Effects of structured exercises on selected psychological domains in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Southern Ethiopia institution-based study.

BACKGROUND: Psychological disorders are common among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effect of exercise training on psychological disorders like anxiety and depression has not been well studied in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of structured aerobic and resistance exercises on psychological domains among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in southern Ethiopia. METHOD: We began by approaching 97 type 2 diabetic patients who regularly attend follow-up clinics. The 24 study participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: aerobic exercise (n = 6), resistance exercise (n = 6), combined aerobic and resistance exercise (n = 6), and control group (n = 6). For each arm, the interventions were a structured workout package that was completed without interrupting usual clinical follow-up. The control groups, on the other hand, were kept as follow-up clinical cases with daily routine work. A paired t-test was performed to compare the means and mean differences of each exercise group's pretest and posttest. A Tukey's post hoc test was performed to compare mean differences between groups. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULT: A more significant change was obtained in the combined aerobic and resistance exercise on anxiety and depression (p = 0.006), social dysfunction (p = 0.009), loss of confidence (p = 0.012) in particular, and psychological wellbeing (p = 0.010) in general. Resistance exercise alone had a significant impact on social dysfunction (p = 0.010), anxiety and depression (p = 0.017), and psychological well-being (p = 0.012) in general. Changes in social dysfunction (p = 0.010), anxiety and depression (p = 0.030), and psychological well-being (p = 0.018) were also influenced by aerobic exercise. The study found no significant change in depression and anxiety among control groups. CONCLUSION: As a result, the combined effect of aerobic and resistance exercise had a greater influence on improving anxiety and depression, social dysfunction, loss of confidence in particular, and psychological well-being in general among patients with type 2 diabetes. In other words, the present evidence proves the betterment of combined aerobic and resistance exercises alone followed by resistance exercise alone and aerobic exercise alone compared with non-exercise groups seems to upgrade psychological wellbeing by setting up three main benefits named as: (1) anti-anxiety and depression effects; (2) anti-social dysfunction effects; and (3) anti-loss of confidence effects. This suggests that patients with diabetes who exercise regularly enhance their psychological well-being.

Biologically active polysaccharide from edible mushrooms: A review.

Mushrooms are renewable natural gift for humankind, furnished with unique taste, flavor and medicinal properties. For the last few decades study of mushroom polysaccharides has become a matter of great interest to the researchers for their immunomodulating, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antitumor properties. Molecular mass, branching configuration, conformation of polysaccharides and chemical modification are the major factors influencing their biological activities. The mechanism of action of mushroom polysaccharides is to stimulate T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells, and macrophage dependent immune responses via binding to receptors like the toll-like receptor-2, dectin-1. The present review offers summarized and significant information about the structural and biological properties of mushroom polysaccharides, and their potential for development of therapeutic materials.

Structure and biological properties of exopolysaccharide isolated from Citrobacter freundii.

This study aimed to investigate the molecular characterization, antioxidant activity in vitro, cytotoxicity study of an exopolysaccharide isolated from Citrobacter freundii. Firstly, the culture conditions were standardized by the Design of experiments (DoE) based approach, and the final yield of thecrude exopolysaccharide was optimized at 2568 ± 169 mg L-1. One large fraction of exopolysaccharide was obtained from the culture filtrate by size exclusion chromatography and molecular characteristics were studied. A new mannose rich exopolysaccharide (Fraction-I) with average molecular weight ~ 1.34 × 105 Da was isolated. The sugar analysis showed the presence of mannose and glucose in a molar ratio of nearly 7:2 respectively. The structure of the repeating unit in the exopolysaccharide was determined through chemical and 1D/2D- NMR experiments as: Finally, the antioxidant activity, and the cytotoxicity of the exopolysaccharide were investigated and the relationship with molecular properties was discussed as well.

Structural features and antioxidant activity of a new galactoglucan from edible mushroom Pleurotus djamor.

