In the most densely populated areas (>8000 inhabitants/km2) the response time was 1.8 m/sec compared to 3.1 in the least densely populated areas (0-1500 inhabitants/km2). CONCLUSION The median travelling speed of all lay responders dispatched to suspected OHCAs was 2.3 m/sec. In densely populated areas the travelling speed was 1.8 m/sec. This can be used as support in guidelines for planning placement of AEDs, in simulation studies, as well as in configuration of mobile-based dispatch systems. V.Rear-fanged colubrid snakes include hundreds of species globally that possess a Duvernoy's venom gland and often one-several enlarged rear maxillary teeth. We investigated the venom proteome of the Central American Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon quadruplex), a moderate-sized rear-fanged colubrid snake and the southernmost Trimorphodon, using a bottom-up proteomic approach coupled with enzyme and inhibitor assays, cytotoxicity assays and lethal toxicity assays. Several enzymes uncommonly observed in colubrid venoms were purified and characterized further. Trimorphodon quadruplex has a rather low complexity venome, typical of many rear-fanged snakes, but its venom contains L-amino acid oxidase, phospholipase A2, and a dimeric 3FTx, and 3FTxs dominate the proteome.  https://www.selleckchem.com/products/rin1.html  Its PLA2 is catalytically quite active, but it lacks myotoxicity or acute toxicity; LAAO exhibits conserved structure and appears to be highly labile. Several P-III metalloproteinases are present and hydrolyze azocasein and the α-subunit of fibrinogen but lack hemorrhagic activity. Trimorphodon quadruplex produces venom and retains constriction, utilizing both chemically-mediated and mechanical feeding modes. SIGNIFICANCE We demonstrate that T. quadruplex venom proteins are similar to those found in front-fanged snake species are present but show different biological activities. Our results underscore the importance of considering the biological roles of venoms from more than a mammal-centric perspective. AIMS Electronic cigarette (ECIG) has been used as an alternative to tobacco smoking as it lacks the majority of toxicants found in tobacco smoke. However, the effect of ECIG aerosol inhalation on cardiac health are not well studied. The present study aimed to compare the effects of ECIGs with that of combustible tobacco cigarette (T-Cigs) and waterpipe (WP) smoke on cardiac biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. MAIN METHODS Rats were randomized into control (fresh air, n = 12), ECIG aerosol (n = 12), T-Cig smoke (n = 15), or WP (n = 13) smoke conditions in which they were exposed 1 h/daily, 6 day/week for 4 weeks. Cardiac biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and remodeling were assessed. KEY FINDINGS Relative to control, significant increase in heart to body weight ratio was observed in all exposed groups. Cardiac endothelin-1 and myeloperoxidase were increased for ECIG and T-Cig. Cardiac nitrite and TBARS were increased in all exposed groups, but activity of superoxide dismutase was increased for ECIG and T-Cig only while glutathione levels increased for ECIG only. No changes were observed for cardiac C-reactive protein and catalase activity. Cardiac fibrosis was observed in all exposed groups coupled with an increase in the transforming growth factor beta protein that was significant for ECIG only. SIGNIFICANCE ECIG aerosol may promote cardiac alterations in similar manner to tobacco smoke by promoting myocardial oxidative stress and inflammation leading to fibrosis. With regard to cardiac health, exposure to ECIG aerosol and combustible T-Cig smoke may lead to similar adverse outcomes. AIM To evaluate the effects of P2X7 receptor blockade on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). MAIN METHODS Wistar rats were unilaterally nephrectomized and received streptozotocin for diabetes mellitus (DM) induction; control animals (CTL) received the drug vehicle. The animals were submitted to P2X7 receptor silencing, forming the group (DM + siRNA). The animals were placed in metabolic cages for data collection and evaluation of renal function; at the end of the protocol, the kidney was removed for analysis of P2X7, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, angiotensin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO) and qualitative histological. KEY FINDINGS The metabolic profile was attenuated in DM + siRNA vs. DM and there was a significant improvement in creatinine, urea and proteinuria levels in the same group. Renin expression was significantly decreased in DM + siRNA vs. DM. ACE and ACE2 were significantly reduced in DM + siRNA vs. DM. TBARS levels were decreased and NO showed an increase in DM + siRNA vs. DM, both significant. All histological alterations were improved in DM + siRNA vs. DM. SIGNIFICANCE Data have shown that although silencing of the P2X7 receptor did not decrease fasting glucose, it promoted an improvement in the metabolic profile and a significant recovery of renal function, revealing a protective action by the inhibition of this receptor. This effect must have occurred due to the inhibition of RAS and the increase of NO, suggesting that the use of P2X7 receptors inhibitors could be used as adjuvant therapy against DN progression. AIMS Cardiac hypertrophy is one of most important risk factors for cardiovascular mortality. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is acknowledged to be an important mechanism for pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy. Polyphyllin I (PPI), a component in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has shown anticancer effect partially via interruption of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our aim was to test whether PPI attenuates cardiac hypertrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to either pressure overload generated by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham surgery (control group). Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) was used to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro. PPI was intraperitoneally administrated daily for 4 weeks after TAC surgery and then cardiac function was determined by echocardiography and histological analysis was performed. KEY FINDINGS PPI significantly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction of mice subjected to TAC. Meanwhile, PPI attenuated TAC induced cardiac hypertrophy indicated by blunted increase in heart mass, cross section area of cardiomyocyte, cardiac fibrosis and expression of hypertrophic biomarkers ANP, BNP and β-MHC.