Bilateral giant adrenal myelolipoma associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia / Mielolipoma adrenal gigante bilateral associado a hiperplasia adrenal congênita

Adrenal myelolipomas are rare benign tumors, often non-functioning, located in the adrenal cortex, consisting mainly of mature adipose tissue and hematopoietic tissue. Although uncommon, the number of reported cases has increased due to the greater use of diagnostic imaging techniques. This tumor is usually unilateral and found as an adrenal incidentaloma, although there is a predominance of bilaterality in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). In this study, we report the case of a 33-year-old male patient with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, in non-regular use of the control medication, with bilateral giant adrenal myelolipoma and subsequent evolution of bilateral testicular adrenal rest tumors. He underwent bilateral adrenalectomy by video laparoscopy. The anatomopathological analysis, which confirmed myelolipomas' diagnosis, revealed the right adrenal with 430 g and 12.5 x 9.3 cm and the left with 257 g and 11.5 x 10.4 cm. This tumor may be accompanied by adrenocortical adenoma and carcinoma, ganglioneuroma, pheochromocytoma, Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, or CAH. Among the hypotheses of its pathogenesis, we highlight an association between the development of adrenal myelolipoma and chronic hormonal stimulation by the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), especially in CAH. The non-regular treatment of CAH with glucocorticoids may have contributed to the chronic and elevated secretion of ACTH and, consequently, to the development of bilateral giant adrenal myelolipoma (AU).

Mielolipomas adrenais são tumores benignos raros, com frequência não-funcionantes, localizados no córtex da adrenal, constituídos, principalmente, por tecido adiposo maduro e tecido hematopoético. Apesar de incomum, o número de casos relatados tem aumentado devido ao maior uso de técnicas diagnósticas de imagens. Esse tumor é geralmente unilateral e encontrado como um incidentaloma adrenal, embora haja predominância de bilateralidade em casos de portadores de hiperplasia adrenal congênita (HAC). Neste estudo, relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, de 33 anos, portador de HAC por deficiência de 21-hidroxilase, em uso não-regular da medicação de controle, com mielolipoma adrenal gigante bilateral e posterior evolução de tumor bilateral testicular de restos de adrenais. Ele foi submetido à adrenalectomia bilateral por videolaparoscopia. A análise anátomo-patológica, que confirmou o diagnóstico de mielolipomas, revelou adrenal direita com 430 g e 12,5 x 9,3 cm, e esquerda com 257 g e 11,5 x 10,4 cm. Esse tumor pode vir acompanhado de adenoma e carcinoma adrenocortical, glanglioneuroma, feocromocitoma, doença de Addison, Síndrome de Cushing ou HAC. Dentre as hipóteses de sua patogênese, des-tacamos uma associação entre o desenvolvimento do mielolipoma adrenal e a estimulação hormonal crônica pelo hormônio adrenocorticotrófico (ACTH), especialmente na HAC. O tratamento não-regular da HAC com glicocorticoides pode ter contribuído para a secreção crônica e elevada de ACTH e, consequentemente, para o desenvolvimento do mielolipoma adrenal gigante bilateral (AU).

Decreased plasma iron levels in women with hyperglycemia are associated with inflammatory status and involve increased HbA1c, osmotic stability, and volume variability of red blood cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Iron deficiency tendency in individuals with hyperglycemia influences the HbA1c levels' ability to estimate the stationary blood glucose levels. This study investigated the associations of iron status indicators and HbA1c levels with anthropometric, inflammatory, regulatory, metabolic, and hematologic variables in women with hyperglycemia to most widely characterize this iron deficiency tendency. METHODS: A total of 143 volunteers (68 with normoglycemia and 75 with hyperglycemia) participated in this cross-sectional study. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare groups, and the search for associations between pairs of variables used the Spearman correlation method. RESULTS: In women with hyperglycemia, decreased plasma iron level is associated directly with increased HbA1c (p < 0.001), and these changes are both related to C-reactive protein elevation (p = 0.02 and p < 0.05, respectively) and involve decreased mean hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01), which in turn, involves enhanced osmotic stability (dX) (p < 0.05) and volume variability (RDW) (p < 0.0001) of erythrocytes, as well as decreased indirect bilirubin/total bilirubin ratio (p = 0.04). This indirect bilirubin/total bilirubin decrease, which expresses decreased hemoglobin catabolism, does not seem to be solely a process associated with diminished intracellular concentrations of this protein (p = 0.04) since it is associated with CRP elevation (p = 0.03) and reduced LDL cholesterol (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In women with hyperglycemia, decreased plasma iron levels were associated with inflammatory status and involved increased HbA1c, osmotic stability, and volume variability of red blood cells.

