Physical Activity Levels, Eating Habits, and Well-Being Measures in Students of Healthcare Degrees in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: When the first cases of COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus infection) were discovered, exceptional norms to fight the spread of the virus were established by applying movement restrictions (lockdown) in many countries. These unprecedented norms led to sedentary behaviours and less healthy diets which could persist for much longer after lockdown. The aim of this study was to analyse the physical activity, eating habits, self-perceived well-being, and toxic habits, as well as the perceived changes of these habits with respect to the pre-pandemic period, in a population of university students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A single-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of university students of healthcare degrees. A total of 961 students (639 (66.5%) women and 322 (33.5%) men) signed the informed consent and completed the questionnaire. The study was conducted through an anonymous survey, which was voluntarily self-completed by the students on an online platform. The questionnaire was based on the Spanish Health Survey and it was divided into six main parts: demographic and anthropometric characteristics, physical activity, eating habits, well-being measures (sleeping habits, health state, and stress), toxic habits, and perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the variables described. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that, during the second year of the pandemic, statistically significant dependence was identified for those students that showed higher levels of physical activity with greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05), healthier eating habits (p < 0.05), and a better self-perceived health state (p < 0.05), with respect to the 12 months before the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, there was a negative correlation between the sedentary students and greater perceived physical activity (p < 0.05). With regard to toxic habits and physical activity, a significant correlation was only detected between sedentary behaviour and cocaine consumption (p < 0.05). Analysing eating habits, it was observed that the students who smoked, consumed alcohol, and binge drank had low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0.05). In addition, those students with high stress levels slept less than 7 h (p < 0.05).

Pandemic homework Parental perception of changes associated with the digitization of education

This descriptive-inferential research aims to compare the parental assessment of 1,787 families with respect to schoolwork in times of confinement according to the nationality and level of education of the families. The results show that immigrant families identify more changes in schoolwork in all aspects except for emotional exhaustion. In addition, the educational level of both parents has a significant impact on some study variables such as emotional distress, perceived increase in time spent on homework and promotion of the positive effects of homework. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] En la presente investigación de corte descriptivo-inferencial se pretende conocer la valoración parental de 1.787 familias respecto a la transformación que han experimentado las tareas escolares durante el confinamiento en función de la nacionalidad y el nivel de estudios de los progenitores. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que las familias inmigrantes identifican más cambios en las tareas escolares en todos los aspectos, a excepción del desgaste emocional. Además, el nivel de estudios de ambos progenitores incide de forma significativa en algunas variables del estudio, como el malestar emocional, el aumento de tiempo percibido en las tareas o la promoción de los efectos positivos de los deberes. (Spanish) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Estudios Sobre Educacion is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Navarra, S.A. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

Effects of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer on Sports Performance in Paralympic Swimmers: A Stopped Randomized Clinical Trial.

Throughout history a variety of therapeutic tools have been studied as possible enhancers of sports activities. This study proposes the use of Capacitive-Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) as a performance booster to paralympic athletes, specifically those belonging to the Spanish Paralympic swimming committee. The study was a randomized, single-blind, and observer-blind, crossover clinical trial. Six athletes were randomly assigned to three groups: one treated with CRET (A); a placebo group (B) and a control group (C). The CRET group attended a twenty-minute session before being subjected to pool trials at distances of 50 and 100 m at maximum performance. Measurements were in two dimensions: time in seconds and the Borg scale for perceived exertion. Comparisons between groups were made with respect to distance and the main variables. In the case of perceived exertion, no significant changes were observed in any of the distances; however, in the case of the time variable, a significant difference was observed between Group A vs. Personal Record at 100 m distance (76.3 ± 6.8 vs. 68.4 ± 3.3). The proposed protocol and level of hyperthermia applied suggest refusal of CRET use for the 100-m distance a few minutes before sports practice. Our analysis suggests the need to modify the presented protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier under NCT number: NCT04336007.

Early Real-World Data to Assess Benefits and Risks of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review of Methods.

