BA Group Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Spasticity Caused by Spinal Cord Injury: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BackgroundBaclofen is approved by the US FDA to treat spasticity, but its sustained use may cause drug addiction. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A versus baclofen in spasticity.Material/MethodsA total of 336 patients who had spasticity caused by spinal cord injury were enrolled in a randomized (in 1: 1: 1: ratio) for placebo, controlled trial. Patients had received baclofen (BA group, n=112), local intramuscular injection of 500 U Botulinum toxin type A (BTI group, n=112), or physical therapies alone (placebo group, n=112). Modified Ashworth scale (mAS) score, disability assessment scale (DAS) score, modified medical research council (mMRC) score, the Barthel Index (BI) score, and treatment-emergent adverse effects were evaluated during the follow-up period. Wilcoxon test or one-way ANOVA/Tukey post hoc tests were performed at 95% of confidence level.ResultsBaclofen (1.504±0.045 vs. 1.53±0.06, p=0.003, q=4.068) and botulinum toxin type A (1.49±0.09 vs. 1.528±0.15, p=0.0224, q=3.5541) had improved mAS scores after 2 weeks. Baclofen had a more strongly improved DAS score than botulinum toxin type A at 4 (p=0.0496, q=3.48) and 6 (p<0.0001, q=6.48) weeks. Baclofen and botulinum toxin type A had consistently improved BI scores. Baclofen caused asthenia and sleepiness, while botulinum toxin type A caused bronchitis and elevated blood pressure.ConclusionsBotulinum toxin type A may be an effective therapeutic option for spasticity caused by spinal cord injury.

Probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C-1 Improves Growth Performance, Stimulates GH/IGF-1, and Regulates the Gut Microbiota of Growth-Retarded Beef Calves.

Growth retardation of calves is defined as a symptom of impaired growth and development, probably due to growth hormone disorder as well as natural and environmental factors in livestock. The growth-promoting effects of probiotics were determined in 50 growth-retarded growth calves. They were supplied with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens C-1 (Ba, 4 × 1010CFU/d, n = 16), B. subtilis (Bs, 4 × 1010CFU/d, n = 18), and negative control (NC, n = 16) for 30 days. Pre- and post-intervention, the growth performance (weight gain rate, feed intake and feed conversion rate) was analyzed, the serum GH, IGH-1 and immunoglobulin levels were assayed, and the fecal microbiota was detected. Calves in Ba and Bs groups demonstrated increased body weight gain, feed intake and GH/IGF-1 levels, as well as a more efficient feed conversion rate, compared with NC group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the abundances of bacteria contributing to the production of energy and SCFAs (short chain fatty acids), including Proteobacteria, Rhodospirillaceae, Campylobacterales, and Butyricimonas were increased compared with NC group (P < 0.05, FDR < 0.1); and the suspected pathogens, which included Anaeroplasma and Acholeplasma were decreased (P < 0.05, FDR < 0.1) in both the Bs and Ba groups. Akkermansia, which is involved in the intestinal mucosal immune response, was increased in Bs group after intervention (P < 0.05, FDR < 0.1), but exhibited no obvious difference in Ba group. The increased bacterial genera in Ba group were Sphaerochaeta and Treponema (P < 0.05, FDR < 0.1). These results indicate that the probiotics B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis exhibited similar therapeutic potential in terms of growth performance by regulating hormones, and improving the intestinal and rumen development in growth-retarded animals.

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion at different times on the nausea and vomiting induced with chemotherapy: a self cross control study

