Physical and functional evaluations in oncological patients elective to medium and large operations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk of sarcopenia on the length of hospital stay and deaths in preoperative cancer patients as well its relation to physical and functional capacity. METHODS: Preoperative patients admitted to the Cancer Hospital of Mato Grosso comprised the sample. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle data, and a questionnaire for sarcopenia screening were collected. Subsequently, total body mass, height, muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance were evaluated. The primary, secondary and tertiary outcomes were sarcopenia, length of stay and death, respectively. The data were tabulated and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS (25.0). The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: We observed 12 (7.4%) patients with low muscle strength, 20 (12.3%) patients with low muscle mass, 11 (6.8%) patients with low physical performance, and 18 (11.1%) patients with scores for possible sarcopenia. When the risk of sarcopenia was observed, 44 (27.2%) patients had at least one risk related to muscle disorder. When analyzing the prevalence and association of sarcopenia with sociodemographic variables, we observed that education level was associated with sarcopenia (p = 0.031). In addition, there was an association between preoperative sarcopenia and postoperative death (p = 0.006). Finally, there were important correlations between muscle strength and physical performance (p < 0.05), between muscle strength and the sarcopenia questionnaire (p < 0.001), and between physical performance and the sarcopenia questionnaire (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest the need for counseling and the need to evaluate patients for risk of sarcopenia, since early intervention, such as dietary supplementation and physical exercise, may favor a better postoperative prognosis, possibly corresponding to shorter hospital stays and longer survival and quality of life for patients, especially those who will undergo surgical procedures.

Combination of resistance and aerobic exercise for six months improves bone mass and physical function in HIV infected individuals: A randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the effect of combined resistance and aerobic training (RT+AT) on regional bone mineral density (BMD) and physical performance in people living with HIV (PLWH). Forty PLWH (20 men and 20 women) were randomized into RT+AT group (n = 20; age = 38.3 ± 4.9) or non-exercise control group (n = 20; age = 37.9 ± 5.1). The RT+AT group was required to perform a nonlinear periodized resistance training program targeting large muscle groups followed by 20 min aerobic exercise at 65-80% of maximal heart rate. Participants in RT+AT performed three supervised sessions per week for 6-months, whereas participants in the control group were instructed to continue with their current lifestyle habits. The primary outcome was bone mineral density (lumbar spine (L2-L4), femoral neck, and distal 1/3 radius). Secondary outcomes included physical function, anthropometry, inflammatory markers, and growth factors. The RT+AT group demonstrated a significant increase in BMD at follow-up for the Lumbar spine (L2-L4), femoral neck, and 1/3 radius (all, P < .05), and There were no gender differences in the training response between men and women for any of the BMD regions. Similar findings were also observed for lean body mass, IGF1and Adiponectin (P < .001). We observed a decrease in percent body fat, fat mass, IL-6, TNF-α, and myostatin in the RT+AT group (P < .001). Finally, there was a significant increase in handgrip strength and gait speed for both women and men in the RT+AT group (P < .001). A combination of resistance and aerobic training appears to be a feasible and effective means for counteracting bone loss and improving various inflammatory markers, physical function, and growth hormones in PLWH.

Combined effects of very short "all out" efforts during sprint and resistance training on physical and physiological adaptations after 2 weeks of training.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the combined effects of resistance and sprint training, with very short efforts (5 s), on aerobic and anaerobic performances, and cardiometabolic health-related parameters in young healthy adults. METHODS: Thirty young physically active individuals were randomly allocated into four groups: resistance training (RTG), sprint interval training (SITG), concurrent training (CTG), and control (CONG). Participants trained 3 days/week for 2 weeks in the high-intensity interventions that consisted of 6-12 "all out" efforts of 5 s separated by 24 s of recovery, totalizing ~ 13 min per session, with 48-72 h of recovery between sessions. Body composition, vertical jump, lower body strength, aerobic and anaerobic performances, heart rate variability (HRV), and redox status were evaluated before and after training. Total work (TW), rating of perceived exertion (CR-10 RPE) and mean HR (HRmean) were monitored during sessions. Incidental physical activity (PA), dietary intake and perceived stress were also controlled. RESULTS: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) significantly increased in SITG and CTG (P < 0.05). Lower body strength improved in RTG and CTG (P < 0.05), while countermovement jump (CMJ) was improved in RTG (P = 0.04) only. Redox status improved after all interventions (P < 0.05). No differences were found in TW, PA, dietary intake, and psychological stress between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RT and SIT protocols with very short "all out" efforts, either performed in isolation, or combined, demonstrated improvement in several physical fitness- and health-related parameters. However, CT was the most efficient exercise intervention with improvement observed in the majority of the parameters.

