Potato consumption is not associated with cardiometabolic health outcomes in Framingham Offspring Study adults.

Some consider potatoes to be unhealthy vegetables that may contribute to adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes. We evaluated the association between potato consumption (including fried and non-fried types) and three key cardiometabolic outcomes among middle-aged and older adults in the Framingham Offspring Study. We included 2523 subjects ≥30 years of age with available dietary data from 3-d food records. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for hypertension, type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose (T2DM/IFG), and elevated triglycerides, adjusting for anthropometric, demographic and lifestyle factors. In the present study, 36 % of potatoes consumed were baked, 28 % fried, 14 % mashed, 9 % boiled and the rest cooked in other ways. Overall, higher total potato intake (≥4 v. <1 cup-equivalents/week) was not associated with risks of T2DM/IFG (HR 0⋅97, 95 % CI 0⋅81, 1⋅15), hypertension (HR 0⋅95; 95 % CI 0⋅80, 1⋅12) or elevated triglycerides (HR 0⋅99, 95 % CI 0⋅86, 1⋅13). Stratified analyses were used to evaluate effect modification by physical activity levels and red meat consumption, and in those analyses, there were no adverse effects of potato intake. However, when combined with higher levels of physical activity, greater consumption of fried potatoes was associated with a 24 % lower risk (95 % CI 0⋅60, 0⋅96) of T2DM/IFG, and in combination with lower red meat consumption, higher fried potato intake was associated with a 26 % lower risk (95 % CI 0⋅56, 0⋅99) of elevated triglycerides. In this prospective cohort, there was no adverse association between fried or non-fried potato consumption and risks of T2DM/IFG, hypertension or elevated triglycerides.

Higher Intakes of Potassium and Magnesium, but Not Lower Sodium, Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in the Framingham Offspring Study.

We explored the dose-response relations of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in the Framingham Offspring Study, as well as the combined effects of these minerals. Analyses included 2362 30-64 year-old men and women free of CVD at baseline. Cox proportional-hazards models were used estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mineral intakes and incident CVD. Cox models with restricted cubic spline functions were used to examine dose-response relations, adjusting for confounding by age, sex, body mass index, dietary fiber intake, and time-varying occurrence of hypertension. Lower sodium intake (<2500 vs. ≥3500 mg/d) was not associated with a lower risk of CVD. In contrast, potassium intake ≥3000 (vs. <2500) mg/d was associated with a 25% lower risk (95% CI: 0.59, 0.95), while magnesium intake ≥320 (vs. <240) mg/d led to a 34% lower risk (95% CI: 0.51, 0.87) of CVD. Calcium intake ≥700 (vs. <500) mg/d was associated with a non-statistically significant 19% lower risk. Restricted cubic spline curves showed inverse dose-response relations of potassium and magnesium with CVD risk, but no such associations were observed for sodium or calcium. These results highlight the importance of potassium and magnesium to cardiovascular health.

Animal protein intake reduces risk of functional impairment and strength loss in older adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Protein intake has been shown to lower risk of aging-related functional decline. The goal of this study was to assess long-term effects of weight-adjusted animal (AP) and plant protein (PP) intakes on aging-related change in functional status and grip strength. METHODS: Framingham Offspring Study participants (n = 1896, 891 men and 1005 women), ≥age 50, were followed for an average of 14.4 years. Protein intake derived from two sets of 3-day diet records (exams 3 and 5) was expressed as both weight-adjusted intake (from residuals) and per kilogram of body weight (g/kg/d). Seven tasks from two standardized assessments (Nagi and the Rosow-Breslau scales) were selected to determine functional status at exams 5-9. Functional impairment was defined as failure to complete (or having a lot of difficulty completing) a given task. Grip strength was assessed by dynamometer at exams 7-9. RESULTS: Participants with higher (vs. lower) weight-adjusted intakes of AP and PP maintained higher functional scores (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). After accounting for baseline skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and physical activity, only AP was linked with lower risks of functional impairment. Higher AP intake among sedentary individuals led to 29% (95% CI: 0.51-1.00) reduced risks of impairment; among subjects with lower SMM, higher AP was associated with 30% (95% CI: 0.49-0.98) reduced risks. Physical activity and SMM were independently associated with reduced risks of functional impairment, regardless of protein intake. Finally, higher AP intake led to 34% and 48% greater preservation of grip strength in men (p = 0.012) and women (p = 0.034). Results were similar for protein intake expressed as g/kg/d. CONCLUSIONS: Higher AP intake and higher levels of physical activity and SMM were independently associated with lower risks of functional impairment and greater preservation of grip strength in adults over the age of 50 years.

