bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical fitness levels of adolescents in the Ile de France region: comparisons with European standards and relevance for future cardiovascular risk
Authors: Vanhelst Jérémy , Fardy Paul S. , Chapelot Didier , Czaplicki Grégory , Ulmer Zekya 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe aim was to assess physical fitness in French schoolchildren in the region of Ile de France and to compare the results with European countries. The relationship between physical fitness and future health profile was of particular interest. Participants were 1851 French youth in the Ile de France region. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, speed, flexibility and speed agility were tested. Independent t‐tests were used to compare differences between different variables. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients assessed the relationship between body mass index, socio‐economic status and physical fitness. Boys were physically fitter than girls with the most significant difference being in agility. Subjects of normal weight have significantly better results than overweight or obese adolescents (+10·9% to 56·1%) (P<0·05). Subjects with high socio‐economic status had better physical fitness than those with low socio‐economic status (+0·5% to 9·4%) (P<0·05). Results also showed that the percentage of adolescents at increased future cardiovascular risk was 15·3% and 10·2% for boys and girls, respectively. Physical fitness in French schoolchildren living in the region of Ile de France is relatively low and unfavourable, especially in girls, when compared with existing European test results. In contrast, the adolescent boys are generally fitter and also above the average of the European data. Introducing a health promotion curriculum in the schools of Ile de France is suggested to improve health and physical fitness.
Effects of blood‐flow‐restricted resistance training on muscle function in a 74‐year‐old male with sporadic inclusion body myositis: a case report
Authors: Jørgensen A. N. , Aagaard P. , Nielsen J. L. , Frandsen U. , Diederichsen L. P. 
Published: June 2015

SummarySporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is a systemic disease that is characterized by substantial skeletal muscle weakness and muscle inflammation, leading to impaired physical function. The objective was to investigate the effect of low‐load resistance exercise with concurrent partial blood flow restriction to the working muscles (blood‐flow‐restricted (BFR) training) in a patient with sIBM. The training consisted of 12 weeks of lower extremity BFR training with low training loads (~25‐RM). The patient was tested for mechanical muscle function and functional capacity before and after 6 and 12 weeks of training. Maximal horizontal gait speed increased by 19%, which was accompanied by 38–92% improvements in mechanical muscle function (maximal isometric strength, rate of force development and muscle power). In conclusion, BFR training was well tolerated by the patient with sIBM and led to substantial improvements in mechanical muscle function and gait speed.
Loaded treadmill walking and cycle ergometry to assess work capacity: a retrospective comparison in 424 firefighters
Authors: Carlén Anna , Åström Aneq Meriam , Nylander Eva , Gustafsson Mikael 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe fitness of firefighters is regularly evaluated using exercise tests. We aimed to compare, with respect to age and body composition, two test modalities for the assessment work capacity. A total of 424 Swedish firefighters with cycle ergometer (CE) and treadmill (TM) tests available from Jan 2004 to Dec 2010 were included. We compared results from CE (6 min at 200 W, 250 W or incremental ramp exercise) with TM (6 min at 8° inclination, 4·5 km h−1 or faster, wearing 24‐kg protective equipment). Oxygen requirements were estimated by prediction equations. It was more common to pass the TM test and fail the supposedly equivalent CE test (20%), than vice versa (0·5%), P<0·001. Low age and tall stature were significant predictors of passing both CE and TM tests (P<0·05), while low body mass predicted accomplishment of TM test only (P = 0·006). Firefighters who passed the TM but failed the supposedly equivalent CE test within 12 months had significantly lower body mass, lower BMI, lower BSA and shorter stature than did those who passed both tests. Calculated oxygen uptake was higher in TM tests compared with corresponding CE tests (P<0·001). Body constitution affected approval differently depending on the test modality. A higher approval rate in TM testing suggests lower cardiorespiratory requirements compared with CE testing, even though estimated oxygen uptake was higher during TM testing. The relevance of our findings in relation to the occupational demands needs reconsidering.
