Effect of Training on Physiological and Biochemical Variables of Soccer Players of Different Age Groups

Purpose: To find out the effect of training on selected physiological and biochemical variables of Indian soccer players of different age groups.\ud \ud Methods: A total of 120 soccer players volunteered for the study, were divided (n=30) into 4 groups: (i) under 16 years (U16), (ii) under 19 years (U19), (iii) under 23 years (U23), (iv) senior (SR). The training sessions were divided into 2 phases (a) Preparatory Phase (PP, 8 weeks) and (b) Competitive Phase (CP, 4 weeks). The training program consisted of aerobic, anaerobic and skill development, and were completed 4 hrs/day; 5 days/week. Selected physiological and biochemical variables were measured at zero level (baseline data, BD) and at the end of PP and CP.\ud \ud Results: A significant increase (P<0.05) in lean body mass (LBM), VO2max, anaerobic power, grip and back strength, urea, uric acid and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); and a significant decrease (P<0.05) in body fat, hemoglobin (Hb), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in some groups in PP and CP phases of the training when compare to BD. However, no significant change was found in body mass and maximal heart rate of the players after the training program.\ud \ud Conclusion: This study would provide useful information for training and selection of soccer players of different age groups.\u

Pancreatitis following Olanzapine Therapy: A Report of Three Cases

CONTEXT: Atypical antipsychotic agents (clozapine, olanzapine) have been linked to metabolic effects and acute pancreatitis. CASE REPORT: We reviewed the inpatient and outpatient records of three patients who developed acute pancreatitis while being treated with olanzapine. The mean age of the patients was 37.7 years (range 18–54 years, 2 female, 1 male). No alternative cause of acute pancreatitis was found in two of the three patients. In the remaining patient, olanzapine may have contributed to acute pancreatitis in the setting of hypertriglyceridemia. Olanzapine was discontinued in all instances. Over a mean follow-up of 14 months, one patient has had a relapsing course, but the remaining two patients have been symptom free without recurrence of acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our case series adds further support to the potential link between olanzapine use and acute pancreatitis. Close monitoring of metabolic parameters is suggested in patients treated with olanzapine. Alternative antipsychotic agents should be considered in patients at high risk for pancreatitis

Alterations in Lipids and Adipocyte Hormones in Female-to-Male Transsexuals

Testosterone therapy in men and women results in decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). We sought to determine whether testosterone therapy has this same effect on lipid parameters and adipocyte hormones in female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals. Twelve FTM transsexuals provided a fasting lipid profile including serum total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides prior to and after 1 year of testosterone therapy (testosterone enanthate or cypionate 50–125mg IM every two weeks). Subjects experienced a significant decrease in mean serum HDL (52 ± 11 to 40 ± 7mg/dL) (P < .001). The mean LDL (P = .316), triglyceride (P = .910), and total cholesterol (P = .769) levels remained unchanged. In a subset of subjects, we measured serum leptin levels which were reduced by 25% but did not reach statistical significance (P =.181) while resistin levels remained unchanged. We conclude that testosterone therapy in FTM transsexuals can promote an increased atherogenic lipid profile by lowering HDL and possibly reduce serum leptin levels. However, long-term studies are needed to determine whether decreases in HDL result in adverse cardiovascular outcomes.National Institutes of Health (M01RR000533

Effective Thermal Conductivity of Yttria Stabilised Zirconia Filled Epoxy Composites

Particulate filled polymer composites have enhanced thermal, mechanical properties as compared to the neat epoxy polymer. This project exhibits an increment in the thermal conductivity due to the addition of particulate filler. A mathematical expression for the spherical and also cubic fillers, distributed uniformly in the epoxy matrix is developed to evaluate theoretical thermal conductivity of the polymer composites. Yttria stabilised zirconia is used as a filler material in various proportions. The resultant composite is of enhanced thermal conductivity in comparison with pure epoxy matrix. Unit herm TM Model 2022 tester is used to experimentally determine the thermal conductivity of the composite fabricated. Hand lay-up technique is used to fabricate yttria stabilised zirconia-epoxy composite. Experimental and theoretical results are compared and the reason behind this difference is also discussed. Currently, various applications of particulate filled composites are also studied. Future scope and various other influencing properties of the composites were discussed in short. It is discovered that particulate filled polymer composites can be used in micro-electronic circuit

Spawning behaviour and embryonic development in the sebae anemonefish Amphiprion sebae (Bleeker, 1853)

The present paper describes the spawning behaviour and embryonic development of Amphiprion sebae (Bleeker, 1853) under captive conditions. Ten functional breeding pairs of A. sebae ranging in total length from 90 to 100 mm (female) and 60 to 80 mm (male) collected from the inshore waters of Gulf of Mannar, along with sea anemones, Stichodactyla haddoni were acclimatised to captive conditions in 500 l glass tanks fitted with biofilter. Fishes spawned within 45 to 60 days of rearing. Sexual dichromatism was visible in spawning pairs during the breeding season. The number of eggs in each clutch varied between 300 to 1500 and the interval between successive spawning ranged between 15 - 26 days. The eggs were adhesive, capsule shaped and bright orange in colour measuring 2.10±0.031 mm in length and 1.02±0.037 mm in width. The eggs were bright orange for initial two days, turned black on 3rd to 5th day and silvery on 6th to 7th day of incubation. The embryonic development was divided into two phases based on the morphological characteristics. The overall understanding of spawning behaviour and embryonic development of A. sebae could help to improve the commercial production and culture of other coral reef fishes as well