Relationship between PASE score with anthropometrics and cardiovascular variables associated to obesity in an older Mexican population

INTRODUCTION: Obesity in Older Adults (OA) increases the risk to acquire non-communicable diseases such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Some reports indicate that sedentary habits or low physical activity is one of the main factor that induce obesity in elderly state. PURPOSE: Determine the relationship between the level of physical activity via Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) test, anthropometric and cardiovascular variables associated to obesity in an older Mexican population. METHODS: Fourteen OA (63.4 ± 1.78 years) from Ensenada city, Baja California were recruited. The PASE was applied individually, in each participants was determined the waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). In the same sense, the Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and resting Heart Rate (HR) were evaluated. Spearman correlation test was employed to determine the relationship between variables. RESULTS: The PASE score was 10.58 ± 1.52. The WC was 87.72 ± 2.15 cm. The BMI showed by the participants was 27.3 ± 0.84 kg/m2. On the other hand, the SBP was 131.07 ± 4.38 mmHg. The HR was 72.07 ± 2.50 ppm. The PASE score does not showed statistical correlation with the BMI (r=0.34; p=0.22). In the same sense, there was not significate association between PASE and WC (r=-0.06; p=0.8). The HR showed negative correlation with the PASE (r=-0.45) however, this association was not significant (p=0.1). Finally, the PASE does not correlation with the SBP (r=0.13; p=0.65). CONCLUSION: The preliminary data showed that the PASE questionnaire cannot be used to predict the variables associated to obesity in older Mexican population

Acute Systemic Response Of BDNF, Lactate and Cortisol to Strenuous Exercise Modalities in Healthy Untrained Women

Acute bouts of intense exercise increase lactate concentration, which in turn stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production. Cortisol released during intense exercise might inhibit BDNF synthesis. This study examined the acute effects of 2 protocols of strenuous exercise on serum BDNF. Seventeen physically-active healthy females (Age = 20.0 ± 0.9 yr., BMI = 23.0 ± 2.6 kg/m2) performed a strenuous cycle-ergometer graded exercise test (GXT) and a high-intensity interval training session (HIIT). Serum BDNF, serum cortisol, cortisol: BDNF ratio and blood lactate (BLa) were recorded at baseline and immediately following exercise. Although non-statistically significant, the HIIT session elicited a higher magnitude of change from baseline for BDNF (d = 0.17) and cortisol (d = 1.18) than after the GXT (d = -0.26, and d = 0.82, respectively). An interaction was found between GXT and HIIT trials and measurements on BLa levels, with higher post-exertion values after HIIT than after GXT (p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.650, 95%CI = 2.2, 5.2). The higher BLa levels did not raise circulating BDNF. The elevated cortisol levels may have overcome the effects of lactate on BDNF. However, the higher BLa induced by HIIT suggest that interval exercise modality on the long-term could be a feasible intervention to increase circulating peripheral BDNF, at least in untrained healthy women

Effects of a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in lactate and heart rate during the menstrual cycle in young skater athletes

INTRODUCTION: High intensity interval training (HIIT) effects on heart rate and lactate concentration have been widely documented in male and female athletes. However, there few reports focused to study the dynamics of these cardiac and metabolic markers during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. PURPOSE: The aim of this studywas analyze the dynamics of heart rate and lactate concentration during a HIIT protocol in the different phases of the menstrual cycle (MC) in young eumenorrheic athletes women. METHODS: Two young skater athletes (14.5±0.7 yrs.) with regular menstrual cycles were recruited. The normality of the cycle was measured with a menstrual calendar. The estimated VO2 max was assessed in an electrically braked cycle ergometer (Lode) using a graded exercise test. The HIIT protocol consisted of 12 sessions of 6 high intensity intervals at 80% VO2 max, and 6 rest intervals at 40% VO2 max. Basal and post-exercice heart rate (HR) and lactate concentrations (LC) were measured with a pulsometer (polar FT1) or test strips (Nova Biomedical), respectively. The MC was divided in six phases: Early follicular (EF), Mid follicular (MF), Late follicular (LF), Early luteal (EL), Mid luteal (ML) and Late luteal (LL), using the date since their first menstrual discharge as the start of the EF phase. RESULTS: There was a significative correlation between HR and LC (r: 0.37, p: 0.0034) throughout the 12 HIIT sessions, but this was not statistically significant in EF (r: 0.36, p: 0.21), MF (r: 0.86, p: 0.12), LF (r: 0.14, p: 0.68), ML (r: 0.04, p: 0.92) and LL (r: 0.67, p: 0.06). Interestingly, we did observe a highly significant correlation between HR and LC (r = 0.68, p = 0.0033) in the EL phase, characterized by rising progesterone levels and a transient decrease of estradiol concentrations. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that the normal fluctuation of steroid hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can affect the dynamics of HR and LC in eumenorrheic athletes

Natural and synthetic tetracycline-inducible promoters for use in the antibiotic-producing bacteria Streptomyces

