Biologic correlation between glucose transporters,hexokinase-II,Ki-67 and FDG uptake in malignant melanoma

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate the correlative association between tumoral 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸ F]-fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) uptake, and the expressions of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1), glucose transporter 3 (GLUT-3), hexokinase II (HK-2), and Ki-67 expression in malignant melanoma.MethodsNineteen patients with histologically proven malignant melanoma and pretreatment FDG PET/CT performance were involved in this preliminary study. For semi-quantitative analysis of FDG PET/CT, maximal standardized uptake values (SUVmax) were estimated. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor sections was performed for GLUT-1, GLUT-3, and HK-2, and for the cell proliferation maker Ki-67. Especially, by combining proportions and intensity of immunochemical staining, we evaluated modified immunohistologic scores of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3.ResultsThe SUVmax of malignant melanoma lesions ranged from 2 to 18.7 (average; 9.1 ± 5.4). Comparison between nodal and extranodal lesions revealed no significant difference of SUVmax (p = 0.97). GLUT-1 staining showed the most positive expression level (89.5%, 17/19) among the diverse immunohistochemical markers. There were significant relationships between FDG uptake of malignant melanoma and GLUT-1 proportion (p < 0.0001), GLUT-1 intensity (p < 0.0001), GLUT-3 proportion (p = 0.031), GLUT-3 intensity (p = 0.009), GLUT-1 immunohistologic scores (p < 0.0001), and GLUT-3 immunohistologic scores (p = 0.028). HK-2 was not expressed in all melanoma samples. Although Ki-67 expression showed a high grade in all staining, there was no significant link between FDG uptake and Ki-67 grades (p = 0.38).ConclusionsThe data in this preliminary study indicate that FDG uptake in malignant melanoma is determined by GLUT-1 and GLUT-3, whereas HK-2 and Ki-67 play no role in FDG uptake of malignant melanoma.     

Effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy on TLRs in acne lesions and keratinocytes co-cultured with P. acnes

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) on the expression of Toll like receptors (TLRs) in human keratinocytes and its role in acne treatment.MethodsTLR2 and TLR4 expression in acne lesions before and after ALA-PDT were examined by immunohistochemical assay. Primary keratinocytes were obtained from acne lesions, co-cultured with P. acnes and then treated with ALA-PDT using red or blue LED. Cytokines production were examined by ELISA, TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression by real-time PCR, and TLR2 and TLR4 protein expression by Western-blot assay.ResultsThe overexpression of TLR2 and TLR4 in acne lesion were detected, which became negative or weaker after ALA-PDT. The infection of P. acnes in keratinocytes could significantly increase the levels of early inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1α, TNF-α and IL-8) (P < 0.05). Such responses could be inhibited by ALA-PDT. P. acnes infection could also significantly increase TLR2 and TLR4 expressions in keratinocytes (P < 0.05), which could be down-regulated by ALA-PDT.ConclusionsALA-PDT could inhibit innate immune responses in keratinocytes treated with P. acnes via TLRs pathways.     

Correlations between the iodine concentrations from dual energy computed tomography and molecular markers Ki-67 and HIF-1α in rectal cancer: A preliminary study

PurposeTo investigate whether dual energy computed tomography (CT) with iodine quantification is correlated with molecular markers Ki-67and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)in rectal cancer (RC).Materials and methodsEighty patients (43 males and 37 females) diagnosed with rectal cancer got pelvic contrast-enhanced CT scan with dual energy computed tomography before any anticancer treatment. Analyse the normalized iodine concentration (NIC) values and CT values at each energy level (40–140 keV) from the virtual monochromatic image of the primary lesions. The postoperative specimens of all 80 patients underwent Ki-67 and HIF-1α immunohistochemistry staining. By SPSS17.0 software package, we analyzed the correlations of NIC values and CT values at each energy level (40–140 keV) with Ki-67 and HIF-1α expression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of these dual energy computed tomography parameters were calculated and the diagnostic value were assessed.ResultsThere was a weak positive correlation between NIC values and carcinoembryonic antigen level (r = 0.246, P = 0.028) in RC. Both the value and the level of Ki-67 expression were correlated positively with the NIC values (r = 0.344, P = 0.002 and r = 0.248, P = 0.026). HIF-1α expression was correlated positively with the NIC values of the RC (r = 0.598, P < 0.001). The best threshold values of NIC values in diagnosing the expression of HIF-1α was 0.5839. The sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 87%; PPV, 86%; NPV,79%;accuracy, 83%.ConclusionThe NIC values on dual energy computed tomography may be used as a measurement of hypoxia in RC and determining the ability of tumor invasion noninvasively.     