Right and left heart dysfunction predict mortality in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Henein Michael Y. , Grönlund Christer , Tossavainen Erik , Söderberg Stefan , Gonzalez Manuel , Lindqvist Per 
Published: June 2015

SummaryIn pulmonary hypertension (PH), the right heart dysfunction is a strong predictor of adverse clinical outcome, while the role of the left heart is not fully determined. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of mortality in precapillary PH including measures of both right and left heart function. We studied 34 patients (mean age 64 ± 13, range 31–82 years, 24 females) with precapillary PH, all of whom underwent detailed Doppler echocardiographic examination of the right and left heart function using conventional and speckle‐tracking echocardiography. Patients were followed up for up to 8 years (mean 4·2 ± 1·9 years). At follow‐up, 16 patients survived. Left ventricular (LV) filling time (P = 0·007), pulmonary artery acceleration time (P = 0·009), right atrial pressure (RAP) (P<0·001) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity (P = 0·007) were worse in the deceased group. RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (P = 0·001), RAP (P≤0·001), LV filling time (P<0·001) and TR severity (P<0·001) were the most accurate predictors, having the largest AUC (>0·65) and carried the highest risk for mortality (P<0·001 for all). The strongest predictors of mortality in precapillary PH indirectly reflect both left and right heart dysfunction including atrial structure and function disturbances. While an interaction pattern is observed, it needs to be confirmed in a larger cohort.
Anti‐proliferative effects of γ‐tocotrienol are associated with suppression of c‐Myc expression in mammary tumour cells
Authors: Parajuli P. , Tiwari R. V. , Sylvester P. W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesAberrant c‐Myc activity plays a central role in cancer transformation. γ‐tocotrienol is a member of the vitamin E family that displays potent anti‐cancer activity. Here, studies were conducted to determine the role of c‐Myc in mediating anti‐proliferative effects of γ‐tocotrienol in mammary cancer cells.Materials and methodsTreatment effects on mouse +SA and human MCF‐7 mammary cancer cell proliferation were determined by MTT assay and Ki‐67 staining. Protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence staining and qRT‐PCR were used to characterize cellular c‐Myc and MYC levels respectively.ResultsAnti‐proliferative effects of γ‐tocotrienol were associated with reduction in total c‐Myc and phosphorylated‐c‐Myc‐serine 62, and increase in phosphorylated‐c‐Myc‐threonine 58 levels. γ‐tocotrienol also reduced PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Ras/MEK/Erk mitogenic signalling, cyclin D1 and cyclin‐dependent kinase 4 levels, and increased p27 levels. However, γ‐tocotrienol had no effect on MYC mRNA levels. γ‐tocotrienol also increased levels of FBW7 (E3 ligase that initiates ubiquitination of c‐Myc), but had no effect on serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A or isomerase Pin 1 levels. Combined treatment with GSK3α/β inhibitor LiCl or proteasome inhibitor MG132 blocked γ‐tocotrienol‐induced reductions in c‐Myc.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that anti‐proliferative effects of γ‐tocotrienol are associated with reduction in c‐Myc that results from increase in GSK‐3α/β‐dependent ubiquitination and degradation, rather than from reduction in c‐Myc synthesis in +SA and MCF‐7 mammary cancer cells.
Serum zinc concentration in cystic fibrosis patients with CFTRI1234V mutation associated with pancreatic sufficiency
Authors: AbdulWahab Atqah , Abushahin Ahmed , Allangawi Mona , Chandra Prem , Abdel Rahman Mohamed Osman , Soliman Ashraf 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine serum zinc (Zn) level among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with homozygous CFTR I1234V mutation associated with pancreatic sufficiency (PS).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted including both pediatric and adult CF patients. Data on age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z‐score, FEV1, and chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection were collected. Serum Zn, albumin, and total proteins were measured and analyzed.ResultsForty‐five CF patients with homozygous CFTR I1234V mutation belonging to a large Arab kindred tribe and eight CF patients with other mutations associated with pancreatic insufficiency (PI). Patient's age ranged from 2 to 49 years with a mean age of 15.1 ± 9.1 years and mean plasma Zn of 0.78 ± 0.15 mcg/mL. Seven (13.2%) patients with CFTR I1234V and PS had low Zn levels (<0.6 mcg/mL). Mean age among Zn deficient group was significantly older. The mean FEV1 in the deficient group was found to be insignificant low. Persistent P. aeruginosa colonization was more prevalent in Zn deficient group. BMI Z‐scosre of CF patients were positively correlated with Zn levels. Forty‐five healthy subjects belonging to the same Arab tribe were selected in order to assess their Zn levels and their mean plasma Zn of 0.84 ± 0.11 mcg/mL (range 0.65–1.1 mcg/mL) with mean age 20.4 ± 10.1 years (range 6–40 years).ConclusionThese findings suggest that Zn deficiency can occur in CF patients with PS. The association of Zn levels and the frequency of P. aeruginosa isolated in CF patients need further investigation.