Can a simple clinical test demonstrate head-trunk coordination impairment in neck pain?

BACKGROUND: Sensorimotor impairment in neck pain sufferers is well established. Recent research has identified impairment in head and trunk co-ordination in this population. Presently, no clinically appropriate testing exists to quantify such impairment. OBJECTIVE: To determine if a simple and clinically relevant test of head-trunk co-ordination can identify dysfunction in neck pain subjects when compared to healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Thirty-one neck pain and 29 healthy control subjects were assessed using head- and chest-mounted lasers with a target positioned 90 cm away. Subjects were required to rotate the trunk at least 45° with the head laser to be kept as accurately as possible in the centre of the target while sitting and standing. Maximal deviation of the head to the left and right of the target's centre with each trunk movement was measured. RESULTS: The neck pain group demonstrated significantly greater head deviation from the centre in all but one test direction (p= <0.03). Head deviation to the same side as trunk rotation was larger in the neck pain group for both sitting and standing (p= <0.01). No significant differences existed between testing in sitting and standing. CONCLUSION: Differences in trunk-head control exist in persons suffering from neck pain compared to healthy individuals, which can be demonstrated using simple equipment suggesting clinical utility of the measure. Performing the task in standing would seem most suitable as it can avoid influence by reduced thoracic mobility. Further research is required to establish the clinical suitability of this test.

Baseline diet modifies the effects of dietary change.

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern has been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in previous clinical trials. In the PREMIER study, an established behavioural intervention, with or without DASH, promoted greater weight loss than an advice-only control group, but effects of the DASH intervention on BP were weaker. In these analyses, PREMIER data were used to evaluate whether change in dairy product or fruit and vegetable (FV) intake during the first six intervention months impacted changes in weight and/or BP. Study participants were classified as having low or high intakes of dairy products (<1·5 v. ≥1·5 servings/d) and FV (<5 v. ≥5 servings/d) at baseline and 6 months. For dairy products, in particular, participants with higher baseline intakes tended to decrease their intakes during the intervention. In these analyses, subjects consuming <1·5 dairy servings/d at baseline whose intake increased during the intervention lost more weight than those whose intake decreased or remained low throughout (10·6 v. 7·0 pounds (4·8 v. 3·2 kg) lost, respectively, P = 0·002). The same was true for FV intake (11·0 v. 5·9 pounds (5·0 v. 2·7 kg) lost, P < 0·001). We also found synergistic effects of dairy products and FV on weight loss and BP reduction. Specifically, subjects who increased their intakes of dairy products and also consumed ≥5 servings of FV/d lost more weight and had greater reductions in BP than other groups; in addition, higher FV intakes had the greatest benefit to BP among those consuming more dairy products. These results provide evidence that the DASH pattern was most beneficial to individuals whose baseline diet was less consistent with DASH.

Impaired Glucocorticoid Suppression of TGFß Signaling in Human Omental Adipose Tissues Limits Adipogenesis and May Promote Fibrosis.

Visceral obesity is associated with insulin resistance and higher risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic diseases. A limited ability of adipose tissues to remodel through the recruitment and differentiation of adipose stem cells (ASCs) is associated with adipose tissue inflammation and fibrosis and the metabolic syndrome. We show that the lower adipogenesis of omental (Om) compared with abdominal subcutaneous (Abdsc) ASCs was associated with greater secretion of TGFß ligands that acted in an autocrine/paracrine loop to activate SMAD2 and suppress adipogenesis. Inhibition of TGFß signaling rescued Om ASC differentiation. In Abdsc ASCs, low concentrations of dexamethasone suppressed TGFß signaling and enhanced adipogenesis, at least in part by increasing TGFBR3 protein that can sequester TGFß ligands. Om ASCs were resistant to these dexamethasone effects; recombinant TGFBR3 increased their differentiation. Pericellular fibrosis, a hallmark of dysfunctional adipose tissue, was greater in Om and correlated with higher level of tissue TGFß signaling activity and lower ASC differentiation. We conclude that glucocorticoids restrain cell-autonomous TGFß signaling in ASCs to facilitate adipogenesis and healthy remodeling in Abdsc and these processes are impaired in Om. Therapies directed at overcoming glucocorticoid resistance in visceral adipose tissue may improve remodeling and help prevent metabolic complications of visceral obesity.

