THE EFFECTS OF INJURY PREVENTION WARM-UP PROGRAMMES ON KNEE STRENGTH IN MALE SOCCER PLAYERS

The study investigates the effects of the 11+ and HarmoKnee injury prevention programmes on knee strength in male soccer players. Under-21-year-old players (n=36) were divided equally into: the 11+, HarmoKnee and control groups. The programmes were performed for 24 sessions (20-25 min each). The hamstrings and quadriceps strength were measured bilaterally at 60°·s^-1, 180°·s^-1 and 300°·s^-1. The concentric quadriceps peak torque (PT) of the 11+ increased by 27.7% at 300°·s^-1 in the dominant leg (p<0.05). The concentric quadriceps PT of HarmoKnee increased by 36.6%, 36.2% and 28% in the dominant leg, and by 31.3%, 31.7% and 20.05% at 60°·s^-1, 180°·s^-1 and 300°·s^-1 in the non-dominant leg respectively. In the 11+ group the concentric hamstring PT increased by 22%, 21.4% and 22.1% at 60°·s^-1, 180°·s^-1 and 300°·s^-1, respectively in the dominant leg, and by 22.3%, and 15.7% at 60°·s^-1 and 180°·s^-1, in the non-dominant leg. In the HarmoKnee group the hamstrings in the dominant leg showed an increase in PT by 32.5%, 31.3% and 14.3% at 60°·s^-1, 180°·s^-1 and 300°·s^-1, and in the non-dominant leg hamstrings PT increased by 21.1% and 19.3% at 60°·s^-1 and 180°·s^-1 respectively. The concentric hamstrings strength was significantly different between the 11+ and control groups in the dominant (p=0.01) and non-dominant legs (p=0.02). The HarmoKnee programme enhanced the concentric strength of quadriceps. The 11+ and HarmoKnee programmes are useful warm-up protocols for improving concentric hamstring strength in young professional male soccer players. The 11+ programme is more advantageous for its greater concentric hamstring strength improvement compared to the HarmoKnee programme.     

O-Heterocyclic Embeurekols from Embellisia eureka,an Endophyte of Cladanthus arabicus

Three new polyketides (-)-1 , (+)-1 , and 2 ) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of the fungus Embellisia eureka, an endophyte of the Moroccan plant Cladanthus arabicus (Asteraceae). The structures of these new compounds were determined on the basis of one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy as well as by high-resolution mass spectrometry. The absolute configurations of (-)-1 , (+)-1 , and 2 were determined by TDDFT ECD calculations of solution conformers, online HPLC-ECD analysis, and the modified Mosher method. Chirality 25:250–256, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Role of evolutionary and ecological factors in the reproductive success and the spatial genetic structure of the temperate gorgonian Paramuricea clavata

Dispersal and mating features strongly influence the evolutionary dynamics and the spatial genetic structure (SGS) of marine populations. For the first time in a marine invertebrate, we examined individual reproductive success, by conducting larval paternity assignments after a natural spawning event, combined with a small‐scale SGS analysis within a population of the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata. Thirty four percent of the larvae were sired by male colonies surrounding the brooding female colonies, revealing that the bulk of the mating was accomplished by males from outside the studied area. Male success increased with male height and decreased with increasing male to female distance. The parentage analyses, with a strong level of self‐recruitment (25%), unveiled the occurrence of a complex family structure at a small spatial scale, consistent with the limited larval dispersal of this species. However, no evidence of small scale SGS was revealed despite this family structure. Furthermore, temporal genetic structure was not observed, which appears to be related to the rather large effective population size. The low level of inbreeding found suggests a pattern of random mating in this species, which disagrees with expectations that limited larval dispersal should lead to biparental inbreeding. Surface brooding and investment in sexual reproduction in P. clavata contribute to multiple paternity (on average 6.4 fathers were assigned per brood), which enhance genetic diversity of the brood. Several factors may have contributed to the lack of biparental inbreeding in our study such as (i) the lack of sperm limitation at a small scale, (ii) multiple paternity, and (iii) the large effective population size. Thus, our results indicate that limited larval dispersal and complex family structure do not necessarily lead to biparental inbreeding and SGS. In the framework of conservation purposes, our results suggested that colony size, proximity among colonies and the population size should be taken into consideration for restoration projects.     

Transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular mechanisms of combined gamma-tocotrienol and hydroxychavicol in preventing the proliferation of 1321N1, SW1783, and LN18 glioma cancer cells

Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry - Gamma-tocotrienol (GTT) and hydroxychavicol (HC) exhibit anticancer activity in glioma cancer cells, where the combination of GTT + HC was shown to be more...     

Host plant defenses of black (Solanum nigrum L.) and red nightshade (Solanum villosum Mill.) against specialist Solanaceae herbivore Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum, S. nigrum L.) and red nightshade ( Solanum villosum, S. villosum Mill.) are medicinal plants from the Solanaceae family that synthesize glycoalkaloids and other secondary metabolites. To recognize the potential insecticide activity of these compounds, leaf extracts (containing glycoalkaloid and methanol fractions) were tested for enzyme inhibition, antifeedant activity and toxicity. For in‐vitro glutathione S‐transferase (GST) inhibition activity, we used insecticide‐resistant Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata ( L. decemlineata; Say) midgut and fat‐body homogenate. In‐vivo toxicity and the antifeedant activity were performed using larval bioassays. The methanol extracts had greater GST inhibitory activity compared to the glycoalkaloids, as well as greater 2nd instar larvae mortality and antifeedant activity. Furthermore, the green leaf volatile compound, cis‐hex‐3‐enyl acetate, at the concentration of 5 ppm, caused 50% mortality of 2nd instar larvae. Our findings suggest the potential usefulness of S. nigrum and S. villosum extracts to control L. decemlineata.     

Comparative Assessment of SSR and AFLP Markers for Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Conservation of Fig, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ficus carica</Emphasis> L., Genetic Resources in Tunisia

This study characterises the genetic variability of fig, Ficus carica L., using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. It compares the efficiency and utility of the two techniques in detecting variation and establishing genetic relationships among Tunisian fig cultivars. Our results show that using both marker systems, the Tunisian fig germ plasm is characterised by having a large genetic diversity at the deoxyribonucleic acid level, as most of AFLP bands were detected and all SSR markers were polymorphic. In fact, 351 (342 polymorphic) and 57 (57 polymorphic) bands were detected using AFLP and SSR primers, respectively. SSR markers were the most polymorphic with an average polymorphic information content value of 0.94, while AFLP markers showed the highest effective multiplex ratio (56.9) and marker index (45.2). The effective marker index was recorded highest (4.19) for AFLP markers and lowest (0.70) for the SSR ones. Our results demonstrate that (1) independent as well as combined analyses of cluster analyses of SSR and AFLP fragments showed that cultivars are clustered independently from their geographical origin, horticultural classifications and tree sex; (2) the analysis of molecular variance allowed the partitioning of genetic variation within and among fig groups and showed greater variation within groups and (3) AFLP and SSR markers datasets showed positive correlation. This study suggests the SSR and AFLP markers are suitable for diversity analysis and cultivars fingerprinting. An understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure of F. carica in Tunisia can also provide insight into the conservation and management of this species.     

The hepatocyte glucose-6-phosphatase subcomponent T3: its relationship to GLUT2

Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) is a multiple protein complex in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that includes a mechanism (known as T3) for glucose exit from the ER to the cytosol. The molecular identity of T3 is not known. T3 has been shown to be functional in the absence of GLUT2, indicating that it is not GLUT2. Here we found a 55-kDa protein in high-density microsomal fraction (HDM) of rat hepatocytes that is recognized by polyclonal GLUT2 antibody raised against the GLUT2 C-terminal 14-amino-acid-sequence peptide. HDM contained calnexin but no integrin-beta1 or Na/K ATPase in Western blotting. Significant GLUT2 immunoreactivity was colocalized with colligin, an ER marker, in confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the 55-kDa protein in HDM was labeled with a covalently reactive, impermeable glucose transporter substrate, 1,3-bis-(3-deoxy-D-glucopyranose-3-yloxy)-2-propyl 4-benzoyl-benzoate (B3GL) when hepatocyte homogenates, but not intact cells, were labeled. In addition glucose efflux from HDM vesicles was sensitive to B3GL treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Based on these findings, we suggest that T3 may be a novel facilitative glucose transporter that is highly homologous to GLUT2 in the C-terminal sequence, thus cross-reacting with the GLUT2 antibody. The finding will be useful in molecular identification and cloning of T3.     

