Combined effects of aging and obesity on postural control,muscle activity and maximal voluntary force of muscles mobilizing ankle joint

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to investigate the influence of age and/or obesity on postural control, ankle muscle activities during balance testing and force production capacities.Materials and methods4 groups; control group (CG; n = 25; age = 31.8 ± 7.5 years; BMI = 21.4 ± 2.5 kg/m²), obese group (OG; n = 25; age = 34.4 ± 9.5 years; BMI = 39.6 ± 5.4 kg/m²), elderly group (EG; n = 15; age = 77.1 ± 8.4 years; BMI = 24.4 ± 1.3 kg/m²) and obese elderly group (ObEG; n = 12; age = 78.6 ± 6.6 years; BMI = 34.5 ± 3.1 kg/m²) performed maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) before testing to calculate the maximal relative force of ankle plantar flexor (PF) and dorsal flexor (DF) muscles. Center of pressure (CoP) parameters and the electromyography (EMG) activity of PF and DF muscles were collected during MVC, quiet standing and limit of stability (LoS) testing along antero-posterior and medio-lateral axes.ResultsMaximal relative force was higher in EG and ObEG than CG and OG, respectively (p < 0.001). CoP parameters, distance traveled along the antero-posterior axis and EMG activity of PF were higher in OG, EG and ObEG compared to CG (p < 0.001) and in EG compared to ObEG (p < 0.05).The EMG activity of PF was positively correlated with CoP parameters in OG and ObEG (r > 0.6; p < 0.05). Maximal relative force of PF (r > −0.6; p < 0.05) was negatively correlated with CoP parameters in ObEG and EG.ConclusionObesity-related postural control alteration is associated with increased activity of PF. This neuromuscular adaptation may reflect deteriorations of the proprioceptive system and is likely additional to age-related muscular impairments. This may be a mechanism by which obesity increases postural control alterations in elderly.     

Effect of a maximal exercise test on serum and urinary concentrations of magnesium,phosphorous, rubidium and strontium in athletes

AimThis study aims to determine the changes induced by a maximal exercise test until exhaustion on the serum and urinary concentrations of Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorous (P), Rubidium (Rb) and Strontium (Sr) in athletes (AG) and sedentary students (SG).MethodsFifty subjects participated in the study divided into two groups. In AG there were twenty-five male athletes and in SG there were twenty-five male sedentary students. Both groups performed an exercise test until exhaustion, starting at 8 or 10 km/h respectively, and increasing the speed at 1 km/h every 400 m. Serum and urine samples were obtained from all participants before and after the test.ResultsRegarding the basal status, AG showed lower values of Mg in serum (p < 0.05) and urine (p < 0.01), but higher concentrations of serum P (p < 0.05) in comparison to SG. Comparing the pre and post-test values, corrected or non-corrected for hemoconcentration in serum and for creatinine in urine, AG showed a decrease in serum Mg (p < 0.05), in serum P (p < 0.01) and in urinary Sr (p < 0.01) while an increase was observed in urinary P (p < 0.05) and in urinary Rb (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIt can be concluded that a treadmill test until exhaustion leads to changes in serum and urinary concentrations of minerals in both AG and SG males. This may reflect an adaptive response of the body to overcome the physical stress and, in some cases, to avoid loss of these elements.     

Mercury in blood,hair, and feces from subsistence fish-eating riverines of the Madeira River Basin (Western Amazon)

