Relationship Between the Skin Surface Temperature Changes During Sprint Interval Testing Protocol and the Aerobic Capacity in Well-Trained Cyclists.

The study investigated whether changes in body surface temperature in a sprint interval testing protocol (SITP) correlated with aerobic capacity in cyclists. The study involved 21 well-trained cyclists. Maximal aerobic power and maximal oxygen uptake relative to lean body mass (LBM-P(max) and LBM-VO(2max), respectively) were determined by incremental exercise testing on a cycle ergometer. SITP was administered 48 hours later and involved four 30-s maximal sprints interspersed with 90-s active recovery. Body surface temperature was recorded at the temple and arm and the delta difference between baseline temperature and temperature measured immediately after the first sprint (DeltaTt(1) and DeltaTa(1), respectively) and 80 seconds after the fourth sprint (DeltaTt(4) and DeltaTa(4)), respectively) was calculated. Significant correlations were found between DeltaTt4 and LBM-Pmax and LBM-VO(2max) (r=0.63 and r=0.75, respectively) with no significant change in DeltaTa(1) or DeltaTa(4). Body surface temperature, measured at the temple region, can be used to indirectly assess aerobic capacity during maximal sprint exercise.

Time of VO(2)max plateau and post-exercise oxygen consumption during incremental exercise testing in young mountain bike and road cyclists.

The purpose of this study was to compare markers of glycolytic metabolism in response to the Wingate test and the incremental test in road and mountain bike cyclists, who not different performance level and aerobic capacity. All cyclists executed the Wingate test and incremental test on a cycle ergometer. Maximal power and average power were determined during the Wingate test. During the incremental test the load was increased by 50 W every 3 min, until volitional exhaustion and maximal aerobic power (APmax), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and time of VO(2)max plateau (Tplateau) were determined. Post-exercise measures of oxygen uptake (VO(2)post), carbon dioxide excretion, (VCO(2)post), and the ratio between VCO(2)/VO(2) (RERpost) were collected for 3 min immediately after incremental test completion. Arterialized capillary blood was drawn to measure lactate (La-) and hydrogen (H+) ion concentrations in 3 min after each test. The data demonstrated significant differences between mountain bike and road cyclists for Tplateau, VO(2)post, VCO(2)post, La- which was higher-, and RERpost which was lower-, in mountain bike cyclists compare with road cyclists. No differences were observed between mountain bike and road cyclists for APmax, VO(2)max, H(+) and parameters measured in the Wingate test. Increased time of VO2max plateau concomitant to larger post-exercise La- and VO(2) values suggests greater anaerobic contribution during incremental testing efforts by mountain bike cyclists compared with road cyclists.

Comparison of Mechanical Circulatory Support by the Use of Pulsatile Left Ventricular Assist Devices Polvad MEV and Continuous Flow Heart Ware and Heart Mate II in a Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical circulatory support is increasingly used in patients with heart failure as a bridge to transplant or recovery. Results of use the Polish POLVAD MEV pulsatile circulatory support system and its comparison with novel devices never was done. We compared the course of patients with left ventricular circulatory support (left ventricular assist device [LVAD]) supported by POLVAD MEV or continuous flow devices Heart Mate II (HM II) and Heart Ware (HW) in single-center cohort. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients who underwent Polvad Mev (group P; n = 24 [21M/3F]) or HW or HM II (group C; n = 20 [20M/0F]) implantation between April 2007 and February 2014. Patients were in INTERMACS 1 (6 in group P and 1 in group C) or 2. Preimplant demographics, and perioperative and postoperative clinical outcomes were reviewed between groups. We analyzed baseline signs of heart failure, comorbidities, complications, and the 30- and 90-day results. RESULTS: Among the groups, age, gender, weight, and cause of heart failure were comparable. Patients in group C suffered more frequently from hypercholesterolemia preoperatively. Patients in group P had more pulmonary complications (7 vs 0) after LVAD implantation and stay longer on intensive care unit than patients in group C (17.61 ± 16.96 vs 9.56 ± 9.42; P = .047). After exclusion, INTERMACS 1 patients it was not significant (14.8 ± 10.8 vs 9.8 ± 9.6 days; P = .065), the 30- and 90-day mortality was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of pulsatile POLVAD MEV and continuous flow devices as LVAD support provides comparable results. A greater number of complications in group P can cause increased mortality over a longer observation period.

