Effect of multiple stress factors (thermal,nutritional and pregnancy type) on adaptive capability of native ewes under semi-arid environment

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of multiple stress factors (thermal, nutritional and pregnancy type) on two different native track breeds of ewes as reflected by their adaptive capability under semi-arid environment. The multiple stressor experiment was conducted in twenty-four ewes (12 Santa Inês and 12 Morada Nova ewes). Both heat stress and pregnancy stress was common to all four groups. However, the animals were divided into further two groups within each breed on the basis of nutrition regimen. According the groupings were: Group 1 (Six Santa Ines ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 0.5% of BW; single pregnancy); Group 2 (Six Santa Ines ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 1.5% BW; twin pregnancy); groups Group 3 (Six Morada Nova ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 0.5% of BW; single pregnancy); Group 4 (Six Morada Nova ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 1.5% BW; twin pregnancy). All the animals in the experiment were pregnant. Heat stress was induced by exposing all animals to summer heat stress in outside environment while the nutritional regimen followed was at 0.5% and 1.5% level of body weight (BW) respectively in each breed. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with two breeds, two nutritional treatments and two pregnancy types, 10 repetitions for physiological parameters and six for blood parameters, with repeated measures over time. Physiological parameters (respiratory rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature) were measured with the animals at rest in the morning and afternoon, 0600-0700 and 1300–1400 h, respectively, every seven days. Blood samples were collected every 14 d for determination of serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea and creatinine. We found interaction effect between breed and pregnancy type on respiratory rate and rectal temperature with greater values in Santa Inês ewes than Morada Nova ewes. However, there was no significant fixed effect of pregnancy type and supplementation level on physiological responses of breeds. Environmental factor (period of the day) had influenced the physiological responses of ewes during all gestational period. Santa Inês ewes had greater serum glucose concentration at 105 d and 120 d of gestation compared to the Morada Nova ewes. Morada Nova ewes had greater concentrations of triglycerides, urea at 120 d, 150 d and also greater cholesterol at 105 d, 135 d and 150 d of gestation compared with Santa Inês ewes. The present result indicates that thermal condition was most important factor that modified the physiological responses of ewes in a semi-arid tropical environment.     

Does injection of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF2alpha) cause ovulation in anestrous Western White Face ewes?

In a previous study in our laboratory, treatment of non-prolific Western White Face (WWF) ewes with PGF(2 alpha) and intravaginal sponges containing medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) on approximately Day 8 of a cycle (Day 0 = first ovulation of the interovulatory interval) resulted in ovulations during the subsequent 6 days when MAP sponges were in place. Two experiments were performed on WWF ewes during anestrus to allow us to independently examine if such ovulations were due to the direct effects of PGF(2 alpha) on the ovary or to the effects of a rapid decrease in serum concentrations of progesterone at PGF(2 alpha)-induced luteolysis. Experiment 1: ewes fitted with MAP sponges for 6 days (n = 12) were injected with PGF(2 alpha) (n = 6; 15 mg im), or saline (n = 6) on the day of sponge insertion. Experiment 2: ewes received progesterone-releasing subcutaneous implants (n = 6) or empty implants (n = 5) for 5 days. Six hours prior to implant removal, all ewes received a MAP sponge, which remained in place for 6 days. Ewes from both experiments underwent ovarian ultrasonography and blood sampling once daily for 6 days before and twice daily for 6 days after sponge insertion. Additional blood samples were collected every 4 h during sponge treatment. Experiment 1: 4-6 (67%) PGF(2 alpha)-treated ewes ovulated approximately 1.5 days after PGF(2 alpha) injection; these ovulations were not preceded by estrus or a preovulatory surge release of LH, and resulted in transient corpora hemorrhagica (CH). The growth phase was longer (P < 0.05) and the growth rate slower (P < 0.05) in ovulating versus non-ovulating follicles in PGF(2 alpha)-treated ewes. Experiment 2: in ewes given progesterone implants, serum progesterone concentrations reached a peak (1.7 2 ng/mL; P < 0.001) on the day of implant removal and decreased to basal concentrations (<0.17 ng/mL; P < 0.001) within 24 h of implant removal. No ovulations occurred in either the treated or the control ewes. We concluded that ovulations occurring after PGF(2 alpha) injection, in the presence of a MAP sponge, could be due to a direct effect of PGF(2 alpha) at the ovarian level, rather than a sudden decline in circulating progesterone concentrations.     

