What Is the Molecular Signature of Mind-Body Interventions? A Systematic Review of Gene Expression Changes Induced by Meditation and Related Practices.

There is considerable evidence for the effectiveness of mind-body interventions (MBIs) in improving mental and physical health, but the molecular mechanisms of these benefits remain poorly understood. One hypothesis is that MBIs reverse expression of genes involved in inflammatory reactions that are induced by stress. This systematic review was conducted to examine changes in gene expression that occur after MBIs and to explore how these molecular changes are related to health.

Comparison of Microbiomes between Red Poultry Mite Populations (Dermanyssus gallinae): Predominance of Bartonella-like Bacteria.

Blood feeding red poultry mites (RPM) serve as vectors of pathogenic bacteria and viruses among vertebrate hosts including wild birds, poultry hens, mammals, and humans. The microbiome of RPM has not yet been studied by high-throughput sequencing. RPM eggs, larvae, and engorged adult/nymph samples obtained in four poultry houses in Czechia were used for microbiome analyses by Illumina amplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene V4 region.

Whole body precooling attenuates the extracellular HSP72, IL-6 and IL-10 responses after an acute bout of running in the heat.

The impact of whole-body precooling on the extracellular heat shock protein 72 (eHSP72) and cytokine responses to running in the heat is undefined. The aim of this study was to determine whether precooling would attenuate post-exercise eHSP72 and cytokine responses. Eight male recreational runners completed two 90-minute bouts of running at 65% [Formula: see text]Omax in 32 ± 0.

Is the Ergogenicity of Caffeine Affected by Increasing Age? The Direct Effect of a Physiological Concentration of Caffeine on the Power Output of Maximally Stimulated EDL and Diaphragm Muscle Isolated from the Mouse.

Introduction: Caffeine is a well-established performance enhancing nutritional supplement in a young healthy population, however far less is known about how its ergogenicity is affected by increasing age. A recent review has highlighted the value of studies examining the direct effect of caffeine on isolated skeletal muscle contractility, but the present work is the first to assess the direct effect of 70µM caffeine (physiological maximum) on the maximal power output of isolated mammalian muscle from an age range representing developmental to early ageing.

Method: Female CD1 mice were aged to 3, 10, 30 and 50 weeks (n = 20 in each case) and either whole EDL or a section of the diaphragm was isolated and maximal power output determined using the work loop technique.

Obesity-induced decreases in muscle performance are not reversed by weight loss.

Background/objectives: Obesity can affect muscle phenotypes, and may thereby constrain movement and energy expenditure. Weight loss is a common and intuitive intervention for obesity, but it is not known whether the effects of obesity on muscle function are reversible by weight loss. Here we tested whether obesity-induced changes in muscle metabolic and contractile phenotypes are reversible by weight loss.

Predictors of satisfaction and quality of life following post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

Objective: Breast reconstruction is associated with multiple psychological benefits. However, few studies have identified clinical and psychological factors associated with improved satisfaction and quality of life. This study examined factors, which predict satisfaction with breast appearance, outcome satisfaction and quality of life following post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

Exercise-induced biochemical changes and their potential influence on cancer: a scientific review.

Aim: To review and discuss the available international literature regarding the indirect and direct biochemical mechanisms that occur after exercise, which could positively, or negatively, influence oncogenic pathways.

Methods: The PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane libraries were searched for papers up to July 2016 addressing biochemical changes after exercise with a particular reference to cancer. The three authors independently assessed their appropriateness for inclusion in this review based on their scientific quality and relevance.

Comparative effects of three 48-week community-based physical activity and exercise interventions on aerobic capacity, total cholesterol and mean arterial blood pressure.

Aim: Insufficient research examines the treatment effectiveness of real-world physical activity (PA) interventions.

Purpose: We investigated the effects of 3 interventions on directly measured cardiovascular variables. All treatments and measures were administered in community settings by fitness centre staff.

Is Olympic inspiration associated with fitness and physical activity in English schoolchildren? A repeated cross-sectional comparison before and 18 months after London 2012.

Objectives: To compare cardiovascular fitness and physical activity of schoolchildren 18 months after London 2012 according to Olympic 'inspiration'.

Design: A cross-sectional comparison between groups of schoolchildren categorised according to self-reported Olympic inspiration and a repeated cross-sectional comparison using data collected pre-2012.

Setting: Schools within a 50 km radius of the Olympic Park, Stratford, London.

The effect of obesity on the contractile performance of isolated mouse soleus, EDL, and diaphragm muscles.

Unlabelled: Obesity affects the major metabolic and cellular processes involved in skeletal muscle contractility. Surprisingly, the effect of obesity on isolated skeletal muscle performance remains unresolved. The present study is the first to examine the muscle-specific changes in contractility following dietary-induced obesity using an isolated muscle work-loop (WL) model that more closely represents in vivo muscle performance.

Midwives' experiences of referring obese women to either a community or home-based antenatal weight management service: Implications for service providers and midwifery practice.

Objective: a variety of services to support women to undertake weight management behaviours during pregnancy have recently been implemented as a means to reduce the risks to mother and infant. In the UK, midwives lead the care of the majority of pregnant women and are seen as the ideal source of referral into antenatal services. However, midwives have reported concerns regarding raising the topic of weight with obese women and negative referral experiences have been cited as a reason not to engage with a service.

