Does curcumin improve liver enzymes levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate the sources of heterogeneity in randomized clinical trials examining the effects of curcumin supplementation on liver aminotransferases in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases for randomized clinical trials and identified 15 studies (n = 835 subjects). We used random-effects models with DerSimonian-Laird methods to analyze the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Our results indicate that curcumin did not affect serum alanine aminotransferase, but it did reduce aspartate aminotransferase levels. Notably, both outcomes showed high heterogeneity (p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that adding piperine to curcumin did not benefit aminotransferase levels in NAFLD patients. Additionally, we found a negative correlation between the duration of the intervention and the relative (mg/kg/day) curcumin dose with the reduction in liver aminotransferases. In summary, the sources of heterogeneity identified in our study are likely attributed to the duration of the intervention and the relative dose of curcumin. Consequently, longer trials utilizing high doses of curcumin could diminish the positive impact of curcumin in reducing serum levels of aminotransferases in patients with NAFLD.

Anthropometric characteristics of young elite sailors based on performance level.

Background: /Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyse possible differences in anthropometric characteristics of elite sailors based on categories and performance level. Methods: ː A total of 42 young (aged 12-18 years) elite sailors (men = 31; women = 11) of the Monohull (n = 21) and Windsurfing (n = 21) categories composed the study sample. Testing was per-formed in one session the day before the start of an official and international competition. Body composition was measured using an octopolar and multi-frequency electrical bioimpedance analyser, and height was recorded using a telescopic measuring instrument. Cross-sectional study. The total sample was divided into two groups based on their performance level (ranking), 50th percentile (P1), and 100th percentile (P2). Results: ː P1 presented a lower BMI, total body fat mass, and body fat mass in the trunk, arms, and legs (p < 0.05). Similarly, P1 reported a higher total body muscle mass and body muscle mass on the trunk, arms, and legs compared to the less level performance group (p < 0.05). In addition, P2 sailors were taller and heavier (p < 0.05). Regarding categories, the Windsurf sailors presented statistically significantly lower arm fat mass than the Monohull (p < 0.05). The Windsurf sailors showed differences between the two performance-level groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, comparing the high-level performance group in both categories, higher arm muscle mass on the Windsurfing sailors was detected (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ː These findings could help to differentiate the anthropometric variables that determine sport performance in young elite sailors and could be used to differentiate the anthropometric variables in each category.

Key performance indicators of Olympic windsurfers during a World Cup: RS:X class®.

The aim of this study was to analyse differences in velocity, distance travelled and manoeuvres performed by Olympic sailors of the RS:X class using a GPS device. Fifty-three Olympic sailors of the RS:X class (28 males and 25 females) who competed in a World Championship were selected. The sample was divided into tertiles (T1, T2 and T3) according to their classification in the competition. Using a GPS device during the competition, mean velocity (VM), velocity made good (VMG), manoeuvres and distances in three different courses (upwind, reaching and downwind) were assessed during a regatta. Significant differences were found based on performance level in upwind (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.288), sailors of T1 covering a shorter distance compared to those of T2 (p < 0.009) and T3 (p < 0.001). Regarding VMG, an effect was observed for performance level in upwind (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.718), reaching (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.469) and downwind (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.575). Females covered a shorter distance compared to the males in upwind (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.639) and downwind (p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.903). Distance and VMG are significant variables for establishing differences in performance level among Olympic sailors of the RS:X class when the wind speed is in a range of 8-21 knots.

Caffeine supplementation improves physical performance without affecting fatigue level: a double-blind crossover study.

