The effects of a single bout pilates exercise on mRNA expression of bone metabolic cytokines in osteopenia women

[Purpose]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a single bout pilates exercise on mRNA expression of bone metabolic cytokines in elderly osteopenia women.

[Methods]

We selected 11 people of elderly osteopenia women and loaded a single bout pilates exercise about RPE 10-14 level. The blood samples were collected before, immediately after and 60 minute after pilates exercise, then examined calcium metabolic markers in serum and extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) from whole blood and confirmed mRNA expression of bone metabolic cytokines from PBMC. To clarify the changes during exercise, we designed repeated measure ANOVA as the control group to perform blood sampling without exercise.

[Results]

As a result, serum P showed significant interaction effect between group and time (p<.001), the pilates exercise group decreased about 9% at immediately after exercise and 13% during recovery after exercise (p<.05), while the control group showed a tendency to increase. Serum CK also showed a significant interaction between group and time (p<.05), the pilates group significantly increased at immediately after exercise and during recovery after exercise (p<.05) but the control group didn’t have changes. TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression in PBMC was significantly increased in the pilates group (p<.01, p<.05), although INF-γ mRNA expression didn’t show statistically significant difference, it tended to increase in the pilates group (NS).

[Conclusion]

These results suggested that a single bout pilates exercise of elderly osteopenia women cause hypophosphatemia with temporary muscle damage, and it leading high turnover bone metabolic state with to activate both of bone formation and bone resorption.     

The relationship of creatine kinase variability with body composition and muscle damage markers following eccentric muscle contractions

[Purpose]

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between CK variability and body composition and muscle damage markers following eccentric exercise.

[Methods]

Total 119 healthy male subjects were recruited to perform 50 eccentric contractions consisted of 2 sets of 25 contractions. Then, blood creatine kinase (CK) activity was analyzed to divide into three groups based on their CK activity levels. Maximum isometric strength (MIS), muscle soreness (SOR) and body composition data were obtained before and after exercise.

[Results]

The results showed that high CK responders had a significant decrease in MIS (p<0.001) and greater SOR (p<0.01) following eccentric exercise compared to low CK responders. Percent body fat was also higher in high responders compared to low responders (p=0.014). Peak CK activity was significantly correlated with MIS and SOR but no correlation with % body fat, muscle mass, and body mass index.

[Conclusion]

CK variability following eccentric exercise is closely related to MIS and SOR and % body fat may be a potent factor for CK variability.     

Differential effects of low-magnitude high-frequency vibration on reloading hind-limb soleus and gastrocnemius medialis muscles in 28-day tail-suspended rats

Objectives:Low-magnitude high-frequency vibration (LMHFV) was reported beneficial to muscle contractile functions in clinical and preclinical studies. This study aims to investigate the effects of LMHFV on myofibers, myogenic cells and functional properties of disused soleus (Sol) and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) during reloading.Methods:Sprague Dawley rats were hind-limb unloaded for 28 days and assigned to reloading control (Ctrl) or LMHFV group (Vib). Sol and GM of both groups were harvested for fiber typing, proliferating myogenic cell counting and in vitro functional assessment.Results:Myogenic cells proliferation was promoted by LMHFV in both Sol and GM (p<0.001 and p<0.05 respectively). Force generating capacity was not much affected (Vib=Ctrl, p>0.05) but fast-fiber favorable changes in fiber type switching (more type IIA but lower type I in Vib; p<0.05 and 0.01 respectively) and fiber hypertrophy (type I, Vib<Ctrl; p<0.01) were observed mainly in GM.Conclusion:LMHFV was not detrimental to reloading muscles but the outcomes were muscle dependent. The unique fiber type composition and anatomical differences between Sol and GM might render the differential muscle responses to LMHFV. Further investigations on myofibers type specific responses to different LMHFV regimes and myogenic cell interaction with associated myofiber were proposed.     