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of association of chlorhexidine to photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy in root canals infected by Enterococcus faecalis

IntroductionThe aim of the present study was to evaluate, in vitro, the influence of the addition of chlorhexidine to photosensitiser in the antimicrobial activity of photodynamic therapy in root canals infected by Enterococcus faecalis.MethodsThe root canals of 50 single-rooted human extracted teeth were enlarged up to a file F3 of Pro-Taper system, autoclaved, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and incubated for 14 days. The samples were divided into five groups (n = 10) according to the protocol of decontamination: G1 (control group) − no procedure was performed; G2–photosensitiser (0.01% methylene blue); G3–2% chlorhexidine gel; G4–photodynamic therapy; and G5–photodynamic therapy with photosensitiser modified by chlorhexidine. Microbiological test (CFU counting) was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed treatments. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey test (α=0.05).ResultsGroup 3 (CHX) showed the lowest mean contamination (2.03 log₁₀ CFU/mL), being statistically different from all other all groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups 4 (PDT) and 5 (PDT + CHX) (p < 0.05), being more effectives against E. faecalis when compared to groups 1 (NT) and 2 (MB), and less effective when compared to group 2 (CHX).ConclusionsThe addition of chlorhexidine to photosensitiser did not result in a better decontamination potential of photodynamic therapy alone over root canals infected by E. faecalis.     

Streptococcus mutans photoinactivation using a combination of a high potency photopolymerizer and rose bengal

BackgroundLong treatment periods to reach a substantial inactivation of microorganisms are one of the critical challenges in the photodynamic therapy field.MethodsPlanktonic suspensions of Streptococcus mutans were treated in different groups: presence of rose bengal (RB at 2 μM) and light exposure by a new high potency photopolymerizer (L at wavelength = 440–480 nm; dosimetry = 96 J/cm² – 40 s of irradiation; potency density = 1200 mW/cm²; dosage = 48 J) – RB+L+ (PDT), just with dye – RB+L−, just with light – RB−L+ and absence of light and dye RB−L− (control group). Aliquots of each group were transferred to Petri dishes to colony counting (CFU/mL) with the data transformed in log₁₀. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey test at 5%.ResultsPDT group presented total eradication of microorganisms showing statistical difference with all the other groups (5.82 log reduction ≅ 99%).ConclusionThe high potency photopolymerizer in pulsed emission at an extra short irradiation and low concentration of rose bengal could be considered as a progressive alternative to the control of S. mutans suspensions.     

Expression of ferrochelatase has a strong correlation in protoporphyrin IX accumulation with photodynamic detection of bladder cancer

