Valganciclovir modulates the tumor necrosis factor axis molecules expression and CD4+ T-cell subsets in disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma patients.

Valganciclovir (VGC) was used in a randomized clinical trial in patients with disseminated Kaposi Sarcoma/human immunodeficiency virus (DKS/HIV) as add-on therapy to evaluate the proinflammatory axis tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptors (TNFRs) in T cells. Two treatment schedules were used: an experimental regime (ER) and a conventional treatment (CT). Mononuclear cells from patients with DKS/HIV were obtained at baseline (W0), 4 (W4), and 12 weeks (W12). Ten DKS/HIV patients received CT (antiretroviral therapy [cART]) and 10 ER (valganciclovir [VGC] initially, plus cART at the fourth week). HIV+ without KS and HIV- patient groups were included as controls. Correlation between T-cell subsets and HHV-8 viral load (VL) and a multivariate linear regression was performed. Data showed that DKS/HIV patients have an increased frequency of CD8+ T cells, which display a high density of CD8 expression. The ER scheme increases naïve and central memory CD4+ T cells at W4 and W12 of follow-up and induces a balanced distribution of activated CD4+ T-cell subsets. Moreover, ER decreases solTNFR2 since W4 and CT decreased the transmembrane forms of TNF axis molecules. Although CT induces a positive correlation between HHV-8 VL and TNFRs, the use of ER positively correlates with TNF and TNFRs levels through follow-up and a moderate correlation with HHV-8 VL and TNF soluble levels. In conclusion, VGC, as an add-on therapy in DKS/HIV patients, gradually modulates the activation of CD4+ T-cell subsets and the TNF/TNFRs axis, suggesting a better regulation of the inflammatory status.

Mitragynine and Morphine Produce Dose-dependent Bimodal Action on Food but not Water Intake in Rats.

Novel compounds such as mitragynine, the primary alkaloid in kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa), have emerged as alternative self-treatments for opioid use disorder. Mitragynine binds numerous receptor types, including opioid receptors, which are known to modulate food consumption. However, the ability of acute mitragynine to modulate food consumption remains unknown. The current study assessed the effects of acute mitragynine or morphine administration on unconditioned food and water intake in 16 Sprague Dawley rats. Food and water intake changes were monitored in response to morphine, mitragynine (1.78-56 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), saline, or vehicle controls for 12 hours starting at the onset of the dark cycle. Naltrexone pretreatment was utilized to examine pharmacological specificity. Both morphine and mitragynine demonstrated a biphasic food intake dose-effect, with low doses (5.6 mg/kg) increasing and high doses (56 mg/kg) decreasing food intake. All morphine doses reduced water intake; however, only the highest dose of mitragynine (56 mg/kg) reduced water intake. Naltrexone attenuated both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of morphine on food intake, but only the stimulatory effect of mitragynine. In conclusion, low doses of mitragynine stimulate food intake via opioid-related pathways, while high doses likely recruit other targets.

Match-related fatigue in basketball: A systematic review.

This study aimed to systematically review fatigue responses following basketball match-play and during congested match schedules, considering performance, physiological, athlete-reported, and sleep-related outcomes. Relevant articles published until 23 January 2024 were searched using Scopus, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. After screening, 44 studies were included in the systematic review. The main findings indicate that, in most cases, vertical jumping and linear sprinting showed significant decrements at match-end (<1 hour post-match) compared to pre-match [small-to-very large effect sizes (ES)], with persistent (≥1 hour post-match) impairments lasting 24-48 hours in jumping (only in males, small-to-very large ES) and linear sprinting (moderate-to-very large ES). Physiological changes generally included significant increases (moderate-to-very large ES) in cortisol and nutrient metabolism markers at match-end, alongside persistent increases in muscle damage (mainly at 13-72 hours post-match) and inflammation (13-48 hours). Finally, match-play generally increased muscle soreness (mainly at 24-48 hours, moderate-to-very large ES) and perceived fatigue (mainly at match-end), with unclear effects on mood, and no apparent impact on sleep-related outcomes. Research assessing congested match schedules is limited, although possible worsening in muscle damage, inflammation, perceived fatigue and well-being were observed in male players. Overall, these findings indicate an impairment in some of the reviewed performance, physiological, and athlete-reported outcomes.

