The effect of 12-week high-dose Colostrum Bovinum supplementation on immunological, hematological and biochemical markers in endurance athletes: a randomized crossover placebo-controlled study.

Background: Bovine colostrum (COL) is assumed to be one of the strongest natural immune stimulants. Regular ingestion of COL may contribute to improved immune response in athletes exposed to high training loads. Methods: Twenty-eight endurance-trained males aged 31.1 ± 10.2 years (body mass 81.9 ± 9.0 kg; height 1.82 ± 0.06 m) completed this randomized double-blind placebo(PLA)-controlled crossover study aimed at investigating the effect of 12-week COL supplementation (25gCOL·day-1) on resting (REST), exercise-induced (POST-EX), and short-term post-exercise recovery (REC; 1 h after test exercise) changes in selected saliva and blood immunoglobulins (Ig), white blood cell (WBC) count and differential; as well as blood hematological, nutritional status and muscle damage indices. The protocol assumed 4 study visits - before/after supplementation with COL (COLPRE and COLPOST ) and PLA (PLAPRE and PLAPOST ). During testing sessions, incremental rowing test to exhaustion and swimming-specific performance test were introduced as exercise stimuli. Results: At COLPOST visit the secretory IgA (SIgA) concentration in saliva was significantly higher at POST-EX and REC compared to REST (p<0.05). COL supplementation had no effect on blood IgA, IgE, IgD, IgG, and IgM concentrations. Furthermore, after COL supplementation decrease of hematocrit at REC (p<0.05) was revealed. Conclusions: 12-week supplementation with 25 gCOL·day-1 in endurance-trained male athletes resulted in a favorable increase in post-exercise concentration of salivary SIgA. COL seems to be a potential stimulator of local immune defense after exercise-induced homeostasis disturbances. Nevertheless, the lack of effect on blood markers indicates the need for further research in the area of mechanisms underlying the effect of the supposed COL immunological capacity.

Does Colostrum Bovinum Supplementation Affect Swimming Performance in Endurance-Trained Males? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study.

Background/Objectives: Colostrum Bovinum (COL) is recognized for its unique composition and potential ergogenic and immunological benefits. Unlike mature milk, COL is rich in immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and various growth factors, making it one of the most potent natural immune stimulants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 12-weeks of COL supplementation on swimming-specific performance (SSP) and exercise adaptations in endurance-trained male athletes. Methods: Twenty-eight male triathletes and swimmers (age: 31.1 ± 10.2 years; body mass: 81.9 ± 9.0 kg; height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo (PLA)-controlled crossover study and received 25 g∙day-1 of COL or PLA for 12 weeks. The study assessed the effects of COL on SSP (8 × 100 m performed at various intensities) and exercise adaptations [heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentrations ([La-])]. Four main study visits were conducted-before and after COL (COLPRE and COLPOST) and PLA (PLAPRE and PLAPOST) supplementation. Results: COL had no significant effect on SSP. Still, the total time of the SSP test was about ~3.04 s shorter after COL supplementation, and ~7.13 s longer after PLA supplementation. Neither COL nor PLA supplementation affected HR during the SSP test. Post-exercise blood [La-] was significantly reduced after both COL and PLA supplementation. The analysis of SSP results in the consecutive study visits revealed possible existence of the practice effect. Conclusions: Colostrum Bovinum and high-quality milk protein (PLA) seem to be comparably effective in evoking exercise adaptation in endurance-trained male athletes. Long-term crossover supplementation protocols in athletes must consider the impact of possible practice effect when interpreting the outcomes related to exercise performance, but not biochemical or physiological markers of exercise adaptation.

