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Respiratory muscle training (RMT) was recognized as an effective means to improve respiratory muscle (RM) strength and enhance exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of low-intensity RMT on RM strength, pulmonary function, and performance. Fourteen healthy active adults were assigned randomly to either a training or placebo group. The training group completed six weeks of RMT, which consisted of a first week, 1 set of 15 min/d, 5 d/wk at 10–25% of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax), and the remaining 5 weeks, 2 sets of 15 min/d, 5 d/wk, at 30% PImax. The placebo group followed the same protocol but with almost no additional ventilatory resistance. Measurement of RM strength and endurance, spirometry, and endurance exercise performance were obtained before and after the RMT program. In the training group, PImax (+14%) and maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax, +27%), forced vital capacity (FVC, +3.6%), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max, +11%), and time to exhaustion (Tlim90%, +25%) increased significantly from baseline values (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Also, no significant interaction in maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV12), minute ventilation (VE), and respiratory rate (RR) were detected. These data suggest that low-intensity RMT is an effective tool to improve RM strength, pulmonary elastic properties and endurance exercise performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) is a novel technique for assessing myocardial deformation and dysfunction. However, a comprehensive assessment of normal values of strain parameters in all 4 cardiac chambers using different vendors is lacking. This study aimed to characterize the normal values for myocardial strain in all 4 cardiac chambers and identify factors that contribute to variations in FT strain through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the CMR-FT published reports. The investigators searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for myocardial strains of all 4 chambers measured by CMR-FT in healthy adults. The pooled means of all strain parameters were generated using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to identify the sources of variations. This meta-analysis included 44 studies with a total of 3,359 healthy subjects. The pooled means of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), LV global radial strain, and LV global circumferential strain (GCS) were −18.4% (95% CI: −19.2% to −17.6%), 43.7% (95% CI: 40.0%-47.4%), and −21.4% (95% CI: −22.3% to −20.6%), respectively. The pooled means of left atrial (LA)-GLS (corresponding to total strain, passive strain, and active strain) were 34.9% (95% CI: 29.6%-40.2%), 21.3% (95% CI: 16.6%-26.1%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 11.8%-16.8%), respectively. The pooled means of right ventricular (RV)-GLS and right atrial global longitudinal total strain were −24.0% (95% CI: −25.8% to −22.1%) and 36.3% (95% CI: 15.5%-57.0%), respectively. Meta-regression identified field strength (P < 0.001; I 2 = 98.6%) and FT vendor (P < 0.001; I 2 = 98.5%) as significant confounders contributing to heterogeneity of LV-GLS. The variations of LA-GLS active were associated with regional distribution (P < 0.001; I 2 = 97.3%) and FT vendor (P < 0.001; I 2 = 97.4%). Differences in FT vendor were attributed to variations of LV-GCS and RV-GLS (P = 0.02; I 2 = 98.8% and P = 0.01; I 2 = 93.8%). This study demonstrated the normal values of CMR-FT strain parameters in all 4 cardiac chambers in healthy subjects. Differences in FT vendor contributed to the heterogeneity of LV-GLS, LV-GCS, LA-GLS active , and RV-GLS, whereas sex, age, and MR vendor had no effect on the normal values of CMR-FT strain measurements. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of primary motor cortex (M1) and cathodal of the primary sensory cortex (S1) have previously shown to modulate the sensory thresholds when administered with the reference electrode located over the contralateral supraorbital area (SO). Combining the two stimulation paradigms into one with simultaneous stimulation of the two brain areas (M1 + S1 - tDCS) may result in a synergistic effect inducing a prominent neuromodulation, noticeable in the pain thresholds. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the novel M1 + S1 - tDCS montage compared to sham-stimulation in modulating the pain thresholds in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty-nine (20 males) subjects were randomly assigned to either receiving 20 min. active M1 + S1 - tDCS or sham tDCS in a double-blinded single session study. Thermal and mechanical pain thresholds were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: There were no significant differences in the pain thresholds within either group, or between the M1 + S1 - tDCS group and the Sham-tDCS group (p>0.05), indicating that the intervention was ineffective in inducing a neuromodulation of the somatosensory system. Conclusions: Experimental investigations of novel tDCS electrode montages, that are scientifically based on existing studies or computational modelling, are essential to establish better tDCS protocols. Here simultaneous transcranial direct current stimulation of the primary motor cortex and primary sensory cortex showed no effect on the pain thresholds of the neck musculature in healthy subjects. This tDCS montage may have been ineffective due to how the electrical field reaches the targeted neurons, or may have been limited by the design of a single tDCS administration. The study adds to the existing literature of the studies investigating effects of new tDCS montages with the aim of establishing novel non-invasive brain stimulation interventions for chronic neck pain rehabilitation. North Denmark Region Committee on Health Research Ethics (VN-20180085) ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04658485). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is approved across Europe, the USA, and in many other countries for oral treatment of schizophrenia and acute manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder as well as for maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence in responders. The objective of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of two 10 mg tablet formulations of Olanzapine following a single oral dose in healthy volunteers under fasting conditions, as per the European Medicine Agency (EMA) guidelines to grant marketing authorization. Methods: This study was a randomized, open-label, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequences, single-dose, cross-over design with a washout period of 14 days. Both the test and the reference products were administered as 10 mg tablets with 240 mL of water after an overnight fast in each study period. A total of twenty blood samples were collected before dosing and within 144 hours after drug administration. Adverse events were monitored, recorded, and evaluated by investigators throughout the study. Results: Of the 24 healthy adult male subjects enrolled, all of them completed both study periods. The geometric mean ratio 90% confidence intervals (CI) for fasting Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-infinity were 94.83-113.71%, 95.04-105.69% and 95.94-107.00%, respectively. The 90% CI for the ratios of the three primary pharmacokinetic parameters (using log-transformed data) were within the range of 80-125%, meeting the regulatory criteria for bioequivalence. Conclusions: The generic Olanzapine was bioequivalent to the reference formulation. It was well tolerated and provides an acceptable alternative to the reference drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contributions / Prilozi (1857-9345) is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The physiological response of the synovium to acute mechanical stress has not been extensively studied. This response is interesting in terms of the morphological changes it can cause as any such changes should be taken into account during ultrasound examinations. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent of changes in ultrasound images of the synovial joint in the hands of healthy individuals after controlled mechanical stress. Method: We included 110 healthy volunteers on whom we carried out two ultrasound examinations of the non-dominant hand: one at baseline and the other after controlled handgrip exercise at 70% of the maximum voluntary contraction. Results: The synovitis scores at baseline and after exercise were 0.472±0.798 and 0.772±1.162 t(109)=-3.791, respectively; p < 0.001. We observed no tenosynovitis in 88.2% of the participants at baseline, while after exercise the percentage fell to 70.9%; x2 (1, N=110) =10.0851, p = 0.0014. Conclusion: We conclude that synovitis and tenosynovitis are inducible by physical exercise and are detectable on ultrasound. This should be taken into account during ultrasound examinations for suspicion or follow-up of inflammatory rheumatism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joint manipulation is generally used to reduce musculoskeletal pain; however, evidence has emerged challenging the effects associated with the specificity of the manipulated vertebral segment. The aim of this study was to verify immediate hypoalgesic effects between specific and non-specific cervical manipulations in healthy subjects. Twenty-one healthy subjects (18–30 years old; 11 males, 10 females) were selected to receive specific cervical manipulation at the C6-7 segment (SCM) and non-specific cervical manipulation (NSCM) in aleatory order. A 48h interval between manipulations was considered. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured pre- and post-manipulation with a digital algometer on the dominant forearm. The SCM produced a significant increase in the PPT (P < 0.001) however no difference was observed in the PPT after the NCSM (P = 0.476). The difference between the two manipulation techniques was 37.26 kPa (95% CI: 14.69 to 59.83, p = 0.002) in favor of the SCM group Specific cervical manipulation at the C6-7 segment appears to increase PPT on the forearm compared to non-specific cervical manipulation in healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lumbar lordosis occurred most frequently in the lower lumbar region (L4–S1). • L3–L4 to L5–S1 were conspicuous as mobile segments, exhibiting larger ROM. • Loss of local ROM with increasing age was most prominent at L3–L4 to L5–S1 levels. • Age-related degenerative disc height loss was most prominent at L4/L5. The aim of this study was to determine age-related changes and sex-specific differences in sagittal alignment, range of motion (ROM), and intervertebral disc height of the thoracolumbar spine in healthy subjects. Lateral neutral and flexion–extension radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine of 627 asymptomatic subjects (307 males and 320 females; average age, 49.6 ± 16.5 years) were evaluated. We included at least 50 males and 50 females in each decade of life between the 20s and the 70s. Intervertebral disc height from T10/T11 to L5/S1, local lordotic alignment, and ROM from T10–T11 to L5–S1 were measured. T10–L2 kyphosis and T12–S1 lordosis as well as flexion, extension, and total ROM were measured. T10–L2 kyphosis did not markedly change with age in subjects of either sex but a sudden increase was noted in the 70s females. T12–S1 lordosis increased with age in both sexes, except the 70s. Flexion, extension, and total ROM at T10–L2 and T12–S1 decreased with age in most subjects. The levels from L3–L4 to L5–S1 were conspicuous as mobile segments. Intervertebral disc height gradually increased from T10/T11 to L4/L5; the shortest was at T10/T11 and the longest at L3/L4 or L4/L5 in all subjects. Age-related decreases in intervertebral disc height were most prominent at L4/L5 in middle-aged and elderly individuals of both sexes. Normative values of sagittal alignment, ROM, and intervertebral disc height at each segmental level were established in both sexes and all age groups in healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra and inter-rater and inter-analyzer reliability of neuromuscular variables and functional tests. Cross-sectional crossover design. Two independent raters and analyzers evaluated twenty-two healthy subjects. Knee-extensor strength was assessed from three maximal voluntary isometric contractions. Muscle activation was obtained from the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus medialis (VM) muscles. VL and RF muscles' architecture [fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA), muscle thickness (MT)] was obtained at rest by ultrasound. The time from five sit-to-stand (STS) trials, and the distance from the 6-min walk test (6MWT) were obtained. Intraclass correlation coefficient was determined and classified as strong (r = 0.75–1.00), moderate (r = 0.40–0.74), and weak (r < 0.40). Strong intra-rater reliability values were observed for strength (r = 0.97), muscle activation [VL (r = 0.91); RF (r = 0.92); VM (r = 0.80)], VL [FL (r = 0.90); PA (r = 0.94); MT (r = 0.99)] and RF [MT (r = 0.85)] muscle architecture, STS (r = 0.95), and 6MWT (r = 0.98). Inter-rater reliability also presented strong values for strength (r = 0.97), muscle activation [VL (r = 0.94); RF (r = 0.79); VM (r = 0.78)], muscle architecture VL [PA (r = 0.81) and MT (r = 0.88)] and RF [MT (r = 0.80)], STS (r = 0.93), and 6MWT (r = 0.98). A moderate correlation VL muscle architecture [FL (r = 0.69)]. Inter-analyzer muscle architecture reliability presented strong VL [FL (r = 0.77); PA (r = 0.76); MT (r = 0.91)] and RF [MT (r = 0.99)]. The high intra and