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Archive for June, 2007
Wednesday, June 13th, 2007
June 12, 2007 10:24 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Landmark Anti-Doping Trial to Commence on June 18
Professional tennis star Guillermo Coria sues vitamin manufacturer for causing positive steroid test
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nystrom Beckman & Paris LLP, a leading boutique litigation firm based in Boston, today announced that the jury trial for the landmark steroid-use-in-sports case, Guillermo Coria vs. Universal Nutrition a/k/a Universal Protein Supplement Corp. and G.E.N. Tech, LLC, will commence on June 18, 2007 in the Superior Court of New Jersey. Plaintiff Guillermo Coria, the former No. 3 tennis player in the world from Argentina, maintains that Universal ’s negligent manufacturing process infused traces of undisclosed steroids into the company ’s Gaspari Nutrition multivitamin, causing Coria to fail a drug test during the height of his career. If the jury finds in favor of Coria, this will become the first case of a world-class professional athlete proving that a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs was caused by product contamination.
In February 2001, Coria began taking regular doses of multivitamins manufactured by Universal and distributed by Gaspari. In April of that year, a urine test conducted as part of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Anti-Doping program revealed trace amounts of nandrolone, a known steroid, in Coria’s system. The infinitesimal traces were inconsistent with steroid usage and not enough to have any performance-enhancing effects, but they were enough to generate a positive drug test result. At the time of the 2001 drug test, Coria was 19 years old, at the top of his game and pegged as the next tennis phenom. The positive test results led to a two-year suspension, removing Coria immediately from the national circuit and depriving him of key sponsorships from Prince and Adidas.
In this case, Coria has set out to prove to a jury in the Superior Court of New Jersey that Universal, through negligent manufacturing practices, had allowed residue from other products containing steroids to mix with the multivitamins, ultimately causing the positive drug test. In 2001, Coria’s suspension from professional tennis was reduced from two years to time served (seven months) after the athlete proved to the ATP that Universal’s manufacturing procedures had contaminated his multivitamins. By that point, Coria had already dropped from the top 30 to No. 200 in the ATP standings.
“Tennis, like most sports, is a game in which a player’s window of opportunity is small. Here, Coria was harmed at the absolute worst point in his career – as a rising star in his teenage years,” said Gavin Forbes, senior vice president of tennis for IMG Worldwide. “Despite his rise in rankings after the suspension to become the number 3 player in the world, Coria forever lost two of the most critical years of his professional career.”
“Guillermo is an honest and dedicated professional athlete who was denied the opportunity to pursue his passion as a result of circumstances beyond his control,” said William C. Nystrom, Esq., the lead attorney on the case. “Although the two years Guillermo lost as a result of the suspension can never be reclaimed, proving his innocence in this case will restore Coria’s reputation and ensure critical monetary compensation. Our goal is to clear Coria’s name once and for all and ensure that drug companies like Universal adopt better manufacturing procedures so that the reputations of other innocent athletes are not tainted as a result of corporate sloppiness.”
Since returning from his suspension, Coria has ranked as high as No. 3 in the world. His comeback exemplifies earnest hard work, and a court decision in his favor would help reclaim his reputation as one of the top players in men’s professional tennis.
About Nystrom Beckman & Paris LLP
Nystrom Beckman & Paris LLP is a boutique litigation firm in Boston, Mass., specializing in complex litigation and trial work. Founded in 2004 by three experienced attorneys from national law firms, NBP has steadily grown to become a “go-to” firm for major corporations, entrepreneurial companies and individuals. The NBP team of associates, paralegals and support staff is dedicated to handling matters of any size and complexity, achieving outstanding results and exceeding clients’ expectations.
Posted in Rants
Wednesday, June 13th, 2007
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The Workout: 9.1 out of 10
AM: 1 hour of brisk walking with some pre-cardio Starbucks.
*Indicates warm-up set
FreeMotion Lateral Raises: 15*, 15*, 12, 12, 12
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FreeMotion Single Arm Hybrid Rows: 12*, 12*, 12, 12, 12
Standing Dumbell Presses: 80lb’ers x 12, 80lb’ers 12, 80lb’ers x 12
Dumbell Lateral Raises: 40lb’ers x 10, 40lb’ers x 10, 40lb’ers x 10
Single Arm Trap/Rear Delt Dumbell Rows: 50lb’ers x 8, 50lb’ers x 8, 50lb’ers x 8
FreeMotion Lower Trap Rows: 10, 10, 10
Overhead Cable Rope Extensions: 150lbs x 10, 150lbs x 10, 150lbs x 10
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Standing Dumbell Curls: 55lb’ers x 8/8, 55lb’ers x 8/8, 55lb’ers x 8/8
Single Arm Cable Extensions: 60lbs x 10/10, 60lbs x 10/10, 60lbs x 10/10
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Spider Curls: 55lbs x 20, 55lbs x 20, 55lbs x 20
Decline Crunches: 30, 30, 30
Posted in Training
Tuesday, June 12th, 2007
J Neurosci Res. 2007 Jun 1; [Epub ahead of print]
Carnosine interaction with nitric oxide and astroglial cell protection.