To investigate acupuncture-moxibustion intervention during the different times for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) symptoms. Eighty patients received cisplatin chemotherapy with nausea and vomiting were assigned into an AB group and a BA group. Self cross control study was carried out. In the AB group, acupuncture and moxibustion were used during the intermission and there were no acupuncture-moxibustion during chemotherapy period in the first chemotherapy cycle; acupuncture and moxibustion were not applied during the intermission and acupuncture-moxibustion intervention were used during chemotherapy in the third cycle of chemotherapy. The intervention times were different correspondingly in the BA group. Acupuncture and moxibustion were not used to in the second cycle of elution period. The vomiting incidence, nausea, vomiting and retching scale (R-INVR), patient satisfaction and compliance during different chemotherapy times after acupuncture and moxibustion intervention were compared. On the first and second days of chemotherapy, the nausea incidences of patients treated with acupuncture and moxibustion during the intermittent period was less than those during chemotherapy period (both P<0.05), but continuous 4 days after the third day of chemotherapy, the numbers had no significant difference (all P>0.05). The scores of R-INVR were not significantly different between intervention in the chemotherapy period and intermittent period (P>0.05), with decreasing trend. The patients were more satisfied with acupuncture and moxibustion in the intermittent period (P<0.05). Acupuncture and moxibustion in the intermittent period can prevent vomiting induced by the chemotherapy of cisplatin, with satisfaction and compliance. Acupuncture and moxibustion intervention during chemotherapy period have the potential to improve nausea and vomiting.

Beta-alanine supplementation improves isometric, but not isotonic or isokinetic strength endurance in recreationally strength-trained young men

β-Alanine (BA) supplementation may be ergogenic during high-intensity exercise, primarily due to the buffering of hydrogen cations, although the effects of beta-alanine supplementation on strength endurance are equivocal. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of 4weeks of beta-alanine supplementation on skeletal muscle endurance using a battery of performance tests. This study employed a parallel group, repeated measures, randomised, double-blinded and placebo-controlled design. Twenty recreationally strength-trained healthy males completed tests of isotonic strength endurance (repeated bench and leg press), along with tests of isometric and isokinetic endurance conducted using an isokinetic dynamometer. Tests were performed before and after a 4week intervention, comprising an intake of 6.4gday-1 of BA (n = 9) or placebo (maltodextrin, n = 11). Time-to-exhaustion during the isometric endurance test improved by ~ 17% in the BA group (p < 0.01), while PL remained unchanged. No significant within-group differences (p > 0.1) were shown for any of the performance variables in the isokinetic test (peak torque, fatigue index, total work) nor for the total number of repetitions performed in the isotonic endurance tests (leg or bench press). Four weeks of BA supplementation (6.4gday-1) improved isometric, but not isokinetic or isotonic endurance performance.

The Effects of β-Alanine Supplementation on Muscle pH and the Power-Duration Relationship during High-Intensity Exercise.

Purpose: To investigate the influence of β-alanine (BA) supplementation on muscle carnosine content, muscle pH and the power-duration relationship (i.e., critical power and W′).Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 20 recreationally-active males (22 ± 3 y, V°O2peak 3.73 ± 0.44 L·min−1) ingested either BA (6.4 g/d for 28 d) or placebo (PL) (6.4 g/d) for 28 d. Subjects completed an incremental test and two 3-min all-out tests separated by 1-min on a cycle ergometer pre- and post-supplementation. Muscle pH was assessed using 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) during incremental (INC KEE) and intermittent knee-extension exercise (INT KEE). Muscle carnosine content was determined using 1H-MRS.Results: There were no differences in the change in muscle carnosine content from pre- to post-intervention (PL: 1 ± 16% vs. BA: −4 ± 25%) or in muscle pH during INC KEE or INT KEE (P > 0.05) between PL and BA, but blood pH (PL: −0.06 ± 0.10 vs. BA: 0.09 ± 0.13) during the incremental test was elevated post-supplementation in the BA group only (P < 0.05). The changes from pre- to post-supplementation in critical power (PL: −8 ± 18 W vs. BA: −6 ± 17 W) and W′ (PL: 1.8 ± 3.3 kJ vs. BA: 1.5 ± 1.7 kJ) were not different between groups. No relationships were detected between muscle carnosine content and indices of exercise performance.Conclusions: BA supplementation had no significant effect on muscle carnosine content and no influence on intramuscular pH during incremental or high-intensity intermittent knee-extension exercise. The small increase in blood pH following BA supplementation was not sufficient to significantly alter the power-duration relationship or exercise performance.