BackgroundThe mechanism underlying the increased levels of protoporphyrin IX in bladder cancer remains unclear. Here, we focus on proteins associated with protoporphyrin IX accumulation in bladder cancer cells and investigate the protein that plays a key role in increased protoporphyrin IX accumulation in bladder cancer cells.MethodsWestern blotting was used to determine the expression of peptide transporter 1, hydroxymethylbilane synthase, ferrochelatase, ATP-binding cassette 2, and heme oxygenase-1 in bladder cancer cell line cells. We evaluated the correlation between the expression of each protein and accumulated protoporphyrin IX in these cells using Pearson's correlation analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to estimate the expression of the same five proteins in samples from 75 patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors. The correlation between the expression of each protein in cells from resected bladder specimens and accumulated protoporphyrin IX in bladder cancer cells in voided urine was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis.ResultsThe expression of ferrochelatase showed a significant negative correlation with protoporphyrin IX accumulation in vitro (p = 0.04). The expression of peptide transporter 1 (p < 0.01, R = 0.39), heme oxygenase-1 (p < 0.01, R = 0.33), and ferrochelatase (p < 0.01, R = 0.75) in resected bladder specimens by immunohistochemistry was correlated with protoporphyrin IX accumulation in bladder cancer cells in voided urine. On multivariate analysis, the expression of ferrochelatase (p = 0.03) was significant factors to predict positive 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced fluorescent cytology.ConclusionThe expression of ferrochelatase has a strong correlation in protoporphyrin IX accumulation with photodynamic detection of bladder cancer.     

Longitudinal observation of [11C]4DST uptake in turpentine-induced inflammatory tissue

IntroductionLongitudinal changes of 4′-[methyl-¹¹C]thiothymidine ([¹¹C]4DST) uptake were evaluated in turpentine-induced inflammation.MethodsTurpentine (0.1 ml) was injected intramuscularly into the right hind leg of male Wistar rats. Longitudinal [¹¹C]4DST uptake was evaluated by the tissue dissection method at 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 days after turpentine injection (n = 5). The tumor selectivity index was calculated using the previously published biodistribution data in C6 glioma-bearing rats. Dynamic PET scan was performed on day 4 when maximum [¹¹C]4DST uptake was observed during the longitudinal study. Histopathological analysis and Ki-67 immunostaining were also performed.ResultsThe uptake of [¹¹C]4DST in inflammatory tissue was significantly increased on days 2–4 after turpentine injection, and then decreased. On day 14, tracer uptake returned to the day 1 level. The maximum SUV of inflamed muscle was 0.6 and was 3 times higher than that of the contralateral healthy muscle on days 2–4 after turpentine injection. However, tumor selectivity index remains very high (> 10) because of the low inflammation uptake. A dynamic PET scan showed that the radioactivity in inflammatory tissues peaked at 5 min after [¹¹C]4DST injection, and then washed out until 20 min. At intervals > 20 min, radioactivity levels were constant and double that of healthy muscle. The changes in Ki-67 index were paralleled with those of [¹¹C]4DST uptake, indicating cell proliferation-dependent uptake of [¹¹C]4DST in inflammatory tissues.ConclusionIn our animal model, low but significant levels of [¹¹C]4DST uptake were observed in subacute inflammation.     

Accelerometer detected lateral sway during a submaximal running test correlates with endurance exercise performance in elite Australian male cricket players

ObjectiveTo identify whether movement patterns during a standardized submaximal running test (SSRT), assessed by accelerometry, were associated with improvements in endurance exercise performance.DesignA retrospective analysis of data collected from the 2018–2019 Australian cricket preseason.MethodsThirty-nine high-performance male cricket players were studied (25 ± 3 years, 82 ± 6 kg, 183 ± 6 cm). SSRT was performed monthly prior to a two kilometre (km) running time trial (2 kmTT). SSRT involved running between markers, positioned twenty metres apart, for three minutes. Foot strikes were timed to a metronome (154 beats/min) to elicit a running speed of ˜eight km/h. Triaxial accelerometers were worn in vests on the upper back and used to assess PlayerLoad medio-lateral vector (PL1D_side%), vertical vector (PL1D_up%) and anterior-posterior vector (PL1D_fwd%) were assessed.Results2 kmTT performance improved over the study period (p < 0.05). PlayerLoad vectors during the first minute of SSRT were not related to 2 kmTT performance (p > 0.23). During the second and third minutes there were positive associations between 2 kmTT (run time) and PL1D_side% (SSRT_2min, β 2.12, p < 0.03, 95% CI: 0.22–4.01; SSRT3_min, β 2.30, p < 0.03, 95% CI:0.32–4.29), but not PL1D_up% (SSRT_2min, β −0.15, p = 0.77, 95% CI: −1.13–0.83; SSRT_3min, β −0.15, p = 0.77, 95% CI: −1.11–0.87) or PL1D_fwd% (SSRT_2min, β −0.45, p = 0.42, 95% CI: −1.49–0.62; SSRT_3min, B−0.45, p = 0.40, 95% CI: −1.51–0.60).ConclusionAssessment of PL1D_side% during the second or third minutes of SSRT may inform how an athlete’s endurance exercise performance is responding to changes in training load.     

