Effect of combined physical-cognitive training on the functional and cognitive capacity of older people with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The increase in population aging highlights the growing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment, prompting the adoption of interventions that combine physical exercise and cognitive training to improve health and cognitive performance in older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of a combined program on physical and cognitive health in older people with cognitive impairment. METHODS: A 12-week randomized controlled clinical trial involving 95 participants (aged 72.12 ± 4.25 years), 47 individuals participated in a control group (CG) that only underwent cognitive stimulation, while 48 individuals were in an experimental group (EG) that participated in a combined program. Balance was measured using the Tinetti scale, upper body strength was assessed with the arm curl test, lower body strength was evaluated with the 30-s chair stand test, flexibility was tested using the back scratch test and chair sit-and-reach test, physical function was measured with the Timed Up and Go test, cognitive function was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination, cognitive impairment was evaluated with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, verbal fluency was tested with the Isaac test, and executive functions were assessed using the Trail Making Test. RESULTS: The results of the study show significant improvements in both physical and cognitive aspects, such as balance, gait, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, physical function, cognitive function, cognitive impairment, verbal fluency, and executive functions in the group that carried out the intervention compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: A combined program for older individuals with mild cognitive impairment leads to enhancements in physical and cognitive health. These improvements underscore the importance of integrating physical exercise with cognitive training as an effective strategy for enhancing overall health and quality of life in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05503641.

Yoga as a therapeutic approach to mental health in university students: a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: The purpose of this study has been to analyze the efficacy of a yoga-based intervention on stress, emotional wellbeing, state anxiety and trait anxiety in university students. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 129 university students, of which 65 underwent a yoga training for 12 weeks and a control group that did not carry out any type of intervention. The primary outcome was stress, which was collected through The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The secondary outcomes were emotional wellbeing which was measured through the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), and anxiety through State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). All variables were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Participants in the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the primary outcome perceived stress (Cohen's d = 0.44) and the secondary outcomes emotional wellbeing (Cohen's d = 0.47), and both state anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.38) and trait anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.80) compared to the control group that did not carry out any type of physical training. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a 12-week yoga intervention can significantly reduce perceived stress and anxiety, and improve emotional wellbeing in university students. Initially, the experimental group (EG) reported higher levels of stress and anxiety than the control group (CG), but after the intervention, the EG experienced significant improvements compared to the CG.

Effects of a Yoga Program Combined with a Mediterranean Diet on Nutritional Status and Functional Capacity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: With the aging population, effective interventions are needed to enhance the health of older adults. This study investigated the combined effects of yoga and the Mediterranean diet on various health outcomes in community-dwelling older adults; (2) Methods: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with a total of 116 older adults randomized to an experimental group (n = 57) that underwent a combined yoga and Mediterranean diet program and a control group (n = 59) that did not receive any intervention. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, flexibility with the Back Scratch Test and the Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, balance, gait, and fall risk with the Tinetti Scale, and muscle strength with a dynamometer and the 30 s Chair Stand Test; (3) Results: Regarding nutritional status, there were significant differences between the experimental group and the control group (Cohen's d = 0.02). The participants in the experimental group showed greater balance (11.12 ± 3.01 vs. 10.03 ± 2.35, Cohen's d = 0.41 and gait (7.63 ± 1.96 vs. 6.69 ± 2.50, Cohen's d = 0.44) with respect to the control group. In terms of flexibility, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the right arm (Cohen's d = 0.43), left arm (Cohen's d = 0.64), right perineum (Cohen's d = 0.42), and left leg (Cohen's d = 0.37) Finally, in terms of strength, participants in the experimental group experienced statistically significant improvements in grip strength and lower body strength (Cohen's d = 0.39 and 0.81, respectively); (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the potential benefits of a 12-week intervention combining yoga with a Mediterranean diet to improve the health and functional capacities of community-dwelling older adults.

