Comparison of effects of static,proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and Mulligan stretching on hip flexion range of motion: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of static stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching and Mulligan technique on hip flexion range of motion (ROM) in subjects with bilateral hamstring tightness. A total of 40 students (mean age: 21.5±1.3 years, mean body height: 172.8±8.2 cm, mean body mass index: 21.9±3.0 kg · m^-2) with bilateral hamstring tightness were enrolled in this randomized trial, of whom 26 completed the study. Subjects were divided into 4 groups performing (I) typical static stretching, (II) PNF stretching, (III) Mulligan traction straight leg raise (TSLR) technique, (IV) no intervention. Hip flexion ROM was measured using a digital goniometer with the passive straight leg raise test before and after 4 weeks by two physiotherapists blinded to the groups. 52 extremities of 26 subjects were analyzed. Hip flexion ROM increased in all three intervention groups (p<0.05) but not in the no-intervention group after 4 weeks. A statistically significant change in initial–final assessment differences of hip flexion ROM was found between groups (p<0.001) in favour of PNF stretching and Mulligan TSLR technique in comparison to typical static stretching (p=0.016 and p=0.02, respectively). No significant difference was found between Mulligan TSLR technique and PNF stretching (p=0.920). The initial–final assessment difference of hip flexion ROM was similar in typical static stretching and no intervention (p=0.491). A 4-week stretching intervention is beneficial for increasing hip flexion ROM in bilateral hamstring tightness. However, PNF stretching and Mulligan TSLR technique are superior to typical static stretching. These two interventions can be alternatively used for stretching in hamstring tightness.     

Direct and indirect interactions of the cytoplasmic region of CD244 (2B4) in mice and humans with FYN kinase

Engagement of the receptor CD244 (2B4) by its ligand CD48 has inhibitory and activating potential, and this differs depending on experimental systems in mouse and human. We show that, in both mouse and human upon engagement of its ligand CD48, CD244 can give a negative signal to natural killer cells, implying conservation of function between the two species. The signaling mechanisms used by CD244 in both human and mouse are conserved as shown by quantitative analyses of the direct molecular interactions of the SH2 domains of the adaptors SLAM-associated protein (SAP) and EAT-2 and of FYN kinase with CD244 together with the indirect interactions of the FYN SH2 domain with EAT-2. Functional experiments support the biochemical hierarchy of interactions and show that EAT-2 is not inhibitory per se. The data are consistent with a model in which the mechanism of signal transduction by CD244 is to regulate FYN kinase recruitment and/or activity and the outcome of CD48/CD244 interactions is determined by which other receptors are engaged.     

pORE: a modular binary vector series suited for both monocot and dicot plant transformation

We present a series of 14 binary vectors suitable for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of dicotyledonous plants and adaptable for biolistic transformation of monocotyledonous plants. The vector size has been minimized by eliminating all non-essential elements from the vector backbone and T-DNA regions while maintaining the ability to replicate independently. The smallest of the vector series is 6.3 kb and possesses an extensive multiple cloning site with 21 unique restriction endonuclease sites that are compatible with common cloning, protein expression, yeast two-hybrid and other binary vectors. The T-DNA region was engineered using a synthetic designer oligonucleotide resulting in an entirely modular system whereby any vector element can be independently exchanged. The high copy number ColE1 origin of replication has been included to enhance plasmid yield in Escherichia coli. FRT recombination sites flank the selectable marker cassette regions and allow for in planta excision by FLP recombinase. The pORE series consists of three basic types; an ‘open’ set for general plant transformation, a ‘reporter’ set for promoter analysis and an ‘expression’ set for constitutive expression of transgenes. The sets comprise various combinations of promoters (P _HPL, P _ENTCUP2 and P _TAPADH), selectable markers (nptII and pat) and reporter genes (gusA and smgfp).     

Inheritance of fertility in broiler chickens

Background

The fertility of a chicken''s egg is a trait which depends on both the hen that lays the egg and on her mate. It is also known that fertility of an individual changes over the laying period.

Methods

Longitudinal models including both random genetic and permanent environmental effects of both the female and her male mate were used to model the proportion of fertile eggs in a pedigree broiler population over the ages 29-54 weeks.

Results

Both the male and the female contribute to variation in fertility. Estimates of heritability of weekly records were typically 7% for female and 10% for male contributions to fertility. Repeatability estimates ranged from 24 to 33%, respectively. The estimated genetic variance remained almost constant for both sexes over the laying period and the genetic correlations between different ages were close to 1.0. The permanent environment components increased substantially towards the end of the analyzed period, and correlations between permanent environment effects at different ages declined with increasing age difference The heritability of mean fertility over the whole laying period was estimated at 13% for females and 17% for males. A small positive correlation between genetic effects for male and female fertility was found.

Conclusion

Opportunities to improve fertility in broiler stocks by selection on both sexes exist and should have an impact throughout the laying period.     

A Novel Diagnostic Target in the Hepatitis C Virus Genome

Background

Detection and quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is integral to diagnostic and therapeutic regimens. All molecular assays target the viral 5′-noncoding region (5′-NCR), and all show genotype-dependent variation of sensitivities and viral load results. Non-western HCV genotypes have been under-represented in evaluation studies. An alternative diagnostic target region within the HCV genome could facilitate a new generation of assays.

