Effects of Creatine Supplementation after 20 Minutes of Recovery in a Bench Press Exercise Protocol in Moderately Physically Trained Men.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were to analyse the effect of creatine supplementation on the performance improvement in a bench pressing (BP) strength test of muscle failure and to evaluate muscle fatigue and metabolic stress 20 min after the exercise. METHODS: Fifty young and healthy individuals were randomly assigned to a creatine group (n = 25) or a placebo group (n = 25). Three exercise sessions were carried out, with one week of rest between them. In the first week, a progressive load BP test was performed until the individuals reached the one repetition maximum (1RM) in order to for us obtain the load-to-velocity ratio of each participant. In the second week, the participants conducted a three-set BP exercise protocol against 70% 1RM, where they performed the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) until muscle failure occurred, with two minutes of rest between the sets. After one week, and following a supplementation period of 7 days, where half of the participants consumed 0.3 g·kg-1·day-1 of creatine monohydrate (CR) and the other half consumed 0.3 g·kg-1·day-1 of placebo (PLA, maltodextrin), the protocol from the second week was repeated. After each set, and up to 20 min after finishing the exercise, the blood lactate concentrations and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) at 1 m·s-1 were measured. RESULTS: The CR group performed a significantly higher number of repetitions in Set 1 (CR = 14.8 repetitions, PLA = 13.6 repetitions, p = 0.006) and Set 2 (CR = 8 repetitions, PLA = 6.7 repetitions, p = 0.006) after supplementation, whereas no significant differences were seen in Set 3 (CR = 5.3 repetitions, PLA = 4.7 repetitions, p = 0.176). However, there was a significant increase in blood lactate at minute 10 (p = 0.003), minute 15 (p = 0.020), and minute 20 (p = 0.015) after the exercise in the post-supplementation period. Similarly, a significant increase was observed in the MPV at 1 m·s-1 in the CR group with respect to the PLA group at 10, 15, and 20 min after the exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Although the creatine supplementation improved the performance in the strength test of muscle failure, the metabolic stress and muscle fatigue values were greater during the 20 min of recovery.

Microwave Treatment vs. Conventional Pasteurization: The Effect on Phytochemical and Microbiological Quality for Citrus-Maqui Beverages.

This study uncovered the impacts of microwave (MW) treatments compared to conventional pasteurization (TP) on the quality of functional citrus-maqui beverages, with added sucrose or stevia. The influence of these thermal treatments on the microbiological burden and phytochemical composition was determined by processing under two MW power levels (600 W and 800 W) and TP at 85 °C for 15 s for 60 days at room temperature (20 °C). The results indicated that, beyond the microbiological quality achieved in the juices treated by both MW and TP technology, there were no differences among the treatments regarding the stability of vitamin C, anthocyanin, and flavanone concentrations. However, anthocyanins were more stable in those beverages with sucrose added, rendering a better red color. Besides, all treatments ensured microbiological stability throughout the entire storage time. In conclusion, MW treatment could be considered as an alternative to TP, which ensures microbial safety, protecting functional compounds associated with health effects.

Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial.

Throughout history a variety of therapeutic tools have been studied as possible enhancers of sports activities. This study proposes the use of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) as a performance booster to paralympic athletes, specifically those belonging to the Spanish Paralympic swimming committee. The study was a randomized, single-blind, and observer-blind, crossover clinical trial. Six athletes were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with CRET (A); a placebo group (B) and a control group (C). The CRET group attended a twenty-minute session before being subjected to pool trials at distances of 50 and 100 m at maximum performance. Measurements were in two dimensions: time in seconds and the Borg scale for perceived exertion. Comparisons between groups were made with respect to distance and the main variables. In the case of perceived exertion, no significant changes were observed in any of the distances; however, in the case of the time variable, a significant difference was observed between Group A vs. Personal Record at 100 m distance (76.3 ± 6.8 vs. 68.4 ± 3.3). The proposed protocol and level of hyperthermia applied suggest refusal of CRET use for the 100-m distance a few minutes before sports practice. Our analysis suggests the need to modify the presented protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier under NCT number: NCT04336007.

