Acute Effects of Short-Term Massage Procedures on Neuromechanical Contractile Properties of Rectus Femoris Muscle.

Background and Objectives: In many sports, maintaining muscle work at an optimal level despite fatigue is crucial. Therefore, it is essential to discover the most efficient way of recovery. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the acute effects of four different recovery methods on muscle neuromechanical properties. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted using a randomized, quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design. Fourteen healthy and active male students of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education (age 25.1 ± 3.9 years) were included in this study. The tensiomyography was used to evaluate muscle responses after four different types of short-term recovery methods (passive rest, percussive mechanical, vibro-mechanical, and manual massage) on the rectus femoris muscle on four occasions: baseline, post fatigue, post recovery and prolonged recovery. Results: The ANOVA revealed that muscle fatigue decreased maximal vertical muscle displacement (Dm) and muscle contraction time (Tc) in post fatigue compared to the baseline. The most important finding shows that only the vibro-mechanical massage resulted in an increase in Tc in the prolonged recovery compared to the post fatigue (p = 0.028), whereas only manual massage showed no differences in Dm from the baseline in post-recovery (p = 0.148). Moreover, both manual and vibro-mechanical massages increased Dm and Tc in prolonged recovery, indicating no differences from the baseline (all p > 0.05), thus showing signs of muscle recovery. Percussion mechanical massage and passive rest did not show indices of muscle recovery. Conclusions: Manual massage could induce immediate positive changes in Dm by reducing muscle stiffness. In addition, vibro-mechanical and manual massage improved muscle tissue by rapidly returning Dm and Tc values to baseline at prolonged recovery measurement (5 min after the fatigue protocol). These findings can benefit sports practitioners, and physical therapists in developing the best recovery method after muscle fatigue.

Immunomodulatory Activity of Punicalagin, Punicalin, and Ellagic Acid Differs from the Effect of Pomegranate Peel Extract.

BACKGROUND: Our recent study has shown that pomegranate peel extract (PEx) showed significant immunomodulatory activity, which might be caused by ellagitannins. The aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that ellagitannin components act synergistically in the modulation of cytokine production. METHODS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin and treated with different concentrations of PEx or punicalagin (PG), punicalin (PN), and ellagic acid (EA), alone or with their combinations. Cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, and cytokine production were determined. RESULTS: Non-cytotoxic concentrations of all compounds significantly inhibited cell proliferation. IC50 values (µg/mL) were: EA (7.56), PG (38.52), PEx (49.05), and PN (69.95). PEx and all ellagitannins inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8, dose-dependently, and their combinations acted synergistically. PEx and all ellagitannins inhibited Th1 and Th17 responses, whereas the lower concentrations of PEx stimulated the production of IL-10, a Treg cytokine, as did lower concentrations of EA. However, neither component of ellagitannins increased Th2 response, as was observed with PEx. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PG, PN, and EA potentiated the anti-inflammatory response without any significant synergistic down-modulatory effect on T-cell cytokines. The increased production of IL-10 observed with PEx could be attributable to EA, but the examined ellagitannins are not associated with the stimulatory effect of PEx on Th2 response.

Genetic Diversity of Montenegrin Local Sheep Breeds Based on Microsatellite Markers.

The Montenegrin sheep population mostly consists of local breeds and their crossbreeds that are very valuable from their genome preservation point of view. The aim of this study was the investigation of the genetic diversity of seven Montenegrin sheep breeds (Jezeropivska-JP, Sora-SOR, Zetska zuja-ZZ, Bardoka-BAR, Sjenicka-SJ, Ljaba-Lj, and Piperska zuja-PIP) using 18 microsatellite sets of markers. The genotyping was done for 291 samples from seven populations using the multiplex amplification of sequences with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The parameters of genetic diversity were estimated using several software tools. In total, 243 alleles were found, with a range of 6 to 25 by locus. The mean observed heterozygosity (Ho), polymorphism information content (PIC), and Fis values (fixation index) per marker were 0.728, 0.781, and -0.007, respectively. The mean number of alleles per breed varied from 4.889 in ZZ to 10.056 in JP. The highest Ho was estimated for JP (0.763) and the lowest for ZZ (0.640). The genetic structure showed close relations between SOR and JP, and both of them with SJ, while ZZ, LJ, and PIP were more distanced. This study provides useful indicators for the development of further in-depth studies and the creation of appropriate conservation programs.