This study examined the effect of caffeine supplementation (CAFF) in a Wingate test (WT), and the behaviour of blood lactate concentrations (BLa) and neuromuscular fatigue (NMF), measured as reduced countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, in response to the WT. In a double-blind crossover study, 16 participants attended the laboratory twice, separated by a 72-hour window. In the sessions, participants first ingested 6 mg·kg-1 of either CAFF or placebo (PLAC), and then performed a WT. BLa was measured before (L-pre), and 0.5 min (L-post-0.5) and 3.5 min (L-post-3.5) after conducting the WT. The CMJ test was conducted before (CMJ pre), after (CMJ post), and 3 min after completing (CMJ post-3) the WT. The results indicated that CAFF enhanced peak power (Wpeak: + 3.22%; p = 0.040), time taken to reach Wpeak (T_Wpeak: -18.76%; p = 0.001) and mean power (Wmean: + 2.7%; p = 0.020). A higher BLa was recorded for CAFF at L-post-0.5 (+ 13.29%; p = 0.009) and L-post-3.5 (+ 10.51%; p = 0.044) compared to PLAC. CAFF improved peak power (PP; + 3.44%; p = 0.003) and mean power (MP; + 4.78%; p = 0.006) at CMJ pre, compared to PLAC, whereas PP and MP were significantly diminished at CMJ post and CMJ post-3 compared to pre (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) under both the CAFF and PLAC conditions. PP and MP were increased at post-3 compared to post (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) for both conditions. In conclusion, CAFF increased WT performance and BLa without affecting NMF measured by CMJ. Thus, CAFF may allow athletes to train with higher workloads and enhance the supercompensation effects after an adequate recovery period.

Accessory Spleen Fracture: Report of a Pediatric Case and Review of the Literature.

Accessory spleen rupture may occur after blunt abdominal trauma or, more rarely, spontaneously. Although only few cases are described in adults, it is even more uncommon in children. We report the case of a 13-year-old boy with traumatic accessory spleen fracture. After a review of the literature, we discuss the diagnostic points that should raise the suspicion for accessory spleen fracture as well as how challenging the diagnosis by computed tomography can be.

[«â€ Let's talk about sex†¼â€ : adolescent boys' sexual health in the primary care setting]. / «â€ Parlons de sexe avec eux aussi†¼â€ : ­la santé sexuelle des adolescents garçons en médecine de premier recours.

Despite obvious needs, adolescent boys do not access information and care in the field of sexual and reproductive health as easily as adolescent girls. The primary care setting gives the opportunity to tackle sexuality topics with boys. It allows to defuse frequent causes of concern in this crucial developmental phase, in a proactive and open-minded way, while focusing on strengths rather than on risks. It also allows to discuss masculine norms and their impact on health, and to come up with essential prevention elements. It is -necessary to focus on boys' health to have them involved in a -changing process on behalf of their own health but also on behalf of girls' and young women's health.

Malgré des besoins évidents en matière de santé sexuelle, les adolescents garçons accèdent moins à l'information et aux soins dans ce domaine que les filles. Toute consultation en médecine de premier recours avec un garçon fournit dès lors l'occasion d'élargir l'entretien aux questions de sexualité. Grâce à une ­approche proactive, ouverte, centrée sur les ressources plutôt que sur les risques, l'entretien permet d'aborder des inquiétudes courantes en cette période développementale cruciale, de discuter les modèles masculins et leur impact sur la santé ou encore d'évoquer des éléments incontournables de prévention. Porter notre attention sur la santé des garçons est essentiel afin de les engager en tant qu'acteurs de changement pour leur propre ­santé, mais aussi pour celle des filles et jeunes femmes.

Six months versus two years of oral anticoagulation after a first episode of unprovoked deep-vein thrombosis. The PADIS-DVT randomized clinical trial.

