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BACKGROUND: Isokinetic evaluation is considered the gold standard in muscle strength measurement due to its sensitivity, intra-dynamometer reproducibility and usefulness in the injury prevention screening and follow up of subjects with musculoskeletal pathologies, neurological disease or after surgical operation. However, can one switch among different isokinetic dynamometers for the purpose of knee muscles evaluation? OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively evaluate the compatibility of the isokinetic short concentric and eccentric strength evaluation protocol and of the fatigability resistance evaluation between three different isokinetic devices. METHODS: Eighteen recreationally active men underwent three isokinetic knee testing sessions on three different isokinetic devices with 7–10 days of rest between each session. Relative (Pearson’s r product-moment correlation coefficient – PCC) and absolute (standard error of measurement – SEM, Cohen effect sizes (d) and probabilistic inferences – MBI) parameters of reproducibility were determined to assess the inter-dynamometer agreement. RESULTS: For the short concentric and eccentric strength evaluation protocol, the extensors in concentric mode and the flexors in eccentric mode can be compared (eventually with transposition formulas provided) between Biodex, Con-Trex and Cybex (almost all PCC ⩾ 0.80). The DCR could be compared between Con-Trex and Cybex and between Biodex and Cybex pairs (eventually with transposition formula provided). For the fatigability resistance evaluation protocol, the total sum can be compared for extensors (eventually with transposition formulas provided) for PM for all dynamometer pairs considered and, in the case of MW, only for Biodex and Con-Trex (PCC ⩾ 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Only some of the parameters derived either from the short concentric and eccentric strength evaluation protocol or the fatigability resistance evaluation protocol may be interchangeable providing transposition formulas are applied. Otherwise, isokinetic findings are largely system-dependent save some specific instances.

We experimentally tested the idea that meadow passerines could tend to match grassland areas consistently managed for enhancing their reproductive success. In the Saone valley (eastern France), mowing was postponed until after July 15 in stable parts (meadows with controlled mowing MCM) of three study sites for 10 years. Bird territories were defined each year with the Territory Mapping method and hatching chronology was described after a systematic survey of prey carrying by adults. We arbitrarily considered that breeding was at the utmost risk of failure when at least two thirds of a territory area was mown earlier than the hatching date + 20 days. In study site 1 where mowing outside MCM was completed by July 15, the proportion of passerine territories within MCM increased throughout the study period from 15 to 60%, whereas MCM was only 29.1% of the total area. Meanwhile, the rate of theoretical failure due to mowers dropped to ca. 20%. In the two other study sites where significant surface areas outside MCM were still not mown by July 15, territorial birds tended to avoid the earliest mown grasslands: the theoretical risk of failure by mowers was usually ≤ 10% in site 2 where 74% of total area on average was mown after July 15

Objectives In-house developed liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods are used more and more frequently for the simultaneous quantification of vitamin D metabolites. Among these, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (24,25(OH)2D3) is of clinical interest. This study assessed the agreement of this metabolite in two validated in-house LC-MS/MS methods. Methods 24,25(OH)2D3 was measured in 20 samples from the vitamin D external quality assurance (DEQAS) program and in a mixed cohort of hospital patients samples (n=195) with the LC-MS/MS method at the Medical University of Graz (LC-MS/MS 1) and at the University of Liège (LC-MS/MS 2). Results In DEQAS samples, 24,25(OH)2D3 results with LC-MS/MS 1 had a proportional bias of 1.0% and a negative systemic difference of −0.05%. LC-MS/MS 2 also showed a proportional bias of 1.0% and the negative systemic bias was −0.22%. Comparing the EQA samples with both methods, no systemic bias was found (0.0%) and the slope was 1%. The mean difference of 195 serum sample measurements between the two LC-MS/MS methods was minimal (−0.2%). Both LC-MS/MS methods showed a constant bias of 0.31 nmol/L and a positive proportional bias of 0.90%, respectively. Conclusions This study is the first to assess the comparability of 24,25(OH)2D3 concentrations in a mixed cohort of hospitalized patients with two fully validated in-house LC-MS/MS methods. Despite different sample preparation, chromatographic separation and ionization, both methods showed high precision measurements of 24,25(OH)2D3. Furthermore, we demonstrate the improvement of accuracy and precision measurements of 24,25(OH)2D3 in serum samples and in the DEQAS program.

