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Mutations in the LMNA gene, encoding the nuclear envelope protein lamin A/C, are responsible for a number of distinct disease entities including Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy. Dunningan-type lipodystrophy is characterized by loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes and shares many of the features of the metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, several genome-wide linkage scans for type 2 diabetes have found evidence of linkage at chromosome 1q21.2, the region that harbors the LMNA gene. Therefore, LMNA is a biological and positional candidate for type 2 diabetes susceptibility. Previous studies have reported association between a common LMNA variant (1908C>T; rs4641) and adverse metabolic traits in ethnically diverse populations from Asia and North America. In the present study, we characterized the common variation across the LMNA gene (including rs4641) and tested for association with type 2 diabetes in two large case-control studies (n = 2,052) and with features of the metabolic syndrome in a separate cohort study (n = 1,572). Despite our study being sufficiently powered to detect effects similar and even smaller in magnitude than those previously reported, none of the LMNA single nucleotide polymorphisms were statistically significantly associated with type 2 diabetes or the metabolic syndrome. Thus, it appears unlikely that variation at LMNA substantially increases the risk of type 2 diabetes or related traits in U.K. Europids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The proportion of older people will soon include nearly a quarter of the world population. This leads to an increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common dementia. mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be considered its prodromal stage. The early diagnosis of AD is a huge issue. We face it by solving these classification tasks: MCI-AD and cognitively normal (CN)-MCI-AD., Methods: An intelligent computing system has been developed and implemented to face both challenges. A non-neural preprocessing module was followed by a processing one based on a hybrid and ontogenetic neural architecture, the modular hybrid growing neural gas (MyGNG). The MyGNG is hierarchically organized, with a growing neural gas (GNG) for clustering followed by a perceptron for labeling. For each task, 495 and 819 patients from the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) database were used, respectively, each with 211 characteristics., Results: Encouraging results have been obtained in the MCI-AD classification task, reaching values of area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96 and sensitivity of 0.91, whereas 0.86 and 0.9 in CN-MCI-AD. Furthermore, a comparative study with popular machine learning (ML) models was also performed for each of these tasks., Conclusions: The MyGNG proved to be a better computational solution than the other ML methods analyzed. Also, it had a similar performance to other deep learning schemes with neuroimaging. Our findings suggest that our proposal may be an interesting computing solution for the early diagnosis of AD., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Data used in this work were obtained from the ADNI repository, which imposes some restrictions on public data access and sharing., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

In this paper, we thoroughly analyze the detection of sleep apnea events in the context of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is considered a public health problem because of its high prevalence and serious health implications. We especially evaluate patients who do not always show desaturations during apneic episodes (non-desaturating patients). For this purpose, we use a database (HuGCDN2014-OXI) that includes desaturating and non-desaturating patients, and we use the widely used Physionet Apnea Dataset for a meaningful comparison with prior work. Our system combines features extracted from the Heart-Rate Variability (HRV) and SpO 2 , and it explores their potential to characterize desaturating and non-desaturating events. The HRV-based features include spectral, cepstral, and nonlinear information (Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA)). SpO 2 -based features include temporal (variance) and spectral information. The features feed a Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) classifier. The goal is to evaluate the effect of using these features either individually or in combination, especially in non-desaturating patients. The main results for the detection of apneic events are: (a) Physionet success rate of 96.19%, sensitivity of 95.74% and specificity of 95.25% (Area Under Curve (AUC): 0.99); (b) HuGCDN2014-OXI of 87.32%, 83.81% and 88.55% (AUC: 0.934), respectively. The best results for the global diagnosis of OSA patients (HuGCDN2014-OXI) are: success rate of 95.74%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 89.47%. We conclude that combining both features is the most accurate option, especially when there are non-desaturating patterns among the recordings under study.

The Canary Islands are a well known tourist destination with generally stable and clement weather conditions. However, occasionally extreme weather conditions occur, which although very unusual, may cause severe damage to the local economy. The ViMetRi-MAC EU funded project has among its goals, managing climate-change-associated risks. The Spanish National Meteorology Agency (AEMET) has a network of weather stations across the eight Canary Islands. Using data from those stations, we propose a novel methodology for the prediction of maximum wind speed in order to trigger an early alert for extreme weather conditions. The methodology proposed has the added value of using an innovative kind of machine learning that is based on the data stream mining paradigm. This type of machine learning system relies on two important features: models are learned incrementally and adaptively. That means the learner tunes the models gradually and endlessly as new observations are received and also modifies it when there is concept drift (statistical instability), in the modeled phenomenon. The results presented seem to prove that this data stream mining approach is a good fit for this kind of problem, clearly improving the results obtained with the accumulative non-adaptive version of the methodology.

Our contribution focuses on the characterization of sleep apnea from a cardiac rate point of view, using Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), based on a Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feature selection process. Three parameters are crucial in RQA: those related to the embedding process (dimension and delay) and the threshold distance. There are no overall accepted parameters for the study of HRV using RQA in sleep apnea. We focus on finding an overall acceptable combination, sweeping a range of values for each of them simultaneously. Together with the commonly used RQA measures, we include features related to recurrence times, and features originating in the complex network theory. To the best of our knowledge, no author has used them all for sleep apnea previously. The best performing feature subset is entered into a Linear Discriminant classifier. The best results in the "Apnea-ECG Physionet database" and the "HuGCDN2014 database" are, according to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.93 (Accuracy: 86.33%) and 0.86 (Accuracy: 84.18%), respectively. Our system outperforms, using a relatively small set of features, previously existing studies in the context of sleep apnea. We conclude that working with dimensions around 7-8 and delays about 4-5, and using for the threshold distance the Fixed Amount of Nearest Neighbours (FAN) method with 5% of neighbours, yield the best results. Therefore, we would recommend these reference values for future work when applying RQA to the analysis of HRV in sleep apnea. We also conclude that, together with the commonly used vertical and diagonal RQA measures, there are newly used features that contribute valuable information for apnea minutes discrimination. Therefore, they are especially interesting for characterization purposes. Using two different databases supports that the conclusions reached are potentially generalizable, and are not limited by database variability.

