Endurance training induces depot-specific changes in IL-10/TNF-alpha ratio in rat adipose tissue

White adipose tissue (WAT) is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and recently, it has been recognized as an important source of interleukin 10 (IL-10). Acute physical exercise is known to induce an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, however, the effect of chronic physical exercise on the production of IL-10 by WAT has never been examined. We assessed IL-10 and TNF-alpha concentration in WAT of rats engaged in endurance training. Animals were randomly assigned to either a sedentary control group (S, n = 7) or an endurance trained group (T, n = 8). Trained rats ran on a treadmill 5 days/wk for 8 wk (55-65% VO(2max). Detection of IL-10 and TNF-alpha protein and mRNA expression, as well as the gene expression of PPAR-gamma, and immunocytochemistry to detect mononuclear phagocytes were carried out. A reduction in absolute retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RPAT) weight in T (44%; p < 0.01), when compared with S was observed. IL-10 concentration was increased (1.5-fold, p < 0.05), to a higher extent than that of TNF-alpha (66%. p < 0.05) in the mesenteric adipose tissue (MEAT) of the trained group, while no change related to training was observed in RPAT. In MEAT, IL-10/TNF-alpha ratio was increased in T, when compared with S (30%; p < 0.05). PPAR-gamma gene expression was increased in T (1.1-fold; p < 0.01), when compared with S in the same adipose depot. No monocyte infiltration was found. In conclusion, exercise training induced increased IL-10 expression in the mesenteric depot, resulting in a modified IL-10/TNF-alpha ratio. We also conclude that WAT presents a depot-specific response to endurance training regarding the studied aspects. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of endurance training upon lipid metabolism in the liver of cachectic tumour-bearing rats

The syndrome of cancer cachexia is accompanied by several alterations in lipid metabolism, and the liver is markedly affected. Previous Studies showed that moderate exercise training may prevent liver fill accumulation through diminished delivery of lipids to the liver, increased hepatic oxidation and increased incorporation of triacylglycerol (TAG) into very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Our aim was to examine the influence of moderate intensity training (8 weeks) upon TAG content, VLDL assembly and secretion, apolipoprotein B (apoB) and microsomal transfer protein (MTP) gene expression in the liver of cachectic tumour-bearing rats. Animals were randomly assigned to a sedentary control (SC), sedentary tumour-bearing (ST) or exercise-trained control (EC) or to all exercise trained tumour-bearing (ET) group. Trained rats ran on a treadmill (60% VO2max) for 60 min day(-1), 5 day week(-1), for 8 weeks. TAG content and the rate of VLDL secretion (followed for 3 h), its well its mRNA expression of apoB and MTP, and total cholesterol, VLDL-TAG, VLDL-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and tumor weight were evaluated. VLDL-cholesterol showed a decrease in ST (p < 0.05) in relation to SC. Serum TAG, VLDL-TAG and tissue TAG content were all increased in ST (p < 0.01), when compared with SC. ST showed a lower rate of VLDL secretion (p < 0.05) and reduced expression of apoB (p < 0.001) and MTP (p < 0.001), when compared with SC. These parameters were restored to control values (p < 0.05) when the animals were submitted to the exercise training protocol. Tumour weight decreased 10-fold after training (p < 0.001). It is possible to affirm, therefore, that endurance training promoted the re-establishment of lipid metabolism in cachectic tumour-bearing animals, especially in relation to VLDL secretion and assembly. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Depot-specific modulation of adipokine levels in rat adipose tissue by diet-induced obesity: The effect of aerobic training and energy restriction

The present study examined the effects of aerobic training and energy restriction on adipokines levels in mesenteric (MEAT) and retroperitoneal (RPAT) white adipose tissue from obese rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with standard laboratory diet (Control group) or high fat diet (HFD). After 15 weeks, HFD rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: rats submitted to HFD, which were sedentary (sedentary HFD, n = 8) or trained (trained HFD, n = 8); or submitted to energy-restriction (ER), which were sedentary (sedentary ER, n = 8) or trained (trained ER, n = 8). Trained rats ran on a treadmill at 55% VO(2max) for 60 min/day, 5 days/week, for 10 weeks. ER rats were submitted to a reduction of 20% daily caloric ingestion compared to the Control group. ER and aerobic training decreased body weight, MEAT and RPAT absolute weight, and fat mass. IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha levels were decreased and adiponectin did not change in RPAT in response to ER protocol. On the other hand, ER and the aerobic training protocol decreased IL-6, TNF-alpha and adiponectin levels in MEAT. Absolute MEAT weight showed a positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.464), INF-alpha (r = 0.508); and adiponectin (r = 0.342). These results suggest a tissue-specific heterogeneous response in adipokines level. The combination of the protocols (aerobic training and energy restriction) did not induce an enhanced effect. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Exercise Training Reduces PGE(2) Levels and Induces Recovery from Steatosis in Tumor-bearing Rats

