Phagocytic responses of peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils are different in rats following prolonged exercise

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the effects of exhausting long‐duration physical exercise (swimming) sessions of different durations and intensities on the number and phagocytic capacity of macrophages and neutrophils in sedentary rats.

INTRODUCTION:

Exercise intensity, duration and frequency are important factors in determining immune response to physical effort. Thus, the effects of exhausting long‐duration exercise are unclear.

METHODS:

Wistar rats were divided into two groups: an untreated group (macrophage study) and oyster glycogen‐treated rats (neutrophil study). In each group, the animals were subdivided into five groups (10 rats per group): unexercised controls, an unadapted low‐intensity exercise group, an unadapted moderate‐intensity exercise group, a preadapted low‐intensity exercise group and a preadapted moderate‐intensity exercise group. All exercises were performed to exhaustion, and preadaptation consisted of 5, 15, 30 and 45 min sessions.

RESULTS:

Macrophage study: the number of peritoneal macrophages significantly decreased (9.22 ± 1.78 × 10⁶) after unadapted exercise but increased (21.50 ± 0.63 × 10⁶) after preadapted low‐intensity exercise, with no changes in the moderate‐intensity exercise group. Phagocytic capacity, however, increased by more than 80% in all exercise groups (low/moderate, unadapted/preadapted). Neutrophil study: the number of peritoneal neutrophils significantly decreased after unadapted (29.20 ± 3.34 × 10⁶) and preadapted (50.00 ± 3.53 × 10⁶) low‐intensity exercise but increased after unadapted (127.60 ± 5.14 × 10⁶) and preadapted (221.80 ± 14.85 × 10⁶) moderate exercise. Neutrophil phagocytic capacity decreased by 63% after unadapted moderate exercise but increased by 90% after corresponding preadapted sessions, with no changes in the low‐intensity exercise groups.

CONCLUSION:

Neutrophils and macrophages of sedentary rats respond differently to exercise‐induced stress. Adaptation sessions reduce exercise‐induced stress on the immune system.     

Intraobserver and interobserver reliability of radial torsion angle measurements by a new and alternative method with computed tomography

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of radial torsion angle measurement using computed tomography.

METHODS:

Twelve pairs of cadaver radii and 116 forearms from 58 healthy volunteers were evaluated using axial computed tomography sections measured at the level of the bicipital tuberosity and the subchondral region of the radius. During digital imaging, the angle was formed by two lines, one diametrically perpendicular to the radial tubercle and the other tangential to the volar rim of the distal joint surface. Measurements were performed twice each by three observers.

RESULTS:

In cadaveric bones, the mean radial torsion angle was 1.48° (‐6° ‐ 9°) on the right and 1.62° (‐6° ‐ 8°) on the left, with a mean difference between the right and left sides of 1.61° (0° ‐ 8°). In volunteers, the mean radial torsion angle was 3.00° (‐17° ‐ 17°) on the right and 2.91° (‐16°‐ 15°) on the left, with a mean difference between the sides of 1.58° (0° ‐ 7°). There was no significant difference between each side. The interobserver correlation coefficient for the cadaver radii measurements was 0.88 (0.72 ‐ 0.96) and 0.81 (0.58 ‐ 0.93) for the right and left radius, respectively, while for the volunteers, the difference was 0.84 (0.77 – 0.90) and 0.83 (0.75 – 0.89), respectively. Intraobserver reliability was high.

CONCLUSION:

The described method is reproducible and applicable even when the radial tubercle has a rounded contour.     

The influence of various anesthesia techniques on postoperative recovery and discharge criteria among geriatric patients

OBJECTIVE:

We aim to compare selective spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia with regard to postoperative recovery and fast‐track eligibility in day surgeries.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

Sixty geriatric outpatient cases, with ASA II‐III physical status and requiring short‐duration transurethral intervention, were enrolled in the study. The cases were split into 2 groups: as general anesthesia (Group GA) and selective spinal anesthesia (Group SSA). Group GA (n = 30) received propofol 2 mg kg^‐1 (until loss of eyelash reflex), remifentanil induction 0.5‐1 µg kg^‐1, and laryngeal mask. Maintenance was achieved by 4‐6% desflurane in 60% N₂O and 40% O₂ along with remifentanil infusion at 0.05 µg /kg^‐1 /min^‐1. Drugs were discontinued after the withdrawal of the ureteroscope, and extubation was carried out with 100% O₂. Group SSA (n = 30) received 0.5% spinal anesthesia via L4‐5 space by 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 5 mg. Anesthesia preparation time, time to surgical anesthesia level, postoperative fast‐tracking, and time to White‐Song recovery score of 12, were noted. In the operating room, we evaluated hemodynamics, nausea/vomiting, surgeon and patient satisfaction with anesthesia, perioperative midazolam‐fentanyl administration, postoperative pain, and discharge time.

