bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mean platelet volume in patients with prehypertension and hypertension
Authors: Varol Ercan , Akcay Selahattin , Icli Atilla , Yucel Habil , Ozkan Emel , Erdogan Dogan , Ozaydin Mehmet
Published: December 2019

Patients with hypertension have evidence of platelet activation. Mean platelet volume (MPV), an indicator of platelet activation has been shown to be elevated in patients with hypertension. Prehypertension is also associated with an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the MPV in patients with prehypertension and hypertension. This study included newly diagnosed and untreated 87 prehypertensive patients, 30 hypertensive patients and 35 normotensive control subjects matched for age, gender, and body mass index. All patients and controls gave informed consent. The MPV values of patients with prehypertension and hypertension were significantly higher than those of the control group (8.4 ± 0.8 and 8.8 ± 0.7 versus 7.9 ± 0.5 fl; p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). It was also higher in hypertensives than in prehypertensives (8.8 ± 0.7 versus 8.4 ± 0.8 fl; p < 0.05). However, we found that the presence of the hypertension (β = 0.28, P = 0.003) was only significant predictors of higher MPV in a multivariable model that adjusted for other variables. We have shown that, MPV, an indicator of platelet activation was significantly higher in patients with prehypertension and hypertension when compared with control subjects. We have also showed that MPV was also higher in patients with hypertension than in patients with prehypertension. However, presence of the hypertension was only significant predictor of higher MPV.
Non-invasive contrast enhanced ultrasound for quantitative assessment of tumor microcirculation. Contrast mixed mode examination vs. only contrast enhanced ultrasound examination
Authors: Paprottka P.M. , Cyran C.C. , Zengel P. , von Einem J. , Wintersperger B. , Nikolaou K. , Reiser M.F. , Clevert D.A.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the different ultrasound techniques for quantification of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in an experimental rat prostate carcinoma model. Method and materials: Prostate carcinoma (MLLB-2) cells were subcutaneously injected into the right flank of male rat (Charles River, Sulzfeld, Germany, 180 to 220 g body weight). Following 18 days of subcutaneous tumor growth 9 rats underwent CEUS examination. Real time CEUS was performed after a bolus injection of SonoVue (0.2 ml, Bracco, Italy) via the lateral tail vein using a high end ultrasound system (Siemens Sequoia 512®/Acuson, Mountain View) with an 15 Mhz probe. Two different CEUS techniques, pure contrast (pc) and contrast with background (cbg) examination, were analyzed (CPS-software). Exported signal intensity (SI)-time curves and the normalized area under the curve (AUC) for the active tumor tissue, whole tumor and necrosis were compared. Results: The mean normalized AUC for the active tumor tissue and the whole tumor was 0.84 and 0.5 in the pure contrast examination group and 0.49 and 0.3 for the contrast examination with background signal. Therefore the signal intensity of the pc group was in every examination significant higher than of the cbg group (p < 0.02). The advantage of using the additional background information is to detect the anatomic landmarks in the solid tumor model in comparison to the pure contrast enhanced ultrasound examination. Conclusion: The complete extension of the tumor is much easier to detect with the cbg technique due to orientation of the anatomic landmarks. As the signal intensity of the pc group is always significant higher we recommend this technique for quantification of contrast enhanced ultrasound, especially for the follow up of tumor microcirculation.
Comparing Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging to transient elastography to assess liver stiffness in healthy volunteers with and without valsalva manoeuvre
Authors: Horster S. , Mandel P. , Zachoval R. , Clevert D.A.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging (ARFI) is a new ultrasound elastography technology (Siemens ACUSON S2000 Virtual Touch™ Tissue Quantification), which is integrated in conventional ultrasound equipment. In preliminary studies, ARFI sheer wave speed (SWS) in liver tissue correlated well with transient elastography (TE) values and liver fibrosis stages. Materials and methods: Sixty-eight healthy male and female volunteers were measured with ARFI with two ultrasound tranducers, three measuring positions and during valsalva manoeuvre. A TE (FibroScan™, Echosens, France) was performed in 60 volunteers. Results: Volunteers had a mean age of 28 years and a mean BMI of 22.3. There was no significant difference of ARFI SWS between the 4C1 and 4V1 ultrasound probes in either intercostal or abdominal approach to liver segment 8 but a higher variance of ARFI SWS with the 4V1/abdominal compared to the intercostal approach (p = 0.0368). The 4C1/intercostal approach had the highest success rates (97.2%), comparable to those of TE (97.18%). Left liver lobe measurements obtained both significantly higher ARFI SWS and value variance (p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0198) compared to 4C1/intercostal approach. Mean ARFI SWS was 1.19 m/s (range 0.77–1.63). Mean TE was 5.39 kPa (range 3.3–9.0 kPa). Valsalva manoeuvre did not significantly alter ARFI SWS and variance. Skin-liver distance significantly influenced ARFI SWS (p < 0.05), while age and gender did not. Conclusion: These results might constitute a first impression of the chances of ARFI SWS to assess liver stiffness, especially in patients with liver diseases due to increased venous pressure.
Nitric oxide metabolites and oxidative stress in mild essential hypertension
Authors: Caimi G. , Mulè G. , Hopps E. , Carollo C. , Presti R. Lo
Published: December 2019

