Stress Hormone and Heart Rate Responses to Various Exercise Training Methods

Background: Blood Flow Resistance (BFR) training has garnered attention for its ability to induce positive physiological adaptations with low-load resistance exercise. The present study aimed to examine the responses of catabolic hormones and heart rates (HR) to various BFR training protocols. This investigation seeks to provide insights into the stress levels induced by different protocols and identification behind the most effective protocol for optimal positive exercise-related adaptations. Methods: Study population involved 10 healthy adult males (height: 175.0±5.0 cm, weight: 96.67±26.6 kg, age: 21.3±2.67 yr.) in a five-session investigation. Informed consent paperwork, pre-testing and anthropometric measurements served as session 1; sessions 2-5 focused on 4 different protocol-specific trainings, using a randomized within-subjects design to assess Cortisol and HR responses. The training protocols included: 20% 1-RM with BFR+rest pause (RP), 20% 1-RM with BFR+drop set (DS), 70-80% 1-RM (HI) without BFR, and 20% 1-RM without BFR with matched RP volumes (CON). Prior to RP and DS sessions, BFR pneumatic cuffs were placed around the upper third of the quadriceps bilaterally and inflated to a pressure that allows for skin to regain its color within 1-2 sec. after pressure has been applied with the thumb. Training sessions encompassed two-circuits (each with leg press and leg extension exercises) that were separated by 5 minutes of passive rest. Each exercise was performed until the participant could no longer perform the action with proper form (volitional fatigue) or until the set number of reps and sets of leg press and leg extension exercises were completed. Salivary samples that were collected pre- and post-training using passive drool saliva collection method were labeled and stored immediately by qualified study personnel at 4-8°C refrigeration. Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant time main effects for RP (p Conclusion: Identifying the optimal exercise protocol for maximizing sporadic exercise session benefits is crucial, given time constraints as a significant factor contributing to physical inactivity. Notable increases in Cortisol from the RP protocol may indicate the level of muscle damage, as GH and Cortisol concentrations are linked to heightened exercise intensities. The findings suggest that the RP protocol with BFR could generate similar or greater intensities (supported by significantly higher HR) and favorable adaptations compared to HI protocols, all while using lighter loads. However, caution is advised against engaging in this protocol more than once a week, as excessive Cortisol elevation is associated with overtraining, potentially leading to increased skeletal muscle breakdown and impaired recovery. This study, alongside similar research, underscores the diverse potential of BFR training within various fitness domains

Individual Rights, Economic Transactions, and Recognition: A Legal Approach to Social Economics

Modernity brought the idea of individual property rights as a com- plex phenomenon. However, economics adopted a simplistic view of property as a fundamental institution, understating the complex interaction of different rights and obligations that frame the legal environment of economic processes with an insufficiently elaborated tool. Here, a more elaborate view of legal elements will be propose

Neutralino dark matter in mSUGRA/CMSSM with a 125 GeV light Higgs scalar

The minimal supergravity (mSUGRA or CMSSM) model is an oft-used framework for exhibiting the properties of neutralino (WIMP) cold dark matter (CDM). However, the recent evidence from Atlas and CMS on a light Higgs scalar with mass m_h\simeq 125 GeV highly constrains the superparticle mass spectrum, which in turn constrains the neutralino annihilation mechanisms in the early universe. We find that stau and stop co-annihilation mechanisms -- already highly stressed by the latest Atlas/CMS results on SUSY searches -- are nearly eliminated if indeed the light Higgs scalar has mass m_h\simeq 125 GeV. Furthermore, neutralino annihilation via the A-resonance is essentially ruled out in mSUGRA so that it is exceedingly difficult to generate thermally-produced neutralino-only dark matter at the measured abundance. The remaining possibility lies in the focus-point region which now moves out to m_0\sim 10-20 TeV range due to the required large trilinear soft SUSY breaking term A_0. The remaining HB/FP region is more fine-tuned than before owing to the typically large top squark masses. We present updated direct and indirect detection rates for neutralino dark matter, and show that ton scale noble liquid detectors will either discover mixed higgsino CDM or essentially rule out thermally-produced neutralino-only CDM in the mSUGRA model.Comment: 17 pages including 9 .eps figure

Safety of Ecklonia cava phlorotannins as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 258/97

