The effects of lifestyle in Alzheimer's disease during the COVID-19 pandemic

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease affected by multiple elements such as exercise, food, and social stimulation. Research has demonstrated the positive effects of exercise such as community-based programs and aerobic activities in reducing rates of decline in cognition. Another protective measure is avoiding red meat and alcohol and instead incorporating a Mediterranean diet to reduce inflammation and inhibit free radicals. Finally, social stimulation can serve to reduce the progression of the disease by increasing a sense of connection and meaningful purpose. COVID-19 has made it difficult for AD patients, especially those living in nursing homes or advanced facilities, to participate in exercise classes due to restrictions, to eat a fresh diet due to resource shortages, and to see friends and family due to social distancing. This chapter delves into the effects of COVID-19 on elements such as physical activity, diet, and social interaction on the disease progression of AD. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Aerobic Exercise on Psychological Factors and Sleep Quality Following Recovery from COVID-19.

Background and purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic have led to some psychological disorders and sleep problems that should be taken into account after recovery. After recovering from COVID-19 people are at risk of sleep disorders, depression, and low quality of life and there is paucity of information about this issue. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness and aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality in recovered COVID-19 patients. Material(s) and Method(s): An intervention field research was performed in 60 male and female patients (mean age: 39.52+/-5.82) recovered from COVID-19 in Kermanshah, Iran. Participants were randomly divided into four groups (n=15): 1) attending mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, 2) aerobic exercise, 3) combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise, and 4) control group. The study was carried out at four stages: pretest, interventions, post-test, and follow-up test. Dependent variables included depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Bonferroni Post hoc test in 4*3 mixed ANOVA was used for data analysis. Result(s): In this study, depression and perceived stress reduced in all experimental groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Also, sleep quality improved in these groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Post hoc tests showed the superiority of combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise compared to other interventions. Conclusion(s): According to current study, combination of MBSR and physical activity shows to be more helpful than mindfulness training and physical activity alone in improving psychological problems and sleep quality after recovering from COVID-19.Copyright © 2023, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Frail Scale as Predictor of 30-Day Postoperative Outcomes in Geriatric Surgical Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines from June 2020 to June 2021

Introduction: The geriatric population is a growing subset of surgical patients. Specialized surgical risk management is important since physiologic changes are only loosely associated with age. Searching for better risk assessment tools, we come across the 5-point FRAIL scale, a validated measure of weakness and physiologic malfunction resulting to vulnerability to stressors like surgery. Method(s): Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of FRAIL scale in predicting 30-day complications in geriatric surgical patients. We conducted this research at a tertiary hospital in the Philippines from June 2020 to June 2021. Patients were classified preoperatively as frail or robust, and they were monitored 30 days post-surgery for adverse outcomes. Result(s): Out of 100 patients, fifty-seven were frail. Postoperatively, 20% had complications, while 18% expired, with 76% of all adverse outcomes belonging to frail group. FRAIL scale had a significantly better predictive value as compared with Charlson comorbidity index and ACS surgical risk calculator in cases of mortality, but there was no significant difference in predicting morbidity for the three assessment tools. The increase in adverse outcomes compared with previous years was attributed to (1) the proportion of colorectal procedures, and (2) patients were probably in a more advanced stage of illness due to the delays in treatment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion(s): In conclusion, FRAIL scale is an easy-to-use and effective risk assessment tool for geriatric surgical patients. Since most frail patients admit of weakness, resistance training and aerobic exercises may be an appropriate strategy to improve surgical outcomes.