Efeitos do treinamento resistido sobre indicadores de saúde de sobreviventes de câncer de mama / Effects of resistance training on health indicators in breast cancer survivors

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os efeitos do treinamento resistido sobre indicadores de saúde em sobreviventes de câncer de mama. Vinte e duas mulheres com histórico de mastectomia e linfadenectomia completaram 12 semanas de treinamento. Avaliações de força, índice de massa corporal, composição corporal, aspectos hematológicos, bioquímicos e de estabilidade de membrana eritrocitária foram realizadas antes e depois do período de treinamento. Em todos os exercícios, ocorreram ganhos significantes de força máxima e resistência de força. Além disso, houve diminuição do percentual de gordura corporal, aumento do percentual de massa magra, redução de eritrócitos, plaquetas e hemoglobina, bem como mudanças desejáveis para todas as variáveis de perfil lipídico. Em conjunto, esses achados destacam o impacto multidimensional do treinamento resistido sobre a saúde de sobreviventes de câncer de mama e revelam a necessidade de monitoramento constante desse público.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of resistance training on health indicators in breast cancer survivors. Twenty-two women with a history of mastectomy and lymphadenectomy completed 12 weeks of training. Strength, body mass index, body composition, hematological, and biochemical aspects, and erythrocyte membrane stability were performed before and after the training. In all exercises, there were significant gains in maximal force and force endurance. Moreover, there was a decrease in body fat percentage, an increase in lean mass percentage, a reduction in erythrocytes, platelets, and hemoglobin, as well as desirable changes for all lipid profile variables. Altogether, these findings highlight the multidimensional impact of resistance training on the health of breast cancer survivors and reveal the need for constant monitoring of this public.

Prevalence of diabetic foot and its risk factors in the state of espirito santo, brazil

Introdução: O Pé Diabético (PD) é a principal causa de amputações não traumáticas nos países ocidentais, causando morte ou incapacidade física e mental, má qualidade de vida e alto custo para a sociedade. Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência de DF e fatores de risco relacionados na população diabética residente no Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo, com delineamento de série temporal, utilizando dados secundários de morbidade de indivíduos com DF residentes no Estado do Espírito Santo, cadastrados e acompanhados pelo Sistema de Cadastro e Acompanhamento de Hipertensos e Diabéticos. Resultados: Dos 64.196 diabéticos, 3,9% tinham DM tipo 1, 10,9% DM tipo 2 e 85,2% eram hipertensos. A prevalência de DF foi de 2,9% no DM tipo 1, 3,3% no DM tipo 2 e 4,5% no DM com hipertensão. Maiores taxas de DF foram observadas no sexo masculino, com idade acima de 60 anos no DM tipo 1 e tipo 2, e até 19 anos no DM com hipertensão, tabagismo, sedentarismo, Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio (IAM), AVC e Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) ). Nos indivíduos com excesso de peso, a prevalência de DF foi maior apenas no DM tipo 1. Houve associação significativa em todas as variáveis exceto sobrepeso em ambos os tipos de DM, sedentarismo e acidente vascular cerebral no DM tipo 1. Conclusão: Os achados mostraram importantes prevalências de DF, com maior concentração em homens com mais de 60 anos, sobre tabagismo, sedentarismo, IAM, AVC e DRC, com associação estatística significativa nas variáveis analisadas, com exceção do excesso de peso em ambos os tipos de DM, como bem como sedentarismo e acidente vascular cerebral no DM tipo 1.

