The use of a new, more sensitive immunoassay for growth hormone (GH) revealed that the serum levels in men were lower than expected in sera drawn ambulatory in the morning after an overnight fast and that the gender difference was more than 10 times greater than reported. These observations led to a more thorough study on the impact of gender and sex steroids on the levels of GH and other hormones in ambulatory morning samples and over a 24-hour period. Furthermore, the impact of gender was studied in GH deficient (GHD) patients and healthy young adults treated with GH, and in patients with acromegaly treated with octreotide. An 80-fold gender difference in the morning GH levels was observed in young individuals as a reaction to ambulation, with decreased levels in men and increased in women. Oral contraceptives (OCs) given to women further increased the morning GH levels. During the day, higher outputs of epinephrine and lower levels of GH were seen in the men, while no gender differences were seen at night. The gender difference in morning GH levels decreased with age due to opposite changes in men and women. Administration of 17β-estradiol (E2) via subcutaneous implants in postmenopausal women, which increased the E2-concentrations to luteal phase levels, had no effect on the morning GH levels, indicating that the different reactions to ambulation do not appear to result from a direct sex steroid effect alone. Short-term administration of GH to young, healthy adults resulted in larger effects on insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and other key metabolic parameters in men than in women. The smallest response was noted in women taking OCs. The clinical studies involving long-term GH treatment of patients with GHD demonstrate a gender difference in GH responsiveness, with women being less sensitive than men, a fact which should have a therapeutic impact in patients with GH disorders. A further gender difference of therapeutic importance was observed in men and women with acromegaly. Long-term treatment with a slow-release formulation of octreotide resulted in higher IGF-I levels in the men, despite equal doses of the drug and similar levels of GH.

No description available.

The rapid growth of biotechnology has promoted industries to harness the market in the field of human energy systems. A growing literature of research has linked human energy systems to weight loss, major diseases or illnesses. In our modern society, the general public is exposed to everyday stress, which often results in the development of chronic stress. Therefore, stress becomes an important area of medicine. It has been postulated that suppressing these physiological responses may help in disease prevention. Consequently, there is an urge for defining a model integrating stress with the human energy model. Over the past decades, a large amount of research has been put forward in defining the physiological responses or changes when an individual experiences psychological or environmental changes such as interpersonal dysfunction, traumatic experiences and diseases. Interestingly, it reveals that blood glucose fluctuation tends to be the end product of most psychological or physiological stressors. The blood glucose system is one of the major subsystems of the complete metabolic fuel system in humans. In this study, an empirical model and procedure for the derivation of the model due to various psychological influences on the human energy system are presented. This study can be divided into two main sections. An overview of a previously developed unit (ets: equivalent teaspoon sugar) for blood glucose quantification is given in the first section. Stress quantification methods are derived in the second section and a link between these methods and ets is drawn. A verification study of the derived model is also presented in the second section. Stress can be divided into physiological stress and psychological stress. Between the two types of stress, a generalised model based on studies of physiological stress has been drawn and accepted by the public. However, the generalised model does not account for psychological stress. Evidence shows that depending on the specific nature of a stressful circumstance, it can cause different activations of central circuits leading to the release of different neurotransmitters. However, these neurotransmitters have a common effect of increasing blood glucose concentrations. A substantial amount of literature shows that, when stress involves mental effort, epinephrine (EPI) is the main endocrine response. However, stress that does not require mental effort mainly induces cortisol release. The response models for different types of stress were derived using these relations. Furthermore, it is known that prolonged stress may lead to the development of disease. Several studies have used this observation and associated chronic stress with the relative risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previously, different quartiles of risk factors for CVD have been related to blood glucose energy and ets expenditure. This link was further utilised to quantify chronic stress in this study. Increases in either of the two endocrine concentrations have been shown to raise the blood glucose level. In order to demonstrate the benefits of applying the ets concept, the cortisol and epinephrine responses were further quantified using the new glucose quantification method, the equivalent teaspoon sugar (ets) concept. The models derived in this study were verified against measured data. The models reveal a strong agreement with the measured data and therefore support the feasibility of these quantification methods. In conclusion, a link does exist between blood glucose energy and stress, and the highly accurate models derived for this association may serve as an adjunct tool for glycaemic control and stress management. