Comparison between ambulatory measurement of effective thermal conductivity and laser Doppler flowmetry method to assess skin microcirculatory activity

The main objective of this paper was to assess the performance of the ambulatory device μHematron to measure indirectly skin blood flow relative to the well-established Laser Doppler flowmetry method. The μHematron device is dedicated to the non-invasive measurement of effective thermal conductivity of living tissues, based on the thermal clearance method. Its major advantage is its ambulatory functionality, as available methods for evaluation of microcirculatory activity are non-ambulatory methods. An experiment was conducted on ten healthy women exposed for one hour in three different thermal environments (22 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C). Skin microcirculatory activity was analyzed after an acclimatization period of 30 minutes. The time between each exposure was at least one hour. Performances of the μHematron device were assessed and a comparative study with a laser Doppler perfusion monitor (LDPM) was performed. Good correlation coefficients between the two devices (r = 0.71 at T1 = 22 °C, r = 0.77 at T2 = 25 °C and r = 0.83 at T3 = 30 °C) were obtained while the LDPM signal was filtered by a low pass filter (0.1 Hz). These results showed that continuous monitoring of effective thermal conductivity was possible in neutral and warm ambiences. Then, the μHematron device could be considered as a complementary tool to Doppler techniques for the investigation of skin blood flow, when ambulatory conditions are required.     

Trispyrazolylmethane piano stool complexes of iron(II) and cobalt(II)

A series of cationic trispyrazolylmethane complexes of the general form [Tm^RM(CH₃CN)₃]²⁺ (Tm = tris(pyrazolyl)methane, 1, R = 3,5-Me₂, M = Fe(II); 2, R = 3-Ph, M = Fe(II); 3, R = 3,5-Me₂, M = Co(II); 4, R = 3-Ph, M = Co(II)) with ‘piano-stool’ structures was prepared by the reaction of the N₃tripodal ligands (Tm^R)with [(CH₃CN)₆M](BF₄)₂ in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that all four complexes with BF₄⁻ counter anions are paramagnetic, high-spin systems in the solid state with μ_eff at high temperatures of 5.2 (1, S = 2), 5.4 (2, S = 2), 4.9 (3, S = 3/2) and 4.6 (4, S = 3/2) BM, respectively. Comparisons of bond lengths from the metal centre to the Tm^R nitrogen donors, and from the metal centre to the acetonitrile nitrogen donors indicate that the neutral tripodal ligands appear to be more weakly coordinated to the metal centre than are the acetonitrile ligands. Reactions of these tripodal complexes with bidentate phosphine ligands, such as 1,2-diphosphinoethane or 1,2-bis(diallylphosphino)ethane leads to displacement of the tripodal ligand, or to the formation of more thermally stable bis-ligand complexes M(Tm^R)₂ (R = 3,5-dimethyl).     

Freeze-drying of ATP entrapped in cationic,low lipid liposomes

Concerning the instability of ATP liposomes formulated to easily diffuse through the liver (size ～100 nm), this work targets the key parameters that influence the freeze-drying of a preparation that combines cholesterol, DOTAP and phosphatidylcholine (either natural soybean or egg (SPC or EPC) or hydrogenated (HSPC)). After freeze-drying blank liposomes, size increased significantly when initial lipid concentration was lowered from 20 to 5 mM (p = 0.0018). With low lipid concentration preparation (5 mM), SPC limited size increase (SI) more efficiently compared to EPC or HSPC. With SPC and EPC, sucrose showed better size results compared to trehalose (Lyoprotectant/Lipid ratio (w/w) avoiding any SI: ～5 and ～10 (for SPC), ～10 and ～15 (for EPC), for sucrose and trehalose, respectively), but the opposite was evidenced with HSPC liposomes where a Trehalose/Lipid ratio of 25 barely prevented SI. In addition, slow versus quick cooling rate led to limiting SI for HSPC liposomes (p = 0.0035). With sucrose or trehalose at both Lyoprotectant/Lipid ratios ensuring size stabilisation (10:1 and 15:1, respectively), ATP leakage ranged between 38.8 ± 7.9% and 58.2 ± 1.4%. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that using strict size maintenance as the primary objective does not result in drug complete retention inside the liposome core.     