Many papers have showed non univocal data about oxidative stress status and nitric oxide metabolites in essential hypertension. Considering this preamble we examined the total antioxidant status (TAS), the lipid peroxidation (LP), expressed as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), the stable end products of nitric oxide (NOx) and LP/NOx ratio in 25 subjects with untreated mild essential hypertension. The obtained data show a significant increase in TBARS (p < 0.001) and NOx (p < 0.001) in hypertensives and no variation in TAS and in TBARS/NOx ratio. None of these parameters was statistically related to the metabolic parameters or to the blood pressure values. The high level of lipid peroxidation observed in this group of hypertensives suggests the timely and specific employment of antihypertensive and antioxidant agents while the NOx increase seems to confirm the inflammatory status accompanying this clinical condition.
Preserved cerebral microcirculation in early stages of endotoxemia in mechanically-ventilated rabbits
Authors: Sitina Michal , Turek Zdenek , Parizkova Renata , Lehmann Christian , Cerny Vladimir
Published: December 2019

The purpose of our study was to evaluate changes of the cerebral microcirculation during the early stages of endotoxemia in mechanically-ventilated rabbits using Sidestream dark-field (SDF) imaging. Images were obtained using SDF imaging from the surface of the brain via craniotomy before and after rapid administration of a high dose of endotoxin or saline (control group). Although endotoxin shock was successfully induced, we have not found any significant alteration of the cerebral microcirculation during the shock. We speculate that either the model of sepsis with a rapid high dose of endotoxin does not reflect the usual progression of septic encephalopathy or some components other than cerebral microcirculatory alteration play a role at the early stage of septic encephalopathy and the cerebral microcirculation is still preserved. Further studies are needed to clarify our findings.
Effects of oral acrylamide intake on blood viscosity parameters in rats
Authors: Arıhan Okan , Seringeç Nurten B. , Gürel Esin İleri , Dikmenoğlu Neslihan H.
Published: December 2019

Acrylamide which is formed via reaction of reducing sugars with amino acids during food processing at high temperatures is not only neurotoxic and carcinogenic, but it also damages erythrocyte membrane and generates micronucleated erythrocytes. In the present study, effects of chronic administration of acrylamide at a dose which does not induce neurotoxicity were evaluated on blood viscosity parameters (hematocrit, erythrocyte deformability, erythrocyte aggregation and plasma viscosity). Twenty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control and acrylamide groups. The acrylamide group received 10 mg/kg/day acrylamide, whereas the control group received saline (vehicle), both in 10 ml/kg/day volume via gastric gavage. Erythrocyte aggregation and deformability were measured with LORCA and plasma viscosity with cone-plate viscometer. Erythrocyte deformability was measured before, and at the end of the 3rd and the 5th weeks of acrylamide administration. Hematocrit, erythrocyte aggregation and plasma viscosity were measured only at the end of the 5th week. Acrylamide caused a significant decrease in the deformability index of erythrocytes (at the end of the 3rd week, control: 0.606 ± 0.003, acrylamide: 0.595 ± 0.003, p < 0.05) (at the end of the 5th week, control: 0.606 ± 0.002, acrylamide: 0.588 ± 0.002, p < 0.01). Aggregation tendency and plasma viscosity were slightly higher in the acrylamide group, however the difference was not statistically significant. These results imply that acrylamide which does not cause neurotoxicity in rats may alter blood viscosity if chronically taken.
Elongation index of erythrocytes, study of activity of chosen erythrocyte enzymes, and the levels of glutathione, malonyldialdehyde in polycythemia vera (PV)
Authors: Dąbrowski Z. , Dybowicz A.J. , Marchewka A. , Teległów A. , Skotnicki A. , Zduńczyk A. , Aleksander P. , Filar-Mierzwa K.
Published: December 2019

The principal aim of the study was to investigate rheological properties of erythrocytes obtained from patients admitted to the clinic, and diagnosed with polycythemia vera. The polycythemia vera diagnosis was based on the WHO criteria for polycythemia vera. Using a laser rheometer SSD Rheometer-Rheodyn, the elongation index of erythrocytes was determined, indicating an increased rigidity of the erythrocytes in this disease compared with the erythrocytes in healthy people. In order to explain (albeit partially) the reason for reduced elasticity, the erythrocytes of patients with polycythemia were studied for the activity of enzymes – glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase membrane enzyme, as well as the levels of glutathione and malonyldialdehyde. The elevated activities of these enzymes, the glutathione level, and elevated ‰ of reticulocytes, indicated an increased pool of juvenile erythrocyte forms; furthermore, the elevated value of malonyldialdehyde may suggest a lipid peroxidative damage in certain pool of the erythrocyte membrane in blood circulation.
Optimal haematocrit in subjects with normal haemoglobin genotype (HbAA), sickle cell trait (HbAS), and homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS)
Authors: Bowers A.S. , Pepple D.J. , Reid H.L.
Published: December 2019