A randomized controlled feasibility trial exploring partnered ballroom dancing for people with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of a Dance Centre delivering a programme of mixed dances to people with Parkinson's and identify suitable outcomes for a future definitive trial. DESIGN: A two-group randomized controlled feasibility trial. METHODS: People with Parkinson's were randomized to a control or experimental group (ratio 15:35), alongside usual care. In addition, participants in the experimental group danced with a partner for one hour, twice-a-week for 10 weeks; professional dance teachers led the classes and field-notes were kept. Control-group participants were given dance class vouchers at the end of the study. Blinded assessments of balance, mobility and function were completed in the home. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample to explore the acceptability of dance. RESULTS: A total of 51 people with Parkinson's (25 male) with Hoehn and Yahr scores of 1-3 and mean age of 71 years (range 49-85 years), were recruited to the study. Dance partners were of similar age (mean 68, range 56-91 years). Feasibility findings focused on recruitment (target achieved); retention (five people dropped out of dancing); outcome measures (three measures were considered feasible, changes were recommended). Proposed sample size for a Phase III trial, based on the 6-minute walk test at six months was 220. Participants described dance as extremely enjoyable and the instructors were skilled in instilling confidence and motivation. The main organizational challenges for a future trial were transport and identifying suitable dance partners. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the feasibility of conducting the study through a Dance Centre and recommend a Phase III trial.

Describing the participants in a study.

This paper reviews the use of descriptive statistics to describe the participants included in a study. It discusses the practicalities of incorporating statistics in papers for publication in Age and Aging, concisely and in ways that are easy for readers to understand and interpret.

Depot Dependent Effects of Dexamethasone on Gene Expression in Human Omental and Abdominal Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues from Obese Women.

Glucocorticoids promote fat accumulation in visceral compared to subcutaneous depots, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. To identify long-term changes in gene expression that are differentially sensitive or responsive to glucocorticoids in these depots, paired samples of human omental (Om) and abdominal subcutaneous (Abdsc) adipose tissues obtained from obese women during elective surgery were cultured with the glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone (Dex, 0, 1, 10, 25 and 1000 nM) for 7 days. Dex regulated 32% of the 19,741 genes on the array, while 53% differed by Depot and 2.5% exhibited a Depot*Dex concentration interaction. Gene set enrichment analysis showed Dex regulation of the expected metabolic and inflammatory pathways in both depots. Cluster analysis of the 460 transcripts that exhibited an interaction of Depot and Dex concentration revealed sets of mRNAs for which the responses to Dex differed in magnitude, sensitivity or direction between the two depots as well as mRNAs that responded to Dex only in one depot. These transcripts were also clearly depot different in fresh adipose tissue and are implicated in processes that could affect adipose tissue distribution or functions (e.g. adipogenesis, triacylglycerol synthesis and storage, insulin action). Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the depot differences in the effect of Dex on the expression of specific genes and pathways that regulate adipose function may offer novel insights into understanding the biology of visceral adipose tissues and their links to metabolic health.

Multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation and upper extremity rehabilitation in stroke: A review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the methodology in particular treatment options and outcomes and the effect of multiple sessions of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with rehabilitation programmes for upper extremity recovery post stroke. METHODS: A search was conducted for randomised controlled trials involving tDCS and rehabilitation for the upper extremity in stroke. Quality of included studies was analysed using the Modified Downs and Black form. The extent of, and effect of variation in treatment parameters such as anodal, cathodal and bi-hemispheric tDCS on upper extremity outcome measures of impairment and activity were analysed using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Nine studies (371 participants with acute, sub-acute and chronic stroke) were included. Different methodologies of tDCS and upper extremity intervention, outcome measures and timing of assessments were identified. Real tDCS combined with rehabilitation had a small non-significant effect of +0.11 (p=0.44) and +0.24 (p=0.11) on upper extremity impairments and activities at post-intervention respectively. CONCLUSION: Various tDCS methods have been used in stroke rehabilitation. The evidence so far is not statistically significant, but is suggestive of, at best, a small beneficial effect on upper extremity impairment. SIGNIFICANCE: Future research should focus on which patients and rehabilitation programmes are likely to respond to different tDCS regimes.

Fat-specific protein 27 inhibits lipolysis by facilitating the inhibitory effect of transcription factor Egr1 on transcription of adipose triglyceride lipase.

Lipolysis in fat tissue represents a major source of circulating fatty acids. Previously, we have found that lipolysis in adipocytes is controlled by early growth response transcription factor Egr1 that directly inhibits transcription of adipose triglyceride lipase, ATGL (Chakrabarti, P., Kim, J. Y., Singh, M., Shin, Y. K., Kim, J., Kumbrink, J., Wu, Y., Lee, M. J., Kirsch, K. H., Fried, S. K., and Kandror, K. V. (2013) Mol. Cell. Biol. 33, 3659-3666). Here we demonstrate that knockdown of the lipid droplet protein FSP27 (a.k.a. CIDEC) in human adipocytes increases expression of ATGL at the level of transcription, whereas overexpression of FSP27 has the opposite effect. FSP27 suppresses the activity of the ATGL promoter in vitro, and the proximal Egr1 binding site is responsible for this effect. FSP27 co-immunoprecipitates with Egr1 and increases its association with and inhibition of the ATGL promoter. Knockdown of Egr1 attenuates the inhibitory effect of FSP27. These results provide a new model of transcriptional regulation of ATGL.

Sequence and onset of whole-body coordination when turning in response to a visual trigger: comparing people with Parkinson's disease and healthy adults.

Turning round is a routine everyday activity that can often lead to instability. The purpose of this study was to investigate abnormalities of turning among people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) through the measurement of sequence of body segments and latency response. Participants were asked to turn 180° and whole-body movements were recorded using CODAmotion and Visio Fast eye tracking equipment. Thirty-one independently mobile PwPD and 15 age-matched healthy controls participated in the study. We found that contrary to common belief, the head preceded movement of all other body segments (eyes, shoulders, pelvis, first and second foot). We also found interaction between group and body segment (P=0.005), indicating that overall, PwPD took longer to move from head to second foot than age-matched healthy controls. For PwPD only, interactions were found between disease severity and body segment (P<0.0001), between age group and body segment (P<0.0001) and between gender and body segments (P<0.0001). For each interaction, longer time periods were noted between moving the first foot after the pelvis, and moving the second foot after the first, and this was noted for PwPD in Hoehn and Yahr stage III-IV (in comparison to Hoehn and Yahr stage I-II); for PwPD who were under 70 years (in comparison with 70 years or over); and for ladies (in comparison with men). Our results indicate that in PwPD and healthy elderly, turning-on-the-spot might not follow the top-to-bottom approach we know from previous research.

Prolonged efficiency of siRNA-mediated gene silencing in primary cultures of human preadipocytes and adipocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Primary human preadipocytes and differentiated adipocytes in culture are valuable cell culture systems to study adipogenesis and adipose function in relation to human adipose biology. To use these systems for mechanistic studies, siRNA-mediated knockdown of genes for its effectiveness was studied. METHODS: Methods were developed to effectively deliver siRNA for gene silencing in primary preadipocytes isolated from human subcutaneous adipose tissue and newly differentiated adipocytes. Expression level of genes and proteins was measured using quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting. Lipid droplet morphology was observed using microscopy, and glycerol release was quantified as a measure of lipolysis. RESULTS: siRNA-mediated knockdown of genes in primary human preadipocytes resulted in prolonged silencing effects, suppressing genes throughout the process of their differentiation. In newly differentiated adipocytes, siRNA-mediated gene knockdown allowed proteins to stay depleted for at least 5 days. It was possible to re-express a protein after its siRNA-mediated depletion. Importantly, siRNA transfected human adipocytes remained metabolically active, responding to ß-adrenergic stimulation to increase lipolysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study describes the methods of gene silencing in primary cultures of human preadipocytes and adipocytes and their prolonged effectiveness.