Introduction Determination of creatinine and estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) rapidly before injection of contrast media provides early detection of high-risk patients for acute kidney failure. Hence, a rapid point-of-care (POC) device (result in 30 s) allowing creatinine measurement and eGFR could be of interest. To validate this method, we considered a population referred for measuring GFR. Methods Iohexol plasma clearance was used to measure GFR. For each subject, enzymatic creatinine was quantified with two different devices: in plasma with the Roche Cobas analyzer and in capillary blood with the Nova Biomedical POC device. Both values of creatinine were used in the CKD-EPI equation for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). eGFR using POC was compared to eGFR using Cobas and to mGFR by Passing Bablok regression, calculation of bias, precision and accuracy (or concordance) within 30%. Also, we calculated the rate of discrepant staging (eGFR >60 or ≤ 60 when mGFR is actually ≤60 and > 60) with both creatinine methods. Results 120 subjects (52 ± 13 years, 49% of women) were included. Mean mGFR was 77 ± 27 mL/min/1.73m2 with 29 patients presenting mGFR 60 mL/min/1.73m2 whereas mGFR it was ≤60 and 10% (9.2%) of them would have been considered with GFR ≤60 mL/min/1.73m2 when mGFR was >60. Conclusion Creatinine measured with the POC has an acceptable performance when used with the CKD-EPI equation to estimate GFR. Its ability to detect GFR

Background Previous studies have suggested that exercising may induce cardiac damage. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) are very interesting biomarkers for heart failure and myocardial fibrosis. We aimed to compare the kinetics of emerging fibrosis cardiac biomarkers as Gal-3 and ST-2 in endurance runners, and recreational runners before and after a running event represented by a marathon and an ultratrail event. Methods Blood samples were taken from 19 healthy non-elite marathon runners (42 km), 27 ultratour runners (67 km), and 14 recreational runners who represented the control group (10 km) just before the run (T0), just after (T1) and 3 h after (T2), in order to analyze Gal-3, ST2, hsTnT, NT-proBNP, CKMB and hsCRP. We compared the percentage of evolution and the slopes obtained from T0 to T1 (pT0T1) and from T1 to T2 (pT1T2), between the different groups of runners participating in three different races. Results Plasma cardiac biomarker concentrations increased significantly from baseline to immediately post-exercise and most of the time decreased over the subsequent 3-h period. For pT0T1 and pT1T2, the markers Gal-3 and ST2 showed a significant difference between types of run (p Conclusions Gal-3 and ST2 are considered as a reflection of cardiac fibrosis and remodeling. The evolution of both was different, particularly after the recovery time. ST2 values exceeding cutoff values at any time.

International audience; AbstractIntroduction/Purpose Extreme ultra-endurance races are growing in popularity, but their effects on skeletal muscles remain mostly unexplored. This longitudinal study explores physiological changes in mountain ultramarathon athletes’ quadriceps using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coupled with serological biomarkers. The study aimed to monitor the longitudinal effect of the race and recovery and to identify local inflammatory and metabolic muscle responses by codetection of biological markers.Methods An automatic image processing framework was designed to extract imaging-based biomarkers from quantitative MRI acquisitions of the upper legs of 20 finishers at three time points. The longitudinal effect of the race was demonstrated by analyzing the image markers with dedicated biostatistical analysis.Results Our framework allows for a reliable calculation of statistical data not only inside the whole quadriceps volume but also within each individual muscle head. Local changes in MRI parameters extracted from quantitative maps were described and found to be significantly correlated with principal serological biomarkers of interest. A decrease in the PDFF after the race and a stable paramagnetic susceptibility value were found. Pairwise post hoc tests suggested that the recovery process differs among the muscle heads.Conclusions This longitudinal study conducted during a prolonged and extreme mechanical stress showed that quantitative MRI-based markers of inflammation and metabolic response can detect local changes related to the prolonged exercise, with differentiated involvement of each head of the quadriceps muscle as expected in such eccentric load. Consistent and efficient extraction of the local biomarkers enables to highlight the interplay/interactions between blood and MRI biomarkers. This work indeed proposes an automatized analytic framework to tackle the time-consuming and mentally exhausting segmentation task of muscle heads in large multi–time-point cohorts.

Background: A key role of oxidative stress has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. However, little has been said about oxidative stress status (OSS) of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU). Material and Methods: Biomarkers of the systemic OSS included antioxidants (9 assays), trace elements (3 assays), inflammation markers (4 assays) and oxidative damage to lipids (3 assays). Results: Blood samples were drawn after 9 (7–11) and 41 (39–43) days of ICU stay, respectively in 3 and 6 patients. Vitamin C, thiol proteins, reduced glutathione, γ-tocopherol, β-carotene and PAOT® score were significantly decreased compared to laboratory reference values. Selenium concentration was at the limit of the lower reference value. By contrast, the copper/zinc ratio (as a source of oxidative stress) was higher than reference values in 55% of patients while copper was significantly correlated with lipid peroxides (r = 0.95, p &lt, 0.001). Inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase) were significantly increased when compared to normals. Conclusions: The systemic OSS was strongly altered in critically ill COVID-19 patients as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation but also by deficits in some antioxidants (vitamin C, glutathione, thiol proteins) and trace elements (selenium).

