Aluminum Concentrations in Male and Female Football Players during the Season.

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most abundant trace mineral elements in the earth's crust. Al is considered a potent neurotoxicant. Physical exercise could cause modifications in some trace mineral elements. On the other hand, there could be sex differences in the exposure and deposits of toxic mineral elements. The aim of the present study was to compare sex and seasonal differences in extracellular and intracellular Al concentrations in football players. The study involved 22 male and 24 female football players from the fifth and second national category, respectively. Three assessments were carried out during the season (beginning, middle and end). Al concentrations in plasma, urine, erythrocytes and platelets were determined. Male football players ingested more Al (p < 0.05). Higher plasma Al concentrations were reported in male football players (p < 0.01). On the other hand, in both groups, increases and decreases in Al in the plasma and urine were observed in the second and third assessment, respectively (p < 0.01). There were sex differences in platelet Al concentrations (p < 0.05). Plasma and platelet Al concentrations may be different between the sexes. Al concentrations may change over the course of a season in football players.

Changes in Hematological Parameters of Iron Status and Total Iron Concentrations in Different Biological Matrices during a Sports Season in Women's Soccer Players.

Iron (Fe) metabolism and concentrations change during a sports season. Fe deficiency affects a significant number of women athletes. The aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze changes in hematological parameters of Fe status and (ii) to analyze changes in Fe concentrations in different biological matrices (serum, plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets) during a sports season. Twenty-four Spanish semi-professional women's soccer players (23.37 ± 3.95 years) participated in the present study. Three assessments were performed throughout the sports season (beginning, middle and end of the season). Nutritional intake was evaluated and female hormones, hematological parameters of Fe status and Fe concentrations in plasma, serum, urine, erythrocytes and platelets were determined. There were no differences in Fe intake. Hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations increased at the end of the season compared to initial values (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in extracellular Fe concentrations (plasma, serum, and urine). However, erythrocyte Fe concentrations were lower at the end of the season (p < 0.05). Hematological parameters of Fe status and intracellular Fe concentrations change throughout the sports season in women's soccer players.

Sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in different biological matrices in athletes. Relationship with iron status.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in plasma, urine, platelets and erythrocytes and to relate these concentrations to biomarkers of iron status. METHODS: A total of 138 soccer players divided according to sex: men (n = 68) and women (n = 70) participated in the present study. All participants resided in the city of Cáceres (Spain). Erythrocyte, haemoglobin, platelet, plateletcrit, ferritin and serum iron values were determined. Cadmium and lead concentrations were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The women had lower haemoglobin, erythrocyte, ferritin and serum iron values (p < 0.01). Regarding cadmium, the women showed higher concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes and platelets (p < 0.05). As for lead, they also showed higher concentrations in plasma, relative values of erythrocytes and relative values of platelets (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between cadmium and lead concentrations with biomarkers of iron status. CONCLUSIONS: Cadmium and lead concentrations are different between sexes. Biological differences between sexes and iron status could influence cadmium and lead concentrations. Lower serum iron concentrations and markers of Fe status increase Cd and Pb concentrations. Ferritin and serum iron have been directly related to increased Cd and Pb excretion.

Effects of High Temperature Exposure on the Wingate Test Performance in Male University Students.

It has been suggested that heat exposure prior to exercise could induce changes in anaerobic exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to observe the effects of high temperature heat exposure prior to an anaerobic test. Twenty-one men (age: 19.76 ± 1.22 years; height: 1.69 ± 0.12 m; weight: 67.89 ± 11.78 kg) voluntarily participated in this investigation. All of them performed two Wingate tests, vertical jump and macronutrient intake control. On the first day, the test was performed under normal environmental conditions. On the second day, it was performed in a similar way, but with previous exposure to heat at high sauna temperatures (15 min; 100 ± 2 °C). There were no differences in the vertical jump and macronutrient intake. However, the results showed an improvement in power (W) (p < 0.05), relative power (W/kg) (p < 0.01) and revolutions per minute (p < 0.05) 10 s after the start of the test. There was also an increase in thigh (p < 0.01) and skin temperature (p < 0.01) with pre-heat exposure. The results obtained suggest that this pre-exercise protocol could improve power in short and intensive actions.

