Krill-Oil-Dependent Increases in HS-Omega-3 Index, Plasma Choline and Antioxidant Capacity in Well-Conditioned Power Training Athletes

There is evidence that both omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and choline can influence sports performance, but information establishing their combined effects when given in the form of krill oil during power training protocols is missing. The purpose of this study was therefore to characterize n-3 PUFA and choline profiles after a one-hour period of high-intensity physical workout after 12 weeks of supplementation. Thirty-five healthy power training athletes received either 2.5 g/day of Neptune krill oilTM (550 mg EPA/DHA and 150 mg choline) or olive oil (placebo) in a randomized double-blind design. After 12 weeks, only the krill oil group showed a significant HS-Omega-3 Index increase from 4.82 to 6.77% and a reduction in the ARA/EPA ratio (from 50.72 to 13.61%) (p < 0.001). The krill oil group showed significantly higher recovery of choline concentrations relative to the placebo group from the end of the first to the beginning of the second exercise test (p = 0.04) and an 8% decrease in total antioxidant capacity post-exercise versus 21% in the placebo group (p = 0.35). In conclusion, krill oil can be used as a nutritional strategy for increasing the HS-Omega-3 Index, recover choline concentrations and address oxidative stress after intense power trainings.

Effect of one-week supplementation of Citrulline-malate, L-arginine and their combination on CK, LDH and CRP levels in male wrestlers following simulated wrestling test

Background: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of one-week supplementation of citrulline-malate, L-arginine and their combination on aerobic and anaerobic powers, CK, LDH and CRP levels in male wrestlers. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male wrestlers (aged 19-25 years; weight 60-90 kg; body fat percent 12-20%) in a randomized and double-blind design were divided in four equal citrulline-malate (Cit; 4g/days), L-arginine (Arg; 4g/days), their combination (2g/days Arg + 2g/days Cit) and placebo (dextrose; P) group. Before and after supplementation one week period, all subjects were participated in a competition like wrestling. Each test consisted of two 3 min periods of arm-cranking at maximal executable cadence against resistance of 0.1 kg ∙ kg−1 body mass interspersed with 30-s recovery periods between consecutive tests. Blood samples were obtained in the 4 phases: one hour before and 5 min after two competitions like wrestling protocols. Creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed. Change any of the parameters (mean and standard deviation) of four stages repeated ANOVA and post hoc tests. The significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: Based on the present results, the Cit and Arg + Cit supplementation attenuated the exercise-induced increase in response of CK (p<0.05). However, the Arg supplementation had not any significant effect on the exercise-induced increase response of serum CK. Also, the Arg, Cit and Arg + Cit supplementation had not any significant effect on the exercise-induced increase response of total serum LDH and CRP. Conclusion: Based on the present results, it can be concluded that the one week citrulline-malate with L-arginine supplementation is more effective than the citrulline-malate or L-arginine supplementation to overcome the exercise-induced adverse responses in some muscle injury parameters. Therefore, combination of citrulline-malate and L-arginine supplementation is recommended to reduce exercise-induced adverse consequences.

Educating caregivers of persons with cerebral palsy in night-time postural care: A randomized trial comparing two online training programs

Objective: Compare effectiveness of two differently formatted training programs in educating night-time postural care implementers. Design: Mixed-methods parallel-group double-blind design with random assignment. Setting: United States academic institution. Participants: Thirty-eight adult caregivers/providers of children with cerebral palsy. Interventions: Both 2-hour online programs included content on night-time postural care evidence, risk-factor monitoring, sleep-system types, positioning methods, and assessments. Group A used interactive videos, Group B summary information with web-links. Main Measures: We measured self-perceived competence via questionnaires (baseline, post-training, post-simulation) containing 4-point rating-scales of knowledge, ability, and confidence and measured positioning ability via a simulation observation instrument comprising 16 positioning-task ratings with space for describing performance. We recorded participant actions/statements using fieldnotes. Results: Thirty-eight completed training (19 per group). Group A (vs B) showed significantly greater self-perceived competence changes post-training (0.46 points (SE 0.17), P = 0.008). Thirty-seven positioned a standardized “client,” with groups not differing significantly on total tasks completed correctly ( F(1, 92.32) = 1.91, P = 0.17) averaging 11.85 (SE 0.83) and 12.60 (SE 0.84) of 16 tasks correct. Group A’s post-positioning/simulation self-ratings were significantly associated with actual ability ( r = 0.53, P = 0.019). In both groups ⩾47% of caregivers incorrectly completed the tasks of placing head and neck in neutral and snugging up all [positioning] parts. Conclusion: The sleep care positioning training program (interactive video-based format) is effective in building caregivers’ self-perceived competence for night-time postural care. While the lesson was well-received by caregivers and considered a “match [to their] learning style,” the lesson did not lead to greater improvement in actual ability to position the “client” compared to control training.

