The effect of sex, menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use on intestinal permeability and ex-vivo monocyte TNFα release following treatment with lipopolysaccharide and hyperthermia

Investigate the impact of sex, menstrual cycle phase and oral contraceptive use on intestinal permeability and ex-vivo tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) release following treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hyperthermia. Twenty-seven participants (9 men, 9 eumenorrheic women (MC) and 9 women taking an oral contraceptive pill (OC)) completed three trials. Men were tested on 3 occasions over 6 weeks; MC during early-follicular, ovulation, and mid-luteal phases; OC during the pill and pill-free phase. Intestinal permeability was assessed following a 4-hour dual sugar absorption test (lactulose: rhamnose). Venous blood was collected each trial and stimulated with 100 μg·mL LPS before incubation at 37 °C and 40 °C and analysed for TNFα via ELISA. L:R ratio was higher in OC than MC (+0.003, p = 0.061) and men (+0.005, p = 0.007). Men had higher TNFα responses than both MC (+53 %, p = 0.004) and OC (+61 %, p = 0.003). TNFα release was greater at 40 °C than 37 °C (+23 %, p < 0.001). Men present with lower resting intestinal barrier permeability relative to women regardless of OC use and displayed greater monocyte TNFα release following whole blood treatment with LPS and hyperthermia. Oral contraceptive users had highest intestinal permeability however, neither permeability or TNFα release were impacted by the pill cycle. Although no statistical effect was seen in the menstrual cycle, intestinal permeability and TNFα release were more variable across the phases

Physiological and perceptual responses of wearing a dryrobe for rewarming after passive cold-water immersion in men

Objectives: To investigate the physiological and perceptual responses to wearing a dryrobe® for rewarming after passive cold-water immersion (CWI). Methods: Fifteen unhabituated healthy Caucasian males (age: 28.9 (5.4) years) attended the laboratory on three occasions and performed passive CWI (14°C) for 30-min followed by 15-min of rewarming wearing either a dryrobe®, towel, or foil blanket while positioned in front of fans replicating a 10-mph wind. Physiological (deep body temperature, skin temperature, and heart rate) and perceptual (thermal sensation and thermal comfort) variables were measured. Results: At 15-min post-immersion, deep body temperature was higher in the dryrobe® condition (mean: 37.09 (standard deviation: 0.49)°C) compared with the foil blanket (36.98 (0.64)°C) and towel (36.99 (0.49)°C) (p<0.001). On average across the 15-min post-immersion period, the dryrobe® increased skin temperature to the greatest degree (18.9 (1.0)°C, +2.4°C), compared to the foil blanket (18.1 (1.2)°C, +1.8°C, p=0.034) and the towel (16.6 (1.2)°C, +1.3°C, p<0.001). Average heart rate across the 15-min post-immersion period was lower when wearing the dryrobe® (dryrobe®: 74 (10) b.min-1, foil blanket: 78 (6) b.min-1 and towel: 82 (14) b.min-1 (p=0.015). Thermal sensation and thermal comfort were higher at all post-immersion time points in the dryrobe® compared to the foil blanket and towel. Conclusions: During the rewarming period following CWI, physiological and perceptual responses are improved when wearing clothing that combines an insulative layer with a vapor barrier, such as the dryrobe® compared to a towel or foil blanket. This might have future implications for safety recommendations during rewarming

Auditing the representation of hormonal contraceptives in studies assessing exercise performance in women

Hormonal contraceptive (HC) users have a different ovarian hormonal profile compared to eumenorrheic women. Due to the prevalence of HC use amongst sportswomen, there has been increased research efforts to understand their impact on exercise performance. The aim was to audit this research. Studies identified were assessed for HC type, athlete calibre, performance outcome, study design, and quality of methodological control regarding ovarian hormonal profiles. Sixty-eight different HCs were reported across 61 studies. Monophasic combined oral contraceptive (OCP) pills represented 60% of HCs, followed by other pills [34%, phasic-combined, progestogen-only, and un-specified], phasic and long acting reversible contraceptives [5%, vaginal ring, patch, implant, injection, intrauterine system] and unspecified HCs (1%). Eleven percent of participants using HCs were classified as highly trained or elite/international with no participants being classed as world class. Whilst the number of studies involving HCs has increased two-fold over the past decade, the number of studies ranked as gold standard has not increased (HC; 2003–57%, 2011–55%, 2022–43%. OCP; 2003–14%, 2011–17%, 2022–12%). Future research assessing HCs and exercise performance should adopt high-quality research designs and include a broader range of HCs in highly trained to world-class populations to increase the reach and impact of research in this area

Editorial: Measure do not guess: a call to action to end assumed and estimated menstrual cycle phases in research