RESULTS:

Anesthesia preparation time, length of surgery, anesthesia‐related time in the operating room, time to sit, and time to walk were significantly low in Group GA (p<0.05), whereas time to fast‐track eligibility, length of stay in the PACU, discharge time, and other parameters were similar in both of the groups.

CONCLUSION:

While anesthesia preparation time, length of surgery, start time of surgery, time to sit, and time to walk were shorter in the General Anesthesia group, time to fast‐track eligibility, phase 1 recovery time, and discharge time were similar among patients subjected to selective spinal anesthesia.     

Longitudinal study of Cystatin C in healthy term newborns

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of Cystatin C in healthy term newborns in the first month of life.

INTRODUCTION:

Cystatin C may be a suitable marker for determining the glomerular filtration rate because it is not affected by maternal renal function.

METHODS:

Cohort study. Inclusion: term newborns with appropriate weight; mother without renal failure or drugs that could affect fetal glomerular filtration rate. Exclusion: malformations; hypertension or any condition that could affect glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin C (mg/L) and creatinine (mg/dl) were determined in the mother (Mo) and in the newborn at birth (Day‐0), 3^rd (Day‐3), 7^th(Day‐7) and 28^th(Day‐28) days. Statistics: one way ANOVA and Pearson''s correlation tests. Sample size of 20 subjects for α  =  5% and a power test  =  80% (p<0.05).

RESULTS:

Data from 21 newborns were obtained (mean ± standard deviation): MoCystatin C = 1.00±0.20; Day‐0 Cystatin C 1.70±0.26; Day‐3 Cystatin C = 1.51±0.20; Day‐7 Cystatin C = 1.54±0.10; Day‐28 Cystatin C = 1.51±0.10.MoCystatin C was smaller than Day‐0 Cystatin C (p<0.001), while MoCreatinine was not different from Day‐0 Creatinine. Cystatin C only decreased from Day‐0 to Day‐3 (p = 0.004) but newborns Creatinine decreased along the time. Correlations were obtained between MoCystatin C and MoCreatinine (p = 0.012), as well as Day‐3 (p = 0.047) and Day‐28 (p = 0.022) Cystatin C and Creatinine values.

CONCLUSION:

Neonatal Cystatin C values were not affected by MoCystatin C and became stable from the 3^rd day of life.     

Tibiofemoral Joint Positioning for the Valgus Stress Test

Context:

Recommendations on the positioning of the tibiofemoral joint during a valgus stress test to optimize isolation of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) from other medial joint structures vary in the literature. If a specific amount of flexion could be identified as optimally isolating the MCL, teaching and using the technique would be more consistent in clinical application.

Objective:

To determine the angle of tibiofemoral joint flexion between 0° and 20° that causes a difference in the slope of the force-strain line when measuring the resistance to a valgus force applied to the joint.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Twelve healthy volunteers (6 men, 6 women: age  =  26.4 ± 5.6 years, height  =  170.9 ± 8.4 cm, mass  =  75.01 ± 14.6 kg).

Intervention(s):

Using an arthrometer, we applied a valgus force, over a range of 60 N, to the tibiofemoral joint in 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20° of flexion.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Force-strain measurements were obtained for 5 positions of tibiofemoral joint flexion.

Results:

As knee flexion angle increased, slope values decreased (F_4,44  =  17.6, P < .001). The slope at full extension was not different from that at 5° of flexion, but it was different from the slopes at angles greater than 10° of flexion. Similarly, the slope at 5° of flexion was not different from that at 10° of flexion, but it was different from the slopes at 15° and 20° of flexion. Further, the slope at 10° of flexion was not different from that at 15° or 20° of flexion. Finally, the slope at 15° of flexion was not different from that at 20° of flexion.

Conclusions:

When performing the manual valgus stress test, the clinician should fully extend the tibiofemoral joint or flex it to 5° to assess all resisting medial tibiofemoral joint structures and again at 15° to 20° of joint flexion to further assess the MCL.     

