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Curcumin, a turmeric extract, may protect against cardiovascular diseases by enhancing endothelial function. In this randomized controlled double-blind parallel prospective study, fifty-nine healthy adults were assigned to placebo, 50 mg (50 mg), or 200 mg (200 mg) curcumin, for 8 weeks. The higher curcumin (200 mg) supplementation produced a dose-mediated improvement in endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). The outcome was a clinically substantial 3.0% increase (90% CI 0.7 to 5.3%,p=0.032; benefit : harm odds ratio 546 : 1) with the 200 mg dose, relative to placebo. The 50 mg dose also increased FMD relative to placebo by 1.7% (−0.6 to 4.0%,p=0.23; 25 : 1), but the outcome was not clinically decisive. In apparently healthy adults, 8 weeks of 200 mg oral curcumin supplementation resulted in a clinically meaningful improvement in endothelial function as measured by FMD. Oral curcumin supplementation may present a simple lifestyle strategy for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This trial was registered at ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN90184217).

Adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) is the primary source of energy for cells and oral supplementation with ATP offers numerous different health benefits, including the regulation of blood flow and muscle contraction. In this study, ATP, disodium salt, was administered by gavage to rats for 90 consecutive days at doses of 0 (control), 500, 1000, and 2000 mg kg BW−1·d−1 (n = 10 per sex/group). Subchronic administration of ATP was well tolerated at all dose levels. Body weights and feed consumption body weight gains were similar between ATP-treated and control rats. Minor differences were seen in hematology and blood chemistry; however, these changes were not dose related and therefore not of biological or toxicological significance. Only one difference was observed in absolute organ weights, females of the high dose had increased kidney and increased relative kidney and liver weights; however, these differences were not seen in males nor appeared to be dose related. No biological or toxicological significant differences were observed in thyroid function or urine analysis. The incidence of histopathological lesions was low and similar between treated and control groups. Based upon these findings, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was determined to be ≥ 2000 mg kg BW−1·d−1, which was the highest dose tested.

Aerobic exercise and thermal stress instigate robust challenges to the immune system. Various attempts to modify or supplement the diet have been proposed to bolster the immune system responses. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of yeast beta-glucan (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation. Healthy, active men (29.6 &plusmn, 6.7 years, 178.1 &plusmn, 7.2 cm, 83.2 &plusmn, 11.2 kg, 49.6 &plusmn, 5.1 mL/kg/min, n = 16) and women (30.1 &plusmn, 8.9 years, 165.6 &plusmn, 4.1 cm, 66.7 &plusmn, 10.0 kg, 38.7 &plusmn, 5.8 mL/kg/min, n = 15) were randomly assigned in a double-blind and cross-over fashion to supplement for 13 days with either 250 mg/day of yeast beta-glucan (YBG) or a maltodextrin placebo (PLA). Participants arrived fasted and completed a bout of treadmill exercise at 55% peak aerobic capacity (VO2Peak) in a hot (37.2 &plusmn, 1.8 &deg, C) and humid (45.2 &plusmn, 8.8%) environment. Prior to and 0, 2, and 72 h after completing exercise, changes in white blood cell counts, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, markers of muscle damage, markers of muscle function, soreness, and profile of mood states (POMS) were assessed. In response to exercise and heat, both groups experienced significant increases in white blood cell counts, plasma creatine kinase and myoglobin, and soreness along with reductions in peak torque and total work with no between-group differences. Concentrations of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines in YBG were lower than PLA for macrophage inflammatory protein 1&beta, (MIP-1&beta, ) (p = 0.044) and tended to be lower for interleukin 8 (IL-8) (p = 0.079), monocyte chemoattractment protein 1 (MCP-1) (p = 0.095), and tumor necrosis factor &alpha, (TNF-&alpha, ) (p = 0.085). Paired samples t-tests using delta values between baseline and 72 h post-exercise revealed significant differences between groups for IL-8 (p = 0.044, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): (0.013, 0.938, d = &minus, 0.34), MCP-1 (p = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.087, 2.942, d = &minus, 0.33), and MIP-1&beta, (p = 0.010, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.85, d = &minus, 0.33). POMS outcomes changed across time with anger scores in PLA exhibiting a sharper decline than YBG (p = 0.04). Vigor scores (p = 0.04) in YBG remained stable while scores in PLA were significantly reduced 72 h after exercise. In conclusion, a 13-day prophylactic period of supplementation with 250 mg of yeast-derived beta-glucans invoked favorable changes in cytokine markers of inflammation after completing a prolonged bout of heated treadmill exercise.

Objectives To plan dental services, a spatial estimation of future demands and supply is required. We aimed at estimating demand and supply in 2030 in Northern Germany based on the expected local socio-demography and oral-health-related morbidity, and the predicted number of dentists and their working time. Methods All analyses were performed on zip-code level. Register data were used to determine the number of retiring dentists and to construct regression models for estimating the number of dentists moving into each zip-code area until 2030. Demand was modelled using projected demography and morbidities. Demand-supply ratios were evaluated and spatial analyses applied. Sensitivity analyses were employed to assess robustness of our findings. Results Compared with 2011, the population decreased (−7% to −11%) and aged (from mean 46 to 51 years) until 2030. Oral-health-related morbidity changed, leading to more periodontal and fewer prosthetic treatments needs, with the overall demand decreasing in all scenarios (−25% to −33%). In contrast, the overall number of dentists did only limitedly change, resulting in moderate decrease in the supplied service quantities (max. −22%). Thus, the demand–supply ratio increased in all but the worst case scenario, but was unequally distributed between spatial units, with several areas being over- and some being under- or none-serviced in 2030. Conclusions Within the limitations of the underlying data and the required assumptions, this study expects an increasingly polarized ratio of dental services demand and supply in Northern Germany. Our estimation allows to assess the impact of different influence factors on demand or supply and to specifically identify potential challenges for workforce planning and regulation in different spatial units.

