Energy expenditure of rugby players during a 14-day in-season period, measured using doubly labelled water.

Criterion data for total energy expenditure (TEE) in elite rugby are lacking, which prediction equations may not reflect accurately. This study quantified TEE of 27 elite male rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players (U16, U20, U24 age groups) during a 14-day in-season period using doubly labelled water (DLW). Measured TEE was also compared to estimated, using prediction equations. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry, and physical activity level (PAL) estimated (TEE:RMR). Differences in measured TEE were unclear by code and age (RL, 4369 ± 979; RU, 4365 ± 1122; U16, 4010 ± 744; U20, 4414 ± 688; U24, 4761 ± 1523 Kcal.day-1). Differences in PAL (overall mean 2.0 ± 0.4) were unclear. Very likely differences were observed in RMR by code (RL, 2366 ± 296; RU, 2123 ± 269 Kcal.day-1). Differences in relative RMR between U20 and U24 were very likely (U16, 27 ± 4; U20, 23 ± 3; U24, 26 ± 5 Kcal.kg-1.day-1). Differences were observed between measured and estimated TEE, using Schofield, Cunningham and Harris-Benedict equations for U16 (187 ± 614, unclear; -489 ± 564, likely and -90 ± 579, unclear Kcal.day-1), U20 (-449 ± 698, likely; -785 ± 650, very likely and -452 ± 684, likely Kcal.day-1) and U24 players (-428 ± 1292; -605 ± 1493 and -461 ± 1314 Kcal.day-1, all unclear). Rugby players have high TEE, which should be acknowledged. Large inter-player variability in TEE was observed demonstrating heterogeneity within groups, thus published equations may not appropriately estimate TEE

Comparative genomics reveals phylogenetic distribution patterns of secondary metabolites in Amycolatopsis species

Background Genome mining tools have enabled us to predict biosynthetic gene clusters that might encode compounds with valuable functions for industrial and medical applications. With the continuously increasing number of genomes sequenced, we are confronted with an overwhelming number of predicted clusters. In order to guide the effective prioritization of biosynthetic gene clusters towards finding the most promising compounds, knowledge about diversity, phylogenetic relationships and distribution patterns of biosynthetic gene clusters is necessary. Results Here, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the model actinobacterial genus Amycolatopsis and its potential for the production of secondary metabolites. A phylogenetic characterization, together with a pan-genome analysis showed that within this highly diverse genus, four major lineages could be distinguished which differed in their potential to produce secondary metabolites. Furthermore, we were able to distinguish gene cluster families whose distribution correlated with phylogeny, indicating that vertical gene transfer plays a major role in the evolution of secondary metabolite gene clusters. Still, the vast majority of the diverse biosynthetic gene clusters were derived from clusters unique to the genus, and also unique in comparison to a database of known compounds. Our study on the locations of biosynthetic gene clusters in the genomes of Amycolatopsis’ strains showed that clusters acquired by horizontal gene transfer tend to be incorporated into non-conserved regions of the genome thereby allowing us to distinguish core and hypervariable regions in Amycolatopsis genomes. Conclusions Using a comparative genomics approach, it was possible to determine the potential of the genus Amycolatopsis to produce a huge diversity of secondary metabolites. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that horizontal and vertical gene transfer play an important role in the acquisition and maintenance of valuable secondary metabolites. Our results cast light on the interconnections between secondary metabolite gene clusters and provide a way to prioritize biosynthetic pathways in the search and discovery of novel compounds

Amycolatopsis nigrescens sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a Roman catacomb