BackgroundThe Madeira River (Amazon Basin) has been impacted by activities related to artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), deforestation and burning (for timber, agriculture, and hydroelectric dam projects). All these activities contribute to environmental mercury (Hg) release and cycling into the Amazon ecosystem and thus to changing lifestyles.MethodWe assessed exposure to total and MeHg in two small riverine communities of the Madeira River (Amazon): Lago Puruzinho (LP, n = 26 families) and São Sebastião do Tapurú (SST, n = 31 families). Samples of human hair (n = 137), blood (n = 39), and feces (n = 41) were collected from adults and children (0–15 years of age).ResultsIn women of childbearing age from LP village, the mean blood total-Hg (THg) (45.54 ± 24.76 μg.L⁻¹) and MeHg (10.79 ± 4.36 μg.L⁻¹) concentrations were significantly (p = 0.0024; p < 0.0001, respectively) higher than in women from SST village (THg: 25.32 ± 16.75 μg.L⁻¹; MeHg: 2.32 ± 1.56 μg.L⁻¹) village; the trend in hair-Hg persisted but was statistically significant (p < 0.0145) only for THg (LP, 11.34 ± 5.03 μg. g⁻¹; SST, 7.97 ± 3.51 μg. g⁻¹). In women, the median hair:blood ratio of total Hg was 269. In children, the mean hair THg concentrations were 6.07 ± 3.60 μg. g⁻¹ and 6.47 ± 4.16 μg. g⁻¹ in LP and SST; thus, not significantly different (p = 0.8006). There was a significant association (p < 0.001) between hair-Hg concentrations of mothers and their respective children. The excretion of Hg in feces of women (0.52 μg. g⁻¹ dw) was not significantly different from children (0.49 μg. g⁻¹ dw). The only statistically significant correlation between Hg in feces and in hair was found in children, (n = 16, r_s = 0.38, p = 0.005). Significant relationship was seen between the levels of THg in blood and hair of women from LP and SST. Based on hair-Hg concentrations, fish consumption rate ranged from 94.5 to 212.3 g.day⁻¹.ConclusionWomen and children excrete THg in feces in comparable concentrations. However, the mean fish consumption rate and blood MeHg are higher in the most remote villagers. Mother`s hair-Hg concentration is a good predictor of children’s hair-Hg.     

Serum Leptin Concentrations and Weight Gain in Postobese,Postmenopausal Women

Objective : This study was designed to determine if serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) after weight loss on a low-calorie diet predict subsequent weight gain. Research Methods and Procedures : Body composition and serum leptin concentrations were determined on 14 moderately obese, postmenopausal, nondiabetic women with a familial predisposition to obesity. Assessments were obtained under tightly controlled metabolic ward conditions of macronutrient intake and weight maintenance both before (obese state) and after a mean weight loss of 12.0 kg to normal body weight (postobese state). Four years later, without intervention, body weight and body composition were reassessed. Results : Weight loss resulted in significant decreases in fat mass (29.7 ± 5.4 vs. 20.3 ± 4.7; kg), body mass index (27.7 ± 1.6 vs. 23.0 ± 1.5; kg/m2), percent body fat (40.7 ± 4.3 vs. 33.1 ± 5.0), and serum leptin concentrations (31.8 ± 16.0 vs. 11.5 ± 5.4; ng/mL). Serum leptin concentrations were positively correlated (p<<0.05) with fat mass in both the obese and postobese states (r = 0.67 and r = 0.56, respectively). However, residual serum leptin concentrations (adjusted for fat mass) in the obese and postobese states were not related to changes in body weight (p<= 0.61 and 0.52), fat mass (p = 0.72 and 0.42), body mass index (p = 0.59 and 0.33), or percent body fat (p = 0.84 and 0.46) over the follow-up period. Discussion : These finding do not support the hypothesis that relatively low concentrations of leptin predict weight regain after weight loss. However, because the number of subjects in this study was limited, further studies are warranted.     

Relationship between Left Ventricle and Body Composition in Young Male and Female Athletes

Competitive sports induce gradual cardiac adaptations in young athletes. During growth, changes occur in their body composition. The purpose of this study is to provide the left ventricular parameters indexed for body composition during young athletes’ growth 220 young athletes (110 females and 110 males) aged from 8 to 19 years old were enrolled. An accurate body composition analysis and echocardiography were performed. The left ventricular parameters were then indexed to the body surface area formula with the data related to body composition (fat-free mass and body cellular mass). The left ventricular and body composition parameters increased continuously during growth and no differences between the sexes were found before puberty. Higher fat mass was found in females from 12 years old (Fat Mass Index: Female = 4.8 ± 1.8 kg/m², Male = 3.6 ± 0.9 kg/m²; p< 0.05). Cardiac differences started at 13 years old, with a greater left ventricular mass in males (Female = 110.9 ± 20.2 g, Male = 128.7 ± 23.7 g; p< 0.05). The indexing of the left ventricle to the body composition parameters increased the age of onset of these cardiological differences to 14 years old with fat-free mass (Female = 91.8 ± 18.7 g/m², Male = 105.0 ± 19.5 g/m²; p< 0.05), or to 15 years old with body cell mass (Female = 124.3 ± 17.9 g/m², Male = 145.8 ± 28.5 g/m²; p< 0.05). Differences between the sexes appear to start after puberty. The above indexing was used in order to normalize the differences between the sexes according to body composition. This study reports the reference values for age and gender of the left ventricular parameters indexed for metabolically active mass.     