Vastus intermedius muscle architecture predicts the late phase of the knee extension rate of force development in recreationally resistance-trained men

ObjectivesThe current study investigated the correlation between quadriceps muscle architecture and the knee extension rate of force development (RFD).Designcross-sectional study.MethodsMuscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length normalized per the thigh-length were measured via ultrasound in vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, vastus intermedius and vastus medialis. The knee extension rate of force was assessed isometrically at 90° knee angle and calculated in different 50-ms epochs (0−50, 50−100, 100−150, 150−200 and 200−250 ms). The maximum voluntary contraction was also recorded.ResultsLarge correlations were observed between vastus intermedius muscle thickness and the 100−150 ms (r = 0.694, p = 0.004), 150−200 ms (r = 0.597, p = 0.019) and 200−250 ms (r = 0.546, p = 0.045) epochs. Large correlation was observed between vastus intermedius normalized fascicle length and 100−150 ms (r = 0.570, p = 0.043) and large correlations with 150−200 ms (r = 0.643, p = 0.010) and 200−250 ms (r = 0.629, p = 0.012) epochs. Additionally, large correlations were observed between vastus lateralis normalized fascicle length and the 100−150 ms (r = 0.535, p = 0.049), 150−200 ms (r = 0.629, p = 0.016) and 200−250 ms (r = 0.563, p = 0.046) epochs. Vastus intermedius muscle thickness predicted 59% (R² = 0.581, p = 0.002) of the RFD of the 100−150 ms epoch; vastus intermedius muscle thickness and fascicle length predicted 51% (R² = 0.506, p = 0.029) of the 150−200 ms epoch; vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis fascicle length predicted 48% (R² = 0.483, p = 0.037) of the 200−250 ms epoch. No further correlation was observed.ConclusionsFascicle length and muscle thickness were observed as predictive of the late phase of the rate of force development. Vastus intermedius muscle architecture has a primary role in the knee extension RFD.     

Femoral torsion assessment with MRI in children: Should we use the bony or cartilaginous contours?

ObjectiveTo assess whether the use of cartilaginous contours at the femoral condyles instead of bony contours significantly changes femoral torsion measurements in children.Materials and MethodsFemoral torsion was measured in 32 girls (mean age 10.1 years ± 2.3 standard deviation) and 42 boys (10.9 years ± 2.5) on axial magnetic resonance (MR) images by two independent readers (R1,R2). The femoral condyle angle was measured using each the cartilaginous and bony contours of the distal femur. Cartilage thickness at femoral condyles was assessed. Intraclass-correlation-coefficient (ICC) and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis.ResultsMean difference between cartilaginous and bony femoral torsion in girls was −1.1° ± 1.75 (range, −5.4° to 3.1°) for R1 and −1.64° ± 1.67 (−6.3° to 2.1°) for R2, in boys −1.5° ± 1.87 (−8.4° to 1.1°) for R1 and −2.28° ± 1.48 (−4.3° to 9.7°) for R2. Weak-to-moderate correlations between difference of cartilaginous-versus-bony measurements and cartilage thickness (r = −0.15 to −0.55, P < 0.001–0.46) or age (r = −0.33 to 0.46, P < 0.001–0.006) were found for both genders. Intermethod-ICC for cartilaginous versus bony femoral torsion measurements was 0.99/0.99 for R1/R2 in girls, and 0.99/0.98 in boys.ConclusionThere is only a small difference when measuring femoral torsion through cartilaginous versus bony contours, and no major difference in this between boys and girls.     

