An investigative study into the influence of a commercially available carbohydrate-protein-electrolyte beverage on short term repeated exercise performance

Background

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) has been reported to provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in both animal and man. Strenuous resistance exercise has the potential to induce both inflammation and oxidative stress. Using a pilot (proof of concept) study design, we determined the influence of MSM on markers of exercise recovery and performance in healthy men.

Methods

Eight, healthy men (27.1?±?6.9 yrs old) who were considered to be moderately exercise-trained (exercising <150 minutes per week) were randomly assigned to ingest MSM at either 1.5 grams per day or 3.0 grams per day for 30 days (28 days before and 2 days following exercise). Before and after the 28 day intervention period, subjects performed 18 sets of knee extension exercise in an attempt to induce muscle damage (and to be used partly as a measure of exercise performance). Sets 1?C15 were performed at a predetermined weight for 10 repetitions each, while sets 16?C18 were performed to muscular failure. Muscle soreness (using a 5-point Likert scale), fatigue (using the fatigue-inertia subset of the Profile of Mood States), blood antioxidant status (glutathione and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity [TEAC]), and blood homocysteine were measured before and after exercise, pre and post intervention. Exercise performance (total work performed during sets 16?C18 of knee extension testing) was also measured pre and post intervention.

Results

Muscle soreness increased following exercise and a trend was noted for a reduction in muscle soreness with 3.0 grams versus 1.5 grams of MSM (p?=?0.080), with a 1.0 point difference between dosages. Fatigue was slightly reduced with MSM (p?=?0.073 with 3.0 grams; p?=?0.087 for both dosages combined). TEAC increased significantly following exercise with 3.0 grams of MSM (p?=?0.035), while homocysteine decreased following exercise for both dosages combined (p?=?0.007). No significant effects were noted for glutathione or total work performed during knee extension testing (p?>?0.05).

Conclusion

MSM, especially when provided at 3.0 grams per day, may favorably influence selected markers of exercise recovery. More work is needed to extend these findings, in particular using a larger sample of subjects and the inclusion of additional markers of exercise recovery and performance.     

国内外氢气的生产和消费

对国内外氢的生产和消费情况进行分析,预测今后氢的发展情况.     

国内外氢气的生产和消费

对国内外氢的生产和消费情况进行分析，预测今后氢的发展情况。     

The effect of shortening stability on commercially produced army ration biscuits. I. Initial data and results of accelerated stability tests

An experiment involving the commercial production and packaging of two types of Army ration biscuits prepared from common ingredients with nine lots of vegetable oil shortening of increasing stability values and two lots of lard as the only ingredient variables has been described, and the initial analytical data presented. Evaluation of accelerated stability tests on both shortenings and biscuit shows that:

1. A linear relationship exists between Swift Stability (A.O.M.) and oxygen absorption (Warburg) values obtained on cottonseed oil and soybean oil shortening.
2. Increasing the accelerated stability values of the shortening by additional hydrogenation of the vegetable oils resulted in greater accelerated stability values for the biscuits containing the corresponding shortenings. A nearly direct relationship was found between the stability of soybean oil shortenings (Swift Stability Values) with the stability of the corresponding biscuits (Rancimeter). In the case of the cottonseed oil shortenings the increase in biscuit stability was marked to about a 100-hour accelerated stability value, but was much less pronounced above 100 hours.
3. Addition of commercial lecithin increased the stability values of the biscuits containing cottonseed oil shortenings, but had an adverse effect on the stability of biscuits containing lard and lard plus N.D.G.A.

Results obtained from examinations of biscuits packaged in fiberboard cartons, punched cans, and sealed cans and stored for two years at 70°F. and 100°F. are contained in the second paper of this series.     

Effects of nutritional copper deficiency on adult non-pregnant and pregnant rats and their newborns.

The effects of nutritional copper deficiency on weight gain, food intake and fertility of pregnant and non-pregnant adult Wistar rats, and weight of newborns, were studied. The adult animals were subjected to diets with different copper content (control-5 ppm; moderate deficiency -1.2 ppm; severe deficiency -0.3 ppm) for six weeks (non-pregnant) and nine weeks (pregnant). No effect on weight gain or appetite was seen in the groups of animals subjected to copper deficiency. Fertility, as evaluated by the number of conceptuses and liverborns of the pregnant animals, and weight of newborns also, were not impaired. These data show that not only the extent of deficiency, but also the period during which it is imposed, as well as its duration, condition the appearance of alterations of this deficiency.     

