Narrow Results

As the population of older adults increases worldwide, the number of individuals afflicted with cardiovascular issues and diseases is also increasing. The rate at which individuals worldwide succumb to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rising as well. That is, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number one cause of death globally is from CVD either in the form of myocardial infarctions or strokes. The primary ways of assisting individuals with CVD are from either improved treatments, monitoring research, or primary and secondary prevention measures. In the form of cardiovascular structural monitoring, ultrasonography is very prevalent and allows for multiple configurations, is the least expensive, and has no detrimental side effects to the patient.

This is the proof of concept study that investigates how we can combine a wearable ultrasound vest of multiple 2D transducers to create a 3D model of the heart for continuous monitoring. Furthermore, we create functional models to represent the states the heart can be in both respect to normal operations as well as Atrial Fibrillation.

Using the wearable ultrasound vest created in our previous work, a 3D model is created via a structure from motion approach with synthetic data. Also, a denoising process is created to assist the modeling process. The 3D model is constructed with up to three views. That is, via the parasternal, frontal, and apical views where the frontal view is the halfway point between the apical and parasternal views. Furthermore, stochastic petri nets (SPN) are created to represent the cyclic states of the heart.

The experimental results show a 3D model of the synthetic heart constructed from a point cloud created by the structure from the motion approach. Then, it is successfully denoised with our outlier detection and removal process. The resulting 3D model allows us to calculate surface areas and perform the continuous monitoring we initially set out to do. Finally, multiple SPN models are created for functional feature extraction as well as to assist medical professionals in continuous cardiovascular monitoring.

In this paper, we demonstrated the structure from the motion approach to create a 3D model of the heart with our wearable ultrasound vest construction. Furthermore, we provided multiple SPN models for functional feature extraction and to monitor a normal heart and a heart affected by Atrial Fibrillation.

The purpose of this morphological study was to investigate the relations between meridians, acupoints and viscera using neuroanatomical tracers. The labeled areas of the spinal ganglia, sympathetic chain ganglia, spinal cord and the brain projecting to the heart, Nei-Kuan (EH-6) and Shen-Men (He-7) were observed following injection of WGA-HRP and pseudorabies virus (PRV). The results were as follows. Overlapping bilaterally labeled ganglion areas after heart, Nei-Kuan (EH-6) or Shen-Men (He-7) injection of WGA-HRP were found in middle cervical, stellate and T4 sympathetic and T2-T6 spinal ganglia. In brain, labeled neurons from all three sites were found in the A1 noradrenalin cell group/C1 adrenalin cell group/caudoventrolateral reticular n., n. tractus solitarius, n. ambiguus, rostroventrolateral n., C3 adrenaline cell group, raphe obscurus n., raphe pallidus n., raphe magnus n., lateral paragigantocellular reticular n., locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus n., Kolliker-Fuse n., A5 cell group, central gray matter, paraventricular hypothalamic n. and arcuate hypothalamic n.. In conclusion, these morphological results suggest that the interrelationship of acupoints (Nei-Kuan and Shen-Men) and viscera (heart) may be related to the central autonomic centers of the spinal cord and brain.

The present study used in vivo rat heart to investigate (1) whether Shen-Fu (SF), a traditional Chinese formulation comprising Radix Ginseng (RG) and Radix Aconitum Carmichaeli (AC), is protective against myocardium damage due to ischemia-reperfusion injury, and (2) whether the cardioprotective effect of SF is related to scavenging of hydroxyl radicals. The model of ischemia-reperfusion injury was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery for 60 minutes followed by reperfusion for 240 minutes in anesthetized rats. The size of infarction and the pathologic changes of myocardium were observed. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in serum, the amounts of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in myocardium were measured at the end of the reperfusion period. Pretreatment groups with SF (10 mg/kg), RG (9 mg/kg) and AC (1 mg/kg) inhibited the rise in MDA and LDH as well as CK, increased SOD activity, reduced the size of infarction, and improved the pathologic changes of myocardium during ischemia-reperfusion compared with the control group. The effect of SF is better than that of RG and AC. These results indicate that SF, RG and AC protect obviously myocardium against damage due to ischemia-reperfusion in rats. The cardioprotective effect of SF injection may be in part related to scavenging of hydroxyl radicals or inhibition of lipid peroxidation. SF is more effective than its separated herbal extracts prepared from RG and AC.