Sex Differences in Copper Concentrations during a Sports Season in Soccer Players.

Physical training produces changes in the concentrations of trace mineral elements. Sex differences in copper (Cu) concentrations in athletes are scarce. The objectives of this study were (i) to analyze changes in intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) and extracellular (plasma and urine) Cu concentrations during a sports season in soccer players and (ii) to analyze sex differences. A total of 46 soccer players (22 men and 24 women) participated in the study. Three assessments were performed throughout the sports season. Anthropometry, body composition, nutritional intake, physical condition, female hormones (menstrual cycle) and hematology were evaluated, as well as Cu determination (plasma, urine, erythrocytes, and platelets). Regarding longitudinal differences, there were discrepancies in plasma, urine, absolute erythrocyte, and absolute platelet Cu concentrations (p < 0.05). There were differences between sexes in Cu concentrations in urine, erythrocytes relative to cell number and in platelets relative to cell number (p < 0.05). During a sports season, there are changes in Cu concentrations in soccer players. Likewise, there could be sex differences in urinary, erythrocyte and platelet Cu concentrations.

Heart Rate and Body Temperature Evolution in an Interval Program of Passive Heat Acclimation at High Temperatures (100 ± 2 °C) in a Sauna.

Heat exposure provokes stress on the human body. If it remains constant, it leads to adaptations such as heat acclimation. This study aims to observe the evolution of heart rate (HR), core temperature (Tcore), and skin temperature (Tskin) in an intervallic program of exposure to extreme heat. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were divided into a control group (CG; n = 14) and an experimental group (EG; n = 15). EG experienced nine sessions (S) of intervallic exposure to high temperatures (100 ± 2 °C), whereas CG was exposed to ambient temperatures (22 ± 2 °C). HR, Tskin, and Tcore were monitored in S1, 4, 5, 8, and 9. An important increase in HR occurred in the S4 compared to the rest (p < 0.05) in EG. A lower HR was discovered in S8 and S9 compared to S4 and in S9 in relation to S1 (p < 0.05) in EG. EG experiences a gradual decrease in Tcore and Tskin, which was detected throughout the assessments, although it was only significant in the S8 and S9 (p < 0.05). Interval exposure to heat at 100 ± 2 °C elicits stress on the human organism, fundamentally increasing Tcore, Tskin, and FC. This recurring stress in the full program caused a drop in the thermoregulatory response as an adaptation or acclimation to heat.

Psychometric Properties of an Instrument to Assess the Barriers to Antiretroviral Treatment Adherence among the Argentinian Population / Propiedades psicométricas de un instrumento de evaluación de barreras para la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en población argentina / Propriedades psicométricas de um instrumento para avaliar as barreiras à adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral na população argentina

Aim: To adapt and validate an existing instrument to assess the barriers to antiretroviral treatment adherence among individuals with hiv in Córdoba, Argentina. Materials and methods: The final sample population included 180 Argentinian people. The mean age of the participants was 40.61 (sd = 12.032) years and 82.8% were men. Various internal structure and reliability and validity studies with other variables were conducted on the study population (n = 180). Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis were consistent with the factorial structure of the original study. However, to achieve this, items that had low factorial loads and were redundant had to be eliminated. Coefficient ω values of .833 on the Information sub-scale, .759 on the Motivation subscale, and .888 on the Behavioral Skills subscale were obtained. Significant correlations were determined between the results of adherence and barriers to treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that the instrument can be used to assess the barriers to antiretroviral treatment adherence in Córdoba, Argentina. Although further research is warranted, these results are promising.

