MIR retroposon exonization promotes evolutionary variability and generates species-specific expression of IGF-1 splice variants.

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -1 is a pleiotropic hormone exerting mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects. Inclusion or exclusion of exon 5 into the IGF-1 mRNA gives rise to three transcripts, IGF-1Ea, IGF-1Eb and IGF-1Ec, which yield three different C-terminal extensions called Ea, Eb and Ec peptides. The biological significance of the IGF-1 splice variants and how the E-peptides affect the actions of mature IGF-1 are largely unknown. In this study we investigated the origin and conservation of the IGF-1 E-peptides and we compared the pattern of expression of the IGF-1 isoforms in vivo, in nine mammalian species, and in vitro using human and mouse IGF-1 minigenes. Our analysis showed that only IGF-1Ea is conserved among all vertebrates, whereas IGF-1Eb and IGF-1Ec are an evolutionary novelty originated from the exonization of a mammalian interspersed repetitive-b (MIR-b) element. Both IGF-1Eb and IGF-1Ec mRNAs were constitutively expressed in all mammalian species analyzed but their expression ratio varies greatly among species. Using IGF-1 minigenes we demonstrated that divergence in cis-acting regulatory elements between human and mouse conferred species-specific features to the exon 5 region. Finally, the protein-coding sequences of exon 5 showed low rate of synonymous mutations and contain disorder-promoting amino acids, suggesting a regulatory role for these domains. In conclusion, exonization of a MIR-b element in the IGF-1 gene determined gain of exon 5 during mammalian evolution. Alternative splicing of this novel exon added new regulatory elements at the mRNA and protein level potentially able to regulate the mature IGF-1 across tissues and species.

Effects of sex hormones on inflammatory response in male and female vascular endothelial cells.

PURPOSE: Gender-related differences in sex hormones might have a key role in the development of atherosclerosis though direct vascular effects of sex hormones are not yet well understood. Thus, the main purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sex hormones on inflammatory response in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) obtained from both male and female donors. METHODS: We analyzed the expression of receptors and enzymes relevant to the action of androgens (AR, 5α-reductase 1 and 5α-reductase 2) and estrogens (ERα, ERß, and aromatase) in male and female HUVECs. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of testosterone (T), 17ß-estradiol (E2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and several androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) on VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin gene expression and on adhesion of U937 cells to TNF-α-stimulated male and female HUVECs. RESULTS: Our results reveal that in HUVECs, regardless of gender, the components involved in the androgen action pathway are predominant as compared to those of estrogen action pathway. In both HUVEC genders, the inflammatory effect of TNF-α was amplified by co-administration of T or DHT and several AAS frequently used in doping, while E2 had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study analyzing, under identical culture conditions, the key components of sex hormone response in male and female HUVECs and the possible role of sex hormones in regulating the endothelial inflammatory response. The data obtained in our experimental system showed a pro-inflammatory effect of androgens, while conclusively excluding any protective effect for all the tested hormones.

Fetal omphalocele in a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

A routine pregnancy ultrasound examination of a 30-yr-old, multiparous, common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, detected an approximately 16-wk (gestational age) fetus with an omphalocele, an abdominal wall defect at the base of the umbilical cord. Throughout the pregnancy, ultrasound allowed for identification of the omphalocele contents, which included a portion of the liver and intestinal loops. The maximum diameter of the omphalocele was 11.4 cm at an estimated 51-wk gestation. Color Doppler was utilized to study the blood flow within the omphalocele as well as diagnose an associated anomaly of the umbilical cord, which contained three vessels instead of four. Gross necropsy and histopathology confirmed the ultrasound diagnoses. This is the first report of an omphalocele in a T. truncatus fetus, and the first report of a fetal and umbilical cord anomaly diagnosed with ultrasound in a cetacean.

Vitamin D, Diet and Musculoskeletal Health.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone, acting through genomic and non-genomic mechanisms, obtainable via two main sources: diet and exposure to ultraviolet B rays [...].

An Integrated Approach to Skeletal Muscle Health in Aging.