Several studies have been published in the last year using assumed or estimated menstrual cycle phases. These phases are ‘generated’ solely on regular menstruation. As more of these studies are published, founded on data that was not actually measured, it becomes imperative to grasp the difference between what is measured versus what is assumed or estimated. We need to measure, not guess, to draw valid and meaningful conclusions in a research topic that is riddled with considerable debate over contradicting outcomes. Hence, this editorial is a call to action directed at editors and reviewers. It is intended to raise the quality, practical implications, application and integrity of future studies investigating the effect of menstrual cycle phases on a given outcome. We do not intend to focus on individual papers but want to ensure that female populations can use their reproductive data accurately and effectively

Dietary supplementation with New Zealand blackcurrant extract enhances fat oxidation during submaximal exercise in the heat

Objectives. This study investigated the effect of 7 days’ supplementation with New Zealand blackcurrant extract on thermoregulation and substrate metabolism during running in the heat. Design. Randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Methods. Twelve men and six women (mean ± SD: Age 27 ± 6 years, height 1.76 ± 0.10 m, mass 74 ± 12 kg, V˙ O2max 53.4 ± 7.0 mL kg−1 min−1) completed one assessment of maximal aerobic capacity and one familiarisation trial (18 ◦C, 40% relative humidity, RH), before ingesting 2 × 300 mg day−1 capsules of CurraNZTM (each containing 105 mg anthocyanin) or a visually matched placebo (2 × 300 mg microcrystalline cellulose M102) for 7days (washout 14 days). On day 7 of each supplementation period, participants completed 60 min of fasted running at 65% V˙ O2max in hot ambient conditions (34 ◦C and 40% relative humidity). Results: Carbohydrate oxidation was decreased in the NZBC trial [by 0.24 g min−1 (95% CI: 0.21–0.27 g min-1)] compared to placebo (p = 0.014, d = 0.46), and fat oxidation was increased in the NZBC trial [by 0.12 g min−1 (95% CI: 0.10 to 0.15 g min−1)], compared to placebo (p = 0.008, d = 0.57). NZBC did not influence heart rate (p = 0.963), rectal temperature (p = 0.380), skin temperature (p = 0.955), body temperature (p = 0.214) or physiological strain index (p = 0.705) during exercise. Conclusions. Seven-days intake of 600 mg NZBC extract increased fat oxidation without influencing cardiorespiratory or thermoregulatory variables during prolonged moderate intensity running in hot conditions

Anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract reduces running-induced gastro-intestinal symptoms in the heat

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) distress symptoms are a common running-induced experience for athletes training and competing in hot environmental conditions. GI distress symptoms may compromise exercise performance as well as carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Food components may affect the presence and severity of GI distress symptoms during running in hot environmental conditions. We examined the effect of anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract on the GI distress symptoms during running in hot environmental conditions. Methods: Recreationally active males (n=12, age: 28±6 yr, BMI: 24.5±1.8 kg·m-2, V ̇O2max: 56±6 mL·kg-1·min-1) volunteered. The study had a placebo-controlled, double blind, randomized, cross-over design. In thermoneutral conditions (18°C and 40% relative humidity), participants completed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to standardize running intensity (visit 1) and a familiarization (visit 2). Participants dosed with 7-days of NZBC extract (210 mg anthocyanins per day) or placebo. Euhydration was confirmed before the experimental visits of treadmill running for 1 hr at 65%V ̇O2max in an environmental chamber (TISS Services UK, Medtead, Hampshire, UK, 34.1±0.1 °C, 40.8±0.2% relative humidity). At 0, 30 and 60 min during the running and at 60 min following recovery in thermoneutral conditions, GI distress symptoms (i.e. upper, lower and other) were recorded with a modified visual analogue scale (doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2018-0215). Water was available ad libitum. Results: In the placebo condition, only 2 participants (17%) reported severe symptoms. One participant reported severe dizziness and nausea in the placebo and NZBC extract condition. In the placebo condition, 11 participants (92%) reported total GI symptoms (e.g. belching, heart burn), and this was reduced to 4 participants (25%) with NZBC extract. Only one participant reported belching, nausea and stitch 60 min following recovery in the placebo condition. Upper and lower GI distress symptoms were reduced (upper, placebo: 75%, NZBC: 25% of participants; lower: placebo: 25%, NZBC extract: 17% of participants). Other GI symptoms (i.e. nausea, dizziness and stitch) were also reduced (placebo: 50%, NZBC: 25% of participants). Conclusions: Seven days intake of anthocyanin-rich NZBC extract reduced the incidence of GI distress symptoms during one-hour of treadmill running in hot environmental conditions. For most participants, the severity of GI distress symptoms pre-supplementation was considered very mild. Future research should examine the effects of NZBC extract on running with duration and intensity in conditions for which GI distress symptoms are known to be severe. Acknowledgements: Supplementation was provided by Health Currancy Ltd (United Kingdom) and CurraNZ Ltd (New Zealand). Financial support for conference attendance was obtained from Blackcurrant New Zealand Inc (New Zealand)

