Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours of Adolescents and Young Adult Population on the Use of E-Cigarettes or Personal Vaporizer.

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cig) or personal vaporizers (PV) has increased in recent years, especially among adolescents and adults, increasing risk factors for their health or being a starting point for other risk behaviours. The aim of our study is to learn the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the adolescent and young adult population on the use of e-cigarettes or PVs. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 375 subjects. The use of e-cigs or PVs was measured using a self-administered questionnaire. Overall, 13.33% of the respondents used e-cigarettes or PVs. A correlation could be established between vape use and age, with 14-18-year-olds being the highest users (25.9%). Additionally, 90.13% of the respondents answered that e-cig or PV use was harmful to health. Other behaviours, such as consumption of energy drinks (ED), increases the probability of vaping by 3.08 times (CI = 1.55-6.29; p = 0.001). Subjects aged 23-26 years and 27-34 years are less likely to vape than subjects aged 14-18 years (OR = 0.31: CI = 0.09-0.96; p = 0.044; OR = 0.07: CI = 0.00-0.63; p = 0.037). The same applies to subjects with secondary education (OR = 0.17: CI = 0.04-0.66; p = 0.011) and postgraduate education (OR = 0.07: CI = 0.06-1.19; p = 0.043), than subjects with primary education. The use of e-cigs and PVs starts at an early age, despite the known harmful effects of e-cigs and PVs. Their use may occur mainly in recreational situations and in association with other substances such as ED.

A Systematic Review on Spinal Asymmetries in Case Studies of Unilateral Nephroptosis from a Viscerosomatic Point of View.

The assessment of posture and asymmetries is common in musculoskeletal clinical practice, and correction is a frequent goal. In this setting, posture and asymmetries are usually interpreted in terms of musculoskeletal issues. This study aimed to evaluate spinal asymmetries in case studies of unilateral nephroptosis. A systematic review was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science. We included case reports and case series of nephroptotic patients which showed diagnostic imaging that allowed us to assess the presence of spinal asymmetries in the frontal plane. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed by using Case Report (CARE) checklist. Nineteen studies were included, with a total number of 78 reported patients (69 women) ranging 22 to 44 years old (mean: 29). Only one patient presented with medial nephroptosis, while the rest presented with caudal migration. Ninety-one percent of the cases affected to the right kidney. All cases but two showed homolateral flank closure (lower rib descent, iliac crest raise and/or homolateral side-bending). The correction of nephroptosis, either by supine position or surgical treatment, removed asymmetries in some cases while other cases improved only partly. Manual therapists must consider visceral implications while assessing body posture. Further, since the most common symptom of nephroptosis is loin pain, and it has been claimed that loin pain is underdiagnosed, manual therapists should consider its potential presence during clinical practice. Finally, being that nephroptosis shares several features with idiopathic lumbar scoliosis (type of patient, postural adaptation), more research is needed regarding any possible relation between them.

Impact of Probiotics on the Performance of Endurance Athletes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Probiotic supplements contain different strains of living microorganisms that promote the health of the host. These dietary supplements are increasingly being used by athletes to improve different aspects such as athletic performance, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), the immune system, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal (GI) problems, etc. This study aimed to identify the current evidence on the management of probiotics in endurance athletes and their relationship with sports performance. METHODS: A systematic review of the last five years was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Web of science, Sportdiscus and Embase databases. RESULTS: Nine articles met the quality criteria. Of these, three reported direct benefits on sports performance. The remaining six articles found improvements in the reduction of oxidative stress, increased immune response and decreased incidence of URTIs. There is little scientific evidence on the direct relationship between the administration of probiotics in endurance athletes and sports performance. CONCLUSIONS: Benefits were found that probiotics could indirectly influence sports performance by improving other parameters such as the immune system, response to URTIs and decreased oxidative stress, as well as the monitoring of scheduled workouts.

