Urocortins as biomarkers in cardiovascular disease

The urocortins (Ucns) belong to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptides and have multiple effects within the central nervous and the cardiovascular systems. With growing evidence indicating significant cardioprotective properties and cardiovascular actions of these peptides, the question arises as to whether the plasma profiles of the Ucns are altered in pathologic settings. While reports have shown conflicting results and findings have not been corroborated in multiple independent cohorts, it seems likely that plasma Ucn concentrations are elevated in multiple cardiovascular conditions. The degree of increase and accurate determination of circulating values of the Ucns requires further validation.

CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF CARDIORESPIRATORY SYSTEM IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19

The goal of the paper is to range information about early and delayed clinical and functional disorders of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems after COVID-19. The review focuses on clinical and functional diagnostic methods (laboratory, instrumental and radiation) of disorders of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in patients after COVID-19. At the moment, enough data has been accumulated confirming early and aftereffect of COVID-19. The need for further rehabilitation may be caused by the presence and severity of clinical and functional disorders of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Key words: coronavirus disease (COVID-19), impaired respiratory function and diffusion lung capacity, acute myocardial injury, electrical myocardium instability. Цель – систематизировать сведения о ранних и отсроченных клинико-функциональных нарушениях дыхательной и сердечно-сосудистой систем после перенесенной коронавирусной инфекции. В обзоре основное внимание уделено клинико-функциональным методам диагностики (лабораторным, инструментальным и лучевым) нарушений сердечно-сосудистой и дыхательной систем у пациентов, перенесших COVID-19. На данный момент накоплено достаточно данных, подтверждающих наличие ранних и отсроченных последствий новой коронавирусной инфекции. Необходимость дальнейшей реабилитации может быть обусловлена наличием и тяжестью клинико-функциональных нарушений со стороны органов дыхания и сердечно-сосудистой системы. Ключевые слова: новая коронавирусная инфекция (COVID-19), нарушения функции внешнего дыхания и диффузионной способности легких, острое повреждение миокарда, электрическая нестабильность миокарда.

Use of Commercially Produced Medical Education Videos in a Cardiovascular Curriculum: Multiple Cohort Study

Background Short instructional videos can make learning more efficient through the application of multimedia principles, and video animations can illustrate the complex concepts and dynamic processes that are common in health sciences education. Commercially produced videos are commonly used by medical students but are rarely integrated into curricula. Objective Our goal was to examine student engagement with medical education videos incorporated into a preclinical Cardiovascular Systems course. Methods Students who took the first-year 8-week Cardiovascular Systems course in 2019 and 2020 were included in the study. Videos from Osmosis were recommended to be watched before live sessions throughout the course. Video use was monitored through dashboards, and course credit was given for watching videos. All students were emailed electronic surveys after the final exam asking about the course’s blended learning experience and use of videos. Osmosis usage data for number of video views, multiple choice questions, and flashcards were extracted from Osmosis dashboards. Results Overall, 232/359 (64.6%) students completed surveys, with rates by class of 81/154 (52.6%) for MD Class of 2022, 39/50 (78%) for MD/MPH Class of 2022, and 112/155 (72.3%) for MD Class of 2023. Osmosis dashboard data were available for all 359 students. All students received the full credit offered for Osmosis engagement, and learning analytics demonstrated regular usage of videos and other digital platform features. Survey responses indicated that most students found Osmosis videos to be helpful for learning (204/232, 87.9%; P=.001) and preferred Osmosis videos to the traditional lecture format (134/232, 57.8%; P<.001). Conclusions Commercial medical education videos may enhance curriculum with low faculty effort and improve students’ learning experiences. Findings from our experience at one medical school can guide the effective use of supplemental digital resources for learning, and related evaluation and research.

Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica peruana en cardiología y medicina cardiovascular

Objetivo. Determinar las características y la tendencia de los artículos publicados sobre cardiología y medicina cardiovascular en el contexto peruano, y comprender cómo ha cambiado a lo largo de los años. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio bibliométrico de artículos originales publicados hasta el año 2020 por autores peruanos en revistas indexadas bajo la categoría «Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems» en Web of Science (WOS). Se incluyeron los artículos según los criterios de selección en el aplicativo web Rayyan y se realizó el análisis bibliométrico mediante el paquete Bibliometrix en el lenguaje de programación R y VOSviewer. Resultados. Se incluyeron 159 artículos publicados, y se observó un incremento del número de publicaciones desde 2015. El artículo más citado fue un ensayo clínico realizado por Fitchett et al. y publicado en 2016. Miranda JJ fue el autor peruano con mayor número artículos publicados seguido de Hernández AV y Málaga G. La filiación institucional con mayor número de artículos originales fue la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. En cuanto a los términos o palabras clave, se encontró que la mayor cantidad de estudios publicados contaban con términos relacionados con la epidemiología, mientras que en los artículos más recientes, los términos se relacionaron con desenlaces o intervenciones específicas que son utilizados en estudios clínicos. Conclusiones. Se encontró un incremento en los últimos cinco años en la producción científica sobre cardiología y medicina cardiovascular de autores con filiación institucional peruana, con una mayor producción de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia. La revista con mayores publicaciones de autores con filiación institucional peruana sobre cardiología y medicina cardiovascular fue Circulation, donde también se encontraron dos de los artículos con filiación institucional peruana más citados.

