Gianluca Padula

Uric Acid but Not Apple Polyphenols Is Responsible for the Rise of Plasma Antioxidant Activity after Apple Juice Consumption in Healthy Subjects

Objective: To determine whether (1) rapid consumption of 1 L of apple juice increases blood antioxidant capacity, measured as ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and serum 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity, and (2) apple polyphenols or fructose-induced elevation of plasma uric acid contributes to post-juice increase of blood antioxidant activity. Methods: The study involved 12 (mean age 32 ± 5 years, mean body weight 73 ± 7 kg) healthy nonsmoking subjects. Tested subjects consumed 1 L of clear apple juice and then FRAP; serum DPPH-scavenging activity, serum uric acid, and total plasma phenolics and quercetin levels were measured just before juice ingestion and 1, 2.5, and 4 hours after ingestion. This was repeated 3 times with 4-day intervals, but volunteers drank either 1 L of clear apple juice without polyphenols (placebo), or 1 L of cloudy apple juice (positive control), or 1 L of water (negative control) at the time. All juices had similar content of sugars (i.e., saccharose, glucose, and fructose) and precisely defined composition of phenolics and antioxidant activity. Results: Consumption of all 3 juices transiently increased FRAP and serum DPPH-scavenging activity, with peak values at 1 hour post-juice ingestion. This was paralleled by the rise of serum uric acid, but no significant changes in plasma total phenolics and quercetin levels were observed after all dietary interventions. At the same time, no substantial differences were found between juices (especially between clear apple juice and clear apple juice without polyphenols) concerning the measured variables. A strong significant correlation was noted instead between serum uric acid and plasma antioxidant activity at all analyzed time points, before and after juice ingestion. Plasma total phenolics and quercetin levels were not associated with FRAP and serum DPPH radical-scavenging activity. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that rapid consumption of apple juice increased plasma antioxidant activity in healthy subjects; this was caused by the fructose-induced rise of serum uric acid levels, but was not due to the presence of antioxidant polyphenols in juice. Thus, short-term consumption of apple juice seems not to be the effective dietary intervention to augment plasma antioxidant activity due to the concomitant possibility for uric acid to be a risk factor for several diseases, as verified by other authors.

Consumption of strawberries on a daily basis increases the non-urate 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of fasting plasma in healthy subjects

Strawberries contain anthocyanins and ellagitanins which have antioxidant properties. We determined whether the consumption of strawberries increase the plasma antioxidant activity measured as the ability to decompose 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) in healthy subjects. The study involved 10 volunteers (age 41 ± 6 years, body weight 74.4 ± 12.7 kg) that consumed 500 g of strawberries daily for 9 days and 7 matched controls. Fasting plasma and spot morning urine samples were collected at baseline, during fruit consumption and after a 6 day wash-out period. DPPH decomposition was measured in both deproteinized native plasma specimens and pretreated with uricase (non-urate plasma). Twelve phenolics were determined with HPLC. Strawberries had no effect on the antioxidant activity of native plasma and circulating phenolics. Non-urate plasma DPPH decomposition increased from 5.7 ± 0.6% to 6.6 ± 0.6%, 6.5 ± 1.0% and 6.3 ± 1.4% after 3, 6 and 9 days of supplementation, respectively. The wash-out period reversed this activity back to 5.7 ± 0.8% (p<0.01). Control subjects did not reveal any changes of plasma antioxidant activity. Significant increase in urinary urolithin A and 4-hydroxyhippuric (by 8.7- and 5.9-times after 6 days of supplementation with fruits) was noted. Strawberry consumption can increase the non-urate plasma antioxidant activity which, in turn, may decrease the risk of systemic oxidants overactivity.

Electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in elderly women – a pilot study

Objectives To evaluate the effect of age and chosen factors related to aging such as dentition, muscle strength, and nutrition on masticatory muscles electromyographic activity during chewing in healthy elderly women. Background With longer lifespan there is a need for maintaining optimal quality of life and health in older age. Skeletal muscle strength deteriorates in older age. This deterioration is also observed within masticatory muscles. Methods A total of 30 women, aged 68–92 years, were included in the study: 10 individuals had natural functional dentition, 10 were missing posterior teeth in the upper and lower jaw reconstructed with removable partial dentures, and 10 were edontoulous, using complete removable dentures. Surface electromyography was performed to evaluate masticatory muscles activity. Afterwards, measurement of masseter thickness with ultrasound imaging was performed, body mass index and body cell mass index were calculated, and isometric handgrip strength was measured. Results Isometric maximal voluntary contraction decreased in active masseters with increasing age and in active and passive temporalis muscles with increasing age and increasing body mass index. In active masseter, mean electromyographic activity during the sequence (time from the start of chewing till the end when the test food became ready to swallow) decreased with increasing age and during the cycle (single bite time) decreased with increasing age and increasing body mass index. In active and passive temporalis muscles, mean electromyographic activity during the sequence and the cycle decreased with increasing age, increasing body mass index, and loss of natural dentition. Individuals with natural dentition had significantly higher mean muscle activity during sequence and cycle in active temporalis muscles than those wearing full dentures and higher maximal activity during cycle in individuals with active and passive temporalis muscles than in complete denture wearers. Conclusion Decrease in electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in elderly women is related to age, deterioration of dental status, and body mass index.

Decreased integrity of exercise-induced plasma cell free nuclear DNA - negative association with the increased oxidants production by circulating phagocytes

Objective Strenuous exercise increases circulating cell free DNA (cf DNA) and stimulates blood phagocytes to generate more reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may induce DNA strand breaks. We tested whether: (A) elevated cf DNA in response to three repeated bouts of exhaustive exercise has decreased integrity; (B) each bout of exercise increases luminol enhanced whole blood chemiluminescence (LBCL) as a measure of ROS production by polymorphonuclear leukocytes; (C) there is an association between integrity of cf DNA and LBCL. Methods Eleven average-trained men performed three treadmill exercise tests to exhaustion at speed corresponding to 70% of their individual VO2 max separated by 72 hours of resting. Pre-and post-exercise concentrations and integrity of cf nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (cf n-DNA, cf mt-DNA) were determined with real-time PCR along with measurement of resting and fMLP-stimulated LBCL. Results Each bout increased concentrations of cf n-DNA by more than 10-times which was accompanied by about 2-times elevated post-exercise rLBCL and fMLP-LBCL (p<0.05). Post-exercise cf n-DNA integrity (integrity index, I206/78) decreased after the first (0.59±0.19 vs. 0.48±0.18, p<0.05) and second (0.53±0.14 vs. 0.44±0.17, p<0.05) bout of exercise. There were negative correlations between I206/78 and rLBCL > IJ–0.37, p<0.05) and I206/78 and fMLP-LBCL (ϱ =–T6*T4Ep<0.05) – analysis of pooled pre-and post-exercise data (n = 66). Although cf-mt DNA rose by about 2-times (p<0.05) after the second and third bout, its integrity (I218/97) did not alter in response to exercise. Conclusions Repeated bouts of exhaustive exercise caused increase in cf n-DNA with decreased integrity which correlated with increased ROS production by circulating polymorphonucler leukocytes. This suggests that oxidants may be involved in the release of cf n-DNA and cf n-DNA strand breaks in response to exhaustive exercise.

Analysis of chest compression depth and rate during cardiopulmonary resuscitation with and without a feedback device

Background: Many feedback devices have been designed to improve the resuscitation outcomes. None have been implemented as a standard in patient care. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chest compression depth and rate during cardiopulmonary resuscitation with and without a feedback device and to evaluate differences regarding the impact of a feedback device based on provider experience. Methods: The study was performed on 20 men divided into two groups: group A (n = 10)—paramedics; group B (n = 10)—non-paramedics, trained to provide resuscitation. Participants were examined during resuscitation with Ambu Megacode manikin and with or without the feedback device—CPRmeter. Depth of compressions was evaluated in the first and fourth minute of resuscitation with a BTS Smart DX7000 motion capture system. For statistical analysis, summary statistics, Shapiro–Wilk Test of normality, dependent samples t-test, Levene test, t-test for independent samples, or Welch’s t-test were used. Accepted level of significance was α = 0.05. Results: Statistically significant greater depth of chest compressions in group A was observed in the first minute of resuscitation with the device versus the first minute without the device. Significant differences in compressions rate between attempts with and without the device were observed in both groups in the first and fourth minute. Conclusion: Only the group of paramedics showed in time some benefits of the device related to the depth, whereas for the group of non-paramedics, the device seemed to have even a deleterious effect. The group of paramedics met the 2015 recommendations related to compressions rate all the time, while the non-paramedics only in the fourth minute of the procedure.

