Prognostic value of exercise longitudinal right ventricular free wall strain in patients with sickle cell disease.

Longitudinal right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWS) has been identified as an independent prognostic marker in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Little is known however about the prognostic value of RVFWS in patients with sickle cell (SC) disease, particularly during exercise. We therefore examined the prognostic significance of RVFWS both at rest and with exercise in patients with SC disease and normal resting systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP).

Endurance and strength training effects on physiological and muscular parameters during prolonged cycling.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of a combined endurance and strength training on the physiological and neuromuscular parameters during a 2-h cycling test.

Methods: Fourteen triathletes were assigned to an endurance-strength training group and an endurance-only training group. They performed three experimental trials before and after training: an incremental cycling test to exhaustion, a maximal concentric lower-limbs strength measurement and a 2-h cycling exercise.

Relation between preferred and optimal cadences during two hours of cycling in triathletes.

Objectives: To determine whether the integrated electromyographic signal of two lower limb muscles indicates preferred cadence during a two hour cycling task.

Methods: Eight male triathletes performed right isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) knee extension and plantar flexion before (P1) and after (P2) a two hour laboratory cycle at 65% of maximal aerobic power. Freely chosen cadence (FCC) was also determined, also at 65% of maximal aerobic power, from five randomised three minute sessions at 50, 65, 80, 95, and 110 rpm.

Myocardial performance index as predictor of adverse outcomes following mitral valve surgery.

Aims: We aim to determine whether the myocardial performance index, will be a good predictor of adverse outcomes following mitral valve surgery.

Method: We prospectively measured pre-operative myocardial performance index in 22 consecutive patients, with moderate to severe mitral insufficiency, undergoing corrective mitral valve surgery. The primary endpoint was predefined as either peri-operative death or congestive heart failure.

Localization of the human B-type natriuretic peptide precursor (NPPB) gene to chromosome 1p36.

Cardiac myocytes synthesize and secrete a family of peptide hormones with potent natriuretic, diuretic, and vasodilatory properties. These peptides are derived from precursor molecules that are encoded by two different genes, the atrial natriuretic peptide precursor A (NPPA) and the B-type natriuretic peptide or natriuretic peptide precursor B (NPPB). A human genomic clone for the NPPB gene was used to determine the chromosomal location of the NPPB gene.