The Effect of Metformin on Plasma Prolactin Levels in Young Women with Autoimmune Thyroiditis.

Metformin decreases elevated prolactin levels, which are frequently found in patients with thyroid disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate whether thyroid autoimmunity modulates the impact of metformin on lactotrope secretory function. This study compared two matched groups of young women with prediabetes and mild-to-moderate prolactin excess: 28 subjects with coexisting euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis (group 1) and 28 individuals without thyroid disorders (group 2), treated for six months with metformin (3 g daily). Thyroid antibody titers, glucose homeostasis markers, prolactin, thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones, FSH, LH, ACTH, IGF-1 and hsCRP were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. At entry, the study groups differed in antibody titers and hsCRP levels. Although the improvement in glucose homeostasis and the decrease in hsCRP levels were observed in both study groups, they were more pronounced in group 2. Only in group 2 did metformin reduce circulating prolactin levels (both total and monomeric). Prolactin-lowering properties of metformin positively correlated with baseline prolactin levels, baseline antibody titers (in group 1) and with the degree of reduction in hsCRP levels. The obtained results suggest that autoimmune thyroiditis may attenuate the impact of metformin on lactotrope secretory function.

A Retrospective Population Study of 385 191 Positive Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Tests For SARS-CoV-2 from a Single Laboratory in Katowice, Poland from April 2020 to July 2022.

BACKGROUND This retrospective population study identified 385 191 positive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a single laboratory in Katowice, Poland, from April 2020 to July 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS The material was nasopharyngeal, nasopharyngeal swab or bronchial lavage, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to confirm or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection with the RT-PCR technique. Personal data are use according to the Provisions on the Protection of Personal Data by the Gyn-Centrum laboratory. RESULTS In 9 months of 2020, the number of SARS-CoV-2 results was 88 986; in 2021, it was 168 439, and in the first 7 months of 2022, it was 12 786. In 2020, the highest number of positive results was recorded in the third quarter (83 094 cases); 2021, in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters (58 712; 37 720; and 71 753 cases, respectively), and in 2022, in the 1st quarter (127 613 cases) of the year. A positive result was observed more often in women and people aged 30-39, followed by those 40-49 years. Patients aged 10-19 years comprised the smallest population of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases. CONCLUSIONS In the Polish population studied, from April 2020 to July 2022, the detection rates of SARS-CoV-2 positivity were significantly higher for women than for men and in the 30-49 age group for both sexes. Also, the infection detection rate of 385 191 out of 1 332 659 patient samples, or 28.9%, supports that the Polish society adhered to public health recommendations for infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluation of the Risk of Birth Defects Related to the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology: An Updated Systematic Review.

Fertility problems constitute a serious medical, social, and demographic problem. With this review, we aim to critically appraise and evaluate the existing literature surrounding the risk of birth defects in offspring conceived using techniques based on assisted reproductive technology (ART). Based on searches of the literature in PubMed and ScienceDirect, we obtained a total of 2,003,275 works related to the topic. Ultimately, 11 original papers published in the last 10 years qualified for inclusion in the study. Based on five studies included in this analysis, it was shown that ART significantly increases the risk of congenital malformations in associated newborns. Due to the specifics of given studies, as well as potential confounding risk factors, this influence cannot be ignored. Therefore, considering the information contained in the articles included in this systematic review, it was determined that the risk of birth defects is not directly related to the use of ART itself but also depends on the age of partners, causes of infertility, comorbidities, and the number of fetuses during a pregnancy, as well as many other factors not covered in the literature. It is thus necessary to impress upon infertile couples who wish to have offspring that the use of ART is not risk-free but that the benefits outweigh the risks. Further education in this field, as well as social understanding, is also required.

Risk Assessment of the Increased Occurrence of Congenital Cardiac and Non-Cardiac Defects in Fetuses with a Normal Karyotype after Assisted Fertilization in Comparison to Natural Fertilization Based on Ultrasound Diagnostics.