Introduction: Diabetic Foot (DF) is the leading cause of non-traumatic amputations in Western countries, causing death or physical and mental disability, poor quality of life and high cost to society. Objetive: To analyze the prevalence of DF and related risk factors in the diabetic population residing in Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study with time series design, using secondary data on morbidity of individuals with DF living in the State of Espírito Santo, registered and followed by the Hypertensive and Diabetic Registration and Monitoring System. Results: From 64,196 diabetic patients, 3.9% had Type 1 DM, 10.9% Type 2 DM and 85.2% had hypertension. The prevalence of DF was 2.9% in type 1 DM, 3.3% in type 2 DM and 4.5% in DM with hypertension. Higher rates of DF were observed in males, aged over 60 years in type 1 and type 2 DM, and up to 19 years in DM with hypertension, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), stroke and Cronic Kidney disease (CKD). In overweight individuals, the prevalence of DF was higher only in type 1 DM. There was a significant association in all variables except overweight in both types of DM, sedentary lifestyle and stroke in type 1 DM. Conclusion: Findings showed important prevalence of DF, with higher concentration in men older than 60 years, on smoking, sedentary lifestyle, AMI, stroke and CKD, with significant statistical association in the analized variables, except for overweight in both types of DM, as well as sedentary lifestyle and stroke in type 1 DM.

Translating the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) knowledge into real-world nutrition strategies.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are glycated proteins or lipids derived from complex metabolic pathways involved in the pathophysiology of various diseases, especially diabetes and diabetes-related complications. These compounds are omnipresent in human life, with both endogenous and exogenous sources. Despite the well-elucidated disease mechanisms, little is known about the AGEs/nutrition nexus in the circles of clinical practice recommendations. This review seeks to translate the accumulated knowledge about the biochemistry and pathophysiology of AGEs into a nutritional intervention based on real-world prescriptions.

Red cell distribution width and erythrocyte osmotic stability in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and erythrocyte osmotic stability in non-diabetic and diabetic individuals in both sexes. The study sample (N = 122) was constituted by 53 type 2 diabetics (DM) and 69 non-diabetics (ND), being 21 and 22 men in each group, respectively. The osmotic stability of erythrocytes was obtained by the variation in saline concentration (dX) capable of determining hypoosmotic lysis. Higher RDW values and lower serum iron concentrations were found in the diabetic group when compared to the non-diabetic volunteers. In the group of diabetic women, RDW was positively correlated with the reticulocyte index, and both RDW and dX were negatively correlated with iron, haemoglobin, transferrin saturation index, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. In all the groups studied, RDW was positively correlated with dX, especially in the diabetic group, where the correlation was the strongest. RDW elevation in both women and men with type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with decreased serum iron indicators. Furthermore, RDW has a similar meaning to dX, as small erythrocytes have less haemoglobin, resulting in both an increase of RDW and dX.

New glycemic metrics and traditional clinical and laboratory profiles of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in an outpatient follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the demographic, clinical, and laboratory data - including traditional (as glycated hemoglobin, HbA1c) and new glycemic metrics (as time in range, TiR) - and the complications present in children and adolescents (CA) in outpatient follow-up, as well as their possible associations. METHODS: This retrospective observational study's data were compiled from the CA's medical records with T1DM (n = 78) being followed up at the Pediatric Endocrinology Service of the Federal University of Uberlândia. RESULTS: The average participants' age was 10.2 years (1-16), most of them (55%) being male, with a diagnosis time of 4.5 years (1-13), and a body mass index of 18 kg/m2. The group had HbA1c levels of 9.6% and an estimated average glycemia of 229.5 ± 103 mg/dL. TiR was 25% (7-54%); the short- (CV%) and medium-term (ΔHbA1c) glycemic variability was 45.7% and 1.5%, respectively. Approximately 10% had diabetes ketoacidosis in the last year of follow-up, about 6% had chronic complications, such as nephropathy or retinopathy, and 20% had some other associated autoimmune disease. 49% of the participants reported regular physical activity. CONCLUSION: The high values of HbA1c and glycemic variability amplitude, short TiR, and the early presence of chronic complications reveal that the treatment did not reach its goal in this population. Better education of patients and their families about the disease and greater adherence to intensive insulin treatment can optimize the control of diabetes in pediatric patients.