Sex-dependent responses to acute sodium bicarbonate different dose treatment: A randomized double-blind crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: This study quantified blood bicarbonate (HCO3-) kinetics and gastrointestinal upset to determine the gender-related ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (0.15-, 0.25- and 0.35 gSB·kgFat-free mass (FFM)-1) in high intensity functional training. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled crossover. METHODS: Thirty female and male athletes performed two bouts of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnTPRE-HIFT and WAnTPOST-HIFT) interspaced with two 3-min bouts of Wall Balls and Burpees 120min after ingestion of three sodium bicarbonate doses. Blood HCO3- was determined pre-ingestion, after supplementation and before/post exercise. Gastrointestinal upset was evaluated 120min post-ingestion. Control (CTRL) measurements were performed. RESULTS: There were significant gender×treatment interactions for: changes in blood HCO3- at 60min post-ingestion (p=0.014; η2p=0.104; at 0.15gSB·kgFFM-1 males experienced higher increase than females); peak power (p=0.015; η2p=0.103) and average power (p=0.005; η2p=0.124) during WAnTPOST-HIFT, and changes in peak power between the Wingate Anaerobic Test bouts (p=0.049; η2p=0.081). Sodium bicarbonate compared to PLA had no significant impact on Wall Balls and Burpees performance. The dose of 0.35gSB·kgFFM-1 resulted in higher less severe gastrointestinal symptoms compared to CTRL and 0.15gSB·kgFFM-1 (p=0.001; W=0.178); and higher total gastrointestinal upset compared to CTRL, PLA and 0.15gSB·kgFFM-1 (p<0.001; W=0.323). CONCLUSIONS: There were dose- and gender-related differences in extracellular buffering capacity and ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate. The study suggested a detrimental impact of gastrointestinal upset on performance.

Experience shapes wild boar spatial response to drive hunts.

Human-induced disturbances of the environment are rapid and often unpredictable in space and time, exposing wildlife to strong selection pressure favouring plasticity in specific traits. Measuring wildlife behavioural plasticity in response to human-induced disturbances such as hunting pressures is crucial in understanding population expansion in the highly plastic wild boar species. We collected GPS-based movement data from 55 wild boars during drive hunts over three hunting seasons (2019-2022) in the Czech Republic and Sweden to identify behavioural plasticity in space use and movement strategies over a range of experienced hunting disturbances. Daily distance, daily range, and daily range overlap with hunting area were not affected by hunting intensity but were clearly related to wild boar hunting experience. On average, the post-hunt flight distance was 1.80 km, and the flight duration lasted 25.8 h until they returned to their previous ranging area. We detected no relationship in flight behaviour to hunting intensity or wild boar experience. Wild boar monitored in our study showed two behavioural responses to drive hunts, "remain" or "leave". Wild boars tended to "leave" more often with increasing hunting experience. Overall, this study highlights the behavioural plasticity of wild boar in response to drive hunts.

Bovine colostrum supplementation as a new perspective in depression and substance use disorder treatment: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

Introduction: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3-month supplementation of bovine colostrum (BOV-COL; 8x400 mg per day) on the outcomes of depression treatment in hospitalized patients with substance use disorder (SUD). The hypothesis is that BOV-COL supplementation as an add-on treatment results in favorable alternations in selected blood inflammatory markers or neurotransmitters, leading to better depression treatment outcomes compared with placebo (PLA). Methods: Patients with a Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 score ≥60 points were enrolled. Twenty-nine participants (n=18 in the BOV-COL group and n=11 in the PLA group) completed the protocol. Results: The mean Beck Depression Inventory-II score was significantly reduced after supplementation in both groups. However, the mean 17-point Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score was decreased in the BOV-COL group, but not in the PLA group. In the BOV-COL group, there was a reduction in interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, the IL-6:IL-10 ratio, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), while in the PLA group only IL-6 decreased. Favorable alternations in the total count and differentials of white blood cell subsets were more pronounced in the BOV-COL. There were no changes in neurotransmitter concentrations. Conclusions: BOV-COL supplementation is a promising add-on therapy in patients with depression and SUD.

No evidence for the consistent effect of supplementary feeding on home range size in terrestrial mammals.

Food availability and distribution are key drivers of animal space use. Supplemental food provided by humans can be more abundant and predictable than natural resources. It is thus believed that supplementary feeding modifies the spatial behaviour of wildlife. Yet, such effects have not been tested quantitatively across species. Here, we analysed changes in home range size owing to supplementary feeding in 23 species of terrestrial mammals using a meta-analysis of 28 studies. Additionally, we investigated the moderating effect of factors related to (i) species biology (sex, body mass and taxonomic group), (ii) feeding regimen (duration, amount and purpose), and (iii) methods of data collection and analysis (source of data, estimator and spatial confinement). We found no consistent effect of supplementary feeding on changes in home range size. While an overall tendency of reduced home range was observed, moderators varied in the direction and strength of the trends. Our results suggest that multiple drivers and complex mechanisms of home range behaviour can make it insensitive to manipulation with supplementary feeding. The small number of available studies stands in contrast with the ubiquity and magnitude of supplementary feeding worldwide, highlighting a knowledge gap in our understanding of the effects of supplementary feeding on ranging behaviour.