Probiotics offer numerous health benefits, including digestive and immune health. Improved digestive health is linked to a more efficient absorption of important nutrients from our diet. This review focused on the rationale of using the probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 to aid protein absorption and utilization. B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 can withstand the acidic environment of the stomach to reach the intestine where it germinates. Once active in the small intestine after germination, it has been shown to aid the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins. Co-administration of B. coagulans GBI-30, 6086 with protein has been shown to increase protein absorption and to maximize the health benefits associated with protein supplementation.

Oral adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) administration has failed to increase plasma ATP levels; however, chronic supplementation with ATP has shown to increase power, strength, lean body mass, and blood flow in trained athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ATP supplementation on postexercise ATP levels and on muscle activation and excitability and power following a repeated sprint bout.In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized design, 42 healthy male individuals were given either 400 mg of ATP as disodium salt or placebo for 2 weeks prior to an exercise bout. During the exercise bout, muscle activation and excitability (ME, ratio of power output to muscle activation) and Wingate test peak power were measured during all sprints. ATP and metabolites were measured at baseline, after supplementation, and immediately following exercise.Oral ATP supplementation prevented a drop in ATP, adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP), and adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) levels postexercise (p0.05). No group by time interaction was observed for muscle activation. Following the supplementation period, muscle excitability significantly decreased in later bouts 8, 9, and 10 in the placebo group (-30.5, -28.3, and -27.9%, respectively; p0.02), whereas ATP supplementation prevented the decline in later bouts. ATP significantly increased Wingate peak power in later bouts compared to baseline (bout 8: +18.3%, bout 10: +16.3%).Oral ATP administration prevents exercise-induced declines in ATP and its metabolite and enhances peak power and muscular excitability, which may be beneficial for sports requiring repeated high-intensity sprinting bouts.

Background: It is known that unaccustomed exercise&mdash, especially when it has an eccentric component&mdash, causes muscle damage and subsequent performance decrements. Attenuating muscle damage may improve performance and recovery, allowing for improved training quality and adaptations. Therefore, the current study sought to examine the effect of two doses of curcumin supplementation on performance decrements following downhill running. Methods: Sixty-three physically active men and women (21 &plusmn, 2 y, 70.0 &plusmn, 13.7 kg, 169.3 &plusmn, 15.2 cm, 25.6 &plusmn, 14.3 body mass index (BMI), 32 women, 31 men) were randomly assigned to ingest 250 mg of CurcuWIN&reg, (50 mg of curcuminoids), 1000 mg of CurcuWIN&reg, (200 mg of curcuminoids), or a corn starch placebo (PLA) for eight weeks in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel design. At the end of the supplementation period, subjects completed a downhill running protocol intended to induce muscle damage. Muscle function using isokinetic dynamometry and perceived soreness was assessed prior to and at 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-downhill run. Results: Isokinetic peak extension torque did not change in the 200-mg dose, while significant reductions occurred in the PLA and 50-mg groups through the first 24 h of recovery. Isokinetic peak flexion torque and power both decreased in the 50-mg group, while no change was observed in the PLA or 200-mg groups. All the groups experienced no changes in isokinetic extension power and isometric average peak torque. Soreness was significantly increased in all the groups compared to the baseline. Non-significant improvements in total soreness were observed for the 200-mg group, but these changes failed to reach statistical significance. Conclusion: When compared to changes observed against PLA, a 200-mg dose of curcumin attenuated reductions in some but not all observed changes in performance and soreness after completion of a downhill running bout. Additionally, a 50-mg dose appears to offer no advantage to changes observed in the PLA and 200-mg groups.

Probiotics have immunomodulatory effects. However, little is known about the potential benefit of probiotics on the inflammation subsequent to strenuous exercise. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, crossover design separated by a 21-day washout, 15 healthy resistance-trained men ingested an encapsulated probiotic Streptococcus (S.) thermophilus FP4 and Bifidobacterium (B.) breve BR03 at 5 bn live cells (AFU) concentration each, or a placebo, daily for 3 weeks prior to muscle-damaging exercise (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02520583). Isometric strength, muscle soreness, range of motion and girth, and blood interleukin-6 (IL-6) and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were measured from pre- to 72 h post-exercise. Statistical analysis was via mixed models and magnitude-based inference to the standardized difference. Probiotic supplementation resulted in an overall decrease in circulating IL-6, which was sustained to 48 h post-exercise. In addition, probiotic supplementation likely enhanced isometric average peak torque production at 24 to 72 h into the recovery period following exercise (probiotic–placebo point effect ±90% CI: 24 h, 11% ± 7%; 48 h, 12% ± 18%; 72 h, 8% ± 8%). Probiotics also likely moderately increased resting arm angle at 24 h (2.4% ± 2.0%) and 48 h (1.9% ± 1.9%) following exercise, but effects on soreness and flexed arm angle and CK were unclear. These data suggest that dietary supplementation with probiotic strains S. thermophilus FP4 and B. breve BR03 attenuates performance decrements and muscle tension in the days following muscle-damaging exercise.

P1 Impact of antioxidant-enriched nutrient bar supplementation on the serum antioxidant markers and physical fitness components of track and field athletes

We searched for novel proteins in lysosomal membranes, tentatively participating in molecular transport across the membrane and/or in interactions with other compartments. In membranes purified from placental lysosomes, we identified 58 proteins, known to reside at least partially in the lysosomal membrane. These included 17 polypeptides comprising or associated with the vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase. We report on additional 86 proteins that were significantly enriched in the lysosomal membrane fraction. Among these, 12 novel proteins of unknown functions were found. Three were orthologues of rat proteins that have been identified in tritosomes by Bagshaw RD et al. (A proteomic analysis of lysosomal integral membrane proteins reveals the diverse composition of the organelle. Mol Cell Proteomics 2005;4:133-143). Here, the proteins encoded by LOC201931 (FLJ38482) and LOC51622 (C7orf28A) were expressed with an appended fluorescent tag in HeLa cells and found to be present in lysosomal organelles. Among the lysosomally enriched proteins, also 16 enzymes and transporters were detected that had not been assigned to lysosomal membranes previously. Finally, our results identified a particular set of proteins with known functions in signaling and targeting to be at least partially associated with lysosomes.

