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Evidence for a major gene influencing 7-year increases in diastolic blood pressure with age
1995-11-01
The contribution of genetic factors to blood pressure levels is well established. The contribution of genes to the longitudinal change in blood pressure has been less well studied, because of the lack of longitudinal family data. The present study investigated a possible major-gene effect on the observed increase with age in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels. Subjects included 965 unmedicated adults (age {ge}18 years) in 73 pedigrees collected in Utah as part of a longitudinal cardiovascular family study. Segregation analysis of DBP change over 7.2 years of follow-up identified a recessive major-gene effect with a gene frequency of p = .23. There was also a significant age effect on the genotypic means, which decreased expression of the major gene at older ages. For those inferred to have the genotype responsible for large DBP increases, DBP increased 32.3%, compared with a 1.5% increase in the nonsusceptible group (P < .0001). The relative risk of developing hypertension between the susceptible and nonsusceptible groups after 7.2 years was 2.4 (P = .006). Baseline DBP reactivities to mental arithmetic (P < .0001) and isometric hand-grip (P < .0001) stress tests were greatest in those assigned to the susceptible genotype. We conclude that age-related changes in DBP are influenced by a major gene. Characteristics of this major-gene effect for greater age-related blood pressure increases include greater reactivity to mental and physical stressors. The present study thus provides evidence for genetic control of changes in blood pressure, in addition to the previously suggested genetic control of absolute blood pressure level. 28 refs., 6 tabs.
2010-01-01
We examined the possible protective effect of TASK-1 (TWIK-related acid-sensitive potassium channel-1, kcnk3) and -3 potassium channels during stroke. TASK-1 and TASK-3, members of the two pore domain (K2P or kcnk) potassium channel family, form hetero or homodimers and help set the resting membrane potential. We used male TASK-1 and TASK-3 knockout mice in a model of focal cerebral ischemia, permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Infarct volume was measured 48 h after pMCAO. The TASK-1 knockout brains had larger infarct volumes (P=0.004), and those in TASK-3 knockouts were unchanged. As the TASK-1 gene is expressed in adrenal gland, heart and possibly blood vessels, the higher infarct volumes in the TASK-1 knockout mice could be due to TASK-1 regulating blood vessel tone and ...
... hypotension, hypertension (including transient increases of blood pressure) ... In addition, blood samples were drawn for ... PI product in influencing the course of ...
CURRICULUM VITAE - Jeanne Freeland-Graves
... of rate of change in blood pressure reveals QTLs ... Genes influencing insulin resistance have pleiotropic effects ... The influence of nutrition attitudes and beliefs ...
Draft Guidance for Industry: Pre-Storage Leukocyte Reduction of ...
... collection and filtration; filtration time, pressure, and temperature ... Connecting Device (STCD) in Blood Bank Practice ... E, Berlin G. Factors influencing white cell ...
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:202937
Elevated blood pressure is a common, heritable cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. To date, identification of common genetic variants influencing blood pressure has proven challenging. We tested 2.5 million genotyped and imputed SNPs for association with systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 34,433 subjects of European ancestry from the Global BPgen consortium and followed up findings with direct genotyping (N <= 71,225 European ancestry, N <= 12,889 Indian Asian ancestry) and in silico comparison (CHARGE consortium, N 29,136). We identified association between systolic or diastolic blood pressure and common variants in eight regions near the CYP17A1 (P = 7 x 10(-24)), CYP1A2 (P = 1 x 10(-23)), FGF5 (P = 1 x 10(-21)), SH2B3 (P = 3 x 10(-18)), MTHFR (P = 2 x 10(-13)), c10orf107 (P = 1 x 10(-9)), ZNF652 (P = 5 x 10(-9)) and PLCD3 (P = 1 x 10(-8)) genes. All variants associated with continuous blood pressure were associated with dichotomous hypertension. These associations between common variants and blood pressure and hypertension offer mechanistic insights into the regulation of blood pressure and may point to novel targets for interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease. Publisher: Nature Publishing Group Contributor: Axton, M. Coverage: 2009-06-01T00:00:00Z
Association of blood pressure and PCB level in Yusho patients
1985-02-01
Correlations of blood polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels or PCB patterns and blood pressures were studied in 59 patients with Yusho (PCB poisoning) above 40 years old. In spite of the passage of 13 years from the onset, 52.5% of these patients still have PCB levels higher than the range found in the general population. The frequency of hypertension in the patients was 16.9%, a value similar to that expected on the basis of the rate for a population of the same age and sex compositions. As an independent variable, the blood pressure of patients was not associated with blood PCB levels and PCB patterns. No PCB blood pressure association was confirmed in 20 patients with PCB levels persistently higher than 5 ppb for 9 years. On the other hand, age, obesity and habitual alcohol intake, known influencing factors for hypertension, tended to be positively associated with elevated blood pressure in these Yusho patients.
2010-01-01
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT bull At rest, b-adrenoreceptor antagonists lower peripheral systolic blood pressure (SBP) but have less effect on central SBP. bull Effects of b-adrenoreceptor antagonists on central and peripheral blood pressure during exercise are unknown. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS bull This study shows that acute b-blockade in healthy normotensive subjects markedly reduces peripheral SBP by 20 mmHg during moderate exercise but has no significant effect on central SBP. bull The differential effect of b-blockade on central and systolic blood pressure is not completely explained by reduction in heart rate. Beta-blockade may blunt dilation of muscular arteries, influencing peripheral amplification during exercise. BACKGROUND Differential effects of b-adrenoreceptor antago...
Blood Products Advisory Committee BP and Pulse
... sensitivity which, in turn, is influenced by age ... of vasovagal reactions in blood donors: influence of sex ... age, donation status, weight, blood pressure, and pulse ...
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:122297
Objectives The role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in the elderly is unclear. This study has examined differences between clinic and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in a large cohort of older hypertensives, with particular respect to the factors influencing the direction and magnitude of this difference. Design The Second Australian National Blood Pressure Study (ANBP2) is a general practice-based randomized-outcome trial in 6083 older hypertensives treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or diuretic-based regimen. Before starting treatment a subset of 713 patients (age range 65-83 years) had a 'successful' 26-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording with a SpaceLabs 90207 (TM) recorder. Results Average clinic BP (+/- SD) was 167 +/- 12/ 90 +/- 8 mmHg. Average daytime ambulatory BP was 157 +/- 15*/89 +/- 10* mmHg and night ambulatory BP was 137 +/- 16(+)/74 +/- 10(+) mmHg (different from clinic BP: *P < 0.01;from daytime ambulatory BP: P+ < 0.001). Twenty-one to 45% of all patients had higher daytime systolic or diastolic ambulatory BP than clinic readings, with smoking, previous treatment for hypertension and lower clinic BP being the main predictors of this 'reverse white-coat effect. Conclusions Although mean daytime ambulatory blood pressures were lower than clinic readings in this large cohort of untreated older hypertensives, a substantial proportion showed the reverse of the so-called 'white-coat effect'. These findings identify the important role for ABPM in the elderly, not only for avoiding overtreatment in those with typical 'white-coat hypertension' but also for ensuring adequate treatment is given to those with the reverse of this phenomenon. J Hypertens 20:639-644 (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Coverage: 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z
Early vascular phenotypes in the genesis of hypertension
2010-01-01
Cardiovascular complications occurring in adults find their roots in risk factors operating early in life. Among the factors influencing cardiovascular risk, blood pressure values in children represent an important measurable marker of the level of potential cardiovascular risk later in life because the levels are both the cause and the consequence of early vascular alterations. Early vascular phenotypes represent a field of great interest, and they can be studied through indirect assessment using non-invasive techniques. Estimations of blood pressure components, pulse wave velocity, and reflecting waves provide valuable information that can be easily recorded and repeated over time. A direct assessment, carried out by examining the umbilical vessels, can add further valuable information. ...
http://hdl.handle.net/2440/6190
(C) 2002 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.OBJECTIVES: The role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in the elderly is unclear. This study has examined differences between clinic and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in a large cohort of older hypertensives, with particular respect to the factors influencing the direction and magnitude of this difference. DESIGN: The Second Australian National Blood Pressure Study (ANBP2) is a general practice-based randomized-outcome trial in 6083 older hypertensives treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or diuretic-based regimen. Before starting treatment a subset of 713 patients (age range 65-83 years) had a 'successful' 26-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording with a SpaceLabs 90207 recorder. RESULTS: Average clinic BP (+/- SD) was 167 +/- 12/90 +/- 8 mmHg. Average daytime ambulatory BP was 157 +/- 15*/89 +/- 10* mmHg and night ambulatory BP was 137 +/- 16+/74 +/- 10+ mmHg (different from clinic BP: *P < 0.01;from daytime ambulatory BP: +P < 0.001). Twenty-one to 45% of all patients had higher daytime systolic or diastolic ambulatory BP than clinic readings, with smoking, previous treatment for hypertension and lower clinic BP being the main predictors of this 'reverse white-coat effect'. CONCLUSIONS: Although mean daytime ambulatory blood pressures were lower than clinic readings in this large cohort of untreated older hypertensives, a substantial proportion showed the reverse of the so-called 'white-coat effect'. These findings identify the important role for ABPM in the elderly, not only for avoiding overtreatment in those with typical 'white-coat hypertension' but also for ensuring adequate treatment is given to those with the reverse of this phenomenon.L.M. Wing, M.A. Brown, L.J. Beilin, P. Ryan and C.M. Reid Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Contributor: School of Population Health and Clinical Practice : Public Health Other identifier: Journal of Hypertension, 2002; 20 (4):639-644; 0263-6352; 0020020789; 000174960500020 Language: en_US Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11910298
2010-01-01
Management of blood pressure (BP) in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving dialysis (stage 5D) provides a significant challenge for healthcare professionals. The association between BP and cardiovascular disease risk has been well studied in the general population; however, in dialysis patients, physiological and dialysis-related mechanisms influencing BP are complex, and the associated risk is poorly understood. In stage 5D, BP is determined by the complex interplay of fluid volume and prescription of post-dialysis target weight, sodium load, the renin–angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems, and diverse exogenous factors, such as administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, the type and timing of administration of antihypertensive drugs, and dialysate compositi...
Circulatory abnormalities in cirrhosis with focus on neurohumoral aspects.
1997-01-01
Patients with cirrhosis exhibit characteristic hemodynamic changes with a hyperkinetic circulation and an abnormal distribution of the blood volume and neurohumoral regulation. Their plasma and noncentral blood volumes are increased, and the central and arterial blood volume and systemic vascular resistance are decreased. A peripheral arterial vasodilatation may be of pathogenic importance to the low systemic vascular resistance as it directly correlates to the degree of central hypovolemia. It may therefore be an important element in the development of the low arterial blood pressure and hyperkinetic circulation in cirrhosis. Various vasodilators such as atrial natriurectic peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, adrenomedullin, and nitric oxide are among potential candidates in the arterial vasodilatation in cirrhosis. Besides enhanced sympathetic nervous activity, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and elevated circulating vasopressin, endothelin-1 may also be implicated in the hemodynamic counter-regulation in cirrhosis. Recent research has focused on the assertion that the hemodynamic and neurohumoral abnormalities in cirrhosis are part of a general circulatory dysfunction influencing the course of the disease.
Haemodynamics and fluid retention in liver disease.
1998-01-01
Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension exhibit characteristic haemodynamic changes with a hyperkinetic systemic circulation, an abnormal distribution of the blood volume and neurohumoral dysregulation. Their plasma and noncentral blood volumes are increased, but the central and arterial blood volume and systemic vascular resistance are decreased. A systemic and splanchnic vasodilatation is of pathogenic importance to the low systemic vascular resistance and abnormal volume distribution. These are important elements in the development of the low arterial blood pressure and hyperkinetic circulation in cirrhosis. Various vasodilators such as nitric oxide, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and adrenomedullin are among potential candidates in the vasodilatation in cirrhosis. Besides reflex induced enhanced sympathetic nervous activity, activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and elevated circulation vasopressin, endothelin-1 may also be implicated in the haemodynamic counter-regulation in cirrhosis. Recent research has focused on the assertion that the haemodynamic and neurohumoral abnormalities in cirrhosis are part of a general circulatory dysfunction, influencing the course of the disease with reduction of kidney function and sodium-water retention as the outcome.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after 1 year on valsartan or amlodipine-based treatment: a VALUE substudy.
2007-01-01
OBJECTIVE: The ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring substudy of the Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-term Use Evaluation (VALUE) trial was carried out in a subset of patients from USA, Italy and Denmark. ABP was measured after 1 year in the trial, with the aim of evaluating comparability of ABP levels on valsartan (VAL) and amlodipine (AML)-based regimens. METHODS: ABP was measured every 20 min during a 25-h period after morning administration of medicine; 659 patients were available for intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: Office blood pressure (BP) differences were smaller than in the main study and mean ABP levels also showed only minor differences between the two regimens (VAL, 132.5/74.8 mmHg; AML, 131.5/75.2 mmHg). However, during the first 7 h after dosing, ABP was lower on VAL, whereas AML exerted a significantly stronger effect during the last 4 h of the dosing interval--possibly influencing the differences in office BP found in the main study. Mean heart rate (HR) was higher on AML (72.3 bpm) than on VAL (70.5 bpm) (P = 0.013), suggesting a sustained difference in sympathetic activation. Correlation analysis showed a close relationship between treated ABP levels and the occurrence of combined cardiovascular endpoints--superior to the relationship to office BP. CONCLUSIONS: In these elderly high-risk patients, diastolic ABP levels tended to be less predictive than systolic, and daytime less predictive than night-time for all cardiovascular endpoints. The findings underline the importance of ABP substudies in comparative trials for elucidating significant differences in pharmacodynamics, and stresses the superior predictive power of ABP.