inter-rater and inter-analyzer reliability values for most variables is evidence that they can be used for clinical evaluation. Muscle architecture might need a longer training period by different raters and analyzers to increase reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Metabolic Syndrome (MS) has been related to an impairment in arterial structural and functional properties with heterogeneous results. In this paper we focused on the effects of MS on arterial carotid-femoral PWV and common carotid IMT in two different populations, one of hypertensive patients and one of healthy controls.Methods and Results: We enrolled 816 consecutive HT and 536 healthy controls. Vascular structural (IMT) and functional (PWV) properties were evaluated. NCEP-ATP-III criteria were used for diagnosis of MS. MS was diagnosed in 26.9% and 6.9% in hypertensive and control subjects, respectively. PWV was similar in controls with and without MS (7.7 ± 1.9 vs 7.6 ± 1.1 m/s, p = 0.69), while IMT was higher in controls with than those without MS (0.64 ± 0.18 vs 0.57 ± 0.13 mm, p = 0.02). Hypertensives with MS were older (57.9 ± 12.2 vs 52.7 ± 14.1 years, p < 0.001) and showed higher PWV (9.0 ± 2.3 vs 8.4 ± 2.1 m/s, p = 0.001) and IMT (0.72 ± 0.22 vs 0.65 ± 0.17 mm, p < 0.001) than those without MS, however at the age-adjusted analysis only the difference in IMT was confirmed (p = 0.007). Regression models showed that MS was an independent determinant of IMT in both controls (β = 0.08, p = 0.03) and hypertensives (β = 0.08, p = 0.01), but not of PWV either in controls (β = 0.006, p = 0.886 and β = 0.04, p = 0.19, respectively).Conclusions: the main finding of our work is that MS is a significant determinant of IMT while this is not the case for PWV. This result have been confirmed both in hypertensive subjects and in healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Heterogeneous results have been obtained in the relationship between Uric Acid (UA) and Target Organ Damage (TOD). In the present study we sought to assess the prevalence of hyperuricemia in healthy subjects as well as the role of UA in determining TOD. We evaluated vascular, cardiac and renal TODs in the whole population as well as sub-grouped by gender.Methods and Results: As many as 379 blood donors participated at the present analysis. TOD was evaluated as Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) and carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT). Hyperuricemia was defined with the classic cut-off (>7.0 in men and >6.0 mg/dL in women) but also with a most recently defined one (5.6 mg/dL for both sex). Hyperuricemia was present in 6.3% of the whole population (7.3% males, 2.8% females) considering the classic cut-off, while, with the recently identified one, it was present in 28.2% of the whole population (37.3% males, 4.7% females). Despite all the evaluated TODs significantly correlated with UA, linear multivariate regression analysis showed that none of them, except for GFR, displayed UA as a significant covariate. Similar figures were found also when both correlation and linear regression analyses were repeated in the two genders separately.Conclusions: Hyperuricemia is an important problem also in healthy subjects and its prevalence could further increase if lower cut-off will be used. In this specific population UA is significantly associated with renal impairment while this was not the case for cardiac and vascular damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that the sequential order of consuming different food components significantly impacts postprandial glucose and insulin excursions in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, but the causative mechanisms in healthy humans remain ill-defined. Using a typical Asian meal comprising vegetables, protein (chicken breast), and carbohydrate (white rice), the aim of this study was to examine the effect of food intake sequence on postprandial glucose, insulin and incretin secretions in healthy adults. Sixteen healthy Chinese adults participated in a randomized, controlled, crossover meal trial. Subjects consumed in random order 5 experimental isocaloric meals that differed in the food intake sequence of vegetables, protein and carbohydrate. Glucose, insulin, incretins and satiety markers were measured over 3 h. There were significant food intake sequence × time interaction effects on plasma glucose, insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations (P < 0.001). In comparison with rice consumed first followed by vegetable and meat (R-VM), the overall postprandial glucose response was significantly attenuated after the food intake sequence of vegetable first, followed by meat and rice (V-MR) or meat first, followed by vegetable and rice (M-VR) or vegetable first followed by meat and rice (V-M-R) or vegetable, meat and rice consumed together (VMR). The insulin iAUC (0–60) was significant lower after V-M-R than M-VR, VMR and R-VM. V-M-R food intake sequence stimulated higher GLP-1 release than other meal sequences. However, GIP response was lower after V-MR and V-M-R than M-VR and R-MR food intake sequences. Food macronutrient intake sequence can considerably influence its glycemic, insulinemic and incretin responses. V-M-R food intake sequence attenuates the glycemic response to a greater degree with accentuated GLP-1 stimulation without any increased demand for insulin. The sequence of food intake has great potential as a novel and simple behavioral strategy to modulate glycemic response in healthy adults. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03533738. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The amount of healthy subjects adopting a gluten-free diet (GFD) for nonmedical reasons actually surpasses the numbers of those who are dealing with a permanent gluten-related disorder.Objective: The study aimed to better clarify the interactions between a GFD and physical and psychological well-being.Methods: Sixty healthy subjects with normal weight were enrolled. Thirty subjects (15 female) were submitted to a normocaloric GFD and considered as the experimental group (EG), and 30 subjects (15 female) were submitted to a normocaloric diet (CG) for 6 months. The hematochemical and psychological parameters before and after the diet were recorded.Results: Significant improvement was demonstrated in red blood count, hemoglobin, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein parameters in the EG after the gluten-free diet. However, a significant increase of α-amylase pancreatic activity and reduction of vitamin B12 and magnesium levels in the EG were observed. Regarding the psychological parameters, the GFD significantly improved scores assessing body satisfaction, but increased social insecurity.Conclusions: The study is the first to consider significant modulation in hematochemical parameters as well as psychological ones by