adaptar y validar un instrumento para evaluar barreras a la adherencia antirretroviral en personas que conviven con el vih en Córdoba (Argentina). Materiales y métodos: la muestra final incluyó 180 participantes argentinos. La media de edad fue de 40.61 (de = 12.032) y el 82.8 % fueron hombres. Sobre la muestra (n = 180) se efectuaron estudios de estructura interna, confiabilidad y validez con otras variables. Resultados: el análisis factorial confirmatorio arrojó resultados congruentes con la estructura factorial del estudio original, aunque para ello fue necesario eliminar ciertos ítems que presentaban bajas cargas factoriales y que pueden ser representados por otros ítems, debido a información redundante. Se obtuvieron coeficientes ω = 0.833 en la subescala información; ω = 0.759 en la subescala motivación, y ω = 0.888 en la subescala habilidades comportamentales. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre los resultados de adherencia al tratamiento y barreras al tratamiento. Conclusión: aunque se requieren de mayores investigaciones, los resultados son promisorios, sugieren que el instrumento puede usarse para evaluar barreras de la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en Córdoba.

adaptar e validar um instrumento de barreiras à adesão anti-retroviral em pessoas vivendo com hivem Córdoba, Argentina. Materiais e métodos: A amostra final incluiu 180 participantes argentinos. A idade média era de 40,61 anos (sd = 12,032) e 82,8% eram homens. Com a amostra (n = 180) foram realizados estudos de estrutura interna, confiabilidade e validade com outras variáveis. Resultados: a análise fatorial confirma-tória apresentou resultados adequados com a estrutura fatorial do estudo original, embora para isso tenha sido necessário eliminar alguns itens que apresentavam baixas cargas fatoriais e poderiam ser representados por outros itens devido a informações redundantes. Os coeficientes ω = 0,833 foram obtidos na subescala informação; ω = 0,759 na subescala motivação, y ω = 0,888 na subescala competências comportamentais. Correlações significativas foram encontradas entre os resultados do adherencia al tratamiento e do barreiras à adesão ao tratamento. Conclusão: embora mais pesquisas sejam necessárias, os resultados são promissores, sugerindo que o instrumento pode ser usado para avaliar as barreiras à adesão ao tratamento anti-retroviral em Córdoba, Argentina.

Extracellular and Intracellular Concentrations of Molybdenum and Zinc in Soccer Players: Sex Differences.

Molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) play important roles in the process of adaptation to physical training. The aims of the present study were: (i) to analyze the differences in extracellular (plasma and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) Mo and Zn concentrations between sexes and (ii) to relate extracellular Zn concentrations with biomarkers of muscle damage and muscle mass. The present study involved 138 semi-professional soccer players divided according to sex: male (n = 68) and female (n = 70). Mo and Zn concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Erythrocytes, platelets, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values were also determined by automatic cell counter and spectrophotometric techniques. There were no sex differences in Mo and Zn intake. Male soccer players obtained higher values of erythrocytes, CK, and LDH (p < 0.05), and showed higher plasma and urinary concentrations of Mo and Zn (p < 0.05). Female soccer players showed relatively higher Zn concentrations in erythrocytes (p < 0.05). Finally, positive correlations were observed between extracellular Zn concentrations with CK, LDH and muscle mass. Extracellular concentrations of Mo and Zn were higher in male soccer players. However, the relative concentrations of Zn in relation to the number of erythrocytes were higher in female soccer players.