A new water soluble galactoglucan with apparent molecular weight ~1.61 × 105 Da, was isolated from the edible mushroom Pleurotus djamor by hot water extraction followed by purification through dialysis tubing cellulose membrane and sepharose 6B column chromatography. The sugar analysis showed the presence of glucose and galactose in a molar ratio of nearly 3:1 respectively. The structure of the repeating unit in the polysaccharide was determined through chemical and NMR experiments as: In vitro antioxidant studies showed that the PDPS exhibited hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 1.681 ± 0.034 mg/mL), DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 3.83 ± 0.427 mg/mL), reducing power (EC50 = 4.258 ± 0.095 mg/mL), and ABTS radical quenching activity (EC50 = 0.816 ± 0.077 mg/mL). So, PDPS should be explored as a natural antioxidant.

Structural Characterization of an Exopolysaccharide Isolated from Enterococcus faecalis, and Study on its Antioxidant Activity, and Cytotoxicity Against HeLa Cells.

An exopolysaccharide (EPS-I) having the molecular weight ~ 2.6 × 105 Da, was isolated from a Zinc resistant strain of Enterococcus faecalis from costal area. The exopolysaccharide consists of D-mannose, D-glucose, and L-fucose in molar ratio of 9:4:1. The monosaccharide units in the EPS-1 were determined through chemical (total acid hydrolysis and methylation analysis) and spectroscopic (FTIR and 1H NMR experiment) analysis. The mannose-rich EPS-1 showed total antioxidant activity (1 mg mL-1 of EPS-I as functional as approximately to 500 ± 5.2 µM of ascorbic acid) and Fe2+ metal ion chelation activity (EC50 = 405.6 µg mL-1) and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 219.5 µg mL-1). The in vitro cytotoxicity experiment of EPS-I against cervical carcinoma cell line, HeLa cells showed strong cytotoxic effect (LC50 = 267.3 µg mL-1) and at that concentration, it found almost nontoxic against normal healthy cells (HEK-293).

Green synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of silver nanoparticles using arabinoxylan isolated from Kalmegh.

A green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was synthesized by AgNO3 with arabinoxylan, isolated from green stem of Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh). The synthesized Ag NPs-arabinoxylan conjugates were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA, EDX, and Zeta potential experiments. The Ag NPs formation was established by the surface plasmon resonance band ~410.25 nm. SEM image showed mostly spherical morphology of Ag NPs. The fcc crystalline nature was identified by XRD, SAED and the size were 24.5 and 25 nm from TEM and XRD analysis respectively. The prepared Ag NPs showed dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumonia, Candida albicans and E. coli. The nanoparciles damage 4% hemolysis to human RBCs at 12.5 µg/mL. MTT assay of Ag NPs showed that half of the cell killed at 10 µg/mL and wound healing assay observed effective inhibition cell proliferation.

Effects of one week different intensity endurance exercise on cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic markers in junior young athletes.

BACKGROUND: Endurance training in varied intensity zones are more likely to show different adaptive responses. However, it is still unclear the intensity level of endurance exercise in junior young athletes that may promote increased markers for cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic response. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of 1 week different intensity endurance training on markers of cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic response in young athletes. METHODS: Thirty apparently healthy male young athletes averaging 19.4±1.3 years of age were recruited and randomly assigned to two different intensity endurance training groups. The first group trained at 60% to 70% maximum heart rate (HRmax) for 45 min per session and the second group trained at 70% to 80% HRmax for 30 min per session for a period of 1 week three sessions per week. A pre-training and post-training, marker of cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic response was assessed for both groups. RESULTS: Both intensity training had no significant effect on markers of cardiorespiratory response within and between training groups (p>0.05). Whereas, cardiometabolic markers lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.001), cardiac troponin I (p=0.001) and creatine kinase myocardial band (p=0.001) significantly increased at the end of 1 week within the group in both training groups (p≤0. 05). In the comparative analysis between groups, there was no significant difference in markers of cardiometabolic response (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: 1 week 60% to 70% HRmax and 70% to 80% HRmax intensity zones induces similar acute effects on markers for cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory responses between groups and significant elevations of cardiometabolic markers within the groups in moderately trained young athletes.