1988-11-01
Basic factors influencing the metabolism of intervertebral discs of rabbits were quantitatively analyzed based on the water metabolism. The blood flow surrounding the intervertebral disc was calculated using pharmacokinetic concepts from the data obtained by time-related tritiated water distribution analyses. The blood flow was estimated as 0.056 (mg/min/mg tissue) in the anterior annulus, 0.106 in the posterior annulus, 0.120 in the lateral annulus, and 0.084 in the nucleus pulposus, respectively (Experiment 1). Water content and fixed charge density in the intervertebral disc fractions also were measured (Experiment 2). The cations and uncharged small solutes transported into the disc tissue ranged in descending order from nucleus pulposus, lateral annulus, posterior annulus, to anterior annulus. The authors also calculated theoretically the swelling pressure of the proteoglycan in the intervertebral disc fractions from the results of Experiment 2. It was concluded that swelling pressure was highest in the nucleus pulposus, and lowest in the anterior annulus. The water in the posterior annulus is less exchangeable than in the other disc tissue fractions.
Factors influencing success and failures in radiotherapy and cost of cancer treatment
1980-01-01
Cure in cancer can be defined in terms of disease free interval following initial therapy. Disease free interval of four to five years has only 1% year chance of relapse and therefore can be said to have achieved a cure. Various factors influencing success of radiotherapy are discussed. They are : cell type, host site and tissues infiltrated, oxygenation of tumour cells, radiosensitisation of tumour, patient's condition as to anemia and blood pressure, beam quality, increasing radiosensitivity by using ultrasound simultaneously with radiotherapy, fractionated irradiation, dose rate and treatment planning. Two common causes of failure are undetected metastases and local recurrence or incomplete sterilisation of the treated volume. Factors which may lead to incomplete sterilisation are enumerated. Taking into consideration the cost of various components of ... >>
Association between arterial stiffness and cerebrovascular resistance in the elderly
2010-01-01
Arterial stiffness is an established cardiovascular risk factor influencing haemodynamic properties in the microcirculation. We tested the hypothesis that increased arterial stiffness is associated with an increase in cerebrovascular resistance in the elderly. Brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), using arterial tonometry, and anterior cerebral blood flow (aCBF), using extracranial ultrasound, were measured in 26 participants (67–92 years). Non-parametric statistics examined relationships between age, blood pressure, baPWV, cerebrovascular resistance (CVRi) and aCBF. Bivariate analysis suggested that baPWV was the only vascular characteristic associated with CVRi (rs=0.59; P=0.002). CVRi was strongly correlated with aCBF (rs=−0.89; P
A biometrical genome-scan in rats reveals the multigenic basis of blood pressure variation
1994-09-01
Well-designed breeding programs involving model organisms and modern DNA marker technologies have the potential to reveal loci whose evolutionary homologs influence human traits. Researchers investigating particular human traits can exploit this fact by studying the genetic basis of those traits in model organisms in an effort to gain insight into which genes might be influencing the trait in humans. This strategy is especially useful for researchers studying human quantitative traits (QTs), since the genetic architecture of human QTs is complex enough to preclude easy characterization with limited extant human gene mapping tools. We performed a genome-wide search for loci influencing salt-loaded systolic blood pressure (NaSBP) in 188 F2 rats produced from a Brown-Norway x Spontaneously Hypertensive rat cross. From genotype information available at 184 marker loci dispersed throughout the rat genome, we were able to determine 6 loci that collectively explain some 43% of the total NaSBP variation exhibited by our F2 progeny. Our results not only shed light on potential candidate loci for human BP variation, but also suggest that the genetic basis of classically-defined polygenic traits of higher organisms may yield to modern biometrical analyses in controlled settings.
On the physical factors influencing on the bone mineral density of the elderly
1992-01-01
Individual characteristics such as sex, age, height and weight have been considered as the factors influencing bone mineral density (BMD). The purpose of this study is to analyze the relation between these factors and the data of BMD obtained from 387 healthy old persons (176 males and 211 females) at the age of 65 and over who are living in an urban community in a western suburb of Tokyo and chosen by randomized sampling. BMD of the third lumbar spine from lateral projection using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the van was measured during a general health survey which included other physical examinations such as weight, height, blood pressure and so on. BMD obtained was analyzed in relation to these variables using both simple and multiple regression analyses. Standard regression coefficients showed that all physical variables had a significant relationship to BMD ... >>
1985-01-01
The management of neurosurgical diseases includes a number of measures influencing cerebral pressure, blood flow and metabolism such as hypothermia, hyperventilation, haemodilution, cerebral dehydration, administration of ganglion blockers, steroids, barbiturates - to mention only a few factors - the effect of which has not been proven, though. Combined use of current examination procedures and nuclear medical techniques will enable a critical review of some of these substances or measures in the future. Nuclear medical techniques serve to complement current procedures such as computerized tomography and angiography, thus providing new applications for diagnosis of, and clinical research into cerebral haemodynamics and cerebral metabolism. There is a need for more information about the relationship between the function, blood flow and metabolism of the human ... >>
Factors Influencing Dietary Protein Sources in the PREMIER Trial Population
2010-01-01
Previous research suggests that protein intake, particularly plant protein, may benefit blood pressure control. However, very little has been published regarding protein sources in diets of US adults and factors influencing these choices. The purpose of this report is to describe specific sources of animal and plant proteins in diets of PREMIER clinical trial participants at baseline and how the PREMIER intervention, along with participant demographics, affected protein sources. Adult participants (n=809) who completed the 18-month PREMIER lifestyle intervention trial and had at least one diet recall at each of three study visits were included. Participants were recruited from four clinical centers in the Eastern, Southern, and Northeastern regions of United States. The PREMIER trial, cond...
http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30019459
OBJECTIVE: We have previously shown in humans that local infusion of a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor into the femoral artery attenuates the increase in leg glucose uptake during exercise without influencing total leg blood flow. However, rodent studies examining the effect of NOS inhibition on contraction-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake have yielded contradictory results. This study examined the effect of local infusion of an NOS inhibitor on skeletal muscle glucose uptake (2-deoxyglucose) and capillary blood flow (contrast-enhanced ultrasound) during in situ contractions in rats. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Male hooded Wistar rats were anesthetized and one hindleg electrically stimulated to contract (2 Hz, 0.1 ms) for 30 min while the other leg rested. After 10 min, the NOS inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (arterial concentration of 5 µmol/l) or saline was infused into the epigastric artery of the contracting leg. RESULTS: Local NOS inhibition had no effect on blood pressure, heart rate, or muscle contraction force. Contractions increased (P < 0.05) skeletal muscle NOS activity, and this was prevented by L-NAME infusion. NOS inhibition caused a modest significant (P < 0.05) attenuation of the increase in femoral blood flow during contractions, but importantly there was no effect on capillary recruitment. NOS inhibition attenuated (P < 0.05) the increase in contraction-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake by ~35%, without affecting AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. CONCLUSIONS: NOS inhibition attenuated increases in skeletal muscle glucose uptake during contraction without influencing capillary recruitment, suggesting that NO is critical for part of the normal increase in skeletal muscle fiber glucose uptake during contraction. Publisher: American Diabetes Association Relation: isMemberOf: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences collection Coverage: 2007-12-01 Language: eng Rights: 2007, American Diabetes Association Inc
What does the neurosurgeon expect from nuclear medical brain examinations
1985-12-01
The management of neurosurgical diseases includes a number of measures influencing cerebral pressure, blood flow and metabolism such as hypothermia, hyperventilation, haemodilution, cerebral dehydration, administration of ganglion blockers, steroids, barbiturates - to mention only a few factors - the effect of which has not been proven, though. Combined use of current examination procedures and nuclear medical techniques will enable a critical review of some of these substances or measures in the future. Nuclear medical techniques serve to complement current procedures such as computerized tomography and angiography, thus providing new applications for diagnosis of, and clinical research into cerebral haemodynamics and cerebral metabolism. There is a need for more information about the relationship between the function, blood flow and metabolism of the human brain, especially in neurosurgical patients with craniocerebral traumas, tumours and cerebral ischemia.
Renal artery stenosis and stent treatment in patients with coronary artery disease
2002-01-01
Objective: To determine the factors related to renal artery stenosis (RAS) and value of renal stenting in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Clinical features, coronary risk factors, serum creatinine level and status of CAD were compared between 54 patients with RAS and 57 sex matched controls. Results: Patients in RAS group were older and had higher occurrence of renal dysfunction, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and coronary disease (especially multi-vessel disease), but the status of cigarette smoking and diabetes was similar. Forty-six patients with severe RAS (luminal narrowing >70%) underwent successful stent implantation. Two weeks after interventional treatment, renal function was improved in 26 patients and blood pressure was well controlled in 24. Conclusions: Age, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia are the factor influencing ... >>
Guideline for Quality Assurance in Blood Establishments
... that all systems and elements that influence the quality ... (INCLUDES BLOOD AND BLOOD COMPONENTS) ... water shall be supplied under continuous positive pressure in a ...
A current view of brain renin angiotensin system: Is the (pro)renin receptor the missing link?
2010-01-01
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in the brain to regulate blood pressure (BP). This role includes the modulation of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) that regulates vascular tone; the regulation of secretion of neurohormones that have a critical role in electrolyte as well as fluid homeostasis; and by influencing behavioral processes to increase salt and water intake. Based on decades of research it is clear that angiotensin II (Ang II), the major bioactive product of the RAS, mediates these actions largely via its Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), located within hypothalamic and brainstem control centers. However, the mechanisms of brain RAS function have been questioned, due in large part to low expression levels of the rate limiting enzyme renin within the central ner...
On the physical factors influencing on the bone mineral density of the elderly
1992-12-01
Individual characteristics such as sex, age, height and weight have been considered as the factors influencing bone mineral density (BMD). The purpose of this study is to analyze the relation between these factors and the data of BMD obtained from 387 healthy old persons (176 males and 211 females) at the age of 65 and over who are living in an urban community in a western suburb of Tokyo and chosen by randomized sampling. BMD of the third lumbar spine from lateral projection using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in the van was measured during a general health survey which included other physical examinations such as weight, height, blood pressure and so on. BMD obtained was analyzed in relation to these variables using both simple and multiple regression analyses. Standard regression coefficients showed that all physical variables had a significant relationship to BMD except the height in males. Standard regression coefficients of height and age for the males were the same, but height was evaluated to have slight influence on BMD by statistically. In a multiple regression analysis, the multiple correlation coefficient was somewhat lower in both sexes (males: R=0.448; females: R=0.381) than expected. Our analyses of these factors showed that there might be other possible factors influencing BMD regarding the elderly with the exception of age, sex, height and weight. (author).
The contribution of pleiotropy of blood pressure and body-mass index variation: The Gubbio study
1994-02-01
Blood pressure (BP), body-mass index (BMI), and quantitative phenotypes thought to influence BP (e.g., lithium-sodium countertransport activity) were studied in 2,184 households comprising 5,376 people in Gubbio, Italy. Variance-components models were used to partition the variation of these phenotypes into components characterizing the effects of age-related, measured environmental, additive genetic, pleiotropic, unmeasured shared-household, and individual-specific (or random) factors. The goal of the investigation was to estimate the contribution of pleiotropy to variation in BP and BMI in population-based samples. Although the results suggest that numerous significant bivariate genetic correlations exist between BP and some of the traits investigated, they ultimately lead to rejection of a prominent role for any individual bivariate pleiotropic system influencing the natural variation of BP. However, because the authors found evidence that many traits enter into small-impact pleiotropic relationships with BP, they cannot rule out the possibility that pleiotropic genes, when considered collectively, may contribute to BP variation at the population level. Similar results were obtained when BMI was taken as the primary variable of interest. The authors argue that the small but significant portion of BP variation explained by individual genes displaying bivariate pleiotropic effects is intuitive, in light of the relatively low heritabilities associated with quantitative cardiovascular phenotypes and the low phenotypic correlations between BP, BMI, and many other physiologically linked measures of cardiovascular function. The results not only bear directly on both the nature of the multifactorial determinants of BP and the maintenance of BP variation in the population genetics research. 37 refs., 5 tabs.