The determination of an optimal haematocrit (H0) has important clinical implications if such a level can be attained, and more importantly, maintained. This is defined as a haematocrit level, above or below which oxygen delivery is deleteriously affected. This study is designed to determine an optimal haematocrit in normal (AA), sickle cell trait (AS) and sickle cell disease (SS) subjects. Twenty-seven apparently healthy subjects having normal haemoglobin genotype, 24 with sickle cell trait and 42 with homozygous sickle cell disease were recruited into the study. Whole blood viscosity (WBV) was measured by a Wells Brookfield Cone and Plate Viscometer at a shear rate of 230 sec−1. Haematocrit was determined by an AC.Tron Coulter Counter. The optimal haematocrit was calculated as the inverse of a constant, K, which was derived from the haematocrit and viscosity data. Our findings showed that the H0 varied significantly among the 3 haemoglobin genotypes, in the order AA vs SS and AS vs SS. Additionally, the data indicated an increased H0 in subjects with sickle cell trait, suggesting a possible impairment in oxygen delivery in these individuals.
Comparison of soluble CD40L concentrations and release capacities in apheresis and prestorage pooled platelet concentrates
Authors: Wenzel Folker , Günther Wiebke , Baertl Anja , Lasshofer Roland , Rox Jutta , Fischer Johannes Christian , Giers Günther
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Soluble CD40L (sCD40L) is expressed by platelets and is involved in the stabilization of arterial thrombi. Additionally, it was shown that sCD40L accumulation occurred in stored blood products triggering adverse transfusion reactions like TRALI. To study the influence of the preparation technique on sCD40L accumulation and platelet function we examined CD40L concentrations in prestorage pooled platelet concentrates compared to apheresis products. In addition, sCD40L release capacity was determined as a marker for platelet viability. Material and methods: sCD40L concentrations were determined in prestorage pooled platelet concentrates (n = 8) and in platelet apheresis concentrates (n = 8) before and after platelet stimulation (recalcification and clot formation) at day 1, 3 and 5 under routine storage conditions. sCD40L concentrations were determined by a commercially available ELISA kit. Results: sCD40L concentrations in storage medium increased over time in prestorage pooled platelet concentrates (from 1,185 pg/mL ± 87 pg/mL at day 1 to 4,464 pg/mL ± 212 pg/mL at day 5) as well as in apheresis products (from 581 pg/mL ± 124 pg/mL at day 1 to 2,718 pg/mL ± 154 pg/mL at day 5) in a hyperbolic manner. Recalcification and clot formation caused an increase in sCD40L concentrations (for example 3,842 pg/mL ± 769 pg/mL before platelet activation to 31,219 pg/mL ± 2,063 pg/mL after platelet activation at day 3), and we observed comparable release capacities for both preparation techniques, however, decreasing over storage time up to 50% (day 5) of the respective control value (day 1). Conclusions: Amounts of sCD40L accumulation and release capacity during storage of platelet concentrates were dependent on storage duration, but showed no relevant differences regarding the preparation technique. After 5 days of storage, CD40L basal levels were increased, in contrast sCD40L release capacity was decreased. By recalcification and clot formation sCD40L release capacity could be easily induced and is assumed to be used as a marker for platelet viability.
Changes in RBC deformability and oxygen-delivering ability in cold blood cardioplegia
Authors: Son Kuk Hui , Ahn Chi Bum , Lee Sung Ho , Noh Insup , Shin Eunkyoung , So Mijin , Kim Hyuna , Sun Kyung , Kim Kwang Taik
Published: December 2019

Purpose: The advantages of blood cardioplegia, which is used for myocardial protection during open heart surgeries, include superior oxygen-carrying capacities, better osmotic properties, and the presence of more antioxidants than a crystalloid counterpart. Although, hyperkalemic organ-preserving solutions for transplantation surgeries are known to decrease RBC deformability essential for tissue perfusion, only few studies have addressed the changes in RBC deformability after exposure to cardioplegic additives. The purpose of this study was to measure deformability and oxygen-delivery capacities in various blood cardioplegic solutions. Methods: Blood from eight healthy volunteers was used. Each sample (100 ml) was divided into 5 groups of 16 ml, and cardioplegia solutions were added (group NS; blood + normal saline, group K; blood + KCl, group D; blood + KCl + diltiazem, group A: blood + KCl + adenosine, group E: blood + KCl + neutrophil elastase inhibitor [Sivelestat]). All samples were incubated at a temperature of 8°C for 10 minutes. Deformability, NO level, 2,3-DPG, and ATP were measured. Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.92) in deformability between the groups. The NO levels were not significantly different (p = 0.86). The 2,3-DPG (p = 0.27) and ATP levels (p = 0.40) were not significantly different. Conclusions: The deformability and oxygen carrying functions of RBCs did not show a significant difference according to various components of cold blood cardioplegia during 10 minutes of incubation.
Red blood cell aggregation changes are depended on its initial value: Effect of long-term drug treatment and short-term cell incubation with drug
Authors: Muravyov A.V. , Tikhomirova I.A. , Maimistova A.A. , Bulaeva S.V. , Mikhailov P.V. , Kislov N.V.
Published: December 2019

