Investigation into the transition to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, between new and continuing undergraduate students.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were required to rapidly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, integrating online and blended learning approaches to sustain teaching and learning provision. However, limited evidence exists to understand the student experience and perception of the various methods of online learning, in particular across different levels of study (new and continuing students). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the experiences of online learning transition, between new first year undergraduate students and continuing second and third year students, enrolled on various undergraduate sport programmes. A total of 182 students responded to an online survey, which investigated the students' perceptions of online learning approaches. Participants were split according to level of study; [Level 3 (Foundation Year) and 4 (First Year Undergraduate) combined N = 62, Level 5 (Second Year Undergraduate), N = 51 and Level 6 (Third Year Undergraduate), N = 69]. Key findings highlight that both new and continuing students had an overall negative perception of online learning but did acknowledge that online learning provided a more flexible approach to their overall learning experience compared to face-to-face. Face-to-face teaching was deemed more engaging and sociable, in particular for the practical aspects of the programmes. Overall, there were no significant differences between the different levels of study for any of the questions asked. Although continuing students raised the difficulties of conducting practical sessions online, whereas this was not mentioned by new students. To conclude, this study provides novel insights into the experience of new and continuing students, and we advise that future blended learning strategies should consider the programme as a whole, rather than tailoring pedagogic strategies based on the level of study.

Ascending aortic aneurysm associated with tetralogy of Fallot in an adult mare.

Congenital heart disease is relatively uncommon in horses. Only three reports exist that describe a tetralogy of Fallot in adult horses. Whereas in humans the presence of congenital heart disease constitutes a risk factor for developing aortic aneurysms, their association has never been reported in horses. Here, we present a case with a large ascending aortic aneurysm as a complication of a tetralogy of Fallot in an adult mare. The mare was referred with sustained tachycardia and a 5 days history of mild intermittent colic, depression, inappetence and weight loss. Echocardiography was used to characterize the cardiac abnormalities and aortic root dilation. Due to the poor prognosis, the mare was euthanized and post-mortem examination further characterized the abnormalities. At least four factors contributed in this case to the development of aortic haematoma: congenital disease, mucoid extracellular matrix accumulation vasa vasorum dysfunction and inflammatory/degenerative lesions in the aorta's intima. Although colic is primarily caused by gastrointestinal issues, cardiac disease should be suspected in cases with sustained tachycardia, even in absence of murmurs or arrhythmias. Despite the fact that congenital abnormalities are usually detected in foals, they may sometimes remain unnoticed for several years.

A Comparison of Intermittent and Continuous Exercise Bouts at Different Intensities on Appetite and Postprandial Metabolic Responses in Healthy Men.

Exercise intensity affects many potential postprandial responses, but there is limited information on the influence of exercise modality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate if the nature of exercise at two different intensities would affect gastric emptying rate (GER), appetite and metabolic responses following ingestion of a semi-solid meal. Twelve healthy men completed, in a random order, four 60-min cycles at 60% VO2peak (MOD), 40% VO2peak (LOW) and in a continuous (CON) or intermittent (INT) manner. INT consisted of 20 × 1-min exercise bouts with 2-min rest breaks. INT and CON were matched for total work output at each intensity. GER of the post-exercise meal was measured for 2 h using the 13C-breath method. Blood glucose, substrate utilisation and appetite ratings were measured at regular intervals throughout all trials and 24-h energy intake (EI) post-trials was assessed. GER-Delta over Baseline (DOB) was lower (p < 0.05) on MOD-INT vs. MOD-CON from 30-120 min post-meal. Blood glucose was higher mid-exercise (p < 0.05) on MOD-INT vs. MOD-CON. Although post-exercise LOW-CON was significantly higher than LOW-INT (p < 0.05), blood glucose was also higher 30-min post-meal ingestion on both CON trials compared to INT (p < 0.001). No interaction effect was observed for perceived appetite responses 2 h after meal ingestion (all p > 0.05). 24-h post-trial EI was similar between LOW-CON vs. LOW-INT (p > 0.05), although MOD-INT vs. MOD-CON 3500 ± 1419 vs. 2556 ± 989 kCal: p < 0.001 was elevated. In summary, MOD-INT exercise delays GER without stimulating perceived appetite in the 2 h period after meal ingestion, although EI was greater in the 24-h post-trial.

Diurnal influences of fasted and non-fasted brisk walking on gastric emptying rate, metabolic responses, and appetite in healthy males.

Growing evidence suggests circadian rhythms, nutrition and metabolism are intimately linked. Intermittent fasting (IMF) has become an increasingly popular intervention for metabolic health and combining IMF with exercise may lead to benefits for weight management. However, little is known about the diurnal variation of fasted exercise. This study aimed to investigate the diurnal influences on gastric emptying rate (GER), metabolic responses, and appetite to fasted and non-fasted exercise. Twelve healthy males completed four 45 min walks in a randomised order. Walks were completed in the morning (AM) and evening (PM) and either fasted (FASTED) or after consumption of a standardised meal (FED). GER of a semi-solid lunch was subsequently measured for 2 h using the 13C breath test. Blood glucose concentration, substrate utilisation, and ratings of appetite were measured throughout. Energy intake was also assessed for the following 24 h. GER Tlag was slower in PM-FASTED compared to AM-FASTED, AM-FED, and PM-FED (75 ±â€¯18 min vs. 63 ±â€¯14 min, P = 0.001, vs. 65 ±â€¯10 min, P = 0.028 and vs. 67 ±â€¯16 min, P = 0.007). Blood glucose concentration was greater in the FED trials in comparison to the FASTED trials pre-lunch (P < 0.05). Fat oxidation was greater throughout exercise in both FASTED trials compared to FED, and remained higher in FASTED trials than fed trials post-exercise until 30 min post-lunch ingestion (all P < 0.05). No differences were found for appetite post-lunch (P > 0.05) or 24 h post-energy intake (P = 0.476). These findings suggest that evening fasted exercise results in delayed GER, without changes in appetite. No compensatory effects were observed for appetite, and 24 h post-energy intake for both fasted exercise trials, therefore, increased fat oxidation holds positive implications for weight management.