Acute Effect of Exposure to Extreme Heat (100 ± 3 °C) on Lower Limb Maximal Resistance Strength.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of a single dry sauna bath lasting twelve minutes on the indirect determination of the one maximum repetition (1RM) leg press among trained and untrained participants. Thirty young men participated in the study, a trained group (TG; n = 15; age: 20.97 ± 0.44 years) and an untrained group (UG; n = 15; age: 21.03 ± 0.11 years). Subjects in the TG had performed resistance training for at least two years before the beginning of the experiment. All participants performed two indirect tests of their one maximum repetition leg press on two different days, with a rest period of three weeks between tests. Additionally, anthropometric, body composition, blood pressure, body temperature, and rated perceived exertion were evaluated. On the second testing day, all of the participants took a dry sauna bath lasting 12 min immediately before performing the leg press test. In the second evaluation (pre-heating in the sauna), the UG experienced increases in absolute RM (178.48 ± 56.66 to 217.60 ± 59.18 kg; p < 0.05; R = 0.798), relative RM (2.65 ± 0.61 to 3.24 ± 0.58 kg·g body mass-1; p < 0.05; R = 0.798), and muscular RM (5.64 ± 1.20 to 6.77 ± 1.14 kg·kg muscle mass-1; p < 0.05; R = 0.797). The TG also increased their values on the second day in absolute RM (284.96 ± 62.41 to 314.92 ± 1.04 kg; p < 0.01; R = 0.886), in relative RM (3.61 ± 0.88 to 3.99 ± 1.85 kg*kg body mass-1; p < 0.01; R = 0.886), and muscular RM (7.83 ± 1.69 to 8.69 ± 1.85 kg·kg muscle mass-1; p < 0.01; R = 0.854). A passive, extreme-heat sauna bath lasting 12 min taken immediately before a relative maximum repetition test seems to provoke clear positive responses for the development of strength.

Total Iron Concentrations in Different Biological Matrices-Influence of Physical Training.

Iron (Fe) is one of the most widely studied trace mineral elements. Fe metabolism and homeostasis could be altered by physical training. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of long-term physical training on serum, plasma, urine (extracellular), erythrocyte and platelet (intracellular) Fe concentrations. Forty men from the same geographical area divided into a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years) and a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years) participated in this study. The TG was composed of soccer players of the highest youth category. The CG consisted of young people who did not follow any training routine and had not practiced any sport for at least the previous six months. The TG showed higher plasma and serum Fe concentrations (p < 0.05), but lower concentrations in erythrocytes and platelets compared to the CG (p < 0.01). Due to the differences observed in the extracellular and intracellular compartments, it seems necessary to perform a global Fe analysis to assess Fe status.

[Effects of honey-rich energy drink intake on glucose, insulin, triglycerides and total protein in healthy young people.] / Efectos de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel sobre glucosa, insulina, triglicéridos y proteínas totales en jóvenes sanos.

Introduction: Introduction: energy drinks have become more popular in different population groups. Aims: the research aimed to study the effect of the intake of a honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) and a popular energy drink with free sugars on insulin, glycemia, total protein and triglycerides. Material and methods: fifteen male students participated in the study (20.85 ± 2.67 years). Two separate evaluations were performed on three days. Blood samples were obtained before ingesting the energy drink in a fasting state, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes after ingesting the drinks. On the first day participants ingested the honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) while on the second day participants ingested the energy drink with free sugars. Results: there were significant differences in glucose and insulin over time (p < 0.01). Regarding the differences between energy drinks, there were differences in insulin values, being lower after taking the honey-rich energy drink (p < 0.05). In addition, the increase in glucose and insulin at 30 minutes was lower after ingesting the honey-rich energy drink. Conclusions: ingestion of honey-rich energy drink produces lower elevations of insulin and glucose compared to a popular energy drink with free sugar in healthy subjects. Based on the results, honey-rich energy drinks could be an alternative to conventional energy drinks.

Introducción: Introducción: las bebidas energéticas han ganado protagonismo en diferentes grupos poblacionales. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el efecto de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) y una bebida energética popular con azúcares libres sobre la insulina, la glucemia, las proteínas totales y los triglicéridos. Material y métodos: quince estudiantes varones participaron en el estudio (20,85 ± 2,67 años). Se realizaron dos evaluaciones separadas en tres días. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas antes de ingerir la bebida energética en estado de ayuno, 30 minutos, 60 minutos y 120 minutos después de ingerir las bebidas energéticas. El primer día, los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) mientras que el segundo día los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética con azucares libres. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas en glucosa e insulina a lo largo del tiempo (p < 0,01). Respecto a las diferencias entre bebidas energéticas, hubo diferencias en los valores de insulina, que fueron menores después de tomar la bebida energética rica en miel (p < 0,05). Además, el incremento de la glucosa e insulina a los 30 minutos fue menor tras ingerir la bebida energética rica en miel. Conclusiones: la ingesta de bebidas energéticas rica en miel produce menores elevaciones de insulina y glucosa en comparación con una bebida energética popular con azúcar libre en sujetos sanos. Atendiendo a los resultados, las bebidas energéticas ricas en miel podrían ser una alternativa a las bebidas energéticas convencionales.

