Validation of "CENTR(AR)" walking trails: Different field criteria do not lead to different physical activity intensities in people with COPD.

BACKGROUND: Validating walking trails is essential to promote physical activity (PA) safely and confidently in people with COPD. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to validate predetermined light, moderate, and vigorous intensities of walking trails in people with COPD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included individuals with COPD walking in predetermined light, moderate and vigorous intensity trails. Activity intensity and volume outcomes were collected. Dyspnoea and fatigue (modified Borg scale), energy expenditure (EE, Sensewear), heart rate (HR, HR monitor), time spent in different PA intensities, and cadence (ActiGraph) were recorded and used to classify PA intensity. RESULTS: Twenty people with COPD [71(7) years, 80 % male, FEV1%predicted 65.6(11.6)] were included. Fatigue differed significantly between light and moderate [3.0(2.0;4.0) vs 3.4(2.5;4.5), p = 0.01], but not vigorous (3.5[2.5-4.0]) tracks. Dyspnoea [2.3(1.5) vs 2.7(1.6) vs 2.6(1.4)], EE [5.1(0.8) vs 4.9(0.5) vs 4.6(0.8) METs], HR [92.5(11.1) vs 93.7(18.6) vs 95.4(15.0) beats/min] and cadence [115.1(104.0;120.3) vs 104.7(99.6;117.6) vs 111.2(99.9;118.5) steps/min] were similar across trails (p > 0.05). Time spent in light and moderate PA, EE volume, walking time, and step count increased along with the proposed intensity levels (p < 0.01). Walking trails were categorised as moderate intensity in most participants. CONCLUSION: Walking trails were safe and valid for practising moderate-intensity PA in people with COPD. Participants adjusted their physiological responses and perceived symptoms to match a moderate intensity.

Association between the relative abundance of phyla actinobacteria, vitamin C consumption, and DNA methylation of genes linked to immune response pathways.

Introduction: There is an emerging body of evidence that vitamin C consumption can modulate microbiota abundance and can also impact DNA methylation in the host, and this could be a link between diet, microbiota, and immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate common CpG sites associated with both vitamin C and microbiota phyla abundance. Methods: Six healthy women participated in this cohort study. They were divided into two groups, according to the amount of vitamin C they ingested. Ingestion was evaluated using the 24-h recall method. The Illumina 450 k BeadChip was used to evaluate DNA methylation. Singular value decomposition analyses were used to evaluate the principal components of this dataset. Associations were evaluated using the differentially methylated position function from the Champ package for R Studio. Results and discussion: The group with higher vitamin C (HVC) ingestion also had a higher relative abundance of Actinobacteria. There was a positive correlation between those variables (r = 0.84, p = 0.01). The HVC group also had higher granulocytes, and regarding DNA methylation, there were 207 CpG sites commonly related to vitamin C ingestion and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria. From these sites, there were 13 sites hypomethylated and 103 hypermethylated. The hypomethylated targets involved the respective processes: immune function, glucose homeostasis, and general cellular metabolism. The hypermethylated sites were also enriched in immune function-related processes, and interestingly, more immune responses against pathogens were detected. These findings contribute to understanding the interaction between nutrients, microbiota, DNA methylation, and the immune response.

Sleep quality of patients with diabetes mellitus: association with anxiety trait and state.

OBJECTIVE: To assess sleep quality and the association of trait and state anxiety in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHOD: A cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study was conducted between January and April 2022, at the reference center for hypertension and diabetes in Rio Verde, Goiás, with 81 patients. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used for data collection. Analyses included the Student's t-test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of patients, 64.2% reported poor sleep quality. There were significant differences in trait anxiety levels between patients with good and poor sleep quality. Trait anxiety was associated with sleep quality, with an increase in the trait anxiety score increasing the chances of poor sleep quality. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of the sample had poor sleep quality, and trait anxiety was found to be associated with this condition.

Effects of Isocaloric Resistance, Aerobic, and Concurrent Exercise on Excess Postexercise Oxygen Consumption in Older Adults.