Effects of HMB on Endurance Performance in a Healthy Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Fernández-Landa, J, Todorovic, N, Santibañez-Gutierrez, A, Ostojic, SM, Calleja-González, J, Sekulic, D, and Mielgo-Ayuso, J. Effects of HMB on endurance performance in a healthy population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): e202-e210, 2024-ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate (HMB) has been used extensively as a dietary supplement for athletes and physically active people. However, the ergogenic effect of HMB supplementation on endurance performance is still unclear. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aimed to assess HMB supplementation on endurance performance and V̇O 2 max . This SRMA followed PRISMA guidelines. Three electronic databases were searched (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science [WOS], and Scopus) from inception until April 3, 2023. In this SRMA, human experimental trials, controlled with a placebo group, assessing the effect of HMB supplementation on endurance performance in a healthy population were included. The quality of the studies was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The study protocol was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO): CRD42022341790. Eleven studies involving 279 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results displayed a significant improvement on endurance performance (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.58 [0.28-0.87]) and V̇O 2 max (pooled SMD = 0.58 [0.21-0.95]) after HMB ingestion. Moreover, after the exclusion of the studies not evenly distributed around the base of the funnel plot, the results continued to be significantly positive in endurance performance (pooled SMD = 0.38 [0.22-0.53]) and V̇O 2 max (pooled SMD = 0.25 [0.09-0.42]). In conclusion, HMB (3 g·d -1 ) ingestion during 2-12 weeks significantly improves endurance performance and V̇O 2 max .

Physical Exercise-Induced DNA Methylation in Disease-Related Genes in Healthy Adults-A Systematic Review With Bioinformatic Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Vasileva, F, Hristovski, R, Font-Lladó, R, Georgiev, G, Sacot, A, López-Ros, V, Calleja-González, J, Barretina-Ginesta, J, López-Bermejo, A, and Prats-Puig, A. Physical exercise-induced DNA methylation in disease-related genes in healthy adults-A systematic review with bioinformatic analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 384-393, 2024-This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature regarding physical exercise (PE) and DNA methylation (DNAm) in healthy adults. Specific goals were to (a) identify differently methylated genes (DMGs) after PE intervention, their imprinting status, chromosome and genomic location, function, and related diseases; and (b) to screen for core genes and identify methylation changes of the core genes that can be modified by PE intervention. Our search identified 2,869 articles from which 8 were finally included. We identified 1851 DMGs ( p < 0.05) after PE intervention, although 45 of them were imprinted. Aerobic exercise (AE) seems to induce more DNA hypermethylation rather than hypomethylation, whereas anaerobic exercise (AN) seems to induce more DNA hypomethylation rather than hypermethylation. Aerobic exercise induced highest % of methylation changes on chromosome 6, whereas AN and mixed type (MT) on chromosome 1. Mixed type induced higher % of methylation changes close to transcription start site in comparison to AE and AN. After PE intervention, DMGs were mainly involved in fat metabolism, cell growth, and neuronal differentiation, whereas diseases regulated by those genes were mainly chronic diseases (metabolic, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative). Finally, 19 core genes were identified among DMGs, all related to protein metabolism. In conclusion, our findings may shed some light on the mechanisms explaining PE-induced health benefits such as the potential role that PE-induced DNAm may have in disease prevention and disease treatment.

Pupillometry as a new window to player fatigue? A glimpse inside the eyes of a Euro Cup Women's Basketball team.