The objective of this study was to assess evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of Chinese qigong exercise in rehabilitative programs among cardiac patients. Thirteen databases were searched through to November 2010, and all controlled clinical trials on Chinese qigong exercise among patients with chronic heart diseases were included. For each included study, data was extracted and validity was assessed. Study quality was evaluated and summarized using both the Jadad Scale and the criteria for levels of evidence. Seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one non-randomized controlled clinical trial (CCT) published between 1988 and 2007 met the inclusion criteria. In total, these studies covered 540 patients with various chronic heart diseases including atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarct, valve replacement, and ischemic heart disease. Outcome measures emerged in these studies included subjective outcomes such as symptoms and quality of life; and objective outcomes such as blood pressure, ECG findings, and exercise capacity, physical activity, balance, co-ordination, heart rate, and oxygen uptake. Overall, these studies suggest that Chinese qigong exercise seems to be an optimal option for patients with chronic heart diseases who were unable to engage in other forms of physical activity; however, its efficacy and effectiveness in cardiac rehabilitation programs should be further tested.

This study was conducted to demonstrate myocardial protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of vitexin on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. Occluding the anterior descending artery for 30 min and restoring blood perfusion for 60 min in rat established a model of myocardial I/R. The elevation of the ST segment of Electrocardiograph (ECG) was observed. The infarct size of the rat heart was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC). LDH, CK, SOD activities and MDA content were determined. An immunohistochemical analysis was applied to measure the expression of myocardial NF-κBp65 and TNF-α. ERK/phospho-ERKand c-Jun/phospho-c-Jun protein expression was examined via Western Blot. Vitexin significantly reduced the elevation of the ST segment of ECG and myocardial infarct size. LDH and CK activities and MDA content were attenuated in serum, while SOD activity was markedly enhanced. Vitexin significantly attenuated I/R-induced increases of myocardial NF-κB and TNF-α. Moreover, Western Blot analysis presented that vitexin markedly enhanced the expression of phospho-ERK and weakened the expression of phospho-c-Jun compared to I/R group. The significant protective effect against myocardial ischemical/reperfusion injury in rat, which is exhibited by vitexin, may be related to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating inflammatory cytokines and the MAPK pathway.

Yak is a wild bovine species living on the Qinghai Tibet Plateau that demonstrates good adaptability to the hypoxic environment. Chicoric acid, a natural phenolic compound, is known as having anti-oxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, its effect on hypoxia adaptability of yak is still unclear. In this study 40 yaks were selected that were of similar age, parity and weight, and divided into the control group and experimental groups 1, 2, 3, randomly. Results showed that chicoric acid significantly improved RBC, HGB, and WBC. There are significantly beneficial effects to increasing total protein contents ($P<0.05$): all treatments increased HDL-C contents, and supplementations 100mg/h significantly decreased the content of TG on the 60th day ($P<0.05$). Contents of the serum related enzymes like ALP, GOP and GPT showed varying degrees of change, but no significant differences and the indexes of anti-oxidant capacity (T-AOC and GSH-Px) were significantly improved ($P<0.05$), but MDA was decreased ($P<0.05$) under the action of the chicoric acid. Hypoxia-inducible factor in serum such as HIF-2$\alpha$, EPO, ROS, Fe${}^{3+}$ and Tf are all significantly decreased ($P<0.05$). The myocardial mitochondrial parameters mtDNA, UCP2, PGC1-$\alpha$, NRF1 and mitochondrial complexes were altered remarkably. Some indicators of glucose metabolism presented variation trends. Taken together, chicoric acid has shown a positive effect on the adaptive ability of yak in high altitude, hypoxic environment in plateau areas. Our findings reported a new potential means to enhance immunity and inflammatory response and improve the anti-oxidant capacity.