Background: The tendon is a dynamic entity that remodels permanently. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has been shown to have a beneficial effect on tendon healing after lesion in rats. Furthermore, eccentric exercise seems to improve the mechanical quality of the tendon. Hypothesis: A combination of PRP injection and eccentric training might be more effective than either treatment alone. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Adult male rats were anesthetized, an incision was performed in the middle of their left patellar tendon and an injection of physiological fluid (PF) or homologous PRP was randomly made at the lesion level. The rats were then divided into 2 groups: the eccentric group, undergoing eccentric training 3 times a week, and the untrained group, without any training. Thus, 4 groups were compared. After 5 weeks, the tendons were removed and their ultimate tensile strength and energy were measured. Tendons were frozen for proteomic analyses when all biomechanical tests were completed. Statistical analysis was performed with linear mixed effect models. Results: No significant difference was found between the treatments using PF injection or PRP injection alone. However, the value of the ultimate tensile force at rupture was increased by 4.5 N (108% of control, P = .006) when eccentric training was performed. An intragroup analysis revealed that eccentric training significantly improved the ultimate force values for the PRP group. Proteomic analysis revealed that eccentric training led to an increase in abundance of several cytoskeletal proteins in the PF group, while a decrease in abundance of enzymes of the glycolytic pathway occurred in the PRP-treated groups, indicating that this treatment might redirect the exercise-driven metabolic plasticity of the tendon. Conclusion: Eccentric training altered the metabolic plasticity of tendon and led to an improvement of injured tendon resistance regardless of the treatment injected (PF or PRP). Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates the necessity of eccentric rehabilitation and training in cases of tendon lesion regardless of the treatment carried out.

Age-related cognitive decline arises from alterations in brain structure as well as in sleep-wake regulation. Here, we investigated whether preserved wake-dependent regulation of cortical function could represent a positive factor for cognitive fitness in aging. We quantified cortical excitability dynamics during prolonged wakefulness as a sensitive marker of age-related alteration in sleep-wake regulation in 60 healthy older individuals (50–69 y; 42 women). Brain structural integrity was assessed with amyloid-beta- and tau-PET, and with MRI. Participants’ cognition was investigated using an extensive neuropsychological task battery. We show that individuals with preserved wake-dependent cortical excitability dynamics exhibit better cognitive performance, particularly in the executive domain which is essential to successful cognitive aging. Critically, this association remained significant after accounting for brain structural integrity measures. Preserved dynamics of basic brain function during wakefulness could therefore be essential to cognitive fitness in aging, independently from age-related brain structural modifications that can ultimately lead to dementia., Van Egroo, Narbutas, Chylinski et al. report cortical excitability dynamics during prolonged wakefulness as a sensitive marker of age-related alterations in sleep-wake regulation in older individuals. They show that preserved wake-dependent cortical excitability dynamics are associated with better cognitive performance.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is an important health factor, but intense physical stress can increase the risk of heart disease. OBJECTIVE:Our aim was to determine the potential cardiac repercussions of, and the oxidative stress resulting from a maximal eccentric isokinetic exercise and a 1-hour treadmill run at 75% ˙

Background Androstanediol glucuronide is linked to a range of disorders of peripheral androgen formation and action, such as in hirsutism and acne. Nowadays its accurate quantification is still challenging and there are just a few LC-MS/MS methods available. Besides, their reference intervals for normal European populations by LC-MS/MS, including prepubertal and pubertal children, have not been reported yet. Methods Validation of the proposed new methodology was performed at 3 levels in triplicate during 3 different days. Calibration curve concentration ranged from 0.1 to 25 µg/L. For method comparison between ELISA and the newly developed LC-MS/MS method, 43 patient samples were tested. A reference interval study was performed with 264 healthy Belgian individuals (108 male and 156 female). Results Validation of the proposed LC-MS/MS method was satisfactorily achieved, with mean imprecision values lower than 7.4%, mean recoveries within 99–108% and a limit of quantification of 0.059 µg/L. Compared to LC-MS/MS, ELISA showed a positive bias in serum samples, providing results 43% higher for the same sample. As a consequence, new reference intervals based on age and gender have been calculated. Conclusion An easy, fast and straightforward LC-MS/MS method for the determination of androstanediol glucuronide has been developed and fully validated. Besides, reference interval for normal European populations, including prepubertal and pubertal children has been established for the first time.

© 2018 Background: Aldosterone measurement is critical for diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and disorders of the renin-angiotensin system. We developed an LC-MS/MS method for plasma and urinary aldosterone and compared it to our RIA method. We present a reference interval study for a Belgian population. Methods: 68 plasma and 23 urine samples were assayed for as part of a method comparison. For the reference interval study, we enrolled 282 healthy Caucasian volunteers (114 Male: mean age 35 ± 11 y and 168 Female: mean age 42 ± 13 y). A subset of 139 healthy volunteers agreed to a 24-h urine collection. For the method validation, 5 plasma and 8 urine pools were run in triplicate and quadruplicate, respectively, on 3 different days. Results: Between-run imprecision (CV) was 2.8–5.1% for plasma and 4.5–8.6% for urine, except at the low urine concentration of 2.99 nmol/L where a CV of 15.4% was observed. The limit of quantitation was 0.04 nmol/L for plasma and 6.65 nmol/L for urine. Recoveries, based on spiking experiments into natural matrix, did not differ significantly from 100%. Regression comparisons showed that, on average, RIA generated results were 59% and 11% higher than LC-MS/MS for plasma and urine, respectively. The MS reference interval we propose for plasma aldosterone is 0.07 nmol/L–0.73 nmol/L for women and 0.04 nmol/L–0.41 nmol/L for men. No gender difference was observed for urine aldosterone. The reference interval was determined to be

