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Resistance training (RT) promotes skeletal muscle (Skm) hypertrophy, increases muscular strength, and improves metabolic health. Whether changes in fat-free mass (FFM; a surrogate marker of muscle hypertrophy) moderate RT-induced improvements in glucose homeostasis has not been determined, despite extensive research on the benefits of RT for health and performance. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine whether RT-induced Skm hypertrophy drives improvements in glucose metabolism and to explore confounders, such as biological sex and training parameters. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed using variance random effects. Meta-regressions were performed for confounding factors depending on the heterogeneity (I2). Analyses from 33 intervention studies revealed significant within-study increases in FFM with a moderate effect size (within-studies: (effect size; ES = 0.24 [0.10; 0.39]; p = 0.002; I2 = 56%) and a tendency for significance when compared with control groups (ES = 0.42 [−0.04–0.88]; p = 0.07). Within-study significant increases in glucose tolerance (2 h glucose: ES = −0.3 [−0.50; −0.11]; p < 0.01; I2 = 43%; glucose area under the curve (AUC): −0.40 [−0.66; −0.13] I2 = 76.1%; p < 0.01) and insulin sensitivity (ES = 0.38 [0.13; 0.62]; I2 = 53.0%; p < 0.01) were also apparent with RT. When compared to control groups, there was no significant difference in 2 h glucose, nor in glucose AUC from baseline in RT intervention groups. Meta-regression analyses failed to consistently reveal increases in FFM as a moderator of glucose homeostasis. Other mixed-effect models were also unsuccessful to unveil biological sex or training parameters as moderators of FFM increases and glucose homeostasis changes. Although Skm hypertrophy and improvements in glycemic control occur concurrently during RT, changes in these variables were not always related. Well-controlled trials including detailed description of training parameters are needed to inform RT guidelines for improving metabolic health. Registration and protocol number (Prospero): CRD42023397362. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 concentrations are widely used to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of exercise but do not capture cytokine action at the cellular level. Whether and how acute exercise impacts anti‐inflammatory cytokine action in humans is unknown. To determine how exercise intensity and pattern impact IL‐6 and IL‐10 action in blood leukocytes, 16 active adults (eight males/eight females; age: 30 ± 3 years; body mass index: 22.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2; V̇O2peak${{\dot{V}}_{{{{\mathrm{O}}}_{\mathrm{2}}}{\mathrm{peak}}}}$: 51 ± 6 mL/kg/min) completed a no‐exercise control condition (CTL) or isocaloric bouts of cycling performed below (moderate continuous exercise; MCE) or above (heavy continuous or heavy intermittent exercise; HCE or HIE, respectively) lactate threshold. Venous blood (before, after, 30 min after and 90 min after exercise) was analysed for immune cell subpopulations, plasma cytokine concentrations, anti‐inflammatory cytokine action and monocyte phenotype. Exercise induced rapid leukocytosis (P < 0.001) and increased plasma IL‐6 (P < 0.001), IL‐10 (P = 0.0145) and tumour necrosis factor‐⍺ (TNF‐⍺) (P = 0.0338) concentrations in an intensity‐dependent manner (HCE and/or HIE vs. CTL). These systemic changes coincided with a diminished ability of IL‐10/6 to phosphorylate STAT3 (P < 0.001) and inhibit TNF‐⍺ secretion (P = 0.0238) in blood leukocytes following HCE and HIE. Monocyte polarization experiments revealed lower CD80 [MCE (P = 0.0933) and HIE (P = 0.0187) vs. CTL] and a tendency for higher CD163 expression (HCE vs. CTL, P = 0.0985), suggesting that hyporesponsiveness to anti‐inflammatory cytokine action does not impede the ability of exercise to promote an anti‐inflammatory monocyte phenotype. These findings provide novel insights into the immunomodulatory effects of exercise in humans and highlight the importance of directly measuring cellular cytokine action when evaluating the anti‐inflammatory effects of exercise. Key points: Circulating cytokine concentrations are frequently used to evaluate the anti‐inflammatory effects of exercise but may not capture changes in cytokine action occurring at the cellular level.We directly assessed anti‐inflammatory cytokine action – measured using a combination of intracellular signalling and cytokine secretion ex vivo – in distinct immune cell subpopulations after acute calorie‐matched exercise bouts differing in intensity and pattern.Anti‐inflammatory cytokine action was blunted following higher intensity exercise despite corresponding increases in circulating cytokine concentrations and immune cell counts.Changes in cytokine action were not explained by changes in cytokine receptor expression on circulating immune cells.Our findings provide new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of exercise in humans and highlight the importance of directly measuring cellular cytokine action when evaluating the anti‐inflammatory effects of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous ketone supplements have been suggested to have potential cardiovascular benefits, but their overall effect on blood pressure is unclear. Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of exogenous ketone supplements on blood pressure (BP) and concomitant changes in resting heart rate (HR). Five databases were searched on January 27th, 2023, for randomized and non-randomized studies. A random-effects model meta-analysis was performed including all studies jointly and separately for acute and chronic ingestion of ketone supplements. Out of 4012 studies identified in the search, 4 acute and 6 chronic studies with n = 187 participants were included. Pooled results (n = 10) showed no change in systolic (SMD [95% CI]= −0.14 [−0.40; 0.11]; I2= 30%; p = 0.17) or diastolic BP (−0.12 [−0.30; 0.05]; I2= 0%; p = 0.69), with a potential tendency observed toward increased resting heart rate (0.17 [-0.14; 0.47]; I2= 40%; p = 0.10). Similar results for systolic and diastolic BP were observed when assessing separately the effect of acute and chronic ingestion of ketone supplements (p ≥ 0.33). Supplement dosage was found to modulate the increase in resting heart rate (0.019 ± 0.006; p = 0.013; R2=100%), suggesting that higher supplement doses lead to a higher resting heart rate. Based on currently available data, acute or prolonged ingestion of ketone supplements does not seem to modulate BP. However, a tendency for HR to increase after acute ingestion was observed, particularly with higher doses. Higher quality studies with appropriate standardized measurements are needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex and multifaceted condition clinically characterized by high blood glucose. The management of T2D requires a holistic approach, typically involving a combination of pharmacological interventions as well as lifestyle changes, such as incorporating regular exercise, within an overall patient-centred approach. However, several condition-specific and contextual factors can modulate the glucoregulatory response to acute or chronic exercise. In an era of precision medicine, optimizing exercise prescription in an effort to maximize glucose lowering effects holds promise for reducing the risk of T2D complications and improving the overall quality of life of individuals living with this condition. Reflecting on the main pathophysiological features of T2D, we review the evidence to highlight how factors related to exercise prescription can be modulated to target improved glucose control in T2D, including the frequency, intensity, total volume, and timing (e.g., pre- vs. post-prandial) of exercise, as well as exercise modality (e.g., aerobic vs. resistance training). We also propose a step-by-step, general framework for clinicians and practitioners on how to personalize exercise prescription to optimize glycemic control in individuals living with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two high-intensity interval training (HIIT) regimens are often used in research and clinical settings. Yet, there has been no direct comparison to determine if one can improve glucose control and variability to a greater extent in individuals living with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Fourteen older females with T2D participated in a semi-randomized control trial where HIIT10 (10 × 1-min intervals at 90% heart rate max; HRmax) and HIIT4 (4 × 4-min intervals at 90% of HRmax) were compared to a control condition (CON; no exercise). Continuous glucose monitoring was used to assess glucose control and variability over 24 h after each condition. Both HIIT10 (−2.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L) and HIIT4 (−2.1 ± 1.3 mmol/L) acutely lowered glucose compared to CON (−0.7 ± 0.8 mmol/L; p = 0.001), with no difference between exercise conditions. This glucose-lowering effect did not persist over the 24-h post-exercise period, as both mean glucose (p = 0.751) and glucose variability (p = 0.168) were not significantly different among conditions. However, exploratory analyses focusing on individuals with less optimal glucose control (above median 24-h mean glucose in the CON condition; n = 7) revealed that 24-h mean glucose (7.4 [7.14–8.92] vs. 8.4 [7.5–9.9] mmol/L; p = 0.048), glucose variability (p = 0.010), and peak glucose (p = 0.048) were lower following HIIT10 compared to CON, while HIIT4 reduced time spent in moderate hyperglycemia compared to CON (p = 0.023). Both HIIT10 and HIIT4 acutely lower glycemia, but the effect does not persist over 24 h. However, in individuals with worse glucose control, HIIT10 may improve mean 24-h glucose and glycemic variability, while HIIT4 may reduce time spent in moderate hyperglycemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is often criticised since it doesn’t consider sex, age and ethnicity, which may affect the height scaling exponent of the equation. Aims: First, to identify specific height scaling exponents (α) based on sex, age and ethnicity. Second, to assess the performance of the current vs the proposed BMI equations (1) to predict total fat mass (TFM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) severity and (2) to correctly identify obese individuals and those having MetS. Methods: In total, 41,403 individuals aged 20–80 years (NHANES, 1999–2014) were studied. Specific “α” were identified using the Benn formula. Various statistical approaches were performed to assess performances of the current vs the proposed-BMIs. Results: The proposed “α” varies from 1.2 to 2.5, after considering sex, age and ethnicity. BMIs calculated using the proposed “α” showed a similar capacity to predict TFM and MetS severity and to correctly identify obese individuals and those having MetS compared to the current BMI. Conclusions: Despite sex, age and ethnicity modulating the height scaling exponent of the BMI equation, using these proposed exponents in the BMI equation didn’t improve the capacity to predict TFM and MetS severity, suggesting that the current BMI remains a valid clinical tool.

