Why phylogenetic signal of traits is important in ecosystems: uniformity of a plant trait increases soil fauna, but only in a phylogenetically uniform vegetation.

Phylogenetically closely related plant species often share similar trait states (phylogenetic signal), but local assembly may favor dissimilar relatives and thereby decouple the diversity of a trait from the diversity of phylogenetic lineages. Associated fauna might either benefit from plant trait diversity, because it provides them complementary resources, or suffer from it due to dilution of preferred resources. We hence hypothesize that decoupling of trait and phylogenetic diversity weakens the relationship between the plant-trait diversity and the abundance and diversity of associated fauna. Studying permanent meadows, we tested for combined effects of plant phylogenetic diversity and diversity of two functional traits (specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content) on major groups of soil fauna (earthworms, mites, springtails, nematodes). We found that only in phylogenetically uniform plant communities, was uniformity in the functional traits associated with (i) high abundance in springtails, and (ii) high abundance of the sub-group that feeds more directly on plant material (in springtails and mites) or those that are more prone to disturbance (in nematodes), and (iii) high diversity in all three groups tested (springtails, earthworms, nematodes). Our results suggest that soil fauna profits from the resource concentration in local plant communities that are uniform in both functional traits and phylogenetic lineages. Soil fauna would hence benefit from co-occurrence of closely related plants that have conserved the same trait values, rather than of distantly related plants that have converged in traits. This might result in faster decomposition and a positive feedback between trait conservatism and ecosystem functioning.

Effects of a Cereal Bar with a Combination of Phytoestrogens on the Climacteric Symptoms: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether the consumption of a cereal bar combining different phytoestrogens could contribute to the reduction of climacteric symptoms in women. METHODS: This is a clinical, prospective, randomized, simple-blind trial. Forty-eight women, aged 40-65 years, with climacteric symptoms, from a city in southwestern Paraná, Brazil. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups; Phytoestrogens group (PHY = 24), which received for 90-day period a cereal bar containing 80.73 milligrams of soybean and flaxseed phytoestrogens, and the placebo group (PLA = 24), which consumed rice flakes biscuit. Clinical, sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected and climacteric symptoms were assessed using the Kupperman Index (KI). RESULTS: Forty-three women were analyzed (PHY = 21 and PLA = 22). There were significant reductions in the overall KI score in both groups at the end of the intervention period (p < 0.05). However, the comparison between the groups using linear regression models presented expressively better symptom improvement in the PHY group -6.43 over time (95% CI: -11.6; -1.26; p < 0.05) KI points, with perimenopausal -15.15 (95% CI: -28.95; -1.35) and postmenopausal women -19.34 (95% CI: -33.68; -4.99) showed considerably greater reductions in symptoms at the end of the intervention period compared to premenopausal women. There was also significant reduction in symptoms of hot flushes, paresthesia, sexual complaints, insomnia and melancholy. CONCLUSION: The consumption of a cereal bar containing phytoestrogens was able to improve the symptoms of climacteric syndrome.

Effects of antenatal exercise in overweight and obese pregnant women on maternal and perinatal outcomes: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether antenatal exercise in overweight/obese women would improve maternal and perinatal outcomes. DESIGN: Two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Home-based intervention in Auckland, New Zealand. POPULATION AND SAMPLE: Pregnant women with body mass index ≥25 kg/m(2) . METHODS: Participants were randomised to a 16-week moderate-intensity stationary cycling programme from 20 weeks of gestation, or to a control group with no exercise intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was offspring birthweight. Perinatal and maternal outcomes were assessed, with the latter including weight gain, aerobic fitness, quality of life, pregnancy outcomes, and postnatal body composition. Exercise compliance was recorded with heart rate monitors. RESULTS: Seventy-five participants were randomised in the study (intervention 38, control 37). Offspring birthweight (adjusted mean difference 104 g; P = 0.35) and perinatal outcomes were similar between groups. Aerobic fitness improved in the intervention group compared with controls (48.0-second improvement in test time to target heart rate; P = 0.019). There was no difference in weight gain, quality of life, pregnancy outcomes or postnatal maternal body composition between groups. However, compliance with exercise protocol was poor, with an average of 33% of exercise sessions completed. Sensitivity analyses showed that greater compliance was associated with improved fitness (increased test time (P = 0.002), greater VO2 peak (P = 0.015), and lower resting heart rate (P = 0.014)), reduced postnatal adiposity (reduced fat mass (P = 0.007) and body mass index (P = 0.035)) and better physical quality of life (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal non-weight-bearing moderate-intensity exercise in pregnancy improved fitness but did not affect birthweight or clinical outcomes. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Moderate-intensity exercise in overweight/obese pregnant women improved fitness but had no clinical effects.