The goal of the study was to assess changes in parameters based on ultrasound examinations-these were Crown Rump Length (CRL), Nuchal Translucency (NT), Fetal Heart Rate (FHR), and Pulsatility Index for Ductus Venosus (DV-PI)-in the first trimester of pregnancy in women in which there was a natural initiation of the pregnancy due to spontaneous ovulation, women in which the pregnancy was initiated as a result of stimulated ovulation, as well as in the group in which pregnancy was achieved through the use of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)-assisted reproduction. A total of 1581 women became pregnant without the use of assisted reproduction methods. Out of 283 pregnancies, in 178 patients, induced ovulation was utilized. Next, 137 women had sexual intercourse and became pregnant; 41 of them became pregnant through Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) as a result of Artificial Insemination by Husband (AIH), and 13 became pregnant after Artificial Insemination by Donor (AID). The third group consisted of 105 women subjected to Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation (COH). In this group of pregnant women, 53 pregnancies were resultant of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and 52 pregnancies were the result of Intracytoplasmic Morphologically selected Sperm Injection (IMSI). The obtained results did not indicate that the chosen method of fertilization or the chosen ovulation method had a statistically significant effect on the development risk of congenital heart or non-heart defects in the fetus.

Short-term effect of ovariohysterectomy on urine serotonin, cortisol, testosterone and progesterone in bitches.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the short-term effect of ovariohysterectomy on urine levels of serotonin and its relation to levels of cortisol, testosterone and progesterone in female dogs. Seven bitches were studied before surgical ovariohysterectomy and then once a week during 4 weeks. Spontaneously voided urine samples were collected and concentration ratios of hormone/creatinine in urine were analysed. RESULTS: The bitches had significantly lower levels of cortisol, testosterone, and progesterone 1 week after ovariohysterectomy compared with before and the levels stayed low throughout the study (P ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, serotonin levels tended to increase 4 weeks after surgery (P = 0.08). A positive correlation between cortisol and progesterone was found before and after surgery. After surgery, serotonin was positively correlated with cortisol and progesterone (P ≤ 0.05).

Statins in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study in Iranian COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has profoundly affected the lives of millions of people. To date, there is no approved vaccine or specific drug to prevent or treat COVID-19, while the infection is globally spreading at an alarming rate. Because the development of effective vaccines or novel drugs could take several months (if not years), repurposing existing drugs is considered a more efficient strategy that could save lives now. Statins constitute a class of lipid-lowering drugs with proven safety profiles and various known beneficial pleiotropic effects. Our previous investigations showed that statins have antiviral effects and are involved in the process of wound healing in the lung. This triggered us to evaluate if statin use reduces mortality in COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: After initial recruitment of 459 patients with COVID-19 (Shiraz province, Iran) and careful consideration of the exclusion criteria, a total of 150 patients, of which 75 received statins, were included in our retrospective study. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between statin use and rate of death. After propensity score matching, we found that statin use appeared to be associated with a lower risk of morbidity [HR = 0.85, 95% CI = (0.02, 3.93), P = 0.762] and lower risk of death [(HR = 0.76; 95% CI = (0.16, 3.72), P = 0.735)]; however, these associations did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, statin use reduced the chance of being subjected to mechanical ventilation [OR = 0.96, 95% CI = (0.61-2.99), P = 0.942] and patients on statins showed a more normal computed tomography (CT) scan result [OR = 0.41, 95% CI = (0.07-2.33), P = 0.312]. CONCLUSIONS: Although we could not demonstrate a significant association between statin use and a reduction in mortality in patients with COVID19, we do feel that our results are promising and of clinical relevance and warrant the need for prospective randomized controlled trials and extensive retrospective studies to further evaluate and validate the potential beneficial effects of statin treatment on clinical symptoms and mortality rates associated with COVID-19.

Pharmacoeconomic analysis of antibiotic therapy in surgical site infections
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OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are considered to be one of the most common complications in operative treatment due to increased microbiological resistance. Having knowledge of the flora that most frequently cause SSIs in a given population allows for the implementation of effective empirical antibiotic therapies. Such an approach leads to a decrease in both time and costs associated with SSI treatment. The aim of this paper is to assess the most common pathogens causing SSIs in orthopedic and general surgery and to conduct a cost-minimization analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 908 isolates from 547 patients with an SSI in general surgery and 463 swabs from 267 patients with an SSI at the department of orthopedics were obtained. All patients were treated at St. John of God Hospital in Katowice from 2011 to 2016. RESULTS: The incidence rate of SSIs was 4.25% in general surgery and 2.66% in orthopedics. The most commonly isolated strains in general surgery were E. coli (24.3%), K. pneumoniae (12.5%), and P. mirabilis (4.76%). Gram-positive cocci dominated the isolates in orthopedics, with S. epidermidis and S. aureus accounting for 19.8% and 13.6%, respectively. The most cost-effective antibiotics for general surgery are currently the cephalosporins cefotaxime or ceftriaxone, either alone or in combination with amikacin, while in orthopedics the most cost-effective were trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. CONCLUSION: Empirical antibiotic therapy should be based on the current epidemiological situation of infections from both a medical and pharmacoeconomic point of view.