DIO基因多态性与有氧耐力的相关性研究

目的:研究碘代甲状腺氨酸脱碘酶(DIO)基因多态性与有氧耐力的相关性,寻找与有氧耐力表型相关的分子标记。方法:应用基质辅助激光解吸电离飞行时间质谱检测技术,对123名中国北方汉族优秀长跑运动员(EEA)与127名中国北方汉族普通大学生(CG)DIO1基因C785T位点及DIO2基因的Thr92Ala和Gly3Asp位点进行解析并分析比较,其中优秀运动员又根据运动等级和运动项目分为国际健将与健将组(43vs80),及5/10km和马拉松组(92vs31)。结果:在DIO1的C785T位点及DIO2的Thr92Ala位点,各组间基因型和等位基因频率均无显著性差异(P>0.05);在DIO2的Gly3Asp位点,三种基因型在CG组与国际健将组、CG组与马拉松组间的分布均差异显著(P<0.05),其中TT基因型在CG组中不表达,仅存在于EEA组,但频率很低。DIO2的Thr92Ala及Gly3Asp位点处于强连锁不平衡,CT单体型在男CG组与女CG组、男CG组与男EEA组间分布均差异显著(P<0.05),在男CG组与男健将组、男马拉松组间的分布也均差异显著(P<0.05),TC单体型则在女CG组与女国际健将组、女5000m和10000m组间的分布差异显著(P<0.05)。结论:DIO2基因Thr92Ala及Gly3Asp位点的CT单体型分布具有性别差异,是男子EEA有氧耐力素质的分子标记,可用于男子长跑健将级运动员及马拉松运动员的分子选材,TC单体型则是女子长跑国际健将运动员和5000m、10000m运动员有氧耐力素质的分子标记。     

Feeding corn germ instead of corn grain on the performance of Holstein dairy cows fed low-forage diet and human-edible feed conversion efficiency

Using corn germ (CG) instead of corn grain could maintain dairy cow performance and might increase the efficiency of human food production. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn grain with CG on the performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility of dairy cows. It also aimed to investigate the effect of CG on the efficiency of human food production in high-producing Holstein dairy cows in early lactation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows with 65.6 ± 8.5 DIM, milk yield of 55.6 ± 4.5 kg/d, and body weight of 611.3 ± 43.3 kg (mean ± SD) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were (1) control treatment (CT, diet contains corn grain), (2) alternative treatment (AT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG), and (3) balanced treatment (BT, diet where corn grain was replaced with CG but with the same energy content as CT). Control and balanced diets were isoenergetic (6.61 MJ/kg of DM); however, AT had higher energy (6.77 MJ/kg of DM). Treatments had no effect on dry and organic matter intake. NDF intake, however, was higher in CG diets compared with CT (P = 0.0001). Total-tract digestibility of DM tended to be reduced (P = 0.08), and OM digestibility was reduced (P = 0.05) by the inclusion of CG in diets. Whole and energy-corrected milk production were greater in AT compared with CT and BT (P < 0.05). Milk yield was similar in cows fed CT and BT. Treatments had no effect on milk composition or feed efficiency. Diet CT, when compared with CG diets, had lower efficiency in terms of human-edible feed conversion efficiency (HeFCE) and net food production (P < 0.05). Diet BT had greater HeFCE and net production of human-edible CP than AT (P < 0.05). Plasma BHBA, non-esterified fatty acids, and glucose concentrations were not affected by treatments, but plasma cholesterol was higher in cows that consumed CG diets (P = 0.04). The results indicate that, in high-producing early lactation dairy cows fed high concentrate diets, net food protein production can be substantially improved without lowering milk production through the reduction of dietary starch from 30.2 to 24.8% by replacing corn grain with CG.     

