INTRODUCTION: Prolonged and chronic sedentary behavior (SB) contributes to negative metabolic health. As SB time continues to increase, there is an increasing trend towards performing short bouts of exercise over the course of the day to break up the SB. Recent research into the metabolic benefits of short exercise bouts have focused on exercise done at a self-selected pace. Although exercise at a self-selected pace has been shown to improve glucose metabolism, these studies have not looked at the relationship between the intensity of these bouts and the improvements in glucose metabolism. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between exercise intensity during a short bout of combined arm and leg cycling (CALC) at a self-selected pace and the acute effects on glucose metabolism. We hypothesized that as exercise intensity increased there would be a greater decrease in the 60-min total (tAUC) and incremental area under the curve (iAUC) compared to control. METHODS: Participants completed a VO2max test at baseline and three randomized experimental trials. Two of the experimental trials consisted of a 1-min (1 M) or 5-min (5 M) bout of CALC at a self-selected pace. The third trial was a non-exercise control (CON) trial. Exercise intensity was measured via indirect calorimetry. Immediately following both exercise trials and during the CON trial, participants completed a 60-min oral glucose tolerance test. A simple linear regression was used to look at the relationship between the change in iAUC and tAUC and exercise intensity following the exercise bouts. RESULTS: Average exercise intensity during the 1 M and 5 M bouts was 45.5 ± 15.0% and 54.0 ± 15.2 % of VO2max respectively. The average decrease in iAUC and tAUC for the 1 M bout was 40.0 ± 139.0 mg/dl/hr and 37.0 ± 125.3 mg/dl/hr respectively. The average decrease in iAUC and tAUC for the 5 M bout was 39.9 ± 122.5 mg/dl/hr and 71.6 ± 104.7 mg/dl/hr respectively. The results of the linear regression show that exercise intensity did not predict the change in iAUC or tAUC during either the 1 M or 5 M exercise trial. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that there is no relationship between exercise intensity and the change in iAUC and tAUC following a short bout of CALC. Short bouts of CALC done at a self-selected pace may have the potential to improve glucose metabolism.
The increased prevalence of obesity coinciding with a growing population of aging adults, warrants a better understanding of how weight-loss may mitigate peripheral biomarkers of neurological health. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a 3-month intensive lifestyle management weight-loss program on the interactions between total and regional body composition and biomarkers of neurological health. METHODS: Women and men who were overweight or obese (n = 37; mean ± SEM, age = 46.2 ± 1.5 years, body mass index (BMI) = 34.2 ± 0.9 kg/m2) completed a 3-month weight-loss program consisting of a reduced energy intake to 1200-1500 kcals/day combined with a progressive walking program targeting 300 min/wk. RESULTS: At the end of 3 months, repeated measures 2 x 2 ANOVA showed (p < 0.05) body mass (-9.0 ± 0.7%), BMI (-8.8 ± 0.6%) and waist circumference (-6.9 ± 0.8%) were reduced with the majority of adiposity reduced in the android region (-12.4 ± 1.6%) and waist (-22.4 ± 1.9%) regions. Men generally showed greater reductions in total and regional adiposity when compared to women. Weight-loss reduced HOMA-IR (7.6 ± 1.5 vs. 4.5 ± 0.6, p = 0.012) and leptin (20.22 ± 1.99 vs. 12.54 ± 1.56 ng/mL, p < 0.001) concentrations and increased high molecular weight adiponectin (4.46 ± 0.46 vs. 4.74 ± 0.48 mg/mL, p = 0.048), adiponectin:leptin ratio (0.95 ± 0.27 vs. 1.82 ± 0.54, p = 0.002) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; 3.88 ± 0.56 vs. 5.15 ± 0.56 ng/mL, p < 0.001). A gender difference was observed at baseline for BDNF with men having lower levels than women and only men showing an increase in BDNF following weight-loss. Only changes in waist circumference were correlated (p < 0.05) with changes in leptin (r = -0.326) concentration; however, changes in BDNF were correlated with changes in total body fat mass (r = -0.376), waist fat mass (r = -0.355) and leg fat mass (r = -0.375). No correlations were observed between metabolic biomarkers and brain health biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data shows that women may be protected against the BDNF lowering effects of increased adiposity. In addition, total and regional fat mass loss differed between men and woman in part explaining the gender differences in weight-loss induced effects on BDNF. Supported by SIUE Seed Grants for Transitional and Exploratory Projects.