Does chronic high-intensity endurance training have an effect on cardiovascular markers of active populations and athletes? Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of high-intensity chronic endurance training on cardiovascular markers of active populations and athletes. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We used databases of PubMed, Science Direct, SPORTDiscus, Google Scholar and grey literatures with Mesh and free-text search as well as manual searches to identify relevant studies from June 2017 to September 2019. Weighted standardised mean differences and effect size of the intervention group versus the control group were calculated using a random effect model with 95% CI. RESULT: There was significant improvement in high-density lipoprotein with weighted standardised mean difference and effect size=-1.06 (-1.83 to -0.30), p=0.006. We have also observed a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol with weighted standardised mean difference and effect size=-0.97 (-1.58 to -0.36), p=0.002, and = -0.78 (-1.34 to -0.22), p=0.007, respectively. There was a significant reduction in interleukin 6 (IL-6) using a fixed effect model with weighted standardised mean difference and effect size=-0.87 (-1.33 to -0.40), p=0.0003 and C reactive protein (CRP) with weighted standardised mean differences and effect size=-0.41 (-0.73 to -0.09), p=0.01. CONCLUSION: Chronic high-intensity endurance training improves healthy lipid profiles (increase high-density lipoprotein, decreased low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol). And decreased inflammatory markers (IL-6 and CRP) independent of age and sex and cannot be associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD 42017081369.

Effects of aerobic exercise on thyroid hormonal change responses among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the impact of a 16-week aerobic exercise programme on the changes in the plasma level concentration of thyroid hormones in adolescents with intellectual disabilities. METHODOLOGY: Using purposive sampling, a total of 36 adolescents with intellectual disabilities were selected to participate in the study. The training programme consisted of 16 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises at an intensity of 45-75 hours. These exercises were performed in three sessions a week, and each session took 30-45 min: 10 min warm-up, 15-30 min main aerobic workout and 5 min cool-down exercises. The plasma levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4) and of thyroid stimulating hormone were measured before and after 16 weeks of aerobic exercise intervention. RESULTS: After 16 weeks of intervention, a significant change was observed in the plasma level concentration of thyroid (T3 and T4) and thyroid stimulating hormones (p<0.05) in the group treated with aerobic exercise. CONCLUSION: We concluded that aerobic exercise had an impact on the change in the plasma level concentration of thyroid and thyroid stimulating hormones in adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Effects of altitude on chronotype orientations in relation to cardiorespiratory and hematological quantities of college students in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism by which Ethiopians adapt to altitude is quite unique compared to other Highlanders with respect to increased oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. Although the effects of altitude on cardiorespiratory and hematological quantities on athletics performances are well known, but there is little information about its underlying effect on chronotype orientations. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study 60 male college students with mean age 20±1.3 years from high and low altitude regions living in a tropical setting in Ethiopia were included. The participants' chronotype was determined using the self-administered Horne and Ostberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaires (MEQ). Measurements and estimations of hematological and cardiorespiratory parameters were performed from 7:00-9:00 AM, East African time zone, in order to minimize any variations that might occur in the course of the day. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was fitted to analyze the underlying chronotype predictors. RESULTS: 28 (93.9%) of participants from high altitude were mainly intermediate type (I-type) dominant with (MEQ = 42-58). While, 16 (55.2%) of participants from low altitudes were morning type (M-type) dominant chronotype with (MEQ = 59-69). Our main finding confirmed that altitude is an independent predictor of chronotype orientations of the participants (p<0.015). Thus, the results of the multivariate analysis seem to indicate that, participants from low and high altitudes may be uniquely oriented towards either M-type or I-type chronotype respectively (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.772, 95% CI = 3.748-4618458). However, no significant difference on cardiorespiratory and hematological quantities between I-type and M-type chronotype of students from low altitude living in the same setting was reported (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our finding, reported for the first time that, the human chronotype varies according to the altitude, with no underlying effect of cardiorespiratory and hematological quantities.

