Boolean implication networks derived from large scale, whole genome microarray datasets

A method for analysis of microarray data is presented that extracts statistically significant Boolean implication relationships between pairs of genes

Benzamil sensitive ion channels contribute to volume regulation in canine chondrocytes

Background and Purpose: Chondrocytes exist within cartilage and serve to maintain the extracellular matrix. It has been postulated that osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes lose the ability to regulate their volume, affecting extracellular matrix production. In previous studies, we identified expression of epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) in human chondrocytes, but their function remained unknown. Although ENaC typically has Na+ transport roles, it is also involved in the cell volume regulation of rat hepatocytes. ENaC is a member of the degenerin (Deg) family, and ENaC/Deg-like channels have a low conductance and high sensitivity to benzamil. In this study, we investigated whether canine chondrocytes express functional ENaC/Deg-like ion channels and, if so, what their function may be. Experimental Approach: Canine chondrocytes were harvested from dogs killed for unassociated welfare reasons. We used immunohistochemistry and patch-clamp electrophysiology to investigate ENaC expression and video microscopy to analyse the effects of pharmacological inhibition of ENaC/Deg on cell volume regulation. Key Results: Immunofluorescence showed that canine chondrocytes expressed ENaC protein. Single-channel recordings demonstrated expression of a benzamil-sensitive Na+ conductance (9 pS), and whole-cell experiments show this to be approximately 1.5 nS per cell with high selectivity for Na+. Benzamil hyperpolarized chondrocytes by approximately 8 mV with a pD2 8.4. Chondrocyte regulatory volume decrease (RVI) was inhibited by benzamil (pD2 7.5) but persisted when extracellular Na+ ions were replaced by Li+. Conclusion and Implications: Our data suggest that benzamil inhibits RVI by reducing the influx of Na+ ions through ENaC/Deg-like ion channels and present ENaC/Deg as a possible target for pharmacological modulation of chondrocyte volume

The Demands of a Women\u27s College Soccer Season

The purpose of this study was to use GPS, accelerometers, and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) to examine the demands of a Division II women’s soccer team. Data was collected on 25 collegiate Division II women’s soccer players over an entire regular season (17 matches and 24 practices). ZephyrTM BioHarnesses (BHs) were used to collect tri-axial acceleration information and GPS derived variables for all matches and practices. Acceleration data was used to calculate Impulse Load, a measure of mechanical load that includes only locomotor related accelerations. GPS was used to quantify total distance and distance in six speed zones. Internal Training Loads were assessed via sRPE. Mean Impulse Load, total distance, and sRPE during match play was 20,120 ± 8609 N·s, 5.48 ± 2.35 km, and 892.50 ± 358.50, respectively. Mean Impulse Load, total distance, and sRPE during practice was 12,410 ± 4067 N·s, 2.95 ± 0.95 km, and 143.30 ± 123.50, respectively. Several very large to nearly perfect correlations were found between Impulse Load and total distance (r = 0.95; p < 0.001), Impulse Load and sRPE (r = 0.84; p < 0.001), and total distance and sRPE (r = 0.82; p < 0.001). This study details the mechanical demands of Division II women’s soccer match play. This study also demonstrates that Impulse Load is a good indicator of total distance

Original paper Cell free DNA as a marker of training status in weightlifters

The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the changes in cf-DNA as it relates to fluctuations in resistance training workloads and intensities. The relationship between cell free DNA (cf-DNA), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), testosterone (T), cortisol (C), testosterone-cortisol ratio (T:C), body mass and body composition were also examined. Eight weightlifters (5 males and 3 females, age = 25 ± 3.5 yr, body mass = 88.3 ± 22.7 kg, height = 173.8 ±8.4 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Venous blood samples, body mass and body composition were taken six times, each corresponding to the end of a training phase. CK (p = 0.018, η² = 0.409) and CK %Δ (p \u3c 0.001, η² = 0.594) were the only biochemical variables to reach statistical significance at any point. A number of statistically significant correlations were found among variables. VLD4wk was related to CK %Δ (r = 0.86), VLD4wk %Δ was related CK %Δ (r = 0.86) and TID1wk was related to CRP (r = 0.83). cf-DNA %Δ was correlated with CRP and CRP %Δ (r = 0.83 and 0.86, respectively). CRP and CRP %Δ were correlated with BF % (r = 0.94 and 0.92, respectively). CK and CK %Δ were both related to T:C (r = 0.94 and 0.89, respectively) and T:C %Δ (r = 0.87 and 0.86, respectively). The correlation between cf-DNA and CRP suggests that cf-DNA may be a valuable indicator of inflammation in weightlifters

Cell Free DNA as a Marker of Training Status in Weightlifters

The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the changes in cf-DNA as it relates to fluctuations in resistance training workloads and intensities. The relationship between cell free DNA (cf-DNA), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), testosterone (T), cortisol (C), testosterone-cortisol ratio (T:C), body mass and body composition were also examined. Eight weightlifters (5 males and 3 females, age = 25 ± 3.5 yr, body mass = 88.3 ± 22.7 kg, height = 173.8 ±8.4 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Venous blood samples, body mass and body composition were taken six times, each corresponding to the end of a training phase. CK (p = 0.018, η² = 0.409) and CK %Δ (p \u3c 0.001, η² = 0.594) were the only biochemical variables to reach statistical significance at any point. A number of statistically significant correlations were found among variables. VLD4wk was related to CK %Δ (r = 0.86), VLD4wk %Δ was related CK %Δ (r = 0.86) and TID1wk was related to CRP (r = 0.83). cf-DNA %Δ was correlated with CRP and CRP %Δ (r = 0.83 and 0.86, respectively). CRP and CRP %Δ were correlated with BF % (r = 0.94 and 0.92, respectively). CK and CK %Δ were both related to T:C (r = 0.94 and 0.89, respectively) and T:C %Δ (r = 0.87 and 0.86, respectively). The correlation between cf-DNA and CRP suggests that cf-DNA may be a valuable indicator of inflammation in weightlifters

Cell Free Dna As A Marker Of Training Status In Weightlifters

The purpose of this investigation was to elucidate the changes in cf-DNA as it relates to fluctuations in resistance training workloads and intensities. The relationship between cell free DNA (cf-DNA), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), testosterone (T), cortisol (C), testosterone-cortisol ratio (T:C), body mass and body composition were also examined. Eight weightlifters (5 males and 3 females, age = 25 ± 3.5 yr, body mass = 88.3 ± 22.7 kg, height = 173.8 ±8.4 cm) volunteered to participate in this study. Venous blood samples, body mass and body composition were taken six times, each corresponding to the end of a training phase. CK (p = 0.018, η² = 0.409) and CK %Δ (p \u3c 0.001, η² = 0.594) were the only biochemical variables to reach statistical significance at any point. A number of statistically significant correlations were found among variables. VLD4wk was related to CK %Δ (r = 0.86), VLD4wk %Δ was related CK %Δ (r = 0.86) and TID1wk was related to CRP (r = 0.83). cf-DNA %Δ was correlated with CRP and CRP %Δ (r = 0.83 and 0.86, respectively). CRP and CRP %Δ were correlated with BF % (r = 0.94 and 0.92, respectively). CK and CK %Δ were both related to T:C (r = 0.94 and 0.89, respectively) and T:C %Δ (r = 0.87 and 0.86, respectively). The correlation between cf-DNA and CRP suggests that cf-DNA may be a valuable indicator of inflammation in weightlifters

The Fontan epidemic: population projections from the Australia and New Zealand Fontan registry

Background: The number and age demographic of the future Fontan population is unknown