No dose-response effect of carbohydrate mouth rinse concentration on 5 km running performance in recreational athletes

Oral carbohydrate rinsing has been demonstrated to provide beneficial effects on exercise performance of durations of up to one hour, albeit predominately in a laboratory setting. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of carbohydrate solution mouth-rinse on 5 km running performance. Fifteen healthy men (n=9; mean±SD age: 42±10 years; height: 177.6±6.1 cm; body mass: 73.9±8.9 kg) and women (n=6; mean±SD age: 43±9 years; height: 166.5±4.1 cm; body mass: 65.7±6.8 kg) performed a 5 km running time trial on a track on four separate occasions. Immediately before starting the time trial and then after each 1 km, subjects rinsed 25 mL of either 0, 3, 6, or 12% maltodextrin for 10 s. Mouth-rinsing with 0, 3, 6 or 12% maltodextrin did not have a significant effect on the time to complete the time trial (0%: 26:34±4:07 min:sec; 3%: 27:17±4:33 min:sec; 6%: 27:05±3:52 min:sec; 12%: 26:47±4.31 min:sec; P=0.071;2 =0.15), heart rate (P=0.095; 2 =0.16), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (P=0.195; P =0.11), blood glucose (P=0.920; P =0.01) and blood lactate concentration (P=0.831; 2 =0.02), with only non-significant trivial to small differences between concentrations. Results of this study suggest that carbohydrate mouth-rinsing provides no ergogenic advantage over that of an acaloric placebo (0%), and that there is no dose-response relationship between carbohydrate solution concentration and 5 km track running performance

Allele frequency net database (AFND) 2020 update: gold-standard data classification, open access genotype data and new query tools

Abstract The Allele Frequency Net Database (AFND, www.allelefrequencies.net) provides the scientific community with a freely available repository for the storage of frequency data (alleles, genes, haplotypes and genotypes) related to human leukocyte antigens (HLA), killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), major histocompatibility complex Class I chain related genes (MIC) and a number of cytokine gene polymorphisms in worldwide populations. In the last five years, AFND has become more popular in terms of clinical and scientific usage, with a recent increase in genotyping data as a necessary component of Short Population Report article submissions to another scientific journal. In addition, we have developed a user-friendly desktop application for HLA and KIR genotype/population data submissions. We have also focused on classification of existing and new data into ‘gold–silver–bronze’ criteria, allowing users to filter and query depending on their needs. Moreover, we have also continued to expand other features, for example focussed on HLA associations with adverse drug reactions. At present, AFND contains &gt;1600 populations from &gt;10 million healthy individuals, making AFND a valuable resource for the analysis of some of the most polymorphic regions in the human genome.</jats:p

Non-adenine based purines accelerate wound healing

Wound healing is a complex sequence of cellular and molecular processes that involves multiple cell types and biochemical mediators. Several growth factors have been identified that regulate tissue repair, including the neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF). As non-adenine based purines (NABPs) are known to promote cell proliferation and the release of growth factors, we investigated whether NABPs had an effect on wound healing. Full-thickness, excisional wound healing in healthy BALB/c mice was significantly accelerated by daily topical application of NABPs such as guanosine (50% closure by days 2.5′.8). Co-treatment of wounds with guanosine plus anti-NGF reversed the guanosine-promoted acceleration of wound healing, indicating that this effect of guanosine is mediated, at least in part, by NGF. Selective inhibitors of the NGF-inducible serine/threonine protein kinase (protein kinase N), such as 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside abolished the acceleration of wound healing caused by guanosine, confirming that activation of this enzyme is required for this effect of guanosine. Treatment of genetically diabetic BKS.Cg-m+/+lepr db mice, which display impaired wound healing, with guanosine led to accelerated healing of skin wounds (25% closure by days 2.8′.0). These results provide further confirmation that the NABP-mediated acceleration of cutaneous wound healing is mediated via an NGF-dependent mechanism. Thus, NABPs may offer an alternative and viable approach for the treatment of wounds in a clinical setting

Assessing the Quality of Clinical Teachers: A Systematic Review of Content and Quality of Questionnaires for Assessing Clinical Teachers

BACKGROUND: Learning in a clinical environment differs from formal educational settings and provides specific challenges for clinicians who are teachers. Instruments that reflect these challenges are needed to identify the strengths and weaknesses of clinical teachers. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the content, validity, and aims of questionnaires used to assess clinical teachers. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and ERIC from 1976 up to March 2010. REVIEW METHODS: The searches revealed 54 papers on 32 instruments. Data from these papers were documented by independent researchers, using a structured format that included content of the instrument, validation methods, aims of the instrument, and its setting. Results : Aspects covered by the instruments predominantly concerned the use of teaching strategies (included in 30 instruments), supporter role (29), role modeling (27), and feedback (26). Providing opportunities for clinical learning activities was included in 13 instruments. Most studies referred to literature on good clinical teaching, although they failed to provide a clear description of what constitutes a good clinical teacher. Instrument length varied from 1 to 58 items. Except for two instruments, all had to be completed by clerks/residents. Instruments served to provide formative feedback ( instruments) but were also used for resource allocation, promotion, and annual performance review (14 instruments). All but two studies reported on internal consistency and/or reliability; other aspects of validity were examined less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: No instrument covered all relevant aspects of clinical teaching comprehensively. Validation of the instruments was often limited to assessment of internal consistency and reliability. Available instruments for assessing clinical teachers should be used carefully, especially for consequential decisions. There is a need for more valid comprehensive instruments

Detraining effect of the post-season on selected aerobic and anaerobic performance variables in national league rugby union players: a focus on positional status

Introduction: The study aimed to assess the effects of 6 weeks post-season detraining in relation to player position on selected anaerobic, aerobic and anthropometric characteristics in sub-elite rugby union players.Methods: 34 English National Division One rugby players (mean age 24.6 ± 3.7 years; stature 184 ± 8 cm) were recruited from one professional club and divided into four groups based on playing positions: Tight five forwards (T5), loose forwards (LF), inside backs (IB), and outside backs (OB). Participants were assessed for body mass, sum of 7 skinfolds, countermovement and squat jump performance, 1 repetition maximum bench press and squat, 40m sprint time, 5m multiple shuttle test, and 20m multi-stage fitness test at baseline and 6 weeks later following the post-seasonal break