Relationship of Cellular Adhesion Molecules and Stress Hormones in Obese Males Following Exercise

The development of atherosclerosis is associated with a steady accumulation of inflammatory molecules. Exercise-induced hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) may play a role in endothelial inflammation. Methods: Fifteen obese (BMI \u3e 30 kg/m2) sedentary (less than 2 days per week of physical activity) male volunteers, the ages between 18 and30, participated in the study. The participants performed a single bout of cycling exercise (average energy expenditure ~ 300 kcal) at two different intensities in random order [low-intensity: 50% of maximal heart rate and high-intensity: 80% of maximal heart rate]. Overnight fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, immediate post-exercise (IPE), 1-hr PE, and 24-hr PE for each intensity of exercise to determine the responses of soluble cell adhesion molecules [intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and E-selectin (sE-selectin)] and exercise-induced stress hormones. Data were analyzed by an analysis of variance with repeated measures along with the Bonferroni multiple comparisons. The linear regression analysis was used to examine the interaction between exercise-induced hormones and vascular inflammation markers (p \u3c .05). RESULTS: There exhibited no significant change in sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, E or NE, while sE-selectin at 1-hr PE (10.25±1.07 ng/mL) significantly decreased (p = .045) from baseline (12.22±1.39 ng/mL). COR at IPE (262.12±31.09 ng/ml) was significantly higher (p = .001) than 1-hr PE (189.35±31.11 ng/ml) during high-intensity exercise. In contrast, COR at IPE (187.52±31.09 ng/ml, p = .009) and 1-hr PE (156.24±31.11 ng/ml, p = .001) were significantly lower than baseline (259.75±23.07 ng/ml) during low-intensity exercise. COR and sICAM-1 had a negative relationship at 1-hr PE during low-intensity exercise (r2 = .34, p = .02), whereas COR and sVCAM-1 had a positive relationship at IPE during high-intensity exercise (r2 = .36, p = .02). CONCLUSION: sE-selectin was favorably reduced following exercise, and changes in cortisol were exercise-intensity dependent. Although sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 did not significantly change following exercise, a significant interaction between cortisol and these cell adhesion molecules suggests that cortisol is one of the responsible exercise-induced hormones that may be associated with cell adhesion molecule metabolism

Evolution of the Halpha luminosity function

The Smithsonian Hectospec Lensing Survey (SHELS) is a window on the star formation history over the last 4 Gyr. SHELS is a spectroscopically complete survey for Rtot < 20.3 over 4 square degrees. We use the 10k spectra to select a sample of pure star forming galaxies based on their Halpha emission line. We use the spectroscopy to determine extinction corrections for individual galaxies and to remove active galaxies in order to reduce systematic uncertainties. We use the large volume of SHELS with the depth of a narrowband survey for Halpha galaxies at z ~ 0.24 to make a combined determination of the Halpha luminosity function at z ~ 0.24. The large area covered by SHELS yields a survey volume big enough to determine the bright end of the Halpha luminosity function from redshift 0.100 to 0.377 for an assumed fixed faint-end slope alpha = -1.20. The bright end evolves: the characteristic luminosity L* increases by 0.84 dex over this redshift range. Similarly, the star formation density increases by 0.11 dex. The fraction of galaxies with a close neighbor increases by a factor of 2-5 for L(Halpha) >~ L* in each of the redshift bins. We conclude that triggered star formation is an important influence for star forming galaxies with Halpha emission.Comment: 26 pages, 23 figures, submitted to ApJ; version with high resolution figures available at http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/~ewestra/publications

Responses of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Obese Men after Undergoing Low and High Intensity Exercise