Evaluating the Impact of Probiotic Therapy on the Endocannabinoid System, Pain, Sleep and Fatigue: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Dancers.

Emerging research links the endocannabinoid system to gut microbiota, influencing nociception, mood, and immunity, yet the molecular interactions remain unclear. This study focused on the effects of probiotics on ECS markers-cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)-in dancers, a group selected due to their high exposure to physical and psychological stress. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05567653), 15 dancers were assigned to receive either a 12-week regimen of Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell-52 and Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-17 or a placebo (PLA: n = 10, PRO: n = 5). There were no significant changes in CB2 (probiotic: 0.55 to 0.29 ng/mL; placebo: 0.86 to 0.72 ng/mL) or FAAH levels (probiotic: 5.93 to 6.02 ng/mL; placebo: 6.46 to 6.94 ng/mL; p > 0.05). A trend toward improved sleep quality was observed in the probiotic group, while the placebo group showed a decline (PRO: from 1.4 to 1.0; PLA: from 0.8 to 1.2; p = 0.07841). No other differences were noted in assessed outcomes (pain and fatigue). Probiotic supplementation showed no significant impact on CB2 or FAAH levels, pain, or fatigue but suggested potential benefits for sleep quality, suggesting an area for further research.

Epidemiological analysis of African swine fever in the European Union during 2023.

In 2023, 14 Member States were affected by African swine fever (ASF), including Croatia and Sweden where ASF emerged (wild boar outbreaks only) and Greece where ASF re-emerged after being free since 2021. The number of ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs in the EU was five times higher than in 2022, reaching a similar magnitude to that in 2019. This was predominantly driven by the introduction and subsequent spread of ASF in Croatia and its resurgence in Romania, representing 96% of the EU outbreaks. ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs were clearly seasonal in all countries, with 88% of outbreaks reported between July and October. Most of the ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs were detected through clinical suspicion (94%), followed by tracing from affected establishments (3%), and the weekly testing of at least two dead pigs in establishments (3%). In wild boar, a 10% increase in the number of notified outbreaks was observed in the EU in comparison with 2022, with considerable variations between countries. A winter peak was observed only in Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The epidemiological situation in wild boar improved in Germany and Hungary, as suggested by the decrease in the number of outbreaks and in the proportions of PCR-positive samples from dead wild boar. Overall, 31% of wild boar carcasses found during passive surveillance tested positive by PCR, representing 69% of the ASF outbreaks in wild boar in the EU. In contrast, 0.4% of hunted wild boar tested positive, representing 31% of the outbreaks. Despite the introduction of ASF into new countries and the increase in the number of outbreaks, the size of restricted zones in the EU remained stable, due to the highly clustered outbreaks in Croatia, and the reduction of restricted zones in Poland, Slovakia and Bulgaria (in domestic pigs), and Hungary (in wild boar).

Changes in red blood cell parameters during incremental exercise in highly trained athletes of different sport specializations.

Background: During physical exercise, the level of hematological parameters change depending on the intensity and duration of exercise and the individual's physical fitness. Research results, based on samples taken before and after exercise, suggest that hematological parameters increase during incremental exercise. However, there is no data confirming this beyond any doubt. This study examined how red blood cell (RBC) parameters change during the same standard physical exertion in athletes representing different physiological training profiles determined by sport discipline. Methods: The study included 39 highly trained male members of national teams: 13 futsal players, 12 sprinters, and 14 triathletes. We used multiple blood sampling to determine RBC, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit value (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) before, during (every 3 min), and after (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min) an incremental treadmill exercise test until exhaustion. Results: There were no significant exercise-induced differences in RBC parameters between athletic groups. No significant changes were recorded in RBC parameters during the low-intensity phase of exercise. RBC, Hb, and Hct increased significantly during incremental physical exercise, and rapidly returned to resting values upon test termination. Conclusions: The general pattern of exercise-induced changes in RBC parameters is universal regardless of the athlete's physiological profile. The changes in RBC parameters are proportional to the intensity of exercise during the progressive test. The increase in hemoglobin concentration associated with the intensity of exercise is most likely an adaptation to the greater demand of tissues, mainly skeletal muscles, for oxygen.