A decline in muscle mass and function represents one of the most problematic changes associated with aging, and has dramatic effects on autonomy and quality of life. Several factors contribute to the inexorable process of sarcopenia, such as mitochondrial and autophagy dysfunction, and the lack of regeneration capacity of satellite cells. The physiologic decline in muscle mass and in motoneuron functionality associated with aging is exacerbated by the sedentary lifestyle that accompanies elderly people. Regular physical activity is beneficial to most people, but the elderly need well-designed and carefully administered training programs that improve muscle mass and, consequently, both functional ability and quality of life. Aging also causes alteration in the gut microbiota composition associated with sarcopenia, and some advances in research have elucidated that interventions via the gut microbiota-muscle axis have the potential to ameliorate the sarcopenic phenotype. Several mechanisms are involved in vitamin D muscle atrophy protection, as demonstrated by the decreased muscular function related to vitamin D deficiency. Malnutrition, chronic inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, and an imbalance in the muscle-gut axis are just a few of the factors that can lead to sarcopenia. Supplementing the diet with antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, probiotics, prebiotics, proteins, kefir, and short-chain fatty acids could be potential nutritional therapies against sarcopenia. Finally, a personalized integrated strategy to counteract sarcopenia and maintain the health of skeletal muscles is suggested in this review.

Effect of a lifestyle intervention program's on breast cancer survivors' cardiometabolic health: Two-year follow-up.

The purpose of this study is to assess the cardiometabolic responses of a lifestyle intervention (LI) conducted at home among breast cancer (BC) survivors during the two years of COVID-19 pandemic. A 3-month LI focused on diet and exercise was performed on thirty BC survivors (women; stages 0-II; non-metastatic; aged 53.6 ± 7.6 years; non-physically active) with a risk factor related to metabolic/endocrine diseases. Anthropometrics, cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙O2max), physical activity level (PAL), adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDiet modified questionnaire), and several biomarkers (i.e., glycemia, insulin, insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] index, triglycerides, high- [HDL] and low- [LDL] density lipoproteins, total cholesterol, progesterone, testosterone, and hs-troponin) were evaluated before and 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month after the LI. Beneficial effects of the LI were observed on several variables (i.e., body mass index, waist circumference, MeDiet, PAL, V˙ O2max, glycemia, insulin, HOMA-IR index, LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, testosterone) after 3-month. The significant effect on Mediterranean diet adherence and V˙ O2max persisted up to the 24-month follow-up. Decreases in HOMA-IR index and triglycerides were observed up to 12-month, however did not persist afterward. This study provides evidence on the positive association between LI and cardiometabolic health in BC survivors.

Changes in gut microbiota composition after 12 weeks of a home-based lifestyle intervention in breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based lifestyle intervention (based on nutrition and exercise) on gut microbial composition in twenty BC survivors of the MoviS clinical trial (protocol: NCT04818359). Methods: Gut microbiota analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, anthropometrics, Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence, and cardiometabolic parameters were evaluated before (Pre) and after (Post) the lifestyle intervention (LI). Results: Beneficial effects of the LI were observed on MD adherence, and cardiometabolic parameters (pre vs post). A robust reduction of Proteobacteria was observed after LI, which is able to reshape the gut microbiota by modulating microorganisms capable of decreasing inflammation and others involved in improving the lipid and glycemic assets of the host. A significant negative correlation between fasting glucose and Clostridia_vadinBB60 (r = -0.62), insulin and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index and Butyricicoccus genera (r = -0.72 and -0.66, respectively), and HDL cholesterol and Escherichia/Shigella (r = -0.59) have been reported. Moreover, positive correlations were found between MD adherence and Lachnospiraceae_ND3007 (r = 0.50), Faecalibacterium (r = 0.38) and Butyricimonas (r = 0.39). Conclusion: These data suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle, may contribute to ameliorate several biological parameters that could be involved in the prevention of cancer relapses through the modulation of gut microbiota.