Background Burn patients are at risk of vitamin D (VD) deficiency and may benefit from its pleiotropic effects as soon as acute phase. Aim of this observational study was to assess effects of a cholecalciferol (VD3) bolus on VD status in adult burn patients (Group B, GB) after admission, compared to healthy subjects (Group H, GH). Methods Both groups received an oral dose of 100,000 IU VD3. Blood samples were collected before (D0) and 7 days (D7) after bolus to measure 250H-D, 1,25(OH)2-D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Albumin (ALB) and VD binding protein (DBP) were measured and used to calculate free 25OH-D level. Data were expressed as median (min–max) or proportions. Results A total of 49 subjects were included: 29 in GH and 20 in GB. At D0, prevalence of VD deficiency was higher in GB: 25OH-D was 21.5 (10.1–46.3) ng/ml in GH vs 11 (1.8–31.4) ng/ml in GB. DBP and ALB were lower in GB. At D7, DBP was stable in both groups while ALB decreased in GB. 25OH-D increased by 66.6 (13.5–260.3)% in GH. In GB, changes in 25OH-D extended from −36.7% to 333.3% with a median increase of 33.1%. Similar changes were observed in each group for free 25OH-D. High FGF23 levels were observed in GB. Conclusions This study highlighted the differences in VD status and in response to a high dose VD3 in burn patients when compared to healthy patients. Pitfalls in VD status assessment are numerous during acute burn care: 25OH-D measurement needs cautious interpretation and interest of free 25OH-D is still questionable. They should not prevent burn patients to receive VD supplements during acute care. Higher doses than general recommendations should probably be considered.

Rugby is a sport that is growing in popularity. A contact sport par excellence, it causes a significant number of injuries. In Rugby Union, there are 30 to 91 injuries per 1000 match hours. This epidemiological review of injuries incurred by rugby players mentions the position and type of injuries, the causes, time during the match and season in which they occur and the players’ positions as well as the length of players’ absences following the injury.

A 50+ SPF sunscreen decreased significantly cutaneous vitamin D production following a single narrow-band (nb)UVB exposure, independently from the body surface area exposed. In contrast, the circulating 25(OH)D3 levels were only minimally affected. It is probable that another endogenous source of precursors is selected when skin-originated precursors are lacking. Sunscreen use, highly advocated for preventing cutaneous carcinogenesis, is potentially leading to an aggravation of vitamin D deficiency with its consequences on bone health. The effect of sunscreens on circulating vitamin D levels remains debated. This study investigated the effect of sunscreen on cutaneous vitamin D production and circulating 25(OH)D3 levels, according to different body surface areas (BSA). Vitamin D and 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in four groups exposed to a single nbUVB exposure on 9% (group I: head and hands), 23% (group II: head, hands and arms), 50% (group III: head, hands, arms and legs) and 96% (group IV: total body) of the body surface without and with a 50+ sun protection factor sunscreen. Sunscreen use decreased by 83, 88.3, 75.7 and 92.5% the cutaneous vitamin D production in groups I to IV, respectively, but only by 13.2, 10.5, 7.7 and 10.4% the values of circulating 25(OH)D3, correspondingly. Although a 50+ sunscreen decreases significantly cutaneous vitamin D production following a single nbUVB exposure, and independently from the BSA, the circulating 25(OH)D3 levels were only minimally affected. This could be explained by a switch to another endogenous source of precursors. Short-term sunscreen use probably does not affect circulating vitamin D levels and hence does not increase the risk for osteoporosis. The effect of long-term sunscreen use remains however to be determined.

Background:We provide a clinical and analytical evaluation of the reformulated version of the Abbott Architect 25-hydroxyvitamin D assay. We compared this assay with three commercial automated immunoassays and against a VDSP-traceable liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in six different populations. We also supplemented 40 healthy volunteers with either 600,000 IU of vitamin D2 or 100,000 of vitamin D3 to evaluate the performance of the immunoassays vs. the LC-MS/MS.Methods:Precision and limit of quantification were assessed, 25(OH)D2 and C3-epimer recovery were calculated. Two hundred and forty samples obtained in healthy Caucasians and Africans, osteoporotic, hemodialyzed and intensive care patients and 3rd trimester pregnant women were analyzed by all methods. Correlation was studied using Passing-Bablok and Bland-Altman analysis. Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was calculated to evaluate agreement between immunoassays and LC-MS/MS. We verified if patients were homogeneously classified with the immunoassays when they took vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 after 1, 7 and 28 days.Results:We observed excellent analytical features and showed a very good correlation to the LC-MS/MS results in the overall population. Compared to the other immunoassays, concordance of the new Abbott assay with the LC-MS/MS was at least similar, and often better in diseased populations. Althought the cross-reactivity with 25(OH)D2 was not of 100%, there was no significant difference in the classifications of the patients, either supplemented with D2 or D3 or after 7 or 28 days.Conclusions:This modified version of the Abbott Architect assay is clearly improved compared to the previous one and presents a better agreement with the LC-MS/MS.