Combining higher-load and lower-load resistance training exercises: A systematic review and meta-analysis of findings from complex training studies

ObjectivesThe aim of the present meta-analytical review was to determine the effectiveness of training programmes combining higher-load and lower-load exercises in one workout (i.e. complex training [CT]) on lower-body performance.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA search of five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, CINAHL and Scopus) was conducted to identify all publications up to 7 March 2018. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model with the dependent variables countermovement jump (CMJ) height, squat jump (SJ) height, one-repetition maximum (1-RM) squat performance and sprint time for 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, 30 m and 40 m, respectively.ResultsThe analysis comprised 33 studies and a total of 1064 healthy participants. The meta-analysis revealed that CT is effective in improving CMJ (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6%–12.3%), SJ (95% CI 8.0%–17.4%), 1-RM squat (95% CI 16.4%–30.7%) and sprint performance (5 m = 95% CI −14.8% to −0.9%, 10 m = 95% CI −6.0% to −2.1%, 20 m = 95% CI −7.4% to −1.4%, 30 m = 95% CI −8.0% to −0.6%). However, when directly compared to traditional training methods, only 1-RM squat strength performance and 20 m sprint time were superior following CT interventions (95% CI 0.2%–13.7% and 95% CI −1.6% to −0.1%, respectively)ConclusionsCT is an acceptable method for improving jump, strength and sprint performance in athletes. Compared to traditional training methods, CT seems to produce superior training effects only for 1-RM squat and 20 m sprint performance; however, these findings were influenced by single studies and should be therefore interpreted with circumspection.     

Analysis of the relationships that body composition and muscular strength have with oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy

ObjectiveTo investigate whether body composition and lower extremity strength relate to oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the relative contributions of these measures to explain variation in oxygen cost seen in this population.MethodsA total of 116 children with spastic diplegic CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III, aged 8–18 participated. Strength, body composition (body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat) and oxygen cost were recorded. Pearson correlations assessed relationships between variables of body composition and strength to oxygen cost. Forward stepwise linear regression analyzed variance explained by strength and body composition measures. Oxygen data were analyzed by weight status classifications using one-way analysis of variance with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsTotal strength (r = −0.27) and total extensor strength (r = −0.27) had fair inverse relationships with oxygen cost. Total extensor strength explained 7.5% (r² = 0.075, beta = −0.274, p < 0.01) of the variance in oxygen cost. Body composition did not explain significant variance in oxygen cost, however significant differences were found in oxygen consumption (p = 0.003) and walking velocity (p = 0.042) based on BMI weight classifications.ConclusionsFor ambulatory children with CP, oxygen cost during walking can be partially explained by total extensor strength and not body composition. However, those categorized as obese may adjust to a slower walking speed to keep their oxygen cost sustainable, which may further affect their ability to keep up with typically developing peers and possibly lead to greater fatigue.     

Correlation between 3 T apparent diffusion coefficient values and grading of invasive breast carcinoma