Effect of 8 Weeks of Hospital-Based Resistance Training Program on TCD4+ Cell Count and Anthropometric Characteristic of Patients With HIV in Tehran, Iran: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Ghayomzadeh, M, SeyedAlinaghi, S, Shamsi, MM, Rezaei, S, Earnest, CP, Akbarnejad, S, Taj, L, Mohraz, M, Navalta, JW, Ghasemi, P, and Voltarelli, FA. Effect of 8 weeks of hospital-based resistance raining program on TCD4+ cell count and anthropometric characteristic of patients with HIV in Tehran, Iran: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 33(4): 1146-1155, 2019-We examined the effects of an 8-W circuit resistance training (RES) program using elastic bands and body weight on TCD4+ cell counts and anthropometry in patients with HIV. Patients (N = 21) receiving antiretroviral therapy were randomly assigned to resistance training (RES; n = 14) or control (CON; n = 7) groups. RES (3/W) consisted of training with elastic bands and bodyweight training focusing on major muscle groups. CON received standard care. Statistical analyses were performed using general linear models adjusted for age, sex, length of infection, and respective baseline measures. The primary outcome was TCD4+, and secondary outcomes were anthropometry indices. Tertiary assessments explored Pearson correlations surrounding the relationship between changes in anthropometry and TCD4+. We observed significant increases in TCD4+ count accompanying RES training (105.50 cells·mm, 95% confidence interval [CI], 47.42-163.59), whereas CON significantly decreased (-41.01 cells·mm, 95% CI, -126.78 to 44.76). Significant between-group differences were noted (p < 0.02; n = 0.42). We also observed significant reductions in fat mass for RES (1.18 kg, 95% CI = 1.80 to -0.56) vs. increased fat mass for CON (1.21 kg, 95% CI, 0.31 to 2.11). Significant between-group differences were noted (p = 0.001, n = 0.64). Similar effects were noted for lean body mass. No significant changes were observed for body mass. Significant correlations were observed for fat mass (r = -0.699, p = 0.001) and lean mass (r = 0.553, p = 0.017), but not body mass (r = -0.390, p = 0.109) vs. changes in TCD4+. Our results suggest that the RES program used in this study is effective for improving TCD4+ status and body composition in patients with HIV.

Effect of administration of high-protein diet in rats submitted to resistance training.

PURPOSE: Although there is limited evidence regarding the pathophysiological effects of a high-protein diet (HD), it is believed that this type of diet could overload the body and cause damage to the organs directly involved with protein metabolism and excretion. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of HD on biochemical and morphological parameters of rats that completed a resistance training protocol (RT; aquatic jump) for 8 weeks. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 for each group): sedentary normal protein diet (SN-14%), sedentary high-protein diet (SH-35%), trained normal protein diet (TN-14%), and trained high-protein diet (TH-35%). Biochemical, tissue, and morphological measurements were made. RESULTS: Kidney (1.91 ± 0.34) and liver weights (12.88 ± 1.42) were higher in the SH. Soleus muscle weight was higher in the SH (0.22 ± 0.03) when compared to all groups. Blood glucose (123.2 ± 1.8), triglycerides (128.5 ± 44.0), and HDL cholesterol levels (65.7 ± 20.9) were also higher in the SH compared with the other experimental groups. Exercise reduced urea levels in the trained groups TN and TH (31.0 ± 4.1 and 36.8 ± 6.6), respectively. Creatinine levels were lower in TH and SH groups (0.68 ± 0.12; 0.54 ± 0.19), respectively. HD negatively altered renal morphology in SH, but when associated with RT, the apparent damage was partially reversed. In addition, the aquatic jump protocol reversed the damage to the gastrocnemius muscle caused by the HD. CONCLUSIONS: A high-protein diet promoted negative metabolic and morphological changes, while RT was effective in reversing these deleterious effects.

Digoxin Induces Cardiac Hypertrophy Without Negative Effects on Cardiac Function and Physical Performance in Trained Normotensive Rats.

