Influence of strength training intensity on subsequent recovery in elderly

Understanding the influence of strength training intensity on subsequent recovery in elderly is important to avoid reductions in physical function during the days following training. Twenty-two elderly were randomized in two groups: G70 (65.9 ± 4.8 years, n = 11) and G95 (66.9 ± 5.1, n = 11). Baseline tests included maximum voluntary isometric contraction (peak torque and rate of torque development - RTD), countermovement jump, and functional capacity (timed up and go, stairs ascent and descent). Then, both groups performed a single strength training session with intensities of 70% (G70) or 95% (G95) of five repetition maximum. The same tests were repeated immediately, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the session. Peak torque was lower than baseline immediately after for both groups and at 24 h for G95. Compared with G70, G95 had lower peak torque at 24 h and 48 h. Countermovement jump, timed up and go, stairs ascent, and RTD at 0-50 ms only differed from baseline immediately after for both groups. RTD at 0-200 ms was lower than baseline immediately after and 24 h after the session for both groups. In conclusion, reduced physical function immediately after strength training can last for 1-2 days in elderly depending on the type of physical function and intensity of training. Higher intensity resulted in greater impairment. Exercise prescription in elderly should take this into account, e.g., by gradually increasing intensity during the first months of strength training. These results have relevance for elderly who have to be fit for work or other activities in the days following strength training.

Prognostic significance of WT1 gene expression in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

The Wilms Tumor gene (WT1) encodes a transcription factor involved in kidney development and malignancy. WT1 expression in a subpopulation of early CD34+ cells has suggested its involvement in hematopoiesis. WT1 is aberrantly expressed in leukemias. High expression of WT1 at diagnosis has been associated with unfavorable prognosis in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The prognostic relevance of WT1 expression in pediatric AML was evaluated in only one study, including 47 patients, which showed that very low levels of WT1 at presentation were associated with an excellent outcome. To test the validity of these findings we measured levels of WT1 in 41 newly diagnosed pediatric AML of the non-M3 FAB subtype.

PROCEDURE

Patients were treated according to an AML-BFM 83-based protocol in a single institution. Mononucleated cells obtained from presentation BM aspirates were cryopreserved and later thawed and used for total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The quantitative assessment of WT1 transcripts was made by real-time PCR (RQ-PCR). WT1 transcripts values were normalized with respect to the number of ABL transcripts.

RESULTS

WT1 levels were significantly higher in patients bearing favorable chromosome abnormalities, t(8;21) and inv(16) (P = 0.002). Higher levels of WT1 expression were unexpectedly associated with a higher probability of overall survival by Cox regression analysis (P = 0.002). Multivariate regression analysis could not discriminate between the effects of WT1 and cytogenetics on survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher WT1 expression was associated with favorable cytogenetics subtypes and accordingly with better outcome in children with AML in this study.