Omadacycline for Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Omadacycline, a new once-daily aminomethylcycline antibiotic agent that can be administered intravenously or orally, reaches high concentrations in pulmonary tissues and is active against common pathogens that cause community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. METHODS: In a double-blind trial, we randomly assigned (in a 1:1 ratio) adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (Pneumonia Severity Index risk class II, III, or IV) to receive omadacycline (100 mg intravenously every 12 hours for two doses, then 100 mg intravenously every 24 hours), or moxifloxacin (400 mg intravenously every 24 hours). A transition to oral omadacycline (300 mg every 24 hours) or moxifloxacin (400 mg every 24 hours), respectively, was allowed after 3 days; the total treatment duration was 7 to 14 days. The primary end point was early clinical response, defined as survival with improvement in at least two of four symptoms (cough, sputum production, pleuritic chest pain, and dyspnea) and no worsening of symptoms at 72 to 120 hours, without receipt of rescue antibacterial therapy. A secondary end point was investigator-assessed clinical response at a post-treatment evaluation 5 to 10 days after the last dose, with clinical response defined as resolution or improvement in signs or symptoms to the extent that further antibacterial therapy was unnecessary. A noninferiority margin of 10 percentage points was used. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat population included 386 patients in the omadacycline group and 388 patients in the moxifloxacin group. Omadacycline was noninferior to moxifloxacin for early clinical response (81.1% and 82.7%, respectively; difference, -1.6 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -7.1 to 3.8), and the rates of investigator-assessed clinical response at the post-treatment evaluation were 87.6% and 85.1%, respectively (difference, 2.5 percentage points; 95% CI, -2.4 to 7.4). Adverse events that emerged after treatment initiation were reported in 41.1% of the patients in the omadacycline group and 48.5% of the patients in the moxifloxacin group; the most frequent events were gastrointestinal (10.2% and 18.0%, respectively), and the largest difference was for diarrhea (1.0% and 8.0%). Twelve deaths (8 in the omadacycline group and 4 in the moxifloxacin group) occurred during the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Omadacycline was noninferior to moxifloxacin for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia in adults. (Funded by Paratek Pharmaceuticals; OPTIC ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02531438 .).

Effect of perindopril and bisoprolol on IL-2, INF-γ, hs-CRP and T-cell stimulation and correlations with blood pressure in mild and moderate hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death. Its development is largely determined by lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors, among which arterial hypertension (HT) plays a key role. Available data indicate a significant role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of HT. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess concentrations of mediators of inflammation in patients with mild and moderate HT and its modulation with antihypertensive treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 56 subjects: 17 with first- and 20 with second-grade HT, and 19 healthy subjects constituting a control group. Antihypertensive therapy: in first-grade HT, perindopril 5 mg daily, and in second-grade HT, bisoprolol (5 mg daily) additionally were ordered. Before and after a 4-week treatment, interleukine-2, interferon-γ, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein serum concentrations were assessed. RESULTS: hs-CRP concentration was higher in hypertensive patients, and the difference was statistically significant in patients with second-grade HT compared to the control group (1.42 mg/L vs. 2.55 mg/L; p = 0.003). Antihypertensive treatment was associated with hs-CRP decrease. IL-2 concentration was 14.8% (p = 0.005) higher in first- and 22.2% (p = 0.002) higher in second-grade HT compared to the controls. Treatment significantly reduced concentration of IL-2. IFN-γ concentrations, compared to the control group, were higher by 19.6% (p < 0.001) and 39.9% (p < 0.001) in 1st and 2nd grade HT, respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased values of blood pressure were accompanied by higher concentrations of cytokines and hs-CRP. Reversal of adverse T-cell stimulation was observed after 4-week therapy.
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Pharmacoeconomic analysis of antibiotic therapy in maxillofacial surgery.