Structural studies of a water insoluble ß-glucan from Pleurotus djamor and its cytotoxic effect against PA1, ovarian carcinoma cells.

A water insoluble ß-glucan (PS), with molecular mass ∼9.16 × 104 Da was isolated from the 4% alkaline extract of an edible mushroom, Pleurotus djamor and found to consist of (1→3)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl moiety. The structure of the PS was elucidated on the basis of total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, and NMR experiments (1H, 13C, DQF-COSY, DEPT-135, and HSQC). The structure of the repeating unit of the polysaccharide was established as: →3)-ß-d-Glcp-(1→. The water insoluble ß-glucan showed cytotoxic effect against PA1 cells, where˜50% population was destroyed at 100 µg/mL concentration, and almost all cells at 250 µg/mL concentration. The wound healing assay showed significant anticarcinogenic effect against ovarian carcinoma PA1 cells after 48 h of treatment.

Effect of two tapering strategies on endurance-related physiological markers in athletes from selected training centres of Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effects of two tapering strategies on specific endurance-related performance markers in some selected athletic training centres of Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-seven young distance runners (mean age: 20±1.97 years; mean training period: 2.43±0.603 years) were randomly assigned to high-intensity low-volume (HILV) and high-intensity moderate-volume (HIMV) taper groups. Training frequencies were five times per week conducted for 2 weeks in both groups. At baseline and after 2 weeks of the taper intervention, the average red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hgb) concentration and haematocrit percentages (Hct) of the participants were measured and analysed using a complete blood count (sysmix) instrument. RESULTS: Using a parallel-group design, we investigated the effects of the two tapering strategies (HILV and HIMV), and positive changes were observed in the endurance-related physiological traits of RBC count, Hgb concentration and Hct percentages regardless of the amount of volume reduced during the 2-week taper period. Comparisons of the two strategies did not reveal significant differences between the taper groups. CONCLUSION: Taper strategies characterised by HILV and HIMV training load have beneficial effects on the improvement of endurance performance. Reduction of training load-training volume did not affect endurance performance, instead these could induce extra adaption of the body physiology.

Serum cardiac markers are inversely associated with VO2max of amateur athletes in response to endurance training adaptations.

BACKGROUND: The influence of endurance training intensity and adaptation on serum cardiac markers is poorly understood and controversial; however, no enough data observed the association of serum cardiac markers with VO2max. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether serum cardiac markers are associated with maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in response to 12-week endurance training on amateur athletes. METHODS: 15 apparently healthy male amateur athletes with 19.47 ± 1.30 years of age were recruited and participated in endurance training with 70%-80% maximal heart rate intensity for 35 min per session for the first week and 2 min increments each week from the second to the last week for a period of 12 weeks. VO2max and serum cardiac markers (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I [CTnI]) were assessed at the beginning of the training and after 12-week endurance training. RESULTS: The result of CTnI indicated significantly (p < 0.01) and inversely (r = - 0.466) correlated with VO2max and CK-MB indicated significantly (p < 0.01) and inversely associated with VO2max (r = - 0.536) with moderate relationship. However, we did not find a significant association on LDH (p > 0.05) with VO2max in response to endurance training adaptation. CONCLUSION: Our finding confirms our hypothesis that serum cardiac markers are inversely associated with estimated VO2max in response to endurance training adaptation.

Structural and antioxidant studies of a new arabinoxylan from green stem Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh).

A water soluble arabinoxylan (APPS), with a molecular weight ∼1.49 × 105 Da was isolated from the green stem of Andrographis paniculata. The APPS contained D-xylose, 2-methoxy D-xylose and L- arabinose in molar ratio of 3:1:1. The structure of the repeating unit in the polysaccharide was determined through several chemical (acid hydrolysis, Methylation analysis and periodate oxidation) and spectroscopic analysis (1D/2D NMR experiments) as: In vitro antioxidant assay, APPS was found to possess ferrous ion chelating activity (EC50 = 283 µg/ml), superoxide radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 470 µg/ml), and hydroxide radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 193 µg/ml). Thus, APPS could be used as a natural antioxidant agent for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Chronotype preferences of college students from varied altitude backgrounds in Ethiopia.