The dose-dependent effect of caffeine supplementation on performance, reaction time and postural stability in CrossFit - a randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine (CAF) ingestion improves performance in a broad range of exercise tasks. Nevertheless, the CAF-induced, dose-dependent effect on discipline-specific performance and cognitive functions in CrossFit/High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute supplementation of three different doses of CAF and placebo (PLA) on specific performance, reaction time (RTime), postural stability (PStab), heart rate (HR) and perceived exertion (RPE). METHODS: In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design, acute pre-exercise supplementation with CAF (3, 6, or 9 mg/kg body mass (BM)) and PLA in 26 moderately trained CrossFit practitioners was examined. The study protocol involved five separate testing sessions using the Fight Gone Bad test (FGB) as the exercise performance evaluation and biochemical analyses, HR and RPE monitoring, as well as the assessment of RTime and PStab, with regard to CYP1A2 (rs762551) and ADORA2A (rs5751876) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). RESULTS: Supplementation of 6 mgCAF/kgBM induced clinically noticeable improvements in FGBTotal results, RTime and pre-exercise motor time. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between any CAF doses and PLA in FGBTotal, HRmax, HRmean, RPE, pre/post-exercise RTime, PStab variables or pyruvate concentrations. Lactate concentration was higher (p < 0.05) before and after exercise in all CAF doses than in PLA. There was no effect of CYP1A2 or ADORA2A SNPs on performance. CONCLUSIONS: The dose-dependent effect of CAF supplementation appears to be limited to statistically nonsignificant but clinically considered changes on specific performance, RTime, PStab, RPE or HR. However, regarding practical CAF-induced performance implications in CrossFit/HIFT, 6 mgCAF/kgBM may be supposed as the most rational supplementation strategy.

Does sodium bicarbonate based extra-cellular buffering support reduce high intensity exercise-induced fatigue and enhance short-term recovery assessed by selected blood biochemical indices?

Exercise-induced metabolic processes induce muscle acidification which contributes to a reduction in the ability to perform repeated efforts. Alkalizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) prevent large blood pH changes, however, there is no evidence on whether regulation of acid-base balance may also support whole body homeostasis monitored through heamatological and biochemical blood markers in a dose-dependent manner. Thirty Cross-Fit-trained participants were studied in a randomized, multi cross-over, placebo (PLA)-controlled double-blind manner in which they performed a control session (CTRL, without supplementation), three NaHCO3 visits (three different doses) and PLA (sodium chloride in an equimolar amount of sodium as NaHCO3). Each visit consisted of two 30-s Wingate tests separated by CrossFit-specific benchmarks (Wall Balls and Burpees - both performed for 3 min). Blood samples were collected at rest, immediately post-exercise and after 45 min recovery. Significant differences between visits appeared for blood pH, percentage of lymphocytes and granulocytes, red blood cells count and haemoglobin concentration at post-exercise and 45-min recovery, and for white blood cells count, percentage of monocytes, concentration of magnesium and creatinine at 45-min recovery. Most of the observed differences for heamatological and biochemical markers were significant compared to CTRL, but not different after PLA. NaHCO3 supplementation compared to PLA did not significantly affect exercise or recovery shifts in studied blood indicators. However, the changes in these markers after NaHCO3 and PLA in relation to CTRL indicate a possible role of sodium.

Association of cartilage metabolism biomarkers and 25(OH)D levels with muscle biomechanical functions in professional rowers and canoeists.

The purpose of the study was to assess the association of cartilage metabolism biomarkers and vitamin D metabolite levels with muscle biomechanical functions in professional rowers and canoeists. The serum levels of aggrecan, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were determined in elite male sweep-oar rowers (n = 24) and canoeists (n = 15). This was followed by a biomechanical study consisting in isometric measurement of peak torque (PT) of muscles involved in the rowing cycle in the athletes. There were found significant correlations of COMP with the ratio of trunk PT flexor to extensor (p < 0.05) and 25(OH)D with trunk PT-left rotators (p < 0.05), knee joints PT-left and right flexor (p ≤ 0.01), ratio of knee joint PT-right flexor to knee joint PT-right extensor (p < 0.05) in rowers and aggreccan with elbow joint PT of the right flexor (p ≤ 0.01) and extensor (p = 0.05) in canoeists. The correlations of COMP and aggrecan levels with PT of the muscle groups studied in rowers and canoeists indicate the importance of stabilizing the muscular system in cartilage metabolism. The relationship between 25(OH)D status and biomechanical parameters confirm that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining skeletal muscle health.