Hemicellulosic Ethanol Production by Immobilized Wild Brazilian Yeast Scheffersomyces shehatae UFMG-HM 52.2: Effects of Cell Concentration and Stirring Rate.

The use of sugarcane bagasse hemicellulosic hydrolysates presents an interesting alternative to second generation (2G) ethanol production. Techniques to enhance the fermentation process, e.g., the use of immobilized cells, is one of the key factors for efficient production. Here, the effect of two important parameters (cell concentration in immobilized system and stirring rate) on the 2G ethanol production using the wild Brazilian yeast S. shehatae UFMG-HM 52.2 immobilized in calcium alginate matrix are presented. A 2(2) full factorial design of experiments was carried out to evaluate the effect of cell concentrations in sodium alginate solution for immobilized bead production (3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 g/L) and stirring rate (150, 200, and 250 rpm) for 2G ethanol production. Statistical analysis showed that the use of both variables at low levels enhanced ethanol yield (YP/S). Under these process conditions, YP/S of 0.31 g/g and ethanol productivity (Qp) of 0.12 g/L h were achieved. Results showed the potential of this immobilized yeast in 2G ethanol production from C5 sugars and demonstrate the importance of adequate cell concentration in immobilized systems, a finding that stands to increase bioprocesses yields and productivity.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus affects lysosomal enzymes in rat liver

It has been previously shown that dextran sulfate administered to diabetic rats accumulates in the liver and kidney, and this could be due to a malfunction of the lysosomal digestive pathway. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and activities of lysosomal enzymes that act upon proteins and sulfated polysaccharides in the livers of diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in 26 male Wistar rats (12 weeks old), while 26 age-matched controls received only vehicle. The livers were removed on either the 10th or the 30th day of the disease, weighed, and used to evaluate the activity, expression, and localization of lysosomal enzymes. A 50-60% decrease in the specific activities of cysteine proteases, especially cathepsin B, was observed in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Expression (mRNA) of cathepsins B and L was also decreased on the 10th, but not on the 30th day. Sulfatase decreased 30% on the 30th day, while glycosidases did not vary (or presented a transitory and slight decrease). There were no apparent changes in liver morphology, and immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of cathepsin B in hepatocyte granules. The decrease in sulfatase could be responsible for the dextran sulfate build-up in the diabetic liver, since the action of sulfatase precedes glycosidases in the digestive pathway of sulfated polysaccharides. Our findings suggest that the decreased activities of cathepsins resulted from decreased expression of their genes, and not from general lysosomal failure, because the levels of glycosidases were normal in the diabetic liver.

Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus affects lysosomal enzymes in rat liver.

It has been previously shown that dextran sulfate administered to diabetic rats accumulates in the liver and kidney, and this could be due to a malfunction of the lysosomal digestive pathway. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression and activities of lysosomal enzymes that act upon proteins and sulfated polysaccharides in the livers of diabetic rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin in 26 male Wistar rats (12 weeks old), while 26 age-matched controls received only vehicle. The livers were removed on either the 10th or the 30th day of the disease, weighed, and used to evaluate the activity, expression, and localization of lysosomal enzymes. A 50-60% decrease in the specific activities of cysteine proteases, especially cathepsin B, was observed in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. Expression (mRNA) of cathepsins B and L was also decreased on the 10th, but not on the 30th day. Sulfatase decreased 30% on the 30th day, while glycosidases did not vary (or presented a transitory and slight decrease). There were no apparent changes in liver morphology, and immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of cathepsin B in hepatocyte granules. The decrease in sulfatase could be responsible for the dextran sulfate build-up in the diabetic liver, since the action of sulfatase precedes glycosidases in the digestive pathway of sulfated polysaccharides. Our findings suggest that the decreased activities of cathepsins resulted from decreased expression of their genes, and not from general lysosomal failure, because the levels of glycosidases were normal in the diabetic liver.