We introduce a sleep apnea characterization and classification approach based on a Heart Rate Variability (HRV) feature selection process, thus focusing on the characterization of the underlying process from a cardiac rate point of view. Therefore, we introduce linear and nonlinear variables, namely Cepstrum Coefficients (CC), Filterbanks (Fbank) and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA). Logistic Regression, Linear Discriminant Analysis and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis were used for classification purposes. The experiments were carried out using two databases. We achieved a per-segment accuracy of 84.76% (sensitivity = 81.45%, specificity = 86.82%, AUC = 0.92) in the Apnea-ECG Physionet database, whereas in the HuGCDN2014 database, provided by the Dr. Negrín University Hospital (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain), the best results were: accuracy = 81.96%, sensitivity = 70.95%, specificity = 85.47%, AUC = 0.87. The former results were comparable or better than those obtained by other methods for the same database in the recent literature. We have concluded that the selected features that best characterize the underlying process are common to both databases. This supports the fact that the conclusions reached are potentially generalizable. The best results were obtained when the three kinds of features were jointly used. Another notable fact is the small number of features needed to describe the phenomenon. Results suggest that the two first Fbanks, the first CC and the first DFA coefficient are the variables that best describe the RR pattern in OSA and, therefore, are especially relevant to extract discriminative information for apnea screening purposes., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Single crystals of the title compound, potassium hexa-phosphito-penta-ferrate(II,III) hemihydrate, K0.75[Fe(II) 3.75Fe(III) 1.25(HPO3)6]·0.5H2O, were grown under mild hydro-thermal conditions. The crystal structure is isotypic with Li1.43[Fe(II) 4.43Fe(III) 0.57(HPO3)6]·1.5H2O and (NH4)2[Fe(II) 5(HPO3)6] and exhibits a [Fe(II) 3.75Fe(III) 1.25(HPO3)6](0.75-) open framework with disordered K(+) (occupancy 3/4) as counter-cations. The anionic framework is based on (001) sheets of two [FeO6] octa-hedra (one with point group symmetry 3.. and one with point group symmetry .2.) linked along [001] through [HPO3](2-) oxoanions. Each sheet is constructed from 12-membered rings of edge-sharing [FeO6] octa-hedra, giving rise to channels with a radius of ca 3.1 Å where the K(+) cations and likewise disordered water mol-ecules (occupancy 1/4) are located. O⋯O contacts between the water mol-ecule and framework O atoms of 2.864 (5) Å indicate hydrogen-bonding inter-actions of medium strength. The infrared spectrum of the compound shows vibrational bands typical for phosphite and water groups. The Mössbauer spectrum is in accordance with the presence of Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions.

Di-ammonium hexa-phosphito-penta-ferrate(II), (NH4)2[Fe5(HPO3)6], was synthesized under mild hydro-thermal conditions and autogeneous pressure, yielding twinned crystals. The crystal structure exhibits an [Fe(II) 5(HPO3)6](2-) open framework with NH4 (+) groups as counter-cations. The anionic skeleton is based on (001) sheets of [FeO6] octa-hedra (one with point-group symmetry 3.. and one with .2.) linked along [001] through [HPO3](2-) oxoanions. Each sheet is constructed from 12-membered rings of edge-sharing [FeO6] octa-hedra, giving rise to channels with a radius of ca 3.1 Å in which the disordered NH4 (+) cations are located. The IR spectrum shows vibrational bands typical for phosphite and ammonium groups.

Many sleep centres try to perform a reduced portable test in order to decrease the number of overnight polysomnographies that are expensive, time-consuming, and disturbing. With some limitations, heart rate variability (HRV) has been useful in this task. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate if inclusion of symbolic dynamics variables to a logistic regression model integrating clinical and physical variables, can improve the detection of subjects for further polysomnographies. To our knowledge, this is the first contribution that innovates in that strategy. A group of 133 patients has been referred to the sleep center for suspected sleep apnea. Clinical assessment of the patients consisted of a sleep related questionnaire and a physical examination. The clinical variables related to apnea and selected in the statistical model were age (p < 10(-3)), neck circumference (p < 10(-3)), score on a questionnaire scale intended to quantify daytime sleepiness (p < 10(-3)), and intensity of snoring (p < 10(-3)). The validation of this model demonstrated an increase in classification performance when a variable based on non-linear dynamics of HRV (p < 0.01) was used additionally to the other variables. For diagnostic rule based only on clinical and physical variables, the corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.907 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.848, 0.967), (sensitivity 87.10% and specificity 80%). For the model including the average of a symbolic dynamic variable, the area under the ROC curve was increased to 0.941 (95% = 0.897, 0.985), (sensitivity 88.71% and specificity 82.86%). In conclusion, symbolic dynamics, coupled with significant clinical and physical variables can help to prioritize polysomnographies in patients with a high probability of apnea. In addition, the processing of the HRV is a well established low cost and robust technique.

Four novel amine templated open-framework vanadium(III) phosphites with the formula (C(5)N(2)H(14))(0.5)[V(H(2)O)(HPO(3))(2)], 1 (C(5)N(2)H(14) = 2-methylpiperazinium), and (L)(4-x)(H(3)O)(x)[V(9)(H(2)O)(6)(HPO(3))(14-y)(HPO(4))(y)(H(2)PO(3))(3-z)(H(2)PO(4))z]·nH(2)O (2, L = cyclopentylammonium, x = 0, y = 3.5, z = 3, n = 0; , L = cyclohexylammonium, x = 1, y = 0, z = 0.6, n = 2.33; , L = cycloheptylammonium, x = 1, y = 0, z = 0, n = 2.33) were synthesized employing solvothermal reactions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ICP-AES and elemental analyses, thermogravimetric and thermodiffractometric analyses, and IR and UV/vis spectroscopy. Single-crystal data indicate that 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P1, whereas 2, 3 and 4 crystallize in the hexagonal space group P6(3)/m. Compound 1 has a two-dimensional motif with anionic sheets of [V(H(2)O)(HPO(3))(2)](-) formula, whose charge is compensated by the 2-methylpiperazinium cations embedded between the layers. In contrast, 2, 3 and 4 present a pillar-layer network giving rise to a three-dimensional framework containing intersecting 16-ring channels with the primary amine templates and the crystallization water molecules enclosed in them. 1, 2, 3 and 4 behave as heterogeneous catalysts for the selective oxidation of alkyl aryl sulfides, with tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as the oxidizing agent, being active, selective and recyclable for several successive cycles of reaction.

Four isomorphic compounds with formula [{Co2(H2O)2(Bpe)2}(V4O12)]·4H2O·Bpe, CoBpe 1; [{CoNi(H2O)2(Bpe)2}(V4O12)]·4H2O·Bpe, CoNiBpe 2; [{Co0.6Ni1.4(H2O)2(Bpe)2}(V4O12)]·4H2O·Bpe, NiCoBpe 3; and [{Ni2(H2O)2(Bpe)2}(V4O12)]·4H2O·Bpe, NiBpe 4, have been obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. The crystal structures of CoBpe 1 and NiBpe 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Rietveld refinement of CoNiBpe 2 and NiCoBpe 3 XRD patterns confirms that those are isomorphic. The compounds crystallize in the P1̅ space group, exhibiting a crystal structure constructed from inorganic layers pillared by Bpe ligands. The crystal structure contains intralayer and interlayer channels, in which the crystallization water molecules and Bpe guest molecules, respectively, are located. The solvent molecules establish a hydrogen bonding network with the coordinated water molecules. Thermodiffractometric and thermogravimetric studies showed that the loss of crystallization and coordinated water molecules takes place at different temperatures, giving rise to crystal structure transformations that involve important reduction of the interlayer distance, and strong reduction of crystallinity. The IR, Raman, and UV-vis spectra of the as-synthesized and heated compounds confirm that the structural building blocks and octahedral coordination environment of the metal centers are maintained after the structural transformations. The color change and reversibility of the water molecules uptake/removal were tested showing that the initial color is not completely recovered when the compounds are heated at temperatures higher than 200 °C. The thermal evolution of the magnetic susceptibility indicates one-dimensional antiferromagnetic coupling of the metal centers at high temperatures. For NiCoBpe 3 and NiBpe 4 compounds magnetic ordering is established at low temperatures, as can be judged by the maxima observed in the magnetic susceptibilities. CoNiBpe 2 was proved as catalyst being active for cyanosilylation reactions of aldehydes.

