Extensive Rhodolith Beds Cover the Summits of Southwestern Atlantic Ocean Seamounts

Calcium carbonate production by marine organisms is an essential process in the global budget of CO32-, and coralline reefs are the most important benthic carbonate producers. Crustose coralline algae (CCA) are well recognized as the most important carbonate builders in the tropical Brazilian continental shelf, forming structural reefs and extensive rhodolith beds. However, the distribution of CCA beds, as well as their role in CO32- mineralization in mesophotic communities and isolated carbonate banks, is still poorly known. To characterize the bottom features of several seamount summits in the Southwestern Atlantic (SWA), side-scan sonar records, remotely operated vehicle imagery, and benthic samples with mixed-gas scuba diving were acquired during two recent research cruises (March 2009 and February 2011). The tops of several seamounts within this region are relatively shallow (similar to 60 m), flat, and dominated by rhodolith beds (Vitoria, Almirante Saldanha, Davis, and Jaseur seamounts, as well as the Trindade Island shelf). On the basis of abundance, dimensions, vitality, and growth rates of CCA nodules, a mean CaCO3 production was estimated, ranging from 0.4 to 1.8 kg m(-2) y(-1) with a total production reaching 1.5 x 10(-3) Gt y(-1). Our results indicate that these SWA seamount summits provide extensive areas of shallow reef area and represent 0.3% of the world's carbonate banks. The importance of this habitat has been highly neglected, and immediate management needs must be fulfilled in the short term to ensure long-term persistence of the ecosystem services provided by these offshore carbonate realms.

Influence of allochthonous organic matter on bacterioplankton biomass and activity in a eutrophic, sub-tropical estuary

Heterotrophic bacterial and phytoplankton biomass, production, specific growth rates, and growth efficiencies were studied in the Northern region of the Cananeia-Iguape estuarine system, which has recently experienced an intense eutrophication due to anthropogenic causes. Two surveys were carried out during spring and neap tide periods of the dry season of 2005 and the rainy season of 2006. This region receives large freshwater inputs with organic seston and phosphate concentrations that reach as high as 1.0 mg l(-1) and 20.0 mu M, respectively. Strong decreasing gradients of seston and dissolved inorganic nutrients were observed from the river/estuary boundary to the estuary/coastal interface. Gradients were also observed in phytoplankton and bacterial production rates. The production rates of phytoplankton were 5.6-fold higher (mean 8.5 mu g Cl(-1) h(-1)) during the dry season. Primary production rates (PP) positively correlated with salinity and euphoric depth, indicating that phytoplankton productivity was light-limited. On the other hand, bacterial biomass (BB) and production rates (BP) were 1.9- and 3.7-fold higher, respectively, during the rainy season, with mean values of up to 40.4 mu g Cl(-1) and 7.9 mu g Cl(-1) h-1, respectively. Despite such a high BP, bacterial abundance remained <2 x 106 cells ml(-1), indicating that bacterial production and removal were coupled. Mean specific growth rates ranged between 0.9 and 5.5 d(-1). BP was inversely correlated with salinity and positively correlated with temperature, organic matter, exopolymer particles, and particulate-attached bacteria; this last accounted for as much as 89.6% of the total abundance. During the rainy season, BP was generally much higher than PP, and values of BP/PP > 20 were registered during high freshwater input, suggesting that under these conditions, bacterial activity was predominantly supported by allochthonous inputs of organic carbon. In addition, BB probably represented the main pathway for the synthesis of high-quality (low C:N) biomass that may have been available to the heterotrophic components of the plankton food web, particularly nanoheterotrophs. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bacterial and phytoplankton dynamics in a sub-tropical estuary

Heterotrophic bacterial and biomass, production, specific growth rates and growth efficiencies were studied in July 2001 and January 2002 during both spring and neap tides, along a tidal cycle, at three sites in a subtropical estuary. Major freshwater inputs located in the Northern region led to differences in both and bacterioplankton biomass and activity along the estuary. While in the Northern region is light-limited, with mean production (PP) between 1.1 and 1.9 mu g C l(-1) h(-1) and mean specific growth rates (PSG) between 0.14 and 0.16 d(-1), the Southern region registered values as high as 24.7 mu g C l(-1) h(-1) for PP and 2.45 d(-1) (mean PP between 3.4 and 7.3 mu g C l(-1) h(-1); mean PSG between 0.28 and 0.57 d(-1)). On the other hand, maximum bacterial production (BP: 63.8 mu g C l(-1) h(-1)) and specific growth rate (BSG: 32.26 d(-1)) were observed in the Northern region (mean BP between 3.4 and 12.8 mu g C l(-1) h(-1); mean BSG between 1.98 and 6.67 day(-1)). These bacterial activity rates are among the highest recorded rates in estuarine and coastal waters, indicating that this system can be highly heterotrophic, due to high loads of allochthonous carbon (mainly derived from mangrove forest). Our results also showed that, despite that BP rates usually exceeded PP, in the Southern region BP may be partially supported (similar to 45%) by PP, since a significant regression was observed between BP and PP (r = 0.455, P < 0.001).