Effect of the administration of different forms of vitamin D on central blood pressure and aortic stiffness, and its implication in the reduction of albuminuria in chronic kidney disease. / Efecto de la administración de diferentes formas de vitamina D en la presión arterial y rigidez aórticas, y su implicación en la reducción de la albuminuria en la enfermedad renal crónica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D(vitD) participates in phospho-calcium metabolism and exerts multiple pleiotropic effects. There is tissue 1-α (OH)ase that converts 25-OH cholecalciferol (25 (OH) D) in calcitriol that exerts autocrine and paracrine effects. 25 (OH)D deficiency could limit these tissue effects of vitD. The administration of nutritional vitD and the activator of the vitD receptor, paricalcitol, may promote beneficial effects on vascular and renal function. The objective of this work was to study in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) the effect that the administration of different forms of vitD has on arterial function and albuminuria, and the possible relationship between the modifications of these variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied in 97 patients with CKD stages 3-4 the effect of the administration of cholecalciferol (group 2; n: 35) and paricalcitol (n: 31; group 3) on parameters derived from brachial blood pressure, aortic blood pressure and on aortic stiffness studied using carotid-femoral pulse velocity (Vpc-f), and on albuminuria. A group of patients with stages 3-4 CKD who did not receive vitD therapy served as a control group (n: 31; group 1). All parameters were studied at baseline and after the follow-up period which was 7 ± 2 months. RESULTS: In the baseline phase, no differences were observed between the groups in brachial systolic blood pressure (bSBP), central systolic blood pressure (SBP), brachial pulse pressure (bPP), and central pulse pressure (pCP) or in aortic stiffness that was increased in all groups with a baseline Vpc-f value of 10.5 (9.2-12.1) m/sec. The baseline albuminuria value in the grouped patients was 229 (43-876) mg / g (median (interquartile range)), with no differences between the groups. Serum calcium and phosphorus increased significantly in those treated with cholecal-ciferol (native vitD) and paricalcitol (active vitD). Parathormone (PTH) values decreased in those treated with paricalcitol.bPP and cPP decreased in all groups treated with native and active vitD. No significant changes in bPP and cPP were observed in the control group. Vpc-f did not change significantly in any of the groups, although the variation was quantitatively greater in group 3 (11.2±2 vs. 10.7±1.6 (P=.06)). No differences were observed in the changes in Vpc-f between the groups when adjusted to the baseline values of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, PTH, vitD, brachial and central blood pressure parameters, and their changes with treatment.Those who received treatment with native and active vitD presented a significant decrease in albuminuria of 17% (group 2) and 21% (group 3) compared to a 16% increase in the untreated group (group 1) (P=.01). A decrease in albuminuria ≥30% was observed more frequently in the groups treated with some form of vitD (group 2: 23%; group 3: 45%) than in the control group (13%) (P=.03). The decrease in albuminuria observed in the groups treated with any of the forms of vitD did not vary when the baseline values of the biochemical parameters of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, those of arterial function (PPb, PPc, Vpc-f) or its modifications were introduced as covariates. There was no significant correlation between changes in Vpc-f and albuminuria. In logistic regression, changes in arterial function parameters were also not explanatory for the ≥30% decrease in albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CKD stages 3-4, treated with RAS blockers and with residual albuminuria, the administration of or paricalcitol reduces brachial and aortic pulse pressures, and albuminuria. The decrease in albuminuria does not seem to be mediated, at least not decisively, by changes in central hemodynamics or aortic stiffness.

Occurrence of Salmonella typhimurium resistance under sublethal/repeated exposure to cauliflower infusion and infection effects on Caernohabditis elegans host test organism.

Resistant bacteria to antimicrobials are increasingly emerging in medical, food industry and livestock environments. The present research work assesses the capability of Salmonella enterica var Typhimurium to become adapted under the exposure to a natural cauliflower antimicrobial by-product infusion in consecutive repeated exposure cycles. Caenorhabditis elegans was proposed as in vivo host-test organism to compare possible changes in the virulent pattern of the different rounds treated S. enterica var Typhimurium and untreated bacterial cells. According to the obtained results, S. enterica var Typhimurium was able to generate resistance against a repeated exposure to cauliflower by-product infusion 5% (w/v), increasing the resistance with the number of exposed repetitions. Meanwhile, at the first exposure, cauliflower by-product infusion was effective in reducing S. enterica var Typhimurium (≈1 log10 cycle), and S. enterica var Typhimurium became resistant to this natural antimicrobial after the second and third treatment-round and was able to grow (≈1 log10 cycle). In spite of the increased resistance observed for repeatedly treated bacteria, the present study reveals no changes on C. elegans infection effects between resistant and untreated S. enterica var Typhimurium, according to phenotypic parameters evaluation (lifespan duration and egg-laying).

