UVI_02019870, a Puptive Effector from <i>Ustilaginoidea virens</i>, Interacts with a Chloroplastic-Like Protein OsCPL1

Ustilaginoidea virens, which causes rice false smut (RFS), is one of the most detrimental rice fungal diseases and poses a severe threat to rice production and quality. Effectors in U. virens often act as a group of essential virulence factors that play crucial roles in the interaction between host and the pathogen. Thus, the functions of individual effectors in U. virens need to be further explored. Here, we found a small secreted hypersensitive response-inducing protein UVI_02019870 was highly conserved in fungi. Furthermore, we performed Y2H and BiFC assay to demonstrated UVI_02019870 interacted with OsCPL1, which was predicted as a chloroplast precursor to regulate chloroplast signaling pathways. Our data provide a theory for gaining an insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the UVI_02019870 virulence function.     

Restricted feeding improves postischemic recovery of Langendorff-perfused rat hearts

The goal of the present study was to assess the effects of a restricted feeding schedule (RFS) on postischemic contractile recovery in relation to triacylglycerol (TAG), glycogen, and ATP content. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity, reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels were also determined. Isolated rat hearts entrained to daily RFS (2 h food access starting at 1200) or fed ad libitum (FED) for 3 weeks were Langendorff-perfused (25 min ischemia, 30 min reperfusion) with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (10?mmol/L glucose). RFS improved the recovery of contractility and reduced creatine kinase (CK) release upon reperfusion. Further, at the end of reperfusion, RFS hearts exhibited increased G6PDH activity and repletion of tissue glycogen, TAG, and ATP that was not observed in the FED hearts. GSH/GSSG at the end of reperfusion fell to the same value in both nutritional states, and TBARS levels were higher in the RFS hearts. In conclusion, RFS improved postischemic functional recovery, which was accompanied by a reduction in CK release and a striking energy recovery. Although enhanced G6PDH activity was displayed, RFS was unable to reduce lipid peroxidation, supporting a clear dissociation between protection against mechanical dysfunction and CK release on the one hand and oxidative damage on the other.     

A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Myomectomy on Survival in Uterine Sarcoma

Laparoscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive, conservative surgical approach commonly used for the treatment of uterine fibroids. However, there is a lack of effective means to distinguish the nature of uterine tumors prior to surgery. The impact of fibroid morcellation during laparoscopic surgery on the dissemination of cancerous uterine fibroids and long-term survival of patients has gained increasing attention. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the impact of different surgical approaches on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with a postoperative pathological diagnosis of uterine sarcoma at a single medical center. Patients who underwent the first surgery for uterine fibroids (confined to the uterus) and had a postoperative pathological diagnosis of uterine sarcoma were selected in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2005 to January 2014. Based on the use of fibroid morcellation, the subjects were divided into fibroid morcellation (FM) and total hysterectomy (TH, non-morcellation) groups. Follow-up outcomes, including RFS and OS times, were observed. In total, 59 patients were included, with 30 cases in the FM group and 29 cases in the TH group. There were no significant differences in RFS and OS time between the two groups (RFS: P = 0.16, OS: P = 0.09). Multivariate correlation analysis showed that the impact of a higher grade level on RFS and OS was nearly 2-fold the impact of a lower grade level (RFS: P = 0.04, odds ratio (OR) = 1.97; OS: P = 0.03, OR = 2.29). Intraoperative morcellation, postoperative adjuvant therapy, age, tumor size, FIGO stage, and surgical approach were not risk factors affecting RFS and OS. Fibroid morcellation during laparoscopic surgery (including laparoscopic, transvaginal and transabdominal approaches) had no significant impact on RFS and OS time in patients. However, the 5-year RFS and OS rates were both lower in the FM group than in the TH group. Grade level was a significant risk factor for the prognosis of patients with uterine sarcoma.     