Impact of (long) COVID on athletes' performance: a prospective study in elite football players.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate possible persistent performance deficits after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in elite athletes. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in three Belgian professional male football teams was performed during the 2020 - 2021 season. Participants were submitted to strength, jump, and sprint tests and an aerobic performance test (the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test (YYIR)). These tests were repeated at fixed time intervals throughout the season. Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infection was performed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test before each official game. RESULTS: Of the 84 included participants, 22 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during follow-up. At the first testing after infection (52.0 ± 11.2 days after positive PCR testing) significantly higher percentages of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) were seen - within the isolated group of infected players- during (p = .006) and after the YYIR (2 min after, p = .013), compared to pre-infection data. This increase in %HRmax was resolved at the second YYIR testing after infection (127.6 ± 33.1 days after positive PCR testing). Additionally, when comparing the first test after infection in formerly infected to non-infected athletes, significantly higher %HRmax were found during (p < .001) and after the YYIR test (p < .001),No significant deficits were found for the jump, muscular strength or sprint tests.Aerobic performance seems compromised even weeks after infection. Simultaneously, anaerobic performance seemed to be spared. Because of the potential detrimental effects on the immune system, caution might be advised with high-intensity exposure until aerobic performance is restored.KEY MESSAGESElite football players' aerobic performance seems to be affected for weeks after they return to sports after a SARS-CoV-2 infection.Similarly, anaerobic performance tests showed no discernible changes between both before and after SARS-CoV-2 infections.Regular YYIR testing is recommended to monitor aerobic performance after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Validity of the 2-Minute-Step Test Administered Virtually

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The 2-minute-step test (2MST) is a face-to-face (F2F) measure used to clinically evaluate aerobic capacity in adults. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to assess cardiovascular health in a virtual environment became evident. The 2MST is amenable to being performed in a virtual environment due to low space requirements, simple instructions, and the ability to visually count step performance through a remote visual setup. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in performance on the 2MST when administered virtually compared with F2F. NUMBER OF SUBJECTS: 28 healthy adults aged 18-35 were recruited. Subjects were screened to determine eligibility and scheduled for a practice session in both test environments. Exclusion criterion included balance impairments, cardiopulmonary conditions, and pain/recent surgeries that would adversely impact stepping performance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects performed the 2MST virtually via Zoom platform and F2F on two separate days within 1 week of each other in a counterbalanced order. The primary outcome measure was total number of steps with the right leg to the marked height in both testing sessions. Heart rate was measured prior to performance and immediately upon test completion on both days. Group differences were analyzed using twotailed paired t-tests. RESULT(S): 25 adults (mean age = 24.0 years, 9males, 16 females) completed both sessions. Three subjects were not able to complete both tests and were excluded from analysis. There is no significant difference in mean number of steps performed F2F (M=108.6, SD=11.5) and virtual (M=109.2, SD=15.1);t(24)= .359, p = .7227. The average of the difference in steps between F2F and the virtual environment was <1 step (0.6). Change in heart rate (bpm) was not significantly different in the second test (M=50.4, SD=24.8) compared with the first test (M=46.7, SD=23.6) suggesting similar exertion in both test environments;t(23)=1.0288, p= .3143. CONCLUSION(S): Our findings indicate 2MST performance in healthy adults aged 18-35 is not significantly different when administered via Zoom compared with F2F. This suggests the 2MST may be an effective tool, if a visual virtual option such as Zoom or Facetime, is available when assessing aerobic capacity remotely. Limitations of the study include generalizability to other age groups is currently unknown and the ability of subjects to independently set up the test remotely was not assessed. As in all virtual assessments, clinical reasoning guides which patients are appropriate to perform outcome measures safely, if skilled assistance in not available. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A valid tool to assess aerobic capacity in a virtual environment can improve patient care, improve access to physical activity interventions and improve health outcomes. Vulnerable populations, such as cancer survivors, who need virtual options for ongoing care will benefit from assessment tools that are adaptable and valid in virtual settings.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Aerobic Exercise on Psychological Factors and Sleep Quality Following Recovery from COVID-19