Structural Change
Authors: Storm Servaas 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTDevelopment economics appears to have come full circle, as interest in and concern for industrialization have made a comeback, echoing major concerns of the early development economists. However, when it comes to the practice of industrialization strategy and industrial policy, the default recommendation is still the market and static comparative advantage — the main task of governments, in the new view, is to impose institutional reforms and improve governance so as to allow markets to perform more efficiently. History is thus about to repeat itself, but this time as farce, because no country has managed to climb the industrial ladder just by ‘getting prices and institutions right’. We have to re‐learn the old lessons of how to industrialize, learning from past mistakes and taking into account new challenges posed by today's global realities.
Brain reward‐system activation in response to anticipation and consumption of palatable food is altered by glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor activation in humans
Authors: van Bloemendaal L. , Veltman D. J. , ten Kulve J. S. , Groot P. F. C. , Ruhé H. G. , Barkhof F. , Sloan J. H. , Diamant M. , Ijzerman R. G. 
Published: June 2015

AimTo test the hypothesis that food intake reduction after glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor activation is mediated through brain areas regulating anticipatory and consummatory food reward.MethodsAs part of a larger study, we determined the effects of GLP‐1 receptor activation on brain responses to anticipation and receipt of chocolate milk versus a tasteless solution, using functional MRI (fMRI). Obese subjects with type 2 diabetes, and obese and lean subjects with normoglycaemia (n = 48) underwent three fMRI sessions at separate visits with intravenous infusion of the GLP‐1 receptor agonist exenatide, exenatide with prior GLP‐1 receptor blockade by exendin‐9‐39 or placebo, during somatostatin pituitary‐pancreatic clamps.ResultsBody mass index negatively correlated with brain responses to receipt of chocolate milk and positively correlated with anticipation of receipt of chocolate milk in brain areas regulating reward, appetite and motivation. Exenatide increased brain responses to receipt of chocolate milk and decreased anticipation of receipt of chocolate milk compared with placebo, paralleled by reductions in food intake. Exendin‐9‐39 largely prevented these effects.ConclusionsOur findings show that GLP‐1 receptor activation decreases anticipatory food reward, which may reduce cravings for food and increases consummatory food reward, which may prevent overeating.
Sitagliptin improves glycaemic excursion after a meal or after an oral glucose load in Japanese subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Kaku K. , Kadowaki T. , Terauchi Y. , Okamoto T. , Sato A. , Okuyama K. , Arjona Ferreira J. C. , Goldstein B. J. 
Published: June 2015

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sitagliptin in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).MethodsIn a double‐blind, parallel‐group study, 242 Japanese subjects with IGT, determined by a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at week −1, were randomized (1 : 1 : 1) to placebo (n = 83), sitagliptin 25 mg (n = 82) or 50 mg (n = 77) once daily for 8 weeks. Glycaemic variables were assessed using another OGTT at week 7 and meal tolerance tests (MTTs) at weeks 0 and 8. Primary and secondary endpoints were percent change from baseline in glucose total area under the curve 0–2 h (AUC0–2 h) during the MTT and OGTT, respectively.ResultsLeast squares mean percent change from baseline in glucose AUC0–2 h during the MTT were −2.4, −9.5 and −11.5%, and during the OGTT were −3.7, −21.4 and −20.1% with placebo, sitagliptin 25 mg once daily, and 50 mg once daily, respectively (p < 0.001 for either sitagliptin dose vs placebo in both tests). Sitagliptin treatment enhanced early insulin response during the OGTT and decreased total insulin response, assessed as the total AUC0–2 h during the MTT. Sitagliptin treatment also suppressed glucagon response during the MTT. The incidence of adverse events, including hypoglycaemia, was low and generally similar in all treatment groups.ConclusionsTreatment with sitagliptin significantly reduced glucose excursions during both an MTT and an OGTT; this effect was associated with an increase in early insulin secretion after oral glucose loading as well as a blunted glucagon response during an MTT. Sitagliptin was generally well tolerated in subjects with IGT.