Efectos de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel sobre glucosa, insulina, triglicéridos y proteínas totales en jóvenes sanos / Effects of honey-rich energy drink intake on glucose, insulin, triglycerides and total protein in healthy young people

Introducción: las bebidas energéticas han ganado protagonismo en diferentes grupos poblacionales. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar el efecto de la ingesta de una bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) y una bebida energética popular con azúcares libres sobre la insulina, la glucemia, las proteínas totales y los triglicéridos. Material y métodos: quince estudiantes varones participaron en el estudio (20,85 ± 2,67 años). Se realizaron dos evaluaciones separadas en tres días. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas antes de ingerir la bebida energética en estado de ayuno, 30 minutos, 60 minutos y 120 minutos después de ingerir las bebidas energéticas. El primer día, los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética rica en miel (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italia) mientras que el segundo día los participantes ingirieron la bebida energética con azucares libres. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas en glucosa e insulina a lo largo del tiempo (p < 0,01). Respecto a las diferencias entre bebidas energéticas, hubo diferencias en los valores de insulina, que fueron menores después de tomar la bebida energética rica en miel (p < 0,05). Además, el incremento de la glucosa e insulina a los 30 minutos fue menor tras ingerir la bebida energética rica en miel. Conclusiones: la ingesta de bebidas energéticas rica en miel produce menores elevaciones de insulina y glucosa en comparación con una bebida energética popular con azúcar libre en sujetos sanos. Atendiendo a los resultados, las bebidas energéticas ricas en miel podrían ser una alternativa a las bebidas energéticas convencionales. (AU)

Introduction: energy drinks have become more popular in different population groups. Aims: the research aimed to study the effect of the intake of a honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) and a popular energy drink with free sugars on insulin, glycemia, total protein and triglycerides. Material and methods: fifteen male students participated in the study (20.85 ± 2.67 years). Two separate evaluations were performed on three days. Blood samples were obtained before ingesting the energy drink in a fasting state, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes after ingesting the drinks. On the first day participants ingested the honey-rich energy drink (BeeBad EnegyDrink®, Parodi Group, Italy) while on the second day participants ingested the energy drink with free sugars. Results: there were significant differences in glucose and insulin over time (p < 0.01). Regarding the differences between energy drinks, there were differences in insulin values, being lower after taking the honey-rich energy drink (p < 0.05). In addition, the increase in glucose and insulin at 30 minutes was lower after ingesting the honey-rich energy drink. Conclusions: ingestion of honey-rich energy drink produces lower elevations of insulin and glucose compared to a popular energy drink with free sugar in healthy subjects. Based on the results, honey-rich energy drinks could be an alternative to conventional energy drinks. (AU)

Analysis of Intracellular and Extracellular Selenium Concentrations: Differences According to Training Level.

Trace mineral element concentrations are under homeostatic control. Selenium (Se) is a very important micronutrient for the antioxidant and immune system. Se metabolism could be modified due to physical training. This research aimed to analyze the extracellular (plasma, urine and serum) and intracellular (platelets and erythrocytes) concentrations of Se in athletes and to compare it with subjects with low levels of physical training. Forty young men divided into a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years) and a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years) participated in this study. The TG was formed by semi-professional soccer players. The analysis of Se was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The TG obtained higher values of maximum oxygen consumption and muscle percentage (p < 0.05). The TG showed reduced absolute (p < 0.01) and relative (p < 0.05) Se concentrations in erythrocytes and platelets in comparison to CG. Trace element assessments should not be limited only to extracellular compartments as there could be deficiencies at the intracellular level.

