Creatine supplementation does not decrease oxidative stress and inflammation in skeletal muscle after eccentric exercise

Abstract

Thirty-six male rats were used; divided into 6 groups (n = 6): saline; creatine (Cr); eccentric exercise (EE) plus saline 24 h (saline + 24 h); eccentric exercise plus Cr 24 h (Cr + 24 h); eccentric exercise plus saline 48 h (saline + 48 h); and eccentric exercise plus Cr 48 h (Cr + 48h). Cr supplementation was administered as a solution of 300 mg · kg body weight^?1 · day^?1 in 1 mL water, for two weeks, before the eccentric exercise. The animals were submitted to one downhill run session at 1.0 km · h^?1 until exhaustion. Twenty-four and forty-eight hours after the exercise, the animals were killed, and the quadriceps were removed. Creatine kinase levels, superoxide production, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level, carbonyl content, total thiol content, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, interleukin-1b (IL-1β), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kb), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) were analysed. Cr supplementation neither decreases Cr kinase, superoxide production, lipoperoxidation, carbonylation, total thiol, IL-1β, NF-kb, or TNF nor alters the enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxides in relation to the saline group, respectively (P < 0.05). There are positive correlations between Cr kinase and TBARS and TNF-α 48 hours after eccentric exercise. The present study suggests that Cr supplementation does not decrease oxidative stress and inflammation after eccentric contraction.     

Exercise training increases the S-Klotho plasma levels in sedentary middle-aged adults: A randomised controlled trial. The FIT-AGEING study

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different training modalities on the soluble Klotho (S-Klotho) plasma levels in sedentary middle-aged adults. A total of 74 middle-aged adults (53.4 ± 5.0 years old; 52.7% women) were enrolled in the FIT-AGEING study. We conducted a 12-week randomised controlled trial. The participants were randomly assigned to 4 different groups: (i) a control group (no exercise), (ii) a physical activity recommendation from the World Health Organization group (PAR), (iii) a high intensity interval training group (HIIT), and (iv) a high intensity interval training group adding whole-body electromyostimulation training group (HIIT-EMS). S-Klotho plasma levels, anthropometric measurements, and body composition variables were measured before and after the intervention programme. All exercise training modalities induced an increase in the S-Klotho plasma levels (all P ≤ 0.019) without statistical differences between them (all P ≥ 0.696). We found a positive association between changes in lean mass index and changes in the S-Klotho plasma levels, whereas a negative association was reported between changes in fat mass outcomes and changes in the S-Klotho plasma levels after our intervention study. In conclusion, our results suggest that the link between exercise training and the increase in S-Klotho plasma levels could be mediated by a decrease of fat mass and an increase of lean mass.     

Nutritional strategies for promoting fat utilization and delaying the onset of fatigue during prolonged exercise

Carbohydrate ingestion before and during endurance exercise delays the onset of fatigue (reduced power output). Therefore, endurance athletes are recommended to ingest diets high in carbohydrate (70% of total energy) during competition and training. However, increasing the availability of plasma free fatty acids has been shown to slow the rate of muscle and liver glycogen depletion by promoting the utilization of fat. Ingested fat, in the form of long-chain (C 16-22 ) triacylglycerols, is largely unavailable during acute exercise, but medium-chain (C 8-10 ) triacylglycerols are rapidly absorbed and oxidized. We have shown that the ingestion of medium-chain triacylglycerols in combination with carbohydrate spares muscle carbohydrate stores during 2 h of submaximal (< 70% VO 2 peak) cycling exercise, and improves 40 km time-trial performance. These data suggest that by combining carbohydrate and medium-chain triacylglycerols as a pre-exercise supplement and as a nutritional supplement during exercise, fat oxidation will be enhanced, and endogenous carbohydrate will be spared. We have also examined the chronic metabolic adaptations and effects on substrate utilization and endurance performance when athletes ingest a diet that is high in fat (> 70% by energy). Dietary fat adaptation for a period of at least 2-4 weeks has resulted in a nearly two-fold increase in resistance to fatigue during prolonged, low- to moderate-intensity cycling (< 70% VO 2 peak). Moreover, preliminary studies suggest that mean cycling 20 km time-trial performance following prolonged submaximal exercise is enhanced by 80 s after dietary fat adaptation and 3 days of carbohydrate loading. Thus the relative contribution of fuel substrate to prolonged endurance activity may be modified by training, pre-exercise feeding, habitual diet, or by artificially altering the hormonal milieu or the availability of circulating fuels. The time course and dose-response of these effects on maximizing the oxidative contribution of fat for exercise metabolism and in exercise performance have not been systematically studied during moderate- to high-intensity exercise in humans.     

