The Roses Ocean and Human Health Chair: A New Way to Engage the Public in Oceans and Human Health Challenges.

Involving and engaging stakeholders is crucial for studying and managing the complex interactions between marine ecosystems and human health and wellbeing. The Oceans and Human Health Chair was founded in the town of Roses (Catalonia, Spain, NW Mediterranean) in 2018, the fruit of a regional partnership between various stakeholders, and for the purpose of leading the way to better health and wellbeing through ocean research and conservation. The Chair is located in an area of the Mediterranean with a notable fishing, tourist, and seafaring tradition and is close to a marine reserve, providing the opportunity to observe diverse environmental conditions and coastal and maritime activities. The Chair is a case study demonstrating that local, collaborative, transdisciplinary, trans-sector, and bottom-up approaches offer tremendous opportunities for engaging coastal communities to help support long-lasting solutions that benefit everyone, and especially those living by the sea or making their living from the goods and services provided by the sea. Furthermore, the Chair has successfully integrated most of its experts in oceans and human health from the most prestigious institutions in Catalonia. The Chair focuses on three main topics identified by local stakeholders: Fish and Health; Leisure, Health, and Wellbeing; and Medicines from the Sea. Led by stakeholder engagement, the Chair can serve as a novel approach within the oceans and human health field of study to tackle a variety of environmental and public health challenges related to both communicable and non-communicable diseases, within the context of sociocultural issues. Drawing on the example provided by the Chair, four principles are established to encourage improved participatory processes in the oceans and human health field: bottom-up, "think local", transdisciplinary and trans-sectorial, and "balance the many voices".

Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults

INTRODUCTION: From the previously published literature on the relationship between obesity and infertility, it is clear that male obesity negatively impacts semen quality. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether regular exercise may improve semen quality in sedentary obese adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety obese adults were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 45) or control group (n = 45). Participants in the intervention group performed a 16-week aerobic training program in a treadmill, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15 minutes), 35-50 minutes treadmill exercise (increasing five minutes per four weeks) at a work intensity of 50-65% of peak heart rate (increasing a 5% per four weeks) and cooling-down (5-10 minutes). Semen quality assessment included semen volume, sperm concentration and the percentages of progressive motility and normal morphology. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Body composition and physical fitness were also assessed. RESULTS: After the completion of the training program, sperm count, motility and normal morphology were significantly increased. A second key finding was that exercise improved reproductive hormone levels by increasing serum testosterone. Lastly, significant correlations were found between seminal outcomes and abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: A short-term intervention program based on aerobic training improved semen quality in sedentary obese adults. This finding may be explained, at least in part, by an improvement of the reproductive hormone profile.

[Circuit resistance training improved endothelial dysfunction in obese aged women].

INTRODUCTION: It is widely accepted that obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In a recent paper, we have also found circuit resistance training may reduce visceral fat in obese aged women. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to ascertain the effects of circuit resistance training on markers of endothelial dysfunction in this population group. METHODS: In the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using an immunoassay (ELISA) for endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). RESULTS: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly reduced serum levels of endothelin-1 (2.28 ± 0.7 vs. 1.98 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p = 0.019; d = 0.67) and ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0.004; d = 0.92) in the experimental group. No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: A short-term circuit resistance program improved endothelial dysfunction in aged obese women. Further studies on this topic are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Circuit resistance training improved endothelial dysfunction in obese aged women / Mejora de la disfunción endotelial en mujeres mayores obesas mediante entrenamiento de fuerza

Introduction: It is widely accepted that obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In a recent paper, we have also found circuit resistance training may reduce visceral fat in obese aged women. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to ascertain the effects of circuit resistance training on markers of endothelial dysfunction in this population group. Methods: In the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using an immunoassay (ELISA) for endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Results: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly reduced serum levels of endothelin-1 (2.28 ± 0.7 vs. 1.98 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p = 0.019; d = 0.67) and ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0.004; d = 0.92) in the experimental group. No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. Conclusion: A short-term circuit resistance program improved endothelial dysfunction in aged obese women. Further studies on this topic are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application (AU)

Introducción: recientes estudios han confirmado que el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito podría reducir la masa grasa visceral en mujeres mayores obesas. Para seguir avanzando en esta línea de trabajo, nos propusimos determinar su impacto en marcadores de disfunción endotelial. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de 6 estaciones durante 12 semanas con 3 sesiones/semana. Los marcadores de disfunción endotelial ensayados fueron: endotelina-1, molécula de adhesión intercelular-1 (ICAM-1) y molécula de citoadhesión vascular-1 (VCAM-1). Asimismo se evaluó su influencia en un test funcional para población mayor como el de sentarse-levantarse en 30 segundos. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: tras completar el programa de intervención se observó un descenso significativo de los niveles plasmáticos de entotelina-1 (2,28 ± 0,7 vs. 1,98 ± 1,1 pg/ml; p = 0,019; d = 0,67) e ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0,004; d = 0,92). También mejoró significativamente la puntuación del test funcional (18,7 ± 3,1 vs. 23,0 ± 3,6 repeticiones; p = 0,019; d = 0,98). Por el contrario, no se observaron cambios en el grupo control. Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito mejora la disfunción endotelial presente en mujeres mayores obesas. Futuros estudios siguen siendo necesarios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica (AU)

A SHORT-TERM CIRCUIT RESISTANCE PROGRAMME REDUCED EPICARDIAL FAT IN OBESE AGED WOMEN.