The purpose of this study was to compare chronotype preferences of college students from high- and low-altitude backgrounds living in a tropical setting of Ethiopia. Chronotype (morningness-eveningness) is a preference for a given time of day for physical or mental activities. The present cross-sectional study employed Horne and Osteberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaires to evaluate chronotype preferences. The chronotype preference of 264 male college students from varied altitude backgrounds indicated significant differences (p < 0.001). Our findings confirm our hypothesis, of the prevalence of M-types dominant chronotype among college students at low than high altitude. However, we did not confirm our second hypothesis, since students from high-altitude backgrounds were generally I-type dominant chronotype. Similarly, students' academic performances from low- compared to high-altitudes backgrounds also indicated significant differences (p < 0.003). Better academic performances were seen in students with I-type chronotype orientations from high altitudes.

Heteroglycan of an edible mushroom Pleurotus cystidiosus: Structural characterization and study of biological activities.

A water soluble heteroglycan (PCPS) was isolated from the aqueous extract of an edible mushroom Pleurotus cystidiosus. Structural characterization of the heteroglycan was carried out using total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, and 1D/2D NMR experiments. Sugar analysis indicated the presence of glucose, galactose, and mannose in a molar ratio of nearly 6:2:1 respectively. The chemical and NMR analysis of the PCPS indicated the presence of a repeating unit with a backbone consisting of one unit of (1→6)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl, two (1→3)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl, one (1→3)-α-d-glucopyranosyl, one (1→6)-α-d-glucopyranosyl, and two (1→6)-α-d-galactopyranosyl moieties respectively, out of which one (1→3)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl residue was branched at O-6 with terminal ß-d-glucopyranosyl and another (1→6)-α-d-galactopyranosyl residue was branched at O-2 with terminal ß-d-mannopyranosyl moiety. The polysaccharide was found to exhibit cellular activities at different concentrations (10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400µg/mL) and maintained the redox balance as well as reduced lipid per oxidation which protect the cell destruction.

Pectic polysaccharide from the green fruits of Momordica charantia (Karela): structural characterization and study of immunoenhancing and antioxidant properties.

A water soluble pectic polysaccharide (PS) isolated from the aqueous extract of the green fruits of Momordica charantia contains D-galactose and D-methyl galacturonate in a molar ratio of nearly 1:4. It showed splenocyte, thymocyte as well as macrophage activations. Moreover, it exhibited potent antioxidant activities. On the basis of total acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, and 1D and 2D NMR studies, the structure of the repeating unit of the pectic polysaccharide was established as: [Formula: see text].

Isolation and characterization of the immunostimulating ß-glucans of an edible mushroom Termitomyces robustus var.

Two immunostimulating ß-glucans, PS-I (water soluble) and PS-II (water insoluble) isolated from hot water extract of the fruiting bodies of an edible mushroom Termitomyces robustus var. showed significant macrophage, splenocyte, and thymocyte activation. On the basis of total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, and NMR experiments ((1)H, (13)C, DQF-COSY, TOCSY, DEPT-135, HSQC, and HMBC), the structure of the repeating unit of the polysaccharides is established as: PS-I: ->6)ß-D-Glcp-(1→ (Water-soluble glucan) PS-II: →3)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→3)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→ 6↑1 ß-D-Glcp (Water-insoluble glucan, Termitan).

The structure and conformation of a water-insoluble (1-->3)-,(1-->6)-beta-d-glucan from the fruiting bodies of Pleurotus florida.

A water-insoluble glucan, PFPSIN, has been isolated from the aqueous extract of an edible mushroom Pleurotus florida. On the basis of total acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, and (13)C NMR experiments, the repeating unit of the polysaccharide was established as Conformational analysis revealed the triple helical conformation of this glucan.