Purification and characterization of aprotinin from porcine lungs

Aprotinin, the most studied serine proteinase inhibitor, was isolated from porcine lung for the first time. The purified porcine aprotinin had an Mr value of similar to 7 kDa. It cross- reacted with polyclonal serum anti- commercial aprotinin. About 1 mu g porcine aprotinin inhibited 6 mu g trypsin whereas 1 mu g commercial soybean inhibitor inhibited only 1 mu g trypsin. The aprotinin gene was also isolated from porcine lung: the deduced amino acid sequence showed 74% identity to bovine aprotinin.

Monitoring internal load parameters during simulated and official basketball matches

Moreira, A, McGuigan, MR, Arruda, AFS, Freitas, CG, and Aoki, MS. Monitoring internal load parameters during simulated and official basketball matches. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 861-866, 2012-The purpose of this study was to compare the internal load responses (session rating of perceived exertion [RPE] and salivary cortisol) between simulated and official matches (SM and OM). Ten professional basketball players participated in 2 OMs and 2 SMs during the competition season. Subjects provided saliva samples 30 minutes before the prematch warm-up (PRE) and 10 minutes after the end of the match. Session RPE (CR-10 scale) was assessed 30 minutes after each match. The results from the 2-way analysis of variance showed significant differences for post-OM salivary cortisol as compared with pre-OM values (p < 0.05). No changes were observed for cortisol during the SM. Before the OM, a significant difference in salivary cortisol was observed as compared with pre-SM values (p < 0.05). Moreover, the OM session RPE was significantly greater than that of SM. There was a significant correlation between session RPE and cortisol changes (r = 0.75). In summary, the results of this study showed a greater magnitude of cortisol and session RPE responses after OM as compared with that after SM confirming the hypothesis that a real competition generates a greater stress response than a simulated condition does. The anticipatory effect was also observed in the OM. In addition, the results indicate that session RPE seems to be a viable tool in monitoring internal loads, and the results are useful in providing a better understanding of internal loads imposed by basketball training and competitions. The precise monitoring of these responses might help the coaches to plan appropriate loads maximizing recovery and performance.

Carbohydrate- and lipid-enriched meals acutely disrupt glycemic homeostasis by inducing transient insulin resistance in rats

Chronic intake of high-carbohydrate or high-lipid diets is a well-known insulin resistance inducer. This study investigates the immediate effect (1-6 h) of a carbohydrate-or lipid-enriched meal on insulin sensitivity. Fasted rats were refed with standard, carbohydrate-enriched (C), or lipid-enriched (L) meal. Plasma insulin, glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured at 1, 2, 4, and 6 h of refeeding. The glucose-insulin index showed that either carbohydrates or lipids decreased insulin sensitivity at 2 h of refeeding. At this time point, insulin tolerance tests (ITTs) and glucose tolerance tests (GTTs) detected insulin resistance in C rats, while GTT confirmed it in L rats. Reduced glycogen and phosphorylated AKT and GSK3 content revealed hepatic insulin resistance in C rats. Reduced glucose uptake in skeletal muscle subjected to the fatty acid concentration that mimics the high NEFA level of L rats suggests insulin resistance in these animals is mainly in muscle. In conclusion, carbohydrate-or lipid-enriched meals acutely disrupt glycemic homeostasis, inducing a transient insulin resistance, which seems to involve liver and skeletal muscle, respectively. Thus, the insulin resistance observed when those types of diets are chronically consumed may be an evolution of repeated episodes of this transient insulin resistance.

Is there a relationship between the total volume of load lifted in bench press exercise and the rating of perceived exertion?

