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Global Function (global + function)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	60%

Selected Abstracts

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Global Function: Peak Positive and Negative Myocardial Velocity Gradients in M-Mode Doppler Tissue Imaging

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 1 2002
Yoshiki Ueno M.D.
Objectives: To evaluate a new indicator of left ventricular global function: Myocardial velocity gradient (MVG) M-mode Doppler tissue imaging (DTI). Background: MVG is a new indicator of regional left ventricular function and global left ventricular diastolic function. However, it is unclear whether MVG also is an indicator of left ventricular global function in comparison with invasive indices. Methods: We performed conventional imaging and M-mode DTI in 85 subjects and calculated MVG at the posterior wall. We obtained satisfactory images in 65 subjects, who we divided into three groups: Noninvasive study group, invasive study group, and hemodialysis group. The noninvasive study group was divided into three subgroups (a younger normal subgroup, an older normal subgroup, and a cardiomyopathy subgroup), and MVG was compared with indices of conventional imaging. In the invasive study group, we compared MVG and indices of conventional imaging with hemodynamic data (peak positive and negative dp/dt, and the time constant T) using a high fidelity micromanometer-tipped catheter. In the hemodialysis group, we compared indices before hemodialysis with those after hemodialysis. Results: Peak positive MVG correlated well with peak positive dp/dt (r = 0.79), and this did not change with hemodialysis (P = 0.87). Peak negative MVG also correlated well with peak positive dp/dt and the time constant T (r = 0.88 and r = 0.80), and this did not change with hemodialysis (P = 0.97). Conclusions: Peak positive and negative MVG are sensitive and load-insensitive indicators of left ventricular function. [source]

Validation of a new automated method for analysis of gated-SPECT images

CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGY AND FUNCTIONAL IMAGING, Issue 3 2006
Milan Lomsky
Summary We recently presented a new method for quantification of CArdiac FUnction , denoted CAFU , as the first step in the development of an automated method for integrated interpretation of gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images. The aim of this study was to validate CAFU in the assessment of global and regional function of the left ventricle. Quantitative gated-SPECT (QGS), the most widely used software package for quantification of gated-SPECT images, was used as reference method for the measurements of ejection fraction (EF) and ventricular volumes, and visual analysis by an experienced physician was used as reference method for the measurements of regional wall motion and thickening. Two different groups of consecutive patients referred for myocardial perfusion scintigraphy were studied. Global function was evaluated in 316 patients and regional function in 49 other patients. The studies were performed using a 2-day stress/rest 99 m-Tc-sestamibi protocol. A good correlation was found between EF values from QGS and CAFU (EF CAFU = 0·84 EF QGS + 13, r = 0·94), but CAFU values were on average 4 EF points higher than QGS values. With CAFU the segments with normal thickening according to the physician showed significantly higher thickening values (in all parts of the myocardium) compared to the segments classified as having abnormal thickening. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that CAFU can be used to quantify global and regional function in gated-SPECT images. This is an important step in our development of an automated method for integrated interpretation of gated-SPECT myocardial perfusion scintigraphy studies. [source]

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Global Function: Peak Positive and Negative Myocardial Velocity Gradients in M-Mode Doppler Tissue Imaging

Donepezil for the symptomatic treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomised controlled trials

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 7 2004
Anne Whitehead
Abstract Background The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of donepezil (5 and 10,mg/day) compared with placebo in alleviating manifestations of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Method A systematic review of individual patient data from Phase II and III double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled studies of up to 24 weeks and completed by 20 December 1999. The main outcome measures were the ADAS-cog, the CIBIC-plus, and reports of adverse events. Results A total of 2376 patients from ten trials were randomised to either donepezil 5,mg/day (n,=,821), 10,mg/day (n,=,662) or placebo (n,=,893). Cognitive performance was better in patients receiving donepezil than in patients receiving placebo. At 12 weeks the differences in ADAS-cog scores were 5,mg/day,placebo: ,,,2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), ,,,2.6 to ,,,1.6; p,<,0.001], 10,mg/day,placebo: ,,,2.5 (,,,3.1 to ,,,2.0; p,<,0.001). The corresponding results at 24 weeks were ,,,2.0 (,,,2.7 to ,,,1.3; p,<,0.001) and ,,,3.1 (,,,3.9 to ,,,2.4; p,<,0.001). The difference between the 5 and 10,mg/day doses was significant at 24 weeks (p,=,0.005). The odds ratios (OR) of improvement on the CIBIC-plus at 12 weeks were: 5,mg/day,placebo 1.8 (1.5 to 2.1; p,<,0.001), 10,mg/day,placebo 1.9 (1.5 to 2.4; p,<,0.001). The corresponding values at 24 weeks were 1.9 (1.5 to 2.4; p,=,0.001) and 2.1 (1.6 to 2.8; p,<,0.001). Donepezil was well tolerated; adverse events were cholinergic in nature and generally of mild severity and brief in duration. Conclusion Donepezil (5 and 10,mg/day) provides meaningful benefits in alleviating deficits in cognitive and clinician-rated global function in AD patients relative to placebo. Increased improvements in cognition were indicated for the higher dose. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Effects of intra-abdominal CO2 -insufflation on normal and impaired myocardial function: an experimental study