Optimization of integrated alkaline–extrusion pretreatment of barley straw for sugar production by enzymatic hydrolysis

In this work, an integrated one-step alkaline–extrusion process was tested as pretreatment for sugar production from barley straw (BS) biomass. The influence of extrusion temperature (T) and the ratio NaOH/BS dry matter (w/w) (R) into the extruder on pretreatment effectiveness was investigated in a twin-screw extruder at bench scale. A 2³ factorial design of experiments was used to analyze the effect of process conditions [T: 50–100 °C; R: 2.5–7.5% (w/w)] on composition and enzymatic digestibility of pretreated substrate (extrudate). The optimum conditions for a maximum glucan to glucose conversion were determined to be R = 6% and T = 68 °C. At these conditions, glucan yield reached close to 90% of theoretical, while xylan conversion was 71% of theoretical. These values are 5 and 9 times higher than that of the untreated material, which supports the great potential of this one-step combined pre-treatment technology for sugar production from lignocellulosic substrates. The absence of sugar degradation products is a relevant advantage over other traditional methods for a biomass to ethanol production process since inhibitory effect of such product on sugar fermentation would be prevented.     

Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate onto pullulan using ceric ammonium nitrate as initiator

Water absorption resins of pullulan graft methyl acrylate (PU-g-MA) using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as an initiator has been investigated under nitrogen atmosphere in aqueous medium. The percentage grafting (%PG) is favoured by increasing reaction time but is affected by higher concentration of initiator and monomer, and high temperature. Experiments showed that the optimal conditions for grafting were: [CAN] = 0.004 mol/l which was added in 1 mol/l nitric acid; [MA] = 0.0465 mol/l; reaction time; 180 min and temperature, 40 °C. The graft copolymer was analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. The water absorption capacity of the resins decreased significantly with the increase in %PG.     

Design and synthesis of novel 5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-4-aminopyrimidine derivatives as potent and selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors: Scaffold hopping using a pseudo-ring by intramolecular hydrogen bond formation

5-(3,4,5-Trimethoxybenzoyl)-4-amimopyrimidine derivatives were found as a novel chemical class of potent and highly selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. A pseudo-ring formed by an intramolecular hydrogen bond constrained the conformation of 3-chloro-4-methoxybenzylamino and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl substituents and led to the discovery of T-6932 (19a) with a potent PDE5 inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 0.13 nM) and a high selectivity over PDE6 (IC₅₀ ratio: PDE6/PDE5 = 2400). Further modification at the 2-position of T-6932 resulted in the finding of 26, which exhibited potent relaxant effects on isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum (EC₃₀ = 11 nM) with a high PDE5 selectivity over PDE6 (IC₅₀ ratio: PDE6/PDE5 = 2800).     

Punto de corte de espesor de tejido adiposo epicárdico para predecir síndrome metabólico en población venezolana

ObjectiveTo define an echocardiographically-assessed cut-off point for epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness associated to metabolic syndrome (MS) components in Venezuelan subjects.MethodsFifty-two subjects aged 20-65 years diagnosed with MS according to International Diabetes Federation criteria and 45 sex- and age-matched controls were selected. Blood glucose and plasma lipids were tested; EAT thickness and left ventricular mass were measured by echocardiography.ResultsNo significant age and sex differences were found between the two groups. Body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly higher (P = .0001) in the MS group. This group showed significantly higher levels of fasting blood glucose (P = .0001), total cholesterol (P = .002), LDL-C (P = .007), non-HDL-C (P = .0001), triglycerides (P = .0001), Tg-HDL-C ratio (P = .0001), and lower HDL-C levels (P = .0001) as compared to the control group. EAT thickness (P = .0001) and left ventricular mass (P = .017) were significantly higher in the MS group. The ROC curve showed an AUC of 0.852 (P = .0001) with a power of the test of 0.99. A 5-mm EAT thickness showed a sensitivity of 84.62% (95% CI: 71.9-93.1) and a specificity of 71.11% (95% CI: 55.7-83.6) for predicting MS. The odds ratio of this population for experiencing MS due to an EAT ≥ 5 mm was 8.25 (95% CI: 3.15-21.56; P = .0001).ConclusionAn EAT value ≥ 5 mm has good sensitivity and specificity for predicting MS in the Venezuelan population.     

