Exercise training in overweight and obese children: Recreational football and high-intensity interval training provide similar benefits to physical fitness.

This study compared the effects of recreational football and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition, muscular fitness, and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight and obese children. Forty-two overweight/obese males aged 11-13 years [body mass index (BMI) >20.5 kg/m2 ] were randomly assigned to a recreational football training group (n = 14; 157.9 ± 5.8 cm; 63.7 ± 12.6 kg), HIIT group (n = 14; 163.8 ± 9.4 cm; 71.5 ± 10.5 kg), or nontraining control group (n = 14; 162.7 ± 9.3 cm; 67.4 ± 16.1 kg). Physical fitness components were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks of training at the same time of the day and under similar conditions, including body composition, muscular fitness (lower-body power, change-of-direction speed, and flexibility), and cardiovascular fitness (Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance test distance, resting heart rate, and blood pressure). Lean body mass (4.3%, ES = 0.40; 95% CI: -0.48, 1.29; P = .382) and muscle mass 4.4% (ES = 0.40; 95% CI: -0.48, 1.29; P = .378) very likely increased in the recreational football group, while possible improvements were observed in the HIIT group (lean body mass: 2.5%, ES = 0.22; 95% CI: -0.62, 1.06; P = .607, muscle mass: 2.8%, ES = 0.23; 95% CI: -0.61, 1.07; P = .594). Only trivial increases were observed in the control group for lean body mass (0.5%, ES = 0.05; 95% CI: -0.70, 0.79; P = .906) and muscle mass (1.1%, ES = 0.09; 95% CI: -0.65, 0.83; P = .814). Significant differences were found between the recreational football and control groups in post-training body mass (P = .034) and body mass index (P = .017). Body fat very likely decreased in the recreational football group (-7.7%, ES = -0.41; 95% CI: -1.29, 0.48; P = .376) and possibly decreased in the HIIT group (-5.2%, ES = -0.22; 95% CI: -1.05, 0.62; P = .607), with a trivial reduction in the control group (-1.1%, ES = -0.04; 95% CI: -0.78, 0.70; P = .914). Very likely increases in lower-body power were evident in the recreational football (17.0%, ES = 0.76; 95% CI: -0.15, 1.66; P = .107) and control groups (16.1%, ES = 0.55; 95% CI: -0.20, 1.31; P = .156), while small improvements were observed in the HIIT group (6.0%, ES = 0.24; 95% CI: -0.60, 1.08; P = .580, possible). Likely to most likely improvements in Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance test performance and change-of-direction speed were noted in the recreational football group (Yo-Yo: 79.8%, ES = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.16, 2.03; P = .025, change-of-direction speed: -10.6%, ES = -1.05; 95% CI: -1.98, -0.12; P = .031) and the HIIT group (Yo-Yo: 81.2%, ES = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.15, 1.92; P = .025, change-of-direction speed: -5.4%, ES = -0.91; 95% CI: -1.79, -0.04; P = .045). Diastolic blood pressure likely decreased in the recreational football (-8.6%, ES = -0.74; 95% CI: -1.64, 0.17; P = .116) and HIIT groups (-9.8%, ES = -0.57; 95% CI: -1.40, 0.30; P = .195), with a possible increase in the control group (1.2%, ES = 0.21; 95% CI: -0.53, 0.96; P = .068). Recreational football and HIIT elicited improvements in all muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness measures. In contrast, the control group, which performed only physical education classes, increased body mass, BMI, and fat mass. Therefore, additional activities such as recreational football or HIIT might counter the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children.

α-Tocopherol Reduces Morphological Changes and Oxidative Stress during Gentamicin-Induced Acute Renal Failure.

We studied the effect of α-tocopherol on gentamicin-induced morphological and functional changes in the kidneys of Wistar rats. Special attention was paid to the ability of α-tocopherol administered in combination with gentamicin to correct ultrastructural changes in the glomerular basal membrane and tubules. Combined treatment with α-tocopherol (100 mg/kg) and gentamicin (100 mg/kg) led to correction of histopathological and biochemical changes and oxidative injury to the kidneys induced by this antibiotic.

Specific alterations of physiological parameters in competitive race walkers.

Race walking is the technical and athletic expression of fast walking and it can be considered as a type of endurance performance. The purpose of this study was to examine whether 12 weeks of a specially designed training program results in the further training enhancement of endurance performance and the related physiological parameters in already well-trained race walkers competing at the national and international level. The investigation protocol consisted of determining the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and related gas exchange values using an automated cardiopulmonary exercise system and of determining blood lactate variables (aerobic threshold - LTAer and the maximal lactate steady state - MLSS) during walking with proper technique at 8, 10, 12 and 14 km·h-1 for 4 minutes without rest in between. Thereafter, the speed on the treadmill was increased by 0.5 km·h-1 every two minutes until exhaustion to determine VO2peak. After 12 weeks of a specially designed endurance training, statistically significant increases in VO2peak (61.8±8.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 pre vs. 66.9±9.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 post training; p<0.05) and blood lactate variables (VO2-LTAer and VO2-MLSS; p<0.05) were noted. The obtained results suggest that the applied training program can improve endurance and race performance in previously well trained race walkers.

Two-component transdental implants.

Transdental implantation is a procedure of tooth stabilization in maxillary and/or mandibular bone. Indications for use of these implants are root fractures, chronic periapical inflammations and periodontal disease. Transdental implants have been used in the Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery since 1977. In the period of 20 years of treatment 490 two-component transdental implants have been inserted and failure rate was 9% (43). Considering our experience and that of other authors we can conclude that with proper indications and sophisticated surgical technique the use of this type of implants has favorable survival rate.