INTRODUCTION: this study was conducted to ascertain the effects of resistance circuit training on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in obese aged women. A secondary objective was to assess muscle damage induced by supervised resistance training to confirm the intervention program was effective and safe. METHODS: in the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Two experienced observers assessed EAT by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using one-step sandwich assays for creatine kinase activity (CK) and myoglobin (MB) concentration. RESULTS: as was hypothesized, resistance training significantly reduced EAT thickness (8.4 ± 1.0 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.014; d = 0.76) in the experimental group. Resistance training induced no significant changes in markers of muscle damage such as CK (181.6 ± 36.9 vs. 194.2 ± 37.8 U/l; p = 0.31) and MB (62.4 ± 7.1 vs. 67.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml; p = 0.26). No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: resistance training reduced EAT in aged obese women. A secondary finding was that the training program was effective and safe. While current results are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Introducción: en la actualidad se acepta la asociación entre masa grasa epicárdica y patología cardiovascular. Recientes estudios sugieren que el ejercicio aeróbico podría reducir la masa grasa epicárdica. La originalidad de este trabajo reside en determinar la utilidad para tal fin de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en mujeres adultas mayores obesas. Como segundo objetivo nos propusimos que el programa fuese seguro para las participantes. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de seis estaciones durante doce semanas con tres sesiones/semana. La masa grasa epicárdica se determinó mediante ecografía transtorácica bidimensional por personal entrenado. También se evaluaron los niveles plasmáticos de creatina cinasa y mioglobina. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: el grosor de la masa grasa epicárdica se redujo significativamente tras completar el programa de intervención (8,4 ± 1,0 vs. 7,3 ± 1,3 mm; p = 0,014; d = 0,76). Además, las participantes no mostraron cambios en marcadores de daño muscular como creatin kinasa (181,6 ± 36,9 vs. 194,2 ± 37,8 U/l; p = 0,31) y mioglobina (62,4 ± 7,1 vs. 67,3 ± 7,7 ng/ml; p = 0,26). Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito reduce la masa grasa epicárdica de forma segura en mujeres mayores obesas. Aunque estos resultados son prometedores, aún son necesarios futuros estudios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica.

A short-term circuit resistance programme reduced epicardial fat in obese aged women / Reducción de masa grasa epicárdica mediante entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito en adultos mayores obesos

Introduction: this study was conducted to ascertain the effects of resistance circuit training on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in obese aged women. A secondary objective was to assess muscle damage induced by supervised resistance training to confirm the intervention program was effective and safe. Methods: in the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Two experienced observers assessed EAT by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using one-step sandwich assays for creatine kinase activity (CK) and myoglobin (MB) concentration. Results: as was hypothesized, resistance training significantly reduced EAT thickness (8.4 ± 1.0 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.014; d = 0.76) in the experimental group. Resistance training induced no significant changes in markers of muscle damage such as CK (181.6 ± 36.9 vs. 194.2 ± 37.8 U/l; p = 0.31) and MB (62.4 ± 7.1 vs. 67.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml; p = 0.26). No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. Conclusion: resistance training reduced EAT in aged obese women. A secondary finding was that the training program was effective and safe. While current results are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application (AU)

Introducción: en la actualidad se acepta la asociación entre masa grasa epicárdica y patología cardiovascular. Recientes estudios sugieren que el ejercicio aeróbico podría reducir la masa grasa epicárdica. La originalidad de este trabajo reside en determinar la utilidad para tal fin de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en mujeres adultas mayores obesas. Como segundo objetivo nos propusimos que el programa fuese seguro para las participantes. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de seis estaciones durante doce semanas con tres sesiones/semana. La masa grasa epicárdica se determinó mediante ecografía transtorácica bidimensional por personal entrenado. También se evaluaron los niveles plasmáticos de creatina cinasa y mioglobina. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: el grosor de la masa grasa epicárdica se redujo significativamente tras completar el programa de intervención (8,4 ± 1,0 vs. 7,3 ± 1,3 mm; p = 0,014; d = 0,76). Además, las participantes no mostraron cambios en marcadores de daño muscular como creatin kinasa (181,6 ± 36,9 vs. 194,2 ± 37,8 U/l; p = 0,31) y mioglobina (62,4 ± 7,1 vs. 67,3 ± 7,7 ng/ml; p = 0,26). Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito reduce la masa grasa epicárdica de forma segura en mujeres mayores obesas. Aunque estos resultados son prometedores, aún son necesarios futuros estudios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica (AU)

[Association between abdominal obesity and seminal oxidative damage in adults with metabolic syndrome]. / Asociación entre obesidad abdominal y daño oxidativo seminal en pacientes con síndrome metabólico.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and oxidative stress may impair seminal quality leading to derangements in fertility. AIM: To identify an association between abdominal obesity and markers of seminal oxidative damage in adults with MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy males aged 25 to 40 years, with MS according to ATP-III criteria volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 70 healthy and normal weight adults. Semen analysis included volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperms with normal motility and morphology were significantly lower in adults with MS, when compared to their healthy normal weight counterparts. Seminal levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine were significantly higher among participants with MS. Significant correlations were found between WC and seminal markers of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with MS had an impaired seminal quality that may be explained, at least in part, by increased seminal oxidative damage.