Chemically Tuned p- and n-Type WSe2 Monolayers with High Carrier Mobility for Advanced Electronics.

Monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted a great interest for post-silicon electronics and photonics due to their high carrier mobility, tunable bandgap, and atom-thick 2D structure. With the analogy to conventional silicon electronics, establishing a method to convert TMDC to p- and n-type semiconductors is essential for various device applications, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits and photovoltaics. Here, a successful control of the electrical polarity of monolayer WSe2 is demonstrated by chemical doping. Two different molecules, 4-nitrobenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate and diethylenetriamine, are utilized to convert ambipolar WSe2 field-effect transistors (FETs) to p- and n-type, respectively. Moreover, the chemically doped WSe2 show increased effective carrier mobilities of 82 and 25 cm2 V-1 s-1 for holes and electrons, respectively, which are much higher than those of the pristine WSe2 . The doping effects are studied by photoluminescence, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory. Chemically tuned WSe2 FETs are integrated into CMOS inverters, exhibiting extremely low power consumption (≈0.17 nW). Furthermore, a p-n junction within single WSe2 grain is realized via spatially controlled chemical doping. The chemical doping method for controlling the transport properties of WSe2 will contribute to the development of TMDC-based advanced electronics.

One Year of Pilates Training for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: This prospective long-term study examines the effects of a Pilates training intervention on spinal mobility, disease activity, and functional capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Design: The study design was quasi experimental and single blind. Subjects: 11 subjects were recruited among patients undergoing followup of AS diagnosed according to modified New York criteria at the rheumatology clinic. Interventions: Over a 12-month period, 11 patients completed a training program consisting of two sessions per week of selected Pilates exercises. There was no control group. Outcome measures: The primary outcome variable was functional capacity measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) questionnaire. Exploratory outcome measures were Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), and chest expansion and fingertip-to-floor (FTF) test. Baseline and follow-up examinations were performed immediately before the intervention and during the course of treatment at 4, 8, and 12 months. Results: After the exercise intervention, improvements were observed in BASFI (77.51%), BASDAI (64.39%) and BASMI (58.95%) scores, FTF distance (71.92%), and chest expansion (88.74%). Conclusions: These findings suggest that Pilates training could be useful in AS patients and provide direction for larger controlled trials designed to determine the therapeutic benefits of Pilates in the management of these patients.

Effect of Milking Maneuver in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short and medium-term effects of milking maneuver (MM) compared with early cord clamping for infants born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 138 infants between 24+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation were allocated to MM or early cord clamping. Primary outcomes were the requirement of red blood cell transfusions or phototherapy. RESULTS: Initial hemoglobin was significantly higher in the MM group by 1.675 g/dL (p < 0.05) and initial hematocrit by 5.36% (p < 0.05), but no differences in the need of transfusion during the first 30 days after delivery were found (RR 0.8; 95% CI 0.22-2.85). Peak serum bilirubin was similar in both groups (11,097 ± 3.21 vs. 11,247 ± 3.56 mg/dL, p = 0.837). Phototherapy requirements were higher in the MM group (RR 1.62; 95% CI 1.1-2.38). No differences regarding the need of oral iron supplementation, platelet transfusion, respiratory distress syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, meconium aspiration syndrome, use of surfactant, days of oxygen supplementation, need of vasopressors, length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, or postpartum hemorrhage were found. CONCLUSION: MM does not reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions and increases phototherapy requirements in preterm infants.

Effects of a single dose of beetroot juice on cycling time trial performance at ventilatory thresholds intensity in male triathletes.