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2003
C. A. Greim
Background:, Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) elevation during CO2 -pneumoperitoneum increases cardiac afterload and may enhance dysfunction of the already compromized heart. This study focused on the effects of acute IAP increases on left and right ventricular loadings and contractility in the heart with impaired global function. Methods:, Impairment of myocardial function (IMF) was pharmacologically induced in 16 pigs by administration of halothane and propranolol, while baseline arterial pressure was maintained by intravenous phenylephrine. Intra-abdominal pressure was gradually increased by 10 mmHg up to 30 mmHg in the supine position (IMF group 1, n = 8) or in a head-down tilted position (IMF group 2, n = 8). In two control groups with normal myocardial function, IAP was also increased in the supine position or the head-down tilted position. Cardiac function in all groups was assessed by epicardial echocardiography, intraventricular pressure measurements and pulmonary artery catheterization. Results:, The increase in IAP was accompanied by a transient rise in LV end-systolic wall stress and reduced cardiac output significantly by 16,24% in all groups. In the IMF groups, LV end-diastolic transmural pressure increased by 34,60% to peak values of 24 mmHg, while cross-sectional LV end-diastolic areas remained unchanged. Increases in right ventricular end-diastolic volume and decreases in right ventricular ejection fraction as well as in cardiac output were most pronounced at IAP 20 mmHg and significantly stronger in both IMF groups than in the control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusion:, Following the acute elevation of IAP, the right ventricular volume load shifted more extensively in the IMF groups than in the animals with normal myocardial function. Myocardial function in the impaired heart may worsen during IAP elevation due to right ventricular load alterations rather than a LV afterload increase. [source]

Staphylococcus aureus ClpC ATPase is a late growth phase effector of metabolism and persistence

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 5 2009
Indranil Chatterjee Dr.
Abstract Staphylococcus aureus Clp ATPases (molecular chaperones) alter normal physiological functions including an aconitase-mediated effect on post-stationary growth, acetate catabolism, and entry into death phase (Chatterjee et al., J. Bacteriol. 2005, 187, 4488,4496). In the present study, the global function of ClpC in physiology, metabolism, and late-stationary phase survival was examined using DNA microarrays and 2-D PAGE followed by MALDI-TOF MS. The results suggest that ClpC is involved in regulating the expression of genes and/or proteins of gluconeogenesis, the pentose-phosphate pathway, pyruvate metabolism, the electron transport chain, nucleotide metabolism, oxidative stress, metal ion homeostasis, stringent response, and programmed cell death. Thus, one major function of ClpC is balancing late growth phase carbon metabolism. Furthermore, these changes in carbon metabolism result in alterations of the intracellular concentration of free NADH, the amount of cell-associated iron, and fatty acid metabolism. This study provides strong evidence for ClpC as a critical factor in staphylococcal energy metabolism, stress regulation, and late-stationary phase survival; therefore, these data provide important insight into the adaptation of S. aureus toward a persister state in chronic infections. [source]

Dog-assisted therapy for older people with dementia: A review

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL ON AGEING, Issue 4 2008
Jacqueline Perkins
This review summarises and critiques the published literature regarding dog therapy for older people with dementia living in residential aged care facilities. Nine studies were identified for inclusion and although the methodological variability of studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions, research suggests that dog therapy is beneficial for people with dementia. The most frequently reported findings were an increase in social behaviour and a decrease in agitated behaviour during dog contact. Improvement in social behaviour was found to be unrelated to the severity of dementia. Various improvements on measures of global function were also reported. No study adopted a randomised controlled trial design and a number of potentially important factors were not controlled for, including halo effects of animals on caregivers that may bias caregivers' responses when acting as proxies for their relatives or residents. The premorbid relationship with dogs may be an important variable influencing outcomes. [source]

