Whole body vibration (WBV) has been suggested as an alternative form of exercise producing adaptive responses similar to that of resistance training. Very limited information is available on the effects of different vibration parameters on anabolic hormones. In this study, we compared the acute effects of different WBV amplitudes on serum testosterone (T) and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Nine healthy young recreationally active adult males (age 22 +/- 2 years, height 181 +/- 6.3 cm, weight 77.4 +/- 9.5 kg) voluntarily participated in this randomized controlled (cross-over design) study. The subjects performed 20 sets of 1 min each of WBV exercise in the following conditions: Non-vibration condition (control), low amplitude vibration [low (30 Hz, 1.5 mm peak-to-peak amplitude)] and high amplitude vibration [high (30 Hz, 3 mm peak-to-peak amplitude)]. Blood samples were collected before, after 10 sets, at the end (20th set) and after 24 h of the exercise bout. WBV exercise did not produce significant changes in serum T and IGF-1 either with low or high amplitude when compared with the control condition. The results of this study demonstrate that a single session of WBV exposure with a frequency of 30 Hz and amplitudes of 1.5 and 3 mm does not noticeably alter serum T and IGF-1 levels.

This study was designed to determine the effect of inhaled N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) on microvascular permeability in the rabbit trachea and to determine if the effect could be modified by cholinergic antagonism, neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibition, opioid receptor antagonism, or an opioid agonist. New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized and pretreated intravenously with one of the following: saline, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (both controls), thiorphan, phosphoramidon (both NEP inhibitors), thiorphan and naloxone, morphine, or atropine. All rabbits were then given intravenous Evans blue before inhalation of nebulized DMSO (control) or FMLP. Extravascular tracheal Evans blue concentration was subsequently determined spectrophotometrically. FMLP caused a highly significant increase in microvascular permeability (92.6 +/- 7.1 micrograms/g of trachea, control 20.4' +/- 3.4). The effect of FMLP was significantly modified by cholinergic blockade (61.1 +/- 6.9) and by NEP inhibition (thiorphan 38.8 +/- 5.6, phosphoramidon 52.6 +/- 4.2). This effect of NEP inhibition could be reversed by concurrent treatment with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (95.9 +/- 34.6). Morphine had no significant effect. We concluded that FMLP increases microvascular permeability, which may in part explain the effect of FMLP on airway resistance in the rabbit. Inhibiting NEP decreases the response possibly through an effect on endogenous opioids. The response appears to be partially vagally mediated.

TITLE Factors influencing the implementation of cognitive and behavioural screening in Motor NeuroneDisease. ABSTRACT (100-150 words)Changes in cognition and behaviour occur in approximately 50% of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The aim of this study was to explore current factors influencing the implementation of cognitive and behavioural screening in MND care in the UK. Semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals working in a range of settings were conducted and data were analysed thematically. In most of the settings included, a pathway to screening and neuropsychological intervention had not yet been established. Factors identified as barriers included: limited number of staff trained to administer screen, limited time available during outpatient clinic hours, and limited or no links with neuropsychological services.Screening was implemented routinely in one setting where there was support from a clinical neuropsychologist working within the MDT. Support from neuropsychological services was suggested to be necessary for interpretation of screening results and advice on intervention. KEYWORDSMotor Neurone Disease; Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; cognition; behaviour; screening KEY POINTS 1. Cognitive and behavioural screening is an important component in the assessment and management of people with ALS/MND and is recommended in National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. 2.Although healthcare professionals are aware of screening tools and have a positive attitude to screening, it is not currently implemented routinely in all settings.

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