BACKGROUND: Beetroot juice (BJ) is classified as a high-level supplement for improving sports performance. There is some controversy over the benefits of BJ supplementation for endurance exercise performance, especially when referring to well-trained athletes. This study examines the effects of acute BJ supplementation on cardioventilatory responses, exercise economy/efficiency, slow component of oxygen uptake, time trial performance, blood lactate, energy consumption, and carbohydrate and fat oxidation. METHODS: Twelve well-trained, male triathletes (aged 21-47 yr) were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to receive 70 ml of BJ (6.5 mmol NO3-) or placebo (PL). Three hours after taking the supplement, participants completed an endurance test on a cycle ergometer at a constant work rate (W) corresponding to first ventilatory threshold (VT1) (30 min) and second ventilatory threshold (VT2) time trial (~ 15 min). RESULTS: Maximal oxygen uptake was 54.78 ± 3.13 mL·min- 1·kg- 1, and gross efficiency was > 22% at each load intensity and experimental condition. No significant interaction effect (supplement*intensity) was observed on any of the cardioventilatory variables, efficiency/economy, VT2 time trial, energy expenditure, carbohydrate oxidation and fat oxidation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings do not support an improvement in the variables examined in response to acute BJ supplementation. Probably, higher doses are needed for improving time trial performance in male triathletes during a cycle ergometer test conducted at a load intensity equivalent to the first and second ventilatory threshold.

Effect of Manual Therapy, Motor Control Exercise, and Inspiratory Muscle Training on Maximum Inspiratory Pressure and Postural Measures in Moderate Smokers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess whether adding manual therapy to motor control exercises protocol with inspiratory muscle training (IMT) (combined intervention) resulted in a greater effect than IMT alone in enhancing maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) in the short term. METHODS: This was a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Fifty-one healthy moderate smokers were randomized into 2 groups: (1) IMT and (2) combined intervention. All participants received 8 individual sessions, 2 per week during a 4-week period. The primary outcome (MIP) and the secondary outcome (pulmonary function, forward head posture, and thoracic kyphosis) were recorded at baseline and after the treatments. RESULTS: There were differences between groups in change score for MIP (mean, 23.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.48-31.12), forward head posture (-1.57; 95% CI: -2.79 to -0.35), and thoracic kyphosis (-0.92; 95% CI: -1.74 to -0.1). The combined intervention revealed statistically significant differences for MIP (mean, -34; 95% CI: -39.12 to -28.88) and for postural measures (forward head posture 2.31; 95% CI: 1.45-3.16; thoracic kyphosis, 1.39; 95% CI: 0.8-1.97), whereas the IMT was only observed for MIP (mean, -10.2; 95% CI: -15.42 to -4.98). In addition, the intraclass correlation coefficient and minimal detectable change for MIP were 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93-0.97, and 17.70, respectively. CONCLUSION: Inspiratory muscle training protocol combined with manual therapy and motor control exercise had greater effect in enhancing MIP than did IMT in isolation in moderate smokers in the short term. In addition, both groups experienced changes in MIP but not in lung function.

Effects of ß-alanine supplementation during a 5-week strength training program: a randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: ß-Alanine (BA) is a non-essential amino acid that has been shown to enhance exercise performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if BA supplementation improved the adaptive response to five weeks of a resistance training program. METHODS: Thirty healthy, strength-trained individuals were randomly assigned to the experimental groups placebo (PLA) or BA. Over 5 weeks of strength training, subjects in BA took 6.4 g/day of BA as 8 × 800 mg doses each at least 1.5 h apart. The training program consisted of 3 sessions per week in which three different leg exercises were conducted as a circuit (back squat, barbell step ups and loaded jumping lunges). The program started with 3 sets of 40 s of work per exercise and rest periods between sets of 120 s in the first week. This training volume was then gradually built up to 5 sets of 20 s work/60 s rest in the fifth week. The work load during the program was set by one of the authors according to the individual's perceived effort the previous week. The variables measured were average velocity, peak velocity, average power, peak power, and load in kg in a back squat, incremental load, one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. In addition, during the rest period, jump ability (jump height and power) was assessed on a force platform. To compare data, a general linear model with repeated measures two-way analysis of variance was used. RESULTS: Significantly greater training improvements were observed in the BA group versus PLA group (p = 0.045) in the variables average power at 1RM (BA: 42.65%, 95% CI, 432.33, 522.52 VS. PLA: 21.07%, 95% CI, 384.77, 482.19) and average power at maximum power output (p = 0.037) (BA: 20.17%, 95% CI, 637.82, 751.90 VS. PLA; 10.74%, 95% CI, 628.31, 751.53). The pre- to post training average power gain produced at 1RM in BA could be explained by a greater maximal strength gain, or load lifted at 1RM (p = 0.014) (24 kg, 95% CI, 19.45, 28.41 VS. 16 kg, 95% CI, 10.58, 20.25) and in the number of sets executed (p = 0.025) in the incremental load test (BA: 2.79 sets, 95% CI, 2.08, 3.49 VS. PLA: 1.58 sets, 95% CI, 0.82, 2.34). CONCLUSIONS: ß-Alanine supplementation was effective at increasing power output when lifting loads equivalent to the individual's maximal strength or when working at maximum power output. The improvement observed at 1RM was explained by a greater load lifted, or strength gain, in response to training in the participants who took this supplement.