Background and purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic have led to some psychological disorders and sleep problems that should be taken into account after recovery. After recovering from COVID-19 people are at risk of sleep disorders, depression, and low quality of life and there is paucity of information about this issue. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness and aerobic exercise on depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality in recovered COVID-19 patients. Material(s) and Method(s): An intervention field research was performed in 60 male and female patients (mean age: 39.52+/-5.82) recovered from COVID-19 in Kermanshah, Iran. Participants were randomly divided into four groups (n=15): 1) attending mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program, 2) aerobic exercise, 3) combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise, and 4) control group. The study was carried out at four stages: pretest, interventions, post-test, and follow-up test. Dependent variables included depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and sleep quality. Bonferroni Post hoc test in 4*3 mixed ANOVA was used for data analysis. Result(s): In this study, depression and perceived stress reduced in all experimental groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Also, sleep quality improved in these groups compared to the control group (P= 0.001). Post hoc tests showed the superiority of combination of MBSR and aerobic exercise compared to other interventions. Conclusion(s): According to current study, combination of MBSR and physical activity shows to be more helpful than mindfulness training and physical activity alone in improving psychological problems and sleep quality after recovering from COVID-19.Copyright © 2023, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.

Fitness Assessments of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Prospective Process Feasibility Study

Background: Fitness is a marker of physiological and mental health. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of processes to recruit women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during the Covid pandemic and collect their health and fitness data. Additionally, the data was used to explore possible associations between anthropometrics, PCOS biomarkers, health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), and depressive symptoms with that of fitness and self-reported physical activity levels among women with PCOS. Method(s): A convenience sample of women with PCOS (n = 15) were recruited via flyers and the snowball method. Participants completed surveys, anthropometrics, a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry scan, blood work, and a fitness assessment. Data were statistically analyzed using Spearman correlations. Result(s): Feasibility measures of recruitment and retention rates were 83% and 100%, respectively. Fidelity measurement for process averaged 97%. Participants (age 25.9 (+/- 6.2), mostly White (80%), single (60%), and employed full-time (67%)) were categorized as obese (body mass index (BMI) 32.2 kg/m2 +/- 8.3, percent bodyfat 41.1% +/- 8.1) with <=1 comorbidity. Most participants were not regularly physically active and had high free testosterone levels (7.6 pg/mL+/-4.3), elevated high-density lipoprotein (63.2 mg/dL+/-12.9), fair cardiovascular capacity, and below average muscular strength/endurance. The following statistically significant and strong associations were found: (1) VO2 max with percent bodyfat (-0.59;p = 0.02), sex hormone binding globulin (0.73;p = 0.00), HRQoL (0.72;p = 0.00), and depressive symptoms (-0.67;p = 0.00), (2) abdominal strength with BMI (-0.66;p = 0.01) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) (0.59;p = 0.02), (3) physical activity level with percent bodyfat (-0.72;p = 0.00), and (4) resistance training with low density lipoprotein (LDL) (-0.52;p = 0.05). Conclusion(s): Collecting health and fitness data from women with PCOS is a feasible research approach. Randomized controlled trials in which health and fitness data are collected from women with PCOS are needed to confirm possible associations between fitness and PCOS clinical features and is in the planning process. Copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Author(s).

Enhanced performance of algal-bacterial aerobic granular sludge in comparison to bacterial aerobic granular sludge for treating surfactant-containing wastewater

Increasing amounts of surfactants are used and emitted into the environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, posing potential threats to ecological health. Algal-bacterial aerobic granular sludge (A-BAGS), with the advantages of compact structure, high-efficient nutrient uptake, and high tolerance to harsh conditions, was attempted in this study to treat surfactant-containing wastewater at relatively high concentrations. The treatment performance was also compared to bacterial AGS (BAGS). Results showed that A-BAGS is preferable for treating wastewater containing a high SDS concentration (30 mg/L), achieving nutrient removal efficiency of 86.3 % for organic carbon, 60.5 % for total nitrogen, and 58.7 % for total phosphorus within a short duration, compared to 70.1 %, 52.8 % and 42.3 % in BAGS reactor. Besides, the removal rate of ammonia nitrogen by A-BAGS was much faster than that of BAGS. The above results confirmed that A-BAGS is a promising technology for treating surfactant-containing wastewater with high nutrient removal efficiency being maintained.Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Effect of telehealth-based versus in-person nutritional and exercise intervention on type II diabetes mellitus improvement and efficiency of human resources utilization in patients with obesity