A rapidly emerging area of interest in high-pressure environments is that of pupillometry, where handheld quantitative infrared pupillometers (HQIPs) are able to track psycho-physiological fatigue in a fast, objective, valid, reliable, and non-invasive manner. However, the application of HQIPs in the context of athlete monitoring is yet to be determined. Therefore, the main aim of this pilot study was to examine the potential usefulness of a HQIP to monitor game-induced fatigue inside a professional female basketball setting by determining its (1) test-retest repeatability, (2) relationship with other biomarkers of game-induced fatigue, and (3) time-course from rested to fatigued states. A non-ophthalmologic practitioner performed a standardized Pupil Light Reflex (PLR) test using a medically graded HQIP among 9 professional female basketball players (2020-2021 Euro Cup) at baseline, 24-h pre-game (GD-1), 24-h post-game (GD+1) and 48-h post-game (GD+2). This was repeated over four subsequent games, equalling a total of 351 observations per eye. Two out of seven pupillometrics displayed good ICCs (0.95-0.99) (MinD and MaxD). Strong significant relationships were found between MaxD, MinD, and all registered biomarkers of game-induced fatigue (r = 0.69-0.82, p < 0.05), as well as between CV, MCV, and cognitive, lower-extremity muscle, and physiological fatigue markers (r = 0.74-0.76, p < 0.05). Three pupillometrics were able to detect a significant difference between rested and fatigued states. In particular, PC (right) (F = 5.173, η2 = 0.115 p = 0.028) and MCV (right) (F = 3.976, η2 = 0.090 p = 0.049) significantly decreased from baseline to GD+2, and LAT (left) (F = 4.023, η2 = 0.109 p = 0.009) significantly increased from GD-1 to GD+2. HQIPs have opened a new window of opportunity for monitoring game-induced fatigue in professional female basketball players. However, future research initiatives across larger and heterogenous samples, and longer investigation periods, are required to expand upon these preliminary findings.

Quality of lean body mass and jump capacity in high performance young basketball players lean body mass and jump capacity.

The lean body mass (LBM) components have been suggested as important predictors of anaerobic performance, which is highly involved in basketball. We explored with descriptive cross-sectional design the relationship between anaerobic performance and full molecular and cellular body composition profile in young male basketball players. Twenty-one players (age = 16.8 ± 1.6 years; body mass = 76.3 ± 15.7 kg, height = 189.3 ± 12.6 cm) were recruited, 11 elite and 10 local level. Participants were evaluated on multicomponent body composition [LBM, appendicular lean soft tissue (ALST), bone mineral content (BMC), total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW) and extracellular water (ECW)] and field-based anaerobic performance (vertical jump, linear sprint, and handgrip strength). The stepwise regression analyses adjusted for confounders showed significant relationships of whole-body and regional body composition components with handgrip and jump performance (P ≤ 0.03). Prediction models combining body composition variables assessed by bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and double-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) revealed that lean mass and hydration ratios (ICW/ECW and ECW/TBW) were strongly associated with jump performance (CMJ and CMJ25kg), independently of the competition level (P < 0.01). The novel finding in this study was that water quality (ICW/ECW) and water distribution (ECW/TBW, ICW) of total and regional LBM were the main predictors of vertical jump capacity in young basketball players.

Monitoring Internal Load in Women's Basketball via Subjective and Device-Based Methods: A Systematic Review.

The monitoring of internal load in basketball can be used to understand the effects and potential physiological adaptations caused by external load. The main aim of this systematic review was to identify the methods and variables used to quantify internal load in female basketball. The studies included different populations and events: youth athletes, elite, and amateur players. Subjective methods included using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method, and sensor-based methods included monitoring the cardiac response to exercise, using heart rate (HR) as the primary metric. The results showed that the HRAvg exhibited a wider range of values during training than during competition, and different metrics were used to evaluate internal load, such as HRMax, HRmin, %HRMax, total time and % of time spent in different HR zones (2-8 zones), Banister's TRIMP, and summated HR zones. RPE and HR metrics were the most commonly used methods. However, the use of multiple metrics with little standardization resulted in significant heterogeneity among studies, limiting meaningful comparisons. The review provides a reference for current research on female basketball. Future research could address this limitation by adopting more consistent measurement protocols standardizing the use of metrics.