PURPOSE: Prolonged and chronic sedentary behavior contributes to negative metabolic health conditions. Prevalence rates of adults participating in sedentary behavior are increasing, acknowledging the need to break up sedentary behavior over the course of the day. Research has shown that short bouts of exercise throughout the day can minimize the negative metabolic effects seen from excessive sedentary behavior, providing evidence that any bout of physical activity adds health benefit. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effects of short bouts of combined arm and leg cycling on glucose metabolism. We hypothesized that 1-min and 5-min bouts of exercise would produce a lower 60-min total area under the curve (tAUC) in a dose dependent manner, compared to control. METHODS: Baseline testing consisted of height, weight, DEXA scan, and VO2max. A repeated measures design was used with participants completing three experimental trials. Two of the trials consisted of either a 1-min or 5-min bout of combined arm and leg cycling at a self-selected pace. The third trial was a non-exercise control trial. Participants completed a 60-min oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (75 g glucose beverage) immediately after exercise. A 1-way repeated measures ANOVA was done to determine if there were any significant differences between the trials for the tAUC during the 60-min OGTT. RESULTS: Participants (n = 13) were young (age = 21.3 ± 1.5 yrs), normal weight (BMI = 24.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2), aerobically fit (VO2max = 44.5 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min), and non-diabetic (fasting blood glucose = 94.0 ± 9.4 mg/dl). The results show that there was no significant differences between the tAUC for the control trial (1206.5 ± 41.4 mg/dl/hr), the 1-min bout (1190.1 ± 31.4 mg/dl/hr), or the 5-min bout (1190.0 ± 29.7 mg/dl/hr). CONCLUSIONS: Short bouts of combined arm and leg cycling did not significantly reduce blood glucose tAUC in healthy, young adults, compared to the control trials. An increase in exercise duration and intensity may need to be controlled to see significant results in this population. Future research is needed to further understand the impact of combined arm and leg cycling on acute glucose metabolism and may need to include populations that are at risk for impaired glucose metabolism.
Sedentary behavior (SB) can be defined as any waking activity that requires an energy expenditure of less than 1.5 metabolic equivalents (METs). The primary types of SB are lying, sitting and standing still. SB has been linked to many health issues such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease and daily time spent participating in these behaviors keeps increasing. The measurement of SB is difficult and is traditionally done via subjective means such as a self-report questionnaire or daily log. When compared to objective methods such as accelerometers there are often large differences between the measures of daily SB. College students are at high risk for excessive SB and the current COVID-19 pandemic has created even more of an opportunity for SB. Due to lockdowns, online synchronous classes, and gym restrictions, students have become even less active than before. The Past-day Adult’s Sedentary Time-University (PAST-U) questionnaire is designed to measure self-reported sitting time. The activPal is an accelerometer that is specifically designed to measure various SBs including sitting/lying time. PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to compare self-reported sitting time from the PAST-U to sitting/lying time as measured with the activPal accelerometer in college students. METHODS: Forty university students were recruited via mass emails. They were asked to track their daily sedentary behavior using the PAST-U questionnaire for 7 days. This questionnaire is designed to track sitting behaviors over the course of the day. During this time, all participants wore an activPal accelerometer 24-hr/day for the same period. A paired-samples t-test was used to see if there were differences in the daily sitting from the PAST-U to sit/lie time from the activPal. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p = 0.891) in daily sitting time between the PAST-U questionnaire (9.9 ± 3.2 hrs) when compared sitting/lying time from the activPal (9.9 ± 1.7 hrs). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that estimates of sitting time in college students can be obtained either by using the PAST-U questionnaire or the activPal accelerometer.