Effects of Left Ventricular Assist Device Support on End-Organ Function in Patients With Heart Failure: Comparison of Pulsatile- and Continuous-Flow Support in a Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist about the effects of continuous-flow versus pulsatile-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) on end-organ function. We hypothesized that a pulsatile Polvad MEV (PM) would result in outcomes similar to those of similarly ill patients implanted with a continuous-flow LVAD (Heartware [HW] or Heartmate II [HMII]). We aimed to compare renal, hepatic, and hematologic functions in the 1st 30 days of support. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with 24 PM (21 M, 3 F; group P) and 15 HW and 5 HMII (20 M, 0 F); group C LVAD implantations from April 2007 to February 2014. Creatinine, bilirubin, aspartate (AST) and alanine (ALT) transaminases, hematocrit, platelet count, international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) parameters were analyzed before implantation and during 30 days of support. Demographic parameters were similar. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the groups regarding baseline renal, hepatic, or hematologic function. Baseline INR and APTT were significantly higher in group P. Levels of creatinine were similar between groups. They increased from baseline to postoperative day (POD) 1 and then decreased. Bilirubin levels were insignificantly higher in group P. Transaminases were significantly higher in group P (AST in PODs 3-6, ALT in PODs 3-7). INR values were significantly higher at baseline and in POD 0. APTT values were insignificantly higher in group P. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LVAD improved renal and hepatic function in our series. Patients in group P had more decreased hepatic function and presented slower regeneration.

Right Ventricular Function in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Device Support by Pulsatile Polvad MEV and Continuous-Flow Pumps Heartware and Heartmate II.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support is increasingly used in patients with heart failure. The right ventricle (RV) plays a main role in LVAD support. Little is known about the effects of pulsatile Polvad MEV devices or continuouseconds flow pumps on RV function. We compared hemodynamic parameters of RV in patients after implantation of Polvad MEV (PM) and Heartware (HW) or Heartmate II (HMII) LVADs. METHODS: Forty-four patients were retrospectively reviewed after implantation of PM (group P; n = 24 [21 M, 3 F]) or HW or HMII (group C; n = 20 [20 M, 0 F]) LVADs from April 2007 to February 2014. Hemodynamic data-mean pulmonary pressure (mPAP), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output (CO), and cardiac index (CI)-were collected before surgery, after surgery, and every 2 hours in the intensive care unit, with the time points numbered from 1 to 120. Right ventricular work (RVW) was calculated according to the equation: RCW = CO × (mPAP - CVP) × 0.0144 (g·m). RESULTS: Baseline characteristic of the patients were similar. mPAP values were similar between groups. CVP values were higher in group P, significantly at time points 5 and 7-33. CO values were higher in group C, significantly from point 3 and almost all the time to point 43. CI reached significance at point 9, 12-14, 16-19, and 30-41. RCW was higher in group P before implantation. Post-implantation RCW values were higher in group C, significantly at time points 19, 20, 32-34, 51-53, and 55-57. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous-flow pumps more effectively optimize RV function than pulsatile LVADs, which can result in more effective prevention of RV failure or insuffiency in that group.

Optimization of Salmonella enteritidis recombinant heat shock protein 60 production.

The aim of the study was to optimize conditions for producing Salmonella Enteritidis recombinant heat shock protein 60 (rHsp60). Seven Escherichia coli host strains (Rosetta, Turner, C41, C43, Origami, BL21pLys, Rosetta pLys) were transformed by a recombinant plasmid containing Hsp60 gene from Salmonella Enteritidis, and then cultured and induced by isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The highest S. Enteritidis rHsp60 yield was obtained using E. coli strain C41. Induction of this strain using IPTG allowed the yield 400 microg of S. Enteritidis Hsp60 protein/2L of culture, but by autoinduction the yield exceeded 800 microg/2L.

The relationship between concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) in serum and colostrum of mares and in serum of their foals in the neonatal period.

Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP) participates in the actin scavenger system, it is a carrier of vitamin D and its derivatives, it manifests the capacity to bind mainly monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, it binds to the surface of several cells and enhances chemotactic activity of C5a of the complement. The present study was aimed at answering the question whether serum DBP level in mares is related to levels of this protein in colostrum and in serum of its progeny. For this purpose, sera from 77 mares, colostra from 72 mares and sera from 69 Thoroughbred foals were collected. Mother's age, number of deliveries experienced in the past, month of delivery, feeding of foals with colostra were recorded. Blood of the foals was sampled from the umbilical vein during delivery (0h) and 36-48 h after delivery from the external jugular vein, colostra of the mares were obtained after delivery and blood of the mares was sampled 36-48 h after delivery. Concentration of DBP was estimated by a self-designed ELISA. In the present study, DBP concentrations in newborn's serum were found independent of their concentrations in mother's serum, her age and number of parities experienced in the past. Colostrum DBP level was found to be lower than that in the mare's serum and was not correlated to the concentration of this protein in mare's serum. There was no effect of colostrum feeding on DBP level in the foal serum. These results indicate that serum DBP concentration in newborn foals depends on factors which act directly on the foal. Because of the lack of correlation between plasma and colostrum concentrations of DBP, it can be assumed that DBP is synthesised in the mammary gland and/or specific transport mechanisms exist in the mammary gland.

