A display of pH-sensitive fusogenic GALA peptide facilitates endosomal escape from a Bio-nanocapsule via an endocytic uptake pathway

BACKGROUND: An affibody-displaying bio-nanocapsule (Z(HER2)-BNC) with a hepatocyte specificity derived from hepatitis B virus (HBV) was converted into an affibody, Z(HER2), that recognizes HER2 receptors. This affibody was previously reported to be the result of the endocytosis-dependent specific uptake of proteins and siRNA into target cancer cells. To assist the endosomal escape of inclusions, a helper lipid with pH-sensitive fusogenic ability (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phos phoethanolamine; DOPE) was conjugated with a Z(HER2)-BNC. FINDINGS: In this study, we displayed a pH-sensitive fusogenic GALA peptide on the surface of a particle in order to confer the ability of endosomal escape to a Z(HER2)-BNC. A GALA-displaying Z(HER2)-BNC purified from yeast uneventfully formed a particle structure. Furthermore, endosomal escape of the particle was facilitated after endocytic uptake and release of the inclusions to the cytoplasm without the cell toxicity. CONCLUSION: The genetic fusion of a GALA peptide to the virus-like particle confers the ability of endosomal escape

Coupling motion between rearfoot and hip and knee joints during walking and single-leg landing

The objective of the current study was to investigate the kinematic relationships between the rearfoot and hip/knee joint during walking and single-leg landing. Kinematics of the rearfoot relative to the shank, knee and hip joints during walking and single-leg landing were analyzed in 22 healthy university students. Kinematic relationships between two types of angular data were assessed by zero-lag cross-correlation coefficients and coupling angles, and were compared between joints and between tasks. During walking, rearfoot eversion/inversion and external/internal rotation were strongly correlated with hip adduction/abduction (R = 0.69 and R = 0.84), whereas correlations with knee kinematics were not strong (R = 0.70), and greater than those during walking (P < 0.001). Coupling angles indicated that hip motion relative to rearfoot motion was greater than knee motion relative to rearfoot motion during both tasks (P < 0.001). Interventions to control rearfoot kinematics may affect hip kinematics during dynamic tasks. The coupling motion between the rearfoot and hip/knee joints, especially in the knee, should be considered individually

Lower limb joint motion during a cross cutting movement differs in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability

Objective: To compare the kinematics of lower limb joints between individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI) during cross-turn and -cutting movements. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Motion analysis laboratory. Participants: Twelve subjects with CAI and twelve healthy controls. Main outcome measures: Hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion and inversion angles were calculated in the 200 ms before initial ground contact and from initial ground contact to toe-off (stance phase) in a cross-turn movement during gait and a cross-cutting movement from a forward jump, and compared across the two groups. Results: In the cross-cutting movement, the CAI group exhibited greater hip and knee flexion than the control group during the stance phase, and more hip abduction during the period before initial contact and the stance phase. In the cross-turn movement the joint kinematics were similar in the two groups. Conclusions: CAI subjects exhibited an altered pattern of the proximal joint kinematics during a cross-cutting movement. It is important for clinicians to assess the function of the hip and knee as well as the ankle, and to incorporate coordination training for the entire lower limb into rehabilitation after lateral ankle sprains

Rehabilitation Exercises to Induce Balanced Scapular Muscle Activity in an Anti-gravity Posture

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the intramuscular balance ratios of the upper trapezius muscle (UT) and the lower trapezius muscle (LT), and the intermuscular balance ratios of the UT and the serratus anterior muscle (SA) among prone extension (ProExt), prone horizontal abduction with external rotation (ProHAbd), forward flexion in the side-lying position (SideFlex), side-lying external rotation (SideEr), shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal abduction load (FlexBand), and shoulder flexion with glenohumeral horizontal adduction load (FlexBall) in the standing posture. [Methods] The electromyographic (EMG) activities of the UT, LT and SA were measured during the tasks. The percentage of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (% MVIC) was calculated for each muscle, and the UT/LT ratios and the UT/SA ratios were compared among the tasks. [Results] The UT/LT ratio with the FlexBand was not significantly different from those of the four exercises in the side-lying and prone postures. The UT/SA ratio with the FlexBall demonstrated appropriate balanced activity. [Conclusion] In an anti-gravity posture, we recommend the FlexBand and the FlexBall for inducing balanced UT/LT and UT/SA ratios, respectively

Kinematics and muscle activities of the lower limb during a side-cutting task in subjects with chronic ankle instability

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate lower limb kinematics and muscular activities during walking, side-turning while walking, and side-cutting movement in athletes with chronic ankle instability and compare the results to those of athletes without chronic ankle instability. Lower limb kinematics and muscular activities were evaluated in 10 athletes with chronic ankle instability and 10 healthy control athletes using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and surface electromyography during the 200-ms pre-initial contact (IC) and stance phases while walking, side-turning while walking, and side-cutting. During walking or side-turning while walking, there were no significant differences in kinematics or muscle activities between the subjects with and without chronic ankle instability. For the side-cutting task, however, ankle inversion angles during the 200-ms pre-IC and late stance phases [effect sizes (ESs) = 0.95-1.43], the hip flexion angle (ESs = 0.94-0.96) and muscular activities of the gastrocnemius medialis (ESs = 1.04-1.73) during the early stance phase were significantly greater in the athletes with chronic ankle instability than in the healthy control athletes. Alterations of kinematics in athletes with chronic ankle instability were found not only at the ankle but also at hip joints during the side-cutting movement. These alterations were not detected during walking or side-turning while walking. The findings of the present study indicate that clinicians should take into account the motion of the hip joint during the side-cutting movement in persons with chronic ankle instability. III