Renin secretion and total body sodium: Pathways of integrative control
2010-01-01
Abstract 1. We review mechanisms of sodium balance operating at constant mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), i.e., conditions where MABP does not provide the primary signal to the kidney. 2. Relative constancy of body fluids requires accurate regulation of total body sodium (TBS). Normally, plenty of sodium is ingested, and balance achieved by control of renal excretion driven by multiple central nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, and renal tubular mechanisms. Subtle changes in sodium balance are associated with parallel changes in extracellular volume (due to fast and precise osmoregulation), but not necessarily in MABP. Signals different from MABP, therefore, seem to be the primary link between TBS and kidney function. 3. Renal functions involved in sodium homeostasis include (i) the rate of glomerular filtration (GFR) determined by renal hemodynamics including tubulo-glomerular feedback (TGF), (ii) proximal tubular reabsorption involving glomerulo-tubular balance (GTB) and neurohumoral control, (iii) macula densa mechanisms influencing TGF and renin secretion, and (iv) distal tubular reabsorption dominated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). 4. The review focuses on the interactive, homeostatic operation of TBS, MABP, GTB, TGF, and RAAS. Regulation of sodium balance involves neurohumoral control of tubular sodium reabsorption, including proximal reabsorption. CNS-mediated regulation of the latter modulates renin secretion. Homeostatically, the RAAS-TGF interaction seems analogous to a spring/shock absorber set-up: Non-adaptive RAAS functions determine the new steady state position while TGF controls the rate of change. Recruitment of renin-secreting cells during sustained stimulation may be essential for chronic adaptation, although details of this afferent arteriolar cell plasticity presently are unclear.
http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2008.0221
Achieving adequate and appropriate recovery from exercise is essential in ensuring optimal performance during repeated bouts of exercise. The use of various recovery interventions has become popular in an attempt to enhance subsequent performance and accelerate post-exercise recovery. The application of various post-exercise hydrotherapy interventions has become increasingly popular, however, the majority of current recovery practices appear to be based largely on anecdotal evidence as opposed to rigorous scientific research or evidence based findings. Physiologically, various hydrotherapy protocols have been shown to affect the body via fluid shifts (interstitial to intravascular space), changes in blood flow and cardiovascular function, and reductions in oedema. The possible psychological effects of water immersion must also be considered, with athletes commonly reporting reduced sensations of fatigue and soreness following immersion. Current literature suggests both hydrostatic pressure and water temperature to be important factors influencing the success of hydrotherapy. The overall aim of the present thesis was to enhance current knowledge and understanding with regards to the physiological and performance effects of various forms of hydrotherapy, used as a post-exercise recovery intervention. Initially, four cold water immersion interventions were compared to active recovery, performed between two bouts of high intensity cycling in hot environmental conditions. Effectiveness of recovery was determined via performance in a subsequent exercise bout; in addition, core body temperature, lactate, and heart rate were recorded. The remaining studies were designed to investigate the effects of cold water immersion, hot water immersion, contrast water therapy, and passive recovery 4 (control) following exercise-induced fatigue and exercise-induced muscle damage. Rate of recovery was assessed through changes in performance, core body temperature, thigh girths, blood markers, and perceived exertion/soreness. The results of the combined studies indicate cold water immersion to be more effective than active recovery when performed immediately post-exercise between two bouts of high intensity cycling in hot environmental conditions. Additionally, both cold water immersion and contrast water therapy were effective in aiding recovery from exercise-induced fatigue and exercise-induced muscle damage. Performance variables indicated an improved maintenance or return of performance following these recovery protocols. The present studies have provided additional information to the limited knowledge base regarding the effect of post-exercise hydrotherapy interventions, specifically, the effect of such interventions on subsequent athletic performance. In conclusion, cold water immersion and contrast water therapy appear to be superior to hot water immersion, active recovery, and passive recovery following fatiguing and muscle damaging exercise. Functional and physiological recovery was enhanced following the use of these two recovery protocols. Publisher: University of Western Australia. School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health Language: eng Rights: Copyright Joanna Vaile; http://www.itpo.uwa.edu.au/UWA-Computer-And-Software-Use-Regulations.html
http://catalogue.flinders.edu.au./local/adt/public/adt-SFU20090828.154836
People living with end stage kidney disease require dialysis or kidney transplantation to maintain life. Of those receiving dialysis in Australia, most people receive this treatment in satellite haemodialysis centres that are nurse-run, community-based clinics. Nurses provide the majority of care in these clinics with little or no on-site medical support, yet there has been minimal research exploring nursing care, or perceptions of nurses, in the satellite haemodialysis context. The major aim of this study was to explore satellite dialysis nurses’ perceptions of quality care. Fundamental to this aim was the premise that to improve nursing care, nurses need to understand the factors influencing satellite dialysis nursing care. A critical ethnography exploring the culture of one satellite haemodialysis clinic, focusing on the nurse’s perception of quality was undertaken, with a focus on issues of power that influenced satellite dialysis nursing care. Over a period of twelve months, interviews with nurses, non-participant observation and document analysis were conducted. Of particular concern was the satellite dialysis nurses’ struggle with the dominant medical discourse of quantitative measurement of quality. Bourdieu’s notions of habitus, field and practice provided a vehicle to explore nurses’ dispositions that operated within the institutional conditions of the medicalised discourse and physical structure of the satellite dialysis environment. Findings about nurses’ perceptions of quality dialysis care were categorised into three broad themes: what is quality; what is not quality; and what affects quality. Nurses considered technical knowledge, technical skills and personal respect as characteristics of quality. Long-term blood pressure management and arranging transport for people receiving dialysis treatment were not seen to be quality priorities. The person receiving dialysis treatment, management, nurse and environment were considered major factors influencing and determining quality dialysis nursing care. Acceptance by nurses about their position and their reluctance to challenge medical power was revealed. Aspects of power and oppression operated for nurses and people receiving dialysis treatment within the satellite dialysis context, and this environment was perceived by the nurses as very different from hospital dialysis units. Bourdieu’s notions of habitus and subconscious reproduced practices were embedded in the satellite dialysis nurses’ behaviour and were conveyed to other nurses. In order to improve nursing care in this context, ten recommendations were proposed: 1) implementing a concordance nursing care model; 2) using a goal-setting framework; 3) increasing staff rotation between dialysis units; 4) improving satellite dialysis unit design; 5) educating satellite dialysis nurses in internet and database skills; 6) using new technologies in staff education programmes; 7) recognising increased patient acuity; 8) research exploring residential dialysis facilities; 9) introducing advanced practice nurses in a satellite collaborative model of care; and 10) requiring a structured programme of reflective practice. Facilitating change in dialysis nursing practice was fundamental to this study and consistent with a critical approach. New understandings for the nurses may not result in practice change however, unless there is a collective review and uptake of these practices. This study offers new knowledge about quality nursing in satellite haemodialysis units, enabling nurses to critically reflect on, and improve, the quality of care they provide. Publisher: Flinders University. Nursing and Midwifery Language: en Rights: http://www.flinders.edu.au/disclaimer/); Copyright Paul Norman Bennett
July 11, 2008 Transcripts - Blood Establishment Computer Software
... good or bad but I would say there's an influence. ... only about three of four here, of blood centers who ... competitive forces or because of the pressure coming from ...
7342.001 - Inspection of Licensed and Unlicensed Blood Banks ...
... provide confidence that all procedures/processes that influence product manufacture ... b)]; Failure to properly perform hemoglobin, blood pressure, or temperature ...
Guidance for Industry: Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetic ...
... tachypnea, hypocarbia, hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mm ... 99/transcpt/3504t2. pdf; FDA Blood Products Advisory ... Influence of sampling time of drug levels ...
... resistance when subjected to drug pressure should be ... and symptoms of malaria Blood smear for ... concomitant medication that could influence efficacy findings ...
Mathematical model of fluid flow in an osteon influence of cardiac system
2010-05-28
Numerical simulations of the behavior of the osteonal structure are more and more acute and an important parameter is the pressure of the bony fluid. Haversian and Volkmann canals contain blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients necessary for the cellular activity. The pressure in these vessels must be taken into account. While it is possible to estimate the value of this pressure, there is no information on the effect of the vessel wall that may have in the transmission of pressure.
Chairman's Summary - RECOTHROM
... RECOTHROMT toxicology studies were not influenced by neutralizing antibody responses in rabbits or ... of surgery (2% to 38%), and the high-pressure blood flow at ...
Draft Guidance on Selegiline _____
... c. Normotensive (resting blood pressure under 125/85) with no history of ... c. Medical history of condition that would significantly influence the immune response ...
CellPro Ceprate SC Stem Cell Concentration System
... Data Assessment: Post-infusional changes in blood pressure and heart rate were ... cells for bone marrow transplantation theoretically could influence the course ...
Recommendations to Users of Medical Devices that Test for ...
... all systems and elements that influence the quality ... be directed to the: Division of Blood Applications, HFM ... procedures; f) instructions for pressure problems; g ...
Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), BabyBIG
... Blood pressure increased ... the toxin type causing disease in a patient may be influenced by the circulating toxin (mainly through endogenous antibody production[2 ...
Pharmacology / Toxicology Review Memorandum - ARTISS
... of thrombin directly influences coagulation properties ... data if performed following serial blood collections in ... with increases in pulmonary filtration pressure. ...
7342.002 - Inspection of Source Plasma Establishments, Brokers ...
... that all procedures/processes that influence product manufacture and ... examinations, medical history questions, hemoglobin, blood pressure, temperature, total ...
Instability and "Sausage-String" Appearance in Blood Vessels during High Blood Pressure
A new Rayleigh-type instability is proposed to explain the `sausage-string' pattern of alternating constrictions and dilatations formed in blood vessels under influence of a vasoconstricting agent. Our theory involves the nonlinear elasticity characteristics of the vessel wall, and provides predictions for the conditions under which the cylindrical form of a blood vessel becomes unstable.
http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/2039/
Blood pressure, heart rate, and changes in facial and finger blood flow were monitored in 24 male Chinese and 24 male Caucasians while they described anger-provoking incidents and read out neutral material, either loudly and rapidly or softly and slowly. Describing the incidents loudly and rapidly heightened anger ratings and enhanced digital vasoconstriction but not blood pressure or heart rate; however, anger enhanced blood pressure during soft, slow speech. Facial blood flow increased during anger expression, irrespective of speech style, but decreased when neutral material was read out. The findings suggest that an increase in facial blood flow reduces peripheral vascular resistance during anger expression, and that baroreflexes attenuate increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Racial background did not influence subjective reports or physiological responses, possibly because the procedure did not draw strongly enough on cultural taboos. Publisher: Cambridge University Press Language: eng Source: Drummond, P.D. and Quah, S.H. (2001) The effect of expressing anger on cardiovascular reactivity and facial blood flow in Chinese and Caucasians. Psychophysiology, 38 (2). pp. 190-196. Rights: Society for Psychophysiological Research
http://hdl.handle.net/2440/1827
© The Company of Biologists Ltd 2004Changes in orientation in a gravitational field markedly alter the patterns of blood pressure and flow in animals, especially tall or long ones such as giraffes or snakes. Vertical orientation tends to reduce blood flow and pressure in the head for two major reasons. First, the increased vertical blood column above the heart creates a gravitational hydrostatic pressure against which the heart must work. Second, expansion of dependent vessels in the lower extremities causes blood pooling and reduces return of venous blood to the heart, thereby lowering flow and pressure. For most animals, it is difficult to separate these two effects, but snakes offer the possibility of bending the animal in the region of the heart and manipulating the two ends of the body independently. We studied baroregulatory responses in terrestrial pythons (Liasis fuscus) and aquatic file snakes (Acrochordus arafurae) by tilting only the front or rear parts and then the whole animal. Changes in head blood pressure during partial tilts added up to the change during full tilt. The vertical distance to the head had twice as much influence on head blood pressure than did blood pooling in the pythons and four times as much in file snakes. This accounts for the cephalad location of the heart in terrestrial species compared with aquatic onesRoger S. Seymour and Joachim O. Arndt Publisher: Company of Biologists Limited Other identifier: Journal of Experimental Biology, 2004; 207 (8):1305-1311; 0022-0949; 0020040368; 10.1242/jeb.00882; 000221066600009 Language: en_US
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:61441
Background Twin and family studies have shown that genetic effects explain a relatively high amount of the phenotypic variation in blood pressure. However, many studies have not been able to replicate findings of association between specific polymorphisms and diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Methods In a structural equation-modelling framework the authors investigated longitudinal changes in repeated measures of blood pressures in a sample of 298 like-sexed twin pairs from the population-based Swedish Twin Registry. Also examined was the association between blood pressure and polymorphisms in the angiotensin-I converting enzyme and the angiotensin 11 receptor type 1 with the 'Fulker' test Both linkage and association were tested simultaneously revealing whether the polymorphism is a Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) or in linkage disequilibrium with the QTL. Results Genetic influences explained up to 46% of the phenotypic variance in diastolic and 63% of the phenotypic variance in systolic blood pressure. Genetic influences were stable over time and contributed up to 78% of the phenotypic correlation in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Non-shared environmental effects were characterised by time specific influences and little transmission from one time point to the next. There was no significant linkage and association between the polymorphisms and blood pressure. Conclusions There is a considerable genetic stability in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure for a 6-year period of time in adult life. Non-shared environmental influences have a small long-term effect Although associations with the polymorphisms could not be replicated, results should be interpreted with caution due to power considerations. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Contributor: A. Zanchetti; G. Mancia Coverage: 2002-08-01T00:00:00Z
http://hdl.handle.net/2440/18970
Bibliography: leaves 216-239.xiv, 246 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.The aim of this thesis is to examine the relationship between vascular reactivity, contractile proteins and blood pressure development in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). In addition, the influence of angiotensin II on blood pressure and vascular structure and function is investigated.Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology, 1997 Language: en_US
http://hdl.handle.net/2440/14489
Copyright © 2002 The Physiological SocietyPostprandial hypotension occurs frequently in older people and may lead to syncope and falls. Some recent studies suggest that the magnitude of the postprandial fall in blood pressure (BP) is influenced by the rate of gastric emptying. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine whether the fall in blood pressure induced by intraduodenal glucose is influenced by the rate of nutrient delivery into the small intestine, bypassing the effects of gastric emptying. Eight healthy elderly subjects (four male and four female, age 70.3 ± 3.4 years) were studied on two separate days, in double-blind, randomised order. Glucose was infused intraduodenally at a rate of either 1 or 3 kcal min_1, for 60 min, (0–60 min) followed by 0.9 % saline for a further 60 min (60–120 min). Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at baseline and every 3 min during the study. Blood glucose and plasma insulin were also determined. Only the 3 kcal min_1 infusion caused a significant fall in systolic (P < 0.001) and diastolic (P < 0.0001) blood pressure and an increase in the heart rate (P < 0.0001). The rises in blood glucose (P < 0.01) and plasma insulin (P < 0.05) concentrations were greater during the 3 kcal min_1 infusion. We conclude that in healthy older subjects, the magnitude of the fall in blood pressure and increase in heart rate induced by intraduodenal glucose infusion is dependent on the rate of nutrient delivery into the small intestine. These results may have relevance to the treatment of postprandial hypotension.Postprandial hypotension occurs frequently in older people and may lead to syncope and falls. Some recent studies suggest that the magnitude of the postprandial fall in blood pressure (BP) is influenced by the rate of gastric emptying. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine whether the fall in blood pressure induced by intraduodenal glucose is influenced by the rate of nutrient delivery into the small intestine, bypassing the effects of gastric emptying. Eight healthy elderly subjects (four male and four female, age 70.3 ± 3.4 years) were studied on two separate days, in double-blind, randomised order. Glucose was infused intraduodenally at a rate of either 1 or 3 kcal min-1, for 60 min, (0-60 min) followed by 0.9 % saline for a further 60 min (60-120 min). Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded at baseline and every 3 min during the study. Blood glucose and plasma insulin were also determined. Only the 3 kcal min-1 infusion caused a significant fall in systolic (P < 0.001) and diastolic (P < 0.0001) blood pressure and an increase in the heart rate (P < 0.0001). The rises in blood glucose (P < 0.01) and plasma insulin (P < 0.05) concentrations were greater during the 3 kcal min-1 infusion. We conclude that in healthy older subjects, the magnitude of the fall in blood pressure and increase in heart rate induced by intraduodenal glucose infusion is dependent on the rate of nutrient delivery into the small intestine. These results may have relevance to the treatment of postprandial hypotension.Deirdre O’Donovan, Christine Feinle, Anne Tonkin, Michael Horowitz and Karen Louise Jones Publisher: Cambridge University Press Contributor: School of Medicine : Medicine; Medicine Learning and Teaching Unit Other identifier: Journal of Physiology, 2002; 540 (2):673-679; 0022-3751; 0020020717; 10.1113/jphysiol.2001.013442; 000175262900023 Language: en_US
Multiscale analysis of heart rate, blood pressure and respiration time series
2005-10-28
We present the multiscale entropy analysis of short term physiological time series of simultaneously acquired samples of heart rate, blood pressure and lung volume, from healthy subjects and from subjects with Chronic Heart Failure. Evaluating the complexity of signals at the multiple time scales inherent in physiologic dynamics, we find that healthy subjects show more complex time series at large time scales; on the other hand, at fast time scales, which are more influenced by respiration, the pathologic dynamics of blood pressure is the most random. These results robustly separate healthy and pathologic groups. We also propose a multiscale approach to evaluate interactions between time series, by performing a multivariate autoregressive modelling of the coarse grained time series: this analysis provides several new quantitative indicators which are statistically correlated with the pathology.