The probiotic GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086; Ganeden Biotech Inc., Maryfield Heights, OH) has been shown to support healthy digestive and immune function, including increased protein absorption. In a pilot study, daily co-administration of GanedenBC30 and protein in resistance-trained subjects performing full body workouts 4 times per week for 8 weeks has shown a trend to increase vertical jump power and might have a beneficial effect on peak power and fat mass. We speculate that the beneficial effects might be based on aiding muscle recovery through gut microbial modulation. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine if the co-administration of GanedenBC30 with protein has a beneficial effect on muscle damage, recovery and athletic performance following a damaging exercise bout.

We designed, constructed, and evaluated a mobile medical care vehicle called "Rollende Arztpraxis" (rolling medical practice, RMP) that delivers the full medical care of a general practitioner to increase medical care supply in rural areas. Six communities have been identified, where the RMP has been visited 501 times in 14 months. Two different schedules of stops and treatment times have been tested. We show that the RMP treated mainly elderly and multimorbid patients. An accompanying study showed high acceptance and satisfaction of treated patients and treating doctors. An economic evaluation of three different utilization models with three treatment modes each showed no financial sustainability. We show that ambulatory care in rural areas can be complemented by a mobile care unit, if legal and financial barriers can be overcome.

Position statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the mechanisms and use of beta-alanine supplementation. Based on the current available literature, the conclusions of the ISSN are as follows: 1) Four weeks of beta-alanine supplementation (4–6 g daily) significantly augments muscle carnosine concentrations, thereby acting as an intracellular pH buffer; 2) Beta-alanine supplementation currently appears to be safe in healthy populations at recommended doses; 3) The only reported side effect is paraesthesia (tingling), but studies indicate this can be attenuated by using divided lower doses (1.6 g) or using a sustained-release formula; 4) Daily supplementation with 4 to 6 g of beta-alanine for at least 2 to 4 weeks has been shown to improve exercise performance, with more pronounced effects in open end-point tasks/time trials lasting 1 to 4 min in duration; 5) Beta-alanine attenuates neuromuscular fatigue, particularly in older subjects, and preliminary evidence indicates that beta-alanine may improve tactical performance; 6) Combining beta-alanine with other single or multi-ingredient supplements may be advantageous when supplementation of beta-alanine is high enough (4–6 g daily) and long enough (minimum 4 weeks); 7) More research is needed to determine the effects of beta-alanine on strength, endurance performance beyond 25 min in duration, and other health-related benefits associated with carnosine.

Assessing the spatial distribution of oral morbidity-related demand and the workforce-related supply is relevant for planning dental services. We aimed to establish and validate a model for estimating the spatially specific demand and supply. This model was then applied to compare demand-supply ratios in 2001 and 2011 in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Northern Germany).The spatial units were zip code areas. Demand per area was estimated by linking population-specific oral morbidities to working times via insurance claim data. Estimated demand was validated against the provided demand in 2001 and 2011. Supply was calculated for both years using cohort data from the dentist register. The ratio of demand and supply was geographically mapped and its distribution between areas assessed using the Gini coefficient.Between 2001 and 2011, a significant decrease of the general population (-7.0 percent), the annual demand (-13.1 percent), and the annual supply (-12.9 percent) was recorded. The estimated demands were nearly (2001: -4 percent) and completely (2011: ±0 percent) congruent with provided demands. The average demand-supply-ratio did not change significantly between 2001 and 2011 (P 0.05), but was increasingly unequally distributed. In both years, few areas were over-serviced, while many were under-serviced.The established model can be used to estimate spatially specific demand and supply.

The direct introduction of sulfonamide units (cf. 9) into carboxamide-based rotaxanes allows us to intramolecularly bridge the “wheel” and the “axle” of such species for the first time as is shown by the bridged bissulfonamide rotaxane 11. Due to its stronger acidity the SO2-NH proton can be selectively abstracted by mild bases even in the presence of CO.NH and then be substituted by treatment with suitable iodo compounds. This leads intramolecularly to 11 (71% yield) and intermolecularly to bis[2]rotaxane 16 (76% yield). The iodo-substituted rotaxane 15 isolated as a remarkably stable byproduct offers a new synthetic potential demonstrated by the preparation of 16.

Caffeine increased alertness (+19%), focus (+35%), cognition (+26%), memory (+11%), motivation (+10%) and vertical jump power (+1%), however, decreased calmness by 18%. MindSet increased alertness (56%), focus (58%), motivation (43%), cognition (26%), memory (+15%), vertical jump power (3%), and calmness by 6%. Conclusion A stimulant-free multi-ingredient pre-workout formula can be as effective as caffeine in increasing cognitive functioning without the unwanted side-effects. The results of this pilot study should be confirmed in a larger scale study.

Background Human and cell culture studies have demonstrated that phosphatidic acid (PA) can increase muscle mass and anabolic signaling, respectively. However, no in vivo evidence to date has examined whether PA can increase intramuscular anabolic signaling in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine – a) if PA feeding acutely increases post-prandial muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and anabolic signaling markers; and b) if PA can enhance the post-prandial anabolic effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC). Methods

German medical care is going to suffer from a decreasing number of general practitioners due to demographic change. We study if ambulatory care in rural areas can be complementary ensured by a mobile care unit. A medical care van - the "rolling medical practice" (RMP) - has been constructed based on care scenarios created for rural communities in northern Germany. Performance and acceptance of the RMP is evaluated by constant monitoring of anonymized medical documentation and questionnaires. The RMP is visiting six villages on two days a week in a three-week interval. It is constructed from a standard van with a custom box body fully equipped for general care needs. Actually treated care cases meet expectations and are acute as well as chronicle symptoms. Case numbers range from 6 to 50 visits in 5 month. We showed that almost full ranged mobile medical care, as supplement to general medical supply is possible.