Long-term efficacy of bosentan in inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background. Inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is associated with a poor survival. Objectives. To evaluate the long-term response to a dual endothelin receptor antagonist in patients with inoperable CTEPH. Methods. All consecutive 18 patients (mean age 63±14 years) treated with bosentan for symptomatic inoperable CTEPH were included. Efficacy was evaluated by the log value of serum levels of N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (log NTpro BNP), New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA), and the six-minute walk test (6-MWT). All follow-up data (median 31 months) were compared with baseline and divided into: short-term (<12 months), mid-term (between 12 and 24 months), and long-term follow-up (>24 months). Results. At baseline, 15 patients were in NYHA class III and three in NYHA class IV, mean log NT-pro BNP level was 7.2±1.4 log pg/ml, and mean 6-MWT distance was 404±125 m. During short-term follow-up (n=18), the NYHA class improved (p=0.001), 6-MWT distance increased by 33 m (p=0.03), and log NT-pro BNP decreased to 6.9±1.4 log pg/ml (p=0.007). During mid-term follow-up (n=17), the NYHA class improved (p<0.001), the mean 6-MWT distance increased by 41 m (p=0.01), and log NT-pro BNP was 6.9±1.4 log pg/ml (p=0.31). During late followup (n=14) the NYHA class was still improved (p=0.03), the 6-MWT distance decreased by 9 m (p=0.73), and log NT-pro BNP was 7.1±1.5 log pg/ml (p=0.91). The overall four year survival rate was 88%. Conclusion: Bosentan seems to be effective during long-term treatment in patients with inoperable CTEPH. (Neth Heart J 2009;17:329–33).     

Disorders of the Menstrual Cycle in Elite Female Ice Hockey Players and Figure Skaters

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the incidence of delayed menarche and menstrual dysfunction among elite ice hockey players and figure skaters. Forty-three ice hockey players (23.5 ± 4.8 years, 68.2 ± 1.2 kg, 1.68 ± 0.01 m) and 39 figure skaters (17.5 ± 3.4 years, 53.7 ± 5.8 kg, 1.64 ± 0.05 m) completed a self-administered questionnaire on their menstrual status and history, training regimens and lifestyle. Age at menarche did not differ significantly between ice hockey players (13.3 ± 1.3 years) and figure skaters (13.7 ± 1.4 years). Menarche was unrelated to nationality, vigorous training premenarche or age at which the athlete began her sport, but was correlated with the age at menarche of the athletes’ mothers (r = 0.39, p &lt; 0.05). Hormonal contraceptives were used by 35% of ice hockey players and 15% of the figure skaters. Amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea were experienced by 7.1% and 38.7% of postmenarcheal, ice hockey players and figure skaters respectively not using hormonal contraceptives. Menstrual dysfunction was associated with both age and age at menarche in the ice hockey players only. Training factors, and psychological pressure were perceived by the athletes to contribute to menstrual dysfunction. A greater training volume, younger age at commencing sport, lower body mass, greater subjective body image pressure and younger biological and gynaecological age were reported among the figure skaters, and were proposed to explain the higher incidence of menstrual dysfunction among the figure skaters compared with the ice hockey players. Figure skaters appear at increased risk of amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea compared with ice hockey players, which may be linked to training and physical characteristics of the sports.     

Compliance of a cobalt chromium coronary stent alloy – the COVIS trial

Aim

Female cardiac transplant recipients' aerobic capacity is 60% lower than sex and age-predicted values. The effect of exercise training on restoring the impaired aerobic endurance and muscle strength in female cardiac transplant recipients is not known. This study examined the effect that aerobic and strength training have on improving aerobic endurance and muscle strength in female cardiac transplant recipients.