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/26852
The functional consequences of the G80A RFC SNP on the expressed reduced folate carrier protein were evaluated by looking at the relationship between intake of folate, plasma folate and cellular stores of the vitamin. The effect on homocysteine was also examined. Homocysteine is a thiol that is known to be inversely associated with folate, and which is considered to be both thrombo- and athrogenic. At high levels, homocysteine may also interfere with nitric oxide mediated vasodilation, cause oxidative injury to, and proliferation of the vascular endothelium, and alter the elastic properties of the vascular wall, contributing to increased blood pressure. Participants (119; 52 male, 67 female) from a NSW retirement village were assessed. Independent of gender, the assimilation of folate from dietary sources into red cells showed a significant association for GG (r = 0.399; p = 0.022) and GA (r = 0.564; p < 0.0001) subjects, but not homozygous recessive (AA) individuals (r = 0.223; p = 0.236). The same genotype based pattern of significance was shown for the association between dietary folate and plasma folate (GG: r = 0.524; p = 0.002, GA: r = 0.408; p = 0.002). No genotype-related pattern of significance was shown for the association between dietary folate and homocysteine. When examined by gender, some differences were apparent; one-way ANOVA showed that genotype influenced diastolic blood pressure in males (p = 0.019), while only females showed a significant correlation between dietary folate and blood pressure within specific genotypes (Systolic pressure GA: r = − 0.372; p = 0.025, carriage of A: r = 0.–0.357; p = 0.011. Diastolic pressure GA: r = − 0.355; p = 0.034, carriage of A: r = 0.–0.310; p = 0.029). The G80A RFC SNP had an impact on the absorption and cellular translocation of dietary folate and its association with blood pressure in an elderly population. Publisher: Elsevier Relation: Life Sciences Vol. 79, Issue 10, p. 957-966; 10.1016/j.lfs.2006.05.009 Other identifier: ISSN:0024-3205 Language:
Assessing circadian rhythms in propofol PK and PD during prolonged infusion in ICU patients
2010-06-01
Full Text Available.This study evaluates possible circadian rhythms during prolonged propofol infusion in patients in the intensive care unit. Eleven patients were sedated with a constant propofol infusion. The blood samples for the propofol assay were collected every hour during the second day, the third day, and after the termination of the propofol infusion. Values of electroencephalographic bispectral index (BIS), arterial blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation and body temperature were recorded every hour at the blood collection time points. A two-compartment model was used to describe propofol pharmacokinetics. Typical values of the central and peripheral volume of distribution and inter-compartmental clearance were VC = 27.7 l, VT = 801 l, and CLD = 2.73 l/min. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was found to influence the propofol metabolic clearance according to Cl (l/min) = 2.65·(1 − 0.00714·(SBP − 135)). There was no significant circadian rhythm detected with respect to propofol pharmacokinetics. The BIS score was assessed as a direct effect model with EC50 equal 1.98 mg/l. There was no significant circadian rhythm detected within the BIS scores. We concluded that the light–dark cycle did not influence propofol pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in intensive care units patients. The lack of night–day differences was also noted for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and blood oxygenation. Circadian rhythms were detected for heart rate and body temperature, however they were severely disturbed from the pattern of healthy patients.
http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/2117/
Facial flushing was studied in 38 young women who scored high or low on trait anger. To induce anger in the subjects, their task was to solve a difficult puzzle, with or without harassment from a female research assistant. Facial blood flow increased in response to provocation, together with increases in cardiovascular and electrodermal activity. Flushing was associated with large increases in electrodermal activity and small increases in diastolic blood pressure. Subjects high in trait anger reported most anger and embarrassment, but physiological activity did not differ from subjects with low trait anger. The findings suggest that sympathetically mediated vasodilatation in facial blood vessels competes with cutaneous vasoconstriction during anger. Unpleasant sensations of facial warmth might heighten aversive emotional experiences, but dilatation of facial blood vessels could also act as a type of 'safety valve' by opposing increases in blood pressure. An angry predisposition may influence the subjective experience of anger in women, but does not seem to have a major influence on physiological reactivity to mild provocation. Publisher: Cambridge University Press Language: eng Source: Drummond, P.D. (1999) Facial flushing during provocation in women. Psychophysiology, 36 (3). pp. 325-332. Rights: 1999 Society for Psychophysiological Research
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:171526
Background Reduced arterial compliance is reflective of vascular dysfunction, which promotes the atherosclerotic process, and is therefore an important predictor of vascular disease. In adults, obesity, age, aerobic fitness, oestrogens and race influence arterial compliance. Although stature and blood pressure are known to influence compliance in children, other determinants are less established. This investigation sought to determine the predictors of arterial compliance in children, assess the extent to which aerobic fitness is related to compliance, and compare compliance between girls and boys. Methods Participants (99 children aged 9–11 years, 55 boys) were assessed for aerobic fitness, physical activity level, blood pressure, body mass, percentage fat mass, height, maturity and arterial compliance (large and small). Predictors of compliance were determined using stepwise regression. Second, children were divided into quartiles according to fitness, and arterial compliance was compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Finally, differences in compliance between girls and boys were assessed using ANCOVA. Results We found that fitness, blood pressure and height accounted for 37% of the variance in large artery compliance. Mass, fitness, maturity and blood pressure accounted for 44% of the variance in small artery compliance. Children in the highest fitness quartile had greater compliance than children in the two lowest quartiles, by as much as 34%. There were no differences in compliance between girls and boys after adjusting for covariates. Discussion These data show that aerobic fitness is associated with arterial compliance in 9–11-year-old children, supporting the concept that physical fitness may exert a protective effect on the cardiovascular system. Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Coverage: 2005-01-01T00:00:00Z
2010-01-01
Previous studies have revealed sex differences in blood pressure (BP) regulation, pathophysiology of hypertension, and treatment responses to medication. On the other hand, low-dose aspirin has been shown to reduce BP when administered at bedtime, as opposed to upon awakening, in hypertensive subjects and pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia. The purpose of this research was to investigate the potential sex differences in the administration-time-dependent influence of aspirin on BP. We studied 130 men and 186 women with untreated mild hypertension, 44.1 +- 13.2 yrs of age, randomized to receive aspirin (100 mg/day) either on awakening or at bedtime daily for three months. BP was measured for 48 h before and after treatment. With ASA on awakening, ambulatory BP was unchanged in men and s...
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:141065
Heart rate and ventral aortic blood pressures were recorded from the Antarctic dragonfish,Gymnodraco acuticeps, a member of the family Bathydraconidae. At −1.0 °C, the resting heart rate was 17.4 beats per minute and the ventral aortic pressure was 3.4 kPa. Cholinergic and adrenergic tone on the heart was determined by administration of the muscarine and ß-adrenoreceptor antagonists, atropine and sotalol, respectively. Neither antagonist influenced ventral aorta blood pressure; however, injection of atropine resulted in a significant increase in heart rate, and sotalol a decrease in heart rate. The cholinergic tone accounted for 30% of intrinsic heart rate and the adrenergic tone 26% of intrinsic heart rate. Comparison of these cardiac data with those for other teleosts from a wide range of thermal environments revealed no significant correlation for either cholinergic or adrenergic tone with body temperature (i.e. thermal independence); however, the resting and intrinsic heart rate of teleosts were strongly correlated with temperature. Publisher: Springer-Verlag Coverage: 2000-12-01T00:00:00Z
Some proves of integrated influence of geomagnetic activity and weather changes on human health
2008-10-03
Our environment includes many factors, and each person on the Earth is permanently influenced by two of them: weather and magnetic field. It was found in the works of many investigators that the weather changes correlate with human health state. In the same time, disturbances of geomagnetic field (as one of the space weather manifestations) may influence bioobjects, including people. In this work we demonstrate the cumulative effect of different external factors (space weather and meteorological weather parameters) on human health on the base of medical experimental data (blood pressure and heart rate data rows for 86 people). It is shown that inclusion both solar-geomagnetic and weather parameters in simulation process give adjusting mixed parameter, which correlates with health state significantly better, than separated environmental parameters do.
http://hdl.handle.net/10072/29814
The population of Norfolk Island, located off the eastern coast of Australia, possesses an unusual and fascinating history. Most present-day islanders are related to a small number of the 'Bounty' mutineer founders. These founders consisted of Caucasian males and Polynesian females and led to an admixed present-day population. By examining a single large pedigree of 5742 individuals, spanning 4200 years, we analyzed the influence of admixture and founder effect on various cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related traits. On account of the relative isolation of the population, on average one-third of the genomes of present-day islanders (single large pedigree individuals) is derived from 17 initial founders. The proportion of Polynesian ancestry in the present-day individuals was found to significantly influence total triglycerides, body mass index, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. For various cholesterol traits, the influence of ancestry was less marked but overall the direction of effect for all CVD-related traits was consistent with Polynesian ancestry conferring greater CVD risk. Marker-derived homozygosity was computed and agreed with measures of inbreeding derived from pedigree information. Founder effect (inbreeding and marker-derived homozygosity) significantly influenced height. In conclusion, both founder effect and extreme admixture have substantially influenced the genetic architecture of a variety of CVD-related traits in this population. Publisher: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2009.111; Nature Publishing Group; England; http://www.nature.com/ejhg/ Relation: 1; European Journal of Human Genetics; 67; 72; N; 18 Format: 442161 bytes; application/pdf Other identifier: 1018-4813 Language: en_AU Rights: Copyright 2010 Nature Publishing Group. This is the author-manuscript version of this paper. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. Please refer to the journal website for access to the definitive, published version.; Y
Inverse lift in a flowing foam
2004-11-25
Planes fly thanks to the lift exerted by the net circulation of air flowing at high velocity around the airfoils. The explanation for this lift, and its relation with the shape and orientation of the airfoil, is a major achievement of aerodynamics. At low velocity, solid particles also experience lift, either in shear flows or in flows driven by pressure gradient in pipes (Poiseuille flows); and in interaction with walls (lift-off phenomenon), either in viscous or viscoelastic fluids: this influences significantly the rheology of suspensions in confined channels. Lift also occurs on deformable particles, especially in shear flows near walls, as in blood circulation through capillaries. Here, we study the flow of a foam past an airfoil. We observe that, surprisingly, the obstacle experiences a lift opposite to aerodynamics. Moreover, contrary to the drag, this lift hardly depends on the foam flow rate. We interpret it as a signature of the elastic properties of the foam. We argue and test experimentally that this result is likely a common feature of complex fluids exhibiting elasticity.
http://hdl.handle.net/2440/14483
None Available Other identifier: Journal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods. 38:157-167; 1056-8719; 0019980687 Language: en_US
http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:101290
None Available Publisher: Queensland Health Coverage: 2004-01-01T00:00:00Z
http://arrow.monash.edu.au/hdl/1959.1/85346
None Available Publisher: Blackwell Publishing Other identifier: monash:366 Language: eng Source: 0958-0670
http://arrow.monash.edu.au/hdl/1959.1/85313
None Available Publisher: American Physiological Society Other identifier: monash:333 Language: eng Source: 0363-6119
Full Text Available.Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) occurs mainly when humans ingest finfish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The complexity and variability of such toxins have made it difficult to develop reliable methods to routinely monitor CFP with specificity and sensitivity. This review aims to describe the methodologies available for CTX detection, including those based on the toxicological, biochemical, chemical, and pharmaceutical properties of CTXs. Selecting any of these methodological approaches for routine monitoring of ciguatera may be dependent upon the applicability of the method. However, identifying a reference validation method for CTXs is a critical and urgent issue, and is dependent upon the availability of certified CTX standards and the coordinated action of laboratories. Reports of CFP cases in European hospitals have been described in several countries, and are mostly due to travel to CFP endemic areas. Additionally, the recent detection of the CTX-producing tropical genus Gambierdiscus in the eastern Atlantic Ocean of the northern hemisphere and in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the confirmation of CFP in the Canary Islands and possibly in Madeira, constitute other reasons to study the onset of CFP in Europe [1]. The question of the possible contribution of climate change to the distribution of toxin-producing microalgae and ciguateric fish is raised. The impact of ciguatera onset on European Union (EU) policies will be discussed with respect to EU regulations on marine toxins in seafood. Critical analysis and availability of methodologies for CTX determination is required for a rapid response to suspected CFP cases and to conduct sound CFP risk analysis.
Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) occurs mainly when humans ingest finfish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). The complexity and variability of such toxins have made it difficult to develop reliable...Full Text Available
Treatment planning for internal emitter therapy: Methods, applications and clinical implications
1999-01-01
Treatment planning involves three basic steps: (1) a procedure must be devised that will provide the most relevant information, (2) the procedure must be applied and (3) the resulting information must be translated into a definition of the optimum implementation. There are varying degrees of treatment planning that may be implemented in internal emitter therapy. As in chemotherapy, the information from a Phase 1 study may be used to treat patients based upon body surface area. If treatment planning is included on a patient-specific basis, a pretherapy, trace-labeled, administration of the radiopharmaceutical is generally required. The data collected following the tracer dose may range from time-activity curves of blood and whole-body for use in blood, marrow or total body absorbed dose estimation to patient imaging for three-dimensional internal emitter dosimetry. The most ambitious approach requires a three-dimensional set of images representing radionuclide distribution (SPECT or PET) and a corresponding set of images representing anatomy (CT or MRI). The absorbed dose (or dose-rate) distribution may be obtained by convolution of a point kernel with the radioactivity distribution or by direct Monte Carlo calculation. A critical requirement for both techniques is the development of an overall structure that makes it possible, in a routine manner, to input the images, to identify the structures of interest and to display the results of the dose calculations in a clinically relevant manner. 52 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.
Tratamiento nutricional de la obesidad mórbida que requiere cirugía bariátrica
2009-01-01
Full Text Available
Time course of cardiovascular responses induced by mental and orthostatic challenges
2010-01-01
Cardiovascular responses to single stressors diminish over time. Interaction of different stressors influencing hemodynamic variables, indicative of stress-induced reactivity and physiological responses are, however, poorly understood. We investigated time course of mental (using mental arithmetic, MA) and orthostatic (using head up tilt, HUT) challenges induced responses in 16 males. Three protocols were used: HUT, MA and MA+HUT, with sessions randomized and two weeks apart. Hemodynamic responses were compared for 30s epochs of stress application (stressT1, stressT2...). Compared to baseline, HUT, HUT+MA and MA applications affected heart rate (HR) (+15.1+/-8.0bpm, +20.0+/-9.2bpm, +11.9+/-7.2bpm, all p'sT2 compared to stressT1 (pT2. HUT and MA+HUT further reduced SV in stressT2 as compare...
1994-05-01
The following is reported about the well temperature profile/bottom pressure monitoring system with an optical fiber type temperature sensor inserted into a pressure observing capillary tube: the present system has the advantage of minimizing the damage to the optical fiber during the well operation by covering the outside of temperature sensor with anti-corrosive alloy and enabling the conventional pressure measurement only by connecting it with the existing pressure gauge. As a result of field test on the present system suspended in a geothermal well during about 3.5 months, it was known that the damage is slight to the optical fiber and that the optical loss is within the limits of hardly influencing the measurement. Therefore, the present system will be possibly applied to the long-term continuous observation. As a result of further study to heighten the measuring accuracy by changing the number of data additions in the measuring environment of actual well, their appropriate number was known to be roughly 32 to 128. 2 refs., 5 figs.
Study of the endovascular absorbed dose in liquid balloon catheter filled with 32P
2003-01-01
Objective: To study dose distribution of 32P liquid balloon in experimental intravascular brachytherapy. Methods: The vessel wall was substituted by muscle equivalent material. Determination of the dose distribution of axial and radial target vessel wall was performed by thermoluminescence dosimeters. Besides, the influencing factors such as intra-balloon pressure and air bubble were also studied. Results: In 3.0 mm x 20 mm 32P liquid balloon with radioactivity 92 MBq, the dose rate in balloon surface is 0.48 Gy/min, whereas in radial 0.4 mm area is 0.22 Gy/min. Conclusions: The dose distribution of vessel wall surface is uniform but the radial dose attenuated rapidly with distance. There are several influencing factors existed
2010-06-01
Full Text Available.BackgroundA dynamic preload index such as stroke volume variation (SVV) is not as reliable in spontaneous breathing (SB) patients as in mechanically ventilated patients. This study examined the hypothesis that spectral analysis of hemodynamic variables during paced breathing (PB) activity may be a feasible index of volume changes and fluid responsiveness, despite insufficient respiratory changes in the preload index during SB activity.MethodsBlood pressure and stroke volume (SV) were measured in 16 subjects undergoing PB (15 breaths/min), using a Finometer device and the Modelflow method. Respiratory systolic pressure variation (SPV) and SVV were measured and respiratory frequency (RF, 0.2-0.3 Hz) of power spectra of SPV (SPVRF) and SVV (SVVRF) were computed using fast Fourier transformation. Progressive hypovolemia was simulated with lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Volume challenges were produced by infusion of normal saline and subsequent release of LBNP to baseline. Fluid responsiveness, defined as a >20% increase in SV, was assessed by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsGraded hypovolemia caused a significant increase in SPVRF and a decrease in SVVRF. During volume expansion, SPVRF decreased and SVVRF rose significantly. Fluid responsiveness was better predicted with SVVRF (AUC 0.75) than with SPVRF, SPV, or SVV. SVVRF before volume challenge was significantly correlated with volume expansion-induced changes in SV (r = -0.64).ConclusionsThese results suggest that RF spectral analysis of dynamic preload variables may enable the detection of volume change and fluid responsiveness in SB hypovolemic patients performing PB activity.
2010-06-01
BackgroundA dynamic preload index such as stroke volume variation (SVV) is not as reliable in spontaneous breathing (SB) patients as in mechanically ventilated patients. This study...Full Text Available
2010-01-01
Abstract There is compelling evidence to indicate an important role for increased local renin-angiotensin system activity in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol that activates SIRT1, a novel cardioprotective and longevity factor having NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase activity. We tested the hypothesis whether resveratrol could prevent from angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiovascular damage. Four-week-old double transgenic rats harboring human renin and human angiotensinogen genes (dTGR) were treated for 4 weeks either with SIRT1 activator resveratrol or SIRT1 inhibitor nicotinamide. Untreated dTGR and their normotensive Sprague-Dawley control rats (SD) received vehicle. Untreated dTGR developed severe hypertension as well as ...
Renin secretion and total body sodium: Pathways of integrative control
2010-01-01
Summary 1. Herein, we review mechanisms of sodium balance operating at constant mean arterial blood pressure (MABP); that is, under conditions where MABP does not provide the primary signal to the kidney. 2. Relative constancy of body fluids requires accurate regulation of total body sodium (TBS). Normally, plenty of sodium is ingested and balance is achieved by control of renal excretion driven by multiple central nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine and renal tubular mechanisms. Subtle changes in sodium balance are associated with parallel changes in extracellular volume (due to fast and precise osmoregulation), but not necessarily in MABP. Therefore, signals other than MABP seem to be the primary link between TBS and kidney function. 3. Renal functions involved in sodium homeostasis inclu...
Predisposing factors and surgical outcome of complicated liver hydatid cysts
2010-06-28
Full Text Available.AIM: To evaluate the predisposing factors for peritoneal perforation and intrabiliary rupture and the effects of these complications on surgical outcome in liver hydatid disease.METHODS: A total of 372 patients with liver hydatid cysts who had undergone surgical treatment were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty eight patients with peritoneal perforation, 93 patients with spontaneous intrabiliary perforation, and 251 patients with noncomplicated hydatid cysts were treated in our clinics.RESULTS: When the predisposing factors for complications were evaluated, younger age, superficial position, and larger cyst dimensions (P < 0.05; range, 0.001-0.017) increased peritoneal perforation rates. It was shown that older age increased cyst dimensions, and presence of multiple and bilobar cysts increased intrabiliary rupture rates (P < 0.05; range, 0.001-0.028). Partial pericystectomy and drainage was the most frequent surgical procedure in all groups (71.6%). The incidence of post-operative complications in the peritoneal perforated group, in the intrabiliary ruptured group, and in the noncomplicated group was 25%, 16.1% and 5.5%, respectively. When compared, complication rates were significantly different (P = 0.002). When length of hospital stay was compared, there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). The overall recurrence rate was 3.8% (14 patients), but there was not any statistical difference among the patient groups (P = 0.13). The early postoperative mortality rate was 1.1%.CONCLUSION: In peritoneally perforated and intrabiliary ruptured cases, the most important steps are irrigation of the peritoneal cavity and clearance of the cystic material from the biliary tree.
Predisposing factors and surgical outcome of complicated liver hydatid cysts
2010-06-28
AIM: To evaluate the predisposing factors for peritoneal perforation and intrabiliary rupture and the effects of these complications on surgical outcome in liver hydatid disease.METHODS: A total...Full Text Available
2010-07-01
The inhibitory receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) is upregulated on antigen-specific CD8+ T cells during persistent viral infections. Interaction with PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) contributes to...Full Text Available
2010-07-01
Full Text Available.The inhibitory receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) is upregulated on antigen-specific CD8+ T cells during persistent viral infections. Interaction with PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) contributes to functional exhaustion of responding T cells and may limit immunopathology during infection. PD-L1 is expressed on both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells in tissues. However, the exact roles of PD-L1 on hematopoietic versus nonhematopoietic cells in modulating immune responses are unclear. Here we used bone marrow chimeric mice to examine the effects of PD-L1 deficiency in hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic cells during lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 (LCMV CL-13) infection. We found that PD-L1 expression on hematopoietic cells inhibited CD8+ T cell numbers and function after LCMV CL-13 infection. In contrast, PD-L1 expression on nonhematopoietic cells limited viral clearance and immunopathology in infected tissues. Together, these data demonstrate that there are distinct roles for PD-L1 on hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells in regulating CD8+ T cell responses and viral clearance during chronic viral infection.
Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Targeting the VEGF Pathway in Tumors
2010-01-01
Tumor angiogenesis is a complex process resulting from many signals from the tumor microenvironment. From preclinical animal models to clinical trials and practice, targeting tumors with antiangiogenic...Full Text Available
Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Targeting the VEGF Pathway in Tumors
2010-01-01
Full Text Available.Tumor angiogenesis is a complex process resulting from many signals from the tumor microenvironment. From preclinical animal models to clinical trials and practice, targeting tumors with antiangiogenic therapy remains an exciting area of study. Although many scientific advances have been achieved, leading to the development and clinical use of antiangiogenic drugs such as bevacizumab, sorafenib, and sunitinib, these therapies fall short of their anticipated benefits and leave many questions unanswered. Continued research into the complex signaling cascades that promote tumor angiogenesis may yield new targets or improve upon current therapies. In addition, the development of reliable tools to track tumor responses to antiangiogenic therapy will enable a better understanding of current therapeutic efficacy and may elucidate mechanisms to predict patient response to therapy.
2001-01-01
Aim: Analysis of radioprotective effect of respiratory hypoxia on hemopoietic tissue and enhancement of this effect by hemopoietic activation. Material and methods: In mice breathing hypoxic gas mixture during total body gamma irradiation the recovery of pluripotent and committed granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells and animal lethality were determined. Results: In mice forced to breathe 10% O2 and 8% O2 during irradiation, the oxygen tension in the spleen decreased to 40% and 20%, respectively, of control values. Hypoxia mitigated the lethal effect of gamma-rays and improved the recovery of hemopoiesis in compartments of pluripotent and committed progenitor cells. Enhancement of the proliferative activity in hemopoietic tissue by a cytokine (rmGM-CSF) or an immunomodulator (dextran sulfate) increased the effect of hypoxic ... >>
2010-01-01
Background. Metabolic syndrome is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in the general population, but the corresponding effects in patients on dialysis have not been clearly defined. In this study, we prospectively investigated the effect of metabolic syndrome and its individual components on outcome in non-diabetic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Method. The study subjects included 106 stable non-diabetic PD patients who had been on PD for >3 months. We measured baseline characteristics, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), and defined metabolic syndrome using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program (Adult Treatment Panel III) criteria. Mortality, technical failure and hospitalization were evaluated during the fol...