Lowery, RP, Joy, JM, Rathmacher, JA, Baier, SM, Fuller, JC Jr, Shelley, MC II, Jager, R, Purpura, M, Wilson, SMC, and Wilson, JM. Interaction of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid and adenosine triphosphate on muscle mass, strength, and power in resistance trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1843-1854, 2016-Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation helps maintain performance under high fatiguing contractions and with greater fatigue recovery demands also increase. Current evidence suggests that the free acid form of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB-FA) acts by speeding regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle after high-intensity or prolonged exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of HMB-FA (3 g) and ATP (400 mg) administration on lean body mass (LBM), strength, and power in trained individuals. A 3-phase double-blind, placebo-, and diet-controlled study was conducted. Phases consisted of an 8-week periodized resistance training program (phase 1), followed by a 2-week overreaching cycle (phase 2), and a 2-week taper (phase 3). Lean body mass was increased by a combination of HMB-FA/ATP by 12.7% (p < 0.001). In a similar fashion, strength gains after training were increased in HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented subjects by 23.5% (p < 0.001). Vertical jump and Wingate power were increased in the HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented group compared with the placebo-supplemented group, and the 12-week increases were 21.5 and 23.7%, respectively. During the overreaching cycle, strength and power declined in the placebo group (4.3-5.7%), whereas supplementation with HMB-FA/ATP resulted in continued strength gains (1.3%). In conclusion, HMB-FA and ATP in combination with resistance exercise training enhanced LBM, power, and strength. In addition, HMB-FA plus ATP blunted the typical response to overreaching, resulting in a further increase in strength during that period. It seems that the combination of HMB-FA/ATP could benefit those who continuously train at high levels such as elite athletes or military personnel.

For studies of fundamental processes, the energy distributions of different ion species formed in an analytical radiofrequency glow discharge (RF GD) were determined by two different methods. On the one hand, the energy spectra were recorded by scanning the accelerating voltage at narrow energy slit between the electrostatic and magnetic analyzer of a double-focusing mass spectrometer (SM1, Varian MAT, Bremen, Germany). On the other hand, a grid, to which a variable retarding potential could be applied, was placed between the ion source and the mass spectrometric analyzer. It was found that the kinetic energy of the ions of the discharge gas (Ar+) and of CO+ ions (residual gas) lies about 10 eV lower than the kinetic energy of the sample material ions or molecular ions like MO+ (M = matrix). The absolute values of the average kinetic energies of the sample ions as determined by the retarding potential technique were found to be about in the range of 15 eV. With the aid of the obtained results it was possible to reduce the intensity of the detected CO+ and discharge gas (Ar+) ions relative to the intensity of the ions of the sample material by more than one order of magnitude, which helps to improve the analytical capabilities of RF GDMS.

Radio-frequency glow discharge mass spectrometry (RF GDMS) has been applied to the determination of trace elements in ceramic perovskite layers (La0.65Sr0.3MnO3) using synthetic standards. For the preparation of these standards high-purity powder of the basic material (La0.65Sr0.3MnO3) was doped with trace elements in concentrations from 20 to 500 μg/g and the mixture was pressed to compact samples. The resulting calibration curves and the calculated relative sensitivity factors (RSF) differed only from 0.4 to 2 for different elements. For nearly all elements the standard deviations in the determination of trace elements in La0.65Sr0.3MnO3 were better than 15% and detection limits (using the 3σ-criterion) were below 10 μg/g. Changes of the discharge parameters (RF power, pressure of the discharge gas (Ar) in the RF glow discharge) have no significant influence on the sensitivity to elements.

Nachdem Sauvage et al. und Stoddart et al. in den achtziger Jahren Synthesen fur Catenane und Rotaxane mit Phenanthrolin- bzw. Bipyridinium-Kronenether-Bausteinen entwickelt hatten, wurde vor wenigen Jahren eine neue Strategie zur Herstellung mechanischer Bindungen gefunden: die uber ein neutrales Templat verlaufende Synthese amidverknupfter Catenane und Rotaxane. Die Wirt-Gast-Bindung bei der Bildung der Schablone beruht nicht auf Kovalenz- oder Ionenwechselwirkungen, sondern auf schwachen supramolekularen Wechselwirkungen: Wasserstoffbrucken, π-Stapelung, π-Donor-π-Acceptor-Wechselwirkungen und sterische Komplementaritat. Die einfachen Synthesebausteine (Arendicarbonsauredichloride und Diamine) konnen in bemerkenswert weiten Grenzen variiert werden, die Zahl der Synthesestufen ist gering, und die Ausbeuten erreichen diejenigen herkommlicher Synthesen. In wenigen Jahren wurden auf diese Weise auser [2]Catenanen [2]-, [3]- und Bis[2]-rotaxane des Amidtyps hergestellt. Eingefuhrte Sulfonamidgruppen ermoglichten Alkylierungen an deren Stickstoffatomen, wodurch praparative chemische Umsetzungen mit Catenanen und Rotaxanen erschlossen wurden. So liesen sich Catenane und Rotaxane intra- und intermolekular verknupfen, wobei auch eine Verbindung mit der Topologie einer Brezel entstand. Damit werden neue Einblicke in molekulare Erkennungsprozesse zwischen elektrisch ungeladenen Wirt- und Gastsubstanzen, in Templatsynthesen, in Isomerietypen bei Catenanen und in die Regioselektivitat der Bildung von Catenanisomeren moglich. Konkurrenzreaktionen beim Andocken von Gastmolekulen im Hohlraum von konkaven Rezeptormolekulen mit mehreren Bindungsstellen lassen sich studieren. Davon erhofft man sich fur die Zukunft Fortschritte bei der Synthese von Molekulen mit mechanischen Bindungen in hohen Ausbeuten, beim supramolekularen Aufbau von Nanostrukturen sowie bei molekularen Schaltern.