Hypoglycemic Effect of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L) among Pre Diabetics in India: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Cross Over Study

High prevalence of pre diabetes observed in many South Asian countries highlights a potential indicator of further progression of the diabetic epidemic in the region. Average expenditure related to diabetes per person in India is higher. Unless appropriate action is taken, this will place an economic burden, hence a food based approach was planned to reduce the incidence of pre diabetes. The main aim of the study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of bitter gourd (Mormordica charantia L.)among pre diabetics. A single blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over designed intervention study was conducted with freeze dried bitter gourd powder (2.5 g) to find out its hypoglycemic effect. In the first phase Group 1 (AB) started the bitter gourd juice (A) intervention followed by placebo (B), while the Group 2 (BA) started the supplementation with placebo (B) followed by bitter gourd (A). The intervention continued for a period of eight weeks. Between the two arms, 4 weeks were left as wash-out period to minimize the carry-over effect of one phase to the other. Cross over was done after the washout period. The mean initial fasting blood glucose level of pre diabetics in AB group was 110.66 mg/dl which reduced significantly (p&amp;lt;0.01) to 99.86 mg/dl at the end of intervention. In case of BA group the placebo treatment did not bring any appreciable change in FBG where as the bitter gourd treatment was found to have a significant (p&amp;lt;0.01) impact. No serious adverse effects were observed. The present study proved that the consumption of bitter gourd juice prepared with 2.5 g freeze dried bitter gourd powder (50g of the vegetable) reduced the fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol level among the pre diabetics.

\u03b2-Alanine supplementation increased physical performance and improved executive function following endurance exercise in middle aged individuals

BackgroundSarcopenia, a reduction in muscle mass and function seen in aging populations, may be countered by improving systemic carnosine stores via beta-Alanine (β-alanine) supplementation. Increasing systemic carnosine levels may result in enhanced anti-oxidant, neuro-protective and pH buffering capabilities. This enhancement should result in improved exercise capacity and executive function.MethodsTwelve healthy adults (average age = 60.5 ± 8.6 yrs, weight = 81.5 ± 12.6 kg) were randomized and given either 2.4 g/d of β-alanine (BA) or Placebo (PL) for 28 days. Exercise capacity was tested via bouts on a cycle ergometer at 70% VO2 peak. Executive function was measured by Stroop Tests 5 min before exercise (T1), immediately before exercise (T2), immediately following fatigue (T3), and 5 min after fatigue (T4). Lactate measures were taken pre/post exercise. Heart rate, Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and VO2 were recorded throughout exercise testing.ResultsPRE average time-to-exhaustion (TTE) for the PL and BA group were not significantly different (Mean ± SD; 9.4 ± 1.4mins vs 11.1 ± 2.4mins, respectively, P = 0.7). POST BA supplemented subjects cycled significantly longer than PRE (14.6 ± 3.8mins vs 11.1 ± 2.4mins, respectively, P = 0.04) while those given PL did not (8.7 ± 2.4mins vs 9.4 ± 1.4mins, respectively, P = 0.7). PL subjects were slower in completing the Stroop test POST at T4 compared to T3 (T3 = − 13.3 ± 8.6% vs T4 = 2.1 ± 8.3%, P = 0.04), while the BA group (T3 = − 9.2 ± 6.4% vs T4 = − 2.5 ± 3.5%, P = 0.5) was not. POST lactate production expressed a trend when comparing treatments, as the BA group produced 2.4 ± 2.6 mmol/L more lactate than the PL group (P = 0.06). Within group lactate production for BA (P = 0.4) and PL (P = 0.5), RPE (P = 0.9) and heart rate (P = 0.7) did not differ with supplementation.ConclusionBA supplementation increased exercise capacity and eliminated endurance exercise induced declines in executive function seen after recovery. Increased POST TTE coupled with similar PRE vs POST lactate production indicates an improvement in the ability of BA to extend exercise durations. Furthermore, by countering endurance exercise’s accompanying deficits in executive function, the aging population can maintain benefits from exercise with improved safety.