Physical activity learning by medical students: the current picture in Brazil / Aprendizagem sobre atividade física por estudantes de Medicina: a situação hoje no Brasil

Abstract: Introduction: Physical activity is essential for preventing and treating many diseases. Although physicians are the most influential health professionals in advising their patients on the benefits of physical activity, most medical degree programs in Brazil do not seem to include physical activity topics in their curricula. Objective: This study aimed to investigate physical activity topics on active medical curricula in Brazil. Method: The research was conducted separately in April 2015 and February 2019 using a governmental resource, the e-MEC system, and search in internet databases. Data were split into categories according to the type of enrollment (mandatory or optional) of the courses that have subjects or thematic modules with topics on physical activity, type of activities (theoretical, practical, or theoretical-practical), and emphasis on the content (health, performance, or health and performance). Results: Of the 223 medical curricula compiled in 2015 and 286 in 2019, respectively, only 24 (10.8%) and 19 (6.7%) had at least one subject or thematic module concerning physical activity with emphasis on health. Conclusion: In Brazil, the number of undergraduate medical curricula covering physical activity topics is still small and suffered a reduction between 2015 and 2019, which should warn medical education institutions about the need to include physical activity longitudinally distributed contents, with theoretical and - if possible - practical approaches, and emphasis on health promotion and treatment of diseases, in mandatory curricular units.

Resumo: Introdução: A atividade física é essencial para prevenir e tratar muitas doenças. Embora os médicos sejam os profissionais de saúde que mais influenciam a orientação de seus pacientes sobre os benefícios da atividade física, a maioria dos programas de graduação em Medicina no Brasil parece não incluir tópicos sobre atividade física em seus currículos. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a presença de tópicos sobre atividade física nos currículos médicos ativos no Brasil. Método: A pesquisa foi realizada separadamente em abril de 2015 e fevereiro de 2019, utilizando um recurso governamental, o sistema e-MEC, e pesquisa em bancos de dados da internet. Os dados foram divididos em categorias, de acordo com a condição de matrícula (obrigatória ou opcional) dos cursos com disciplinas ou módulos temáticos contendo tópicos sobre atividade física, tipo de atividades (teóricas, práticas ou teórico-práticas) e ênfase no conteúdo (saúde, desempenho ou saúde e desempenho). Resultado: Dos 223 currículos médicos compilados em 2015 e 286 em 2019, respectivamente, apenas 24 (10,8%) e 19 (6,7%) apresentaram pelo menos uma disciplina ou módulo temático contendo tópico sobre atividade física com ênfase em saúde. Conclusão: No Brasil, o número de currículos de graduação em Medicina contemplando tópicos de atividade física ainda é pequeno e sofreu uma redução entre 2015 e 2019, o que deve servir de alerta para as instituições de ensino médico quanto à necessidade de inclusão de conteúdos longitudinalmente distribuídos sobre atividade física, com abordagens teórica e, se possível, prática, e com ênfase na promoção da saúde e no tratamento de doenças, em unidades curriculares obrigatórias.

Application of physical exercise therapies in breast cancer survivors and their effects on the inflammatory profile: A narrative review.

BACKGROUND: One of the adverse effects of cancer treatments is the exacerbation of inflammation, which generates numerous limitations and contributes to the development of several comorbidities and the recurrence of cancer itself. Physical exercise (PE) has been proposed as an efficient complementary strategy to combat the inflammatory effects of oncological treatments and to prevent the development of comorbidities, but its adequate application in breast cancer survivors (BCS) requires the establishment of consensuses and practical recommendations. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to review the randomized controlled trials that evaluated the influence of PE in the inflammatory profile of BCS. METHODS: The search for articles published between 1999 and 2020 was done in PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. RESULTS: Current knowledge reveals the effectiveness of PE in the functional independence and health of BCS. Evidence of the capacity of PE to improve the inflammatory profile and the immune response in BCS has also been described. However, the heterogeneity of the studies regarding structural training variables, types of exercise, stages of intervention, and severity of the disease, still do not allow the establishment of precise guidelines for the prescription and progression of exercise to improve the inflammatory process in BCS. DISCUSSION: . This review suggests a possible strategy to be used in the assessment, training prescription, and rehabilitation of BCS, to support the development of new studies and the work of exercise professionals in the prescription and application of physical training to improve health and inflammatory status in BCS.