Specific IgG levels to wheat in wheat tolerant professional cyclists may depend on a homeostatic immune response to a high consumption of wheat.

BACKGROUND: Implication of IgG antibodies to wheat has been alleged in gastrointestinal symptoms. Precise data on the specific IgG levels in healthy subjects are lacking. Our objectives are to compare levels of IgG antibodies to wheat protein fractions in healthy non atopic or atopic subjects, and in healthy professional cyclist subjects, taking into account the quantitative consumption of wheat. METHODS: 24 control subjects and 26 professional cyclist subjects were selected. ELISA was performed to 2 wheat commercial solutions and to 3 wheat protein fractions. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between non atopic and atopic subjects. For wheat flour extract, physiological norm determined was 3.27 mg/L sIgG concentration +/- 1.25 CI (95% confidence intervals) for the professional cyclists (vs 1.56 mg/L +/- 0.91 CI in control subjects, p-value: 0.040). For gluten solution, physiological norm was 1.42 mg/L +/- 0.60 CI (vs 0.50 +/- 0.24 CI in control subjects, p-value: 0.010). CONCLUSION: Atopic and non atopic healthy adults have a similar level of sIgG to wheat. Increased levels of sIgG are observed correlatively with an excessive consumption, and could contribute to homeostasis of tolerance. Studies searching for a pathogenic role of sIgG in certain pathologies should take into account the quantitative consumption.

Postural control in obese adolescents assessed by limits of stability and gait initiation.

The biomechanical changes in postural control and in motor activities linked to obesity are still not fully understood. The aim of this study was to assess the adaptation in static and dynamic control of equilibrium when the body mass to be stabilized and moved is increased through obesity. Postural stability limits and gait initiation at slow and fast velocities were compared in a case control study that included a group of obese adolescents and a control group of adolescents with normal weight. The consequences of overweight are more clearly evident from the results on dynamic stability of the obese group than those on static equilibrium. Both the lower values of the biomechanical parameters characterizing the progression velocity of gait and the longer duration of the swing phase for the fast velocity condition suggest that obesity acts as a slowing factor. However, the reduction of the postural stability limits of the obese group, their inability to increase the anticipatory phase duration unlike the control group, the increase in the double support phase duration as well as some difficulty in controlling the fall of the centre of gravity suggest that, in these subjects, an adaptive strategy is adopted to preserve equilibrium by limiting progression velocity.

Validation and influence of anthropometric and kinematic models of obese teenagers in vertical jump performance and mechanical internal energy expenditure.

There may be concerns about the validity of kinetic models when studying locomotion in obese subjects (OS). The aim of the present study was to improve and validate a relevant representation of obese subject from four kinetic models. Fourteen teenagers with severe primary obesity (BMI = 40 +/- 5.2 kg/m(2)), were studied during jumping. The jumps were filmed by six cameras (synchronized, 50 Hz), associated with a force-plate (1,000 Hz). All the tested models were valid; the linear mechanical analysis of the jumps gave similar results (p > 0.05); but there were significantly different segment inertias when considering the subjects' abdomen (p < 0.01), which was associated with a significantly higher mechanical internal energy expenditure (p < 0.01) than that estimated from Dempster's and Hanavan's model, by about 40 and 30%. The validation of a modelling specifically for obese subjects will enable a better understanding of their locomotion.