A Comparison of Radiologic Tumor Volume and Pathologic Tumor Volume in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

Objective

To investigate the difference between preoperative radiologic tumor volume (RTV) and postoperative pathologic tumor volume (PTV) in patients who received nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials and Methods

We reviewed 482 patients who underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) within 4 weeks before radical or partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. RTV measured by a three dimensional rendering program was compared with PTV (π/6ⅹheightⅹlengthⅹwidth) measured in surgical specimen according to pathologic tumor size and histologic subtype. Correlation of the inter-quartile range (IQR) of the RTV and Fuhrman nuclear grade was also investigated.

Results

There was a significant positive linear correlation between RTV and PTV (p<0.001, r = 0.911), and the mean RTV and mean PTV were not significantly different (79.0 vs 76.9cm³, p = 0.393). For pathologic tumor size (PTS) <4cm, the mean RTV was larger than the mean PTV (10.9 vs 7.1cm³, p<0.001). For a PTS of 4-7cm, the mean RTV was larger than the mean PTV (56.0 vs 44.7cm³, p<0.001). However, for a PTS ≥7cm, there was no statistical difference between RTV and PTV (p>0.05). Among patients with clear cell RCC, the mean RTV was significantly larger than the mean PTV (p = 0.042), not for non-clear cell group (p = 0.055). As the quartile of the RTV increased, the Fuhrman grade also increased (p<0.001).

Conclusions

RTV was correlated with PTV and pathologic grade. RTV was larger than the PTV for a tumor size 7 cm or less or in clear cell RCC. RTV may be useful to measure tumor burden preoperatively.     

Effect of adding plyometric training to physical education sessions on specific biomechanical parameters in primary school girls

Objectives:The study aimed to determine the effect of adding a school-based plyometric training program (PMT) to physical education (PE) sessions on the strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school girls.Methods:Students from grades 3-6 were randomized equally to a plyometric or control group. In the control group, students took their regular PE classes twice a week. In the plyometric group, students performed PMT twice a week during the initial 20 minutes of every PE session. The Lido Linea closed kinetic chain isokinetic dynamometer, Star excursion balance test (SEBT), and sit-and-reach test were used to assess muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, respectively, before and after nine weeks of training.Results:The improvement in extension peak force (p=0.04) and extension total work (p<0.001) was more prevalent in the PMT group than in the control group. SEBT scores had improved significantly (p<0.05) for all directions in the PMT group, except in the anterior direction, which was highly significant (p<0.001). Hamstring and lower back flexibility had improved more in the PMT group than in the control group (p<0.001).Conclusion:Adding PMT to regular PE classes has a positive and notable effect on muscle strength, balance, and flexibility in primary school students.     

The Associations between Anthropometric Indices and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Korean Population

Background

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Although clinical and epidemiological studies have shown that OSA and obesity are strongly associated, few Asian studies have examined the associations between anthropometric obesity indices and OSA, especially in the Korean population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of anthropometric obesity indices on OSA in a Korean population.

Methods

Anthropometric indices, including neck circumference, waist circumference, and body mass index, were assessed in 383 consecutive subjects with suspected OSA.

Results

Of the 383 subjects assessed, 316 (82.5%) were diagnosed with OSA. Neck circumference (r = 0.518), waist circumference (r = 0.570), and body mass index (r = 0.512) were correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index (p<0.001, for all). After adjusting for age, sex, alcohol consumption, and smoking, a logistic regression model showed that neck circumference [odds ratio (OR), 1.414; p<0.001)], waist circumference (OR, 1.114; p<0.001), and body mass index (OR, 1.364; p<0.001) were associated with OSA. The linear regression model showed that neck circumference (β = 3.748, p<0.001), waist circumference (β = 1.272, p<0.001), and body mass index (β = 3.082, p<0.001) were associated with apnea-hypopnea index. The cut-off values for predicting OSA were determined as 34.5 cm for neck circumference, 76.5 cm for waist circumference, and 23.05 kg/m² for body mass index for females, and 38.75 cm for neck circumference, 88.5 cm for waist circumference, and 24.95 kg/m² for body mass index for males.

Conclusion

Increased anthropometric indices were significantly associated with the presence and severity of OSA in a Korean population. In addition, this study demonstrated the cut-off values for body mass index, waist circumference, and neck circumference for increased OSA risk.     

