The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Spirulina Platensis supplementation on selected blood markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammation, and performance in trained rats. Rats (250 g-300 g) were submitted to a strength training program (eight weeks), divided into four groups: control (GT) (trained without supplementation), trained with daily-supplementation of 50 mg/ kg (GT50), 150 mg/kg (GT150) and 500 mg/kg (GT500). Training consisted of a jump protocol in PVCcylinder containing water, with increasing load over experimental weeks. We evaluated the markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde-MDA and antioxidant capacity) and inflammation (C-reactive protein) at the end of the training. Among groups submitted to strength training, concentration of C-reactive protein decreased after 8 weeks of intervention in the trained group and GT500. Strength training enhanced plasma MDA concentration of malondialdehyde with supplementation of S. platensis in GT150 and GT500. In plasma analysis, strength training enhanced the percentage of oxidation inhibition, with spirulina supplementation in rates of 150 and 500 mg/kg. Spirulina supplementation for 8 weeks (in a dose-effect manner) improved antioxidant capacity as well as attenuated exercise-induced increases in ROS and inflammation. As a practical application, the use as high doses did not cause a reduction in positive physiological adaptations to exercise training. Additional studies are necessary to test the application of Spirulina Platensis in other contexts, as collective sports (basketball, football, soccer). Spirulina platensis is a microalga with biological activity as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory and nowadays is used to produce nutritional supplements 1-3. S. platensis is composed of protein (55%-70%) 4 , carbohydrates (15%-20%) 5 , lipids (approximately 7%) 5 , fiber, ash, and water including various minerals, vitamins, γ-linolenic acid, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phycocyanin 2,6. Recently, some researchers have reported that the latter played a crucial role in the antioxidative action of S. platensis 2 .

The possible mechanism is involved in the effects of Spirulina platensis on vascular reactivity. Animals were divided into sedentary group (SG) and sedentary groups supplemented with S. platensis at doses of 50 (SG50), 150 (SG150), and 500 mg/kg (SG500). To evaluate reactivity, cumulative concentration-response curves were constructed for phenylephrine and acetylcholine. To evaluate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, aorta tissue was preincubated with L-NAME and a new curve was then obtained for phenylephrine. Biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate nitrite levels, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant activity. To contractile reactivity, only SG500 (pD2 = 5.6 ± 0.04 vs. 6.1 ± 0.06, 6.2 ± 0.02, and 6.2 ± 0.04) showed reduction in phenylephrine contractile potency. L-NAME caused a higher contractile response to phenylephrine in SG150 and SG500. To relaxation, curves for SG150 (pD2 = 7.0 ± 0.08 vs. 6.4 ± 0.06) and SG500 (pD2 = 7.3 ± 0.02 vs. 6.4 ± 0.06) were shifted to the left, more so in SG500. Nitrite was increased in SG150 and SG500. Lipid peroxidation was reduced, and oxidation inhibition was increased in all supplemented groups, indicating enhanced antioxidant activity. Chronic supplementation with S. platensis (150/500 mg/kg) caused a decrease in contractile response and increase in relaxation and nitrite levels, indicating greater NO production, due to decreased oxidative stress and increased antioxidant activity.

This study investigated the chronic and acute influence of resistance exercise on blood pressure in women with metabolic syndrome before and after climacteric. Twenty sedentary women, nine non-menopausal (RNM) and 11 menopausal (RM), performed training for 12 weeks. Meanwhile, 23 controls, 11 not menopausal (CNM) and 12 menopausal (CM), remained sedentary. Blood pressure was measured before and after the training period in conditions of rest and after a session of exercise. Training promoted variations in blood pressure at rest from 116±13 to 118±10 mmHg (p=0.73) and from 128±12 mmHg to 120±11mmHg (p=0.12) in RNM and RM, respectively. CNM and CM varied from 115±11 to 116±12 mmHg (p=0.9) and from 115±14 mmHg to 116±13 mmHg (p=0.74). Blood pressure values in one acute session did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Resistance training did not improve blood pressure in women with metabolic syndrome, regardless of climacteric.

Purpose. Active video games (AVG) provide an attractive alternative to sedentary behaviours and may bring some health benefits. However, single-session and chronic cardiovascular effects of AVG remain unclear. the aim of this study was to verify the impact of single-session and 4-week virtual functional training on cardiovascular responses in normotensive adults. Methods. In a pre-experimental study, 8 university students performed a 30-minute AVG session (Nike Kinect training® game) at the intensity of 64% (based on heart rate [HR]) and twice a week for 4 weeks (8 sessions). HR and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were measured immediately and at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after each session. A generalized estimating equation model and t-test were used to examine changes in cardiovascular responses over time (p < 0.05). Effect size was calculated by Cohen's d. Results. A single session did not promote post-exercise hypotension (PEH). However, SBP (6.6-9.0 mm Hg) and DBP (4.5-5.5 mm Hg) decreased in 3/8 and 2/8 sessions, respectively. In pre/post-intervention comparisons at rest, small to large reduction effects were found for SBP (-3.0 mm Hg, d = 0.3), DBP (-4.7 mm Hg, d = 0.6), HR (-9 bpm, d = 0.8), and double product (-1389.3 mm Hg × bpm, d = 1.6). Conclusions. Virtual functional training reduced cardiac workload (chronic effect) and promoted PEH in some sessions among normotensive adults. these findings have practical applications for improving physical activity with attractive exercise forms, which should be recommended for healthy people.