Differences in muscle activity between natural forefoot and rearfoot strikers during running

Running research has focused on reducing injuries by changing running technique. One proposed method is to change from rearfoot striking (RFS) to forefoot striking (FFS) because FFS is thought to be a more natural running pattern that may reduce loading and injury risk. Muscle activity affects loading and influences running patterns; however, the differences in muscle activity between natural FFS runners and natural RFS runners are unknown. The purpose of this study was to measure muscle activity in natural FFS runners and natural RFS runners. We tested the hypotheses that tibialis anterior activity would be significantly lower while activity of the plantarflexors would be significantly greater in FFS runners, compared to RFS runners, during late swing phase and early stance phase. Gait kinematics, ground reaction forces and electromyographic patterns of ten muscles were collected from twelve natural RFS runners and ten natural FFS runners. The root mean square (RMS) of each muscle?s activity was calculated during terminal swing phase and early stance phase. We found significantly lower RMS activity in the tibialis anterior in FFS runners during terminal swing phase, compared to RFS runners. In contrast, the medial and lateral gastrocnemius showed significantly greater RMS activity in terminal swing phase in FFS runners. No significant differences were found during early stance phase for the tibialis anterior or the plantarflexors. Recognizing the differences in muscle activity between FFS and RFS runners is an important step toward understanding how foot strike patterns may contribute to different types of injury.     

Most marathon runners at the 2017 IAAF World Championships were rearfoot strikers,and most did not change footstrike pattern

The aim of this study was to analyze footstrike patterns in elite marathon runners at the 2017 IAAF World Championships. Seventy-one men and 78 women were analyzed in their respective races. Athletes’ footstrike patterns were recorded (120 Hz) at approximately 8.5, 19, 29.5 and 40 km (“Laps 1 – 4”) and categorized as either rearfoot (RFS), midfoot or forefoot striking; the latter two were classified together as non-rearfoot striking (NRFS). The most common footstrike pattern was RFS, with proportions never less than 54% of men or 67% of women at any distance. There were no sex-based differences for proportion of footstrike patterns, and there were no differences between footstrike proportions when comparing the top and bottom 50% of men finishers, or between women during Laps 1 and 2. A greater proportion of the top 50% of women maintained NRFS than amongst the bottom 50%. The proportion of RFS increased with distance run in the men’s race, although more than 75% of athletes across both marathons had consistent footstrike patterns between laps (79 RFS and 36 NRFS). As most athletes were RFS (including the top four finishing men), there appears to be no clear advantage to NRFS in marathon running. Coaches should note that it is normal for elite marathon runners to be either RFS or NRFS; however, forefoot striking was rare. The high proportion of athletes who maintained their footstrike pattern reflected individualized preferences for a given footstrike pattern.     

Simulated impact of the renewable fuels standard on US Conservation Reserve Program enrollment and conversion

A socioeconomic model is used to estimate the land‐use implications on the U.S. Conservation Reserve Program from potential increases in second‐generation biofuel production. A baseline scenario with no second‐generation biofuel production is compared to a scenario where the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS2) volumes are met by 2022. We allow for the possibility of converting expiring CRP lands to alternative uses such as conventional crops, dedicated second‐generation biofuel crops, or harvesting existing CRP grasses for biomass. Results indicate that RFS2 volumes (RFS2‐v) can be met primarily with crop residues (78% of feedstock demand) and woody residues (19% of feedstock demand) compared with dedicated biomass (3% of feedstock demand), with only minimal conversion of cropland (0.27 million hectares, <1% of total cropland), pastureland (0.28 million hectares of pastureland, <1% of total pastureland), and CRP lands (0.29 million hectares of CRP lands, 3% of existing CRP lands) to biomass production. Meeting RFS2 volumes would reduce CRP re‐enrollment by 0.19 million hectares, or 4%, below the baseline scenario where RFS2 is not met. Yet under RFS2‐v scenario, expiring CRP lands are more likely to be converted to or maintain perennial cover, with 1.78 million hectares of CRP lands converting to hay production, and 0.29 million hectares being harvested for existing grasses. A small amount of CRP is harvested for existing biomass, but no conversion of CRP to dedicated biomass crops, such as switchgrass, are projected to occur. Although less land is enrolled in CRP under RFS2‐v scenario, total land in perennial cover increases by 0.15 million hectares, or 2%, under RFS2‐v. Sensitivity to yield, payment and residue retention assumptions are evaluated.     