Berberine is an alkaloid from several medicinal plants originally used to treat diarrhea and dysentery as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years, berberine has been discovered to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities in the treatment of diverse diseases ranging from cancer and neurological dysfunctions to metabolic disorders and heart diseases. This review article summarizes the clinical practice and laboratory exploration of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic and heart diseases, with a focus on the novel insights and recent advances of the underlying mechanisms recognized in the past decade. Berberine was found to display pleiotropic therapeutic effects against dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure. The mechanisms of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease involve combating inflammation and oxidative stress such as inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) activation, regulating electrical signals and ionic channels such as targeting human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) currents, promoting energy metabolism such as activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, modifying gut microbiota to promote transforming of berberine into its intestine-absorbable form, and interacting with non-coding RNAs via targeting multiple signaling pathways such as AMPK, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), etc. Collectively, berberine appears to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical practice, especially for those who are intolerant to statins. Knowledge from this field may pave the way for future development of more effective pharmaceutical approaches for managing cardiometabolic risk factors and preventing heart diseases.

The natural variability in physiological structure is herein related to the geometric concept of a fractal. The average dimensions of the branches in the tracheobronchial tree, long thought to be exponential, are shown to be an inverse power law of the generation number modulated by a harmonic variation. A similar functional form is found for the power spectrum of the QRS-complex of the healthy human heart. These results follow from the assumption that the bronchial tree and the cardiac conduction system are fractal forms. The fractal concept provides a mechanism for the morphogenesis of complex structures which are more stable than those generated by classical scaling (i.e., they are more error tolerant).

Examinations of the left ventricle (LV), which is the systemic ventricle and as such of paramount importance for the function of the heart, are commonly employed in cardiology. Numerous models have been developed that allow for LV parametric representation. Thanks to that, the left ventricle is better suited for all types of modeling endeavors and the correctness of the results may be relatively easily verified.

The authors present a new method for an automatic detection and evaluation of the left ventricle, which is seen as an echocardiographic image in the four-chamber projection. The method is based on computerized image analysis, and in particular, on mathematical morphology.^{4,6,8,9,11,12} Investigations and the preliminary verification of the method have been carried out on complete cycles registered on video in the course of examinations. It is the complete cycles only that allow us to follow the dynamics of cardiac function.

As a result of long-term collaboration with cardiologists, an algorithm has been developed that allows for an automatic LV detection. A precise delineation of its borders allows for an objective description of changes in geometric parameters in the course of the entire cycle and for a quantitative analysis of the left ventricular function.

A new, anatomically accurate, mathematical model of the right and left porcine ventricular myocardium is described based on measurements of the geometry and fibrous-sheet structure. Passive and active properties of the myocardium are calculated using an orthotropic constitutive law based on the fibrous-sheet structure and a biophysical cellular based model of cardiac contraction. Using Galerkin finite element techniques, the equations of finite deformation are solved to determine deformation and regional wall stress through the heart cycle. The mechanics model is coupled via myocardial wall stress, to a one-dimensional coronary blood flow model embedded in the myocardium. Bidomain electrical activation of the myocardium is also modeled, with ionic current based electrophysiological equations and reaction–diffusion equations based on orthotropic conductivity tensors referred to the fibrous-sheet material axes. Metabolic models are used to couple energy supply to contraction and excitation in the heart, and at the body surface, a framework for quantifying the effect of ischemic heart disease is developed.

The anatomy of the atrioventricular conduction system was first described nearly a hundred years ago. Since then, it has been an occasional subject of controversy mainly through a lack of adherence to the original definitions based on histology. The gross landmarks for locating the atrial component of the conduction system are found in the right atrium. The components and structure of the system in human are comparable to that found in commonly used laboratory animals. The conduction system is composed of specialized myocytes. Its atrial component, the atrioventricular node, is in contact with atrial myocardium. Having penetrated the atrioventricular insulating plane, the major ventricular bundles are encased in fibrous sheaths that separate the specialized myocytes from the ordinary myocardium. Only at the distal ramifications of the bundle branches do the fibrous sheaths disappear, allowing continuity with ventricular myocardium. Being the only muscular pathway connecting atrial with ventricular myocardium, knowledge of its structure can help in developing potential therapies for some forms of cardiac arrhythmias.