Methods

20 female cardiac transplant recipients (51 ± 11 years) participated in this investigation. The subjects performed a baseline six-minute walk test and a leg-press strength test when they were discharged following cardiac transplantation. The subjects then participated in a 12-week exercise program consisting of aerobic and lower extremity strength training. Baseline assessments were repeated following completion of the exercise intervention.

Results

At baseline, the cardiac transplant recipients' aerobic endurance was 50% lower than age-matched predicted values. The training program resulted in a significant increase in aerobic endurance (pre-training: 322 ± 104 m vs. post-training: 501 ± 99 m, p < 0.05) and leg-press strength (pre-training: 48 ± 16 kg. vs. post-training: 78 ± 27 kg, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Aerobic and strength training are effective interventions that can partially restore the impaired aerobic endurance and strength found in female cardiac transplant recipients.     

Mid-term function and remodeling potential of tissue engineered tricuspid valve: Histology and biomechanics

ObjectiveTricuspid valve reconstruction using a small intestinal submucosal porcine extracellular matrix (ECM) tube graft is hypothesized to be durable for six months and show signs of recellularization and growth potential. The purpose was to histologically and biomechanically test ECM valves before and after six months of implantation in pigs for comparison with native valves.MethodsTen 60 kg pigs were included, which survived tricuspid valve tube graft insertion. Anterior and septal tricuspid leaflets were explanted from all animals surviving more than one month and examined histologically (n = 9). Endothelialization, collagen content, mineralization, neovascularization, burst strength and tensile strength were determined for native valves (n = 5), ECM before implantation (n = 5), and ECM after six months (n = 5).ResultsCollagen density was significantly larger in ECM at implantation (baseline) compared to native leaflet tissue (0.3 ± 0.02 mg/mm³ vs. 0.1 ± 0.03 mg/mm³, p < .0001), but collagen density decreased and reached native leaflet collagen content, six months after ECM implantation (native vs. ECM valve at six months: 0.1 ± 0.03 mg/mm³ vs. 0.2 ± 0.05 mg/mm³, p = .8).Histologically, ECM valves showed endothelialization, host cell infiltration and structural collagen organization together with elastin generation after six months, indicating tissue remodeling and -engineering together with gradual development of a close-to-native leaflet structure without foreign body response.ConclusionsECM tricuspid tube grafts were stronger than native leaflet tissue. Histologically, the acellular ECM tube grafts showed evidence of constructive tissue remodeling with endothelialization and connective tissue organization. These findings support the concept of tissue engineering and recellularization, which are prerequisites for growth.     

Postural impairments in Parkinson’s disease are not associated with changes in circadian rhythms changes

ABSTRACT

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, with a worldwide incidence of 1% in individuals >60 years of age. Its primary characteristics include postural impairments and changes in circadian rhythms. The authors investigated the association between postural impairment and changes in circadian rhythms in 24 PD subjects diagnosed with stages 1 to 3 on the Hoehn-Yard (HY) scale and regularly used dopaminergic medication for at least 1 year (experimental group – EG) and 24 healthy elderly individuals without a history of neurological impairment as the control group (CG). Static balance tests using a force plate were performed, and activity/rest rhythm, according to the relative amplitude of L5 and M10 values, was monitored for seven consecutive days using actimetry. The results indicated differences in posturographic indicators of mediolateral displacement (ML) [EG, 4.71 ± 0.85 mm; CG, 2.79 ± 0.53 mm (p < .0001)] and anteroposterior displacement of the center of pressure (COP) [EG, 5.61 ± 2.43 mm; CG, 8.23 ± 1.72 mm (< 0.0001)], ML velocity of the COP [EG, 2.39 ± 0.83 mm/s; CG, 1.40 ± 0.18 mm/s (p < .0001)], and total distance of the COP in the tandem stance condition [EG, 227.6 ± 75 mm; CG, 53.4 ± 6.1 mm (p < .0001)] between the EG and CG. There was no correlation between relative amplitude and posturographic data for the EG. Postural impairments were verified in comparing the EG and CG; however, there was no association between posturographic indicators and activity/rest rhythm.     