Neurophysiological aspects and their relationship to clinical and functional impairment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose was to assess functional (balance L–L and A–P displacement, sit‐to‐stand test (SST) and Tinetti scale – balance and gait) and neurophysiological aspects (patellar and Achilles reflex and strength) relating these responses to the BODE Index.

INTRODUCTION:

The neurophysiological alterations found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with the severity of the disease. There is also involvement of peripheral muscle which, in combination with neurophysiological impairment, may further compromise the functional activity of these patients.

METHODS:

A cross‐sectional study design was used. Twenty‐two patients with moderate to very severe COPD (>60 years) and 16 age‐matched healthy volunteers served as the control group (CG). The subjects performed spirometry and several measures of static and dynamic balance, monosynaptic reflexes, peripheral muscle strength, SST and the 6‐minute walk test.

RESULTS:

The individuals with COPD had a reduced reflex response, 36.77±3.23 (p<0.05) and 43.54±6.60 (p<0.05), achieved a lower number repetitions on the SST 19.27±3.88 (p<0.05), exhibited lesser peripheral muscle strength on the femoral quadriceps muscle, 24.98±6.88 (p<0.05) and exhibited deficits in functional balance and gait on the Tinetti scale, 26.86±1.69 (p<0.05), compared with the CG. The BODE Index demonstrated correlations with balance assessment (determined by the Tinetti scale), r = 0.59 (p<0.05) and the sit‐to‐stand test, r = 0.78 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The individuals with COPD had functional and neurophysiological alterations in comparison with the control group. The BODE Index was correlated with the Tinetti scale and the SST. Both are functional tests, easy to administer, low cost and feasible, especially the SST. These results suggest a worse prognosis; however, more studies are needed to identify the causes of these changes and the repercussions that could result in their activities of daily living.     

Histomorphometric and sympathetic innervation of the human internal thoracic artery

INTRODUCTION:

Internal thoracic artery (ITA) is an established arterial graft for the coronary artery by‐pass surgery. Special micro‐anatomical features of the ITA wall may protect it from age related pathological changes. One of the complications seen after coronary artery bypass grafting is vasospasm. Sympathetic nerves may be involved in vasospasm.

OBJECTIVE:

To ascertain the sympathetic innervation of the internal thoracic artery and to assess the effect of aging on this artery by histomorphometry.

METHOD:

Fifty‐four human internal thoracic artery samples were collected from 27 cadavers (19 male and 8 female) with ages of 19 to 83 years. Samples were divided into three age groups: G1, 19–40 years; G2, 41–60 years; G3, ≥61 years. Sections (thickness 5 µm) of each sample were taken and stained with hematoxylin–eosin and Verhoeff–Van Gieson stains. Five of fifty‐four samples were processed for tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining.

RESULTS:

The thickness of the tunica intima was found to be constant in all age groups, whereas the thickness of the tunica media decreased in proportion to age. Verhoeff–Van Gieson staining showed numerous elastic laminae in the tunica media. Significant differences (p<0.0001) in the number of elastic laminae were found between G1 with G2 cadavers, between G2 and G3 cadavers and between G3 and G1 cadavers. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining demonstrated sympathetic fibers, located mainly in the tunica adventitia and the adventitia–media border. The sympathetic nerve fiber area and sympathetic index were found to be 0.0016 mm² and 0.012, respectively.

DISCUSSION:

Histology of the ITA showed features of the elastic artery. This may be associated with lower incidence of Atherosclerosis or intimal hyperplasia in ITA samples even in elderly cases. Low sympathetic index (0.012) of ITA may be associated with fewer incidences of sympathetic nervous systems problems (vasospasm) of the ITA.

CONCLUSION:

Sympathetic nerve fibers are present in the adventitia of the internal thoracic artery. This is an elastic artery, although anatomically it is considered to be medium‐sized. The sympathetic index may be used for analysis of sympathetic nerve fiber‐related problems of the internal thoracic artery.     

An evaluation of children with Kawasaki disease in Istanbul: a retrospective follow-up study

BACKGROUND:

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self‐limiting vasculitis of unknown etiology. The incidence of KD is increasing world wide. However, the epidemiological data for KD in Turkey has not been well described.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of children with KD who were diagnosed and managed in the American Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

METHOD:

Patients with KD were retrospectively identified from the hospital discharge records between 2002 and 2010. Atypical cases of KD were excluded. A standardized form was used to collect demographic data, clinical information, echocardiography and laboratory results.