Rats made cirrhotic by chronic CCl4 treatment still exhibit anticipatory activity to a restricted feeding schedule

Food entrainment of clock genes in the liver suggests that this organ may underlie a food entrained oscillator (FEO), which manifests under restricted feeding schedule (RFS). In order to test the importance of a functional liver for the expression of FEO, chronic CCl4-treated cirrhotic rats and oil-treated controls were entrained to RFS and drinking behavior was continuously monitored. After 20 d of free-running conditions, food access was restricted to 2 h, followed by a refeeding-fasting protocol to test persistence of anticipatory drinking. Present data show no differences between groups for the onset and intensity of anticipation during RFS. After RFS, however, cirrhotic rats exhibited a significantly longer free-running period and a delay and lower intensity of the persistence of activity under fasting conditions. Histology confirmed injury of the liver chronically treated with CCl4. Present data indicate that a dysfunctional liver due to chronic CCl4 does not prevent animals from exhibiting anticipatory activity but may promote metabolic derangement of the clock mechanisms of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the FEO.     

RATS MADE CIRRHOTIC BY CHRONIC CCl4 TREATMENT STILL EXHIBIT ANTICIPATORY ACTIVITY TO A RESTRICTED FEEDING SCHEDULE

Food entrainment of clock genes in the liver suggests that this organ may underlie a food entrained oscillator (FEO), which manifests under restricted feeding schedule (RFS). In order to test the importance of a functional liver for the expression of FEO, chronic CCl₄-treated cirrhotic rats and oil-treated controls were entrained to RFS and drinking behavior was continuously monitored. After 20 d of free-running conditions, food access was restricted to 2 h, followed by a refeeding–fasting protocol to test persistence of anticipatory drinking. Present data show no differences between groups for the onset and intensity of anticipation during RFS. After RFS, however, cirrhotic rats exhibited a significantly longer free-running period and a delay and lower intensity of the persistence of activity under fasting conditions. Histology confirmed injury of the liver chronically treated with CCl₄. Present data indicate that a dysfunctional liver due to chronic CCl₄ does not prevent animals from exhibiting anticipatory activity but may promote metabolic derangement of the clock mechanisms of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the FEO.     

Recombinant tagging system using ribosomal frameshifting to monitor protein expression

For rapid and accurate quantitation of recombinant proteins during expression and after purification, we introduce a new tagging strategy that expresses both target proteins and limitedly tagged target proteins together in a single cell at a constant ratio by utilizing cis‐elements of programmed ‐1 ribosomal frameshifting (‐1RFS) as an embedded device. ‐1RFS is an alternative reading mechanism that effectively controls protein expression by many viruses. When a target gene is fused to the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene with a ‐1RFS element implanted between them, the unfused target and the target‐GFP fusion proteins are expressed at a fixed ratio. The expression ratio between these two protein products is adjustable simply by changing ‐1RFS signals. This limited‐tagging system would be valuable for the real‐time monitoring of protein expression when optimizing expression condition for a new protein, and in monitoring large‐scale bioprocesses without a large metabolic burden on host cells. Furthermore, this strategy allows for the direct measurement of the quantity of a protein on a chip surface and easy application to proteomewide study of gene products. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 898–904. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Risk factors of recurrence in small-sized, node negative breast cancer in young women: a retrospective study in Chinese population