Since the authorization of the first COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020, multiple studies using real-world data (RWD) have been published to assess their effectiveness/safety profile. This systematic review aimed to characterize the methods and outcomes of studies using RWD for assessment of COVID-19 vaccines, four months after vaccine approval. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched to identify published studies until 6 May 2021. Two independent researchers selected relevant publications and extracted data from included studies. The risk of bias was assessed using New-Castle Ottawa tools. After screening 1086 studies, 15 were included. Out of the 15 studies, 12 (80%) followed a cohort design, 8 (53%) were based on USA data, 7 (47%) assessed health care professionals, and 14 articles (93%) assessed the BNT162b2 vaccine. Data sources included institutional databases, electronic health records, and patient-generated data. The primary endpoint mainly described was SARS-CoV-2-infection. Hospitalization and mortality were assessed in 2 studies. For the comparability domain, six studies (40%) had a high risk of bias. A few months after the beginning of COVID-19 vaccination, Real-world Evidence (RWE) provided timely safety surveillance and comparative effectiveness with findings that showed similar findings to Randomized control trial (RCT). Most of the initiatives assessed BNT162b2 and were conducted in the USA and used healthcare workers' data.

Knowledge of COVID-19 and prevention measures among university workers. Identification of subgroups through cluster analysis Conocimiento sobre la COVID-19 y medidas de prevención entre trabajadores universitarios. Identificación de subgrupos mediante análisis de conglomerados

Introduction: The knowledge of COVID-19 and the recommended preventive measures for controlling the disease have been widely studied in the general population, but little is known about whether the University workers as educators and transmitters of knowledge have appropriate knowledge and take preventive measures for COVID-19. This study aims to analyze the knowledge of COVID-19 and the recommended preventive measures in university workers, to identify groups according to the preventive practices they adopt, and to analyze the factors associated with these practices. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 677 university workers in the University of Cádiz, Spain. A questionnaire with sociodemographic variables, housing, health conditions, knowledge of COVID-19 and preventive measures were administered. The information was collected between 8th and 22nd April, 2020. A cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups depending on the preventive measures. Associated factors were tested with binary logistic regression. Results: Two groups were identified. Group 1 included 513 subjects who took preventive measures most frequently (means 2.59-4.83). Group 2 included 164 subjects who took preventive measures less frequently (means 1.59-4.22). Men (OR = 1.39), the Teaching and research personnel (OR = 1.49) and individuals with a chronic illness (OR = 1.60) were more likely to belong to the group 2. Those with more knowledge about isolation prevention (OR = 0.167) and early treatment (OR = 0.665) were more likely to belong to group 1. Conclusion: In order to reduce the transmission of the disease, it is necessary to promote the knowledge and use of preventive measures among the group of individuals identified as less engaged in preventive measures.

Knowledge of COVID-19 and prevention measures among university workers. Identification of subgroups through cluster analysis

Introduction: The knowledge of COVID-19 and the recommended preventive measures for controlling the disease have been widely studied in the general population, but little is known about whether the University workers as educators and transmitters of knowledge have appropriate knowledge and take preventive measures for COVID-19. This study aims to analyze the knowledge of COVID-19 and the recommended preventive measures in university workers, to identify groups according to the preventive practices they adopt, and to analyze the factors associated with these practices. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 677 university workers in the University of Cádiz, Spain. A questionnaire with sociodemographic variables, housing, health conditions, knowledge of COVID-19 and preventive measures were administered. The information was collected between 8th and 22nd April, 2020. A cluster analysis was performed to identify subgroups depending on the preventive measures. Associated factors were tested with binary logistic regression. Results: Two groups were identified. Group 1 included 513 subjects who took preventive measures most frequently (means 2.59-4.83). Group 2 included 164 subjects who took preventive measures less frequently (means 1.59-4.22). Men (OR=1.39), the Teaching and research personnel (OR=1.49) and individuals with a chronic illness (OR=1.60) were more likely to belong to the group 2. Those with more knowledge about isolation prevention (OR=0.167) and early treatment (OR=0.665) were more likely to belong to group 1. Conclusion: In order to reduce the transmission of the disease, it is necessary to promote the knowledge and use of preventive measures among the group of individuals identified as less engaged in preventive measures. Resumen Introducción: El COVID-19 y las medidas preventivas recomendadas para su control han sido ampliamente estudiados en la población en general. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre si los trabajadores universitarios como educadores y transmisores de conocimiento tienen los conocimientos adecuados y toman las medidas preventivas adecuadas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar el conocimiento sobre el COVID-19 y las medidas preventivas recomendadas en trabajadores universitarios, así como, identificar grupos según las prácticas preventivas que adopten y analizar los factores asociados a estas prácticas. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 677 trabajadores universitarios de la Universidad de Cádiz, España. Se administró un cuestionario (del 8 al 22 de abril) que recogía variables sociodemográficas, sobre su vivienda, condiciones de salud, conocimiento del COVID-19 y medidas preventivas. Se realizó un análisis de conglomerados para identificar subgrupos en función de las medidas preventivas. Los factores asociados se probaron con regresión logística binaria. Resultados: Se identificaron dos grupos. El grupo 1 incluyó a 513 sujetos que tomaban medidas preventivas con mayor frecuencia (medias 2,59-4,83). El grupo 2 incluyó a 164 sujetos que tomaron medidas preventivas con menor frecuencia (medias 1,59-4,22). Los hombres (OR=1,39), el Personal Docente e Investigador (OR=1,49) y las personas con alguna enfermedad crónica (OR=1,60) tenían mayor probabilidad de pertenecer al grupo 2. Los que tenían más conocimientos sobre prevención del aislamiento (OR=0,167) y el tratamiento temprano (OR=0,665) tenían más probabilidades de pertenecer al grupo 1. Conclusión: Para reducir la transmisión de la enfermedad es necesario promover el conocimiento y uso de medidas preventivas entre el grupo de individuos identificados como menos comprometidos con las medidas preventivas.