Biomechanical study of screw and plate fixation of a posterior malleolar fracture for osteoporosis patients in a simulation of the normal gait cycle

Objective Purpose of this research is to biomechanically compare the screw-fixed and plate-fixed posterior malleolus fracture in osteoporosis patients with fatigue loading system and space motion system in simulation gait cycle, and to give theory evidence on how to choose an internal fixation in osteoporosis patients with posterior malleolus fracture. Methods 72 osteoporotic cadaveric lower limbs were prepared to simulate Haraguchi I posterior malleolus fracture and randomized into 2 groups with 36 each. Screw group were fixed with 2 paralleled 4.0 mm titanium partial thread cancellous screws from posterior to anterior. Plate group were fixed with plate. Based on the ratio of fracture area on sagittal plane to distal tibial articular surface (S), the two groups were subdivided into three subgroups, named as screw group A, plate group A, screw group B, plate group B, screw group C, plate group C. S (screw group A, plate group A)=1/4; S (screw group B, plate group B)=1/3; S (screw group C, plate group C)=1/2. According to the height of fracture fragments, these 6 subgroups were further divided into subgroup a with height 19.3 mm and subgroup b with height 39 mm. Furthermore, 4 different conditions of gait cycle were simulated as follows: 1) specimen was loaded with 3.2 body weight (BW) at dorsiflexion angle of 12°; 2) Start-up phase: dorsiflexion angle of 5°, 3 BW; 3) neutral position, 3.6 BW; 4) maximum plantar flexion, angle of 12°, 4.5 BW. At the end of repeated loading, the displacement of fracture fragment was measured with space motion system. Results At dorsiflexion 12° and plantar flexion 15°, there was significant difference of displacement between screw and plate group with larger displacement in screw group, whatever S or H was. When ankle was at dorsiflexion of 5°, the displacement showed significant difference between screw group Aa and plate group Aa, screw group Ba and plate group Ba, screw group Bb and plate group Bb, screw group Cb and plate group Cb, with larger displacement in screw group. In neutral position, the differences were significant with larger displacement in screw group, except between screw group Bb and plate group Bb. Conclusion Plate can provide stronger fixation for osteoporosis patients with posterior malleolus fracture in most situations, but both of the two methods cannot provide stable fixation when posterior malleolus fragment was in too big area or height. Key words: Ankle injuries; Osteoporosis; Fracture fixation, internal; Biomechanics

Effect of Clostridium butyricum supplementation on the development of intestinal flora and the immune system of neonatal mice.

The objective of the present study was to examine whether Clostridium butyricum supplementation has a role in the regulation of the intestinal flora and the development of the immune system of neonatal mice. A total of 30 pregnant BALB/c mice, including their offspring, were randomly divided into three groups: In the maternal intervention group (Ba), maternal mice were treated with Clostridium butyricum from birth until weaning at postnatal day 21 (PD21) followed by administration of saline to the offspring at PD21-28; in the offspring intervention group (Ab), breast-feeding maternal mice were supplemented with saline and offspring were directly supplemented with Clostridium butyricum from PD21-28; in the both maternal and offspring intervention group (Bb), both maternal mice and offspring were supplemented with Clostridium butyricum at PD 0-21 and at PD21-28. While mice in the control group were given the same volume of normal saline. Stool samples from the offspring were collected at PD14, -21 and -28 to observe the intestinal flora by colony counts of Enterococcus spp., Enterobacter spp., Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Detection of intestinal secreted immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels and serum cytokine (interferon-γ, and interleukin-12, -4 and -10) levels in offspring was performed to evaluate the effect on their immune system. The results revealed that compared with the control group, offspring in the Ba group displayed significantly decreased stool colony counts of Enterococcus spp. (t=3.123, P<0.01) at PD14 and significantly decreased counts of Enterobacter spp. at PD14 and -21 (t=2.563, P<0.05 and t=2.292, P<0.05, respectively). Compared with the control group, the stool colony counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. were significantly increased in the Ba group at PD21 (t=3.085, P<0.01 and t=2.8508, P<0.05, respectively). The Ab group had significantly higher stool colony counts of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. at PD28, compared with the control group (Q=7.679, P<0.01 and Q=6.149, P<0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences identified in the sIgA levels of the intestinal fluid and serum cytokine levels between the control group and the intervention groups. In conclusion, Clostridium butyricum administered to breast-feeding maternal mice was able to regulate the intestinal flora balance in their offspring. However, due to insignificant effects on sIgA level and the associated cytokines, Clostridium butyricum had a limited influence on the balance of type 1 vs. type 2 T-helper cells. However, using Clostridium butyricum as an invention may be a safe method for improving the balance of intestinal flora and associated processes in offspring.