Objective: To examine the acute and chronic effects of structured exercise on glucose outcomes assessed by continuous glucose monitors in adults with type 2 diabetes.Methods: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE were searched up to January 2020 to identify studies prescribing structured exercise interventions with continuous glucose monitoring outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. Randomized controlled trials, crossover trials, and studies with pre- and post-designs were eligible. Short-term studies were defined as having exercise interventions lasting ≤2 weeks. Longer-term studies were defined as >2 weeks.Results: A total of 28 studies were included. Of these, 23 studies were short-term exercise interventions. For all short-term studies, the same participants completed a control condition as well as at least one exercise condition. Compared to the control condition, exercise decreased the primary outcome of mean 24-h glucose concentrations in short-term studies (−0.5 mmol/L, [−0.7, −0.3]; p < 0.001). In longer-term studies, mean 24-h glucose was not significantly reduced compared to control (−0.9 mmol/L [−2.2, 0.3], p = 0.14) but was reduced compared to pre-exercise values (−0.5 mmol/L, [−0.7 to −0.2] p < 0.001). The amount of time spent in hyperglycemia and indices of glycemic variability, but not fasting glucose, also improved following short-term exercise. Among the shorter-term studies, subgroup, and regression analyses suggested that the timing of exercise and sex of participants explained some of the heterogeneity among trials.Conclusion: Both acute and chronic exercise can improve 24-h glucose profiles in adults with type 2 diabetes. The timing of exercise and sex of participants are among the factors that may explain part of the heterogeneity in acute glycemic improvements following exercise.

In the workplace, people are often sedentary for prolonged time and do not regularly engage in physical activity—two factors independently linked to premature morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the receptivity of incorporating practical stair-climbing "exercise snacks" (Snacks; three isolated bouts of ascending 53–60 stairs performed sporadically throughout the day) into workplace settings compared to more traditional high-intensity interval training (HIIT; performed as three bouts of 53-60 stairs within a structured HIIT workout) and to explore if these exercise strategies could influence sedentary and physical activity behaviour. Fourteen participants (12 women; Mage = 38.9 ± 10.2 years) completed two supervised exercise trials (Snacks and HIIT) followed by 1 week participating in either form of exercise in their workplace. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affective valence, enjoyment, and self-efficacy were measured at the supervised exercise sessions. During the follow-up period, sedentary behaviour and physical activity were measured with an accelerometer. Affective valence was more positive (p = 0.03; η2p = 0.21) and there was a lower rise in RPE (p = 0.01; η2p = 0.29) during Snacks than HIIT. Post-exercise enjoyment of, and self-efficacy towards, Snacks and HIIT were high and similar (ps > 0.05). After the supervised trials, 10/14 of the participants preferred Snacks and 4/14 preferred HIIT (p = 0.18). On days when participants chose to perform either exercise modality, the average number of sit-to-stands in a 24 h period was increased (48.3 ± 8.7 to 52.8 ± 7.8; p = 0.03; Hedge's g = 0.73) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity tended to increase (21.9 ± 18.2 to 38.1 ± 22.1 min; p = 0.06; Hedge's g = 0.60) compared to days when they chose not to exercise. Stair-climbing exercise snacks may be an attractive approach to implement in the workplace setting and has potential to positively impact sedentary behaviour and physical activity metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving the three therapeutics targets known as ABC (A1c ≤ 7.0%, LDL-C < 2.0 mmol/L, and resting BP < 130/80 mmHg), limiting sedentary behaviors as well as accumulating a total of 150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals. However, more recent data regarding the achievement of ABC over time in Canada is needed and it remains to be determined how sedentary behaviors and physical activity levels can influence its achievement. Analyses were performed using a total of 17582 individuals (18–79 years) from the 2007–2017 Canadian Health Measures Survey. Sedentary behaviors and physical activity levels were estimated using an accelerometer for a total of 7 consecutive days and quartiles of physical activity were used to categorize individuals. The prevalence of T2D has increased from 2007 to 2017 in the Canadian population (from 4.80% to 8.38%) with a considerable number of undiagnosed patients. The achievement of ABC went from 11.53% [11.49%–11.57%] in 2007 to 14.84% [14.80%–14.89%] in 2017 in T2D individuals. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels were positively but weakly correlated to the achievement of the ABC (r = 0.044; p = 0.001), while sedentary time and light physical activity were not (r < −0.014; p = 0.266). Only 8.8% of individuals with the lowest level of MVPA (Q1) reached the ABC while 15.1% of the most active individuals (Q4) reached the triple target. In addition to physical activity, other important factors such as body mass index and medication use should also be considered as modifiable contributing factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare the effect of low-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on fat mass, cardiometabolic profile, and physical capacity, and confirm its feasibility in older women. Methods: Inactive older women (60--75 years) were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of either HIIT (75 min/week; n = 9) or MICT (150 min/ week; n = 9). Body composition, fasting metabolic profile, cardiovascular risk (Framingham score), and physical capacity (senior fitness test, peak oxygen uptake) were assessed before and after the intervention. Feasibility was evaluated with completion rate (training compliance; dropout rate) and affective response (Feeling Scale; pre- and postexercise). Results: Total cholesterol level, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and the Framingham risk score decreased in both groups (ps ≤ .03). Although peak oxygen uptake remained unchanged, the 6-min walk test distance increased (p < .0001), irrespective of the group. Completion rate and affective responses were not different between groups (ps ≥ .38). Conclusion: A short-term HIIT program is feasible and provides as much benefits as MICT in older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines several recurring philosophical and political questions regarding interpretive methods in the history of political philosophy. It does so through a study of the theoretical premises and practical application of Quentin Skinner’s interpretation of Machiavelli’s thought. The aim is to interrogate the relationship between the methodological principles of Skinner’s hermeneutics and the concrete application of such principles in the attempt to recover Machiavelli’s fundamental intention. In other words, is Skinner actually doing what he says one should do as a historian of ideas? Does his interpretation of Machiavelli’s intention correspond to his approach as an historian of ideas, or is it rather derived from an attempt to reflect on contemporary political issues? To address this question, I proceed in three steps. In the first section, I outline the foundations of Skinner’s contextualist approach by focusing mainly on his critique of traditional methods of historical investigation and on his renewed conception of intentionality. In the second section, I turn to the analysis of Skinner’s reading of Machiavelli in order to illustrate both the fruitful results and the limits of his interpretive theory when applied to a concrete example. The last section sets forth a critical analysis of the political project underlying Skinner’s interpretation of Machiavelli. I attempt to demonstrate that the relationship between the methodological and political dimensions of the Skinnerian project is marked by a tension. On the one hand, Skinner argues that the historian of ideas cannot – and should not – study the writings of political thinkers for the purposes of retrieving lessons from the past. According to him, the very notion of perennial problems in the history of political thought, exemplified by the idea of a « Great Tradition », is illusory. On the other hand, he claims that the study of Machiavelli’s thought allows for a renewed understanding of the concept of liberty, against the contemporary perspectives of negative freedom put foward by authors such as John Rawls or Isaiah Berlin. Skinner suggests that, in reading Machiavelli, it is possible to revive a forgotten conception of republicanism rooted in the tradition of Italian civic humanism, in which individual liberty is inseparable from active citizenship. Exploring both the methodological and political aspects of Skinner’s approach, I seek to interrogate the nature of the ambiguity between his position as a historian of political ideas and his more normative claim as a theorist interested in present-day political problems.

