Biomedical subjects

N Ventura

Publications and source records attributed to N Ventura.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2003

The response of trained athletes to six weeks of endurance training in hypoxia or normoxia.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of training under simulated hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia training was integrated into the normal training schedule of 12 endurance trained cyclists. Athletes were randomly assigned to two groups and performed three additional training bouts per week for six weeks on a bicycle ergometer. One group (HG) trained at the anaerobic threshold under hypoxic conditions (corresponding to an altitude of 3200 m) while the control group (NG) trained at the same relative intensity at 560 m. Preceding and following the six training weeks, performance tests were performed under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Normoxic and hypoxic .VO2max, maximal power output as well as hypoxic work-capacity were not improved after the training period. Testing under hypoxic conditions revealed a significant increase in oxygen saturation (SpO 2, from 67.1 +/- 2.3 % to 70.0 +/- 1.7 %) and in maximal blood lactate concentration (from 7.0 to 9.1 mM) in HG only. Ferritin levels were decreased from 67.4 +/- 16.3 to 42.2 +/- 9.5 microg/l (p < 0.05) in the HG and from 54.3 +/- 6.9 to 31.4+/- 8.0 microg/l (p = 0.17) in the NG. Reticulocytes were significantly increased in both groups by a factor of two. In conclusion, the integration of six weeks of high intensity endurance training did not lead to improved performance in endurance trained athletes whether this training was carried out in hypoxic or normoxic conditions.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Infantile idiopathic scoliosis in the newborn.

We have reviewed 7 patients (5 boys and 2 girls) with infantile idiopathic scoliosis which was present at birth and was diagnosed at ages from 1 day to 1 month. The mean follow up was 16 years. The objectives were to discover whether intrauterine forces play a role in the aetiology and to determine whether early treatment of a potentially progressive curve can induce resolution. Two infants were male conjoined twins and were united by skin over the posterior sacrum. Six infants had a rib vertebral angle difference greater than 20 degrees in the first radiograph and 5 had stiff curves. In 2 with flexible curves, the deformity disappeared by the end of the first year. The 5 with stiff curves were treated conservatively for 6 to 24 months. Growth has now been completed in 5; 4 have a straight spine and one developed an adolescent curve of 26 degrees. The 2 who are still growing have no scoliosis. Intrauterine moulding was only demonstrated in the conjoined twins. There was a correlation between the rib vertebral angle difference above 20 degrees and the rigidity of the curve. Early treatment of a potentially progressive curve can lead to resolution.

Female↗

PubMed1996

Intervertebral discitis in children: a review of 12 cases.

Twelve children with lumbar discitis were reviewed. The average age at diagnosis was 2.5 years. Seven were girls, and the follow-up varied between 2 and 10 years (average 5 years). The clinical signs were general irritability, abdominal or hip pain and refusal to walk or to sit. The erythrosedimentation rate was elevated in all but two. Radiographic narrowing of the disc space was seen in seven patients. Needle disc aspiration was done in five cases with two being positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Blood culture was positive in one case. Magnetic resonance imaging helped to diagnose the condition in three. Treatment consisted of bed rest and immobilisation of the spine; intravenous antibiotics were given to nine children. The natural course of the disease was benign in all our twelve cases.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1995

Intervertebral disc calcification in childhood.

Nine children with calcified intervertebral discs are described. Seven were boys and 2 were girls. The average age at diagnosis was 8.6 years (range 5 to 14 years). Follow up was from 2 to 10 years. Only one child gave a history of trauma. In all twelve discs were involved with more than one disc being affected in 2 children; there were 7 in the cervical spine, 4 in the thoracic and one in the lumbar spine. Every child with cervical calcification had an acute onset with pain and limited movement, and disappeared during the following months. The calcified discs in the thoracic and lumbar regions did not cause symptoms and did not change. Calcification of cervical discs is self-limiting and has an excellent prognosis.

Adolescent↗