COVID-19 and aerobic exercise: possible role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2.

The emergence and circulation of a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)-Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-set off a global health crisis. SARS-CoV-2 spreads faster than its two ancestors, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Several modes of transmission have been identified: via respiratory droplets, contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces, and potentially, bioaerosols. Various countries have taken preventive measures that may include partial or total lockdowns lasting weeks. The physical inactivity associated with lockdowns may promote cardiometabolic or other diseases, while physical activity may play a critical role in preventing them. Here we develop the hypothesis of the involvement of aerosols in the contamination process, the role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the potential benefits and harm of physical activity during lockdowns, and we suggest directions for future research.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise at Different Intensities on Intraocular Pressure in Young Males.

PRCIS: High intensity aerobic exercise significantly reduced intraocular pressure in healthy young male adults. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine how aerobic exercise at various intensities affects intraocular pressure (IOP) in young adults. DESIGN: A repeated measures design was adopted. PARTICIPANTS: A group of 20 volunteers (mean age: 21.24±1.73 y) took part in this study. METHODS: IOP was measured with a tonometer (iCare TA01i, Icare Finland, Finland). Subjects completed 4 cycle ergometer sessions. During the first session, power was increased by 60 W every 3 minutes until exhaustion, corresponding to peak power. For the 3 following tests, each lasting 25 minutes, subjects exercised at intensities of 50%, 70%, and 85% of peak power, respectively, and measurements were taken every 5 minutes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: IOP, as determined using a tonometer, was the primary measure. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction ( P <0.05) in IOP of both eyes during the 25 minutes high-intensity (85%) exercise test. There were also significant interactions between exercise durations and intensities. During high-intensity exercise, IOP, blood pressure, blood lactate, and the rating of perceived exertion were significantly related ( P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These data show a significant reduction in IOP at high-intensity aerobic exercise, which may have implications for the management of ocular health.

Living-Donor Organ Donation: Impact of Expansion of Genetic Relationship.

In Jordan, the history of organ transplantation started in 1972 with a kidney transplant from a deceased donor. At present, Jordan is in a good position with regard to organ transplantation among developing countries. It remains important to follow through with some decisions and enact laws that would increase the percentage of legal organ donations and transplant procedures. This has involved the expansion of relative degree donation. Until 2013, most relative degree donations involved 1st-degree and 2nd-degree relatives. The degree of genetical and legal relatives in living organ donation was then expanded to allow 4th- and 5th-degree relatives. This expansion to a 5th-degree relative came about when it was realized that the percentage of organ transplants in 2nd-degree relatives was high. Therefore, the idea of organ donation in these degrees may be beneficial, as it can lead to significantly higher numbers of organ donations.

Questionnaire on Brain Death and Organ Procurement.

OBJECTIVES: The subject of organs for transplant after brain death raises many concerns, including definition and timing of death, how to permit human organ transplant, and the idea of paying for organs. Many ethical concerns are raised regarding regulations and procedures for organ transplant in developing countries. These include where and how to obtain organs and the concept of justice in organ distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We administered 2682 questionnaires to 628 men and 2054 women over 24 months (range, 18 to 70 years old). We included people from universities, colleges, and the general public and asked questions on the circumstances of death, the conditions of conversations around organ donation, and reasons for acceptance or refusal of donation. The identical questionnaire, consisting of 8 questions, was administered twice: before and after a teaching session on brain death and organ procurement. The study was approved by our Ethical Review Committee and in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the 1975 Helsinki Declaration. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. RESULTS: We found that 72.1% understood brain death in the prequestionnaire and 88% understood brain death in the postquestionnaire, with 63.8% versus 68% accepting the concept of brain death, 50.6% versus 58.3% thinking that their religion is against brain death, 11.3% versus 11.3% carrying a donor card, 50.7% versus 58.9% wanting to carry a donor card, 46.4% versus 56.4% agreeing to give consent for organ donation if a relative was diagnosed with brain death, 28.3% versus 50% aware of the laws and regulations concerning brain death and organ donation and transplant in Jordan, and 35.4% versus 40% in agreement with the Presumed Consent Law, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In Jordan, along with legal requirements concerning brain death and organ donation and transplant, there is a lack of acceptance of organ donation after brain death, necessitating further work and activities to achieve self-sufficiency from donated organs.