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix proteins and play a role in various pathological conditions such as inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. PURPOSE: The current study investigated the responses of MMP-1, -2, and -9 in obese men over a 24-hour period after undergoing different intensities (low vs. high) of cycling exercise. METHODS: Fifteen sedentary (physical activity \u3c 2 days/week) obese [body mass index (BMI) \u3e 30kg/m2] men between the ages of 18 and 30 years participated in the study. Each participant completed a similar volume (average energy expenditure ~ 300 kcal) of cycling exercise at 2 different intensities in random order [low intensity: 50% of maximal heart rate and high-intensity: 80% of maximal heart rate] on a separate occasion. Fasting overnight blood samples were collected at baseline, immediate post exercise (IPE), 1-hour post exercise (1-PE), and 24-hours post exercise (24-PE) for each exercise intensity trial to examine the responses of MMP-1, -2, and -9. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures was used to determine the mean differences in intensity and time on MMP-1, -2, and -9. If necessary, the Sidak’s multiple pairwise comparisons and a follow-up Simple effects test were employed as a post-hot test (p \u3c 0.05). RESULTS: No change was found in MMP-1 following either low- or high-intensity exercise over the 24-hr period. During the low-intensity exercise trial, MMP-2 at 24-hr PE (72.68±6.43 ng/mL) was significantly lower than IPE (87.23±8.02 ng/mL, p=0.008) and 1-hr PE (92.01±7.99 ng/mL, p=0.011). During the high-intensity exercise trial, MMP-9 at IPE (54.19±9.16 ng/mL) was significantly higher than PRE (30.48±5.86 ng/mL, p =0.008), 1-hr PE (34.82±5.08 ng/mL, p=0.040), and 24-hr PE (31.03±4.82 ng/mL, p=0.006). Additionally, MMP-9 at 24-hr PE (31.32±4.82 ng/mL) was significantly lower than PRE (41.43±5.86 ng/mL, p=0.009) during the low-intensity exercise trial. CONCLUSION: Both MMP-2 and -9, but not MMP-1, significantly increased immediately following exercise, which then returned to its baseline values post exercise. This exercise-induced acute change in MMP-2 and MMP-9 was dependent upon exercise intensity since MMP-2 changed with low-intensity exercise, whereas MMP-9 was altered following high-intensity exercise. Additionally, MMP-9 at 24 hours decreased after 24 hours following low intensity exercise. Thus, the current study suggests that the responses of MMP-2 and MMP-9 to exercise are dependent on exercise-intensity, and low-intensity exercise may favorably influence cardiovascular health by lowering both MMP-2 and MMP-9 in obese men

“Early Rupture of Membranes” during Induced Labor as a Risk Factor for Cesarean Delivery in Term Nulliparas

OBJECTIVE: To determine if "early rupture of membranes" (early ROM) during induction of labor is associated with an increased risk of cesarean section in term nulliparas. STUDY DESIGN: The rate of cesarean section and the timing of ROM during the course of labor were examined in term singleton nulliparas whose labor was induced. Cases were divided into 2 groups according the timing of ROM: 1)"early ROM", defined as ROM at a cervical dilatation<4 cm during labor; and 2) "late ROM", ROM at a cervical dilatation≥4 cm during labor. Nonparametric techniques were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 1) In a total of 500 cases of study population, "early ROM" occurred in 43% and the overall cesarean section rate was 15.8%; 2) patients with "early ROM" had a higher rate of cesarean section and cesarean section due to failure to progress than did those with "late ROM" (overall cesarean section rate: 24%[51/215] vs. 10%[28/285], p<0.01; cesarean section rate due to failure to progress: 18%[38/215] vs. 8%[22/285], p<0.01 for each) and this difference remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: "Early ROM" during the course of induced labor is a risk factor for cesarean section in term singleton nulliparas

Atomic-scale combination of germanium-zinc nanofibers for structural and electrochemical evolution

Alloys are recently receiving considerable attention in the community of rechargeable batteries as possible alternatives to carbonaceous negative electrodes; however, challenges remain for the practical utilization of these materials. Herein, we report the synthesis of germanium-zinc alloy nanofibers through electrospinning and a subsequent calcination step. Evidenced by in situ transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterizations, this one-dimensional design possesses unique structures. Both germanium and zinc atoms are homogenously distributed allowing for outstanding electronic conductivity and high available capacity for lithium storage. The as-prepared materials present high rate capability (capacity of similar to 50% at 20 C compared to that at 0.2 C-rate) and cycle retention (73% at 3.0 C-rate) with a retaining capacity of 546 mAh g(-1) even after 1000 cycles. When assembled in a full cell, high energy density can be maintained during 400 cycles, which indicates that the current material has the potential to be used in a large-scale energy storage system