Odorant-Binding and Chemosensory Proteins in Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Their Tissue Expression.

The pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii is one of the most damaging pests to the pepper crop. To offer alternative management strategies to insecticides, several studies have identified the semiochemicals that are involved in the pepper weevil's aggregation and mating behavior; however, there is no information on its perireceptor molecular mechanism, to date. In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to functionally annotate and characterize the A. eugenii head transcriptome and their probable coding proteins. We identified twenty-two transcripts belonging to families related to chemosensory processes, seventeen corresponding to odorant-binding proteins (OBP), and six to chemosensory proteins (CSP). All results matched with closely related Coleoptera: Curculionidae homologous proteins. Likewise, twelve OBP and three CSP transcripts were experimentally characterized by RT-PCR in different female and male tissues. The results by sex and tissue display the different expression patterns of the AeugOBPs and AeugCSPs; some are present in both sexes and all tissues, while others show expressions with higher specificity, which suggests diverse physiological functions in addition to chemo-detection. This study provides information to support the understanding of odor perception in the pepper weevil.

Assessment of potential contamination and acid drainage generation in uranium mining zones of Peña Blanca, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Potential pollution of mining environmental liabilities' locations can be preliminarily and efficiently assessed by the potential generation of acid mine drainage and indices of contamination. This research evaluates the potential pollution by potentially toxic elements at locations with uranium mining liability evidence, using the net acid generation test and determining the background values to estimate acid mine drainage and indices of contamination. Sixty soil samples were collected, and the mineralogy and potentially toxic elements' total contents were determined by x-ray diffraction and optical spectrometry. The findings suggest that the soils related to a specific lithology might not present potential acid mine drainage generation but potential soil and sediment contamination. Future research is recommended on applying leaching tests to identify which potentially toxic elements are effectively being solubilized. Finally, it can be concluded that the study area's potential contamination is relatively low overall.

Interactive Effects of µ-Opioid and Adrenergic-α 2 Receptor Agonists in Rats: Pharmacological Investigation of the Primary Kratom Alkaloid Mitragynine and Its Metabolite 7-Hydroxymitragynine.

The primary kratom alkaloid mitragynine is proposed to act through multiple mechanisms, including actions at µ-opioid receptors (MORs) and adrenergic-α 2 receptors (Aα 2Rs), as well as conversion in vivo to a MOR agonist metabolite (i.e., 7-hydroxymitragynine). Aα 2R and MOR agonists can produce antinociceptive synergism. Here, contributions of both receptors to produce mitragynine-related effects were assessed by measuring receptor binding in cell membranes and, in rats, pharmacological behavioral effect antagonism studies. Mitragynine displayed binding affinity at both receptors, whereas 7-hydroxymitragynine only displayed MOR binding affinity. Compounds were tested for their capacity to decrease food-maintained responding and rectal temperature and to produce antinociception in a hotplate test. Prototypical MOR agonists and 7-hydroxymitragynine, but not mitragynine, produced antinociception. MOR agonist and 7-hydroxymitragynine rate-deceasing and antinociceptive effects were antagonized by the opioid antagonist naltrexone but not by the Aα 2R antagonist yohimbine. Hypothermia only resulted from reference Aα 2R agonists. The rate-deceasing and hypothermic effects of reference Aα 2R agonists were antagonized by yohimbine but not naltrexone. Neither naltrexone nor yohimbine antagonized the rate-decreasing effects of mitragynine. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine increased the potency of the antinociceptive effects of Aα 2R but not MOR reference agonists. Only mitragynine produced hypothermic effects. Isobolographic analyses for the rate-decreasing effects of the reference Aα 2R and MOR agonists were also conducted. These results suggest mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine may produce antinociceptive synergism with Aα 2R and MOR agonists. When combined with Aα 2R agonists, mitragynine could also produce hypothermic synergism. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Mitragynine is proposed to target the µ-opioid receptor (MOR) and adrenergic-α2 receptor (Aα2R) and to produce behavioral effects through conversion to its MOR agonist metabolite 7-hydroxymitragynine. Isobolographic analyses indicated supra-additivity in some dose ratio combinations. This study suggests mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine may produce antinociceptive synergism with Aα2R and MOR agonists. When combined with Aα2R agonists, mitragynine could also produce hypothermic synergism.