INTRODUCTION: Accurate measurements of exercise energy expenditure (ExEE) is important for weight management and nutritional management. The Polar V800 (V800), Polar M430 (M340), and Polar OH-1 (OH1) estimate exercise energy expenditure (ExEE) by use of heart rate data. The V800 utilizes a chest strap to measure heart rate while the M430 and the OH1 use optical sensors. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare ExEE (kcal) estimates from the V800, the M430, and the OH-1 against ExEE as measured via indirect calorimetry. METHODS: Eight males (23.5 ± 3.3 yrs) and eight females (28.1 ± 7.2 yrs) were fitted with the V800 chest strap, the M430 watch, and the OH1 arm band. Participants were then asked to complete four, 5-min sessions of exercise with 3 min of rest in between each exercise session. Sessions consisted of walking 3.5 mph at 0% grade, walking at 3.5 mph at a 5% grade, running at 5.5 mph at 0% grade, and running at 5.5 mph with a 5% grade. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure ExEE during each session. A 1-way ANOVA was used to determine if there were significant differences between the 4 ExEE values for each condition. RESULTS: Significant differences in ExEE between devices were found when running at 0% grade (p=0.004) and 5% grade (p<0.001). The OH1 significantly over-estimated ExEE when compared to the other three methods (see table). There were no significant differences between the other three methods. CONCLUSION: All three Polar devices provide ExEE estimates that are similar to indirect calorimetry when walking. When running, the OH1 over-estimates ExEE when compared to the other two devices and indirect calorimetry. When using the OH1 caution should be taken if using the ExEE values for weight management or nutritional management.
Obesity among aging women is associated with increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Weight-loss has been shown to reduce disease risk; however, it remains unclear how changes in adipokines following weight-loss are associated with markers of metabolic and cardiovascular health in women. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 3-month intensive lifestyle management-focused weight-loss program on the interactions between adipokines, total and regional body composition, and biomarkers of cardiovascular and metabolic health. Women who were overweight or obese (n = 43, age = 49.2 ± 1.5 years, body mass index (BMI) = 34.5 ± 0.9 kg/m2; waist circumference (WC) = 99.8 ± 2.2 cm) completed a 3-month weight-loss program consisting of a reduced energy intake to 1200–1500 kcals/day combined with a progressive walking program targeting 300 min/wk. At 3-months, average body mass was reduced 8.3 % (ΔBMI −8.0 %; ΔWC −6.6 %). Weight-loss lowered fasting glucose (−12.1 %), insulin (−23.2 %), total cholesterol (−11.0 %), and LDL-C (−12.2 %) concentrations, and HOMA-IR (−32.4 %). Leptin was decreased 32.6 %, high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin increased 25.0 %, and adiponectin:leptin ratio increased 1.27-fold. The change in fat mass was positively correlated with Δleptin (r = 0.527) and inversely correlated with Δadiponectin:leptin ratio (r = −0.547). The ΔHMW adiponectin inversely correlated with Δinsulin (r = −0.360) and ΔHOMA-IR (r = −0.304), and ΔLDL-C (r = −0.305), whereas Δleptin correlated with Δtriglyceride (r = 0.366) and Δtotal cholesterol (r = 0.402). Weight-loss in women who were overweight and obese was associated with a reduction in leptin and increase in HMW adiponectin and adiponectin:leptin ratio. Correlations revealed that changes in these adipokines were uniquely associated with improvements in select markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk.
Introduction: As the obesity epidemic continues to progress, the importance of participating in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet is being emphasized more than ever. Exercise is often recommended to create a daily energy deficit in hopes that this deficit will result in weight loss. The reality is that weight loss due to an exercise induced energy deficit is typically less than predicted. It is hypothesized that the body attempts to counter balance the exercise induced energy deficit by reducing daily energy expenditure through an increase in daily sedentary behavior. Only a few studies have attempted to investigate this compensatory and many of these studies did not use technology that was specifically designed to measure sedentary behaviors. This study will utilize the activPal accelerometer which is designed to measure sedentary behaviors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare acute changes in daily sedentary behavior between overweight (BMI ≥ 25) and obese (BMI ≥ 30) sedentary, college-age women over a 24-hour period, following either a 200 or 400 kcal bout of aerobic exercise (walking). Methods: Thirty-five participants completed three trials: control (no exercise), 200 kcal of exercise, and 400 kcal of exercise. The exercise consisted of walking on a treadmill at 70% of their heart rate reserve. The order of these trials were randomized. For the 200 and 400 kcal sessions, indirect calorimetry was used to measure energy expenditure. For 24 hours following each trial, changes in sedentary behavior were recorded using the activPal accelerometer. Data was analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences between the control, 200 kcal, or 400 kcal trials for sit/lie time (p = 0.230, 574.8 ± 145.5, 614.8 ± 108.4, 573.4 ± 150.9 min, respectively), standing time (p = 0.062, 231.4 ± 117.8, 185.5 ± 80.1, 219 ± 84.2 minutes respectively) or steps (p = 0.928, 7797.3 ± 3788.9, 7965.0 ± 3423.8, 7701.8 ± 3682.7 steps respectively). Conclusion: The results of this study show that daily sedentary behaviors in overweight/obese college age females does not significantly change following a single bout of aerobic exercise.