RESULTS:

Thirty‐five patients with KD, with a mean age of 2.5±1.9 years, were identified. Eighty‐five point seven per cent of patients were under 5 years of age. A seasonal pattern favouring the winter months was noticed. In addition to fever and bilateral conjunctival injection, changes in the oral cavity and lips were the most commonly detected clinical signs in our cases. Coronary artery abnormalities were detected in nine patients. The majority of our patients had started treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin in the first 10 days of the onset of fever, and only one patient required systemic steroids for intravenous immunoglobulin‐resistant KD. The coronary artery abnormalities resolved in all nine patients within 8 months.

CONCLUSION:

This study is the most comprehensive series of children from Turkey with KD included in Medline. As adult‐onset ischemic heart disease may be due to KD in childhood, further prospective clinical investigations are needed to understand the epidemiology, management and long‐term follow‐up of the disease.     

Post-resistance exercise hypotension in patients with intermittent claudication

OBJECTIVE:

To verify the acute effects of resistance exercise on post‐exercise blood pressure in patients with intermittent claudication.

METHODS:

Eight patients randomly underwent two experimental sessions: a session of resistance exercise (R: 6 exercises, 3 sets of 12, 10 and 8 reps with a perceived exertion of 11 to 13 on the 15‐grade Borg scale) and a control session (C: resting on exercise machines).

RESULTS:

Before and for 60 min following an intervention, auscultatory blood pressure was measured while subjects rested in a sitting position. After the C session, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures did not change from the pre‐intervention values, while these values decreased significantly after the R session throughout the entire recovery period (greatest decreases  =  ‐14±5, ‐6±5, and ‐9±4 mmHg, respectively, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

After a single bout of resistance exercise patients with intermittent claudication exhibited reduced systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures, suggesting that acute resistance exercise may decrease cardiovascular load in these patients.     

Absence of the predisposing factors and signs and symptoms usually associated with overreaching and overtraining in physical fitness centers

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of the well‐known predisposing factors and signs and symptoms usually associated with either overreaching or overtraining syndrome in physical fitness centers in São Paulo City, Brazil.

METHOD:

A questionnaire consisting of 13 question groups pertaining to either predisposing factors (1‐7) or signs and symptoms (8‐13) was given to 413 subjects. The general training schedule of the volunteers was characterized by workout sessions of 2.18 ± 0.04 h for a total of 11.0 ± 0.3 h/week for 33 ± 2 months independent of the type of exercise performed (walking, running, spinning, bodybuilding and stretching). A mean score was calculated ranging from 1 (completely absent) to 5 (severe) for each question group. A low occurrence was considered to be a question group score lower than 4, which was observed in all 13 question groups.

RESULTS:

The psychological evaluation by POMS Mood State Questionnaire indicated a normal non‐inverted iceberg. The hematological parameters, creatine kinase activity, cortisol, total testosterone and free testosterone concentrations were within the normal ranges for the majority of the volunteers selected for this analysis (n  =  60).

CONCLUSION:

According to the questionnaire score analysis, no predisposing factors or signs and symptoms usually associated with either overreaching or overtraining were detected among the members of physical fitness centers in São Paulo City, Brazil. This observation was corroborated by the absence of any significant hematological or stress hormone level alterations in blood analyses of the majority of the selected volunteers (n  =  60).     

Correlation between central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure peak and fluctuation during the water drinking test in glaucoma patients

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the correlation between central corneal thickness and outflow facility assessed by intraocular pressure peak and fluctuation during the water drinking test.

METHODS:

Fifty‐five newly diagnosed primary open‐angle glaucoma patients submitted to central corneal thickness measurements and water drinking test were enrolled in this retrospective study.;. Patients were divided into three groups according to their central corneal thickness. Pearson''s Correlation test was performed in the groups with lower and higher pachymetric values.

RESULTS:

The mean age was 65,65 ± 28,28 years; 63,63% were female and 52,72% were caucasian. The mean central corneal thickness was 544,32 ± 36,86 µm, and the mean baseline intraocular pressure was 23,36 ± 6,26 mmHg. During the water drinking test, the mean intraocular pressure peak and mean intraocular pressure fluctuation were 30,43 ± 8,13 mmHg and 31,46 ± 18,46%, respectively. No relevant correlation was detected between the central corneal thickness and the intraocular pressure peak (r² = 0,021) or between the central corneal thickness and the intraocular pressure fluctuation (r² = 0,011). Group 1 presented a mean central corneal thickness of 505,81 ± 13,86 µm, and Group 3 was 583,55 ± 27,87 µm (p = 0,001). The mean intraocular pressure peak was 31,05 ± 9,05 mmHg and 27,83 ± 4,92 mmHg in Group 1 and in Group 3, respectively (p = 0,193). The difference of intraocular pressure fluctuation was not statistically significant between Group 1 (mean 28,47 ± 16,25%) and Group 3 (mean 33,27 ± 21,27%) (p = 0,43).