Exercise and Nutrition in the Mental Health of the Older Adult Population: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

(1) Background: Global population aging is changing demographic structures and presents significant challenges for health systems, which must adapt to an increasingly elderly population. (2) Methods: The study employed a randomized controlled trial design with a total of 116 older adults aged 65 or older, randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 57) undergoing a combined resistance program and Mediterranean diet program and a control group (n = 59) who did not receive any intervention. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), sleep quality through the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). (3) Results: Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed both within and between groups in anxiety (Cohen's d = 0.38 and 0.78, respectively), depression (Cohen's d = 0.56 and 0.18, respectively), perceived stress (Cohen's d = 0.15 and 0.39, respectively), and in the PSQI domains: subjective sleep quality (Cohen's d = 1.01 and 0.53, respectively), sleep duration (Cohen's d = 0.112 and 0.53, respectively), sleep disturbances (Cohen's d = 1.92 and 0.95, respectively), use of medications (Cohen's d = 0.34 and 0.40, respectively), and the PSQI total score (Cohen's d = 0.68 and 0.49, respectively). No significant differences were observed in sleep latency or daytime dysfunction. (4) Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that resistance intervention may be an effective therapeutic option to improve mental health and sleep quality in older adults aged 65 or older, offering a non-pharmacological approach to improving overall well-being in this demographic.

Gamification in the classroom: Kahoot! As a tool for university teaching innovation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study has been to evaluate the use of gamification in the classroom, in terms of its effects on attention, concentration, creativity, and generic capabilities, for university students enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Physiotherapy. Methods: An experimental design was implemented, using three groups differentiated by their time of exposure to the game (0 min, 30 min, or 60 min per week). The sample consisted of 73 s-year students from a Bachelor's degree program in Physiotherapy. The theoretical content for each class was taught during a period of 4 months, reinforced by use of the Kahoot! Online platform. Selective attention and concentration were evaluated using the d2 Test of Attention; creative intelligence using the Creative Intelligence Test (CREA); and generic capabilities using the capabilities subscale of the Student Engagement Questionnaire (SEQ). Results: The study's participants had a mean age of 19.51 ± 0.9 years, and it has demonstrated that use of Kahoot! For longer periods of time, i.e., more than 60 min per day, can improve essential skills in university students, such as attention, creativity, critical thinking, self-managed learning, adaptability, problem solving, and computer literacy. This study's results show that integrating Kahoot! Into the educational environment, especially with longer sessions that allow for deeper immersion in the game, produces benefits by stimulating various cognitive aspects and enhancing complex skills. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that use of Kahoot! Improves key skills such as attention, creativity, and critical thinking, especially when longer sessions are used. It is also suggested that its use should be balanced with other educational activities, in order to achieve comprehensive development for the students.

Synergistic effect of human uterine cervical mesenchymal stem cell secretome and paclitaxel on triple negative breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most lethal subtype of breast cancer and, despite its adverse effects, chemotherapy is the standard systemic treatment option for TNBC. Since, it is of utmost importance to consider the combination of different agents to achieve greater efficacy and curability potential, MSC secretome is a possible innovative alternative. METHODS: In the present study, we proposed to investigate the anti-tumor effect of the combination of a chemical agent (paclitaxel) with a complex biological product, secretome derived from human Uterine Cervical Stem cells (CM-hUCESC) in TNBC. RESULTS: The combination of paclitaxel and CM-hUCESC decreased cell proliferation and invasiveness of tumor cells and induced apoptosis in vitro (MDA-MB-231 and/or primary tumor cells). The anti-tumor effect was confirmed in a mouse tumor xenograft model showing that the combination of both products has a significant effect in reducing tumor growth. Also, pre-conditioning hUCESC with a sub-lethal dose of paclitaxel enhances the effect of its secretome and in combination with paclitaxel reduced significantly tumor growth and even allows to diminish the dose of paclitaxel in vivo. This effect is in part due to the action of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from CM-hUCESC and soluble factors, such as TIMP-1 and - 2. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our data demonstrate the synergistic effect of the combination of CM-hUCESC with paclitaxel on TNBC and opens an opportunity to reduce the dose of the chemotherapeutic agents, which may decrease chemotherapy-related toxicity.