Elevated exhalation of hydrogen peroxide in patients with non-small cell lung cancer is not affected by chemotherapy.

ABSTRACT Objectives: Reactive oxygen species, which are implicated in the process of carcinogenesis, are also responsible for cell death during chemotherapy (CHT). Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate exhaled H2O2 levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients before and after CHT. Methods: Thirty patients (age 61.3 ± 9.3 years) with advanced NSCLC (stage IIIB–IV) and 15 age-matched healthy cigarette smokers were enrolled into the study. Patients received four cycles of cisplatin or carboplatin with vinorelbine every three weeks. Before and after the first, second, and fourth cycle, the concentration of H2O2 in exhaled breath condensate was measured with respect to treatment response. Results: At the baseline, NSCLC patients exhaled 3.8 times more H2O2 than the control group (0.49 ± 0.14 vs. 0.13 ± 0.03 µmol/L, P < 0.05); this difference persisted throughout the study. CHT had no noticeable effect on exhaled H2O2 levels independent of the treatment response (partial remission vs. progressive disease). Pre- and post-CHT cycles of H2O2 levels generally correlated positively. Discussion: The study demonstrated the occurrence of oxidative stress in the airways of advanced NSCLC patients. Exhaled H2O2 level was not affected by CHT and independent of treatment results and changes in the number of circulating neutrophils.

Repeated bouts of exhaustive exercise increase circulating cell free nuclear and mitochondrial DNA without development of tolerance in healthy men

Objective Acute single strenuous exercise increases circulating cell free DNA (cf DNA). We tested whether three repeated bouts of exhaustive exercise induced the cf DNA response without development of tolerance in healthy men. Methods Eleven average-trained men (age 34.0±5.2 years, body mass index 26.2±3.1 kg/m2, maximal oxygen consumption—VO2max 49.6±4.5 ml/kg*min) performed three treadmill exercise tests to exhaustion at speed corresponding to 70% VO2max separated by 72 hours of resting. Blood was collected before and after each bout of exercise for determination of cell free nuclear and mitochondrial DNA (cf n-DNA, cf mt-DNA) by real-time PCR, selected markers of muscle damage, and blood cell count. Results Each bout induced the increase (p<0.05) in plasma cf n-DNA: from 3.4±1.4 to 38.5±27.5, from 4.1±3.3 to 48.5±26.2, and 3.1±1.6 to 53.8±39.9 ng/mL after the first, second, and third exercise, respectively. In a congruent way, cf mt-DNA rose significantly after the second (from 229±216 to 450±228*103 GE/mL) and third bout of exercise (from 173±120 to 462±314*103 GE/mL). Pre-exercise cf mt-DNA decreased (p<0.05) by 2-times (from 355±219 before the first bout to 173±120*103 GE/mL before the third bout) over the study period and were accompanied by significant increase in white blood cells, platelets, creatine kinase, creatinine and lactate after each bout. However, the exercise induced percentage increment of cf n-DNA was always many times higher than corresponding increments of the afore-mentioned markers at any occasion. Conclusions Repeated bouts of exhaustive exercise induced remarkable increase in circulating cf n-DNA without signs of tolerance development. Baseline cf mt-DNA decreased in response to series of strenuous exercise. Since percentage increments of cf n-DNA in response to exercise were many times higher than those observed for other markers, measurement of circulating cf n-DNA could be a sensitive tool for monitoring acute exercise effects in human body.