Effects of Tetraselmis chuii Microalgae Supplementation on Anthropometric, Hormonal and Hematological Parameters in Healthy Young Men: A Double-Blind Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Tetraselmis chuii (TC) microalgae supplementation for sixty days on hematological, anthropometric and hormonal parameters in healthy young men. Forty-six men divided into a placebo group (PG; n = 16; 20.77 ± 2.7 years; 72.14 ± 7.18 kg; 1.76 ± 0.07 m), a group supplemented with 25 mg/day of TC (SG 25; n = 15; 20.40 ± 1.40 years; 71.28 ± 8.26 kg; 1.76 ± 0.05 m) and another group supplemented with 200 mg/day of TC (SG 200; n = 15; 20.83 ± 2.45 years; 72.30 ± 11.13 kg; 1.77 ± 0.08 m) participated in this double-blind study. PG ingested 200 mg/day of lactose powder. Participants underwent 4 assessments (baseline, month 1, month 2 and desadaptation) separated in time by an interval of thirty days. At SG 25 and SG 200, significant increases in percent muscle mass, erythropoietin, insulin-like growth factor 1, free testosterone, leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes were observed (p < 0.05). Decreases in the levels of percent fat mass, platelets, hematocrit and mean corpuscular hemoglobin also occurred in these groups (p < 0.05). TC supplementation induced favorable changes on anthropometric, hematological and hormonal levels. In view of the data, it seems that the most effective dose was 25 mg/day of TC.

Influence of physical training on intracellular and extracellular zinc concentrations.

Background: Physical exercise affects zinc (Zn) homeostasis. This study aimed to analyze the influence of physical training on extracellular (serum, plasma, and urine) and intracellular (erythrocytes and platelets) concentrations of Zn. Methods: Forty young men, divided into a training group (TG; n = 20; 18.15 ± 0.27 years; 68.59 ± 4.18 kg; 1.76 ± 0.04 m) and a control group (CG; n = 20; 19.25 ± 0.39 years; 73.45 ± 9.04 kg; 1.79 ± 0.06 m), participated in this study. The TG was formed by semiprofessional soccer players from a youth category with a regular training plan of 10 h/week. The CG was formed by healthy men who did not practice physical exercise and had not followed any specific training plan. Plasma, serum, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet samples of Zn were obtained and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The TG showed elevated plasma Zn concentrations (p < 0.01) despite similar intakes. However, TG showed reduced absolute (p < 0.01) and relative (p < 0.05) Zn concentrations in erythrocytes. Conclusions: Athletes who underwent regular physical training showed elevated plasma and reduced erythrocyte Zn concentrations despite similar intakes to the CG.

Temporal Trends, Characteristics, and Outcomes of Infective Endocarditis After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND: Procedural improvements combined with the contemporary clinical profile of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may have influenced the incidence and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) following TAVR. We aimed to determine the temporal trends, characteristics, and outcomes of IE post-TAVR. METHODS: Observational study including 552 patients presenting definite IE post-TAVR. Patients were divided in 2 groups according to the timing of TAVR (historical cohort [HC]: before 2014; contemporary cohort [CC]: after 2014). RESULTS: Overall incidence rates of IE were similar in both cohorts (CC vs HC: 5.45 vs 6.52 per 1000 person-years; P = .12), but the rate of early IE was lower in the CC (2.29‰ vs 4.89‰, P < .001). Enterococci were the most frequent microorganism. Most patients presented complicated IE (CC: 67.7%; HC: 69.6%; P = .66), but the rate of surgical treatment remained low (CC: 20.7%; HC: 17.3%; P = .32). The CC exhibited lower rates of in-hospital acute kidney injury (35.1% vs 44.6%; P = .036) and in-hospital (26.6% vs 36.4%; P = .016) and 1-year (37.8% vs 53.5%; P < .001) mortality. Higher logistic EuroScore, Staphylococcus aureus etiology, and complications (stroke, heart failure, and acute renal failure) were associated with in-hospital mortality in multivariable analyses (P < .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Although overall IE incidence has remained stable, the incidence of early IE has declined in recent years. The microorganism, high rate of complications, and very low rate of surgical treatment remained similar. In-hospital and 1-year mortality rates were high but progressively decreased over time.