Sensitivity of Field Tests for Assessment of Wrestlers Specific Fitness.

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in performance, cardiac, and metabolic variables of combat-specific fitness of wrestlers from varying sports levels. The sample consisted of 61 active and highly trained adult wrestlers of national and international levels from Serbia, from both Greco-Roman and freestyle forms of wrestling, allocated into three groups: national team wrestlers (N = 15), first league competitive wrestlers (N = 20), and second league competitive wrestlers (N = 26). Participants performed two tests: a Specific Wrestling Fitness Test (SWFT) and a Specific Wrestling Performance Test (SWPT). Between-group differences were determined using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA). Significant differences were obtained between wrestlers of different sports levels in TnThrows (F = 77.491, p < 0.001), SJFIndex (F = 49.710, p < 0.001), and SWPIndex (F = 31.205, p < 0.001) in the SWFT and in TnThrows (F = 71.051, p < 0.001), SJFIndex F = 45.343, p < 0.001), and SWPIndex (F = 26.820, p < 0.001) in the SWPT. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the SWFT and the SWPT provide very good sensitivity in the evaluation of the wrestlers specific fitness of wrestlers.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Extract of Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes) Basidiocarps Cultivated on Alternative Substrate.

Ganoderma lucidum is a medicinal mushroom exhibiting numerous health benefits primarily based on strong immunostimulatory effects. The study aimed to investigate if there were differences in effects of extracts of commercially (GC) and alternatively (wheat straw) (GA) cultivated G. lucidum basidiocarps on properties of peritoneal macrophages (PM) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs). Differences in immunomodulatory effects of GC/GA extracts were studied. The viability of treated PMs, their adhesive and phagocytic capability, and their capacity to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO were tested. Immature MoDCs generated from human monocytes were treated with poly I:C (10.0 µg/ml) and loxoribine (34.0 µg/ml), a selective TLR3 and TLR7 agonists, respectively, and with/without GC/GA extract (100.0 µg/ml). The effect of each combination on phenotypic properties, cytokines production by MoDCs, and their proliferation and Th polarizing capacity was studied. GA extract stimulated the metabolic and phagocytic activity of PMs, their adhesion capability, and ability to produce ROS and NO more strongly compared to GC. Both tested extracts significantly increased allostimulatory and Th1 polarization capacity of simultaneous TLR3 and TLR7-activated MoDCs, but GA extract was more effective. The extract of alternatively cultivated G. lucidum basidiocarps increased production of ROS and NO by TLR4 stimulated PMs and upregulated production of certain cytokines as well as allostimulatory and Th1 polarization capacity of MoDCs. GA extract could be a potent immunostimulatory agent for activation of MoDCs with the simultaneous engagement of TLRs, which seems to be a promising strategy for the preparation of DC-based anti-tumor vaccines.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Pomegranate Peel Extract in a Model of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Culture.

Pomegranate peel extract (PoPEx) has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on the adaptive immune system has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, the treatment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with PoPEx (range 6.25-400 µg/mL) resulted in cytotoxicity at concentrations of 100 µg/mL and higher, due to the induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress, whereas autophagy was reduced. At non-cytotoxic concentrations, the opposite effect on these processes was observed simultaneously with the inhibition of PHA-induced PBMC proliferation and a significant decrease in the expression of CD4. PoPEx differently modulated the expression of activation markers (CD69, CD25, ICOS) and PD1 (inhibitory marker), depending on the dose and T-cell subsets. PoPEx (starting from 12.5 µg/mL) suppressed the production of Th1 (IFN-γ), Th17 (IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-22), Th9 (IL-9), and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in culture supernatants. Lower concentrations upregulated Th2 (IL-5 and IL-13) and Treg (IL-10) responses as well as CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ cell frequency. Higher concentrations of PoPEx increased the frequency of IL-10- and TGF-ß-producing T-cells (much higher in the CD4+ subset). In conclusion, our study suggested for the first time complex immunoregulatory effects of PoPEx on T cells, which could assist in the suppression of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Mechanical and Contractile Properties of Knee Joint Muscles Measured by the Method of Tensiomyography in Differently Trained Men and Women.

