Effects of medium- and long-distance running on cardiac damage markers in amateur runners: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and metaregression.

BACKGROUND: To finish an endurance race, athletes perform a vigorous effort that induces the release of cardiac damage markers. There are several factors that can affect the total number of these markers, so the aim of this review was to analyze the effect of endurance running races on cardiac damage markers and to identify the factors that modify the levels of segregation of these cardiac damage markers. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases was performed. This analysis included studies where the acute effects of running races on cardiac damage markers (troponin I and troponin T) were analyzed, assessing the levels of these markers before and after the races. RESULTS: The effects of running races on troponin I (mean difference = 0.0381 ng/mL) and troponin T (mean difference = 0.0256 ng/mL) levels were significant. The ages (R2 = 14.4%, p = 0.033) and body mass indexes (R2 = 14.5%, p = 0.045) of the athletes had a significant interaction with troponin I. In addition, gender, mean speed, time to finish the race, and type of race can affect the level of cardiac damage markers. CONCLUSION: Endurance running races induce the release of cardiac-damage markers that remain elevated for at least 24 h after the races. In addition, young male athletes with high body mass indexes who perform races combining long duration and moderate intensity (i.e., marathons) release the highest levels of cardiac damage markers. Physicians should take into consideration these results in the diagnosis and treatment of patients admitted to the hospital days after finishing endurance running races.

Recent Advances on Immunosuppressive Drugs and Remyelination Enhancers for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

Mammalian nervous systems depend crucially on myelin sheaths covering the axons. In the central nervous system, myelin sheaths consist of lipid structures that are generated from the membrane of oligodendrocytes (OL). These sheaths allow fast nerve transmission, protect axons and provide them metabolic support. In response to specific traumas or pathologies, these lipid structures can be destabilized and generate demyelinating lesions. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an example of a demyelinating disease in which the myelin sheaths surrounding the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord are damaged. MS is the leading cause of neurological disability in young adults in many countries, and its incidence has been increasing in recent decades. Related to its etiology, it is known that MS is an autoimmune and inflammatory CNS disease. However, there are no effective treatments for this disease and the immunomodulatory therapies that currently exist have proven limited success since they only delay the progress of the disease. Nowadays, one of the main goals in MS research is to find treatments which allow the recovery of neurological disabilities due to demyelination. To this end, different approaches, such as modulating intracellular signaling or regulating the lipid metabolism of OLs, are being considered. Here, in addition to immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory drugs that reduce the immune response against myelin sheaths, we review a diverse group of drugs that promotes endogenous remyelination in MS patients and their use may be interesting as potential therapeutic agents in MS disease. To this end, we compile specific treatments against MS that are currently in the market with remyelination strategies that have entered into human clinical trials for future reparative MS therapies. The method used in this study is a systematic literature review on PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct databases up to May 31, 2020. To narrow down the search results in databases, more specific keywords, such as "myelin sheath", "remyelination", "demyelination", "oligodendrocyte" and "lipid synthesis" were used to focus the search. We preferred papers published after January 2015, but did not exclude earlier seminal papers.

Muscle Architecture and Neuromuscular Changes After High-Resistance Circuit Training in Hypoxia.

ABSTRACT: Ramos-Campo, DJ, Martínez-Guardado, I, Rubio-Arias, JA, Freitas, TT, Othalawa, S, Andreu, L, Timón, R, and Alcaraz, PE. Muscle architecture and neuromuscular changes after high-resistance circuit training in hypoxia. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3035-3040, 2021-This study aimed to analyze the effect of 8 weeks of high-resistance circuit (HRC) training in hypoxia on muscle architecture, strength, and neuromuscular variables. Twenty-eight resistance-trained subjects were assigned to a hypoxia (FiO2 = 15%; HG: n = 15; age: 24.6 ± 6.8 years; height: 177.4 ± 5.9 cm; and mass: 74.9 ± 11.5 kg) or normoxia group (FiO2 = 20.9%; NG: n = 13; age: 23.2 ± 5.2 years; height: 173.4 ± 6.2 cm; and mass: 69.4 ± 7.4 kg). Each training session consisted of 2 blocks of 3 exercises (block 1: bench press, leg extension, and front lat pulldown; block 2: deadlift, elbow flexion, and ankle extension). Each exercise was performed with a 6 repetition maximum load. Subjects exercised twice weekly and, before and after the training program, vastus lateralis muscle thickness and pennation angle, knee extensors electromyographic activity, maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and rate of force development (RFD) and H-Reflex (Hmax), M-wave of the soleus muscle were assessed. Both training groups showed similar improvements in muscle thickness (effect size [ES] = HG: 0.23; NG: 0.41), pennation angle (ES = HG: 0.86; NG: 0.15), MVC (ES HG: 0.63; NG: 0.61), Hmax (ES = HG: 0.96; NG: 0.40), RFD at 200 milliseconds (ES = HG: 0.31; NG: 0.61) and peak RFD (ES = HG: 0.21; NG: 0.66). No significant between-group differences were found. In conclusion, similar morphological and neuromuscular adaptations can be achieved after 8 weeks of HRC training under hypoxic or normoxic conditions.