Prostaglandin F2alpha-induced estrus in ewes exhibiting estrous cycles of different duration

Effects of prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)), administered during the mid-luteal phase of the estrous cycle, were examined in ewes exhibiting estrous cycles classified as short (< or =16.5 days, short-cycle ewes, n = 10) or long (> or =18 days, long-cycle ewes, n = 9) based on the durations of two estrous cycles (cycles -2 and -1) before treatment. The ewes received (i.m.) 20mg of PGF(2alpha) on day 10 of the third estrous cycle (cycle 0) followed, 36 h later, by 25 microg of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) to time the events of ovulation. Duration of subsequent estrous cycles +1 and +2 were recorded, and then the ewes were treated with the same combination of PGF(2alpha) and GnRH beginning on day 10 of estrous cycle +3. Ovaries were recovered 6h after GnRH administration to assess development of pre-ovulatory follicles. The proportion of ewes that exhibited estrus after PGF(2alpha) and GnRH treatment on cycle 0 was not different (P > 0.05) between short- and long-cycle ewes. Onset of estrus occurred sooner (P < 0.05) after PGF(2alpha) injection in short-cycle ewes than in long-cycle ewes (1.9 +/- 0.1 days and 2.3 +/- 0.1 days, duration of cycle 0 was 11.9 and 12.3 days, respectively). Duration of estrous cycle +1 was 1.2 days longer (P < 0.01) than cycle -1 in short-cycle ewes. However, duration of estrous cycle +1 did not change (P > 0.05) after PGF(2alpha) and GnRH administration in ewes having long cycles. Pre-ovulatory follicles did not differ (P > 0.05) in numbers, diameter, layers of granulosa cells nor concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17beta in follicular fluid between short- and long-cycle ewes after PGF(2alpha) and GnRH treatment. In conclusion, ewes having short or long estrous cycles responded differently to PGF(2alpha) and GnRH treatment with respect to the interval to onset of estrus and duration of the subsequent estrous cycle.     

Motor Unit Characteristics after Targeted Muscle Reinnervation

Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is a surgical procedure used to redirect nerves originally controlling muscles of the amputated limb into remaining muscles above the amputation, to treat phantom limb pain and facilitate prosthetic control. While this procedure effectively establishes robust prosthetic control, there is little knowledge on the behavior and characteristics of the reinnervated motor units. In this study we compared the m. pectoralis of five TMR patients to nine able-bodied controls with respect to motor unit action potential (MUAP) characteristics. We recorded and decomposed high-density surface EMG signals into individual spike trains of motor unit action potentials. In the TMR patients the MUAP surface area normalized to the electrode grid surface (0.25 ± 0.17 and 0.81 ± 0.46, p < 0.001) and the MUAP duration (10.92 ± 3.89 ms and 14.03 ± 3.91 ms, p < 0.01) were smaller for the TMR group than for the controls. The mean MUAP amplitude (0.19 ± 0.11 mV and 0.14 ± 0.06 mV, p = 0.07) was not significantly different between the two groups. Finally, we observed that MUAP surface representation in TMR generally overlapped, and the surface occupied by motor units corresponding to only one motor task was on average smaller than 12% of the electrode surface. These results suggest that smaller MUAP surface areas in TMR patients do not necessarily facilitate prosthetic control due to a high degree of overlap between these areas, and a neural information—based control could lead to improved performance. Based on the results we also infer that the size of the motor units after reinnervation is influenced by the size of the innervating motor neuron.     