Effects of beetroot juice supplementation on intermittent high-intensity exercise efforts.

Beetroot juice contains high levels of inorganic nitrate (NO3-) and its intake has proved effective at increasing blood nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. Given the effects of NO in promoting vasodilation and blood flow with beneficial impacts on muscle contraction, several studies have detected an ergogenic effect of beetroot juice supplementation on exercise efforts with high oxidative energy metabolism demands. However, only a scarce yet growing number of investigations have sought to assess the effects of this supplement on performance at high-intensity exercise. Here we review the few studies that have addressed this issue. The databases Dialnet, Elsevier, Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science were searched for articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish published from 2010 to March 31 to 2017 using the keywords: beet or beetroot or nitrate or nitrite and supplement or supplementation or nutrition or "sport nutrition" and exercise or sport or "physical activity" or effort or athlete. Nine articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified. Results indicate that beetroot juice given as a single dose or over a few days may improve performance at intermittent, high-intensity efforts with short rest periods. The improvements observed were attributed to faster phosphocreatine resynthesis which could delay its depletion during repetitive exercise efforts. In addition, beetroot juice supplementation could improve muscle power output via a mechanism involving a faster muscle shortening velocity. The findings of some studies also suggested improved indicators of muscular fatigue, though the mechanism involved in this effect remains unclear.

The effectiveness of combining inspiratory muscle training with manual therapy and a therapeutic exercise program on maximum inspiratory pressure in adults with asthma: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise protocol to inspiratory muscle training was more effective in improving maximum inspiratory pressure than inspiratory muscle training in isolation. DESIGN: This is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS: In total, 43 patients with asthma were included in this study. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were allocated into one of the two groups: (1) inspiratory muscle training ( n = 21; 20-minute session) or (2) inspiratory muscle training (20-minute session) combined with a program of manual therapy (15-minute session) and therapeutic exercise (15-minute session; n = 22). All participants received 12 sessions, two days/week, for six weeks and performed the domiciliary exercises protocol. MAIN MEASURES: The main measures such as maximum inspiratory pressure, spirometric measures, forward head posture, and thoracic kyphosis were recorded at baseline and after the treatment. RESULTS: For the per-protocol analysis, between-group differences at post-intervention were observed in maximum inspiratory pressure (19.77 cmH2O (11.49-28.04), P < .05; F = 22.436; P < .001; η2p = 0.371) and forward head posture (-1.25 cm (-2.32 to -0.19), P < .05; F = 5.662; P = .022; η2p = 0.13). The intention-to-treat analysis showed the same pattern of findings. CONCLUSION: The inspiratory muscle training combined with a manual therapy and therapeutic exercise program is more effective than its application in isolation for producing short-term maximum inspiratory pressure and forward head posture improvements in patients with asthma.

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on a 30-s High-Intensity Inertial Cycle Ergometer Test.