The optimal duration of anticoagulation after a first episode of unprovoked deep-vein thrombosis is uncertain. We aimed to assess the benefits and risks of an additional 18 months of treatment with warfarin versus placebo, after an initial 6 months of anticoagulation for a first unprovoked proximal deep-vein thrombosis. We conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial comparing an additional 18 months of warfarin with placebo in patients with a unprovoked proximal deep-vein thrombosis initially treated for 6 months (treatment period: 18 months; follow up after treatment period: 24 months). The primary outcome was the composite of recurrent venous thromboembolism or major bleeding at 18 months. Secondary outcomes were the composite at 42 months, as well as each component of the composite, and death unrelated to pulmonary embolism or major bleeding, at 18 and 42 months. All outcomes were centrally adjudicated. A total of 104 patients, enrolled between July 2007 and October 2013 were analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis; no patient was lost to follow-up. During the 18-month treatment period, the primary outcome occurred in none of the 50 patients in the warfarin group and in 16 out of 54 patients (cumulative risk, 29.6%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.03; 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 0.09; P<0.001). During the entire 42-month study period, the composite outcome occurred in 14 patients (cumulative risk, 36.8%) in the warfarin group and 17 patients (cumulative risk, 31.5%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval: 0.35-1.46). In conclusion, after a first unprovoked proximal deep-vein thrombosis initially treated for 6 months, an additional 18 months of warfarin therapy reduced the composite of recurrent venous thrombosis and major bleeding compared to placebo. However, this benefit was not maintained after stopping anticoagulation. Clinical registration: this trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00740493.

A Mobile Device App to Reduce Time to Drug Delivery and Medication Errors During Simulated Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: During pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), vasoactive drug preparation for continuous infusion is both complex and time-consuming, placing children at higher risk than adults for medication errors. Following an evidence-based ergonomic-driven approach, we developed a mobile device app called Pediatric Accurate Medication in Emergency Situations (PedAMINES), intended to guide caregivers step-by-step from preparation to delivery of drugs requiring continuous infusion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine whether the use of PedAMINES reduces drug preparation time (TDP) and time to delivery (TDD; primary outcome), as well as medication errors (secondary outcomes) when compared with conventional preparation methods. METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled crossover trial with 2 parallel groups comparing PedAMINES with a conventional and internationally used drugs infusion rate table in the preparation of continuous drug infusion. We used a simulation-based pediatric CPR cardiac arrest scenario with a high-fidelity manikin in the shock room of a tertiary care pediatric emergency department. After epinephrine-induced return of spontaneous circulation, pediatric emergency nurses were first asked to prepare a continuous infusion of dopamine, using either PedAMINES (intervention group) or the infusion table (control group), and second, a continuous infusion of norepinephrine by crossing the procedure. The primary outcome was the elapsed time in seconds, in each allocation group, from the oral prescription by the physician to TDD by the nurse. TDD included TDP. The secondary outcome was the medication dosage error rate during the sequence from drug preparation to drug injection. RESULTS: A total of 20 nurses were randomized into 2 groups. During the first study period, mean TDP while using PedAMINES and conventional preparation methods was 128.1 s (95% CI 102-154) and 308.1 s (95% CI 216-400), respectively (180 s reduction, P=.002). Mean TDD was 214 s (95% CI 171-256) and 391 s (95% CI 298-483), respectively (177.3 s reduction, P=.002). Medication errors were reduced from 70% to 0% (P<.001) by using PedAMINES when compared with conventional methods. CONCLUSIONS: In this simulation-based study, PedAMINES dramatically reduced TDP, to delivery and the rate of medication errors.

[Diagnosis and management of testicular torsion in children]. / Diagnostic et prise en charge de la torsion testiculaire chez l'enfant.

Testicular torsion is a true urologic emergency with a bimodal age presentation : the perinatal testicular torsion presenting with a hard, tender or non-tender scrotal mass usually with underlying dark discoloration of the skin and the peripubertal testicular torsion presenting with severe acute testicular pain, vomiting and frequently pain irradiation in the inguinal area, a high riding-horizontally positioned testis and absence of the cremasteric reflex. Obtaining a US Doppler must not add unnecessary delay to the urgent surgical treatment which entails detorsion and bilateral orchidopexy. We do not recommend manual detorsion as around 30 % of testis rotate externally. Up to 50 % of patients presenting with a testicular torsion suffered beforehand from intermittent testicular pain episodes.