The effects of endurance training on PGE(2) levels and upon the maximal activity of hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) system were studied in rats bearing the Walker 256 carciosarcoma. Animals were randomly assigned to a sedentary control (SC), sedentary tumor-bearing (ST), exercised control (EC), and as an exercised tumor-bearing (ET) group. Trained rats ran on a treadmill (60% VO(2) max) for 60 min/day, 5 days/week, for 8 weeks. We examined the mRNA expression (RT-PCR) and maximal activity (radio-assay) of the carnitine palmitoyltransferase system enzymes (CPT I and CPT II), as well as the gene expression of fatty-acid-binding protein (L-FABP) in the liver. PGE(2) content was measured in the serum, in tumor cells, and in the liver (ELISA). CPT I and CPT II maximal activity were decreased (p < 0.01) in ST when compared with SC. In contrast, serum PGE(2) was increased (p < 0.05) in cachectic animals as compared with SC. In the liver, PGE(2) content was also increased (p < 0.05) when compared with SC. Endurance training restored maximal CPT I and CPT II activity in the tumor-bearing animals (p < 0.0001). Exercise training induced PGE(2) levels to return to control values in the liver of tumor-bearing training rats (p < 0.05) and decreased the eicosanoid content in the tumor (p < 0.01). In conclusion, endurance training was capable of reestablishing liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) system activity associated with decreased PGE(2) levels in cachectic tumor-bearing animals, preventing steatosis.

Chronic exercise decreases cytokine production in healthy rat skeletal muscle

Skeletal muscle is the source of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and recently, it has been recognized as an important source of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Acute physical exercise is known to induce a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in the plasma. However, the effect of chronic physical exercise in the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by the skeletal muscle has never been examined. We assessed IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-10 levels in the skeletal muscle of rats submitted to endurance training. Animals were randomly assigned to either a Sedentary group (S, n = 7) or an endurance exercise trained group (T, n = 8). Trained rats ran on a treadmill for 5 days week(-1) for 8 weeks (60% VO(2max)). Detection of IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-10 protein expression was carried out by ELISA. We found decreased expression of IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-10 (28%, 27%. 32% and 37%, respectively, p < 0.05) in the extensor digital longus (EDL) from T, when compared with S. In the soleus, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-10 protein levels were similarly decreased (34%, 42% and 50%, respectively, p < 0.05) in T in relation to S, while IL-6 expression was not affected by the training protocol. In conclusion, exercise training induced decreased cytokine protein expression in the skeletal muscle. These data show that in healthy rats, 8-week moderate-intensity aerobic training down regulates skeletal muscle production of cytokines involved in the onset, maintenance and regulation of inflammation, and that the response is heterogeneous according to fibre composition. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Key Role of the School Principal’s Leadership in the Schooling of Newly Arrived Immigrant Pupils in Sweden : Experiences from an Interactive Action Research Project

When newly immigrated children and young people begin school in Sweden, certain challengesarise. These may result from weak Swedish-language skills and different schooling backgrounds,as well as organizational and pedagogical limitations in the schools. This generates demands onschool leaders to lead and develop the organization and teachers competences to meet these pupils’needs. This situation was behind the initiation of the project “New Immigrants and Learning—Competence Development for Teachers and School Principals.” The project ran in schools infour Swedish municipalities, its aim was to develop leadership, organizational and pedagogicalskills that would facilitate the schooling and integration of newly arrived pupils. This article aimsto describe and discuss a Participant Action Research (PAR) based on a think tank and researchcircles, drawing special attention to the role of the school leaders. It will also examine whether theresearch circles and the project overall served to develop educational and intercultural leadership,organizational conditions, collegial learning, pedagogical methods and competence in terms ofschooling for this pupil group.