Movement and health beyond care, MoviS: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial on nutrition and exercise educational programs for breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive cancer in women, and exercise can significantly improve the outcomes of BC survivors. MoviS (Movement and Health Beyond Care) is a randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the potential health benefits of exercise and proper nutritional habits. This study aims to assess the efficacy of aerobic exercise training in improving quality of life (QoL) and health-related factors in high-risk BC. METHODS: One hundred seventy-two BC survivor women, aged 30-70 years, non-metastatic, stage 0-III, non-physically active, 6-12 months post-surgery, and post chemo- or radiotherapy, will be recruited in this study. Women will be randomly allocated to the intervention arm (lifestyle recommendations and MoviS Training) or control arm (lifestyle recommendations). The MoviS training consists of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training (2 days/week of supervised and 1 day/week of unsupervised exercise) with a progressive increase in exercise intensity (40-70% of heart rate reserve) and duration (20-60 min). Both arms will receive counseling on healthy lifestyle habits (nutrition and exercise) based on the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF) 2018 guidelines. The primary outcome is the improvement of the QoL. The secondary outcomes are improvement of health-related parameters such as Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity level, flexibility, muscular fitness, fatigue, cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated maximal oxygen uptake), echocardiographic parameters, heart rate variability (average of the standard deviations of all 5 min normal to normal intervals (ASDNN/5 min) and 24 h very low and low frequency), and metabolic, endocrine, and inflammatory serum biomarkers (glycemia, insulin resistance, progesterone, testosterone, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). DISCUSSION: This trial aims to evaluate if supervised exercise may improve QoL and health-related factors of BC survivors with a high risk of recurrence. Findings from this project could provide knowledge improvement in the field of exercise oncology through the participation of a multidisciplinary team that will provide a coordinated program of cancer care to improve healthcare quality, improve prognosis, increase survival times and QoL, and reduce the risk of BC recurrence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov  NCT04818359 . Retrospectively registered on March 26, 2021.

Gene expression profile in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells exposed to a 300 mT static magnetic field.

In a previous investigation we reported that exposure to a moderate (300 mT) static magnetic field (SMF) causes transient DNA damage and promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To better understand the response of HUVECs to the 300 mT SMF, a high-quality subtracted cDNA library representative of genes induced in cells after 4 h of static magnetic exposure was constructed. The global gene expression profile showed that several genes were induced after the SMF exposure. The characterized clones are involved in cell metabolism, energy, cell growth/division, transcription, protein synthesis, destination and storage, membrane injury, DNA damage/repair, and oxidative stress response. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) experiments were performed at 4 and 24 h on four selected genes. Their expression profiles suggest that HUVEC's response to SMF exposure is transient. Furthermore, compared to control cells, an up-regulation of several genes involved in cell growth and division was observed. This up-regulation is likely to be the cause of the slight, but significant, increase in cell proliferation at 12 h post-treatment. These results provide additional support to the notion that SMFs may be harmless to human health, and could support the rationale for their possible use in medical treatments.

Nutraceuticals and Physical Activity as Antidepressants: The Central Role of the Gut Microbiota.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental illness. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota play an essential role in regulating brain functions and the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases, including MDD. There are numerous mechanisms through which the gut microbiota and brain can exchange information in a continuous, bidirectional communication. Current research emphasizes the interexchange of signals influenced by the gut microbiota that are detected and transduced in information from the gut to the nervous system involving neural, endocrine, and inflammatory mechanisms, suggesting a relationship between oxidative stress and the pathophysiology of MDD via the hyperactivation of inflammatory responses. Potential sources of inflammation in the plasma and hippocampus of depressed individuals could stem from increases in intestinal permeability. Some nutraceuticals, such as specific probiotics, namely psychobiotics, polyphenols, carotenoids, butyrate, and prebiotics, have been demonstrated to exert an antidepressant activity, but most of them need to be metabolized and activated by gut microorganisms. By inducing changes in the gut microbiota composition, physical exercise might also exert a role in alleviating depression-like symptoms. The mutual relationships among nutraceuticals, exercise, and depression will be discussed, and the potential role of the gut microbiota as a therapeutic target to treat depression will be explored.

Interventions on Gut Microbiota for Healthy Aging.

In recent years, the improvement in health and social conditions has led to an increase in the average lifespan. Since aging is the most important risk factor for the majority of chronic human diseases, the development of therapies and intervention to stop, lessen or even reverse various age-related morbidities is an important target to ameliorate the quality of life of the elderly. The gut microbiota, that is, the complex ecosystem of microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract, plays an important role, not yet fully understood, in maintaining the host's health and homeostasis, influencing metabolic, oxidative and cognitive status; for this reason, it is also named "the forgotten endocrine organ" or "the second brain". On the other hand, the gut microbiota diversity and richness are affected by unmodifiable factors, such as aging and sex, and modifiable ones, such as diet, pharmacological therapies and lifestyle. In this review, we discuss the changes, mostly disadvantageous, for human health, induced by aging, in microbiota composition and the effects of dietary intervention, of supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, psychobiotics and antioxidants and of physical exercise. The development of an integrated strategy to implement microbiota health will help in the goal of healthy aging.

The Anti- and Pro-Tumorigenic Role of Microbiota and Its Role in Anticancer Therapeutic Strategies.