Importance of End‐Diastolic Rather than End‐Systolic Right Atrial Size in Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Lopez‐Candales Angel , Palm Denada S. , Lopez Francisco R. , Perez Reynerio , Candales Maria D. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundRight atrial (RA) enlargement has been associated with worse clinical outcomes in chronic pulmonary hypertension (cPH) patients. Even though current guidelines only recommend measurement of RA dimensions at the end of ventricular systole in these patients, there is paucity of information regarding the potential utility of RA dimensions obtained at the end of ventricular diastole.MethodsIn this retrospective study, standard echocardiographic data were collected from 80 studies. The population studied was divided into Group I that consisted of 35 patients (52 ± 10 years) without PH while Group II included 45 patients (56 ± 14 years; P = 0.2) with cPH. RA measurements were obtained not only at the end of ventricular systole, but also at the end of ventricular diastole to determine which RA measurement was more indicative of abnormal right ventricular afterload.ResultsEven though all RA measurements were abnormal, RA area (>8.4 cm2) measured at the end of ventricular diastole was the most useful RA variable to identify cPH patients with elevated pulmonary pressures (P < 0.0001) and with an abnormal pulmonary vascular resistance (P = 0.001).ConclusionsBased on these results, it appears that isolated RA measurements made at the end of ventricular systole are insufficient to fully explain the hemodynamic load of cPH. Additional studies are now required to determine whether sequential monitoring of the composite change in RA dimensions that occur throughout the cardiac cycle over time correlates better with response to vasodilator therapy and overall clinical outcomes.
Should the Celiac Artery Be Used as an Anatomical Marker for the Descending Thoracic Aorta During Transesophageal Echocardiography?
Authors: Zhou Li , Jariwala Nikhil , Frazin Leon 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundTransesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a pivotal tool for diagnosis of aortic diseases. However, there are no suitable anatomical markers to describe location of disease in the descending thoracic aorta. In the past, we have used distance from the dental incisors to report location of disease, but this has no anatomical relevance. Our recent data comparing TEE and computed tomography (CT) have shown that the celiac artery is an accurate anatomical marker where disease is described as distance relative to the celiac artery. This study was designed to determine whether utilization of the celiac artery as an anatomical marker with TEE is practically feasible.MethodsA clinical trial was performed at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. A total of 160 patients referred for TEE were consecutively enrolled over a period of 18 months.ResultsThe celiac artery was visualized in 97% of the patients.ConclusionsThe celiac artery is a reliable anatomical marker with TEE and should be routinely used to locate disease in the descending thoracic aorta.
Correlation between Pulmonary Artery Pressure Measured by Echocardiography and Right Heart Catheterization in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Valve Stenosis (A Prospective Study)
Authors: Sohrabi Bahram , Kazemi Babak , Mehryar Alireza , Teimouri‐Dereshki Amir , Toufan Mehrnoush , Aslanabadi Naser 
Published: June 2015

IntroductionRight heart catheterization (RHC) remains the gold standard for hemodynamic assessment of the right heart and pulmonary artery. However, this is an invasive tool, and noninvasive alternatives such as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) are preferable. Nonetheless, the correlation between measurements by TTE and RHC are debated. In this study, we prospectively examined the correlation between systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressures (sPAP and mPAP) measured by RHC and TTE in patients with hemodynamically significant rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS).Material and MethodsThree hundred patients with hemodynamically significant MS undergoing TTE who were scheduled to undergo RHC within 24 hours were analyzed. PAP measurements were taken for all patients by RHC (sPAPRHC, mPAPRHC). Maximum velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) jet obtained by continuous‐wave Doppler with adding right atrial (RA) pressure was used for measuring sPAP by TTE (sPAPTRVmax). Mean PAP was measured using either pulmonary artery acceleration time (mPAPPAAT) method or by adding RA pressure to velocity–time integral of TR jet (mPAPTRVTI).ResultsA good correlation between sPAPRHC and sPAPTRVmax (r = 0.89, P < 0.001), between mPAPRHC and mPAPPAAT (r = 0.9, P < 0.001), and between mPAPRHC and mPAPTRVTI (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) was found. Sensitivity and specificity of sPAPTRVmax in detecting pulmonary hypertension (PH) were 92.8% and 86.6% and of mPAPPAAT were 94.1% and 73.3%, respectively.ConclusionThe noninvasive assessment of sPAP and mPAP by TTE correlates well with invasive measurements and has an acceptable specificity and sensitivity in detecting PH in patients with hemodynamically significant MS.
