Changes in Reaction Time, Balance and Neuroplasticity after Exercise with a Face Mask in Male Adults with Mild COVID-19 Symptoms.

This study compared physiological, perceptual and neuroprotective hormone and metabolite responses and changes in coordination as an effect of aerobic exercise with and without a face mask in people with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Forty men took part in this study. Half declared mild symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 6 months before the study (Declared) and the other half did not (Non-declared). In a random order, with a 7-day interval, they performed a 30-min walk on a treadmill at a speed of 6 km/h wearing a surgical face mask (Masked) and without it (Unmasked). The heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, lactate concentration and rate of perceived exertion were recorded. The reaction time and balance were measured before and after the exercise. The concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, testosterone, cortisol, epinephrine and antibodies in the blood serum were determined. Physiological and perceptual responses, reaction times, and balance did not differ between the tested conditions. Three-way RM-ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni analysis revealed lower post-exercise cortisol concentrations in the Masked and Unmasked conditions in both groups (p ≤ 0.001). Asymptomatic infection with this virus is prevalent, and mild COVID-19 causes similar responses to aerobic exercise with a surgical face mask and does not lead to impaired coordination.

Changes in Skeletal Muscle Troponin T and Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP) Concentrations in the Blood of Male Amateur Athletes Participating in a Marathon and 100 km Adventure Race.

This study assessed changes in creatine kinase (CK) activity and skeletal muscle troponin T (sTnT) concentrations in the blood, to estimate the degree of muscle degradation after exercise. In addition, the concentration of vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in the blood was assessed. DBP concentrations were measured in blood as a marker for plasma load by monomeric actin. The study included marathon (MR) participants and 100 km adventure race (AR) participants, who were examined before and after the race. There was a significant (16-fold) increase in CK activity among AR participants, and a significant increase in sTnT concentration-127% in the MR group and 113% in the AR group, while there was a statistically significant decrease in DBP concentration by 14% in the AR group. In addition, it was observed that the initial concentration of DBP in both groups was in a normal range, but was lower than the average population, and the DBP concentration in the AR group was lower than in the MR group. It was concluded that exhausting physical effort such as a marathon or adventure races causes muscle damage with a far stronger influence on sarcoplasm than on filaments. The short-term and slight reduction in the concentration of DBP in blood after such efforts may be due to the appearance of monomeric actin in plasma.

Creatine Kinase and Myoglobin Plasma Levels in Mountain Bike and Road Cyclists 1 h after the Race.

The aim of this study was to determine if 1 h after a cycling race, changes in plasma creatine kinase activity (CK) and myoglobin concentrations (MB) differ between mountain bike and road cyclists and if these changes show any correlation with race performance. Male mountain bike cyclists (n = 11) under 23 years old and male road cyclists (n = 14), also under 23 years old, were studied following one of their respective races. The cyclists had blood drawn 2 h before and 1 h after the race to assess CK and MB, then the change in pre- and post-race difference was calculated (ΔCK and ΔMB). Each cyclist's performance time was recorded and the time difference from the winner was calculated (TD). The cyclists' aerobic capacity was assessed during the incremental test, which determines maximal oxygen uptake and maximal aerobic power. It was observed that 1 h after the cycling race, CK (p = 0.001, η2 = 0.40, F = 15.6) and MB (p = 0.000, η2 = 0.43, F = 17.2) increased, compared to pre-race values. Post-race CK increased only in road cyclists, while post-race MB increased only in mountain bike cyclists. Smaller TD were found for lower ΔMB in road cyclists but for higher ΔCK in mountain bike cyclists.