Altered hepatic lipid metabolism contributes to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in leptin-deficient Ob/Ob mice.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormal hepatic lipid metabolism; however, the precise regulation of these processes remains poorly understood. Here we examined genes and proteins involved in hepatic oxidation and lipogenesis in 14-week-old leptin-deficient Ob/Ob mice, a commonly studied model of obesity and hepatic steatosis. Obese Ob/Ob mice had increased fasting glucose, insulin, and calculated HOMA-IR as compared with lean wild-type (WT) mice. Ob/Ob mice also had greater liver weights, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content, and markers of de novo lipogenesis, including increased hepatic gene expression and protein content of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1), as well as elevated gene expression of PPARγ and SREBP-1c compared with WT mice. While hepatic mRNA levels for PGC-1α, PPARα, and TFAM were elevated in Ob/Ob mice, measures of mitochondrial function (ß-HAD activity and complete (to CO(2)) and total mitochondrial palmitate oxidation) and mitochondrial OXPHOS protein subunits I, III, and V content were significantly reduced compared with WT animals. In summary, reduced hepatic mitochondrial content and function and an upregulation in de novo lipogenesis contribute to obesity-associated NAFLD in the leptin-deficient Ob/Ob mouse.

Sterculic oil, a natural inhibitor of SCD1, improves the metabolic state of obese OLETF rats.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal lipid metabolism and excess accumulation of lipid in non-adipose tissues are defining characteristics of obesity and its comorbidities. Expression and/or activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), a major regulator of lipid metabolism, is increased with obesity and the reduction/ablation of this enzyme is associated with an improved metabolic profile. Sterculic oil (SO), obtained from the seeds of the Sterculia feotida tree, contains a high concentration of cyclopropenoic fatty acids which are known inhibitors of SCD1. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of SO supplementation on the development of obesity and insulin resistance in hyperphagic, obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. DESIGN & METHODS: Rats received either an AIN-93G diet (control) or an AIN-93G diet containing 0.5% SO for 10 weeks. RESULTS: SO did not alter body weight or body composition. Importantly, the desaturase indices, a proxy for the activity of SCD1, were reduced in the liver and adipose tissue of SO supplemented animals. This reduction in SCD1 activity was associated with a reduction in fasting blood glucose concentrations and improved glucose tolerance. In addition, SO reduced intra-abdominal fat mass and adipocyte size and resulted in a ∼3-fold increase in GLUT1 gene expression in intra-abdominal fat. Liver triglyceride content and lipogenic gene expression were reduced by SO. Consistent with an improved metabolic phenotype, SO also improved plasma cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations. CONCLUSION: Overall, our data demonstrate an improved metabolic phenotype with SO supplementation and suggest further studies are required to better understand the therapeutic potential of SO.

Sterculic Oil, a Natural SCD1 Inhibitor, Improves Glucose Tolerance in Obese ob/ob Mice.

Obesity and its metabolic complications are associated with increased expression/activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), a major regulator of lipid metabolism. Reduction or ablation of this enzyme is associated with an improved metabolic profile and has gained attention as a target for pharmaceutical development. Sterculic oil (SO) is a known inhibitor of SCD1 and may provide a natural approach for treating obesity and/or insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SO consumption in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, a model of obesity and insulin resistance. Five-week-old male mice received either an AIN-93G (control) or an AIN-93G diet containing 0.5% SO. After 9 weeks, SO supplementation did not alter food intake or body weight; however, the desaturase indices, a proxy of SCD1 activity, were reduced in liver and adipose tissue of SO-supplemented animals. This reduction was associated with improved glucose and insulin tolerance and attenuated hepatic inflammation in obese ob/ob mice, while no appreciable changes were observed in lean control mice receiving SO. Future studies are needed to better understand the mechanism(s) by which SO is functioning to improve glucose metabolism and to further explore the nutraceutical potential and health implications of SO supplementation.

