Spray curtains as devices for surface spraying during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Counteracting the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a current and important problem. A crucial issue in this area is the disinfection of various surfaces, as well as the air itself. For this purpose, devices such as foggers, which have different designs, are used. The appropriate size of droplets and their distribution determines the effectiveness of disinfectants. The paper presents droplet size distributions and characteristic mean droplet diameters, which are obtained with the use of a conical pressure-swirl atomizer. For the purpose of the analysis, the laser diffraction method was used. The influence of gas pressure and the distance from the atomizer's orifice on the spray angle and the distance between the nozzles on the spray curtain was also demonstrated.

The Influence of an Adrenergic Antagonist Guanethidine (GUA) on the Distribution Pattern and Chemical Coding of Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG) Neurons Supplying the Porcine Urinary Bladder.

Although guanethidine (GUA) was used in the past as a drug to suppress hyperactivity of the sympathetic nerve fibers, there are no available data concerning the possible action of this substance on the sensory component of the peripheral nervous system supplying the urinary bladder. Thus, the present study was aimed at disclosing the influence of intravesically instilled GUA on the distribution, relative frequency, and chemical coding of dorsal root ganglion neurons associated with the porcine urinary bladder. The investigated sensory neurons were visualized with a retrograde tracing method using Fast Blue (FB), while their chemical profile was disclosed with single-labeling immunohistochemistry using antibodies against substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), galanin (GAL), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), somatostatin (SOM), and calbindin (CB). After GUA treatment, a slight decrease in the number of FB+ neurons containing SP was observed when compared with untreated animals (34.6 ± 6.5% vs. 45.6 ± 1.3%), while the number of retrogradely traced cells immunolabeled for GAL, nNOS, and CB distinctly increased (12.3 ± 1.0% vs. 7.4 ± 0.6%, 11.9 ± 0.6% vs. 5.4 ± 0.5% and 8.6 ± 0.5% vs. 2.7 ± 0.4%, respectively). However, administration of GUA did not change the number of FB+ neurons containing CGRP, PACAP, or SOM. The present study provides evidence that GUA significantly modifies the sensory innervation of the porcine urinary bladder wall and thus may be considered a potential tool for studying the plasticity of this subdivision of the bladder innervation.

The Influence of an Adrenergic Antagonist Guanethidine on the Distribution Pattern and Chemical Coding of Caudal Mesenteric Ganglion Perikarya and Their Axons Supplying the Porcine Bladder.

This study was aimed at disclosing the influence of intravesically instilled guanethidine (GUA) on the distribution, relative frequency and chemical coding of both the urinary bladder intramural sympathetic nerve fibers and their parent cell bodies in the caudal mesenteric ganglion (CaMG) in juvenile female pigs. GUA instillation led to a profound decrease in the number of perivascular nerve terminals. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the perivascular innervation within the treated bladder also distinctly changed, as most of axons became somatostatin-immunoreactive (SOM-IR), while in the control animals they were found to be neuropeptide Y (NPY)-positive. Intravesical treatment with GUA led not only to a significant decrease in the number of bladder-projecting tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) CaMG somata (94.3 ± 1.8% vs. 73.3 ± 1.4%; control vs. GUA-treated pigs), but simultaneously resulted in the rearrangement of their co-transmitters repertoire, causing a distinct decrease in the number of TH+/NPY+ (89.6 ± 0.7% vs. 27.8 ± 0.9%) cell bodies and an increase in the number of SOM-(3.6 ± 0.4% vs. 68.7 ± 1.9%), calbindin-(CB; 2.06 ± 0.2% vs. 9.1 ± 1.2%) or galanin-containing (GAL; 1.6 ± 0.3% vs. 28.2 ± 1.3%) somata. The present study provides evidence that GUA significantly modifies the sympathetic innervation of the porcine urinary bladder wall, and thus may be considered a potential tool for studying the plasticity of this subdivision of the bladder innervation.

Expression of the apelin system in the porcine pituitary during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy and the effect of apelin on LH and FSH secretion.