Effects of Plyometric Training and Beta-Alanine Supplementation on Maximal-Intensity Exercise and Endurance in Female Soccer Players.

Plyometric training and beta-alanine supplementation are common among soccer players, although its combined use had never been tested. Therefore, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of a plyometric training program, with or without beta-alanine supplementation, on maximal-intensity and endurance performance in female soccer players during an in-season training period. Athletes (23.7 ± 2.4 years) were assigned to either a plyometric training group receiving a placebo (PLACEBO, n = 8), a plyometric training group receiving beta-alanine supplementation (BA, n = 8), or a control group receiving placebo without following a plyometric training program (CONTROL, n = 9). Athletes were evaluated for single and repeated jumps and sprints, endurance, and change-of-direction speed performance before and after the intervention. Both plyometric training groups improved in explosive jumping (ES = 0.27 to 1.0), sprinting (ES = 0.31 to 0.78), repeated sprinting (ES = 0.39 to 0.91), 60 s repeated jumping (ES = 0.32 to 0.45), endurance (ES = 0.35 to 0.37), and change-of-direction speed performance (ES = 0.36 to 0.58), whereas no significant changes were observed for the CONTROL group. Nevertheless, compared to the CONTROL group, only the BA group showed greater improvements in endurance, repeated sprinting and repeated jumping performances. It was concluded that beta-alanine supplementation during plyometric training may add further adaptive changes related to endurance, repeated sprinting and jumping ability.

Basal subtype is predictive for response to cetuximab treatment in patient-derived xenografts of squamous cell head and neck cancer.

Cetuximab is the single targeted therapy approved for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNSCC). Predictive biomarkers have not been established and patient stratification based on molecular tumor profiles has not been possible. Since EGFR pathway activation is pronounced in basal subtype, we hypothesized this activation could be a predictive signature for an EGFR directed treatment. From our patient-derived xenograft platform of HNSCC, 28 models were subjected to Affymetrix gene expression studies on HG U133+ 2.0. Based on the expression of 821 genes, the subtype of each of the 28 models was determined by integrating gene expression profiles through centroid-clustering with previously published gene expression data by Keck et al. The models were treated in groups of 5-6 animals with docetaxel, cetuximab, everolimus, cis- or carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Response was evaluated by comparing tumor volume at treatment initiation and after 3 weeks of treatment (RTV). Tumors distributed over the 3 signature-defined subtypes: 5 mesenchymal/inflamed phenotype (MS), 15 basal type (BA), 8 classical type (CL). Cluster analysis revealed a strong correlation between response to cetuximab and the basal subtype. RTV MS 3.32 vs. BA 0.78 (MS vs. BA, unpaired t-test, p 0.0002). Cetuximab responders were distributed as following: 1/5 in MS, 5/8 in CL and 13/15 in the BA group. Activity of classical chemotherapies did not differ between the subtypes. In conclusion basal subtype was associated with response to EGFR directed therapy in head and neck squamous cell cancer patient-derived xenografts.

The psychosomatic state of patients with differences in the prevalence of cancer process in biliopancreatic duodenal zone and in the volume of a surgical intervention.