Draft Proposed Public Transportation Routes for Waterville, ME

Currently, there is a public bus transportation route in Waterville, Maine. However, this system could be improved. Our goal was to use GIS to find optimal public transportation routes throughout the city based on given points of interest and high population density areas. Three different groups of points of interest were created in the North, West, and South sections of Waterville. Using the Network Analyst tool, which calculates optimal routes, using existing street data, based on the input of stops, barriers, and impedance, we ran an analysis of what we thought would be the routes that best served the greatest number of people. Two different sets of routes were found: one with length as the impedance (the shortest length between the selected stops was favored), and one with population density as the impedance (the roads with the highest population density were favored). Finally, the times of the resulting routes (given a constant speed limit of 25 mph) were calculated and evaluated.

Estimated Number and Location of Future Moose-Vehicle Collisions (MVC) in Maine

Moose (Alces alces) are a keystone herbivore in Maine. Because of the large number of rural roads in Maine, there is a high rate of moose-vehicle collisions (MVCs), which is increasing. On-road encounters with animals resulted in 231 fatalities in the United States in 1999. Because of the fatality of MVCs, it is important to know where they are most likely to occur. I used GIS analysis to estimate where future MVCs would occur, factoring in the variables of land cover suitability for moose, distance from water bodies, locations of past MVCs, and speed limits on the roads. I ran four different analyses, each one weighting the variables equally. I also ran a regression to determine if increasing road speed was associated with the increase in the number of MVCs per length of road. There was not a strong positive relationship between the number of MVCs per length of road and the speed limit, but it was interesting to note that there were more MVCs per length of road on 35mph and 40mph roads than on 45, 50, 55 or 65mph roads. Future research on MVCs would benefit from the inclusion of include moose population density and road traffic data.

YouIdiot.com

While researching something else, I ran across an item in a business journal my eye ran across another item. In research this is called serendipity, something we do not hear so much about any more these days.

Kicking a Gift Horse in the Mouth

Yes, of course I know the expression is “Don’t look,” not kicking, but our collective professional behavior makes “kicking” the more operative and appropriate verbal. More about this in due course. As an expression, “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” comes to us from the Lain, Noli equi dentes inspicere donate. Some argue Jerome said it first in 400 A.D., in which his words, very nearly our Latin literally translated, ran, “Never inspect the teeth of a gift horse.”

Reading Is, Like, You Know, Sooooo Gross!

“Huge Decline in Book Reading” ran one headline. “Cultural Atrophy!” read another. “Study Links Drop in Test Scores to a Decline Spent in Reading” ran one for the “Duh!” award. “Americans are Closing the Book on Reading” said one, vying for the pun-acious trophy.

Purchasing power parity: the choice of price index

Looking closely at the PPP argument, it states that the currencies purchasing power should not change when comparing the same basket goods across countries, and these goods should all be tradable. Hence, if PPP is valid at all, it should be captured by the relative price indices that best Öts these two features. We ran a horse race among six di§erent price indices available from the IMF database to see which one would yield higher PPP evidence, and, therefore, better Öt the two features. We used RER proxies measured as the ratio of export unit values, wholesale prices, value added deáators, unit labor costs, normalized unit labor costs and consumer prices, for a sample of 16 industrial countries, with quarterly data from 1975 to 2002. PPP was tested using both the ADF and the DFGLS unit root test of the RER series. The RER measured as WPI ratios was the one for which PPP evidence was found for the larger number of countries: six out of sixteen when we use DF-GLS test with demeaned series. The worst measure of all was the RER based on the ratio of foreign CPIs and domestic WPI. No evidence of PPP at all was found for this measure.

Processos produtivos e trabalho-educação: a incorporação do caboclo catarinense na indústria madeireira