Pak et al.¹ demonstrated an experimental technique for termination of fibrillation in the heart. Their method used feedback pacing, and resulted in an eight-fold increase in the success rate compared to conventional overdrive pacing. Our goal is to study this technique numerically. Computer simulations were performed using the Fenton-Karma model of membrane excitability, with a correction introduced to allow more realistic modeling of external stimulation. We found that both overdrive pacing and independent synchronized pacing resulted in significantly improved success compared to spontaneous termination of fibrillation. We conclude that synchronized pacing may provide a low-energy alternative to traditional defibrillation.

The evaluation of the correlation between the activations of various organs has great importance. This work investigated the synchronization of the brain and heart responses to different auditory stimuli using complexity-based analysis. We selected three pieces of music based on the difference in the complexity of embedded noise (including white noise, brown noise, and pink noise) in them. We played these pieces of music for 11 subjects (7 M and 4 F) and computed the fractal dimension and sample entropy of EEG signals and R–R time series [as heart rate variability (HRV)]. We found strong correlations ($r=0.9999$ in the case of fractal dimension and $r=0.7862$ in the case of sample entropy) among the complexities of EEG signals and HRV. This finding demonstrates the synchronization of the brain and heart responses and auditory stimuli from the complexity perspective.

Decoding of the coupling among the brain and heart activations is an important research area in network physiology. We studied the coupling of brain and heart activations for 48 subjects who performed the NASA Revised Multi-Attribute Task Battery II under three different activity level conditions. During the experiment, the physical activity of subjects was manipulated by changing the speed of a stationary bike (including no movement, 50rpm, and 70rpm) or a treadmill (including no movement, 3km/h, and 5km/h), while their physiological signals were recorded. We analyzed the complex structure of electroencephalogram (EEG) and R-R signals using fractal theory and sample entropy. The results demonstrated that the alterations of the complex structures of EEG and R-R signals are strongly correlated, which indicates the coupling between brain and heart activations. This method of analysis can be applied to evaluate the coupling between different organs.

Since the brain controls heart activations, there should be a correlation between their activities in different conditions. This study investigates the correlation between heart and brain responses to olfactory stimulation. We employed fractal theory and sample entropy to evaluate the complexity of EEG signals and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in the form of R–R time series. We applied four different pleasant odors with different molecular complexities to 13 participants and analyzed their EEG and ECG signals. The results demonstrated that the complexities of HRV and EEG signals are strongly correlated; a bigger alteration in the complexity of olfactory stimuli is mapped to a bigger alteration in the complexity of HRV and EEG signals. This investigation can be similarly done to examine the correlation between various organs and the brain by quantifying the complexity of their signals versus brain signals.

Understanding the correlation between the brain’s activity and the physiological responses of other organs under varying conditions is a crucial area of research that holds significant potential for advancing our knowledge of human physiology. In this study, we focused on investigating the interaction between the heart and brain by employing advanced complexity analysis techniques, specifically examining the fractal dimension and approximate entropy of electroencephalogram (EEG) and R-R interval time series. The analysis was conducted on data collected from 12 subjects who were observed under three distinct conditions: baseline (normal resting state) and two collaborative activities performed both with and without the presence of noise. Our findings revealed that the complexity patterns of EEG and R-R signals showed similar trends in alterations across all conditions, suggesting a strong coupling between the brain’s and heart’s responses. This observed coupling highlights the potential for a coordinated physiological interaction between these two critical systems. Furthermore, our approach, which successfully decoded the heart–brain correlation, offers a promising framework for extending this analysis to explore correlations between the brain and other organs, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the complex networks that underlie human health and adaptive physiological responses.

AUSTRALIA – Australian Scientists in Stem-cell First.

AUSTRALIA – Australia's First SynCardia Total Artificial Heart Implant.

AUSTRALIA – First Patient Receives Gamma Knife Treatment in Australia.

AUSTRALIA – ADHD Pesticide Link Confirmed.

AUSTRALIA – Aged Garlic Extract can lower Blood Pressure.

CHINA – Chinese Scientists Discover Liver Cancer-prone Genes.