ABSTRACT: Pilon, R, Matos-Santos, L, Matlez, MP, Rodrigues, G, Amorim, F, Lattari, E, Farinatti, P, and Monteiro, W. Effects of isocaloric resistance, aerobic, and concurrent exercise on excess postexercise oxygen consumption in older adults. J Strength Cond Res 38(4): 755-761, 2024-Excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is a major determinant of exercise-related caloric expenditure and metabolic adaptations. Exercise modality may influence the EPOC, but this issue has not been investigated in older adults. This study compared the EPOC after isocaloric bouts of continuous aerobic exercise (AE), resistance exercise (RE), and concurrent exercise (CE) in older individuals. Ten subjects (5 men; 73 ± 6 years) had their cardiorespiratory data assessed during AE, RE, and CE and along 30-minute postexercise recovery. Total energy expenditure (EE) during exercise was similar (p > 0.05) in AE (126.0 ± 30.7 kcal), RE (123.9 ± 30.6 kcal), and CE (130.8 ± 32.6 kcal), with different times to achieve the targeted EE (RE: 61.4 ± 1.9 minutes > CE: 43.3 ± 5.6 minutes > AE: 26.6 ± 5.7 minutes; p < 0.001). Consistently, the relative intensity during exercise was superior (p < 0.05) in AE (74 ± 15% oxygen uptake reserve [VO2R]) vs. CE (43 ± 13% VO2R) vs. RE (24 ± 9% VO2R). Despite the isocaloric conditions, average EPOC and EE were approximately 45% greater (p < 0.001) in AE (8.0 ± 2.3 L; 40.1 ± 11.7 kcal) vs. RE (5.6 ± 1.2 L; 28.1 ± 5.8 kcal) and CE (5.4 ± 2.3 L; 26.9 ± 11.5 kcal). In conclusion, the EPOC was greater after isocaloric AE vs. RE and CE performed by older adults. Exercise intensity seemed to be a more important determinant of EPOC than volume reflected by EE during exercise bouts. Moderate-intensity continuous AE was more time-efficient than RE and CE to achieve a target EE. In older individuals, AE should be preferred over RE or CE when the purpose is to increase the daily caloric expenditure.

The metabolic profiles of Eugenia astringens and E. uniflora (Myrtaceae) sensitive seeds affect desiccation.

Myrtaceae species are abundant in tropical Atlantic rainforests, but 41% of the 5500 species of this family are of extreme conservation concern. Eugenia astringens and E. uniflora are native Brazilian Myrtaceae species that occur in the same habitats and produce desiccation-sensitive (DS) seeds. We hypothesized that their seed desiccation-sensitivity degree is associated with specific metabolic signatures. To test it, we analyzed the germination and metabolic profiles of fresh and desiccated seeds. The water content (WC) at which at least half of the seeds survived desiccation was lower in E. astringens (0.17 g H2 O g-1 DW) than in E. uniflora (0.41 g H2 O g-1 DW). We identified 103 annotated metabolites from 3261 peaks in both species, which differed in their relative contents between E. astringens and E. uniflora seeds. The main differences in seed metabolic profiles include several protective molecules in the group of carbohydrates and organic acids and amino acid contents. The relative contents of monosaccharides and disaccharides, malic and quinic acids, amino acids and saturated fatty acids may have taken part in the distinct DS behaviour of E. astringens and E. uniflora seeds. Our study provides evidence of the relationship between desiccation sensitivity, seed viability and metabolic profile of tropical seeds by comparing two closely related Eugenia species with different DS degrees.