Hypertension and changes in cognitive function in a Mediterranean population.

Background: Severe cognitive decline is one of the major public health problems in developed countries. Finding modifiable risk factors could become essential to develop strategies to prevent or delay dementia progression and stop its rising incidence.Objective: Our aim was to investigate the association between hypertension and cognitive function and to assess whether better adherence to the Mediterranean diet may modify this association.Methods: A subsample of 764 participants from the 'Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra' (SUN) cohort older than 55 years was evaluated with the Spanish Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) at two-time points, separated by 6 years. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression models were used to prospectively assess the association between hypertension -also according to adherence to the Mediterranean diet- and 6-y changes in cognitive function.Results: The adjusted between-group difference in the 6-year change of the TICS-m score between hypertensive participants and their non-hypertensive counterparts was -0.36 (95% CI -0.70, -0.02). This association was stronger among participants with a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet [-0.62 (95% CI: -1.09, -0.15)] but the differences between hypertensive and non-hypertensive participants were no longer significant among participants with a higher baseline adherence to the Mediterranean diet.Conclusion: In this Mediterranean cohort, hypertension was inversely associated with cognitive function, but an attenuation of this detrimental association by a moderate/high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was suggested.

Polluting potential from mining wastes: proposal for application a global contamination index.

Indices of contamination (IC) are usually employed to assess the hazardousness associated with potentially toxic elements (PTE) from mining wastes (MW). For such, it is necessary to know the total concentrations of the PTE and local, regional, or global background or reference levels which are tolerable or acceptable threshold values for total content in soils. Although scientific literature is vast regarding the application of IC to MW, there is scarce research on the reference levels that must be employed in locations with no established comparison values. This study proposes basic reference levels for the global application of PTE contents in MW, leading to a global index of contamination (ICG). To this end, it was determined that the PTE to be assessed in MW should be As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, V, and Zn. From the analysis of background and baseline values for soils, reference values for the PTE compiled from worldwide standards or studies on soil and sediment evaluation, and PTE content in MW, a classification is proposed for ICG that considers MW as very low, low, moderate, high, and very high contamination potential. The findings presented herein can be helpful in the comparison of multiple types of MW, representing the contamination hazard by particle emission due to erosion processes that reach the soils or sediments of the surrounding environment. This evaluation can aid in the decision-making process regarding the reutilization of some types of MW that receive a low classification.

Performance indicators and functional adaptive windows in competitive cyclists: effect of one-year strength and conditioning training programme.