Risk of African swine fever virus transmission among wild boar and domestic pigs in Poland.

Introduction: African swine fever (ASF) is a notifiable disease of swine that impacts global pork trade and food security. In several countries across the globe, the disease persists in wild boar (WB) populations sympatric to domestic pig (DP) operations, with continued detections in both sectors. While there is evidence of spillover and spillback between the sectors, the frequency of occurrence and relative importance of different risk factors for transmission at the wildlife-livestock interface remain unclear. Methods: To address this gap, we leveraged ASF surveillance data from WB and DP across Eastern Poland from 2014-2019 in an analysis that quantified the relative importance of different risk factors for explaining variation in each of the ASF surveillance data from WB and DP. Results: ASF prevalence exhibited different seasonal trends across the sectors: apparent prevalence was much higher in summer (84% of detections) in DP, but more consistent throughout the year in WB (highest in winter with 45%, lowest in summer at 15%). Only 21.8% of DP-positive surveillance data included surveillance in WB nearby (within 5 km of the grid cell within the last 4 weeks), while 41.9% of WB-positive surveillance samples included any DP surveillance samples nearby. Thus, the surveillance design afforded twice as much opportunity to find DP-positive samples in the recent vicinity of WB-positive samples compared to the opposite, yet the rate of positive WB samples in the recent vicinity of a positive DP sample was 48 times as likely than the rate of positive DP samples in the recent vicinity of a positive WB sample. Our machine learning analyses found that positive samples in WB were predicted by WB-related risk factors, but not to DP-related risk factors. In contrast, WB risk factors were important for predicting detections in DP on a few spatial and temporal scales of data aggregation. Discussion: Our results highlight that spillover from WB to DP might be more frequent than the reverse, but that the structure of current surveillance systems challenge quantification of spillover frequency and risk factors. Our results emphasize the importance of, and provide guidance for, improving cross-sector surveillance designs.

Temporal changes in intensity and volume of external training loads during a 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games in elite youth soccer players.

This study compared external training load (ETL) and its temporal changes across repetitions during a speed endurance production (SEP) training comprised of 1 × 1 short-bout, small-sided games (SSGs) in elite youth soccer players. Twenty U18 players were divided into two groups (SEP1 and SEP2) performing six 30 s and 45 s bouts of SSG (work-to-rest ratio 1:4) on a 10 by 15 m field. ETL was characterized by the total distance covered, Player Load, the total number of accelerations/decelerations, and their relative values (per minute). Significant overall decreases in the ETL parameter values across six repetitions in both SSG groups were observed relative to the measurement in the first set beginning in 3rd (SEP1) or 4th (SEP2) repetitions. Significant greater decreases in Player Load (F(5.90) = 2.99, p < 0.05, η P2 = 0.14), Player Load per minute (F(5,90) = 11.32, p < 0.001, η P2 = 0.39), total distance per minute (F(3.43,61.73) = 7.72, p < 0.001, η P2 = 0.30) and accelerations per minute (F(5,90) = 2.59, p < 0.05, η P2 = 0.13) were observed in the 30-s games than in the 45-s games. In conclusion, the use of SSGs in SEP training is associated with a decrease in the effectiveness of physical work performed across repetitions. In practice, due to the decrease in the measured ETL indicators already in the 3rd or 4th repetition (especially in the SEP1 group), the work-to-rest ratio could be increased from the applied 1:4 to 1:6.

Assessment of the Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status of Polish Professional Futsal Players: A Descriptive Study-Do Futsal Players Require Nutritional Education?