Cardiac Compression of Lung Lower Lobes after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background

Atelectasis is a major cause of hypoxemia after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and is commonly ascribed to general anesthesia, high inspiratory oxygen concentration and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of heart-induced pulmonary compression after CABG with CPB.

Methods

Seventeen patients without pre-operative cardiac failure who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft underwent pre- and postoperative thoracic computed tomography. The cardiac mass, the pressure exerted on the lungs by the right and left heart and the fraction of collapsed lower lobe segments below and outside of the heart limits were evaluated on a computed tomography section 1 cm above the diaphragmatic cupola.

Results

In the postoperative period, cardiac mass increased by 32% (117±31 g versus 155±35 g, p<0.001), leading to an increase in the pressure that was exerted on the lungs by the right (2.2±0.6 g.cm⁻² versus 3.2±1.2 g.cm⁻², p<0.05) and left heart (2.4±0.7 g.cm⁻² versus 4.2±1.8 g.cm⁻², p<0.001). The proportion of collapsed lung segments beneath the heart markedly increased [from 6.7% to 32.9% on the right side (p<0.001) and from 6.2% to 29% on the left side (p<0.001)], whereas the proportion of collapsed lung segments outside of the heart limits slightly increased [from 0.7% to 10.8% on the right side (p<0.001) and from 1.5% to 12.6% on the left side (p<0.001)].

Conclusion

The pressure that is exerted by the heart on the lungs increased postoperatively and contributed to the collapse of subjacent pulmonary segments.     

The Impact of Stressful Life Events on Excessive Alcohol Consumption in the French Population: Findings from the GAZEL Cohort Study

Background

Major life changes may play a causative role in health through lifestyle factors, such as alcohol. The objective was to examine the impact of stressful life events on heavy alcohol consumption among French adults.

Methods

Trajectories of excessive alcohol consumption in 20,625 employees of the French national gas and electricity company for up to 5 years before and 5 years after an event, with annual measurements from 1992. We used repeated measures analysis of time series data indexed to events, employing generalized estimating equations.

Results

For women, excessive alcohol use increased before important purchase (p = 0.021), children leaving home (p<0.001), and death of loved ones (p = 0.03), and decreased before widowhood (p = 0.015); in the year straddling the event, increased consumption was observed for important purchase (p = 0.018) and retirement (p = 0.002); at the time of the event, consumption decreased for marriage (p = 0.002), divorce, widowhood, and death of loved one (all p<0.001), and increased for retirement (p = 0.035). For men, heavy alcohol consumption increased in the years up to and surrounding the death of loved ones, retirement, and important purchase (all p<0.001), and decreased after (all p<0.001, except death of loved one: p = 0.006); at the time of the event, consumption decreased for all events except for children leaving home and retirement, where we observed an increase (all p<0.001). For women and men, heavy alcohol consumption decreased prior to marriage and divorce and increased after (all p<0.001, except for women and marriage: p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Stressful life events promote healthy and unhealthy alcohol consumption. Certain events impact alcohol intake temporarily while others have longer-term implications. Research should disentangle women''s and men''s distinct perceptions of events over time.     

Effect of ginger extract ingestion on skeletal muscle glycogen contents and endurance exercise in male rats

[Purpose]Skeletal muscle glycogen is a determinant of endurance capacity for some athletes. Ginger is well known to possess nutritional effects, such as anti-diabetic effects. We hypothesized that ginger extract (GE) ingestion increases skeletal muscle glycogen by enhancing fat oxidation. Thus, we investigated the effect of GE ingestion on exercise capacity, skeletal muscle glycogen, and certain blood metabolites in exercised rats. [Methods]First, we evaluated the influence of GE ingestion on body weight and elevation of exercise performance in rats fed with different volumes of GE. Next, we measured the skeletal muscle glycogen content and free fatty acid (FFA) levels in GE-fed rats. Finally, we demonstrated that GE ingestion contributes to endurance capacity during intermittent exercise to exhaustion. [Results]We confirmed that GE ingestion increased exercise performance (p<0.05) and elevated the skeletal muscle glycogen content compared to the non-GE-fed (CE, control exercise) group before exercise (Soleus: p<0.01, Plantaris: p<0.01, Gastrocnemius: p<0.05). Blood FFA levels in the GE group were significantly higher than those in the CE group after exercise (p<0.05). Moreover, we demonstrated that exercise capacity was maintained in the CE group during intermittent exercise (p<0.05). [Conclusion]These findings indicate that GE ingestion increases skeletal muscle glycogen content and exercise performance through the upregulation of fat oxidation.     