Changes and relationships between cycling performance indicators following a one-year strength and conditioning training have not been totally clarified. The aims of this study are to investigate (i) the effect of a combined one-year strength and conditioning training programme on performance indicators and the possible relationships between these indicators, and (ii) the existence of possible endurance-functional-adaptive windows (EFAWs) linked to changes in muscular strength and body composition markers. Functional and lactate threshold power (FTP and LTP), maximal strength (1RM) and body composition (body mass index [BMI], body cell mass [BCM] and phase angle [PA]) were measured at the beginning and the end of a one-year strength and conditioning training programme of thirty cyclists. Correlations, differences, and predictive analysis were performed among parameters. Significant differences were found between pre- and post-conditioning programme results for FTP, LTP, 1RM (p < 0.0001) and BCM (p = 0.038). When expressed as power output (W), FTP and LTP were significantly correlated with 1RM (r = 0.36, p = 0.005 and r = 0.37, p = 0.004, respectively), body mass (r = 0.30 and p = 0.02), BCM (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and PA (r = 0.42 and 0.39, respectively and p < 0.001). When expressed as W·kg-¹, these power thresholds were strongly correlated with body mass (r = -0.56 and -0.61, respectively) and BMI (r = -0.57 and -0.61 respectively) with p < 0.001. Predictive polynomial regressions revealed possible endurance and strength adaptation zones. The present findings indicated beneficial impacts of one-year strength and conditioning training on cycling performance indicators, confirmed the correlation between performance indicators, and suggested the existence of different EFAWs. Strategies aiming to improve performance should consider cyclist characteristics and performance goals to achieve EFAWs and thereby enhance cycling performance.

Promoting exercise, reducing sedentarism or both for diabetes prevention: The "Seguimiento Universidad De Navarra" (SUN) cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Both physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors have demonstrated independent associations with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the combination of both, has been less explored. We aimed to compare the associations of PA-only versus the simultaneous effect of PA and sedentary behaviors on T2DM in a Mediterranean cohort. METHODS AND RESULTS: Participants (n = 19,524) initially free of T2DM from the SUN Project were followed-up for a median of 10.4 years. Analyses were conducted in 2018. PA and sedentary parameters (TV viewing time and sitting time) were assessed through a validated questionnaire. The amount of each PA was expressed in METs-h/wk. After that, a previously developed 8-item active + sedentary lifestyle score was computed. T2DM was defined according to ADA criteria. To adjust for potential confounders, Cox regression models were adjusted. Among 19,524 participants, 175 cases of new-onset T2DM were observed during follow-up. After multivariable adjustment, higher PA was strongly inversely associated with T2DM, showing highly significant differences between extreme quartiles (HR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.32-0.79 p for trend<0.001). When considering not only PA, but also the more comprehensive active + sedentary lifestyle combined score, even stronger differences were found between the lowest and the highest categories (HR = 0.40; 95%CI 0.20-0.80; p for trend<0.001). CONCLUSION: Sedentary lifestyles, in addition to PA patterns, should be included in the assessment of T2DM risk. Promoting PA should be coupled with the avoidance of a sedentary lifestyle to lower the risk of T2DM.

A digital tool for prevention and management of cold weather injuries-Cold Weather Ensemble Decision Aid (CoWEDA).

This paper describes a Cold Weather Ensemble Decision Aid (CoWEDA) that provides guidance for cold weather injury prevention, mission planning, and clothing selection. CoWEDA incorporates current science from the disciplines of physiology, meteorology, clothing, and computer modeling. The thermal performance of a cold weather ensemble is defined by endurance times, which are the time intervals from initial exposure until the safety limits are reached. These safety limits correspond to conservative temperature thresholds that provide a warning of the approaching onset of frostbite and/or hypothermia. A validated six-cylinder thermoregulatory model is used to predict human thermal responses to cold while wearing different ensembles. The performance metrics, model, and a database of clothing properties were integrated into a user-friendly software application. CoWEDA is the first tool that allows users to build their own ensembles from the clothing menu (i.e., jackets, footwear, and accessories) for each body region (i.e., head, torso, lower body, hands, feet) and view their selections in the context of physiological strain and the operational consequences. Comparison of predicted values to skin and core temperatures, measured during 17 cold exposures ranging from 0 to -40°C, indicated that the accuracy of CoWEDA prediction is acceptable, and most predictions are within measured mean ± SD. CoWEDA predicts the risk of frostbite and hypothermia and ensures that a selected clothing ensemble is appropriate for expected weather conditions and activities. CoWEDA represents a significant enhancement of required clothing insulation (IREQ, ISO 11079) and wind chill index-based guidance for cold weather safety and survival.