New Zealand blackcurrant extract modulates the heat shock response in men during exercise in hot ambient conditions

Purpose: To determine if 7d of New Zealand blackcurrant (NZBC) extract alters the heat shock, inflammatory and apoptotic response during prolonged exertional-heat stress. Methods: Ten men (Age: 29 ± 2 years, Stature: 1.82 ± 0.02 m, Mass: 80.3 ± 2.7 kg, V̇O2max: 56 ± 2 mL·kg−1·min−1) ingested two capsules of CurraNZ™ (NZBC extract: 210 mg anthocyanins·day−1) or PLACEBO for 7d prior to 1 h treadmill run (65% V̇O2max) in hot ambient conditions (34 °C/40% RH). Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately after (Post), 1 h after (1-Post), and 4 h after (4-Post) exercise. Heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, HSP32) were measured in plasma. HSP and protein markers of inflammatory capacity (TLR4, NF-κB) and apoptosis (BAX/BCL-2, Caspase 9) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results: eHSP32 was elevated at baseline in NZBC(+ 31%; p < 0.001). In PLACEBO HSP32 content in PBMC was elevated at 4-Post(+ 98%; p = 0.002), whereas in NZBC it fell at Post(− 45%; p = 0.030) and 1-Post(− 48%; p = 0.026). eHSP70 was increased at Post in PLACEBO(+ 55.6%, p = 0.001) and NZBC (+ 50.7%, p = 0.010). eHSP90 was increased at Post(+ 77.9%, p < 0.001) and 1-Post(+ 73.2%, p < 0.001) in PLACEBO, with similar increases being shown in NZBC (+ 49.0%, p = 0.006 and + 66.2%, p = 0.001; respectively). TLR4 and NF-κB were both elevated in NZBC at PRE(+ 54%, p = 0.003 and + 57%, p = 0.004; respectively). Main effects of study condition were also shown for BAX/BCL-2(p = 0.025) and Caspase 9 (p = 0.043); both were higher in NZBC. Conclusion: 7d of NZBC extract supplementation increased eHSP32 and PBMC HSP32 content. It also increased inflammatory and apoptotic markers in PBMC, suggesting that NZBC supports the putative inflammatory response that accompanies exertional-heat stress

Time to Switch to Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy in Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Europe and Thailand.

Background: Data on durability of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are limited. We assessed time to switch to second-line therapy in 16 European countries and Thailand. Methods: Children aged <18 years initiating combination ART (≥2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs] plus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [NNRTI] or boosted protease inhibitor [PI]) were included. Switch to second-line was defined as (i) change across drug class (PI to NNRTI or vice versa) or within PI class plus change of ≥1 NRTI; (ii) change from single to dual PI; or (iii) addition of a new drug class. Cumulative incidence of switch was calculated with death and loss to follow-up as competing risks. Results: Of 3668 children included, median age at ART initiation was 6.1 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.7-10.5) years. Initial regimens were 32% PI based, 34% nevirapine (NVP) based, and 33% efavirenz based. Median duration of follow-up was 5.4 (IQR, 2.9-8.3) years. Cumulative incidence of switch at 5 years was 21% (95% confidence interval, 20%-23%), with significant regional variations. Median time to switch was 30 (IQR, 16-58) months; two-thirds of switches were related to treatment failure. In multivariable analysis, older age, severe immunosuppression and higher viral load (VL) at ART start, and NVP-based initial regimens were associated with increased risk of switch. Conclusions: One in 5 children switched to a second-line regimen by 5 years of ART, with two-thirds failure related. Advanced HIV, older age, and NVP-based regimens were associated with increased risk of switch

Discutindo a educação ambiental no cotidiano escolar: desenvolvimento de projetos na escola formação inicial e continuada de professores

A presente pesquisa buscou discutir como a Educação Ambiental (EA) vem sendo trabalhada, no Ensino Fundamental e como os docentes desta escola compreendem e vem inserindo a EA no cotidiano escolar., em uma escola estadual do município de Tangará da Serra/MT, Brasil. Para tanto, realizou-se entrevistas com os professores que fazem parte de um projeto interdisciplinar de EA na escola pesquisada. Verificou-se que o projeto da escola não vem conseguindo alcançar os objetivos propostos por: desconhecimento do mesmo, pelos professores; formação deficiente dos professores, não entendimento da EA como processo de ensino-aprendizagem, falta de recursos didáticos, planejamento inadequado das atividades. A partir dessa constatação, procurou-se debater a impossibilidade de tratar do tema fora do trabalho interdisciplinar, bem como, e principalmente, a importância de um estudo mais aprofundado de EA, vinculando teoria e prática, tanto na formação docente, como em projetos escolares, a fim de fugir do tradicional vínculo “EA e ecologia, lixo e horta”.Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la Educació