Water-Based Exercise in Patients With Nonspecific Chronic Low-Back Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Babiloni-Lopez, C, Fritz, N, Ramirez-Campillo, R, and Colado, JC. Water-based exercise in patients with nonspecific chronic low-back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 206-219, 2024-This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize evidence (i.e., active [land-based training] and nonactive controls [e.g., receiving usual care]) regarding the effects of water-based training on patients with nonspecific chronic low-back pain (NSCLBP). Web of Science (WOS), PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, EBSCO (SPORTDiscus; CINAHL), and PEDro were searched, with no date restrictions, until October 2021. The included studies satisfied the following criteria: (a) NSCLBP (≥12 weeks) patients, (b) water-based intervention, (c) control group (land-based trained; nonactive group), and (d) outcomes related to pain, disability, quality of life, or flexibility. The main outcome analyzed in the meta-analysis was pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included disability, body mass index, and flexibility. The random-effects model was used, and effect size (ES) values are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The impact of heterogeneity was assessed (I2 statistic), with values of <25%, 25-75%, and >75% representing low, moderate, and high levels, respectively. Alpha was set at p < 0.05. In conclusion, 15 studies (n = 524) were meta-analyzed. After intervention, pain intensity was reduced compared with nonactive controls (ES = -3.61; p < 0.001) and a similar reduction was noted when compared with land-based trained group (ES = -0.14; p = 0.359). Greater decrease in disability (ES = 2.15; p < 0.001) and greater increase in sit-and-reach (i.e., flexibility; ES = -2.44; p < 0.001) were noted after intervention compared with the nonactive group. In conclusion, water-based exercise therapy reduces pain intensity, disability, and increases flexibility in NSCLBP compared with nonactive subjects and was equally effective compared with land-based exercise to reduce pain. Favorable effects may be expected at ≤8 weeks. However, due to several methodological issues (e.g., high heterogeneity), for the improvement of most outcomes, we are unable to provide other than a weak recommendation in favor of intervention compared with control treatment.

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate decorated cryogels as synthetic spatially structured habitats of marine bacterial communities.

In microbial consortia bacteria often settle on other organisms that provide nutrients and organic material for their growth. This is true for the plankton where microalgae perform photosynthesis and exude metabolites that feed associated bacteria. The investigation of such processes is difficult since algae provide bacteria with a spatially structured environment with a gradient of released organic material that is hard to mimic. Here we introduce the design and synthesis of a cryogel-based microstructured habitat for bacteria that provides dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) as a carbon and sulfur source for growth. DMSP, a widely distributed metabolite released by algae, is thereby made available for bacteria in a biomimetic manner. Based on a novel DMSP derived building block (DMSP-HEMA), we synthesized cryogels providing structured surfaces for settlement and delivering the organic material fueling bacterial growth. By monitoring bacterial settlement and performance we show that the cryogels represent microbial arenas mimicking the ecological situation in the plankton.

On the identification and quantification of proton-initiated species in the synthesis of poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline)s by high resolution liquid chromatography.

Hydrophilic poly(2-oxazoline)s represent a promising alternative to replace poly(ethylene glycol) in the biomedical field. For that purpose, reliable analytical protocols to confirm identity and quantity of impurities are required. In particular, side products deriving from chain transfer reactions occurring during the cationic ring-opening polymerization and incomplete end-capping processes may be present. The analytical approach must hence be capable of separating polymers according to minor changes regarding their end group. We demonstrate that liquid chromatography, relying on a monolithic C18-modified silica column and isocratic as well as gradient elution using water / acetonitrile mixtures and varying detectors, can accomplish such demanding high resolution separations. Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s (PEtOx) with acetyl, hydroxyl, and phthalimide ω-end groups were investigated. Identification of side products was achieved through coupling with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. UV / Vis detection was applied to quantify chain transfer products in PEtOx comprising biphenyl moieties. In addition, gradient elution enabled the separation of PEtOx into macromolecules according to their specific degrees of polymerization in molar mass ranges around 2,000 g mol-1.

Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) Featuring a Central Amino Moiety.

The incorporation of an amino group into a bifunctional initiator for the cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) is achieved in a two-step reaction. Detailed kinetic studies using 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline demonstrate the initiators' eligibility for the CROP yielding well-defined polymers featuring molar masses of about 2000 g mol-1 . Deprotection of the phthalimide moiety subsequent to polymerization enables the introduction of a cyclooctyne group in central position of the polymer which is further exploited in a strain-promoted alkyne-azide click reaction (SpAAC) with a Fmoc-protected azido lysine representing a commonly used binding motif for site specific polymer-protein/peptide conjugation. In-depth characterization via electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI) confirms the success of all post polymerization modification steps.

Positive Effects of a Short-Term Intense Elastic Resistance Training Program on Body Composition and Physical Functioning in Overweight Older Women.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a resistance training program (RTP) in older overweight women (OOW) using two different types of elastic devices. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial with pre- and postintervention measures. Participants included OOW, aged 60-85 years, with no medical history of disease that would preclude them from engaging in physical exercise. Participants were randomly divided into the following groups: elastic tubes with handles group (ETG; n = 22), traditional elastic bands group ( n = 21), and control group (CG; n = 20). Exercise groups (EGs) performed the following supervised RTP: 8 weeks, twice weekly, six overall body exercises, and 3-4 sets of 10 repetitions at a rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of 7-9 on the OMNI-Resistance Exercise Scale of perceived exertion. The controls did not change their usual lifestyle. Outcome measures included body composition (BC; total and regional percentage of fat mass [FM] and fat-free mass [FFM]) and physical performance (PP; dynamic and isometric strength, flexibility, agility/dynamic balance, and endurance). RESULTS: Both EGs exhibited significantly reduced FM in the upper limbs (ULs) and trunk and increased FFM in the UL, while the ETG exhibited a significantly increased trunk FFM. Both EGs improved in PP, and there were no intergroup differences. Trunk FM and FFM and meters walked differed significantly between the ETG and CG. The CG did not exhibit any significant changes. CONCLUSION: Training with elastic devices at a moderate-high RPE produces short-term improvements in BC and PP in OOW.

Characterization of poly(2-oxazoline) homo- and copolymers by liquid chromatography at critical conditions.

In this study liquid chromatography at critical conditions for poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s (PEtOx) has been performed for the first time in order to analyze functional PEtOx homopolymers and block copolymers. Besides the verification of the critical point of adsorption with two series of ester end group functionalized PEtOx homopolymers, to evaluate the effect of both the chain length dependence and the end group polarity, using a cyano column with a solvent combination of 2-propanol and water, also two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) has been applied for a poly(2-oxazoline) block copolymer. The combined characterization techniques provided further information about the polymerization procedure with regard to the formation of side-products by separation of the block copolymer from the corresponding homopolymer impurities. In addition, hyphenation of LCCC with MALDI-TOF MS and ESI-Q-TOF tandem mass spectrometry verified the obtained results.