e15619 Background: Associations between the psychosomatic state of cancer patients and the disease course, treatment and complications are poorly studied. Our purpose was to study adaptation and mental statuses of patients with biliopancreatoduodenal cancer (BPDC) at different disease stages with various volumes of surgical intervention. Methods: Parameters of the psychosomatic state of 32 patients with BPDC were studied before treatment, 1 day after surgery and at the dismissal from hospital. Adaptation statuses were assessed by a character and intensity of the general nonspecific adaptation reactions (AR) with scoring by the Antistress program. Mental statuses were evaluated by the levels of personal (PA) and situational anxiety (SA) by the Spielberger-Khanin method. Patients with pancreatoduodenectomy (PDE, 19 patients) and those with palliative intervention for a bypass anastomosis (BA, 13 patients) were compared. Patients with stage II disease prevailed in the PDE group and stage III-IV – in the BA group. Results: Patients with PDE had a higher adaptation status than patients with BA (p &lt; 0.05). It resulted in lower rates of most adverse AR prior to the surgery (21% vs. 61%, respectively) and a higher AR score 1 day after the surgery (187±39 and 80±24, respectively). The AR score of 18 and lower 1 day after PDE was associated with postoperative complications. A tendency to a higher number of patients with a high PA was found in the PDE group compared to the BA group (58 and 31%, respectively) which could affect the time of pathology detection in patients of different groups. Patients of the two groups showed differences in the SA dynamics determined by the volume of surgical intervention. Conclusions: The association between the psychosomatic state of BPDC patients and the disease stage and volume of surgical intervention was demonstrated. The AR scoring 1 day after the surgery allows prognosis of postoperative complications.

Application of high‐resolution Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) soil geochemistry to archaeological investigations: An example from a Roman metal working site, Somerset, United Kingdom

AbstractAn innovative application of Mobile Metal Ion (MMI) partial extraction soil geochemistry is used to identify below‐surface archaeological features, using a previously incompletely surveyed Roman metal‐working site at St. Algar's Farm, Somerset, as a case study. Soil samples were taken and analyzed for 53 elements by the MMI geochemical method. Lead, Tl, Ba, and Zn were found in very high concentrations and the sensitivity of the technique also enabled Ag, Au, and Sn to be measured in anomalous concentrations. Elemental maps accurately outlined known metal working areas. Principal component analysis and bivariate correlations identified two suites of associated elements: Pb, Ba, Tl, Ag, Au, Cu, Sb, the base and noble metal group (BNM), and Fe, Ti, Nb, Mn, Co, Cu, P, Li, Rb, Sc, Cs, K, Ga, P, Zr, Th, and Sn, the pegmatite (PEG) group. These were used to form indices that delineate the metal working area and areas possibly related to the processing of pegmatite containing Sn. The high‐sensitivity MMI data were compared with strong acid digest results from a limited number of the MMI samples; the MMI data showed better geochemical contrast than the strong acid results. Multielement statistical similarity comparisons with off‐site samples suggest likely sources for the Pb and Sn used at the St. Algar's site. The increased sensitivity of MMI soil analysis combined with the multielement capacity allows a more detailed archaeological interpretation.

Clinical efficacy of subgingivally-delivered 0.75% boric acid gel as an adjunct to mechanotherapy in chronic periodontitis: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Borinic acid quinoline esters are a recently-identified class of new antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption. They have proposed to have osteostimulative properties by causing osteoblast differentiation in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of this double-masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of the subgingival delivery of boric acid gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and radiographic parameters, and compare this method with SRP plus placebo gel alone in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients. Thirty-nine systemically-healthy patients with CP were included in the present study. They were divided into two groups: (a) SRP + 0.75% boric acid gel (BA group); and (b) SRP + placebo gel (placebo group). At baseline, 3 and 6months after treatment, clinical measurements, including plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), intrabony defect depth, and percentage change in radiographic defect depth reduction (DDR%) as radiographic parameters were assessed. The mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were greater in the BA group than the placebo group at 3 and 6months. A significantly greater mean percentage of radiographic DDR% was found in the BA group (36.97±3.47%) compared to the placebo group (2.88±0.89%) after 6months. BA as an adjunct to SRP can provide a new insight into therapeutic strategies for the management of CP, but further clinical evaluations are needed.

Effects of Histidine and β-alanine Supplementation on Human Muscle Carnosine Storage.