OBJECTIVES/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial cultures collected in the years 2013-2014 at the craniomaxillofacial department and outpatient clinic to analyse optimisation of the treatment cost of the bacterial infections and present the results. DESIGN AND SETTING: We analysed 485 cultures from 263 patients, of which 77.28% consisted of Gram-positive bacteria. On the basis of the antibiotic efficacy, antibiotic price and the cost of entire treatment during hospitalisation, the most useful antimicrobial agents for the most common pathogens were selected. RESULTS: The most frequently collected material was pus. The most common pathogens were found to be the Staphylococcus epidermidis (18%), Streptococcus mitis and Str. oralis (14%) and S. aureus (6.5%). DISCUSSION: The most frequently isolated bacteria in other studies were the Streptococcus strain. Other authors showed that ceftriaxone is the most cost efficient agent. The use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis remains controversial. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the most useful antibiotics for therapy, from the perspective of the cost minimisation, were gentamycin, trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole and vancomycin.

Comparison of Signaling Pathways Gene Expression in CD34(-) Umbilical Cord Blood and Bone Marrow Stem Cells.

The aim of the study was to compare the biological activity of the total pool of genes in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood and bone marrow stem cells and to search for the differences in signaling pathway gene expression responsible for the biological processes. The introductory analysis revealed a big similarity of gene expression among stem cells. When analyzing GO terms for biological processes, we observed an increased activity of JAK-STAT signaling pathway, calcium-mediated, cytokine-mediated, integrin-mediated signaling pathway, and MAPK in a cluster of upregulating genes in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood stem cells. At the same time, we observed a decreased activity of BMP signaling pathways, TGF-beta pathway, and VEGF receptor signaling pathway in a cluster of downregulating genes in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood stem cells. In accordance with KEGG classification, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway are overrepresented in CD34(-) umbilical cord blood stem cells. A similar gene expression in both CD34(-) UCB and BM stem cells was characteristic for such biological processes as cell division, cell cycle gene expression, mitosis, telomere maintenance with telomerase, RNA and DNA treatment processes during cell division, and similar genes activity of Notch and Wnt signaling pathways.

Effects of genistein on oestrogen and progesterone receptor, proliferative marker Ki-67 and carbonic anhydrase localisation in the uterus and cervix of gilts after insemination.

Soya products are routinely fed to domestic animals as an important source of protein. The aim of this work was to study how the phytooestrogen genistein, supplemented at a feed relevant level, affects the morphology and distribution of reproductive hormone receptors, proliferative activities and carbonic anhydrase (CA) in the uterus and cervix of gilts. Eleven gilts were fed a soya-free diet. Six were given genistein (1 mg/kg bw) twice daily for eight days starting three days before expected oestrus. Five gilts were used as controls. All gilts were inseminated (AI) one day after signs of standing oestrus and euthanized three days after AI. Samples from the uterus and cervix were processed for morphometric evaluation, immunohistochemical localisation of oestrogen receptors α and ß (ERα and ERß), progesterone receptor (PR), proliferative marker Ki-67 and histochemical localisation of CA. Nuclear staining for ERß was detected in surface epithelial, glandular and some stromal cells in the uterus and in the cervix surface epithelial cells. ERα and PR were observed in surface epithelium, subepithelial stromal cells and smooth muscle cells of uterus and cervix, and glandular cells of the uterus. Ki-67 positive cells were recorded in uterine and cervical surface epithelium and subepithelial stromal layer. CA was mainly confined to glandular cells of the uterus. Immunohistochemical results were evaluated using semi-quantitative image analysis. Statistic comparison between groups revealed no differences. However, intra-treatment evaluation and correlations indicate that the supplementation of genistein modulates the expression pattern of all receptors and Ki-67, which may induce cellular activities in both the uterus and cervix of early pregnant gilts.

Short-term antihypertensive therapy lowers the C-reactive protein level.

INTRODUCTION: There is a growing body of data concerning significant interactions between markers of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension accompanied by elevated levels of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP). Therefore CRP is thought to be an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. MATERIAL/METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antihypertensive therapy (perindopril, bisoprolol and combined therapy) on plasma CRP concentration in 67 subjects with mild or moderate hypertension who have been treatment-naive and otherwise healthy. RESULTS: The results show a correlation between CRP level and blood pressure values. BP reduction was associated with a decrease in CRP concentration. The CRP-lowering effect of perindopril and bisoprolol was comparable and the degree of reduction might reflect their similar influence on blood pressure. Combined treatment influenced the CRP level to a greater extent than both monotherapies. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma CRP level was lowered by antihypertensive therapy independently of the drug applied. The CRP level did not normalize completely in moderate hypertensive patients.

