We provide the first evidence that CRT reduces interstitial remodelling, TNF-alpha expression, and apoptosis. The data may explain the beneficial effects of CRT on CHF progression and survival.

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A reliable assessment of the thermal environment should take into account the whole of the six parameters affecting the thermal sensation (air temperature, air velocity, humidity, mean radiant temperature, metabolic rate and thermo-physical properties of clothing). Anyway, the need of a quick evaluation based on few measurements and calculations has leaded to like best temperature-humidity indices instead of rational methods based on the heat balance on the human body. Among these, Canadian Humidex, preliminarily used only for weather forecasts, is becoming more and more widespread for a generalized assessment of both outdoor and indoor thermal environments. This custom arouses great controversies since using an index validated in outdoor conditions does not assure its indoor reliability. Moreover is it really possible to carry out the thermal environment assessment ignoring some of variables involved in the physiological response of the human body? Aiming to give a clear answer to these questions, this paper deals with a comparison between the assessment carried out according to the rational methods suggested by International Standards in force and the Humidex index. This combined analysis under hot stress situations (indoor and outdoor) has been preliminarily carried out; in a second phase the study deals with the indoor comfort prediction. Obtained results show that Humidex index very often leads to the underestimation of the workplace dangerousness and a poor reliability of comfort prediction when it is used in indoor situations.

Many studies have shown that acromegaly has relevant effects on cardiovascular system, but few data are available regarding the effects of short-term acromegaly on heart morphology and function. These data would help to clarify the natural history of acromegalic disease and could provide new insight into the mechanisms of GH action on the human heart. Therefore, we studied by Doppler echocardiography a group of 10 young subjects strictly selected as having short-term (<5 yr) uncomplicated acromegaly. The results of this study have shown that shortterm acromegaly is characterized by significantly increased left ventricular mass (P<0.005), with normal relative wall thickness, associated with Doppler indices of diastolic function in the normal range. Furthermore, stroke index and cardiac index were significantly enhanced in the patient group (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively), whereas systemic vascular resistance was significantly reduced (P<0.001). In conclusion, our study shows that short-term acromegaly significantly affects the heart, but, at variance with long-term disease, it is characterized by increased left ventricular mass, with eccentric remodeling and normal diastolic function. Moreover, short-term acromegaly induces a high cardiac output state with reduction of systemic vascular resistance.

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