Usefulness of Selected Acute-Phase Proteins in the Postsurgical Monitoring of Arthroscopy and Splint Bone Removal in Horses.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopy and splint bone removal are the common orthopedic procedures in horses. Estimation of the dynamics of acute phase proteins in postoperative monitoring seems to be interesting diagnostic approach. The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the concentrations of plasma inflammatory markers-fibrinogen, haptoglobin, and protease inhibitors-following orthopedic surgery in horses. The study involved 114 horses, divided into two study groups undergoing: arthroscopy (41 horses) and splint bone removal (13 horses). The control group consisted of 60 healthy horses. The blood was collected before the surgery and 24, 48, 72 h, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 28 days after the surgery. Plasma fibrinogen, serum haptoglobin and proteinase inhibitors were measured. RESULTS: In non-complicated cases of arthroscopy and splint bone removal, fibrinogen and haptoglobin increased stepwise from 24 h, achieved the maximum level at 72 h and returned to preoperative levels after 10-14 days. In one complicated case after arthroscopy surgery the marked increase in fibrinogen and haptoglobin concentrations was observed 24 h earlier than standard parameters of inflammation Conclusion: The study shows the evolution of APPs after arthroscopy and splint bone removal in 28 days postsurgery period and in the case of one complicated case of arthroscopy.

Ustekinumab pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous administration in swine model.

BACKGROUND: Due to multiple similarities in the structure and physiology of human and pig skin, the pig model is extremely useful for biological drug testing after subcutaneous administration. Knowledge of the differences between subcutaneous injection sites could have a significant impact on the absorption phase and pharmacokinetic profiles of biological drugs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the impact of administration site on pharmacokinetics and selected biochemical and hematological parameters after a single subcutaneous administration of ustekinumab in pigs. Drug concentrations in blood plasma were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed based on raw data using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software and ThothPro v 4.1. METHODS: The study included 12 healthy, female, large white piglets. Each group received a single dose of ustekinumab given as a 1 mg/kg subcutaneous injection into the internal part of the inguinal fold or the external part of the inguinal fold. RESULTS: The differences in absorption rate between the internal and external parts of the inguinal fold were not significant. However, the time of maximal concentration, clearance, area under the curve calculated between zero and mean residence time and mean residence time between groups were substantially different (p > 0.05). The relative bioavailability after administration of ustekinumab into the external part of the inguinal fold was 40.36% lower than after administration of ustekinumab into the internal part of the inguinal fold. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy breeding pigs are a relevant model to study the pharmacokinetic profile of subcutaneously administered ustekinumab.

Patient or family perceived deterioration in functional status and outcome after intensive care admission: a retrospective cohort analysis of routinely collected data.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of patient or family reported functional deterioration (defined by a single question) in the preceding year, with mortality outcome for those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Retrospective observational analysis of a routinely collected data source. PARTICIPANTS: Patients that were admitted to the ICU at Northwick Park and St Marks Hospitals, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust between 01 October 2017 to 15 June 2019 were included. Patients were excluded if they had a prior ICU admission during the existing hospital episode or if information on functional deterioration could not be retrieved from either the patient or their advocate. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Mortality at the point of hospital discharge and 1 year following admission to the ICU. RESULTS: Of the 1006 patients who were admitted to the ICU during the study period, information on functional deterioration was available for 621 patients who were included in the analysis. From these, 251 (40.4%) patients had patient or family reported functional deterioration in the preceding year, while 370 (59.6%) patients had a perceived stable functional baseline. Comparing the two groups, mortality was significantly higher in those who had functionally deteriorated compared with those with stable baseline function, at the point of hospital discharge (45.4% vs 25.9%; p<0.0001) and at 1 year (59.4% vs 33.0%; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Patient or family reported functional deterioration was significantly associated with higher mortality at the point of hospital discharge and at 1 year. The concept of functional deterioration in the lead up to ICU admission warrants further exploration.

Effects of Swimming with Added Respiratory Dead Space on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Lipid Metabolism.