The three-dimensional Co(pym)(VO(3))(2), 1, hybrid compound, where pym is pyrimidine, has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions at 120 °C. The compound has been characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric measurements, thermodiffractometry, UV-Vis spectroscopy, temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and magnetization, and finally a study of specific heat has been performed. The crystal structure of 1 was solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, taking into account that the crystals of this compound are twins of two components. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c, a = 12.899(5) Å, b = 9.859(2) Å, c = 7.051(1) Å, β = 111.41(3)°, Z = 4. The crystal structure is built up from edge sharing VO(5) trigonal bipyramid double chains and [CoO(4)pym](n) chains. This resembles the structure of the [Co(H(2)O)(2)(VO(3))(2)]·2H(2)O compound, 2. For this reason a comparative study of their properties was carried out. Magnetic measurements of 1, performed in the 2.0 to 300 K range, reveal the existence of a weak ferromagnetic order near 3 K. This fact was confirmed with magnetization measurements, which show irreversibility characteristic of soft ferromagnets. Magnetic measurements of 2 show a 3D antiferromagnetic ordering at 2.5 K. The magnetization shows a small change of curvature indicating the occurrence of a metamagnetic transition. Specific heat measurements of both compounds confirm the 3D nature of the magnetic order. The comparative study of the magneto-structural correlations reveals that the pyrimidine molecules are responsible for the different magnetic behaviour between 1 and 2.

The hydrothermal treatment of Ni(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O, NaVO(3), and Bpa (1,2-Di(pyridyl)ethane) (C(12)H(12)N(2)) at 120 °C during 3 days leads to green single crystals of the title compound. The single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that [{Ni(3)(H(2)O)(3)(Bpa)(4)}(V(6)O(18))]·8H(2)O crystallizes in the monoclinic system, P2(1)/c space group, with a = 13.5536 (2), b = 19.0463 (2), c = 27.7435 (3) Å, β = 112.3880 (10)°, V = 6622(3) Å(3), with R1(obs) = 0.0558, wR2(obs) = 0.1359, for 10278 observed reflections. The complexity of the crystal structure is based on different points, as the existence of: both "gauche" and "trans" conformations of the organic ligand, the [V(12)O(36)](-12) cycles, formed by 12 corner-sharing VO(4) tetrahedra, and, finally, the combination of both three-dimensional metal-organic and inorganic substructures, giving rise to a self-catenated highly connected net. The crystallization water molecules are semi-encapsulated in the channels along the [100] direction, and their loss gives rise to a dynamical and reversible structural contraction. Moreover, after the removal of the crystallization water molecules, the compound exhibits a negative thermal behavior in the 85-155 °C temperature range, and irreversible structural transformation due to the loss of coordinated water molecules up to 200 °C. The IR and UV-vis spectra were determined for the as-synthesized sample, after the removal of crystallization water molecules and after the irreversible transformation due to the loss of coordinated water molecules. The thermal evolution of χ(m) was adjusted to a magnetic model considering an isotropic dimer plus two Ni(II) d(8) isolated octahedra.

Introduction: Since the first case descriptions of dementia praecox (Diem, 1903), the diagnosis of simple schizophrenia has continued to be controversial. The questioning of its descriptive validity and its reliability, as well as its infrequent use, has led to it being eliminated as a sub-type of schizophrenia in the DSM-III. Criteria for the diagnosis of «simple deteriorative disorder» are currently included in the DSM-IV-TR as a disorder requiring more studies for its possible inclusion., Objectives: An attempt is made, using a clinical case, to perform a historical review of the concept of simple schizophrenia, and at the same what has led to the reflection on the possible reasons for the controversy, and a potential route to resolve it., Methodology: Using a controversial clinical case, which meets ICD-10 clinical criteria for simple schizophrenia (and those of the DSM-IV-TR for the simple deteriorative disorder), we reflect on the symptoms and diagnostic difficulties. A literature review and update on the subjects was also performed., Discussion: Our patient highlights, by the absence in the clinical picture of the most obvious positive psychotic symptoms, the tendency by psychiatrists to identify the diagnosis of schizophrenia with the presence of the same, at least at some time during its evolution. The use of neuroimaging tests was useful to assess the level of deterioration and prognosis of the patient., Conclusions: Considering simple schizophrenia in the differential diagnosis of other chronic deteriorative disorders could increase its recognition in the initial phases. The use of neuropsychological function tests, and looking for typical deteriorative patterns of the schizophrenia spectrum, could help to increase the reliability of the diagnosis., (Copyright © 2011 SEP y SEPB. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Three new hybrid vanadates have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions with the formula M(C(6)H(16)N(3))(2)(VO(3))(4), where M = Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II). The structural analyses show that the phases are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c. These compounds show a two-dimensional crystal structure, with sheets composed of [VO(3)](n)(n-) chains and metal centres octahedrally coordinated, chelated by two 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperazonium ligands. The thermal study reveals that the copper containing phase is less stable than the cobalt and nickel containing ones. The IR spectra of the three phases are very similar, with little differences in the inorganic bond region of the copper containing phase. The UV-visible spectra show that the cobalt(II) and the nickel(II) are in slightly distorted octahedral environments. The catalytic tests show that the phases act as heterogeneous catalysts for the selective oxidation of alkyl aryl sulfides, with both H(2)O(2) and tert-butylhydroperoxide as oxidizing agents. The influence of the steric hindrance in the kinetic profile has been studied. The catalytic reactions induce the partial amorphization of the phases., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011)