The role of solar ultraviolet irradiation in zoster.

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) suppresses many aspects of cell-mediated immunity but it is uncertain whether solar UV exposure alters resistance to human infectious diseases. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella (chickenpox) and can reactivate from latency to cause zoster (shingles). The monthly incidence of chickenpox and zoster in a defined Polish population over 2 years was recorded and ground level solar UV was measured daily. There was a significant seasonality of UVR. Evidence of seasonal variation was found for all zoster cases and for zoster in males, with the lowest number of cases in the winter. The number of zoster cases with lesions occurring on exposed body sites (the face) demonstrated highly significant seasonality with a peak in July/August. Seasonal models for UVR and zoster cases showed similar temporal patterns. By contrast, for varicella, the maximum number of cases was found in March and the minimum in August/September, probably explained by the respiratory spread of VZV. It is tempting to speculate that the increase in solar UVR in the summer could induce suppression of cellular immunity, thus contributing to the corresponding rise in the incidence of zoster.

Soluble selectin profiles associated with severe trauma.

Severe trauma acts as a trigger for the complex cascade of postinjury events leading to the release of different mediators and the development of generalized inflammation. Selectins are a family of adhesion proteins that are responsible for the adherence of polymorphonuclear neutrophils to the endothelium. This interaction plays an important role in the development of severe complications after multiple trauma. The aim of the present study is to follow the sequential alterations in circulating selectin levels after severe injury and to evaluate the clinical significance of these mediators in monitoring prognosis and outcome. Thirty four severely traumatized patients were entered into the study. Serum sE-selectin, plasma sP-selectin and sL-selectin concentrations were measured and an APACHE II score was calculated on admission to the intensive care unit and during the subsequent 5 days. The patients were divided into survivors and nonsurvivors. Initial soluble P- and E-selectin concentrations were significantly elevated in all trauma patients. The highest values of these adhesion molecules were measured in all the observed days in patients with poor prognosis and outcome. In survivors we found a systematic decrease in the sP-selectin concentrations. On admission, the sL-selectin concentrations in all trauma patients were decreased. There were stable, very low values in nonsurvivors and a slow increase in circulating L-selectin in patients who survived. The pattern of soluble selectins in patients with severe trauma is characterized by increased levels of P- and E-selectin and a decreased concentration of L-selectin. These findings suggest a widespread microvascular endothelial activation on injury in the early posttraumatic period, which may be associated with increased neutrophil-endothelial adhesion, neutrophil extravasation and migration. We suppose that these parameters of endothelial cell activation/injury may be useful as another early prognostic factor in severe trauma.

Presence of a simple tandem repeat in the ITS1 region of the Xylariales.

A Simple Tandem Repeat sequence of 11 nucleotides has been found in the ITS1 region of the rDNA of members of Order Xylariales. The number of repetitions detected ranged from one to six, and they could be found in pure tandem or interspersed. The same core sequences have also been found in DNA from other organisms, although usually not repeated in tandem. These repetitions could have been generated by slipped strand mispairing. The presence of this sequence increases the normal rate of divergence in the ITS1 of the Xylariales. The phylogenetic implications of the presence of this sequence in the molecular taxonomy of Xylariales are also discussed.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of hemangiopericytoma: report of two cases.

The fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) findings in two cases of hemangiopericytoma (HP), arising in the parotid gland and on the inner chest wall, respectively, are reported. Smear preparations in each case showed cytologic features of an undifferentiated spindle-cell neoplasm, whereas a core needle biopsy specimen of the chest wall mass showed a spindle-cell tumor with a "staghorn-like" arrangement of endothelium-lined vascular channels. Immunostains performed on this core biopsy, and on the surgical resection specimens in both cases, showed positive staining of tumor cells for vimentin and CD34, with negative staining for a variety of smooth muscle, epithelial, neural, and neuroendocrine markers. Electron microscopy performed in one case further supported the diagnosis of HP. With adequate sampling and appropriate use of ancillary studies, a diagnosis of HP can be reliably suggested on the basis of FNAB and core biopsy of a soft-tissue mass.