The aim of this study was to investigate the circulatory, respiratory, and metabolic effects of induced hypercapnia via added respiratory dead space (ARDS) during moderate-intensity swimming in recreational swimmers. A mixed-sex sample of 22 individuals was divided into homogeneous experimental (E) and control (C) groups controlled for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). The intervention involved 50 min of front crawl swimming performed at 60% VO2max twice weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. ARDS was induced via tube breathing (1000 ml) in group E. An incremental exercise test was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) by measuring VO2max, carbon dioxide volume, respiratory minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate at 50, 100, 150, 200 W and at maximal workload. Body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), and fat-free mass (FFM) were also measured. The mean difference in glycerol concentration (ΔGLY) was assessed after the first and last swimming session. No significant between-group differences were observed at post-intervention. No within-group differences were observed at post-intervention except for RER which increased in group E at maximal workload. A 6-week swimming intervention with ARDS did not enhance CRF. The RER increase in group E is not indicative of a substrate shift towards increased lipid utilization. No change in ΔGLY is evident of a lack of enhanced triglyceride hydrolyzation that was also confirmed by similar pre- and post-intervention BMI, FM, and FMM.

Differences in Physiological Responses to Interval Training in Cyclists With and Without Interval Training Experience.

The aim of this study was to determine differences in glycolytic metabolite concentrations and work output in response to an all-out interval training session in 23 cyclists with at least 2 years of interval training experience (E) and those inexperienced (IE) in this form of training. The intervention involved subsequent sets of maximal intensity exercise on a cycle ergometer. Each set comprised four 30 s repetitions interspersed with 90 s recovery periods; sets were repeated when blood pH returned to 7.3. Measurements of post-exercise hydrogen (H+) and lactate ion (LA-) concentrations and work output were taken. The experienced cyclists performed significantly more sets of maximal efforts than the inexperienced athletes (5.8 ± 1.2 vs. 4.3 ± 0.9 sets, respectively). Work output decreased in each subsequent set in the IE group and only in the last set in the E group. Distribution of power output changed only in the E group; power decreased in the initial repetitions of set only to increase in the final repetitions. H+ concentration decreased in the third, penultimate, and last sets in the E group and in each subsequent set in the IE group. LA- decreased in the last set in both groups. In conclusion, the experienced cyclists were able to repeatedly induce elevated levels of lactic acidosis. Power output distribution changed with decreased acid-base imbalance. In this way, this group could compensate for a decreased anaerobic metabolism. The above factors allowed cyclists experienced in interval training to perform more sets of maximal exercise without a decrease in power output compared with inexperienced cyclists.

The effect of additional dead space on respiratory exchange ratio and carbon dioxide production due to training.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of implementing additional respiratory dead space during cycloergometry-based aerobic training. The primary outcome measures were respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2). Two groups of young healthy males: Experimental (Exp, n = 15) and Control (Con, n = 15), participated in this study. The training consisted of 12 sessions, performed twice a week for 6 weeks. A single training session consisted of continuous, constant-rate exercise on a cycle ergometer at 60% of VO2max which was maintained for 30 minutes. Subjects in Exp group were breathing through additional respiratory dead space (1200ml), while subjects in Con group were breathing without additional dead space. Pre-test and two post-training incremental exercise tests were performed for the detection of gas exchange variables. In all training sessions, pCO2 was higher and blood pH was lower in the Exp group (p < 0.001) ensuring respiratory acidosis. A 12-session training program resulted in significant increase in performance time in both groups (from 17"29 ± 1"31 to 18"47 ± 1"37 in Exp; p=0.02 and from 17"20 ± 1"18 to 18"45 ± 1"44 in Con; p = 0.02), but has not revealed a significant difference in RER and VCO2 in both post-training tests, performed at rest and during submaximal workload. We interpret the lack of difference in post-training values of RER and VCO2 between groups as an absence of inhibition in glycolysis and glycogenolysis during exercise with additional dead space. Key PointsThe purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of implementing additional respiratory dead space during cycloergometry-based aerobic training on respiratory exchange ratio and carbon dioxide production.In all training sessions, respiratory acidosis was gained by experimental group only.No significant difference in RER and VCO2 between experimental and control group due to the trainings.The lack of difference in post-training values of RER and VCO2 between groups means absence of inhibition in glycolysis and glycogenolysis during exercise with additional dead space.