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The rapid growth of biotechnology has promoted industries to harness the market in the field of human energy systems. A growing literature of research has linked human energy systems to weight loss, major diseases or illnesses. In our modern society, the general public is exposed to everyday stress, which often results in the development of chronic stress. Therefore, stress becomes an important area of medicine. It has been postulated that suppressing these physiological responses may help in disease prevention. Consequently, there is an urge for defining a model integrating stress with the human energy model. Over the past decades, a large amount of research has been put forward in defining the physiological responses or changes when an individual experiences psychological or environmental changes such as interpersonal dysfunction, traumatic experiences and diseases. Interestingly, it reveals that blood glucose fluctuation tends to be the end product of most psychological or physiological stressors. The blood glucose system is one of the major subsystems of the complete metabolic fuel system in humans. In this study, an empirical model and procedure for the derivation of the model due to various psychological influences on the human energy system are presented. This study can be divided into two main sections. An overview of a previously developed unit (ets: equivalent teaspoon sugar) for blood glucose quantification is given in the first section. Stress quantification methods are derived in the second section and a link between these methods and ets is drawn. A verification study of the derived model is also presented in the second section. Stress can be divided into physiological stress and psychological stress. Between the two types of stress, a generalised model based on studies of physiological stress has been drawn and accepted by the public. However, the generalised model does not account for psychological stress. Evidence shows that depending on the specific nature of a stressful circumstance, it can cause different activations of central circuits leading to the release of different neurotransmitters. However, these neurotransmitters have a common effect of increasing blood glucose concentrations. A substantial amount of literature shows that, when stress involves mental effort, epinephrine (EPI) is the main endocrine response. However, stress that does not require mental effort mainly induces cortisol release. The response models for different types of stress were derived using these relations. Furthermore, it is known that prolonged stress may lead to the development of disease. Several studies have used this observation and associated chronic stress with the relative risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Previously, different quartiles of risk factors for CVD have been related to blood glucose energy and ets expenditure. This link was further utilised to quantify chronic stress in this study. Increases in either of the two endocrine concentrations have been shown to raise the blood glucose level. In order to demonstrate the benefits of applying the ets concept, the cortisol and epinephrine responses were further quantified using the new glucose quantification method, the equivalent teaspoon sugar (ets) concept. The models derived in this study were verified against measured data. The models reveal a strong agreement with the measured data and therefore support the feasibility of these quantification methods. In conclusion, a link does exist between blood glucose energy and stress, and the highly accurate models derived for this association may serve as an adjunct tool for glycaemic control and stress management. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Electronical Engineering))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

This paper describes the development of two chemically modified electrodes (CME). The two systems were developed using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The first system was developed on glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) with MWCNT and film of cobalt oxides (GCE/MWCNT/Co) for determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the second system with MWCNT and ferulic acid (FA) (GCE/MWCNT/FA) for determination of epinephrine (EP). The techniques herein employed were cyclic voltammetry, cronoamperometry, which were used to study the electrochemical behavior of modified electrodes, for obtaining kinetic parameters and for the analytical characterization of systems. In addition, hydrodynamic and cronoamperometric studies were carried out with the aim of obtaining information about the H2O2 and EP oxidation process. This device (GCE/MWCNT/Co) was built through the electrodeposition of cobalt oxides on the surface of GCE/MWCNT, and presented a redox pair with E0 = + 0.175 V vs. Ag/AgCl, rate constant of heterogeneous electron transfer (ks) equal to 8.2 s-1 and the analytical figures of merit for H2O2 determination were: linear response range of 3 - 13344 µmol L-1, limit of detection (LOD) of 0.9 µmol L-1, limit of quantification (LOQ) of 3 mol L-1, sensitivity of 4.37 nA L mol-1 and catalytic constant (µobs) of 1,38 x 104 L mol-1 s-1. The system (GCE/MWCNT/FA) was built through the activation of FA on the (GCE/MWCNT), with detection potential for epinephrine of + 0.200 V vs. Ag/AgCl. It presented kobs of 6.99 x 104 L mol-1 s-1, linear response range of 73 - 1406, LOD, LOQ and sensitivity of 22.28 µmol L-1, 73 µmol L-1 and 3.69 nA L µmol-1, respectively. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Neste trabalho, descreveu-se o desenvolvimento de dois eletrodos quimicamente modificados (EQM). Os dois sistemas foram desenvolvidos utilizando eletrodo de carbono vítreo (ECV) e nanotubos de carbono de paredes múltiplas (MWNTC). O primeiro sensor foi desenvolvido com MWCTN e filmes de óxidos de cobalto (ECV/MWCNT/Co) para determinação de peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) e o segundo sensor com MWCNT e ácido ferúlico (AF) (ECV/MWCNT/AF) para determinação de epinefrina (EP). As técnicas empregadas para a realização deste trabalho foram voltametria cíclica e cronoamperometria, as quais foram utilizadas para avaliar o comportamento eletroquímico dos eletrodos modificados, obtenção dos parâmetros cinéticos e caracterização analítica dos sistemas. Além disso, os estudos hidrodinâmicos e cronoamperométricos foram realizados com o objetivo de se obter informações sobre o processo de oxidação de H2O2 e EP. O dispositivo (ECV/MWCNT/Co) foi construído através da eletrodeposição de óxidos de cobalto na superfície de ECV/MWCNT, apresentou um par redox com Eo´ = + 0,175 V vs. Ag/AgCl, constante de velocidade de transferência heterogênea de elétrons (ks) igual a 8,2 s-1. Na quantificação de H2O2, as figuras de mérito foram: faixa linear de resposta igual a 3 - 13344 µmol L-1, limite de detecção (LD) de 0,9 µmol L-1, limite de quantificação (LQ) de 3 µmol L-1, sensibilidade de 4,37 nA L µmol-1 e constante catalítica (kobs) de 1,38 x 104 L mol-1 s-1. O sistema (ECV/MWCNT/AF) foi construído através da ativação de AF sobre o (ECV/MWCNT), com potencial de detecção para epinefrina de + 0,200 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Apresentou kobs de 6,99 x 104 L mol-1 s-1, faixa linear igual a 73 - 1406, LD, LQ e sensibilidade de 22,28 µmol L-1 e 73 µmol L-1, e 3,69 nA L µmol-1, respectivamente.

INTRODUÇAO: O uso da epinefrina na ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP) tem sido questionado devido aos efeitos adversos como dano miocárdico e cerebral. Fármacos como azul de metileno têm sido estudados como adjuvantes, objetivando reduzir essas lesões. OBJETIVOS: Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da administração do azul de metileno em bôlus durante a RCP, na lesão miocárdica e cerebral. MÉTODO: Quarenta e nove ratos Wistar machos submetidos a parada cardíaca por fibrilação ventricular foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos com 11 animais: azul de metileno (GA, 2mg/kg), solução salina (GC, salina 0,9% 0,1ml), epinefrina (GE, 20mcg/kg), epinefrina + azul de metileno (GM), além do grupo sham com 5 animais. A fibrilação ventricular foi induzida por estimulação elétrica direto no ventrículo direito por 3 minutos, sendo mantidos por mais 2 minutos em anóxia. As manobras de RCP foram iniciadas com o fármaco correspondente de cada grupo, massagem torácica, ventilação e desfibrilação. Após retorno a circulação espontânea (RCE), os animais foram observados durante quatro horas. Foram coletados sangue para gasometria e troponina, tecido cardíaco e cerebral para análise histológica, marcação de TUNEL, marcadores inflamatórios e de estresse oxidativo. Os grupos foram comparados por meio do teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, com o teste de comparação múltipla com correção de Bonferroni quando adequado. RESULTADOS: Animais do grupo GE apresentaram 63% de RCE, enquanto o GC e GM obtiveram 40% e 45%, respectivamente, sem diferença estatística entre os grupos (p= 0,672). O grupo GA apresentou apenas 18% de RCE e foi excluído da análise. O tempo de RCP do GC foi maior comparado aos grupos GE e GM, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significativa. Os animais do grupo GM apresentaram PAM maior comparado ao grupo GC, no momento imediatamente após a RCE (P=0,007). Em todos os grupos os animais apresentaram acidose, queda da PaO2 e aumento do lactato após PCR e RCP. A mediana da troponina sérica foi maior no GC (130ng/ml) comparada ao grupo GE (3,8ng/ml), e GM (43,7ng/ml), porém sem diferença estatística. O grupo GC apresentou aumento significativo na expressão proteica dos marcadores BAX e TLR4. Não houve diferença estatística em relação a histologia e marcação de TUNEL entre os grupos submetidos a PCR. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de azul de metileno em bolus na RCP de forma isolada apresentou resultados negativos em relação ao retorno da circulação espontânea. A utilização de azul de metileno associada a epinefrina não diminuiu a presença de lesões no cérebro e no coração decorrentes da parada cardíaca / INTRODUCTION: The use of epinephrine in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been questioned due to adverse effects such as myocardial and cerebral damage. Drugs such as methylene blue have been studied as adjuvants in order to reduce lesions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of methylene blue administration during CPR on myocardial and cerebral lesion. METHOD: Forty nine Wistar male rats submitted to ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest (CA) were randomly assigned to four principal groups with 11 cases each one: methylene blue (MB, 2mg/kg), control (CTRL, 0.1ml saline 0.9%), epinephrine (EPI, 20?g/kg), epinephrine plus methylene blue (EPI+MB), and a sham group, wich have 5 cases. Ventricular fibrillation was induced by direct electrical stimulation in the right ventricle for 3 minutes and anoxia was maintained until a total of 5 minutes. CPR was initiated using the group drug, ventilation, chest compressions and defibrillation. The animals were observed for four hours after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Blood samples were collected for blood gas and troponin measurements. Heart and brain tissues were harvested for the evaluation of oxidative stress, inflamation, histological and TUNEL staining. Groups were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Bonferroni post test. RESULTS: ROSC was achieved in 63% of the cases in EPI, 40% in CTRL, and 45% in EPI+MB (P=0.672). MB was excluded from analysis because of its low ROSC rate (18%). CPR duration was longer in CTRL compared to EPI and EPI+MB, without statistical significance. EPI+MB animals presented higher arterial pressure compared to the CTRL group, immediately after ROSC (P=0.007). All animals presented acidosis, decreased PaO2 and increased lactate after CA and CPR. Serum troponin was higher in CTRL (130ng/ml) compared with EPI (3.8ng/ml) and EPI+MB (43.7ng/ml), without statistical significance. CTRL presented higher BAX and TLR4 expression. There was no difference in TUNEL staining and histology among CA groups. CONCLUSION: Methylene blue in bolus during CPR did not improve outcome. Methylene blue combined with epinephrine did not decrease CA-related myocardial and cerebral lesions

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-01-27T13:24:18Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertação - Maysa de Melo Paranhos - 2014.pdf: 2355457 bytes, checksum: 7b3e122ce6fe59cb047d8e835e921f53 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2015-01-28T11:04:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertação - Maysa de Melo Paranhos - 2014.pdf: 2355457 bytes, checksum: 7b3e122ce6fe59cb047d8e835e921f53 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-01-28T11:04:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertação - Maysa de Melo Paranhos - 2014.pdf: 2355457 bytes, checksum: 7b3e122ce6fe59cb047d8e835e921f53 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-01-28 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás - FAPEG / DSA® electrodes modified with films ErYZrO2 or YZrO2 and boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDD) were tested as electrochemical sensors detect front of the neurotransmitter epinephrine and its interfering ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA), which coexist with epinephrine in biological fluids and are also electroactive, rusting in the same potential that epinephrine. The physical and morphological characterization of the films of ZrO2 were performed using the techniques of XRD, SEM / FEG, EDXS and Open circuit potential. For electrochemical characterization of the sensor in developing were used the techniques of cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and Flow Injection Analysis with Amperometric Detection. The analyzes used for physical and morphological characterization of the ZrO2 films demonstrated that the technique of spin coating together with the methodology used for the deposition of ZrO2 films on the surface of substrate DSA® showed films were obtained satisfactory. The BDD electrodes showed good catalytic activity for both analyzed substances (EP, AA and UA). While BDD electrode showed good sensitivity for detection of EP in the presence of AA, electrodes ZrO2 addition to good sensitivity and selectivity showed good reproducibility for the detection of EP without interference from UA and AA. / Eletrodos a base de DSA® modificados com filmes de ErYZrO2 e YZrO2 bem como eletrodos de Diamante Dopado com Boro (DDB) foram testados como sensores eletroquímicos para a detecção eletroquímica do neurotransmissor Epinefrina (EP) e de seus interferentes ácido ascórbico (AA) e ácido úrico (AU), os quais coexistem com a EP nos fluidos biológicos oxidando-se praticamente no mesmo potencial. As caracterizações física, química e morfológica dos filmes a base de ZrO2 foram realizadas por meio das técnicas de DRX, MEV/FEG, EDXS e potencial de circuito aberto. Para caracterização eletroquímica do sensor produzido foram utilizadas as técnicas de Voltametria Cíclica (VC), Voltametria de Pulso Diferencial (VPD) e Análise por Injeção em Fluxo em modo Amperométrico. As análises utilizadas para caracterização física e morfológica dos filmes a base de ZrO2 mostraram que a técnica de spin-coating juntamente com a metodologia utilizada para deposição dos filmes a base de ZrO2 sobre substrato de DSA® permitiu a obtenção dos filmes espessos e com boa homogeneidade. O eletrodo de DDB apresentou boa atividade eletroquímica para as substâncias analisadas (EP, AA e AU). Enquanto eletrodos de DDB apresentaram boa sensibilidade para detecção de EP na presença de AA, eletrodos de ZrO2, além de boa sensibilidade, apresentaram seletividade e boa reprodutibilidade para detecção de EP sem interferência de AU e AA.