Analysis of Diabetes Mellitus-Related Amputations in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.

Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) stands out among the most important public health problems worldwide since it represents a high burden on health systems and is associated with higher hospitalization rates, and a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Amputations are among the most common complications, leading to disability and increasing care costs. This research aims to analyze the prevalence of DM-related amputations, comorbidities and associated risk factors in the diabetic population residing in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Materials and Methods: This is a quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a time series design and the use of secondary data registered and followed by the system of Registration and Monitoring of Hypertension and Diabetes-SisHiperdia. Results: The sample consisted of 64,196 diabetic patients, out of them, 3.9% had type 1 DM, 10.9% with type 2 DM, and 85.2% with DM coexisting with hypertension. Most were female (66.6%), aged 40 to 59 years (45.6%), and 60 years and older (45.2%). The prevalence of DM-related amputations in the analyzed sample was 1.2% in type 1 DM, 1.5% in type 2 DM, and 2.2% in concomitant DM and hypertension. Higher amputation rates were observed in males in the age group above 60 years in type 1 DM and type 2 DM and were slightly higher in the age groups up to 29 years in DM with hypertension. A higher prevalence of amputation was related to smoking, physical inactivity, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetic foot (DF) in all types of DM. Conclusions: The present study showed a significant prevalence of DM-related amputations. An increased prevalence was evidenced when correlated with smoking, physical inactivity, AMI, stroke, CKD, and DF with significant statistical associations, except for a sedentary lifestyle in type 1 DM.

Sex Differences in Physiological Stress Induced by a Long-Lasting Adventure Race: A Prospective Observational Analytical Study.

BACKGROUND: In order to provide additional information on the behaviour of biochemical parameters related to stress responses to a specific long-term competition, we aimed to compare the stressful effects of a long-lasting competition on physiological variables in men and women. METHODS: This is a prospective observational analytical study. Twenty-five professional athletes, 15 men and 10 women, travelled 460 km for 4 days in an international edition of the Ecomotion/Pro AR World. RESULTS: After the competition, we detected an increase in α-amylase and cortisol levels and a decrease in salivary immunoglobulin A (lgA) levels. The relative percentage changes in α-amylase, IgA and cortisol levels were significantly higher in women than in men, whereas women had lower relative percentage changes in glucose and lactate levels compared with men. There was a decrease in lymphocyte, eosinophil and monocyte counts, with relative percentage decreases in lymphocytes and monocytes being significantly higher in female athletes than in males. There were increases in the serum activities of total creatine kinase (CK), the creatine kinase myocardial isoform (CKMB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at the end of the test, with significantly higher elevations of total CK, CKMB and LDH in men and ALT in women. CONCLUSION: Long-lasting competition induced stress, muscle damage, anaemia and changes in the immune system. Women had more intense responses of cortisol and leukocytes.

The erythrocyte membrane stability is associated with sleep time and social jetlag in shift workers.

The osmotic stability of the erythrocyte membrane (OSEM) has been associated with changes in lipid profile, blood glucose and blood pressure. Changes in these parameters are very frequent in shift workers, possibly because of the lack of synchronization of biological rhythms, which results in the social jetlag. However, the existence of association between OSEM and circadian misalignment has not been investigated in this population. Therefore, this study investigated whether shift work, sleep time and social jetlag (SJL) are associated with biochemical and hematological variables. A population consisting of 79 men working at night (n = 37) or during the day (n = 42), aged between 21 and 65 years and with a mean BMI of 27.56 ± 4.0 kg/m2, was investigated cross-sectionally in relation to sleep time, SJL, anthropometric (height, weight and waist circumference) and blood variables, with emphasis on the OSEM. SJL was calculated by the absolute difference between the midpoint of sleep on work and rest days. The Generalized Linear Model (GzLM) was used to investigate the existence of associations between SJL and average sleep time in relation to the analyzed variables. Workers without SJL presented lower baseline lysis values of erythrocytes in isotonic medium in relation to workers with SJL. In addition, workers who slept on average less than 6 hours had higher OSEM, and higher total and LDL-cholesterol in relation to those who slept more than 6 hours, regardless of the shift. It is possible that the association of sleep deprivation and SJL with erythrocyte membrane stability is mediated through changes in the lipid profile.