This study was designed to investigate whether the red cell aggregation depends on its initial level under drug therapy or cell incubation with bioactive chemical compounds. Sixty six subjects were enrolled onto this study, and sub-divided into two groups: the first group of patients (n = 36) with cerebral atherosclerosis received pentoxifylline therapy (400 mg, thrice daily) for 4 weeks. The patients of the second group were initially treated with Epoetin beta 10,000 units subcutaneously thrice a week, for 4 weeks. The second group – adult anemic patients (n = 30) with the confirmed diagnosis of solid cancer (Hb < 100 g/L). After 4 weeks of pentoxifylline treatment the red cell aggregation increased (p < 0.05) in the patients with initially low RBCA. On the other hand in the patients with initially high RBCA treatment with pentoxifylline reduced it markedly (p < 0.01). In vitro experiments with pentoxifylline RBC incubation resulted in a decrease of the initially high RBCA by 47% (p < 0.01), whereas in the sub-group with initially low RBCA it increased. It was observed that after 4 weeks of epoetin-beta treatment 75% the anemic patients with initially high RBCA had an aggregation lowering. The drop of aggregation was about 34% (p < 0.01). At the same time 25% of the study patients had a significant RBCA increase (p < 0.05) after treatment. The initially low red cell aggregation after incubation with epoetin-beta was markedly increased by 122% (p < 0.05). On the contrary initially high RBCA was reduced by 47% (p < 0.05). When forskolin (10 μM) was added to the RBC suspensions the RBCA was increased in sub-group of subjects with initially low aggregation and it was decreased in sub-group with initially high one. The similar RBCA changes were observed when RBC suspensions were incubated with vinpocetine, calcium ionophore (A23187), Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) as a protein kinase C (PKC) stimulator. A major finding of this study is that the red cell aggregation effects of some drugs depend markedly on the initial, pre-treatment aggregation status of the patients. These results demonstrate that the different red blood cell aggregation responses to the biological stimuli depend strongly on the initial, pre-treatment status of the subject and the most probably it is connected with the crosstalk between the adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway and Ca2+ regulatory mechanism.
Rheological red blood cell behaviour in minor α-thalassaemia carriers
Authors: Vayá Amparo , Suescun Marta , Hernández Jose Luis , Pérez María Luz , Palanca Sarai , Laiz Begoña
Published: December 2019

Although several studies have been published regarding rheological behaviour of red blood cells in beta and delta-beta thalassaemia traits, little information about erythrocyte deformability in alpha-thalassaemia carriers is available. We aimed to determine erythrocyte deformability in heterozygous (silent, -α/αα) and homozygous (minor alpha-thalassaemia, -α/-α) carriers of the alpha-thalassaemia trait for the alpha 3.7 deletion, the most common in our geographical area. We evaluated erythrocyte deformability by means of the elongation index (EI) in a Rheodyn SSD at 12, 30 and 60 Pa, along with basic haematological cell count, erythrocyte indices, reticulocytes, plasma lipids and iron metabolism parameters in 36 (18 women, 18 men) alpha-thalassaemia carriers (17 heterozygous, 19 homozygous) and 36 healthy subjects (23 women, 13 men). The molecular diagnosis of the alpha 3.7 deletion was evaluated by a PCR-based method. Alpha-thalassaemia carriers presented higher red blood cell counts, RDW-CV (p < 0.001) and lower haemoglobin, MCV, MCH and MCHC (p < 0.001) than controls. EI was statistically lower at 12, 30 and 60 Pa in cases than in controls (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.010, respectively). No differences in either elongation indices or haematimetric values were observed when comparing silent heterozygous and minor homozygous alpha-thalassaemia carriers (p > 0.05). Pearson's bivariate correlation showed that EI60 correlated positively with haemoglobin and MCV, MCH, MCHC (p < 0.01), but negatively with ferritin (p< 0.05) and RDW-CV (p< 0.01). In the multivariate regression analysis, MCV (p = 0.001) and haemoglobin (p < 0.001) predicted EI60, with this model accounting for around 43% of variation in EI60 (R2 = 0.427). Alpha-thalassaemia carriers phenotypically showed mild microcytosis and hypochromia, irrespectively of them being silent heterozygous or minor homozygous alpha-thalassaemia carriers, which is associated with decreased erythrocyte deformability.
Elevated hematocrit in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A potential cause for the increased risk of cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Li Guolin , Hu Hui , Shi Wang , Li Ye , Liu Li , Chen Yaqin , Hu Xiaofei , Wang Jun , Gao Jun , Yin Dazhong
Published: December 2019

