares a nivel fisiológico y electrocardiográfico, aumentando el ICCR y la carga física de trabajo (GE trabajo).

Trattamento transcatetere e chirurgico della stenosi valvolare aortica severa in Hesperia Hospital Modena nella seconda decade del ventunesimo secolo

Scopo Confrontare il trattamento transcatetere (TAVI) balloon-expandable con il trattamento chirurgico di sostituzione valvolare aortica (AVR) della stenosi valvolare aortica severa (SVAS) nella pratica clinica real world. Materiali e metodi Nel decennio 2010-2020, 1486 pazienti con SVAS isolata sono stati sottoposti a AVR (n=1049) o TAVI balloon-expandable (n=437) presso Hesperia Hospital Modena. Sono stati analizzati la Mortality nell’intera popolazione e gli episodi di ricovero cardiovascolare nei 5 anni precedenti e durante il follow-up nella popolazione residente in Emilia Romagna (n=1196) al momento della procedura (AVR n=879, TAVI balloon-expandable n=317). Risultati La popolazione TAVI è risultata mediamente più anziana di quella AVR (età media 82.2 vs. 72.7 anni) e maggiormente gravata da comorbidità. L’In-hospital mortality è stata del 1.4% nella AVR e 2.1% nella TAVI (pNS). La sopravvivenza a 5 anni è stata del 85.74% nella AVR e del 59.45% nella TAVI, con la TAVI come fattore predittivo di All-cause mortality (HR 1.44 95%CI 1.14-1.82). La riospedalizzazione per Heart Failure a 5 anni è stata del 20.6% per AVR e 51.3% per TAVI, con dialisi preoperatoria (HR 5.67 95%CI 3.06-10.49) come principale fattore predittivo. Il tasso di All Stroke a 5 anni è stato del 3.7% nella AVR e del 7.5% nella TAVI, con fibrillazione atriale preoperatoria come principale fattore predittivo (HR 1.91 95%CI 1.06-3.45). Il tasso di angioplastica coronarica percutanea (PCI) a 5 anni è stato del 3.1% sia nella AVR che nella TAVI, con previous PCI come principale fattore predittivo (HR 4.86 95%CI 2.57-9.21). L’impianto di pacemaker a 30 giorni è stato del 2.9% nella AVR e 3.4% nella TAVI (pNS). Conclusioni Nella pratica clinica real-world 2010-2020 di un centro cardiochirurgico a medio volume, la TAVI balloon-expandable ha mostrato una eccellente performance a 30 giorni in confronto con la AVR, che invece ha evidenziato una migliore performance durante follow-up.