The influence of intermittent high-intensity shuttle running and fluid ingestion on the performance of a soccer skill

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of intermittent high-intensity shuttle running and fluid ingestion on the performance of a soccer skill. Nine semi-professional soccer players volunteered to participate in the study. Their mean (± _sx ) age, body mass and maximal oxygen uptake were 20.2 ± 0.4 years, 73.2 ± 1.8 kg and 59.1 ± 1.3 ml·kg^-1 ·min^-1 respectively. The players were allocated to two randomly assigned trials: ingesting or abstaining from fluid intake during a 90 min intermittent exercise protocol (Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test:LIST).This test was designed to simulate the minimum physical demands faced by soccer players during a game. Before and immediately after performance of the test,the players completed a soccer skill test and a mental concentration test. Performance of the soccer skill test after the 'no-fluid' trial deteriorated by 5% (P ? 0.05),but was maintained during the fluid trial. Mean heart rate, perceived exertion, serum aldosterone, osmolality, sodium and cortisol responses during the test were higher (P ? 0.05) in the 'no-fluid' trial than in the fluid trial. The results of this study suggest that soccer players should consume fluid throughout a game to help prevent a deterioration in skill performance.     

Prolonged static stretching does not influence running economy despite changes in neuromuscular function

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of prolonged static stretching (SS) on running economy. Ten male runners (VO2(peak) 60.1 +/- 7.3 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) performed 10 min of treadmill running at 70% VO2(peak) before and after SS and no stretching interventions. For the stretching intervention, each leg was stretched unilaterally for 40 s with each of eight different exercises and this was repeated three times. Respiratory gas exchange was measured throughout the running exercise with an automated gas analysis system. On a separate day, participants were tested for sit and reach range of motion, isometric strength and countermovement jump height before and after SS. The oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio and heart rate responses to running were unaffected by the stretching intervention. This was despite a significant effect of SS on neuromuscular function (sit and reach range of motion, +2.7 +/- 0.6 cm; isometric strength, -5.6% +/- 3.4%; countermovement jump height -5.5% +/- 3.4%; all P < 0.05). The results suggest that prolonged SS does not influence running economy despite changes in neuromuscular function.     

Comparative study of Anaplasma parasites in tick carrying buffaloes and cattle

INTRODUCTION The world population of buffaloes(Bubalus bubalis)has been estimated at over172million head,more than97%(167.6million)of which are in Asia and the Pacific region,mainly in India(97.7million)and Pakistan(25.5million)(FAO,2004).About98%of buffaloes in the region are raised by small farmers owning less than two hectares of land and less than five buffaloes(Mudgal,1992).In general,the water buffalo is regarded as more productive,healthier and more useful than the cow,especiall…     

Anatomical studies on water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) under the influence of textile wastewater

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) is a prolific free floating aquatic macrohpyte found in tropical and subtropical parts of the earth. The effects of pollutants from textile wastewater on the anatomy of the plant were studied. Water hyacinth exhibits hydrophytic adaptations which include reduced epidermis cells lacking cuticle in most cases, presence of large air spaces (7∼50 μm), reduced vascular tissue and absorbing structures. Textile waste significantly affected the size of root cells. The presence of raphide crystals was noted in parenchyma cells of various organs in treated plants. Project (No. 30070017) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China     

African Oral Traditions: Riddles Among The Haya of Northwestern Tanzania

This study argues for the integration of African oral traditions and other elements of traditional learning into the modern school curriculum. It thus contributes to supporting the increased relevance of education to local communities. In particular, using the example of riddles collected from one of the main ethnic groups in Northwestern Tanzania, the Haya people, the present study challenges the views of those social and cultural anthropologists who hold that African riddles have no substantially meaningful educational value. Instead, it is maintained that riddles make an important contribution to children’s full participation in the social, cultural, political, and economic life of African communities, especially by fostering critical thinking and transmitting indigenous knowledge.

