Atrial fibrillation in Brugada syndrome: Current perspectives

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in Brugada syndrome (BrS) has been reported at between 9% and 53% by different series, but the true prevalence is unknown. However, AF may be the presenting feature in some patients. The underlying mechanisms for AF may be a combination of multiple factors, genetic or acquired, that may impact upon autonomic function, atrial structure, and conduction velocities or other unknown factors. The presence of AF has been associated with a more malignant course, with a greater incidence of syncope and ventricular arrhythmias, thus acting as marker of more advanced disease. Regarding the management of patients with AF, antiarrhythmic drugs effective in preventing malignant arrhythmias in BrS such as quinidine or invasive treatment with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) may be useful in AF treatment. In this review, we aim to present the current perspectives regarding the genetics, pathophysiology, management, and prognosis of AF in patients with BrS.     

Autoantibodies to cardiolipin and beta-2-glycoprotein-I in coronary artery disease patients with and without hypertension

BACKGROUND: Autoantibodies to cardiolipin (aCL) and beta2-glycoprotein-I (beta2GPI) are considered proatherogenic. Elevated levels of both antibodies have been reported in hypertension. Nonetheless, there are no data regarding an association between these autoantibodies and hypertension in coronary artery disease. METHODS: The levels of aCL and anti-beta2GPI antibodies were measured in patients having coronary artery disease with (n = 82) or without (n = 36) hypertension, in association with other major risk factors for coronary artery disease. RESULTS: The levels of aCL and anti-beta2GPI antibodies were (OD at 405 nm) 0.23 +/- 0.14 and 0.22 +/- 0.12 in the normal blood pressure group, as opposed to 0.24 +/- 0.12 and 0.20 +/- 0.12 in the hypertensive group, respectively (p = 0.67; 0.42). No significant difference in either antibody levels was found between hypertensive patients with normal and abnormal blood pressure measurements. The presence of additional risk factors did not affect antibody levels in normotensive patients. However, in the hypertensive group, the presence of smoking was associated with significantly decreased anti-beta2GPI antibody levels, whereas no change was found in aCL. Further, patients who had hypertension, smoking and hypercholesterolemia, had significantly decreased anti-beta2GPI antibody levels compared with patients without any of these risk factors (0.13 +/- 0.04 versus 0.23 +/- 0.13, respectively; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Hypertension is not associated with modification of aCL and anti-beta2GPI antibody levels in coronary artery disease patients. However, there are elevated anti-beta2GPI antibody levels in patients without conventional risk factors compared with patients with these risk factors.     

Referencial values for the physical growth of school children and adolescents in Campinas,Brazil

Aims: To compare the values of weight, height and IMC with the regional curve (Cariri); to compare with the international references of the CDC-2000; and to construct references that will measure physical growth from childhood to adolescence.

Subjects and methods: The sample consists of 6531 individuals with an age range of 6.0–17.9 years. Comparisons (weight, height and BMI) between the means of the group were made with the regional reference Cariri and the international reference CDC-2000.

Results: The students of both sexes from Campinas were taller, heavier and presented more IMC than those from Cariri. With respect to CDC-2000, the girls were heavier until 12 years old and the boys were heavier until 15 years old. For height, the students of both sexes from Campinas were taller until age 10. In IMC, the students from Campinas showed superior qualities in relation to the reference in both sexes (for girls until age 14 and boys until 16 years old).

Conclusion: Patterns of physical growth of children in Campinas are different in relation to the regional and international reference curve. The regional standards proposed are a possibility to assess the trajectory of physical growth of school children of Campinas in clinical or epidemiological settings.     

Comparative Rodenticide Activity of Three Agro Waste Materials in Combat of Rattus norvegicus Under Laboratory Conditions

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - Nowadays, the use of natural and eco-friendly compounds for control of synanthropic rodents instead of...     

Management of pediatric patients with isolated valvar aortic stenosis by balloon aortic valvuloplasty

Moderate to severe aortic stenosis in children requires an initial procedure to improve the stenosis and often additional procedures for recurrent stenosis or aortic insufficiency before adulthood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate children who underwent balloon valvuloplasty and were followed with a specific management plan. Twenty-two children with aortic stenosis underwent balloon valvuloplasty and were followed on a regular basis. Repeat valvuloplasty was performed if indicated. The initial gradient was reduced from 63 ± 9 mmHg to 28 ± 8 mmHg (P<0.001). There were no deaths and only one major complication, which had no sequelae. Average follow-up was 61 ± 23 months. Three patients required valve replacement 39–76 months after valvuloplasty for progressive insufficiency. Seven patients underwent successful repeat valvuloplasty. The overall probability of survival without surgical intervention was 75% at 100 months. Balloon valvuloplasty is an effective intermediate palliation for aortic stenosis and is an acceptable alternative to surgical valvotomy. Repeat valvuloplasty is successful without additional risk. In a subgroup of patients, aortic insufficiency is progressive and will require surgical intervention. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Exercise and the microbiota

Sedentary lifestyle is linked with poor health, most commonly obesity and associated disorders, the corollary being that exercise offers a preventive strategy. However, the scope of exercise biology extends well beyond energy expenditure and has emerged as a great ‘polypill’, which is safe, reliable and cost-effective not only in disease prevention but also treatment. Biological mechanisms by which exercise influences homeostasis are becoming clearer and involve multi-organ systemic adaptations. Most of the elements of a modern lifestyle influence the indigenous microbiota but few studies have explored the effect of increased physical activity. While dietary responses to exercise obscure the influence of exercise alone on gut microbiota, professional athletes operating at the extremes of performance provide informative data. We assessed the relationship between extreme levels of exercise, associated dietary habits and gut microbiota composition, and discuss potential mechanisms by which exercise may exert a direct or indirect influence on gut microbiota.