ABSTRACT: Toskic, LD, Dopsaj, MJ, Markovic, MR, Toskic, DR, Ignjatovic, AM. Mechanical and contractile properties of knee joint muscles measured by the method of tensiomyography in differently trained men and women. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1532-1539, 2022-The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in mechanical and contractile properties of knee joint flexor and extensor muscles between differently trained men and women, using tensiomyography (TMG). The sample consisted of 159 subjects (84 men and 75 women), who were assigned to one of 5 groups according to the following levels and types of their physical activity: physically inactive, physically active nonathletes, strength and power athletes, endurance athletes, and team sports athletes. Measurements were performed on the following knee flexor and extensor muscles of the dominant leg: rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus. The results showed significant differences in contraction time-Tc (F = 1.911, p = 0.010) and delay time-Td (F = 1.989, p = 0.007) parameters between differently trained men and women, whereas in other TMG parameters, there were no differences between groups. It is indicated that physical activities characteristic of strength and power sports (combat sports and sprint disciplines) could lead to an increased speed of twitch force generation and fast twitch muscle fibers, and that almost any regular, systematic, and planned physical activity leads to increased muscle responsiveness. Obtained results also indicated that TMG parameters do not have enough specific discriminatory power for detecting differences between differently trained young adults.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Healthy and Inflamed Human Gingiva Respond Differently to Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (GMSCs) have been shown to play an important role in periodontitis. However, how P. gingivalis, one of the key etiological agents of the disease, affects healthy (H)- and periodontitis (P)-GMSCs is unknown. To address this problem, we established 10 H-GMSC and 12 P-GMSC lines. No significant differences in morphology, differentiation into chondroblasts and adipocytes, expression of characteristic MSCS markers, including pericyte antigens NG2 and PDGFR, were observed between H- and P-GMSC lines. However, proliferation, cell size and osteogenic potential were higher in P-GMSCs, in contrast to their lower ability to suppress mononuclear cell proliferation. P. gingivalis up-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, GRO-α, RANTES, TLR-2, HIF-1α, OPG, MMP-3, SDF-1, HGF and IP-10 in P-GMSCs, whereas only IL-6, MCP-1 and GRO-α were up-regulated in H-GMSCs. The expression of MCP-1, RANTES, IP-10 and HGF was significantly higher in P-GMSCs compared to H-GMSCs, but IDO1 was lower. No significant changes in the expression of TLR-3, TLR-4, TGF-ß, LAP, IGFBP4 and TIMP-1 were observed in both types of GMSCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that P-GMSCs retain their pro-inflammatory properties in culture, exhibit lower immunosuppressive potential than their healthy counterparts, and impaired regeneration-associated gene induction in culture. All these functions are potentiated significantly by P. gingivalis treatment.

Rethinking the Process of Animal Mummification in Ancient Egypt: Molecular Characterization of Embalming Material and the Use of Brassicaceae Seed Oil in the Mummification of Gazelle Mummies from Kom Mereh, Egypt.