Lymphatic circulation and heart failure

Objective: to summarize current knowledge about the interactions between the lymphatic/cardiovascular systems and interstitial tissue, which are associated with heart failure (HF). The authors attempt to answer the fundamental question of whether lymphatic insufficiency is a cause or consequence of HF. Understanding lymph formation processes in HF will allow finding new ways of treating HF.

AGE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FUNCTIONAL STATE OF THE CHECHEN REPUBLIC POPULATION DEPENDING ON THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE

Научная статья посвящена изучению показателей антропометрии, дыхательной и сердечно-сосудистой системы у населения Чеченской Республики, проживающего в условиях равнинной и низкогорной местности и принадлежащего к разновозрастной категории. Проведенное исследование показывает, что уровень соматического здоровья изученного контингента с учетом степени развития основных антропометрических признаков в значительной степени определяется резервными возможностями всех систем органов и достоверно отличается у жителей равнины и низкогорья. Scientific article is devoted to the study of indicators of anthropometry, respiratory and cardiovascular systems in the population of the Chechen Republic living in conditions of lowland and low-mountain terrain and belonging to different age categories. The study shows that the level of somatic health of the studied contingent, taking into account the degree of development of the main anthropometric features, is largely determined by the reserve capabilities of all organ systems and significantly differs among the inhabitants of the plain and low mountains.

A Brief on Biological Thermodynamics for Human Physiology

Thermodynamics, the science of energy interactions, governs the direction of processes found in nature. While the subject finds wide applications in science and technology, its connection to biological sciences and in particular to bio-engineering is becoming increasingly important. In this work, after a brief introduction to the fundamental concepts in thermodynamics, we focus on its application in human physiology. A review of application of thermodynamics to the interaction between human body and environment is presented. Research works on biological systems such as the nervous system and the cardiovascular systems are summarized. The thermodynamics of metabolism is reviewed, and finally, the role of the subject in understanding and combating diseases is highlighted.

Respiratory and cardiovascular systems

‘Respiratory and cardiovascular systems’ begins with the anatomy of the thoracic cavity, including the lungs, skeletal tissue, and soft tissue, before consideration of the two main physiological components of the thorax: the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. The main structures of the pulmonary system are discussed (pleura and pleural cavities, the upper and lower airways), together with respiratory mechanics, the principles of gaseous exchange and gas transport in the blood, the relationships between ventilation and perfusion, and the regulation of breathing. Major respiratory conditions and diseases are also covered, such as cystic fibrosis, pulmonary embolism, asthma, and the effect of altitude. The cardiovascular system topics includes blood physiology (haematology and haemostasis) and the heart in terms of anatomy, its function as a pump, and the nature of the heart as an electrical tissue (the electrocardiogram). The function of the heart is discussed, including during exercise and in diseases such as heart failure and hypertension.

Personification of nordic walking course in children with bronchial asthma depending on physical health level and disease control

Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized Nordic walking course in children with bronchial asthma. Material and methods. In conditions of a local sanatorium, 60 children aged 814 years with atopic bronchial asthma in remission were examined, 30 patients received the usual set of health-improving measures (comparison group), 30 patients additionally underwent a course of sports walking, personalized depending on the degree of asthma control and the level of physical health (main group). To evaluate it, the method of L.G. Apanasenko was used. Indicators of external respiration, abdominal and back muscle strength, physical performance, and Robinson and Rufier indices were determined. The children were examined twice: before and after the rehabilitation course. The dynamics of functional indicators was expressed as a percentage increase in relation to the initial values. Results. It was found that 36.7 % of patients had a low, 53.3 % average and only 10 % high level of physical health. Only 10 % had a complete asthma control, and 90 % of children had a partial control. The use of a personalized sports walking course helped to improve the functional parameters of external respiration, muscular and cardiovascular systems. In the comparison group, the positive dynamics of most of functional indicators was significantly less obvious. Conclusions. The course of Nordic walking in children with bronchial asthma at the stage of rehabilitation should be personalized taking into account the level of physical health and the degree of disease control. This technology in this category of patients has a significant positive health-strengthening effect, which is manifested by improving the functional state of the muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.