Human gut microbiota physiologically and actively participates as a symbiont to a wide number of fundamental biological processes, such as absorption and metabolism of nutrients, regulation of immune response and inflammation; gut microbiota plays also an antitumor role. However, dysbiosis, resulting from a number of different situations-dysmicrobism, infections, drug intake, age, diet-as well as from their multiple combinations, may lead to tumorigenesis and is associated with approximately 20% of all cancers. In a diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and epidemiological perspective, it is clear that the bifaceted role of microbiota needs to be thoroughly studied and better understood. Here, we discuss the anti- and pro-tumorigenic potential of gut and other microbiota districts along with the causes that may change commensal bacteria from friend to foes.

Benefits of a systematic approach in the evaluation of fetal facial 3-dimensional volumes.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of using a systematic approach to teach maternal-fetal medicine physicians how to display a diagnostic fetal profile and palate using 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS). METHODS: Ten maternal-fetal medicine physicians were randomly assigned to 2 groups, A and B, and instructed on basic principles of 3DUS volume manipulation. Physicians in group A were asked to display the fetal profile in 5 volumes, including 1 fetus with abnormalities. Physicians in Group B were asked to display the fetal profile in the same 5 volumes after detailed instruction. The groups were combined, and detailed instruction was repeated. The physicians were asked to review an additional 5 volumes. In a separate session, the physicians were divided into their respective groups, and a similar exercise was repeated. This time, they were asked to display the fetal palate in 3-orthogonal-plane and parallel-plane images. The time required for manipulation was recorded. Images were reviewed for accuracy and clinical utility by 2 blinded experienced sonologists. Data were analyzed with mixed effects models. RESULTS: Fetal profile and parallel-plane palate scores were significantly higher in group B (P < .001) compared to group A. There was no difference between groups in displaying the 3-orthogonal-plane image of the palate or after additional training for either group. The mean times for display did not differ between the groups. The time required for evaluation of the abnormal profiles was longer (P = .02) than that for evaluation of the normal profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Detailed instruction in obtaining 3DUS images of fetal profiles and palates improved the image quality obtained by physicians. Teaching physicians in a standardized way may help improve the use of 3DUS in clinical practice.

Cancer Related Anemia: An Integrated Multitarget Approach and Lifestyle Interventions.

Cancer is often accompanied by worsening of the patient's iron profile, and the resulting anemia could be a factor that negatively impacts antineoplastic treatment efficacy and patient survival. The first line of therapy is usually based on oral or intravenous iron supplementation; however, many patients remain anemic and do not respond. The key might lie in the pathogenesis of the anemia itself. Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is characterized by a decreased circulating serum iron concentration and transferrin saturation despite ample iron stores, pointing to a more complex problem related to iron homeostatic regulation and additional factors such as chronic inflammatory status. This review explores our current understanding of iron homeostasis in cancer, shedding light on the modulatory role of hepcidin in intestinal iron absorption, iron recycling, mobilization from liver deposits, and inducible regulators by infections and inflammation. The underlying relationship between CRA and systemic low-grade inflammation will be discussed, and an integrated multitarget approach based on nutrition and exercise to improve iron utilization by reducing low-grade inflammation, modulating the immune response, and supporting antioxidant mechanisms will also be proposed. Indeed, a Mediterranean-based diet, nutritional supplements and exercise are suggested as potential individualized strategies and as a complementary approach to conventional CRA therapy.

Nine weeks of high-intensity indoor cycling training induced changes in the microbiota composition in non-athlete healthy male college students.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota constitutes a dynamic microbial system constantly challenged by environmental conditions, including physical exercise. Limited human studies suggest that exercise could play a beneficial role for gut health, increasing microbial diversity, even if the effects of exercise on gut microbial microorganisms depends on its intensity and duration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of nine weeks of high-intensity interval exercise on gut microbiota composition in healthy young adults. METHODS: The gut microbiota composition of seventeen healthy male college students was analysed before and after nine weeks of high-intensity interval cycling training by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. PERMANOVA for repeated measures was used to test pre-post differences in the relative abundance of all taxonomic levels, and correlations between variations in microbial composition and physical and dietary features were also assessed. RESULTS: Physical exercise induced changes in microbiota composition, at all taxonomic levels analysed (phyla: F [1, 32]=3.97, p=0.029; classes: F [1, 32]=3.39, p=0.033, orders: F [1, 32]=3.17, p=0.044, families: F [1, 32]=1.54, p=0.037, genera: F [1, 32]=1.46, p=0.015, species: F [1, 32]=1.38, p=0.007). Conversely, no differences were found between pre and post-training conditions for microbial community richness (Chao1: V=105, p=0.06) or diversity (Shannon index: V=62, p=0.52; Simpson index: V=59, p=0.43). Changes in the relative abundance of eighteen genera were correlated to changes of twenty environmental factors grouped in physical features, sport-related features, and dietary features. CONCLUSIONS: Nine weeks of high-intensity exercise induced modifications in gut microbiota composition in healthy male college students, shifting the gut microbial population towards a healthier microbiome with benefit to human health in general.