Impact of Different Training Modalities on Anthropometric and Metabolic Characteristics in Overweight/Obese Subjects: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background

The aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials was to compare the effects of aerobic training (AET), resistance training (RT), and combined aerobic and resistance training (CT) on anthropometric parameters, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese subjects.

Methods

Electronic searches for randomized controlled trials were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Trial Register. Inclusion criteria were: Body Mass Index: ≥25 kg/m², 19+ years of age, supervised exercise training, and a minimum intervention period of 8 weeks. Anthropometric outcomes, blood lipids, and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters were included. Pooled effects were calculated by inverse-variance random effect pairwise meta-analyses and Bayesian random effects network meta-analyses.

Findings

15 trials enrolling 741 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to RT, AET resulted in a significantly more pronounced reduction of body weight [mean differences (MD): -1.15 kg, p = 0.04], waist circumference [MD: -1.10 cm, p = 0.004], and fat mass [MD: -1.15 kg, p = 0.001] respectively. RT was more effective than AET in improving lean body mass [MD: 1.26 kg, p<0.00001]. When comparing CT with RT, MD in change of body weight [MD: -2.03 kg, p<0.0001], waist circumference [MD: -1.57 cm, p = 0.0002], and fat mass [MD: -1.88 kg, p<0.00001] were all in favor of CT. Results from the network meta-analyses confirmed these findings.

Conclusion

Evidence from both pairwise and network meta-analyses suggests that CT is the most efficacious means to reduce anthropometric outcomes and should be recommended in the prevention and treatment of overweight, and obesity whenever possible.     

Does Ethnicity Affect Where People with Cancer Die? A Population-Based 10 Year Study

Background

Ageing is a growing issue for people from UK black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups. The health experiences of these groups are recognised as a ‘tracer’ to measure success in end of life patient-preferred outcomes that includes place of death (PoD).

Aim

To examine patterns in PoD among BAME groups who died of cancer.

Material and Methods

Mortality data for 93,375 cancer deaths of those aged ≥65 years in London from 2001–2010 were obtained from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS). Decedent''s country of birth was used as a proxy for ethnicity. Linear regression examined trends in place of death across the eight ethnic groups and Poisson regression examined the association between country of birth and place of death.

Results

76% decedents were born in the UK, followed by Ireland (5.9%), Europe(5.4%) and Caribbean(4.3%). Most deaths(52.5%) occurred in hospital, followed by home(18.7%). During the study period, deaths in hospital declined with an increase in home deaths; trend for time analysis for those born in UK(0.50%/yr[0.36–0.64%]p<0.001), Europe (1.00%/yr[0.64–1.30%]p<0.001), Asia(1.09%/yr[0.94–1.20%]p<0.001) and Caribbean(1.03%/yr[0.72–1.30%]p<0.001). However, time consistent gaps across the geographical groups remained. Following adjustment hospital deaths were more likely for those born in Asia(Proportion ratio(PR)1.12[95%CI1.08–1.15]p<0.001) and Africa(PR 1.11[95%CI1.07–1.16]p<0.001). Hospice deaths were less likely for those born in Asia(PR 0.73 [0.68–0.80] p<0.001), Africa (PR 0.83[95%CI0.74–0.93]p<0.001), and ‘other’ geographical regions (PR0.90[95% 0.82–0.98]p<0.001). Home deaths were less likely for those born in the Caribbean(PR0.91[95%CI 0.85–0.98]p<0.001).

Conclusions

Location of death varies by country of birth. BAME groups are more likely to die in a hospital and less likely to die at home or in a hospice. Further investigation is needed to determine whether these differences result from patient-centred preferences, or other environment or service-related factors. This knowledge will enable strategies to be developed to improve access to relevant palliative care and related services, where necessary.     