Aim. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between the total volume of load lifted (TVLL) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) measures during different resistance training (RT) schemes using the bench press exercise. Methods. The present study was divided into two experiments. In the first experiment, 18 healthy men performed three different RT schemes: a strength oriented scheme (SS), a muscular endurance oriented scheme (ES) and a hypertrophy oriented scheme (HS). TVLL was calculated for each scheme. Mean-RPE and session-RPE were assessed. In the second experiment, 23 men performed two resistance exercise bouts at different intensities (50 %-1RM and 75%-1RM) with matched TVLL. Mean-RPE and session-RPE were also assessed. Results. SS and HS showed higher TVLL and greater RPE scores as compared to ES (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between SS and HS. It was verified significant positive correlations between TVLL and session-RPE (SS r=0.63, HS r=0.64, ES r=0.56; P<0.05), and between mean-RPE and TVLL (SS r=0.55, HS r=0.52, ES r=0.47; P<0.05) for all schemes. No differences were observed for mean-RPE, session-RPE and TVLL between the 50%-1RM and 75%1RM. Significant positive relationships between TVLL and session-RPE (50 %-1RM r=0.61, 75 %-1RM r=0.66; p<0.05) and between TVLL and mean-RPE (50 %-1RM r=0.51, 75%1RM r=0.49; P<0.05) were observed. Conclusion. The results of this study have shown that the TVLL in RT influences RPE measures. These findings corroborates the existence of a relationship between total work performed (external training load) and perception of effort (internal training load).

SALIVARY CORTISOL AND IMMUNOGLOBULIN A RESPONSES TO SIMULATED AND OFFICIAL JIU-JITSU MATCHES

Moreira, A, Franchini, E, Freitas, CG, Arruda, AFS, Moura, NR, Costa, EC, and Aoki, MS. Salivary cortisol and immunoglobulin A responses to simulated and official Jiu-Jitsu matches. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2185-2191, 2012-The aim of this study was to compare the salivary cortisol (sC) and the salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) responses to simulated and official Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) matches. Saliva samples were collected from 9 male BJJ athletes before (pre) and after (post) 2 simulated matches (SMs) and 2 official matches (OMs) performed during 2 different competitions. Salivary cortisol and sIgA concentrations (absolute concentration of sIgA [sIgA(abs)] and the secretion rate of sIgA [sIgA(rate)]) were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For sC, there was an effect of condition (SM vs. OM) (p < 0.05) and a time effect (pre and post) (p < 0.05). The sC was lower during SMs as compared with that during OMs and lower at premeasurement when compared with postmeasurement. No changes were observed for sIgA measurements. In summary, both SMs and official BJJ matches can increase sC levels. Moreover, the higher sC resting levels, observed before OMs, suggest that psychological factors associated with high physical-physiological demands from official BJJ competitions maximize stress hormone responses. In addition, the present findings suggest that the acute effect of BJJ matches on mucosal immunity is minimal, and it seems unlikely that changes in cortisol play a major role in the alterations in sIgA levels in response to BJJ matches. The findings of this study suggest that the use of sC can provide valuable information for coaches regarding athletes' responses to competition. In addition, psychological strategies should be implemented before events, to improve the manner in which BJJ athletes cope with the stress inherent to official matches.

Strength Training with Blood Flow Restriction Diminishes Myostatin Gene Expression