Toxic Habits and Well-Being Measures in Spanish Healthcare University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy lifestyles are strongly entrenched in healthcare universities and have sometimes been linked to stress or lack of sleep. This study investigated the prevalence of toxic habits (smoking, patterns of harmful alcohol use, and illicit drug use), stress levels, perceived health status, and sleep duration and assessed the connections between toxic habits and said well-being measures, as well as healthcare students' perception of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on these health-related behaviors. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, healthcare students from Alfonso X University (Spain) completed a health survey composed of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), self-perceived health status, and the number of hours of sleep. RESULTS: A total of 997 healthcare students completed the survey, of which 982 were analyzed. Being a smoker (32.2%) was associated with worse health status and insufficient sleep. Risk drinkers (33.2%) were associated with being female, and the consumption of cannabinoids (6.7%), with being male. These three toxic habits were related to each other. High levels of stress (28.2%) were correlated with worse ratings in the perception of health status (29.2%) and with insufficient sleep (45.8%), and all of them were associated with the female sex. Respectively, 49.3% and 44.2% of students recognized a worsening in their perception of stress and their sleep habits during the pandemic. CONCLUSION: Healthcare universities must carry out health promotion programs for stress management, sleep habits, and unhealthy lifestyles.

Benefits of family leisure during confinement

The restrictions of the current pandemic (COVID-19) on daily life, linked to social distancing and increased time at home, considerably affect people's physical and emotional health. This quantitative evaluative study was conducted at the national level with the aim of assessing how confinement affected family leisure activities, collecting information from 763 families. An online instrument composed of 61 items was used to measure, among other dimensions, the benefits, characteristics and changes experienced in family leisure. The results indicate that there were significant differences in the variables of family type, the person completing the questionnaire and the mother's level of education. This suggests, in conclusion, that family leisure has undergone a positive change, although the burden of its development continues to fall on the mother. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Spanish) Las restricciones de la pandemia actual (COVID-19) ocasionadas en la vida diaria, vinculadas al distanciamiento social y aumento del tiempo en el hogar, afectan considerablemente a la salud fisica y emocional de las personas. Este estudio cuantitativo evaluativo se llevo a cabo a nivel nacional con el objetivo de evaluar como el confinamiento afecto a las actividades de ocio familiar, recogiendose informacion de 763 familias. Se utilizo un instrumento en linea compuesto por 61 items, para medir, entre otras dimensiones, los beneficios, caracteristicas y cambios experimentados en el ocio familiar. Los resultados indican que hubo diferencias significativas en las variables de tipologia de familia, la persona que cumplimenta el cuestionario y el nivel de estudios de la madre. Esto sugiere, a modo de conclusion, que el ocio familiar ha experimentado un cambio positivo, aunque el peso de su desarrollo sigue recayendo en la figura de la madre. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Autophagy: A Key Regulator of Homeostasis and Disease: An Overview of Molecular Mechanisms and Modulators.

Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation pathway active at basal levels in all cells. However, under stress conditions, such as a lack of nutrients or trophic factors, it works as a survival mechanism that allows the generation of metabolic precursors for the proper functioning of the cells until the nutrients are available. Neurons, as post-mitotic cells, depend largely on autophagy to maintain cell homeostasis to get rid of damaged and/or old organelles and misfolded or aggregated proteins. Therefore, the dysfunction of this process contributes to the pathologies of many human diseases. Furthermore, autophagy is highly active during differentiation and development. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of the different pathways, molecular mechanisms, factors that induce it, and the regulation of mammalian autophagy. We also discuss its relevant role in development and disease. Finally, here we summarize several investigations demonstrating that autophagic abnormalities have been considered the underlying reasons for many human diseases, including liver disease, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, neoplastic diseases, cancers, and, more recently, infectious diseases, such as SARS-CoV-2 caused COVID-19 disease.

Biomarker Candidates for Alzheimer’s Disease Unraveled through In Silico Differential Gene Expression Analysis

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is neurodegeneration that accounts for 60–70% of dementia cases. Symptoms begin with mild memory difficulties and evolve towards cognitive impairment. The underlying risk factors remain primarily unclear for this heterogeneous disorder. Bioinformatics is a relevant research tool that allows for identifying several pathways related to AD. Open-access databases of RNA microarrays from the peripheral blood and brain of AD patients were analyzed after background correction and data normalization;the Limma package was used for differential expression analysis (DEA) through statistical R programming language. Data were corrected with the Benjamini and Hochberg approach, and genes with p-values equal to or less than 0.05 were considered to be significant. The direction of the change in gene expression was determined by its variation in the log2-fold change between healthy controls and patients. We performed the functional enrichment analysis of GO using goana and topGO-Limma. The functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed upregulated (UR) pathways: behavior, nervous systems process, postsynapses, enzyme binding;downregulated (DR) were cellular component organization, RNA metabolic process, and signal transduction. Lastly, the intersection of DEGs in the three databases showed eight shared genes between brain and blood, with potential use as AD biomarkers for blood tests.

Ocio familiar en tiempos de confinamiento: construcción y validación de un instrumento

La revalorización experimentada por el ocio en los contextos familiares, debido a las restricciones sociales que han conllevado un incremento del tiempo en casa, ha contribuido a que esta emerja con fuerza como línea de investigación educativa, pues hasta ahora se encontraba desatendida en el panorama español. En el presente estudio se diseña y valida el Cuestionario sobre ocio familiar durante el confinamiento. Para dotar de validez de contenido y consistencia al constructo, se contó con el juicio de 10 expertos sobre la claridad, pertinencia y adecuación del instrumento, mediante una escala de validación. Los resultados denotan que el cuestionario resultante (61 ítems) posee propiedades psicométricas adecuadas que lo convierten en una herramienta apropiada para evaluar el ocio familiar, quedando confirmado su rigor y valía como correcto instrumento de análisis.Alternate :The revaluation of leisure in family contexts, caused by lockdowns imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to an increase in time spent at home, has contributed to this area emerging as a focus of educational research, which until now had been neglected in Spanish-speaking countries. In the present study, the authors present the process of designing and validating a "Questionnaire on family leisure during lockdowns". In order to provide content validity and consistency to the design of the instrument, feedback from 10 experts assessed the clarity, relevance and suitability of the instrument using a validation scale. The results show that the questionnaire, with 61 questions, has sufficient psychometric properties that make it an appropriate tool to evaluate family leisure. During this process the authors confirmed its rigor and value as an analytical instrument for research.Alternate :A revalorizaçâo vivenciada pelo lazer em contextos familiares, devido as restriçöes sociais que tem levado ao aumento do tempo em casa, tem contribuido para o seu surgimento fortemente como uma linha de pesquisa educacional, já que até entäo era negligenciada no cenário espanhol. No presente estudo, o "Questionário sobre lazer familiar durante o confinamento" é elaborado e validado. Para conferir validade de conteúdo e consistencia ao construto, o julgamento de 10 especialistas contou com a clareza, pertinencia e adequaçâo do instrumento, por meio de uma escala de validaçâo. Os resultados mostram que o questionário resultante (61 itens) possui propriedades psicométricas adequadas que o tornam um instrumento adequado para avaliar o lazer familiar, confirmando seu rigor e valor como um correto instrumento de análise.

Modulation of Adaptive Immunity and Viral Infections by Ion Channels.