Twenty Years of Medically-Attended Pediatric Varicella and Herpes Zoster in Ontario,Canada: A Population-Based Study

ObjectiveTo determine if reductions in medically-attended pediatric varicella and herpes zoster occurred in Ontario, Canada, after publicly-funded varicella immunization was implemented in 2004.MethodsFor fiscal years (FY) 1992-2011, we examined data on varicella and herpes zoster physician office visits, emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations (including for varicella-associated skin and soft tissue infections [SSTI]), and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, among those aged <18 years. The pre-vaccine, privately-available, and vaccine program eras were FY1992-1998, FY1999-2003, and FY2004-2011, respectively. We used Poisson regressionand Kruskal-Wallis tests (all at the p<0.05 level of significance), and compared rates using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsIncidence of varicella office visits declined over the study period from a high of 25.1/1,000 in FY1994 to a low of 3.2/1,000 in FY2011. ED visits and hospitalizations followed similar patterns of decreasing rates later in the study period. IRRs comparing the vaccine program versus pre-vaccine eras were 0.29 (95%CI: 0.26-0.32) for office visits, 0.29 (95%CI: 0.21-0.40) for ED visits, and 0.41 (95%CI: 0.10-1.69) for hospitalizations. Annual declines in varicella office visits were 7.7%, 9.1%, 8.4%, and 8.4% per year among children aged <1 year, 1-4 years, 5-11 years, and ≥12 years, respectively (all p<0.001). Age-specific rates of varicella-associated SSTI declined significantly among children <12 years (p<0.001) and rates of ICU admissions decreased significantly for children <1 year (p = 0.02). (p<0.001) over the study period. For children aged 5-17 years, herpes zoster office visits decreased whereas ED visits increased (both p<0.001) and there was a small, non-significant (p = 0.07), decrease in hospitalizations.ConclusionMedically-attended varicella decreased during the study period, particularly since varicella vaccine was publicly-funded. Results suggest immunization program-related changes in varicella epidemiology, including herd effects, demonstrated by reductions in varicella in program-ineligible age groups. We did not observe a consistent impact on herpes zoster.     

Estimation of peak vertical velocity and relative load changes by subjective measures in weightlifting movements

To investigate the ability of the OMNI-RES (0–10) scale to estimate velocity and loading changes during sets to failure in the hang power clean (HPC) exercise. Eleven recreationally resistance-trained males (28.5 ± 3.5 years) with an average one-repetition maximum (1RM) value of 1.1 ± 0.07 kg body mass^-1 in HPC, were assessed on five separate days with 48 hours of rest between sessions. After determining the 1RM value, participants performed four sets to self-determined failure with the following relative loading ranges: 60% < 70%, 70 < 80%, 80 < 90% and > 90%. The peak vertical velocity (PVV), and Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) were measured for every repetition of each set. The RPE expressed after the first repetition (RPE-1) and when the highest value of PVV was achieved during the set (RPE-max) were similar and significantly lower than the RPE associated with a 5% (RPE-5%) and 10% (RPE-10%) drop in PVV. In addition, the RPE produced at failure was similar to RPE-5% only for the heaviest range (≥ 90%). Furthermore, RPE-1 was useful to distinguish loading zones between the four assessed ranges (60 < 70%, vs. 70 < 80%, vs. 80 < 90%, vs. ≥ 90%). The RPE seems to be useful to identify PVV changes (maximal, 5% and 10% drop) during continuous sets to self-determined failure and to distinguish 10% loading zone increments, from 60 to 100% of 1RM in the HPC exercise.     