---

Zusammenfassung MÜNDLICHE TRADITIONEN IN AFRIKA: DER ERZIEHERISCHE WERT VON RÄTSELN BEI DEN HAYA IM NORDWESTLICHEN TANSANIA – Diese Studie argumentiert für die Einbeziehung afrikanischer mündlicher Traditionen und anderer Elemente traditionellen Lernens in den modernen schulischen Lehrplan. Sie fördert somit die gestiegene Bedeutung der Bildung für die örtlichen Gemeinschaften. Insbesondere begegnet die vorliegende Studie, indem sie das Beispiel von Rätseln gebraucht, die bei einer der Hauptvolksgruppen im nordwestlichen Tansania, dem Volk der Haya, gesammelt wurden, den Ansichten derjenigen Sozial- und Kulturanthropologen, die behaupten, dass afrikanische Rätsel keinen wesentlich bedeutungsvollen erzieherischen Wert haben. Stattdessen wird die These aufgestellt, dass Rätsel einen wichtigen Beitrag zur vollständigen Teilnahme von Kindern am gesellschaftlichen, kulturellen, politischen sowie wirtschaftlichen Leben afrikanischer Gemeinschaften leisten, besonders durch die Förderung von kritischem Denken und die Weitergabe des Wissens der Eingeborenen.

---

Resumen TRADICIONES ORALES AFRICANAS: EL VALOR EDUCATIVO DE LAS ADIVINANZAS PARA EL PUEBLO DE LOS HAYA EN EL NOROESTE DE TANZANÍA – Con este trabajo, el autor aboga por una integración de tradiciones orales africanas y de otros elementos de aprendizaje tradicional en los actuales planes de estudios de las escuelas. Al mismo tiempo, hace énfasis en la creciente relevancia que la educación tiene para las comunidades locales. Con este estudio, el autor desafía la posición de aquellos antropólogos sociales y culturales que sostienen que las adivinanzas africanas no tienen ningún valor educativo digno de mención, ante todo presentando el ejemplo de adivinanzas que ha recopilado entre los miembros del pueblo de los haya, uno de los principales grupos étnicos del noroeste de Tanzanía. Por lo contrario, el autor afirma que las adivinanzas promueven en gran medida la participación plena de los niños en la vida social, cultural, política y económica de las comunidades africanas, ante todo porque incentivan el pensamiento crítico y transmiten conocimientos indígenas.

---

Résumé TRADITIONS ORALES AFRICAINES : LA VALEUR ÉDUCATIVE DES ÉNIGMES CHEZ LES HAYAS DE LA TANZANIE DU NORD-OUEST – Cette étude argumente en faveur de l’intégration des traditions orales africaines et autres éléments de l’apprentissage traditionnel dans le programme d’étude de l’école moderne. Elle contribue ainsi à soutenir la pertinance accrue de l’éducation au sein des communautés locales. En particulier, utilisant l’exemple des énigmes recueillies chez l’un des principaux groupes ethniques de la Tanzanie du Nord-Ouest, le peuple Haya, l’étude présente conteste les vues de ces anthropologues sociaux et culturels qui soutiennent que les énigmes africaines n’ont pas de valeur éducative substantiellement significative. Au lieu de cela, on maintient que les énigmes apportent une contribution importante à la pleine participation des enfants à la vie sociale, culturelle, politique et économique des communautés africaines, spécialement en ce qu’elles favorisent la pensée critique et transmettent les connaissances indigènes.

     

What's in It for Me? Incentives,Learning, and Completion in Massive Open Online Courses

This study investigated the distribution of incentives (e.g., certificates, badges) for massive open online course (MOOC) completion, and relationships between incentives and MOOC outcomes. Participants were 779 MOOC students internationally who participated in at least 303 different MOOCs offered by at least 12 providers. MOOC participants most commonly intended to receive, and in actuality received, free and paid course certificates of completion; other incentives (e.g., digital badges, postsecondary credits) were far less common. In addition, MOOC participants' intentions to receive both free and paid certificates were consistently and positively related to perceived learning and course completion, net other factors. (Keywords: massive open online courses, MOOCs, motivation, incentives, microcredentials, certificates of completion)     

Teen Perceptions of the Promotion of Safer Sexual Practices: A Focus Group Study

Teens' own thoughts on fostering safe sexual practice are important perspectives in promoting adolescent sexual health yet are relatively absent in the literature. This focus group study explored teens' perceptions about the supports and challenges that exist as teens strive to engage in healthy sexual practices. Seventy-five teens participated in 11 focus groups using a semi-structured interview guide. School-based health centers provided the setting and facilitated sample recruitment. Focus groups were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using the focus group guide as a template and typologies, or clusters of concepts, were extracted to establish teen perceptions of the factors that support and challenge their ability to engage in safe sexual practices. The socio-ecological model provided the framework to identify these factors within the individual, family/parent, relational (peer/partner), community, or societal spheres of influence. Results discussed the importance of parents, the value of confidentiality, respect for teen decision-making, relationships skills, developmental aspects of the adolescent years, and social interpretations of gender. These findings revealed important considerations as adults develop policies, messages, and programs designed to promote safe sexual behavior in teens.