CONCLUSION:

In our case series, no correlation was found between central corneal thickness and water drinking test results.     

Gynura procumbens Merr. decreases blood pressure in rats by vasodilatation via inhibition of calcium channels

INTRODUCTION:

Gynura procumbens has been shown to decrease blood pressure via inhibition of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme. However, other mechanisms that may contribute to the hypotensive effect have not been studied.

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the cardiovascular effects of a butanolic fraction of Gynura procumbens in rats.

METHODS:

Anaesthetized rats were given intravenous bolus injections of butanolic fraction at doses of 2.5–20 mg/kg in vivo. The effect of butanolic fraction on vascular reactivity was recorded in isolated rat aortic rings in vitro.

RESULTS:

Intravenous administrations of butanolic fraction elicited significant (p<0.001) and dose‐dependent decreases in the mean arterial pressure. However, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the heart rate was observed only at the higher doses (10 and 20 mg/kg). In isolated preparations of rat aortic rings, phenylephrine (1×10^‐6 M)‐ or potassium chloride (8×10^‐2 M)‐precontracted endothelium‐intact and ‐denuded tissue; butanolic fraction (1×10^‐6–1×10^‐1 g/ml) induced similar concentration‐dependent relaxation of the vessels. In the presence of 2.5×10^‐3 and 5.0×10^‐3 g/ml butanolic fraction, the contractions induced by phenylephrine (1×10^‐9–3×10^‐5 M) and potassium chloride (1×10^‐2–8×10^‐2 M) were significantly antagonized. The calcium‐induced vasocontractions (1×10^‐4–1×10^‐2 M) were antagonized by butanolic fraction concentration‐dependently in calcium‐free and high potassium (6×10^‐2 M) medium, as well as in calcium‐ and potassium‐free medium containing 1×10^‐6 M phenylephrine. However, the contractions induced by noradrenaline (1×10^‐6 M) and caffeine (4.5×10^‐2 M) were not affected by butanolic fraction.

CONCLUSION:

Butanolic fraction contains putative hypotensive compounds that appear to inhibit calcium influx via receptor‐operated and/or voltage‐dependent calcium channels to cause vasodilation and a consequent fall in blood pressure.     

Protective effect of sildenafil citrate on contralateral testis injury after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion

OBJECTIVES:

This study was designed to investigate prevention of contralateral testicular injury with sildenafil citrate after unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion.

METHODS:

Thirty‐seven adult male rats were divided into four groups: sham operated (group 1, n  =  7), torsion/detorsion + saline (group 2, n  =  10), torsion/detorsion + 0.7 mg of sildenafil citrate (group 3, n  =  10) and torsion/detorsion + 1.4 mg of sildenafil citrate (group 4, n  =  10). Unilateral testicular torsion was created by rotating the right testis 720° in a clockwise direction for 2 h in other groups, except for group 1, which was served as sham group. After torsion (2 h) and detorsion (2 h) periods, rats were killed.

RESULTS:

The level of reduced glutathion (GSH) (p<0.05) and the activities of catalase (p<0.01) and glutathione peroxidase (p<0.05) in the contralateral testis from group 2 were significantly lower and nitric oxide (NO) (p<0.05) level in the contralateral testis were significantly higher than those of group 1. Administration of low‐dose sildenafil citrate (group 3) prevented the increases in malondialdehyde and NO levels and decreases in glutathione peroxidase activities and GSH values induced by testicular torsion. However, administration of high‐dose sildenafil citrate (group 4) had no effect on these testicular parameters (p>0.05). Histopathological changes were detected in groups 2, 3 and 4.

CONCLUSION:

These results suggest that biochemically and histologically torsion/detorsion injury occurs in the contralateral testis following 2‐h torsion and 2‐h detorsion and that administration of low‐dose sildenafil citrate before detorsion prevents ischemia/reperfusion cellular damage in testicular tissue.     

