BACKGROUND: The study aimed to analyze the effect of respiratory muscle endurance training (RMT) on performance and respiratory function in professional road cyclists during the off-season period. METHODS: Twenty professional road cyclists from the Czech Republic were divided into the control (CON) (N.=10) and the RMT (N.=10) groups. Cyclists from the RMT group accomplished 30 sessions over 10 weeks. Performance in the incremental cycling test and respiratory capacity via test were assessed before and after 10 weeks in both groups. The comparison between and within the groups was performed, together with effect size and delta % (P<0.05). RESULTS: Significant effects on respiratory function during the exercise, on lung volume utilization at 90% of VO
- MeSH
- cyklistika fyziologie MeSH
- dechová cvičení metody MeSH
- dýchací svaly fyziologie MeSH
- dýchání MeSH
- fyzická vytrvalost * fyziologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- roční období MeSH
- vytrvalostní trénink * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
PURPOSE: Discrepancy between the morphology of the acetabular margin and the design of hemispheric acetabular cups used in total hip arthroplasty may produce postoperative hip pain due to an iliopsoas impingement at the iliopsoas notch. This study aimed to determine the anatomical features of the iliopsoas notch in the Central European sample, and to test whether the morphology of the proximal femur affects the size of the iliopsoas notch. METHODS: The sample was composed of 40 matched pairs of dry hip bones and corresponding femora. The depth and length of the iliopsoas notch were measured and correlated with the available demographic data. The anthropometric parameters of the proximal femur were calculated using image-analysis software, and their association with the measurements of the iliopsoas notch was tested. RESULTS: The iliopsoas notch was present in all specimens and featured four morphological configurations: curved (61.3%), angular (16.2%), irregular (16.2%), and straight (6.3%). Its size was found to be larger in males (P = 0.014 for depth, P < 0.001 for length). No significant difference existed between the sides. The height and age of the specimens did not correlate with the size of the iliopsoas notch. Furthermore, neither the femoral neck version, the lesser trochanteric version, nor the angle between the neck of the femur and the lesser trochanter influenced the dimensions of the iliopsoas notch. CONCLUSION: The iliopsoas notch is a consistent landmark of the acetabulum, although its anatomical appearance is widely variable. The iliopsoas notch arrangement cannot be predicted perioperatively based on the morphology of the proximal femur. The various shapes and sex-related differences detected in this study could be used for designing new hip implants or could be utilized during cup positioning in total hip arthroplasty.
- MeSH
- acetabulum * anatomie a histologie MeSH
- dolní končetina MeSH
- femur chirurgie MeSH
- kosterní svaly chirurgie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- náhrada kyčelního kloubu * škodlivé účinky MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to design a method of myocardial T1 quantification in small laboratory animals and to investigate the effects of spatiotemporal regularization and the needed acquisition duration. METHODS: We propose a compressed-sensing approach to T1 quantification based on self-gated inversion-recovery radial two/three-dimensional (2D/3D) golden-angle stack-of-stars acquisition with image reconstruction performed using total-variation spatiotemporal regularization. The method was tested on a phantom and on a healthy rat, as well as on rats in a small myocardium-remodeling study. RESULTS: The results showed a good match of the T1 estimates with the results obtained using the ground-truth method on a phantom and with the literature values for rats myocardium. The proposed 2D and 3D methods showed significant differences between normal and remodeling myocardium groups for acquisition lengths down to approximately 5 and 15 min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A new 2D and 3D method for quantification of myocardial T1 in rats was proposed. We have shown the capability of both techniques to distinguish between normal and remodeling myocardial tissue. We have shown the effects of image-reconstruction regularization weights and acquisition length on the T1 estimates.