Cross training effects of non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscle strengthening exercise on paralytic dorsiflexor muscle activity,gait ability,and balancing ability in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized,controlled, pilot trial

Objective:To investigate the effects of non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscle strengthening exercise on functional abilities in chronic hemiplegic patients after stroke.Methods:A total of 21 patients with chronic stroke underwent dorsiflexion muscle strengthening exercise (MST) 5 times a week for 6 weeks (the experimental group, MST to non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscles, n=11; the control group, MST to paralytic dorsiflexion muscles; n=10). Paralytic dorsiflexor muscle activities (DFA) and 10 m walking tests (10MWT) and timed up and go tests (TUG) were measured before and after intervention.Results:A significant increase in DFA was observed after intervention in the experimental and control groups (p<0.05) (experimental 886.6% for reference voluntary contraction (RVC), control 931.6% for RVC). TUG and 10MWT results showed significant reductions post-intervention in the experimental and control groups (experimental group -5.6 sec, control -4.8 sec; experimental group -3.1 sec, control, -3.9 sec; respectively). No significant intergroup difference was observed between changes in DFA or between changes in TUG and 10MWT results after intervention (p>.05).Conclusion:Strengthening exercise performed on non-paralytic dorsiflexion muscles had positive cross-training effects on paralytic dorsiflexor muscle activities, balance abilities, and walking abilities in patients with chronic stroke.     

Population Distribution of the Sagittal Abdominal Diameter (SAD) from a Representative Sample of US Adults: Comparison of SAD,Waist Circumference and Body Mass Index for Identifying Dysglycemia

Background

The sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) measured in supine position is an alternative adiposity indicator that estimates the quantity of dysfunctional adipose tissue in the visceral depot. However, supine SAD’s distribution and its association with health risk at the population level are unknown. Here we describe standardized measurements of SAD, provide the first, national estimates of the SAD distribution among US adults, and test associations of SAD and other adiposity indicators with prevalent dysglycemia.

Methods and Findings

In the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, supine SAD was measured (“abdominal height”) between arms of a sliding-beam caliper at the level of the iliac crests. From 4817 non-pregnant adults (age ≥20; response rate 88%) we used sample weights to estimate SAD’s population distribution by sex and age groups. SAD’s population mean was 22.5 cm [95% confidence interval 22.2–22.8]; median was 21.9 cm [21.6–22.4]. The mean and median values of SAD were greater for men than women. For the subpopulation without diagnosed diabetes, we compared the abilities of SAD, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) to identify prevalent dysglycemia (HbA1c ≥5.7%). For age-adjusted, logistic-regression models in which sex-specific quartiles of SAD were considered simultaneously with quartiles of either WC or BMI, only SAD quartiles 3 (p<0.05 vs quartile 1) and 4 (p<0.001 vs quartile 1) remained associated with increased dysglycemia. Based on continuous adiposity indicators, analyses of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) indicated that the dysglycemia model fit for SAD (age-adjusted) was 0.734 for men (greater than the AUC for WC, p<0.001) and 0.764 for women (greater than the AUC for WC or BMI, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Measured inexpensively by bedside caliper, SAD was associated with dysglycemia independently of WC or BMI. Standardized SAD measurements may enhance assessment of dysfunctional adiposity.     

Relationship of C5L2 Receptor to Skeletal Muscle Substrate Utilization

Objective

To investigate the role of Acylation Stimulating Protein (ASP) receptor C5L2 in skeletal muscle fatty acid accumulation and metabolism as well as insulin sensitivity in both mice and human models of diet-induced insulin resistance.

Design and Methods

Male wildtype (WT) and C5L2 knockout (KO) mice were fed a low (LFD) or a high (HFD) fat diet for 10 weeks. Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) accumulation (by oil red O staining) and beta-oxidation HADH enzyme activity were determined in skeletal muscle. Mitochondria were isolated from hindleg muscles for high-resolution respirometry. Muscle C5L2 protein content was also determined in obese type 2 diabetics and age- and BMI matched men.

Results

IMCL levels were increased by six-fold in C5L2KO-HFD compared to WT-HFD mice (p<0.05) and plasma insulin levels were markedly increased in C5L2KO-HFD mice (twofold, p<0.05). Muscle HADH activity was elevated in C5L2KO-LFD mice (+75%, p<0.001 vs. WT-LFD) and C5L2KO-HFD displayed increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidative capacity compared to WT-HFD mice (+23%, p<0.05). In human subjects, C5L2 protein content was reduced (−48%, p<0.01) in type 2 diabetic patients when compared to obese controls. Further, exercise training increased C5L2 (+45%, p = 0.0019) and ASP (+80%, p<0.001) in obese insulin-resistant men.