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) provided by 3.0 T (3 T) magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) varied according to the grading of invasive breast carcinoma.Materials and methodsA total of 92 patients with 96 invasive breast cancer lesions were enrolled; all had undergone 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging. All lesions were confirmed by histological analysis, and tumor grade was established according to the Nottingham Grading System (NGS). MRI included both dynamic contrast-enhanced and DWI sequences, and ADC value was calculated for each lesion. ADC values were compared with NGS classification using the Mann–Whitney U and the Kruskal–Wallis H tests. Grading was considered as a comprehensive prognostic factor, and Rho Spearman test was performed to determine correlation between grading and tumor size, hormonal receptor status, HER2 expression and Ki67 index. Pearson's Chi square test was carried out to compare grading with the other prognostic factors.ResultsADC values were significantly higher in G1 than in G3 tumors. No significant difference was observed when G1 and G3 were compared with G2. Tumor size, hormonal receptor status, HER2 expression and Ki67 index correlated significantly with grading but there was a significant difference only between G1 and G3 related to the ER and PR status, HER2 expression and Ki67 index. There was no statistically significant difference in lesion size between the two groups.ConclusionADC values obtained on 3 T DWI correlated with low-grade (G1) and high-grade (G3) invasive breast carcinoma. 3 T ADC may be a helpful tool for identifying high-grade invasive breast carcinoma.     

In vitro assessment of anti-tumorigenic mechanisms and efficacy of NanoALA,a nanoformulation of aminolevulic acid designed for photodynamic therapy of cancer

BackgroundThe development of nanocarriers is an important approach to increase the bioavailability of hydrophilic drugs in target cells. In this work, we evaluated the anti-tumorigenic mechanisms and efficacy of NanoALA, a novel nanoformulation of aminolevulic acid (ALA) based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanocapsules designed for anticancer photodynamic therapy (PDT).MethodsFor this purpose, physicochemical characterization, prodrug incorporation kinetics, biocompatibility and photocytotoxicity tests, analysis of the cell death type and mitochondrial function, measurement of the intracellular reactive oxygen species production and DNA fragmentation were performed in murine mammary carcinoma (4T1) cells.ResultsNanoALA formulation, stable over a period of 90 days following synthesis, presented hydrodynamic diameter of 220 ± 8.7 nm, zeta potential of −30.6 mV and low value of polydispersity index (0.28). The biological assays indicated that the nanostructured product promotes greater ALA uptake by 4T1 cells and consequently more cytotoxicity in the PDT process. For the first time in the scientific literature, there is a therapeutic efficacy report of approximately 80%, after only 1 h of incubation with 100 μg mL⁻¹ prodrug (0.6 mM ALA equivalent). The mitochondria are probably the initial target of treatment, culminating in energy metabolism disorders and cell death by apoptosis.ConclusionsNanoALA emerges as a promising strategy for anticancer PDT. Besides being effective against a highly aggressive tumor cell line, the treatment may be economically advantageous because it allows a reduction in the dose and frequency of application compared to free ALA.     

Energy cost during walking in association with age and body height in children and young adults with cerebral palsy

AimThis cross-sectional study into children and young adults with cerebral palsy (CP) aimed to assess the association of gross energy cost (EC), net EC and net nondimensional (NN) EC during walking with age and body height, compared to typically developing (TD) peers.MethodData was collected in 128 participants with CP (mean age 11y9mo; GMFCS I,n = 48; II,n = 56; III, n = 24) and in 63 TD peers (mean age 12y5mo). Energy cost was assessed by measuring the oxygen consumption during over-ground walking at comfortable speed. Outcome measures derived from the assessment included the gross and net EC, and NN EC. Differences between the groups in the association between gross, net and NN EC with age and body height, were investigated with regression analyses and interaction effects (p < 0.05).ResultsInteraction effects for age and body height by group were not significant, indicating similar associations for gross, net and NN EC with age or body height among groups. The models showed a significant decline for gross, net and NN EC with increasing age per year (respectively −0.201 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.073 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.007) and body height per cm (respectively −0.057 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.021 J kg⁻¹ m⁻¹; −0.002).InterpretationDespite higher gross and net EC values for CP compared to TD participants , similar declines in EC outcomes can be expected with growth for participants aged 4–22 years with CP. All energy cost outcomes showed a decline with growth, indicating that correcting for this decline is required when evaluating changes in gross EC, and, to a lesser extent, in net and NN EC in response to treatment or from natural course over time.     