- MeSH
- fantomy radiodiagnostické MeSH
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- magnetická rezonanční tomografie metody MeSH
- myokard * MeSH
- počítačové zpracování obrazu metody MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- zobrazování trojrozměrné * metody MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- krysa rodu rattus MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Although the term articularis cubiti muscle is incorporated in the official anatomical nomenclature, only sparse data about its appearance are available. It is usually described as few fibres originating from the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle and inserting to the capsule of the elbow joint. However, the most recent observations regarding the morphological relations in the posterior elbow region point towards the absence of a well-defined muscle. Therefore, this study was designed to verify the existence of the articularis cubiti muscle in question and to compile more data on the topographical features of the subtricipital area near the posterior aspect of the elbow. To address these questions, 20 embalmed upper limbs were dissected, and seven samples were collected for histological analysis. The laboratory findings were then correlated with 20 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the elbow. Consequently, a narrative review of literature was performed to gain more information on the discussed muscle in a historical context. Upon the anatomical dissection, muscular fibres running from the posterior aspect of the shaft of the humerus to the elbow joint capsule and olecranon were identified in 100% of cases. Histologically, the connection with the joint capsule was provided via winding bands of connective tissue. On MRIs, the muscular fibres resembled a well-demarcated thin muscle located underneath the medial head of the triceps brachii muscle. Combined with the review of literature, we concluded that the constant articularis cubiti muscle originates from the posterior shaft of the humerus and attaches indirectly to the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule and directly to the superior portion of the olecranon. The obtained results slightly differ from the modern description, but are in agreement with the original publication, which has become misinterpreted throughout time. Presumably, the misused description has led to questioning the existence of an independent muscle. Moreover, our findings attribute to the articularis cubiti muscle, a function in pulling on the posterior aspect of the elbow joint capsule to prevent its entrapment, and possibly also a minor role in extension of the forearm. The presented results should be taken into consideration when intervening with the posterior aspect of the elbow joint because the articularis cubiti muscle poses a consistently appearing landmark.
Inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor is a recently introduced name for neoplasms currently included in the World Health Organization classification of soft tissue tumors under the rubric inflammatory leiomyosarcoma. Inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor is an excellent example of how surgical pathologists working in conjunction with tumor biologists can greatly improve tumor classification to the benefit of patients. Over the last 28 years, understanding of this entity has undergone a fascinating evolution. This review serves as a summary of the latest findings in inflammatory rhabdomyoblastic tumor research and a diagnostic manual for the practicing surgical pathologist.
- MeSH
- krční svaly MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- muskuloskeletální systém * MeSH
- ultrasonografie MeSH
- zádové svalstvo * MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- dopisy MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Maternal diabetes is a recognized risk factor for both short-term and long-term complications in offspring. Beyond the direct teratogenicity of maternal diabetes, the intrauterine environment can influence the offspring's cardiovascular health. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system are implicated in conditions such as sudden infant death syndrome, cardiac arrhythmic death, heart failure, and certain congenital heart defects in children from diabetic pregnancies. However, the mechanisms by which maternal diabetes affects the development of the cardiac sympathetic system and, consequently, heightens health risks and predisposes to cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the mouse model, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the combined impact of a Hif1a-deficient sympathetic system and the maternal diabetes environment on both heart development and the formation of the cardiac sympathetic system. The synergic negative effect of exposure to maternal diabetes and Hif1a deficiency resulted in the most pronounced deficit in cardiac sympathetic innervation and the development of the adrenal medulla. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system were accompanied by a smaller heart, reduced ventricular wall thickness, and dilated subepicardial veins and coronary arteries in the myocardium, along with anomalies in the branching and connections of the main coronary arteries. Transcriptional profiling by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed significant transcriptome changes in Hif1a-deficient sympathetic neurons, primarily associated with cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and mitosis, explaining the shrinkage of the sympathetic neuron population. DISCUSSION: Our data demonstrate that a failure to adequately activate the HIF-1α regulatory pathway, particularly in the context of maternal diabetes, may contribute to abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the interplay between deficiencies in the cardiac sympathetic system and subtle structural alternations in the vasculature, microvasculature, and myocardium during heart development not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease but also diminishes the adaptability to the stress associated with the transition to extrauterine life, thus increasing the risk of neonatal death.
- MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- faktor 1 indukovatelný hypoxií - podjednotka alfa metabolismus MeSH
- gestační diabetes * metabolismus MeSH
- kardiovaskulární nemoci * metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myokard metabolismus MeSH
- myši MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- srdce MeSH
- srdeční selhání * MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- myši MeSH
- novorozenec MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Poruchy autonomní funkce srdce asociované s komorovými extrasystolami (KES) jsou často spojeny se snížením ejekční frakce a se zvýšenou kardiovaskulární morbiditou a mortalitou. Standardní zobrazovací techniky jako magnetická rezonance srdce (CMR) a koronární angiografie zajišťují vyloučení jiných příčin komorových extrasystol jako ischemie a neischemické fibrózy myokardu, ale nejsou schopny zobrazit narušení autonomního nervového systému srdce. Toto lze studovat pomocí scintigrafie myokardu (SPECT) s použitím 123 I-metajodbenzylguanidinu (MIBG). Vyšetřili jsme pilotní soubor šesti pacientů, z nichž u tří pacientů byla zjištěna porucha v adrenergní inervaci myokardu levé komory, a ty prezentujeme jako kazuistiky.