The study of animal mummification in ancient Egypt has recently received increasing attention from a number of modern scholars given the fact that this part of ancient Egyptian funerary and religious history is a practice yet to be fully understood. In this study, nine samples of embalming matter were extracted from six gazelle mummies from the archaeological site of Kom Mereh (modern village of Komir), dated to the Roman period of dominance in ancient Egypt. All samples were analyzed for the presence of inorganic and organic matter applying a multi-analytical approach based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Furthermore, in order to identify more specific compounds such as bitumen and beeswax in studied balms, each sample was subjected to a solid phase extraction (SPE) and saponification separation process, respectively. The results of this study revealed that the majority of the analyzed embalming substances sampled from six gazelle mummies from Kom Mereh were complex mixtures of plant oils, animal fats, conifer resin, and beeswax. In this regard, this study was able to report a practice until now unmentioned in the scientific literature, namely, the use of cruciferous oil, derived from seeds of Brassicaceae plants, in animal mummification.

Validity of a Novel Specific Wrestling Fitness Test.

ABSTRACT: Markovic, M, Kukic, F, Dopsaj, M, Kasum, G, Toskic, L, and Zaric, I. Validity of a novel specific wrestling fitness test. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S51-S57, 2021-The specific wrestling fitness test (SWFT) is a novel test aiming to estimate the level of physical preparedness of wrestlers; therefore, it should posses an acceptable level of validity. The aim of this study was to investigate an internal, external, and construct validity of SWFT. The sample consisted of 15 national level male wrestlers (age = 22.6 ± 2.3 years, body mass [BM] = 83.3 ± 6.5 kg, and BM index [BMI] = 25.36 ± 1.2 kg·m-2). They performed the SWFT, specific judo fitness test (SJFT), and specific wrestling performance test (SWPT), each test on a separate day. For each test, performance was evaluated in absolute measure as total number of throws at the end of the test (TnThrows) and relative measure as TnThrows/BM and TnThrows/BMI. Heart rate at the end of the test (HR0min) and 1 minute into recovery (HR1min) was used as a measure of cardiovascular functionality, whereas specific judo fitness index (SJFIndex) was used as an indicator of cardiovascular functionality relative to given performance. A correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to investigate the internal, external, and construct validity of SWFT. The SWFT_TnThrows/BM had the highest internal validity relative to SJFT_TnThrows/BM (R2 = 0.722, p < 0.001) and the highest external validity relative to SWPT_TnThrows/BM (r = 0.846, p < 0.001). SWFT_TnThrows/BM predicted SWPT_TnThrows/BM with a large coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.818, p < 0.001). SWFT_TnThrows/BM is valid and easily attainable predictor of wrestlers' specific physical preparedness and as such is of high practical value.

Ruthenacarborane and Quinoline: A Promising Combination for the Treatment of Brain Tumors.

Gliomas and glioblastomas are very aggressive forms of brain tumors, prone to the development of a multitude of resistance mechanisms to therapeutic treatments, including cytoprotective autophagy. In this work, we investigated the role and mechanism of action of the combination of a ruthenacarborane derivative with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ), linked via an ester bond (complex 2), in rat astrocytoma C6 and human glioma U251 cells, in comparison with the two compounds alone, i.e., the free carboxylic acid (complex 1) and 8-HQ, and their non-covalent combination ([1 + 8-HQ], in 1:1 molar ratio). We found that only complex 2 was able to significantly affect cellular viability in glioma U251 cells (IC50 11.4 µM) via inhibition of the autophagic machinery, most likely acting at the early stages of the autophagic cascade. Contrary to 8-HQ alone, complex 2 was also able to impair cellular viability under conditions of glucose deprivation. We thus suggest different mechanisms of action of ruthenacarborane complex 2 than purely organic quinoline-based drugs, making complex 2 a very attractive candidate for evading the known resistances of brain tumors to chloroquine-based therapies.

Body Height of Elite Basketball Players: Do Taller Basketball Teams Rank Better at the FIBA World Cup?