A comparison of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in adipose tissue from weight-matched obese male and female mice.

Expansion of intra-abdominal adipose tissue and the accompanying inflammatory response has been put forward as a unifying link between obesity and the development of chronic diseases. However, an apparent sexual dimorphism exists between obesity and chronic disease risk due to differences in the distribution and abundance of adipose tissue. A range of experimental protocols have been employed to demonstrate the role of estrogen in regulating health benefits; however, most studies are confounded by significant differences in body weight and adiposity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare weight-matched obese male and female mice to determine if the sex-dependent health benefits remain when body weight is similar. The development of obesity in female mice receiving a high-fat diet was delayed; however, subsequent comparisons of weight-matched obese mice revealed greater adiposity in obese female mice. Despite excess adiposity and enlarged adipocyte size, obese females remained more glucose tolerant than weight-matched male mice, and this benefit was associated with increased expression of adiponectin and reductions in immune cell infiltration and oxidative stress in adipose tissue. Therefore, the protective benefits of estrogen persist in the obese state and appear to improve the metabolic phenotype of adipose tissue and the individual.

Test-retest reliability of the oxygen uptake efficiency slope in surgical patients.

The oxygen uptake efficiency slope is a measure of cardiopulmonary fitness, that can be obtained from a sub-maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test. It has been evaluated in medical patients but its reliability in surgical populations remains uncertain. We conducted a test-retest study with the aim of establishing the reliability of the oxygen uptake efficiency slope in relation to that of the anaerobic threshold and peak oxygen uptake, in general surgical patients. Twenty-six patients over 60 years old completed two symptom-limited, incremental cycle ergometry tests within 7 days. The mean (SD) anaerobic threshold was 13.0 (3.0) mlO(2) .kg(-1) .min(-1) . There were no significant differences between mean test and retest values of anaerobic threshold (p = 0.50), peak oxygen uptake (p = 0.76) or oxygen uptake efficiency slope (p = 0.42). Reliability coefficients (95% CI) for the anaerobic threshold, oxygen uptake efficiency slope and peak oxygen uptake were 66.7% (45.3-87.9%), 89.0% (81.0-96.9%) and 91.7% (85.7-97.8%), respectively. The oxygen uptake efficiency slope was determined easily in all patients and found to have excellent reliability. Its clinical utility in determining pre-operative fitness warrants further evaluation.

Interspecific hybrids of Hordeum marinum ssp. marinum x H. bulbosum are mitotically stable and reveal no gross alterations in chromatin properties.

Interspecific hybrids between the related wild barley species Hordeum marinum and H. bulbosum were generated and tested regarding their chromosomal stability and chromatin properties. Unlike in H. vulgare x H. bulbosum hybrid embryos, there was no effect of temperature on uniparental chromosome elimination or retention during hybrid seed development and 7 chromosomes from each parent were detected according to genomic in situ hybridization analyses. The centromere-specific histone H3 gene (CENH3) of both parental genomes is active in hybrid plants. Indirect immunostaining of flow-sorted 2C nuclei indicated that no major reorganization of histone H3 methylation (K4, K9 and K27), H3K9 acetylation and histone H2A ubiquitination marks or location of active RNA polymerase II sites occurred after interspecific hybridization.

Constant angular velocity of the wrist during the lifting of a sphere.

The primary objective of the experiments was to investigate the wrist motion of a person while they were carrying out a prehensile task from a clinical hand function test. A six-camera movement system was used to observe the wrist motion of 10 participants. A very light sphere and a heavy sphere were used in the experiments to study any mass effects. While seated at a table, a participant moved a sphere over a small obstacle using their dominant hand. The participants were observed to move their wrist at a constant angular velocity. This phenomenon has not been reported previously. Theoretically, the muscles of the wrist provide an impulse of force at the start of the rotation while the forearm maintains a constant vertical force on a sphere. Light-heavy mean differences for the velocities, absolute velocities, angles and times taken showed no significant differences (p = 0.05).