Telomere Shortening and Its Association with Cell Dysfunction in Lung Diseases.

Telomeres are localized at the end of chromosomes to provide genome stability; however, the telomere length tends to be shortened with each cell division inducing a progressive telomere shortening (TS). In addition to age, other factors, such as exposure to pollutants, diet, stress, and disruptions in the shelterin protein complex or genes associated with telomerase induce TS. This phenomenon favors cellular senescence and genotoxic stress, which increases the risk of the development and progression of lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and lung cancer. In an infectious environment, immune cells that exhibit TS are associated with severe lymphopenia and death, whereas in a noninfectious context, naïve T cells that exhibit TS are related to cancer progression and enhanced inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss how TS modifies the function of the immune system cells, making them inefficient in maintaining homeostasis in the lung. Finally, we discuss the advances in drug and gene therapy for lung diseases where TS could be used as a target for future treatments.

Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Neuromuscular Performance and Body Composition in Elite Futsal Players.

ABSTRACT: Spyrou, K, Alcaraz, PE, Marín-Cascales, E, Herrero-Carrasco, R, Cohen, DD, Calleja-Gonzalez, J, Pereira, LA, Loturco, I, and Freitas, TT. Effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on neuromuscular performance and body composition in elite futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2309-2315, 2021-Recent world events (i.e., COVID-19 pandemic) led to an unparalleled situation in sports. Players were forced to stay at home for a prolonged period and not allowed to use their team's training facilities or even exercise outdoors. The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on neuromuscular performance and body composition in futsal players. Ten elite male players performed a 10-m sprint, horizontal and vertical jump, and body composition measurements before and after the quarantine (i.e., 70 days). Pre-post confinement differences in horizontal jump distance, countermovement jump variables, sprinting time, and body composition were analyzed by a paired sample t-test and effect sizes (ESs). A large and significant decline was observed in sprint ability (p = 0.004; ES = 1.31). Small and nonsignificant differences were found in horizontal jump performance (p = 0.243; ES = -0.39). Nonsignificant differences were observed in countermovement jump (CMJ) height (p = 0.076; ES = -0.63) but moderate-to-large significant declines were found in CMJ eccentric deceleration impulse, rate of force development, peak power, velocity, and landing peak force (p ≤ 0.05; ES = -0.52 - 1.23). Finally, trivial and nonsignificant differences were obtained on body composition parameters. In summary, sprint performance and specific CMJ kinetic variables were significantly affected by long-term reduced training, whereas vertical jump height and horizontal jump distance and body composition were not. Practitioners are advised to implement efficient sprint-oriented and eccentric-oriented training strategies to optimize return to competition after prolonged detraining periods.

Differences in Change of Direction Speed and Deficit Between Male and Female National Rugby Sevens Players.

ABSTRACT: Freitas, TT, Alcaraz, PE, Calleja-González, J, Arruda, AFS, Guerriero, A, Kobal, R, Reis, VP, Pereira, LA, and Loturco, I. Differences in change of direction speed and deficit between male and female national rugby sevens players. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3170-3176, 2021-The aims of this study were to assess the change of direction (COD) deficit in different tasks and to investigate the differences in COD ability and COD deficit between male and female rugby sevens players. Thirty-six elite rugby players from the Brazilian National senior sevens teams (18 males and 18 females) completed the following physical assessments: squat and countermovement jumps; drop jump from a 45-cm height; horizontal single and triple jumps; 40-m linear sprint; Pro-agility, L-drill, and Zig-zag COD tests; and 1 repetition maximum test in the squat exercise. The differences between male and female performances were determined using magnitude-based inferences, an independent t test, and effect sizes (ES). Pearson's product-moment correlations were performed to determine the relationships among the different COD velocities and COD deficits. Men demonstrated likely to almost certainly significantly higher performances than women in all speed-power assessments and COD tasks (ES ranging from 0.61 to 2.09; p < 0.05), with the exception of the Zig-zag drill (ES = 0.24; p > 0.05). Furthermore, males displayed significantly greater COD deficits in all tests and higher sprint momentum (ES ranging from 0.78 to 2.95; p < 0.05). Large significant relationships among COD velocities (r ranging from 0.71 to 0.88; p < 0.05) and almost perfect significant correlations among all COD deficits (r ranging from 0.90 to 0.95; p < 0.05) were obtained in both sexes. The present results indicate that male rugby players are less efficient at changing direction, relative to their maximum sprint velocity. In addition, the correlations between the different COD deficits and COD speeds suggest that elite rugby players demonstrate similar ability to change direction, independently of the angle of directional change. From a practical perspective, this implies that a more comprehensive training strategy including eccentric exercises, acceleration-deceleration drills, and directional change technique is warranted to improve the COD ability (and reduce the COD deficit) of faster and more powerful rugby sevens players.