Acute effects of whole-body vibration training on neuromuscular performance and mobility in hypoxia and normoxia in persons with multiple sclerosis: A crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Whole-body vibration training (WBVT) has been used in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (pwMS), showing improvements in different neuromuscular and mobility variables. However, the acute effects of this training are still unknown. The acute effects of WBVT on neuromuscular performance, mobility and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were evaluated in 10 pwMS. METHODS: Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), central activation ratio (CAR), electromyography (EMG) of the vastus lateralis during isometric knee extension, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), walking speed and RPE were assessed before and immediately after a session of WBVT (twelve 60-s bout of vibration; frequency 35 Hz; amplitude 4 mm; 1-min rest intervals) in both hypoxic and normoxic conditions. RESULTS: EMG 0-100, 0-200 ms and peak EMG resulted in significant differences (p < 0.05) between normoxic and hypoxic sessions. The EMG activity tended to decrease in all phases after the hypoxic session, indicating possible influence of hypoxia on neuromuscular performance. No changes were found in CAR, MVIC, TUG and walking speed in both conditions. CONCLUSION: Based on our results, as well as those obtained by other studies that have used WBVT with other populations, more studies with a higher sample and lower dose of vibration exposure should be conducted in pwMS.

Effect of Sleep Quality on the Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Sarcopenia is an age-related condition. However, the prevalence of sarcopenia may increase due to a range of other factors, such as sleep quality/duration. Therefore, the aim of the study is to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults based on their self-reported sleep duration. Methods: Three electronic databases were used-PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We included studies that measured the prevalence of sarcopenia, divided according to sleep quality and excluded studies (a) involving populations with neuromuscular pathologies, (b) not showing prevalence values (cases/control) on sarcopenia, and (c) not including classificatory models to determine sleep quality. Results: high prevalence values in older adults with both long and short sleep duration were shown. However, prevalence values were higher in those with inadequate sleep (<6-8 h or low efficiency) (OR 0.76; 95% CI (0.70-0.83); Q = 1.446; p = 0.695; test for overall effect, Z = 6.01, p < 0.00001). Likewise, higher prevalence levels were shown in men (OR 1.61; 95% CI (0.82-3.16); Q = 11.80; p = 0.0189) compared to women (OR 0.77; 95% CI (0.29-2.03); Q = 21.35; p = 0.0003). Therefore, the prevalence of sarcopenia appears to be associated with sleep quality, with higher prevalence values in older adults who have inadequate sleep.

Single crystal elasticity of natural topaz at high-temperatures.

Topaz is an aluminosilicate mineral phase stable in the hydrothermally altered pegmatitic rocks and also in subducted sedimentary lithologies. In nature, topaz often exhibits solid solution between fluorine and hydrous end members. We investigated elasticity of naturally occurring single crystal topaz (Al2SiO4F1.42(OH)0.58) using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy. We also explored the temperature dependence of the full elastic constant tensor. We find that among the various minerals stable in the Al2O3-SiO2-H2O ternary system, topaz exhibits moderate elastic anisotropy. As a function of temperature, the sound velocity of topaz decreases with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being -3.10 and -2.30 × 10-4 km/s/K. The elasticity and sound velocity of topaz also vary as a function of OH and F content. The effect of composition ([Formula: see text]) on the velocity is equally important as that of the effect of temperature. We also note that the Debye temperature ([Formula: see text]) of topaz at room temperature condition is 910 K and decreases at higher temperature. The Debye temperature shows positive correlation with density of the mineral phases in the Al2O3-SiO2-H2O ternary system.

The cumulative effect of three decades of phosphogypsum amendments in reclaimed marsh soils from SW Spain: (226)Ra, (238)U and Cd contents in soils and tomato fruit.

