Increased amino acid turnover and myofibrillar protein breakdown in advanced cancer are associated with muscle weakness and impaired physical function

Muscle wasting in cancer negatively affects physical function and quality of life. This study investigates amino acid metabolism and the association with muscle mass and function in patients with cancer.In 16 patients with advanced cancer undergoing chemotherapy and 16 healthy controls, we administered an intravenous pulse and prime of stable amino acid tracers. We took blood samples to measure the Rate of appearance (Ra), whole body production (WBP), clearance (Cl), and post absorptive whole body net protein breakdown (WBnetPB). Plasma amino acid concentrations and enrichments were analysed by LC-MS/MS. We assessed muscle mass, handgrip/leg/respiratory muscle strength and reported physical activity, quality of life, and physical function.Muscle strength was lower in cancer patients than in healthy controls. Total and limb muscle mass, reported physical activity and WBnetPB were comparable. WBP and Cl of tau-methylhistidine, leucine, glutamine and taurine were higher in cancer patients as well as glycine Cl. Amino acid metabolism was correlated with low muscle mass, strength, physical function and quality of life.Myofibrillar protein breakdown and production of amino acids involved in muscle contractility are up regulated in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and related to muscle weakness and reduced physical outcomes

Observation of a coral-dwelling gall crab (Cryptochiridae) in a dead coral host highlights their vulnerability to reef degradation

Coral-associated fauna contributes greatly to coral reef biodiversity. Many species are obligately associated with their hosts on which they depend for food and/or refuge from predators. Their close relationship with their hosts makes them vulnerable to coral mortality. Here I report a coral-dwelling gall crab (Cryptochiridae) inhabiting a partially dead Echinopora Lamarck, 1816 coral, at Magoodhoo Island, Faafu Atoll, Maldives. Cryptochirids are thought to feed off the mucus provided by their coral host, although some questions about their feeding biology remain. This observation highlights that these crabs remain associated with a dead host, even if it can no longer provide nutrients. The strong host association makes gall crabs vulnerable to widespread habitat degradation

<i>Lithoscaptus aquarius</i> sp. nov. (Decapoda: Cryptochiridae) described from a <i>Catalaphyllia jardinei</i> (Scleractinia) out of the aquarium trade

A new species of gall crab collected from elegance coral, Catalaphyllia jardinei, is described in this paper. The male holotype was collected from a reef tank in Germany in 2016, and it is described here using integrative taxonomy. This species, named Lithoscaptus aquarius sp. nov., is the thirteenth assigned to the genus. It is morphologically and phylogenetically closest to Lithoscaptus semperi, a cryptochirid associated with Trachyphyllia geoffroyi. Like L. semperi, it has a large, broad W-shaped depression on the anterior half of the carapace, but the carapace surface of L. aquarius sp. nov. is smooth overall, lacking spines or tubercles. This new species is so named because it was found in a reef tank after searching in vain for material during fieldwork campaigns over the course of several years

Central Florida Future, Vol. 13 No. 01, July 2, 1980

Industry to move by UCF (with photo of Florida Governor Bob Graham announcing that Westinghouse will soon be building across from UCF); Colbourn foresees crunch; Llewellyn named dean of Arts and Sciences; Future UCF Newsfronts: Development director named; Ham radio club offers students new waves; UCF Summer blood drive on; Bo\u27s jersey ripped off; Residents upset by apartment conditions; Where to go when Aunt Millie visits (with photos); Future Comment: New chief outlines Future editorial policies; Apartments are wrecked; SAGA service lacking; Professors predict Clark won\u27t be tried for trip; Future Sights and Sounds: Cartoonist broadcasts music preference.https://stars.library.ucf.edu/centralfloridafuture/1401/thumbnail.jp