Synchronization of follicular wave emergence does not improve embryonic yield in superovulated ewes

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of a combination of progesterone with different doses of E-17β on following end points: (1) ovarian follicular dynamics and emergence of a new follicular wave, and (2) superovulatory response and embryo yield. In Experiment 1, 28 ewes were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7) to receive either 2.0 mg, 1.0 mg, 0.5 mg or none E-17β one day after insertion of a progesterone device. The different doses of estradiol similarly delayed the moment of follicular emergence (overall mean = 3.1 ± 1.0 days vs. control group = 0.86 ± 1.0 days; P < 0.01), but the emergence of the new wave showed greater synchronization with the 0.5 mg dosage of E-17β. In Experiment 2, sixty-two donor ewes received an internal progesterone release device (day -1) for 7 d and 1 d after the insertion of this device (day 0) were allocated randomly to receive 0.5 mg of E-17β or only the vehicle (control group). Superstimulation was initiated on day 3 with the administration of 133 mg of pFSH in eight decreasing doses. Contrary to expectations, the protocol with the administration of 0.5 mg E-17β did not improve the percentage of donors with > 2 CL, the number of CL and the production of embryos (P > 0.05). It was concluded that the combination of progesterone and 0.5 mg E-17β was more efficient in synchronizing the emergence of the new follicular wave, however this approach seems to be unnecessary in ewe’s superovulation programs.     

Psycho-physiological aspects of small combats in taekwondo: impact of area size and within-round sparring partners

The study investigated physiological and psychological responses to taekwondo combat sessions as a function of different area sizes and within-round sparring partners. Twenty-four adolescent (age: 17 ± 1years) male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) taekwondo athletes participated in the study. Each athlete confronted 1 (1vs.1; no sparring partner change) or 2 (1vs.2; within-round sparring partner change every minute) opponents in different area sizes (i.e., 4 × 4 m, 6 × 6 m, and 8 × 8 m) for 2 min. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured before and after bouts. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the contests and rating of perceived exertion was assessed after bouts. Mean HR (HRmean) and percentage of maximum HR (%HRmax) determined during a 20-m multistage shuttle run test were used for analysis. Mood states were assessed before and after bouts and physical enjoyment was analyzed after bouts. The results showed higher HRmean and %HRmax values for the 1vs.1 compared to the 1vs.2 condition (p < 0.001) and [La] values were higher at post-combat measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, tension and fatigue were higher in 6 × 6 m compared with 8 × 8 m (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023, respectively) and anger was higher in 6 × 6 m and 8 × 8 m in comparison with 4 × 4 m (p = 0.012 and p = 0.043, respectively). Confusion increased from before to after bouts (p < 0.001), from 4 × 4 m and 6 × 6 m area sizes to 8 × 8 m (p = 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), and from 1vs.1 to 1vs.2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, vigour decreased from before to after bouts (p < 0.01). Taekwondo combat sessions are a specific conditioning exercise for athletes. Thus, coaches can use the 1vs.1 condition to elicit higher HR responses and 6 × 6 m area size to induce higher psychological stress, mimicking what occurs during a competition.     

Ovarian and endocrine responses to prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) given at the expected time of the endogenous FSH peak at mid-cycle in ewes

In the ewe, a rise in circulating concentrations of FSH preceding follicular wave emergence begins in the presence of growing follicles from a previous wave. We hypothesized that prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) given at the time of an endogenous FSH peak in cyclic ewes would result in synchronous ovulation of follicles from two consecutive waves, increasing ovulation rate. Twelve Western White Face (WWF) ewes received a single i.m. injection of PGF(2alpha) (15 mg/ewe) at the expected time of a peak in FSH secretion, from Days 9 to 12 after ovulation. The mean ovulation rate after PGF(2alpha) treatment (2.3+/-0.3) did not differ (P>0.05) from the pre-treatment ovulation rate (1.7+/-0.1). Five ewes ovulated follicles from follicular waves emerging before and after PGF(2alpha) injection (3.0+/-0.6 ovulations/ewe) and seven ewes ovulated follicles only from a wave(s) emerging before PGF(2alpha) treatment (2.0+/-0.3 ovulations/ewe; P>0.05). The mean interval from PGF(2alpha) to emergence of the next follicular wave (1.0+/-0.4 and 4.0+/-0.0 d, respectively; P<0.001) and the interval from PGF(2alpha) treatment to the next FSH peak (0 and 3.5+/-0.4d, respectively; P<0.05) differed between the two groups. Six ewes ovulated after the onset of behavioral estrus, with a mean ovulation rate of 1.7+/-0.2, and six ewes ovulated both before and after the onset of estrus (3.0+/-0.5 ovulations/ewe; P<0.05). None of the ovulations that occurred before estrus resulted in corpora lutea (CL) with a full life span. At 24h before ovulation, follicles ovulating before or after the onset of estrus differed in size (4.1+/-0.3 or 5.5+/-0.4mm, respectively; P<0.05) and had distinctive echotextural characteristics. In conclusion, the administration of PGF(2alpha) at the expected time of an FSH peak at mid-cycle in ewes may alter the endogenous rhythm of FSH secretion and was not consistently followed by ovulation of follicles from two follicular waves. In non-prolific WWF ewes, PGF(2alpha)-induced luteolysis disrupted the normal distribution of the source of ovulatory follicles and may be associated with untimely follicular rupture and luteal inadequacy.     