Validation of the Phillips et al. GENEActiv accelerometer wrist cut-points in children aged 5-8 years old.

Unlabelled: This study examined the accuracy of the Phillips et al. GENEActiv accelerometer wrist worn cut-points in children aged 5-8. Fifteen children (six girls, nine boys) aged 5-8 years wore a GENEActiv monitor on their non-dominant wrist while undertaking 5 min bouts of lying supine, playing Lego, walking at slow, medium and fast pace and running.

Morphological differences between habitats are associated with physiological and behavioural trade-offs in stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

Local specialization can be advantageous for individuals and may increase the resilience of the species to environmental change. However, there may be trade-offs between morphological responses and physiological performance and behaviour. Our aim was to test whether habitat-specific morphology of stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) interacts with physiological performance and behaviour at different salinities.

Thyroid hormone influences muscle mechanics in carp (Cyprinus carpio) independently from SERCA activity.

Thyroid hormone is a key regulator of metabolism, and in zebrafish, hypothyroidism decreases sustained and burst swimming performance. These effects are accompanied by decreases in both metabolic scope and the activity of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (SERCA) in zebrafish. Our aim was to determine whether thyroid hormone affects skeletal muscle contractile function directly and whether these effects are mediated by influencing SERCA activity.

Voice outcomes after thyroidectomy without superior and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury: VoiSS questionnaire and GRBAS tool assessment.

Voice symptoms are frequently reported early after thyroidectomy, even in the absence of laryngeal nerves injury. We evaluated the short-term outcomes of these functional alterations. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in a prospective observational trial, evaluating voice function before and 3 months after uncomplicated thyroidectomy, using VoiSS as assessed using a validated patient rated questionnaire; and perceptual voice analysis using GRBAS scale (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain).

Screening for malnutrition in patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: To investigate whether screening for malnutrition using the validated malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) identifies specific characteristics of patients at risk, in patients with gastro-entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NET).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust; European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society Centre of Excellence.

Cross Acclimation between Heat and Hypoxia: Heat Acclimation Improves Cellular Tolerance and Exercise Performance in Acute Normobaric Hypoxia.

Background: The potential for cross acclimation between environmental stressors is not well understood. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of fixed-workload heat or hypoxic acclimation on cellular, physiological, and performance responses during post acclimation hypoxic exercise in humans.

Method: Twenty-one males (age 22 ± 5 years; stature 1.

Multivariate analyses of individual variation in soccer skill as a tool for talent identification and development: utilising evolutionary theory in sports science.

The development of a comprehensive protocol for quantifying soccer-specific skill could markedly improve both talent identification and development. Surprisingly, most protocols for talent identification in soccer still focus on the more generic athletic attributes of team sports, such as speed, strength, agility and endurance, rather than on a player's technical skills. We used a multivariate methodology borrowed from evolutionary analyses of adaptation to develop our quantitative assessment of individual soccer-specific skill.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: an overview.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NET) represent a heterogeneous family of diseases of often challenging clinical management. Although many GEP-NET are slow progressing and frequently less aggressive than neoplasms of other origin, they can metastasise and reduce the life span of the patient. GEP-NET can be functioning (secreting hormones that may cause symptoms and organ damage), but some 60% are non-functioning.

Can Fundamental Movement Skill Mastery Be Increased via a Six Week Physical Activity Intervention to Have Positive Effects on Physical Activity and Physical Self-Perception?

Background: Previous research has suggested a positive relationship between fundamental movement skills (FMS) mastery and physical activity (PA) level. Research conducted on interventions to improve FMS mastery is equivocal and further research is needed.

Methods: An intervention group of 82 children (35 boys and 47 girls) and a control group of 83 children (42 boys and 41 girls) were recruited from Years 4 and 5 (mean age ± SD = 8.

Dual task performance in older adults: Examining visual discrimination performance whilst treadmill walking at preferred and non-preferred speeds.

This study examined visual discrimination performance in a sample of older adults before, during and post treadmill walking at preferred walking speed and preferred walking speed +20%. Nine adults (6 females and 3 males) aged 60-77 years (mean age=67.1±5.

Skeletal muscle contractile function predicts activity and behaviour in zebrafish.

Locomotion facilitates behaviour and its underlying physiological mechanisms may therefore impact behavioural phenotypes. Metabolism is often thought to modulate locomotion and behaviour, but empirical support for this suggestion is equivocal. Muscle contractile function is directly associated with locomotion.

Coincidence Anticipation Timing Performance during an Acute Bout of Brisk Walking in Older Adults: Effect of Stimulus Speed.

This study examined coincidence anticipation timing (CAT) performance at slow and fast stimulus speeds before, during, and after an acute bout of walking in adults aged 60-76 years. Results from a series of repeated measures ANOVAs indicated significant rest versus exercise × stimulus speed × time interactions for absolute and variable errors (both P = 0.0001) whereby absolute and variable error scores, when stimulus speed was slow, improved as the duration of exercise increased.

Larger lacertid lizard species produce higher than expected iliotibialis muscle power output: the evolution of muscle contractile mechanics with body size.

Increases in body size can lead to alterations in morphology, physiology, locomotor performance and behaviour of animals. Most studies considering the effects of scaling on muscle performance have studied within-species effects, with few studies considering differences between species. A previous review of published data indicates that maximum muscle-shortening velocity decreases, but that maximum isometric stress does not change, with increased body mass across species of terrestrial animals.