Statin use and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a U.S. population

PurposeStatins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are medications widely prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels. Observational studies in high-risk populations, mostly in Asia, have suggested that statins are associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study sought to evaluate the association of statin use and HCC in a U.S.-based, low-risk, general population.MethodsA nested case–control study was conducted among members of the Health Alliance Plan HMO of the Henry Ford Health System enrolled between 1999 and 2010. Electronic pharmacy records of statin use were compared among tumor registry-confirmed cases of HCC (n = 94) and controls (n = 468) matched on age, sex, diagnosis date, and length of HMO enrolment.ResultsIn multivariate analyses, ever-use of statins was significantly inversely associated with development of HCC (Odds ratio (OR): 0.32, 95%CI: 0.15–0.67). No clear dose–response relationship was evident as statin use for <2 years (OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.13–0.83) and >2 years (OR = 0.31, 95CI% = 0.12–9.81) resulted in very similar ORs.ConclusionsThe use of statins among populations in low-risk HCC areas may be associated with decreased risk of HCC.     

Anthropometric features and cutaneous melanoma risk: A prospective cohort study in French women

BackgroundEpidemiological studies on anthropometric features and cutaneous melanoma risk in women yielded inconsistent results, with few analyses involving prospective cohort data. Our objective was to explore several anthropometric characteristics in relation to the risk of melanoma in women.MethodsWe prospectively analysed data from E3N, a French cohort involving 98,995 women born in 1925–1950. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires sent biennially over 1990–2008. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using Cox proportional hazards regression models, adjusted for age, number of naevi, freckling, skin and hair colour, skin sensitivity to sun exposure, residential sun exposure, and physical activity.ResultsHeight was positively associated with melanoma in age-adjusted models only (RR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.05–1.55 for ≥164 cm vs. <160 cm; P for trend = 0.02). After full adjustment, there was a significantly positive relationship between sitting-to-standing height ratio and melanoma risk (RR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.06–1.86 for ≥0.533 vs. <0.518; P for trend = 0.02). A large body shape at menarche was inversely associated with the risk of melanoma (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62–0.98; compared with lean). However, weight, body mass index, body surface area, waist or hip circumference, sitting height or leg length were not significantly associated with risk.ConclusionThese results suggest that height, sitting-to-standing height ratio and body shape at menarche may be associated with melanoma risk. Further research is required to confirm these relationships and better understand the underlying mechanisms.     

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukins-12(p40), 6, and 10 levels in cerebrospinal fluid and outcome prediction in Ossimi sheep with encephalitic listeriosis

Encephalitic listeriosis in sheep is a life-threatening disease. However, little is known about the cytokine response and their predictive value in this disease. The aim of present study was to assess the prognostic significance of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-12(p40) (IL-12 p40), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in sheep with encephalitic listeriosis. Fifty-nine ewes in 14 flocks were diagnosed clinically as having listeriosis. CSF was collected and subjected to bacteriological examination and estimation of selected cytokines. Twenty-eight ewes were confirmed to be infected with Listeria monocytogenes. Based on antimicrobial sensitivity test, sheep were treated and the outcome was recorded as survivors (n = 10) and non-survivors (n = 18). Cutoff points for CSF cytokines were determined by Receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). Association between levels of CSF cytokines and outcome of listeriosis was assessed by logistic regression. TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12(p40) levels as well as TNF-α/IL-10 ratio were significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors (p = 0.002, 0.0021, 0.0033, and 0.001, respectively). However, IL-10 level was significantly lower in non-survivors than survivors (p = 0.0058). ROC analysis revealed that IL-6 and TNF-α/IL-10 ratio had the highest AUC values (0.98, 0.984, respectively). Final multivariate logistic regression model showed that TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was the only variable that has predictive value for mortality in diseased sheep (p: 0.001; OR: 7.2; 95% CI: 5.7–9.8). TNF-α showed a positive correlation with IL-12β (r = 0.917) and IL-6 (r = 0.965). IL-12 (p40) showed also a positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.906). However, IL-10 showed a negative correlation with TNF-α (r = −0.915), IL-12(p40) (r = −0.790), and IL-6 (r = −0.902). In conclusion, TNF-α/IL-10 ratio may provide predictive information about outcome of encephalitic listeriosis in sheep.     