Bacteria in the genus Streptomyces are major producers of antibiotics and other pharmacologically active compounds. Genetic and physiological manipulations of these bacteria are important for new drug discovery and production development. An essential part of any ‘genetic toolkit’ is the availability of regulatable promoters. We have adapted the tetracycline (Tc) repressor/operator (TetR/tetO) regulatable system from transposon Tn10 for use in Streptomyces. The synthetic Tc controllable promoter (tcp), tcp830, was active in a wide range of Streptomyces species, and varying levels of induction were observed after the addition of 1–100 ng/ml of anhydrotetracycline (aTc). Streptomyces coelicolor contained an innate Tc-controllable promoter regulated by a TetR homologue (SCO0253). Both natural and synthetic promoters were active and inducible throughout growth. Using the luxAB genes expressing luciferase as a reporter system, we showed that induction factors of up to 270 could be obtained for tcp830. The effect of inducers on the growth of S.coelicolor was determined; addition of aTc at concentrations where induction is optimal, i.e. 0.1–1 μg/ml, ranged from no effect on growth rate to a small increase in the lag period compared with cultures with no inducer

Natural and synthetic tetracycline-inducible promoters for use in the antibiotic-producing bacteria Streptomyces

[EN] Bacteria in the genus Streptomyces are major producers of antibiotics and other pharmacologically active compounds. Genetic and physiological manipulations of these bacteria are important for new drug discovery and production development. An essential part of any ‘genetic toolkit’ is the availability of regulatable promoters. We have adapted the tetracycline (Tc) repressor/operator (TetR/ tetO ) regulatable system from transposon Tn 10 for use in Streptomyces . The synthetic Tc controllable promoter (tcp), tcp830 , was active in a wide range of Streptomyces species, and varying levels of induction were observed after the addition of 1–100 ng/ml of anhydrotetracycline (aTc). Streptomyces coelicolor contained an innate Tc-controllable promoter regulated by a TetR homologue (SCO0253). Both natural and synthetic promoters were active and inducible throughout growth. Using the luxAB genes expressing luciferase as a reporter system, we showed that induction factors of up to 270 could be obtained for tcp830 . The effect of inducers on the growth of S.coelicolor was determined; addition of aTc at concentrations where induction is optimal, i.e. 0.1–1 μg/ml, ranged from no effect on growth rate to a small increase in the lag period compared with cultures with no inducerSIThe authors acknowledge gifts of plasmids and strains from Prof. Leadlay, Prof. Hillen, Prof. Bujard, Dr Herron and Dr Paget. The authors thank Dr Sumby, Dr Ding and Wael Hussein for the construction of several plasmids and vectors. The authors also thank Prof. Williams for the use of Lucy. This work was funded by the BBSRC. Funding to pay the Open Access publication charges for this article was provided by JIS

Platinum nanoparticles stabilized by N-heterocyclic thiones. Synthesis and catalytic activity in mono- and di-hydroboration of alkynes

N-Heterocyclic Thiones (NHT) proved to be efficient ligands for the stabilization of small platinum nanoparticles (1.3-1.7 nm), synthesized by decomposition of [Pt(dba)2], under a H2 atmosphere, in the presence of variable sub-stoichiometric amounts of the NHT. Full characterization by means of TEM, HR-TEM, NMR, ICP, TGA and XPS have been carried out, providing information about the nature of the metal nanoparticles and the interaction of the NHT ligands to the metal surface. Importantly, DFT calculations indicate that some NHT ligands interact with the metal through the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bond of the imidazole fragment in addition to the sulfur atom, thus providing additional stabilization to the nanoparticles. According to XPS, TGA and ICP techniques, the surface coverage by the ligand increases by decreasing the size of the substituents on the nitrogen atom. The platinum nanoparticles have been used as catalyst in the hydroboration of alkynes. The most active system is that with a less covered surface area lacking an interaction of the ligand by means of the C[double bond, length as m-dash]C double bond. This catalyst hydroborates alkynes with excellent selectivities towards the monoborylated anti-Markovnikov product (vinyl-boronate) when one equiv. of borane is used. Very interestingly, aliphatic alkynes undergo a second hydroborylation process leading to the corresponding 1,1- and 1,2-diboroylated species with good selectivities towards the former.España MINECO (Projects CTQ2016-76267-P, CTQ2016-80814-R and CTQ2016- 81797-REDC)España Junta de Andalucía Project FQM-212

QuEChERS-based analytical methods developed for LC-MS/MS multiresidue determination of pesticides in representative crop fatty matrices: Olives and sunflower seeds

Oilseed crops are greatly extended all over the world. Their high fat content can interfere during pesticide multiresidue analysis through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This work aimed at overcoming this issue by developing and validating two QuEChERS-based methods for LC-MS/MS determination of 42 pesticides in two fatty food matrices: olives and sunflower seeds. Optimization of the extraction method was achieved following a 26-2 fractional factorial design in a highly cost-effective way. Validation of the multi-residue methods demonstrated improved limits of detection, below the established maximum residue levels (MRLs) for almost all compounds, good precision, and trueness, in compliance with SANTE guidelines. Application of these methods to the analysis of real samples from the Iberian Peninsula showed the presence of some pesticides of relevant environmental concern, including four compounds contained in the Pesticide Action Network International list of highly hazardous pesticides, found at levels between 0.03 ng/g and 104 ng/g