The effect of brisk walking in the fasted versus fed state on metabolic responses, gastrointestinal function, and appetite in healthy men.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of brisk walking in the fasted versus fed state on gastric emptying rate (GER), metabolic responses and appetite hormone responses. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Twelve healthy men completed two 45 min treadmill walks, fasted (FASTED) and followed consumption of a standardised breakfast (FED). GER of a standardised lunch was subsequently measured for 2 h using the 13C-breath test method. Blood samples were collected at baseline, post-breakfast period, pre-exercise, immediately post exercise, pre-lunch then every 30 min following lunch for 2 h. Circulating concentrations of acylated ghrelin (GHR), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide (PP), glucose, insulin, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and cholesterol were measured. Subjective feelings of appetite were assessed at 15 min intervals throughout. Substrate utilisation was measured every 30 min, and continuously throughout exercise by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: No differences were observed for GER T½ (FASTED 89 ± 22 vs. FED 89 ± 24 min, P = 0.868) nor Tlag (FASTED 55 ± 15 vs. FED 54 ± 14 min, P = 0.704). NEFA concentrations were higher in FASTED at pre-exercise, post exercise and 30 min post exercise (pre-lunch) (all P < 0.05) but no differences were observed for glucose, cholesterol or triglycerides. Carbohydrate oxidation was greater at all time-points during FED exercise (all P < 0.05). Minimal changes in appetite were observed post lunch ingestion with no differences in PYY or GHR observed between trials. GLP-1 concentrations were greater in FED post-breakfast and pre-exercise (P < 0.05), though no differences were observed after lunch. A greater concentration of PP was observed in FED from pre-exercise to 30 min post lunch consumption (all P < 0.05). Insulin concentrations were higher in FED pre-exercise but higher in FASTED 1.5 h post lunch (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that gastrointestinal function, hunger and appetite regulatory hormones are not sensitive to low-intensity bouts of physical activity and holds positive implications for weight management practices.

The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Gastric Emptying Rate, Appetite and Gut Derived Hormone Responses after Consuming a Standardised Semi-Solid Meal in Healthy Males.

This study investigated the acute circulating gut hormone, appetite and gastric emptying rate responses to a semi-solid meal following exercise at different intensities. Twelve men completed three trials in a randomised-crossover design, consisting of continuous cycling at 70% V˙O2Peak (HIGH), 40% V˙O2Peak (LOW) or rest (CONTROL). Baseline samples were collected after an overnight fast before undertaking the 60 min exercise or rest period, followed by 30 min rest before consumption of a standardised semi-solid meal (~242 kcal). During the 2 h postprandial period, gastric emptying rate of the meal was examined using the 13C-breath test method, appetite was measured using visual analogue scales, and serum concentrations of acylated ghrelin, pancreatic polypeptide, peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-1, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids were assessed. Subjective appetite response was not different between trials (p > 0.05). Half emptying time of the meal was 89 ± 13, 82 ± 8 and 94 ± 31 min on CONTROL, LOW and HIGH, respectively (p = 0.247). In healthy un-trained adult males, responses to exercise at intensities of 70% and 40% V˙O2Peak did not differ to a non-exercise control for measurements of subsequent gastric emptying, circulating gut hormone response or appetite. These results suggest that exercise intensity has little effect on post-exercise appetite response to a semi-solid meal.

Bolus Ingestion of Whey Protein Immediately Post-Exercise Does Not Influence Rehydration Compared to Energy-Matched Carbohydrate Ingestion.

Whey protein is a commonly ingested nutritional supplement amongst athletes and regular exercisers; however, its role in post-exercise rehydration remains unclear. Eight healthy male and female participants completed two experimental trials involving the ingestion of 35 g of whey protein (WP) or maltodextrin (MD) at the onset of a rehydration period, followed by ingestion of water to a volume equivalent to 150% of the amount of body mass lost during exercise in the heat. The gastric emptying rates of the solutions were measured using 13C breath tests. Recovery was monitored for a further 3 h by the collection of blood and urine samples. The time taken to empty half of the initial solution (T1/2) was different between the trials (WP = 65.5 ± 11.4 min; MD = 56.7 ± 6.3 min; p = 0.05); however, there was no difference in cumulative urine volume throughout the recovery period (WP = 1306 ± 306 mL; MD = 1428 ± 443 mL; p = 0.314). Participants returned to net negative fluid balance 2 h after the recovery period with MD and 3 h with WP. The results of this study suggest that whey protein empties from the stomach at a slower rate than MD; however, this does not seem to exert any positive or negative effects on the maintenance of fluid balance in the post-exercise period.