Ultrasound and endocrine evaluation of the ovarian response to PGF2alpha given at different stages of the luteal phase in ewes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ovarian response of ewes to two treatments with PGF2alpha using transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and hormone measurements. Fifteen milligrams of PGF2alpha was given to six cyclic Western White Face (WWF) ewes early in the estrous cycle (Days 4 to 7) and to six late in the cycle (Days 10 to 12 after ovulation), and a second treatment was given 9 days after the first. Ultrasound scanning and blood sampling started 7 days prior to the first PGF2alpha treatment and ended 10 days (scanning) or 19 days (blood sampling) after the second PGF2alpha treatment, for both groups of ewes. Mean ovulation rate (2.6 +/- 0.7) did not differ significantly between the ewes first treated early or late in the cycle, or after the first or second treatments with PGF2alpha. The time from treatment to ovulation was longer in ewes first treated early (4.0 +/- 0.3 days) compared to late (2.8 +/- 0.4 days) in the cycle (P < 0.05). Both the number of ovulations (range: 0-7) and time from treatment to ovulation (range: 1-9 days) were highly variable. This variability appeared to be due to the extension of the life span of ovulating follicles that emerged prior to PGF2alpha administration and also ovulation of some follicles that emerged after treatment. When results for first and second treatments were pooled, the total number of follicles > 5 mm in diameter on the day of treatment that failed to ovulate in response to PGF2alpha was higher in ewes first treated early (0.8 +/- 0.2/ewe) compared to late (0.3 +/- 0.2/ewe) in the cycle (P < 0.05). The proportion of detected luteal structures relative to the number of ovulations was lower in ewes first treated early compared to late in the cycle (60 and 86%, respectively; P < 0.05). Disruption of ovulatory follicle dynamics and normal luteogenesis, and variability in the timing of ovulation after PGF2alpha treatments could all contribute to poor or variable fertility when prostaglandins are used for estrus synchronization.     

First-Trimester Maternal Serum Levels of sFLT1, PGF and ADMA Predict Preeclampsia

Background

Placental growth factor (PGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT1) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Abnormal maternal sFLT1, PGF and ADMA levels are detectable weeks before the onset of preeclampsia.

Objective

To investigate sFLT1, PGF and ADMA in the first trimester of pregnancy as predictors of preeclampsia.

Methods

In this prospective nested case-control study, 740 pregnant women enrolled at 12–16 weeks of gestation and followed up until 6 weeks after delivery at the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital of Tongji University between January 2010 and December 2012. Forty-four women developed preeclampsia. Urinary proteins were measured using 24-hour collection or dipsticks. sFLT1, PGF and ADMA were measured by ELISA in the first trimester. Pulsatility index (PI) was measured by Doppler ultrasound in the second trimester.