Effect of preemptive use of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and a corticosteroid on the efficacy of inferior alveolar nerve blockade and postoperative pain control in endodontic treatment of molars with symptomatic pulpitis: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: The anaesthetic success rate of an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in mandibular molars with irreversible symptomatic pulpitis can be low, and postoperative pain control in teeth with this diagnosis can be challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of preemptive use of dexamethasone and oral potassium diclofenac on the success of IANB. The influence of these drugs on the intensity of postoperative pain was assessed as a secondary outcome. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-four patients with mandibular molars diagnosed with irreversible symptomatic pulpitis recorded preoperative pain intensity using a cold thermal test and a modified Numerical Rating Scale (mNRS). Sixty minutes before the anaesthetic procedure, patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups based on the medication they received: dexamethasone (4 mg), diclofenac potassium (50 mg), or placebo. All patients received IANB with 4% articaine (1:200 000 epinephrine), and 15 min later, they were evaluated for pain intensity using the cold thermal test. Anaesthetic success was analysed. The pain intensity was then recorded, and endodontic treatment and provisional restoration of the tooth were executed in a single session. Patients were monitored for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h using the mNRS to assess the intensity of postoperative pain. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in anaesthetic success when 4 mg dexamethasone (39.3%) or 50 mg diclofenac potassium (21.4%) was used compared to the placebo group (3.6%) (p < .001), with no significant difference between the two drugs. Regarding postoperative pain, dexamethasone was superior to placebo at 6 h (p < .001), with diclofenac having an intermediate behaviour, not differing between dexamethasone and placebo (p > .05). There was no significant difference amongst the groups at 12 h (p > .05). At 24, 48 and 72 h, the effectiveness of dexamethasone and diclofenac were comparable, and both were superior to placebo (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of dexamethasone or diclofenac potassium was favourable in terms of increasing the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block in cases of mandibular molars with irreversible symptomatic pulpitis and decreased the occurrence of postoperative pain when compared to the use of a placebo.

14-Week exercise training modifies the DNA methylation levels at gene sites in non-Alzheimer's disease women aged 50 to 70 years.

Exercise training emerges as a key strategy in lifestyle modification, capable of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to risk factors such as age, family history, genetics and low level of education associated with AD. We aim to analyze the effect of a 14-week combined exercise training (CT) on the methylation of genes associated with AD in non-alzheimer's disease women. CT sessions lasted 60 min, occurring three times a week for 14 weeks. Forty non-Alzheimer's disease women aged 50 to 70 years (60.7 ± 4.1 years) with a mean height of 1.6 ± 0.1 m, mean weight of 73.12 ± 9.0 kg and a mean body mass index of 29.69 ± 3.5 kg/m2, underwent two physical assessments: pre and post the 14 weeks. DNA methylation assays utilized the EPIC Infinium Methylation BeadChip from Illumina. We observed that 14 weeks of CT led to reductions in systolic (p = 0.001) and diastolic (p = 0.017) blood pressure and improved motor skills post-intervention. Among 25 genes linked to AD, CT induced differentially methylated sites in 12 genes, predominantly showing hypomethylated sites (negative ß values). Interestingly, despite hypomethylated sites, some genes exhibited hypermethylated sites (positive ß values), such as ABCA7, BDNF, and WWOX. A 14-week CT regimen was adequate to induce differential methylation in 12 CE-related genes in healthy older women, alongside improvements in motor skills and blood pressure. In conclusion, this study suggest that combined training can be a strategy to improve physical fitness in older individuals, especially able to induce methylation alterations in genes sites related to development of AD. It is important to highlight that training should act as protective factor in older adults.

The influence of serum selenium in differential epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of CPT1B gene in women with obesity.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing prevalence of obesity has become a major health problem worldwide. The causes of obesity are multifactorial and could be influenced by dietary patterns and genetic factors. Obesity has been associated with a decrease in micronutrient intake and consequently decreased blood concentrations. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health, and its metabolism could be affected by obesity, especially severe obesity. This study aimed to identify differential methylation genes associated with serum selenium concentration in women with and without obesity. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: Obese (Ob) n = 20 and Non-Obese (NOb) n = 14, according to the Body Mass Index (BMI). Anthropometry, body composition, serum selenium, selenium intake, and biochemical parameters were evaluated. DNA extraction and bisulfite conversion were performed to hybridize the samples on the 450k Methylation Chip Infinium Beadchip (Illumina). Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the R program and the Champ package. The differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified using the Bumphunter method. In addition, logarithmic conversion was performed for the analysis of serum selenium and methylation. RESULTS: In the Ob group, the body weight, BMI, fat mass, and free fat mass were higher than in the NOb group, as expected. Interestingly, the serum selenium was lower in the Ob than in the NOb group without differences in selenium intake. One DMR corresponding to the CPT1B gene, involved in lipid oxidation, was related to selenium levels. This region was hypermethylated in the Ob group, indicating that the intersection between selenium deficiency and hypermethylation could influence the expression of the CPT1B gene. The transcriptional analysis confirmed the lower expression of the CPT1B gene in the Ob group. CONCLUSION: Studies connecting epigenetics to environmental factors could offer insights into the mechanisms involving the expression of genes related to obesity and its comorbidities. Here we demonstrated that the mineral selenium might play an essential role in lipid oxidation via epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of the CPT1B gene in obesity.