We aimed to investigate risk factors of local and distant recurrence in small-sized, node negative breast cancer in women <35 years in a Chinese cohort. Between January 1994 and January 2007, 107 patients with pathologically confirmed small-sized (?1 cm), node negative breast cancer who did not receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy were included. The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was estimated according to different prognostic variables. With a median time of 60 months (range, 8–60 months) follow-up, local and distant recurrence were observed in 25 cases (23.4%). By univariate analysis, HER-2 positivity, triple negative (TN), and high Ki-67 index (?14%) were risk factors of a lower RFS (hazard ratio (HR) 6.680, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.350–18.985, P<0.0001 for HER-2 positive; HR 4.769, 95%CI 1.559–14.591, P=0.006 for TN; HR 6.030, 95%CI 2.659–13.674, P<0.0001 for high Ki-67 index). Patients with grade 3 tumors had a lower RFS (HR 2.922, 95%CI 1.096–7.791, P=0.032) compared with those with grade 1 or grade 2 tumors. By multivariate analysis, HER-2 positivity (HR 10.204, 95%CI 3.391–30.704, P<0.0001), TN (HR 10.521, 95% CI 3.152–35.113, P<0.0001) and high Ki-67 index (HR 10.820, 95%CI 4.338–27.002, P<0.0001) remained risk factors of RFS. In this cohort, HER-2 positivity, triple negative and high Ki-67 index were independent risk factors of RFS in young patients with T1a,bN0 breast cancer. Subsequent pregnancy did not affect RFS.     

Foot strike patterns of runners at the 15-km point during an elite-level half marathon

There are various recommendations by many coaches regarding foot landing techniques in distance running that are meant to improve running performance and prevent injuries. Several studies have investigated the kinematic and kinetic differences between rearfoot strike (RFS), midfoot strike (MFS), and forefoot strike (FFS) patterns at foot landing and their effects on running efficiency on a treadmill and over ground conditions. However, little is known about the actual condition of the foot strike pattern during an actual road race at the elite level of competition. The purpose of the present study was to document actual foot strike patterns during a half marathon in which elite international level runners, including Olympians, compete. Four hundred fifteen runners were filmed by 2 120-Hz video cameras in the height of 0.15 m placed at the 15.0-km point and obtained sagittal foot landing and taking off images for 283 runners. Rearfoot strike was observed in 74.9% of all analyzed runners, MFS in 23.7%, and FFS in 1.4%. The percentage of MFS was higher in the faster runners group, when all runners were ranked and divided into 50 runner groups at the 15.0-km point of the competition. In the top 50, which included up to the 69th place runner in actual order who passed the 15-km point at 45 minutes, 53 second (this speed represents 5.45 m x s(-1), or 15 minutes, 17 seconds per 5 km), RFS, MFS, and FFS were 62.0, 36.0, and 2.0%, respectively. Contact time (CT) clearly increased for the slower runners, or the placement order increased (r = 0.71, p < or = 0.05). The CT for RFS + FFS for every 50 runners group significantly increased with increase of the placement order. The CT for RFS was significantly longer than MFS + FFS (200.0 +/- 21.3 vs. 183.0 +/- 16 millisecond). Apparent inversion (INV) of the foot at the foot strike was observed in 42% of all runners. The percentage of INV for MFS was higher than for RFS and FFS (62.5, 32.0, and 50%, respectively). The CT with INV for MFS + FFS was significantly shorter than the CT with and without INV for RFS. Furthermore, the CT with INV was significantly shorter than push-off time without INV for RFS. The findings of this study indicate that foot strike patterns are related to running speed. The percentage of RFS increases with the decreasing of the running speed; conversely, the percentage of MFS increases as the running speed increases. A shorter contact time and a higher frequency of inversion at the foot contact might contribute to higher running economy.     

A test of maternal human chorionic gonadotropin during pregnancy as an adaptive filter of human gestations

The risk of abnormalities and morbidity among live births increases with advanced maternal age. Explanations for this elevated morbidity invoke several maternal mechanisms. The relaxed filter stringency (RFS) hypothesis asserts that mothers, nearing the end of their reproductive lifespan, reduce the stringency of a screen of offspring quality in utero based on life-history traits of parity and interbirth interval (IBI). A separate line of research implicates human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy as a signal of offspring quality. We test the RFS hypothesis directly by examining whether the difference in gestational hCG across consecutive live births varies positively with the mother''s number of previous live births but inversely with her most recent IBI. We applied multivariable regression methods to a unique dataset of gestational hCG for over 500 000 live births from 2002 to 2007. The difference in gestational hCG across mothers'' consecutive live births varies positively with both mothers'' parity and IBI. These associations remain similar among older mothers (35+ years). Findings support the RFS hypothesis for the parity expectation but not for the IBI expectation. Further evidence for the RFS hypothesis among contemporary human gestations would have to invoke screening mechanisms other than hCG.     