Characterization and partial purification of liver glucose transporter GLUT2

GLUT2, the major facilitative glucose transporter isoform expressed in hepatocytes, pancreatic beta-cells, and absorptive epithelial cells, is unique not only with its low affinity and broad substrate specificity as a glucose transporter, but also with its implied function as a glucose-sensor. As a first essential step toward structural and biochemical elucidation of these unique, GLUT2 functions, we describe here the differential solubilization and DEAE-column chromatography of rat hepatocyte GLUT2 protein and its reconstitution into liposomes. The reconstituted GLUT2 bound cytochalasin B in a saturable manner with an apparent dissociation constant (K(d)) of 2.3 x 10(-6) M and a total binding capacity (B(T)) of 8.1 nmol per mg protein. The binding was completely abolished by 2% mercury chloride, but not affected by cytochalasin E. Significantly, the binding was also not affected by 500 mM D-glucose or 3-O-methyl D-glucose (3OMG). The purified GLUT2 catalyzed mercury chloride-sensitive 3OMG uptake, and cytochalasin B inhibited this 3OMG uptake. The inhibition was dose-dependent with respect to cytochalasin B, but was independent of 3OMG concentrations. These findings demonstrate that our solubilized GLUT2 reconstituted in liposomes is at least 60% pure and functional, and that GLUT2 is indeed unique in that its cytochalasin B binding is not affected by its substrate (D-glucose) binding. Our partially purified GLUT2 reconstituted in vesicles will be useful in biochemical and structural elucidation of GLUT2 as a glucose transporter and as a possible glucose sensor.     

Influence of temperature and salinity on the germination of Lotus creticus (L.) from the arid land of Tunisia

Effects of salinity, temperature and their interactions on the rate and final percentage of germination were evaluated for two populations (Msarref, Oued dkouk) of the invasive glycophyte Lotus creticus Linné, grown under arid environmental conditions of the Tunisia. Seeds that were not treated with NaCl germinated well in a wide range of temperatures. For both populations, maximum germination occurred in distilled water at 25°C and lowest germination for all salinities was at 35°C. Germination was substantially delayed and significantly reduced with an increase in NaCl to levels above 300 mm . Compared to the Oued dkouk population, final germination and germination rate of the Msarref population was completely inhibited at 300 mm NaCl. The interactive effect of temperature and NaCl concentration on final germination and germination rate was significant (P < 0.01), indicating that the germination response to salinity depended on temperature. The inhibition of Oued dkouk population seed germination at high salt concentration was mostly due to osmotic effects while ionic effects were noted at Msarref population. The germination behaviour of the Oued dkouk population would therefore imply adaptive mechanisms to saline environments, while in the Msarref population such mechanisms seem to be absent. Since seed germination is more sensitive to salinity stress than the growth of established plants, the greater tolerance to salinity of Oued dkouk population would be an adaptive feature of this population to saline environment.     

Effect of salinity on root-nodule conductance to the oxygen diffusion in the Cicer arietinum-Mesorhizobium ciceri symbiosis

Nodule conductance to O2 diffusion has been involved as a major factor of the inhibition of N2 fixation by soil salinity that severely reduces the production of grain legumes. In order to determine the effect of this constraint on the nodule conductance, oxygen uptake by the nodulated roots of Cicer arietinum was measured by recording the concentration of O2 as a function of pO2 in a gas-tight incubator. After germination and inoculation with the strain Mesorhizobium ciceri UPMCa7, the varieties Amdoun 1 and INRAT 93-1 were hydroponically grown in a glasshouse on 1L glass bottles filled with nutrient solution containing 25 mM NaCl. Salinity induced a marked decrease in shoot (30% versus 14%), root (43% versus 20%), and nodule biomass (100% versus 43%) for Amdoun 1 relative to INRAT 93-1. Although salinity completely prevented nodule formation in the sensitive variety Amdoun 1, nodule number and biomass were higher in the first than in the second variety in the absence of salt. This effect was associated with a significantly higher O2 uptake by nodulated root (510 versus 255 micromol O2 plant(-1)h(-1)) and nodule conductance (20 versus 5 microm s(-1)) in Amdoun 1 than in INRAT 93-1. Salinity did not significantly change the nodule conductance and nodule permeability for INRAT 93-1. Thus, the salt tolerance of this variety appears to be associated with stability in nodule conductance and the capacity to form nodules under salt constraint.