Results

First-trimester serum sFLT1 and ADMA levels of women who developed preeclampsia were significantly higher compared with women with normal pregnancies (sFLT1: 0.321±0.023 vs. 0.308±0.019 ng/ml, P = 0.001; ADMA: 0.86±0.16 vs. 0.68±0.20 μM, P<0.001). First-trimester serum PGF levels of women who developed preeclampsia were significantly lower than in women with normal pregnancies (115.72±32.55 vs. 217.30±74.48 pg/ml, P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic curves identified first-trimester PGF and ADMA to be sensitive and selective predictors of preeclampsia (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.902), as well as second-trimester uterine artery pulse index (AUC: 0.836).

Conclusion

In the first trimester, maternal serum sFLT1, PGF and ADMA levels, as well as second-trimester uterine artery PI, could predict preeclampsia.     

Endocrine and ultrasound evaluation of the response to PGF 2alpha and GnRH given at different stages of the luteal phase in cyclic ewes

To investigate the effects of prostaglandin (PGF 2alpha) plus GnRH at different stages of the luteal phase 13 ewes received PGF 2alpha on Day 9 of the synchronized cycle, followed 36 h later by GnRH. This control regimen resulted in ovulation and normal corpus luteum (CL) function. In the next cycle, the ewes were treated simultaneously with PGF 2alpha and GnRH either on Day 4 (early, n = 7) or Day 9 (late, n = 6). Ovarian activity was monitored daily by ultrasonography, and blood samples were obtained to monitor hormonal patterns. Size of the largest follicle present when GnRH was administered was similar in all groups, but the preceding growth rate was greatest for the early group. In the 36 h after injection of PGF 2alpha, serum progesterone (P4) had declined to basal levels in the control cycles when GnRH was administered, but P4 concentrations were higher in the early group and were highest in the late group when the GnRH was administered with PGF 2alpha. The LH surges induced by GnRH were highest in the control cycles, and were lower in the 2 treated groups. In the early group, 6 of 7 ewes demonstrated ovulation within 48 h of GnRH, resulting in the formation of normal CL. In the late group, ovulation was delayed for about 5 d in 4 of 6 ewes, and subsequent luteal function was normal; no ovulation was detected in the other 2 ewes of this group, but the follicles became luteinized, resulting in a normal P4 profile in one and subnormal in the other. These results suggest that follicles present during the early luteal phase are capable of ovulating and forming fully functional CL in response to exogenous GnRH. In contrast, follicles present during the late luteal phase fail to ovulate in response to GnRH while P4 levels are high, even though the LH stimulus is adequate; however, these follicles persist and subsequently ovulate after P4 levels have decreased. Therefore, the endocrine milieu to which a follicle was exposed may be more important than its size in determining its ability to undergo ovulation and development into a normal CL.     

The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training promote atherosclerotic plaque stabilization in apolipoprotein E knockout mice with diabetic atherosclerosis

Physical exercise is the cornerstone of cardiovascular disease treatment. The present study investigated whether exercise training affects atherosclerotic plaque composition through the modification of inflammatoryrelated pathways in apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE^−/−) mice with diabetic atherosclerosis. Forty-five male apoE^−/− mice were randomized into three equivalent (n=15) groups: control (CO), sedentary (SED), and exercise (EX). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin administration. High-fat diet was administered to all groups for 12 weeks. Afterwards, CO mice were euthanatized, while the sedentary and exercise groups continued high-fat diet for 6 additional weeks. Exercising mice followed an exercise program on motorizedtreadmill (5 times/week, 60 min/session). Then, blood samples and atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic root were examined. A considerable (P<0.001) regression of the atherosclerotic lesions was observed in the exercise group (180.339±75.613×10³µm²) compared to the control (325.485±72.302×10³ µm²) and sedentary (340.188±159.108×10³µm²) groups. We found decreased macrophages, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-3, MMP-8 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations (P<0.05) in the atherosclerotic plaques of the exercise group. Compared to both control and sedentary groups, exercise training significantly increased collagen (P<0.05), elastin (P<0.001), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) (P<0.001) content in the atherosclerotic plaques. Those effects paralleled with increased fibrous cap thickness and less internal elastic lamina ruptures after exercise training (P<0.05), while body-weight and lipid parameters did not significantly change. Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-3 concentrations in atherosclerotic tissues followed a similar trend. From our study we can conclude that exercise training reduces and stabilizes atherosclerotic lesions in apoE^−/− mice with diabetic atherosclerosis. A favorable modification of the inflammatory regulators seems to explain those beneficial effects.Key words: diabetes, atherosclerosis, exercise, matrix metalloproteinases, plaque stability.     