Les effets des catécholamines en réanimation sont peu prédictibles. La variabilité interindividuelle des observations est d’origine multifactorielle dont des facteurs pharmacocinétiques et pharmacodynamiques, dépendant de caractéristiques constitutionnelles et acquises de chaque individu. Les posologies de l’adrénaline et de la noradrénaline chez l’enfant sont extrapolées des données adultes. Pourtant l’âge est une source de grande variabilité liée au développement. Un modèle pharmaco- statistique de l’adrénaline et de la noradrénaline a été établi chez l’enfant en insuffisance circulatoire aigüe. Il a permis d’identifier des facteurs de variabilité entre les individus ainsi que de proposer des schémas de prescription des deux molécules en fonction de l’effet souhaité et des caractéristiques de l’enfant. La pharmacocinétique de l’adrénaline chez 39 enfants en prévention du syndrome de bas débit cardiaque postopératoire suivait un modèle monocompartimental. La clairance augmentait avec le poids selon le principe de l’allométrie. Les augmentations résultantes de la fréquence cardiaque et de la pression artérielle moyenne suivaient un modèle d’effet direct Emax. Elles étaient influencées par l’âge et la gravité des patients. Les augmentations de glycémie et lactatémie suivaient un modèle d’effet indirect. Pour la noradrénaline, chez 38 enfants atteints d’hypotension artérielle systémique, la pharmacocinétique était mono-compartimentale. La clairance était influencée par le poids (allométrie). L’augmentation induite de la pression artérielle moyenne suivait un modèle direct Emax. Elle était fonction de l’âge et de la gravité des patients. Les posologies de l’adrénaline et de la noradrénaline chez l’enfant devraient tenir compte du poids, de l’âge et de la gravité du patient : plus jeune est l’enfant et plus grave est son état, plus la posologie doit être élevée pour satisfaire les objectifs hémodynamiques. / The effects of catecholamines are difficult to predict. The between-subject variability observed in clinical setting is multifactorial including constitutional and acquired characteristics of each individual. Epinephrine and norepinephrine dosages are usually extrapolated from adult data. Yet, age is a source of high variability due to development- related phenomena. A population model of epinephrine or norepinephrine was developed in haemodynamically critically ill children. This allowed to identify between-subject variability factors as well as to propose individualized dosage regimens of these two catecholamines according to the desired effect and child characteristics. Epinephrine pharmacokinetics in 39 children at high risk of postoperative low cardiac output syndrome followed a one-compartment model. Clearance increased with bodyweight according to the allometric rule. The resulting increases in heart rate and mean arterial pressure followed a direct Emax model. These were related to age and illness severity. A turn-over model described the increases in blood glucose and lactate. Norepinephrine pharmacokinetics in 38 hypotensive critically ill children followed a one compartment model. Clearance increased with bodyweight (allometry). The resulting increase in mean arterial pressure followed a direct Emax model. This was a function of age and illness severity. The dosage of epinephrine and norepinephrine in children should take into account the bodyweight, age and illness severity of the patient: the younger the child and the more serious the condition, the higher the dosage in order to meet the haemodynamic goals.

No description available.

Repeated exposure of the rat vas deferens to the imidazoline oxymetazoline (OXY) results in a progressive loss of response which can appear selective for imidazoline agonists. The present study tests the hypothesis that imidazolines produce desensitization through prolonged blockade or inactivation of alpha-1 adrenoreceptors. Repeated exposure to OXY, naphazoline (NPZ) or tetrahydrozoline (THZ) produces a concentration- and time-dependent rightward shift and depression of the (-)-epinephrine concentration-effect curve, suggesting a mechanism of prolonged receptor blockade or inactivation. (-)-Epinephrine Kd values were similar when estimated after either receptor inactivation with phenoxybenzamine or repeated exposure to imidazolines. The differences in the ability of individual imidazolines to produce desensitization (order of potency: OXY greater than NPZ greater than or equal to THZ) do not follow their intrinsic activity (NPZ approximately THZ approximately OXY) or affinity (OXY greater than or equal to NPZ greater than THZ). The ability of individual imidazoline and phenethylamine agonists to produce a response in imidazoline-desensitized rat vas deferens reflects agonist intrinsic efficacy. Desensitization by imidazoline exposure does not affect contraction produced by either KCl or neurokinin A. Imidazolines produce effects similar to receptor inactivation and their desensitization in vas deferens can be explained without invoking an imidazoline subtype of alpha-1 adrenoreceptor.