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy.
The neuropeptide carnosine (beta-amyloid peptide aggregation has been demonstrated. Carnosine protection against peroxynitrite damage is particularly relevant, but until now there has been no evidence of any direct interaction with nitric oxide. In this study we examined the protection that carnosine provides against nitric oxide (NO)-induced cell death in primary rat astroglial cell cultures treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma (INFgamma), a well-known neurotoxic proinflammatory condition. A correlation was found between cell protection and NO free-radical scavenging activity of carnosine. Moreover, by competitive spectrophotometric measurement and electrospray mass spectrometry analysis in cell-free experiments, we demonstrated a direct interaction of the dipeptide with NO. A comparison of carnosine with its homologues or derivatives (homocarnosine and carcinine) as well as with its amino acid constituents (L-histidine and beta-alanine) highlighted that only histidine showed significant scavenging activity. Therefore, carnosine shows direct NO-trapping ability and may be a valuable multifunctional molecule in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Monday, June 11th, 2007
The Workout: 9.9 out of 10
AM: 1 hour of brisk walking with some pre-cardio Starbucks.
*I’m excluding all warm-up sets
Part I
Squats: 225lbs x 12, 225lbs x 12 225lbs x 12
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Walking Dumbell Lunges: 30lb’ers x 30 paces, 30lb’ers x 30 paces, 30lb’ers x 30 paces
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Leg Press: 360lbs x 10, 360lbs x 10, 360lbs x 10
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Hack Squats: 180lbs x 10, 180lbs x 10, 180lbs x 10
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Reverse Hack Squats: 180lbs x 10, 180lbs x 10, 180lbs x 10
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SLDL: 225lbs x 10, 225lbs x 10, 225lbs x 10
Part II
Hamtractor Singles (no rest between sets): 60lbs x 10/10, 60lbs x 10/10, 60lbs x 10/10
Leg Extension Singles (no rest between sets): 100lbs x 10/10, 100lbs x 10/10, 100lbs x 10/10
Posted in Training
Monday, June 11th, 2007
June 5, 2007
– Accretive Transaction Expands Sports-Nutrition Presence –
CHATSWORTH, CA, June 5, 2007 – Natrol, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTOL), a leading manufacturer and marketer of nationally branded nutritional products, announced that it has acquired Medical Research Institute (MRI). MRI, founded in 1997, supplies high-quality sports nutrition products, such as CE2®, NO2®, Pro-Nos? and Anabolic Switch?, which are primarily designed to enhance work-out performance. The MRI brand carries a premier position in the sports nutrition market. The brand identity is underpinned by a reputation for innovative science. Notably, MRI was the first company to launch nitric oxide based products in the sports nutrition market. MRI’s products are primarily distributed through GNC.
The acquisition provides for an initial purchase price of $8.0 million in cash, and allows for potential earn-out payments based upon the achievement of certain levels of EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) over the next three years. The Company noted that, at present, MRI has working capital of approximately $8.6 million including cash of approximately $4.0 million and no debt. In 2006, MRI recorded revenue of approximately $21.4 million with operating income of $3.1 million. It is expected that the transaction will be immediately accretive. In the last 7 months, MRI has launched a range of new leading edge products to the market.
Wayne Bos, Natrol’s President and CEO, commented “We are extremely excited about this opportunity as we continue in our quest to become a diversified supplier of nutritional supplements. MRI has unique intellectual property and an excellent, but somewhat underdeveloped strategic position in this market. We believe that we can help grow the business by improving manufacturing and logistics capabilities, expanding into new geographic markets, and extending the MRI product lines.”
Ed Byrd, the founder and principal shareholder of MRI, has a track record in building highly successful businesses in the sports nutrition market and was a founder of EAS, one of the most successful sports nutrition companies. Mr. Byrd will continue to serve as MRI’s Chairman and Head of Research and Development. He commented, “We believe that the combination of MRI and Natrol will prove to be formidable. Our strong existing product mix and ongoing R&D effort will complement Natrol well and we believe that their well-developed operating infrastructure and developing global distribution capabilities will enhance our ability to grow. We are pleased to join their team and make our combined vision a reality.”