Safety and tolerability of donepezil 23 mg in moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Donepezil 23 mg/d, recently approved in the United States for treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease (AD), was developed to address the need for an additional treatment option for patients with advanced AD. This report, based on a pivotal phase 3 study, presents a detailed analysis of the safety and tolerability of increasing donepezil to 23 mg/d compared with continuing 10 mg/d.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Safety analyses comprised examination of the incidence, severity, and timing of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) and their relationship to treatment initiation; changes in weight, electrocardiogram, vital signs, and laboratory parameters; and the incidence of premature study discontinuation. The analysis population (n = 1434) included all randomized patients who took at least 1 dose of study drug and had a postbaseline safety assessment. To further examine the effect of transition from a lower to a higher donepezil dose, a pooled analysis of safety data from 2 phase 3 trials of donepezil 5 mg/d and 10 mg/d was also performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The safety population comprised 1434 patients: donepezil 23 mg/d (n = 963); donepezil 10 mg/d (n = 471); completion rates were 71.1% and 84.7%, respectively. The most common AEs were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (donepezil 23 mg/d: 11.8%, 9.2%, 8.3%; donepezil 10 mg/d: 3.4%, 2.5%, 5.3%, respectively). AEs that contributed most to early discontinuations were vomiting (2.9% of patients in the 23 mg/d group and 0.4% in the 10 mg/d group), nausea (1.9% and 0.4%), diarrhea (1.7% and 0.4%), and dizziness (1.1% and 0.0%). The percentages of patients with AEs in the 23 mg/d group, as well as the timing, type, and severity of these AEs, were similar to those seen in previous donepezil trials with titration from 5 to 10 mg/d. Serious AEs were uncommon (23 mg/d, 8.3%; 10 mg/d, 9.6%).</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>The 23 mg/d dose of donepezil was associated with typical cholinergic AEs, particularly gastrointestinal-related AEs, similar to those observed in studies with a dose increase from 5 to 10 mg/d.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The good safety and predictable tolerability profile for donepezil 23 mg/d supports its favorable risk/benefit ratio in patients with moderate to severe AD.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p><a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00478205">NCT00478205</a></p

Does green tea affect postprandial glucose, insulin and satiety in healthy subjects: a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Results of epidemiological studies have suggested that consumption of green tea could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Intervention studies show that green tea may decrease blood glucose levels, and also increase satiety. This study was conducted to examine the postprandial effects of green tea on glucose levels, glycemic index, insulin levels and satiety in healthy individuals after the consumption of a meal including green tea.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The study was conducted on 14 healthy volunteers, with a crossover design. Participants were randomized to either 300 ml of green tea or water. This was consumed together with a breakfast consisting of white bread and sliced turkey. Blood samples were drawn at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Participants completed several different satiety score scales at the same times.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Plasma glucose levels were higher 120 min after ingestion of the meal with green tea than after the ingestion of the meal with water. No significant differences were found in serum insulin levels, or the area under the curve for glucose or insulin. Subjects reported significantly higher satiety, having a less strong desire to eat their favorite food and finding it less pleasant to eat another mouthful of the same food after drinking green tea compared to water.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Green tea showed no glucose or insulin-lowering effect. However, increased satiety and fullness were reported by the participants after the consumption of green tea.</p> <p>Trial registration number</p> <p>NCT01086189</p

Improved Measurements of Partial Rate Asymmetry in B -> h h Decays

We report improved measurements of the partial rate asymmetry (Acp) in B -> h h decays with 140fb^-1 of data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. Here h stands for a charged or neutral pion or kaon and in total five decay modes are included: K-+ pi+-, K0s pi-+, K-+ pi0, pi-+ pi0 and K0s pi0. The flavor of the last decay mode is determined from the accompanying B meson. Using a data sample 4.7 times larger than that of our previous measurement, we find Acp(K-+ pi+-) -0.088+-0.035+-0.013, 2.4 sigma from zero. Results for other decay modes are also presented.Comment: 9 pages, 1 figur

A simple genetic algorithm for calibration of stochastic rock discontinuity networks

Este artículo propone un método para llevar a cabo la calibración de las familias de discontinuidades en macizos rocosos. We present a novel approach for calibration of stochastic discontinuity network parameters based on genetic algorithms (GAs). To validate the approach, examples of application of the method to cases with known parameters of the original Poisson discontinuity network are presented. Parameters of the model are encoded as chromosomes using a binary representation, and such chromosomes evolve as successive generations of a randomly generated initial population, subjected to GA operations of selection, crossover and mutation. Such back-calculated parameters are employed to make assessments about the inference capabilities of the model using different objective functions with different probabilities of crossover and mutation. Results show that the predictive capabilities of GAs significantly depend on the type of objective function considered; and they also show that the calibration capabilities of the genetic algorithm can be acceptable for practical engineering applications, since in most cases they can be expected to provide parameter estimates with relatively small errors for those parameters of the network (such as intensity and mean size of discontinuities) that have the strongest influence on many engineering applications