Higher antioxidant defences in plasma and low density lipoproteins from rugby players

BACKGROUND: Even if physical activity constitutes a well-known antiatherogenic factor, the precise mechanisms underlying this protective effect are not completely clear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lipid and antioxidant profiles were evaluated in 15 well-trained rugby players and 15 sedentary controls. Lipoprotein fractions were separated by sequential ultracentrifugation and alpha-tocopherol content was determined in each fraction by high-performance liquid chromatography. Susceptibility to in vitro oxidation was also measured in intermediate and low density lipoproteins isolated from both groups of subjects as the production of conjugated dienes. RESULTS: Although the sportsmen were not receiving any special diet or vitamin supplementation they showed a slightly improved lipoprotein profile, mainly represented by increased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (P < 0.05), and an enhanced antioxidant status. The latter was evidenced by an increment in total radical antioxidant potential (P < 0.001), higher ascorbic acid (P < 0.005) and alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations, and elevated activities of superoxide dismutase (P < 0.001) and arylesterase (P < 0.01). Moreover, only the fraction of intermediate and low density lipoproteins from rugby players presented higher alpha-tocopherol content in comparison with sedentary controls (484 +/- 67 vs. 377 +/- 123 microg dL(-1), respectively; P < 0.01). Nevertheless, the susceptibility to in vitro oxidation of this lipoprotein fraction was not different between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Given that intermediate density and low density lipoproteins represent the most atherogenic fraction, this finding, in combination with the improved lipid and antioxidant status, would add to the link between regular physical activity and protection against cardiovascular disease.     

Tumor of the testicle: a case of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy

We describe an 8-month-old boy with a tumor involving the right testicle and epididymis. Anatomical and pathological examination of this tumor revealed embryological tissue and melanin granules derived from the neural crest. This is an uncommon neoplasm, which is especially rare in the testicles. The patient was free of disease after 30 months.     

The African disability scooter: efficiency testing in paediatric amputees in Malawi

Purpose: The African Disability Scooter (ADS) was developed for lower limb amputees, to improve mobility and provide access to different terrains. The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of the ADS in Africa over different terrains. Method: Eight subjects with a mean age of 12 years participated. Energy expenditure and speed were calculated over different terrains using the ADS, a prosthetic limb, and crutches. Repeated testing was completed on different days to assess learning effect. Results: Speed was significantly faster with the ADS on a level surface compared to crutch walking. This difference was maintained when using the scooter on rough terrain. Oxygen cost was halved with the scooter on level ground compared to crutch walking. There were no significant differences in oxygen consumption or heart rate. There were significant differences in oxygen cost and speed between days using the scooter over level ground, suggesting the presence of a learning effect. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the ADS is faster and more energy efficient than crutch walking in young individuals with amputations, and should be considered as an alternative to a prosthesis where this is not available. The presence of a learning effect suggests supervision and training is required when the scooter is first issued.

• Implications for Rehabilitation

• The African Disability Scooter:

• is faster than crutch walking in amputees;

• is more energy efficient than walking with crutches;

• supervised use is needed when learning to use the device;

• is a good alternative/adjunct for mobility.

     

Re-occurrence of the CD20 molecule expression subsequent to CD20-negative relapse in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

We report the first case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the stomach displaying CD20-negative relapse after rituximab-containing treatment and the re-appearance of CD20 expression at the second failure. The loss of CD20 expression in B-cell lymphomas relapsing after rituximab is a well-known phenomenon, but its actual impact in DLBCL is difficult to estimate. This paradigmatic case suggests that CD20-expression reappearance after purging of CD20-positive clones with rituximab might be an underestimated occurrence in B-cell lymphomas. Accordingly, every relapse, whenever possible, should be histologically assessed with diagnostic and immunophenotyping purposes.     

Development of glycine immunoreactivity in the brain of the sea lamprey: Comparison with γ‐aminobutyric acid immunoreactivity

The development of glycine immunoreactivity in the brain of the sea lamprey was studied by use of immunofluorescence techniques at embryonic to larval stages. Glycine distribution was also compared with that of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) by use of double immunofluorescence. The first glycine‐immunoreactive (ir) cells appeared in the caudal rhombencephalon of late embryos, diencephalon of early prolarvae, and mesencephalon of late prolarvae, in which glycine‐ir cells were observed in several prosencephalic regions (preoptic nucleus, hypothalamus, ventral thalamus, dorsal thalamus, pretectum, and nucleus of the medial longitudinal fascicle), mesencephalon (M5), isthmus, and rhombencephalon. In larvae, glycine‐ir populations were observed in the olfactory bulbs, preoptic nucleus and thalamus (prosencephalon), M5 and oculomotor nucleus (mesencephalon), dorsal isthmic gray, isthmic reticular formation, and various alar and basal plate rhombencephalic populations. No glycine‐ir cells were observed in the larval optic tectum or torus semicircularis, which contain glycine‐ir populations in adults. A wide distribution of glycine‐ir fibers was observed, which suggests involvement of glycine in the function of most lamprey brain regions. Colocalization of GABA and glycine in prolarvae was found mainly in cell groups of the diencephalon, in the ventral isthmic group, and in trigeminal populations. In larvae, colocalization of GABA and glycine was principally observed in the M5 nucleus, the reticular formation, and the dorsal column nucleus. The present results reveal for the first time the complex developmental pattern of the glycinergic system in lamprey, including early glycine‐ir populations, populations transiently expressing glycine, and late‐appearing populations, in relation to maturation changes that occur during metamorphosis. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:747–767, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Colocalization of dopamine and GABA in spinal cord neurones in the sea lamprey

In this study, double immunofluorescence methods were used to investigate possible colocalization of the neurotransmitters dopamine [DA] and GABA in rostral spinal cord neurones in the upstream migrating adult sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus). Double immunofluorescence revealed that all the DA-immunoreactive (ir) cerebrospinal fluid-contacting (CSF-c) cells, approximately 30% of the medioventral DA-ir cells, and most of the DA-ir cells located in the grey lateral to the central canal were also GABA-ir. The results also revealed some DA-ir cells located dorsally to the central canal, which increases the number of dopaminergic cell types known in lamprey. Double-labelled fibres were mainly distributed in the ventral column, and double-labelled boutons contacted some dorsal GABA-ir CSF-c cells, as well as some non-CSF-c GABA-ir cells and ventromedial dendrites of motoneurones. The findings reveal colocalization of dopamine and GABA in some cells and fibres, which suggests co-release of these substances in some synaptic terminals. Although dopaminergic/GABAergic CSF-c cells have been reported in some other vertebrates, the other double-labelled spinal populations appear exclusive to lampreys.