ACUTE EFFECTS OF MOVEMENT VELOCITY ON BLOOD LACTATE AND GROWTH HORMONE RESPONSES AFTER ECCENTRIC BENCH PRESS EXERCISE IN RESISTANCE-TRAINED MEN

This study aimed to compare the effects of different velocities of eccentric muscle actions on acute blood lactate and serum growth hormone (GH) concentrations following free weight bench press exercises performed by resistance-trained men. Sixteen healthy men were divided into two groups: slow eccentric velocity (SEV; n = 8) and fast eccentric velocity (FEV; n = 8). Both groups performed four sets of eight eccentric repetitions at an intensity of 70% of their one repetition maximum eccentric (1RMecc) test, with 2-minute rest intervals between sets. The eccentric velocity was controlled to 3 seconds per range of motion for SEV and 0.5 seconds for the FEV group. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the kinetics of blood lactate removal (at 3, 6, 9, 15, and 20 min) and higher mean values for peak blood lactate (P = 0.001) for the SEV group (9.1 ± 0.5 mM) compared to the FEV group (6.1 ± 0.4 mM). Additionally, serum GH concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) at 15 minutes after bench press exercise in the SEV group (1.7 ± 0.6 ng · mL⁻¹) relative to the FEV group (0.1 ± 0.0 ng · mL⁻¹). In conclusion, the velocity of eccentric muscle action influences acute responses following bench press exercises performed by resistance-trained men using a slow velocity resulting in a greater metabolic stress and hormone response.     

Changes in body composition and substrate utilization after a short-term ketogenic diet in endurance-trained males

Few studies have investigated the short-term effects of a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) on body composition and substrate utilization in trained individuals. This study investigated effects on substrate utilization during incremental exercise, and changes in body composition, in response to seven days ad libitum consumption of a KD by athletes from endurance sports. Nine young trained males (age, 21.8 ± 1.9 y; height, 1.83 ± 0.11 m; body mass, 78.4 ± 13.8 kg; body fat, 14.9 ± 3.9%; VO2peak, 54.3 ± 5.9 mL kg^-1 min^-1) were assessed before (day 0; PRE) and after (day 7; POST) seven days of consuming an ad libitum KD. Following an overnight fast, body composition was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry, and substrate utilization was measured during an incremental (3 min stages, 35 W increments) exercise test on a cycle ergometer. After KD, W_max (PRE, 295 ± 30 W; POST, 292 ± 38 W) and VO2peak (PRE, 4.18 ± 0.33 L min^-1; POST, 4.10 ± 0.43 L min^-1) were unchanged, whereas body mass [-2.4 (-3.2, -1.6) kg; P < 0.001, d = 0.21], fat mass [-0.78 (-1.10, -0.46) kg; P < 0.001, d = 0.22] and fat-free mass (FFM) [-1.82 (-3.12, -0.51) kg; P = 0.013, d = 0.22] all decreased. The respiratory exchange ratio was lower, and rates of fat oxidation were higher, at POST across a range of exercise intensities. Maximal fat oxidation rate was ~1.8-fold higher after KD (PRE, 0.54 ± 0.13 g min^-1; POST, 0.95 ± 0.24 g min^-1; P < 0.001, d = 2.2). Short-term KD results in loss of both fat mass and FFM, increased rates of fat oxidation and a concomitant reduction in CHO utilization even at moderate-to-high intensities of exercise.     