Male athletes are at risk of developing a condition similar to the female athlete triad that is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), low energy availability (EA), and reduced reproductive hormones. However, the triad has not been well studied in males. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess BMD and EA in male NCAA division I athletes participating in leanness emphasized sports (cross country and wrestling) and non-leanness sports (soccer and basketball). We hypothesized that EA and BMD would be lower in XC and wrestling compared to soccer and basketball and EA would be positively correlated with BMD. METHODS: Participants included 27 NCAA division I male athletes (20.3 ± 0.3 yr) participating in soccer (n = 5) or cross country (XC, n = 7), wrestling (n = 10), or basketball (n = 5). Following a 12 hr fast and abstinence from physical activity, a resting metabolic rate test, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, and 24-hour food intake recall was performed during an early morning testing session. Two unannounced follow-up food intake recalls were performed over the phone and used to determine mean daily energy intake. Activity energy expenditure was assessed using an Actigraph accelerometer for 7d. Low EA was defined: [(energy intake – activity energy expenditure) /fat free mass (kg)] ≤ 20 kcal/kg. RESULTS: XC had lower BMI, fat free mass, total, lumbar spine, and dual femur BMD (g/cm2) compared to soccer, wrestling, and basketball. XC athletes also had lower total BMD, lumbar spine, and dual femur Z-scores compared to wrestling and basketball, but not soccer. XC had significantly greater EA than basketball. CONCLUSIONS: In support of our hypothesis, BMD was lower in athletes participating in XC, a leanness sport, compared to all other sports. Surprisingly, EA was highest in XC and negatively correlated with BMD. These data suggest the interrelationship between components of the athlete triad is complex and low EA may not be the primary cause of low BMD in male athletes.
Snyder, NC, Willoughby, CA, and Smith, BK. Comparison of the Polar V800 and the Garmin Forerunner 230 to predict V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-The purpose of this study was to compare maximal oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) values (Amax) with predicted V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values obtained from the Polar V800 (PV800) and the Garmin Forerunner 230 (GF230) to determine whether the accuracy of these estimates differs between sexes. The PV800 predicts V[Combining Dot Above]O2max based on resting heart rate (HR). The GF230 predicts V[Combining Dot Above]O2max based on a 10-minute, self-paced outdoor run. Participants consisted of 22 women and 22 men. After a 10-minute supine rest, predicted V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (Pmax) values from the PV800 were measured during a 5-minute supine rest. Participants then completed a treadmill V[Combining Dot Above]O2max test to determine Amax. Within 48 hours of obtaining Amax, individuals completed a 10-minute, self-paced outdoor run using the GF230 to predict V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (Gmax). A 2-way (watch vs. sex) analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were differences between predicted V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and Amax between sexes. A significant interaction between HR monitors and sex was found (p = 0.007). Follow-up analysis showed that in men, Pmax was significantly overestimated compared with Gmax (3.87 ± 1.53 ml·kg·min, p = 0.013). Bland-Altman plots revealed large random errors that ranged from 6.6 to 16.4 ml·kg·min with the PV800 having larger errors than the GF230. The results of this study indicate that the GF230 can provide an accurate estimate of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in both sexes. The PV800 can provide an accurate estimate of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max for women but not men. Estimates of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max from the both devices should be used with caution because of the large random error associated with them.