Is Resistance Training an Option to Improve Functionality and Muscle Strength in Middle-Aged People with Multiple Sclerosis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Currently, it is essential to adopt physical therapy strategies, such as resistance training, to enhance muscle strength and gait in middle-aged individuals (ages 45-65) suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. This is crucial in combating the typical symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases associated with functional loss. The objective of this study is to determine the effects of resistance training interventions on walking and muscle strength in middle-aged people with Multiple Sclerosis. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted by searching specific keywords in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. For inclusion, studies had to incorporate resistance training as a primary or significant component of the overall intervention for middle-aged patients with MS. Out of the 3675 articles identified, 12 randomized clinical trials met the criteria for inclusion in the review, with resistance training being a consistent feature in all of them. Results: Muscle strength and gait were evaluated as the main variables, with fatigue and the quality of life as secondary variables. This review reveals that resistance training significantly improves muscle strength. Resistance training achieves modest and non-significant improvements in gait. Notably, studies combining resistance training with motor control exercises achieve results of greater clinical significance in terms of gait. However, resistance training yields variable positive effects on perceived fatigue and the quality of life. Conclusion: Resistance training is useful for improving muscle strength; however, walking needs to be combined with motor control training.

[Tixagevimab-cilgavimab as pre-exposure prophylactic treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplantation patients]. / Tixagevimab-cilgavimab como tratamiento profiláctico preexposición frente a SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes trasplantados renales.

INTRODUCTION: It has been reported that after vaccination with RNAm or viral vectors from SARS-CoV-2 a significant number of solid organ transplant recipients do not develop an effective immune response. In this scenario, the use of tixagevimab-cilgavimab was approved by the European Medicines Agency for COVID-19 prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients in March 2022. We present our experience with a group of kidney transplant recipients who received prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study from a cohort of kidney transplant recipients who had been previously vaccinated with 4 doses and did not achieve a satisfactory immune response to vaccination, presenting antibody titers lower than 260 BAU/mL when measured by ELISA. A total of 55 patients who received a single dose of 150mg of tixagevimab and 150mg of cilgavimab between May and September of 2022 were included in this study. RESULTS: No immediate or severe adverse reactions, including worsening of kidney function, were observed after administering the drug or during follow up. All patients who had received the drug 3 months prior presented positive antibody titers (>260 BAU/mL). Seven patients were diagnosed with COVID, and one of those patients had to be admitted to the hospital and died 5 days later from infectious complications and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial coinfection. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, all kidney transplant recipients reached antibody titers higher than 260 BAU/mL 3 months after receiving prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab with no severe or irreversible adverse reactions.

Mind-Body Training: A Plausible Strategy against Osteomuscular Chronic Pain-A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Chronic pain, which affects more than one in five adults worldwide, has a negative impact on the quality of life, limiting daily activities and generating absences from work. The aim of the present review is to analyze the efficacy of mind-body therapies as therapeutic strategies for patients with chronic pain. (2) Methods: A systematic review with a meta-analysis was carried out, searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using specific keywords. We selected studies that included mind-body therapies as the primary intervention for older adults with chronic pain. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the PEDro scale. (3) Results: Of the 861 studies identified, 11 were included in this review, all of which employed different mind-body therapies as an intervention. The selected studies measured chronic pain as the main variable. (4) Conclusions: This review highlights the value of mind-body exercises in reducing chronic pain in older adults, suggesting their integration as a non-pharmacological therapeutic alternative that improves the quality of life, promoting a holistic approach to pain management.

Associations between the severity of menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal pain in postmenopausal Portuguese women.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association of the severity of the menopausal symptoms with musculoskeletal pain in Portuguese postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 167 women (63.85 ± 9.36 years). The Menopause Rating Scale was used to evaluate the menopausal symptoms severity, while the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed to assess the localization of the musculoskeletal pain, and multi-located pain was determined if two or more body regions were affected. Depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), age, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level were considered as potential confounders. RESULTS: A greater severity of the somato-vegetative menopausal symptoms was related to the prevention from usual activities because of pain in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands and knees (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.064, 0.043, 0.074, 0.045 and 0.045, respectively). Associations were also observed between greater age and pain in the knees, ankles and feet (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.036 and 0.034, respectively), and being physically inactive with upper back pain (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.060). Higher depressive symptoms were linked to pain in the hip/thighs and knees (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.067 and 0.085, respectively), as well as being physically inactive was related ton in the neck (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.053). Only a greater BMI was related to multi-located pain in the last 7 days (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study showed that, taking into account possible confounders, greater severity of the menopausal symptoms at a somatic-vegetative level was associated with more anatomical regions with musculoskeletal pain.