Efficacy of Herbal Medicines Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity — a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal (CIGI) toxicity affects the quality of life of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and the clinical application of treatment drugs. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of traditional herbal medicines (HMs) in alleviating symptoms of CIGI toxicity (including nausea and vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, constipation, oral mucositis, abdominal pain, and abdominal distension), and to explore further individual herb or herbal combinations in alleviating the CIGI toxicity.Methods: Nine electronic databases were screened from 2010 to 2020. Twenty-two randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,995 patients evaluating the complementary efficacy of HMs with chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy-alone were included. Further, sensitivity analyses of orally administered multi-ingredient HM interventions were explored based on the composition of HM interventions.Results: The meta-analysis showed that HM treatment combined with chemotherapy significantly alleviated the overall CIGI toxicity (RR = 0.78 [0.72, 0.84], p &lt; 0.001, I2 = 44%), nausea and vomiting (RR = 0.74 [0.66, 0.82], p &lt; 0.001, I2 = 35%), diarrhea (P = 0.02, RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44–0.93, I2 = 50%), oral mucositis (RR = 0.65 [0.48, 0.88], P = 0.005, I2 = 24%), and abdominal distension (RR = 0.36 [0.18, 0.73], P = 0.004, I2 = 0%). However, no statistically significant effects of HMs were shown in studies with a double-blind design for CIGI toxicity. Based on the ingredients of the HMs, further sensitivity analyses identified five herbs [Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge., Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., and the pericarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco.] that were associated with significant reductions in CIGI toxicity.Conclusion: A statistically significant effect of HMs combined with chemotherapy on alleviating the overall CIGI toxicity, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, oral mucositis, or abdominal distension is only shown in studies without a double-blind design. Further well-designed, double-blinded, large-scaled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the treatment efficacy. Further clinical research that includes the five herbs with chemotherapy for patients, the safety of the combinations of these herbs, and the potential synergistic effects of these combinations of herbs should be conducted.

The Composition and Diversity of the Gut Microbiota in Children Is Modifiable by the Household Dogs: Impact of a Canine-Specific Probiotic

The development of the infant gut microbiota is initiated during pregnancy and continued through early life and childhood, guided by the immediate environment of the child. Our aim was to characterize the shared microbiota between dogs and children as well as to determine whether introduction to dogs of a dog-specific probiotic combination modifies the transfer process. We studied 31 children from allergic families with pet dog(s) and 18 control families without a dog. Altogether 37 dogs were randomized for a 4-week period in a double-blind design to receive canine-derived probiotic product containing a mixture of L. fermentum, L. plantarum, and L. rhamnosus, or placebo. Fecal samples from children and dogs were taken before and after the treatment. Distinctive gut microbiota composition was observed in children with dogs compared to those without a dog, characterized by higher abundance of Bacteroides and short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria such as Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae. Probiotic intervention in dogs had an impact on the composition of the gut microbiota in both dogs and children, characterized by a reduction in Bacteroides. We provide evidence for a direct effect of home environment and household pets on children microbiota and document that modification of dog microbiota by specific probiotics is reflected in children’s microbiota.

Cerebellar rTMS in PSP: a Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Study Using Mobile Health Technology

There are no effective treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on postural instability in PSP. Twenty PSP patients underwent a session of sham or real cerebellar rTMS in a crossover design. Before and after stimulation, static balance was evaluated with instrumented (lower back accelerometer, Rehagait®, Hasomed, Germany) 30-s trials in semitandem and tandem positions. In tandem and semitandem tasks, active stimulation was associated with increase in time without falls (both p=0.04). In the same tasks, device-extracted parameters revealed significant improvement in area (p=0.007), velocity (p=0.005), acceleration and jerkiness of sway (p=0.008) in real versus sham stimulation. Cerebellar rTMS showed a significant effect on stability in PSP patients, when assessed with mobile digital technology, in a double-blind design. These results should motivate larger and longer trials using non-invasive brain stimulation for PSP patients.

Effects Of Caffeine, Beetroot Juice And Its Interaction Consumption On Exercise-Related Fatigue

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of different supplementation conditions on fatigue and performance in flywheel half-squat tests in senior men. Sixteen active males (age: 22.8±4.9 years; body mass index: 23.7±2.4 kgm-2) participated in the intervention during a 4-week period. Four experimental conditions were established using a double-blind design: placebo, caffeine (CAF), beetroot juice (BRJ), and combined BRJ+CAF. To assess the effect of supplementation, participants completed a countermovement jump (CMJ) before (Pre), 30 s after (Post-30s) and 180 s after (Post-180 s) completing a flywheel half-squat exercise protocol (four sets of eight all-out repetitions, with 3-min inter-set rest, using different inertial loads). Additionally, the mean power output during the flywheel half-squat protocol was recorded. Repeated measured ANOVA showed greater mean power (~1000 W, p&lt;.001) produced/OR/generated in flywheel exercise after the CAF, BRJ and BRJ+CAF consumption compared to the placebo condition. After placebo, CAF and BRJ, CMJ performance at Post-180 s was reduced compared to Pre (p=.003-.087, two-way ANOVA; ES=-0.39/-0.49), although no significant performance reduction (p=.087) was noted after BRJ+CAF. In conclusion, compared to placebo, CAF, BRJ and BRJ+CAF allow greater total mean power in the flywheel half-squat power test, although without effects on exercise-related fatigue. Additionally, BRJ+CAF improved recovery after a high demanding power-production protocol.