Acute and short-term beetroot juice nitrate-rich ingestion enhances cardiovascular responses following aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with arterial hypertension: A triple-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increase in blood pressure (BP) levels in the postmenopausal period can be partly explained by the decrease in nitric oxide synthases (NOS). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute and one-week effects of beetroot juice nitrate-rich (BRJ-NO3-rich) ingestion on cardiovascular and autonomic performance in response to submaximal aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) who are physically inactive. METHODS: Fourteen postmenopausal women with SAH [mean (SD) age: 59(4) y; BMI (kg/m2): 29.2(3.1)] completed submaximal aerobic exercise bouts after an acute and a one-week intervention with BRJ in a placebo-controlled, randomized, triple-blind, crossover design. Participants ingested either BRJ (800 mg of NO3-) or placebo acutely and drank either BRJ (400 mg of NO3-) or placebo every day for the next six days. After two and ½ hours, they performed a session of aerobic submaximal aerobic exercise, and their systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), flow-mediated dilation (FMD), heart rate (HR) recovery, and HR variability were measured. RESULTS: In the post-exercise recovery period, SBP dropped significantly in the BRJ-NO3-rich group (-9.28 mmHg [95%CI: -1.68 to -16.88] ES: -0.65, p = 0.019) compared to placebo after acute ingestion. The FMD values increased after acute BRJ-NO3-rich on post-exercise (3.18 % [0.36 to 5.99] ES: 0.87, p = 0.031). After the one-week intervention, FMD values were higher in the BRJ-NO3-rich group before (4.5 % [1.62 to 7.37] ES: 1.21, p = 0.005) and post-exercise measurements (4.2 % [1.52 to 6.87] ES: 1.22, p = 0.004) vs. placebo. HRV indices with remarkable parasympathetic modulation to heart recovered faster on the BRJ-NO3-rich group than placebo group. No between-group differences were identified in values of HR post-exercise recovery in the 30s, 60s, 120s, 180s, and 300s. CONCLUSIONS: Acute and short-term BRJ-NO3-rich ingestion may enhance cardiovascular and autonomic behavior in response to aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women diagnosed with SAH. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05384340.

Sleep quality of patients with diabetes mellitus: association with anxiety trait and state / Calidad del sueño de pacientes con diabetes mellitus: asociación con ansiedad rasgo y estado / Qualidade do sono de pacientes com diabetes mellitus: associação com ansiedade traço e estado

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess sleep quality and the association of trait and state anxiety in patients with diabetes mellitus. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study was conducted between January and April 2022, at the reference center for hypertension and diabetes in Rio Verde, Goiás, with 81 patients. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used for data collection. Analyses included the Student's t-test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Of patients, 64.2% reported poor sleep quality. There were significant differences in trait anxiety levels between patients with good and poor sleep quality. Trait anxiety was associated with sleep quality, with an increase in the trait anxiety score increasing the chances of poor sleep quality. Conclusion: A significant proportion of the sample had poor sleep quality, and trait anxiety was found to be associated with this condition.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la calidad del sueño y la asociación con ansiedad rasgo y estado en pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Método: Estudio transversal, cuantitativo y analítico realizado entre enero y abril de 2022, en el centro de referencia en hipertensión y diabetes de Rio Verde - Goiás, con 81 pacientes. Para recopilar datos se utilizaron el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh y el Inventario de Ansiedad Estado-Rasgo. Los análisis incluyeron pruebas t de Student y regresión logística multivariada. Resultados: De los pacientes, el 64,2% refirió mala calidad del sueño. Hubo diferencias significativas en los niveles de ansiedad rasgo entre pacientes con buena y mala calidad del sueño. La ansiedad rasgo se asoció con la calidad del sueño, y un aumento en la puntuación de ansiedad rasgo aumenta las posibilidades de una mala calidad del sueño. Conclusión: Una proporción significativa de la muestra tenía mala calidad del sueño y la ansiedad rasgo se asoció con esta condición.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a qualidade do sono e a associação com a ansiedade traço e estado em pacientes com diabetes mellitus. Método: Estudo transversal, quantitativo e analítico realizado entre janeiro e abril de 2022, no centro de referência em hipertensão e diabetes de Rio Verde - Goiás, com 81 pacientes. Utilizou-se o Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh e o Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado para coleta de dados. Análises incluíram testes T de Student e regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Dos pacientes, 64,2% relataram qualidade do sono ruim. Houve diferenças significativas nos níveis de ansiedade traço, entre pacientes com boa e ruim qualidade do sono. A ansiedade traço associou-se com a qualidade do sono, sendo que o aumento no escore de ansiedade traço aumentou as chances de qualidade do sono ruim. Conclusão: Uma proporção significativa da amostra apresentou qualidade do sono ruim, e a ansiedade traço associou-se com essa condição.