Relationship between physiological tremor and cognitive function in physically active older women

[Purpose]This study aimed to compare the physiological tremor, grip strength, and cognitive function of sedentary and physically active older adults.[Methods]Twenty-four older adults aged ≥65 years participated in this study and were divided into the sedentary (76.5±4.4 years, n=12) and physically active (73.5±3.3 years, n=12) groups. Each group completed the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function assessment. Physiological tremor was measured using an accelerometer for both hands at rest and the left/right hand with a 1,000 g dumbbell on the palm in neutral positions and the elbow flexed at 90°. Physical fitness was measured by grip strength and completion of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the 6-min walk test.[Results]The physically active group showed a significantly lower level of physiological tremor in both hands at rest and the left/right hand with a 1,000 g dumbbell on the palm (P<0.05) than that in the sedentary group. For cognitive function, the physically active group showed significantly higher scores than those in the sedentary group (P<0.001). No significant correlation was found between cognitive function and left/right grip strength (left: r = 0.117, P = 0.585; right: r = 0.230, P = 0.279), physiological tremor in both hands at rest (left: r = -0.524, P < 0.001; right: r = -0.508, P < 0.05), and the left/right hand with a 1,000 g dumbbell on the palm (left: r = -0.505, P < 0.05; right: r = -0.458, P < 0.05).[Conclusion]Physiological tremor of the hands has the potential to be a useful predictor of cognitive function in older adults.     

Increased Circulating Cathepsin K in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Cysteinyl cathepsin K (CatK) is one of the most potent mammalian collagenases involved in cardiovascular disease. Here, we investigated the clinical predictive value of serum CatK levels in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We examined 134 patients with CHF, measuring their serum CatK, troponin I, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and pre-operative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels. The patients were divided into two groups: the 44 patients who showed a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% (the “lowLVEF” group) and the 90 patients showing LVEF values ≥ 40% (the “highLVEF” group). The lowLVEF patients had significantly higher serum CatK levels compared to the highLVEF patients (58.4 ± 12.2 vs. 44.7 ± 16.4, P < 0.001). Overall, a linear regression analysis showed that CatK levels correlated negatively with LVEF (r = −0.4, P < 0.001) and positively with LV end-diastolic dimensions (r = 0.2, P < 0.01), LV end-systolic dimensions (r = 0.3, P < 0.001), and left atrial diameters (r = 0.3, P < 0.01). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that CatK levels were independent predictors of CHF (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.95; P < 0.01). These data indicate that elevated levels of CatK are closely associated with the presence of CHF and that the measurement of circulating CatK provides a noninvasive method of documenting and monitoring the extent of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in patients with CHF.     

Assessment of Clinical Signs of Liver Cirrhosis Using T1 Mapping on Gd-EOB-DTPA-Enhanced 3T MRI

Objectives

To assess the differences between normal and cirrhotic livers by means of T1 mapping of liver parenchyma on gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced 3 Tesla (3T) MR imaging (MRI).

Methods

162 patients with normal (n = 96) and cirrhotic livers (n = 66; Child-Pugh class A, n = 30; B, n = 28; C, n = 8) underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3T MRI. To obtain T1 maps, two TurboFLASH sequences (TI = 400 ms and 1000 ms) before and 20 min after Gd-EOB-DTPA administration were acquired. T1 relaxation times of the liver and the reduction rate between pre- and post-contrast enhancement images were measured.

Results

The T1 relaxation times for Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI showed significant differences between patients with normal liver function and patients with Child-Pugh class A, B, and C (p < 0.001). The T1 relaxation times showed a constant significant increase from Child-Pugh class A up to class C (Child-Pugh class A, 335 ms ± 80 ms; B, 431 ms ± 75 ms; C, 557 ms ± 99 ms; Child-Pugh A to B, p < 0.001; Child-Pugh A to C, p < 0.001; Child-Pugh B to C, p < 0.001) and a constant decrease of the reduction rate of T1 relaxation times (Child-Pugh class A, 57.1% ± 8.8%; B, 44.3% ± 10.2%, C, 29.9% ± 6.9%; Child-Pugh A to B, p < 0.001; Child-Pugh A to C,p < 0.001; Child-Pugh B to C, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced T1 mapping of the liver parenchyma may present a useful method for determining severity of liver cirrhosis.     