Evaluation of the fetal secondary palate by 3-dimensional ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of cleft lip and palate remains a challenge with 2-dimensional ultrasonography, particularly when clefting involves only the secondary palate. The utility of 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) has enhanced our ability to detect clefts. We report our experience with a modification of the flipped face technique to aid in the diagnosis of clefting of the secondary palate. METHODS: Ninety-two volumes of 92 fetal faces were evaluated. Thirty-six volumes were acquired prospectively. Fifty-six volumes had previously been acquired and included 8 with clefting of the secondary palate. Volumes were obtained on 3DUS systems and reviewed by 4 blinded readers on personal computer workstations. Volumes were manipulated so that an upright profile was visualized. The palate was then rendered using a thin, curved render box. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test for categorical data. Intraclass correlations were computed to assess inter-rater agreement. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at image acquisition +/- SD was 22 +/- 5 weeks. Image quality of the secondary palate was obtained and rated as adequate by at least 2 reviewers in 34% (31 of 92) of volumes. The sensitivity of cleft detection ranged from 33% to 63%, and the specificity ranged from 84% to 95%. The low sensitivity was mainly due to artifacts/shadowing. The inter-rater reliability was 0.62 (95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional ultrasonography can be used to diagnose clefts of the secondary palate. This evaluation is limited by the fetal position and artifacts from shadowing of adjoining structures. Pseudoclefts can be created, and optimal imaging cannot be obtained in all fetuses.

Gut Microbiota Status in COVID-19: An Unrecognized Player?

Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes cardiopulmonary and vascular complications, ranging in severity. Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of the novel SARS-CoV2 infection and progression can provide potential novel targets for its prevention and/or treatment. Virus microbiota reciprocal interactions have been studied in a variety of viral infections. For example, the integrity of Coronavirus particles can be disrupted by surfactin, a bacterial surface molecule that targets other viruses, including that of influenza A. In this light, intestinal microbiota likely influences COVID-19 virulence, while from its side SARS-CoV-2 may affect the intestinal microbiome promoting dysbiosis and other deleterious consequences. Hence, the microbiota pre-existing health status and its alterations in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection, are likely to play an important, still underscored role in determining individual susceptibility and resilience to COVID-19. Indeed, the vast majority of COVID-19 worst clinical conditions and fatalities develop in subjects with specific risk factors such as aging and the presence of one or more comorbidities, which are intriguingly characterized also by unhealthy microbiome status. Moreover, these comorbidities require complex pharmacological regimens known as "polypharmacy" that may further affect microbiota integrity and worsen the resilience to viral infections. This complex situation may represent a further and underestimated risk with regard to COVID-19 clinical burden for the elderly and comorbid people. Here, we discuss the possible biological, physiopathological, and clinical implications of gut microbiota in COVID-19 and the strategies to improve/maintain its healthy status as a simple and adjunctive strategy to reduce COVID-19 virulence and socio-sanitary burden.

High-intensity Interval Training Promotes the Shift to a Health-Supporting Dietary Pattern in Young Adults.

A healthy lifestyle is based on a correct diet and regular exercise. Little is known about the effect of different types of exercise on dietary preferences. To address the question of whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could modulate spontaneous food choices, an experimental study was carried out on 32 young, healthy normal-weight subjects. The spontaneous diet of each subject has been monitored over nine weeks of indoor-cycling training, divided into three mesocycles with an incremental pattern: total energy intake, macronutrients and micronutrients have been analysed. A two-way mixed model has been used to assess differences in dietary variables; a principal factor analysis has been performed to identify sample subgroups. An increased energy intake (+17.8% at T3; p < 0.01) has been observed, although macronutrients' proportions did not vary over time, without differences between sexes. An increase of free fat mass was found in the last mesocycle (+3.8%), without an augmentation of body weight, when, despite the increased training load, a stabilization of energy intake occurred. Three different subgroups characterized by different dietary modifications could be identified among participants that showed a common trend towards a healthier diet. Nine weeks of HIIT promoted a spontaneous modulation of food choices and regulation of dietary intake in young normal-weight subjects aged 21-24. Importantly, this life-period is critical to lay the foundation of correct lifestyles to prevent metabolic diseases and secure a healthy future with advancing age.

Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests.

BACKGROUND: Sports nutritional supplements containing branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) have been widely reported to improve psychological and biological aspects connected to central fatigue and performance in endurance exercise, although the topic is still open to debate. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the intake of a commercially available BCAA-based supplement, taken according to the manufacturer's recommendations, could affect the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and performance indexes at the beginning (1d) and end of a 9-week (9w) scheduled high intensity interval training program, with an experimental approach integrating the determination of psychometric, performance, metabolic and blood biochemical parameters. METHODS: This was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Thirty-two untrained, healthy young adults (20 males and 12 female) were enrolled. A high-intensity endurance cycling (HIEC) test was used to induce fatigue in the participants: HIEC consisted in ten 90 s sprints interspersed by ten 3 min recovery phases and followed by a final step time to exhaustion was used. In parallel with RPE, haematological values (creatine kinase, alanine, BCAA, tryptophan, ammonia and glucose levels), and performance indexes (maximal oxygen consumption - VO2max, power associated with lactate thresholds - WLT1, WLT2 and time to exhaustion - TTE) were assessed. All subject took the supplement (13.2 g of carbohydrates; 3.2 g of BCAA and 1.6 g of L-alanine per dose) or placebo before each test and training session. Dietary habits and training load were monitored during the entire training period. RESULTS: The administration of the supplement (SU) at 1d reduced RPE by 9% during the recovery phase, as compared to the placebo (PL); at 9w the RPE scores were reduced by 13 and 21% during the sprint and recovery phase, respectively; at 9w, prolonged supplement intake also improved TTE and TRIMP. SU intake invariably promoted a rapid increase (within 1 h) of BCAA serum blood levels and prevented the post-HIEC tryptophan: BCAA ratio increase found in the PL group, at both 1d and 9w. There was no difference in dietary habits between groups and those habits did not change over time; no difference in glycemia was found between SU and PL. VO2max, WLT1 and WLT2 values improved over time, but were unaffected by supplement intake. CONCLUSIONS: On the whole, these results suggest that i) the intake of the BCAA-based commercially available supplement used in this study reduces RPE as a likely consequence of an improvement in the serum tryptophan: BCAA ratio; ii) over time, reduced RPE allows subjects to sustain higher workloads, leading to increased TRIMP and TTE.

Three-dimensional ultrasonographic depiction of fetal abdominal blood vessels.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify fetal abdominal vasculature with 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasonography and to describe a systematic method for analysis of volume data sets. METHODS: Three-dimensional volumes of the fetal abdomen were acquired prospectively in 30 patients between 15 and 34 weeks' gestation with color Doppler, high-definition (HD) flow, power Doppler, and B-flow imaging. All volumes were analyzed offline by 2 examiners separately. The feasibility of identifying the fetal abdominal blood vessels was analyzed. A standardized approach was applied to identify specific vessels by correlating the images with known anatomic landmarks. RESULTS: The volumes were rotated into an anatomic orientation in the multiplanar mode, and then the vessels were identified in the following order: aorta (30 of 30), celiac trunk (29 of 30), superior mesenteric vein (28 of 30 and 26 of 30 for readers 1 and 2, respectively), superior mesenteric artery (29 of 30), left renal artery (25 of 30 and 26 of 30), right renal artery (27 of 30), common iliac arteries (30 of 30), umbilical arteries (26 of 27), external iliac arteries (20 of 22), umbilical vein (29 of 30), ductus venosus (30 of 30), hepatic vein (29 of 30), right portal vein (29 of 30), inferior vena cava (28 of 30), adrenal artery (2 of 30), hepatic artery (24 of 30 and 23 of 30), splenic artery (24 of 30 and 23 of 30), gastric artery (14 of 30 and 9 of 30), splenic vein (19 of 30 and 15 of 30), and renal vein (1 of 30). A step-by-step systematic approach to identify the abdominal vasculature from the ultrasonographic volume data set was developed. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal abdominal vessels can be easily visualized when a systematic analysis is performed on 3D data set volumes. Visualization of the vessels was optimal when volumes were acquired with HD flow imaging.