Background: Beetroot juice (BJ) is rich in inorganic nitrates and has proved effective at increasing blood nitric oxide (NO) levels. When used as a supplement BJ has shown an ergogenic effect on cardiorespiratory resistance exercise modalities, yet few studies have examined its impact on high intensity efforts. Objective: To assess the effects of BJ intake on anaerobic performance in a Wingate test. Methods: Fifteen trained men (age 21.46 ± 1.72 years, height 1.78 ± 0.07 cm and weight 76.90 ± 8.67 kg) undertook a 30-s maximum intensity test on an inertial cycle ergometer after drinking 70 mL of BJ (5.6 mmol NO3-) or placebo. Results: Despite no impacts of BJ on the mean power recorded during the test, improvements were produced in peak power (6%) (p = 0.034), average power 0-15 s (6.7%) (p = 0.048) and final blood lactate levels (82.6%) (p < 0.001), and there was a trend towards a shorter time taken to attain peak power (-8.4%) (p = 0.055). Conclusions: Supplementation with BJ has an ergonomic effect on maximum power output and on average power during the first 15 s of a 30-s maximum intensity inertial cycle ergometer test.

Epigenetic DNA Methylation Mediating Octopus vulgaris Early Development: Effect of Essential Fatty Acids Enriched Diet.

The common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, is a good candidate for aquaculture but a sustainable production is still unviable due to an almost total mortality during the paralarvae stage. DNA methylation regulates gene expression in the eukaryotic genome, and has been shown to exhibit plasticity throughout O. vulgaris life cycle, changing profiles from paralarvae to adult stages. This pattern of methylation could be sensitive to small alterations in nutritional and environmental conditions during the species early development, thus impacting on its health, growth and survival. In this sense, a full understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms operating during O. vulgaris development would contribute to optimizing the culture conditions for this species. Paralarvae of O. vulgaris were cultured over 28 days post-hatching (dph) using two different Artemia sp. based diets: control and a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) enriched diet. The effect of the diets on the paralarvae DNA global methylation was analyzed by Methyl-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) and global 5-methylcytosine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) approaches. The analysis of different methylation states over the time revealed a global demethylation phenomena occurring along O. vulgaris early development being directly driven by the age of the paralarvae. A gradual decline in methylated loci (hemimethylated, internal cytosine methylated, and hypermethylated) parallel to a progressive gain in non-methylated (NMT) loci toward the later sampling points was verified regardless of the diet provided and demonstrate a pre-established and well-defined demethylation program during its early development, involving a 20% of the MSAP loci. In addition, a differential behavior between diets was also observed at 20 dph, with a LC-PUFA supplementation effect over the methylation profiles. The present results show significant differences on the paralarvae methylation profiles during its development and a diet effect on these changes. It is characterized by a process of demethylation of the genome at the paralarvae stage and the influence of diet to favor this methylation loss.

Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review.

Athletes use nutritional supplementation to enhance the effects of training and achieve improvements in their athletic performance. Beetroot juice increases levels of nitric oxide (NO), which serves multiple functions related to increased blood flow, gas exchange, mitochondrial biogenesis and efficiency, and strengthening of muscle contraction. These biomarker improvements indicate that supplementation with beetroot juice could have ergogenic effects on cardiorespiratory endurance that would benefit athletic performance. The aim of this literature review was to determine the effects of beetroot juice supplementation and the combination of beetroot juice with other supplements on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. A keyword search of DialNet, MedLine, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases covered publications from 2010 to 2016. After excluding reviews/meta-analyses, animal studies, inaccessible full-text, and studies that did not supplement with beetroot juice and adequately assess cardiorespiratory endurance, 23 articles were selected for analysis. The available results suggest that supplementation with beetroot juice can improve cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes by increasing efficiency, which improves performance at various distances, increases time to exhaustion at submaximal intensities, and may improve the cardiorespiratory performance at anaerobic threshold intensities and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). Although the literature shows contradictory data, the findings of other studies lead us to hypothesize that supplementing with beetroot juice could mitigate the ergolytic effects of hypoxia on cardiorespiratory endurance in athletes. It cannot be stated that the combination of beetroot juice with other supplements has a positive or negative effect on cardiorespiratory endurance, but it is possible that the effects of supplementation with beetroot juice can be undermined by interaction with other supplements such as caffeine.

Serum Concentrations of Selenium and Copper in Patients Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.