Conclusion

The results suggest that insulin sensitivity may be permissive for coupling of C5L2 levels to lipid storage and utilization.     

Gender Differences in In-Hospital Clinical Outcomes after Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: An Insight from a Japanese Multicenter Registry

Background

Gender differences in clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among different age groups are controversial in the era of drug-eluting stents, especially among the Asian population who are at higher risk for bleeding complications.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data from 10,220 patients who underwent PCI procedures performed at 14 Japanese hospitals from September 2008 to April 2013. A total of 2,106 (20.6%) patients were women. Women were older (72.7±9.7 vs 66.6±10.8 years, p<0.001), and had a lower body mass index (23.4±4.0 vs 24.3±3.5, p<0.001), with a higher prevalence of hypertension (p<0.001), hyperlipidemia (p<0.001), insulin-dependent diabetes (p<0.001), renal failure (p<0.001), and heart failure (p<0.001) compared with men. Men tended to have more bifurcation lesions (p = 0.003) and chronic totally occluded lesions (p<0.001) than women. Crude overall complications (14.8% vs 9.5%, p<0.001) and the rate of bleeding complications (5.3% vs 2.8%, p<0.001) were significantly higher in women than in men. On multivariate analysis in the total cohort, female sex was an independent predictor of overall complications (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.26–1.71; p<0.001) and bleeding complications (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.36–2.24; p<0.001) after adjustment for confounding variables. A similar trend was observed across the middle-aged group (≥55 and <75 years) and old age group (≥75 years).

Conclusions

Women are at higher risk than men for post-procedural complications after PCI, regardless of age.     

THE RELEVANT USE OF THE TRADITIONAL TUNISIAN GAME ‘‘RAQASSA’’ FOR CARDIOVASCULAR STIMULATION IN SCHOOLCHILDREN

The aim of this study was to investigate the heart rate (HR) responses, the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and the feeling during physical education schooling while performing traditional games activities compared to intermittent exercise. Nineteen pre-pubertal children randomly performed on different days two types of lessons (intermittent running mode vs. traditional Tunisian “Raqassa” game) lasting 12-min each. HR was continuously recorded during both lessons, while ratings of perceived exertion and Feeling values were recorded after the sessions. The mean HR value during the traditional game was significantly higher than during intermittent exercise (p<0.05). Conversely, the perceived exertion score was significantly higher after intermittent exercise than the traditional exercise game (p<0.05), showing that the higher cardiovascular strain of the game was perceived as “lighter” than the run. Simultaneously, the children''s Feeling was significantly higher after the traditional game than intermittent exercise (p<0.001), showing a higher satisfaction from playing with respect to running. Exercise based on the “Raqassa” traditional game could be used in pre-pubertal children as an alternative or as an additional method for suitable cardiovascular stimulation during physical education lessons with lower perceived exertion and better feeling compared to intermittent running.     

Efficacy of core stability training on upper extremity performance in collegiate athletes

Objective:To determine the efficacy of a five-week core stability training program for collegiate athletes on upper extremity performance measures.Methods:Seventy healthy collegiate athletes (age 21.6±1.7years; height 175±4.63 cm; body mass 65.31±5.63 kg) were randomly allocated to experimental (n=35) and control group (n=35). The experimental group has undergone a five-week core stabilisation protocol (three days /week) and regular training, whereas the control group maintained their regular training. The upper quarter Y balance test (UQ-YBT) and Functional throwing performance index (FTPI) were assessed pre and post-training.Results:The results of mixed ANOVA show that there was a significant interaction between time and group variables on YBT (p<0.001, η_p² =0.759) and FTPI (p<0.001, η_p² =0.411) after five weeks of core stability training. Statistically, significant improvement was shown in YBT (mean change=15.2, p<0.001) and FTPI (mean change=14.4, p<0.001) in the experimental group; however, there was no significant change observed in both outcomes in the control groups.Conclusion:After five weeks of core stabilisation training program, the measures of UQ-YBT and FTPI were improved, thus advocating the use of a core stabilisation training program among collegiate athletes to enhance their upper extremity performance.