Most cellular functions require of ion homeostasis and ion movement. Among others, ion channels play a crucial role in controlling the homeostasis of anions and cations concentration between the extracellular and intracellular compartments. Calcium (Ca2+) is one of the most relevant ions involved in regulating critical functions of immune cells, allowing the appropriate development of immune cell responses against pathogens and tumor cells. Due to the importance of Ca2+ in inducing the immune response, some viruses have evolved mechanisms to modulate intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and the mobilization of this cation through Ca2+ channels to increase their infectivity and to evade the immune system using different mechanisms. For instance, some viral infections require the influx of Ca2+ through ionic channels as a first step to enter the cell, as well as their replication and budding. Moreover, through the expression of viral proteins on the surface of infected cells, Ca2+ channels function can be altered, enhancing the pathogen evasion of the adaptive immune response. In this article, we review those ion channels and ion transporters that are essential for the function of immune cells. Specifically, cation channels and Ca2+ channels in the context of viral infections and their contribution to the modulation of adaptive immune responses.

Correction: Lack of efficacy of standard doses of ivermectin in severe COVID-19 patients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242184.].

C-reactive protein cut-off for early tocilizumab and dexamethasone prescription in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Dexamethasone and tocilizumab have been associated with reduction in mortality, however, the beneficial effect is not for all patients and the impact on viral replication is not well defined. We hypostatized that C-reactive protein (CRP) could help in the identification of patients requiring anti-inflammatory therapy. Patients admitted for > 48 h in our hospital for a confirmed or suspected infection by SARS-CoV-2 from February 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The primary outcome was mortality at 30 days. Demographics and the most relevant variables related with the outcome were included. CRP was stratified by percentiles. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. A total of 3218 patients were included with a median (IQR) age of 66 (74-78) years and 58.9% were males. The rate of intensive care unit admission was 24.4% and the 30-day mortality rate was 11.8%. Within the first 5 days from admission, 1018 (31.7%) patients received dexamethasone and 549 tocilizumab (17.1%). The crude analysis showed a mortality reduction in patients receiving dexamethasone when CRP was > 13.75 mg/dL and > 3.5 mg/dL for those receiving tocilizumab. Multivariate analysis identified the interaction of CRP > 13.75 mg/dL with dexamethasone (OR 0.57; CI 95% 0.37-0.89, P = 0014) and CRP > 3.5 mg/dL with tocilizumab (0.65; CI95%:0.44-0.95, P = 0.029) as independent predictors of mortality. Our results suggest that dexamethasone and tocilizumab are associated with a reduction in mortality when prescribed to patients with a certain inflammatory activity assessed by C-reactive protein.

Personalized Therapy Approach for Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experiencing respiratory symptoms have different complications (inflammatory, co-infection, and thrombotic) that are identifiable by analytics patterns. Personalized treatment decisions decreased early mortality (odds ratio [OR] .144; 95% confidence interval [CI] .03-.686; P = .015). Increasing age (OR 1.06; P = .038) and therapeutic effort limitation (OR 9.684; P < .001) were associated with higher mortality.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis with hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising strategy to break COVID-19 transmission. Although hydroxychloroquine was evaluated for treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis, it is not evaluated for COVID-19 PrEP yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PrEP with hydroxychloroquine against placebo in healthcare workers at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during an epidemic period. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial in three hospitals in Barcelona, Spain. From 350 adult healthcare workers screened, we included 269 participants with no active or past SARS-CoV-2 infection (determined by a negative nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 PCR and a negative serology against SARS-CoV-2). Participants allocated in the intervention arm (PrEP) received 400 mg of hydroxychloroquine daily for the first four consecutive days and subsequently, 400 mg weekly during the study period. Participants in the control group followed the same treatment schedule with placebo tablets. RESULTS: 52.8% (142/269) of participants were in the hydroxychloroquine arm and 47.2% (127/269) in the placebo arm. Given the national epidemic incidence decay, only one participant in each group was diagnosed with COVID-19. The trial was stopped due to futility and our study design was deemed underpowered to evaluate any benefit regarding PrEP efficacy. Both groups showed a similar proportion of participants experiencing at least one adverse event (AE) (p=0.548). No serious AEs were reported. Almost all AEs (96.4%, 106/110) were mild. Only mild gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly higher in the hydroxychloroquine arm compared to the placebo arm (27.4% (39/142) vs 15.7% (20/127), p=0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Although the efficacy of PrEP with hydroxychloroquine for preventing COVID-19 could not be evaluated, our study showed that PrEP with hydroxychloroquine at low doses is safe. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04331834 . Registered on April 2, 2020.

