An Acute Increase of Dietary Protein Intake Elicits Positive Cellular Metabolic Adaptations in Healthy Males

There is emerging literature demonstrating that restricting dietary carbohydrate (CHO) intake might upregulate cellular markers of mitochondrial biogenesis. Mitochondria quantity and density has been linked with increased endurance performance, reduction in type 2 diabetes and improved insulin sensitivity. A number of transcriptional cellular markers have been identified as key regulators of this process. PURPOSE: To determine the influence of 7 days dietary manipulation on resting metabolic rate (RMR), body composition and transcriptional markers of mitochondrial biogenesis. METHOD: Forty-six healthy male participants (mean ± SD; age (years), body mass (kg), height (cm); 28 ± 5, 75.6 ± 11.1, 178.0 ± 4.9, respectively) were recruited and randomised to one of four conditions: energy matched high protein (PRO-EM), energy restricted high protein (PRO-ER), energy matched high carbohydrate (CHO-EM) or energy restricted high carbohydrate (CHO-ER). Macronutrient ratios (PRO:CHO:FAT) of 40:30:30 and 60:10:30 were used for high protein and high carbohydrate conditions, respectively. Calorific intake for energy restricted groups was matched to RMR. Participants visited the laboratory on 3 occasions across 15 days. On days 0, 7 and 15 participants completed assessments of body composition (DEXA) and RMR (indirect calorimetry), prior to providing a muscle biopsy from the vastus lateralis for later analysis of transcriptional markers via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Between days 1 & 7 and 7 & 14 participants consumed their habitual and prescribed diets, respectively. Laboratory testing was completed following an overnight fast and at the same time of day on each occasion. RESULTS: No difference in RMR was observed in any group across all time points. AMPK, PGC-1a, SIRT1 and PPAR expression was increased in the PRO-ER group (1.32, 1.20, 1.45 and 1.41 fold, respectively). Transcriptional markers were not affected in either CHO group. The CHO-ER group demonstrated a greater loss in lean mass relative to the PRO-EM (-2.22 vs -0.35%,) and body mass loss relative to both CHO-EM and PRO-EM (-2.85 vs -0.95 vs -1.47%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A restriction energy intake combined with increased protein consumption for 7 days increases transcriptional markers of mitochondrial biogenesis

Evaluation of nutrition knowledge in elite and sub-elite Gaelic football players

Nutrition knowledge is a key factor for consideration when evaluating the dietary intake of athletes. Positive associations have been established between higher nutrition knowledge and improved quality of dietary intake. Given the negative impact poor nutrition can have on performance and training adaptation, further investigation into athletes’ nutrition knowledge is warranted. Inadequacies in Gaelic football players dietary intake have been observed however, no assessment of nutrition knowledge has been reported. This study examined players knowledge and compared results by playing level, education level, and history of nutrition education. An online survey was disseminated to a sample of male Gaelic football players (n = 152, mean age = 24.5 ± 5.9). This included 68 club (sub-elite) and 84 inter-county players (elite). Total score was 44.3 ± 12.7%, classified as “poor” and lower than previous findings from similar sports. There were no differences between playing level, however when grouped by education level those with master’s degree scored higher by 9.9% in comparison to leaving certificate (upper secondary) (P= 0.009, d = .805). Those with previous nutrition education also demonstrated higher scores by 12.5% (P<.001, d = 1.096). The evidence presented highlights that Gaelic football players may benefit from evidence-based nutrition education interventions

Physiological and Cognitive Responses to an Antarctic Expedition: A Case Report

Purpose: To assess changes in body composition and monitor cognitive function, subjective well-being, and physiological stress, as measured by salivary hormones and markers of mucosal immunity, during an Antarctic expedition. Methods: A 36-y-old man (188.2 cm height, 94.5 kg body mass) took part in a world-record attempt. A total-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and measurement of 8 skinfolds and 5 girths were performed before and after the expedition. In addition, daily subjective data were recorded (sleep quality, total hours of sleep, energy levels, perceived exertion, mood, muscle soreness, and muscle/joint pain) along with distance covered and hours of physical activity per day. As a measure of cognitive function, the athlete completed a computerized battery of tasks (Axon Sports Cognitive Priming Application) every third morning. Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after the expedition to determine salivary cortisol (sCort), testosterone (sT), alpha amylase (sAA), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). Results: The athlete lost 5.3 kg body mass and sum of 8 skinfolds decreased from 73 mm to 59 mm from preexpedition to postexpedition. Psychomotor speed declined over the course of the expedition. sT increased and sCort decreased throughout, and sAA and sIgA peaked toward the end of the expedition. Conclusions: This case study provides novel data about the physiological and cognitive impact of an Antarctic expedition. The findings may inform strategies for future expeditions, allowing individuals undertaking expeditions of this nature to better prepare for success

The Physiological Profile of a Multiple Tour de France Winning Cyclist.

