Swimming induces a physiological cardioprotection associated with pro-growth anti-inflammatory influences in extra-cardiac organs.

Physical activity improves myocardial structure, function and resilience via complex, incompletely defined mechanisms. We explored effects of 1-2 wks swim training on cardiac and systemic phenotype in young male C57Bl/6 mice. Two wks forced swimming (90 min twice daily) resulted in cardiac hypertrophy (22% increase in heart:body weight, P<0.

Early life stress exacerbates the obesogenic and anxiogenic effects of a Western diet without worsening cardiac ischaemic tolerance in male mice.

Early life stress (ELS) and a Western diet (WD) promote mood and cardiovascular disorders, however, how these risks interact in disease pathogenesis is unclear. We assessed effects of ELS with or without a subsequent WD on behaviour, cardiometabolic risk factors, and cardiac function/ischaemic tolerance in male mice. Fifty-six new-born male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to a control group (CON) undisturbed before weaning, or to maternal separation (3h/day) and early (postnatal day 17) weaning (MSEW).

An enhanced and rapid method for von Willebrand factor multimer analysis for mechanical circulatory device testing.

Background: Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a critical glycoprotein in hemostasis and is an important factor in diagnosing bleeding disorders. Albeit the analysis of VWF is often compromised by inconsistent methodologies and challenges quantifying multimeric size. Current VWF multimer analysis methods are costly, time-consuming, and often inconsistent; thus, demanding skilled professionals.