Snyder, NC, Willoughby, CA, and Smith, BK. Comparison of the Polar V800 and the Garmin Forerunner 230 to predict V?o(2)max. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1403-1409, 2021-The purpose of this study was to compare maximal oxygen consumption (V?o(2)max) values (A(max)) with predicted V?o(2)max values obtained from the Polar V800 (PV800) and the Garmin Forerunner 230 (GF230) to determine whether the accuracy of these estimates differs between sexes. The PV800 predicts V?o(2)max based on resting heart rate (HR). The GF230 predicts V?o(2)max based on a 10-minute, self-paced outdoor run. Subjects consisted of 22 women and 22 men. After a 10-minute supine rest, predicted V?o(2)max (P-max) values from the PV800 were measured during a 5-minute supine rest. Subjects then completed a treadmill V?o(2)max test to determine A(max). Within 48 hours of obtaining A(max), individuals completed a 10-minute, self-paced outdoor run using the GF230 to predict V?o(2)max (G(max)). A 2-way (watch vs. sex) analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were differences between predicted V?o(2)max and A(max) between sexes. A significant interaction between HR monitors and sex was found (p = 0.007). Follow-up analysis showed that in men, P-max was significantly overestimated compared with G(max) (3.87 +/- 1.53 ml center dot kg(-1)center dot min(-1), p = 0.013). Bland-Altman plots revealed large random errors that ranged from 6.6 to 16.4 ml center dot kg(-1)center dot min(-1) with the PV800 having larger errors than the GF230. The results of this study indicate that the GF230 can provide an accurate estimate of V?o(2)max in both sexes. The PV800 can provide an accurate estimate of V?o(2)max for women but not men. Estimates of V?o(2)max from the both devices should be used with caution because of the large random error associated with them.
Smart watches have greatly evolved since their first release. With advancements in technology, many smart watches can now estimate aerobic capacity. These watches are user-friendly and affordable but there are no current investigations that have reported accuracy to predict VO2max.PURPOSE: The purpo
Smart watches have greatly evolved since their first release. With advancements in technology, many smart watches can now estimate aerobic capacity. These watches are user-friendly and affordable but there are no current investigations that have reported accuracy to predict VO2max. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare actual VO2max values (AMax) to predicted VO2max values obtained from the Garmin Forerunner 230 (230Max) and 235 (235Max) smart watches as well as the V800 Polar smart watch (PMax). The Garmin watches predict VO2max based upon heart rate values obtained during a 10 min, self-paced outdoor run. The Polar watch predicts VO2max based upon resting heart rate variability. METHODS: Eighteen females (BMI=24.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2, age=24.7 ± 3.8, AMax=42.9 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min) and 24 males (BMI=26.6 ± 3 kg/m2, age=24.2 ± 4.4, AMax=49.5 ± 5.8 ml/kg/min) participated in this study. PMax values for each individual were obtained following a 10 min supine rest and were based upon the different training ranges that can be programed into the watch. Participants then completed a treadmill VO2max test. Within 48 hours of completing the treadmill VO2max test, individuals completed a 10 min, self-paced outdoor run using both Garmin smart watches. Paired sample T-tests were used to determine if there were differences between AMax and the predicted VO2max of each watch. RESULTS: There were significant differences between AMax and PMax (2.5 ± 6.8 ml/kg/min, p=0.029), 230Max (-0.3 ± 3.4 ml/kg/min, p=0.02) and 235Max (-1.1 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min, p=0.026) in females. In males there were significant differences between AMax values and PMax (-6.0 ± 7.7 ml/kg/min, p=0.001), 230Max (-1.1 ± 3.4 ml/kg/min, p=0.149) and 235Max (-3.2 ± 4.2 ml/kg/min, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: In females, predicted VO2max values were significantly different from AMax values and the differences ranged from an overestimation of 2.5 ml/kg/min to an underestimation of 1.1 ml/kg/min. In males, predicted VO2max values were significantly different from AMax values and the watches consistently overestimated VO2max (range -1.1 to -6.0 ml/kg/min). Caution should be taken when using these predicted values for exercise prescription especially in men.