Mr. Bos concluded, “We are pleased to have quickly identified and executed such a strong transaction with the capital we unlocked through the recent sale and leaseback of our corporate facilities. This acquisition will help accelerate our corporate development plan by creating scale, synergies, and new avenues for growth. We are especially excited to deepen an already talented management team, to continue to expand our portfolio of intellectual property, and to significantly reinforce our commitment to and capability for research and development. We believe this deal marks the onset of a new phase of our turnaround and are excited to demonstrate our capabilities to our investors.”
About Natrol – Nourishing the Potential of Mind and BodySM
Natrol, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTOL), headquartered in Chatsworth, CA, has a portfolio of health and wellness brands representing quality nutritional supplements, functional herbal teas, and sports nutrition products. Established in 1980, Natrol’s portfolio of brands includes: Natrol®, Prolab®, Laci Le Beau®, Promensil®, Trinovin®, Nu Hair® and Shen Min®. The company also manufactures supplements for its own brands and on behalf of third parties.
Natrol distributes products nationally through more than 54,000 retailers, as well as internationally in over 40 other countries through distribution partners and subsidiaries in the UK and Hong Kong. Natrol’s dedication to quality is evidenced by its commitment to high manufacturing standards, earning the company an “A” rating from the Natural Products Association’s Good Manufacturing Practices (“GMP”) Certification Program—a designation achieved by less than ten percent of U.S. nutrition companies. For more information, visit www.Natrol.com.
The statements made in this press release which are not historical facts, including statements regarding expectations for future growth of revenue and profits and trends concerning net sales, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of a number of factors, our actual results could differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors that might cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: (i) our ability to develop and execute our business plans, (ii) our ability to respond to competitive challenges and changing consumer preferences, (iii) our ability to consummate and integrate acquisitions, (iv) increased competition, (v) unfavorable publicity about dietary supplements in general or regarding our products or similar products sold by others, (vi) our exposure to product liability claims, our dependence upon certain large customers, and (vii) our ability to retain and attract talented management and other key employees, as well as those factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
http://www.natrol.com/pr2007/pr060507/
Posted in Rants
Monday, June 11th, 2007
Phytomedicine. 2007 Jun;14(6):423-35. Epub 2007 May 10.
A comprehensive review on nettle effect and efficacy profiles, Part I: Herba urticae.
Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Nettle herb is recommended for complaints associated with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and urinary tract infections. We therefore conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to summarize the pharmacological and clinical effects of this plant material. Although clinical and experimental studies suggest that nettle herb has some anti-inflammatory properties, clinical evidence beyond doubt is lacking. Nettle preparations exert a number of promising in vitro and in vivo effects, however, further studies are needed to support these results and to find out if these effects are surrogates for clinical relevant effects in humans.
Phytomedicine. 2007 May 15; [Epub ahead of print]
A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: Urticae radix.
Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Nettle root is recommended for complaints associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We therefore conducted a comprehensive review of the literature to summarise the pharmacological and clinical effects of this plant material. Only a few components of the active principle have been identified and the mechanism of action is still unclear. It seems likely that sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), aromatase, epidermal growth factor and prostate steroid membrane receptors are involved in the anti-prostatic effect, but less likely that 5alpha-reductase or androgen receptors are involved. Extract and a polysaccharide fraction were shown to exert anti-inflammatory activity. A proprietary methanolic nettle root extract and particular fractions inhibited cell proliferation. Isolated lectins (UDA) were shown to be promising immunomodulatory agents, having also anti-viral and fungistatic effects. However, despite these in vitro studies it is unclear whether the in-vitro or animal data are a surrogate for clinical effects. The clinical evidence of effectiveness for nettle root in the treatment of BPH is based on many open studies. A small number of randomised controlled studies indicate that a proprietary methanolic extract is effective in improving BPH complaints. However, the significance and magnitude of the effect remains to be established in further confirmatory studies before nettle root treatment may be accepted in the guidelines for BPH treatment. The risk for adverse events during nettle root treatment is very low, as is its toxicity. Pre-clinical safety data remain to be completed.
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Sunday, June 10th, 2007
"Int J Sports Med. 2007 Jun 1; [Epub ahead of print] <dd class=”abstract”>
Cardiac Tissue Doppler in Steroid Users.
Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, University of Saarland, Saarbruecken, Germany.