PTIP Associated protein 1, PA1, Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Lymphnode Negative Breast Cancer

Pax transactivation domain interacting protein (PTIP) associated protein 1, PA1, was a newly found protein participating in the modulation of transactivity of nuclear receptor super family members such as estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Breast cancer is one of the most life threatening diseases for women and has tight association with estrogen and ER. This study was performed to understand the function of PA1 in breast cancer. The expression of PA1 had been evaluated in a total of 344 primary invasive breast cancer samples and examined the relationship with clinical output, relapse free survival (RFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). PA1 expression was observed in both nucleus and cytoplasm, however, appeared mainly in nuclear. PA1 nuclear expression was correlated with postmenopausal (P = 0.0097), smaller tumor size (P = 0.0025), negative Ki67 (P = 0.02), positive AR (P = 0.049) and positive ERβ (P = 0.0020). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated PA1 nuclear positive cases seemed to have a longer survival than negative ones for RFS (P = 0.023) but not for BCSS (P = 0.23). In the Cox hazards model, PA1 nuclear protein expression proved to be a significant prognostic univariate parameter for RFS (P = 0.03), but not for BCSS (P = 0.20). In addition, for those patients without lymphnode metastasis PA1 was found to be an independent prognostic factor for RFS (P = 0.025), which was verified by univariate and multivariate analyses. These investigations suggested PA1 expression could be a potential prognostic indicator for RFS in breast cancer.     

Integrated analysis of a competing endogenous RNA network reveals key long noncoding RNAs as potential prognostic biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma

Growing evidence has revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have an important impact on tumorigenesis and tumor progression via a mechanism involving competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). However, their use in predicting the survival of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to develop a novel lncRNA expression–based risk score system to accurately predict the survival of patients with HCC. In our study, using expression profiles downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the differentially expressed messenger RNAs (mRNAs), lncRNAs, and microRNAs (miRNAs) were explored in patients with HCC and normal liver tissues, and then a ceRNA network constructed. A risk score system was established between lncRNA expression of the ceRNA network and overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS); it was further analyzed for associations with the clinical features of patients with HCC. In HCC, 473 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 63 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 1417 differentially expressed mRNAs were detected. The ceRNA network comprised 41 lncRNA nodes, 12 miRNA nodes, 24 mRNA nodes, and 172 edges. The lncRNA expression–based risk score system for OS was constructed based on six lncRNAs (MYLK-AS1, AL359878.1, PART1, TSPEAR-AS1, C10orf91, and LINC00501), while the risk score system for RFS was based on four lncRNAs (WARS2-IT1, AL359878.1, AL357060.1, and PART1). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed the risk score systems for OS or RFS were significant independent factors adjusted for clinical factors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the area under the curve for the risk score system was 0.704 for OS, and 0.71 for RFS. Our result revealed a lncRNA expression–based risk score system for OS or RFS can effectively predict the survival of patients with HCC and aid in good clinical decision-making.     

Foot joint coupling variability differences between habitual rearfoot and forefoot runners prior to and following an exhaustive run

As joint coupling variability has been associated with running-related lower extremity injury, the purpose of this study was to identify how variability within the foot may be different between forefoot (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) runners. Identifying typical variability in uninjured runners may contribute to understanding of ideal coordination associated with running foot strike patterns.Fifteen FFS and 15 RFS runners performed a maximal-effort 5 km treadmill run. A 7-segment foot model identified 6 functional articulations (rearfoot, medial and lateral midfoot and forefoot, and 1st metatarsophalangeal) for analysis. Beginning and end of the run motion capture data were analyzed. Vector coding was used to calculate 6 joint couples. Standard deviations of the coupling angles were used to identify variability within subphases of stance (loading, mid-stance, terminal, and pre-swing). Mixed between-within subjects ANOVAs compared differences between the foot strikes, pre and post run.Increased variability was identified within medial foot coupling for FFS and within lateral foot coupling for RFS during loading and mid-stance. The exhaustive run increased variability during mid-stance for both groups.Interpretation. Joint coupling variability profiles for FFS and RFS runners suggest different foot regions have varying coordination needs which should be considered when comparing the strike patterns.     