Background and aim: Hematocrit is an important hemorheological parameter. Both hematocrit and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease. However, there is no study to explore the direct relationship of hematocrit with NAFLD. Methods: Hematocrit levels were analyzed from 1,821 Chinese Han adults, and questionnaire and physical examination were administered to know and suspect the relationship with NAFLD. Results: NAFLD morbidity was positively correlated with hematocrit levels in both male and female. Multivariate-adjusted odds ratio illustrated that, compared with the lowest quartile of hematocrit, the highest quartile subjects had a 185% and 386% increased risk for developing NAFLD in male and female, respectively. Further receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cutoff value of hematocrit for detecting NAFLD was 42.75 in male and 37.55 in female. Unhealthy lifestyles had similar effects on NAFLD and hematocrit. Conclusions: The prevalence of NAFLD is positively associated with hematocrit levels. Though the cause-effect relationship between NAFLD and hematocrit still needs further investigation to clarify, the elevated hematocrit in NAFLD patients may be of significance to link NAFLD and cardiovascular disease.
Erythrocyte as a biological sensor
Authors: de Almeida J.P. Lopes , Oliveira S. , Saldanha C.
Published: December 2019

The erythrocytes ability of sensing the local oxygen gradient through the hemoglobin conformation, along with changes in nitric oxide mobilization and vasomotor repercussions at the microcirculation, were reviewed in detail in this article. Different approachs trying to explain the erythrocyte death were additionally documented. Also, the influence of several types of molecules (vasoactive, oxidant/reductor) on the erythrocyte roles as sensor of (i) oxygen tissue needs, (ii) blood viscosity and myogenic environment, (iii) and inflammatory conditions were mentioned in order to highlight its physiologycal function and substitute the erroneous idea of the erythrocyte being simply a hemoglobin sac content.
Subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow and vasomotion in morbidly obese patients: Long term effect of gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Rossi Marco , Nannipieri Monica , Anselmino Marco , Guarino Daniela , Franzoni Ferdinando , Pesce Margherita
Published: December 2019

Since recent findings suggest a relationship between reduction in adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) and metabolic or vascular complications in obese patients (Ob-pts), increase in ATBF may be considered as a further goal in the treatment of obesity, besides fat mass reduction. Therefore, this preliminary study aimed at assess subcutaneous ATBF and vasomotion in morbidly obese patients and whether sustained weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) affects the same parameters. Using laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and spectral Fourier analysis, subcutaneous ATBF was measured and subcutaneous ATBF oscillations (ATBF-O) were analyzed – within three frequency intervals related to vasomotion – in 16 Ob-pts, before and about one year after RYGB, and in 10 lean, healthy control subjects (CS). Before RYGB, Ob-Pts showed an important reduction in subcutaneous ATBF compared to CS (4.8 ± 2.7 PU vs 79.9 ± 34.5 PU, respectively; p < 0.0001), as well as higher normalized power spectral density (N-PSD) values of subcutaneous ATBF-O, - related to vasomotion. One year after RYGB, sustained weight loss in Ob-pts was associated with a slight but significant increase in subcutaneous ATBF (10.0 ± 6.6 PU, p < 0.05) and with almost complete normalization in N-PSD values of ATBF-O, related to vasomotion, compared to before RYGB. The slight subcutaneous ATBF increase, we observed in Ob-pts after sustained weight loss, moves toward a desirable goal. This finding suggests verifying whether an even more sustained weight loss in Ob-pts could determine a greater increase in subcutaneous ATBF and/or, more importantly, it could also determine a significant increase in visceral ATBF
Protein carbonyl groups in trained subjects
Authors: Lo Presti R. , Canino B. , Montana M. , Calandrino V. , Caimi G.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the plasma protein carbonyl groups (PC) in 81 trained subjects (TS) who practiced regular, non professional physical activity. They were divided into three groups according to the type of sport they practiced (endurance, mixed or power). On fasting venous blood we examined the PC groups employing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, in which 2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazine reacts with the PC forming a stable hydrazone product. In the whole group of TS a significant decrease in PC was present, in comparison with sedentary controls (SC). Dividing TS into groups, we observed a decreased PC concentration in those practicing endurance and mixed sports, but not in those practicing power sports. There was no difference between men and women for PC either in SC or in TS; male TS had a PC concentration significantly lower than male SC. Our data show that body proteins are more protected against oxidative stress in subjects who practice endurance and mixed sports. These results give further support to the promotion of regular physical activity including aerobic exercise.
Attenuating effect of post-treatment with QiShen YiQi Pills on myocardial fibrosis in rat cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Li Yan-Chuan , Liu Yu-Ying , Hu Bai-He , Chang Xin , Fan Jing-Yu , Sun Kai , Wei Xiao-Hong , Pan Chun-Shui , Huang Ping , Chen Yuan-Yuan , Wang Chuan-She , Zheng Jun , Han Jing-Yan
Published: December 2019