Reproductive success requires considerable energy investment. Research has shown that some adipokines, i.e. the hormones produced in adipose tissue, affect reproductive functions by influencing all structures of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Apelin is a recently identified member of the adipokine family. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the gene and protein expression of the apelin system (the apelin hormone and the apelin receptor, APJ) in the anterior (AP) and posterior (PP) pituitary lobes of the domestic pig during different phases of the oestrous cycle (days 2 to 3, 10 to 12, 14 to 16, and 17 to 19) and in early pregnancy (days 10 to 11, 12 to 13, 15 to 16, and 27 to 28). It was also assumed that apelin participates in the regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and influences Akt, MAPK/Erk1/2, and AMPK signalling pathways in the AP during the oestrous cycle. Apelin, APJ mRNAs and proteins were detected in both pituitary lobes. Apelin was identified in gonadotropes, somatotropes, lactotropes, and thyrotropes. The study also revealed that apelin and APJ mRNA/protein levels fluctuate during the oestrous cycle and early gestation. Apelin affects basal, GnRH- and/or insulin-stimulated gonadotropin secretion in some phases of the cycle, as well as the phosphorylation of Akt, MAPK/Erk1/2, and AMPK proteins in AP cells. These findings suggest that apelin may be produced locally in the pituitary and that this gland is receptive to apelin's action. The study also suggest that apelin may influence female reproductive functions by controlling the release of LH and FSH from AP cells, and that it affects Akt, MAPK/Erk1/2, and AMPK signalling pathways.

Plasma level and expression of visfatin in the porcine hypothalamus during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Visfatin appears to be an energy sensor involved in the regulation of female fertility, which creates a hormonal link integrating the control of energy homeostasis and reproduction. This study evaluates the expression levels of visfatin gene and protein in selected areas of the porcine hypothalamus responsible for gonadotropin-releasing hormone synthesis: the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and preoptic area (POA), and visfatin concentrations in the blood plasma. The tissue samples were harvested from gilts on days 2-3, 10-12, 14-16, and 17-19 of the estrous cycle, and on days 10-11, 12-13, 15-16, 27-28 of pregnancy. Visfatin was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells creating both studied hypothalamic structures. The study demonstrated that visfatin gene and protein expression in MBH and POA depends on hormonal status related to the phase of the estrous cycle or early pregnancy. Blood plasma concentrations of visfatin during the estrous cycle were higher on days 2-3 in relation to other studied phases of the cycle, while during early pregnancy, the highest visfatin contents were observed on days 12-13. This study demonstrated visfatin expression in the porcine hypothalamus and its dependence on the hormonal milieu related to the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Infective larvae of Anisakis simplex (Nematoda) accumulate trehalose and glycogen in response to starvation and temperature stress.

Anisakis simplex L3 larvae infect fish and other seafood species such as squid or octopi; therefore, humans consuming raw or undercooked fish may become accidental hosts for this parasite. These larvae are induced to enter hypometabolism by cold temperatures. It is assumed that sugars (in particular trehalose and glycogen) are instrumental for survival under environmental stress conditions. To elucidate the mechanisms of environmental stress response in A. simplex, we observed the effects of starvation and temperature on trehalose and glycogen content, the activity of enzymes metabolizing those sugars, and the relative expression of genes of trehalose and glycogen metabolic pathways. The L3 of A. simplex synthesize trehalose both in low (0°C) and high temperatures (45°C). The highest content of glycogen was observed at 45°C at 36 h of incubation. On the second day of incubation, tissue content of trehalose depended on the activity of the enzymes: TPS was more active at 45°C, and TPP was more active at 0°C. The changes in TPP activity were consistent with the transcript level changes of the TPP gene, and the trehalose level, while glycogen synthesis correlates with the expression of glycogen synthase gene at 45°C; this suggests that the synthesis of trehalose is more essential. These results show that trehalose plays a key role in providing energy during the thermotolerance and starvation processes through the molecular and biochemical regulation of trehalose and glycogen metabolism.

Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactivity and its relations with gonadotropin-releasing hormone and neuropeptide Y in the preoptic area of the guinea pig.