Core temperature and sweat responses in professional women's tennis players during tournament play in the heat

Context:

Tennis is often played in hot, humid environments, intensifying the thermoregulatory strain placed on the athletes. As a safety measure, some tennis organizations allow for a 10-minute break in play between the second and third sets when environmental conditions are extreme. However, the actual effect of these breaks in reducing core temperature is unknown.

Objective:

To determine change in core temperature after a 10-minute break in play and assess fluid balance in professional female tennis players during tournament matches in the heat.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

A Women''s Tennis Association Tour–sanctioned outdoor tournament on hard courts under hot conditions (30.3°C ± 2.3°C).

Patients or Other Participants:

Seven professional tennis players.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Change in core temperature after a 10-minute break in tournament play, fluid intake, and sweat losses during match play.

Results:

Core temperature was reduced from 38.92°C to 38.67°C (change of −0.25°C ± 0.20°C) when a break was taken (P  =  .02). Mean sweat rate during match play was 2.0 ± 0.5 L/h. During that time, mean fluid intake was 1.5 ± 0.5 L/h, resulting in a 1.2% ± 1.0% reduction in body mass.

Conclusions:

Female professional tennis players are subjected to high heat loads during match play in hot environments. However, a 10-minute break in play decreased core temperature in 6 of 7 players by an average of 0.25°C, indicating that the break provides practical benefits in the field. Furthermore, although mean sweat rate in this group of female tennis players was high, most athletes were still able to minimize mass loss to less than 2% of their prematch weight.     

Response of Thermocouples Interfaced to Electrothermometers When Immersed in 5 Water Bath Temperatures

Context:

Thermocouples and electrothermometers are used in therapeutic modality research. Until recently, researchers assumed that these instruments were valid and reliable.

Objective:

To examine 3 different thermocouple types in 5°C, 15°C, 18.4°C, 25°C, and 35°C water baths.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Therapeutic modality laboratory.

Intervention(s):

Eighteen thermocouple leads were inserted through the wall of a foamed polystyrene cooler. The cooler was filled with water. Six thermocouples (2 of each model) were plugged into the 6 channels of the Datalogger and 6 randomly selected channels in the 2 Iso-Thermexes. A mercury thermometer was immersed into the water and was read every 10 seconds for 4 minutes during each of 6 trials. The entire process was repeated for each of 5 water bath temperatures (5°C, 15°C, 18.4°C, 25°C, 35°C).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Temperature and absolute temperature differences among 3 thermocouple types (IT-21, IT-18, PT-6) and 3 electrothermometers (Datalogger, Iso-Thermex calibrated from −50°C to 50°C, Iso-Thermex calibrated from −20°C to 80°C).

Results:

Validity and reliability were dependent on thermocouple type, electrothermometer, and water bath temperature (P < .001; modified Levene P < .05). Statistically, the IT-18 and PT-6 thermocouples were not reliable in each electrothermometer; however, these differences were not practically different from each other. The PT-6 thermocouples were more valid than the IT-18s, and both thermocouple types were more valid than the IT-21s, regardless of water bath temperature (P < .001).

Conclusions:

The validity and reliability of thermocouples interfaced to an electrothermometer under experimental conditions should be tested before data collection. We also recommend that investigators report the validity, the reliability, and the calculated uncertainty (validity + reliability) of their temperature measurements for therapeutic modalities research. With this information, investigators and clinicians will be better able to interpret and compare results and conclusions.     

Effect of physiological overload on pregnancy in women with mitral regurgitation

OBJECTIVES:

to evaluate the structural and functional heart abnormalities in women with mitral regurgitation during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION:

Women with mitral regurgitation progress well during pregnancy. However, the effects on the heart of the association between pregnancy and mitral regurgitation are not well established.

METHODS:

This is a case–control, longitudinal prospective study. Echocardiograms were performed in 18 women with mitral regurgitation at the 12th and 36th week of pregnancy and on the 45th day of the puerperium. Twelve age‐matched healthy and pregnant women were included as controls and underwent the same evaluation as the study group.

RESULTS:

Compared with controls, women with mitral regurgitation presented increased left cardiac chambers in all evaluations. Increasing left atrium during pregnancy occurred only in the mitral regurgitation group. At the end of the puerperium, women with mitral regurgitation showed persistent enlargement of the left atrium compared with the beginning of pregnancy (5.0 ± 1.1 cm vs 4.6 ± 0.9 cm; p<0.05). Reduced left ventricular relative wall thickness (0.13 ± 0.02 vs 0.16 ± 0.02; p<0.05) and an increased peak of afterload (278 ± 55 g/cm² vs 207 ± 28 g/cm²; p<0.05) was still observed on the 45th day after delivery in the mitral regurgitation group compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pregnancy causes unfavorable structural alterations in women with mitral regurgitation that are associated with an aggravation of the hemodynamic overload.     

Effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the effects of Urtica dioica on hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion injury.

METHODS:

Thirty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: sham group (group 1), control group (group 2), and Urtica dioica group (group 3). All the rats were exposed to hepatic ischemia for 60 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. In group 2, a total of 2 ml/kg 0.9% saline solution was given intraperitoneally. In group 3, a total of 2 ml/kg Urtica dioica was given intraperitoneally. At the end of the procedure, liver tissue and blood samples were taken from all rats. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, ceruloplasmin, catalase, paraoxonase, arylesterase, and lipid hydroperoxide levels were measured. Liver tissue histopathologies were also evaluated by light microscopy.

RESULTS:

Serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1, and significantly lower in group 3 than in group 2. Also, group 2 had higher serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels but lower catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels than group 1.In group 3, serum lipid hydroperoxides and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly lower, and catalase, paraoxonase, and arylesterase levels were higher than those in group 2. Histopathological examination showed that liver tissue damage was significantly decreased in group 3 compared with group 2.

CONCLUSIONS:

Urtica dioica has a protective effect on the liver in hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion‐injured rats.     

Echocardiographic evaluation during weaning from mechanical ventilation

INTRODUCTION:

Echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and other cardiorespiratory variables can change during weaning from mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVES:

To analyze changes in cardiac function, using Doppler echocardiogram, in critical patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation, using two different weaning methods: pressure support ventilation and T‐tube; and comparing patient subgroups: success vs. failure in weaning.

METHODS:

Randomized crossover clinical trial including patients under mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h and considered ready for weaning. Cardiorespiratory variables, oxygenation, electrocardiogram and Doppler echocardiogram findings were analyzed at baseline and after 30 min in pressure support ventilation and T‐tube. Pressure support ventilation vs. T‐tube and weaning success vs. failure were compared using ANOVA and Student''s t‐test. The level of significance was p<0.05.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐four adult patients were evaluated. Seven patients failed at the first weaning attempt. No echocardiographic or electrocardiographic differences were observed between pressure support ventilation and T‐tube. Weaning failure patients presented increases in left atrium, intraventricular septum thickness, posterior wall thickness and diameter of left ventricle and shorter isovolumetric relaxation time. Successfully weaned patients had higher levels of oxygenation.

CONCLUSION:

No differences were observed between Doppler echocardiographic variables and electrocardiographic and other cardiorespiratory variables during pressure support ventilation and T‐tube. However cardiac structures were smaller, isovolumetric relaxation time was larger, and oxygenation level was greater in successfully weaned patients.     

The impact of antipsychotic drugs on food intake and body weight and on leptin levels in blood and hypothalamic ob-r leptin receptor expression in wistar rats

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs on leptin concentration in blood and changes in the receptor expression in the hypothalamus of male Wistar rats.

METHODS:

From the age of 13 to 18 weeks, three groups of 20 animals were fed an average dose of 3.5 ± 0.03 mg/ kg body weight (BW) haloperidol; 30.6 ± 0.22 mg/kg BW clozapine; or 14.9 ± 0.13 mg/kg BW ziprasidone in ground food pellets containing 15% fat. Twenty control animals received no drugs. Blood samples were taken at week 14, 16, and 19. Locomotor activity and exploratory behavior were measured using the alcove test at weeks 15 and 17. The expression of the hypothalamic leptin receptor in rat brains was determined by using a Western blot.

RESULTS:

Rats medicated with haloperidol and ziprasidone showed a significantly decreased percentage weight gain and food consumption. We observed no differences in the alcove test, but locomotor activity was significantly reduced in the haloperidol group. Except for rats in the clozapine and ziprasidone groups, after 2 weeks of drug application, we found no changes in the leptin blood concentrations among the four groups or animals within each group. Moreover, we did not find specific differences in hypothalamic leptin receptor expression among the groups.

CONCLUSION:

We concluded that in male Wistar rats during this treatment period, the tested drugs did not act directly on the leptin regulatory system. We recommend further studies using long-term treatment of different rat strains.