The Mn(2)(HPO(3))F(2) phase has been synthesized as single crystals by using mild hydrothermal conditions. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pnma space group, with unit cell parameters of a = 7.5607(8), b = 10.2342(7), and c = 5.5156(4) Å, with Z = 4. The crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional framework formed by alternating (010) layers of [MnO(3)F(3)] octahedra linked up by three connected [HPO(3)] tetrahedra. Luminescence measurements were performed at different temperatures between 10 and 150 K. The 10 K emission spectrum of the octahedrally coordinated Mn(II) cation exhibits a broad band centered at around 615 nm corresponding to the (4)T(1) → (6)A(1) transition. In order to explore the effect of the Mn(II) concentration and the possibility of enhancing the luminescence properties of the Mn(II) cation in Mn(2)(HPO(3))F(2), different intermediate composition members of the finite solid solution with the general formula (Mn(x)Zn(1-x))(2)(HPO(3))F(2) were prepared and their luminescent properties studied. The magnetic and specific heat behavior of M(2)(HPO(3))F(2) (M = Mn, Fe) have also been investigated. The compounds exhibit a global antiferromagnetic ordering with a spin canting phenomenon detected at approximately 30 K. The specific heat measurements show sharp λ-type peaks at 29.7 and 33.5 K for manganese and iron compounds, respectively. The total magnetic entropy is consistent with spin S = 5/2 and S = 2 of Mn(II) and Fe(II) cations., (© 2011 American Chemical Society)

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C(12)H(12)N(2))(3)[V(10)O(28)]·2H(2)O, contains one half of a deca-vanadate anion, one and a half trans-1,2-bis-(4-pyridinio)ethene cations and one water mol-ecule. The V(10)O(28) groups are involved in a three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding network through Ow-H⋯O, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O inter-actions.

(C(6)N(2)H(16))(0.5)[(VO)(HAsO(4))F] 1 has been synthesized using mild hydrothermal conditions under autogenous pressure. Above 70 degrees C, this phase has a polymorph with the same chemical composition 2 in which the organic 1,4-diamincyclohexane molecule adopts a different conformation. The crystal structures have been solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The phases crystallize in the C2/c monoclinic space group with the unit-cell parameters a = 21.065(2) A b = 7.2717(4) A c = 10.396(1) A beta = 104.290(8) degrees for compound 1 and a = 23.025(1) A, b = 7.322(1) A, c = 10.344(1) A and beta = 109.250(6) degrees for compound 2. These phases exhibit a layered inorganic framework, with the template molecule linking the layers via electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds. In both phases, the structure is built from secondary building units SBU-4, which are constructed from two [V(2)O(8)F(2)] edge-shared dimeric vanadyl octahedra, connected by the vertices of two hydrogenarsenate (HAsO(4)) tetrahedra. The repetition of this SBU unit gives sheets along the [010] direction. Polymorph 1 exists below 70 degrees C, whereas the limit of thermal stability for 2 is approximately 150 degrees C. Both phases coexist in the temperature range from 80 to -15 degrees C. By means of the DSC technique it has been possible to verify that the temperature of the structural transition is between 70 and 100 degrees C. The diffuse reflectance spectrum of 1 confirms the presence of vanadyl ions, in which the vanadium(IV) cations have a d(1) electronic configuration in a slightly distorted octahedral environment. ESR spectra of both phases are isotropic with mean g values of 1.96 and 1.99 for 1 and 2, respectively. Magnetic measurements for 1 indicate the existence of antiferromagnetic exchange couplings. Both phases are effective and selective catalysts in the oxidation of organic sulfides to sulfoxides and 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol.

Cu(SeO(3)).2H(2)O has been synthesized by hydrothermal technique under autogeneous pressure. The compound crystallizes in the P2(1)2(1)2(1) orthorhombic space group. The unit cell parameters are a=6.672(1), b=9.167(1) and c=7.372(1) A with Z=4. The crystal structure has been refined using the Rietveld method. The limit of thermal stability is 130 degrees C, temperature at which the water content is lost. Above 470 degrees C the compound decomposes in SeO(2)(g) and CuO(s). The IR spectrum shows the characteristic bands of the (SeO(3))(2-) oxoanion and water molecules. An intense absorption band characteristic of Cu(II) cations in five-coordination is observed in the diffuse reflectance spectrum. The ESR spectra are isotropic from room temperature to 4.2K, with g=2.13(1). Magnetic measurements confirm the existence of a global antiferromagnetic behavior with a spin canting phenomenon detected at, approximately, 30K.

(C(5)H(14)N(2))[(VO)(3)(AsO(4))(HAsO(4))(2)(OH)].3H(2)O behaves as a microporous organically templated compound, with reversible adsorption and desorption of N(2) at 77 K, and as an extremely efficient catalyst that catalyzes selective sulfoxide formation from organic sulfides, under mild conditions.

Chronic elevations in interleukin (IL)-6 have been associated with insulin resistance, but acute IL-6 administration can enhance insulin sensitivity. Our aim was to exogenously administer IL-6 to rats to elicit either chronic or repeated acute elevations in systemic IL-6. We hypothesized that a continuous elevation of IL-6 would inhibit glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity while acute intermittent elevations would improve it. Male Wistar rats were treated for 14d with recombinant human IL-6 (2.4 microy) or saline administered either by miniosmotic pump (continuous IL-6) or via twice-daily injection (intermittent IL-6). Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed following 14-d treatment and 24 h later rats were administered a bolus of insulin (150 mU/g) or saline intraperitoneally. Approximately, 10 min after insulin injection soleus, gastrocnemius and liver were excised and rapidly frozen in liquid nitrogen for subsequent metabolic measures. Irrespective of the mode of delivery, IL-6 treatment increased basal insulin sensitivity, as measured by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and enhanced glucose clearance during an i.p. glucose tolerance test. IL-6 increased circulating fatty acids, but did not increase triglyceride accumulation in either skeletal muscle or liver, while it increased the protein expression of both PPARalpha and UCP2 in skeletal muscle, suggesting that IL-6 can enhance fat oxidation via mitochondrial uncoupling. These data demonstrate that, irrespective of the mode of delivery, IL-6 administration over 2 weeks enhances glucose tolerance. Our results do not support the notion that prolonged chronically elevated IL-6 impairs insulin action in vivo.

Mn(SeO(3)).2H(2)O (1) and Fe(2)(SeO(3))(3).3H(2)O (2) have been synthesized by slow evaporation from an aqueous solution in the case of (1) and using mild hydrothermal conditions for (2). The crystal structures of both phases have been refined by the Rietveld method. The compounds crystallize in different spatial groups, the P2(1)/n monoclinic one with parameters a=6.649(1)A, b=6.542(1)A, c=10.890(1)A and beta=103.85(1) degrees being Z=4 for (1) and the R3c trigonal space group with parameters a=9.361(1)A, c=20.276(1)A and Z=6 for (2). The crystal structure of compound (1) consists of a three-dimensional framework formed by MnO(6) octahedra and (SeO(3))(2-) oxoanions with trigonal pyramidal geometry, which gives rise to Mn(2)O(10) dimers of edge-sharing octahedra. The crystal structure of phase (2) can be described as a three-dimensional framework formed by MnO(6) octahedra and (SeO(3))(2-) oxoanions with trigonal pyramidal geometry. In this phase the octahedral entities are linked along the three crystallographic axes through the selenite anions. Diffuse reflectance spectrum and luminescent measurements for (1) indicate the existence of Mn(2+) cations in a slightly distorted octahedral environment. Diffuse reflectance spectrum and Mössbauer spectroscopy, in the paramagnetic region, for (2) show the existence of Fe(3+) cations in slightly distorted octahedral symmetry. ESR spectra of both compounds are isotropic with a g-value of 1.99(1) and 2.00(1), respectively. Magnetic measurements of both phases indicate an antiferromagnetic behavior. For phase (2), both, the ESR and magnetic measurements suggest a spin change from Fe(3+) (S=5/2) to Fe(2+) (S=2) at low temperatures.