Background: Cardiac biomarkers elevations have been described after running exercise. Objective of our study was to check cardiac biomarker dynamics in well trained athletes and untrained middle aged apparently healthy men and to highlight the impact on the lab results interpretation in emergency department. Methods: Cardiac biomarkers for ischemic condition, cardiac stretch and fibrotic processes were tested in different type of runners before, directly after and 3 hours after running. Markers for inflammation, muscle disease and renal function were also measured. Results: Cardiac biomarker levels between groups were not statistically different in the pre-exercise samples for natriuretic peptides [B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal Pro BNP (NT-ProBNP)] and galectin-3 (Gal-3), only Troponin I levels were higher. Directly after exercise, all cardiac biomarker levels were higher compared to the baseline, Gal-3 and BNP levels decreased 3 hours after completion of the run. Troponin values continued to increase with highest levels 3 hours after exercise. Troponin T, NT-Pro-BNP and Gal-3 also showed significant correlation to markers of inflammation, fibrosis and renal function. Conclusions: Exercises of different intensity can be associated with biochemical abnormalities and long-term consequences are unknown. In chest pain patients presenting to the emergency department possible impact of exercise on test results, especially Troponin, should be checked.

Introduction: A fatty acid (FA) is a carboxylic acid with a long aliphatic chain, which is either saturated or unsaturated. Recently, the role of FA and particularly omega-3 and -6 has emerged as cardiovascular risk factor in the literature. The aim of our study was to establish reference values for these FA and to compare them with data obtained in a population of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Materials and methods: Hundred thirty five healthy subjects (59.38 ± 27.12 yo, 75 men) were selected as reference population. We also evaluated FA in thirty three patients (55 ± 9 yo, 23 men) admitted in the Emergency Department of our Institution for AMI. The fasting whole blood was drawn in vacutainer containing EDTA. Before analysis, samples were washed and transmethylated. We performed the quantification of different FA by gas chromatography associated with flame ionization detector (GCFID). Results: We obtained results in control healthy patients to be used as reference values. In the AMI group, levels of omega-6 were significantly higher (p 0.05) for C18:2n6 and C18:3n6 than the reference population and omega-3 values were significantly lower (p 0.01) compared to reference value for C22:6n3. The omega-3 index was lower and the ratio omega-6/omega-3 was higher in AMI group compared to reference values. Conclusions: We have established reference value for FA and have compared these values with the results obtained in AMI population. FA determination is a new tool we are able to use and to process in our laboratory which can help the clinician to screen patients with the highest cardiovascular risks because of the implication of FA in the etiopathogeny of atherosclerosis.

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is diagnosed and explored through the determination of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Our goal was to develop a simple LC-MS method for the determination in serum of 2 popular GFR markers, contrast agents iohexol and iothalamate, for routine use and comparison studies between the two markers. A similar contrast agent, ioversol, was used as an internal standard and the method underwent a rigorous validation protocol based on β-expectation tolerance intervals. Methods We adapted the HPLC-UV method from Cavalier et al. to our LC-MS system. Data treatment for the validation was performed using Multiquant 3.0 (Sciex, Framingham, MA, USA) and e.noval 3.0 software (Arlenda, Liege, Belgium). Results According to the validation results our method will give accurate and reliable results for concentrations ranging from 6.8 to 250 μg/ml for iohexol and 6.15 μg/ml to 250 μg/ml for iothalamate. In our practice these intervals are sufficient to determine both compounds in most patient samples. Samples with higher detected concentrations can always be diluted into range. Conclusion With its internal standard and extensive validation, our method is now ready for routine and clinical research use.

In sports medicine, there is increasing interest in quantifying the elastic properties of skeletal muscle, especially during extreme muscular stimulation, to improve our understanding of the impact of alterations in skeletal muscle stiffness on resulting pain or injuries, as well as the mechanisms underlying the relationships between these parameters. Our main objective was to determine whether real-time shear-wave elastography (SWE) can monitor changes in quadriceps muscle elasticity during an extreme mountain ultra-marathon, a powerful mechanical stress model. Our study involved 50 volunteers participating in an extreme mountain marathon (distance: 330 km, elevation: +24,000 m). Quantitative SWE velocity and shear modulus measurements were performed in most superficial quadriceps muscle heads at the following 4 time points: before the race, halfway through the race, upon finishing the race and after recovery (+48 h). Blood biomarker levels were also measured. A significant decrease in the quadriceps shear modulus was observed upon finishing the race (3.31±0.61 kPa) (p