Methods and Findings

In this study we determined by de novo sequencing that the 3′-X-tail element, characterized significantly later than the rest of the genome, is highly conserved across genotypes. To prove its clinical utility as a molecular diagnostic target, a prototype qualitative and quantitative test was developed and evaluated multicentrically on a large and complete panel of 725 clinical plasma samples, covering HCV genotypes 1–6, from four continents (Germany, UK, Brazil, South Africa, Singapore). To our knowledge, this is the most diversified and comprehensive panel of clinical and genotype specimens used in HCV nucleic acid testing (NAT) validation to date. The lower limit of detection (LOD) was 18.4 IU/ml (95% confidence interval, 15.3–24.1 IU/ml), suggesting applicability in donor blood screening. The upper LOD exceeded 10⁻⁹ IU/ml, facilitating viral load monitoring within a wide dynamic range. In 598 genotyped samples, quantified by Bayer VERSANT 3.0 branched DNA (bDNA), X-tail-based viral loads were highly concordant with bDNA for all genotypes. Correlation coefficients between bDNA and X-tail NAT, for genotypes 1–6, were: 0.92, 0.85, 0.95, 0.91, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively; X-tail-based viral loads deviated by more than 0.5 log10 from 5′-NCR-based viral loads in only 12% of samples (maximum deviation, 0.85 log10). The successful introduction of X-tail NAT in a Brazilian laboratory confirmed the practical stability and robustness of the X-tail-based protocol. The assay was implemented at low reaction costs (US$8.70 per sample), short turnover times (2.5 h for up to 96 samples), and without technical difficulties.

Conclusion

This study indicates a way to fundamentally improve HCV viral load monitoring and infection screening. Our prototype assay can serve as a template for a new generation of viral load assays. Additionally, to our knowledge this study provides the first open protocol to permit industry-grade HCV detection and quantification in resource-limited settings.     

Sero-prevalence and incidence of A/H1N1 2009 influenza infection in Scotland in winter 2009-2010

Background

Sero-prevalence is a valuable indicator of prevalence and incidence of A/H1N1 2009 infection. However, raw sero-prevalence data must be corrected for background levels of cross-reactivity (i.e. imperfect test specificity) and the effects of immunisation programmes.

Methods and Findings

We obtained serum samples from a representative sample of 1563 adults resident in Scotland between late October 2009 and April 2010. Based on a microneutralisation assay, we estimate that 44% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 40–47%) of the adult population of Scotland were sero-positive for A/H1N1 2009 influenza by 1 March 2010. Correcting for background cross-reactivity and for recorded vaccination rates by time and age group, we estimated that 34% (27–42%) were naturally infected with A/H1N1 2009 by 1 March 2010. The central estimate increases to >40% if we allow for imperfect test sensitivity. Over half of these infections are estimated to have occurred during the study period and the incidence of infection in late October 2009 was estimated at 4.3 new infections per 1000 people per day (1.2 to 7.2), falling close to zero by April 2010. The central estimate increases to over 5.0 per 1000 if we allow for imperfect test specificity. The rate of infection was higher for younger adults than older adults. Raw sero-prevalences were significantly higher in more deprived areas (likelihood ratio trend statistic = 4.92,1 df, P = 0.03) but there was no evidence of any difference in vaccination rates.

Conclusions

We estimate that almost half the adult population of Scotland were sero-positive for A/H1N1 2009 influenza by early 2010 and that the majority of these individuals (except in the oldest age classes) sero-converted as a result of natural infection with A/H1N1 2009. Public health planning should consider the possibility of higher rates of infection with A/H1N1 2009 influenza in more deprived areas.     

Cold stress effects on PSI photochemistry in Zea mays: differential increase of FQR-dependent cyclic electron flow and functional implications

Cold-induced inhibition of CO(2) assimilation in maize (Zea mays L.) is associated with a persistent depression of the photochemical efficiency of PSII. However, very limited information is available on PSI photochemistry and PSI-dependent electron flow in cold-stressed maize. The extent of the absorbance change (ΔA(820)) used for in vivo quantitative estimation of photooxidizable P700(+) indicated a 32% lower steady-state oxidation level of the PSI reaction center P700 (P700(+)) in cold-stressed compared with control maize leaves. This was accompanied by a 2-fold faster re-reduction rate of P700(+) in the dark, indicating a higher capacity for cyclic electron flow (CEF) around PSI in cold-stressed maize leaves. Furthermore, the increased PSI-dependent CEF(s) was associated with a much higher stromal electron pool size and 56% lower capacity for state transitions compared with control plants. To examine NADP(H) dehydrogenase (NDH)- and ferredoxin:plastoquinone oxidoreductase (FQR)-dependent CEF in vivo, the post-illumination transient increase of F(o)' was measured in the presence of electron transport inhibitors. The results indicate that under optimal growth conditions the relatively low CEF in the maize mesophyll cells is mostly due to the NDH-dependent pathway. However, the increased CEF in cold-stressed plants appears to originate from the up-regulated FQR pathway. The physiological role of PSI down-regulation, the increased capacity for CEF and the shift of preferred CEF mode in modulating the photosynthetic electron fluxes and distribution of excitation light energy in maize plants under cold stress conditions are discussed.