Asociación entre obesidad abdominal y daño oxidativo seminal en pacientes con síndrome metabólico / Association between abdominal obesity and seminal oxidative damage in adults with metabolic syndrome

Abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome (MS) and oxidative stress may impair seminal quality leading to derangements in fertility. Aim: To identify an association between abdominal obesity and markers of seminal oxidative damage in adults with MS. Material and Methods: Seventy males aged 25 to 40 years, with MS according to ATP-III criteria volunteered for this cross-sectional study. The control group included 70 healthy and normal weight adults. Semen analysis included volume, sperm concentration, motility and normal morphologic features. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured, fat mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance. Results: Sperm concentration and the percentage of sperms with normal motility and morphology were significantly lower in adults with MS, when compared to their healthy normal weight counterparts. Seminal levels of malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine were significantly higher among participants with MS. Significant correlations were found between WC and seminal markers of oxidative stress. Conclusions: Individuals with MS had an impaired seminal quality that may be explained, at least in part, by increased seminal oxidative damage.

Mejora del perfil lipídico y lipoperoxidación mediante entrenamiento de fuerza en adultos con discapacidad intelectual / Resistance training improved lipid profile and lipoperoxidation in adults with intellectual disability

Recientes estudios sugieren que el ejercicio de tipo aeróbico reduce el daño oxidativo en personas con síndrome de Down (SD). Sin embargo, los programas de entrenamiento de fuerza han recibido escasa atención en esta línea de trabajo a pesar de la importancia de ésta en el desarrollo de tareas cotidianas y profesionales en este grupo poblacional. Por consiguiente, se diseño el presente estudio para conocer el impacto de este tipo de programas en la lipoperoxidación de adultos sedentarios con síndrome de Down. Para tal fin, un total de 40 adultos jóvenes varones sedentarios con SD participaron voluntariamente en este estudio. Los participantes se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en un grupo intervención (n=24) que realizó un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza de 12 semanas, 3 sesiones semana. El grupo control (n=16) estaba formado por participantes con SD ajustados en sexo y edad. Los niveles plasmáticos de lipoproteína de baja densidad oxidada (oxLDL) se determinaron mediante ELISA. Además, se determinaron el porcentaje de masa grasa, mediante impedanciometría (BIA), así como el perfil lipídico por procedimientos estándar de laboratorio. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética Institucional. Tras completar el programa de entrenamiento, se redujeron significativamente los niveles plasmáticos de ox-LDL. También se redujo el porcentaje de masa grasa así como los niveles de colesterol-LDL. Asimismo, se observó un aumento significativo de los niveles de colesterol-HDL. No se registraron lesiones ni abandonos a lo largo de la experiencia. Tampoco se observaron cambios en las variables ensayadas en el grupo control. Se concluye que el entrenamiento de fuerza reduce la lipoperoxidación, expresada como niveles de ox-LDL, en adultos sedentarios con SD. Futuros estudios longitudinales para conocer el impacto de esta mejora en el manejo clínico de personas con SD son aún necesarios (AU)

Resistance training has received less attention than endurance training in individuals with intellectual disability in general and Down syndrome in particular. It would be of great interest to compensate this imbalance given muscle strength is essential on functional tasks of daily living and employability in this group. To achieve this goal, this is the first study conducted to determine the effect of resistance circuit training on lipoperoxidation in sedentary adults with DS, given promising results reported in previous studies focused on aerobic training. A total of forty young male adults with DS were recruited for the trial through different community support groups for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. They all had medical approval for physical activity participation. Twenty-four were randomly assigned to perform a resistance circuit training with 6 stations, 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Exercise intensity was based on function of the 8RM assessments. Control group included 16 age, sex and BMI matched adults with Down syndrome. Plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were assessed by commercial ELISA-kits. Serum lipid profile and fat mass percentage were also determined. This protocol was approved by an Institutional Ethics Committee. When compared to baseline results, plasma levels of oxLDL were significantly decreased after the completion of the training program. Serum lipid profile and fat mass were significantly improved too. Neither sports-related injuries nor withdrawals from the program were reported during the entire study period. Finally, no changes were observed in the control group. It was concluded resistance circuit training improved lipoperoxidation in male sedentary adults with DS. Further, long-term, well-conducted studies are required to determine whether the increased antioxidant system may improve clinical outcomes of adults with DS (AU)