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors involved in the tissular healing process. The aim of the study was to determine if an injection of PRP could improve the healing of sectioned Achilles tendons of rats. After surgery, rats received an injection of PRP (n = 60) or a physiological solution (n = 60) in situ. After 5, 15, and 30 days, 20 rats of both groups were euthanized and 15 collected tendons were submitted to a biomechanical test using cryo-jaws before performing transcriptomic analyses. Histological and biochemical analyses were performed on the five remaining tendons in each group. Tendons in the PRP group were more resistant to rupture at 15 and 30 days. The mechanical stress was significantly increased in tendons of the PRP group at day 30. Histological analysis showed a precocious deposition of fibrillar collagen at day 5 confirmed by a biochemical measurement. The expression of tenomodulin was significantly higher at day 5. The messenger RNA levels of type III collagen, matrix metalloproteinases 2, 3, and 9, were similar in the two groups at all time points, whereas type I collagen was significantly increased at day 30 in the PRP group. In conclusion, an injection of PRP in sectioned rat Achilles tendon influences the early phase of tendon healing and results in an ultimately stronger mechanical resistance.

The treatment of choice for tendinopathies is eccentric reeducation. Although the clinical results appear favorable, the biomechanical changes to the tissue are not yet clear. Even if the mechanotransduction theory is commonly accepted, the physiology of tendons is not clearly understood. We aimed to better define the biomechanical and histological changes that affect healthy tendon after eccentric and concentric training. This study compared the effects of two methods of training (eccentric [E] training and concentric [C] training) with untrained (U) rats. The animals were trained over a period of 5 weeks. The tricipital, patellar, and Achilles tendons were removed, measured and a tensile test until failure was performed. A histological analysis (hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stains) was also realized. There was a significant increase in the rupture force of the patellar and tricipital tendons between the U and E groups. The tricipital tendons in the control group presented a significantly smaller cross-sectional area than the E- and C-trained groups, but none was constated between E and C groups. No significant difference was observed for the mechanical stress between the three groups for all three tendons. Histological studies demonstrated the development of a greater number of blood vessels and a larger quantity of collagen in the E group. The mechanical properties of tendons in rats improve after specific training, especially following eccentric training. Our results partly explained how mechanical loading, especially in eccentric mode, could improve the healing of tendon.

Objective: The present review was performed in order to bring together the current knowledge about the impact of intense physical exercise on cardiovascular function, especially on plasma levels of cardiovascular risk markers such as cardiac troponin T (cTnT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), C-reactive protein (CRP) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Methods: Data were collected using the PubMed database. The articles were chosen for their relevance and importance in the area of interest. Results: The literature describes numerous examples where physical exercise induces plasma variation for the markers studied. Intense physical effort increases the levels of cTnT, MPO and NT proBNP, whereas CRP and oxLDL levels tend to be decreased with regular sport activities. Conclusions: The present literature investigation confirms the fact that intense physical exercise has an impact on the plasma variations of the five cardiovascular risk markers studied. However, practising regular exercise remains one of the first strategies for the prevention of cardiovascular disorders.

International audience; B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is often used as a complementary finding in the diagnostic work-up of patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Whether soluble ST2, a new biomarker of cardiac stretch, is associated with symptomatic status and outcome in asymptomatic AS is unknown. sST2 and BNP levels were measured in 86 patients (74±13 years; 59 asymptomatic, 69%) with AS (23 ng/mL, AUC = 0.68, p

Background While a moderate exercise benefits on the cardiovascular system, consequences of a supraphysiological effort are not yet clear. Objective The aim of our study was to evaluate the consequences of an ultra-marathon on cardiac and muscles markers (CK, myoglobin, hsTnT, NT-proBNP, copeptin, H-FABP) but also markers of inflammation CRP DFO, GB) and of renal function (urinary NGAL and plasma and urinary creatinine). This project also studied the evolution of new cardiac fibrosis biomarkers: ST2 and Gal-3. Design Longitudinal, cohort study. Setting The Tor des Geants (TdG), a 330 km long ultra distance trail running, with +24,000 m elevation changes in the Valley of Aosta (Italy), is considered as one of the most difficult mountain marathon race in the world. The maximum time allowed to complete the race is 150 h. Patients (or Participants) 51 participants attending the TdG have been followed and the study was conducted on 33 subjects having reached at least half of the race (148.7 km). Interventions (or Assessment of Risk Factors) Repeated blood and urine samples collection were carried out at four key time points: before, during (mid-point) and after the race (less than 1 h) and 3 days after the end of the race. Main Outcome Measurements Biological samples were collected at these four different times. Several biomarkers were assayed on different analyzers such COBAS®, KRYPTOR®, VIDAS® and ETIMAX®, meanwhile, the ST2 and Gal-3 were measured manually. Results During the TdG, the plasma levels of cardiac markers, muscle and inflammation have increased significantly to halfway. Meanwhile, the markers of renal function have only slightly varied, excepting plasma creatinine. Conclusions The study suggests that there is no permanent structural damage at the myocardium level. However, the low pace adopted by the tired runners caused an inflammatory response as well as muscle damage less important than a shorter race.