LAURENTINO, G. C., C. UGRINOWITSCH, H. ROSCHEL, M. S. AOKI, A. G. SOARES, M. NEVES JR, A. Y. AIHARA, A. DA ROCHA CORREA FERNANDES, and V. TRICOLI. Strength Training with Blood Flow Restriction Diminishes Myostatin Gene Expression. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 406-412, 2012. Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine whether the similar muscle strength and hypertrophy responses observed after either low-intensity resistance exercise associated with moderate blood flow restriction or high-intensity resistance exercise are associated with similar changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of selected genes involved in myostatin (MSTN) signaling. Methods: Twenty-nine physically active male subjects were divided into three groups: low-intensity (20% one-repetition maximum (1RM)) resistance training (LI) (n = 10), low-intensity resistance exercise associated with moderate blood flow restriction (LIR) (n = 10), and high-intensity (80% 1RM) resistance exercise (HI) (n = 9). All of the groups underwent an 8-wk training program. Maximal dynamic knee extension strength (1RM), quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA), MSTN, follistatin-like related genes (follistatin (FLST), follistatin-like 3 (FLST-3)), activin IIb, growth and differentiation factor-associated serum protein 1 (GASP-1), and MAD-related protein (SMAD-7) mRNA gene expression were assessed before and after training. Results: Knee extension 1RM significantly increased in all groups (LI = 20.7%, LIR = 40.1%, and HI = 36.2%). CSA increased in both the LIR and HI groups (6.3% and 6.1%, respectively). MSTN mRNA expression decreased in the LIR and HI groups (45% and 41%, respectively). There were no significant changes in activin IIb (P > 0.05). FLST and FLST-3 mRNA expression increased in all groups from pre- to posttest (P < 0.001). FLST-3 expression was significantly greater in the HI when compared with the LIR and LI groups at posttest (P = 0.024 and P = 0.018, respectively). GASP-1 and SMAD-7 gene expression significantly increased in both the LIR and HI groups. Conclusions: We concluded that LIR was able to induce gains in 1RM and quadriceps CSA similar to those observed after traditional HI. These responses may be related to the concomitant decrease in MSTN and increase in FLST isoforms, GASP-1, and SMAD-7 mRNA gene expression.

EFFECT OF COMPETITION ON SALIVARY CORTISOL, IMMUNOGLOBULIN A, AND UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS IN ELITE YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

Mortatti, AL, Moreira, A, Aoki, MS, Crewther, BT, Castagna, C, de Arruda, AFS, and Filho, JM. Effect of competition on salivary cortisol, immunoglobulin A, and upper respiratory tract infections in elite young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 26(5): 1396-1401, 2012-The present study examined the effect of a 20-day period of competition on salivary cortisol, mucosal immunity, and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in young male soccer players (n = 14). The players were monitored during the main under-19 Brazilian soccer championship, in which 7 matches were played in 20 days. Saliva samples were collected in the morning of each match and analyzed for cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Signs and symptoms of URTI were assessed across the study and a rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was obtained for each match. Compared with match 1, a significant increase in player RPE was observed in matches 4-7 (p < 0.05). Significant (p < 0.05) increases in the reporting of URTI occurred between matches 2 and 3, and 6 and 7, and this was accompanied by significant decreases in salivary IgA levels. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were also seen between the individual reports of URTI and the decrease in IgA levels in match 2 (r = -0.60) and match 6 (r = -0.65). These results suggest that decrements in mucosal immunity, as measured by salivary IgA concentrations, may lead to a greater incidence of URTI in elite young soccer players. It may be speculated that the physiological and psychological stressors imposed by training and competition in a short timeframe are major contributing factors to these responses. Thus, the monitoring of salivary IgA could provide a useful and noninvasive approach for predicting URTI occurrences in young athletes during short-term competitions, especially if frequent sampling and rapid measurements are made.

Comparison between multiple sets and half-pyramid resistance exercise bouts for muscle damage profile

The present study compared the changes in markers of muscle damage after bouts of resistance exercise employing the Multiple-sets (MS) and Half-pyramid (HP) training systems. Ten healthy men (26.1 +/- 6.3 years), who had been involved in regular resistance training, performed MS and HP bouts, 14 days apart, in a randomised, counter-balanced manner. For the MS bout, participants performed three sets of maximum repetitions at 75%-1RM (i.e. 75% of a One Repetition Maximum) for the three exercises, starting with the bench press, followed by pec deck and decline bench press. For the HP bout, the participants performed three sets of maximum repetitions with 67%-1RM, 74%-1RM and 80%-1RM for the first, second and third sets, respectively, for the same three exercise sequences as the MS bout. The total volume of load lifted was equated between both bouts. Muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, myoglobin (Mb) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were assessed before and for three days after each exercise bout, and the changes over time were compared between MS and HP using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Muscle soreness developed significantly (P<0.01) after both bouts, but no significant difference was observed between MS and HP. Plasma CK activity and Mb concentration increased significantly (P<0.01) without significant differences between bouts, and CRP concentration did not change significantly after either bout. These results suggest that the muscle damage profile is similar for MS and HP, probably due to the similar total volume of load lifted.