Futsal is a discipline with high training and nutritional requirements. Despite growing research interest in athletes' diet and nutritional status, no studies have examined Polish male futsal players. Therefore, the aim of this descriptive study was an assessment of the dietary intake and nutritional status in a selected group of futsal players. The study comprised 11 members of a top Polish futsal team (aged 26 ± 3.62 years). Dietary intake was assessed using a standardized 3-day food record. Body composition, total energy expenditure, physical fitness level, and concentrations of the biochemical indices of each participant were estimated. The energy availability in the diet was lower than recommended. Moreover, low consumption of carbohydrates was stated, as well as an inadequate intake of Vitamins E and D. Higher protein and cholesterol intake than recommended were also observed. To conclude, our results point to the need for educating athletes and coaches, particularly teaching about proper food choices, promoting quality foods, and, in some cases, using individual dietary plans to meet energy and nutrient needs. Nutrition education would help to improve their dietary and health habits and optimize their performance in sports training.

The interplay between bicarbonate kinetics and gastrointestinal upset on ergogenic potential after sodium bicarbonate intake: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

This double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study utilized comprehensive monitoring of blood bicarbonate (HCO3¯) kinetics and evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) upset to determine their impact on an ergogenic potential of sodium bicarbonate (SB) co-ingested with carbohydrate (CHO). Nineteen CrossFit athletes performed 6 bouts of 15 s Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) 90 min post-ingestion of 0.4 g·kg-1 body mass (BM) of SB (SB + CHO treatment) or PLA (PLA + CHO treatment) with 15 g CHO. Blood HCO3¯ concentration was evaluated at baseline, 30-, 60-, 75- and 90 min post-ingestion, in between WAnT bouts, and 3 and 45 min post-exercise, while GI upset at 120 min after protocol started. Control (no supplementation; CTRL) procedures were also performed. An effective elevation of extra-cellular buffering capacity was observed 60-90 min post-ingestion of SB + CHO. At mean peak blood HCO3¯, or at start of exercise an increase > 6 mmol·L-1 in HCO3¯ was noted in 84% and 52.6% participants, respectively. SB + CHO did not prevent performance decrements in WAnT bouts. There were no significant relationships between changes in blood HCO3¯ and WAnTs' performance. Total GI was significantly higher in SB + CHO compared to CTRL, and stomach problems in SB + CHO compared to CTRL and PLA + CHO. There were inverse associations between peak- (p = 0.031; r = - 0.495), average- (p = 0.002; r = - 0.674) and minimum power (p = 0.008; r = - 0.585) and total GI upset, as well as average power and severe GI distress (p = 0.042; r = - 0.471) at SB + CHO. The implemented dose of SB + CHO was effective in improving buffering capacity, but did not prevent decrements in WAnTs' performance. GI side effects were crucial in affecting the ergogenic potential of SB and thus must be insightfully monitored in future studies.

Epidemiological analysis of African swine fever in the European Union during 2022.

This report presents the epidemiological analysis of African swine fever (ASF) during 2022 based on the surveillance and pig population data submitted by the European Union (EU) affected countries and one neighbouring country. Coinciding with regulatory changes and an important decrease in ASF outbreaks in 2022 in the EU, the number of domestic pig samples tested as part of active surveillance decreased by 80%, while the number of samples from passive surveillance almost doubled compared with 2021. Most outbreaks among domestic pigs in the EU were detected by testing clinical suspicions (93% of outbreaks), followed by tracing activities (5%) and weekly testing of the first two dead pigs per establishment (2%). Although most of the wild boar samples came from hunted animals, the probability of detecting PCR-positive animals was much higher in wild boar found dead. The ASF outbreaks among domestic pigs in the EU decreased by 79% while a decrease of 40% in the wild boar cases was observed in comparison with 2021. This was strongly marked in Romania, Poland and Bulgaria, with a reduction of 50-80% compared with 2021. In many countries, an important decrease in the number of pig establishments was observed, especially of small establishments with fewer than 100 pigs. The regional between farm incidence and proportion of pigs lost due to ASF in the EU was in general very low (average of 1%) apart from some regions in Romania. The impact of ASF on wild boar populations was variable, with a decline in wild boar abundance observed in certain countries versus a stable or even increased population after ASF introduction. This supports the negative relationship observed in this report between the proportion of the country with restricted zones due to ASF in wild boar and wild boar hunting bags.