Cardiotonic drugs and exercise training promote cardiac inotropic effects, which may affect training-induced cardiac adaptations. This study investigated the effects of long-term administration of digoxin on heart structure and function, and physical performance of rats submitted to high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Male Wistar rats, 60 days old, were divided into control (C), digoxin (DIGO), trained (T), and trained with digoxin (TDIGO). Digoxin was administered by gavage (30 µg/kg/day) for 75 days. The HIIT program consisted of treadmill running 60 min/day (8 min at 80% of the maximum speed (MS) and 2 min at 20% of the MS), 5 days per week during 60 days. The main cardiac parameters were evaluated by echocardiograph and cardiomyocyte area was determined by histology. There were no group x time effects of digoxin, HIIT or interactions (digoxin and HIIT) on functional echocardiographic parameters (heart rate; ejection fraction) or in the maximum exercise test. There was a group x time interaction, as evidenced by observed cardiac hypertrophy in the TDIGO group evaluated by ratio of left ventricle weight to body weight (p<0.002) and cardiomyocyte area (p<0.000002). Long-term administration of digoxin promoted cardiac hypertrophy without affecting cardiac function and physical performance in rats submitted to HIIT.

Pre-season dietary intake of professional soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Despite the well-documented importance of nutrition in optimizing performance and health, the dietary intake of soccer players has attracted little attention. AIM: We aimed to assess the pre-season dietary intake of professional soccer players and its adequacy in macro and micronutrients. METHODS: The pre-season dietary intake of 19 male athletes was assessed using a semi-structured 3-day food record. To determine dietary adequacy and excess, energy and macronutrient intake were compared with the Brazilian dietary reference values for athletes, and micronutrients were compared with the Estimated Average Requirement - EAR (minimum recommendation) and Tolerable Upper Intake Level - UL (maximum recommendation). RESULTS: Mean daily energy intake (40.74±12.81 kcal/kg) was adequate. However, there was a low carbohydrate intake (5.44±1.86 g/kg/day) and a high amount of protein and fat (1.91±0.75 and 1.27±0.50 g/kg/day, respectively). Sodium intake (3141.77±939.76 mg/day) was higher than UL (2300 mg/day), while the majority of players showed daily intake of vitamin A (74%), vitamin D (100%), folate (58%), calcium and magnesium (68%) below the EAR (625, 10 and 320 µg/day, 800 and 330 mg/day, respectively). CONCLUSION: The dietary intake of professional soccer players was adequate in energy, but inadequate in macro and micronutrients, which suggests the need to improve nutritional practices to sustain the physical demands of soccer during pre-season.

Heteropterys tomentosa A. Juss: Toxicological and adaptogenic effects in experimental models.

BACKGROUND: The constant pursuit of improved athletic performance characterizes high-performance sport and the use of medicinal plants as dietary supplements is becoming widespread among athletes to enhance long-term endurance performance. AIM: The present study evaluated the toxicity of Heteropterys tomentosa (HEHt) and its acute adaptogenic effects. METHODS: The in vitro safety profile was evaluated on CHO-k1 cells using the alamar Blue assay, at concentrations ranging from 3.125 to 200 µg/mL. In vivo acute oral toxicity was conducted in male and female mice with oral administration of graded doses of HEHt from 400 to 2000 mg/kg. A subchronic oral toxicity study was completed by oral administration of HEHt (50, 200 or 1000 mg/kg) and vehicle for 30 days in male Wistar rats. Clinical observations and toxicological related parameters were determined. Blood was collected for biochemical and hematological analyses, while histological examinations were performed on selected organs. Thereafter, an adaptogenic test consisting of progressive loads until exhaustion was conducted in rats ( n = 5/group) orally pre-treated with the vehicle and HEHt (25, 100 or 400 mg/kg). RESULTS: HEHt exhibited no cytotoxic effects on the CHO-k1 cells and, apparently, no acute toxicity in mice and no subchronic toxicity in rats. An ergogenic effect was observed only at the dose of 25 mg/kg compared with the vehicle in relation to time to exhaustion and exercise load ( p = .011 and .019, respectively). HEHt is safe at up to 400 mg/kg, contains astilbin and taxifolin as the major phytochemical compounds, and exhibited a potential adaptogenic effect. CONCLUSIONS: These results justify its anecdotal usage as a tonic, show that the hydroethanolic maceration of the root does not cause toxicity, and provide scientific evidence of its potential as a source of new adaptogenic substance(s).