The predictive value of plasma catestatin for all-cause and cardiac deaths in chronic heart failure patients

Catestatin (CST) is a proteolytic fragment of Chromogranin A with a broad spectrum of activities in the cardiovascular system. The level of plasma CST increases in chronic heart failure patients, but its potential relationship to patient prognosis is unknown. In this study, we measured plasma CST levels in 202 chronic heart failure patients and followed them for a median of 52.5 months. The plasma CST level was higher in patients with all-cause death and cardiac death than in survivors. According to univariate COX regression, higher plasma CST levels predicted increased risk of all-cause and cardiac death. After adjustment for other confounding factors, plasma CST was an independent risk factor for both outcomes, and the hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.84 (95% CI: 1.02–3.32, p = 0.042) and 2.41 (95% CI: 1.26–4.62, p = 0.008) for all-cause death and cardiac death, respectively. The new risk-predictive model considering CST was superior to the previous model for both outcomes by ANOVA and likelihood ratio tests (p = 0.040 and p = 0.008, respectively). Concurrent increases in plasma BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) and CST levels predicted the highest risk for both all-cause and cardiac deaths [HR = 5.18 (95% CI: 1.94–13.87, p = 0.001) and HR = 9.19 (95% CI: 2.75–30.78, p < 0.001), respectively]. Large-scale studies are needed to further assess the value of plasma CST in predicting heart failure prognosis.     

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is not associated with risk of sarcopenia in elderly COVID-19 patients

BackgroundTo assess the existence of association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the risk of sarcopenia in COVID-19 patients.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital with patients with an active COVID-19 infection admitted to the nursing ward or intensive care unit (ICU) between September to December 2020. Sarcopenia risk was assessed using the Strength, Assistance for walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls (SARC-F). Biochemical analyses were assessed by circulating of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, neutrophils, lymphocytes count and NLR. Sixty-eight patients were evaluated and divided into tertiles of NLR values and the association between NLR and sarcopenia risk were tested using the linear regression analyses and p < 0.05 were considered as significant.ResultsSixty-eight patients were evaluated and divided in NLR tertiles being the 1st (men = 52.2%; 71.1 ± 9.0 y; NLR: 1.1–3.85), 2nd (women = 78.3%; 73.2 ± 9.1 y; NLR: 3.9–6.0) and 3rd (men = 72.7%; 71.7 ± 10.4 y; NLR: 6.5–20.0). There was a difference between the tertiles in relation to the first to the biochemical parameters of total neutrophils count (p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (p = 0.012), and D-dimer (p = 0.012). However, no difference was found in linear regression analysis between tertiles of NLR and SARC-F, if in total sample (p = 0.054) or divided by sex, if men (p = 0.369) or women (p = 0.064).ConclusionIn elderly patients hospitalized with COVID-19, we do not find an association between the risk of sarcopenia and NLR.     

STK15 rs2273535 polymorphism and cancer risk: A meta-analysis of 74,896 subjects

Background: It has been suggested that the serine/threonine kinase 15 (STK15) T91A rs2273535 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to cancer. However, the results are conflicting. We performed this meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. Methods: PubMed was searched to select studies. Case–control studies containing available genotype frequencies of the STK15 rs2273535 polymorphism were chosen, and the odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was utilized to assess the strength of association. Results: 52 studies – including 34,057 cases and 40,839 controls – were identified. A significant effect of the STK15 rs2273535 polymorphism on cancer risk was found (AA vs. TT: OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.01–1.26, P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001; AA vs. TA/TT: OR = 1.12, 95%CI = 1.02–1.22, P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001; TA/AA vs. TT: OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.01–1.12, P_{heterogeneity} < 0.001). Stratified analysis by cancer type revealed that the STK rs2273535 polymorphism may contribute to the risk of breast cancer (AA vs. TT: OR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.01–1.44, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.002), colorectal cancer (AA vs. TA/TT: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.05–1.47, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.124), and esophageal cancer (AA vs. TA/TT: OR = 1.19, 95%CI = 1.02–1.39, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.148). Further subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that there was a statistically increased cancer risk in Asians (AA vs. TA/TT: OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 1.05–1.37, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.004). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that the STK15 rs2273535 polymorphism is a candidate gene polymorphism for cancer susceptibility, especially in Asian populations.     

Enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of racemic glycidyl butyrate by lipase from Bacillus subtilis with improved catalytic properties

The lipase from Bacillus subtillus (BSL2), a highly active lipase expressed from newly constructed strain of Bacillus subtilis BSL2, is used in the kinetic resolution of glycidyl butyrate. A high enantiomeric ratio (E = 108) was obtained by using 1,4-dioxane as co-solvent (18%, v/v) and decreasing the reaction temperature to 5 °C. The ratio is about 16-fold more than that (E = 6.52) obtained in pure buffer solutions (25 °C, pH 7.8). Under the optimum conditions, the remained (R)-glycidyl butyrate with high enantiopure (ee > 98%) was obtained when the conversion was above 52%.     