The effect of auto-vaccination therapy on the phenotypic variation of one clonal type of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from cows with mastitis.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of auto-vaccine therapy on selected properties of Staphylococcus aureus strains, isolated from milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. The experiment was based on auto-vaccines which were prepared from S. aureus strains isolated from 16 cows. S. aureus strains isolated from cows on the 7th, 21st and 35th day following auto-vaccination, were analyzed phenotypically and genotypically. The isolated strains represented 17 biotypes all belonging to one clonal type. Increases of new biotypes of S. aureus were detected on the 35th day of therapy. Among 48 re-isolated strains, 18.75% (9/48) revealed single and 12.50% (6/48) multiple phenotypical changes. The present study demonstrated that during auto-vaccine therapy, S. aureus strains can change phenotypically, pointing out the necessity for using precise diagnostic methods, that would make possible a better assessment of the used therapy.

Serum and peritoneal evaluation of vitamin D-binding protein in women with endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D-binding protein (also called DBP or Gc-globulin) is recognized as a multifunctional protein involved in the action scavenger system, the transport of vitamin D sterols, and the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses. This study evaluated total serum and peritoneal concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein in women with endometriosis, known as an inflammation-associated disease. MATERIALS/METHODS: The total concentration of DBP was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a polyclonal antibody raised in a goat immunized with human DBP. Serum and peritoneal fluid were collected from women with endometriosis (n=26) and from patients with benign gynecological conditions serving as a control group (n=17). RESULTS: In general, the vitamin D-binding protein concentration was higher in serum than in peritoneal fluid. Women with endometriosis had higher serum but lower peritoneal levels of DBP compared with the control group; however, no significance was noted. When the endometriosis group was divided with regard to severity, an insignificantly higher serum level of DBP was observed in advanced endometriosis compared with the mild form of the disease, whereas the peritoneal concentration was not dependent on disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that serum and peritoneal DBP concentrations are not affected in women with endometriosis; however, based on the latest published data, it is possible that both the serum and peritoneal concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein may be dependent on Gc genotype, which results in differential modulation of monocyte/macrophage activity.

[Assessment of the release of thyroid hormones in septic shock--prognostic significance]. / Ocena wydzielania hormonów tarczycy we wstrzasie septycznym--znaczenie prognostyczne.

UNLABELLED: Septic shock is the reason of human body organs dysfunctions including the hormonal system. There are abnormal thyroid hormones releasing as well. It is also noticed that sepsis caused serious disturbances in pituitary-thyroid axis functions. This is called euthyroid sick syndrom - (ESS). THE AIM: To qualify the prognostic value of thyroid hormones serum levels changes in patients with septic shock. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients with septic shock were included into study. Septic shock was diagnosed according to AACP/SCCM criteria. The study group was divided into two subgroups: survivors (n = 10) and nonsurvivors (n = 10). 20 healthy volunteers were the control group. Blood for analysis was taken at the moment of septic shock recognition and on the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 10th day of the observation between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. We studied thyrotropin (TSH), free triiodothyronine fraction (fT3) and free thyroxin fraction (fT4) serum levels, APACHE II and APACHE III score, acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). RESULTS: During our study we noticed significant decrease of fT3 and TSH serum levels (respectively 2.36 +/- 0.79 pg/ml and 0.76 +/- 1.12mU/I) according to the control group (respectively 3.28 +/- 0.61 pg/ml and 0.95 +/- 0.46mU/l). Nonsurvivors had significantly lower TSH serum level (0.37 +/- 0.62 mU/I) in comparison to survivors (1.27 +/- 1.45 mU/I) in spite of very similar fT3 serum level (respectively 2.45 +/- 0.87 pg/ml and 2.22 +/- 0.66 pg/ml). It could mean that there were disturbances in the pituitary-thyroid axis function in patients who did not survive. Our study did not show any correlations between thyroid hormones serum levels and APACHE II score, APACHE III score, ALI or ARDS. CONCLUSIONS: This study show that low TSH serum level could be a significant prognostic factor of death in patient with septic shock especially with low fT3 serum level. The results also suggest that ESS could be a consequence of pituitary TSH releasing disturbances.