Effects of combined exercise training on immunological, physical and biochemical parameters in individuals with HIV/AIDS.

The practice of exercise has shown to be beneficial to quality of life of individuals with HIV/AIDS. Thus, the present study analysed the effects of a combined exercise training in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Ten participants participated in the present study. The following variables were analysed: viral load and cell counts for TCD4+/TCD8; maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max); total mass, absolute fat mass, relative fat mass, absolute lean mass, relative lean mass and body mass index; fasting glycaemia, fasting insulinaemia, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index (insulin resistance - homeostatic model assessment (IR-HOMA)); total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL); superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. The combined exercise training consisted of resistance exercises plus aerobic training (60 min · session(-1), three times per week, during 20 weeks). The number of TCD4+ cells, absolute lean mass and relative lean mass, muscle strength for the 45° leg press, seated row and triceps extension, HDL-c levels as well as VO2max increased post-training. The activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were diminished post-training. Finally, it can be concluded that combined exercise training is able to change positively several variables related to health of individuals with HIV/AIDS, mainly the immune system as well as antioxidant mechanisms re-establishment.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Levels of Physical Activity: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Earlier studies demonstrated a decreased level of physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the relevant studies among various age groups and explore the impact on physical and mental health. METHODS: We searched and retrieved all relevant articles using the keywords on the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane from the start of the pandemic until May 3rd, 2021. A two-phase screening process of identified records was carried out to shortlist the most relevant studies. First, the studies were evaluated based on their title/abstract, and then the full-text of included studies was thoroughly read. The eligible studies based on the eligibility criteria were included in this review. RESULTS: A total of 57 studies were included based on the eligibility criteria. Lockdowns and infection with SARS-CoV-2 have led to a decreased level of PA in the general population compared to the prepandemic era. Men had significantly less PA compared to women in some studies, probably due to higher pre-pandemic PA. The level of PA among those with chronic diseases also significantly diminished, putting them at a higher risk of cardiovascular incidents. Sedentary lifestyles have dominated people's life, including adolescents and university students. The increased levels of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and occupational stress, have been suggested to contribute to the decreased PA. On the other hand, the decreased PA appeared to lead to more mental health issues. Fortunately, the decreasing trend of PA seemed to taper towards the end of the quarantines. CONCLUSION: Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent quarantines reduced PA among all age groups and both sexes and had detrimental effects on people's physical and mental health. We suggest countries implement strategies to alleviate restrictions and encourage people to exercise in safe environments and prepare healthy routines for themselves.

Fructose-rich diet leads to reduced aerobic capacity and to liver injury in rats.

The main purpose of this research was to investigate the alterations in the aerobic capacity and appearance of metabolic alterations in Wistar rats fed on fructose-rich diet. We separated twenty-eight rats into two groups according to diet: a control group (C) (balanced diet) and a fructose-rich diet group (F). The animals were fed these diets for 60 d (d 120 to 180). We performed insulin, glucose as well as a minimum lactate test, at d 120 and 180. At the end of the experiment, sixteen animals were euthanized, and the following main variables were analysed: aerobic capacity, the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio, serum and liver triglyceride concentrations, serum and liver thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentrations, serum and liver catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and haematoxylin-eosin histology (HE) in hepatocytes. The remaining twelve animals were submitted to an analysis of their hepatic lipogenic rate. The animals fed a fructose-rich diet exhibited a reduction in aerobic capacity, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and increased concentrations of triglycerides and TBARS in the liver. Catalase and SOD activities were reduced in the livers of the fructose-fed animals. In addition, the serum AST/ALT ratio was higher than that of the C group, which indicates hepatic damage, and the damage was confirmed by histology. In conclusion, the fructose-rich diet caused significant liver damage and a reduction in insulin sensitivity in the animals, which could lead to deleterious metabolic effects.

Combined training improves the diagnostic measures of sarcopenia and decreases the inflammation in HIV-infected individuals.

