A simple approach to assess VT during a field walk test.

We aimed to examine whether the ventilatory threshold (VT) during an incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) could be determined using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Further aims were to assess variables capable of predicting performance in the ISWT and the intensity of this test. Beat-to-beat RR intervals and gas exchange values in 10 healthy subjects (31-83 years; 7 men) were collected during the ISWT. The ventilatory equivalent was used to assess VT from respiratory components. To determine the HRV threshold (HRVT), the instantaneous beat-to-beat variability values of the RR intervals at each stage of exercise were graphically plotted against walking speed (WS). The oxygen consumption at HRVT was calculated (VO2HRVT). No significant differences were found between walking speed (WS) at VT and WS at HRVT (5.04±1.00 vs. 5.10±1.04 km/h; p=0.89). Linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between VO2VT and VO2HRVT (r(2)=0.896). The Bland and Altman plot analysis revealed an agreement between VO2VT and VO2HRVT (-0.05; 95%CI: -0.30-0.20 L/min). Thus, the VT can be assessed during the ISWT using a simple heart monitor. The ISWT may be a useful tool to assess exercise capacity and prescribe walking programs.

1,8-cineole protects against liver failure in an in-vivo murine model of endotoxemic shock.

The effects of 1,8-cineole on D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-induced shock model of liver injury was investigated in mice. The co-administration of GalN (700 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and LPS (5 microg kg(-1), i.p.) greatly elevated serum concentrations of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and induced massive hepatic necrosis and lethality in 100% of control mice. Pretreatment with 1,8-cineole (400 mg kg(-1), p.o.) and dexamethasone (1 mg kg(-1), s.c.), 60 min before GalN/LPS, offered complete protection (100%) against the lethal shock and acute elevation in serum TNF-alpha and serum transaminases. Hepatic necrosis induced by GalN/LPS was also greatly reduced by both 1,8-cineole and dexamethasone treatment. The results indicate that 1,8-cineole protects mice against GalN/LPS-induced liver injury through the inhibition of TNF-alpha production, and suggest that 1,8-cineole may be a promising agent to combat septic-shock-associated pathologies.

Induction of secretory immunity with bioadhesive poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles containing Streptococcus sobrinus glucosyltransferase.

The effect of mucosal delivery of Streptococcus sobrinus glucosyltransferase (GTF) in bioadhesive poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles on induction of salivary IgA and serum IgG antibody responses was measured in Sprague-Dawley rats. Preparations of GTF/PLGA/gelatin microparticles, or PLGA/gelatin microparticles or GTF in alum, were administered four times at weekly intervals by intranasal or intragastric routes. Two subcutaneous injections of GTF in PLGA/gelatin microparticles or in alum were given to separate groups of rats. Significant elevations in salivary IgA antibody levels to S. sobrinus GTF were observed only in the groups immunized intranasally 28 days after immunizations were begun. Five of six rats given the GTF microparticles intranasally had positive salivary IgA antibody responses to GTF, and the mean salivary IgA antibody level of this group was 30-fold higher than any other mucosally or systemically immunized group. Salivary IgA responses in the GTF-microparticle group remained significantly higher than all other mucosally immunized groups for at least 10 weeks after the primary immunization. All rats in this group demonstrated aspects of anamnesis following a more limited secondary course of intranasal administration. Intranasal administration of GTF in microparticles also induced a serum IgG response to GTF in some rats. After secondary intranasal GTF microparticle administration, several rats had sustained serum IgG antibody levels that were within the range of sera from rats subcutaneously injected with GTF in microparticles or in alum. Thus intranasal delivery of GTF-containing bioadhesive microparticles induced the highest and longest lasting salivary immune response of any mucosal or systemic route or vehicle tested and could be expected to be a useful method for induction of mucosal immunity.