Perceived Stress and Increased Food Consumption during the 'Third Wave' of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health of people worldwide. An increase in perceived stress can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as increased food consumption. The aim of this study was to find the level of perceived stress and its relationship with increased food consumption during the "third wave" of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. This was a cross-sectional study that employed anonline self-reported frequency of consumption questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale-10. A total of 637 subjects participated and 83.6% of respondents had moderate or high stress-more prevalent in the female and young respondents. Moreover, 36.1% of respondents reported that they had increased the frequency of consumption of some foods, mainly nuts, snacks, and jellybeans, along with coffee, tea, cocoa, and soft drinks. Eating between meals was more pronounced in those with high stress (65.1%) than in those with moderate stress (40.4%) and low stress (20.2%). Furthermore, the respondents with high stress reported greater weight gain. Thus, the results show that the level of perceived stress during the 'third wave' of this pandemic increased food consumption.

Muscle Damage Biomarkers in Congestion Weeks in English Premier League Soccer Players: A Prospective Study for Two Consecutive Seasons.

The current study was conducted to compare muscle damage biomarkers in single- vs. multi-match weeks in elite soccer players for two consecutive seasons. A secondary objective was to analyze the influence of playing position and exposure time on muscle damage in single- vs. multi-match weeks. This is a prospective cohort study performed in a professional elite soccer club in the English Premier League during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons up until the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in the Medical Department Room of an English Premier League Club before and after the soccer game from a total of 29 elite soccer players (mean ± S.D.; age = 27.59 ± 3.83 years; height = 1.83 ± 0.05 m; body mass = 80.16 ± 7.45 kg) who were enrolled in the club during both seasons. The main outcome measurements were creatine kinase (CK), weight, lean mass, % fat DEXA, high speed running, total distance, density of total distance and high-speed running and wellbeing questionnaires. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Players who completed more than 60 min in the previous game had significantly increased pregame CK levels and fatigue in multi-match weeks. Midfielders had both significantly increased pregame CK and muscle soreness in multi-match weeks. Midfielders and players with an exposure time of at least 60 min showed higher pregame CK values that should play a key role for deciding substitutions.

Consumption of over-the-Counter Drugs: Prevalence and Type of Drugs.

Recently, there has been an increase in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. The consumption of these medicines can be unsafe, as incorrect self-diagnosis or the ingestion of inappropriate doses can lead to side effects and the occurrence of adverse reactions and drug-drug interactions. A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was carried out, targeting the entire Spanish population by using an online questionnaire. The results showed that 78.9% of the subjects had previously taken or were currently taking OTC drugs. This consumption decreased as the age of the subjects increased, with a prevalence of 36.4% of subjects aged ≥ 71 taking OTC drugs. Analgesics were the most consumed OTC drugs (49.1%) especially in women, youngsters with non-formal educational qualifications, and individuals of a low-medium socioeconomic level residing in urban areas. Measures should be implemented to optimize the safe use of OTC drugs in order to avoid the occurrence of secondary events associated with the lack of knowledge related to their the usage.

Enteral Nutrition by Nasogastric Tube in Adult Patients under Palliative Care: A Systematic Review.

Nutritional management of patients under palliative care can lead to ethical issues, especially when Enteral Nutrition (EN) is prescribed by nasogastric tube (NGT). The aim of this review is to know the current status in the management of EN by NG tube in patients under palliative care, and its effect in their wellbeing and quality of life. The following databases were used: PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Scielo, Embase and Medline. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, as well as different qualities screening, a total of three entries were used, published between 2015 and 2020. In total, 403 articles were identified initially, from which three were selected for this review. The use of NGT caused fewer diarrhea episodes and more restrictions than the group that did not use NG tubes. Furthermore, the use of tubes increased attendances to the emergency department, although there was no contrast between NGT and PEG devices. No statistical difference was found between use of tubes (NGT and PEG) or no use, with respect to the treatment of symptoms, level of comfort, and satisfaction at the end of life. Nevertheless, it improved hospital survival compared with other procedures, and differences were found in hospital stays in relation to the use of other probes or devices. Finally, there are not enough quality studies to provide evidence on improving the health status and quality of life of the use of EN through NGT in patients receiving palliative care. For this reason, decision making in this field must be carried out individually, weighing the benefits and damages that they can cause in the quality of life of the patients.