BACKGROUND: HIV-related sarcopenia is an emerging health issue that often remains undiagnosed and can lead to reduced quality of life, independence, and premature death if untreated. This study investigated the effects of a 6 month combined training (resistance plus aerobic exercise) (CT) intervention on diagnostic measures of sarcopenia, including grip strength, appendicular lean mass index (ALMI), and gait speed. METHODS: Forty participants were randomized into either a CT group (n = 20; age = 38.3 ± 4.9 years) or a control group (CON; n = 20; age = 37.9 ± 5.1 years). Participants in the CT group performed three supervised sessions per week for 6 months, consisting of weekly reverse linear periodized resistance training followed by 20 min aerobic training. Participants in the CON group were instructed to continue with their current lifestyle habits. Assessments were completed at baseline and after 6 months. Statistical analyses were performed using a two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for sex and preintervention values. Primary outcomes included grip strength, ALMI, and gait speed. Secondary outcomes were changes in levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), IGF-1, and myostatin. Associations were explored between changes in inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α), gait speed, and ALMI with grip strength. RESULTS: A significant increase in ALMI was found for CT compared with CON (0.29 ± 0.13 kg/m2 vs. -0.11 ± 0.14 kg/m2 , respectively; P < 0.001). Significant improvements in grip strength (7.86 ± 8.50 kg for CT vs. -1.58 ± 2.47 kg for CON) and gait speed (0.16 ± 0.07 m/s2 for CT vs. -0.06 ± 0.52 m/s2 for CON; both P < 0.001) were also observed in CT compared with CON. Reduction in inflammatory biomarkers was found in CT compared with CON (IL-6; TNF-α, both P < 0.001). An increase in IGF-1 (74.36 ± 56.64 pg/mm3 for CT vs. 7.19 ± 99 pg/mm3 for CON; P < 0.001) and a decrease in myostatin (-158.90 ± 62.03 pg/mm3 for CT vs. -43.33 ± 146.60 pg/mm3 for CON; P < 0.001) was found following CT compared with the CON group. Change in grip strength was correlated with changes in IL-6 (r = -0.65, P < 0.001), TNF-α (r = -0.63, P < 0.001), gait speed (r = 0.63, P < 0.001), and ALMI (r = 0.54, P = 0.001), but not IGF-1 and myostatin. No adverse events were recorded, and compliance with the CT exercise sessions was high (>85%). CONCLUSIONS: Combined training appears to be an effective means to counteract sarcopenia and improve various inflammatory markers and growth hormones in people living with HIV.

Exercise attenuates myocardial fibrosis and increases angiogenesis-related molecules in the myocardium of aged rats.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of two different exercise training protocols on myocardial fibrosis and the expression of some growth factors in aged rats. METHOD: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) group, continuous exercise training (CET) group, and the control group. After 6 weeks of experiment, mRNA levels of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), adropin proteins, and myocardial fibrosis were assessed. RESULTS: HIIT and CET induced a significant increase in the FGF-2 and adropin and a decrease in the myocardial fibrosis in compared with the control group. HIIT induced a significant increase in the VEGF if compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between CET and control group. CONCLUSION: Six weeks of HIIT and CET attenuated age-related myocardial fibrosis thereby an increase in angiogenesis-related molecules in cardiac and endothelial tissues.

COVID-19 mortality and its predictors in the elderly: A systematic review.

Background and Aims: Older people have higher rates of comorbidities and may experience more severe inflammatory responses; therefore, are at higher risk of death. Herein, we aimed to systematically review the mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and its predictors in this age group. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct using relevant keywords. Retrieved records underwent a two-step screening process consisting of title/abstract and full-text screenings to identify the eligible studies. Results: Summarizing findings of 35 studies demonstrated that older patients have higher mortality rates compared to the younger population. A review of articles revealed that increasing age, body mass index, a male gender, dementia, impairment or dependency in daily activities, presence of consolidations on chest X-ray, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and lower oxygen saturation at admission were risk factors for death. High d-dimer levels, 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum deficiencies, high C-reactive protein (≥5 mg/L) levels plus any other abnormalities of lymphocyte, higher blood urea nitrogen or lactate dehydrogenase, and higher platelet count were predictors of poor prognosis and mortality in the elderly. Studies have also shown that previous treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, pharmacological treatments of respiratory disorders, antibiotics, corticosteroids, vitamin K antagonist, antihistamines, azithromycin, Itolizumab (an anti-CD6 monoclonal antibody) in combination with other antivirals reduces COVID-19 worsening and mortality. Vaccination against seasonal influenza might also reduce COVID-19 mortality. Conclusion: Overall, a critical consideration is necessary for the care and management of COVID-19 in the aged population considering the drastic contrasts in manifestation and prognosis compared to other age groups. Mortality from COVID-19 is independently associated with the patient's age. Elderly patients with COVID-19 are more vulnerable to poor outcomes. Thus, strict preventive measures, timely diagnosis, and aggressive therapeutic/nontherapeutic care are of great importance to reduce acute respiratory distress syndrome and severe complications in older people.