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panelon Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of Ecklonia cava phlorotannins (marketed as SeaPolynol) as a novel food submitted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No258/97. The novel food is a phlorotannin-rich alcohol extract of Ecklonia cava, which is an edible marine brown alga species. The information provided on the composition, the specifications, the production process and the batch-to-batch variability of the novel food is sufficient and does not raise safety concerns. The intention is to market the novel food as a food supplement for healthy individuals over the age of 12years. A subchronic repeated dose oral toxicity study in rodents tested the novel food at daily doses of 0, 375, 750 and 1,500mg/kg body weight (bw). The Panelconsiders the mid-dose as the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) of the study. Taking into account this NOAEL of 750mg/kg bw per day and by applying an uncertainty factor of 200, the Panelconsiders an intake level of 3.75mg/kg bw per day as safe. The Panelconcludes that the novel food, Ecklonia cava phlorotannins, is safe for the use in food supplements at a maximum daily intake level of 163mg/day for adolescents from 12 to 14years of age, 230mg/day for adolescents above 14years of age and 263mg/day for adults. (C) 2017 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority

Safety of whey basic protein isolate for extended uses in foods for special medical purposes and food supplements for infants pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

In 2018, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) concluded that whey basic protein isolate obtained by ion exchange chromatography from skimmed cow's milk is safe for human consumption under the proposed conditions of use as infant and follow on formula, meal replacement beverages, foods for special medical purposes and food supplements. Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA NDA Panel was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on whey basic protein isolate for extended uses in foods for special medical purposes and food supplements for infants as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The applicant seeks to extend the conditions of use to infant (powder 30 mg/100 g and reconstituted 3.9 mg/100 mL) and follow on formulae (powdered 30 mg/100 g and reconstituted 4.2 mg/100 mL) as foods for special medical purposes as well as in food supplements for infants (25 mg/day). The Panel considers that the proposed extended uses would not increase the potential intake of the NF compared to that assessed in its 2018 opinion. The Panel concludes that whey basic protein isolate is safe at the extended uses and use levels

Safety of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is a powdered mixture mainly composed by LNT, but also containing D-lactose and other oligosaccharides such as para-lacto-N-hexaose-2 (para-LNH-2), lacto-N-triose II and a small fraction of other carbohydrates. It is produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli K-12. The information provided on the manufacturing process, composition and specifications of the NF does not raise safety concerns. The applicant intends to add the NF in a variety of foods, including infant and follow-on formula, foods for infants and toddlers, foods for special medical purposes and food supplements. The target population is the general population except for food supplements, for which the target population is individuals above 1 year of age. The intake of LNT from the NF at the proposed use levels is unlikely to exceed the intake level of naturally occurring LNT in breastfed infants on a body weight basis. The intake of other carbohydrate-type compounds structurally related to LNT is considered of no safety concern. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use for the proposed target populations. (c) 2019 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.Peer reviewe

Safety of 1-methylnicotinamide chloride (1-MNA) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EC) No258/97

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panelon Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 1-methylnicotinamide chloride (1-MNA) as a novel food (NF) ingredient submitted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council, taking into account the comments and objections of a scientific nature raised by Member States. 1-MNA is a substance present naturally in the human body as a normal downstream product of niacin metabolism. The Panelconsiders that the information provided on the composition, the specification and the batch-to-batch variability of the NF is sufficient. The applicant intends to use 1-MNA in food supplements and proposes a maximum intake of 58mg/day. 1-MNA is not genotoxic. In a subchronic rat study, epithelium degeneration of the non-glandular stomach was observed at all dose levels with increasing frequency. The Panelnotes that the human stomach does not have non-glandular epithelium and considers this finding is toxicologically not relevant for humans. At doses of 500 and 1,000mg/kg body weight (bw), changes of the urine pH, that did not reverse in the recovery period, were reported. As adversity of this finding cannot be ruled out, the Panelselected 250mg/kg bw in this rat study as the reference point. The Margin of Exposure to humans weighing 70kg and consuming 58mg would be about 300. The Panelnotes the upper level for nicotinamide, i.e. 900mg/day for adults. Taking into account that 1-MNA is a main metabolite from nicotinamide, the Panelconsiders that it is unlikely that an intake of 58mg 1-MNA from food supplements would result in adverse health outcomes in humans. The Panelconcludes that the NF, 1-MNA, is safe under the proposed uses and use levels. (C) 2017 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority

Osteochondritis dissecans and Osgood Schlatter disease in a family with Stickler syndrome