Resumo -O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a estabilidade e a adaptabilidade, e agrupar ambientes de cultivo, com dados de produtividade de oito genótipos do algodoeiro, avaliados em 16 ambientes localizados no Cerrado de Mato Grosso e Mato Grosso do Sul, na safra 1998Sul, na safra /1999 Index terms: Gossypium hirsutum, GxE interaction, ecovalence, AMMI. IntroduçãoA diversidade de ambientes para cultivo de algodoeiro no Cerrado leva a mudanças no comportamento de cultivares de algodão em diferentes áreas produtoras. Comportamento diferencial de uma cultivar em ambientes é o que se denomina interação genótipos x ambientes (GxE). Essas interações dificultam o trabalho dos melhoristas, que consiste na identificação de genótipos superiores, seja na ocasião da seleção, seja no momento da recomendação de cultivares (Oliveira et al., 2003).Cada melhorista deve decidir qual deverá ser o ambiente a receber os genótipos selecionados. Essa decisão pode ser tomada ao se conhecer a natureza da interação. A busca de materiais genéticos que, ao ser avaliados nos vários ambientes, não mostrem alterações significativas, é necessária para maior segurança na recomendação de cultivares.

Studies have shown that supplementation with Spirulina platensis improves vascular reactivity. However, it is unclear whether in association with strength training this effect can be enhanced. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of strength training and S. platensis on the reactivity of the aorta from Wistar rat and the possible mechanisms involved. The animals were supplemented with S. platensis and divided into sedentary (SG, SG50, SG150, and SG500) and trained groups (TG, TG50, TG150, and TG500). Nitrite, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activity were determined by biochemical assays. To evaluate vascular response, cumulative concentration—response curves to phenylephrine (PHE) and acetylcholine (ACh) were constructed. L-NAME was used to assess the participation of nitric oxide (NO). It was observed that the PHE contractile potency was reduced in TG50, TG150, and TG500 groups compared to SG50, SG150, and SG500 groups, respectively. However, the presence of L-NAME increased the contractile response in all groups. Strength training potentiated the increase in relaxing activity induced by S. platensis, where the pCE50 values of ACh increased in TG150 and TG500. These responses were accompanied by increased nitrite production, MDA reduction and increased antioxidant activity in the aorta of both TG150 and TG500 groups. Thus, the present study demonstrated that combined with strength training, S. platensis potentiates vascular improvement through the participation of NO and reduction of oxidative stress.

RESUMO:O mororó (Bauhinia forficata Link) é uma espécie florestal da Caatinga que pode ser utilizada nos programas de reflorestamento por possuir rápido crescimento. No entanto, para o reflorestamento alcançar êxito, são necessários estudos iniciais sobre a germinação das sementes. Dada a importância dessa espécie, além da escassez de estudos de germinação, realizou-se esta pesquisa com o objetivo de estudar a eficiência de tratamentos pré-germinativos e a influência da temperatura na germinação das sementes de mororó. Foram realizados dois experimentos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo o experimento um com quatro repetições de 25 sementes e o experimento dois, com cinco repetições de 25 sementes. No primeiro experimento, as sementes receberam os seguintes tratamentos pré-germinativos: imersão em água a 80 °C por 2 e 5 min; escarificação química com ácido sulfúrico por 5, 10 e 15 min; escarificação mecânica por meio de lixa; embebição em água destilada; e as sementes sem tratamento (testemunha). Foram analisadas as variáveis: porcentagem de germinação (GER), índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), tempo médio de germinação (TMG), emergência (EMER), índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE) e tempo médio de emergência (TME). No segundo experimento, avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes temperaturas (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 e 40 °C) nas variáveis relacionadas à germinação (GER, IVG e TMG). As sementes de mororó apresentam dormência, que é proporcionada pelo tegumento duro. A imersão das sementes em ácido sulfúrico por 5, 10 e 15 min, e as temperaturas entre 24,3 e 26,7 °C proporcionam aumento do potencial germinativo das sementes de mororó. (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C) ABSTRACT: Bauhinia forficata is a species of the

This study identifies physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) clusters in preschoolers compliant (C) or non-compliant (NC) with sleep recommendations; and associates these clusters with obesity markers. PA and SB were objectively assessed (Actigraph WGT3-X) in 272 preschoolers (4.4 ± 0.7 years old). Sleep duration was parent-reported, and preschoolers were classified as C (3–4 years old: 600–780 min/day; 5 years old: 540–660 min/day) or NC with sleep recommendations. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were assessed according to international protocols. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and light physical activity (LPA) were categorized as low/high (<60 min/>60 min/day or <180 min/180 min/day, respectively). SB was defined according to mean values between clusters. Latent profile analysis was performed. Associations between the observed clusters and obesity markers were determined using linear regression (RStudio; 1.3.1073). Four cluster solutions for C and NC preschoolers were identified. A negative association between C/Low MVPA cluster and BMI, and a positive association between NC/Low MVPA and BMI (β = −0.8, 95%CI = −1.6;−0.1, and β = 0.9, 95%CI = 0.1;1.7, respectively) were observed. No association was seen for SB clusters. Adequate sleep duration may have a protective role for preschoolers’ BMI, even if the children do not comply with MVPA recommendations.