A study on the association of TNF-α-308, IL-6-174, IL-10-1082 and IL-1RaVNTR gene polymorphisms with rheumatic heart disease in Pakistani patients

Inflammation is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a disorder of heart valves caused by a combination of immune, genetic and environmental factors. Cytokines are important mediators of inflammatory and immune responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cytokine gene polymorphisms and their potential usefulness as biomarkers in RHD patients from Pakistan. We screened 150 RHD patients and 204 ethnically matched controls for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α^-308G/A, interleukin (IL)-10^?1082 G/A, interleukin (IL)-6^-174 G/C and a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTRs) polymorphism of the IL-1Ra gene using polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that TNF-α^-308 A and IL-6^-174 G alleles were associated with susceptibility to RHD (p = 0.000; OR = 2.81; CI = 1.5–5.14 and p = 0.025; OR = 1.50; CI = 1.04–2.16 respectively). The TNF-α^-308 AA and GA genotypes were associated with susceptibility to RHD (p = 0.012; OR = 9.94; CI; 1.21–217.3 and p = 0.046; OR = 1.97; CI = 0.98–3.97 respectively) while the GG genotype seemed to confer resistance (p = 0.003; OR = 0.39; CI = 0.20–0.76). The GG genotype for IL-6^-174 was significantly associated with predisposition to RHD (p = 0.015; OR = 2.6; CI = 1.17–5.85). The A1 (four repeats) and A2 (two repeats) alleles at the IL-1Ra VNTR polymorphism were associated with resistance and susceptibility to RHD respectively. However, this polymorphism deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in both patients and controls in our population. TNF-α^-308 and IL-6^-174 polymorphisms may be useful markers for the identification of individuals susceptible to RHD in Pakistan. These individuals could be provided aggressive prophylactic intervention to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with RHD.     

Analyse comparative de 3 logiciels de reconstruction itérative de tomoscintigraphie monophotonique myocardique

ObjectiveThis study makes a comparative analysis of the quality reconstruction of three software: 2D ordered subset expectation maximisation (2D OSEM), 3D ordered subsets expectation maximisation (Flash 3D) and Wallis.Patients and methodsThe data from myocardial scintigraphy acquisitions of 50 patients (38 men and 12 women; average age 61 ± 9 years) were successively reconstructed using three myocardial perfusion SPECT algorithms (Flash 3D, OSEM 2D and Wallis). Different combinations of iterations and subsets were considered. For Wallis, only the cut-off frequency was considered. The image's quality was assessed by determining the maximum contrast and the signal to noise ratio.ResultsThe Wallis software provided a higher signal to noise ratio compared to Flash 3D and OSEM 2D at stress and rest. The Wallis signal to noise ratio increased by a factor 1.93 (P = 0.0010) and 2.28 at stress (P = 0.0009); 1.50 (P = 0.0011) and 2.84 at rest (P = 0.0024) compared to respectively Flash 3D and OSEM 2D. Flash 3D provided better signal to noise ratio than OSEM 2D at stress and at rest. The difference in medians and interquartile ranges of the signal-to-noise ratio in post-stress were 22 % and 54 %, respectively between Flash 3D and OSEM 2D. At rest, the difference between the two methods in signal to noise ratio was 32 % ± 0.,29.ConclusionWallis algorithm was improve image quality with better signal to noise ratio compared to the reference method of Siemens Flash 3D. For both Flash 3D and OSEM 2D methods, the combination with 8 subsets and 12 iterations provided the best contrast and signal to noise ratio.     

Genetic polymorphism of epidermal growth factor 61A>G and cancer risk: A meta-analysis

Background: Numerous studies have investigated the risk of cancer associated with the polymorphism of epidermal growth factor (EGF) 61A>G, but the results have been inconsistent. We performed this meta-analysis to drive a more precise estimation of association between this polymorphism and risk of cancer. Methods: Electronic searches of PubMed and EMBASE were conducted to select studies. Case-control studies containing available genotype frequencies of EGF 61A>G were chose, and Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the strength of this association. Results: 23 case-control studies including 5578 cases and 7306 controls were identified. This meta-analysis showed significant effect of EGF 61A>G on cancer risk (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.05–1.72; GG vs. GA + AA: OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.03–1.47; GG + GA vs. AA: OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.02–1.38). In subgroup analysis, significant increased risk was found in gastric cancer and glioma in additive model (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.13–2.12; OR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.21–2.37) and in recessive model (OR = 1.29, 95%CI = 1.10–1.52; OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.16–2.04). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that the EGF 61G allele is a risk factor of cancer, especially for gastric cancer and glioma.     