gluten avoidance in healthy individuals. Although these subjects were not characterized by intestinal mucosa damage, some of the effects were similar to those observed in celiac disease patients who began to adhere to a GFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Statement. In present, the study of the cardiovascular effects of the exposure of the body to various positions during inversion therapy represents a challenging research topic. Purpose. To investigate the peripheral hemodynamic effects of the successive exposure of the body to positions specific to the use of the inversion table during physical therapy sessions. Methods. We realized a prospective observational study on a group of 20 young adults (9 women and 11 men, mean age 28.1 ± 10.10 years). For each subject, we repeatedly determined the blood pressure and pulse rate in three successive positions on an inversion table, in the following order: vertical orthostatic position, supine horizontal position and vertical Trendelenburg position. Results. We revealed a specific pattern of the dynamics of the cardiovascular variables, which as a whole indicates the slight average decrease of pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure and a slight increase of ratio between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and of the pressure difference between high and low blood pressure, between the three measurements done. The protocol of changing 3 different postures elicits a statistically significant influence in all parameters, excepted SBP, for certain combinations of comparison of mean scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The results of our study demonstrated that the adoption of extreme positions in relation to the gravitational field definitely influences the human body in terms of the investigated cardiovascular parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RICYDE. Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte is the property of Revista Internacional de Ciencias del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

OBJECTIVE: We conducted an ex-vivo analysis and a study in healthy subjects to compare magnesium bioavailability after administration of Sucrosomial® magnesium or commercially available preparations of magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide and magnesium bisglycinate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the ex-vivo study we simulated magnesium intestinal absorption after digestion through sections of intestinal mucosa isolated from rats. We compared the absorption of magnesium oxide and Sucrosomial® magnesium at two different concentrations: 32.9 mg/ml and 329 mg/ml. The human study was a single day double- blinded repeated crossover study in healthy subjects. Each subject was administered 350 mg magnesium in different formulations (Sucrosomial ® magnesium, magnesium citrate, magnesium oxide or magnesium bisglycinate) after 1 week of washout. We collected blood and urine samples to measure magnesium concentration in blood, urine and red blood cells. RESULTS: The ex-vivo evaluation showed that magnesium absorption after administration of Sucrosomial® magnesium was faster and with higher rates compared to a standard formulation of magnesium oxide. This finding was further confirmed by the results of the study in healthy subjects, that showed a more evident increase in magnesium concentration after administration of Sucrosomial® magnesium compared to the other formulations. In particular, the increase in magnesium concentration from baseline to 24 h was statistically higher in blood and in urine for Sucrosomial ® magnesium compared to magnesium oxide, while in red blood cells Sucrosomial® magnesium had a statistically significant advantage compared to magnesium bisglycinate. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that Sucrosomial® magnesium leads to an increased bioavailability of magnesium compared to other formulations. Further studies are needed to investigate if this advantage turns into more evident clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To assess static postural control in eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions in individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type I as compared with typically developing (TD) individuals and to explore the relation between postural control and lower limb muscle function. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Outpatient department of a pediatric orthopedic hospital. Participants A convenience sample (N=38) of individuals with OI type I (n=22; mean age, 13.1y; range, 6–21y) and TD individuals (n=16; mean age, 13.1y; range, 6–20y) was selected. Participants were eligible if they were between 6 and 21 years and if they did not have any fracture or surgery in the lower limb in the 12 months before testing. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcomes Measures Postural control was assessed through static balance tests and muscle function through mechanographic tests on a force platform. Selected postural parameters were path length, velocity, 90% confidence ellipse area, and the ellipse's length of the mediolateral and anteroposterior axes. Mechanographic parameters were peak force and peak power as measured using the multiple two-legged hopping and the single two-legged jump test, respectively. Results Individuals with OI type I had poorer postural control than did TD individuals as indicated by longer and faster displacements and a larger ellipse area. Muscle function was unrelated to postural control in the OI group. Removing visual information resulted in a larger increase in postural control parameters in the OI group than in the TD group. Conclusions A proprioceptive deficit could explain poorer postural control in individuals with OI type I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a simple artificial device for respiratory muscle strength training and lung volumes using either combined or non-combined exercise with elastic bands in healthy young participants. Methods Forty healthy young participants (20 male and 20 female) aged 19–24 years old were randomized into two main experiments with four sub-groups; (1) artificial device (n = 10) & standard device (n = 10) training, and (2) artificial device training combined with elastic band (EB) exercise (n = 10) & standard device training combined with EB (n = 10) exercise. Respiratory muscle strength with maximal peak inspiratory pressure (PImax), and lung volumes; tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and vital capacity (VC) were evaluated before and after training once daily for 3 weeks. Moreover, the peak dyspnea score and vital sign parameters were compared between the experimental groups after final training. Results All parameters had no statistical differences (p > 0.5) between the training devices alone and those combined with EB exercise