In this paper we used high-resolution thermal imaging to visualize the human whole body anterior cutaneous temperature (T(c)) variations in well-trained runners during graded exercise. Fifteen male volunteers underwent a graded treadmill test until reaching their individual maximal heart rate. Total body T(c) decreased as the subjects started the exercise. Thighs and forearms exhibited the earliest response. A further T(c) diminution occurred with the progress of the exercise. At the exercise interruption, T(c) values were in average 3-5 degrees C lower than at baseline. T(c) increased during recovery from exercise. Forearms and thighs exhibited the earliest increase, followed by total body T(c) increase. Thermal imaging documented the presence of hyperthermal spots (occasionally tree-shaped) due to the presence of muscle perforator vessels during baseline and recovery, but not during exercise. The results we report indicate that thermal infrared imaging permits the quantitative evaluation of specific cutaneous whole body thermal adaptations which occur during and after graded physical activity. Thus providing the basis for evaluating local and systemic cutaneous blood flow adaptation as a function of specific type, intensity and duration of exercise, and helping to determine the ideal conditions (in terms of environment and apparel) in which physical activities should be conducted in order to favor thermal regulatory processes.

Myo-inositol supplementation in pregnancy reduced the incidence of GDM in women at high risk of this disorder. The reduction in incidence of GDM in the treatment arm was accompanied by improved outcomes.

ABSTRACT.Purpose: To examine the circadian intraocular pressure (IOP) patterns in healthy subjects, in primary open angle and normal tension glaucoma (POAG; NTG) using a contact lens sensor (CLS; Sensimed Triggerfish, Lausanne, Switzerland). Methods: This was an observational, nonrandomized study. Ten healthy subjects (Group 1, 10 eyes) and 20 glaucomatous patients [20 eyes, 10 with POAG (Group 2) and 10 with NTG (Group 3)] were enrolled. All patients were controlled with prostaglandin analogues. The 24-hr IOP pattern was the main outcome. The morning (6AM-11AM), afternoon/evening (noon-11PM) and night (midnight-5AM) subperiod patterns, peaks and prolonged peaks (>1 hr) were secondary outcomes. Results: Mean 24-hr IOP pattern showed a nocturnal acrophase in all groups. Patterns were significantly different among groups (p = 0.02), with highest nocturnal IOP values in POAG. Prolonged peaks were more common in patients with glaucoma (70%) than in healthy subjects (33.3%) (p < 0.001). Significant differences were found for Groups 2 and 3 in the morning versus afternoon/evening (p = 0.019 and p = 0.035, Bonferroni correction), morning versus night (p = 0.005 and p < 0.0001) and afternoon/evening versus night periods comparisons (p < 0.0001 for both groups). In Group 1, patterns significantly differed in the morning versus night and afternoon/evening versus night period comparisons (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Continuous 24-hr IOP monitoring with the CLS revealed a nocturnal acrophase in healthy subjects and, more markedly, in glaucoma. Because the diurnal IOP profile seems not to predict the nocturnal rhythm, the circadian IOP pattern should be evaluated in clinical practice. These findings may be worthwhile for the management of glaucoma.

No abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence and extent of cognitive impairment in type 1 diabetic children with episodes of recurrent severe hypoglycemia, using meta-analysis to synthesize data across studies. The meta-analysis sample included: 441 children with diabetes and recurrent severe hypoglycemia, 560 children with diabetes and without recurrent severe hypoglycemia. Overall, children with type 1 diabetes and recurrent severe hypoglycemia had slightly lower performance than diabetic children without severe hypoglycemia, only in some cognitive domains: intelligence, memory, learning, and verbal fluency/language. Greater impairment was found in memory and learning. No impairment was found for motor speed. Our results seem to confirm the hypothesis that recurrent severe hypoglycemia has a selective negative effect on the children's cognitive functions. However, these results must be considered with caution taking into account factors such as small sample sizes, the different definitions of severe hypoglycemia, and the variety of neuropsychological tests used.