Carnosine is a dipeptide composed of β-alanine and L-histidine and is present in skeletal muscle. Chronic oral β-alanine supplementation can induce muscle carnosine loading and is therefore seen as the rate-limiting factor for carnosine synthesis. However, the effect of L-histidine supplementation on carnosine levels in humans is never established. This study aims to investigate whether 1) L-histidine supplementation can induce muscle carnosine loading and 2) combined supplementation of both amino acids is more efficient than β-alanine supplementation alone. Fifteen male and 15 female participants were equally divided in three groups. Each group was supplemented with either pure β-alanine (BA) (6 g·d), L-histidine (HIS) (3.5 g·d), or both amino acids (BA + HIS). Before (D0), after 12 d (D12), and after 23 d (D23) of supplementation, carnosine content was evaluated in soleus and gastrocnemius medialis muscles by H-MRS, and venous blood samples were collected. Muscle biopsies were taken at D0 and D23 from the vastus lateralis. Plasma and muscle metabolites (β-alanine, histidine, and carnosine) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Both BA and BA + HIS groups showed increased carnosine concentrations in all investigated muscles, with no difference between these groups. By contrast, carnosine levels in the HIS group remained unaltered. Histidine levels were significantly decreased in plasma (-30.6%) and muscle (-31.6%) of the BA group, and this was prevented when β-alanine and L-histidine were supplemented simultaneously. We confirm that β-alanine, and not L-histidine, is the rate-limiting precursor for carnosine synthesis in human skeletal muscle. Yet, although L-histidine is not rate limiting, its availability is not unlimited and gradually declines upon chronic β-alanine supplementation. The significance of this decline still needs to be determined, but may affect physiological processes such as protein synthesis.

Effect of Aerobic Fitness on Hemodynamic Responses to Upright Tilting

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of aerobic fitness on heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure responses to upright tilting in 10 below-average (BA Group) and 10 above-average (AA Group) aerobically fit adults. Aerobic fitness levels were predicted using the Astrand and Ryhming submaximal exercise test. Mean predicted maximal aerobic capacities were significantly higher (p less than .05) for the AA Group (46.0 +/- 6.0 mL.kg-1.min-1) compared with the BA Group (31.0 +/- 4.8 mL.kg-1.min-1) subjects. Heart rate and blood pressure responses were obtained at rest (supine position for 30 minutes) and during 5 minutes of upright tilting to 70 degrees (electric tilt table). A two-factor analysis of variance indicated that the increase in heart rate to upright tilting was significant (p less than .05) (significant treatment effect). More importantly, the study revealed a significant treatment x group interaction (p less than .05), indicating that the heart rate response for the BA Group was significantly greater than for the AA Group. Similar results occurred for blood pressure responses. A separate analysis of variance demonstrated significant changes in hemodynamic responses to upright tilting and significant treatment x group interactions. These results demonstrated significantly smaller (p less than .05) changes in blood pressure and heart rate to upright tilting for the AA Group compared with the BA Group. The results, therefore, indicate that reflex responses to central hypovolemia are different between above-average and below-average aerobically fit adults.

Effects of β-Alanine on Body Composition and Performance Measures in Collegiate Women.

Outlaw, JJ, Smith-Ryan, AE, Buckley, AL, Urbina, SL, Hayward, S, Wingfield, HL, Campbell, B, Foster, C, Taylor, LW, and Wilborn, CD. Effects of β-alanine on body composition and performance measures in collegiate women. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2627-2637, 2016-The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of β-alanine (BA) supplementation and resistance training on body composition and performance. In a double-blind placebo-controlled design, 16 untrained collegiate females (mean ± SD: 21.0 ± 2.2 years; 64.8 ± 8.5 kg; 164.5 ± 7.0 cm; 30.1 ± 5.1 percent body fat [%BF]) completed 8 weeks of resistance training while consuming either 3.4 g BA or placebo (PL; 5 g maltodextrin) before training sessions. Training consisted of 4 days per week upper- and lower-body exercises. Lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), and %BF were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Maximal oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max), aerobic time to exhaustion, Wingate peak power, bench press and leg press 1RM (BPmax; LPmax), and repetitions at 65% (BPreps; LPreps), vertical jump (VJ), and standing broad jump were assessed using standard National Strength and Conditioning Association guidelines. All measurements were taken at baseline (T1), 4 weeks (T2), and 8 weeks (T3). Repeated-measures analysis of variance and 95% confidence intervals were used to determine significance. Body composition (LBM, FM, and %BF) improved over time (p < 0.01) for both groups. Maximal strength and VJ increased significantly from baseline to T3 (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant interaction for LPreps (p = 0.040), with only BA group resulting in significantly greater LPreps (p = 0.041) at T2 and T3. Results from this study suggest that 8 weeks, 4 days per week progressive resistance training and BA supplementation may be effective for improving lower-body muscular endurance. β-alanine had no additive effects on body composition or maximal strength in collegiate women.