DNA cytometric analysis of surgically treated squamous cell cancer of the uterine cervix, stage pT1b1-pT2b

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of DNA content and DNA-related variables of proliferative activity regarding prognosis in cervical cancer. STUDY DESIGN: DNA image (ICM) andflow cytometry (FCM) were performed to determine the DNA index (DI), 5c-exceeding rate (5c-ER), S-phase fraction (SPF) and proliferation index (PI) in 163 patients with surgically staged pT1b1-pT2b squamous cell cancer of the uterine cervix and treated with primary radical hysterectomy. ICM was performed on imprint cytology, obtained from fresh tumor tissue, which was also used for FCM. Results were analyzed using the chi2 test and Cox regression analysis for risk of pelvic lymph node involvement, tumor recurrence and recurrence-free survival (RFS). RESULTS: ICM was performed on all 163 and FCM on 133 samples. One-third of the tumors showed DNA aneuploidy. Analysis demonstrated prognostic significance of a DI > or = 1.70, with a (70:30) 2.3-fold risk of recurrence (P=.024) and reduced RFS of 10 months (P=.003) in cases of DI > or = 1.70. A high 5c-ER > 11% was associated with pelvic lymph node involvement and decreased RFS (P < or = .04). Significantly more relapses were found in tumors with SPF > 12% (70.8% vs. 29.2%, P=.007). RFS was markedly reduced in tumors with high SPF (52.3 vs. 61.1 months, P=.011). Low proliferative tumors (PI<25%) were associated with lower stage (P=.036) and increased RFS (61.2 vs. 47.1 months, P=.028). In multivariate analysis of clinicopathologic variables (pT category, nodal status, lymphovascular space involvement) and DNA related variables, pelvic lymph node involvement was the only significant predictor of RFS. In patients with nodal involvement, tumors with DI >1.70 were associated with lessfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSION: DNA-related variables of cell cycle analysis were valuablefor predicting prognosis in cervical cancer patients. Tumors with DI>1.70, 5c-ER >11% and high proliferative activity (SPF>12%, PI>25%) represent a subgroup with a poor prognosis.     

p27Kip1 as a prognostic factor in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate via a meta‐analysis the association between p27 expression and clinical outcome in breast cancer patients. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 20 studies (n= 6463 patients) that evaluated the correlation between p27 expression and indicators of breast cancer clinical outcome, including overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS). Data pooling was performed by RevMan 4.2. A total of 60% (9 of 15) of the studies showed a significant association between p27 high expression and OS, whereas 25% (2 of 8) and 60% (3 of 5) studies demonstrated a correlation between p27 high expression and DFS and RFS, respectively. The relative risks (RRs) were 1.34 (1.26–1.42) for OS (P < 0.00001), 1.27 (1.10–1.47) for DFS (P= 0.001) and 1.49 (0.92–2.42) for RFS (P= 0.10). In lymph node‐negative breast cancer patients, the RRs for OS and RFS were 1.84 (1.30–2.59; P= 0.0005) and 1.30 (0.20–8.50; P= 0.78), respectively. In lymph node‐positive breast cancer patients, the RRs for OS and RFS were 2.99 (1.77–5.07; P < 0.0001) and 1.49 (0.80–2.77; P= 0.21), respectively. This meta‐analysis indicates that reduced p27 is an independent prognostic factor for poor overall and disease‐free cancer survival.     