Effect of the formulation of 2 diets of rats, with wheat bran as a source of dietary fiber, on various biochemical and nutritional parameters

The type of diet formulation was considered in our study on the effects of wheat bran on some parameters obtained in a biological assay, for 28 days. Weanling, male Holtzman rats were divided in three groups. Two of them were fed ad libitum on diets containing 25% of wheat bran, prepared in two ways: balanced (FB) and conventional (FC). In the first case, the fiber source was added at the expense of every other ingredient, whereas in the second, only of starch. The control group received a wheat bran-free diet. Comparison among the groups showed the highest weight gain for group FB, and the lowest protein efficiency ratio (PER) for group FC. Fecal weight and the weight of the cecal contents were significantly higher for the test groups. Mean activity of the alkaline phosphatase from the jejunal mucosa was lower in group FB than in the other two. The activities of this enzyme in serum, were significantly higher for groups FB and FC. Serum cholesterol level was slightly lower for the group fed the balanced diet, than for the one receiving the conventional diet. Therefore, some parameters such as weight gain, PER, alkaline phosphatase activity of the intestinal mucosa, and serum cholesterol, were influenced by the type of diet formulation. Nevertheless, these results are not enough to substantiate a conclusive answer to the question: which diet formulation is more adequate for biological assays, when using wheat bran as a fiber source?     

Effects of 28 days of resistance exercise and consuming a commercially available pre-workout supplement, NO-Shotgun?, on body composition, muscle strength and mass, markers of satellite cell activation, and clinical safety markers in males

Purpose  

This study determined the effects of 28 days of heavy resistance exercise combined with the nutritional supplement, NO-Shotgun^?, on body composition, muscle strength and mass, markers of satellite cell activation, and clinical safety markers.     

Field-specific simulations of net N mineralization based on digitally available soil and weather data. I. Temperature and soil water dependency of the rate coefficients

Including field- or even site-specific estimates of current net N mineralization into N fertilizer strategy is essential in order to further reduce N surpluses while maintaining crop yields, but adequate estimates are not available. Simulation models could account for many influencing factors, yet are not easily adjustable to different soil and site characteristics. Nowadays important input data for N mineralization models are digitally available. Thus, our objectives were (1) to experimentally determine specific temperature and soil water dependency functions for the rate coefficients of net N mineralization that could be allocated via digitally mapped data and (2) to find out the least necessary discrimination between soils. Specific and general functions for the rate coefficients of two organic N pools with first-order kinetics were derived using laboratory long- and short-term incubations from a broad variety of soils. Functions were evaluated using comparisons to field incubations of undisturbed soil columns from 27 sites. Interestingly, a differentiation between specific functions of not more than three soil groups was necessary for quite accurate simulations (r ² = 0.87, P < 0.001; RMSE = 23 kg N ha⁻¹, n-RMSE = 29%). The two criteria for grouping, soil texture (loess vs. sandy/loamy classes) and humus content class (applies only to temperature functions for sandy textures), can be taken from digital soil maps. Field studies, especially under suboptimal water contents, with plant cover and N-fertilization, will have to further prove the applicability of the derived functions. Pedotransfer functions for the pool sizes also based on digitally available data are needed for automatically calculating specific estimates of net N mineralization.     

An experimental study on the impact of biodiesel origin on the regulated and PAH emissions from a Euro 4 light-duty vehicle

This study investigates the impact of mid-high biodiesel blends on the criteria and PAH emissions from a pick-up diesel vehicle. The vehicle was a Euro 4 (category N1, subclass III) compliant common rail light duty vehicle fitted with a diesel oxidation catalyst. Emission and fuel consumption measurements were performed on a chassis dynamometer using constant volume sampling (CVS) technique, following the European regulations. All measurements were conducted over the NEDC and Artemis driving cycles. Aiming to evaluate the fuel impact on emissions, a soy-based biodiesel, a palm-based biodiesel, and an oxidized biodiesel obtained from used frying oils were blended with an ultra low sulfur diesel at proportions of 30%, 50% and 80% by volume. CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption exhibited increases with biodiesel over all driving conditions which ranged up to 5%. NO_x emissions were found to be above the Euro 4 limit and increased with biodiesel between 5% and 10% except for the blends prepared with the palm-based methyl ester. The emissions of PM, HC, and CO decreased with the addition of biodiesel reaching maximum reductions in the order of 10%, 30% and 20% respectively; however, some increases were observed over the NEDC which may be attributed to cold-start. Sharp increases in most PAH, nitro-PAH and oxy-PAH compounds were observed with the application of biodiesel. These increases were particularly noticeable with the use of the oxidized blends, a phenomenon that it is related with the type and quality of this fuel. The emissions were also affected by the operating conditions of the engine. It was found that most PAH compounds were decreased as the mean speed and load of the driving cycle increased.     