Aims: Telehealth became a patient necessity during the COVID pandemic and evolved into a patient preference in the post-COVID era. This study compared the % total body weight loss (%TBWL), HbA1c reduction, and resource utilization among patients with obesity and diabetes who participated in lifestyle interventions with or without telehealth. Method(s): A total of 150 patients with obesity and diabetes who were followed every 4-6 weeks either in-person (n = 83) or via telehealth (n = 67), were included. All patients were provided with an individualized nutritional plan that included a weight-based daily protein intake from protein supplements and food, an activity/sleep schedule-based meal times, and an aerobic exercise goal of a 2000-calorie burn/week, customized to patient's preferences, physical abilities, and comorbidities. The goal was to lose 10%TBWL. Telehealth-based follow-up required transmission via texting of weekly body composition measurements and any blood glucose levels below 100 mg/dl for medication adjustments. Weight, BMI, %TBWL, HbA1c (%), and medication effect score (MES) were compared. Patient no-show rates, number of visits, program duration, and drop-out rate were used to assess resource utilization based on cumulative staff and provider time spent (CSPTS), provider lost time (PLT) and patient spent time (PST). Result(s): Mean age was 47.2 +/- 10.6 years and 74.6% were women. Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) decreased from 44.1 +/- 7.7-39.7 +/- 6.7 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). Mean program duration was 189.4 +/- 169.3 days. An HbA1c% unit decline of 1.3 +/- 1.5 was achieved with a 10.1 +/- 5.1%TBWL. Diabetes was cured in 16% (24/150) of patients. %TBWL was similar in regards to telehealth or in-person appointments (10.6% +/- 5.1 vs. 9.6% +/- 4.9, p = 0.14). Age, initial BMI, MES, %TBWL, and baseline HbA1c had a significant independent effect on HbA1c reduction (p < 0.0001). Program duration was longer for in-person follow-up (213.8 +/- 194 vs. 159.3 +/- 127, p = 0.019). The mean annual telehealth and in-person no-show rates were 2.7% and 11.2%, respectively (p < 0.0001). Mean number of visits (5.7 +/- 3.0 vs. 8.6 +/- 5.1) and drop-out rates (16.49% vs. 25.83%) were lower in telehealth group (p < 0.0001). The CSPTS (440.4 +/- 267.5 min vs. 200.6 +/- 110.8 min), PLT (28.9 +/- 17.5 min vs. 3.1 +/- 1.6 min), and PST (1033 +/- 628 min vs. 113.7 +/- 61.4 min) were significantly longer (p < 0.0001) for the in-person group. Conclusion(s): Telehealth offered comparable %TBWL and HbA1c decline as in-person follow-up, but with a shorter follow-up, fewer appointments, and no-shows. If improved resource utilization is validated by other studies, telehealth should become the standard of care for the management of obesity and diabetes.Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Obesity Science & Practice published by World Obesity and The Obesity Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Respiratory function and symptoms after acute COVID-19 infection in children and adolescents

Introduction/Aim: Significant long-term effects on both symptomatology and respiratory function have been recognised in adult populations after COVID-19 infection, termed 'Long COVID'. These have caused loss of productivity and increased need for healthcare services. This study aimed to measure symptoms and lung function in children and adolescents after acute COVID-19 infection Methods: Between June 1 and 31 October 2021 there were 144 children admitted to hospital across the Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Australia. Of these, 63 children were referred to the respiratory clinic with symptoms of ongoing cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, 3-6 months post COVID infection. 20 of these children performed reliable lung function. For these children, body plethysmography and double diffusion testing were performed within 3-6 months of their infection. The Liverpool respiratory questionnaire and PROMIS paediatric sleep questionnaires were also administered. Result(s): Of the 20 patients tested, 7 had COVID pneumonitis requiring hospitalisation during the acute illness. 6 of the 20 patients had significant persistent symptoms as measured by the Liverpool respiratory questionnaire, while none of the children had any significant sleep symptoms. All children had preserved spirometry within normal limits. Of note, 2 children with persistent respiratory symptoms had DLNO/DLCO ratio >1.15, suggesting pulmonary vascular disease. The same two children who had elevated DLNO / DLCO had high ventilator equivalents on CPET testing suggesting increased physiological dead space ventilation. Despite this, their peak aerobic capacity was within normal limits. There were no significant differences between the alpha and delta cohorts or between children treated at home vs those requiring hospitalisation during their infection. Conclusion(s): COVID-19 may cause long-lasting effects in children. In this cohort, all children maintained spirometry results within normal limits despite significant symptoms impacting daily activities. Double diffusion testing may shed some light on lung changes leading to persistent symptomatology after COVID infection.

