Left and right ventricular longitudinal strain-volume/area relationships in elite athletes.

We propose a novel ultrasound approach with the primary aim of establishing the temporal relationship of structure and function in athletes of varying sporting demographics. 92 male athletes were studied [Group IA, (low static-low dynamic) (n = 20); Group IC, (low static-high dynamic) (n = 25); Group IIIA, (high static-low dynamic) (n = 21); Group IIIC, (high static-high dynamic) (n = 26)]. Conventional echocardiography of both the left ventricles (LV) and right ventricles (RV) was undertaken. An assessment of simultaneous longitudinal strain and LV volume/RV area was provided. Data was presented as derived strain for % end diastolic volume/area. Athletes in group IC and IIIC had larger LV end diastolic volumes compared to athletes in groups IA and IIIA (50 ± 6 and 54 ± 8 ml/(m(2))(1.5) versus 42 ± 7 and 43 ± 2 ml/(m(2))(1.5) respectively). Group IIIC also had significantly larger mean wall thickness (MWT) compared to all groups. Athletes from group IIIC required greater longitudinal strain for any given % volume which correlated to MWT (r = 0.4, p < 0.0001). Findings were similar in the RV with the exception that group IIIC athletes required lower strain for any given % area. There are physiological differences between athletes with the largest LV and RV in athletes from group IIIC. These athletes also have greater resting longitudinal contribution to volume change in the LV which, in part, is related to an increased wall thickness. A lower longitudinal contribution to area change in the RV is also apparent in these athletes

Dissection of Pol II Trigger Loop Function and Pol II Activity–Dependent Control of Start Site Selection In Vivo

Structural and biochemical studies have revealed the importance of a conserved, mobile domain of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II), the Trigger Loop (TL), in substrate selection and catalysis. The relative contributions of different residues within the TL to Pol II function and how Pol II activity defects correlate with gene expression alteration in vivo are unknown. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pol II as a model, we uncover complex genetic relationships between mutated TL residues by combinatorial analysis of multiply substituted TL variants. We show that in vitro biochemical activity is highly predictive of in vivo transcription phenotypes, suggesting direct relationships between phenotypes and Pol II activity. Interestingly, while multiple TL residues function together to promote proper transcription, individual residues can be separated into distinct functional classes likely relevant to the TL mechanism. In vivo, Pol II activity defects disrupt regulation of the GTP-sensitive IMD2 gene, explaining sensitivities to GTP-production inhibitors, but contrasting with commonly cited models for this sensitivity in the literature. Our data provide support for an existing model whereby Pol II transcriptional activity provides a proxy for direct sensing of NTP levels in vivo leading to IMD2 activation. Finally, we connect Pol II activity to transcription start site selection in vivo, implicating the Pol II active site and transcription itself as a driver for start site scanning, contravening current models for this process

Inferring causal molecular networks: empirical assessment through a community-based effort.

It remains unclear whether causal, rather than merely correlational, relationships in molecular networks can be inferred in complex biological settings. Here we describe the HPN-DREAM network inference challenge, which focused on learning causal influences in signaling networks. We used phosphoprotein data from cancer cell lines as well as in silico data from a nonlinear dynamical model. Using the phosphoprotein data, we scored more than 2,000 networks submitted by challenge participants. The networks spanned 32 biological contexts and were scored in terms of causal validity with respect to unseen interventional data. A number of approaches were effective, and incorporating known biology was generally advantageous. Additional sub-challenges considered time-course prediction and visualization. Our results suggest that learning causal relationships may be feasible in complex settings such as disease states. Furthermore, our scoring approach provides a practical way to empirically assess inferred molecular networks in a causal sense

Reduced costs with bisoprolol treatment for heart failure - An economic analysis of the second Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study (CIBIS-II)

