Predictors and reference equations for augmentation index, an arterial stiffness marker, in healthy children and adolescents.

Objectives: To investigate predictors and propose reference equations for the augmentation index normalized to 75 bpm heart rate (AIx@75) in healthy children and adolescents.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study involving 134 healthy children and adolescents aged 9 to 19 years old. Participants were categorized into child (n=53) and adolescent (n=81) groups, as well as into male (n=69) and female (n=65) groups.

Augmentation index, a predictor of cardiovascular events, is increased in children and adolescents with primary nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Arterial stiffness is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Augmentation index (AIx@75), a measure of arterial stiffness and wave reflection, has not been evaluated in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS). We investigated whether central and peripheral vascular profiles, hemodynamic parameters, and biochemical tests are associated with AIx@75 in PNS patients.

Changes in aortic pulse wave components, pulse pressure amplification, and hemodynamic parameters of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Background/objective: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) presents important risk factors for cardiovascular events.

Objective: To compare the components of the aortic pulse wave (APW) and the hemodynamic parameters among children and adolescents with DM1 and healthy individuals.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, with 36 children and adolescents diagnosed with DM1 (11.

Positive end-expiratory pressure attenuates hemodynamic effects induced by an overload of inspiratory muscles in patients with COPD.

Background: Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a Threshold device is commonly used to improve the strength and endurance of inspiratory muscles. However, the effect of IMT, alone or with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), on hemodynamic parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unknown.

Objective: To assess the effects of an overload of inspiratory muscles using IMT fixed at 30% of the maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and IMT associated with 5 cmHO of PEEP (IMT + PEEP), on the echocardiographic parameters in healthy subjects and patients with COPD.

Vascular function in asthmatic children and adolescents.

Background: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an increased incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with bronchial asthma, but little is known about the relationship between asthma and vascular function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate endothelial function and arterial stiffness in children and adolescents with asthma.

Methods: A cross-sectional controlled study was designed.

Depression diagnosed by the mini international neuropsychiatric interview plus (MINI) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: relationship with functional capacity and quality of life.

Background: The prevalence of depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a worsening of prognosis. Most studies classify COPD patients as depressive or non-depressive based on symptoms, rather than on a diagnosis using specific tools. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of depression, as diagnosed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI), on functional capacity estimated by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and unsupported upper-limb exercise test, and quality of life estimated by Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), among patients with COPD.

Blocking the L-type Ca2+ channel (Cav 1.2) is the key mechanism for the vascular relaxing effect of Pterodon spp. and its isolated diterpene methyl-6α-acetoxy-7β-hydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate.

Pterodon spp. Vogel (Fabaceae), popularly known as "sucupira", has ethnopharmacological application which is described as having antispasmodic and relaxant effects. Hence, it was hypothesized that sucupira oil-resin (SOR) could induce smooth muscle relaxation.

Curine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, blocks L-type Ca²⁺ channels and decreases intracellular Ca²⁺ transients in A7r5 cells.

Curine is a novel bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid that has previously been reported as a vasodilator. The underlying mechanism(s) of the vasodilator effect of curine remains to be characterized. In this study, we investigated the cellular mechanism that is responsible for the vasodilator effect of curine in the rat aorta.

Phosphoinositide-3 kinase gamma activity contributes to sepsis and organ damage by altering neutrophil recruitment.

Rationale: Sepsis is a leading cause of death in the intensive care unit, characterized by a systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) and bacterial infection, which can often induce multiorgan damage and failure. Leukocyte recruitment, required to limit bacterial spread, depends on phosphoinositide-3 kinase γ (PI3Kγ) signaling in vitro; however, the role of this enzyme in polymicrobial sepsis has remained unclear.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the specific role of the kinase activity of PI3Kγ in the pathogenesis of sepsis and multiorgan damage.

(S)-reticuline induces vasorelaxation through the blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels.

In Brazil, various species of the genus Ocotea are used in folk medicine for treating several diseases. The chemical characterization of this plant showed the presence of alkaloids belonging to the benzyltetrahydroisoquinoline family, the major component of which is (S)-reticuline. The present study investigated whether (S)-reticuline exerts an inhibitory effect on smooth muscle L-type Ca(2+) channels.