QiShen YiQi Pills® (QSYQ) is a compound Chinese medicine used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the potential of QSYQ to inhibit cardiac fibrosis in left ventricle hypertrophy is not explored to date. We investigated the effects of post-treatment with QSYQ on rat myocardial fibrosis in left ventricle hypertrophy induced by pressure over-load through ascending aortic stenosis. QSYQ was administrated 4 weeks after the surgery, at a dose of 0.8 g/kg/day over the next 4 weeks, while echocardiography was performed 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, after the surgery. Eight weeks after the surgery, myocardial blood flow was determined by Laser-Doppler Perfusion Imager and the ratio of heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) was estimated, in concurrent evaluation of myocardial histology and ultrastructure, as well as collagen content by sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry staining for CD68 and transforming growth factor beta 1. Post-treatment with QSYQ significantly alleviated left ventricular posterior wall end diastolic thickness and the HW/BW, increased left ventricle ejection fraction and left ventricle fractional shortening. QSYQ also decreased myocardial fibrosis size. The expression of CD68 and transforming growth factor beta 1 were obviously suppressed after QSYQ treatment. The results suggest that post-treatment with QSYQ attenuates pressure over-load-induced cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis through interfering in inflammatory process.
Delayed beneficial effect of acute exercise on red blood cell aggregate strength in patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Waltz Xavier , Hedreville Mona , Sinnapah Stéphane , Lamarre Yann , Soter Valérie , Lemonne Nathalie , Etienne-Julan Maryse , Beltan Eric , Chalabi Tawfik , Chout Roger , Hue Olivier , Mougenel Danièle , Hardy-Dessources Marie-Dominique , Connes Philippe
Published: December 2019

Because of the metabolic changes induced by a physical activity, the hemorheological properties of patients with sickle cell anemia could be further impaired and increase the risks for vaso-occlusive complications. However, few studies suggest that moderate physical activity could be beneficial rather than harmful in patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA). However, the definition of what can be considered as a moderate physical activity in SCA patients is imprecise. The present study tested the effects of a short incremental cycling exercise test conducted until the first ventilatory threshold on different biomarkers. Hematological and hemorheological parameters were compared between 8 patients with SCA and 13 healthy subjects (CONT) before, immediately after the end of the exercise and at 12, 36 and 60 hours after the exercise. We observed no significant hematological or hemorheological alteration induced by the exercise in the two groups. However, the exercise resulted in a delayed improvement of the red blood cell disaggregation threshold at 36 and 60 hrs after exercise in the SCA group which was paralleled to the decrease in the platelet count in this group. The present study suggests that such an exercise might be beneficial for microcirculatory blood flow.
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for patients with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders1
Authors: Grill Eva , Bronstein Adolfo , Furman Joseph , Zee David S. , Müller Martin
Published: December 2019

Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders have major impact on independence, employability, activities and participation. There are many measures for the assessment of the impact of vertigo, but no consensus exists on which aspects should be measured. The objective of this study was to develop international standards (ICF Core Sets) for patients with vertigo and dizziness to describe functioning. The development of the ICF Core Sets involved a formal decision-making and consensus process, integrating evidence from preparatory studies including qualitative interviews with patients, a systematic review of the literature, a survey with health professionals, and empirical data collection from patients. Twenty-seven experts selected 100 second level categories for the comprehensive Core Set and 29 second level categories for the Brief Core Set. The largest number of categories was selected from the ICF component Activities and Participation (40). Twenty-five categories were selected from the component Body Functions, six from Body Structures, and 29 from Environmental Factors. The ICF Core Set for vertigo is designed for physicians, nurses, therapists and other health professionals working in inpatient or ambulatory settings. ICF Core Sets create patient-relevant outcomes that can be used as evidence for the success of treatments.
Clinical interest of postural and vestibulo-ocular reflex changes induced by cervical muscles and skull vibration in compensated unilateral vestibular lesion patients
Authors: Dumas Georges , Lion Alexis , Gauchard Gérome C. , Herpin Guillaume , Magnusson Måns , Perrin Philippe P.
Published: December 2019

Skull vibration induces nystagmus in unilateral vestibular lesion (UVL) patients. Vibration of skull, posterior cervical muscles or inferior limb muscles alters posture in recent UVL patients. This study aimed to investigate the postural effect of vibration in chronic compensated UVL patients. Vibration was applied successively to vertex, each mastoid, each side of posterior cervical muscles and of triceps surae in 12 UVL patients and 9 healthy subjects. Eye movements were recorded with videonystagmography. Postural control was evaluated in eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. Sway area, sway path, anteroposterior and medio-lateral sways were recorded. A vibration induced nystagmus (VIN) beating toward the healthy side was obtained for each UVL patient during mastoid vibration. In EO, only sway path was higher in UVL group during vibration of mastoids and posterior cervical muscles. The EO postural impairments of UVL patients could be related to the eye movements or VIN, leading to visual perturbations, or to a proprioceptive error signal, providing an erroneous representation of head position. The vibration-induced sway was too small to be clinically useful. Vestibulo-ocular reflex observed with videonystagmography during mastoid vibration seems more relevant to reveal chronic UVL than vestibulo-spinal reflex observed with posturography.
The vestibular activities and participation measure and vestibular disorders1
Authors: Alghwiri Alia , Alghadir Ahmad , Whitney Susan L.
Published: December 2019

Vestibular disorders are commonly reported health conditions that lead to debilitating consequences. Activity limitations and participation restrictions are the main disabling consequences of vestibular disorders. Measuring activities and participation in people with vestibular disorders has been a challenge due to the absence of specialized outcome measures that quantify activities and participation based on a standardized framework such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The Vestibular Activities and Participation (VAP) questionnaire was developed to quantify activity limitations and participation restrictions in people with balance and vestibular disorders. Of the 34 items included in the VAP, 29 (85%) of the items had at least 25% or more of the respondents report that they had moderate to severe difficulty and 10 items had 40% or more of the participants report that they had difficulty with the activity or participation item. The psychometric properties of the VAP were examined and demonstrated very good reliability and validity in persons with balance and vestibular dysfunction and may be helpful in identifying activity and participation limitations.
Short-term information pattern in optokinetic nystagmus amplitude time series
Authors: Aasen T. , Goplen F. , Nordahl S.H.G.
Published: December 2019