Factors related to the development of high antibody titres against SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent plasma donors from the ConPlas-19 trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CP) associates with high titres of antibodies. ConPlas-19 clinical trial showed that CP reduces the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 at 28 days. Here, we aim to study ConPlas-19 donors and characteristics that associate with high anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four-hundred donors were enrolled in ConPlas-19. The presence and titres of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were evaluated by EUROIMMUN anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG ELISA. RESULTS: A majority of 80.3% of ConPlas-19 donor candidates had positive EUROIMMUN test results (ratio ≥1.1), and of these, 51.4% had high antibody titres (ratio ≥3.5). Antibody levels decline over time, but nevertheless, out of 37 donors tested for an intended second CP donation, over 90% were still EUROIMMUN positive, and nearly 75% of those with high titres maintained high titres in the second sample. Donors with a greater probability of developing high titres of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies include those older than 40 years of age (RR 2.06; 95% CI 1.24-3.42), with more than 7 days of COVID-19 symptoms (RR 1.89; 95% CI 1.05-3.43) and collected within 4 months from infection (RR 2.61; 95% CI 1.16-5.90). Male donors had a trend towards higher titres compared with women (RR 1.67; 95% CI 0.91-3.06). CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 CP candidate donors' age, duration of COVID-19 symptoms and time from infection to donation associate with the collection of CP with high antibody levels. Beyond COVID-19, these data are relevant to inform decisions to optimize the CP donor selection process in potential future outbreaks.

Mindfulness to improve the mental health of university students. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effects of a mindfulness program on mental health in university students. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL. The selected studies had to incorporate a mindfulness intervention in university students. The methodological quality of the collected articles was evaluated using the PEDro scale. Results: We initially identified 321 studies, of which 21 were included in this review. The interventions focused on mindfulness with durations ranging from 8 weeks to 3 months. The results demonstrated significant effects of a mindfulness intervention on mental health in university students. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that mindfulness is effective for improving the mental health of college students. Systematic Review Registration: identifier: CRD42023441453.

The Impact of Rhythmic Physical Activity on Mental Health and Quality of Life in Older Adults with and without Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Nowadays, it is essential to implement new non-pharmacological strategies, such as rhythmic physical activity, to improve mental health and quality of life in both individuals experiencing normal brain aging and those with cognitive impairment. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the effects of rhythmic physical activity interventions on mental health and quality of life in older adults, with or without mild cognitive impairment; (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic review with a meta-analysis, searching the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Plus databases using specific keywords. We selected studies that included rhythmic physical activity as the primary intervention for patients aged 65 and above, with or without cognitive impairment. We assessed the methodological quality of the articles using the PEDro scale; (3) Results: Out of 961 identified studies, we included 11 in this review, all of which employed rhythmic physical activity as an intervention. The selected studies consistently measured depression, anxiety, and quality of life; (4) Conclusions: This review demonstrates that rhythmic physical activity can effectively improve depression, anxiety, and quality of life in older adults, whether or not they have mild cognitive impairment. However, it is worth noting that while we have identified beneficial outcomes, the evidence supporting the use of rhythmic physical activity in enhancing depression, anxiety, and quality of life in older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment remains somewhat limited.

Platinum-based nanodendrites as glucose oxidase-mimicking surrogates.