PURPOSE: Understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is still insufficient. This study evaluated the associations between concentrations of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) in the serum of PaCa patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 PaCa patients and 100 control subjects from the same geographical region in Poland. To determine the average concentration of Se, Cu, and ratio Cu:Se in the Polish population, assay for Se and Cu was performed in 480 healthy individuals. Serum levels of Se and Cu were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: In the control group, the average Se level was 76 µg/L and Cu 1,098 µg/L. The average Se level among PaCa patients was 60 µg/L and the mean Cu level was 1,432 µg/L. The threshold point at which any decrease in Se concentration was associated with PaCa was 67.45 µg/L. The threshold point of Cu level above which there was an increase in the prevalence of PaCa was 1,214.58 µg/L. In addition, a positive relationship was observed between increasing survival time and Se plasma level. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study suggests that low levels of Se and high levels of Cu might influence development of PaCa and that higher levels of Se are associated with longer survival in patients with PaCa. The results suggest that determining the level of Se and Cu could be incorporated into a risk stratification scheme for the selection and surveillance control examination to complement existing screening and diagnostic procedures.

Impact of the consumption of a rich diet in butter and it replacement for a rich diet in extra virgin olive oil on anthropometric, metabolic and lipid profile in postmenopausal women / Impacto del consumo de una dieta rica en mantequilla y su reemplazo por una dieta rica en aceite de oliva virgen extra sobre el perfil antropométrico, metabólico y lipídico en mujeres postmenopáusicas

Objective: to analyze the impact of the substitution of a rich diet in saturated fats with a rich diet in monounsaturated fats on anthropometric, metabolic and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. Material and methods: a prospective, longitudinal and comparative study where 18 postmenopausal women participated in two periods of dietary intervention of 28 days each one: 1) (SAT diet) consumed butter. Caloric formula (CF) = 15% protein, 38% fat. [20% saturated fat (SFA), 12% monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and 47% carbohydrates and 6% polyunsaturated (PUFA)]. b) Period MONO: with extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). CF = 15% protein, 38% fat (<10% SFA, 22% PUFA and 6% MUFA) and 47% carbohydrates. Size and body composition, glucose, insulin, HOMA, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, TG, TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL.C were measured; dietary Anamnesis/24 hours, daily food record. ANOVA and Bonferroni statistical analysis (SPSS 20) was applied. Results: the age was 56 ± 5 years, BMI 29.8 ± 3.1 kg/m2 , waist circumference: 93.2 ± 10.1 cm, waist/hip ratio: 0.86 ± 0.14, waist/height: 0.59 ± 0.06 and 38.6 ± 4% body fat (NS). Lipid profile: SAT diet increased TC (p< 0.001), LDL-C (p< 0.002) and non HDL-Cholesterol (p< 0.000), HDL-C increased in MONO diet (p< 0.000). SAT diet: TC/HDL-c ratio, Non col HDL-c/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c (p< 0.000) and TG/HDL-c (p< 0.000). In MONO diet decreased TC/HDL-c (p< 0.015) and TG/HDL-c (p< 0.016). Conclusions: the SAT diet increased cardiovascular risk, while the MONO diet decreased the risk to develop the metabolic syndrome components and choronary heart disease (AU)