In this paper we analyzed optokinetic nystagmus (OKN) signals for underlying information patterns. Fourteen OKN signals were recorded in five healthy subjects. First, we tested the correlation between nystagmus slow and fast phases. Previously, it has been suggested that the correlation is higher between the amplitude of the slow phase and the following fast phase, compared to the correlation between the fast phase and the following slow phase. However, we found no such difference. This is in agreement with the view that the saccade performed by the eye is not determined by the previous slow phase, but is free to move voluntarily in order to focus on an object of interest. Second, we analyzed the information entropy contained in the sequence of optokinetic nystagmus amplitudes, and found a short-term information pattern. Further analysis of these patterns could eventually lead to more knowledge about the vestibular and oculomotor systems.
Development of a new gaze stabilization test
Authors: Lee Choongheon , Honaker Julie A.
Published: December 2019

The gaze stabilization test (GST) is used not only in examining gaze stability required by daily life activities, but also in identifying unilateral or bilateral vestibular deficits. However, a computerized GST (CGST) is an expensive assessment, which cannot be commonly used in most clinics. Validation of low-cost and low-technical clinical tests is required to decrease health care costs. The purpose of this study was to measure the accuracy of a new GST (NGST) in a cohort of healthy young adults with no history of vestibular or balance disorders, as well as the test-retest reliability when re-assessed 5–7 days. Subjects identified a visual target while actively and passively performing head movements in the yaw plane at an initial screening velocity of 130 degs/sec. The main outcome was a strong positive correlation in both active and passive NGST head movement amplitude degree and head movement velocity. Passive head movements had good accuracy (85%) to identify healthy individuals with no history of vestibular or balance disorders. In addition, the NGST has good test-retest reliability in head movement amplitude degree (r=0.795) and head movement velocity (r=0.797) of passive NGST within two testing sessions.
Arm-trunk coordination as a measure of vestibulospinal efficiency
Authors: Sibindi Tafadzwa M. , Krasovsky Tal , Feldman Anatol G. , Dannenbaum Elizabeth , Zeitouni Anthony , Levin Mindy F
Published: December 2019

When arm and trunk segments are involved in reaching for objects within arm's reach, vestibulospinal pathways compensate for trunk motion influence on arm movement. This compensatory arm-trunk synergy is characterised by a gain coefficient of 0 to 1. Vestibular patients have less efficient arm-trunk synergies and lower gains. To assess the clinical usefulness of the gain measure, we used a portable ultrasound-based device to characterize arm-trunk coordination deficits in vestibular patients. Arm-trunk coordination without vision was measured in a Stationary Hand Task where hand position was maintained during trunk movement, and a Reaching Task with and without trunk motion. Twenty unilateral vestibular patients and 16 controls participated. For the Stationary Hand task, patient gains ranged from g=0.94 (good compensation) to 0.31 (poor compensation) and, on average, were lower than in controls (patients: 0.67 ± 0.19; controls: 0.85 ± 0.07; p< 0.01). Gains were significantly correlated with clinical tests (Sensory Organization; r=0.62, p< 0.01, Foam Romberg Eyes Closed; r=0.65, p< 0.01). For the Reaching Task, blocking trunk movement during reaching modified hand position significantly more in patients (8.2 ± 4.3 cm) compared to controls (4.5 ± 1.7 cm, p< 0.02) and the amount of hand position deviation was correlated with the degree of vestibular loss in a sub-group (n=14) of patients. Measurement of the Stationary Task arm-trunk gain and hand deviations during the Reaching Task can help characterize sensorimotor problems in vestibular-deficient patients and track recovery following therapeutic interventions. The ultrasound-based portable device is suitable for measuring vestibulospinal deficits in arm-trunk coordination in a clinical setting.
Introduction to the international classification of functioning disability and health – ICF – in the context of vestibular rehabilitation
Authors: Graziano Mariella
Published: December 2019

Vestibular rehabilitation focuses at decreasing the impact of symptoms, such as vertigo dizziness and imbalance have on people's daily life and their role in society. The international Classification of Functioning Disability and Health – ICF offers a unified and standard language and framework for describing health and health related states. The ICF aims at facilitating communication information about health, like functioning and disability. For this purpose the ICF has a systematic coding scheme for health data with more than 1400 categories. The big number of categories is impractical to apply in a specific area like vestibular disorders. Therefore a narrowing down to the relevant categories in a comprehensive core set for vertigo (100 categories) and a brief core set (29 categories) were developed. The purpose of this article is to reflect on the potential use of ICF in vestibular rehabilitation.
The development of an accelerometer-based measure of human upright static anterior-posterior postural sway under various sensory conditions: Test–retest reliability, scoring and preliminary validity of the Balance Accelerometry Measure (BAM)
Authors: Marchetti Gregory F. , Bellanca Jennica , Whitney Susan L. , Lin James Chia-Cheng , Musolino Mark C. , Furman Gabriel R. , Redfern Mark S.
Published: December 2019