Effect of the contraction of medial rotators of the tibia on the electromyographic activity of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis

PurposeThis study attempted to assess if the resisted contraction of medial rotators of the tibia increases the ratio between the activity of vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) during maximal isometric contractions (MIC) of the quadriceps femoral (QF) muscle at 90° of knee flexion.MethodsAbout 24 female subjects participated in this study, performing four series MIC of the QF. In the first series subjects performed only MIC of the QF muscle, whereas in the other three there was MIC of the QF with resisted contraction of medial rotators of the tibia, with the tibia positioned in medial, neutral and lateral rotation. During each contraction, VM and VL electromyographic signal (EMGs) and QF force were collected, being the EMGs root mean square (RMS) used to access the activity level of these muscles.ResultsThe use of the General Linear Model (GLM) test showed that for α = 0.05 there was a significant increase in the VM:VL ratio when the resisted contraction of medial rotators of the tibia was performed with the tibia in medial (p = <0.0001), neutral (p = <0.0001) and lateral rotation (p = 0.001). The same test showed that during MIC of the QF associated to resisted contraction of medial rotators of the tibia there were no significant differences in the VM:VL ratio between the three tibial rotation positions adopted (p = 0.866 [medial–neutral]; p = 0.106 [medial–lateral]; p = 0.068 [neutral–lateral]).ConclusionsThe resisted contraction of medial rotators of the tibia increases the VM:VL ratio during MIC of the QF and the tibial rotation position does not influence the VM:VL ratio during MIC associated to resisted contraction of medial rotators of the tibia.     

Intrarater reliability and agreement of linear encoder derived heel-rise endurance test outcome measures in healthy adults

A linear encoder measuring vertical displacement during the heel-rise endurance test (HRET) enables the assessment of work and maximum height in addition to the traditional repetitions measure. We aimed to compare the test-retest reliability and agreement of these three outcome measures. Thirty-eight healthy participants (20 females, 18 males) performed the HRET on two occasions separated by a minimum of seven days. Reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and agreement by a range of measures including the standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Reliability for repetitions (ICC = 0.77 (0.66, 0.85)) was equivalent to work (ICC = 0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.89)) and maximum height (ICC = 0.85 (0.77, 0.90)). Agreement for repetitions (SEM = 6.7 (5.8, 7.9); CV = 13.9% (11.9, 16.8%); LoA = −1.9 ± 37.2%) was equivalent to work (SEM = 419 J (361, 499 J); CV = 13.1% (11.2, 15.8%); LoA = 0.1 ± 34.8%) with maximum height superior (SEM = 0.8 cm (0.6, 1.0 cm); CV = 6.6% (5.7, 7.9%); LoA = 1.3 ± 17.1%). Work and maximum height demonstrated acceptable reliability and agreement that was at least equivalent to the traditional repetitions measure.     

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without oxaliplatin after short-course radiotherapy in high-risk rectal cancer: A subgroup analysis from a prospective study

AimTo evaluate the role of oxaliplatin in neoadjuvant chemotherapy delivered after short-course irradiation.BackgroundUsing oxaliplatin in the above setting is uncertain.Patients and methodsA subgroup of 136 patients managed by short-course radiotherapy and 3 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy within the framework of a randomised study was included in this post-hoc analysis. Sixty-seven patients received FOLFOX4 (oxaliplatin group) while oxaliplatin was omitted in the second period of accrual in 69 patients because of protocol amendment (fluorouracil-only group).ResultsGrade 3+ acute toxicity from neoadjuvant treatment was observed in 30% of patients in the oxaliplatin group vs. 16% in the fluorouracil-only group (p = 0.053). The corresponding proportions of patients having radical surgery or achieving complete pathological response were 72% vs. 77% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39–1.98; p = 0.75) and 15% vs. 7% (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 0.83–6.94; p = 0.16), respectively. The long-term outcomes were similar in the two groups. Overall and disease-free survival rates at 5 years were 63% vs. 56% (p = 0.78) and 49% vs. 44% (p = 0.59), respectively. The corresponding numbers for cumulative incidence of local failure or distant metastases were 33% vs. 38% (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.52–1.52; p = 0.68) and 33% vs. 33% (HR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.43–1.40; p = 0.41), respectively.ConclusionOur findings do not support adding oxaliplatin to three cycles of chemotherapy delivered after short-course irradiation.