Patients with type 2 diabetes have reduced gene expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 72, which correlates with reduced insulin sensitivity. Heat therapy, which activates HSP72, improves clinical parameters in these patients. Activation of several inflammatory signaling proteins such as c-jun amino terminal kinase (JNK), inhibitor of kappaB kinase, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, can induce insulin resistance, but HSP 72 can block the induction of these molecules in vitro. Accordingly, we examined whether activation of HSP72 can protect against the development of insulin resistance. First, we show that obese, insulin resistant humans have reduced HSP72 protein expression and increased JNK phosphorylation in skeletal muscle. We next used heat shock therapy, transgenic overexpression, and pharmacologic means to overexpress HSP72 either specifically in skeletal muscle or globally in mice. Herein, we show that regardless of the means used to achieve an elevation in HSP72 protein, protection against diet- or obesity-induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance was observed. This protection was tightly associated with the prevention of JNK phosphorylation. These findings identify an essential role for HSP72 in blocking inflammation and preventing insulin resistance in the context of genetic obesity or high-fat feeding.

Coffin-Siris syndrome is a rare genetic disease characterized by coarse facial features, sparse scalp hair, hirsutism, hypoplasia of the distal phalanges, hypoplastic nail in the fifth digit, and mental retardation and delayed growth evident in both weight and height. Most cases are sporadic, but the possibility of recessive or dominant autosomal inheritance has been suggested. Facial abnormalities that make intubation difficult and mental retardation that interferes with cooperation are aspects of this disease that can affect the choice of type of anesthesia. We report the case of a parturient with Coffin-Siris syndrome who refused epidural analgesia for labor pain and for whom the obstetrician later decided that an emergency cesarean was necessary due to fetal distress.

The purposes were: (1) to determine the influence of sexual maturation status and body composition by comparing cardiovascular fitness (CVF) level in two adolescent populations from the south and the north of Europe; (2) to describe the associations between CVF and sexual maturation status in adolescence. A total of 1,867 Spanish adolescents from the AVENA study and 472 from the Swedish part of the EYHS were selected for this report (aged 14-16 years). CVF (expressed by the maximal oxygen consumption) was estimated from 20 m shuttle run test in the AVENA study and from a maximal ergometer cycle test in the EYHS. Sexual maturation status was classified according to Tanner stages. Body fat percentage (BF%) was estimated from skinfold thicknesses. Expressing CVF in different ways (in absolute value and in relation to weight or fat free mass; FFM) resulted in two different results with regard to CVF interpretation and comparison between the study populations. A higher CVF, as expressed in relation to FFM, was observed in the Spanish when compared to Swedish adolescents (P = 0.001). However, after adjusting for both sexual maturation status and BF%, the difference disappeared in males, while it remained significant in females (P = 0.001). CVF was negatively associated with sexual maturation status in males (P = 0.001). However, after adjusting for BF%, the association disappeared in males, while it was significant in females (P = 0.05). These results suggest that for CVF comparisons and interpretation in adolescent populations, sexual maturation status and BF%, as well as the way to express the CVF, should be taken into account., (Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Objective: To determine whether physical activity, sedentary activities, and/or cardiorespiratory fitness are related to waist circumference in adolescents, as previously reported in adults., Research Methods and Procedures: The study subjects were a representative sample of Spanish adolescents (N = 2859; 1357 boys, 1502 girls; age, 13 to 18.5 years), all of whom were involved in the AVENA (Food and Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Adolescents) study. BMI, waist circumference, pubertal maturation status, and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured in all. Leisure-time physical activity, sedentary activities, active commuting to school, and socioeconomic status were assessed by self-reported questionnaires., Results: No relationship was found between leisure-time physical activity and BMI or waist circumference. In contrast, and in both boys and girls and after adjustment for confounding variables, cardiorespiratory fitness was found to be inversely associated with waist circumference and BMI, independent of sedentary activities or physical activity (p < or = 0.001). The maximum oxygen consumption explained 13% of the variance in waist circumference in boys and 16% in girls. Sedentary activities were independently and directly related to waist circumference in both boys and girls (p < or = 0.05) and to BMI in boys (p < or = 0.05). Sedentary activities explained 10% of the variance in waist circumference in boys and 18% in girls. The BMI-adjusted waist circumference was inversely correlated with cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight-obese boys (p < or = 0.05) and showed a trend toward significance in girls (p < or = 0.1)., Discussion: Both moderate to high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and sedentary activities, but not physical activity, are associated with lower abdominal adiposity, as measured by waist circumference.

Introduction and Objectives: To determine whether the level of physical activity or physical fitness (i.e., aerobic capacity and muscle strength) in Spanish adolescents influences lipid and metabolic profiles., Methods: From a total of 2859 Spanish adolescents (age 13.0-18.5 years) taking part in the AVENA (Alimentación y Valoración del Estado Nutricional en Adolescentes) study, 460 (248 male, 212 female) were randomly selected for blood analysis. Their level of physical activity was determined by questionnaire. Aerobic capacity was assessed using the Course-Navette test. Muscle strength was evaluated using manual dynamometry, the long jump test, and the flexed arm hang test. A lipid-metabolic cardiovascular risk index was derived from the levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), and glucose., Results: No relationship was found between the level of physical activity and lipid-metabolic index in either sex. In contrast, there was an inverse relationship between the lipid-metabolic index and aerobic capacity in males (P=.003) after adjustment for physical activity level and muscle strength. In females, a favorable lipid-metabolic index was associated with greater muscle strength (P=.048) after adjustment for aerobic capacity., Conclusions: These results indicate that, in adolescents, physical fitness, and not physical activity, is related to lipid and metabolic cardiovascular risk. Higher aerobic capacity in males and greater muscle strength in females were associated with lower lipid and metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

The descriptive epidemiology of type 2 diabetes suggests that gene-lifestyle interactions are critical to the development of the condition. However, unravelling the molecular detail of these interactions is a complex task. The existing literature is based on small intervention studies or cross-sectional observational quantitative trait studies. Our systematic review of the literature identified some evidence of interactions, most notably for a common variant in the PPAR-gamma gene which appears to interact with the nature of dietary fat intake. Other interactions have been reported for adrenoceptors, uncoupling proteins, fatty acid binding proteins, apolipoproteins and lipoprotein lipase. There are, to date, no reports based on the ideal study design which is a case-control study nested within a cohort. To limit the likelihood of false discovery, such studies would need to be large and the search for interaction should be restricted to a priori biologically driven hypotheses. Additional study designs that examine differential response to lifestyle change or test interaction in the context of quantitative trait studies would complement the nested case-control approach, but the emphasis here should be on precision of measurement of both phenotype and lifestyle behaviour.