The present study examines the distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity and its morphological relationships with neuropeptide Y (NPY)- and gonadoliberin (GnRH)-immunoreactive (IR) structures in the preoptic area (POA) of the male guinea pig. Tyrosine hydroxylase was expressed in relatively small population of perikarya and they were mostly observed in the periventricular preoptic nucleus and medial preoptic area. The tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-IR) fibers were dispersed troughout the whole POA. The highest density of these fibers was observed in the median preoptic nucleus, however, in the periventricular preoptic nucleus and medial preoptic area they were only slightly less numerous. In the lateral preoptic area, the density of TH-IR fibers was moderate. Two morphological types of TH-IR fibers were distinguished: smooth and varicose. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that TH and GnRH overlapped in the guinea pig POA but they never coexisted in the same structures. TH-IR fibers often intersected with GnRH-IR structures and many of them touched the GnRH-IR perikarya or dendrites. NPY wchich was abundantly present in the POA only in fibers showed topographical proximity with TH-IR structures. Althoug TH-IR perikarya and fibers were often touched by NPY-IR fibers, colocalization of TH and NPY in the same structures was very rare. There was only a small population of fibers which contained both NPY and TH. In conclusion, the morphological evidence of contacts between TH- and GnRH-IR nerve structures may be the basis of catecholaminergic control of GnRH release in the preoptic area of the male guinea pig. Moreover, TH-IR neurons were conatcted by NPY-IR fibers and TH and NPY colocalized in some fibers, thus NPY may regulate catecholaminergic neurons in the POA.

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript and calcium binding proteins immunoreactivity in the subicular complex of the guinea pig.

In this study we present the distribution and colocalization pattern of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and three calcium-binding proteins: calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV) in the subicular complex (SC) of the guinea pig. The subiculum (S) and presubiculum (PrS) showed higher CART-immunoreactivity (-IR) than the parasubiculum (PaS) as far as the perikarya and neuropil were concerned. CART- IR cells were mainly observed in the pyramidal layer and occasionally in the molecular layer of the S. In the PrS and PaS, single CART-IR perikarya were dispersed, however with a tendency to be found only in superficial layers. CART-IR fibers were observed throughout the entire guinea pig subicular neuropil. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that CART-IR perikarya, as well as fibers, did not stain positively for any of the three CaBPs. CART-IR fibers were only located near the CB-, CR-, PV-IR perikarya, whereas CART-IR fibers occasionally intersected fibers containing one of the three CaBPs. The distribution pattern of CART was more similar to that of CB and CR than to that of PV. In the PrS, the CART, CB and CR immunoreactivity showed a laminar distribution pattern. In the case of the PV, this distribution pattern in the PrS was much less prominent than that of CART, CB and CR. We conclude that a heterogeneous distribution of the CART and CaBPs in the guinea pig SC is in keeping with findings from other mammals, however species specific differences have been observed.

The influence of water-based training on arrhythmia in patients with stable coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND: Water immersion may cause adverse cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias in patients with damaged cardiac muscle, e.g. with cardiac failure. So far, there have been rather few reports on arrhythmia induced by water training in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the study was to assess the influence of exercise training in moderately cold water (28-30°C) on arrhythmia and physical capacity in stable CAD patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) function. METHODS: Sixty-two post-myocardial infarction male patients, mean age 50.9 ± 7.9 years, participated in 16 water-based trainings (WBT), which lasted 55-min, twice a week in water at 28-30°C. Each subject underwent 24 h Holter on-land monitoring (Holter-24) once during the study and twice in-water Holter monitoring (Holter-W) during WBT. Before and after WBT cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed. The following parameters were analyzed: peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2), mean number of ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs) and supraventricular ectopic beats (SVEBs) during Holter-24 and Holter-W, the percentage of men who developed arrhythmia during CPET vs. Holter-24 and vs. Holter-W. RESULTS: WBT significantly improved patients' physical capacity, and more often provoked arrhythmia, mainly SVEBs, than CPET or daily activity assessed during Holter-24. During WBT 58% men developed VEBs and 62% SVEBs. CONCLUSIONS: 1. WBT provoked arrhythmias significantly more often than did CPET and normal daily activity. 2. Owing to WBT patients improved their physical capacity which was still maintained at 1-year follow-up.

A morphometric study of the amygdala in the guinea pig.