Measuring the contribution of pharmacological treatment to advice to stay active in patients with subacute low-back pain: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: In clinical guidelines for acute and subacute low-back pain, pharmacological treatment is recommended for short-term symptomatic relief. The objective was to study the effect of the guidelines' advise to remain active, alone and with the addition of the drug adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP), in patients with subacute low-back pain. METHODS: A drug-guidelines effectiveness trial was undertaken simultaneously to an experimental drug efficacy placebo controlled trial in subacute (4-12 weeks) non-specific low-back pain patients. The 132 participating primary care physicians across France were randomised to participate to either trial. In the drug-guidelines trial, all physicians received a quick consultation card containing the key elements of the clinical guidelines and a brochure that gave their patients practical tips to remain active. Patients were then randomised to receive Atepadene, containing 90 mg of ATP by mouth daily for 30 days (guidelines plus ATP group), or nothing beside the rescue drug that was made available to all patients (guidelines alone group). The principal outcome was functional improvement on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) at 90 days. RESULTS: In the drug-guidelines effectiveness trial, 157 patients were randomised. The rate of improvement in the RDQ over the 90 days of follow-up was superior in the group guidelines plus ATP (8.3 points, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3-9.3) than in the group guidelines alone (6.5 points, 95%CI: 5.3-7.7) (p = 0.02). In terms of probability of improving between two to five points on the RDQ at 90 days this difference translated in a 2 to 13 times higher probability compared to the group guidelines alone (odds ratios ranging from 2.1, 95%CI: 0.9-5.0 to 12.9, 95%CI: 1.6-103.4). Patients in the group guidelines plus ATP were also three times less likely to report a condition that had worsened or remained unimproved at 90 days (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This drug-guidelines effectiveness trial showed a modest advantage of combined specific pharmacologic and non-pharmacological treatments on absolute improvement on the RDQ. A threefold reduction in the risk of chronicity was observed, an important goal in low-back pain guidelines.

Effects of a multidisciplinary weight loss intervention on anaerobic and aerobic aptitudes in severely obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if a multidisciplinary weight loss programme in adolescents suffering severe obesity allows an improvement of anaerobic and aerobic aptitudes. DESIGN: In all, 55 adolescents (33 girls and 22 boys) suffering from severe obesity were enrolled in an interdisciplinary weight reduction programme lasting 6-12 months. Progressive submaximal physical activity was performed and national dietary allowances for adolescents with low levels of physical activity were provided. MEASUREMENTS: Total and regional body composition and anaerobic aptitudes (handgrip strength (HGS), vertical jump height (VJH)) and aerobic aptitudes (maximal aerobic power (MAP), maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max))) were measured before and after weight loss. RESULTS: The mean reduction of body mass index (BMI) was similar in girls (21.4+/-5.9%) and boys (23.7+/-6.4%). Fat mass (FM) steepest drop was observed in the trunk (-63.2+/-10.1% in boys and -51.5+/-11.4% in girls). The total lean mass (LM) did not vary in both sexes. Right HGS and VJH increased in both sexes (P<0.05), whereas left HGS increased only in boys. MAP and VO(2max) per kg BW increased (P< 0.0001) in both sexes (2.3+/-0.3 vs 1.7+/-0.3 W/kg and 32.8+/-4.5 vs 26.7+/-4.1 ml/min/kg in girls and 2.8+/-1.9 vs 1.9+/-0.4 W/kg and 39.1+/-6.3 vs 27.9+/-5.1 ml/min/kg in boys, respectively), whereas MAP and VO(2max) in absolute value and per kg LM increased only in boys (P=0.04). Total LM was the strongest determinant of HGS, VJH, MAP and VO(2max) in both sexes (P<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary weight reduction programme including moderate dietary restriction in combination with regular physical training induced an improvement of anaerobic and aerobic aptitudes, a marked reduction of obesity and a preservation of LM in severely obese adolescents.

Effects of a multidisciplinary weight loss intervention on body composition in obese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if a multidisciplinary weight loss program in adolescents suffering severe obesity allows adequate growth and development and avoid lean mass loss. DESIGN: A total of 55 adolescents (33 girls and 22 boys) suffering severe obesity were enrolled in an interdisciplinary weight reduction program lasting 6-12 months. Progressive submaximal physical activity was performed and national dietary allowances for adolescents with low levels of physical activity energy were provided. MEASUREMENTS: Total and segmental body composition was assessed by means of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The mean height significantly increased (P<0.001). The mean body mass index (BMI) dropped in boys from 34.5+/-3.2 to 25.5+/-2.3 kg/m(2) and in girls from 38.4+/-4.1 to 28.4+/-4.1 kg/m(2). Height increased according to the expected pattern (P<0.001). Total lean mass (LM) did not vary and was positively correlated to pubertal development in both sexes before and after weight loss. Steepest drop in fat mass (FM) was observed in the trunk (-63.2+/-10.1% in boys and -51.5+/-11.4% in girls). Decrease in BMI and FM was tightly correlated in both sexes. However, slopes significantly differed (P<0.0005) so that a decrease of 1 kg/m(2) in BMI corresponded to a decrease of 3.92 kg in FM in girls and of 5.44 kg in boys. In each sex, FM at baseline and duration of the treatment were the main determinants of the decrease in FM. CONCLUSION: During adolescence, despite a major weight loss, adequate growth and preservation of LM can be achieved. Weight loss kinetics markedly differs between boys and girls. Low-calorie diets are unnecessary to achieve a marked reduction of severe obesity during puberty.