La torsion testiculaire est une urgence urologique avec deux âges de présentation. La période périnatale, avec un « scrotum aigu ¼ (bourse bleuâtre ou rouge, tuméfiée, avec ou sans douleurs), présent à la naissance ou dans les jours qui suivent et les torsions plus tardives, se manifestant par des douleurs testiculaires aiguës avec irradiation abdominale, une perte du réflexe crémastérien, une position ascensionnée et horizontalisée du testicule et parfois des vomissements. Le diagnostic est clinique et l'examen radiologique ne doit pas retarder l'exploration chirurgicale urgente avec détorsion et fixation testiculaire bilatérale. La détorsion manuelle externe est déconseillée, le sens de rotation du testicule étant aléatoire. 50 % des torsions testiculaires sont précédées d'épisodes de douleurs testiculaires intermittentes.

Sports Supplement Consumption in 316 Federated Female Road Cyclists.

Although the extensive use of sports supplements (SSs) is prevalent among cyclists, this area has been poorly explored; in fact, no studies have been conducted on this topic regarding women cyclists to date. This descriptive, cross-sectional study, which included 316 federated female road cyclists, aimed to analyze SS consumption patterns in relation to scientific evidence and various categories. SSs were categorized according to the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sport Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence supporting their use. The analysis found that 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed used SSs, with an average consumption of 7 ± 6 supplements per individual. Pharmacies (60.8%), dietitian-nutritionists (58.9%), and health status (60.1%) were the primary purchase location, source of information, and reason for use, respectively. The most frequently consumed supplements were sports bars (77.5%), sports gels (61.4%), and caffeine (49.1%). Significantly, 80% of the ten most commonly used supplements were from the group with the highest evidence level, as classified by the AIS, with an average intake of 5 ± 3 supplements per cyclist. In summary, the use of SSs is prevalent among female road cyclists, with reliable sources for both purchasing and obtaining advice on supplements.

Prevalence of sports supplements consumption and its association with food choices among female elite football players.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to 1) investigate the consumption of Sports Supplements (SSs) among female elite football players, 2) evaluate the influence of age on SS consumption, and 3) determine the relationship between the consumption of SSs and dietary choices among elite football players. METHODS: A total of 126 female football players of Primera Iberdrola and Reto Iberdrola who participated in this descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study completed a self-administered questionnaire on SSs and the Athletes' Food Choices Questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 84.1% of participants consumed supplements, mainly for improved sports performance (68.3%) and health (34.1%). The main sources of purchase were the Internet (34.9%) and specialized shops (23.8%), and players were commonly advised by a dietitian-nutritionist to use SSs (56.3%). The SSs most often consumed included whey protein (30.2%), sports drinks (28.6%), creatine monohydrate (28.6%), sports bars (27.8%), and caffeine (27.8%). Older players consumed more supplements at the time of data compilation. Players predominantly acquired these supplements by using the Internet and reported benefits from their use (all P ≤ 0.036). Additionally, players who consumed SSs conveyed more concern about their food choices. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of female football players consumed SSs, particularly SSs supported by robust scientific evidence. Older players had higher supplement consumption rates. The use of SSs was related to food choices through nutritional characteristics of foods, knowledge about health and nutrition, weight control with the help of food, and the performance benefits players could acquire.

Physical and Psychosocial Benefits of Sports Participation Among Children and Adolescents with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify sports interventions for children and adolescents (CaA) with chronic diseases and evaluate their impact on physical, psychological, and social well-being. The findings of this study will contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits of sports interventions for CaA with chronic diseases and inform future interventions to promote their overall health and well-being. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in eight databases. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and utilized a comprehensive search strategy to identify studies on sport-based interventions for CaA with chronic diseases. The review included randomized controlled trials and observational studies that focused on physical and psychosocial outcomes. RESULTS: We screened 10,123 titles and abstracts, reviewed the full text of 622 records, and included 52 primary studies. A total of 2352 participants were assessed with an average of 45 ± 37 participants per study. Among the included studies involving CaA with chronic diseases with an age range from 3 to 18 years, 30% (n = 15) autism spectrum disorders, 21% (n = 11) cerebral palsy, 19% (n = 10) were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and 17% (n = 9) obesity. Other diseases included were cancer (n = 5), asthma (n = 1) and cystic fibrosis (n = 1). Interventions involved various sports and physical activities tailored to each chronic disease. The duration and frequency of interventions varied across studies. Most studies assessed physical outcomes, including motor performance and physical fitness measures. Psychosocial outcomes were also evaluated, focusing on behavioural problems, social competencies, and health-related quality of life. CONCLUSION: Overall, sport-based interventions effectively improved physical and psychosocial outcomes in CaA with chronic diseases. Interventions are generally safe, and participants adhere to the prescribed protocols favorably. Despite that, there is little evidence that interventions are being implemented. Future studies should include interventions tailored to meet the common issues experienced by CaA with chronic conditions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of sports interventions on those affected. REGISTRATION: The methodology for this review was pre-determined and registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42023397172).