Screening of Congenital Heart Diseases by Three‐Dimensional Ultrasound Using Spatiotemporal Image Correlation: Influence of Professional Experience
Authors: Novaes Juliana Y. , Zamith Marina M. , Araujo Júnior Edward , de Sá Barreto Enoch Q. , Barros Fernanda S. B. , Moron Antonio F. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of the use of spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) as a screening program for congenital heart disease and the influence of professional experience in those examinations.MethodsThis prospective cross‐sectional study included 64 pregnant women at gestational age between 20 and 34 weeks, and 12 physician participants who were divided into two groups: group 1—“STIC specialist”; and group 2—“STIC nonspecialist.” Volumes were analyzed to obtain the five axial views for optimal fetal heart screening: abdominal situs, four‐chamber view (4CV), outflow tract views (OTV), and three vessels and trachea view (3VT). The chi‐square test (χ2) was used to compare the group's results and kappa coefficient to evaluate inter‐ and intra‐observer reproducibility.ResultsSpatiotemporal image correlation volume acquisition was successful in 97.3% of cases in which it was attempted (group 1: 100%; group 2:95%). A total of 197 STIC volumes were used in this study. In 71%, it was possible to demonstrate 4CV and OTV (group 1:88.9%; group 2:58.6%). 4CV, OTV, and 3VT were visualized in 55.3% of the volume dataset (group 1:74.1% and group 2:42.2%). In 49% of volumes, all five views for optimal fetal heart screening were seen (group 1:67%; group 2: 36%). A good inter‐observer agreement was found in all cardiac views and a good intra‐observer agreement in most of views except in OTV.ConclusionWe believe that STIC can be used as a tool to improve the cardiac screening examination of the fetus. Professional experience was the most important influence in the image quality of the STIC volume.
Influence of different aetiologies on clinical course and outcome in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pankuweit Sabine , Lüers Claus , Richter Anette , Ruppert Volker , Gelbrich Götz , Maisch Bernhard ,   the German Competence Network Heart Failure
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical phenotype dilated cardiomyopathy is assumed to be the endstage of a multifactorial aetiopathogenetic pathophysiology which includes a not satisfactorily defined group of patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy.MethodsWithin the German Competence Network Heart Failure patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy of viral/inflammatory (DCMi/v) and nonviral/noninflammatory (DCM) aetiology were enrolled. After 1 year 237 patients (180 male/57 female) were re‐examined including complete clinical work‐up. The association of different clinical courses with the time from initial diagnosis of heart failure (newly: ≤ 1 year; late: > 1 year) was investigated.ResultsAfter 1‐year‐follow‐up New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (by −0·48 in newly diagnosed DCM and −0·82 in newly diagnosed DCMi/v in addition to −0·24 in late diagnosed DCM and −0·17 in late diagnosed DCMi/v) as well as left ventricular ejection fraction (+14% in newly diagnosed DCM and DCMi/v and +6% in later diagnosed DCM and DCMi/v) were significantly improved in all patients. In patients with early diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy a strong improvement of NYHA class could be demonstrated.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates for the first time a significant interaction between duration of disease, NYHA class and left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with DCM. Our results clearly demonstrate that in patients with DCM an early diagnosis within 1 year after occurrence of clinical signs is associated with a strong improvement in the clinical course, whereas late diagnosis results in a loss of change in clinical course and outcome.