Influence of Fluid Ingestion on Heart Rate, Cardiac Autonomic Modulation and Blood Pressure in Response to Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression.

A systematic review was undertaken to investigate the involvement of hydration in heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and diastolic (DBP) and systolic (SBP) blood pressure in response to exercise. Data synthesis: The EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, LILACS and Web of Science databases were searched. In total, 977 studies were recognized, but only 36 were included after final screening (33 studies in meta-analysis). This study includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs with subjects > 18 years old. The hydration group consumed water or isotonic drinks, while the control group did not ingest liquids. For the hydration protocol (before, during and after exercise), the HR values during the exercise were lower compared to the controls (-6.20 bpm, 95%CI: -8.69; -3.71). In the subgroup analysis, "water ingested before and during exercise" showed lower increases in HR during exercise (-6.20, 95%CI: 11.70 to -0.71), as did "water was ingested only during exercise" (-6.12, 95%CI: -9.35 to -2.89). Water intake during exercise only revealed a trend of avoiding greater increases in HR during exercise (-4,60, 95%CI: -9.41 to 0.22), although these values were not significantly different (p = 0.06) from those of the control. "Isotonic intake during exercise" showed lower HRs than the control (-7.23 bpm, 95% CI: -11.68 to -2.79). The HRV values following the exercise were higher in the hydration protocol (SMD = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.30 to 0.67). The values of the SBP were higher than those of the controls (2.25 mmHg, 95%CI: 0.08 to 4.42). Conclusions: Hydration-attenuated exercise-induced increases in HR during exercise, improved autonomic recovery via the acceleration of cardiac vagal modulation in response to exercise and caused a modest increase in SBP values, but did not exert effects on DBP following exercise.