Origin of broodstock and effects on the deformities of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L. 1758) in a Mediterranean commercial hatchery

The use of broodstock of different origin as a method to improve fry production performance and consequently to minimize deformities was examined at industrial scale in a commercial gilthead sea bream hatchery. The outcome of fry production from three different broodstock groups (BA: broodfish (Mediterranean) with multiannual hatchery presence, BB: selected offspring originating from the BA group, and BC: broodfish of Atlantic origin) was investigated in the same rearing conditions and feeding protocol. Performance factors assessed were the survival and weaning of the larvae; the mortality rates from the “weaning until the end of the hatchery stage” of the larvae/fry; the percentage of fry without swim bladder; the percentage of fry with skeletal deformities and the feed conversion ratio. In all factors, no statistical differences among the experimental groups were detected. However, due to early rejection of the deformed individuals, benefits are expected from the decrease of the supplied amount of food and the reduced labor cost.

Periostin as a biomarker for the diagnosis of pediatric asthma.

There are some biomarkers for asthma diagnosis but they are often difficult in clinical use, particularly in pediatric cases. Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein, upregulated in response to IL-4 or IL-13. Serum periostin is expected to be used as a non-invasive biomarker for asthma diagnosis and management. Twenty-eight children with asthma (BA) and 27 children without asthma (patients with pectus excavatum, etc. as control group) aged 6-16 years were included. Bronchial asthma was diagnosed according to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), lung function, blood eosinophil counts, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and serum periostin levels were assessed. Results were compared between BA and controls. Asthma diagnostic accuracies were calculated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses. Serum periostin levels in the BA group were significantly higher than those in the control group [medians (with interquartile ranges), 134.0 (116.3-166.3) vs. 112.0 (97.0-132.0) ng/ml; p = 0.012]. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for periostin, FeNO, and eosinophil counts were 0.70, 0.72, and 0.84, respectively. After the exclusion of controls with pectus excavatum, AUC for periostin, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 ), and maximum mid-expiratory flow rate (MMF) were 0.75, 0.74, and 0.80, respectively. Serum periostin levels were significantly higher in children with asthma. ROC AUC values for periostin were equivalent to conventional biomarkers, including FeNO levels and lung function testing, indicating the utility of serum periostin levels in diagnosing asthma in children.

Effect of Four Weeks of β-alanine Supplementation on Muscle Carnosine and Blood Serum Lactate during Exercise in Male Rats

ABSTRACTβ-alanine (BA) supplementation may increase muscle buffering capacity and affect physiological responses during exercise. We examined the effects of 4 weeks of BA supplementation on muscle carnosine and serum lactate in male rats. Rats (n = 24, age: 2 months, body weight: 265±22 g) were divided into a BA supplementation or control group. Along with aerobic acclimatization exercise (15 m·min−1, 8–10 min·day−1, 4 days·week−1 for 4 weeks), the BA group had access to BA powder in their drinking water (1.8%) with the control group having access to plain water for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, rats ran on a treadmill at speeds of 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 m·min−1, respectively, each for 4 min, in order to measure post-exercise serum lactate. Muscle carnosine and serum lactate levels were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) procedures, respectively. Following BA supplementation, carnosine content in the m.rectus femoris increased by 117% (p < .01) and serum lactate decreased by 7.4% (p < .01). It was concluded that β-alanine supplementation increases muscle carnosine content and reduces serum lactate; these changes may indicate an adaptation of rat skeletal muscles to postpone peripheral muscle fatigue during high-intensity exercise.