The effects of menthol on exercise performance and thermal sensation: A meta-analysis

ObjectivesMenthol is an organic compound with non-thermal cooling properties that has been shown to relieve thermal strain associated with exercise in the heat; however, its effects on performance have not been systematically analysed. The aims were to determine the effects of menthol applied (1) internally and (2) externally on exercise performance and thermal sensation.DesignMeta-analysisMethodsA search was performed using various databases in August 2018. The studies were screened using search criteria for eligibility. Thirteen peer-reviewed articles were identified for inclusion in a primary analysis on the effect of menthol on exercise performance; subsequently eleven of these articles were included in a secondary analysis on the effect of menthol on thermal sensation during exercise. A sub-analysis examining the application method was also performed.ResultsMenthol improved overall exercise performance (Hedges’ g = 0.33, 95% CI −0.00, 0.65 P = 0.05), demonstrating greater effects when applied internally (Hedges’ g = 0.40, 95% CI 0.04, 0.76, P = 0.03). Thermal sensation was also lowered overall across all studies (Hedges’ g = −0.54, 95% CI −0.67, −0.42, P < 0.001).ConclusionsExercise performance can be improved by application of non-thermally cooling menthol, which also reduces perceptual measures of thermal sensation. Internal application appears to be the best strategy to improve performance.     

Analysis of the relationships that body composition and muscular strength have with oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy

ObjectiveTo investigate whether body composition and lower extremity strength relate to oxygen cost of walking in children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to evaluate the relative contributions of these measures to explain variation in oxygen cost seen in this population.MethodsA total of 116 children with spastic diplegic CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III, aged 8–18 participated. Strength, body composition (body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat) and oxygen cost were recorded. Pearson correlations assessed relationships between variables of body composition and strength to oxygen cost. Forward stepwise linear regression analyzed variance explained by strength and body composition measures. Oxygen data were analyzed by weight status classifications using one-way analysis of variance with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsTotal strength (r = −0.27) and total extensor strength (r = −0.27) had fair inverse relationships with oxygen cost. Total extensor strength explained 7.5% (r² = 0.075, beta = −0.274, p < 0.01) of the variance in oxygen cost. Body composition did not explain significant variance in oxygen cost, however significant differences were found in oxygen consumption (p = 0.003) and walking velocity (p = 0.042) based on BMI weight classifications.ConclusionsFor ambulatory children with CP, oxygen cost during walking can be partially explained by total extensor strength and not body composition. However, those categorized as obese may adjust to a slower walking speed to keep their oxygen cost sustainable, which may further affect their ability to keep up with typically developing peers and possibly lead to greater fatigue.     

Comprehensive physical fitness and high blood pressure in children and adolescents: A national cross-sectional survey in China

ObjectivesTo assess the association between comprehensive physical fitness and high blood pressure (HBP) among Chinese children and adolescents.DesignNational cross-sectional surveys.Methods214,301 school students’ data aged 7−18 years was extracted in 2014. Six components of physical fitness (forced vital capacity, standing long jump, sit-and-reach, body muscle strength, 50 m dash and endurance running) were measured, standardized and aggregated as a summary physical fitness indicator (PFI). HBP, systolic HBP (SHBP) and diastolic HBP (DHBP) were defined according to sex-, age- and height-specific references in China.ResultsThe prevalence of HBP, SHBP and DHBP was 8.6%, 4.7% and 5.7%, respectively, and PFI was −0.9 in Chinese children and adolescents. A significant negative association between the PFI and HBP was observed with adjusted prevalence of HBP (10.8% (95% CI: 10.4–11.2) to 7.6% (95% CI: 7.3–8.0), P_trend < 0.001), SHBP (5.7% (95% CI: 5.4–6.1) to 4.4% (95% CI: 4.1–4.6), P_trend < 0.001), and DHBP (7.6% (95% CI: 7.2–7.9) to 4.6% (95% CI: 4.3–4.9), P_trend < 0.001) and their ORs (HBP: 0.87(95% CI: 0.82–0.93) to 0.68(95% CI: 0.64–0.73), P_trend < 0.001; SHBP: 0.86(95% CI: 0.79–0.94) to 0.75(95% CI:0.69–0.82), P_trend < 0.001; DHBP: 0.85(95% CI: 0.79–0.92) to 0.59(95% CI: 0.54–0.64), P_trend < 0.001) declined with the increase in PFI. Stratified nutritional status exhibited a similar negative association between PFI and HBP, SHBP and DHBP in children with normal weight, overnutrition, and undernutrition. Stand long jump, body muscle strength, 50 m dash, and endurance running, had a negative association with HBP, SHBP and DHBP, but forced vital capacity had a positive such association. Sit-and-reach and HBP are not significantly associated.ConclusionsPhysical fitness was negatively correlated to the increased HBP in children and adolescents. Comprehensive policies and measures to enhance children and adolescents’ physical fitness are urgently needed through the promotion of physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, and strategies of educational guidelines to reduce schoolwork, which will in turn reduce the cardiovascular burdens in the future.     