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ACE GENE VARIATION AND AEROBIC CAPACITY IN WINTER ENDURANCE DISCIPLINES

The aim of the study was to examine the possible relationship between I/D polymorphism of ACE gene and selected indices of aerobic capacity among male and female athletes practising winter endurance sports. Sixty-six well-trained athletes (female n = 26, male n = 40), aged 18.4 ± 2.8 years, representing winter endurance sports (cross-country skiing, n = 48; biathlon, n = 8; Nordic combined, n = 10) participated in the study. Genotyping for ACE I/D polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max), maximal running velocity (V_max) and running velocity at anaerobic threshold (V_AT4) were determined in an incremental test to volitional exhaustion on a motorized treadmill. The ACE genotype had no significant effect on absolute VO₂max, relative VO₂max (divided by body mass or fat free body mass), V_AT4 or V_max. No interaction effect of gender x ACE genotype was found for each of the examined aerobic capacity indices. ACE gene variation was not found to be a determinant of aerobic capacity in either female or male Polish, well-trained endurance athletes participating in winter sports.     

A 12‐Week Aerobic Exercise Program Reduces Hepatic Fat Accumulation and Insulin Resistance in Obese,Hispanic Adolescents

The rise in obesity‐related morbidity in children and adolescents requires urgent prevention and treatment strategies. Currently, only limited data are available on the effects of exercise programs on insulin resistance, and visceral, hepatic, and intramyocellular fat accumulation. We hypothesized that a 12‐week controlled aerobic exercise program without weight loss reduces visceral, hepatic, and intramyocellular fat content and decreases insulin resistance in sedentary Hispanic adolescents. Twenty‐nine postpubertal (Tanner stage IV and V), Hispanic adolescents, 15 obese (7 boys, 8 girls; 15.6 ± 0.4 years; 33.7 ± 1.1 kg/m²; 38.3 ± 1.5% body fat) and 14 lean (10 boys, 4 girls; 15.1 ± 0.3 years; 20.6 ± 0.8 kg/m²; 18.9 ± 1.5% body fat), completed a 12‐week aerobic exercise program (4 × 30 min/week at ≥70% of peak oxygen consumption (VO₂peak)). Measurements of cardiovascular fitness, visceral, hepatic, and intramyocellular fat content (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)), and insulin resistance were obtained at baseline and postexercise. In both groups, fitness increased (obese: 13 ± 2%, lean: 16 ± 4%; both P < 0.01). In obese participants, intramyocellular fat remained unchanged, whereas hepatic fat content decreased from 8.9 ± 3.2 to 5.6 ± 1.8%; P < 0.05 and visceral fat content from 54.7 ± 6.0 to 49.6 ± 5.5 cm²; P < 0.05. Insulin resistance decreased indicated by decreased fasting insulin (21.8 ± 2.7 to 18.2 ± 2.4 µU/ml; P < 0.01) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA_IR) (4.9 ± 0.7 to 4.1 ± 0.6; P < 0.01). The decrease in visceral fat correlated with the decrease in fasting insulin (R² = 0.40; P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in any parameter in lean participants except a small increase in lean body mass (LBM). Thus, a controlled aerobic exercise program, without weight loss, reduced hepatic and visceral fat accumulation, and decreased insulin resistance in obese adolescents.     

