Effect of Magnolol on the Function of Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells

Objectives. In the present study, the ability of magnolol, a hydroxylated biphenyl compound isolated from Magnolia officinalis, to stimulate osteoblast function and inhibit the release of bone-resorbing mediators was investigated in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Methods. Osteoblast function was measured by cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, and mineralization. Glutathione content was also measured in the cells. Bone-resorbing cytokines, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured with an enzyme immunoassay system. Results. Magnolol caused a significant elevation of cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen synthesis, mineralization, and glutathione content in the cells (P < 0.05). Skeletal turnover is orchestrated by a complex network of regulatory factors. Among cytokines, RANKL, TNF-α, and IL-6 were found to be key osteoclastogenetic molecules produced by osteoblasts. Magnolol significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the production of osteoclast differentiation inducing factors such as RANKL, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the presence of antimycin A, which inhibits mitochondrial electron transport and has been used as an ROS generator. Conclusion. Magnolol might be a candidate as an agent for the prevention of bone disorders such as osteoporosis

The Effects of Body Composition on Resting Metabolic Rate among College Aged Students

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the measure of daily energy expenditure while the body is at rest. RMR is becoming more useful in order to measure the energy demands in both athletes and non-athletes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the RMR among college aged students, along with their body compositions in order to determine if there is a correlation between body fat percentage and RMR. METHODS: Participants in this study included 19 students at Midwestern State University between the ages of 19-25. (n = 19; female = 12; male = 7). Participants were asked prior to their initial measurements about their fitness status and were placed into either a physically active (PA) group or a sedentary group (S). Each participant was assigned a date and time in the morning for resting measurements, including: height (cm), weight (kg), resting heart rate (RHR), body fate percentage (%) and RMR (kcal). A Pearson Product R Correlation Coefficient was run to determine association between RMR, body fat percentage and other variables. Results are represented as means and standard deviations (+SD). Statistical significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 19 participants were tested in this study (PA=15, S=4). Because there were only four (4) participants determined to be sedentary, statistical analysis was run as one sample size of 19 rather than two separate groups. The mean RMR of the participants was 1858.95 ± 337.55 kcal*day-1. There were no significant correlations between RMR and body fat percentage (r = -0.4, p \u3e 0.05). There were significant correlations in height and weight when related to RMR (r = 0.75; r = 0.68, respectively). A post hoc analysis with BMI was then conducted. Mean (SD) BMI of the participants was 25.11 (2.89) kg*m-2. There was no significant association between BMI and RMR (r = 0.30, p \u3e 0.05). Lean body mass (LBM) was observed to have a significant correlation with RMR (r = 0.83, p \u3c 0.05). A post hoc analysis was conducted in order to determine gender differences between the subjects. BMI was not significantly different between males and females (p = 0.79, p \u3e 0.05). CONCLUSION: Body fat percentage is not significantly correlated with RMR. However, body composition does affect RMR, specifically through LBM

Effects of Energy Drink on Metabolic Response and Exercise Performance Post Basketball Game Simulation

Intermittent sports are characterized by intermittent bursts of high-intensity exercise and are dependent upon a combination of anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, both of which rely on carbohydrate as an important fuel source. A potential reason for athletes to use energy drinks is due to the conception that energy drinks would promote improvement of performance and this practice has been common among athletes in recent history. PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of an energy drink on metabolic parameters and exercise performance following basketball game simulation (BGS). METHODS: Six female college basketball players, aged 21.5±1.9 yrs, volunteered for this study which was designed by a randomized counterbalanced experimental design with repeated measures under two different trials: energy drink (ED, extrication glucose 20 g from corn, citrus juice 2% from pure Calamansi fruit, branched chain amino acid 600 mg and taurine 600 mg) and placebo (PO, aspartame) with a double-blind experiment. The drink, either ED or PO was provided for the participants right after BGS, and the participants had a 20 min recovery period (POST). The BGS consisted of major basketball movements such as walking, jogging, running, low and high shuffles, dribbling, jumping, sprinting, and passing which were all performed during 20 min. Height, body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose (BG), and blood lactate (BL) were measured at a baseline (BASE). Vertical jump, 10 m× 5 shuttle run and Wingate tests were performed prior to BGC and POST to evaluate muscular power, agility, and anaerobic power, respectively. BG and BL were measured immediately after SBC (PRE) and POST. Data was analyzed by two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: BG decreased significantly in PO (PRE: 106.5± 13.2 mg· dL-1, POST: 91±5.1 mg· dL-1, p=.018) and BL decreased significantly in both ED (PRE: 5.5± 1.8 mmol·L-1, POST: 3.1±1.4 mmol·L-1, p=.0001) and PO (PRE: 5.0± 0.9 mmol·L-1, POST: 3.5±0.8 mmol·L-1, p=.000). Vertical jump (BASE: 58.0±7.3 cm, POST: 55.5±8.2 cm, p=.012) and anaerobic work (BASE: 12.3±1.3 KJ, POST: 11.4±1.5 KJ, p=.035) decreased significantly in PO. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the energy drink may replenish a deficiency of fuel source and promote improvement of muscular and anaerobic power during a recovery period