Phosphogypsum (PG), a by-product of the phosphate fertiliser industries, has been applied as soil amendment to reduce Na saturation in soils, as in the reclaimed marsh area from SW Spain, where available PG has a typical fingerprint of 710+/-40 Bq kg(-1) of (226)Ra, 165+/-15 Bq kg(-1) of (238)U and 2.8+/-0.4 mg kg(-1) of Cd. This work was focussed on the cumulative effects of PG amendments on the enrichment of these pollutants in cultivated soils and plants (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill L.) from the area studied, where PG has been applied since 1978 at recommended rates of 20-25 Mg ha(-1) every 2-3 years. A field experiment was conducted over three years to compare activity concentrations of (226)Ra ((214)Pb) and (238)U ((234)Th) in non-reclaimed soils, reclaimed soils with no additional PG application, and reclaimed soils with two additional PG applications. A non-significant effect of two PG amendments (in three years) was observed when compared with non-amended reclaimed plots. Nevertheless, a significant (p<0.05) enrichment of (226)Ra was observed in the surface horizon (0-30 cm) of reclaimed plots relative to deeper horizons and also when compared with the surface horizon of non-reclaimed soil (p<0.05), thereby revealing the cumulative effect of three decades of PG applications. Furthermore, the effect of a continuous application of PG was studied by analysing soils and tomato fruits from six commercial farms with different cumulative rates of PG applied. Cadmium concentrations in tomatoes, which were one order of magnitude higher than those found in tomatoes from other areas in South Spain, were positively correlated (r = 0.917) with (226)Ra-concentration in soils, which can be considered an accurate index of the cumulative PG rate of each farm.

Phosphogypsum amendment effect on radionuclide content in drainage water and marsh soils from southwestern Spain.

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a residue of the phosphate fertilizer industry that has relatively high concentrations of 226Ra and other radionuclides. Thus, it is interesting to study the effect of PG applied as a Ca amendment on the levels and behavior of radionuclides in agricultural soils. A study involving treatments with 13 and 26 Mg ha(-1) of PG and 30 Mg ha(-1) of manure was performed, measuring 226Ra and U isotopes in drainage water, soil, and plant samples. The PG used in the treatment had 510 +/- 40 Bq kg(-1) of 226Ra. The 226Ra concentrations in drainage waters from PG-amended plots were similar (between 2.6 and 7.2 mBq L(-1)) to that reported for noncontaminated waters. Although no significant effect due to PG was observed, the U concentrations in drainage waters (200 mBq L(-1) for 238U) were one order of magnitude higher than those described in noncontaminated waters. This high content in U can be ascribed to desorption processes mainly related to the natural adsorbed pool in soil (25 Bq kg(-1) of 238U). This is supported by the 234U to 238U isotopic ratio of 1.16 in drainage waters versus secular equilibrium in PG and P fertilizers. The progressive enrichment in 226Ra concentration in soils due to PG treatment cannot be concluded from our present data. This PG treatment does not determine any significant difference in 226Ra concentration in drainage waters or in plant material [cotton (Gossipium hirsutum L.) leaves]. No significant levels of radionuclides except 40K were found in the vegetal tissues.

Cristales de colesterol en líquido pericárdico / Cholesterol crystals in pericardial fluid

Mujer de setenta y dos años que ingresa en el hospital por presentar disnea progresiva con edemas generalizados e insuficiencia cardíaca con signos de taponamiento. Como antecedentes personales destacan artritis reumatoide severa de 15 años de duración con factor reumatoide positivo e insuficiencia renal crónica. Durante el segundo día de hospitalización se realizó una pericardiocentesis evacuadora, obteniéndose 600 ml de líquido pericárdico. Tras ésto, la función hemodinámica cardíaca fue normal. en el líquido pericárdico se apreciaron abundantes cristales de colesterol de tamaño variable en forma de láminas con muescas en sus bordes y esquinas. En este estudio se discute la importancia clínica de los hallazgos de laboratorio en el diagnóstico deferencial de las diversas patologías que pueden causar percarditis. en conclusión, presentamos un caso poco frecuente de pericarditis provocada por enfermedad reumática asociada a insuficiencia cardíaca con signos de taponamiento y en cuyo líquido pericárdico se observa cristales de colesterol que indican que se trata de un derrame crónico (AU)

A 72 year-old woman was admitted to the hospital of progressive peripheral edema, dyspnea and cardiac insufficiency with signs of tamponade. She presented a history of rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years being seropositive for rheumatoid factor, and chronic renal insufficiency. On the second day in hospital, a pericardiocentesis was performed. After removing 600 mL of pericardial fluid, the hemodynamic function of the heart was normal. Examination of the pericardial fluid revealed the presence of cholesterol crystals. These crystals are characterized by broad plates with a notched corner. The significance of these laboratory findings in the differential diagnosis of pericardial disease is discussed in these study. In conclusion, it is presented a rare case of rheumatoid disease pericarditis associated to cardiac insufficiency with signs of tamponade, showing the presence of cholesterol crystals in the chronic pericardial effusion (AU)