Body height is among the most important attributes of basketball players. Whether it differs among the basketball players who compete at the world basketball championship (FIBA-WC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between the basketball players from the teams ranked 1-16 and those ranked below 16th place. The body heights of all players from the last three FIBA-WCs were collected and allocated according to the ranking at the FIBA-WC and analyzed by position in team. An independent sample t-test was conducted to analyze the difference in body height of players ranked 1-16 and players who ranked below 16th place. The players from the first 16 teams were significantly taller at three positions: point guards (Difference = 2.92 cm, p < 0.05), shooting guards (Difference = 2.16 cm, p < 0.05), and small forwards (Difference = 2.49 cm, p < 0.01). Body height seems to be an important factor for the performance of the basketball team at the FIBA-WC. Considering that all players at the FIBA-WC went through rigorous selection process to be in their national teams, body height of the higher-ranked players could be used as a reference value.

Body composition characteristics measured by multichannel bioimpedance in young female basketball players: relation with match performance / Características de la composición corporal medidas por bioimpedancia multicanal en jugadoras de baloncesto jóvenes: relación con el rendimiento del partido

The aim of this research is to investigate the correlation of morphological characteristics, that is, body composition characteristics with the competitive performance of female basketball players of cadet (U16) age, in general and depending on the position played in the basketball team. The research involved female basketball players from the U16 section of the three best basketball clubs from the First Cadet League of Serbia (N = 30). This research consisted of measuring the characteristics of body composition, as a space of independent variables and the analysis of competitive activities where the dependent variable represents the level of achieved competitive performance. Based on the results of the Pearson Correlation Analysis, which was made for determining the degree of connection between the dependent variable and the independent variables, it can be seen that general level competitive performance is associated with the variables: percentage skeletal muscle mass, index of hypokinesy and protein-fat index. Viewed from the point of the position played in the team, the statistically significant relationship between the independent and the dependent variable was recorded only in the forwards position. Competitive and more successful forward players are distinguished by a small percentage of body fat mass, a higher percentage of muscle mass, a smaller hypokinesy index and a larger protein-fat index. The practical application of this research can be seen in the control system of applied training work, then selection, as well as in the creation of a model for morphological characteristics of players in the cadet (U16) age.

El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la correlación entre las características morfológicas, es especial, las características de la composición corporal y el rendimiento competitivo de jugadoras de baloncesto cadetes, en general y en cada posición en el equipo. La investigación incluyó a las jugadoras de baloncesto femenino U16 de los tres mejores clubes de Primera Liga de Cadetes de Serbia (N = 30). Esta investigación consistió en medir las características de la composición corporal, como un espacio de variables independientes, y el análisis de actividades competitivas, donde la variable dependiente representa el nivel de rendimiento competitivo alcanzado. Sobre la base de los resultados del análisis de coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, que se realizó con el propósito de determinar el grado de conexión entre la variable dependiente y las variables independientes, se pudo observar que, en general, el rendimiento competitivo está vinculado a las variables: porcentaje de masa muscular esquelética, índice de hipocinesia e índice proteínagrasa. Desde el punto de vista de posiciones dentro de un equipo de baloncesto, la relación estadísticamente importante entre la variable independiente y la variable dependiente ha sido registrada solamente en la posición de delantero. Las jugadoras delanteras más exitosas y competitivas se distinguen por un bajo porcentaje de grasa en su masa corporal, así como un mayor porcentaje de masa muscular, un índice de hipocinesia más bajo y un índice proteína-grasa más alto. El uso práctico de esta investigación se puede ver en el sistema de control del trabajo de entrenamiento aplicado, luego en la selección, así como en la creación de modelos de características morfológicas de jugadoras en la categoría cadetes (U16).

AROME-ESO Oncology Consensus Conference: access to cancer care innovations in countries with limited resources. Association of Radiotherapy and Oncology of the Mediterranean Area (AROME-Paris) and European School of Oncology (ESO - Milan).