Prenatal maternal predictors of cognitive and emotional delays in children of adolescent mothers.

The present study examined relationships among prenatal characteristics of 121 adolescent mothers-including cognitive readiness for parenting, intelligence, social support, and personal adjustment-and intellectual-linguistic development, social-emotional functioning, and adaptive behavior in their children at three years of age. Only 28% of the children scored within normal ranges on all three types of outcomes. Intellectual and linguistic delays were predicted best by prenatal measures of maternal Performance IQ and social support from extended family. Socioemotional problems were predicted best by maternal internalizing problems and social support from partner and friends. Adaptive behavior was associated with parenting style. Implications for the early identification of high-risk children--and associated intervention programs--are discussed.

Steam sterilizable probes for dissolved oxygen measurement. Reprinted from Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. VI, Issue 4, Pages 457-468 (1964).

Steam-sterilizable membrane probes for monitoring the dissolved oxygen level in fermentors, or the oxygen content of gas streams, are described. The probes have a silver cathode, a lead anode, and an acetate buffer as an electrolyte. The membrane is Teflon. The current output of the probes in the absence of oxygen is negligible.

Fulminant parvovirus infection following erythropoietin treatment in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

We report the case of a 41-year-old black man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who developed a severe chronic anemia due to parvovirus infection. Bone marrow biopsy revealed erythroid aplasia. The infectious nature of the anemia was not recognized, and the patient was treated with erythropoietin. The patient's reticulocyte response was inadequate, however, and he remained anemic. A second bone marrow biopsy showed erythroid hyperplasia and prominent intranuclear parvovirus inclusions within erythroid progenitors. Erythropoietin was discontinued and was followed by a course of intravenous immunoglobulin, which resulted in rapid correction of anemia. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of fulminant human parvovirus infection exacerbated by erythropoietin administration and documented by sequential bone marrow histologic examination. This case illustrates the critical importance of considering parvovirus in the etiology of chronic anemia with erythroid aplasia in immunocompromised patients.

A longitudinal analysis of maternal abuse potential and developmental delays in children of adolescent mothers.

OBJECTIVE: This project was designed to examine the impact of adolescent mothers' abuse potential on the development of preschool children. The specific aims were to demonstrate relationships between maternal abuse potential and developmental problems in preschool children, to examine these relationships across time, and to determine whether maternal abuse potential predicted developmental delays after controlling for problematic parenting orientations. METHOD: Using a longitudinal design, we examined 146 first time mothers and their children. Maternal abuse potential was assessed when children were 1, 3, and 5 years old; problematic parenting orientation was assessed when the children were 6 months old; and child development (i.e., IQ, adaptive behavior, and behavior problems) was assessed at ages 3 and 5. RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed significant relationships between maternal abuse potential and a variety of developmental problems. Path analyses revealed unidirectional relationships between abuse potential predicting IQ and adaptive behaviors. Further analyses indicated that maternal abuse potential at 1 and 3 years predicted intelligence and adaptive behavior at ages 3 and 5, even when problematic parenting orientation was controlled. In contrast, children's behavioral problems at ages 3 and 5 was better accounted for by problematic parenting orientation than by abuse potential. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed that developmental delays in children of adolescent are related to abuse potential. Two pathways were found for predicting developmental delays: One pathway linked child abuse potential with IQ and adaptive functioning: the other pathway showed that problematic parenting orientation accounted for the development of emotional and behavioral problems.

MULTICLUSTAL: a systematic method for surveying Clustal W alignment parameters.

MULTICLUSTAL is a Perl script designed to automate the process of alignment parameter choice for Clustal W with the goal of generating high quality multiple sequence alignments.

Cloning and characterization of a new subtype of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptors.

A new subfamily member of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) receptor gene, TRHR2, was isolated from rat brain cDNAs. The deduced amino acid sequence of TRHR2 is 51 % identical to that of rat TRH receptor gene which was reported previously. Northern blot analysis with TRHR2 probe revealed brain-specific expression of a 9.5 kb mRNA. In a binding experiment using the TRHR2-expressing COS cells, specific binding of TRH to TRHR2 was observed with Kd value of 9 nM which was equivalent to the Kd value (= 13 nM) of TRH binding to the TRH receptor previously reported. The active metabolite of TRH, histidyl-proline diketopiperazine, or cyclo(His-Pro), showed no specific binding activity. These results suggest that TRHR2 is a novel subtype of TRH receptor.