Fatigue and fitness modelled from the effects of training on performance

Summary The purpose of this study was to compare two ways of estimating both fatigue and fitness indicators from systems model of the effects of training on performance. The model was applied to data concerning the training of a hammer thrower. The variations in performance were mathematically related to the successive amounts of training. The model equation was composed of negative (NF) and positive (PF) functions. The NF and PF were associated with the fatigue and fitness estimated in previous studies. Using another method, fatigue and fitness indicators were estimated from a combination of NF and PF. The influence of training on performance was negatively associated with fatigue (NI), and positively to fitness (PI). The changes in performance were well described by the model in the present study (r = 0.96,N = 19,P<0.001). Significant correlations were observed between NF and NI (r = 0.93,P < 0.001) on the one hand and between PF and PI (r = 0.90,P < 0.001) on the other. The absolute values and the time variations of PI and NI were closer to the change in performance than NF and PF. The NF and PF were accounted for mainly by the accumulation of amounts of training. On the other hand, NI and PI were accounted for rather by the impact of these amounts of training on performance.     

Long-term Result of Treatment of Prader-Willi Syndrome by Scopinaro's Bilio-pancreatic Diversion. Study of Three Cases and the Effect of Dextrofenfluramine on the Postoperative Evolution

The Prader-Willi syndrome shortens the life of patients due to the morbid obesity which it entails. The compulsive hyperphagia associated with it makes a dietetic treatment or a gastroplasty difficult. This study presents the case-histories of three patients suffering from the Prader-Willi syndrome who were operated on by means of a Scopinaro's bilio-pancreatic diversion. Following a marked reduction the first year, the weight loss stabilized and then tended to diminish. The observation of three cases which continued for two and a half to six years did not reveal any considerable metabolic problems. The deficiency of iron, vitamins D and B12 as well as folic acid had to be made up by supplementation. These results are comparable with the most favorable ones in the literature. Even if the effect on the weight loss is not spectacular, the operation manages to hold off the development of the obesity, inexorable for those with the Prader-Willi syndrome, and prevents lethal complications, without having notable side effects. Lifting coercive dietary measures improves the quality of life.     

Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Exposed to Microorganisms Involved in Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Induce a Th1-Polarized Immune Response

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an immunoallergic disease characterized by a prominent interstitial infiltrate composed predominantly of lymphocytes secreting inflammatory cytokines. Dendritic cells (DCs) are known to play a pivotal role in the lymphocytic response. However, their cross talk with microorganisms that cause HP has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the initial interactions between human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) and four microorganisms that are different in nature (Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula [actinomycetes], Mycobacterium immunogenum [mycobacteria], and Wallemia sebi and Eurotium amstelodami [filamentous fungi]) and are involved in HP. Our objectives were to determine the cross talk between MoDCs and HP-causative agents and to determine whether the resulting immune response varied according to the microbial extract tested. The phenotypic activation of MoDCs was measured by the increased expression of costimulatory molecules and levels of cytokines in supernatants. The functional activation of MoDCs was measured by the ability of MoDCs to induce lymphocytic proliferation and differentiation in a mixed lymphocytic reaction (MLR). E. amstelodami-exposed (EA) MoDCs expressed higher percentages of costimulatory molecules than did W. sebi-exposed (WS), S. rectivirgula-exposed (SR), or M. immunogenum-exposed (MI) MoDCs (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). EA-MoDCs, WS-MoDCs, SR-MoDCs, and MI-MoDCs induced CD4⁺ T cell proliferation and a Th1-polarized immune response. The present study provides evidence that, although differences were initially observed between MoDCs exposed to filamentous fungi and MoDCs exposed to bacteria, a Th1 response was ultimately promoted by DCs regardless of the microbial extract tested.     

Comparison of transthoracic echocardiography using second harmonic imaging, transcranial Doppler and transesophageal echocardiography for the detection of patent foramen ovale in stroke patients.

AIMS: The comparison of three imaging methods to determine which is the most accurate and reliable for the detection of right-to-left shunt. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and seven patients who were hospitalized for stroke underwent: a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) using second harmonic, a transcranial Doppler (TCD) and a transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) from August 2003 to April 2004. All studies were recorded on a videotape and were studied by a physician blinded to the study. With TTE and TEE, we found 44 (41%) patent foramen ovales. All contrast tests were positive with TCD for these 44 patients. For two patients, the contrast test was positive only with TTE and TCD. We found four false negative contrast tests with TTE. Among the 63 patients who had a negative contrast test with TEE and TTE, the results were the same with TCD for 59 of them; we were not able to determine a cause for the four positive tests. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that transesophageal echocardiography has limitations in the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale. In this study, the negative predictive value of transcranial Doppler was excellent. Therefore, this examination is able to exclude a patent foramen ovale with a high level of confidence.     