Prenatal and neonatal complications of COVID-19: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) over the past year has affected public health worldwide. During pregnancy, the maternal immune system and inflammatory responses are widely suppressed. Pregnancy-related immune system suppression could make the mother vulnerable to infectious diseases like SARS-COV-2. However, current data suggest little to no possibility of COVID-19 transmission in pregnant women to the fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. This systematic review focused on the possible complications of COVID-19 infection in the fetus and newborn babies including the possibility and evidence of vertical transmission by reviewing articles published during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search using keywords on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases. The studies followed a title/abstract and a full-text screening process, and the eligible articles were included in the study. RESULTS: In total, 238 published papers were identified using a systematic search strategy (44 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final review). In all studies, a total of 2375 women with signs and symptoms of COVID-19, who were in the second and third trimester of pregnancy, were assessed mild to moderate pneumonia was one of the most common symptoms. Seventy-three percent of the women did not present any comorbidity, 19% had a fever, 17% had to cough as the most frequent clinical signs and symptoms, 7.5% had pulmonary changes with chest scans, 8% had increased C reactive protein, and 9.4% had decreased lymphocytes (lymphocytopenia). A total of 2716 newborns and fetal were assessed; the delivery method of 1725 of them was reported, 913 (53%) through C-section delivery, and 812 through normal vaginal delivery (47%). Of total newborns, 13 died (five died along with the mother), and 1965 were tested for SARS-CoV-2:118 tested positive. In a study, vertical transmission in seven cases was reported in total of 145 cases assessed. CONCLUSION: It appeared that most pregnant COVID patients were mildly ill, and there is currently no convincing evidence to support the vertical transmission of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, neonates do not represent any additional risk for adverse outcomes neither during the prenatal period nor after birth.

Time-course effects of functional fitness sessions performed at different intensities on the metabolic, hormonal, and BDNF responses in trained men.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the time-course effects of a self-regulated training session (performed at an rating perceived exertion of 6/10), all-out session, and a control session on the metabolic, hormonal, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) responses in Functional-Fitness (FFT) participants. METHODS: In a randomized, crossover fashion, eight healthy males (age 28.1 ± 5.4 years old; body mass 77.2 ± 4.4 kg; VO2max: 52.6 ± 4.6 mL.(kg.min)-1; 2000 m rowing test 7.35 ± 0.18 min; 1RM back squat 135.6 ± 21.9 kg) performed a FFT session under two different conditions: all-out, or with the intensity controlled to elicit an rating perceived exertion (RPE) of 6 in the Borg 10-point scale (RPE6). A control session (no exercise) was also completed. Metabolic (lactate and creatine kinase), hormonal (testosterone and cortisol), and BDNF responses were assessed pre, post-0 h, 1 h, 2 h and 24 h after the sessions. RESULTS: Creatine kinase concentrations were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) after 24 h for both training sessions. Total and free testosterone concentrations were lower post-2 h for all-out when compared to the RPE6 session (p ≤ 0.05). Serum cortisol concentration increased post-0 h (p = 0.011) for RPE6 and post-0 h (p = 0.003) and post-1 h (p = 0.030) for all-out session when comparing to baseline concentrations. BDNF was significantly higher (p = 0.002) post-0 h only for the all-out session when compared to baseline. A positive correlation between blood lactate concentrations and BDNF (r = 0.51; p = 0.01) was found for both effort interventions. CONCLUSIONS: A single FFT session when performed in all-out format acutely increases the concentrations of serum BDNF. However, physiological stress markers show that the all-out session requires a longer recovery period when compared to the RPE6 protocol. These findings can be helpful to coaches and practitioners design FFT session.

