Hormonal and metabolic adaptation in professional cyclists during training.

The aim of this study was to examine hormonal and metabolic changes in a group of 18 professional male cyclists ((.)VO(2)max 69.9 [95 % CI 64.9 to 74.9] mL x kg(-1) x min(-1) ) during two successive periods of adapted intensive training. The second training period included 4 days of cycling competition. Intensity was increased while volume was decreased in the second training. Anthropometric data were collected before and at the end of the two training periods. Venous blood samples were taken in a basal state before the two training sessions and after each training session. Serum concentrations of cortisol (C), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAs), and catecholamines were determined as well as branched-chain amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine) (BCAA) and free fatty acids (FFAs). At the end of the two training periods, the subjects lost fat mass whereas mean body mass was unchanged. The T/C ratio was reduced transiently after the first training session (45.90 %), while DHEAs/C remained unchanged. T/C and DHEAs/C were significantly increased after the second training session compared to the first (48.40 and 97.18 %, respectively). Catecholamines and FFAs were unchanged. The significant increase in BCAA levels after the second training session was of note as it might constitute a "store shape" of amino acids in anticipation of future intense training loads. Based on the responses of testosterone, DHEAs, and cortisol, and on the training-induced increase in BCAA, there appeared to be hormonal and metabolic adaptation despite the inherent psychological stress of competition.     

Sequence variation within the human immunodeficiency virus V3 loop at seroconversion

Analysis of the HIV-1 V3 quasispecies present in an individual at the time of seroconversion was carried out. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify proviral HIV-1 DNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a patient who was viraemic (p24 = 15 pg/ml) and had an equivocal HIV-1 antibody status. The PCR products were cloned and the DNA sequence determined for 15 clones. These data showed that the V3 region contained only limited sequence heterogeneity with a major variant accounting for 66% of the protein quasispecies present. The protein sequence of the principal neutralising domain on all species contained the relatively rare GPGKTL motif rather than GPGRAF. The relevance of these data for early stages of HIV infection are discussed.     

In vitro biosynthesis of plasma proteins under ischemic conditions of closed-circuit perfusion of healthy and intoxicated rabbit liver

We are elaborating on the kinetics and mechanisms of septic rabbit liver to de novo biosynthesize acute-phase response (APR) proteins under in vitro conditions of deepening ischemia in reference to their in vivo prevalence in serum and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) collected at predetermined times. The significance of the data is interpreted as relevant to grafting cadaveric liver into end-stage liver diseased patients and APR-induced ischemic heart diseases (IHD). Hepatic APR was induced by CCl(4)-intubation, and the administration of cholera toxin (CT) or scorpion venom (SV), or both, to rabbits. Hepatic functional efficiency, in terms of biosynthesis of APR proteins in closed circuit perfusion of the isolated intoxicated liver with oxygenated saline or L-15 media paralleled the two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis (2D-IEP) spectrum of APR serum proteins at time of liver isolation. We are suggesting: (a) in vitro biosynthesis of plasma proteins by isolated perfused liver is the result of in vivo decoded and retained APR inflammatory signals; and (b) decoded inflammatory signals are expressed not withstanding the perfusate's organic composition. Furthermore, 90 min of ischemic perfusion in saline or L-15 medium precipitated mitochondrial aberrations which resulted in further deterioration of de novo biosynthesis of APR plasma proteins. Regardless of the nature of the inflammatory stimuli, mitochondrial aberrations rendered the perfused organ a biologically inert tissue mass that was incapable of resuming biological function upon perfusion with oxygenated L-15 medium. This is most likely due to ischemia-induced irreversible hepatic necrosis. Thus, in vitro aberrations of mitochondrial function(s) critically limit the capability of the isolated liver to resume its organic function to sustain biosynthesis of de novo plasma proteins. Extrapolation of these results to the surgical management of end-stage liver diseases points to the importance of the status and the handling protocol(s) of the cadaver donor liver prior to successful grafting. We conclude that although histology of a cadaver liver may reveal well-preserved hepatic cellular organelles with at least minimal intra- and intercellular communication required for viable hepatic function, we deem it essential to further define acceptable minimal capabilities to de novo biosynthesize plasma proteins by a cadaver liver as a measure of its functional viability and suitability for transplantation. Ultimately, this measure may improve the success of liver transplants with minimal surgical and drug interventions.     

Predictors of Hand Function Following Digit Replantation: Quantitative Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Digit replantation affords the opportunity to restore hand function following amputation. To date, however, few studies have evaluated functional outcomes following replantation. Therefore, it was the objective of this study to perform a meta-analysis to better characterize the predictors of hand function. Methods: A literature search was performed using the PubMed database to identify studies that focused on digit amputation/replantation and functional outcomes. Studies were evaluated for patient- and injury-related factors and their respective effects on clinical outcomes of sensation, grip strength, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. Statistical analysis was conducted across the pooled data set to identify significant trends. Results: Twenty-eight studies representing 618 replanted digits were included in this study. We found the average grip strength was 78.7% (relative to contralateral), the average 2-point discrimination (2PD) was 7.8 mm, and the average DASH score was 12.81. After conducting statistical analysis, we found patients with more proximal injuries had lower grip strength scores (P < .05). We found 2PD scores were influenced by age, mechanism of injury, and amputation level (P < .05). Finally, we found DASH scores after replantation were predicted by mechanism of injury and level of amputation (P < .05). The following variables did not influence outcomes: gender, tobacco use, ischemia time, and digit number. Conclusions: Digit replant does not restore premorbid hand function but does result in adequate hand function. Expected functional outcomes following replant should be considered in the decision-making process. These data can help risk-stratify patients, guide postreplant expectations, and influence the decision for replantation.     

Plackett–Burman randomization method for Bacterial Ghosts preparation form E. coli JM109

Plackett–Burman randomization method is a conventional tool for variables randomization aiming at optimization. Bacterial Ghosts (BGs) preparation has been recently established using methods other than the E lysis gene. The protocol has been based mainly on using critical concentrations from chemical compounds able to convert viable cells to BGs. The Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Growth Concentration (MGC) were the main guide for the BGs preparation. In this study, Escherichia coli JM109 DEC has been used to produce the BGs following the original protocol. The study contained a detail protocol for BGs preparation that could be used as a guide.