Fourteen weeks of multicomponent training associated with flexibility training modifies postural alignment, joint range of motion and modulates blood pressure in physically inactive older women: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Body relaxation and pain reduction are some of the reported benefits of flexibility training (through active stretching exercises), however their effects on posture and blood circulation are uncertain. We aimed to investigate the effects of flexibility training (through active stretching exercises) in combination with multicomponent training (MT) on blood pressure (BP), and the correlation with changes in body alignment and flexibility in physically inactive women. Methods: Women aged 60-70 years were into three groups: multicomponent training group (MT), multicomponent training plus flexibility training group (FT), and control group (CG). After randomization, the resting blood pressure was measured and the participants were reallocated into subgroups according to pressure values >130/80 mmHg (This classification is according to the American Heart Association (AHA), resulting in the subgroups: flexibility training (FT); flexibility training for hypertensive patients (FTSAH); multicomponent training (MT); multicomponent training for hypertensive patients (MTSAH); control group (CG); control group of hypertensive patients (CGSAH). The interventions lasted 14 weeks. Systolic (sBP) and diastolic (dBP) BP, range of motion (flexion and extension), and postural analysis by asymmetry in the frontal plane and asymmetry in the sagittal plane, displacement and the flexibility test were collected before (Pre) and after training (Post). In total, 141 women participated in the study (without SAH: FT = 23, MT = 20, and CG = 21; with SAH: FTSAH = 28, MTSAH = 23, and CGSAH = 26). Results: Systolic blood pressure, in the pre and post moments were: FT (116 ± 6.7 vs. 114 ± 4.7); FTSAH (144 ± 16.5 vs. 121 ± 10.1); MT: (120 ± 6.8 vs. 121 ± 7.3); MTSAH: (137 ± 10.6 vs. 126 ± 13.0); CG: (122 ± 5.3 vs. 133 ± 19.2); and CGSAH: (140 ± 9.7 vs. 143 ± 26.2), presenting an F value (p-value - group x time) of 12.00 (<0.001), with improvement in the groups who trained. The diastolic blood pressure in the pre and post moments were: FT (71 ± 4.7 vs. 74 ± 6.8); FTSAH (88 ± 9.6 vs. 70 ± 12.0); MT: (74 ± 4.5 vs. 77 ± 11.7); MTSAH: (76 ± 10.4 vs. 76 ± 10.2); CG: (69 ± 7.11 vs. 82 ± 11.4); and CGSAH: (76 ± 13.4 vs. 86.6 ± 7.7), presenting an F value (p-value - group x time) of 8.00 (p < 0.001), with improvement in the groups who trained. In the Elastic Net Regression, sBP was influenced by height (ß: -0.044); hip flexion (ß: 0.071); Shoulder extension (ß: 0.104); low back flexion (ß: 0.119) and dBP (ß: 0.115). In the Elastic Net Regression, dBP was influenced by asymmetry in the sagittal plane variables (0.040); asymmetry in the frontal plane (ß: 0.007); knee flexion (ß: -0.398); BM (ß: 0.007); Shoulder flexion (ß: -0.142); Hip flexion (ß: -0.004); sBP (ß: 0.155) and Ankle Flexion (ß: -0.001). Conclusion: The displacement of the asymmetry in the frontal plane and asymmetry in the sagittal plane, and the increase in the flexion position in the hip, lumbar, head, and knee regions, influenced the highest-pressure levels. Multicomponent training associated with flexibility training promoted improvement in body alignment, COM, and joint angles, and decreased blood pressure.

BRACETS: Bimodal repository of auscultation coupled with electrical impedance thoracic signals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Respiratory diseases are among the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, causing substantial strain on society and health systems. Over the last few decades, there has been increasing interest in the automatic analysis of respiratory sounds and electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Nevertheless, no publicly available databases with both respiratory sound and EIT data are available. METHODS: In this work, we have assembled the first open-access bimodal database focusing on the differential diagnosis of respiratory diseases (BRACETS: Bimodal Repository of Auscultation Coupled with Electrical Impedance Thoracic Signals). It includes simultaneous recordings of single and multi-channel respiratory sounds and EIT. Furthermore, we have proposed several machine learning-based baseline systems for automatically classifying respiratory diseases in six distinct evaluation tasks using respiratory sound and EIT (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3). These tasks included classifying respiratory diseases at sample and subject levels. The performance of the classification models was evaluated using a 5-fold cross-validation scheme (with subject isolation between folds). RESULTS: The resulting database consists of 1097 respiratory sounds and 795 EIT recordings acquired from 78 adult subjects in two countries (Portugal and Greece). In the task of automatically classifying respiratory diseases, the baseline classification models have achieved the following average balanced accuracy: Task A1 - 77.9±13.1%; Task A2 - 51.6±9.7%; Task A3 - 38.6±13.1%; Task B1 - 90.0±22.4%; Task B2 - 61.4±11.8%; Task B3 - 50.8±10.6%. CONCLUSION: The creation of this database and its public release will aid the research community in developing automated methodologies to assess and monitor respiratory function, and it might serve as a benchmark in the field of digital medicine for managing respiratory diseases. Moreover, it could pave the way for creating multi-modal robust approaches for that same purpose.

Eight Weeks of Physical Training Decreases 2 Years of DNA Methylation Age of Sedentary Women.