The object theme of the present study is a population of caboclos that absorbed as manual workers in the saw-mills which were mounted in the highland region of Santa Catarina since 1950. The abundance of araucaria (native kind of pine) the opening of markets, and the corroboration of other industrial exploration conditions encouraged a great crowd of small en.- trepreneurs, coming basically from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, to migrate and settle down, building up a lot of saw-mills near rich forests and fields. The saw-mills started aprosperous production of timber sawn in planks. The process of industriali zation was so intensive, the destruction of pine woods soviolent that, in less than three decades, the forests ran out of tree reserves. The caboclos, absorbed as manual workers in production of timber, lived traditionally in an system of subsistense, either from the cultivation of pine the economic their land (planter caboclo) or as labourers in cattle-growing farms (farm hand caboclos). Nevertheless, the 'advantages' that were offered them by the new-comer entrepreneurs (a salary paid in money, a new house in a village, and other favours) helped the great majority of caboclos to abandon their traditional work and enlist as "workmen" in saw-mills. The new job, besides being a novelty, was an opportunity for a change in status. Subsequently, the running out of forests of araucaria and the resultant progressive shut-down of saw-mills caused the crowd of workmen to be out of imployment and to form to form a migratory flood toward the most important town of the region, Lages. The town of Lages, however, having made of the timber i ts main economic support wi thout the implantation of an alternative industry, was unable to offer the migrantssufficient 'work places'. In this way, the 'marginal crowd' began to settle down in the suburbs of the city. This study, in the context of the object theme, analyses two main questions related to the reality 'WOlLQ' and to the economic exploitation forms: ~) the relations of production in the economic regime of subsistence and in the capitalist regime of industrial production with the consequent 'positions' of the workman in the productive processj ~~) the deriving educative effects of the productive process, either in the economic regime of subsistence, or in the capitalist industrial regime. The two questions are theoretically debated andconfro~ ted with the proposed reality, giving origin to conclusions that, in a general formulation, can be summarized as follows: a) the caboclos of the highland region of Santa Catari na, when under an economic regime of subsistence, held in fee the productive processj there was a social division of the work and aclimate of freedom which made possible the development of knowledge from their life and work experience, the production of most of their tools, and the making of necessary manufactures adapted to their own surrounding ditionsi -- - --- other con- ------ b) however, these same caboclos, when absorbed by the capitalist industrial process of production - tipified by the work in saw-mills - lost the control of the productive processj this was caused by the technologic division of the work, since each man began to perform a dull and repeti tive action, directed by the speed of the 'major-saw' j man resigned form his skill and inventive power and surrendered to an executive authority which turned him into a 'collective worker'j the new productive process, besides rnaking each rnan a copy of a pattern, put the caboclos in a situation in which the daily work experiencedidn't add anything in terrns of autogenesis of knowledgei and even the environrnental educative rneans were reduced to new forrns of adaptation to the productive process, relegating rnan's inventive power to inertia.

Crise de confiança e liquidez bancária: evidências empíricas no mercado bancário brasileiro

A reação da autoridade bancária frente a uma crise é de fundamental importância para a sua contenção. No Brasil, durante a crise do subprime, em 2008, observou-se a ocorrência de uma crise de liquidez em alguns bancos que levou o Banco Central a autorizar uma linha especial de captação de depósitos com limite muito superior ao habitual, denominado Depósito a Prazo com Garantia Especial (DPGE). Estes fatos propiciaram uma oportunidade de observar a reação dos depositantes frente a um choque exógeno ao sistema financeiro nacional para, em seguida, explorar a captação exógena de recursos devido à ampliação nos limites dos depósitos assegurados, com cobertura do Fundo Garantidor de Crédito (FGC). Além disso, analisou-se o efeito do DPGE sobre o crédito, considerando que depósitos assegurados e não-assegurados não são substitutos perfeitos e um aumento na oferta de depósitos assegurados deveria aumentar a oferta de crédito do mercado, como um todo. A estratégia empírica utilizada permitiu reconhecer os bancos emissores de DPGE, separando-os por outros fatores relacionados aos fundamentos bancários (tamanho, liquidez, qualidade dos ativos e retorno) e analisar os efeitos do DPGE nas taxas de juros praticadas na captação de depósitos a prazo, em geral. A base de dados utilizada também permitiu observar o comportamento desses bancos e a estratégia por eles utilizada na origem e destinação de tais recursos. Tomados em conjunto, os resultados encontrados são consistentes com a ideia de que depositantes migram seus recursos para a segurança durante a crise, na chamada “fuga para a qualidade” e retornam quando lhes dão a garantia necessária. Também é coerente com a teoria que diz que a substituição imperfeita entre depósitos assegurados e depósitos não-assegurados afeta a restrição de financiamentos dos bancos. O resultado deste estudo revela a importância da atuação da autoridade reguladora frente a situações críticas, bem como os efeitos no mercado causados pela permanência de um produto desenhado para uma situação específica.