The characteristic features of guinea pig amygdala (CA), as shown by volumetric comparisons of the individual nuclei, are the poor development of the basolateral (BL) and lateral olfactory tract (NLOT) nuclei as well as the strong formation of the lateral (LA) and basomedial (BM) nuclei. The central (CE), cortical (CO) and medial (ME) nuclei also appear to be well represented in this species. All these features are even more pronounced when the total number of neurons in the nuclei referred to was taken into consideration. A comparison of the densities of neurons in the individual nuclei with the mean numerical density of cells in the guinea pig CA indicates that the densities of neurons in LA, BL, BM, CE and CO are significantly lower than the mean (p < 0.05), whereas in the ME and NLOT these values are significantly higher than the mean (p < 0.05). It is noteworthy, that the densities of the neurons in CE and CO do not differ statistically from each other (p > 0.05) and are significantly higher than the respective values in LA, BL and BM (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a similar division of the guinea pig CA may to some extent be made using the size parameters of the amygdaloid neurons as a marker. Interestingly, the large neurons populate organised CA areas like LA, BL and BM less densely, whereas the small cells create ME and NLOT, where the neurons are densely arranged. CE and CO occupy intermediate positions, with the neurons similar in size to the mean for the guinea pig CA.

Hybrid model of cardiac rehabilitation in men and women after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: A relatively new alternative for post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients' care is the hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (CR) consisting of ambulatory and home-based parts. The aim of the study was to compare the influence of CR on physical capacity, safety, adherence and return to work in post-MI male and female patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function, and to assess who benefited more from this model of trainings. METHODS: The study comprised 57 men aged 54.5 ± 7.5 years and 30 women aged 52.2 ± 6.7 years after MI. All subjects underwent an 8-week training program consisting of 24 interval trainings. The first 10 trainings were conducted in an out-patient clinic, then both groups did their training at home with TeleECG monitoring. At the beginning and after trainings all patients underwent a symptom-limited exercise stress test. Assessment included results of exercise tests. Moreover, a comparative analysis of adherence and returning to work in post MI female and male patients was performed. RESULTS: We found that trainings led to a significant improvement in physical capacity in all patients based on exercise test. When the training effects were compared between men and women, no significant differences were observed. The percentage of patients returning to work was higher in men than in women (78.9% vs. 50%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Hybrid rehabilitation resulted in a comparable improvement in physical capacity in post-MI low-risk male and female patients. 2. Although hybrid rehabilitation facilitated patients' adherence to the training program, their return to work was significantly greater only in post-MI men.

A novel model of exercise walking training in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training is an established, guideline-recommended treatment approach in cardiovascular disease. Designing novel methods of exercise training that would be accepted by the patients seems to be a way to increase patient attendance at cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The 6-min walking test (6-MWT) is a simple, safe and objective method to assess exercise capacity. In patients without heart failure, oxygen consumption after 6 min of walking reaches the ventilatory threshold (VT) level. Training up to the VT level is recommended in CR. Theoretical grounds exist for designing a novel model of CR based on diagnostic 6-MWT. AIM: Pilot implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of a new form of walking training based on 6-MWT in low-risk patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The study included 119 men after CABG undergoing phase II CR. Depending on whether patients granted a consent to undergo home-based electrocardiography (ECG) telemonitored CR or not, they were divided into two groups: group A (60 patients) - standard CR combined with the new model (walking 6 times for 6 min with 3-min intervals) for 5 days a week; and group B (59 controls) - standard CR. At baseline and after 3 and 12 months, the patients underwent the following tests: 6-MWT, 24-h Holter ECG monitoring (including evaluation of heart rate variability), and biochemical laboratory tests. RESULTS: No significant differences in 6-MWT distance were found between the groups at baseline and at 3 and 12 months. At 3 months, 6-MWT distance increased significantly in both groups (group A: 419 ± 73 vs. 515 ± 70 m, p < 0.02; group B: 422 ± 86 vs. 519 ± 73 m, p < 0.02). At 3 and 12 months, body mass was higher in group B controls (p < 0.05). At 3 months, glycaemia and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were significantly lower in group A patients (p < 0.05). At 12 months, triglyceride levels were higher in group B (p < 0.05). At 3 months, SDNN was higher in group A. After 12 months, LF was lower in group A. At baseline, the LF/HF ratio was significantly higher in group A (p < 0.05) but during further follow-up, favourable changes in the LF/HF ratio were noted only in group A. CONCLUSIONS: The novel model of exercise walking training had a favourable effect on body mass, glycaemia and hsCRP level reduction, and induced favourable changes of the sympathovagal balance.