New catenanes of the amide-linked type, such as 11 with one macrocycle containing two (CH2)12 chains are synthesized from long-chain alkanediamines in yields of up to 21%. Consequently, the preorganization afforded by fixed and angular building units – so far considered essential – proves not to be necessary. The new sulfonamide catenanes exhibit high conformational flexibility. However, the circumrotation of one of the macrocycles can be hindered by substitution with bipyridine units at the sulfonamide nitrogen.

The analytical capabilities of a high-resolution mass spectrometer in combination with a 13.56 MHz glow discharge ion source for the analysis of semiconducting materials (silicon carbide and gallium arsenide) were studied. It was shown that single positively charged ions of sample material have about 10 eV higher average energy than the ions of the discharge and residual gas. Therefore effective energy separation of the ions of analyte from the ions of the discharge and residual gas was achieved by adjusting the ion transfer optics (breadth and position of energy slit), which improves the analytical capabilities of the developed method. Some analytical applications are presented to illustrate the performance of r.f. GDMS for the bulk analysis of semiconducting materials. The results of the trace element analysis of gallium arsenide and silicon carbide samples are compared with data of independent methods (LIMS, ICP..AES, SIMS).

Adenosine-Triphosphate (ATP) supplementation maintains performance and increases volume under high fatiguing contractions. However, greater fatigue increases recovery demands between training sessions. Studies utilizing HMB free acid (HMB-FA) supplementation suggest that the supplement speeds regenerative capacity. However, we are unaware of studies investigating whether synergism exists between the two. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of HMB-FA, ATP, or a combination of the two on lean mass (LBM), strength, and power in trained individuals. We also determined these supplements effects on performance during an overreaching cycle.

Background The glycerophospholipid Phosphatidic acid (PA) has been identified as a potential nutritional treatment for gastrointestinal disorders. Dietary food sources rich in PA include cabbage and radish leaves as well as Mallotus japonicas, a Japanese edible herb historically used for the treatment of stomach ulcers. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to regulate rates of muscle protein synthesis and a mechanical stimulus (resistance exercise) has been shown to activate mTOR with PA playing a key role. Supplementation with soy-derived PA significantly increases responses in skeletal muscle hypertrophy, lean body mass, and maximal strength to resistance exercise. PA accounts for less than 0.1% of the total glycerophospholipid concentration of 201 mg/dl in the human plasma. 15 of the more than 600 distinct molecular lipid species quantified in human plasma are PA, 6 are lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Orally administered PA can be metabolized to LPA and glycerophosphate by pancreatic phospholipases A1 and A2, which hydrolyze the fatty acid at the sn-1 position and the sn-2 position, respectively. Lysophospholipids are absorbed by the mucosal cells of the gastrointestinal tract and are rapidly re-acylated with fatty acids of the body pool resulting in a newly-formed phospholipid-molecule whose fatty acid composition is determined by the physiological and nutritional status and not by its source. This study sought to assess the effect of soy-derived PA supplementation on concentrations LPA and PA molecular species in human plasma. Methods After a 12 hour overnight fast one subject (20 years of age, bodyweight of 82 kg, and height of 178 cm) was assigned to receive 1.5 grams of soy-derived PA (Mediator, Chemi Nutra, White Bear Lake, MN). Blood draws were taken immediately prior to, and at 30 min, 1, 2, 3, and 7 hours following supplementation. The samples were analyzed by an ultra-performance liquid chromatograph with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) using 17:1-LPA and 37:4-PA as internal standards to determine the concentration of LPA and PA molecular species in human plasma. Results At baseline, 19 PA (highest concentrations: C34:2 (15%), C40:4 (11%), and C36:4 (10%)) and 5 LPA (16:0 (45%), 18:2 (19%), 20:4 (17%), 14:0 (11%) and 18:1 (8%)) molecular species could be quantified with total concentrations of PA of 2.66 nmol/ml, and LPA of 0.11 nmol/ml. Plasma concentrations of PA peaked at 3 hours (+32%) after ingestion and stayed elevated even after 7h ours (+18%). LPA showed a bimodal absorption kinetic with peaks after 1 hour (+500%) and 3 hours (+264%), after almost dropping back to baseline levels after 2 hours. On an individual fatty acid level, most prominent was a 23-fold increase in 20:4-LPA after 1 hour compared to baseline. The increase in 20:4-LPA does not result from the administration of PA, since soy-derived PA does not contain any arachidonic acid (fatty acids distribution of soy-PA: 18:2 (66.1%), 18:1 (12.6%), 16:0 (11.7%), 18:3 (6.1%) and 18:0 (3.4%)). Absorption of soy-derived PA must yield glycerophosphate which is re-acylated with arachidonic acid.