Summary Introduction Cardiopathies are the world's leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Although rare, cardiovascular accidents can occur during intense and infrequent sporting activity, particularly among those who are unaware of their heart condition. The development of cardiospecific biochemical markers has led to a reconsideration of the role of biology in the diagnosis of cardiovascular illnesses. The aim of this study therefore was, through the use of cardiac biomarker assays, to highlight the impact of sustained physical effort in the form of intense and prolonged concentric isokinetic exercise and to research potential cardiovascular risks. Materials and methods Eighteen subjects participated in a maximal concentric isokinetic exercise involving 30 knee flexion–extensions for each leg. Five blood tests were taken to study the kinetics of the cardiac biomarkers. Haemodynamic parameters were measured continuously using a Portapres, and respiratory parameters were measured using a Sensormedics Vmax 29C. Results The results showed significant increases in the creatine kinase, myoglobin, homocysteine and haemoglobin cardiac markers. Evolutionary trends were also observed for the following biomarkers: NT-proBNP, myeloperoxydase and C-reactive protein. All the physiological parameters measured presented statistically significant changes. Conclusion Isokinetic effort leads to the release of cardiac markers in the blood, but these do not exceed the reference values in healthy subjects. Maximal concentric isokinetic exercise does not, therefore, lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular pathologies.

Standardization of immunoassays for 25(OH)-vitamin D determination is a major problem in clinical practice. A worldwide standardization program has started to address this and will reduce the bias observed between immunoassays. We aimed to calibrate 5 immunoassays on a LC-MS/MS traceable to the SRM 2972 and the ID-LC-MS/MS 25(OH)D Reference Method Procedure to see if the re-standardization would be efficient in a population of 3rd trimester pregnant women (PW), hemodialysis (HD) and osteoporosis (OP) patient.184 serum samples (25(OH)D: 8.4-87 ng/ml) were selected to calibrate the immunoassays (Abbott-Architect, Roche-Elecsys, DiaSorin-Liaison, Siemens-Centaur and IDS-iSYS). Chromsystems MassChrom method was used as the referenced. Serum obtained in 34 PW, 25 HD and 34 OP patients were used as comparatives.After adjusting to LC-MS/MS, immunoassays had regression slopes nearly identical to 1.0 with intercepts0.5 ng/ml. However, in special populations, a systematic bias was still observed, except for iSYS.Re-standardization of 25(OH)D immunoassay will globally improve the differences. However, patients with a different serum matrix will still present significantly different results when they will be run with different methods. For those patients, the LC-MS/MS method seems to be the method of choice, even if some immunoassays are less influenced than others.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains a large number of growth factors, which may enhance tendon healing processes. Local injection of PRP represents a relatively new treatment for tendinopathies. To date, no side effects have been reported after injection of PRP to treat tendinopathy. We report a case of exuberant inflammatory reaction after 1 injection of PRP to treat jumper's knee in a 35-year-old male type 1 diabetic patient. Injections of PRP should be proposed only after careful consideration in cases of patients with morbidity risks linked to insulin-dependent diabetes.

Background Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a low molecular weight protein involved in the intracellular uptake and buffering of long chain fatty in the myocardium. Troponin T is a component of the contractile apparatus of the striated musculature. Both are early markers for acute coronary syndrome. Objective The aim of our study was to compare the results obtained with the H-FABP and the highly sensitive cardiac troponins (hsTnT) and to test their cardiospecificity in healthy runners. Design Prospective, cohort study. Setting Amateur marathon runners. Patients 23 runners (marathon) were enrolled. Interventions We drowned blood samples at three times: just before (T0), just after (T1), and three hours after the end of the race (T3). Main outcome measurements H-FABP and hs-TnT were performed according to the manufacturer9s instructions. A linear regression was calculated to observe if there is any correlation between the two biomarkers. Values above the 95th percentile for H-FABP (2.5 ng/mL) and the 99th percentile for hsTnT (14 ng/L) were considered as positive. Results At T0, none of the subjects were positive for hsTnT but 35% were positive for H-FABP; at T1, 83% for hsTnT and 100% for H-FABP; at T3, 83% for hsTnT and 96% for H-FABP. At T0, the regression equation was H-FABP T0=3.9454–0.1001×hsTnT T0; at T1: H-FABP T1=51.838–1.7026×hsTnT T1; at T3: H-FABP T3=47.977–1.6193×hsTnT T3. No correlation was observed between the 2 biomarkers. Conclusion We observed a significant increase of H-FABP and hsTnT in runners. These markers are independent to each other. These values could biologically correspond to a heart ischemia. These biomarkers could be helpful for the screening of cardiac risk among runners.

