Otolithiasis in the Animal Kingdom: A Retrospective Analysis.

Hypothesis: If otolithiasis can be demonstrated to affect multiple species, it may be possible to identify an experimental animal for prospective study of this entity.

Background: Otolithiasis refers to dislodged otolithic matter within the confines of the membranous labyrinth that has the potential to cause clinical symptoms. The mechanism involves separation of free-floating otoconia that can affect the hearing and balance functions of the ear.

Three Days of Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Induce β-Adrenoceptor Dependent Increases in Left Ventricular Contractility.

Sleep apnea is characterized by bouts of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) that elicit sympathetic hyperactivity resulting in residual hypertension. We previously demonstrated that exposure to CIH increases cardiac output and sought to determine if enhanced cardiac contractility manifests prior to hypertension.Male Wistar rats were exposed to cyclical bouts of hypoxia (FiO = 0.

The Effects of Intradialytic Exercise on Key Indices of Sarcopenia in Patients With End-stage Renal Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of intradialytic exercise (IDE) (exercise performed during dialysis) on sarcopenia and quality of life (QoL) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Data Sources: A comprehensive search of 7 electronic databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials measuring the effects of IDE in adults with ESRD. Searches were limited to the English language.

The Concept of a Rupture Risk Envelope for the Cochleo-Saccular Membranes.

 Alterations in endolymphatic pressure have long been suspected of being associated with the development of endolymphatic hydrops and rupture of the membranous labyrinth. More recently, there has been a focus on how membrane mechanics might contribute to membrane rupture. This is suspected to involve the viscoelastoplastic properties of these membranes.