Disturbances of autonomic function in the heart associated with premature ventricular complexes (PVC) are associated with a decrease in ejection fraction as well as increased cardiac morbidity and mortality. Standard imaging techniques such as cMRI and coronary angiography secure the exclusion of other causes of PVC as ischemia and progressive fibrosis. These methods are not suitable for cardiac autonomic nervous system imaging and can't describe the cause of related PVCs. This may be described by 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy. We examined a pilot group of 6 patients, in which 3 individuals presented a disorder in the adrenergic innervation of the left ventricular myocardium and we present these as case reports.
- MeSH
- 3-jodobenzylguanidin farmakologie terapeutické užití MeSH
- autonomní nervový systém diagnostické zobrazování MeSH
- diagnostické zobrazování metody MeSH
- kazuistiky jako téma MeSH
- komorové extrasystoly * diagnostické zobrazování diagnóza etiologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- multimodální zobrazování * klasifikace metody MeSH
- myokard patologie MeSH
- pilotní projekty MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- zobrazování myokardiální perfuze metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
T-tubules (TT) form a complex network of sarcolemmal membrane invaginations, essential for well-co-ordinated excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and thus homogeneous mechanical activation of cardiomyocytes. ECC is initiated by rapid depolarization of the sarcolemmal membrane. Whether TT membrane depolarization is active (local generation of action potentials; AP) or passive (following depolarization of the outer cell surface sarcolemma; SS) has not been experimentally validated in cardiomyocytes. Based on the assessment of ion flux pathways needed for AP generation, we hypothesize that TT are excitable. We therefore explored TT excitability experimentally, using an all-optical approach to stimulate and record trans-membrane potential changes in TT that were structurally disconnected, and hence electrically insulated, from the SS membrane by transient osmotic shock. Our results establish that cardiomyocyte TT can generate AP. These AP show electrical features that differ substantially from those observed in SS, consistent with differences in the density of ion channels and transporters in the two different membrane domains. We propose that TT-generated AP represent a safety mechanism for TT AP propagation and ECC, which may be particularly relevant in pathophysiological settings where morpho-functional changes reduce the electrical connectivity between SS and TT membranes. KEY POINTS: Cardiomyocytes are characterized by a complex network of membrane invaginations (the T-tubular system) that propagate action potentials to the core of the cell, causing uniform excitation-contraction coupling across the cell. In the present study, we investigated whether the T-tubular system is able to generate action potentials autonomously, rather than following depolarization of the outer cell surface sarcolemma. For this purpose, we developed a fully optical platform to probe and manipulate the electrical dynamics of subcellular membrane domains. Our findings demonstrate that T-tubules are intrinsically excitable, revealing distinct characteristics of self-generated T-tubular action potentials. This active electrical capability would protect cells from voltage drops potentially occurring within the T-tubular network.
BACKGROUND: The quality of one's facial appearance diminishes with aging as skin and underlying soft tissues deteriorate. Connective tissue and musculofascial degeneration leads to skin laxity and wrinkles developing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of synchronized radiofrequency with high intensity facial stimulation technology on dermal collagen and elastin fibers in a porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight sows were divided into Active (N = 6) and Control (N = 2) groups. Synchronized radiofrequency and high intensity facial stimulation were delivered to the ventrolateral abdomen. The Active group received four 20-minute treatments, once a week. Control group was untreated. Skin biopsy sample were histologically analyzed for connective tissue changes pre- and post-treatment. Data were analyzed statistically (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In the Active group: the collagen-occupied area at baseline was 1.12 ± 0.09 × 106 μm 2 and increased by +19.6% ( p < .001) at 1-month and by +26.3% ( p < .001) 2 months post-treatment; elastin-occupied area at baseline was 0.11 ± 0.03 × 106 μm 2 and increased by +75.9% ( p < .001) at 1-month and +110.8% ( p < .001) at 2-months follow-up. No significant changes ( p > .05) found in the Control samples. CONCLUSION: Collagen and elastin fiber content increased significantly after treatments. Connective tissue in the treatment area was denser up to 2-months post-treatment.
- MeSH
- elastin MeSH
- kolagen MeSH
- kůže MeSH
- modely u zvířat MeSH
- obličejové svaly * MeSH
- prasata MeSH
- stárnutí kůže * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