A randomized controlled mHealth trial that evaluates social comparison-oriented gamification to improve physical activity, sleep quantity, and quality of life in young adults.

INTRODUCTION: The integration of gamification in mHealth interventions presents a novel approach to enhance user engagement and health outcomes. This study aims to evaluate whether comparison-oriented gamification can effectively improve various aspects of health and well-being, including physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and overall quality of life among young adults. METHODS: Potential 107 young adults (from 19 to 28 years old) participated in an 8-week trial. Participants were assigned to either a gamified mHealth intervention (LevantApp) with daily leaderboards and progress bars (n = 53, 26 % dropped-out), or a control condition without gamification (n = 52, 29 % dropped-out). Physical activity (number of steps, moderate and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity -MVPA-) and sleep quantity were measured objectively via accelerometry and subjectively using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire(SBQ), and Short Form Health Survey(SF-36). RESULTS: This mHealth intervention with social comparison-oriented gamification significantly improved moderate physical activity to a greater extent than the control group. Additionally, the intervention group showed improvements in the number of steps, moderate physical activity, sedentary time, emotional wellbeing, and social functioning. However, no significant group by time interaction was observed. No significant differences were observed in sleep quality or quantity. CONCLUSION: s: The LevantApp gamified mHealth intervention was effective in improving moderate physical activity, physical functioning, and role-emotional in young adults. No significant effects were found on step counts, MVPA or sleep, suggesting that while gamification can enhance specific aspects of physical activity and quality of life, its impact may vary across different outcomes.

Changes in the Expression of Inflammatory Genes Induced by Chronic Exercise in the Adipose Tissue: Differences by Sex.

The impact of obesity on adipose tissue function is well acknowledged, but the role of physical exercise in regulating inflammatory markers and gene expression in obese individuals remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the effects of chronic exercise on inflammatory gene expression in adipose tissue and to explore sex differences in response to exercise. The study involved 29 obese participants (13 men, 16 women) aged 38 to 54 years with a mean BMI of 36.05 ± 4.99 kg/m2. Participants underwent an 8-week concurrent training program comprising three weekly sessions of ~60 min each. The sessions included joint mobility exercises, cardiovascular activation, and cardiorespiratory resistance exercises at medium to low intensity. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was performed for gene expression analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The study demonstrated that chronic exercise modulates the expression of pro-inflammatory genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, particularly ADIPOR2 (p = 0.028), leptin (p = 0.041), and IFNg (p = 0.040) (downregulated). Interestingly, regardless of sex, the exercise programs had an independent effect on pro-inflammatory genes. Overall, this study provides insight into the role of chronic exercise in modulating adipose tissue gene expression in obese individuals. Further research involving both sexes is recommended to tailor exercise interventions for better outcomes.

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption of Elite Referees of the Spanish Professional Fotball League.