The taxonomic status of two actinomycetes isolated from the wall of a hypogean Roman catacomb was established based on a polyphasic investigation. The organisms were found to have chemical and morphological markers typical of members of the genus Amycolatopsis. They also shared a range of chemical, molecular and phenotypic markers which served to separate them from representatives of recognized Amycolatopsis species. The new isolates formed a branch in the Amycolatopsis 16S rRNA gene sequence tree with Amycolatopsis minnesotensis NRRL B-24435T, but this association was not supported by a particularly high bootstrap value or by the product of the maximum-parsimony tree-making algorithm. The organisms were distinguished readily from closely related Amycolatopsis species based on a combination of phenotypic properties and from all Amycolatopsis strains by their characteristic menaquinone profiles, in which tetra-hydrogenated menaquinones with 11 isoprene units predominated. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data indicate that the isolates merit recognition as representing a novel species of the genus Amycolatopsis. The name proposed for this novel species is Amycolatopsis nigrescens sp. nov., with type strain CSC17Ta-90T (= HKI 0330T = DSM 44992T = NRRL B-24473T).This work was supported by the European Commission Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development Programme (contract EVK4-CT-2000-00028).Peer Reviewe

Nutritional behaviour of nurses working night shifts

Hintergrund Schicht- und Nachtarbeit beeinflussen das Ernährungsverhalten. Dies kann zur Entstehung von ernährungsmitbedingten Erkrankungen führen. Dennoch liegen für Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger, als größte von Schichtarbeit betroffene Berufsgruppe, im Gesundheitswesen bisher kaum Daten vor. Ziel ist es daher, das Ernährungsverhaltens von Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegern (GKP) während des Nachtdienstes zu erfassen. Methode Das Ernährungsverhalten von 19 GKP wurde mithilfe eines „doubly labelled water“ validierten, offenen 3?Tage-Ernährungsprotokolls erfasst. Die ermittelte tägliche Zufuhr verschiedener Lebensmittelgruppen wurde mit den gesundheitsförderlichen Orientierungswerten verglichen. Ergebnisse GKP weisen Defizite bei der Umsetzung der Ernährungsempfehlungen auf. Dies betrifft insbesondere den zu geringen Konsum von Gemüse (1,43?±?0,88 Portionen [P]/Tag), Obst (1,54?±?1,21?P/Tag) und Getreideprodukten (2,36?±?0,93?P/Tag). Diskussion Hinsichtlich des Lebensmittelverzehrs wurden keine Unterschiede zwischen den GKP und der deutschen Bevölkerung erfasst. Stattdessen wurden während der Schichtarbeit eine Umverteilung der Mahlzeiten von Tag zu Nacht, ungewöhnliche und unregelmäßige Essenszeiten sowie ein geringer Verzehr warmer Mahlzeiten beobachtet. Aufgrund dieser Defizite sollten gesundheitsförderliche Maßnahmen auf Verhaltens- und Verhältnisebene in den Klinikalltag integriert werden

Sports Nutrition - Current Recommendations

Adequate intake of high quality proteins and amino acids is essential for the body in order to build up structures such as muscle, tendons, ligaments and bone. Protein intake also regulates and affects various metabolic processes, including hormonal regulation. Accordingly, proteins and amino acids are, to varying extents, able to stimulate or inhibit anabolic signal transduction pathways and the synthesis and secretion of various hormones such as insulin, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).This means that tailoring protein intake to an athletes specific type of sport and exercise intensity can be helpful in supporting the training process and improving performance. The aims of adjusting intake in this way may include maintaining or building muscle mass or muscle strength, preventing a catabolic state, and improving recovery following exercise.Even though the importance of protein intake in the field of sport is increasingly well-known, there is still much controversy regarding intake levels, types of protein sources, optimal amino acid composition, and ideal timing of intake. The lay press and commercial websites in particular often provide biased or incorrect recommendations without scientific evidence.This position paper summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the physiological effects of protein intake in sports, paying particular attention to the aspects of intake level and the dose-response relationship. Key Words: Metabolic Processes, Amino Acids, Muscle, Dose-Response Relationship, Performance, Regeneratio

HISTORY OF PUBLIC SCHOOL ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION IN FRESNO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. - Page 188