A comparative proteomic evaluation of culture grown vs nodule isolated Bradyrhizobium japonicum

PROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 10 2006
Annamraju D. Sarma
Abstract Total protein extract of Bradyrhizobium japonicum cultivated in HM media were resolved by 2-D PAGE using narrow range IPG strips. More than 1200,proteins were detected, of which nearly 500,proteins were analysed by MALDI-TOF and 310,spots were tentatively identified. The present study describes at the proteome level a significant number of metabolic pathways related to important cellular events in free-living B.,japonicum. A comparative analysis of proteomes of free-living and nodule residing bacteria revealed major differences and similarities between the two states. Proteins related to fatty acid, nucleic acid and cell surface synthesis were significantly higher in cultured cells. Nitrogen metabolism was more pronounced in bacteroids whereas carbon metabolism was similar in both states. Relative percentage of proteins related to global functions like protein synthesis, maturation & degradation and membrane transporters were similar in both forms, however, different proteins provided these functions in the two states. [source]

Allatostatin immunoreactivity in the honeybee brain

THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2010
Sabine Kreissl
Information transmission and processing in the brain is achieved through a small family of chemical neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and a very large family of neuropeptides. In order to understand neural networks in the brain it will be necessary, therefore, to understand the connectivity, morphology, and distribution of peptidergic neurons, and to elucidate their function in the brain. In this study we characterize the distribution of substances related to Dip-allatostatin I in the honeybee brain, which belongs to the allatostatin-A (AST) peptide family sharing the conserved c-terminal sequence -YXFGL-NH2. We found about 500 AST-immunoreactive (ASTir) neurons in the brain, scattered in 18 groups that varied in their precise location across individuals. Almost all areas of the brain were innervated by ASTir fibers. Most ASTir neurites formed networks within functionally distinct areas, e.g., the antennal lobes, the mushroom bodies, or the optic lobes, indicating local functions of the peptide. A small number of very large neurons had widespread arborizations and neurites were found in the corpora cardiaca and in the cervical connectives, suggesting that AST also has global functions. We double-stained AST and GABA and found that a subset of ASTir neurons were GABA-immunoreactive (GABAir). Double staining AST with backfills of olfactory receptor neurons or mass fills of neurons in the antennal lobes and in the mushroom bodies allowed a more fine-grained description of ASTir networks. Together, this first comprehensive description of AST in the bee brain suggests a diverse functional role of AST, including local and global computational tasks. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1391,1417, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Allatostatin immunoreactivity in the honeybee brain

THE JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY, Issue 9 2010
Sabine Kreissl
Abstract Information transmission and processing in the brain is achieved through a small family of chemical neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and a very large family of neuropeptides. In order to understand neural networks in the brain it will be necessary, therefore, to understand the connectivity, morphology, and distribution of peptidergic neurons, and to elucidate their function in the brain. In this study we characterize the distribution of substances related to Dip-allatostatin I in the honeybee brain, which belongs to the allatostatin-A (AST) peptide family sharing the conserved c-terminal sequence -YXFGL-NH2. We found about 500 AST-immunoreactive (ASTir) neurons in the brain, scattered in 18 groups that varied in their precise location across individuals. Almost all areas of the brain were innervated by ASTir fibers. Most ASTir neurites formed networks within functionally distinct areas, e.g., the antennal lobes, the mushroom bodies, or the optic lobes, indicating local functions of the peptide. A small number of very large neurons had widespread arborizations and neurites were found in the corpora cardiaca and in the cervical connectives, suggesting that AST also has global functions. We double-stained AST and GABA and found that a subset of ASTir neurons were GABA-immunoreactive (GABAir). Double staining AST with backfills of olfactory receptor neurons or mass fills of neurons in the antennal lobes and in the mushroom bodies allowed a more fine-grained description of ASTir networks. Together, this first comprehensive description of AST in the bee brain suggests a diverse functional role of AST, including local and global computational tasks. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1391,1417, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]