Proposed cut-off points for anthropometric and bioelectrical measures based on overweight and obesity criteria in Spanish institutionalised elderly people.

The increasing prevalence of obesity among the institutionalised elderly population and its severe consequences on health requires an early and accurate diagnosis that can be easily achieved in any clinical setting. This study aimed to determine new cut-off values for anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance measures that are superior to body mass index criteria for overweight and obesity status in a sample of Spanish institutionalised elderly population. A total of 211 institutionalised older adults (132 women, aged 84.3±7.3 years; 79 men, aged 81.5±7.3 years) were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and bioelectrical impedance measures included the body mass index, waist circumference, gluteal circumference, waist-hip ratio, sagittal-abdominal diameter, trunk fat, and visceral-fat ratio. In women, the waist circumference, gluteal circumference, sagittal-abdominal diameter, trunk fat, and visceral-fat index presented strongly significant specificity and sensitivity (area under the curve [AUC], p<0.0001) and elevated discriminative values (receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves: 0.827 to 0.867) for overweight and obesity status. In men, the waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, gluteal circumference, sagittal-abdominal diameter, trunk fat, and visceral-fat ratio were strongly significant AUC (p<0.0001), with moderate-to-high values (ROC curves: 0.757-0.871). In conclusion, our findings suggest that gluteal circumference, waist circumference, and sagittal-abdominal diameter in women and trunk fat, visceral-fat ratio, and waist circumference in men may represent more suitable cut-off values superior to body mass index criteria for overweight and obesity in the Spanish institutionalised elderly population.

Knowledge and Practice of Health Professionals in the Management of Dysphagia.

The aim of this study was to determine healthcare providers' knowledge and practices about dysphagia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire addressed to healthcare providers in Spain. A total of 396 healthcare providers participated in the study. Of these, 62.3% knew the definition of dysphagia as a swallowing disorder. In addition, up to 39.2% of the participants reported that they did not know whether the EatingAssessmentTool (EAT-10) dysphagia screening test was usedin their own clinical settings. Similarly, up to 49.1% of them did not know the ClinicalExaminationVolume-Viscosity (MECV-V) method. Nearly all participants (98.8%) reported that thickeners must be used forall liquids administered to patients. A higher percentage of respondents based the choice of texture on patient's tolerance (78.2%) rather than on the MECV-V result (17.3%). In addition,76.4% of the professionals had witnessed a bronchoaspiration; after it, 44.4% (n = 175) of them reported the appearance of pneumonia, and 14.5% (n = 57) the death of the patient (p = 0.005). The participants revealeda moderate/low knowledge ofthe definition, diagnosis, and clinical management of liquid dysphagia, which indicates some room for improvements.

Sex differences for predicting metabolic syndrome by adipose dysfunction markers in institutionalized elderly.

AIMS: Recent studies have emphasized that metabolic syndrome (MetS) was the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the institutionalized elderly. In addition, the occurrence of MetS was higher in those with longer age-adjusted institutionalization time. The present study was conducted to assess predictive value of markers of adipose tissue dysfunction for the early screening of MetS in this population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven institutionalized older adults (132 women, aged 74.3 ± 7.3 years; 79 men, aged 71.5 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study. Lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI), and triglycerides (TG)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio were determined. The receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to compare the area under the curve of each index. The total prevalence of MetS was 23.8%. In female group, VAI and TG/HDL ratio presented moderate-high sensitivity (77.78% and 78.38%, respectively) and specificity (77.62% and 73.49%, respectively). In males group, LAP presented moderate-high sensitivity (75%) and specificity (76.9%). CONCLUSION: Gender played a key role on the prediction of MetS by adipose dysfunction markers in institutionalized elderly. Accordingly, VAI and TG/HDL-cholesterol ratio showed the highest predictive value for MetS in female elderly. LAP was the strongest predictor of MetS in male elderly.