Background Beta-blockers, used as an adjunctive to diuretics, digoxin and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, improve survival in chronic heart failure. We report a prospectively planned economic analysis of the cost of adjunctive beta-blocker therapy in the second Cardiac Insufficiency BIsoprolol Study (CIBIS II). Methods Resource utilization data (drug therapy, number of hospital admissions, length of hospital stay, ward type) were collected prospectively in all patients in CIBIS . These data were used to determine the additional direct costs incurred, and savings made, with bisoprolol therapy. As well as the cost of the drug, additional costs related to bisoprolol therapy were added to cover the supervision of treatment initiation and titration (four outpatient clinic/office visits). Per them (hospital bed day) costings were carried out for France, Germany and the U.K. Diagnosis related group costings were performed for France and the U.K. Our analyses took the perspective of a third party payer in France and Germany and the National Health Service in the U.K. Results Overall, fewer patients were hospitalized in the bisoprolol group, there were fewer hospital admissions perpatient hospitalized, fewer hospital admissions overall, fewer days spent in hospital and fewer days spent in the most expensive type of ward. As a consequence the cost of care in the bisoprolol group was 5-10% less in all three countries, in the per them analysis, even taking into account the cost of bisoprolol and the extra initiation/up-titration visits. The cost per patient treated in the placebo and bisoprolol groups was FF35 009 vs FF31 762 in France, DM11 563 vs DM10 784 in Germany and pound 4987 vs pound 4722 in the U.K. The diagnosis related group analysis gave similar results. Interpretation Not only did bisoprolol increase survival and reduce hospital admissions in CIBIS II, it also cut the cost of care in so doing. This `win-win' situation of positive health benefits associated with cost savings is Favourable from the point of view of both the patient and health care systems. These findings add further support for the use of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure

Green energy from a hybrid PV panels and wind turbine farm in Lebanon

The publication presents the results of analysis of green energy from a hybrid PV panels and wind turbine farm use in Lebanon. Electricity is one of the most critical problems in Lebanon. This publication presents an effective solution to this issue. It deals with the generation of green environment friendly electricity from photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbine. The genuine idea consists of placing these panels and turbines at the middle of the coastal highway since it is considered as a free land. The produced energy is fed directly to the off gird after being inverted using appropriate devices. The middle of the highway from Tyre to Sidon is considered to apply this research. The actual design consists of 15222 PV panels placed in pairs on a steel chassis among the entire 27300 m coastal distance, 2 meters wide and 7610 vertical axis wind turbines placed at a distance of 0.9 m away from each pair of PV panels. The total energy produced by the PV system is estimated to 7.4 GWh/y and 3.1 GWh/y at an average wind velocity of 4.04 m/s. In addition to its benefit from a free land, the produced energy is environment friendly since there is no carbon dioxide emission

Local benefits factored in utility scale wind energy for a remote location

The publication presents the results of analysis of possible local benefits factored in utility scale wind energy for a remote location. Electricity is one of the most vital problems on the Earth, thus utility scale wind and solar energy devices are boosting economic development. Energy demand is constantly increasing, despite efforts to ensure the energy efficiency of devices. People are looking for more energy and electricity to consume. Although wind energy is still being researched and improved, modern generation of wind energy is becoming more and more effective and desirable. This publication presents an effective solution to this issue. It deals with the generation of green environment friendly electricity from wind turbine. The genuine idea is to provide energy for remote location using onshore wind turbines. An analysis of the demand for energy at a remote location and electricity consumption was made to provide preliminary calculations of the wind farm. The number of required turbines is determined taking into account all related factors. A specific wind turbine has been selected and proposed to provide the necessary location with the necessary amount of energy. The analysis carried out showed that the produced energy is environment friendly since there is no carbon dioxide emission

Radiologia interwencyjna: wertebroblastyka i kyfoplastyka

Radiologia zabiegowa (interwencyjna) to nie tylko przedstawiane w poprzednich artykułach na lamach IBM zabiegi wewnątrznaczyniowe. Obejmuje ona również szeroką gamę minimalnie inwazyjnych zabiegów wykonywanych pod kontrolą metod obrazowych (RTG, USG, TK), takich jak biopsje, ablacje guzów oraz interwencje na kręgosłupie omówione w poniższym artykule. Wertebroplastyka i kyfoplastyka są wykonywane u pacjentów ze złamaniami kompresyjnymi trzonów kręgowych. Polegają one na wstrzyknięciu do trzonu kręgowego przez specjalną igłę cementu akrylowego pod kontrolą promieni rentgenowskich. Głównym wskazaniem są silne dolegliwości bólowe u pacjentów ze złamaniami kompresyjnymi, utrzymujące się pomimo intensywnego leczenia farmakologicznego i usztywnienia gorsetem. Do innych wskazań należą przerzuty nowotworowe, naczyniaki trzonów oraz wg niektórych autorów również szpiczak mnogi. Zabiegi te mają przede wszystkim na celu redukcję bólu i poprawę jakości życia pacjentów