Metabolic adaptations of liver mitochondria during restricted feeding schedules

Food anticipatory activity (FAA) is an output of the food-entrained oscillator (FEO), a conspicuous biological clock that expresses when experimental animals are under a restricted food schedule (RFS). We have shown that the liver is entrained by RFS and exhibits an anticipatory response before meal time in its oxidative and energetic state. The present study was designed to determine the mitochondrial oxidative and phosphorylating capacity in the liver of rats under RFS to further support the biochemical anticipatory role that this organ plays during the food entrainment (9). Metabolic and functional parameters of liver mitochondria were characterized before (0800 h), during (1100 h), and after (1400 h) FAA. The main results were as follows. First, there was an enhancement during FAA (1100 h) in 1) oxidative capacity (site I of the electron transport chain), 2) phosphorylating ability (estimated by ATP synthesis), and 3) activities of NADH shuttles. Second, after rats were fed (1400 h), the phosphorylating capacity remained high, but this was not the case for the respiratory control ratio for site I. Finally, in the three experimental conditions before, during, and after FAA, an increment was detected in the H(+) electrochemical potential, due to an elevation in mitochondrial membrane potential, and in mitochondrial yield. Most of the changes in mitochondrial properties related to RFS were also present when results were compared with those from the 24-h fasted group. In conclusion, the results support the notion that a distinctive rheostatic state is installed in the metabolic activity of the liver when FEO is being expressed.     

Joint contact loading in forefoot and rearfoot strike patterns during running

Research concerning forefoot strike pattern (FFS) versus rearfoot strike pattern (RFS) running has focused on the ground reaction force even though internal joint contact forces are a more direct measure of the loads responsible for injury. The main purpose of this study was to determine the internal loading of the joints for each strike pattern. A secondary purpose was to determine if converted FFS and RFS runners can adequately represent habitual runners with regards to the internal joint loading. Using inverse dynamics to calculate the net joint moments and reaction forces and optimization techniques to estimate muscle forces, we determined the axial compressive loading at the ankle, knee, and hip. Subjects consisted of 15 habitual FFS and 15 habitual RFS competitive runners. Each subject ran at a preferred running velocity with their habitual strike pattern and then converted to the opposite strike pattern. Plantar flexor muscle forces and net ankle joint moments were greater in the FFS running compared to the RFS running during the first half of the stance phase. The average contact forces during this period increased by 41.7% at the ankle and 14.4% at the knee joint during FFS running. Peak ankle joint contact force was 1.5 body weights greater during FFS running (p<0.05). There was no evidence to support a difference between habitual and converted running for joint contact forces. The increased loading at the ankle joint for FFS is an area of concern for individuals considering altering their foot strike pattern.     

Adjuvant gamma knife surgery and image-guided,intensity-modulated radiation therapy for the treatment of sacral chordomas

AimThe aim of this study was to confirm whether patients with sacral chordoma benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy and to determine the optimal photon radiotherapy module for comprehensive treatment.BackgroundChordoma is a rare slow-growing neoplasm arisen from cellular remnants of the notochord. About 50% occur in the sacrococcygeal region. Surgical resection and adjuvant radiation therapy are recommended treatment due to the improving local control rate.Materials and methods118 patients treated by surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy from August 2003 to May 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received surgical resection after diagnosis. Among these patients, 44 were treated by exclusive surgery, and 48 were treated with adjuvant image-guided, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT). In addition, 26 patients were treated with gamma knife surgery (GKS) after surgical resection. The median follow-up was 54 months for all patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate recurrence-free survival (RFS) overall survival (OS).ResultsPatients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy had better RFS (p = 0.014) than those treated exclusively by surgery. The patients in the IG-IMRT group exhibited better recurrence-free survival (p = 0.01) than the GKS group. Moreover, in the IG-IMRT group, patients treated by higher dose were associated with better RFS (p = 0.04). No significant difference in OS was found. No grade 3 late toxicity was found.ConclusionsWe confirmed that adjuvant radiotherapy improved RFS but not OS in sacral chordoma patients after surgery. Furthermore, favorable RFS and low adverse event rates were observed following IG-IMRT. Our results suggest that high dose IG-IMRT is an appropriate module of adjuvant radiotherapy for sacral chordoma patients.