Nurse and Nursing Students´ Opinions and Perceptions of Enteral Nutrition by Nasogastric Tube in Palliative Care.

It is widely accepted that nursing staff play a key role in palliative care (PC). The use of Nasogastric tubes (NG tubes) for Enteral Nutrition (EN) administration is still controversial in patients who receive PC. The aim of this study was to describe nurses' and nursing students´ opinions and perceptions about EN using NG tubes in adult patients in palliative care. To achieve this goal, a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire intended for nurses and nursing students was used. Data was descriptively and inferentially analyzed using a chi-square test to determine the differential frequency of responses. In addition, a multivariate logistic regression model was also conducted. A total of 511 participants completed the questionnaire. Among them, nursing staff represented 74.9% (n = 383) whereas nursing students were 25.1% (n = 128). When life expectancy was above six months, 90.0% (n = 460) reported that EN using NG should be implemented. In contrast, when life expectancy is less than a month, 57.5% (n = 294) discouraged it. Significant differences within groups were found when life expectancy was <1 month (p = 0.044). It was also found that 491 participants (96.1%) reported that patient´s autonomy must be carefully respected for deciding whether continuing EN by NG tube or not. Finally, it was concluded for both nurses and nursing students that life expectancy should be the mean reason for implementing and withdrawing EN by NG tube. Major differences were found regarding when it should be ceased, suggesting perceptions may change as nurses graduate and move into their professional roles.

Age and Training-Related Changes on Body Composition and Fitness in Male Amateur Cyclists.

Master athletes are considered as a model of healthy aging because they can limit the age-related decline of physiological abilities compared to sedentary individuals. The main objective of this study is to analyze age-related changes and annual training on body composition (BC) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) parameters. The participants in this retrospective cross-sectional study were 176 male cyclists, aged 40-60 years. BC was evaluated through anthropometric measurements and CRF was determined by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. A comparative study between age groups was carried out through a one-way ANOVA test and the associations between the variables were assessed by Spearman's correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis to estimate the performance. Training was generally associated with a decrease in both body weight and body fat (p < 0.05). A decrease in resting heart rate was observed as a vagal effect of kilometers cycled per year (p < 0.05). Kilometers cycled per year were associated with an increase in peak power output, which was larger in the master 40 group (p < 0.05) with a non-significant upward in VO2max (p > 0.05). In the performance prediction model, the included variables explained 52% of the variance. In summary, the changes induced by age were minimal in BC and negligible in CRF, whereas HR decreased with age. Training load was generally associated with a decrease in body weight, BMI and body fat percentage that was particularly notable in the abdominal skin folds. A decrease in HRrest was observed as a vagal effect due to kilometers cycled per year, and age did not seem to have a significant effect. The annual cycling kilometers were associated with to high PPO that is greater in the M40 group and a non-significant upward trend in VO2max.

Prediction of Performance in a Short Trail Running Race: The Role of Body Composition.

The aim of the present study was to examine the role of the classical physiological model of endurance running performance - maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), %VO2max at ventilatory thresholds (VT), work economy, lactate levels, and body composition on the prediction of short trail running performance. Eleven male trail runners (age 36.1 ± 6.5 years, sport experience 6.6 ± 3.8 years, and mean ± standard deviation) were examined for fat mass and skeletal muscle mass, and performed a graded exercise test to measure VO2max, vVO2max, and VT. Also, they participated in a short 27 km trail run with a positive elevation of +1750 m. Age, years of training and skeletal muscle mass did not correlate with race time (P > 0.05), and fat mass and body mass index (BMI) showed significant correlations with race time (P < 0.05). Heart rate, velocity and VT1 and VT2 were not associated with race time (P > 0.05). Only vVO2max (P = 0.005) and VO2max (P = 0.007) is correlated to race time. Multiple regression models for VO2max accounted for 57% of the total variance. The vVO2max model variable accounted for 60% and the fat mass model for 59.5%. Finally, the combined VO2max and fat mass model explained 83.9% of the total variance (P < 0.05 in all models). The equation for this model is "race time (min) = 203.9956-1.9001 × VO2max + 10.2816 × Fat mass%" (R 2 = 0.839, SEE = 11.1 min, and P = 0.0007). The classical variable VO2max together with fat mass percent are two strong predictors for short trail running performance.

Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults

INTRODUCTION: From the previously published literature on the relationship between obesity and infertility, it is clear that male obesity negatively impacts semen quality. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether regular exercise may improve semen quality in sedentary obese adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety obese adults were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 45) or control group (n = 45). Participants in the intervention group performed a 16-week aerobic training program in a treadmill, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15 minutes), 35-50 minutes treadmill exercise (increasing five minutes per four weeks) at a work intensity of 50-65% of peak heart rate (increasing a 5% per four weeks) and cooling-down (5-10 minutes). Semen quality assessment included semen volume, sperm concentration and the percentages of progressive motility and normal morphology. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Body composition and physical fitness were also assessed. RESULTS: After the completion of the training program, sperm count, motility and normal morphology were significantly increased. A second key finding was that exercise improved reproductive hormone levels by increasing serum testosterone. Lastly, significant correlations were found between seminal outcomes and abdominal obesity. CONCLUSION: A short-term intervention program based on aerobic training improved semen quality in sedentary obese adults. This finding may be explained, at least in part, by an improvement of the reproductive hormone profile.

Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults / Mejora de calidad seminal y perfil hormonal en adultos obesos sedentarios mediante ejercicio

Introduction: From the previously published literature on the relationship between obesity and infertility, it is clear that male obesity negatively impacts semen quality. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine whether regular exercise may improve semen quality in sedentary obese adults. Material and methods: Ninety obese adults were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 45) or control group (n = 45). Participants in the intervention group performed a 16-week aerobic training program in a treadmill, three sessions per week, consisting of a warm-up (10-15 minutes), 35-50 minutes treadmill exercise (increasing five minutes per four weeks) at a work intensity of 50-65% of peak heart rate (increasing a 5% per four weeks) and cooling-down (5-10 minutes). Semen quality assessment included semen volume, sperm concentration and the percentages of progressive motility and normal morphology. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and estradiol were determined by ELISA. Body composition and physical fitness were also assessed. Results: After the completion of the training program, sperm count, motility and normal morphology were significantly increased. A second key finding was that exercise improved reproductive hormone levels by increasing serum testosterone. Lastly, significant correlations were found between seminal outcomes and abdominal obesity. Conclusion: A short-term intervention program based on aerobic training improved semen quality in sedentary obese adults. This finding may be explained, at least in part, by an improvement of the reproductive hormone profile (AU)

Introducción: cada vez existe un mayor nivel de evidencia sobre el impacto negativo de la obesidad en la calidad seminal. Sin embargo, la utilidad del ejercicio en este grupo de pacientes ha recibido escasa atención. El presente estudio pretende determinar la influencia de un programa de entrenamiento aeróbico en la calidad seminal de adultos obesos. Material y métodos: noventa adultos varones se asignaron aleatoriamente al grupo experimental (n = 45) o control (n = 45). El grupo experimental desarrolló un programa de entrenamiento aeróbico en tapiz rodante de 16 semanas con tres sesiones/semana. Cada sesión se estructuró en calentamiento (10-15 minutos), 35-50 minutos en tapiz rodante (incrementando cinco minutos/cuatro semanas) a una intensidad del 50-65% de su frecuencia cardiaca máxima (incrementando 5%/cuatro semanas) y vuelta a la calma (5-10 minutos). La calidad seminal se evaluó mediante determinación de volumen seminal, concentración espermática, así como porcentajes de motilidad y morfología normal según criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Los niveles séricos de las hormonas folículo estimulante (FSH), luteinizante (LH) y testosterona se determinaron mediante ELISA. También se evaluó la composición corporal y condición física de los participantes. Resultados: tras finalizar el entrenamiento, la concentración, la motilidad y la normal morfología se incrementaron significativamente. Asimismo, se observó una mejoría de los niveles de testosterona. Finalmente, se observaron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre parámetros seminales y marcadores de masa grasa abdominal. Conclusión: el ejercicio aeróbico mejoró la calidad seminal de adultos obesos sedentarios. Estos resultados podrían explicarse, al menos en parte, por la mejora del perfil hormonal de los participantes (AU)

[Circuit resistance training improved endothelial dysfunction in obese aged women].