Acute testosterone and cortisol responses to high power resistance exercise

This study examined the acute hormonal responses to a single high power resistance exercise training session. Four weight trained men (X ± SD; age [yrs] = 24.5 ± 2.9; hgt [m] = 1.82 ± 0.05; BW [kg] = 96.9 ± 10.6; 1 RM barbell squat [kg] = 129.3 ± 17.4) participated as subjects in two randomly ordered sessions. During the lifting session, serum samples were collected pre- and 5 min post-exercise, and later analyzed for testosterone (Tes), cortisol (Cort), their ratio (Tes/Cort), and lactate (HLa). The lifting protocol was 10 × 5 speed squats at 70% of system mass (1 RM + BW) with 2 min inter-set rest intervals. Mean power and velocity were determined for each repetition using an external dynamometer. On the control day, the procedures and times (1600–1900 h) were identical except the subjects did not lift. Tes and Cort were analyzed via EIA. Mean ± SD power and velocity was 1377.1 ± 9.6 W and 0.79 ± 0.01 m s⁻¹ respectively for all repetitions, and did not decrease over the 10 sets (p < 0.05). Although not significant, post-exercise Tes exhibited a very large effect size (nmol L⁻¹; pre = 12.5 ± 2.9, post = 20.0 ± 3.9; Cohen’s D = 1.27). No changes were observed for either Cort or the Tes/Cort ratio. HLa significantly increased post-exercise (mmol L⁻¹; pre = 1.00 ± 0.09, post = 4.85 ± 1.10). The exercise protocol resulted in no significant changes in Tes, Cort or the Tes/Cort ratio, although the Cohen’s D value indicates a very large effect size for the Tes response. The acute increase for Tes is in agreement with previous reports that high power activities can elicit a Tes response. High power resistance exercise protocols such as the one used in the present study produce acute increases of Tes. These results indicate that high power resistance exercise can contribute to an anabolic hormonal response with this type of training, and may partially explain the muscle hypertrophy observed in athletes who routinely employ high power resistance exercise.     

Liraglutide as Additional Treatment to Insulin in Obese Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

ObjectiveBecause approximately 40% of patients with type 1 diabetes have the metabolic syndrome, we tested the hypothesis that addition of liraglutide to insulin in obese patients with type 1 diabetes will result in an improvement in plasma glucose concentrations, a reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a fall in systolic blood pressure, and weight loss.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of data obtained from 27 obese patients with type 1 diabetes treated with liraglutide in addition to insulin. Patients were also treated for hypertension. Paired t tests were used to compare the changes in HbA1c, insulin doses, body weight, body mass index, 4-week mean blood glucose concentrations (28-day insulin pump mean blood glucose), blood pressure, and lipid parameters prior to and 180 ± 14 days after liraglutide therapy.ResultsMean glucose concentrations fell from 191 ± 6 to 170 ± 6 mg/dL (P = .002). HbA1c fell from 7.89 ± 0.13% to 7.46 ± 0.13% (P = .001), without an increase in frequency of hypoglycemia. Mean body weight fell from 96.20 ± 3.68 kg to 91.56 ± 3.78 kg (P<.0001). Daily total and bolus doses of insulin fell from 73 ± 6 to 60 ± 4 (P = .008) units and from 40 ± 5 to 29 ± 3 units (P = .011), respectively. Mean systolic blood pressure fell from 130 ± 3 to 120 ± 4 mm Hg (P = .020).ConclusionAddition of liraglutide to insulin in obese patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus leads to improvements in glycemic control and HbA1c and to reductions in insulin dose, systolic blood pressure, and body weight. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:963-967)     

Aerobic and anaerobic determinants of repeated sprint ability in team sports athletes

The aim of this study was to examine in team sports athletes the relationship between repeated sprint ability (RSA) indices and both aerobic and anaerobic fitness components. Sixteen team-sport players were included (age, 23.4 ± 2.3 years; weight, 71.2 ± 8.3 kg; height, 178 ± 7 cm; body mass index, 22.4 ± 2 kg · m⁻²; estimated VO₂max, 54.16 ± 3.5 mL · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹). Subjects were licensed in various team sports: soccer (n = 8), basketball (n = 5), and handball (n = 3). They performed 4 tests: the 20 m multi-stage shuttle run test (MSRT), the 30-s Wingate test (WingT), the Maximal Anaerobic Shuttle Running Test (MASRT), and the RSA test (10 repetitions of 30 m shuttle sprints (15 + 15 m with 180° change of direction) with 30 s passive recovery in between). Pearson''s product moment of correlation among the different physical tests was performed. No significant correlations were found between any RSA test indices and WingT. However, negative correlations were found between MASRT and RSA total sprint time (TT) and fatigue index (FI) (r = -0.53, p < 0.05 and r = -0.65, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant relationship between VO₂max and RSA peak sprint time (PT) and total sprint time (TT) was found. Nevertheless, VO₂max was significantly correlated with the RSA FI (r = -0.57, p < 0.05). In conclusion, aerobic fitness is an important factor influencing the ability to resist fatigue during RSA exercise. Our results highlighted the usefulness of MASRT, in contrast to WingT, as a specific anaerobic testing procedure to identify the anaerobic energy system contribution during RSA.     