Comparing the Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Yoga on Stress Levels in College Students

Purpose of Study: College for many is a time of transition. This transition from adolescence to young adulthood can be very stressful. During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of suicide, depression and anxiety increased in adolescents and young adults. Recently, Wang and colleagues (2020) found that among 2,031 students in a large US university, 48% reported having moderate-to-severe depression, 38% had moderate-to-severe anxiety, and 18% had thoughts of suicide. Effective strategies to help emerging adults cope with stress is critically needed to decrease these alarming data. The primary aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on college students' perceived levels of stress. A secondary aim of the study was to examine whether athlete status would moderate the effectiveness of either intervention. Methods Used: A sample of 55 college students were recruited via email during the spring of 2022. Students were randomly assigned to complete a single, 20-minute session of either yoga or aerobic exercise. Participant's current and chronic stress levels were recorded both before and after exercise. Chronic stress was measured using Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale and current stress was measured using a modified version of the same scale. To support the second research aim, participants were asked to report if they were a member of a college-affiliated athletic team during the 2021-2022 academic year. Demographic characteristics including age, gender, and ethnicity were also collected. Summary of Results: A 2 (Time) X 2 (Condition) x 2 (Athlete Status) mixed factorial ANOVA was conducted. Results indicated that both aerobic exercise and yoga led to a significant decrease in chronic stress (p=.03), although there were no meaningful differences between the two conditions (p=.075). This pattern of results held for current stress as well, with both groups experiencing an equivalent decrease in current stress (p<.001). Athlete-status did not significantly predict changes in current or chronic stress, nor did it moderate the efficacy of either intervention. Conclusion(s): Taken together, these findings indicate that a small bout of exercise, regardless of type, can help decrease reported stress for college students. They also provide preliminary evidence about the efficacy of exercise as stress reduction for college athletes. Our findings provide further support for using exercise as a practical strategy for coping with stress. (Table Presented).

Effect of Tai Chi versus Aerobic Training on Improving Hand Grip Strength, Fatigue, and Functional Performance in Older Adults Post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

Background: The recent pandemic of COVID-19 has left a wide range of after-effects on the health of older adults. The effects of the pandemic have been particularly felt in the areas of physical strength, fatigue, and functional performance. Material(s) and Method(s): Fifty-four participants were allocated into three groups: Tai Chi (TC) attended 4 sessions of 60-min TC training per week for consecutive 12 weeks, Aerobic Training (AT) attended 4 sessions of 60-min aerobic training per week for 12 weeks, and Control (CON) instructed to maintain a daily routine. Hand grip strength (HGS) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to evaluate the participants. Functional performance outcomes were determined The functional performance outcome was determined by The 30-second Chair Stand Test (CST), The 30-second Arm Curl Test (ACT), The 8-feet Up-and-Go test (TUG), and The 2 min steps. Pre-post comparisons of all outcomes in each group and comparisons between groups were analyzed using the ANOVA test with SPSS software. Result(s): After the intervention, TC and AT groups both experienced significant improvements in HGS, fatigue levels, CST, ACT, TUG, and 2-minute steps compared to baseline (all P < 0.001). The Tai Chi group also experienced significantly improved hand grip strength (p =0.0435, mean difference of-2.5), and ACT (p =0.0235, mean difference of 1) compared to the AT group. Conclusion(s): Tai Chi is an integrated rehabilitation program that had a positive effect on hand grip strength, fatigue levels, and functional performance compared to aerobic training in the elderly post-COVID-19.Copyright © 2023, Codon Publications. All rights reserved.