INTRODUCTION: It is widely accepted that obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In a recent paper, we have also found circuit resistance training may reduce visceral fat in obese aged women. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to ascertain the effects of circuit resistance training on markers of endothelial dysfunction in this population group. METHODS: In the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using an immunoassay (ELISA) for endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). RESULTS: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly reduced serum levels of endothelin-1 (2.28 ± 0.7 vs. 1.98 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p = 0.019; d = 0.67) and ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0.004; d = 0.92) in the experimental group. No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: A short-term circuit resistance program improved endothelial dysfunction in aged obese women. Further studies on this topic are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Circuit resistance training improved endothelial dysfunction in obese aged women / Mejora de la disfunción endotelial en mujeres mayores obesas mediante entrenamiento de fuerza

Introduction: It is widely accepted that obesity is associated with endothelial dysfunction. In a recent paper, we have also found circuit resistance training may reduce visceral fat in obese aged women. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to ascertain the effects of circuit resistance training on markers of endothelial dysfunction in this population group. Methods: In the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using an immunoassay (ELISA) for endothelin-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Results: When compared to baseline, resistance training significantly reduced serum levels of endothelin-1 (2.28 ± 0.7 vs. 1.98 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p = 0.019; d = 0.67) and ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0.004; d = 0.92) in the experimental group. No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. Conclusion: A short-term circuit resistance program improved endothelial dysfunction in aged obese women. Further studies on this topic are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application (AU)

Introducción: recientes estudios han confirmado que el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito podría reducir la masa grasa visceral en mujeres mayores obesas. Para seguir avanzando en esta línea de trabajo, nos propusimos determinar su impacto en marcadores de disfunción endotelial. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de 6 estaciones durante 12 semanas con 3 sesiones/semana. Los marcadores de disfunción endotelial ensayados fueron: endotelina-1, molécula de adhesión intercelular-1 (ICAM-1) y molécula de citoadhesión vascular-1 (VCAM-1). Asimismo se evaluó su influencia en un test funcional para población mayor como el de sentarse-levantarse en 30 segundos. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: tras completar el programa de intervención se observó un descenso significativo de los niveles plasmáticos de entotelina-1 (2,28 ± 0,7 vs. 1,98 ± 1,1 pg/ml; p = 0,019; d = 0,67) e ICAM-1 (290 ± 69 vs. 255 ± 76 ng/ml; p = 0,004; d = 0,92). También mejoró significativamente la puntuación del test funcional (18,7 ± 3,1 vs. 23,0 ± 3,6 repeticiones; p = 0,019; d = 0,98). Por el contrario, no se observaron cambios en el grupo control. Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito mejora la disfunción endotelial presente en mujeres mayores obesas. Futuros estudios siguen siendo necesarios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica (AU)

Deep Convolutional and LSTM Recurrent Neural Networks for Multimodal Wearable Activity Recognition.

Human activity recognition (HAR) tasks have traditionally been solved using engineered features obtained by heuristic processes. Current research suggests that deep convolutional neural networks are suited to automate feature extraction from raw sensor inputs. However, human activities are made of complex sequences of motor movements, and capturing this temporal dynamics is fundamental for successful HAR. Based on the recent success of recurrent neural networks for time series domains, we propose a generic deep framework for activity recognition based on convolutional and LSTM recurrent units, which: (i) is suitable for multimodal wearable sensors; (ii) can perform sensor fusion naturally; (iii) does not require expert knowledge in designing features; and (iv) explicitly models the temporal dynamics of feature activations. We evaluate our framework on two datasets, one of which has been used in a public activity recognition challenge. Our results show that our framework outperforms competing deep non-recurrent networks on the challenge dataset by 4% on average; outperforming some of the previous reported results by up to 9%. Our results show that the framework can be applied to homogeneous sensor modalities, but can also fuse multimodal sensors to improve performance. We characterise key architectural hyperparameters' influence on performance to provide insights about their optimisation.