Background: Accelerometers are being used to assess postural control in adults, but there is little to support their reliability and validity. Objective: To estimate the test-retest reliability of the balance accelerometry measure (BAM) and to describe the known-groups validity of the BAM composite score. Methods: Two measures of standing postural sway were taken across six sensory (vision/stance surface) and motor stance (feet together or tandem) positions from eighteen patients with vestibular disorders and 84 healthy subjects. Test-retest reliability for postural sway was estimated across all conditions using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A composite measure of sway standardized to young healthy subjects on eyes open firm surface stance was compared between groups. Results: Test-retest reliability of postural sway was good (ICC ⩾ 0.74) under all sensory conditions except eyes closed/tandem stance, which was slight to poor. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve for composite scores indicated significant accuracy at identification of subjects in the vestibular/balance disorder groups. Composite standard scores equal or greater than 21.1 identified subjects with vestibular disorders with an accuracy of 72% sensitivity and 68% specificity. Conclusion: The BAM displays good-excellent reliability for five of six sensory-motor conditions. The composite score appears to differentiate healthy from subjects with vestibular disorders.
Unilateral otolith centrifugation by head tilt
Authors: Winters Stephanie M. , Bos Jelte E. , Klis Sjaak F.L.
Published: December 2019

Background: To test for otolith asymmetries, several studies described horizontal translation of the body and head en bloc during fast vertical axis rotation. This stimulus causes one otolithic organ to rotate on-axis, and the other to experience centripetal acceleration. Objective: To test a new, more simple method of unilateral stimulation with head tilt and the body remaining on axis. Methods: During stationary and during 360 deg/s rotation, 12 healthy blindfolded subjects had their heads tilted 30 degrees sideways, positioning one otolithic organ on the axis of rotation after the other. The haptic subjective vertical (SV) was recorded several times by means of a manually adjustable rod. Results: It was found that during stationary the SV tilted about 4 degrees on average in the direction of the head. During rotation, the SV tilted about 9 degrees on average. We therefore estimate the effect of eccentric otolith rotation to be 5 degrees on average. Conclusions: Tilt of the subjective vertical induced by head tilt during on-axis body rotation can provide a relatively uncomplicated alternative to test unilateral otolithic function as compared to body and head translation during rotation. Moreover, unlike eccentric rotation of the entire body, somatosensory cues are minimized by keeping the body fixed on axis and by subtracting the effect of head tilt per se.
Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and caloric test results in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders
Authors: Sujeet Kumar Sinha , Niraj Kumar Singh , Animesh Barman , Rajeshwari G. , Sharanya R.
Published: December 2019

Auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder is a type of hearing loss where outer hair cell function are normal (as evidenced by the preservation of OAEs and cochlear microphonics), whereas auditory nerve functions are abnormal (as evidenced by abnormal auditory brainstem evoked potentials beginning with wave I of the ABR) and acoustic reflexes to ipsilateral and contralateral tones are absent [32]. It is likely that in cases with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder not only the cochlear nerve, but also the vestibular nerves might get involved. The present study was conducted with an aim of finding out the inferior and superior vestibular nerve involvement through cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and Caloric test results respectively in individuals with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorders. Total 26 participants who fulfilled the criteria of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder participated for the study. Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials results showed absence of responses from most of the subjects also caloric responses showed bilateral hypofunctional responses in most of the participants, which is suggestive of involvement of both the inferior as well as superior vestibular nerve in individuals with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorders. Additionally there was no association between the pattern and degree of hearing loss to caloric test results and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials results findings.
Acute alcohol intoxication impairs segmental body alignment in upright standing
Authors: Hafstrom A. , Patel M. , Modig F. , Magnusson M. , Fransson P.A.
Published: December 2019

Balance control when standing upright is a complex process requiring input from several partly independent mechanisms such as coordination, feedback and feedforward control, and adaptation. Acute alcohol intoxication from ethanol is recognized as a major contributor to accidental falls requiring medical care. This study aimed to investigate if intoxication at 0.06 and 0.10% blood alcohol concentration affected body alignment. Mean angular positions of the head, shoulder, hip, and knee were measured with 3D-motion analysis and compared with the ankle position in 25 healthy adults during standing with or without perturbations, and with eyes open or closed. Alcohol intoxication had significant effects on body alignment during perturbed and unperturbed stance, and on adaptation to perturbations. It induced a significantly more posterior alignment of the knees and shoulders, and a tendency for a more posterior and left deviated head alignment in perturbed stance than when sober. The impact of alcohol intoxication was most apparent on the knee alignment, where availability of visual information deteriorated the adaptation to perturbations. Thus, acute alcohol intoxication resulted in inadequate balance control strategies with increased postural rigidity and impaired adaptation to perturbations. These factors probably contribute to the increased risk of falling when intoxicated with alcohol.