Nanodiagnostics to Face SARS-CoV-2 and Future Pandemics: From an Idea to the Market and Beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic made clear how our society requires quickly available tools to address emerging healthcare issues. Diagnostic assays and devices are used every day to screen for COVID-19 positive patients, with the aim to decide the appropriate treatment and containment measures. In this context, we would have expected to see the use of the most recent diagnostic technologies worldwide, including the advanced ones such as nano-biosensors capable to provide faster, more sensitive, cheaper, and high-throughput results than the standard polymerase chain reaction and lateral flow assays. Here we discuss why that has not been the case and why all the exciting diagnostic strategies published on a daily basis in peer-reviewed journals are not yet successful in reaching the market and being implemented in the clinical practice.

Effect of Different Types of Face Masks on the Ventilatory and Cardiovascular Response to Maximal-Intensity Exercise.

The development of new models of face masks makes it necessary to compare their impact on exercise. Therefore, the aim of this work was to compare the cardiopulmonary response to a maximal incremental test, perceived ventilation, exertion, and comfort using FFP2 or Emotion masks in young female athletes. Thirteen healthy sportswomen (22.08 ± 1.75 years) performed a spirometry, and a graded exercise test on a treadmill, with a JAEGER® Vyntus CPX gas analyzer using an ergospirometry mask (ErgoMask) or wearing the FFP2 or the Emotion mask below the ErgoMask, randomized on 3 consecutive days. Also, menstrual cycle status was monitored to avoid possible intrasubject alterations. The results showed lower values for the ErgoMask+FFP2, compared to ErgoMask or ErgoMask+Emotion, in forced vital capacity (3.8 ± 0.2, 4.5 ± 0.2 and 4.1 ± 0.1 l, respectively); forced expiratory volume in 1 s (3.3 ± 0.2, 3.7 ± 0.2 and 3.5 ± 0.1 l); ventilation (40.9 ± 1.5, 50.6 ± 1.5 and 46.9 ± 1.2 l/min); breathing frequency (32.7 ± 1.1, 37.4 ± 1.1 and 35.3 ± 1.4 bpm); VE/VO2 (30.5 ± 0.7, 34.6 ± 0.9 and 33.6 ± 0.7); VE/VCO2 (32.2 ± 0.6, 36.2 ± 0.9 and 34.4 ± 0.7) and time to exhaustion (492.4 ± 9.7, 521.7 ± 8.6 and 520.1 ± 9.5 s) and higher values in inspiratory time (0.99 ± 0.04, 0.82 ± 0.03 and 0.88 ± 0.03 s). In conclusion, in young healthy female athletes, the Emotion showed better preservation of cardiopulmonary responses than the FFP2.

Impact of remdesivir according to the pre-admission symptom duration in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The use of remdesivir has demonstrated a significant reduction in the time to recovery in patients with COVID-19. However, the impact on mortality is still controversial. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether there is a specific subgroup of patients in whom an active antiviral therapy also reduces the mortality. METHODS: Patients admitted for >48 h in our hospital for a SARS-CoV-2 confirmed or suspected infection from February 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The primary outcome of the study was mortality at 30 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS: In total, 2607 patients (438 receiving remdesivir and 2169 not) were included with a median (IQR) age of 65 (54-77) years and 58% were male. Four hundred and seventy-six were admitted to the ICU (18.3%) and 264 required invasive mechanical ventilation (10.1%). The global 30 day mortality rate was 10.7%. Pre-admission symptom duration of 4-6 days and ≤3 days was associated with a 1.5- and 2.5-fold increase in the mortality rate, respectively, in comparison with >6 days and treatment with remdesivir was independently associated with a lower mortality rate (OR = 0.382, 95% CI = 0.218-0.671). The analysis showed that the major difference was among patients with shorter pre-admission symptom duration (<6 days). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ≤3 days and 4-6 days from symptom onset to admission are associated with a 2.5- and 1.5-fold higher risk of death, respectively. Remdesivir was associated with 62% reduced odds of death versus standard-of-care and its survival benefit increased with shorter duration of symptoms.