prior to any experiments. Results from the first experiment showed that training with an artificial device increased all parameters (PImax, VC, IRV, ERV) significantly (p < 0.05), except for TV, when compared to pre training results, which were the same as those in the standard device training group. No statistical difference was shown between these groups after the training period had been performed. Furthermore, results of applying artificial device training combined with EB exercise showed a significant increase in all parameters, except for TV, and they were the same as the increased results in training with the standard device combined with EB exercise. There was no significant difference of data between these groups after the training period. Finally, the results of peak dyspnea score and all vital sign parameters from using the artificial device, with or without EB exercise, showed no statistical difference when compared to use of the standard device. Conclusion This study proposed that a simple artificial device can be used to train the respiratory muscle with or without elastic band exercise in healthy young subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the relationship between hand-grip force and maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) in healthy young and middle-age individuals. METHODS: All individuals underwent assessment of inspiratory muscle strength by maximum inspiratory pressure using a U-type water manometer and evaluation of hand-grip force by a hydraulic hand dynamometer. RESULTS: The correlation of PImax and hand-grip force was strong (r = 0.76). A multilinear regression model was built to investigate the ability of various parameters, such as hand-grip force, sex, and body mass index measurements, to predict PImax. PImax can be accurately predicted by 80% (r = 0.76) with a simple equation of easily evaluable factors, such as hand-grip force, body mass index, and sex. CONCLUSION: The results showed significant correlation between hand flexors' force and strength of inspiratory muscles in healthy individuals. This appears to be an easy way to evaluate the results indirectly and can help to assess the relationship between hand flexor and inspiratory muscle capacity, especially the diaphragm. Our study should be viewed as a hypothesis-generating one, and further studies are required in the population of critically ill or difficult-to-wean patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02423616.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aims Inositols are thought to be mediators of the insulin signalling pathway. We assessed the effects of inositols on glycaemic control in fasting and postprandial states and evaluated lipoprotein profile and LDL particle size in healthy population. Methods A 12-week double-blind clinical trial was performed with forty healthy subjects administered either an inositol-enriched beverage (IEB) -containing 2.23 g of inositols in 250 ml- or a sucrose-sweetened beverage (SB) twice a day. Anthropometric measurements, fasting glucose levels, insulin and HOMA-IR index, lipoprotein profile and postprandial glucose concentrations (measured using the continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS)) were recorded throughout the intervention period. Results Following the 12-week trial subjects receiving the IEB exhibited a significant decrease in insulin, HOMA-IR and Apo B and an increase in LDL particle size, whereas the SB group showed increases in BMI and fasting glucose concentration. Analysis of postprandial glucose levels at breakfast, lunch and dinner revealed a mean reduction of glucose of ≈14% and a significant reduction in the area under the curve at 24 h after consumption of the IEB. Conclusions Our results show that chronic IEB supplementation induces a significant improvement in carbohydrated metabolism parameters in healthy subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Background & aims Large parts of the population are insufficiently supplied with vitamin D, in particular when endogenous synthesis is absent. Therefore many health care providers recommend the use of vitamin D supplements. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an once-daily oral dose of 20 μg vitamin D 3 to improve the vitamin D status and to evaluate predictors of response. Methods The study was conducted as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel trial from January till April 2013. In total, 105 subjects (20–71 years) were allocated to receive either a vitamin D 3 supplement (20 μg/d) or a placebo for 12 weeks. Circulating levels of vitamin D 3 metabolites such as the 25(OH)D 3 and the 24,25(OH) 2 D 3 , and biomarkers of calcium and phosphate metabolism were quantified. Results The 25(OH)D 3 serum concentrations in the placebo group decreased from 38 ± 15 nmol/L at baseline to 32 ± 14 nmol/L and 32 ± 13 nmol/L at weeks 8 and 12 of the study, respectively ( p < 0.01). In the vitamin D 3 group, the serum 25(OH)D 3 concentration increased from 38 ± 14 nmol/L at baseline to 70 ± 15 nmol/L and 73 ± 16 nmol/L at weeks 8 and 12 of vitamin D 3 supplementation ( p < 0.001), respectively. As a result, 94% of the vitamin D 3 -supplemented participants reached 25(OH)D 3 concentrations of ≥50 nmol/L and thereof 46% attained 25(OH)D 3 levels of ≥75 nmol/L until the end of the study. The extent of the 25(OH)D 3 increase upon vitamin D 3 supplementation depended on 25(OH)D 3 baseline levels, age, body weight and circulating levels of triglycerides. In contrast to 25(OH)D 3 , the response of 24,25(OH) 2 D 3 to the vitamin D 3 treatment was affected only by baseline levels of 24,25(OH) 2 D 3 and age. Conclusions The average improvement of 25(OH)D 3 levels in individuals who received 20 μg vitamin D 3 per day during the winter months was 41 nmol/L compared to individuals without supplementation. As a result almost all participants with the vitamin D 3 supplementation attained 25(OH)D 3 concentrations of 50 nmol/L and higher. The suitability of 24,25(OH) 2 D 3 as a marker of vitamin D status needs further investigation. Clinical trial registration number at clinicaltrails.gov: NCT01711905 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A number of studies on diseased spine have been published; however, there is a relative paucity of studies investigating spine shape characteristics in healthy populations. Such characteristics are needed for diagnostics of spine disorders and assessment of changes in the spinal shape that may have been caused by influence of the modern life style or intensive sport activity. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine characteristics of the spine shape in a large sample of healthy young adults. Methods: Population cross-sectional study. A non-radiographic surface method (system DTP-3) was used for the assessment of spine shape in the sagittal and frontal planes. A total of 1,020 participants (440 men, 580 women) took part in the study, their mean (± SD) age was 21.8 ± 1.9 years (range 19.1-29.7) for men and 21.9 ± 1.8 years (range 19.3-29.7) for women. All data were checked for normality and are presented as means, standard deviations, ranges, skewness, and kurtosis. Differences between the sexes were assessed with the two-sample t-test. Results: The average sagittal spinal shape was C3 - 12.9° - C7 - 43.0° - T10 - 27.1° - L5 for men and C3 - 12.1° - C6 - 44.5° - T11 - 34.1° - L5 for women. Men showed a significantly smaller thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis curvatures than women. The average curvature due to the lateral deviation in the frontal plane was 6.1° for both sexes, the curvature was larger than 10° in 9.1% of men and 8.8% of women. We found left lateral deviation in 72.5% of men and in 63.6% of women. Conclusions: The study provides characteristics of the spine shape in a large sample of healthy young adults. Such characteristics should be part and parcel of determining the cut-off level for physiological spinal shape. Based on the results of the study, we suggest a lateral deviation of 10° as the maximum for a curvature to be still considered non-pathological. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives an overview of multiple factors, like the mechanisms governing rate adaptation of ventricular action potentials and autonomic mechanisms, which play a role in the genesis of exercise-recovery hysteresis in the ECG. It also discusses the possible association between exercise-recovery ECG hysteresis and arrhythmogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The presence of ergoreflex activity and its current relationship to hyperventilation and prognosis in cardiac patients is unclear. Therefore, we evaluated ergoreflex activity in cardiac patients with and without heart failure (CHF) as well as in healthy subjects, and we examined how ergoreceptor activity was related to a mortality risk score in CHF (MAGGIC). Methods and Results Twenty-five healthy subjects and 76 patients were included, among whom were 25 with ischemic heart disease (IHD), 24 with stable CHF, and 27 with unstable CHF. Ergoreflex activity was measured with a dynamic handgrip exercise, followed by post-handgrip regional circulatory occlusion (PH-RCO). Ergoreflex activity contributed significantly to ventilation (median [interquartile range] %V) in unstable CHF (81 [73-91] %V without PH-RCO, 92 [82–107] %V with PH-RCO, and 11 [6–20] difference in %V; P < .001) and was positively correlated with the MAGGIC risk score (Spearman ρ = 0.431; P = .002). No ergoreflex activity was observed in healthy subjects (−4 [−10 to 5] difference in %V), IHD (0 [−8 to 3] Diff in %V) and stable CHF (−3 [−11 to 6] difference in %V). Conclusions Ergoreflex activity contributes to hyperventilation, but only in CHF patients with persistent symptoms, and is closely related to the MAGGIC risk score. Ergoreflex activity was not present in patients with IHD or stable CHF, suggesting other reasons for the increased ventilatory drive in those patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article reports on research which was conducted to investigate whether different methods of instruction and measurement would affect the performance of healthy older adults in the Six-Minute Walk Test. Researchers tested two types of instruction in 26 older adults. They found that there were no differences in test performance seen with either instructional method.

The article offers information on a study that compares the metabolic response and the kinetics of appearance of exogenous glucose from 2 cereal consumed at breakfast. The study highlights the influence of technological processes on the release of glucose in starch. It reveals the role played by modulation of glucose availability at breakfast as a factor for metabolic control throughout the morning in healthy subjects.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is the application of a weak electrical direct current (1.5 mA), which has the ability to modulate spontaneous firing rates of the cortical neurons by depolarizing or hyperpolarizing the neural resting membrane potential. tDCS in patients with depressive disorders has been proven to be an interesting therapeutic method potentially influencing pathologic mood states. Except one study, no alterations in mood could be confirmed applying tDCS in healthy participants. In this study, bifrontal or bioccipital stimulation was applied in 17 healthy subjects during 20 minutes with 1.5 mA in a placebo-controlled manner. Bifrontal stimulation consisted of both anodal and cathodal placement on right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in two separate sessions. Using a set of self-reported moodscales (SUDS, POMS-32, PANAS, BISBAS) no significant mood changes could be observed, neither with bifrontal nor bioccipital tDCS. As already demonstrated by previous studies, we confirmed the minimal side effects and the safety of this neuromodulation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist is increasingly used in the diagnosis of ulnar-sided wrist pain; however, its efficacy in this setting still needs clarification. The purposes of this study were to investigate the prevalence of abnormal MRI findings in the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) in asymptomatic volunteers and to provide the clinician with comparative data when interpreting MRI results. Methods: A total of 103 asymptomatic volunteers underwent imaging of the wrist using a 1.9-T MR scanner and a send–receive birdcage quadrature coil. The images were evaluated by 3 independent interpreters, 2 musculoskeletal radiologists, and 1 orthopedic hand surgeon. We noted details regarding the TFCC morphology and the presence, characteristics, and location of any TFCC abnormality. Results: The TFCC was considered abnormal in 39 wrists. The scans were abnormal in 31 subjects younger than 50 years of age, in 5 subjects 50 to 59 years of age, and in all subjects older than 60 years of age (3 subjects). We diagnosed a complete tear of the TFCC in 23 wrists. An increase in age was correlated with an abnormal TFCC (rpb = 0.23; P = .016). Conclusions: The prevalence of incidental TFCC findings in MRI scans of asymptomatic subjects is high. The presence of an abnormal TFCC on MRI may be of questionable clinical meaning, because there is a high incidence of TFCC abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects, particularly those over the age of 50. Imaging results must be viewed in the context of the clinical history and physical examination. Type of study/level of evidence: Diagnostic III. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Recent reviews showed that Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 1 [1] Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany. is effective to enhance performance in patients with cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia). The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EGb 761 on memory and the specificity of such effects on distinct memory functions in middle-aged healthy volunteers. Methods: A total of 188 healthy subjects aged 45–56 years were randomised to receive EGb 761 (240mg once daily) or placebo for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were the change in memory performance in a demanding standardised free recall paradigm (list of appointments) and a less demanding standardised recognition test (driving-route). Based on previous findings we predicted superiority of EGb 761 in recall testing. Specificity in effects was assessed by separating immediate vs. delayed and quantitative vs. qualitative free recall measures. Results: After 6 weeks, EGb 761-treated subjects improved significantly in quantity of recall, i.e., the number of correctly recalled appointments (drug–placebo differences: p =0.038 for immediate and p =0.008 for delayed recall). Effects on qualitative recall performance (ratio of false to correct items) were similar (drug–placebo differences: p =0.092 for immediate and p =0.010 for delayed recall). No superiority of Ginkgo was evident in another everyday memory test which asked for recognition of a driving route (drug–placebo differences: p >0.10). The incidence of adverse events was low and not significantly different between treatment groups. Discussion: EGb 761 (240mg once daily) improves free recall of appointments in middle-aged healthy volunteers, which requires high demands on self-initiated retrieval of learned material. This function is known to be sensitive to normal aging, i.e., reduced in healthy middle-aged subjects. No effects are seen in a less demanding everyday memory task which does not tap this critical function. This ties in with previous studies which found specific patterns of benefit from EGb 761 in demanding cognitive tasks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which determined whether rigid and dynamic ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) could affect comparable gait alterations independent of neurological deficit. An introduction to AFO is offered. In the study, 11 healthy subjects were asked to wear two AFO models and walk on a 12-meter electronic mat. Variables quantified include velocity, step time and step length. Details of the study findings are explained.

Abstract: Background and aim: Serum levels of soluble cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) and blood lipid parameters have been used as markers of inflammatory processes associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The present study evaluated the effects of the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in fish and fish oil within energy-restricted diets, on soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1). Methods and results: Two hundred and seventy-five healthy European subjects aged between 20 and 40years, were randomized to one of four hypocaloric dietary groups: control (sunflower oil capsules, no seafood), lean fish (3×150g portions of cod/week), fatty fish (3×150g portions of salmon/week), fish oil ((docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)+eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) capsules, no seafood)). Diets rich in lean fish significantly decreased ICAM-1 levels, around 5% from baseline to endpoint (p <0.05), and had no effect on VCAM-1 levels. No significant differences were observed in sICAM-1 levels after the intervention with fatty fish or fish oils. On the other hand, these two seafood based diets were responsible for a significant increase of VCAM-1 levels [fatty fish; 16.1% and fish oil; 21.9%] respectively (p <0.05). Conclusions: CAMs as inflammatory biomarkers in young and healthy subjects are not conclusive for the evaluation of CVD risk. Hypocaloric fish diets had a different effect on CAMs, being lean fish responsible for the highest decrease in ICAM-1. On the other hand, VCAM-1 results allow speculation that a low dose of n-3 PUFA may be anti-inflammatory contrarily to a high dose which can have a pro-inflammatory effect. CAMs mechanism is complex and affected by multiple factors such as lifestyle, gender, and n-3 dose and source. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Diabetes & Metabolism is the property of Masson Editeur and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Diabetes & Metabolism is the property of Masson Editeur and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Diabetes & Metabolism is the property of Masson Editeur and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article describes a study that evaluated the effect of an extruded muesli product based on oat β-glucan on the rate of gastric emptying, postprandial blood glucose and satiety in healthy subjects. The researchers found that the effect of 4 grams oat β-glucan on the rate of gastric emptying was not statistically significant compared with corn flakes, but it does lower postprandial blood glucose response.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) represent the main diagnostic markers for systemic autoimmune disease (AD), although their presence can be detected in blood donors. The aim of this study was to study ANA prevalence in healthy subjects of different racial groups, exposed to the same environmental factors, in order to understand the relevance of genetics or environment in determining autoimmunity. We enrolled in this study 80 healthy Filipinos (Polynesian), migrated to Italy from an average of 15 years, and 60 healthy native Italians (Caucasian) and ANA were detected in their sera (at 1:80 screening dilution) through indirect immunofluorescence assay. We found a higher prevalence of ANA positivity in Filipinos compared to Italians (23.7% vs 8.3% - P = 0.02; OR 3.43; 95% CI 1.2-9.8), above all in females and elderly, although demographic characteristics, clinical history and habits were not significantly different between the two groups. These data confirm that ANA positivity is not a rare condition and healthy non-Caucasians present a higher prevalence of autoantibodies. This could be determined by their autoimmunity-prone immune system or by the exposition to infective agents, pollution, drugs or nutrition of a western country. Future studies to evaluate the ANA prevalence in Filipinos in their own country and the follow-up of positive patients could clarify the real predisposition to AD of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study which examined the effects of different doses of purified lycopene supplementation on biomarkers of oxidative stress in healthy volunteers. Lycopene is the most abundant carotenoid in tomatoes. An overview of the study population, details of the methodology and the results of the study are discussed.

Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool enabling evaluation of blood flow characteristics of basal intracerebral vessels via thin calvarian regions. Several factors may affect the normal values of cerebral hemodynamic parameters, and standard reference values for each laboratory are needed for precise interpretation of the results. The aims of this study were to determine normal values of flow velocities of basal cerebral arteries of our TCD laboratory, and to study the influence of age and gender on normal values. We studied 63 healthy volunteers (30 male and 33 females; age range, 5 - 69 years old) with TCD with a 2-MHz transcranial probe. The subjects were divided into 7 age groups: 5-10 years, 11-20 years, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years and > 60 years. Mean velocity (V mean), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end-diastolic velocities (EDV) were determined in middle, anterior and posterior cerebral arteries. No signifi cant gender difference was found. However, there was a decrease in blood flow velocities in all vessels with advancing age, which was signifi cant when subjects older than 40 years and ≤ 40 years old were compared. V mean, PSV and EDV values were highest in the age group of 5 - 10 years old and lowest in volunteers older than the age of 60 ( p < 0.05). As a conclusion, flow velocities in basal cerebral arteries range widely and are significantly age-related. Age matching of TCD data is a requirement for clinically relevant conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Collegium Antropologicum is the property of Croatian Anthropological Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Background and aim: Lifestyle change targeted towards increasing daily resting energy expenditure (REE) is one of the cornerstones of obesity treatment. Measurements of energy expenditure and substrate utilization are essential to understanding the metabolic basis of obesity, and the physiological responses to perturbations in habitual food intake. REE is the largest part of human energy expenditure (60-70%) and an increase or decrease in REE would have a large impact on total energy. Accurate and easy-to-use methods for measuring REE are needed, to be applied by clinicians in daily clinical settings to assess the validity of a new instrument to estimate REE in normal weight, healthy adults. Methods: Ninety-nine subjects (52 females and 47 males) (mean±SD, age 38±14years; body mass index (BMI) 23±3kg/m2) were tested. REE was assessed using a Sensor Medics Vmax metabolic cart with a ventilated canopy and with the SenseWear armband. Body composition, percentage fat mass (%FM) and percentage fat free mass (%FFM) were assessed by skinfold thickness measurements (SF), bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) and air displacement plethysmography (BOD-POD). Results: No significant difference was found among measurements of FFM using the three different techniques. Both SenseWear and Sensor Medics Vmax showed a high correlation, r =0.42 and r =0.40 (p <0.0001) respectively, with BMI. No significant difference was found in mean REE between SenseWear (1540±280kcal/day) and Sensor Medics Vmax (1700±330kcal/day) (p =ns) and the correlation between REE measured by SenseWear and Sensor Medics Vmax was high (r =0.86, p <0.0001). Bland–Altman plot showed no difference in REE determination between SenseWear and Sensor Medics Vmax. %FFM determined by BOD-POD correlated with SenseWear (r =0.42, p <0.0001) as well as Sensor Medics Vmax (r =0.38, p <0.001). Conclusion: SF, BIA and BOD-POD provide valid and reliable measurements of FFM. Our results suggest that the SenseWear armband is an acceptable device to accurately measure REE in healthy subjects. Its characteristics have the potential to reduce measurement times and make the SenseWear armband useful for epidemiological studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Background: The six minute walk test (6MWT) is the most commonly used exercise test in pulmonary rehabilitation; however, the paucity of six minute walk distance (6MWD) reference values from population-based samples limits data interpretation in patients. This study was undertaken to determine 6MWD in a population-based sample of healthy subjects and to identify predictors of 6MWD in this group. Methods: Seventy Caucasian subjects (33 males) aged 55–75 years performed three tests using a standardised protocol. 6MWD was defined as the greatest distance achieved from the three tests. Other measurements included height, leg length, weight, forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1), exhaled carbon monoxide and self-reported physical activity including habitual walking. Results: The average 6MWD was 659±62m (range 484–820m). Males walked 59±13m further than females (). Height (, ), weight (, ) and FEV1 (, ) were significantly correlated with 6MWD. Forwards stepwise multiple regression showed height () and FEV1 (R 2 change=0.045) to be independent predictors of 6MWD (), explaining 33.9% of the variance. Conclusions: 6MWD in this healthy population-based sample of males and females exceeds values previously reported. Height and FEV1 were identified as significant independent predictors of 6MWD in this group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ability to estimate left ventricular mass (LVM) from the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been shown to be limited because there is a considerable variability of the normal 12-lead ECG due to demographic and anthropometric variables. We sought to study LVM in healthy subjects and its relationship with QRS duration, and established electrocardiographic criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure LVM. Seventy-one healthy volunteers (36 men; age range, 21-82 years) were studied. All ECG criteria tested showed a statistically significant relationship with LVM. The highest R value was found between LVM and QRS duration, as well as the 12-lead voltage-duration product (R = 0.59, P < .001 for both). The lowest R value was found for the Sokolow-Lyon voltage criterion (R = 0.25, P = .033). Left ventricular mass differed significantly between sexes, as did all ECG criteria except the Sokolow-Lyon criterion. Thus, in healthy subjects, QRS duration alone is equally or more strongly correlated to LVM than are established electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy criteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace elements, including zinc and copper in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to compare them with the results of healthy individuals. Seventeen patients with chronic hepatitis C and 17 healthy individuals were included in this study. Serum zinc and cooper concentrations were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer of patients with chronic hepatitis C and the results were statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. Serum zinc concentrations were 105.6±22.8μg/dl in patients with chronic hepatitis C and 94.41±19μg/dl in healthy controls, respectively. Serum copper concentrations were 103.17±20.8μg/dl in patients with chronic hepatitis C and 90.8±14.3μg/dl in healthy subjects, respectively. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were not found statistically different in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared with those of healthy individuals (p>0.05). In conclusion, serum trace element concentrations did not show statistical alterations in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared to healthy subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]