Aim: To describe the effects of chronological age and biological age (pubertal development) on serum lipid and lipoprotein levels, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in Spanish adolescents., Methods: A representative Spanish sample of 526 adolescents (254 males and 272 females), were studied. Total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and B, and lipoprotein(a) were measured, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) was calculated. Additional measurements included BMI and waist circumference. Adolescents were classified according to chronological age, and pubertal development (also age of menarche in females)., Results: In males, serum TC levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early puberty, and serum LDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with mid and early puberty. Serum HDLc levels were lower at mid puberty in comparison with early and late puberty. Serum TC and LDLc levels were not different when analyzed according to chronological age. In females, HDLc levels were lower at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, but no differences were found when HDLc and the other studied lipid and lipoprotein variables were analyzed according to chronological age, or age of menarche. All the observed differences persisted after adjusting for BMI and waist circumference. In female adolescents, both BMI and waist circumference were higher at late puberty in comparison with early and mid puberty, while in males, BMI and waist circumference were different when analyzed according to chronological age., Conclusion: The results suggest that the assessment of pubertal development may provide additional valuable information when interpreting lipid profile and body fat in adolescents.

A new open framework iron(III) phosphite with formula (C5H18N3)[Fe3(HPO3)6].3H2O has been prepared by hydrothermal synthesis with N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine as a templating agent. The crystal structure was solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data in the trigonal space group R. The unit cell parameters are a= 8.803(1) A and c= 25.292(2) A with Z = 3. The complex pillared structure can be described as two interpenetrating subnets, one organic, [(C5H18N3).3H2O]3+, and one inorganic, [Fe3(HPO3)6]3-. In the inorganic subnet, the pillars are formed by FeO6 trimers linked by vertex sharing phosphite groups, while in the cationic subnet the organic molecules act like pillars. With increasing temperature, the flexibility of the structure allows contraction due to dehydration followed by thermal expansion before reaching the thermal stability limit. The Dq and Racah parameters calculated for (C5H18N3)[Fe3(HPO3)6].3H2O are Dq = 965, B = 1080, and C = 2472 cm(-1). Mössbauer spectroscopy confirms the trivalent oxidation state of iron cations and the crystallographic multiplicities of their sites. The ESR spectra show isotropic signals with a g-value of 2.00(1). Specific-heat measurements show a three-dimensional (lambda-type) peak at a critical temperature Tc = 32 K. The value of the entropy at saturation is 46 J/mol K, very near the expected value of 44.7 J/mol K for the iron(III) cations with S = 5/2. Magnetic measurements indicate a three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering below 32 K and a reorientation of spins below 15 K with an incomplete cancellation of spins due to triangular interactions inherent to the structure.

Background and Aims: We explored the associations between aerobic physical fitness with blood lipids and a composite index of blood lipids and fasting glycaemia in adolescents, analysing possible interactions with weight status., Methods and Results: Body mass index and aerobic physical fitness was measured in 2090 adolescents (1034 males and 1056 females) 13-18.5 years by using the 20-m shuttle run test. Plasma glucose, total, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apo B-100 and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] were measured in 460 of the 2090 subjects. After adjustment for confounding factors, a continuously distributed summary score for blood lipids and fasting glycaemia was significantly related to aerobic fitness in males (P=0.018) and females (P=0.045, from the 2nd to the 4th quartile of aerobic fitness). After adjustment for gender, age, sexual maturation and economic status, aerobic fitness was related to the composite index of blood lipids and glycaemia in both overweight and non-overweight adolescents (P< 0.05). However, for the same level of aerobic fitness, the composite index of blood lipids and glycaemia was significantly higher in overweight adolescents (P=0.001). After setting the minimal aerobic fitness standards to present a healthy lipid profile, about 50% of males did not reach such values., Conclusion: Our data suggest that both aerobic fitness and weight management are associated with a composite index of blood lipids and glycaemia in adolescents. Our study also provides the minimal levels of aerobic physical fitness associated with a favourable lipid profile in male adolescents, a new tool which should be adopted by schools as "aerobic fitness standards".

A new iron(III) phosphite templated by ethylenediamine has been synthesized using solvothermal conditions under autogenous pressure. The (C2N2H10)[Fe(HPO3)F3] compound has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and spectroscopic and magnetic techniques. The crystal structure is formed by chains extended along the c axis and surrounded by ethylenediammonium cations. A study by diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy has been performed, and the calculated Dq, B, and C parameters for the Fe(III) cations are 1030, 720, and 3080 cm(-1), respectively. The Mössbauer spectrum at room temperature is characteristic of Fe(III) ions. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra carried out at different temperatures show isotropic signals with a g value of 2.00(1). The thermal evolution of the intensity of the ESR signals indicates the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions for the Fe(III) phase. The magnetic susceptibility data of the Cr(III) and V(III) compounds show antiferromagnetic couplings. The J-exchange parameters of the Fe(III) and Cr(III) compounds have been calculated by using a model for a triangular spin ladder chain. The values are J1 = -1.63(1) K and J2 = -0.87(2) K with g = 2.02 for the Fe(III) phase and J(1) = -0.56(2) K and J2 = -0.40(2) K with g = 1.99 for the Cr(III) compound. In the case of the V(III) phase, the fit has been performed considering a linear chain with the magnetic parameters D = 2.5 cm(-1) and J = -1.15(1) K.