Hydroxyurea affects in vitro porcine oocyte maturation through increased apoptosis and oxidative stress

Hydroxyurea (HU) is an FDA-approved drug used to treat a variety of diseases, especially malignancies, but is harmful to fertility. We used porcine oocytes as an experimental model to study the effect of HU during oocyte maturation. Exposure of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) to 20 µM (P<0.01) and 50 µM (P<0.001) HU reduced oocyte maturation. Exposure to 20 µM HU induced approximately 1.5- and 2-fold increases in Caspase-3 (P<0.001) and P53 (P<0.01) gene expression levels in cumulus cells, respectively, increased Caspase-3 (P<0.01) and P53 (P<0.001) protein expression levels in metaphase II (MII) oocytes and increased the percentage of apoptotic cumulus cells (P<0.001). In addition, HU decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δφm) (P<0.01 and P<0.001) and glutathione (GSH) levels (P<0.01 and P<0.001) of both cumulus cells and MII oocytes, while increasing their reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (P<0.001). Following parthenogenetic activation of embryos derived from MII oocytes, exposure to 20 µM HU significantly reduced total blastocyst cell numbers (P<0.001) and increased apoptosis of blastocyst cells (P<0.001). Moreover, HU exposure reduced the rate of development of two-celled, four- to eight-celled, blastocyst, and hatching stages after parthenogenetic activation (P<0.05). Our findings indicate that exposure to 20 µM HU caused significant oxidative stress and apoptosis of MII oocytes during maturation, which affected their developmental ability. These results provide valuable information for safety assessments of HU.     

Efficacy of core stability training on upper extremity performance in collegiate athletes

Objective:To determine the efficacy of a five-week core stability training program for collegiate athletes on upper extremity performance measures.Methods:Seventy healthy collegiate athletes (age 21.6±1.7years; height 175±4.63 cm; body mass 65.31±5.63 kg) were randomly allocated to experimental (n=35) and control group (n=35). The experimental group has undergone a five-week core stabilisation protocol (three days /week) and regular training, whereas the control group maintained their regular training. The upper quarter Y balance test (UQ-YBT) and Functional throwing performance index (FTPI) were assessed pre and post-training.Results:The results of mixed ANOVA show that there was a significant interaction between time and group variables on YBT (p<0.001, η_p² =0.759) and FTPI (p<0.001, η_p² =0.411) after five weeks of core stability training. Statistically, significant improvement was shown in YBT (mean change=15.2, p<0.001) and FTPI (mean change=14.4, p<0.001) in the experimental group; however, there was no significant change observed in both outcomes in the control groups.Conclusion:After five weeks of core stabilisation training program, the measures of UQ-YBT and FTPI were improved, thus advocating the use of a core stabilisation training program among collegiate athletes to enhance their upper extremity performance.     

Nebivolol And Quinapril Reduce P-Wave Duration And Dispersion In Hypertensive Patients

We aimed to investigate the effects of nebivolol and quinapril treatments on P-wave duration and dispersion in hypertensive patients. Hypertensive patients who were in sinus rhythm were assigned to the two treatment groups and received either 20 mg quinapril/day or 5 mg nebivolol/day. P-Wave dispersion (PWD) was measured at baseline and after four weeks of treatment and defined as the difference between the maximum (Pmax) and the minimum (Pmin) P-wave duration. The study group consisted of 54 patients (Mean age: 53 ± 9 years, 46% women) with 27 patients in each group. At 4-week follow up both treatment groups showed a significant reduction (p< 0.001) in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Heart rate (HR) reduction was significant in patients receiving nebivolol (P=0.001). Both groups showed a similar (P=0.413 for PWD, p=0.651 for Pmax) but significant reduction in PWD (nebivolol: -16± 14, P< 0.0001 and quinapril: -13± 11, P< 0.0001) and Pmax (nebivolol: -10± 11, P=0.001 and quinapril: -9± 11, P=0.001). A 2 (Time) x 2 (Group) mixed-model repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed that the main effect of Time was significant for Pmax (P=0.002) and PWD (P=0.008) after controlling for changes in SBP, DBP and HR. However, the main effect of Group and Time x Group interaction was not significant for both variables (All p values > 0.05). In conclusion, short-term treatment with nebivolol and quinapril produces a similar but significant reduction in Pmax and PWD in hypertensive patients. This effect is independent of blood pressure and heart rate changes.