Catalytic conversion of glucose represents an interesting field of research with multiple applications. From the biotechnology point of view, glucose conversion leads to the fabrication of different added-value by-products. In the field of nanocatalytic medicine, the reduction of glucose levels within the tumor microenvironment (TME) represents an appealing approach based on the starvation of cancer cells. Glucose typically achieves high conversion rates with the aid of glucose oxidase (GOx) enzymes or by fermentation. GOx is subjected to degradation, possesses poor recyclability and operates under very specific reaction conditions. Gold-based materials have been typically explored as inorganic catalytic alternatives to GOx in order to convert glucose into building block chemicals of interest. Still, the lack of sufficient selectivity towards certain products such as gluconolactone, the requirement of high fluxes of oxygen or the critical size dependency hinder their full potential, especially in liquid phase reactions. The present work describes the synthesis of platinum-based nanodendrites as novel enzyme-mimicking inorganic surrogates able to convert glucose into gluconolactone with outstanding selectivity values above 85%. We have also studied the enzymatic behavior of these Pt-based nanozymes using the Michaelis-Menten and Lineweaver-Burk models and used the main calculation approaches available in the literature to determine highly competitive glucose turnover rates for Pt or Pt-Au nanodendrites.

Severe SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia and Pneumomediastinum/Pneumothorax: A Prospective Observational Study in an Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: The occurrence of pneumomediastinum (PM) and/or pneumothorax (PTX) in patients with severe pneumonia due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was evaluated. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study conducted in patients admitted to the intermediate respiratory care unit (IRCU) of a COVID-19 monographic hospital in Madrid (Spain) between December 14, 2020 and September 28, 2021. All patients had a diagnosis of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and required noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS): high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP). The incidences of PM and/or PTX, overall and by NIRS, and their impact on the probabilities of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and death were studied. RESULTS: A total of 1306 patients were included. 4.3% (56/1306) developed PM/PTX, 3.8% (50/1306) PM, 1.6% (21/1306) PTX, and 1.1% (15/1306) PM + PTX. 16.1% (9/56) of patients with PM/PTX had HFNC alone, while 83.9% (47/56) had HFNC + CPAP/BiPAP. In comparison, 41.7% (521/1250) of patients without PM and PTX had HFNC alone (odds ratio [OR] 0.27; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.13-0.55; p < .001), while 58.3% (729/1250) had HFNC + CPAP/BiPAP (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.81-7.68; p < .001). The probability of needing IMV among patients with PM/PTX was 67.9% (36/53) (OR 7.46; 95% CI 4.12-13.50; p < .001), while it was 22.1% (262/1185) among patients without PM and PTX. Mortality among patients with PM/PTX was 33.9% (19/56) (OR 4.39; 95% CI 2.45-7.85; p < .001), while it was 10.5% (131/1250) among patients without PM and PTX. CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted to the IRCU for severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requiring NIRS, incidences of PM/PTX, PM, PTX, and PM + PTX were observed to be 4.3%, 3.8%, 1.6%, and 1.1%, respectively. Most patients with PM/PTX had HFNC + CPAP/BiPAP as the NIRS device, much more frequently than patients without PM and PTX. The probabilities of IMV and death among patients with PM/PTX were 64.3% and 33.9%, respectively, higher than those observed in patients without PM and PTX, which were 21.0% and 10.5%, respectively.

[Tixagevimab-cilgavimab as pre-exposure prophylactic treatment against SARS-CoV-2 in kidney transplantation patients]. / Tixagevimab-cilgavimab como tratamiento profiláctico preexposición frente a SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes trasplantados renales.

Introduction: It has been reported that after vaccination with RNAm or viral vectors from SARS-CoV-2 a significant number of solid organ transplant recipients do not develop an effective immune response. In this scenario, the use of tixagevimab-cilgavimab was approved by the European Medicines Agency for COVID-19 prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients in March 2022. We present our experience with a group of kidney transplant recipients who received prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab. Material and methods: Prospective study from a cohort of kidney transplant recipients who had been previously vaccinated with 4 doses and did not achieve a satisfactory immune response to vaccination, presenting antibody titers lower than 260 BAU/mL when measured by ELISA. A total of 55 patients who received a single dose of 150 mg of tixagevimab and 150 mg of cilgavimab between May and September of 2022 were included in this study. Results: No immediate or severe adverse reactions, including worsening of kidney function, were observed after administering the drug or during follow up. All patients who had received the drug 3 months prior presented positive antibody titers (> 260 BAU/mL). Seven patients were diagnosed with COVID, and one of those patients had to be admitted to the hospital and died 5 days later from infectious complications and a suspected diagnosis of bacterial coinfection. Conclusions: In our experience, all kidney transplant recipients reached antibody titers higher than 260 BAU/mL 3 months after receiving prophylactic treatment with tixagevimab-cilgavimab with no severe or irreversible adverse reactions.

Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) on the Functional Capacity, Frailty, and Physical Condition of Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Physical exercise has been established as an intervention in the integral approach for the physical, functional, and social health of older adults. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a high-intensity functional training (HIFT) program on the physical condition and functional capacity of an elderly Colombian population with mild cognitive impairment. This research corresponds to a blind randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 169 men and women aged over 65 years were evaluated and distributed in two groups: the experimental group that received a 12-week HIFT intervention (n = 82) and the control group (n = 87) that received general recommendations on the benefits of physical exercise. The outcome variables included physical condition, assessed using the Senior Fitness battery (SNB); Fried's frailty phenotype was applied, and gait and balance were assessed using the Tinetti scale. For the functional variables, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and advanced activities of daily living were evaluated. All variables were measured pre- and post-intervention. Statistically significant improvements were observed in the IG for gait stability and balance (p < 0.001), as well as for independence in activities of daily living (p = 0.003), and instrumental and advanced activities (p < 0.001). Likewise, greater functionality was found when assessed with the SNB (p < 0.001), except for upper limb strength. The frailty classification did not show changes post-intervention (p = 0.170) nor in the group x time interaction. MANCOVA analysis showed that regardless of gender, health level, age, BMI, cognition, and health level, the HIFT intervention produced better results in functional capacity, balance, and gait (F = 0.173, p < 0.001, Wilks' λ = 88.231).

Evaluation of Matrix Metalloproteases by Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Negative Biopsies as New Diagnostic Strategy in Prostate Cancer.

Usually, after an abnormal level of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or digital rectal exam, men undergo a prostate needle biopsy. However, the traditional sextant technique misses 15-46% of cancers. At present, there are problems regarding disease diagnosis/prognosis, especially in patients' classification, because the information to be handled is complex and challenging to process. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) have high expression by prostate cancer (PCa) compared with benign prostate tissues. To assess the possible contribution to the diagnosis of PCa, we evaluated the expression of several MMPs in prostate tissues before and after PCa diagnosis using machine learning, classifiers, and supervised algorithms. A retrospective study was conducted on 29 patients diagnosed with PCa with previous benign needle biopsies, 45 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), and 18 patients with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). An immunohistochemical study was performed on tissue samples from tumor and non-tumor areas using specific antibodies against MMP -2, 9, 11, and 13, and the tissue inhibitor of MMPs -3 (TIMP-3), and the protein expression by different cell types was analyzed to which several automatic learning techniques have been applied. Compared with BHP or HGPIN specimens, epithelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts from benign prostate biopsies before the diagnosis of PCa showed a significantly higher expression of MMPs and TIMP-3. Machine learning techniques provide a differentiable classification between these patients, with greater than 95% accuracy, considering ECs, being slightly lower when considering fibroblasts. In addition, evolutionary changes were found in paired tissues from benign biopsy to prostatectomy specimens in the same patient. Thus, ECs from the tumor zone from prostatectomy showed higher expressions of MMPs and TIMP-3 compared to ECs of the corresponding zone from the benign biopsy. Similar differences were found for expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-3, between fibroblasts from these zones. The classifiers have determined that patients with benign prostate biopsies before the diagnosis of PCa showed a high MMPs/TIMP-3 expression by ECs, so in the zone without future cancer development as in the zone with future tumor, compared with biopsy samples from patients with BPH or HGPIN. Expression of MMP -2, 9, 11, and 13, and TIMP-3 phenotypically define ECs associated with future tumor development. Also, the results suggest that MMPs/TIMPs expression in biopsy tissues may reflect evolutionary changes from prostate benign tissues to PCa. Thus, these findings in combination with other parameters might contribute to improving the suspicion of PCa diagnosis.