The Effect of Covid-19 on Cardiac Health Investigated by Electrocardiogram in Collegiate Athletes

Covid-19 has emerged as a global pandemic and affected almost every organ of the body. There is limited data on cardiovascular involvement in athletes with covid-19 infection. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of covid-19 on cardiac health in collegiate athletes by electrocardiogram. METHODS: Prior to testing, all subjects signed an Informed Consent approved by the university Institutional Review Board (IRB). Screening electrocardiograms were performed in 45 Covid-19 infected basketball, football and soccer playing athletes (39 males and 6 females) of 18-25 years of age and have since shown to be negative following two successive tests. The data were then compared to ECG values in non-infected basketball, football, and soccer athletes, obtained by conducting meta-analyses with having same age and sport criteria. Descriptive statistics were means and standard deviation (SD). Additional statistical analyses utilized a Factorial ANOVA with main effect, post hoc Tukey and effect size calculations. Statistical significance is set a priori at P \u3c 0.05. RESULTS: The total number of subjects in experimental group were 12 male basketball players, 23 male football players, 4 male soccer players and 6 female Soccer players. The total number of subjects in control group obtained through meta-analyses were 591 male basketball athletes, 176 male footballers, 588 male soccer athletes and 154 female soccer athletes. The baseline characteristics of mean (SD) BMI (kg/m2) for experimental group was as follows: male basketball: 23.4 (1.77), male football: 31.5 (6.53), male soccer: 23.9 (1.55), and female soccer: 24.5 (4.52). For control groups, BMI were as follows: male basketball: 25, male football: 22.6 (7), male soccer: 23.1 (0.8), and female soccer: 21.8 (0.3). The factorial ANOVA shows that there is a significant difference in ECG parameters between male and females (p=0.001) and between sports (p= 0.000034) but not between experimental and control group (p=0.18). The post hoc Tukey analysis indicated the following: PR interval and QRS duration were significantly (p=0.006, p=0.017) higher in males compared to females, respectively; PR interval was significantly (p=0.04) lower in Soccer players compared to other sports. The resting heart rate (RHR) was significantly (p=0.01) higher in the experimental group compared to controls, yet was within normal range of heart rate. While there was not a significant difference between the two groups in the ECG parameters, there was a small to huge effect size in ECG parameters in male and female soccer players. In male soccer players between the groups, the value of Cohen D for RHR was 0.16 (very small effect size), 0.92 (large effect size) for QRS duration and 0.72 (medium effect size) for QTc interval. For the female soccer players, the value of Cohen D for RHR was 1.70 (very large effect size), and 0.67 (medium effect size) for QRS duration. There is a huge effect size in RHR in male football athletes with a Cohen D value of 2.1. CONCLUSION: The effect of Covid-19 on ECG parameters is more profound in male athletes compared to female counterparts, primarily in RHR, PR interval and QRS duration. In terms of sports, the male and female soccer players have changes in ECG parameters when compared to male football and basketball athletes

Effects of 8-Week Ketogenic Diet on Anthropometrics, Body Composition, Metabolic Parameters, and Psychological Factors in Young Obese Population