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Purpose</p> <p>Stickler syndrome is among the most common autosomal dominant connective tissue disorders but is often unrecognised and therefore not diagnosed by clinicians. Despite much speculation, the cause of osteochondrosis in general and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and Osgood Schlatter syndrome (OSS) in particular remain unclear. Etiological understanding is essential. We describe a pair of family subjects presented with OCD and OSS as a symptom complex rather than a diagnosis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Detailed clinical and radiographic examinations were undertaken with emphasis on the role of MRI imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging may allow early prediction of articular lesion healing potential in patients with Stickler syndrome.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The phenotype of Stickler syndrome can be diverse and therefore misleading. The expectation that the full clinical criteria of any given genetic disorder such as Stickler syndrome will always be present can easily lead to an underestimation of these serious inheritable disorders. We report here two family subjects, a male proband and his aunt (paternal sister), both presented with the major features of Stickler syndrome. Tall stature with marfanoid habitus, astigmatism/congenital vitreous abnormality and submucus cleft palate/cleft uvula, and enlarged painful joints with early onset osteoarthritis. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) and Osgood Schlatter syndrome (OSS) were the predominating joint abnormalities.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We observed that the nature of the articular and physeal abnormalities was consistent with a localised manifestation of a more generalised epiphyseal dysplasia affecting the weight-bearing joints. In these two patients, OCD and OSS appeared to be the predominant pathologic musculoskeletal consequences of an underlying Stickler's syndrome. It is empirical to consider generalised epiphyseal dysplasia as a major underlying causation that might drastically affect the weight-bearing joints.</p

The genomes of two key bumblebee species with primitive eusocial organization

Background: The shift from solitary to social behavior is one of the major evolutionary transitions. Primitively eusocial bumblebees are uniquely placed to illuminate the evolution of highly eusocial insect societies. Bumblebees are also invaluable natural and agricultural pollinators, and there is widespread concern over recent population declines in some species. High-quality genomic data will inform key aspects of bumblebee biology, including susceptibility to implicated population viability threats. Results: We report the high quality draft genome sequences of Bombus terrestris and Bombus impatiens, two ecologically dominant bumblebees and widely utilized study species. Comparing these new genomes to those of the highly eusocial honeybee Apis mellifera and other Hymenoptera, we identify deeply conserved similarities, as well as novelties key to the biology of these organisms. Some honeybee genome features thought to underpin advanced eusociality are also present in bumblebees, indicating an earlier evolution in the bee lineage. Xenobiotic detoxification and immune genes are similarly depauperate in bumblebees and honeybees, and multiple categories of genes linked to social organization, including development and behavior, show high conservation. Key differences identified include a bias in bumblebee chemoreception towards gustation from olfaction, and striking differences in microRNAs, potentially responsible for gene regulation underlying social and other traits. Conclusions: These two bumblebee genomes provide a foundation for post-genomic research on these key pollinators and insect societies. Overall, gene repertoires suggest that the route to advanced eusociality in bees was mediated by many small changes in many genes and processes, and not by notable expansion or depauperation

Non-Invasive Imaging of Acute Renal Allograft Rejection in Rats Using Small Animal 18F-FDG-PET

BACKGROUND: At present, renal grafts are the most common solid organ transplants world-wide. Given the importance of renal transplantation and the limitation of available donor kidneys, detailed analysis of factors that affect transplant survival are important. Despite the introduction of new and effective immunosuppressive drugs, acute cellular graft rejection (AR) is still a major risk for graft survival. Nowadays, AR can only be definitively by renal biopsy. However, biopsies carry a risk of renal transplant injury and loss. Most important, they can not be performed in patients taking anticoagulant drugs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We present a non-invasive, entirely image-based method to assess AR in an allogeneic rat renal transplantation model using small animal positron emission tomography (PET) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). 3 h after i.v. injection of 30 MBq FDG into adult uni-nephrectomized, allogeneically transplanted rats, tissue radioactivity of renal parenchyma was assessed in vivo by a small animal PET-scanner (post operative day (POD) 1,2,4, and 7) and post mortem dissection. The mean radioactivity (cps/mm(3) tissue) as well as the percent injected dose (%ID) was compared between graft and native reference kidney. Results were confirmed by histological and autoradiographic analysis. Healthy rats, rats with acute CSA nephrotoxicity, with acute tubular necrosis, and syngeneically transplanted rats served as controls. FDG-uptake was significantly elevated only in allogeneic grafts from POD 1 on when compared to the native kidney (%ID graft POD 1: 0.54+/-0.06; POD 2: 0.58+/-0.12; POD 4: 0.81+/-0.06; POD 7: 0.77+/-0.1; CTR: 0.22+/-0.01, n = 3-28). Renal FDG-uptake in vivo correlated with the results obtained by micro-autoradiography and the degree of inflammatory infiltrates observed in histology. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We propose that graft FDG-PET imaging is a new option to non-invasively, specifically, early detect, and follow-up acute renal rejection. This method is potentially useful to improve post-transplant rejection monitoring