Clinical prognosis and biological factors associated with survival in canines affected by breast neoplasms / Pronóstico clínico y factores biológicos asociados a la supervivencia en caninos afectados por neoplasias mamarias / Prognóstico clínico e fatores biológicos associados a supervivência em caninos afetados por neoplasias mamarias

Introduction: After the skin, breast glands are the location most commonly affected by tumors in bitches. Objectives: to evaluate the survival rate in canines affected by breast neoplasms submitted to surgery, relating the histopathological diagnosis with clinical factors of prognosis. Methodology: 52 bitches were included. The treatment established included mastectomy, previous blood and chest radiographic analysis in order to rule out metastasis. In 13 individuals, euthanasia was performed due to the advanced state of the disease. The variables analyzed were: frequency of presentation, age, reproductive history, diet, previous hormonal treatment, clinical stage, recurrence and survival. Statistical analysis of the variables was performed through analysis of variance and contingency tables based on chi-square tests (Χ²). Results: The effect of type of diagnosis on survival, age and pseudopregnancy showed significant differences (p<0.05). Opposite to this, no significant differences of the type of diagnosis on hormonal treatment, diet, early neutering and recurrence were observed. Conclusions: the determinant prognostic factor on survival was tumoral histopathological pattern (type of diagnosis). Animals with pseudopregnancy showed a higher susceptibility to suffer breast neoplasms. Benign tumors were observed in later ages than malignant.

Introducción: después de la piel, las glándulas mamarias son el sitio más común de afectación tumoral en las perras. Objetivos: evaluar la supervivencia en caninos afectados por neoplasias de la glándula mamaria que fueron sometidos a cirugía, relacionando el diagnóstico histopatológico con factores clínicos de pronóstico. Metodología: se incluyeron 52 perras. El tratamiento instaurado fue mastectomía, previo análisis sanguíneo y radiográfico del tórax con el fin de descartar metástasis. En 13 individuos se realizó la eutanasia debido al avanzado estado de la enfermedad. Las variables analizadas fueron: frecuencia de presentación, edad, historia reproductiva, dieta, tratamientos hormonales previos, estadificación clínica, recidivas y supervivencia. El análisis estadístico de las variables se realizó mediante el análisis de varianza y tablas de contingencia asociadas a la prueba de chi cuadrado (Χ²). Resultados: El efecto del tipo de diagnóstico sobre las variables supervivencia, edad y pseudogestación evidenciaron diferencias significativas (p<0,05), contrario a esto, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en el tipo de diagnóstico para las variables tratamiento hormonal, dieta, esterilización temprana y recidivas. Conclusiones: el factor pronóstico determinante en la sobrevida fue el patrón histopatológico tumoral (tipo de diagnóstico), los animales con pseudogestación evidenciaron una mayor susceptibilidad a padecer cáncer mamario. Los tumores benignos se manifestaron en edades más tardías que los malignos.

Introdução: depois da pele, as glâdulas mamarias são o sitio mais comum de afetação tumoral nas cadelas. Objetivo: avaliar a supervivência em cadelas afetados por neoplasias na glândula mamaria e que foram submetidas a cirurgia, relacionando além o diagnóstico histopatológico com fatores clínicos de prognóstico. Metodologia: incluíramse 52 cadelas. O tratamento instaurado foi mastectomia, prévio analise sanguíneo e radiográfico do tórax com o fim de descartar metástase. Em 13 indivíduos realizou-se a eutanásia devido ao avançado estado da doença. As variáveis analisadas foram: frequência de apresentação, idade, história reprodutiva, dieta, tratamentos hormonais prévios, estadificação clínica, recidiva e sobrevivência. O analise estatístico das variáveis realizou-se mediante o analise de variância e tabelas de contingência associadas ao teste chi quadrado (X2). Resultados: O efeito do tipo de diagnóstico sobre as variáveis supervivência, idade e pseudogestação evidenciaram diferenças significativas (p<0.05), contrário a isto, não se encontraram diferenças significativas no tipo de diagnostico para as variáveis tratamento hormonal, dieta, esterilização juvenil e recidivas. Conclusões: o fator prognóstico determinante na sobrevida foi o padrão histopatológico tumoral (tipo de diagnostico), os animais com pseudogestação evidenciaram uma maior susceptibilidade a padecer câncer mamário. Os tumores benignos manifestaram-se em idades mais tardias que os malignos.