Acute effects of an oral calcium load on markers of bone metabolism during endurance cycling exercise in male athletes.

Although sport and physical activity are generally considered as positive factors for bone metabolism some endurance trainings such as running and bicycling have few or no beneficial or even deleterious effects on bone mineral density. The present study was designed to investigate the acute effect of an intensive endurance cycling exercise on biochemical bone markers. Furthermore, the effect of the oral intake of 1 g calcium load, by drinking high-calcium mineral water, just prior to and during the exercise was checked. Twelve well-trained elite male triathletes aged 23-37 years were explored. The serum concentrations of calcium, phosphate, PTH, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) were measured before, during and after a 60 min 80% VO2max cycle ergometer exercise. Since cycling exercise was accompanied by a reduction in plasma volume the total amount of biochemical bone markers was calculated. When the exercise was performed without calcium load both serum concentrations and total amount of CTX began to increase progressively 30 min after the start of the exercise and were still significantly elevated, by 45-50%, 2h after the end of the exercise. Ingestion of high-calcium mineral water completely suppressed the CTX response. By contrast serum concentrations and total amount of BALP fluctuated and showed no significant difference with or without calcium load. The present study demonstrates that the burst of osteoclastic activity acutely induced by an endurance cycling exercise can be suppressed by the previous intake of a calcium load afforded by drinking high-calcium mineral water.

Wintertime vitamin D deficiency in male adolescents: effect on parathyroid function and response to vitamin D3 supplements.

The first part of this study consisted of an 18 month follow-up of the vitamin D status and parathyroid function in a group of 54 French male adolescents, aged from 13 to 16 years old and all pupils of a jockey training school. During the 18 month period four samplings were made, one every 6 months. The first was during September of the first year, the second and third during March and October of the second year, and the last in March of the third year. Therefore we had two main periods: summer and winter. The summer 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were higher (71.6 +/- 19.9 and 52.4 +/- 16.5 nmol/l) than the winter ones (20.4 +/- 6.9 and 21.4 +/- 6.1 nmol/l). Conversely, the winter intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) serum levels (4.18 +/- 1.18 and 4.11 +/- 1.35 pmol/l) were higher than the summer ones (2.44 +/- 0.82 and 2.71 +/- 0.71 pmol/l). At the two winter time points the 25(OH)D concentrations were lower than 25 nmol/l (10 ng/ml) in 72% (2nd year) and 68% (3rd year) of the adolescents. In the second part of the study we tried a vitamin D3 supplementation procedure designed to maintain the 25(OH)D and iPTH postsummer serum levels throughout the winter. Pairs of male adolescents matched for height, weight and Tanner pubertal stage were randomly assigned to either vitamin D3 supplementation (2.5 mg, i.e., 100,000 IU) administered orally at three specific periods (end of September, November and January) or no vitamin D3 treatment (control subjects). Blood was collected just before the first intake of vitamin D3 and 2 months after the last intake (March). The control subjects had blood drawn at the same time points. In the vitamin D3-treated subjects, the concentrations of 25 (OH)D (55.3 +/- 11.5 nmol/l) and of iPTH (3.09 +/- 1.16 pmol/l) in March and September (53.8 +/- 12.3 nmol/l and 2.75 +/- 1.26 pmol/l) were not significantly different. In the control subjects, March 25(OH)D levels (21.0 +/- nmol/l were low, with values below 25 nmol/l in 78% of subjects, and iPTH concentrations (3.97 +/- 1.08 pmol/l) were significantly (p<0.001) higher than in September (2.91 +/- 0.81 pmol/l). The constant vitamin D wintertime deficiency and wintertime rise in iPTH in adolescent French males throughout puberty has been demonstrated. In adolescents with low dairy calcium intakes, the vitamin D3 treatment was sufficient to maintain 25(OH)D concentrations at their summer levels throughout winter and to prevent an excessive wintertime rise in iPTH levels.

Testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin in sedentary and physically trained aged men.

The influence of physical activity on dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), total and free testosterone (TT and FT, respectively), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and insulin concentrations in aging men was investigated. Eight trained and nine sedentary men aged 60-65 years volunteered to participate in this study. Physical activity was determined during an effort test and evaluated by the measure of the maximal aerobic power (W(aer,max)). In the trained aging men, the W(aer,max) was higher than in the sedentary group of matching age [mean (SD) 206.8 (17.1) W versus 136.6 (12.3) W; P<0.0001]. The fat percentage was higher in the sedentary (n = 9) than in the trained (n = 8) group [23.9 (3.2)% versus 14.6 (3.7)%; P<0.0001]. DHEAS and IGF-1 levels were higher in trained than in sedentary subjects, respectively 2.04 (1) micromol/l versus 1.01 (0.68) micromol/l (P=0.02) and 192.1 (40.1) ng/ml versus 132.8 (31.2) ng/ml (P= 0.003). Insulin levels were higher in sedentary subjects [11.2 (3.5) mIU/l versus 7.6 (2.2) mIU/l, P=0.03]. No statistical difference was observed between both groups for FT and total TT values, FSH values and LH values. IGF-1 was correlated with W(aer,max) (r = 0.64, P = 0.003), and DHEAS was correlated with IGF-1 (r=0.59, P=0.01). We observed a relationship between fat percentage and each of the following hormones: IGF-1 (r=-0.50, P=0.03), FT (r=-0.66, P= 0.002), TT (r=-0.54, P = 0.02) and insulin (r=0.63, P=0.004). Insulin was inversely correlated with FT (r= -0.66, P=0.002) and TT (r=-0.47, P=0.05). These results suggest that regular physical activity could maintain higher DHEAS and IGF-1 and lean body mass levels in elderly men, and participate in general well being in older age.

Does perceived exertion depend on glycemic index of foods ingested throughout three hours before a one-hour high-intensity exercise?

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationships between perceived exertion (RPE) and plasma glucose concentrations or hunger feelings during a 1-hr. bicycle submaximal exercise after ingestion of pre-exercise test foods with a different glycemic index. Each of endurance-trained male triathletes ingested three different glycemic index (GI) foods (HighGI: glucose, LowGI: whole-wheat biscuit or water) throughout the 3 hr. before exercise at 80% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max). RPE values increased as a logarithmic function of time. This result is opposite to results obtained with longer exercise bouts up to 3 hr. duration. RPE and hunger ratings were not significantly different for the three test foods whatever the time. Moreover, RPE did not correlate with plasma glucose concentrations during exercise. Consequently, RPE did not depend on the GI of the pre-exercise test foods during a 1-hr. exercise at 80% VO2 max. Physiological and psychological factors other than glycemic index may have mediated the perceptual responses during a 1-hr. high-intensity exercise. It is possible that during endurance exercise of longer duration, the level of blood glucose mediates the intensity of peripheral exertional perceptions arising from active skeletal muscle during prolonged exercise.

TRACE-derived Temperature and Emission Measure Profiles along Long-lived Coronal Loops: The Role of Filamentation.

In a recent Letter, Lenz et al. have shown evidence of uniform temperature along steady long coronal loops observed by TRACE in two different passbands (171 and 195 Å filters). We propose that such a piece of evidence can be explained by the subarcsecond structuring of the loops across the magnetic field lines. In this perspective, we present a model of a bundle of six thin parallel hydrostatic filaments with temperature stratification dictated by detailed energy balance and with temperatures at their apex ranging between 0.8 and 5 MK. If analyzed as a single loop, the bundle would appear isothermal along most of its length.