Cell-based assays for the detection of MOG antibodies: a comparative study

Journal of Neurology - The detection of antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) is fundamental for the identification of MOG antibody-associated disorders (MOGAD), and the...     

Use of an apical heart suction device for exposure in lung transplantation

Cardiopulmonary bypass is not necessary for the performance of bilateral sequential lung transplantation in most circumstances. Inadequate exposure to the left hilum is occasionally the sole indication for institution of cardiopulmonary bypass. We report the use of a suction heart positioning device to allow lifting of the heart for improvement of left hilar exposure. This technique has decreased the need for cardiopulmonary bypass when bypass is indicated due to difficult operative exposure.     

White-line: A new finding in laryngopharyngeal reflux objective evaluation

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) indicates the reflux-induced extra-esophageal disorders. LPR and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occur by the same mechanism: the escape of gastric contents into the esophagus and beyond. However, the classic GERD symptoms are not typical in LPR disease, which can cause a lot of symptoms none of which is specific, making the diagnosis often elusive. The protective mechanisms present in the esophagus are entirely lacking in the larynx, and more generally in upper aerodigestive tract, making them particularly vulnerable to injury from acidic gastric contents. Since gastric acid backflow can affect supraesophageal structures, even in the absence of heartburn or regurgitation symptoms, an early diagnosis is important to prevent the onset of histological modifications in the supraesophageal mucosa.     

Lifestyle intervention improves microvascular reactivity and increases serum adiponectin in overweight hypertensive patients

Background and aimsObesity and hypoadiponectinemia are often associated with high blood pressure. Moreover, microvascular dysfunction is reported to be an early event in patients with hypertension and may be involved in the pathogenesis of organ damage.Methods and resultsWe investigated the impact of 8-week moderate-intensity aerobic training on adiponectin plasma levels and skin microvascular reactivity in 24 overweight sedentary patients (18 men, age 44 ± 6 years, body mass index 28 ± 3 kg/m²) with never-treated grade 1 essential hypertension. Twenty-four age- and sex-matched hypertensive patients, who were examined twice at 8-week intervals in the absence of exercise training, served as controls. Exercise training was followed by a significant reduction in waist circumference (from 97 ± 9 to 95 ± 9 cm, p < 0.05) and an increase in adiponectin plasma levels (from 11.9 ± 3 to 12.5 ± 4 mg/L, p < 0.05). An inverse correlation was found between adiponectin change and waist circumference change (r = ?0.43, p < 0.05). The area under the curve after post-occlusive reactive hyperemia at skin laser-Doppler examination increased significantly after aerobic training (from 876 ± 539 to 1468 ± 925 PU/s, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between exercise-induced variations of post-occlusive reactive hyperemia and adiponectin plasma levels (r = 0.41, p < 0.05). Office or 24-h blood pressure values did not change significantly.ConclusionIn sedentary overweight patients with mild hypertension, moderate aerobic training improves cutaneous microvascular reactivity and adiponectin plasma levels. These changes precede blood pressure reduction and may serve as biomarkers of the efficacy of non-drug treatment in hypertensive patients.