Home-based telemonitored Nordic walking training is well accepted, safe, effective and has high adherence among heart failure patients, including those with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: a randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of rehabilitation in heart failure (HF) patients are well established. Little is known about Nordic walking (NW) training in HF patients especially in those with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess safety, effectiveness, adherence to and acceptance of home-based telemonitored NW in HF patients, including those with CIEDs (i.e. cardiac resynchronisation therapy, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator). METHODS: The study design was a single-centre, prospective, parallel-group, randomised (2:1), controlled trial among 111 HF patients, New York Heart Association (NYHA) II-III; left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 40%. The intervention was a home-based telemonitored eight-week NW (training group (TG) n = 77) five times weekly vs usual care alone (control group (CG) n = 34). Outcome measures included a primary end point of functional capacity assessed by peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak). Secondary end points included: workload duration (t) in cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), six-minute walking test (6-MWT) distance and quality of life (QoL), Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36); safety; adherence to and acceptance of NW. Measurements were made before and after intervention. RESULTS: NW resulted in significant improvement in: VO2peak (16.1 ± 4.0 vs 18.4 ± 4.1(ml/kg/min), p = 0.0001), t (471 ± 141 vs 577 ± 158 (s), p = 0.0001), 6-MWT(428 ± 93 vs 480 ± 87 (m), p = 0.0001) and QoL (79.0 ± 31.3 vs 70.8 ± 30.3 (score), p = 0.0001). We did not observe favourable results in the CG. The differences between the TG and CG were significant in: ΔVO2peak (Δ2.0 ± 2.4 vs Δ-0.2 ± 2.1, p = 0.0004); Δt (Δ108 ± 108 vs Δ0.94 ± 109, p = 0.0031); Δ6-MWT (Δ53.8 ± 63.9 vs Δ22.0 ± 68.7, p = 0.0483). In neither group were there deaths nor necessity for hospitalisation. We did not observe any intervention from CIEDs during NW. All patients in the TG completed rehabilitation and accepted it well. CONCLUSION: In HF patients, including those with CIEDs, home-based telemonitored NW is safe and effective. NW was well accepted by patients and adherence was high and promising.

Hospital-based and telemonitoring guided home-based training programs: effects on exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with heart failure (NYHA class III) and cardiac resynchronization therapy. A randomized, prospective observation.

UNLABELLED: Cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator function (CRT-D) along with an optimal medical therapy improves symptoms, cardiac efficiency, quality of life (QoL) and prognosis in patients with heart failure (CHF). The aim of the study was to assess effects of hospital-based and home-based/telemonitoring exercise training. METHODS: The prospective, randomized study was conducted in 52 patients (pts), aged 45-75years (mean 62±9.3), with CHF of ischemic or another etiology, NYHA class III and implanted CRT-D. Group CRT-Ex (n=26) underwent initial exercise training in the hospital setting and continued training program at home with telemonitoring 5 times a week for 8weeks. The CRT-control group (n=26) consisted of patients who had hospital rehabilitation, but no training program after discharge. RESULTS: No differences between the groups in CHF etiology, comorbidities, medical therapy and in any of spiroergometry (CPX) parameters at baseline were observed. After 3-4months the CRT-Ex group achieved better results in VO2 peak, VCO2 peak and treadmill test duration. But after 12months the measurements returned to the baseline values. No significant differences were observed directly between two groups in distances of 6-MWT at baseline, at 3-4months and at 12months. Echocardiographic evaluation showed significant reduction of left ventricular dimensions and improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), in both groups (25.3±7.4% to 28.9±9.1%, CRT-Ex group, p=0.0213 and 24.9±7.2% to 31.7±10.6%, CRT-Control group, p=0.0001). Significant improvement in all domains of QoL was observed in the CRT-Ex group, while the CRT-Control pts declared only higher energy levels and less pain. Intensity of telemonitoring guided home-based exercise training was low. In the 12- and 18-months follow-up there were no differences in the ICD-interventions, mortality or hospitalization rates between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: A structured exercise training program in the hospital and home-based with telemonitoring was safe option of additional treatment and improved directly physical fitness and, quality of life in patients with NYHA III CHF and CRT-D. However these effects haven't been sustained in longer period of time and had no impact on prognosis.

The neuronal structure of the globus pallidus in the rabbit--Nissl and Golgi studies.