Worse sleep and increased energy expenditure yet no movement changes in sub-urban wild boar experiencing an influx of human visitors (anthropulse) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expansion of urban areas, landscape transformation and increasing human outdoor activities strongly affect wildlife behaviour. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in particular led to drastic changes in human behaviour, exposing wildlife around the world to either reduced or increased human presence, potentially altering animal behaviour. Here, we investigate behavioural responses of wild boar (Sus scrofa) to changing numbers of human visitors to a suburban forest near Prague, Czech Republic, during the first 2.5 years of the COVID-19 epidemic (April 2019-November 2021). We used bio-logging and movement data of 63 GPS-collared wild boar and human visitation data based on an automatic counter installed in the field. We hypothesised that higher levels of human leisure activity will have a disturbing effect on wild boar behaviour manifested in increased movements and ranging, energy spent, and disrupted sleep patterns. Interestingly, whilst the number of people visiting the forest varied by two orders of magnitude (from 36 to 3431 people weekly), even high levels of human presence (>2000 visitors per week) did not affect weekly distance travelled, home range size, and maximum displacement of wild boar. Instead, individuals spent 41 % more energy at high levels of human presence (>2000 visitors per week), with more erratic sleep patterns, characterised by shorter and more frequent sleeping bouts. Our results highlight multifaceted effects of increased human activities ('anthropulses'), such as those related to COVID-19 countermeasures, on animal behaviour. High human pressure may not affect animal movements or habitat use, especially in highly adaptable species such as wild boar, but may disrupt animal activity rhythms, with potentially detrimental fitness consequences. Such subtle behavioural responses can be overlooked if using only standard tracking technology.

Effects of short bout small-sided game training on acid-based balance markers in youth male soccer players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 1 × 1 small-sided games (SSGs) with different bout durations on external (ETL) and internal training loads (ITL) in youth soccer players. Twenty U18 players were divided into two groups performing six 1 × 1 SSGs with 30 and 45 s bout durations on a playing field of 10 by 15 m. ITL indices, including the percentage of maximum heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BLa) level, pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, and base excess (BE) level, were measured at rest, after each SSG bout, and 15 and 30 min after the entire exercise protocol. ETL (Global Positioning System metrics) was recorded during all six SSG bouts. The analysis showed that the 45 s SSGs had a greater volume (large effect) but a lower training intensity (small to large effect) than the 30 s SSGs. A significant time effect (p < 0.05) was observed in all ITL indices and a significant group effect (F1, 18 = 8.84, p = 0.0082, ƞ2 = 0.33) in the HCO3- level only. Finally, the changes in the HR and HCO3- level were smaller in the 45 s SSGs than in the 30 s SSGs. In conclusion, 30-s games, characterized by a higher intensity of training effort, are more physiologically demanding than 45-s games. Secondly during short-bout SSG training the HR and BLa level have limited diagnostic value for ITL. Extending ITL monitoring using other indicators, such as the HCO3- and BE levels, appears reasonable.

Assessment of Oxidative Stress Indices and Total Phenolics Concentrations in Obese Adult Women-The Effect of Training with Supplemental Oxygen: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using an oxygen-enriched breathing mixture during controlled physical training on blood oxidative stress parameters and total phenolics (TP) concentrations in obese adult women. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial study included 60 women aged 19−68 with BMIs greater than 30 kg/m2. Patients were randomly assigned to the study group (n = 30), which received additional intervention in supplementing the breathing mixture with oxygen at the flow of 6 L/min during training sessions, and the control group (n = 30). At the beginning and at the end of the study, anthropometric assessments (height and weight and BMI) and blood tests (CRP, FRAP, TBARS, TP, BAC, and La) were performed. For each patient, an individual endurance training plan was established on a cycloergometer, including 12 training units, based on a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Results: A decrease in blood TBARS concentration was observed in each study group. For the control group, the change was more remarkable, and the difference between the groups was significant at (p < 0.05; ES: 0.583). Training with the oxygen breathing mixture increased blood concentrations of TP, while a decrease in TP in blood was observed in the group without oxygen supplementation during physical training. The difference in the responses between the groups was significant at (p < 0.05; ES: 0.657) Conclusions: Increasing the concentration of oxygen in the respiratory mixture under conditions of increased exercise was shown to be safe because it did not exacerbate oxidative stress in the obese group.