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Objective: To examine the acute and chronic effects of structured exercise on glucose outcomes assessed by continuous glucose monitors in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: PubMed, Medline, EMBASE were searched up to January 2020 to identify studies prescribing structured exercise interventions with continuous glucose monitoring outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. Randomized controlled trials, crossover trials, and studies with pre- and post-designs were eligible. Short-term studies were defined as having exercise interventions lasting ≤2 weeks. Longer-term studies were defined as >2 weeks. Results: A total of 28 studies were included. Of these, 23 studies were short-term exercise interventions. For all short-term studies, the same participants completed a control condition as well as at least one exercise condition. Compared to the control condition, exercise decreased the primary outcome of mean 24-h glucose concentrations in short-term studies (−0.5 mmol/L, [−0.7, −0.3]; p < 0.001). In longer-term studies, mean 24-h glucose was not significantly reduced compared to control (−0.9 mmol/L [−2.2, 0.3], p = 0.14) but was reduced compared to pre-exercise values (−0.5 mmol/L, [−0.7 to −0.2] p < 0.001). The amount of time spent in hyperglycemia and indices of glycemic variability, but not fasting glucose, also improved following short-term exercise. Among the shorter-term studies, subgroup, and regression analyses suggested that the timing of exercise and sex of participants explained some of the heterogeneity among trials. Conclusion: Both acute and chronic exercise can improve 24-h glucose profiles in adults with type 2 diabetes. The timing of exercise and sex of participants are among the factors that may explain part of the heterogeneity in acute glycemic improvements following exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To document changes in prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the United States adult population between 1999 and 2014 and to explore how variations in the dietary intakes explain changes in MetS prevalence and its components over time. A total of 38 541 individuals (aged 20–85 years; National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014) were studied. Outcome variables were MetS, waist circumference (WC), plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides, fasting glucose (FG) levels, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, dietary intakes (total daily energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, sodium, and alcohol intakes), the poverty income ratio (PIR) and sociodemographic data (age, sex, ethnicity). Overall, the prevalence of the MetS significantly increased between 1999 and 2014 (27.9% to 31.5%). High plasma FG levels and high WC increased between 1999 and 2014, while the prevalence of the other components of MetS decreased or remained stable. Interestingly, a significant peak in MetS prevalence was observed in 2007–2008 compared with 1999–2006 (34.4% vs 27.6%), accompanied by a concomitant increase in WC and plasma FG levels, as well as a decrease in plasma HDL-c. Finally, significant decreases were observed for the PIR, total daily energy intake, sodium, and all macronutrient intakes in 2007–2008 compared with 1999–2006 (all P < 0.01). Results showed that the MetS prevalence significantly increased between 1999 and 2014 in the United States adult population, with a peak in 2007–2008. Interestingly, the 2007–2008 peak in MetS prevalence was accompanied by decreases in the PIR, total daily energy, and macronutrients intakes, suggesting potential impact of the 2007–2008 recession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is often criticised since it doesn't consider sex, age and ethnicity, which may affect the height scaling exponent of the equation. Aims: First, to identify specific height scaling exponents (α) based on sex, age and ethnicity. Second, to assess the performance of the current vs the proposed BMI equations (1) to predict total fat mass (TFM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) severity and (2) to correctly identify obese individuals and those having MetS. Methods: In total, 41,403 individuals aged 20–80 years (NHANES, 1999–2014) were studied. Specific "α" were identified using the Benn formula. Various statistical approaches were performed to assess performances of the current vs the proposed-BMIs. Results: The proposed "α" varies from 1.2 to 2.5, after considering sex, age and ethnicity. BMIs calculated using the proposed "α" showed a similar capacity to predict TFM and MetS severity and to correctly identify obese individuals and those having MetS compared to the current BMI. Conclusions: Despite sex, age and ethnicity modulating the height scaling exponent of the BMI equation, using these proposed exponents in the BMI equation didn't improve the capacity to predict TFM and MetS severity, suggesting that the current BMI remains a valid clinical tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I examine Strauss's critique of Collingwood's interpretive approach and argue that Strauss's accusation of historicism partly misses its target. While Collingwood can be said to be a "historicist" thinker insofar as he pursues the project of the German historicist tradition and attempts to establish the autonomy and specificity of philosophy of history as a discipline, he does not endorse the premises of radical historicism according to which all thought is historically relative. Although many of Strauss's arguments against interpretive historicism are valid, they do not apply to Collingwood's enterprise. In creating a dialogue between the two thinkers, I demonstrate that their respective theories of interpretation are as a matter of fact closer than they appear at first sight. Both philosophers defend the possibility of understanding past authors as they understood themselves, they maintain the importance of the quest for philosophical truth in interpreting the past texts and make the case for the necessity of history for philosophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The way fat-free mass is reported may change the conclusions regarding its protective effect on metabolic health The role of fat-free mass (FFM) in maintaining metabolic homoeostasis has gained interest in the past two decades. Specifically, greater FFM relative to body weight was associated with a lower risk of MetS, whereas greater FFM relative to height SP 2 sp was associated with a greater risk of MetS[[4]]. [Extracted from the article]