2023 Western Medical Research Conference

The proceedings contain 549 papers. The topics discussed include: interleukin-2 kinase-mediated T-cell receptor signaling is critical in the development of type 1 diabetes by OT-1 T-cells;the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression in adolescents in the military population;dollars sense: a school-based effort to increase financial literacy in high school students;fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders in a pandemic world;walkability of San Bernardino county?s elementary schools in relation to various school characteristics;placebo-controlled trial in tanner 2-3 males with Klinefelter syndrome: effect of testosterone gel versus placebo in motor skills outcomes;my implant is expiring: a national secret shopper study of extended use of the contraceptive implant;comparing the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on stress levels in college students;and are patients with a history of chest radiation therapy at higher risk for sternal wound problems after heart transplant?.

The Influence of Different SARS-CoV-2 Strains on Changes in Maximal Oxygen Consumption, Ventilatory Efficiency and Oxygen Pulse of Elite Athletes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different SARS-CoV-2 strains on the functional capacity of athletes. METHODS: In total, 220 athletes underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) after coronavirus infection and before returning to sports activities. Eighty-eight athletes were infected by the Wuhan virus, and 66 were infected during the Delta and Omicron strain periods of the pandemic. RESULTS: The CPET results showed significantly decreased maximal oxygen consumption, ventilatory efficiency, and oxygen pulse in athletes who were infected with Wuhan and Delta strains compared to athletes who suffered from Omicron virus infection. An early transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolic pathways for energy production was observed in the Wuhan and Delta groups but not in athletes who were infected with the Omicron strain. There were no differences in the obtained results when Wuhan and Delta virus variants were compared. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the Wuhan and Delta virus strains had a significantly greater negative impact on the functional abilities of athletes compared to the Omicron virus variant, especially in terms of aerobic capacity and cardiorespiratory function.

Effect of 12-week of aerobic exercise on hormones and lipid profile status in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome: A study during COVID-19.

Background and aim: COVID-19 as a viral disease has brought up the need to exercise more than before due to its physiological effects on health. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of 12-week of aerobic exercise on female students' hormone levels and lipid profile with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Using a 12-week quasi-experimental with pretest, posttest research design among 40 Iranian female students aged 18-14 with PCOS, we randomly allocated the participants to either an experimental (they performed aerobic exercises three 60-minute sessions per week at home using content production) or a control condition. Their anthropometric and blood samples (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, prolactin, and lipid profile) were taken in two stages before and after the training protocol. Results: The results of analysis indicated that 12-week of aerobic exercise reduced testosterone (P = 0.041), prolactin (P = 0.001), estrogen (P = 0.001), body mass (P = 0.002), body mass index (P = 0.002), cholesterol (P = 0.005), triglyceride (P = 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein (P = 0.001), whilst increased high-density lipoprotein (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that performing aerobic exercises is an effective and non-invasive method that could have a positive effect on young girls' PCOS during COVID-19 pandemic.