Obese have a significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI), which can be associated with poor nutritional intake and sedentary lifestyles. The ketogenic diet is a form of a dietary intervention which is often implemented for metabolic syndrome individuals such as obese populations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of a ketogenic diet on anthropometrics, body composition, metabolic parameters, and psychological factors in young obese population. METHODS: Seven young obese participants (n=7, height (cm); 174.8 ± 10.9, weight (kg); 105 ± 20.7, BMI (kg∙m-2); 34.6 ± 4.8) completed an 8-week intervention with a 70:20:10 ratio of fats to proteins to carbohydrates. Participants within the study were provided three meals per day, for a total of 8 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 27.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA). All data was reported as mean and standard deviation (SD). Dependent paired t-Test was used to determine ketogenic diet intervention effects. Frequencies were used to measure results from psychological factors. Statistical significance was set a priori p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Participants within the study noted significant reductions in anthropometric variables during 8 weeks: body mass (Pre: 105.8 ± 20.5 kg Post: 98.9 ± 18.8 kg, p= 0.000), BMI (Pre: 34.6 ± 4.8 kg·m-2, Post: 32.2 ± 4.2 kg·m-2, p= 0.001), waist circumference (Pre: 101.5 ± 13.9 cm, Post: 96.3 ± 13.3 cm, p= 0.000), and hip circumference (Pre: 112.6 ± 11.5 cm, Post: 107.3 ± 10.8 cm, p= 0.000). Significant reductions were shown in body composition variables: body fat (Pre: 25.6 ± 0.8%, Post: 21.1 ± 1.4%, p=0.000), and lean body mass (Post: 78.9 ± 14.9 kg, Post: 78.2 ± 14.5 kg, p=.0035). Significant reductions were shown in metabolic parameters: systolic blood pressure (Post: 126.6 ± 10.0 mmHg, Post: 120 ± 6.6 mmHg, p=0.029), diastolic blood pressure (Pre: 81.7 ± 4.9 mmHg, Post: 76.3 ± 1.8 mmHg, p= 0.020), and VO2max (Pre: 47.6 ± 8.9 mL·kg-1·min-1, Post: 51.8 ± 9.2 mL·kg-1·min-1, p=0.001. Question 1 within the psychological questionnaire results shown a reduction in the negative aspect in poor health score, with a significant increase shown towards good health. Question 3g results shown that here was a significant increase in frequencies of improvement towards having no limitations regarding walking a one-mile distance. Question 9g had significant increase in individuals selecting improved overall energy levels in comparison to baseline. CONCLUSION: The 8 weeks of ketogenic diet intervention may contribute or change bioenergetics pathways and results in significant adaptations on anthropometrics, body composition, metabolic parameters, and psychological factors in young obese population

A Study on Apparel Design for Chiropractic Training

In severe cases of spinal misalignment due to wrong back posture during adolescence or focusing on work, modern people can have back pain. Such a symptom is commonly referred to as scoliosis and it already became one of the lifestyle diseases. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to develop a functional musculoskeletal correction wear that can help with maintaining a correct posture by relaxing tonic muscles and maximizing the tension of the relaxed muscle using the principle of sports taping. Market research for design development was conducted at department stores and specialty road shops separately. Department stores were visited on weekdays when the store is not crowded, and specialty road shops were visited at around three o’clock on weekdays after checking their opening, lunch, and closing times. Since the apparel should not interfere with exercise movements while maintaining the body shape, the survey was carried out mostly on yoga and lifestyle training apparel focusing on elasticity and percentage of blending fiber. A camera and audio recorder were prepared and took pictures of clothing tags that show the ratio of polyester and spandex while trying on and checking products at the stores. Data were collected by asking the staff at road specialty shops who has more professional knowledge about the advantages and functions of the existing products and recording their answers. Point color schemes in black color family in which body shapes can look beautiful were mostly checked. Due to the design characteristics that have to maintain the spine, the designs of all-in-one products that can maintain the upper and lower torsos were checked at underwear stores. The existing products were evaluated for their designs to be adopted including the material, integrated into the new design, and then modified and supplemented, and the following chiropractic apparel design was drawn (Table 1). An all-in-one design that wraps around the hips and upper thighs for easy counterbalancing between the upper and lower body was chosen. A design with an accent line that makes body shape looks beautiful and Used compression wear material that is comfortable for activities and presses tight against the skin. Activates the muscle activities of latissimus dorsi muscle using taping method, and provides tension to maintain correct posture of round back and shoulders. In conclusion, prevention, exercise, and stretching are important for scoliosis and sound posture for the loin should be constantly maintained. To that end, not only the proper use of chairs but also apparel that is worn all the time can be helpful