Physical activity to delay the effects of aging on mobility

SARCOPENIA: Aging is accompanied by the progressive reduction in cardio-pulmonary capacity and muscular strength. These two phenomena are partly related to the decrease in muscle mass, or sarcopenia. CARDIO-PULMONARY CAPACITY: Measured by maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), it demonstrates the individual's capacity for movement. It is also the principle marker of mortality due to cardiovascular events. VO2max decreases by around 0.8% each year, in close correlation with the evolution in muscle mass. These phenomena are partly related to reduced physical activity and, particularly, intense activity greater than 6 MET. Regular practice of moderately intense physical activity can maintain VO2max at a level 20 to 35% superior to that of the mean level in the same age range, and is associated with increased autonomic nervous system activity. DECREASED MUSCULAR STRENGTH: Sarcopenia and the proportional decrease in fast-twitch muscle fibers are related to a reduction in physical activity. The decrease in muscular strength is a handicapping factor and increases the risk of falls. Two sessions of training per week can increase by more than 30% the strength of the muscles concerned, by increasing the muscle volume and the maximum frequency of emission of motoneuron influx. The production of somatotropin, insulin-like growth factor-I and testosterone can also be increased. High-resistance exercises are themselves sufficient to increase bone density. In the light of these advantages, the practice of workouts in endurance and strength should be encouraged.     

The respective contribution of lumbar segments to the generation of locomotion in the isolated spinal cord of newborn rat

Various studies on isolated neonatal rat spinal cord have pointed to the predominant role played by the rostral lumbar area in the generation of locomotor activity. In the present study, the role of the various regions of the lumbar spinal cord in locomotor genesis was further examined using compartmentalization and transections of the cord. We report that the synaptic drive received by caudal motoneurons following N-methyl-d-l-aspartate (NMA)/5-HT superfusion on the entire lumbar cord is different from that triggered by the same compounds specifically applied on the rostral segments. These differences appear to be due to the direct action of NMA/5-HT on motoneuron membrane potential, rather than on premotoneuronal input activation. In order to assess the possible participation of the caudal lumbar segments in locomotor rhythm generation, the segments were over-stimulated with high concentrations of NMA or K+. We find that significant variations in motor cycle period occurred during the over-activation of the rostral segments. Over-activation of caudal segments only si+gnificantly increased the caudal ventral roots burst amplitude. We find that low 5-HT concentrations were unable to induce fictive locomotion under our experimental conditions. When a hemi-transection of the cord was performed between the L2-L3 segments, rhythmic bursting in the ipsilateral L5 disappeared while rhythmicity persisted on the contralateral side. Sectioning of the remaining L2-L3 side totally suppressed rhythmic activity in both L5 ventral roots. These results show that the thoracolumbar part of the cord constitutes the key area for locomotor pattern generation.     

Low dose recombinant FSH treatment may reduce multiple gestations caused by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and intrauterine insemination

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of multiple pregnancies in intrauterine insemination cycles stimulated with a minimal dose of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rec-FSH). DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University Medical Center. POPULATION: A total of 1256 patients underwent 3219 consequent intrauterine insemination cycles with minimal ovarian stimulation. METHODS: Patients received 50 or 75 IU of rec-FSH from day four to day seven. The dose was adjusted according to oestradiol (E(2)) levels in order to achieve a maximum of two follicles on the day of hCG administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Peak E(2) levels, the number of follicles >15 mm and pregnancy rates were calculated. The predictive value of E(2) levels for multiple gestations was also estimated. RESULTS: Of 3219 cycles, 334 resulted in pregnancies (10%). Of these, 238 (91%) were singletons, 28 (8%) twins and 1 (0.3%) was a triplet. The cumulative overall pregnancy rate was 43%. Patients over 40 years old had a significantly lower pregnancy rate per cycle and overall live birth rate (P < 0.05). Most pregnancies (83%) occurred during the first three cycles. Pregnancy rates per cycle varied from 8% for tubal factor to 14% for anovulation infertility. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal FSH stimulation in intrauterine insemination cycles may reduce the rates of twins and high order multiple pregnancies without affecting overall pregnancy rates.