The use of optical sensing technology has provided exercise watches with the ability to assess heart rate without the need of a chest strap. The Garmin Forerunner 230 (G230) and 235 (G235) are identical watches with the exception that the G230 uses a chest strap to measure heart rate (HR) and the G235 measures HR via an optical sensor built into the watch. The use of a chest strap to measure exercise HR is a proven and reliable technology whereas the use of an optical sensor to measure exercise HR is still a developing technology. Both watches provide an estimate of VO2max (PMax) based upon distance ran and HR during a self-paced 10 min outside run. Average HR (AHR), maximal HR (MHR), cadence, and kcals are also recorded. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare PMax, AHR, MHR, distance, kcals, and cadence values obtained from the G230 and the G235 during a self-paced 10 min outside run. METHODS: Eighteen females (BMI=24.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2, age=24.7 ± 3.8, VO2max=42.9 ± 4.8 ml/kg/min) and 24 males (BMI=26.6 ± 3 kg/m2, age=24.2 ± 4.4, VO2max=49.5 ± 5.8 ml/kg/min) reported to a paved trail, free of any GPS interference to complete a self-paced 10 min run while wearing both watches and the HR strap associated with the G230. Participant’s gender, age, height, and weight were also entered into each watch before the run. RESULTS: In females, AHR was significantly higher in the G230 (4.3 ± 4.8 bpm, p=0.004) but there was no significant differences in PMax (-0.8 ± 1.86 ml/kg/min, p=0.118) when compared to the G235. In males, AHR was significantly higher in the G230 (8.1 ± 15.2 bpm, p=0.028) and the PMAX was significantly lower in the G230 (2.1 ± 2.0 ml/kg/min, p=0.000) when compared to the G235. There were no significant differences between watches for MHR, distance, cadence, or kcal in females or males. CONCLUSION: The AHR values from the G230 were significantly higher than the values from the G235 in both males and females. The PMax values from the G230 were significantly lower than the values from the G235 in men. In males, the differences in AHR are responsible for differences in PMax between watches since there are no differences between the other variables measured during the run. Caution should be taken when using exercise HR values obtained from an optical sensor.
BACKGROUND: Dietary supplementation with almonds has demonstrated dose-dependent decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), likely because of their composition of beneficial nutrients including mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and protein.OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the changes in the lipid profile (LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides, total cholesterol, non HDL-C), LDL-C particle size, and lipoprotein (a) when 100 g of almonds daily were added to background statin therapy for 4 weeks.METHODS: Subjects (N = 48) receiving a consistent statin dose were randomized to 100 g of almonds daily and to The National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel's third report Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet counseling (almond group; n = 22) or solely Adult Treatment Panel's third report Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes Diet counseling (non-almond group; n = 26), for 4 weeks.RESULTS: No significant changes in weight and weekly physical activity were noted between the 2 groups from baseline. However, the almond group consumed significantly more calories at 4 weeks compared with controls. The almond group experienced a 4.9% reduction in non HDL-C compared with a 3.5% increase for the non-almond group (P =.02). Additionally, notable improvements were observed in LDL-C and triglycerides, but did not achieve statistical significance (P =.068 for both parameters). There was also a shift from LDL pattern A to pattern B particles (P =.003) in the almond group. No significant differences in total cholesterol (P =.1), HDL-C (P =.3), or lipoprotein (a) (P =.1) were observed.CONCLUSION: Adding 100 g of almonds daily to chronic statin therapy for 4 weeks significantly reduced non HDL-C. (C) 2015 National Lipid Association. All rights reserved.
Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) offers fuel efficiency and mission robustness for spacecraft. The combination of solar power and electric propulsion engines is currently used for missions ranging from geostationary stationkeeping to deep space science because of these benefits. Both solar power and electric propulsion technologies have progressed to the point where higher electric power systems can be considered, making substantial cargo missions and potentially human missions viable. This paper evaluates and compares representative lunar, Mars, and Sun-Earth Langrangian point missions using SEP and chemical propulsion subsystems. The potential benefits and limitations are discussed along with technology gaps that need to be resolved for such missions to become possible. The connection to NASA's human architecture and technology development efforts will be discussed.
Organohalide contaminants such as triclosan and triclocarban have been well documented in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), but the degradation of these contaminants is not well understood. One possible removal mechanism is organohalide respiration by which bacteria reduce the halogenated compound. The purpose of this study was to determine the abundance of organohalide-respiring bacteria in eight WWTP anaerobic digesters. The obligate organohalide respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi was the most abundant and averaged 3.3 × 10 7 copies of 16S rRNA genes per gram, while the Dehalobacter was much lower at 2.6 × 10 4 copies of 16S rRNA genes per gram. The genus Sulfurospirillum spp. was also detected at 1.0 × 10 7 copies of 16S rRNA genes per gram. No other known or putatively organohalide-respiring strains in the Dehalococcoidaceae family were found to be present nor were the genera Desulfitobacterium or Desulfomonile .