PURPOSE: Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Its incidence is still increasing, particularly in developing countries. Recent progresses further strengthen the differences between low/middle and high-income countries. This situation calls for joint action to reduce inequities in cancer outcomes among the patients. The Association of Radiotherapy and Oncology of the Mediterranean Area (AROME) and the European School of Oncology (ESO), have initiated joint conferences devoted to access to innovations in oncology in the Mediterranean area. The heterogeneity of the economic, political and cultural situations of the different participating countries, offers the opportunity to develop consensus conference. METHODS: Cancer prevention and treatment strategies were discussed according to existing international guidelines. The Scientific committee prepared 111 questions with an objective to prioritize the access to treatments and innovations in low/middle-income Mediterranean countries. The results from the votes of 65 oncology experts, coming from 16 countries and 33 institutions have been analysed and access priorities classified accordingly. RESULTS: Ninety six percent of the proposed general recommendations concerning national health care strategies, oncology education, and treatment organization were considered to be high priorities. Regarding access to systemic treatments, 41% of the drugs without validated predictive markers and 53% of those with validated predictive markers were considered to be 1st level priority. Only 4 biological tests were considered to be 1st level priority to access to innovation. CONCLUSIONS: AROME-ESO consensus offers to cancer specialists from developing countries a basis for discussion with health authorities and payers on the prioritization of access to innovations in cancer care.

Differentiation of some Pramenka sheep breeds based on morphometric characteristics.

For the purpose of the morphometric characterization and differentiation of local sheep breeds that belong to the group of breeds called Pramenka or Zackel, two Slovenian (Bela Krajina and Istrian Pramenka) and four Montenegrin sheep breeds (Bardoka, Sjenicka, Pivska Pramenka, and Zeta Zuja) were studied. The variation of morphometric measures and nine morphometric indices were analysed. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied in order to provide an easier description of body size and shape. Regarding body size, the Sjenicka breed was one of the largest breeds (body weight 76.4 kg, wither height 72.7 cm, chest circumference 100.3 cm), while Zeta Zuja had the smallest body size (37.1 kg, 64.8, and 81.9 cm). On the other hand, Slovenian Istrian Pramenka had the largest body length, chest depth, chest width, and rump width among all included breeds (79.4, 33.6, 22.7, and 21.2 cm). Bela Krajina, Istrian Pramenka, and the Sjenicka breed, according to the index of body frame (IBF) value (107-114), have a rectangular body frame, Bardoka and Pivska Pramenka have a square body frame (99.3-100), and Zeta Zuja has a short body frame (91.8). The PCA of all morphometric parameters extracted three components accounting for 96.6 % of the cumulative variance. An unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis by Euclidian distance shows diversity among the studied breeds, through it grouped Pivska Pramenka with Sjenicka and Istrian with Bela Krajina Pramenka in two clusters, while Bardoka and Zeta Zuja were clustered separately.

Immunoglobulins from sera of antiphospholipid syndrome patients are internalized in the HTR-8/SVneo cell line and cytotrophoblast in culture.

Women with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) experience pregnancy complications mostly due to impaired trophoblast cell functions. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) affect extravillous trophoblast in vivo and in culture, but the mechanisms are still poorly understood. Previously, syncytiotrophoblast was shown to bind and internalize aPL, which was not replicated for extravillous cytotrophoblast in short term culture. Here, aPL binding and time dependent internalization was demonstrated with exposure to aPL in the extravillous cell line HTR-8/SVneo and isolated first trimester of pregnancy cytotrophoblast (CT) using immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. Intracellular aPL were detectable from 2 h of culture, reaching 30.7 ±â€¯3.1% (p < 0.001) positive cells in CT and 24.8 ±â€¯7% (p < 0.01) in HTR-8/SVneo cells at 24 h and 33 ±â€¯4.2% (p < 0.01) at 48 h. The data presented show that extravillous trophoblast cells internalize aPL in a time-dependent manner significantly more than control immunoglobulins after 24 h of exposure.

Nanoaggregates of iron poly-oxo-clusters obtained by laser ablation in aqueous solution of phosphonates.