Influence of the CPRmeter on angular position of elbows and generated forces during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

OBJECTIVES It is commonly known that ergonomics in emergency medical services (EMS) is very important. Emergency medical services workers are exposed to different conditions and they should perform a variety of tasks. MATERIAL AND METHODS The aim of the work has been to analyze the angular position of elbows and forces generated by the upper limbs during cardiopulmonary resuscitation with and without the CPRmeter based on feedback technology. Ten male paramedics and 10 male non-paramedics, in a kneeling position, performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an Ambu Megacode manikin placed on the ground. Measurements were taken after 1 min and 4 min following the beginning of the trial. The angular position of the elbows was evaluated with a BTS Smart DX 7000 motion capture system. Kistler platforms 9286BA were used for measuring forces. RESULTS In the paramedic group, one statistically significant difference was observed in the mean difference between maximal and minimal right elbow angle in the 1st min without the device vs. the mean difference in the 4th min without the device. In the paramedic group, a 25% force decrease was observed after 4 min of resuscitation in trials without the CPRmeter in comparison to the 1st min. In trials with the CPRmeter, the force parameters were similar in the 1st and 4th min and more stable. No statistically significant differences were noticed in the control group. CONCLUSIONS The CPRmeter has influence on the magnitude of the forces applied by the upper limbs and on the optimization of the rescuer effort during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The CPRmeter had no influence on the position of the upper part of the kinematic chain. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(6):909-916.

Proposal for a Method of Constructing Inclusive Urban Green Infrastructure

Abstract Population ageing and growing awareness of the need for physical activity is one of the most important topics in Europe nowadays. But it should be noted that there is still no interdisciplinary and integrated approach to urban environment planning concerning physical activity of elderly people which would take into account special needs and possibilities of this particular group. Elderly people represent one of the groups which are threatened with social exclusion for different reasons. This article presents a proposal for a method of constructing a spatial system consisting of natural and anthropogenic elements of urban environment which can be interpreted as Inclusive Urban Green Infrastructure, enabling active and healthy ways of recreation, including the needs of elderly persons. It is based on the existing elements of the environment, but to create a well-functioning system in urban space it is necessary to introduce additional elements, both natural and man-created. The method refers to the spatial definition of areas for active recreation which meet the adopted, specific for elderly people, pro-health and functional requirements. Creation of such a system in cities would contribute to inclusion of this group into social life, thus boosting social coherence and integration across generations, and would also bring beneficial health results. Such infrastructure would also be of considerable importance for sustainable urban growth and improvement of the quality of urban space. The paper is based on source materials from the fields of science investigating health in connection with physiology of the process of ageing, influence of physical activity on this process, impact of negative features of the environment on the health of elderly people as well as urban space planning and development. The proposed methodology of constructing Inclusive Urban Green Infrastructure is presented on the example of Łódź, using data from the Geographic Information System (Topographic Objects Database) and population database for cities.

Static balance and dynamic balance related to rotational movement in ballet dance students

The aim of this study was to assess static and dynamic balance related to rotational movements en pointe and en demi pointe in ballet dance students. The study group consisted of 13 people – students of one of the ballet schools in Poland: 9 dancers from the junior class (14 years old) and 4 dancers form the senior class (18 years old). For the purpose of statistical analysis, the group was divided into 4 subgroups. Each person took part in a static balance test which included a 30s trial with eyes opened and 30s trial with eyes closed. The examination of dynamic balance related to rotational movements was also performed to compare movements en pointe vs. movements en demi pointe. Analyses were performed using the Kistler 9286BA platforms, which are the module of BTS Smart DX 7000. Data processing was performed with the use of BTS Sway and Statistica 10. Accepted level of significance was α = 0.05. Increase in the following center of pressure parameters was observed in the examination with eyes closed: maximal radius, longitudinal range, equivalent area and velocity. Participants from the senior class did not show these differences. There were no differences found between movements en demi pointe in comparison with movements en pointe. Static balance deteriorated with eyes closed in the entire examined group. Participants from the senior class showed more stable parameters of static balance. There were no differences in dynamic balance when the base of support was decreased.