Contexte et objectif: La pandémie de COVID-19, en tant que maladie virale, a fait ressortir la nécessité de faire de l'exercice plus que jamais en raison de ses effets physiologiques sur la santé. Par conséquent, cette étude examine l'effet de 12 semaines d'exercice aérobique sur les niveaux hormonaux et le profil lipidique d'étudiantes atteintes du syndrome d'ovaires polykystiques (SOPK) pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Méthode: En utilisant un modèle de recherche quasi-expérimental de 12 semaines avec pré-test, post-test auprès de 40 étudiantes iraniennes âgées de 18 à 14 ans atteintes du SOPK, nous avons réparti au hasard les participantes entre une série expérimentale (elles ont effectué des exercices aérobiques à raison de trois séances de 60 minutes par semaine à la maison) et une série contrôle. Les échantillons anthropométriques et sanguins (testostérone, œstrogène, prolactine et profil lipidique) ont été prélevés en deux étapes, avant et après le protocole d'entraînement. Résultats: Les résultats de l'analyse indiquent que 12 semaines d'exercice aérobique ont réduit la testostérone (p = 0,041), la prolactine (p = 0,001), l'œstrogène (p = 0,001), la masse corporelle (p = 0,002), l'indice de masse corporelle (p = 0,002), le cholestérol (p = 0,005), les triglycérides (p = 0,001) et les lipoprotéines de basse densité (p = 0,001), tout en augmentant les lipoprotéines de haute densité (p = 0,002). Conclusion: Les résultats ont démontré que la pratique d'exercices d'aérobic est une méthode efficace et non invasive qui pourrait avoir un effet positif sur le SOPK des jeunes filles pendant la pandémie de COVID-19.

Considerations and best practices for elite football officials return to play after COVID-19 confinement

The recent COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a total lockdown of the major football leagues, aiming to prevent the threat of an uncontrolled spread of infections, and forcing the players and match officials to home-based physical training. Differently from players, no health and physical fitness maintenance guidelines were published for match officials. Before the return to structured conditioning and officiating, match officials must perform a medical assessment, as well as systematic COVID-19 testing and detailed pulmonary function evaluation. The hygienic-sanitary prevention strategies for virus transmission must be strictly followed. In the remaining part of the present season, alterations of the game rules, namely halves of 30-40 min and no allowance for lost time, aiming to reduce the match officials physiological load may result as a safer option. Nonetheless, match officials' cognitive and physical demands, will probably be exacerbated by the increased number of substitutions per game, proposed to reduce players' match load. The proposed match scenario further stresses the importance of well-developed aerobic and anaerobic fitness in elite level match officials. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to guide a safe and successful return to play for match officials.

Maskne: Its relationship to skin microbiome and response to treatment

Mask-wearing during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with an increased occurrence of a form of acne mechanica, popularly termed 'maskne. However, our understanding of this entity is limited. Hence we aimed to study the role of changes in the skin microbiome in mask induced acne and its response to standard acne treatment regimens. This was a prospective observational study. Adult patients having new-onset of lesions suggestive of acne within 6 weeks of regularly wearing mask or exacerbation of pre-existing acne were recruited. Disease severity was assessed using the 'Global Acne Severity Grading System (GAGS). Sample collection was done from pustules or comedones. Treatment was given according to American Academy of Dermatology Guidelines and follow up was done till 12 weeks. Data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.25. Total 50 patients were recruited in the study. 56% patients were female and 44% were male. 60% patients had a history of similar lesions in the past. 56% patients used surgical mask, 34 % used N-95 mask and 18 % used cloth mask. The average duration of use for mask per day was 6.78 +/- 2.65. Cheeks were the most commonly involved site and 62% of patients had mild GAGS. The severity of acne was significantly higher in patients using N-95 mask ( p<0.05) but not associated with duration of mask use, history of mask re-use and use of moisturizers. 70% cases did not require systemic treatment. KOH was negative in all cases. Gram stain showed gram positive cocci and rods in 22% and 14 % cases respectively. Aerobic culture showed Staphylococcus aureus growth in 30% cases and Anaerobic culture showed Cutibacterum acnes growth in 20% cases. In our study we found that maskne presented with a milder variant of acne which in majority of cases responded well to topical treatment standardized for acne vulgaris and had a microbiome profile similar to acne vulgaris.Copyright © 2023

Telerehabilitation in Response to Critical Coronavirus: A Systematic Review Based on Current Evidence.