BACKGROUND: Sports supplements (SSs) are widely used among team sport athletes; however, evidence supporting the use of SSs among football referees at the elite level is scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyze the consumption of SSs among referees with respect to their level of competition and referee type (main referees (MRs) vs. assistant referees (ARs)). METHODS: A total of 106 football referees participated in this study, with 46.2% from the First Spanish Division and 53.8% from the Second Spanish Division, representing 84.13% of the total number of referees. Each participant completed a validated questionnaire about SS consumption, with the SSs classified according to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) ABCD system: Group A has strong evidence for enhancing athlete health and performance, Group B shows potential benefits but needs more evidence, Group C has inconclusive evidence against use, and Group D includes prohibited substances. RESULTS: A total of 84.0% of the MRs and ARs reported the consumption of at least one SS. Differences were found only in the consumption of medical supplements between division (p = 0.016) and type of referee (p = 0.041), though no significant differences were found among the remaining AIS SS categories (p > 0.05). Sport performance (49.6%), Internet (41.0%), and dietitian-nutritionists (31.7%) were the primary reason for SS consumption, purchase location, and source of information, respectively. The most frequently consumed SS were whey protein (45.3%), followed by creatine (33.0%), sport bars and sports drinks (28.3%), and caffeine (19.8%). CONCLUSIONS: MRs and ARs reported a high prevalence of dietary supplement (SS) consumption, with significant differences between division and referee type observed only in medical supplement consumption.

Nutritional Strategies for Optimizing Health, Sports Performance, and Recovery for Female Athletes and Other Physically Active Women: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Despite the progress toward gender equality in events like the Olympic Games and other institutionalized competitions, and the rising number of women engaging in physical exercise programs, scientific studies focused on establishing specific nutritional recommendations for female athletes and other physically active women are scarce. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to compile the scientific evidence available for addressing the question "What dietary strategies, including dietary and supplementation approaches, can improve sports performance, recovery, and health status in female athletes and other physically active women?" DATA SOURCES: The Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched. DATA EXTRACTION: The review process involved a comprehensive search strategy using keywords connected by Boolean connectors. Data extracted from the selected studies included information on the number of participants and their characteristics related to sport practice, age, and menstrual function. DATA ANALYSIS: A total of 71 studies were included in this review: 17 focused on the analysis of dietary manipulation, and 54 focused on the effects of dietary supplementation. The total sample size was 1654 participants (32.5% categorized as competitive athletes, 30.7% as highly/moderately trained, and 37.2% as physically active/recreational athletes). The risk of bias was considered moderate, mainly for reasons such as a lack of access to the study protocol, insufficient description of how the hormonal phase during the menstrual cycle was controlled for, inadequate dietary control during the intervention, or a lack of blinding of the researchers. CONCLUSION: Diets with high carbohydrate (CHO) content enhance performance in activities that induce muscle glycogen depletion. In addition, pre-exercise meals with a high glycemic index or rich in CHOs increase CHO metabolism. Ingestion of 5-6 protein meals interspersed throughout the day, with each intake exceeding 25 g of protein favors anabolism of muscle proteins. Dietary supplements taken to enhance performance, such as caffeine, nitric oxide precursors, ß-alanine, and certain sport foods supplements (such as CHOs, proteins, or their combination, and micronutrients in cases of nutritional deficiencies), may positively influence sports performance and/or the health status of female athletes and other physically active women. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD480674.

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption in 1688 Federated Road Cyclists.

The widespread use of sports supplements (SS) to enhance athletic performance extends to cyclists, although little research has been conducted on this subject within this sport. This descriptive and cross-sectional study involved 1688 federated road cyclists, aiming to analyse the pattern of SS consumption concerning the degree of scientific evidence and different categories. This study categorised SS based on the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sport Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence. Our results showed that 62.5% of the sample cyclists used SS, with an average of 12.2 ± 8.6 supplements consumed per participant. Health status (78.2%), pharmacies (62.5%), and medical doctors (45.7%) were the main reasons, purchase sites, and sources of information for SS consumption, respectively. The most prevalent SS consumed were Sports Gels (94%), Sports Bars (89.3%), and Sports Drinks (73.8%). Notably, 80% of the top ten most consumed SS belonged to the group with the highest level of evidence according to the AIS, with an average of 6.9 ± 3.2 supplements per participant. However, 23.3% of the total SS consumers used prohibited substances. In conclusion, while the prevalence of SS consumption among road cyclists is considerable and the primary sources for purchasing SS and obtaining advice are reliable, there is a notable prevalence of prohibited substance use within the sample.