Objetivo: analizar el impacto de la sustitución de una dieta rica en grasas saturadas por una dieta rica en grasas monoinsaturadas sobre el perfil antropométrico, metabólico y lipídico en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Material y método: estudio prospectivo, longitudinal y comparativo en el que 18 mujeres postmenopáusicas participaron en dos períodos de intervención dietética de 28 días cada uno: 1) (dieta SAT) consumieron mantequilla. Fórmula calórica (FC) = 15% de proteínas, 38% grasas. [20% grasas saturadas (AGS), 12% grasas monoinsaturadas (AGM) y 47% carbohidratos y 6% poliinsaturadas (AGPI)]. 2) Periodo MONO: con aceite de oliva virgen extra (AOVE). Fórmula calórica = 15% de proteínas, 38% grasas (<10% AGS, 22% AGM y 6% AGPI) y 47% carbohidratos. Se midieron dimensión y composición corporal, glicemia, insulina, HOMA, CT, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDLC, TG, CT/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C/ TG/ HDL-C y CT no HDL-C/HDLC. Anamnesis dietética/24 horas, registro diario de alimentos. Para el análisis estadístico se aplicó ANOVA y BONFERRONI (SPSS 20). Resultados: la edad fue de 56 ± 5 años, IMC: 29,8 ± 3,1 kg/m2 , circunferencia de cintura (CCi): 93,2 ± 10,1 cm, circunferencia cintura/cadera (IC/C): 0,86 ± 0,14, relación cintura/estatura (ICE): 0,59 ± 0,06 y 38,6 ± 4 % de grasa corporal (%GC) (NS). CCi, Dieta SAT al Inicio: 55,6% = RCV, final = 66,7%, dieta MONO = 55,6%. Perfil lipídico: dieta SAT aumentaron CT (p< 0,001), LDL-C (p< 0,002) y colesterol NO HDL-c (p< 0,000), HDL-C aumentó en dieta MONO (p< 0,000). Dieta SAT: Rel. CT/ HDL-c, Col No HDL-c/HDL-c, LDL-c/HDL-c (p< 0,000) y TG/HDL-c (p< 0,000). En dieta MONO disminuyeron CT/HDL-c (p< 0,015) y TG/HDL-c (p< 0,016). Conclusiones: la dieta SAT aumentó el riesgo cardiovascular, mientras que la dieta MONO disminuyó el riesgo de desarrollar los componentes del síndrome metabólico y enfermedades coronarias (AU)

A two-year follow-up of oral antioxidant supplementation in primary open-angle glaucoma: an open-label, randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of oral antioxidant supplementation (OAS) on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) over a 2-year follow-up period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this open-label, randomized controlled trial, 117 eyes of 117 patients with mild or moderate POAG and intraocular pressure under control with topical antiglaucoma medications were recruited and randomly divided into three groups according to supplementation: (1) OAS with (ICAPS R(®) - Alcon Laboratories, n = 26); (2) OAS without ω-3 fatty acids (OFTAN MACULA(®) - Laboratorios Esteve, n = 28); and (3) a control group without OAS (n = 63). They all underwent visual field (VF) tests (Humphrey 24-2) and scans using a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) device (RTVue-100) at the beginning of the study and 2 years later. Mean deviation (MD), standard pattern deviation (PSD), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters were considered for the analysis. Patients were also classified according to MD deterioration (fast deterioration vs. slow deterioration). RESULTS: Visual field global indices, peripapillary RNFL thickness and macular GCC thickness showed no differences among the groups at the beginning and end of the follow-up. Besides all the comparisons among groups for differences before and after the follow-up of the MD, PSD, RNFL and GCC parameters were also non-significant. The proportions of patients according to MD deterioration were similar among the groups and subgroups (p > 0.05 for all the comparisons). CONCLUSION: Oral antioxidant supplementation with or without ω-3 fatty acids does not appear useful as an adjuvant treatment of mild/moderate POAG in the short term.

Antimicrobial activity of nisin, thymol, carvacrol and cymene against growth of Candida lusitaniae.

Yeasts are tolerant to acid pH values, are able to grow in anaerobic media and have minimum nutrition requirements. These capabilities enable them to survive and even grow in foods prepared from acid fruits or vegetables. Among yeasts, Candida is one of the genus most frequently isolated from fruit juices. Bacteriocins and essential oils from spices and aromatic herbs are an alternative to preservatives and other technological treatments and have the advantage that their natural origins do not lead to consumer rejection. However, before the food industry uses them on a large scale, it is necessary to know their effects on microorganisms. The objective of this research was to study the effect of different concentrations of nisin, thymol, carvacrol and cymene on the growth of Candida lusitaniae in pH 5 broth at 25 ℃, and their potential uses as food preservatives. The addition of nisin at the concentrations tested (up to 3 µmol L(-1)) did not affect the yeast growth. Thymol, carvacrol and cymene completely inhibited the yeast growth at concentrations over 1 mM for at least 21 days at 25 ℃. Below this concentration, inhibitions on yeast growth were observed at increasing concentrations. The effect of thymol was also proved in tomato juice. This study indicates the potential use of essential oils for preservation of minimally processed foods.