The studies were carried out on the telencephalons of 12 adult rabbits. Two types of neurons were distinguished: 1. Large neurons (perikarya 18-40 microm), which have from 2 to 6 thick, long primary dendrites. Their perikarya have a polygonal, triangular and fusiform shape. The large neurons in the centre of GP have radiated dendritic trees, whereas the dendritic field of the cells along the borders of GP has an elongated shape. The dendritic arbour is not homogeneous. The dendrites may be covered with spindle-shaped dendritic swellings, bead-like processes, not numerous spines or they may be smooth as well. The dendritic branches form thin, beaded dendritic processes, that arise from any part of the dendritic tree, as well as "complex terminal endings" which have various types of appendages on their terminal portions. An axon emerges from a thick conical elongation either from the cell body or one of the dendritic trunks. These neurons are the most numerous in the investigated material. 2. Small nerve cells have been infrequent in our material. Their cell bodies are rounded or polygonal. From the perikarya there arise 2-4 thin dendritic trunks, which may have irregular swellings and few spines. The dendrites spread out in all directions, making the dendritic field round or oval in shape. Generally most axons of the small cells have not been impregnated. However, a few of them have a thin axon with a conical elongation, which emerges from the cell body and bifurcates into beaded processes.

The neuronal structure of the inferior colliculus in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus)--Golgi and Nissl studies.

The inferior colliculus (IC) of the bank vole is made up of 3 nuclei: the external and pericentral nucleus, which are located on the outer border of the IC, and the central nucleus, which is the largest part of IC and shows a laminated structure. On the basis of various morphological criteria 5 types of neurons have been distinguished in the bank vole IC: 1. The rounded cells (perikarya 10-15 microm) with 2-4 primary dendritic trunks. The dendritic tree has a spindle-like shape. The axon emerges from the soma or from the proximal portion of a dendrite. 2. The fusiform neurons (17-20 microm) with 2 primary dendrites arising from both poles of the perikaryon. The dendritic tree has the same shape as the previous type. The axon originates from the proximal dendritic trunk. The rounded and fusiform cells constitute the main neuronal type. 3. The pear-shaped neurons (10-13 microm) with 2 main stems or rarely 1. The axon emerges from the perikaryon or seldom from the dendritic trunk. 4. The multipolar cells (18-23 microm), which have from 4 to 6 primary dendrites radiating in all directions. The dendritic tree has a spherical shape. The axon emerges either from the proximal stem or directly from the soma. 5. The triangular neurons (15-18 microm) with 3 primary dendritic trunks. The axon originates from the perikaryon. The triangular cells are the least numerous. All types of neurons in the bank vole IC bear spines and protrusions.

The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the medial geniculate body of the guinea pig.

The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution and colocalization of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and three calcium-binding proteins (calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin) in each main division of the medial geniculate body (MGB) in the guinea pig. From low to moderate CART immunoreactivity was observed in all divisions of the MGB, although in most of its length only fibers and neuropil were labeled. A small number of CART immunoreactive somata were observed in the caudal segment of the MGB. The central parts of all divisions contained a distinctly smaller number of CART immunoreactive fibers relative to their outer borders, where CART fibers formed patchy clusters. As a whole, the intense CART immunoreactive borders formed a shell around the weakly CART labeled core. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that CART did not colocalize with either calbindin, calretinin or parvalbumin, whose immunoreactivity was predominantly restricted to perikarya. The distribution pattern of calretinin was more similar to that of calbindin than to that of parvalbumin. Calretinin and calbindin exhibited higher immunoreactivity in the medial and dorsal divisions of the MGB, where parvalbumin staining was low. In general, although parvalbumin exhibited the weakest immunoreactivity of all studied Ca(2+) binding proteins, it was most highly expressed in the ventral division of the MGB. Our results indicate that CART could be involved in hearing, although its immunoreactivity in the medial geniculate complex was not as intense as in other sensory brain regions. In the guinea pig the heterogeneous and complementary pattern of calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin is evident, however, the overlap in staining appears to be more extensive than that seen in other rodents.

Calcium-binding proteins in the laterodorsal thalamic nucleus during development of the guinea pig.