Health and fitness benefits of a resistance training intervention performed in the workplace

Zavanela, PM, Crewther, BT, Lodo, L, Florindo, AA, Miyabara, EH, and Aoki, MS. Health and fitness benefits of a resistance training intervention performed in the workplace. J Strength Cond Res 26(3): 811-817, 2012-This study examined the effects of a workplace-based resistance training intervention on different health-, fitness-, and work-related measures in untrained men (bus drivers). The subjects were recruited from a bus company and divided into a training (n = 48) and control (n = 48) groups after initial prescreening. The training group performed a 24-week resistance training program, whereas the control group maintained their normal daily activities. Each group was assessed for body composition, blood pressure (BP), pain incidence, muscular endurance, and flexibility before and after the 24-week period. Work absenteeism was also recorded during this period and after a 12-week follow-up phase. In general, no body composition changes were identified in either group. In the training group, a significant reduction in BP and pain incidence, along with improvements in muscle endurance and flexibility were seen after 24 weeks (p < 0.05). There were no changes in these parameters in the control group, and the between-group differences were all significant (p < 0.05). A reduction in worker absenteeism rate was also noted in the training (vs. control) group during both the interventional and follow-up periods (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it was found that a periodized resistance training intervention performed within the workplace improved different aspects of health and fitness in untrained men, thereby potentially providing other work-related benefits. Thus, both employers and employees may benefit from the setup, promotion, and support of a work-based physical activity program involving resistance training.

Temporomandibular disorders, otologic symptoms and depression levels in tinnitus patients

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and otologic symptoms in patients with and without tinnitus. The influence of the level of depression was also addressed. The tinnitus group was comprised of 100 patients with tinnitus, and control group was comprised of 100 individuals without tinnitus. All subjects were evaluated using the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) to determine the presence of TMD and depression level. Chi-square, Spearman Correlation and Mann-Whitney tests were used in statistical analysis, with a 5% significance level. TMD signs and symptoms were detected in 85% of patients with tinnitus and in 55% of controls (P = 0.001). The severity of pain and higher depression levels were positively associated with tinnitus (P = 0.001). It was concluded that tinnitus is associated with TMD and with otalgia, dizziness/vertigo, stuffy sensations, hypoacusis sensation and hyperacusis, as well as with higher depression levels.

beta(1) Adrenergic receptor is key to cold- and diet-induced thermogenesis in mice

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is predominantly regulated by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the adrenergic receptor signaling pathway. Knowing that a mouse with triple beta-receptor knockout (KO) is cold intolerant and obese, we evaluated the independent role played by the beta(1) isoform in energy homeostasis. First, the 30 min i.v. infusion of norepinephrine (NE) or the beta(1) selective agonist dobutamine (DB) resulted in similar interscapular BAT (iBAT) thermal response in WT mice. Secondly, mice with targeted disruption of the beta(1) gene (KO of beta(1) adrenergic receptor (beta 1KO)) developed hypothermia during cold exposure and exhibited decreased iBAT thermal response to NE or DB infusion. Thirdly, when placed on a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% fat) for 5 weeks, beta 1KO mice were more susceptible to obesity than WT controls and failed to develop diet-induced thermogenesis as assessed by BAT Ucp1 mRNA levels and oxygen consumption. Furthermore, beta 1KO mice exhibited fasting hyperglycemia and more intense glucose intolerance, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia when placed on the HFD, developing marked non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In conclusion, the beta(1) signaling pathway mediates most of the SNS stimulation of adaptive thermogenesis. Journal of Endocrinology (2012) 214, 359-365

Effect of natural antioxidant combinations on lipid oxidation in cooked chicken meat during refrigerated storage

The effect of combinations of sage, oregano and honey on lipid oxidation in cooked chicken meat during refrigeration at 4 degrees C for 96 h was determined. Chicken samples (thigh and breast) were then separated into five groups; control; butylated hydroxytoluene; oregano + sage; oregano + sage + 5%honey and oregano + sage + 10%honey. Quantitative measurements of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, conjugated dienes, hexanal, fatty acids, cholesterol and cholesterol oxides were used as indicators of lipid oxidation. Acceptability and preference were also evaluated. The effectiveness of the natural antioxidants for reducing the velocity of lipid oxidation in cooked chicken thigh and breast was demonstrated after 48 and 96 h of refrigeration at 4 degrees C. The treatments that presented the lowest hexanal values after 96 h of refrigeration were oregano + sage + 5%honey and oregano + sage + 10%honey. Only traces of free cholesterol oxides were found (25-OH, 7-k, 7 alpha-OH and 7 beta-OH). The natural antioxidants protected cooked chicken meat from oxidation processes and resulted in great acceptability. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.