Laser ablation in liquid (LAL) emerged as a versatile technique for the synthesis of nanoparticles with various structures and compositions, although the control over products remains challenging in most cases. For instance, it is still difficult to drive the size of metal oxide crystalline domains down to the level of few atom clusters with LAL. Here we demonstrate that laser ablation of a bulk iron target in aqueous solution of phosphonates gives phosphonate-grafted iron oxo-clusters polymerized into nanoaggregates with Fe:ligand ratio of 2:1, instead of the usual nanocrystalline iron oxides. We attribute this result to the strong ability of phosphonate groups to bind iron oxide clusters and prevent their further growth into crystalline iron oxide. These laser generated poly-oxo-clusters are biocompatible and trackable by magnetic resonance imaging, providing interesting features for use in biological environments, such as nano-vehicles for iron administration. Besides, this method is promising for the generation of atom-scale metal-oxide clusters, which are ubiquitary in chemistry and of interest in biochemistry, catalysis, molecular magnetism and materials science.

Discrimination of different body structure indexes of elite athletes in combat sports measured by multi frequency bioimpedance method / Discriminación de diferentes índices de estructura corporal de atletas de elite en deportes de combate medidos por el método de bioimpedancia de múltiples frecuencias

In order to achieve high results in sports, it is necessary to provide an adequate status of an athlete in according to various factors, among which the body structure is one of greater importance. The aim of this research is to define the most discriminated indicators of body structure indexes, thanks to which a specific change of physical structure can be observed according to a branch of sport and type of combat sport. Variables in the research were: body height, body mass, body mass index, free fat mass index, fat mass index, protein mass index, skeletal muscle mass index, percent of body fat, percent of skeletal muscle mass and protein fat index. The measuring of the body composition is realized by using multichannel segmental bioimpedance with InBody 720 apparatus, applied on the total of 112 male high level senior-age athlete members of different national team's member of Republic of Serbia (62 judokas, 29 Greco-Roman style wrestlers and 21 karatekas). The discriminative analysis has shown that subsamples of the athletes statistically differ in morphology on Wilks' lambda level (0.435, p = 0.000), and that following variables have the highest discrimination compared to athlete respondents in sport function: percent of skeletal mass (0.34), percent of body fat (0.28) and protein fat index (0.26), as the first isolated factor (p = 0.000) by which is explained 86.3 %, that is body weight (0.74), skeletal muscle index (0.73), protein mass index (0.72), body mass index (0.72) and free fat mass index (0.70), as the second factor (p = 0.030) by which 13.7 % variability of measured body structure space is explained. By establishing body structure models of judokas, wrestlers and karatekas for variables examined and by using modern technological method of measuring (InBody 720, 2008) we got new information that characterize specificity of the sport, which all contribute to spreading and improving already existing knowledge in the sports sciences and sport body morphology area.

Para obtener logros deportivos de alto nivel, es necesario conseguir el estatus adecuado dependiendo de varios factores, entre los cuales destaca el factor morfológico. El objetivo de este estudio fue definir los indicadores más discriminantes de la composición corporal o índices morfológicos, por lo cual se puedan monitorear los cambios específicos en la estructura del cuerpo en relación con la rama del deporte y el tipo de deportes de combate. Las variables del estudio fueron: altura del cuerpo, masa corporal, índice de masa corporal, índice de masa grasa, índice de proteína masa, índice de masa del músculo esquelético, porcentaje de grasa corporal, porcentaje de masa del músculo esquelético y el índice grasa proteína. La medición de la composición corporal fue realizada utilizando la bioimpedancia segmentaria multicanal con Inbod café 720 sobre una muestra de 112 deportistas de sexo masculino de categoría sénior, miembros nacionales seleccionados de la República de Serbia (62 practicantes de judo, 29 practicantes de lucha grecorromana y 21 practicantes de karate). El análisis discriminativo demostó que las submuestras de los atletas en general difieren significativamente en la morfología a nivel de lambda de Wilks ­ 0.435, (p = 0.000), y que las siguientes variables tienen la mayor discriminación en relación con la prueba de los atletas en la función del deporte: porcentaje de la masa esquelética (0.34), porcentaje de grasa corporal (0,28) y el índice de grasa proteína (0.26), como el primer factor aislado (p = 0.000), lo que explica 86,3 %, respectivamente la masa corporal (0.74), el índice de músculo esquelético (0,73), el índice de proteína de masa (0,72), índice de masa corporal (0,72), e índice de masa libre de grasa (0,70), como el segundo factor (p = 0,030), lo que explica 13,7 % de las mediciones espaciales de variabilidad. Al definir los módulos morfológicos de los practicantes de judo, karate y lucha grecorromana para las variables investigadas y usando el método tecnológico de medida más nuevo (InBody 720), hemos obtenido nuevas informaciones que caracterizan las especificidades de los deportes, lo que contribuye a la ampliación y el desarrollo de los conocimientos anteriores sobre dicho asunto.