An analysis of the potential economic impact on society due to the compliance with the fire service order. (Northern Ireland) 1985

The article outlines the analysis of data collected by questionnaire, inspection and detailed surveys of a selection of boarding houses in Northern Ireland. A statistical model is developed which enables a cost of compliance to be estimated for boarding houses having more than six bedspaces. Comparisons are also made regarding cost with previous studies in England and Wales for similar boarding houses/small hotels. Finally the cost of compliance for these houses and other buildings is given with an estimate of the impact of this cost on the building industry and the public at large in Northern Ireland.     

Estimation on metabolic pathway of Pseudomonas sp. SMIC-3 for 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone based on physiological and biochemical analyses

Pseudomonas sp. SMIC-3 grown on NMP was physiologically differentiated from that on glucose. Growth of SMIC-3 in an NMP-defined medium was approximately three times lower than that in a glucose-defined medium. Methylamine and 1-methyl succinimide were detected in culture fluid of SMIC-3 grown in an NMP-defined medium. Methylamine content in the culture fluid was very similar to NMP consumed by SMIC-3, but 1-methyl succinimide content was much less than the consumed NMP. Crude enzyme isolated from SMIC-3 grown on NMP catalyzed production of methylamine, 1-methyl succinimide, and succinate from NMP but that on glucose did not. Crude enzyme isolated from SMIC-3 grown on glucose and NMP commonly catalyzed dehydrogenation of pyruvate, isocitrate, and malate coupled to reduction of NAD⁺ to NADH. 2D-SDS-PAGE pattern of total soluble proteins isolated from SMIC-3 grown on glucose was significantly different from that on NMP. Physiological function of SMIC-3 for catabolizing NMP may be selectively induced and activated by NMP.     

Account of Dr. Lyman’s research on gossypol and its significance and impact on the cottonseed industry

Carl M. Lyman and his associates made highly significant contributions to the development of basic and applied knowledge of gossypol and gossypol-like pigments and their relationship to the utilization of cottonseed protein. Included among their studies were investigations of physiological activity, effect upon protein quality for monogastric animal nutrition, elimination and inactivation, biosynthesis of gossypol in the cotton root, isolation and characterization of a previously unidentified gossypol-like compound, and ration formulation procedures for efficient feeding of both glanded and glandless cottonseed protein. Presented at the Carl M. Lyman Memorial Symposium on Gossypol, AOCS Meeting, New Orleans, April, 1970.     

Field-specific simulations of net N mineralization based on digitally available soil and weather data: II. Pedotransfer functions for the pool sizes

Avoiding surplus N fertilization without reducing crop yields could be accomplished by accounting for current net N mineralization in N fertilizer recommendations. N simulation models would allow a quantitative consideration of important factors and could be based upon digitally mapped data. Soil-specific temperature and water functions that were derived in part I of the paper needed a differentiation between only three soil groups and the two allocating criteria were taken from digital soil maps. Here, the objectives were to experimentally determine pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for the pool sizes of two organic N pools (N_fast, N_slow) that could be calculated via digitally available data and need a minimum set of easily accessible management data. Interestingly, most important input data for the PTFs of both pool sizes were mean clay contents of the texture class (German soil classification system). However, the underlying mechanisms might be different, as N_slow could be positively influenced by clay-associated mineralizable SOM, whereas N_fast could be positively related to clay content due to higher yield potential and thus more residues on finer-textured soils. For N_slow including the humus class improved the accuracy of the PTF (r2 = 0.60; P < 0.050). For N_fast it was important to include a negative influence of the mean fall temperature of the preceding year (r2 = 0.42; P < 0.010), probably due to its influence on residue degradation before winter. Surprisingly, easily accessible management data, e.g. previous crop, did not improve the predictions in this study. Field studies with plant cover will have to further prove the applicability of the derived PTFs.     

Residue Levels,Profiles, Emission Source and Daily Intake of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Based on Smoked Fish Consumption,An Egyptian Pilot Study

Residue levels and spectrum of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in smoked fish, and canned smoked fish, collected from grocery shops from Cairo, Giza, Menoufya, and Ismailia governorates, Egypt. Residues of PAHs were monitored using gas liquid chromatography, equipped with a flame ionization detector. The concentrations of ∑13 PAHs in the smoked fish and the canned smoked fish ranged from 36.06–547.1 μg/kg, respectively. Benzo(a)pyrene was not detected in smoked canned fish, while its mean residues in smoked fish amounted to 1.1 μg/kg, corresponding to one fifth of the maximum tolerable limit of 5 μg/kg established by EU. The congeners profile showed that the sources of PAHs in the two brands of smoked fish are mainly petrogenic. Based on smoked fish the daily intake of 13 PAHs and benzo(a)pyrene were 45.59 μg/day and 0.092 μg/day, respectively, while for canned smoked fish the intake was fifteen times lower (3 μg/day), and the intake of benzo(a) pyrene is zero μg/day. Results showed that the consumption of smoked fish would pause some risk to consumers; meanwhile canned smoked fish showed no risk to Egyptian consumers.     