Purpose: The acceleration of epigenetic age is a predictor of mortality and contributes to the increase in chronic diseases. Adherence to a healthy lifestyle is a strategy to reduce epigenetic age. The present study aimed to determine whether eight weeks of combined (aerobic and strength) training (CT) can influence the epigenetic age of women between 50 and 70 years old and the differences in sites and methylated regions. Methods: Eighteen women (AARLow: lower age acceleration residual, n = 10; AARHigh: higher age acceleration residual, n = 8) participated in a combined exercise training program (60 minutes, 3× a week) for eight weeks. DNA was extracted from whole blood using the salting out technique. DNA methylation was performed using the array technique (Illumina's Infinium Methylation BeadChip 850k). We used the DNA Methylation Age Calculator platform to calculate the biological epigenetic age. Two-way ANOVA followed by FISHER LSD posthoc was Applied, adopting p < .05. Results: After eight weeks of CT, there were no changes to the epigenetic age acceleration for the AARLow group (PRE: -2.3 ± 3.2 to POST: -2.3 ± 3.6). However, the AARHigh group significantly decreased the age acceleration (PRE: 3.6 ± 2.6 to POST: 2.2 ± 2.7) (group effect, p = .01; time effect, p = .31; group vs. time effect, p = .005). Conclusion: CT for eight weeks benefits the epigenetic clock of women with the most accelerated age.

Self-selected or fixed: is there an optimal rest interval for controlling intensity in high-intensity interval resistance training?

PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of different rest interval strategies during high-intensity interval resistance training (HIRT) on cardiorespiratory, perceptual, and enjoyment responses among trained young men. METHODS: Sixteen men experienced with HIRT underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing and were familiarized with the exercises and HIRT protocol. On the subsequent three visits, interspaced 48-72 h, participants performed HIRT sessions with different rest intervals in a randomized order: 10 s and 30 s fixed rest intervals (FRI-10 and FRI-30), and self-selected rest interval (SSRI). Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), and recovery perception (Total Quality Recovery Scale) were measured during HIRT, while enjoyment responses (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale) were assessed immediately after the sessions. RESULTS: The VO2 during exercise was greater in FRI-10 than FRI-30 (55% VO2max and 47% VO2max, respectively, p = 0.01), while no difference occurred between SSRI and bouts performed with fixed intervals (52% VO2max vs. FRI, p > 0.05). HR, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), recovery perception, and enjoyment responses were similar across conditions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Exercise intensity was not affected by the rest interval strategy. High exercise intensity was maintained in sessions performed with FRI or SSRI, without negative repercussions on the duration of training sessions and enjoyment responses after exercise sessions.

Physical training improves physical activity levels but is associated with amplification of sedentary behavior in older women.

Physical activity level (PAL) and sedentary behavior (SB) are independent predictors of mortality. It is unclear how these predictors interact with each other and health variables. Investigate the bidirectional relationship between PAL and SB, and their impact and health variables of women aged 60 to 70 years. One hundred forty-two older adults women (66.3 ± 2.9 years) considered insufficiently active were submitted to 14 weeks of multicomponent training (MT), multicomponent training with flexibility (TMF), or the control group (CG). PAL variables were analyzed by accelerometry and QBMI questionnaire, physical activity (PA) light, moderate, vigorous and CS by accelerometry, 6 min walk (CAM), SBP, BMI, LDL, HDL, uric acid, triglycerides, glucose and cholesterol total. In linear regressions, CS was associated with glucose (B:12.80; CI:9.31/20.50; p < 0.001; R2:0.45), light PA (B:3.10; CI:2, 41/4.76; p < 0.001; R2:0.57), NAF by accelerometer (B:8.21; CI:6.74/10.02; p < 0.001; R2:0.62), vigorous PA (B:794.03; CI:682.11/908.2; p < 0.001; R2:0.70), LDL (B:13.28; CI:7.45/16.75; p < 0.002; R2:0.71) and 6 min walk (B:3.39; CI:2.96/8.75; p < 0.004; R2:0.73). NAF was associated with mild PA (B:0.246; CI:0.130/0.275; p < 0.001; R2:0.624), moderate PA (B:0.763; CI:0.567/0.924; p < 0.001; R2:0.745), glucose (B:-0.437; CI:-0.789/-0.124; p < 0.001; R2:0.782), CAM (B:2.223; CI:1.872/4.985; p < 0.002; R2:0.989) and CS (B:0.253; CI: 0.189/0.512; p < 0.001; R2:1.94). The NAF can enhance CS. Build a new look at how these variables are independent but dependent simultaneously, being able to influence the quality of health when this dependence is denied.