Background Extracts of Russian Tarragon (RT) have been reported to produce anti-hyperglycemic effects and influence plasma creatine (Cr) levels while supplementing with creatine monohydrate (CrM). The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine if short-term, low-dose aqueous RT extract ingestion prior to CrM supplementation influences whole body Cr retention, muscle Cr or measures of anaerobic sprint performance. Methods In a double-blind, randomized, and crossover manner; 10 recreationally trained males (20 ± 2 yrs; 179 ± 9 cm; 91.3 ± 34 kg) ingested 500 mg of aqueous RT extract (Finzelberg, Andernach, Germany) or 500 mg placebo 30-minutes prior to ingesting 5 g of CrM (Creapure®, AlzChem AG, Germany) twice per day for 5-days then repeated after a 6-week wash-out period. Urine was collected at baseline and during each of the 5-days of supplementation to determine urine Cr content. Whole body Cr retention was estimated from urine samples. Muscle biopsies were obtained for determination of muscle free Cr content. Participants also performed two 30-second Wingate anaerobic capacity tests prior to and following supplementation for determination of peak power (PP), mean power (MP), and total work (TW). Data were analysed by repeated measures MANOVA. Results Whole body daily Cr retention increased in both groups following supplementation (0.0 ± 0.0; 8.2 ± 1.4, 6.5 ± 2.4, 5.6 ± 3.2, 6.1 ± 2.6, 4.8 ± 3.2 g · d-1; p = 0.001) with no differences observed between groups (p = 0.59). After 3 and 5-days of supplementation, respectively, both supplementation protocols demonstrated a significant increase in muscle free Cr content from baseline (4.8 ± 16.7, 15.5 ± 23.6 mmol · kg-1 DW, p = 0.01) with no significant differences observed between groups (p = 0.34). Absolute change in MP (9 ± 57, 35 ± 57 W; p = 0.031), percent change in MP (2.5 ± 10.5, 6.7 ± 10.4%; p = 0.026), absolute change in TW (275 ± 1,700, 1,031 ± 1,721 J; p = 0.032), and percent change in TW (2.5 ± 10.5, 6.6 ± 10.4%; p = 0.027) increased over time in both groups with no differences observed between groups. Conclusions Short-term CrM supplementation (10 g · d-1 for 5-days) significantly increased whole body Cr retention and muscle free Cr content. However, ingesting 500 mg of RT 30-min prior to CrM supplementation did not affect whole body Cr retention, muscle free Cr content, or anaerobic sprint capacity in comparison to ingesting CrM with a placebo.

Background The potential health benefits of curcumin are limited by its poor solubility, low absorption from the gut, rapid metabolism and rapid systemic elimination. The purpose of this study was the comparative measurement of the increases in levels of curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin) and the metabolite tetrahydrocurcumin after oral administration of three different curcumin formulations in comparison to unformulated standard. Methods The relative absorption of a curcumin phytosome formulation (CP), a formulation with volatile oils of turmeric rhizome (CTR) and a formulation of curcumin with a combination of hydrophilic carrier, cellulosic derivatives and natural antioxidants (CHC) in comparison to a standardized curcumin mixture (CS) was investigated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover human study in healthy volunteers. Samples were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Results Total curcuminoids appearance in the blood was 1.3-fold higher for CTR and 7.9-fold higher for CP in comparison to unformulated CS. CHC showed a 45.9-fold higher absorption over CS and significantly improved absorption over CP (5.8-fold) and CTR (34.9-fold, all p

Two new rotaxane types, the [2]rotaxanes 12a,b and the [3]rotaxane 13, have been synthesised by treating the “axle” 7 with the stopper component 9 in the presence of the “wheel” 8. A nonionic template intermediate of type 10 is proposed. The [3]rotaxane 13 was only obtained when the chain of the “axle” had a certain length: with n = 1 only [2]rotaxane 12 a was isolated, whereas with n = 2 the [3]rotaxane 13 was formed besides the [2]rotaxane 12 b. This suggests that more extended rotaxanes and polyrotaxanes can be synthesised by the template strategy.

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used for the direct analysis of ceramic layers [La0.65Sr0.3MnO3 and yttria-stabilized ZrO2(YSZ)] forming parts of solid oxide fuel cells. For the quantitative determination of trace element concentrations calibration was performed with matrix-matched synthetic laboratory standards, prepared specially for these ceramic materials. With a few exceptions the regression coefficients of the calibration curves were better than 0.995 (n= 15). The detection limits for most elements are in the range 0.1–2 µg g–1 in La0.65Sr0.3MnO3 and YSZ. Investigations on ceramics, doped with trace elements with concentrations of some 100 µg g–1, showed lower concentrations of the elements than were added, owing to the sintering process at temperatures of 1400 °C. In non-doped YSZ layers different elements were determined at concentrations from sub-µg g–1 to hundreds of µg g–1. The results were found to be in good agreement with those obtained by other methods (ICP-MS and radiofrequency glow discharge mass spectrometry).

Objective.Probiotics have been reported to support healthy digestive and immune function, aid in protein absorption, and decrease inflammation. Further, a trend to increase vertical jump power has been observed following co-administration of protein and probiotics in resistance-trained subjects. However, to date the potential beneficial effect of probiotics on recovery from high intensity resistance exercise have yet to be explored. Therefore, this study examined the effect of co-administration of protein and probiotics on muscle damage, recovery and performance following a damaging exercise bout.Design.Twenty nine (n= 29) recreationally-trained males (mean ± SD; 21.5 ± 2.8 years; 89.7 ± 28.2 kg; 177.4 ± 8.0 cm) were assigned to consume either 20 g of casein (PRO) or 20 g of casein plus probiotic (1 billion CFUBacillus coagulansGBI-30, 6086, PROBC) in a crossover, diet-controlled design. After two weeks of supplementation, perceptional measures, athletic performance, and muscle damage were analyzed following a damaging exercise bout.Results.The damaging exercise bout significantly increased muscle soreness, and reduced perceived recovery; however, PROBC significantly increased recovery at 24 and 72 h, and decreased soreness at 72 h post exercise in comparison to PRO. Perceptual measures were confirmed by increases in CK (PRO: +266.8%,p= 0.0002; PROBC: +137.7%,p= 0.01), with PROBC showing a trend towards reduced muscle damage (p= 0.08). The muscle-damaging exercise resulted in significantly increased muscle swelling and Blood Urea Nitrogen levels in both conditions with no difference between groups. The strenuous exercise significantly reduced athletic performance in PRO (Wingate Peak Power; PRO: (−39.8 watts, −5.3%,p= 0.03)), whereas PROBC maintained performance (+10.1 watts, +1.7%).Conclusions.The results provide evidence that probiotic supplementation in combination with protein tended to reduce indices of muscle damage, improves recovery, and maintains physical performance subsequent to damaging exercise.

Background The improvement in anaerobic exercise capacity associated with supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CrM) has been well established. Extracts of Russian Tarragon (RT) have been reported to produce antihyperglycemic effects [1] and influence plasma creatine levels during the ingestion of CrM [2]. Theoretically, RT ingestion may enhance creatine retention and thereby promote greater ergogenic benefit compared to CrM supplementation alone. The purpose of this study was to determine if short-term, low-dose aqueous RT extract ingestion prior to CrM supplementation influences anaerobic sprint performance.