A study of the treatment of cutaneous fungal infection in animal model using photoactivated composite of methylene blue and gold nanoparticle

BackgroundOnychomycosis is a widespread public health problem, in which T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes is the commenest causative organisms. Current medical therapy has many drawbacks and side effects. Methylene blue (m.b) photodynamic therapy (pdt) proved efficacy but with lengthy sessions.ObjectivesOptimizing methylene blue photodynamic therapy by combination of methylene blue photosensitizer and gold nanoparticles (aunps) in a composite as gold nanoparticles are efficient delivery systems and efficient enhancers of photosensitizers for antifungal photodynamic therapy.Materials and methodsEighty newzealand rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used and categorized in eight equal groups as follows; healthy and infection control, composite photodynamic therapy and five comparative groups. Photodynamic therapy was initiated at day three to five post inoculation, for four sessions forty eight hours apart. Each group divided and light exposure at two fluencies; 80 J and 100 J. All groups were investigated macroscopically and microscopically (histopathology and scanning electron microscope) also flowcytometry assessment for cell death and X-ray analysis for gold nanoparticles accumulation in brain and liver tissues were determined.ResultsRecovery from infection approaching 96% in gold nanoparticles + light group, around 40% in methylene blue photodynamic therapy and 34% in composite photodynamic therapy. The observed findings confirmed by apparent decrease of apoptosis, however small amounts of gold nanoparticles detected in brain and liver.ConclusionLight stimulated gold nanoparticles is a promising tool in treatment of onychomycosis.     

Demirjian’s stages and Cameriere’s third molar maturity index to estimate legal adult age in Peruvian population

ObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of Demirjian’s stages (DS) and Cameriere’s third molar maturity index cut-off value (I_3M < 0.08) to estimate the age of majority on panoramic radiographs (OPTs) from the dental clinic of the Scientific University of the South (UCSUR), Lima, Peru.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted on the sample of 208 digital panoramic radiographs of patients aged 14–22 years examined during 2015 in UCSUR. The left lower third molars were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop® CS6. An effectiveness of specific DS and I_3M < 0.08 was evaluated by using accurate classification, sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios and Bayes post-test probability (p).ResultsOnly G and H stages were practical for classify adults and minors in the tested sample, while I_3M < 0.08 showed the best performance in both sexes. For I_3M < 0.08, the accurate classification, sensitivity and specificity were 0.96, 0.96, 0.96 and 0.90, 0.84 and 0.95 in males and females, respectively. Values of LR+, LR− and p were 24.96, 0.04, 0.97 and 15.68, 0.17, 0.95 in males and females, respectively.ConclusionThe specific cut-off value of third molar maturity index (I_3M < 0.08) showed to be more accurate in discriminating adults and minors in Peruvian sample when a test with high sensitivity and specificity is required.