[The characteristics of staphylococcal enterotoxins produced by strains isolated from mastitic cows, including epidemiological aspects]. / Charakterystyka enterotoksyn gronkowcowych wytwarzanych przez szczepy izolowane od krów z zapaleniem gruczolu mlekowego (mastitis), z uwzglednieniem elementów epidemiologicznych.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are big heterogenic group of exotoxins, rather differential in respect of their nucleotide and amino-acid homology, as well as the location of their genes, molecular weight and iso-electric point value. SEs were identified in 1959 as the extra-cellular proteins produced by some Staphylococcus aureus strains. These enterotoxins are known as the pyrogenic toxins and this group contains also other staphylococcal toxins (staphylococcal toxic-shock syndrome toxin--TSST-1, A and B exfoliative toxins and streptococcal scarlet fever toxin). Twenty one serological types of staphylococcal enterotoxins are distinguished. All of them are structurally and functionally similar to the toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-1). SEs are thermo-stabile proteins, resistant to many proteolytic enzymes (pepsin, trypsine, chymotrypsine, renine and papain), but this resistance depends on the temperature and pH. Staphylococcal enterotoxin-encoding genes are located as well in the chromosomal DNA, as on the pathogenicity island, in phages, transposones and plasmids. Enterotoxins are staphylococcal virulence factors responsible for food poisonings in humans. These proteins are also isolated from cows with mastitis. In various countries, the percentage of enterotoxin-producing S. aureus strains ranges from 5 to 60%, depending on the enterotoxine type. The variability and prevalence of enterotoxins produced by staphylococci isolated from mastitic cows is very important clinical and epidemiological problem. The analysis of enterotoxins interrelations, their structure, properties and occurrence, will provide better revealing their role in the emerging, development and spreading of human and animal diseases. Classical enterotoxins, as well as the new types of these proteins, are variable element of staphylococcal virulence that connects the occurence of mastitis with human food poisonings.

Serum concentrations of MCP-1 and RANTES in patients during aortic surgery: the relationship with ischemia-reperfusion.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical trauma is associated with depression of the immune system, which results in a high complication rate following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and regulated-on-activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) protein are important mediators of the immune and inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is any relationship between MCP-1 or RANTES and operative injury and ischemia-reperfusion during AAA surgery in human. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were taken from 12 patients before surgery, after anesthesia induction, before unclamping of aorta (PreXoff), 90 min after unclamping (90 minXoff), and at 24 and 48 h after surgery. RESULTS: The MCP-1 and RANTES serum concentrations were measured with the ELISA technique. MCP-1 concentration significantly increased after reperfusion (90 minXoff) in comparison with the PreXoff level (p=0.001). Twenty-four hours after AAA repair, MCP-1 significantly decreased 269-225 pg/ml (p=0.005) and reached preoperative value. RANTES level was higher in AAA patients before surgery than in controls (p=0.025) and decreased significantly after ischemia-reperfusion to 13 ng/ml (p< 0.001) at 90 minXoff. We showed increases in RANTES concentration to 26 ng/ml on the 1st and to 31 ng/ml on the 2nd day after surgery (p=0.020, p=0.012, respectively) compared with the 90 min Xoff level. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia-reperfusion during AAA repair results in an increase in MCP-1 and decrease in RANTES concentrations in serum. The changes in chemokine concentrations may influence the development of immunosuppression after AAA repair, contributing to the postoperative course.

