Plasma testosterone and catecholamine responses to physical exercise of different intensities in men

Summary Plasma testosterone, noradrenaline, and adrenaline concentrations during three bicycle ergometer tests of the same total work output (2160 J·kg^–1) but different intensity and duration were measured in healthy male subjects. Tests A and B consisted of three consecutive exercise bouts, lasting 6 min each, of either increasing (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 W·kg^–1) or constant (2.0, 2.0, 2.0 W·kg^–1) work loads, respectively. In test C the subjects performed two exercise bouts each lasting 4.5 min, with work loads of 4.0 W·kg^–1. All the exercise bouts were separated by 1-min periods of rest.Exercise B of constant low intensity resulted only in a small increase in plasma noradrenaline concentration. Exercise A of graded intensity caused an increase in both catecholamine levels, whereas, during the most intensive exercise C, significant elevations in plasma noradrenaline, adrenaline and testosterone concentrations occurred. A significant positive correlation was obtained between the mean value of plasma testosterone and that of adrenaline as well as noradrenaline during exercise.It is concluded that both plasma testosterone and catecholamine responses to physical effort depend more on work intensity than on work duration or total work output.This work was performed within the Scientific Exchange Programme between the Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava and Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw/Project 10.4/     

Effects of acupressure on the childbirth satisfaction and experience of birth: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicines have been used to increase comfort and relaxation in mothers during labor. Comforting and preparing the mother in labor can create a positive birth experience. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupressure on childbirth satisfaction and the experience of giving birth in women with full-term pregnancy, before the onset of labor.MethodsIn 2016, a randomized clinical trial study was conducted in Shahid Akbar Abadi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, enrolling 120 pregnant women at 39–40 gestational weeks with no signs of the onset of labor. They were divided randomly into acupressure, sham acupressure, and control groups. Acupressure points including SP6, BL 60, and BL 32 were pressured bilaterally. Interventions were performed by the researcher, the mother and her relative (husband). Childbirth satisfaction was measured 24 h after delivery. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software and comparing tests were Chi-squared, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA tests (P ≤ 0.05).ResultsThe total childbirth satisfaction did not differ significantly among the three groups (P = 0.460), but the acupressure group had a higher level of satisfaction than the other two groups. Moreover, statistical tests regarding the expectations of the childbirth experience showed a significant difference among the groups (P = 0.033). The actual birth was closest to the expectations of subjects in the acupressure group.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that acupressure may be used as a method in order to attempt to provide a good birth experience and satisfaction of childbirth.     

Clock genes alterations and endocrine disorders

Background

Various endocrine signals oscillate over the 24‐hour period and so does the responsiveness of target tissues. These daily oscillations do not occur solely in response to external stimuli but are also under the control of an intrinsic circadian clock.

Design

We searched the PubMed database to identify studies describing the associations of clock genes with endocrine diseases.

Results

Various human single nucleotide polymorphisms of brain and muscle ARNT‐like 1 (BMAL1) and Circadian Locomotor Output Cycles Kaput (CLOCK) genes exhibited significant associations with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ARNTL2 gene expression and upregulation of BMAL1 and PER1 were associated with the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Thyroid hormones modulated PER2 expression in a tissue‐specific way, whereas BMAL1 regulated the expression of type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase in specific tissues. Adrenal gland and adrenal adenoma expressed PER1, PER2, CRY2, CLOCK and BMAL1 genes. Adrenal sensitivity to adrenocorticotrophin was also affected by circadian oscillations. A significant correlation between the expression of propio‐melanocorticotrophin and PER 2, as well as between prolactin and CLOCK, was found in corticotroph and lactosomatotroph cells, respectively, in the pituitary. Clock genes and especially BMAL1 showed an important role in fertility, whereas oestradiol and androgens exhibited tissue‐specific effects on clock gene expression. Metabolic disorders were also associated with circadian dysregulation according to studies in shift workers.

Conclusions

Clock genes are associated with various endocrine disorders through complex mechanisms. However, data on humans are scarce. Moreover, clock genes exhibit a tissue‐specific expression representing an additional level of regulation. Their specific role in endocrine disorders and their potential implications remain to be further clarified.     

Drug resistance pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from patients of five provinces of Iran

Objective:To determine the patterns of resistance to first line anti-tuberculosis(TB)drugs among a collection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)isolates from 5 provinces of Iran.Methods:A total of the 6 426 clinical specimens from patients suspected of active TB were collected from March 2010 to June 2012.All specimens were subjected for microscopy and culture tests in the TB centers of studies provinces.Drug susceptibility testing to the first line anti-TB drugs for culture positive MTB was performed on Lwenstein-Jensen(LJ)medium using proportion method.Results:Of 6 426 clinical specimens,261 were culture positive for mycobacteria,of which 252 were MTB and 9 were MOTT(mycobacteria other than tuberculosis).Of 252 MTB isolates.211(83.7%)were pan-susceptible and 41(16.3%)were resistant to at least one drug.Resistance was most common to streptomycin.30 isolates(12.0%),followed by isoniuzid,20isolates(8.0%),rifampin,15 isolates(6.0%)and ethambutol,14 isolates(5.5%).Sixteen(6.3%)MTB isolates were MDR.A clear evidence of heterogeneity amongst the 5 provinces in the proportions with resistance to one or more drugs was observed[χ~2=12.209(4 degrees of freedom),P values=0.015 9].Conclusions:The prevalence of drug resistance in this study area underscoring the need for further enforcement of TB control strategies in the Iran.Drug susceptibility testing for all TB cases to provide optimal treatment,establishing advanced diagnostic facilities for rapid detection of MDR-TB and continuous monitoring of drug resistance are recommended for prevention and control of drug-resistant TB.     