Background/aims: To explore in adolescents the associations between simple anthropometric variables with a continuously distributed summary score for lipid-related metabolic risk in both overweight and non-overweight adolescents, and to test whether these associations are modified by the level of cardiorespiratory fitness., Methods: Cardiorespiratory fitness, BMI, skinfold thicknesses, body circumferences, and a continuously distributed clustering of lipid- related metabolic risk (calculated from LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose) were measured in 524 adolescents (265 males, 259 females, 15.3 +/- 1.4 years) from the cross-sectional multicentric AVENA study. Participants were classified as overweight (including obesity) or non-overweight., Results: Most anthropometric parameters were univariately related to the continuous lipid-related metabolic risk. However, after multicollinear analysis and generalized linear modelling, suprailiac skinfold thickness in males (p < 0.001, explained variance 12.2%) and waist-to-height ratio in females (p < 0.001, explained variance 10.0%) were the best determinants of the continuous metabolic risk score, after adjustment for age, sexual maturation, and economic status. These associations were slightly weakened in overweight males (p = 0.034) and females (p = 0.087), and did not interact with cardiorespiratory fitness., Conclusion: Our data emphasize the usefulness of suprailiac skinfold thickness in males and waist-to-height ratio in females as simple anthropometric measurements associated to an overall lipid-related metabolic risk, mainly in non-overweight adolescents and regardless their cardiorespiratory status., (Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Two new manganese(II) selenite polymorphs with formula Mn(SeO3) have been synthesised using supercritical hydrothermal conditions. The crystal structure of both compounds (1) and (2) has been solved from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The structures consist of a three-dimensional framework formed by MnO6 octahedra and (SeO3)2- selenite anions with trigonal pyramidal geometry. Compound (1) shows chains of elongated, corner-sharing MnO6 octahedra. These chains are linked alternately by Mn2O10 dimers of edge-sharing octahedra. Conversely, compound (2) exhibits MnO6 octahedra sharing edges with three further octahedra, giving rise to a complex three-dimensional framework. The IR spectra show the characteristic bands of the selenite anion. Studies of luminescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, performed at 6 K and at room temperature, respectively, have been carried out for both compounds. The Dq and Racah parameters are Dq= 830, B= 500 and C= 3790 cm(-1) for (1) and Dq= 795, B= 520 and C= 3785 cm(-1) for (2). The EPR spectra of both compounds are isotropic with a g-value of 1.99(1), which remains unchanged with variation in temperature. Magnetic measurements indicate the presence of antiferromagnetic couplings as the major interactions in both phases, but with compound (2) exhibiting at low temperature a canting of antiferromagnetically aligned spins. The estimated J-exchange parameters are J/k=-2.2 and -1.93 for (1) and (2), respectively, with J'= -0.87 and -0.55 K.

Heat shock protein (Hsp) 72 is a cytosolic stress protein that is highly inducible by several factors including exercise. Hsp60 is primarily mitochondrial in cellular location, plays a key role in the intracellular protein translocation and cytoprotection, is increased in skeletal muscle by exercise, and is found in the peripheral circulation of healthy humans. Glucose deprivation increases Hsp72 in cultured cells, whereas reduced glycogen availability elevates Hsp72 in contracting human skeletal muscle. To determine whether maintained blood glucose during exercise attenuates the exercise-induced increase in intramuscular and circulating Hsp72 and Hsp60, 6 males performed 120 minutes of semirecumbent cycling at approximately 65% maximal oxygen uptake on 2 occasions while ingesting either a 6.4% glucose (GLU) or sweet placebo (CON) beverage throughout exercise. Muscle biopsies, obtained before and immediately after exercise, were analyzed for Hsp72 and Hsp60 protein expression. Blood samples were simultaneously obtained from a brachial artery, a femoral vein, and the hepatic vein before and during exercise for the analysis of serum Hsp72 and Hsp60. Leg and hepatosplanchnic blood flow were measured to determine Hsp72-Hsp60 flux across these tissue beds. Neither exercise nor glucose ingestion affected the Hsp72 or Hsp60 protein expression in, or their release from, contracting skeletal muscle. Arterial serum Hsp72 increased (P < 0.05) throughout exercise in both trials but was attenuated (P < 0.05) in GLU. This may have been in part because of the increased (P < 0.05) hepatosplanchnic Hsp72 release in CON, being totally abolished (P < 0.05) in GLU. Serum Hsp60 increased (P < 0.05) after 60 minutes of exercise in CON before returning to resting levels at 120 minutes. In contrast, no exercise-induced increase in serum Hsp60 was observed in GLU. We detected neither hepatosplanchnic nor contracting limb Hsp60 release in either trial. In conclusion, maintaining glucose availability during exercise attenuates the circulating Hsp response in healthy humans.

Intramuscular triacylglycerols (IMTG) are proposed to be an important metabolic substrate for contracting muscle, although this remains controversial. To test the hypothesis that reduced plasma free fatty acid (FFA) availability would increase IMTG degradation during exercise, seven active men cycled for 180 min at 60% peak pulmonary O(2) uptake either without (CON) or with (NA) prior ingestion of nicotinic acid to suppress adipose tissue lipolysis. Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue biopsy samples were obtained before and at 90 and 180 min of exercise. NA ingestion decreased (P < 0.05) plasma FFA at rest and completely suppressed the exercise-induced increase in plasma FFA (180 min: CON, 1.42 +/- 0.07; NA, 0.10 +/- 0.01 mM). The decreased plasma FFA during NA was associated with decreased (P < 0.05) adipose tissue hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activity (CON: 13.9 +/- 2.5, NA: 9.1 +/- 3.0 nmol.min(-1).mg protein(-1)). NA ingestion resulted in decreased whole body fat oxidation and increased carbohydrate oxidation. Despite the decreased whole body fat oxidation, net IMTG degradation was greater in NA compared with CON (net change: CON, 2.3 +/- 0.8; NA, 6.3 +/- 1.2 mmol/kg dry mass). The increased IMTG degradation did not appear to be due to reduced fatty acid esterification, because glycerol 3-phosphate activity was not different between trials and was unaffected by exercise (rest: 0.21 +/- 0.07; 180 min: 0.17 +/- 0.04 nmol.min(-1).mg protein(-1)). HSL activity was not increased from resting rates during exercise in either trial despite elevated plasma epinephrine, decreased plasma insulin, and increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)alpha1 activity was not affected by exercise or NA, whereas AMPKalpha2 activity was increased (P < 0.05) from rest during exercise in NA and was greater (P < 0.05) than in CON at 180 min. These data suggest that plasma FFA availability is an important mediator of net IMTG degradation, and in the absence of plasma FFA, IMTG degradation cannot maintain total fat oxidation. These changes in IMTG degradation appear to disassociate, however, from the activity of the key enzymes responsible for synthesis and degradation of this substrate.

Objectives: To study the effect of different types of sports on plasma lipid profile. Subjects and method. Fasting plasma levels of total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol (TC, LDLc, HDLc), triglycerides, phospholipids, apo A-I, apo B-100, and Lp(a) were measured in 28 swimmers, 17 volleyball players and 23 soccer players, and in a control group. All subjects participated in official national competitions except the control group. The results were compared to those in a control group of 26 healthy sedentary subjects. All groups were matched according to age, body mass index and nutritional status. Cutoff points to classify subjects with high plasma concentrations of Lp(a) and LDLc were 32 mg/dL and 128 mg/dL, respectively. For other variables the cutoff points were the third quartile values recorded in the control group, except for apo A-I and HDLc, for which we used the first quartile values., Results: Persons who practice sports involving a high level of physical exertion (volleyball and soccer players) had a less favorable lipid profile compared to control subjects. In contrast, swimmers had a more favorable lipid profile. The odds ratio for lipid profile anomalies was significantly higher in volleyball and soccer players, and lower in swimmers. In the former two groups we observed a clear tendency toward simultaneous elevations in LDLc, apo B-100 and Lp(a). In contrast, the opposite interaction was seen in swimmers, who had lower values for all lipids., Conclusion: Our results show that stressful physical exertion can lead to abnormalities in plasma lipid profile.