Analgesic effect of the midazolam-induced anesthesia in different doses on the patients after the thoracoscopic resection of lung cancer

ObjectiveTo elaborate the analgesic efficiency of midazolam-induced anesthesia in different doses on the patients following the thoracoscopic resection of lung cancer.MethodsNinety patients undergoing thoracoscopic resection of lung cancer between August 2017 and July 2018 were randomized in the observation group (n = 45) and the control group (n = 45). Patients in observation group underwent the anesthesia induced by 0.1 mg/kg midazolam, while for the control group, the dose was adjusted to 0.05 mg/kg. Then, we compared the levels of inflammatory factors, SaO₂, average of arterial pressure and changes in heart rate before and after surgery (48 h) to analyze the efficacy.ResultsAt the postoperative 48 h, patients in the observation group had lower levels of inflammatory factors when comparing with their counterparts in the control group [IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α: (58.44 ± 3.22) μg/L, (2.04 ± 0.26) μg/L, (2.98 ± 0.44) μg/L, (5.33 ± 0.77) μg/L v.s. (96.44 ± 4.54) μg/L, (3.23 ± 0.33) μg/L, (3.77 ± 0.44) μg/L, (7.64 ± 0.99) μg/L] (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, those in the observation group had a lower SaO₂, average arterial pressure and heart rate [(93.79 ± 1.08)%, (93.22 ± 3.46) mmHg, (87.55 ± 2.35) beat/min v.s. (97.13 ± 1.03)%, (96.44 ± 4.03) mmHg, (91.05 ± 2.89) beat/min] (P < 0.05). However, no statistical significance was identified in the differences of the bleeding amount, surgical time and anesthesia time between two groups (P > 0.05), while the eye-opening time and the extubation time in the observation group were all shorter than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the postoperative pain scores, total doses of propofol and remifentanil were also lowered (P < 0.05).ConclusionFor patients of thoracoscopic resection of lung cancer, midazolam-induced anesthesia (0.1 mg/kg) performs better than 0.5 mg/kg in inhibiting the inflammatory responses, with significant reduction in the dose of anesthetics, thereby stabilizing the status of patients in perioperative period and mitigating the postoperative pains. Thus, it is potential candidate.     

Vitamin D in Overweight/Obese Women and Its Relationship With Dietetic and Anthropometric Variables

Overweight/obese persons usually have an inadequate vitamin D status, a situation commonly made worse by an inadequate intake of this vitamin. For this reason, the aim of this study was to analyze dietetic and anthropometric differences in a group of young, overweight/obese Spanish women with respect to their vitamin D status. The study subjects were 66 white Spanish women (aged 20–35 years) with a BMI of 24–35 kg/m². Dietetic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected. Women were divided into two groups depending on their serum vitamin D concentrations: LD (women with <90 nmol/l 25(OH)D) and HD (women with ≥90 nmol/l 25(OH)D). The intakes of vitamin D, calcium, and supplements were similar in both groups. The body weight, BMI, and waist circumference of the HD subjects were smaller than those recorded for the LD subjects (68.6 ± 4.2 kg, 26.0 ± 1.3 kg/m², and 79.4 ± 3.4 cm compared to 76.2 ± 9.8, 28.6 ± 3.2 kg/m², and 86.2 ± 9.3 cm, respectively; P < 0.05). The hip circumference and the waist/hip ratio were similar in both groups. A BMI of <27.7 kg/m² (P50) was associated with serum vitamin D concentrations of ≥90 nmol/l (odds ratio = 0.1313; confidence interval: 0.0149–1.1599; P < 0.05). Overweight/obese women are at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, largely due to excess adiposity rather than inadequate intake.