A SHORT-TERM CIRCUIT RESISTANCE PROGRAMME REDUCED EPICARDIAL FAT IN OBESE AGED WOMEN.

INTRODUCTION: this study was conducted to ascertain the effects of resistance circuit training on epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in obese aged women. A secondary objective was to assess muscle damage induced by supervised resistance training to confirm the intervention program was effective and safe. METHODS: in the present interventional study, a total of 48 obese aged women were recruited from the community. Twenty-four of them were randomly assigned to perform a 12-week resistance circuit training programme, 3-days per week. This training was circularly performed in 6 stations: arm curl, leg extension, seated row, leg curl, triceps extension and leg press. The Jamar handgrip electronic dynamometer was used to assess maximal handgrip strength of the dominant hand. Two experienced observers assessed EAT by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Lastly, serum samples were analysed using one-step sandwich assays for creatine kinase activity (CK) and myoglobin (MB) concentration. RESULTS: as was hypothesized, resistance training significantly reduced EAT thickness (8.4 ± 1.0 vs. 7.3 ± 1.3 mm; p = 0.014; d = 0.76) in the experimental group. Resistance training induced no significant changes in markers of muscle damage such as CK (181.6 ± 36.9 vs. 194.2 ± 37.8 U/l; p = 0.31) and MB (62.4 ± 7.1 vs. 67.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml; p = 0.26). No significant changes in any of the tested outcomes were found in the control group. CONCLUSION: resistance training reduced EAT in aged obese women. A secondary finding was that the training program was effective and safe. While current results are promising, future studies are still required to consolidate this approach in clinical application.

Introducción: en la actualidad se acepta la asociación entre masa grasa epicárdica y patología cardiovascular. Recientes estudios sugieren que el ejercicio aeróbico podría reducir la masa grasa epicárdica. La originalidad de este trabajo reside en determinar la utilidad para tal fin de un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en mujeres adultas mayores obesas. Como segundo objetivo nos propusimos que el programa fuese seguro para las participantes. Material y método: participaron voluntariamente 48 mujeres (70-75 años) con obesidad procedentes de la comunidad. De ellas, 24 fueron asignadas aleatoriamente al grupo experimental para desarrollar un programa de entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito de seis estaciones durante doce semanas con tres sesiones/semana. La masa grasa epicárdica se determinó mediante ecografía transtorácica bidimensional por personal entrenado. También se evaluaron los niveles plasmáticos de creatina cinasa y mioglobina. Este protocolo fue aprobado por un comité de ética institucional. Resultados: el grosor de la masa grasa epicárdica se redujo significativamente tras completar el programa de intervención (8,4 ± 1,0 vs. 7,3 ± 1,3 mm; p = 0,014; d = 0,76). Además, las participantes no mostraron cambios en marcadores de daño muscular como creatin kinasa (181,6 ± 36,9 vs. 194,2 ± 37,8 U/l; p = 0,31) y mioglobina (62,4 ± 7,1 vs. 67,3 ± 7,7 ng/ml; p = 0,26). Conclusión: el entrenamiento de fuerza en circuito reduce la masa grasa epicárdica de forma segura en mujeres mayores obesas. Aunque estos resultados son prometedores, aún son necesarios futuros estudios para consolidar su aplicación en clínica.