Do Spanish Triathletes Consume Sports Supplements According to Scientific Evidence? An Analysis of the Consumption Pattern According to Sex and Level of Competition.

BACKGROUND: The use of sports supplements (SS) to improve sports performance is very common in athletes. In the case of triathletes, the physiological characteristics of the sport may require the use of certain SS. Although the consumption of SS is widespread in this sport, very few studies have investigated it thus far. The aim is to analyze the pattern of SS consumption by triathletes according to sex and the competitive level. METHODOLOGY: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study on the consumption and habitual use of SS of 232 Spanish-federated triathletes. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 92.2% of the athletes consumed SS, but no significant differences were found in terms of competition level or sex. Yet, significant differences were found regarding the level of competition for total SS (p = 0.021), the total number of Group A supplements from the AIS classification (p = 0.012), and for the ergogenic aids (p = 0.003). The most-consumed SS were bars, sports drinks, sports gels, and caffeine (83.6%, 74.1%, 61.2%, and 46.6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of SS by triathletes is high, and the number of SS consumed rises from the regional to the national and international levels. The four SS most consumed were included in category A of the AIS (greatest scientific evidence).

Are the Consumption Patterns of Sports Supplements Similar among Spanish Mountain Runners?

BACKGROUND: The use of sports supplements (SS) to improve sports performance is widespread in all types of athletes, however, the specific characteristics of mountain races may require the use of certain SS. Despite being a sport where the consumption of SS seems widespread, few studies have been conducted in this regard. The objective of this study is to analyze the pattern of SS consumption of mountain runners in relation to the degree of scientific evidence, sex, and level of competition. METHODS: Descriptive and cross-sectional study on the consumption and habitual use of SS of 357 federated mountain runners in Spain. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: From the total sample, 93.84% of the athletes stated that they consumed SS, with no differences observed based on the competitive level or in terms of sex; however, there were significant differences according to the competitive level in terms of the number of SS consumed, with consumption being greater at a higher competitive level (p = 0.009). The most consumed SS were sports bars (66.1%), sports drinks (60.5%), sports gels (52.9%), and caffeine (46.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of SS in mountain races is high, and the number of SS consumed is higher as the competition level increases. The four SS most consumed by the participants in this study were all included in category A in the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), this category is the one with the greatest scientific evidence.

How useful is a complete urinary tract ultrasound in orchiepididymitis?

Orchiepididymitis (OE) is a frequent cause of pediatric emergency department attendance in boys presenting with acute scrotum. The etiology of most episodes of OE remains unclear and there is no consensus regarding the correlation between OE and underlying genitourinary malformations. Whether imaging evaluation should comprise complete urinary tract ultrasonography (US) or voiding cystography is a subject of debate. The aim of this retrospective, single-center study was to analyze i) the number/type of urinary tract malformations detected by US following a first episode of OE in boys with no previously known malformation and ii) the frequency of associated urinary tract infection (UTI). We reviewed the records of 495 boys <16 years presenting to our pediatric emergency department with acute scrotum between January 2012 and December 2017. Patients with incomplete radiological data were excluded. Of 119 boys with a radiologically-confirmed first episode of OE, 99 had a complete urinary tract US and were included in the study. No genitourinary malformation was detected (0%). Urinary cultures showed UTI in 3/98 (3.1%) patients. Mean age at presentation was 9.7 years (standard deviation, 3.9) with a three-peak incidence of OE at 10-13 years, 4-5 years, and during infancy. Conclusion: Complete urinary tract US does not appear to be useful during a first episode of OE in countries with an antenatal US screening rate similar to Switzerland. The very low UTI rate suggests that a urinalysis is sufficient to investigate a first episode of OE and antibiotics should be reserved for positive urinalysis only.