Anabolic steroids cause a variety of side effects, among them a slight concentric left ventricular hypertrophy. The objective of the present study was to clarify if they also induce alterations in left ventricular function. 14 male bodybuilders with substantial intake of anabolic steroids (users) were examined by standard echocardiography and cardiac tissue Doppler imaging. They were compared to 11 steroid-free strength athletes (non-users) and 15 sedentary control subjects. Users showed an increased left ventricular muscle mass index. The ratio of peak transmitral blood flow velocities during early diastolic filling and atrial contraction did not differ between groups (users: 1.4 +/- 0.3; non-users: 1.7 +/- 0.5; controls: 1.4 +/- 0.4). In contrast an analogous tissue Doppler parameter, the ratio of myocardial velocities during early and late ventricular filling in the basal septum, was significantly lower in users (1.2 +/- 0.4) when compared to non-users (1.6 +/- 0.5) or controls (1.6 +/- 0.6). The velocity gradient during myocardial E-wave in the posterior wall showed significantly lower values in users (3.8 +/- 1.3 1/s) as compared to controls (5.8 +/- 2.5 1/s). There were no differences in systolic function. Summarizing strength athletes abusing anabolic steroids show negative alterations in diastolic function.”
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
Saturday, June 9th, 2007
"I am kris’s partner at his personal training studio and unfortunately the rumor is true…Kris went down yesterday at the studio and had emergency heart surgery to repair a split in his aortic valve…they thought that he was gonna be paralyzed because he did have a pretty significant stroke but i just visited kris and he is moving all limbs and he is speaking and coherent. They gave him a 10% chance of surviving the surgery but the big guy pulled through and it truly is a miracle. If there are any questions post them on here and i will do my best to answer them as the information comes my way; thank you and God bless."
From Muscle Mayhem: http://www.musclemayhem.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48337
I wish you the best and a speedy recovery Mr. Dim.
Posted in Rants
Saturday, June 9th, 2007
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The Workout: 9.2 out of 10
AM: 1 hour of brisk walking with some pre-cardio Starbucks.
Underhand Wide Grip Pulldowns: 240lbs x 10, 240lbs x 10, 240lbs x 10
Cable Rows: 200lbs x 12, 200lbs x 12, 200lbs x 12
Isolateral High Rows (Single Arm): 135lbs x 10/10, 135lbs x 10/10, 135lbs x 10/10
High Rope Rows: 150lbs x 8, 150lbs x 8, 150lbs x 8
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Dumbell Pullovers: 100lbs x 10, 100lbs x 10, 100lbs x 10
Barbell Curls: 135lbs x 10, 135lbs x 10, 135lbs x 10
FreeMotion Single Arm Curls: 10/10, 10/10, 10/10
Hanging Leg Raises: 4 x 15
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Declince Sit-Ups: BW + 45lbs x 12 x 4
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Weighted Back Extensions: BW + 45lbs x 12 x 4
Posted in Training
Friday, June 8th, 2007
"J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6):1621S-5S. Links
Citrulline: a new player in the control of nitrogen homeostasis.
Laboratoire de Biologie de la Nutrition, EA 2498, Faculte de Pharmacie, Universite Paris Descartes, France and 5Laboratoire Biochimie, Hotel-Dieu, AP-HP, Paris 75004, France.
Citrulline (CIT) is an amino acid that is not involved in protein synthesis but that is tightly linked to arginine (ARG) metabolism. CIT displays a very specific metabolism: In the 1980s, Windmuller demonstrated that the small intestine releases CIT, which is mainly taken up by the kidney and metabolized into ARG. Because CIT is not taken up by the liver, this ARG-CIT-ARG cycle can be seen as a means of protecting dietary ARG from liver degradation and of sustaining protein homeostasis. These observations have led to the concept that plasma CIT concentration would be a good marker of intestinal failure in short bowel syndrome. Hence, in massive intestinal resection, citrullinemia is greatly reduced, and this is proportional to the severity of the intestinal disease. This concept was then extended to other situations in which the intestinal function is compromised. The data strongly suggest that CIT may be a conditionally essential amino acid in situations where the intestinal function is compromised. Recent data support this idea. Thus, CIT supplementation is able to restore nitrogen balance, generate large amounts of ARG in rats with short bowel syndrome, and increase muscle protein content (+20%) as well as muscle protein synthesis (+90%) in elderly malnourished rats. Finally, recent data indicate that CIT per se could be able to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Hence, CIT could play a pivotal role in maintaining protein homeostasis, and the determination of the underlying mechanisms involved in its action should be important for the development of new nutritional strategies in malnourished patients with compromised intestinal functions."
Posted in Advanced Supplement Discussion
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