Atorvastatin and fenofibric acid differentially affect the release of adipokines in the visceral and subcutaneous cultures of adipocytes that were obtained from patients with and without mixed dyslipidemia.

In this study, we compared the effects of atorvastatin and fenofibric acid, which were administered alone or in combination, on the secretory function of human adipocytes that were obtained from the visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues of 19 mixed dyslipidemic patients and 19 subjects with a normal lipid profile. The adipocytes were incubated in vitro in the presence of atorvastatin and/or fenofibric acid. The secretory function of the cells was determined using ELISA assays. The visceral adipocytes released significantly more adiponectin and IL-6 and less PAI-1 than those that were obtained from subcutaneous tissue. The levels and patterns of adipokine release differed between the patients with or without lipid abnormalities and between the adipocytes that were obtained from visceral or subcutaneous adipose tissue. The culture that contained hypolipidemic drugs resulted in the significant changes of the release of adipokines. The effects of atorvastatin and fenofibric acid on the hormonal function of human adipocytes may be, in part, responsible for the clinical efficacy of these drugs in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia-related cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The study supports the concept that the pleiotropic effects of fenofibrate and atorvastatin may be, in part, a result of their impact on the secretory function of adipocytes.

Early immunocastration of male pigs with Improvac(®) - effect on boar taint, hormones and reproductive organs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a vaccine against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Improvac(®) (Pfizer Ltd), administered at a pre- or early pubertal stage on boar taint, hormonal status and reproductive organs. Crossbred male pigs (Swedish Yorkshire dams×Swedish Landrace sires or Swedish Yorkshire sires, n=192) were at birth randomly allocated to four groups: one group of pigs surgically castrated without anaesthesia before age 1 week, a second group of early vaccinated pigs given Improvac at ages 10 and 14 weeks, a third group of standard vaccinated pigs given Improvac at ages 16 and 20 weeks, and a fourth group of entire male pigs. Following the second vaccine injection, antibody titres increased rapidly, accompanied by a rapid decrease in testosterone and a slower decrease of skatole in plasma to the same low levels as for surgically castrated pigs. At slaughter, the levels of androstenone and skatole in adipose tissue were low in surgically castrated and vaccinated pigs, whereas entire male pigs had elevated levels (p<0.001). Similarly, oestradiol was at low levels for surgically castrated and vaccinated pigs, whereas entire male pigs had elevated levels (p<0.001). IGF-1 was lowest for surgically castrated pigs and highest for entire male pigs, with vaccinated pigs at an intermediate level (p<0.001). At slaughter, reproductive organs were small in pigs vaccinated with Improvac, and smaller in pigs vaccinated early (p<0.001). Under our experimental conditions, early vaccination with Improvac can be used as an alternative to the recommended schedule with maintained control of boar taint and testicular secretory activity.

Bile bacterial flora and its in vitro resistance pattern in patients with acute cholangitis resulting from choledocholithiasis.

INTRODUCTION: Cholangitis and biliary sepsis are severe infectious diseases, which are often observed in patients with choledocholithiasis. The antimicrobial therapy is effective if started as soon as the diagnosis is made. Therefore, the profile of bile pathogens and its susceptibility to a number of antibiotics were evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bile cultures and antibiograms from 92 patients hospitalized between January 2006 and December 2008 in a tertiary referral center for the treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases (Central Teaching Hospital, Medical University of Silesia) were reviewed. Specimens were obtained from patients with acute cholangitis and confirmed choledocholithiasis during endoscopic (i.e. ERCP) and surgical (i.e. percutaneus transhepatic biliary drainage) procedures. The bile specimens were examined for pathogenic aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. RESULTS: Sixty-five of 92 analyzed cultures were positive. A total of 69 pathogens were isolated: 47 (68.1%) gram-negative bacteria, 18 (26.1%) gram-positive bacteria, 2 (2.9%) anaerobes and 2 (2.9%) Candida. The predominant gram-negative pathogens were Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumani complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae. The most effective antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria were imipenem, cefoperazone/sulbactam, piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime (susceptibility 97.9%, 89.4%, 85.1% and 85.1%, respectively). The expenditure on antibiotics monotherapies and combined therapies was also analyzed. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that gram-negative bacteria were the predominant bile pathogens found in patients with acute cholangitis. Piperacillin/tazobactam or ceftazidime may be the alternative to ciprofloxacin therapeutic option. The addition of ticarcillin/clavulanic acid to ciprofloxacin could also be considered. However, imipenem should remain a back-up antibiotic in the treatment of acute cholangitis.