Influence of anthropometry and body composition in climbing ability

INTRODUCTION: Climbing has become a popular, competitive and recreational sport. It requires, principally, skilled technique and high muscle strength. Therefore, it has been necessary to implement formal studies about the training of this discipline. Investigations have been performed some studies to demonstrate that the improvement of climbing can be explained with anthropometric and physiological variables. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was evaluate the main variables that affect the performance of the climbing, namely, anthropometry, body composition and climbing level. METHODS: Eighteen climbers, ranged 22 - 40 years old and V2-V7 of climbing ability (according Hueco Tanks scale), were volunteered to participate. Measurements of anthropometric characteristics and body composition including height, arm spam, forearm maximum, midstylion-dactilion, lean arm mass, body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, visceral fat, were performed. All variables were evaluated by using a combination of a principal component analysis (PCA) with a cluster analysis. RESULTS: When the analysis was performed in both anthropometry (skeletal muscle mass, lean arm mass and forearm maximum) and body composition (BMI, body fat mass and visceral fat) groups of variables, the results showed an 86% of the variance. The anthropometry variables showed correlation with 60% of the total variance. Concretely, the higher climbing level athletes (V5-V7) showed a higher lean body mass and arm muscle mass than the lower climbing levels athletes (V0-V4). On the other hand, the last group showed higher body fat mass and visceral fat mass with respect to the V5-V7 climbing athletes. CONCLUSION: The data of the present study showed a clear tendency on the variables, both body composition and anthropometry, in terms of the climbing level. However, these results are not completely conclusive. We suggest necessary to improve the performance of the measurements in future studies

The relationship between aerobic fitness and depression level determined with Hamilton scale in older adults

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a major public health problem associated with both morbidity and mortality throughout the world, in Mexico epidemiological reports show a prevalence of depression in older adults of 9.5% in women and 5% in men; it is widely held that regular exercise and physical activity in older subjects have a significant impact on psychological health and well-being. PURPOSE: To determine whether if higher aerobic fitness is associated with decreased symptoms of clinical depression in older adults. METHODS: Participants (n=21) included individuals raging ages from 61 to 72 years old and were not regular exercisers. The 6 minute walking test was used to determine the aerobic fitness, the total distance covered during the test was determined with pedometers; all subjects were free of unstable cardiovascular symptoms and disabilities that could interfere with performance in the sub-maximal exercise test. Indirect Peak Oxygen Consumption (VO2peak) was obtained with the equation stablished by Burr et al. (2011). Depression Symptoms were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Scale which consisted of an interview of the subjects and scoring 17 items defined in terms of a series of categories of increasing intensity. Statistical analyses included a non-parametric Spearman correlation test to determine the association between predicted VO2peak and depression, level of significance was stablished at P≤0.05. RESULTS: Twenty one overweight (BMI 29.3±3.7 kg/m2) subjects that presented mild clinical depression symptoms were included in the study. A moderate negative correlation between predicted peak VO2 and depression was obtained, with a coefficient of r= -0.5099 (P≤0.05). A regression analysis was performed to establish the significant predictor of VO2 entering the analysis a psychological variable as a dependent factor (P value 0.0102). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, there is evidence that aerobic exercise could be a plausible and healthy strategy to avert depressive symptoms in the appearance of clinical depression in older adults

Periodic venting of MABR lumen allows high removal rates and high gas-transfer efficiencies

The membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) is a novel treatment technology that employs gas-supplying membranes to deliver oxygen directly to a biofilm growing on the membrane surface. When operated with closed-end membranes, the MABR provides 100-percent oxygen transfer efficiencies (OTE), resulting in significant energy savings. However, closed-end MABRs are more sensitive to back-diffusion of inert gases, such as nitrogen. Back-diffusion reduces the average oxygen transfer rates (OTR), consequently decreasing the average contaminant removal fluxes (J). We hypothesized that venting the membrane lumen periodically would increase the OTR and J. Using an experimental flow cell and mathematical modeling, we showed that back-diffusion gas profiles developed over relatively long timescales. Thus, very short ventings could re-establish uniform gas profiles for relatively long time periods. Using modeling, we systematically explored the effect of the venting interval (time between ventings). At moderate venting intervals, opening the membrane for 20 s every 30 min, the venting significantly increased the average OTR and J without substantially impacting the OTEs. When the interval was short enough, in this case shorter than 20 min, the OTR was actually higher than for continuous open-end operation. Our results show that periodic venting is a promising strategy to combine the advantages of open-end and closed end operation, maximizing both the OTR and OTE.Primary funding for this work was from Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) project U2R14. Additional funding was provided by the Basque Government, partially financing Patricia Pérez, and the Spanish Ministry of Economics and Competitiveness and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), project “Innovative Integrated Biological Processes for Nutrients Removal (PBi2)” (CTM2012-36227)