Head and eye movements were simultaneously recorded during locomotory and pecking behavior of 4 pigeons (Columba livia), which were trained to traverse a conditioning chamber, with a pecking key and a food dispenser at each end. Each trial involved key pecking, walking, and feeding. Head movements were registered with a skull-mounted miniature accelerometer, and eye movements were recorded with implanted electrooculographic electrodes. An almost perfect temporal coordination between head and eye movements was observed during both walking and feeding bouts. During walking, head movements primarily provide retinal image stability, and eye movements support visual scanning. During feeding, head movements mainly subserve the grasping of food items, and eye movements maintain visual fixation on them. Because the eyes are reflexively closed during the middle phase of pecks, the head and eye movements are then under ballistic control. The peculiar saltatory head motions that many birds exhibit while they walk have repeatedly attracted interest in the past. As early as 1930, Dunlap and Mowrer reported that although the body of locomoting chickens, pigeons, and starlings moves forward relatively smoothly, the head is held still and only thrust forward at intervals. This implies a succession of rapid forward and slower backward movements of the head with respect to the body. Some authors have also drawn attention to a coordination between leg stepping and head bobbing (Bangert, 1960; Daanje, 1951). A related gazestabilizing response, that is, head nystagmus, occurs when these birds are exposed to a rotating visual environment (File, 1968; Frost, 1978; Fukuda, 1951; Gioanni, 1988a; Simon, 1954). A purely vestibularly driven head nystagmus has been demonstrated in pigeons (Gioanni, 1988b; Huizinga & Meulen, 1951). However, Friedman (1975b) and Frost (1978) have concluded after examining the head motions of doves and pigeons in various experimental situations that the retinal image slip associated with locomotion is the principal stimulus that steers the rhythmic head bobbing (see also Davies & Green, 1988). These movements are so prominent that the occurrence of eye movements in birds was virtually overlooked for a long time. Although Benjamins and Huizinga (1927), and later Nye (1968), noted the presence of eye movements in pigeons, such movements have only been described in any detail during the past decade. It is now well established that the movements can amount to 20° or more, particularly in the hori

Pigeons were trained to preferentially peck the centermost element of a concentric key array. When they had learned the task to a criterion the subjects received lesions of the lateral telencephalon. The ablation caused an unexpected performance improvement, proportionally more pecks being directed at the central key element. However, on closer analysis this result was interpreted as being the effect of a mandibular gape control loss rather than being due to an actual peck localization enhancement.

Background Making quick decisions and reducing the amount of errors at the beginning of a competition are crucial to the success in team sports and individual events. Phosphatidylserine (PS) has been shown to reduce stress and increase performance in runners, cyclists and golfers. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study was performed to evaluate the effect of PS supplementation on cognitive function prior to and following an acute bout of resistance training in 18 males aged 18-30.

Creatine has become one of the most popular dietary supplements in the sports nutrition market. The form of creatine that has been most extensively studied and commonly used in dietary supplements is creatine monohydrate (CM). Studies have consistently indicated that CM supplementation increases muscle creatine and phosphocreatine concentrations by approximately 15–40%, enhances anaerobic exercise capacity, and increases training volume leading to greater gains in strength, power, and muscle mass. A number of potential therapeutic benefits have also been suggested in various clinical populations. Studies have indicated that CM is not degraded during normal digestion and that nearly 99% of orally ingested CM is either taken up by muscle or excreted in urine. Further, no medically significant side effects have been reported in literature. Nevertheless, supplement manufacturers have continually introduced newer forms of creatine into the marketplace. These newer forms have been purported to have better physical and chemical properties, bioavailability, efficacy, and/or safety profiles than CM. However, there is little to no evidence that any of the newer forms of creatine are more effective and/or safer than CM whether ingested alone and/or in combination with other nutrients. In addition, whereas the safety, efficacy, and regulatory status of CM is clearly defined in almost all global markets; the safety, efficacy, and regulatory status of other forms of creatine present in today’s marketplace as a dietary or food supplement is less clear.

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acute and prolonged (4-weeks) ingestion of a supplement designed to improve reaction time and subjective measures of alertness, energy, fatigue, and focus compared to placebo. Methods Nineteen physically-active subjects (17 men and 2 women) were randomly assigned to a group that either consumed a supplement (21.1 ± 0.6 years; body mass: 80.6 ± 9.4 kg) or placebo (21.3 ± 0.8 years; body mass: 83.4 ± 18.5 kg). During the initial testing session (T1), subjects were provided 1.5 g of the supplement (CRAM; α-glycerophosphocholine, choline bitartrate, phosphatidylserine, vitamins B3, B6, and B12, folic acid, L-tyrosine, anhydrous caffeine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and naringin) or a placebo (PL), and rested quietly for 10-minutes before completing a questionnaire on subjective feelings of energy, fatigue, alertness and focus (PRE). Subjects then performed a 4-minute quickness and reaction test followed by a 10-min bout of exhaustive exercise. The questionnaire and reaction testing sequence was then repeated (POST). Subjects reported back to the lab (T2) following 4-weeks of supplementation and repeated the testing sequence. Results Reaction time significantly declined (p = 0.050) between PRE and POST at T1 in subjects consuming PL, while subjects under CRAM supplementation were able to maintain (p = 0.114) their performance. Significant performance declines were seen in both groups from PRE to POST at T2. Elevations in fatigue were seen for CRAM at both T1 and T2 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000, respectively), but only at T2 for PL (p = 0.029). Subjects in CRAM maintained focus between PRE and POST during both T1 and T2 trials (p = 0.152 and p = 0.082, respectively), whereas significant declines in focus were observed between PRE and POST in PL at both trials (p = 0.037 and p = 0.014, respectively). No difference in alertness was seen at T1 between PRE and POST for CRAM (p = 0.083), but a significant decline was recorded at T2 (p = 0.005). Alertness was significantly lower at POST at both T1 and T2 for PL (p = 0.040 and p = 0.33, respectively). No differences in any of these subjective measures were seen between the groups at any time point. Conclusion Results indicate that acute ingestion of CRAM can maintain reaction time, and subjective feelings of focus and alertness to both visual and auditory stimuli in healthy college students following exhaustive exercise. However, some habituation may occur following 4-weeks of supplementation.