[Right atrial tumour and right ventricular failure - diagnostic role of echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance]. / Guz prawego przedsionka i ciezka niewydolnosc prawej komory w badaniu echokardiograficznym i rezonansie magnetycznym serca.

A case of a 66 year-old female with advanced right ventricular failure is described. Echocardiography and MRI revealed the presence of right atrial tumour. The patient underwent successful surgery and histological examination revealed lymphoma.

Cardiovascular, endocrine and behavioural responses to suckling and permanent separation in goats.

BACKGROUND: Suckling can be a peaceful or vulnerable event for goats and kids, whereas, separation is suggested as stressful. The aim of this study was to investigate physiology and behaviour in these two different situations in dairy goats. METHODS: Four studies were performed with seven goats kept with their first-born kid in individual boxes. The goats were videotaped and heart rate and arterial blood pressure were recorded every minute by telemetry from parturition until 24 hours after separation. One to two days after parturition, Study 1 was performed with analyses of heart rate and blood pressure around a suckling. In Study 2, performed 3-5 days after parturition, blood sampling was done before, during and after suckling. Study 3 was performed 4-6 days post partum, with blood sampling before and after a permanent goat and kid separation. In addition, vocalisations were recorded after separation. Blood samples were obtained from a jugular vein catheter and analysed for plasma cortisol, ß-endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin concentrations. Study 4 was performed during the first (N1) and second nights (N2) after parturition and the nights after Study 2 (N3) and 3 (N4). Heart rate, blood pressure and time spent lying down were recorded. RESULTS: The kids suckled 2 ± 0.2 times per hour and each suckling bout lasted 43 ± 15 s. In Study 1, heart rate and blood pressure did not change significantly during undisturbed suckling. In Study 2, plasma cortisol (P ≤ 0.05 during suckling and P ≤ 0.01 five minutes after suckling) and ß-endorphin (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations increased during suckling, but oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations did not change. In Study 3, the goats and kids vocalised intensively during the first 20 minutes after separation, but the physiological variables were not affected. In Study 4, heart rate and arterial blood pressure declined gradually after parturition and were lowest during N4 (P ≤ 0.05) when the goats spent longer time lying down than during earlier nights (P ≤ 0.01 during N1 and N3 and P ≤ 0.05 during N2). CONCLUSIONS: Suckling elevated plasma cortisol and ß-endorphin concentrations in the goats. The intensive vocalisation in the goats after separation, earlier suggested to indicate stress, was not accompanied by cardiovascular or endocrine responses.

Effects of bisoprolol and cilazapril on the central retinal artery blood flow in patients with essential hypertension--preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of evidence suggests that effective blood pressure reduction may inhibit the progression of microvascular damage in patients with essential arterial hypertension. However, the potential influence of anti-hypertensive drugs on ocular circulation has not been studied sufficiently. PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of anti-hypertensive therapy on blood flow in the central retinal artery in patients with systemic arterial hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with essential arterial hypertension, aged 32-46 years, were examined with Doppler ultrasonography (10 MHz ultrasound probe). Blood flow velocities, pulsatility, and vascular resistance were determined before and 3 hours after systemic application of either bisoprolol 5 mg or cilazapril 2.5 mg. RESULTS: Administered bisoprolol significantly decreased maximum (9.8 ± 0.5 cm/s versus 8.5 ± 0.6 cm/s; P < 0.05) and minimum (2.75 ± 0.19 cm/s versus 1.75 ± 0.27 cm/s; P < 0.02) velocity, increased the Pourcellot's index (0.71 to 0.79; P < 0.05) in central retinal artery. There were no statistically significant changes in central retinal artery blood flow after administration of cilazapril. CONCLUSION: Systemic application of beta-blockers may unfavourably disturb the ocular blood flow.