Full Text Available.BackgroundSurvivers of stroke or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) are at risk of new vascular events. Our objective was to study primary health care patients with stroke/TIA regarding their knowledge about risk factors for having a new event of stroke/TIA, possible associations between patient characteristics and patients' knowledge about risk factors, and patients' knowledge about their preventive treatment for stroke/TIA.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to 240 patients with stroke/TIA diagnoses, and 182 patients (76%) responded. We asked 13 questions about diseases/conditions and lifestyle factors known to be risk factors and four questions regarding other diseases/conditions ("distractors"). The patients were also asked whether they considered each disease/condition to be one of their own. Additional questions concerned the patients' social and functional status and their drug use. The t-test was used for continuous variables, chi-square test for categorical variables, and a regression model with variables influencing patient knowledge was created.ResultsHypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking were identified as risk factors by nearly 90% of patients, and atrial fibrillation and diabetes by less than 50%. Few patients considered the distractors as stroke/TIA risk factors (3-6%). Patients with a family history of cardiovascular disease, and patients diagnosed with carotid stenosis, atrial fibrillation or diabetes, knew these were stroke/TIA risk factors to a greater extent than patients without these conditions. Atrial fibrillation or a family history of cardiovascular disease was associated with better knowledge about risk factors, and higher age, cerebral haemorrhage and living alone with poorer knowledge. Only 56% of those taking anticoagulant drugs considered this as intended for prevention, while 48% of those taking platelet aggregation inhibitors thought this was for prevention.ConclusionsKnowledge about hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking as risk factors was good, and patients who suffered from atrial fibrillation or carotid stenosis seemed to be well informed about these conditions as risk factors. However, the knowledge level was low regarding diabetes as a risk factor and regarding the use of anticoagulants and platelet aggregation inhibitors for stroke/TIA prevention. Better teaching strategies for stroke/TIA patients should be developed, with special attention focused on diabetic patients.
BackgroundSurvivers of stroke or transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) are at risk of new vascular events. Our objective was to study primary health care patients with stroke/TIA regarding...Full Text Available
Full Text Available.BackgroundRisk factors are often considered individually, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of combinations of multiple behavioural risk factors and their association with socioeconomic determinants.MethodsMultinomial logistic regression was used to model the associations between socioeconomic factors and multiple risk factors from data in the Scottish Health Survey 2003. Prevalence of five key risk - smoking, alcohol, diet, overweight/obesity, and physical inactivity, and their risk in relation to demographic, individual and area socioeconomic factors were assessed.ResultsFull data were available on 6,574 subjects (80.7% of the survey sample). Nearly the whole adult population (97.5%) reported to have at least one behavioural risk factor; while 55% have three or more risk factors; and nearly 20% have four or all five risk factors. The most important determinants for having four or five multiple risk factors were low educational attainment which conferred over a 3-fold increased risk compared to high education; and residence in the most deprived communities (relative to least deprived) which had greater than 3-fold increased risk.ConclusionsThe prevalence of multiple behavioural risk factors was high and the prevalence of absence of all risk factors very low. These behavioural patterns were strongly associated with poorer socioeconomic circumstances. Policy to address factors needs to be joined up and better consider underlying socioeconomic circumstances.
BackgroundRisk factors are often considered individually, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of combinations of multiple behavioural risk factors and their association with socioeconomic...Full Text Available
1995-12-31
Short communication. 9 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.
In vivo T cell depletion regulates resistance and morbidity in murine schistosomiasis
1987-01-01
These studies assessed the roles of subpopulations of T lymphocytes in inducing and modulating resistance to schistosomiasis and thereby influencing subsequent morbidity. C57BL/6 mice were depleted in vivo of Lyt-1+, Lyt-2+, and L3T4+ cells by the daily administration of monoclonal antibodies. The development of protective immunity, induced by exposure to irradiated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae as expressed in depleted animals, was compared to that demonstrated in undepleted, normal, and congenitally athymic C57BL/6 mice. The development of morbidity was determined by spleen weight, portal pressure and reticuloendothelial system activity. The results indicated that depletion of specific subpopulations of T lymphocytes minimally affected the primary development of parasites. However, depletion strongly influenced the development of resistance to the ... >>
Identification of androgen receptor phosphorylation in the primate ovary in vivo
2010-07-01
The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, and is important for both male and female reproductive health. The receptor is a target for a number of post-translational...Full Text Available
Identification of androgen receptor phosphorylation in the primate ovary in vivo
2010-07-01
Full Text Available.The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, and is important for both male and female reproductive health. The receptor is a target for a number of post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, which has been intensively studied in vitro. However, little is known about the phosphorylation status of the receptor in target tissues in vivo. The common marmoset is a useful model for studying human reproductive functions, and comparison of the AR primary sequence from this primate shows high conservation of serines known to be phosphorylated in the human receptor and corresponding flanking amino acids. We have used a panel of phosphospecific antibodies to study AR phosphorylation in the marmoset ovary throughout the follicular phase and after treatment with GNRH antagonist or testosterone propionate. In normal follicular phase ovaries, total AR (both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms) immunopositive staining was observed in several cell types including granulosa cells of developing follicles, theca cells and endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Receptor phosphorylation at serines 81, 308, and 650 was detected primarily in the granulosa cells of developing follicles, surface epithelium, and vessel endothelial cells. Testosterone treatment lead to a modest increase in AR staining in all stages of follicle studied, while GNRH antagonist had no effect. Neither treatment significantly altered the pattern of phosphorylation compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that phosphorylation of the AR occurs, at a subset of serine residues, in a reproductive target tissue in vivo, which appears refractory to hormonal manipulations.
Full Text Available.BackgroundAlthough Anopheles funestus is difficult to rear, it is crucial to analyse field populations of this malaria vector in order to successfully characterise mechanisms of insecticide resistance observed in this species in Africa. In this study we carried out a large-scale field collection and rearing of An. funestus from Mozambique in order to analyse its susceptibility status to insecticides and to broadly characterise the main resistance mechanisms involved in natural populations.Methodology/Principal Findings3,000 F1 adults were obtained through larval rearing. WHO susceptibility assays indicated a very high resistance to pyrethroids with no mortality recorded after 1h30min exposure and less than 50% mortality at 3h30min. Resistance to the carbamate, bendiocarb was also noted, with 70% mortality after 1h exposure. In contrast, no DDT resistance was observed, indicating that no kdr-type resistance was involved. The sequencing of the acetylcholinesterase gene indicated the absence of the G119S and F455W mutations associated with carbamate and organophosphate resistance. This could explain the absence of malathion resistance in this population. Both biochemical assays and quantitative PCR implicated up-regulated P450 genes in pyrethroid resistance, with GSTs playing a secondary role. The carbamate resistance observed in this population is probably conferred by the observed altered AChE with esterases also involved.Conclusion/SignificanceThe high level of pyrethroid resistance in this population despite the cessation of pyrethroid use for IRS in 1999 is a serious concern for resistance management strategies such as rotational use of insecticides. As DDT has now been re-introduced for IRS, susceptibility to DDT needs to be closely monitored to prevent the appearance and spread of resistance to this insecticide.
BackgroundAlthough Anopheles funestus is difficult to rear, it is crucial to analyse field populations of this malaria vector in order to successfully characterise...Full Text Available
Heritability of the Human Infectious Reservoir of Malaria Parasites
Full Text Available.BackgroundStudies on human genetic factors associated with malaria have hitherto concentrated on their role in susceptibility to and protection from disease. In contrast, virtually no attention has been paid to the role of human genetics in eliciting the production of parasite transmission stages, the gametocytes, and thus enhancing the spread of disease.Methods and FindingsWe analysed four longitudinal family-based cohort studies from Senegal and Thailand followed for 2–8 years and evaluated the relative impact of the human genetic and non-genetic factors on gametocyte production in infections of Plasmodium falciparum or P. vivax. Prevalence and density of gametocyte carriage were evaluated in asymptomatic and symptomatic infections by examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears and/or RT-PCR (for falciparum in one site). A significant human genetic contribution was found to be associated with gametocyte prevalence in asymptomatic P. falciparum infections. By contrast, there was no heritability associated with the production of gametocytes for P. falciparum or P. vivax symptomatic infections. Sickle cell mutation, HbS, was associated with increased gametocyte prevalence but its contribution was small.ConclusionsThe existence of a significant human genetic contribution to gametocyte prevalence in asymptomatic infections suggests that candidate gene and genome wide association approaches may be usefully applied to explore the underlying human genetics. Prospective epidemiological studies will provide an opportunity to generate novel and perhaps more epidemiologically pertinent gametocyte data with which similar analyses can be performed and the role of human genetics in parasite transmission ascertained.
Heritability of the Human Infectious Reservoir of Malaria Parasites
BackgroundStudies on human genetic factors associated with malaria have hitherto concentrated on their role in susceptibility to and protection from disease. In contrast, virtually...Full Text Available
1994-11-01
The alpha emitter plutonium-238 ({sup 238}Pu), which is produced in uranium-fueled, light-water reactors, is used as a thermoelectric power source for space applications. Inhalation of a mixed oxide form of Pu is the most likely mode of exposure of workers and the general public. Occupational exposures to {sup 238}PuO{sub 2} have occurred in association with the fabrication of radioisotope thermoelectric generators. Organs and tissue at risk for deterministic and stochastic effects of {sup 238}Pu-alpha irradiation include the lung, liver, skeleton, and lymphatic tissue. Little has been reported about the effects of inhaled {sup 238}PuO{sub 2} on peripheral blood cell counts in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate hematological responses after a single inhalation exposure of Beagle dogs to alpha-emitting {sup 238}PuO{sub 2} particles and to extrapolate results to humans.
Health and life insurance as an alternative to malpractice tort law
Full Text Available.BackgroundTort law has legitimate social purposes of deterrence, punishment and compensation, but medical tort law does none of these well. Tort law could be counterproductive in medicine, encouraging costly defensive practices that harm some patients, restricting access to care in some settings and discouraging innovation.DiscussionPatients might be better served by purchasing combined health and life insurance policies and waiving their right to pursue malpractice claims. The combined policy should encourage the insurer to profit by inexpensively delaying policyholders' deaths. A health and life insurer would attempt to minimize mortal risks to policyholders from any cause, including medical mistakes and could therefore pursue systematic quality improvement efforts. If policyholders trust the insurer to seek, develop and reward genuinely effective care; identify, deter and remediate poor care; and compensate survivors through the no-fault process of paying life insurance benefits, then tort law is largely redundant and the right to sue may be waived. If expensive defensive medicine can be avoided, that savings alone could pay for fairly large life insurance policies.SummaryInsurers are maligned largely because of their logical response to incentives that are misaligned with the interests of patients and physicians in the United States. Patient, provider and insurer incentives could be realigned by combining health and life insurance, allowing the insurer to use its considerable information access and analytic power to improve patient care. This arrangement would address the social goals of malpractice torts, so that policyholders could rationally waive their right to sue.
Health and life insurance as an alternative to malpractice tort law
BackgroundTort law has legitimate social purposes of deterrence, punishment and compensation, but medical tort law does none of these well. Tort law could be counterproductive in...Full Text Available
Full Text Available.BackgroundThe recent H5N1 avian and H1N1 swine-origin influenza virus outbreaks reaffirm that the threat of a world-wide influenza pandemic is both real and ever-present. Vaccination is still considered the best strategy for protection against influenza virus infection but a significant challenge is to identify new vaccine approaches that offer accelerated production, broader protection against drifted and shifted strains, and the capacity to elicit anti-viral immune responses in the respiratory tract at the site of viral entry. As a safe alternative to live attenuated vaccines, the mucosal and systemic immunogenicity of an H1N1 influenza (A/New Caledonia/20/99) HA DNA vaccine administered by particle-mediated epidermal delivery (PMED or gene gun) was analyzed in rhesus macaques.Methodology/Principal FindingsMacaques were immunized at weeks 0, 8, and 16 using a disposable single-shot particle-mediated delivery device designed for clinical use that delivers plasmid DNA directly into cells of the epidermis. Significant levels of hemagglutination inhibiting (HI) antibodies and cytokine-secreting HA-specific T cells were observed in the periphery of macaques following 1–3 doses of the PMED HA DNA vaccine. In addition, HA DNA vaccination induced detectable levels of HA-specific mucosal antibodies and T cells in the lung and gut-associated lymphoid tissues of vaccinated macaques. Importantly, co-delivery of a DNA encoding the rhesus macaque GM-CSF gene was found to significantly enhance both the systemic and mucosal immunogenicity of the HA DNA vaccine.Conclusions/SignificanceThese results provide strong support for the development of a particle-mediated epidermal DNA vaccine for protection against respiratory pathogens such as influenza and demonstrate, for the first time, the ability of skin-delivered GM-CSF to serve as an effective mucosal adjuvant for vaccine induction of immune responses in the gut and respiratory tract.
BackgroundThe recent H5N1 avian and H1N1 swine-origin influenza virus outbreaks reaffirm that the threat of a world-wide influenza pandemic is both real and ever-present. Vaccination...Full Text Available
Fuel cells for transportation: Status, opportunities and challenges
1996-12-31
Environmental issues will become important drivers influencing technology in the years ahead. For example, air quality legislation and regulation - locally, regionally, and globally - will continue to play an increasing role in influencing decisions made in choosing a particular energy source. Health concerns related to ambient fine particles and the ongoing debate on global climate change and the need to reduce CO{sub 2} emissions are two examples of the nexus between energy and the environment. Additionally, as conventional sources of energy and petroleum become depleted and as political issues remain, desires for energy diversity and energy security will require a menu of technologies and fuels. It is recognized that many of the renewable and environmentally benign fuels and energy sources are expensive and that economics will play a key role in dictating which of these is going to be most successful. For example, generating hydrogen from wind or solar is expensive compared to conventional technologies and price competition is likely to be more intense in the area of electricity de-regulation. However, the cost of conventional fuels are also increasing because of a desire to clean them up or a desire to change their chemical and physical properties through partial oxidation or steam reforming. These additional treatments lead to increased costs so that the gap between the {open_quotes}clean{close_quotes} fuels and cleaning up conventional fuels becomes much narrower.