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy during physical exercise. Carbohydrates lead to a higher energy yield and higher energy flux per liter of oxygen than the oxidation of fatty acids. However, the storage capacity for carbohydrates in liver and muscles is limited.Therefore, athletes performing prolonged endurance or intermittent high-intensity exercise should include a high proportion of carbohydrates in their daily diet. The individual amount depends on body weight and the extent of physical activity. Energy expenditure during physical exercise results in a gradual depletion of carbohydrate stores. The extent to which carbohydrate stores are depleted is dependent on the duration and intensity of exercise.Therefore, particularly during prolonged intense exercise, performance may be improved by consuming an adequate quantity of carbohydrates during exercise. In addition, following a long period of intensive physical activity, rapid post-exercise intake of carbohydrates can help replenish carbohydrate stores more quickly.This position paper sets out current guidelines for the type, quantity and timing of carbohydrate intake in sport. It will also discuss the significance of carbohydrate loading, the glycemic index, and training without prior intake of carbohydrates. Key Words: Carbohydrate Intake, Glycemic Index, Physical Activity, Glycogen Stores, Energy Suppl

Sports Nutrition - Current Recommendations

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy during physical exercise. Carbohydrates lead to a higher energy yield and higher energy flux per liter of oxygen than the oxidation of fatty acids. However, the storage capacity for carbohydrates in liver and muscles is limited.Therefore, athletes performing prolonged endurance or intermittent high-intensity exercise should include a high proportion of carbohydrates in their daily diet. The individual amount depends on body weight and the extent of physical activity. Energy expenditure during physical exercise results in a gradual depletion of carbohydrate stores. The extent to which carbohydrate stores are depleted is dependent on the duration and intensity of exercise.Therefore, particularly during prolonged intense exercise, performance may be improved by consuming an adequate quantity of carbohydrates during exercise. In addition, following a long period of intensive physical activity, rapid post-exercise intake of carbohydrates can help replenish carbohydrate stores more quickly.This position paper sets out current guidelines for the type, quantity and timing of carbohydrate intake in sport. It will also discuss the significance of carbohydrate loading, the glycemic index, and training without prior intake of carbohydrates. Key Words: Carbohydrate Intake, Glycemic Index, Physical Activity, Glycogen Stores, Energy Suppl

Sports Nutrition - Current Recommendations

This position paper deals with safety aspects of the use of dietary supplements (DS) in sports. DS are legally classified as foodstuffs and may contain vitamins, minerals and other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect. In the case of other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, it is currently not specifically regulated, with a few exceptions, which individual substances may be added, provided the products are still classified as foods. DS are offered in a wide variety and can be purchased worldwide via the internet. In Germany, they are only subject to a notification requirement before being launched on the market; they are not subject to safety assessment by state authorities. The manufacturers/distributors of the DS are responsible for their safety and for ensuring that consumers are not misled by the product presentation and promotion.For athletes, a balanced diet that is adapted to their needs is a basic requirement and one of the preconditions for good athletic performance. DS are no replacement for a balanced diet.In sports, the use of DS or products that contain micronutrients and other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect should not be conducted uncritically. Possible risks, such as an unintentional violation of anti-doping regulations or potential health risks, should be considered. Key Words: Doping Risk, Wada Prohibited List, Health Risks, Vitamins, Minerals, Caffein

Sports Nutrition - Current Recommendations

This position statement represents the current state of scientific knowledge regarding the recommended fat intake in ambitious recreational and high level sports. It also addresses dietary strategies (fat-loading methods) and food supplements that are designed to influence fat metabolism during physical exercise.No recommendation has so far been established for sports-specific fat intake in absolute numbers (g/kg body weight [BW]/d), in line with international practices regarding carbohydrate and protein. However, there is consensus among scientific sports medicine associations that fat consumption should not exceed 30% of the energy intake (E%), nor fall below 20 E%, particularly in endurance sports.Before competitions, some athletes practice fat-loading strategies which include a ketogenic diet. This procedure is not advisable, as there is no scientific evidence of improvement in either endurance (>70% VO2max) or sprint/strength performance. Moreover, the extensive restriction of carbohydrate intake is not in accordance with the internationally-accepted nutritional guidelines for athletes, and the food choice is unbalanced according to the recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE).The current use of dietary supplements which are supposed to improve the availability/oxidation of fatty acids, e.g. caffeine, carnitine, fish oil, middle chain triglycerides (MCT), is also generally discouraged. Key Words: Dietary Supplements, Ketogenic Diet, Carnitine, Fish Oil, Middle Chain Triglycerides (MCT