[Serum concentration of interleukin-12 (IL-12) in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair--preliminary report]. / Ocena stezenia interleukiny-12 w surowicy chorych poddawanych operacji rekonstrukcji aorty brzusznej z powodu tetniaka--badania wstepne.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery (AAA) is associated with perturbations of immune response and decreased immunity to infection, followed by high risk of organ and systemic complications development, including sepsis. The postoperative mortality in patients with AAA comes up to 10-12% and determines us to look for factors that may influence the immune response and are important for uneventful postoperative course. IL-12 is a potent immunoregulatory cytokine, that regulates cellular and humoral immunity. The aim of this study was to determine the IL-12 serum level in patients with AAA and its relation to ischaemia and reperfusion during aortic surgery. The study comprised 17 patients undergoing AAA repair and 10 patients of control group. Peripheral blood samples were taken before surgery (T0), before unclamping of aorta (T1), 90 minutes after unclamping (T2) and 24 h after surgery (T3). The IL-12 serum concentrations were measured with high sensitivity ELISA technique. IL-12 serum concentration was significantly higher in patients with AAA than in control group. During surgery a slight elevation after ischaemia (T1) and great depletion after reperfusion (T2) were observed. We found a significant correlation between IL-12 level at T2 and the length of surgery. The serum level of IL-12 is higher in AAA patients than in healthy men. Ischaemia and reperfusion during AAA repair results in an increase followed by decrease of cytokine serum level. There was not relationship between IL-12 level and its changes and postoperative course of AAA patients.

[Serum levels of luteinizing hormone, testosterone and prolactin in patients with septic shock]. / Stezenie hormonu luteinizujacego, testosteronu i prolaktyny u chorych we wstrzasie septycznym.

Many studies show important disturbances in hormonal balance in patients with severe sepsis. There are a lot of factors, which are involved in this process but the role of sex steroid hormones is unknown; especially, the role of testosterone, which is one of the anabolic hormones and a immune function modulator. We hope that sex steroid hormone mechanisms of action recognition in septic shock may help in treatment of such patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in sex hormone concentrations in septic patients and their prognostic significance. We studied serum level of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) in 20 patients with septic shock and in healthy male volunteers (n = 20). Septic patients were divided into two groups: survivors (group I, n = 10) and nonsurvivors (group II, n = 10). We noticed significant decrease of testosterone and LH serum levels in septic group vs the controls and correlation between T and LH serum levels and survival. Acute lung injury was associated with higher PRL serum level and was independent from the LH and T serum level. We also noticed incorrect pituitary down-regulation of testosterone secretion. Our study showed that sex steroid hormones can be good prognostic factors of survival and complications of septic shock.

[The efficacy of intraventricularly administered vancomycin in the case of central nervous system infection caused by enterococcus faecalis]. / Skutecznosc wankomycyny stosowanej dokomorowo w zakazeniu osrodkowego ukladu nerwowego wywolanego przez Enterococcus faecalis.

The case of 40 years old man with subarachnoid hemorrhage with intraventricular bleeding and with consecutive cerebro-meningitis is presented. The bacterial pathogen was Enterococcus faecalis sensitive only to glycopeptide antibiotics. The standard therapy with intravenously administered Vancomycin and Teicoplanin was not effective. Because of the worsening of patient's clinical status and clinical symptoms of sepsis the intraventricular Vancomycin (20 mg/day) was introduced. At the second day of the therapy the gradual patient's recovery was observed. The symptoms typical for meningitis diminished as well as cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) parameters normalized. There was no bacterial growth in the blood serum and in CSF. As we can observe the intraventricular administration of Vancomycin is efficient method of cerebro-meningitis treatment. In our opinion the blood-brain barrier, even pathologically changed by infection, do not allow antibiotics to penetrate CSF, even in the maximal intravenous doses. In the cases of cerebro-meningitis caused by bacteria sensitive only to glycopeptide antibiotics, the intraventricular administration of the drug might be an alternative way of therapy especially when the doses of intravenous antibiotics need to be reduced.