The laterodorsal thalamic nucleus (LD) is often treated as a part of the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) because of its location and similar connectivity. Our previous studies have shown that distribution of three calcium-binding proteins, i.e. calbindin D28k (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV), changes within the ATN during development of the guinea pig. The aim of this study is to examine the immunoreactivity pattern of these proteins in the LD in the guinea pig ontogeny. Brains from animals ranging from 40th embryonic day to 80th postnatal day were used in the study. Two methods were applied: a single-labelling immunoenzymatic method and double-labelling immunofluorescence. No changes of the distribution pattern of the substances were observed throughout the examined developmental stages. CB and CR were the most abundantly expressed proteins in perikarya of the LD. Numerous CB- and CR-immunoreactive cell bodies were found throughout the whole extent of the nucleus. In most of these cell bodies both proteins colocalized vastly. The highest immunoreactivity of the perikarya containing CB and CR was observed in the mediodorsal part of the LD and in its rostral portion. In regard to PV, single cell bodies were observed mostly in the dorsal part of the nucleus. PV did not colocalize with the other proteins. In summary, all the studied calcium-binding proteins were already present in the LD at prenatal developmental stages and the pattern of distribution remained virtually constant until adulthood. Thus, the LD differs considerably from the ATN in an aspect of neurochemical cell differentiation.

Comparison between hybrid and standard centre-based cardiac rehabilitation in female patients after myocardial infarction: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the known benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with stable coronary artery disease, it is neglected, especially in women. Home-based programmes may increase adherence to CR. AIM: To compare the effectiveness of centre-based CR with a hybrid model of training, partly out-patient and partly home-based and tele-monitored, in terms of physical capacity and adherence in post-myocardial infarction (MI) women with preserved left ventricular function. METHODS: 53 post-MI female patients, aged 51.3 ± 7.6 years underwent an eight-week training programme (TP) consisting of 24 interval trainings. The first ten trainings were performed in a hospital, then 33 patients (Gruop A) continued them in the centre, the remaining 20 (Group B) did tele-monitored walking training at home (hybrid model). Before and after completing CR, all patients underwent a symptom-limited treadmill exercise stress test during which the analysis included: workload (METs), duration (min), heart rate (HR, bpm), double product (mm Hg/min) at rest and during effort, and HR recovery in the first minute after test. Adherence was reported as the number of trainings completed and the number of dropouts in two CR models. RESULTS: After CR, only workload (Group A: 6.5 ± 1.1 vs. 7.0 ± 1.4, p < 0.05; Group B: 7.4 ± 1.1 vs. 8.3 ± 1.4, p < 0.01) and duration (Group A: 4.7 ± 1.1 vs. 5.1 ± 1.2, p < 0.01; Group B: 8.1 ± 3.9 vs. 9.3 ± 4.2, p < 0.01) improved significantly in both groups. Comparing CR effects between both groups, no significant differences were observed. All patients completed TP. CONCLUSIONS: In post-MI women, a hybrid model of training improved physical capacity and was a similarly effective form of CR as a centre-based approach. A home-based tele-monitored programme facilitated our patients' adherence to CR.

Feasibility of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation: Results of TeleInterMed study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended as an important component of a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. Data have shown that a small percentage of eligible patients participate in CR despite their well established benefits. Applying telerehabilitation provides an opportunity to improve the implementation of and adherence to CR. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a wide implementation and feasibility of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation (HTCR) in patients suffering from CVD and to assessits safety, patients' acceptance of and adherence to HTCR. METHODS: The study included 365 patients (left ventricular ejection fraction 56 ± 8%; aged 58 ± 10 years). They participated in 4-week HTCR based on walking, nordic walking or cycloergometer training. HTCR was telemonitored with a device adjusted to register electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and to transmit data via mobile phone to the monitoring center. The moments of automatic ECG registration were pre-set and coordinated with CR. The influence on physical capacity was assessed by comparing changes - in time of exercise test, functional capacity, 6-min walking test distance from the beginning and the end of HTCR. At the end of the study, patients filled in a questionnaire in order to assess their acceptance of HTCR. RESULTS: HTCR resulted in a significant improvement in all parameters. There were neither deaths nor adverse events during HTCR. Patients accepted HTCR, including the need for interactive everyday collaboration with the monitoring center. There were only 0.8% non-adherent patients. CONCLUSIONS: HTCR is a feasible, safe form of rehabilitation, well accepted by patients. The adherence to HTCR was high and promising.