Night workers have lower levels of antioxidant defenses and higher levels of oxidative stress damage when compared to day workers.

The effects of circadian misalignment and work shift on oxidative stress profile of shift workers have not been explored in the literature. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of shift work (day and night) and social jetlag - a measure of circadian misalignment - with oxidative stress markers. A cross-sectional study was performed with 79 men (21-65 years old, 27.56 ± 4.0 kg/m2) who worked the night shift (n = 37) or daytime (n = 42). The analyzed variables included anthropometric measures and determination of systemic levels of markers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defense. Social jetlag was calculated by the absolute difference between the mean sleep point on working and rest days. The night group presented higher systemic values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydrogen peroxide, and lower levels of nitrite, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in relation to the day group. However, social jetlag was not associated with oxidative stress-related biomarkers analyzed in the night group. These results suggest that the night worker has higher levels of oxidative stress damage and lower levels of antioxidant defenses, while social jetlag was not a possible responsible factor for this condition.

The role of the erythrocyte in the outcome of pregnancy with preeclampsia.

The objective of this study was to analyze the relationships of osmotic and mechanical stability of erythrocytes with anthropometric, biochemical, hematologic and hemodynamic variables in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE). The studied population consisted of 20 normotensive patients and 16 patients with PE. Patients with PE presented worse gestational outcome, greater hematologic impairment, erythrocytes osmotically more stable in vitro, but in conditions of isotonicity with the in vivo medium, in addition to hyperflow in orbital territory, when compared to normotensive patients. The correlation analysis between anthropometric, hematologic and hemodynamic variables in patients with PE indicated that erythrocytes with lower volumes and lower levels of hemoglobin favor the occurrence of a better gestational outcome, because they are more stable and because they are associated with a decrease in the hemodynamic changes present in the disease. This should mean that the tendency to microcytosis, probably due to a mechanism of compensatory mechanical selection, is a desirable characteristic in the disease.

Correction: The influence of a hot environment on physiological stress responses in exercise until exhaustion.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209510.].

Depression, Hematologic Parameters, and Blood Levels of Vitamin B12 in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Under Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate hematologic indices, vitamin B12 levels, and depression in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI). METHODS: This was a prospective study with a population (n = 23) consisted of patients with suspected LPR and treated with 2 daily doses of Omeprazole 40 mg (80 mg or full dose). The study volunteers performed a complete blood count and vitamin B12 dosage before and after 3 and 6 months of treatment, as well as depression screening using the Center of Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) questionnaire before and after 6 months of treatment. Scores greater than 16 were considered as suggestive of depression. RESULTS: The mean score on the CES-D scale of study participants at baseline significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment. A significant decrease was observed in the red blood cells count (RBC) after 6 months in relation to 3 months. Significant increases in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were observed from 3 months to 6 months in this study. Vitamin B12 levels increased significantly between baseline and after 6 months of treatment. CONCLUSION: Decreased scores on the CES-D scale were associated with increased MCV values, with no association with vitamin B12 levels. However, vitamin B12 levels also increased significantly after 6 months of treatment with PPI.

The influence of a hot environment on physiological stress responses in exercise until exhaustion.