CHINA – Experts Find Gene Variants for Stomach, Gullet Cancer.

CHINA – China Publishes List of 33 Circulating Fake Medicines.

CHINA – Chinese Vaccine Shields against Hepatitis E.

INDIA – Genetic Cause of Gall Bladder Stones Found.

INDIA – Obesity Surgery can Reverse Metabolic Complications.

INDIA – Japanese Encephalitis on Rise in India.

NEW ZEALAND – Rising Cases of Swine Flu in NZ.

SINGAPORE – New Hope for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer.

SINGAPORE – Singapore on Alert for Gene that Creates Superbugs.

SINGAPORE – NCCS to Lead Asian Phase III Clinical Trial for Colorectal Cancer.

SINGAPORE – A*STAR and Institut Mérieux/Biomérieux Invest S$3m in Tuberculosis Research.

SINGAPORE – International Conference on Bioengineering and Nanotechnology to Boost Interdisciplinary Research.

SINGAPORE – Scientists to Research Ways to Fight Infectious Diseases and Viruses.

TAIWAN – Chang Gung Team Develops New Brain Cancer Treatment.

TAIWAN – Taiwan, Canada Develop New Hepatitis C Screening Method.

AUSTRALIA – Immune System Boost Cures HIV-like Infections.

AUSTRALIA – Scientists Shed New Light on How Heart Works.

AUSTRALIA – IVF Breakthrough will Increase Chance of Pregnancy.

AUSTRALIA – Study Reveals Possible Secret to Long Life.

AUSTRALIA – Australian Scientists Make Important Discovery for Safer Drugs.

INDIA – Over 40,000 Childhood Cancer Cases in India Every Year.

INDIA – Biotech Sector Set for Booster Dose.

NEW ZEALAND – Laser to Help Predict Foot Ulcers in Diabetics.

PHILIPPINES – Turning School Yards into Vegetable Gardens.

TAIWAN – Key Enterovirus Breakthrough Unveiled.

OTHER REGIONS — New Heart Therapy More Effective in Women.

AUSTRALIA – Australia Halts Japanese Food Imports.

AUSTRALIA – Victorian Man Gets First Hand Transplant.

AUSTRALIA – DIY DNA Tests for Future Parents.

CHINA – China Edges Closer to Animal-Human Organ Transplant.

CHINA – Cows to Produce 'Human' Milk.

CHINA – Deadly Chinese Outbreaks Linked to New Virus.

CHINA – China Checks Food, Water for Radiation in 14 Areas.

JAPAN – Lab Grown Sperm May Help in Male Infertility.

NEW ZEALAND – Stem Cell Hope for Kidney Patients.

TAIWAN – Scientists Report 'Cell Rejuvenation' Breakthrough.

OTHER REGIONS — Pills for a Brave New World?

OTHER REGIONS — Human Hearts Created in Lab.

OTHER REGIONS — Womb Transplants Possible Next Year.

OTHER REGIONS — Scientists Create Retina Using Embryonic Stem Cells.

AUSTRALIA – Australia Lifts Transplant Rate.

AUSTRALIA – Tamarind Derivative Repairs Damaged Brain Cells.

AUSTRALIA – High Hopes for Ross River Virus Vaccine.

AUSTRALIA – Genetic Link to Risk of Developing Bone Disease.

AUSTRALIA – Edible Vaccine in the Works.

CHINA – China Mulls New Mental Health Law.

CHINA – University of Pennsylvania Pairs up with Chinese Academy of Sciences for Neuroimaging.

INDIA – Vaccine Tests for Brain Virus.

KOREA – New Technique Makes Artificial Bones More Natural.

KOREA – Scientists Develop Magnetic Nanoparticles that Kill Cancer Cells.

SINGAPORE – IE Singapore Forms Biomedical R&D Consortium.

VIETNAM – Fatty Liver Disease on the Rise Among Youth.

OTHER REGIONS — New Clues to How Cancer Spreads.

OTHER REGIONS — Scientists Find Genes Linked to Migraines.

OTHER REGIONS — New Drug Makes Hearts Repair Themselves.