Field test of a novel detection device for Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen in cough
Full Text Available.BackgroundTuberculosis is a highly infectious disease that is spread from person to person by infected aerosols emitted by patients with respiratory forms of the disease. We describe a novel device that utilizes immunosensor and bio-optical technology to detect M. tuberculosis antigen (Ag85B) in cough and demonstrate its use under field conditions during a pilot study in an area of high TB incidence.MethodsThe TB Breathalyzer device (Rapid Biosensor Systems Ltd) was field tested in the outpatient clinic of Adama Hospital, Ethiopia. Adults seeking diagnosis for respiratory complaints were tested. Following nebulization with 0.9% saline patients were asked to cough into a disposable collection device where cough aerosols were deposited. Devices were then inserted into a portable instrument to assess whether antigen was present in the sample. Demographic and clinical data were recorded and all patients were subjected to chest radiogram and examination of sputum by Ziehl-Nielsen microscopy. In the absence of culture treatment decisions were based on smear microscopy, chest x-ray and clinical assessment. Breathalyzer testing was undertaken by a separate physician to triage and diagnostic assessment.ResultsSixty individuals were each subjected to a breathalyzer test. The procedure was well tolerated and for each patient the testing was completed in less than 10 min. Positive breath test results were recorded for 29 (48%) patients. Of 31 patients with a diagnosis of tuberculosis 23 (74%; 95% CI 55-87) were found positive for antigen in their breath and 20 (64%; 95% CI 45-80) were smear positive for acid fast bacilli in their sputum. Six patients provided apparent false positive breathalyzer results that did not correlate with a diagnosis of tuberculosis.ConclusionsWe propose that the breathalyzer device described warrants further investigation as a tool for studying exhalation of M. tuberculosis. The portability, simplicity of use and speed of the test device suggest it may also find use as a tool to aid early identification of infectious cases. We recommend studies be undertaken to determine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the device when compared to microbiological and clinical indicators of tuberculosis disease.
Field test of a novel detection device for Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen in cough
BackgroundTuberculosis is a highly infectious disease that is spread from person to person by infected aerosols emitted by patients with respiratory forms of the disease. We describe...Full Text Available
1984-01-01
Right ventricular infarction is frequently accompanied by a low output state, but the factors influencing the development of this state remain unknown. To elucidate these factors, clinical findings, hemodynamic findings and left ventricular infarct size (Tl-score) calculated from thallium-201 myocardial scintigrams by a circumferential profile method were evaluated in 147 consecutive patients with acute transmural inferior myocardial infarction. They were divided into two groups: 44 patients with right ventricular involvement (RVI group) and 103 patients without right ventricular involvement (IMI group). A low cardiac output state was defined when the cardiac index was less than 2.2 L/min/M2. There was a good correlation between Tl-score and any of peak value of serum creatine phosphokinase (CPKmax), total released CPK (CPKr) and left ventricular ... >>
Factors influencing arterial stiffness in pheochromocytoma and effect of adrenalectomy
2010-01-01
The aim of the study was to evaluate arterial stiffness and its modulating factors measured by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central augmentation index (AI) in patients with pheochromocytoma (PHEO) before and after surgery. Forty-five patients with PHEO and 45 healthy controls were investigated using an applanation tonometer (SphygmoCor, AtCor Medical). The gender, age, BMI and lipid profiles were comparable among both groups. The main difference in basic characteristic was as expected for fasting plasma glucose (P
Factores determinantes de cumplimiento terapéutico en adultos mayores hipertensos
2006-01-01
Full Text Available
2010-01-01
Abstract Background: Epicardial adipose tissue has shown to be related to cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between epicardial adiposity and endothelial function in metabolic syndrome. Methods: Fifty patients with metabolic syndrome were recruited. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), fibrinogen, apolipoprotein A (Apo A), Apo B1, and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] were determined. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Epicardial fat thickness was measured via two-dimensional M-mode echocardiography. Endothelial function was assessed as flow-mediated dilatation at the brachial artery. Results: Epicardial fat tissue thickness was show...
Effects of hormones on lipids and lipoproteins
1991-12-01
Levels of plasma lipids and lipoproteins are strong predictors for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. In women, as in men, numerous factors contribute to variations in plasma lipoproteins that may affect cardiovascular disease risk. These include age, dietary components, adiposity, genetic traits, and hormonal changes. Each of these factors may operate to varying degrees in determining changes in plasma lipoprotein profiles accompanying menopause- Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have suggested increases in levels of cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins associated with menopause. High density lipoproteins (HDL), which are higher in women than men and are thought to contribute to relative protection of premenopausal women from cardiovascular disease, remain relatively constant in the years following menopause, although small, and perhaps transient reductions in the HDL{sub 2} subfraction have been reported in relation to reduced estradiol level following menopause. Despite these associations, it has been difficult to determine the role of endogenous hormones in influencing the plasma lipoproteins of postmenopausal women. In principle, the effects of hormone replacement should act to reverse any alterations in lipoprotein metabolism that are due to postmenopausal hormone changes. While there may be beneficial effects on lipoproteins, hormone treatment does not restore a premenopausal lipoprotein profile. Furthermore, it is not dear to what extent exogenous hormone-induced lipoprotein changes contribute to the reduced incidence of cardiovascular disease with hormone replacement therapy.
1997-07-01
Petroleum plant activities in the Amazon result in a series of negative impacts on the natural resources. The formation water, a secondary product of oil production, carries high salt levels and its environmental release results in salinization of several water bodies in the Amazon. The effect of formation water on vegetal and animal physiology is unknown. This paper estimated the effects of formation water from the Urucu petroleum plant at different dilutions on the haematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell counts, mean corpuscular volume, mean hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, blood oxygen content, partial pressure of oxygen, glucose and lactate levels, plasma and intra erythrocytic levels of Na{sup +}, K{sup +} and Ca{sup 2+}, Phe and p Hi of Colossoma macropomum (Branchial breather) and Glyptoperichthys joselimaianus (facultative air breather). To maintain tissue oxygen supply the studied species adjusted several of these parameters. Cell swelling, high lactate levels, decrease in p He and p Hi have been observed in G. joselimaianus exposed to formation water. The decrease in p Hi result in a decrease of Hb-O{sub 2} affinity in the erythrocytes. On the other hand, an increase in p He and p Hi were observed in C. macropomum. Significant changes in ionic content, in particular plasma and erythrocytic levels of sodium, have been observed for both species exposed to formation water. A decrease of plasma potassium was observed in G. joselimaianus. The intra erythrocytic levels of calcium increased in Colossoma and Glyptoperichthys but no significant change in plasma levels of calcium was observed. The disturbance in blood ion levels resulted in a decreased of blood oxygen content. Colossoma seems to better buffer the effects of formation water exposure than Glyptoperichthys. (author)
2010-01-01
Aims and objectives. (1) To explore the effect of continued nursing intervention on hypertensive patients based on chronotherapeutics. (2) To identify the factors affecting hypertensive patients' compliance to the chronotherapeutics-oriented nursing interventions. Background. Chronotherapy provides a means of individual treatment for hypertension according to the circadian blood-pressure profile of each patient and constitutes a new option in optimising blood-pressure control and reducing risk from hypertension. Design. Experimental study. Methods. All participants enrolled were randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group and they all took antihypertensive medicine prescribed by their doctors under ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. According to individual ambulat...
Effect of glucose-insulin-potassium infusion on thallium myocardial clearance
1983-01-01
Factors influencing the rate of 201Tl clearance from the myocardium have not been clearly defined. This study determined the effect of an intravenous infusion of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) on the net 201Tl clearance rates from myocardium with and without initial 201Tl loading. Anesthetized open-chest dogs underwent 5 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion and intravenous 201Tl was injected and the occlusion released 5 min later. Thirty minutes after 201Tl injection, 30 ml of either GIK (nine dogs) or saline (five dogs) was infused intravenously. The clearance rates of 201Tl from the anterior wall (without initial 201Tl loading) and from the posterior wall (with initial 201Tl loading) were monitored with miniaturized cadmium telluride ... >>
1997-12-01
In the 970`s there was confluence of economic and social influences which were responsible for creating the resource recovery industry: an industry which the attendees of this conference are here to discuss and hopefully to advance. The waste-to-energy industry did not exist in the U.S. before 1975; so the industry just turned 20 years old. That is quite young for a major industry, making it still possible to have live industry veterans, who can also be historians and maybe even prophets of the future, at conferences such as this one. It is the authors opinion that, as with most industries, the waste-to-energy/resource recovery industry is economically driven. It was not always so, but, with the ever-advancing global privatization of what were formerly municipal or public services, the author argues one has seen the last of the publicly owned and/or subsidized projects. The author also happens to think that the privatization movement is a very good thing. The author looks at issues which are keys to making such projects successful in today`s economy. The key to developing good resource recovery project economics in anticipation of competing with the dumping of resources in landfills is to: select locations where energy and dumping costs are high; reduce capital and O & M costs through creative design and proper incentives; recover more materials and reduce residue disposal costs; increase energy efficiency; improve environmental performance; educate the public and regulators about the environmental benefits of a resource recovery approach; and do not attach the project to a political sponsor.
Crosstalk between Iron Metabolism and Erythropoiesis
2010-01-01
Iron metabolism and erythropoiesis are inextricably linked. The majority of iron extracted from circulation daily is used for hemoglobin synthesis. In the last 15 years, major advances have been made...Full Text Available
Crosstalk between Iron Metabolism and Erythropoiesis
2010-01-01
Full Text Available.Iron metabolism and erythropoiesis are inextricably linked. The majority of iron extracted from circulation daily is used for hemoglobin synthesis. In the last 15 years, major advances have been made in understanding the pathways regulating iron metabolism. Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron absorption and recycling and is itself regulated by erythropoiesis. While several viable candidates have been proposed, elucidating the “erythroid regulator” of hepcidin continues to generate significant experimental activity in the field. Although the mechanism responsible for sensing iron demand for erythropoiesis is still incompletely understood, evaluating diseases in which disordered erythropoiesis and/or iron metabolism are showcased has resulted in a more robust appreciation of potential candidates coordinated erythroid iron demand with regulators of iron supply. We present data drawn from four different conditions—iron deficiency, congenital hypotransferrinemia, beta-thalassemia, and hereditary hemochromatosis—both in human and non-human models of disease, together suggesting that erythroid iron demand exerts a stronger influence on circulating iron supply than systemic iron stores. Greater understanding of the interplay between the key factors involved in the regulation of iron metabolism and erythropoiesis will help develop more effective therapies for disorders of iron overload, iron deficiency, and hemoglobin synthesis.
2009-01-01
Background: Opioids are very effective as postoperative analgesics, influencing emotional aspects of pain as well as reducing the actual pain threshold. Fentanyl, a phenylpiperidine derivative and potent opioid agonist, has already been studied for postoperative analgesia. Butorphanol, a synthetic morphinan derivative - agonist-antagonist, has few studies to substantiate its use. The present study was undertaken to compare the effects of the two drugs on postoperative pain relief in terms of efficacy and safety. Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled study of 100 patients [ASA I and II] undergoing total abdominal hysterectomies was conducted. Group F of 50 patients received fentanyl [0.4mg/kg/h] and group B received butorphanol [4mg/kg/h] as postoperative pain treatment via intraven...
1994-12-31
Total body irradiation associated or not with r-hIL-6 treatment a relation between TGF-{beta}1 and TGF-{beta}2 blood levels and platelets count. During radio-induced thrombocytopenia, by decreasing its ability to inhibit proliferation of stem cells and megakaryocytopoiesis, the TGF-{beta} falling induced a favorable condition for hematopoietic recovery. (author). 5 refs.
Circulating Endothelial Microparticles in Diabetes Mellitus
2010-01-01
Full Text Available. Background. Endothelial Microparticles (EMPs) are small vesicles shed from activated or apoptotic endothelial cells and involved in cellular cross-talk. Whether EMP immunophenotypes vary according to stimulus in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is not known. We studied the cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) profile of circulating EMPs in patients with and without Diabetes Mellitus type 2, who were undergoing elective cardiac catheterization. Methods and Results. EMPs were analyzed by flow cytometry. The absolute median number of EMPs (EMPs/μL) specific for CD31, CD105, and CD106 was significantly increased in the DM population. The ratio of CD62E/CD31 EMP populations reflected an apoptotic process. Conclusion. Circulating CD31+, CD105+, and CD106+ EMPs were significantly elevated in patients with DM. EMPs were the only independent predictors of DM in our study cohort. In addition, the EMP immunophenotype reflected an apoptotic process. Circulating EMPs may provide new options for risk assessment.