Bidirectional association between tobacco use and depression risk in the SUN cohort study. / Asociación bidireccional entre uso de tabaco y riesgo de depresión en el estudio de cohorte SUN.

We assessed the association of tobacco use or smoking cessation with depression risk and determined if the presence of a depressive disorder was associated with smoking onset. We conducted a prospective cohort study (SUN Project) based on 16,519 Spanish university graduates without depression at baseline. Tobacco use was determined at baseline and after four years of follow-up. Incident cases of depression were ascertained according to a previously validated report of a clinical diagnosis of depression during follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of depression according to previous smoking status. We used logistic regression models as a secondary analysis to estimate Odds Ratios (OR) of smoking onset during the first four years of follow-up according to lifetime depression prevalence at baseline. The multivariable HR (95% CI) for current smokers was 1.24 (1.05-1.46) as compared to participants who had never smoked. Participants with the highest exposure to tobacco (≥ 20 packs-years) had a significant 38% relative increment in depression risk. Smoking cessation during the first four years of follow-up was inversely associated with depression (HR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.40-0.99). Finally, a significant increment in the risk of smoking onset for participants with lifetime depression prevalence was observed (multivariable OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.13-1.83). A bidirectional association between tobacco use and depression in the SUN cohort was found. Therefore, tobacco control and health promotion campaigns for smoking cessation could be considered as effective strategies of public health for the prevention and management of depressive disorders.

Evaluamos la asociación del consumo de tabaco o su abandono con el riesgo de depresión y determinamos si presentar depresión se asoció al inicio de fumar. Diseño: estudio de cohortes prospectivo de 16.519 graduados universitarios españoles sin depresión al inicio del estudio. El consumo de tabaco se determinó al inicio y tras cuatro años de seguimiento. Los casos incidentes de depresión fueron autoinformados en los cuestionarios de seguimiento. Usamos modelos de regresión de Cox para estimar los Hazard Ratios (HR) de depresión según el nivel de tabaquismo inicial y sus cambios. Se estimaron los Odds Ratios (OR) para la asociación entre prevalencia de tabaquismo a lo largo de la vida y comienzo del hábito con modelos de regresión logística. Se observó un HR (IC 95%) para fumadores de 1,24 (1,05-1,46) en comparación con los que nunca habían fumado. Los participantes con la exposición más alta al tabaco (≥ 20 paquetes-año) tuvieron un incremento relativo del riesgo de depresión de 38%. Dejar de fumar durante los primeros cuatro años de seguimiento se asoció inversamente con la depresión (HR = 0,63; IC 95% = 0,40-0,99). Observamos un incremento significativo del riesgo de aparición de tabaquismo en los participantes con prevalencia de depresión a lo largo de la vida (OR multivariable = 1,44; IC 95% = 1,13-1,83). Encontramos una asociación bidireccional entre el consumo de tabaco y la depresión en la cohorte SUN. El control del tabaco y las campañas sanitarias de abstinencia deberían considerarse estrategias efectivas de salud pública para prevenir y manejar los trastornos depresivos.