Abstract 15751: Pharmacodynamic Effect of ARO-ANG3, an Investigational RNA Interference Targeting Hepatic Angiopoietin-like Protein 3, in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia

Background: Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) regulates triglyceride (TG) and lipoprotein (LP) metabolism by inhibiting liver and endothelial LP lipases and reduces plasma LDL-C. In Phase 1 Study AROANG1001 (NCT03747224), single and multiple doses of RNA interference therapeutic ARO-ANG3 (100, 200, or 300 mg; n=36) in healthy volunteers substantially reduced ANGPTL3, LDL-C, and other LPs (AHA 2019) compared with placebo (n=16). Purpose: We report preliminary results following repeat doses (days 1 and 29) of ARO-ANG3 in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with elevated LDL-C despite statin therapy and average LDL-C of 130 mg/dL. An additional group (non-FH patients) had LDL-C > 70 mg/dL despite statin therapy. Methods: Seventeen FH patients received open-label, subcutaneous, ARO-ANG3 100 mg (n=6), 200 mg (n=6), or 300 mg (n=5). Nine non-FH, high risk patients with elevated LDL-C not at goal received either 200 mg ARO-ANG3 (n=6) or placebo (n=3) using a randomized double-blind design. Pharmacodynamic markers included serum ANGPTL3, LDL-C, TG, and others. Results: Results are reported as of 04 May 2020. In FH patients, ARO-ANG3 significantly reduced mean ANGPTL3 levels between 62-92% at week 16 in a dose-dependent manner (Table). LDL-C (23-37%) and TG (25-43%) were consistently reduced at all doses (Table). The mean percent reductions in non-FH patients for ANGPTL3 (85%), LDL-C (28%), and TG (29%) were comparable to those in FH patients, despite their initially lower LDL-C at baseline. As of 15 May 2020, there were no drug-related serious or severe adverse events (AEs) or discontinuations and most AEs were mild. The most common AEs reported in subjects receiving ARO-ANG3 were respiratory tract infection (30% of subjects) and injection site AEs (13% of subjects). Conclusions: In FH and non-FH patients, repeat doses of ARO-ANG3 significantly reduced ANGPTL3, LDL-C, and TG, with favorable safety.

Cerebellar rTMS in PSP: a double blind sham-controlled study using mobile health technology

SUMMARYThere are no effective treatments for postural instability and falls in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Objective of the study was to test the efficacy of theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on postural instability in PSP. Twenty probable PSP patients underwent a session of sham or cerebellar rTMS in a cross-over design. Before and after stimulation, static balance was evaluated with instrumented (lower back accelerometer, Rehagait®, Hasomed, Germany) 30-seconds-trials in semitandem and tandem positions. In tandem and semitandem tasks, active stimulation was associated with longer time without support falls (both p=0.04). In the same tasks, device-extracted parameters revealed significant improvement in area (p=0.007), velocity (p=0.005) and acceleration and jerkiness of sway (p=0.008) in real versus sham stimulation. Cerebellar rTMS thus showed a significant effect on stability in PSP patients, when assessed with mobile digital technology, in a double-blind design. These results should motivate larger and longer trials using non-invasive brain stimulation for PSP patients.

The Effect of Extract Supplements of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Plus Royal Jelly on Hemoglobin (Hb) Levels of Anemia Pregnant Mother in Takalar Regency

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract supplements, Moringa oleifera leaf extract plus royal jelly and placebo on hemoglobin levels in anemic pregnant women. This research is a randomized controlled double blind design study which was conducted in Polombangkeng Utara District, Takalar Regency for 2 months. The subjects of this study were pregnant women with anemia, the majority of which were 20-35 years old, primigravida parity, income less than UMR, unemployment, higher education, pregnancy distance of more than 2 years with p value> 0.05. Then divided into three groups, namely Moringa capsules plus royal jelly (KRJ) (n = 24), Moringa capsules (KTR) (n = 24) and placeco (PLC) (n = 21). Before and after the intervention, measurements of hemoglobin levels were carried out using the Hemocue tool and interviewing the characteristics of the respondents. The results showed that the average Hb level increased from each group (mean SD): KRJ 10.06 ± 0.75 to 11.42 ± 1.23, P = 0.001, KTR 10.40 ± 0.46 to 11.15 ± 0 , 90 P = 0.001 and PLC 10.43 ± 0.42 becomes 11.14 ± 0.88 P = 0.002. but there was no significant difference from the difference in the average increase in Hb levels in the three groups, but there was a tendency that KRJ was superior to the KTR and PLC groups with an increase of 1.36 gr / dl, KTR 0.75 gr / dl and PLC 0.71 gr / dl. So it can be concluded that KRJ is better than KTR and PLC in increasing Hb levels in anemic pregnant women in Takalar Regency.