Circulating Endothelial Microparticles in Diabetes Mellitus
2010-01-01
Background. Endothelial Microparticles (EMPs) are small vesicles shed from activated or apoptotic endothelial cells and involved in cellular cross-talk. Whether EMP immunophenotypes...Full Text Available
Chiropractic approach to the management of children
Full Text Available.BackgroundChiropractic (Greek: done by hand) is a health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment and/or manipulation, with a particular focus on joint subluxation (World Health Organization 2005) or mechanical lesion and restoring function. The chiropractor's role in wellness care, prevention and treatment of injury or illness is based on education in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyle counseling as well as referral to other health practitioners. Depending on education, geographic location, scope of practice, as well as consumer preference, chiropractors may assume the role of primary care for families who are pursuing a more natural and holistic approach to health care for their families.ObjectiveTo present a perspective on current management of the paediatric patient by members of the chiropractic profession and to make recommendations as to how the profession can safely and effectively manage the paediatric patient.DiscussionThe chiropractic profession holds the responsibility of ethical and safe practice and requires the cultivation and mastery of both an academic foundation and clinical expertise that distinguishes chiropractic from other disciplines.Research into the effectiveness of chiropractic care for paediatric patients has lagged behind that of adult care, but this is being addressed through educational programs where research is now being incorporated into academic tracks to attain advanced chiropractic degrees.ConclusionStudies in the United States show that over the last several decades, chiropractors are the most common complementary and alternative medicine providers visited by children and adolescents. Chiropractors continue to seek integration with other healthcare providers to provide the most appropriate care for their paediatric patients.In the interest of what is best for the paediatric population in the future, collaborative efforts for research into the effectiveness and safety of chiropractic care as an alternative healthcare approach for children should be negotiated and are welcomed.
Chiropractic approach to the management of children
BackgroundChiropractic (Greek: done by hand) is a health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and...Full Text Available
Cardio-imaging technique using the somatom. Kardioaufnahmetechnik mit dem Somatom
1982-01-01
The high density resolution of CT-devices leads one to expect a good imaging quality of the heart. This is made difficult by the fast heart movement. The ECG triggered heart imaging technique is explained that widely reduces the influence of heart movement on image reconstruction. The influencing parameters of the technique are illustrated by phantom examples, and ways are shown for an optimal approach in imaging and evaluation. (orig.)
Cardio-imaging technique using the somatom
1982-01-01
The high density resolution of CT-devices leads one to expect a good imaging quality of the heart. This is made difficult by the fast heart movement. The ECG triggered heart imaging technique is explained that widely reduces the influence of heart movement on image reconstruction. The influencing parameters of the technique are illustrated by phantom examples, and ways are shown for an optimal approach in imaging and evaluation.
Many marine bacteria produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) as a strategy for growth, adhering to solid surfaces, and to survive adverse conditions. There is growing interest in isolating new EPS producing...Full Text Available
Full Text Available.Many marine bacteria produce exopolysaccharides (EPS) as a strategy for growth, adhering to solid surfaces, and to survive adverse conditions. There is growing interest in isolating new EPS producing bacteria from marine environments, particularly from extreme marine environments such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents characterized by high pressure and temperature and heavy metal presence. Marine EPS-producing microorganisms have been also isolated from several extreme niches such as the cold marine environments typically of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice, characterized by low temperature and low nutrient concentration, and the hypersaline marine environment found in a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems such as salt lakes and salterns. Most of their EPSs are heteropolysaccharides containing three or four different monosaccharides arranged in groups of 10 or less to form the repeating units. These polymers are often linear with an average molecular weight ranging from 1 × 105 to 3 × 105 Da. Some EPS are neutral macromolecules, but the majority of them are polyanionic for the presence of uronic acids or ketal-linked pyruvate or inorganic residues such as phosphate or sulfate. EPSs, forming a layer surrounding the cell, provide an effective protection against high or low temperature and salinity, or against possible predators. By examining their structure and chemical-physical characteristics it is possible to gain insight into their commercial application, and they are employed in several industries. Indeed EPSs produced by microorganisms from extreme habitats show biotechnological promise ranging from pharmaceutical industries, for their immunomodulatory and antiviral effects, bone regeneration and cicatrizing capacity, to food-processing industries for their peculiar gelling and thickening properties. Moreover, some EPSs are employed as biosurfactants and in detoxification mechanisms of petrochemical oil-polluted areas. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of current knowledge on EPSs produced by marine bacteria including symbiotic marine EPS-producing bacteria isolated from some marine annelid worms that live in extreme niches.
2007-09-06
A multifactor study was conducted by Battelle for the US Army Corps of Engineers to assess the significance of the presence of a radio telemetry transmitter on the effects of rapid decompression from simulated hydro turbine passage on depth acclimated juvenile run-of-the-river Chinook salmon. Study factors were: (1) juvenile chinook salmon age;, subyearling or yearling, (2) radio transmitter present or absent, (3) three transmitter implantation factors: gastric, surgical, and no transmitter, and (4) four acclimation depth factors: 1, 10, 20, and 40 foot submergence equivalent absolute pressure, for a total of 48 unique treatments. Exposed fish were examined for changes in behavior, presence or absence of barotrauma injuries, and immediate or delayed mortality. Logistic models were used to test hypotheses that addressed study objectives. The presence of a radio transmitter was found to significantly increase the risk of barotrauma injury and mortality at exposure to rapid decompression. Gastric implantation was found to present a higher risk than surgical implantation. Fish were exposed within 48 hours of transmitter implantation so surgical incisions were not completely healed. The difference in results obtained for gastric and surgical implantation methods may be the result of study design and the results may have been different if tested fish had completely healed surgical wounds. However, the test did simulate the typical surgical-release time frame for in-river telemetry studies of fish survival so the results are probably representative for fish passing through a turbine shortly following release into the river. The finding of a significant difference in response to rapid decompression between fish bearing radio transmitters and those not implies a bias may exist in estimates of turbine passage survival obtained using radio telemetry. However, the rapid decompression (simulated turbine passage) conditions used for the study represented near worst case exposure for fish passing through turbines. At this time, insufficient data exist about the distribution of river-run fish entering turbines, and particularly, the distribution of fish passing through turbine runners, to extrapolate study findings to the population of fish passing through FCRPS turbines. This study is the first study examining rapid decompression study to include acclimation depth as an experimental factor for physostomous fish. We found that fish acclimated to deeper depth were significantly more vulnerable to barotrauma injury and death. Insufficient information about the distribution of fish entering turbines and their depth acclimation currently exists to extrapolate these findings to the population of fish passing through turbines. However, the risk of barotrauma for turbine-passed fish could be particularly high for subyearling Chinook salmon that migrate downstream at deeper depths late in the early summer portion of the outmigration. Barotrauma injuries led to immediate mortality delayed mortality and potential mortality due to increased susceptibility to predation resulting from loss of equilibrium or swim bladder rupture.
Assessing circadian rhythms in propofol PK and PD during prolonged infusion in ICU patients
2010-06-01
This study evaluates possible circadian rhythms during prolonged propofol infusion in patients in the intensive care unit. Eleven patients were sedated with a constant propofol infusion. The blood samples...Full Text Available
Are there common genetic and environmental factors behind the endophenotypes associated with the metabolic syndrome?
2007-01-01
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Are there common genetic and environmental factors behind the endophenotypes associated with the metabolic syndrome?
2007-01-01
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The cluster of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and hypertension, called the metabolic syndrome, has been suggested as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether there are common genetic and environmental factors influencing this cluster in a general population of twin pairs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multivariate genetic analysis was performed on nine endophenotypes associated with the metabolic syndrome from 625 adult twin pairs of the GEMINAKAR study of the Danish Twin Registry. RESULTS: All endophenotypes showed moderate to high heritability (0.31-0.69) and small common environmental variance (0.05-0.21). In general, genetic and phenotypic correlations between the endophenotypes were strong only within sets of physiologically similar endophenotypes, but weak to moderate for other pairs of endophenotypes. However, moderate correlations between insulin resistance indices and either obesity-related endophenotypes or triacylglycerol levels indicated that some common genetic backgrounds are shared between those components. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We demonstrated that, in a general population, the endophenotypes associated with the metabolic syndrome apparently do not share a substantial common genetic or familial environmental background.
1988-01-01
Basic factors influencing the metabolism of intervertebral discs of rabbits were quantitatively analyzed based on the water metabolism. The blood flow surrounding the intervertebral disc was calculated using pharmacokinetic concepts from the data obtained by time-related tritiated water distribution analyses. The blood flow was estimated as 0.056 (mg/min/mg tissue) in the anterior annulus, 0.106 in the posterior annulus, 0.120 in the lateral annulus, and 0.084 in the nucleus pulposus, respectively (Experiment 1). Water content and fixed charge density in the intervertebral disc fractions also were measured (Experiment 2). The cations and uncharged small solutes transported into the disc tissue ranged in descending order from nucleus pulposus, lateral annulus, posterior annulus, to anterior annulus. The authors also calculated theoretically the swelling ... >>
Full Text Available.BackgroundPrimary care based management of long-term conditions (LTCs) is high on the international healthcare agenda, including the Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong has a 'mixed economy' healthcare system with both public and private sectors with a range of types of primary care doctors. Recent Hong Kong Government policy aims to enhance the management of LTCs in primary care possibly based on a 'family doctor' model. Patients' views on this are not well documented and the aim of the present study was to explore the views of patients with LTCs on family doctors in Hong Kong.MethodsThe views of patients (with a variety of LTCs) on family doctors in Hong Kong were explored. Two groups of participants were interviewed; a) those who considered themselves as having a family doctor, b) those who considered themselves as not having a family doctor (either with a regular primary care doctor but not a family doctor or with no regular primary care doctor). In-depth individual semi-structured interviews were carried out with 28 participants (10 with a family doctor, 10 with a regular doctor, and 8 with no regular doctor) and analysed using the constant comparative method.ResultsParticipants who did not have a family doctor were familiar with the concept but regarded it as a 'luxury item' for the rich within the private healthcare system. Those with a regular family doctor (all private) regarded having one as important to their and their family's health. Participants in both groups felt that as well as the more usual family medicine specialist or general practitioner, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners also had the potential to be family doctors. However most participants attended the public healthcare system for management of their LTCs whether they had a family doctor or not. Cost, perceived need, quality, trust, and choice were all barriers to the use of family doctors for the management of their LTCs.ConclusionsImportant barriers to the adoption of a 'family doctor' model of management of LTCs exist in Hong Kong. Effective policy implementation seems unlikely unless these complex barriers are addressed.
BackgroundPrimary care based management of long-term conditions (LTCs) is high on the international healthcare agenda, including the Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong has a 'mixed economy'...Full Text Available
2010-06-01
Full Text Available.DNA repair is essential to maintain genome integrity, and genes with roles in DNA repair are frequently mutated in a variety of human diseases. Repair via homologous recombination typically restores the original DNA sequence without introducing mutations, and a number of genes that are required for homologous recombination DNA double-strand break repair (HR-DSBR) have been identified. However, a systematic analysis of this important DNA repair pathway in mammalian cells has not been reported. Here, we describe a genome-scale endoribonuclease-prepared short interfering RNA (esiRNA) screen for genes involved in DNA double strand break repair. We report 61 genes that influenced the frequency of HR-DSBR and characterize in detail one of the genes that decreased the frequency of HR-DSBR. We show that the gene KIAA0415 encodes a putative helicase that interacts with SPG11 and SPG15, two proteins mutated in hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). We identify mutations in HSP patients, discovering KIAA0415/SPG48 as a novel HSP-associated gene, and show that a KIAA0415/SPG48 mutant cell line is more sensitive to DNA damaging drugs. We present the first genome-scale survey of HR-DSBR in mammalian cells providing a dataset that should accelerate the discovery of novel genes with roles in DNA repair and associated medical conditions. The discovery that proteins forming a novel protein complex are required for efficient HR-DSBR and are mutated in patients suffering from HSP suggests a link between HSP and DNA repair.
2010-06-01
DNA repair is essential to maintain genome integrity, and genes with roles in DNA repair are frequently mutated in a variety of human diseases. Repair via homologous recombination typically restores...Full Text Available
A blood circulation model for reference man
1999-01-01
This paper describes a dynamic blood circulation model that predicts the movement and gradual dispersal of a bolus of material in the circulation after its intravascular injection into an adult human. The main purpose of the model is to improve the dosimetry of internally deposited radionuclides that decay in the circulation to a significant extent. The total blood volume is partitioned into the blood contents of 24 separate organs or tissues, right heart chambers, left heart chambers, pulmonary circulation, arterial outflow to the systemic tissues (aorta and large arteries), and venous return from the systemic tissues (large veins). As a compromise between physical reality and computational simplicity, the circulation of blood is viewed as a system of first-order transfers between blood pools, with the delay time depending on the mean transit time across the pool. The model allows consideration of incomplete, tissue-dependent extraction of material during passage through the circulation and return of material from tissues to plasma.
1993-01-01
The baboon under general anaesthesia as a model to assess druginduced cerebral blood flow changes (DELTA CBF) using single-photon emission tomography (SPET) offers great in vivo possibilities but has to comply with demands on control of anaestesia-related influencing factors, such as PaCO2 changes. The model sought in this study and described here allows control of PaCO2, in the baboon under thiopentone anaesthesia by ventilation, and was evaluated for the functioal dependence of DELTA CBF vs DELTA PaCO2, using SPET technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO) and the split-dose method together with controlled ventilation. During the experiment the model was validated for normal reactivity to PaCO2 changes, and ... >>
Influence of an axial magnetic field on the density profile of capillary plasma channels
A narrow capillary plasma channel, with a sizeable depletion of the electron density on the channel axis, has been proposed to guide a laser pulse over a length of several to several tens of centimetres. We discuss the possibility to significantly improve the wave-guiding properties of such a channel by applying an axial magnetic field. Our analytical and numerical studies show that a pulsed axial magnetic field of 10 T in a hydrogen capillary plasma at a pressure of 50 Torr will reduce the on-axis plasma density by a factor of three, and the full width at half maximum of the density profile by a factor of two. The resulting parabolic plasma density profile is expected to be more efficient in guiding laser pulses.
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