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and identify the latest evidence on the feasibility and accessibility of telerehabilitation services in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of patients with COVID-19. Method(s): The studies were retrieved from the authoritative scientific databases Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed on November 25, 2021. Then, the gray literature was scrutinized using the Google search engine to identify the latest possible evidence. Randomized controlled trial studies and protocols that used the telerehabilitation approach as an intervention to improve the condition of distant COVID-19 patients were part of the inclusion criteria. In order to assess the quality of the studies entering this study, the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials was used. The same checklist was used for data extraction. Finding(s): A total of 7 eligible articles were obtained in this review. The quality assessment results showed that there was no significant bias in the studies and all studies were eligible to be included in our study. In two studies (3.7, 43%), telerehabilitation was used to support COVID-19 patient, both of which reported significant improvement in endurance, functional and physical condition of patients with telerehabilitation. However, no significant improvement was found in patients' pulmonary function parameters. In contrast, another study showed a significant improvement in shortness of breath and aerobic capacity of patients in the intervention group compared to the control. Conclusion(s): The results of the systematic review showed that a small number of small-scale studies on telerehabilitation have been performed for patients with COVID-19. However, it seems telerehabilitation has great potential to improve the functional, respiratory, physical condition and ultimately improve the quality of life of patients with COVID-19.Copyright © 2022 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.

Evaluation of myocardial work in patients recovered from the severe form of COVID-19

Background/Introduction: The impact of COVID-19 goes beyond its acute form, and can lead to the persistence of symptoms and the emergence of systemic disorders, defined as Post-Covid or Long-Covid. Purpose(s): Assess the late impact on the cardiorespiratory system of patients recovered from severe Covid. Method(s): We performed cross-sectional study that included patients over 18 years of age who recovered from the severe form of COVID-19 after at least 60 days of their discharge. Patients and healthy controls were enrolled to perform transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Result(s): A total of 52 patients and 24 controls were enrolled. The standard TTE parameters (end diastolic diameters, left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic function and right ventricular systolic function) showed no difference when compared to the control group. When analyzing the myocardial work, there was a higher Wasted MW (GWW): 135 mmHg% vs 84.5 mmHg% (p=0.002), with lower MW Efficiency (GWE): 94 vs. 96 (p=0.003);as well as lower values of global strain: Cases = 18.6% vs. 20.1% (p=0.009). No differences were found in the Constructive MW (GWC) and MW Global Index (GWI). In the CPET data we found lower peak values for the VO2: 24 ml/kg/min vs. 32.75 ml/kg/min (p<0.001);for the Heart Rate: 162 bpm vs. 175 bpm (p<0.001);for the Ventilation: 79.3 L/min vs. 109.85 L/min (p<0.001) and Respiratory Exchange Ratio: 1.12 vs. 1.19 (p=0.004). There was no difference in the maximum load reached, neither in the oxygen pulse values and in the Ve/CO2 slope. In relation to the oxygen kinetics, there was a significant reduction in OUES%: 85% vs. 98% (p=0.03);as well as an extended T1/4: 112 s vs. 88.5 s (p<0.001);and a slowing of the fall in heart rate in recovery time, as measured by the Heart Rate decay: -17.32 bpm vs. -22.08 bpm (p=0.005). Conclusion(s): Patients recovered from the severe form of COVID-19 had higherGWWwith lower efficiency (GWE). Such findings, added to changes in oxygen kinetics during exercise, may point to a possible cardiocirculatory mechanism associated with decreased aerobic capacity.

A review on synthetic methods for 2-Deoxy-D-glucose

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a non-metabolizable glucose analog that has shown promising pharmacological activities and has been used to study the role of glucose in cancer cells. 2-DG is an inhibitor of glycolysis, potential Energy Restriction Mimetic agent and inhibits pathogen-associated molecular patterns. Its radioisotope derivatives have application as tracers. Recently, 2-DG has been used as an anti-COVID-19 drug lowering the need for supplemental oxygen. In this review, different synthetic strategies for preparation of 2-DG including enzymatic synthesis have been discussed. The understanding of these methods would help in developing therapeutics or diagnostic agents aimed at exploring therapeutic targets related with energy metabolism. © AUTHOR(S).