High Serum Levels of TGF-β in Iranians With Chronic HBV Infection

Background

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an important cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties.

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to compare the serum levels of TGF-β in a group of chronic HBV infected (CHB) patients as well as healthy individuals from South-East of Iran.

Patients and Methods

Sixty patients with CHB as well as sixty healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. ELISA technique was applied to measure the serum levels of TGF-β in both groups.

Results

Our results revealed that the serum levels of TGF-β were significantly increased in CHB patients in compare to healthy controls.

Conclusions

According to this result, it may be concluded that high serum levels of TGF-β may be a mechanism by which immune response against HBV is suppressed.     

Enhancement of Y5−xPrxSb3−yMy (M = Sn,Pb) Electrodes for Lithium- and Sodium-Ion Batteries by Structure Disordering and CNTs Additives

The maximally disordered (MD) phases with the general formula Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_y (M = Sn, Pb) are formed with partial substitution of Y by Pr and Sb by Sn or Pb in the binary Y₅Sb₃ compound. During the electrochemical lithiation and sodiation, the formation of Y_5-xPr_xSb_3-yM_yLi_z and Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_yNa_z maximally disordered–high entropy intermetallic phases (MD-HEIP), as the result of insertion of Li/Na into octahedral voids, were observed. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are an effective additive to improve the cycle stability of the Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−yM_y (M = Sn, Pb) anodes for lithium-ion (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Modification of Y_5−xPr_xSb_3−ySn_y alloys by carbon nanotubes allowed us to significantly increase the discharge capacity of both types of batteries, which reaches 280 mAh · g⁻¹ (for LIBs) and 160 mAh · g⁻¹ (for SIBs), respectively. For Y_5−xPrxSb_3−yPb_y alloys in which antimony is replaced by lead, these capacities are slightly smaller and are 270 mAh · g⁻¹ (for LIBs) and 155 mAh · g⁻¹ (for SIBs), respectively. Results show that structure disordering and CNT additives could increase the electrode capacities up to 30% for LIBs and up to 25% for SIBs.     

Massive allogenic bone grafts in reconstructive surgery after local resection of malignant bone tumor]

A series of 11 patients (5 females, 6 males) aged 11 to 43 years (mean 19.5 years) with primary malignant bone tumor is presented. MRI and CT served to determine the exact tumor invasion within soft tissues and medullar cavity. Prior to the surgery IIB stage (Enneking) was established in all cases. Chemotherapy was used in 7 cases, radiotherapy in 1. Local excision of the tumor was followed by implantation of massive frozen bone graft. Fixation was achieved with intramedullary nails, screws, AO plates or Martin external fixator. Follow-up ranged from 2 years 4 months to 5 years 2 months (mean 3 years 6 months). Adjuvant pre- and post-operative chemotherapy allowed for limb salvage and excision procedure with massive allograft to fill the defect. One patient died due to dissemination of the neoplastic disease, remaining 10 are alive with no symptoms of metastases. Stable osteosynthesis allows for early axial weight bearing and fast rehabilitation of the limb.     

Outcome in glomerulonephritis due to systemic small vessel vasculitis: effect of functional status and non-vasculitic co-morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies in systemic vasculitis have defined a number of disease-specific factors including histological parameters and clinical vasculitis activity scores as outcome predictors. This study evaluates the previously neglected role of non-vasculitic factors in determining prognosis in this condition. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all patients with a diagnosis of small vessel vasculitis (SVV) presenting with renal impairment to our service over a 12-year period. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were studied (median age 63.5 years, 64% male). Mean plasma creatinine at presentation was 533 micro M (6.3 mg/dl). Forty-seven patients (55%) required immediate dialysis, 21 (45%) recovered renal function on treatment. The presence of crescent fibrosis (P < 0.05) and interstitial fibrosis (P < 0.01) were significantly associated with a failure to recover renal function. There was a trend towards an increased relapse rate in those with a persistently positive ANCA result or a rising titre. Twelve month patient survival was 85.5% and 5-year survival was 63%. Factors independently associated with mortality were Karnofsky performance score at diagnosis (P < 0.00001), intensity of immunosuppressive treatment (P = 0.0007) and vasculitis classification (P = 0.009). Non-vasculitic co-morbidity was not independently associated with mortality. Patients who were, or became after treatment, dialysis-independent had a significant survival advantage (5-year survival 83 vs 42%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Non-vasculitic factors, particularly functional status as indicated by the Karnofsky performance score, play a major role in determining prognosis in SVV with renal involvement and should be an integral component of the decision making process when planning therapy, and in comparing outcomes between centres.