Eight Weeks of Zumba Fitness Training Improves Balance Ability in Women

Zumba fitness (Zumba) is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends Latin music and repetitive steps/dance moves that form a fitness-party”. There is very little evidence to the effectiveness of Zumba as a mode of exercise despite its widespread popularity with more than 14 million people of both genders and all ages. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of 8 weeks of Zumba fitness training on balance ability and body composition in sedentary women. Fourteen sedentary women, aged 24.6±5.7 years, were assigned into two groups: Zumba fitness training group (ZT; n=6) and aerobic exercise training group (AT; n=8). Subjects in ZT performed the Zumba fitness at 60-80% of maximal heart rate, 60 min/session, and 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks, whereas subjects in AT performed aerobic exercises including walking and/or jogging on treadmill or elliptical machine as well as cycling on cycle ergometer at the same exercise intensity, frequency and duration as the ZT. Height (cm), body mass (kg), waist circumference (cm), hip circumference (cm), percent body fat (%), blood pressure (mmHg), resting heart rate (b·min.-1), blood glucose (mg ·dL-1), blood lipids (mg ·dL-1), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, ml·kg-1·min-1), muscular strength (kg), and balance ability (sec) were measured pre- and post-exercise training, and the results were analyzed utilizing a repeated measures two-way ANOVA. Balance ability in the dominant limb was significantly increased only in ZT (12.2±3.5 to 20.8±8.6 sec, p\u3c.05). In the non-dominant limb, increased tendency of the time was shown in ZT (8.8±6.2 to 17.7±15.4 sec, p=.084). VO2max increased significantly in AT (30.1±5.1 to 33.3±5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1, p\u3c.05). Systolic blood pressure (p=.013) and diastolic blood pressure (p=.032) decreased significantly in both groups. There was no significant difference in other variables after 8 weeks of training. The results indicate that Zumba fitness is an effective exercise regimen to improve balance ability in sedentary women

EST sequencing and gene expression profiling in Scutellaria baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis is an important medicinal plant, but few genomic resources are available for this species, as well as for other non-model plants. One of the major new directions in genome research is to discover the full spectrum of genes transcribed from the whole genome. Here, we report extensive transcriptome data of the early growth stage of S. baicalensis. This transcriptome consensus sequence was constructed by de novo assembly of shotgun sequencing data, obtained using multiple next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) platforms (Roche/454 GS_FLX+ and Illumina/Solexa HiSeq2000). We show that this new approach to obtain extensive mRNA is an efficient strategy for genome-wide transcriptome analysis. We obtained 1,226,938 and 161,417,646 reads using the GS_FLX and the Illumina/Solexa HiS-eq2000, respectively. De novo assembly of the high-quality GS_FLX and Illumina reads (95 % and 75 %) resulted in more than 82 Mb of mRNA consensus sequence, which we assembled into 51,188 contigs, with at least 500 bp per contig. Of these contigs, 39,581 contained known genes, as determined by BLASTX searches against non-redundant NCBI database. Of these, 20,498 different genes were expressed during the early growth stage of S. baicalensis. We have made the expressed sequences available on a public database. Our results demonstrate the utility of combining NGS technologies as a basis for the development of genomic tools in non-model, medicinal plant species. Knowledge of all described genes and quantitation of the expressed genes, including the transcription factors involved, will be useful in studies of the biology of S. baicalensis gene regulation

The Effect of Clonidine Pretreatment on Epidural Resiniferatoxin in a Neuropathic Pain Rat Model

Resiniferatoxin (RTX) is an ultrapotent synthetic TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1) agonist with significant initial transient hyperalgesia followed by a prolonged analgesic effect in response to thermal stimulus. Using a rat model of neuropathic pain, we evaluated the effect of pretreatment with clonidine－which has been shown to relieve intradermal capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia－on the initial hyperalgesic response and the thermal analgesic property of RTX. Thirty-six male rats were divided into 6 treatment groups (n＝6 each):RTX 500ng, RTX 1μg, clonidine 20μg (Cl), Cl＋RTX 500ng, Cl＋RTX 1μg, or normal saline 20μL (control). We evaluated the short-term (180min) and long-term (20 days) analgesic effects of RTX after thermal stimulation and mechanical stimulation. RTX had significant initial transient hyperalgesia followed by a prolonged analgesic effect in response to the thermal stimulus, but the RTX 500ng and RTX 1μg groups showed no initial short-term thermal hyperalgesic responses when pretreated with clonidine. The Cl＋RTX 1μg ratsʼ behavior scores indicated that they were more calm and comfortable compared to the RTX 1μg rats. Even though we cannot precisely confirm that pretreatment with clonidine potentiates or adds to the analgesic effect of RTX, clonidine pretreatment with epidural RTX eliminated the initial RTX-associated hyperalgesic response and systemic toxicity in this neuropathic pain rat model