COVID-19 mortality in patients with immunodeficiency and its predictors: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with immunodeficiency are usually more prone to worse outcomes of infectious diseases. However, there are some disagreements in the context of COVID-19, for example, in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Herein, we aimed to systematically review the risk and predictors of COVID-19 mortality in people with primary or secondary immunodeficiency. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched. We followed a two-step screening process to identify eligible results. We first reviewed the title and abstract of the records and the unqualified studies were removed. Then, their full texts were evaluated based on their coherence with the purpose and inclusion/exclusion criteria, and those eligible for qualitative synthesis were included. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles were included, which investigated a total of 109,326 with primary or secondary immunodeficiencies. Three studies investigated the pediatric and infant population, while other studies were conducted on the adult population. Overall, studies on both primary and secondary immunodeficiency conflicted as some reported higher and some mentioned lower mortality rates in patients with immunodeficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, there were two points of view in both types of immunodeficiencies. The first is the classical viewpoint that all immunodeficient patients are at a higher risk of infection leading to a higher mortality rate. The second types of studies found that immunodeficiency might play a less important or even an inverse role in mortality rates by lowering the severity of the inflammatory response. However, it is important to take note to comorbidities, such as DM, HTN, CAD, ESRD, history of lower respiratory infection, etc., and demographic factors, such as obesity and age > 70 years, as they appear to influence the mortality rate, especially in patients with secondary immunodeficiency.

The relationship between COVID-19 viral load and disease severity: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with COVID-19 may present different viral loads levels. However, the relationship between viral load and disease severity in COVID-19 is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the association between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and COVID-19 severity. METHODS: The relevant studies using the keywords of "COVID-19" and "viral load" were searched in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. A two-step title/abstract screening process was carried out and the eligible studies were included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies were included from the initial 1015 records. The vast majority of studies have utilized real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the nasopharyngeal/respiratory swabs to report viral load. Viral loads were commonly reported either as cycle threshold (Ct ) or log10 RNA copies/ml. CONCLUSION: The results were inconclusive about the relationship between COVID-19 severity and viral load, as a similar number of studies either approved or opposed this hypothesis. However, the studies denote the direct relationship between older age and higher SARS-CoV-2 viral load, which is a known risk factor for COVID-19 mortality. The higher viral load in older patients may serve as a mechanism for any possible relationships between COVID-19 viral load and disease severity. There was a positive correlation between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and its transmissibility. Nonetheless, further studies are recommended to precisely characterize this matter.

Combined Physical Training Increases Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels, But Not Irisin in People Living with HIV/AIDS.

This study evaluated plasma levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), irisin, and lactate in people living with HIV/AIDS who completed a combined physical training program. Nineteen HIV+ participants (age: 39.60 ± 10.96 years; carrier time: 7.75 ± 7.88 years; time of ART: 6.41 ± 5.93 years) performed strength/aerobic training (combined physical training) in the same session for 8 weeks and levels of BDNF, irisin, and lactate were assessed. BDNF (pg/mL) was higher post-CPT (Pre: 1258.73 ± 372.30; Post: 1504.17 ± 322.30; p < 0.001). Irisin (ng/mL) showed no change (Pre: 115.61 ± 72.41; Post: 125.87 ± 81.14; p = 0.973). There was positive correlation between irisin and lactate (mmol/L) pre (r = 0.55, p = 0.04), and lactate values were higher in the group with the highest value of irisin (3.65 ± 0.69 × 2.82 ± 0.59, p = 0.02). Combined physical training results in increased basal BDNF in people living with HIV/AIDS, this finding suggests that increased concentration of BDNF may be associated with decreased chances of developing cognitive disorders or HIV-associated dementia. Further studies involving molecular mechanisms on this subject are necessary.

Local Muscle Endurance and Strength Had Strong Relationship with CrossFit® Open 2020 in Amateur Athletes.

This study analyzed the relationship between anthropometric measures, cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, power, and local muscle endurance with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2020. For this, 17 volunteers (6 women) (29.0 ± 7.2 years) completed, on separate weeks, tests for body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), maximal oxygen consumption (2 km row test), muscle strength (one repetition maximum (1 RM) back and front squat, isometric peak torque), muscle power (1 RM snatch and clean and jerk) and muscle endurance (Tibana test), which were compared with performance during the CrossFit® Open 2020. Specific tests of localized muscular endurance and muscle strength had the strongest relationship with performance in the CrossFit® Open 2020. On the other hand, the percentage of fat and cardiorespiratory capacity were not significantly correlated with CrossFit® Open 2020 workout performance. Coaches and practitioners should therefore utilize these findings to assess physical fitness and organize the distribution of the training session based on less developed physical needs, in order to ensure an appropriate physiological adaptation for a given competition.