Background Even if eccentric exercises appear favourable in primary prevention of tendons lesions and, especially, in secondary prevention after tendinopathy, the biomechanical changes to the tissue are not yet clear. Objective We aimed to better define the biomechanical changes that affect healthy tendon after eccentric and concentric training. Design Randomised controlled trial. Setting Animal study. Participants 18 Sprague-Dawley rats of 2 months. Interventions The 6 rats in the control group (U) were not subjected to physical exercise. The 12 remaining rats (6 in each group) ran on a treadmill set at a +15° incline for concentric training (C) or a −15° incline for eccentric training (E), at a speed of 17 m/min for 1 h, three times per week for 5 weeks. Main outcome measurements The tricipital, patellar and Achilles tendons were subsequently removed to perform a traction test until rupture, and a histological analysis was performed. Results There was a significant improvement in the rupture force of the patellar and tricipital tendons between the U and E groups. The tricipital tendons in the control group presented a significantly smaller cross-section than the E- and C-trained groups, but none between E and C groups. No significant difference was observed for the mechanical stress at rupture per surface unit between the three groups for all three tendons. However, a tendency towards improvement these values was observed between the trained and the U groups for the patellar tendon. Histological studies demonstrated the tendency of the development of a greater number of blood vessels and a larger quantity of collagen in the eccentric group. Conclusions The mechanical properties of tendons in rats improve after specific training, especially following eccentric training. Our results partly explained how mechanical loading, especially in eccentric mode, could improve the tendon structure and perhaps prevent to tendon pathologies.

Background Cardiac troponins (cTn) are considered as the best biomarkers for detection of myocardial cell injury and NT-proBNP as the best for the cardiac insufficiency. Objective Our aim was to compare cTnT and NT-proBNP levels before and after the stress tests, in sportive subjects. Design Prospective, cohort study. Setting Amateur marathon runners and ultrarunners. Patients 28 subjects (26 men, 42.5±11 yrs) were enrolled. Interventions Subjects ran the Maasmarathon (42.195 kilometers) and 33 subjects (33 men, 45.7±9.3 yrs) ran the Ultratour of Liege (Belgium; 67 km). All subjects gave their informed consent. We took blood sample before (T0), just after (T1) and 3 hours after the race (T3). Main outcome measurements cTnT concentrations were measured by high sensitive methods (hsTnT, Roche Diagnostics) on heparin plasma. The NT-proBNP was also determined with the kit Roche on heparin plasma. All statistical analyses were performed using Medcalc version 8.1 for Windows. P-value Results A significant difference between hsTnT concentrations at T0 and T1 (P Conclusion Measurement of cardiac troponins by high sensitive methods allows detecting significant release of biomarkers from the heart during exercise. The value of NT-proBNP are also significant but less than TnThs. We think that the TnThs could be an interesting tool in the future to help sport medicine to detect risk of developing a cardiac problem in the future or a sudden death.

Introduction The tendon is a tissue which does not heal easily. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of platelets on the healing process of tendons. A local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which releases in situ many growth factors, has the potentiality to enhance the tendon healing process. The aim of our experiment was to ascertain by an original mechanical measure whether the use of PRP was of interest for accelerating the healing process of rats9 Achilles tendons after surgical induced lesion. Methods A 5 mm defect was surgically induced in 90 rats9 Achilles tendon. Rats were divided into two groups of 45: (A) control (no treatment) and (B) PRP treatment. Rats of group B received a PRP injection in situ after the surgery. Afterwards, rats of both groups were placed in their cages without immobilisation. After 5, 15 and 30 days, 10 traumatised Achilles tendons of each group were dissected and removed. Immediately after sampling, tendons were submitted to a biomechanical tensile test up to rupture, using a ‘Cryo-jaw’. After that, transcriptomic analyses were made on the tendon samples, to study the expression of type III collagen, matrix metalloproteases and tenomodulin. A hydroxyproline dosage was done to quantify the collagen in the tendon during its healing process. Tendons of the 15 remaining rats of each group were subjected to a histological study, respectively at day 5, 15 and 30 (five rats for each time). Results We demonstrated that the force necessary to induce tendon rupture during biomechanical tensile test study was greater for tendons which had been submitted to an injection of PRP compared to the control group: +19% (day 5), +30% (day 15) and +43% (day 30). Histological study showed that PRP could enhance cells proliferation, angiogenesis and collagen organisation. Our biochemical analyses did not explain beneficial effects of PRP. Indeed, there was no significant difference neither between the expression of different studied genes, nor in the quantity of hydroxyproline between both groups. Conclusion This experimentation has shown that a PRP injection could accelerate the tendons healing process and improve its quality.

Tendon lesions are among the most frequent musculoskeletal pathologies. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to regulate angiogenesis. VEGF-111, a biologically active and proteolysis-resistant splice variant of this family, was recently identified. This study aimed at evaluating whether VEGF-111 could have a therapeutic interest in tendon pathologies. Surgical section of one Achilles tendon of rats was performed before a local injection of either saline or VEGF-111. After 5, 15 and 30 days, the Achilles tendons of 10 rats of both groups were sampled and submitted to a biomechanical tensile test. The force necessary to induce tendon rupture was greater for tendons of the VEGF-111 group (p