Background It has previously been shown that the plasma concentration of creatine following supplementation is influenced by extracellular concentrations of insulin and glucose, the form in which creatine is administered, and also the creatine concentration in the muscle cells. The common practice of raising insulin levels to increase initial uptake into muscle, by means of high amounts of glucose and/or protein, involves a high caloric load which is not always desired by athletes. A standardized extract of Russian Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.), which can be administered safely as an oral supplement, has been shown to have antihyperglycemic activity. This study examined whether the plasma concentration curve following administration of creatine monohydrate was affected by the co-administration of Russian Tarragon extract.

Background A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was performed to evaluate the effect of oral creatine pyruvate (Cr-Pyr) and creatine citrate (Cr-Cit) supplementation on exercise performance in healthy young athletes. Methods Performance during intermittent handgrip exercise of maximal intensity was evaluated before (pretest) and after (posttest) 28 days of Cr-Pyr (5 g/d, n = 16), Cr-Cit (5 g/d, n = 16) or placebo (pla, 5 g/d, n = 17) intake. Subjects performed ten 15-sec exercise intervals, each followed by 45 sec rest periods. Results Cr-Pyr (p < 0.001) and Cr-Cit (p < 0.01) significantly increased mean power over all intervals. Cr-Cit increased force during the first and second interval (p < 0.01) compared to placebo. The effect of Cr-Cit on force decreased over time and the improvement was not significant at the sixth and ninth interval, whereas Cr-Pyr significantly increased force during all intervals (p < 0.001). Cr-Pyr (p < 0.001) and Cr-Cit (p < 0.01) resulted in an increase in contraction velocity, whereas only Cr-Pyr intake significantly (p < 0.01) increased relaxation velocity. Oxygen consumption measured during rest periods significantly increased with Cr-Pyr (p < 0.05), whereas Cr-Cit and placebo intake did not result in significant improvements. Conclusion It is concluded that four weeks of Cr-Pyr and Cr-Cit intake significantly improves performance during intermittent handgrip exercise of maximal intensity and that Cr-Pyr might benefit endurance, due to enhanced activity of the aerobic metabolism.

Background Previous research has indicated that phosphatidylserine (PS) supplementation has the potential to attenuate the serum cortisol response to acute exercise stress. Equivocal findings suggest that this effect might be dose dependent. This study aimed to examine the influence of short-term supplementation with a moderate dose of PS (600 mg per day) on plasma concentrations of cortisol, lactate, growth hormone and testosterone before, during, and following moderate intensity exercise in healthy males. Methods 10 healthy male subjects participated in the study. Each subject was assigned to ingest 600 mg PS or placebo per day for 10 days using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Serial venous blood samples were taken at rest, after a 15 minute moderate intensity exercise protocol on a cycle ergometer that consisted of five 3-minute incremental stages beginning at 65% and ending at 85% VO2 max, and during a 65 minute passive recovery. Plasma samples were assessed for cortisol, growth hormone, testosterone, lactate and testosterone to cortisol ratio for treatment (PS or placebo). Results Mean peak cortisol concentrations and area under the curve (AUC) were lower following PS (39 ± 1% and 35 ± 0%, respectively) when compared to placebo (p < 0.05). PS increased AUC for testosterone to cortisol ratio (184 ± 5%) when compared to placebo (p < 0.05). PS and placebo supplementation had no effect on lactate or growth hormone levels. Conclusion The findings suggest that PS is an effective supplement for combating exercise-induced stress and preventing the physiological deterioration that can accompany too much exercise. PS supplementation promotes a desired hormonal status for athletes by blunting increases in cortisol levels.

Pigeons with lesions of the lateral part of the telencephalon, visual Wulst, and fronto-archistriatal tract were compared with sham-operated controls in 2 procedures. In one of them the time it took the pigeons to grasp and eat a certain number of grains was recorded. In the other experiment the number of grains was counted that the pigeons consumed out of a mixture of grains and pebbles within a fixed time interval. Only the pigeons with lateral telencephalic lesions were impaired. While in the first experiment the lateral ablated birds improved with time there was no recovery of performance in the second experiment.

Phospholipids are essential components of all biological membranes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and Phosphatidylserine (PS) are Phosphatidyl-phospholipids that are required for normal cellular structure and function. The participation in physical activity often challenges a variety of physiological systems; consequently, the ability to maintain normal cellular function during activity can determine sporting performance. The participation in prolonged intense exercise has been shown to reduce circulatory choline concentrations in some individuals. As choline is a pre-cursor to the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine, this finding has encouraged researchers to investigate the hypothesis that supplementation with PC (or choline salts) could enhance sporting performance. Although the available data that evaluates the effects of PC supplementation on performance are equivocal, acute oral supplementation with PC (~0.2 g PC per kg body mass) has been demonstrated to improve performance in a variety of sporting activities where exercise has depleted circulatory choline concentrations. Short term oral supplementation with soy-derived PS (S-PS) has been reported to attenuate circulating cortisol concentrations, improve perceived well-being, and reduce perceived muscle soreness after exercise. More recently, short term oral supplementation (750 mg per day of S-PS for 10 days) has been demonstrated to improve exercise capacity during high intensity cycling and tended to increase performance during intermittent running. Although more research is warranted to determine minimum dietary Phospholipid requirements for optimal sporting performance, these findings suggest that some participants might benefit from dietary interventions that increase the intakes of PC and PS.