Testing the Bethe ansatz with large N renormalons.

The ground-state energy of integrable asymptotically free theories can be conjecturally computed using the Bethe ansatz once the theory has been coupled to an external potential through a conserved charge. This leads to a precise prediction for the perturbative expansion of the energy. We provide a non-trivial test of this prediction in the non-linear sigma model and its supersymmetric extension, by calculating analytically the associated Feynman diagrams at next-to-leading order in the 1/N expansion, and at all loops. By investigating the large order behavior of the diagrams, we locate the position of the renormalons of the theory and we obtain an analytic expression for the large N trans-series associated to each. As a spin-off of our calculation, we provide a direct derivation of the beta function of these theories, at next-to-leading order in the 1/N expansion.

The Resurgent Structure of Quantum Knot Invariants.

The asymptotic expansion of quantum knot invariants in complex Chern-Simons theory gives rise to factorially divergent formal power series. We conjecture that these series are resurgent functions whose Stokes automorphism is given by a pair of matrices of q-series with integer coefficients, which are determined explicitly by the fundamental solutions of a pair of linear q-difference equations. We further conjecture that for a hyperbolic knot, a distinguished entry of those matrices equals to the Dimofte-Gaiotto-Gukov 3D-index, and thus is given by a counting of BPS states. We illustrate our conjectures explicitly by matching theoretically and numerically computed integers for the cases of the 4 1 and the 5 2 knots.

Effect of Handgrip Training in Extreme Heat on the Development of Handgrip Maximal Isometric Strength among Young Males.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and adaptive effects of passive extreme heat (100 ± 3 °C) exposition in combination with a strength training protocol on maximal isometric handgrip strength. Fifty-four untrained male university students participated in this investigation. Twenty-nine formed the control group (NG) and 25 the heat-exposed group (HG). All the participants performed a 3-week isotonic handgrip strength training program twice a week with a training volume of 10 series of 10 repetitions with 45-s rest between series, per session. All the subjects only trained their right hand, leaving their left hand untrained. HG performed the same training protocol in hot (100 ± 3 °C) conditions in a dry sauna. Maximal isometric handgrip strength was evaluated each training day before and after the session. NG participants did not experience any modifications in either hand by the end of the study while HG increased maximal strength values in both hands (p < 0.05), decreased the difference between hands (p < 0.05), and recorded higher values than the controls in the trained (p < 0.05) and untrained (p < 0.01) hands after the intervention period. These changes were not accompanied by any modification in body composition in either group. The performance of a unilateral isotonic handgrip strength program in hot conditions during the three weeks induced an increase in maximal isometric handgrip strength in both hands without modifications to bodyweight or absolute body composition.

Serum vanadium concentrations in different sports modalities.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare serum vanadium (V) concentrations between athletes of different sports modalities and people who did not practise physical exercise regularly. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one subjects divided into a control group (CG; n = 37; 1.75 ± 0.03 m; 79.45 ± 10.20 kg; 24.72 ± 6.06 years) and an athletes' group (AG; n = 84; 1.77 ± 0.05 m; 66.34 ± 6.12 kg; 19.57 ± 1.95 years) participated in this research. AG were classified by sports modality: aerobic (AE; n = 26), anaerobic (ANA; n = 22); aerobic-anaerobic (AE-ANA; n = 36). Serum V concentrations were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: AG showed higher V concentrations compared to CG (p < 0.01). AE obtained higher concentrations compared to ANA and AE-ANA (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Physical training could increase serum V levels. Specifically, aerobic sports modalities could increase serum V levels to a greater extent than other sports modalities.