Older postmenopausal women with lower lean mass have hypermethylated sites in the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Introduction: The decrease in lean mass is directly related to the loss of independence, muscle strength, and worse quality of life over the years. Although the genetic determinants of muscle mass were well recognized, recent literature has been uncovering new epigenetic factors affecting the state of muscular tissue. This study aimed to verify differences in the DNA methylation profile among Brazilian postmenopausal women aged 50-70 years according to the lean mass evaluation. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprised 40 women aged 50-70 years. After K-means cluster analysis the 40 participants were divided into two groups, the Lower Lean Mass group with 20 participants (61.1 ± 4.6 years) and the Higher Lean Mass group with 20 participants (60.7 ± 3.2 years). Lean mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray emission densitometry (DEXA). The participants' DNA was extracted using the Salting Out technique and subsequently, the Illumina 850k EPIC Infinium Methylation BeadChip was performed to obtain methylation data. Results: We obtained 1,913 differentially methylated sites (p ≤ 0.005 of ß > 5% and ß < -5%) in a total of 979 genes between groups (p ≤ 0.005; -5% > ß > 5%). In addition, the PI3K-Akt pathway had the greatest power of significance with an FDR of 4.6 × 10-3. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate a differentiation between specific sites of different genes, which have essential functions in body composition and energy metabolism, supporting future studies that aim to relate lean mass with epigenetics.

Association of Training in Basic Life Support with the Evolution of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed by Firefighters.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the results of professional technical and anthropometric anamnesis data with the transmission of external chest compressions performed by military firefighters at different execution times. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the performance and perceived effort of the sequence of external chest compressions performed in two minutes, as well as the evolution of the technique over time. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive, correlational study involving adult firefighters who were members of a specific firefighter group, comprising a population of 105 individuals with a voluntary sample of 44 participants. The study used a Bayesian statistical approach to provide probabilistic expressions. Results: The participants had an average work experience of 17 years, an average age of 38.6 years, an average weight of 81.48 kilograms, an average height of 176 centimeters, and an average of 2.5 qualifications. The results indicated that the firefighters performed external chest compressions with excellent technique and a moderate level of perceived effort in a two-minute evaluation. The evaluation of the evolution of the technique over time showed that the participants were able to maintain high-quality compressions for an average of 6 minutes, with a maximum of 20 uninterrupted minutes. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of professional firefighters in performing and maintaining high-quality external chest compressions, which has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality in cases of cardiorespiratory arrest.

Negligible Effects of Nutraceuticals from Beetroot Extract on Cardiovascular and Autonomic Recovery Response following Submaximal Aerobic Exercise in Physically Active Healthy Males: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence that nutraceuticals from beetroot extract are beneficial with regards to recovery of the cardiovascular parameters and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) after submaximal aerobic exercise, though this formulation is employed widely for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of beetroot extract supplementation on the recovery of cardiorespiratory and autonomic parameters after a session of submaximal aerobic exercise. METHODS: Sixteen healthy male adults commenced a cross-over, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Beetroot extract (600 mg) or placebo (600 mg) were ingested 120 min prior to evaluation on randomized days. We assessed systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure (PP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV) indexes at Rest and during 60 min of recovery from submaximal aerobic exercise. RESULTS: Beetroot extract ingestion slightly accelerated HR, SBP, DBP and MAP reduction following exercise associated to the placebo protocol (vs. rest). Yet no group effect (p = 0.99) was identified between the beetroot and placebo protocols on HR mean, in addition to interaction (group vs. time) (p = 0.60). No group effect was attained between the SBP (p = 0.90), DBP (p = 0.88), MAP (p = 0.73) and PP (p = 0.99) protocols and no significant differences (group vs. time) were observed between the values of SBP (p = 0.75), DBP (p = 0.79), MAP (p = 0.93) and PP (p = 0.63) between placebo and beetroot protocols. Similarly, the reoccurrence of cardiac vagal modulation after exercise via the HF (ms2) was enhanced, but not with regards to the RMSSD index. No group effect (p = 0.99) was identified for the HF (p = 0.90) and RMSSD (p = 0.67) indices. Likewise, we observed no significant differences (group vs. time) amongst the values of HF (p = 0.69) and RMSSD (p = 0.95) between the placebo and beetroot protocols. CONCLUSION: Whilst beetroot extract might assist the recovery of the cardiovascular and autonomic systems following submaximal aerobic exercise in healthy males, these results seem insignificant owing to minor differences between interventions and are weak clinically.