Cetuximab in third-line therapy of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: A single institution experience.

PURPOSE: Cetuximab, an IgG1 chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAB) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has activity against metastatic colorectal cancers (mCRC) that express EGFR. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of cetuximab administered to patients with EGFR-positive mCRC. METHODS: 72 patients with wild-type KRAS mCRC were enrolled. All of them had previously been treated with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin and irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Patients received cetuximab as monotherapy or in combination with irinotecan-based chemotherapy. All patients were to be treated until the occurrence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. RESULTS: All patients were evaluated for progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. The median PFS was 4.77 months (95% CI: 4.08-5.45), with an actuarial 47.22% without progression at 3 months and 16.67% at 6 months. The median OS was 11.35 months (95% CI: 9.64-13.06), with 79.17% of the patients being alive at 6 months and 30.56% at 12 months. PFS was significantly higher in patients with skin toxicity as compared to those without skin toxicity (5.31 vs 2.61 months, p<0.001) and with smaller number of metastatic organs vs greater number of metastatic organs (p=0.05). OS was significantly higher in patients with good performance status (p=0.004), with skin toxicity (p=0.013) and with smaller number of metastatic organs (p<0.001). Superior survival rates with higher grades of skin toxicity were noticed. As for patient characteristics, there were no significant differences in age, gender, and primary site localization. CONCLUSION: Cetuximab improved PFS, OS and preserved the quality of life in patients with mCRC whose previous treatments had failed.

Fast dendritic cells matured with Poly (I:C) may acquire tolerogenic properties.

BACKGROUND AIMS: Because of the labor-intensive and time-consuming conventional protocols for the generation of dendritic cells (DCs) as the most promising tools for anti-cancer therapy that enable the induction of a T-helper (Th)1-mediated anti-tumor immune response, the use of short-term protocols has been proposed. However, data on the applicability of such protocols in cancer immunotherapy are quite limited. METHODS: We compared the phenotypic and functional capability of fast DCs (fDCs) differentiated for 24 h and then matured for 48 h with Poly (I:C), a strong Th1-promoting agent, with donor-matched conventional DCs (cDCs) differentiated for 5 days and matured likewise. RESULTS: Of 12 donors tested, we identified seven whose monocytes failed to develop into immunogenic DCs through the use of fDC protocol, on the basis of incomplete downregulation of CD14, low expression of CD1a and macrophage-like morphology. Such fDCs have significantly lower expression of CD83, CD86, CCR7 and CD40, weaker allo-stimulatory Th1- and Th17-polarizing capacity caused by poor production of interleukin (IL)-12p70 and IL-23 and high production of IL-10, and prominent Th2-polarizing capacity, compared with donor-matched cDCs. Furthermore, such fDCs had tolerogenic properties as judged by higher expression of indolamine dioxigenase-3, IDO-1 and IL-1ß and induction of a higher percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) T cells. These findings correlated with increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß production by fDC-primed CD3(+)T cells and their stronger anti-proliferative capacity. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize that although fDCs could probably be applied as an alternative to cDCs for cancer therapy, the fDC protocol should not be applied to donors whose DCs acquire tolerogenic capabilities.