Exhaustive exercise in a hot environment can impair performance. Higher epinephrine plasma levels occur during exercise in heat, indicating greater sympathetic activity. This study examined the influence of exercise in the heat on stress levels. Nine young healthy men performed a maximal progressive test on a cycle ergometer at two different environmental conditions: hot (40°C) and normal (22°C), both between 40% and 50% relative humidity. Venous blood and saliva samples were collected pre-test and post-test. Before exercise there were no significant changes in salivary biomarkers (salivary IgA: p = 0.12; α-amylase: p = 0.66; cortisol: p = 0.95; nitric oxide: p = 0.13; total proteins: p = 0.07) or blood lactate (p = 0.14) between the two thermal environments. Following exercise, there were significant increases in all variables (salivary IgA 22°C: p = 0.04, 40°C: p = 0.0002; α-amylase 22°C: p = 0.0002, 40°C: p = 0.0002; cortisol 22°C: p = 0.02, 40°C: p = 0.0002; nitric oxide 22°C: p = 0.0005, 40°C: p = 0.0003, total proteins 22°C: p<0.0001, 40°C: p<0.0001 and; blood lactate 22°C: p<0.0001, 40°C: p<0.0001) both at 22°C and 40°C. There was no significant adjustment regarding IgA levels between the two thermal environments (p = 0.74), however the levels of α-amylase (p = 0.02), cortisol (p<0.0001), nitric oxide (p = 0.02) and total proteins (p = 0.01) in saliva were higher in the hotter conditions. Blood lactate was lower under the hot environment (p = 0.01). In conclusion, enduring hot temperature intensified stressful responses elicited by exercise. This study advocates that hot temperature deteriorates exercise performance under exhaustive stress and effort conditions.

High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol functionality and metabolic syndrome: Protocol for review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. One function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) is the cholesterol-efflux pathway, which is the pathway where cholesterol is removed from macrophages within the arterial walls back into the bloodstream and out to the liver. As one of the key functions of HDL, their hypothesis was that if they could measure HDL-C-efflux capacity, they would have a better handle on the role of HDL in atherosclerosis. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C functionality and MetS. The aim of this study is to examine this association of HDL-C functionality with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies that examined the association between HDL-C functionality and MetS; focused on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies; were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval; were published as original articles written in English or other languages; and have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42018083465).

High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol functionality and metabolic syndrome: Protocol for review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS-related stroke is set to increase dramatically in coming decades. MetS is a complex disease that includes endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, ectopic obesity, and dyslipidaemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. One function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) is the cholesterol-efflux pathway, which is the pathway where cholesterol is removed from macrophages within the arterial walls back into the bloodstream and out to the liver. As one of the key functions of HDL, their hypothesis was that if they could measure HDL-C-efflux capacity, they would have a better handle on the role of HDL in atherosclerosis. However, there are no systematic analyses or well-conducted meta-analyses to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C functionality and MetS. The aim of this study is to examine this association of HDL-C functionality with MetS in different ages and sex. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The update systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted using published studies that will be identified from electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies that examined the association between HDL-C functionality and MetS; focused on cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies; were conducted among in adults aged 40 to 70 years; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratio or relative risk with a 95% confidence interval; were published as original articles written in English or other languages; and have been published until January 2018 will be included. Study selection, data collection, quality assessment, and statistical syntheses will be conducted based on discussions among investigators.

Statins in adult patients with HIV: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with HIV have been found to suffer from lipid abnormalities, including elevated levels of total and LDL-cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels. Abnormal lipid levels are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which are significant causes of mortality among the general population. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to conduct a systematic review with network meta-analysis to compare the effects of statins classes on HIV patients. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in English up to 31 December 2017, and which include direct and/or indirect evidence, will be included. Studies will be retrieved by searching four electronic databases and cross-referencing. Dual selection and abstraction of data will occur. The primary outcome will all-cause mortality, new event of acute myocardial infarction, stroke (hemorrhagic and ischemic), hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome and urgent revascularization procedures and cardiovascular mortality. Secondary outcomes will be assessment of the differences in change of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C). Risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment instrument for RCTs and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology instrument for observational studies. Network meta-analysis will be performed using multivariate random-effects meta-regression models. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve will be used to provide a hierarchy of statins that reduce cardiovascular mortality in HIV patients. A revised version of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) will be used to assess the risk of bias in eligible RCTs. Results will be synthesized and analyzed using network meta-analysis (NMA). Overall strength of the evidence and publication bias will be evaluated. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will also be performed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Ethics approval was not required for this study because it was based on published studies. The results and findings of this study will be submitted and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal. The evidence will determine which combination of interventions are most promising for current practice and further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42017072996).