INTRODUCTION: This case study reports a range of physiological characteristics in a two-time Tour de France champion. METHODS: After body composition assessment (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry), two submaximal cycling step tests were performed in ambient (20°C, 40%) and hot and humid (30°C, 60% [HH]) conditions from which measures of gross efficiency (GE), lactate-power landmarks, and heart rate responses were calculated. In addition, thermoregulatory and sweat responses were collected throughout. V˙O2peak and peak power output (PPO) were also identified after a separate ramp test to exhaustion. RESULTS: V˙O2peak and PPO were 5.91 L·min (84 mL·kg·min) and 525 W, respectively, whereas mean GE values were 23.0% and 23.6% for ambient and HH conditions, respectively. In addition to superior GE, power output at 4 mmol·L lactate was higher in HH versus ambient conditions (429.6 vs 419.0 W) supporting anecdotal reports from the participant of good performance in the heat. Peak core and skin temperature, sweat rate, and electrolyte content were higher in HH conditions. Body fat percentage was 9.5%, whereas total fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral content were 6.7, 61.5, and 2.8 kg, respectively. CONCLUSION: The aerobic physiology and PPO values indentified are among the highest reported for professional road cyclists. Notably, the participant displayed both a high V˙O2peak and GE, which is uncommon among elite cyclists and may be a contributing factor to their success in elite cycling. In addition, performance in HH conditions was strong, suggesting effective thermoregulatory physiology. In summary, this is the first study to report physiological characteristics of a multiple Tour de France champion in close to peak condition and suggests what may be the prerequisite physiological and thermoregulatory capacities for success at this level

Human physiological and metabolic responses to an attempted winter crossing of Antarctica: the effects of prolonged hypobaric hypoxia.

An insufficient supply of oxygen to the tissues (hypoxia), as is experienced upon high-altitude exposure, elicits physiological acclimatization mechanisms alongside metabolic remodeling. Details of the integrative adaptive processes in response to chronic hypobaric hypoxic exposure remain to be sufficiently investigated. In this small applied field study, subjects (n = 5, male, age 28-54 years) undertook a 40 week Antarctica expedition in the winter months, which included 24 weeks residing above 2500 m. Measurements taken pre- and postexpedition revealed alterations to glucose and fatty acid resonances within the serum metabolic profile, a 7.8 (±3.6)% increase in respiratory exchange ratio measured during incremental exercise (area under curve, P > 0.01, mean ± SD) and a 2.1(±0.8) % decrease in fat tissue (P 0.001) in VO2 max corrected to % lean mass postexpedition. In addition, spine bone mineral density and lung function measures were identified as novel parameters of interest. This study provides, an in-depth characterization of the responses to chronic hypobaric hypoxic exposure in one of the most hostile environments on Earth

Qualified nurses' perceptions of cultural competence and experiences of caring for culturally diverse patients: A qualitative study in four European countries

Background: European nurses are expected to provide appropriate care for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. However, there is limited knowledge and understanding of this process. The aim of this study was to analyse the perceptions of culture and experiences of caring for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds of a purposive sample of qualified nurses from four European countries, namely Belgium, Portugal, Spain and Turkey. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological approach was selected in order to understand complex phenomena through the participants' lived experiences, meanings and perspectives. Individual interviews and focus groups took place with 28 staff nurses and 11 nurse managers from four European countries. The sociodemographic and cultural characteristics of the sample were described and analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim, translated into English and analysed following Braun and Clark's phases for thematic analysis. Results: Five themes and twelve subthemes emerged from thematic analysis of the transcripts. The themes included: (1) relevance of culture for nursing; (2) culture in the healthcare service; (3) qualities of the healthcare professionals; (4) challenges to culturally competent care; (5) becoming a culturally competent nurse. Conclusions: There are challenges to the delivery of culturally congruent care, namely language and communication difficulties, prejudices and stereotyping in the health service, a tendency for ethnocentrism, a lack of education and training in cultural competence and a lack of support from the health service to facilitate new ways of acting.Erasmus+ program under Key Action 203 Strategic Partnerships for Higher Educatio