Studies on binary and ternary blends of polypropylene with SEBS,PS, and HDPE. II. Tensile and impact properties

Studies are reported on tensile and impact properties of several binary and ternary blends of polypropylene (PP), styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene triblock copolymer (SEBS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polystyrene (PS). The blend compositions of the binary blends PP/X were 10 wt % X and 90 wt % PP, while those of the ternary blends PP/X/Y were 10 wt % of X and 90 wt % of PP/Y, or 10 wt % Y and 90 wt % PP/X (PP/Y and PP/X were of identical composition 90:10); X, Y being SEBS, HDPE, or PS. The results are interpreted for the effect of each individual component by comparing the binary blends with the reference system PP, and the ternary blends with the respective binary blends as the reference systems. The ternary blend PP/SEBS/HDPE showed properties distinctly superior to those of PP/SEBS/PS or the binary blends PP/SEBS and PP/HDPE. Differences in the tensile yield behavior of the different samples and their correlation with impact strength suggested shear yielding as the possible mechanism of enhancement of impact strength. Scanning electron microscopic study of the impact fractured surfaces also supports the shear yielding mechanism of impact toughening of these blends.     

An integrated methodology for assessing the impact of food matrix and gastrointestinal effects on the biokinetics and cellular toxicity of ingested engineered nanomaterials

Background

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly added to foods to improve their quality, sensory appeal, safety and shelf-life. Human exposure to these ingested ENMs (iENMS) is inevitable, yet little is known of their hazards. To assess potential hazards, efficient in vitro methodologies are needed to evaluate particle biokinetics and toxicity. These methodologies must account for interactions and transformations of iENMs in foods (food matrix effect) and in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that are likely to determine nano-biointeractions. Here we report the development and application of an integrated methodology consisting of three interconnected stages: 1) assessment of iENM-food interactions (food matrix effect) using model foods; 2) assessment of gastrointestinal transformations of the nano-enabled model foods using a three-stage GIT simulator; 3) assessment of iENMs biokinetics and cellular toxicity after exposure to simulated GIT conditions using a triculture cell model. As a case study, a model food (corn oil-in-water emulsion) was infused with Fe₂O₃ (Iron(III) oxide or ferric oxide) ENMs and processed using this three-stage integrated platform to study the impact of food matrix and GIT effects on nanoparticle biokinetics and cytotoxicity .

Methods

A corn oil in phosphate buffer emulsion was prepared using a high speed blender and high pressure homogenizer. Iron oxide ENM was dispersed in water by sonication and combined with the food model. The resulting nano-enabled food was passed through a three stage (mouth, stomach and small intestine) GIT simulator. Size distributions of nano-enabled food model and digestae at each stage were analyzed by DLS and laser diffraction. TEM and confocal imaging were used to assess morphology of digestae at each phase. Dissolution of Fe2O3 ENM along the GIT was assessed by ICP-MS analysis of supernatants and pellets following centrifugation of digestae. An in vitro transwell triculture epithelial model was used to assess biokinetics and toxicity of ingested Fe₂O₃ ENM. Translocation of Fe₂O₃ ENM was determined by ICP-MS analysis of cell lysates and basolateral compartment fluid over time.

Results

It was demonstrated that the interactions of iENMs with food and GIT components influenced nanoparticle fate and transport, biokinetics and toxicological profile. Large differences in particle size, charge, and morphology were observed in the model food with and without Fe₂O₃ and among digestae from different stages of the simulated GIT (mouth, stomach, and small intestine). Immunoflorescence and TEM imaging of the cell culture model revealed markers and morphology of small intestinal epithelium including enterocytes, goblet cells and M cells. Fe₂O₃ was not toxic at concentrations tested in the digesta. In biokinetics studies, translocation of Fe₂O₃ after 4 h was <1% and ~2% for digesta with and without serum, respectively, suggesting that use of serum proteins alters iENMs biokinetics and raises concerns about commonly-used approaches that neglect iENM – food-GIT interactions or dilute digestae in serum-containing media.

Conclusions

We present a simple integrated methodology for studying the biokinetics and toxicology of iENMs, which takes into consideration nanoparticle-food-GIT interactions. The importance of food matrix and GIT effects on biointeractions was demonstrated, as well as the incorporation of these critical factors into a cellular toxicity screening model. Standardized food models still need to be developed and used to assess the effect of the food matrix effects on the fate and bioactivity of iENMs since commercial foods vary considerably in their compositions and structures.