The genomic characterization of the strain used in manufacturing biolarvicide BACTIVET was shown in this paper. Digestion patterns of Bacillus thuringiensis reference strain 266 from the collection of Pushkin Institute located in former Leningrad and of two strains isolated from 2 batches of biolarvicide were compared. Chromosomal DNA digestion was performed by enzymes Hindlll and EcoRI. The same restriction pattern was observed in all cases, which is indicative of genetic stability of the active ingredient of biolarvicide BACTIVET.

In clinical research, suitable visualization techniques of data after statistical analysis are crucial for the researches' and physicians' understanding. Common statistical techniques to analyze data in clinical research are logistic regression models. Among these, the application of binary logistic regression analysis (LRA) has greatly increased during past years, due to its diagnostic accuracy and because scientists often want to analyze in a dichotomous way whether some event will occur or not. Such an analysis lacks a suitable, understandable, and widely used graphical display, instead providing an understandable logit function based on a linear model for the natural logarithm of the odds in favor of the occurrence of the dependent variable, Y. By simple exponential transformation, such a logit equation can be transformed into a logistic function, resulting in predicted probabilities for the presence of the dependent variable, P(Y-1/X). This model can be used to generate a simple graphical display for binary LRA. For the case of a single predictor or explanatory (independent) variable, X, a plot can be generated with X represented by the abscissa (i.e., horizontal axis) and P(Y-1/X) represented by the ordinate (i.e., vertical axis). For the case of multiple predictor models, I propose here a relief 3D surface graphic in order to plot up to four independent variables (two continuous and two discrete). By using this technique, any researcher or physician would be able to transform a lesser understandable logit function into a figure easier to grasp, thus leading to a better knowledge and interpretation of data in clinical research. For this, a sophisticated statistical package is not necessary, because the graphical display may be generated by using any 2D or 3D surface plotter.

Aim: Physical exercise in recreational mountain sports is frequently performed without acclimatization to hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia may modify the hormonal and metabolic adaptive response to exercise depending on the type of exercise and on the physical fitness of the subject. This study aims at investigating the growth hormone (GH) response to submaximal exercise after acute exposure to moderate high altitude., Methods: Ten trained (T) and 10 untrained (UT) male volunteers (mean age 23.8+/-3.2 y) underwent, in random order, 2 submaximal exercise (ergocycle) tests of the same absolute intensity. One test was performed at their habitual living altitude (690 m above sea level); the other, after acute exposure to 2325 m above sea level. Plasma levels of GH, Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and lactate were measured before and immediately after the exercise tests., Results: Plasma GH levels increased after exercise (p<0.05) in both experimental conditions, and for both T and UT subjects. Hypoxia decreased the GH-IGF-1 response to exercise in the UT group. By contrast, the GH-IGF-1 response to exercise was not modified in the T group. The increase in plasma lactate levels induced by exercise was much higher in the UT than in the T group, and it was not affected by hypoxia., Conclusion: Acute exposure to hypoxia blunts the GH response to submaximal physical exercise in untrained individuals.

This study aimed at investigating to what extent sauna-induced dehydration is effective to rapidly decrease body weight and whether this practice alters strength and/or explosive power (jump capacity) in healthy athletes. We also investigated whether the observed changes could be rapidly reversed through rehydration. Six male (aged 21.6 +/- 1.8 y) and six female (aged 24.5 +/- 3.7 y) athletes who were not familiar with weight cutting procedures were tested on three occasions: 1) before sauna, 2) after three consecutive sauna sessions (3 x 20 min at 70 degrees C, with 5 min rest interval), and 3) after one hour rehydration period (2.5 ml/kg body weight every 15 min). For rehydration, a carbohydrate beverage (6.3 % glucose, 9.5 mmol/l Na (+), 10 degrees C) was used. Evaluation consisted of body composition, strength (row-strength, handgrip-strength) and jump capacity (squat jump, counter-movement jump and elastic capacity). Sauna-induced dehydration, significantly decreased body weight in men (- 1.8 +/- 0.5 %) and women (-1.4 +/- 0.6 %). This reduction could not be rapidly reversed through rehydration. This weight cutting scheme did not affect strength or jump capacity in men. In women, a statistically significant decrease in squat jump was manifested after rehydration compared to pre-sauna values 23.7 +/- 2.2 vs. 25.2 +/- 1.4 cm, p < 0.05). The squat jump decrease in women was linearly and directly related to the percent reduction of body weight.

The new orthorhombic Fe(AsO4) phase has been synthesized by thermal treatment at 525 degrees C of a new (NH4)[Fe(AsO4)F] compound, with a [Fe(AsO4)F]- skeleton showing channels where the ammonium cations are located. The crystal structure of Fe(AsO4) has been solved from single-crystal data. The structure is formed by layers of edge-sharing dimeric octahedra, and interconnected by chains of alternating FeO6 octahedra and AsO4 tetrahedra.

This study investigates which position (grip span) on the standard grip dynamometer results in maximum grip strength. Our null hypotheses included (1) no optimal grip span exists for measuring grip strength and (2) optimal grip span is unrelated to hand size. We also intended to derive a simple mathematical algorithm to adapt grip span to hand size. Seventy healthy subjects (40 women/30 men; mean age, 40 years; range; 20-80 years) free of upper-limb lesions were evaluated. Each hand was randomly tested on 10 occasions using 5 different grip spans. Our findings showed that (1) optimal grip span was identified for both genders and (2) hand size and optimal grip span correlated in women but not in men. When measuring handgrip strength in women, hand size must be taken into consideration. We provide a mathematical equation (y = x/5 + 1.5 cm) to adapt optimal grip span (y) to hand size (x) in women. In adult men, optimal grip span can be set at a fixed value (5.5 cm).

Three studies were conducted in Cienfuegos province to prove that intestinal amebiasis in Cuba could be an overestimated health problem. The first two studies showed two components of this overestimation: microscopical overdiagnosis and lack of knowledge about Entamoeba dispar, a non-pathogenic species, in most cases in which microscopical examination was correct. This paper reported the third study that showed the third component: the wrong belief that Entamoeba histolytica is resistant to metronidazole. Thirty-five individuals infected with one or both species of E-histolytica-E. dispar combination were given metronidazole at a dose of 250 mg three times daily for 10 days. Stool samples taken immediately after the treatment were tested by ENZYMEBA to detect one or both species and by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction procedure to determine the existing species. The results of these assays revealed that E. histolytica infection disappeared in all the cases, therefore, we may conclude that in Cienfuegos province and probably in the rest of the country, metronidazol remains an effective drug in the treatment of intestinal amebiasis