Molecular detection of Aspergillus in respiratory samples collected from patients at higher risk of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

OBJECTIVE: Aspergillosis diagnosis depends on the detection of Aspergillus in biological samples ─ usually using cultural and immunoenzyme techniques ─ but their sensitivity and specificity varies. We aimed to study the prevalence of Aspergillus in patients at higher risk of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (i.e., HIV-infected patients and individuals with active or previous tuberculosis), and to determine the potential role of molecular approaches to increase detection of Aspergillus in respiratory samples. METHODS: The DNA extracted from 43 respiratory samples that had been previously analyzed by immunoenzyme and/or cultural techniques was amplified by real-time multiplex PCR, and the results of these methods were compared. We also sequenced the ITS1 region and the calmodulin gene in 10 respiratory samples to perform a pilot metagenomic study to understand the ability of this methodology to detect potential pathogenic fungi in the lung mycobiome. RESULTS: Real-time Aspergillus PCR test exhibited a higher positivity rate than the conventional techniques used for aspergillosis diagnosis, particularly in individuals at risk for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. The metagenomic analysis allowed for the detection of various potentially pathogenic fungi. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular techniques, including metagenomics, have great ability to detect potentially pathogenic fungi rapidly and efficiently in human biological samples.

The potential role of physical activity and a healthy diet in increasing nitric oxide during COVID-19 outbreak.

The potential role of physical activity and a healthy diet in increasing nitric oxide during COVID-19 outbreak. This manuscript presents a perspective which provide new insights about the promising role of nitric oxide on COVID-19. Demonstration that nitric oxide was an important cornerstone against viral infections, including SARS-CoV-1 in 2009. Thus, given the concern that higher NO- could improve endothelial health and might be a protection factor against COVID-19, should we critically consider non-pharmacological strategies that increase NO- bioavailability as medicine for COVID-19? From this perspective, we highlight the potential effect of physical activity and healthy diet in stimulating the increase of NO- bioavailability.

Les rôles potentiels de l'activité physique et d'une alimentation saine dans l'augmentation de l'oxyde nitrique pendant l'épidémie de COVID-19. Ce manuscrit présente une perspective qui fournit de nouvelles informations sur le rôle prometteur de l'oxyde nitrique sur la protection contre le risque de COVID-19. Dès 2009, a été évoqué le rôle de l'oxyde nitrique contre le risque d'infections virales, y compris contre la première pandémie liée au coronavirus SARS-CoV-1. Compte tenu de l'hypothèse qu'une augmentation de la production de NO− permettrait d'améliorer la santé endothéliale et pourrait être un facteur de protection contre COVID-19, la question se pose sur la promotion de stratégies non pharmacologiques qui augmentent la biodisponibilité du NO−. C'est dans cette perspective que sont, ici, discutés les effets potentiels de l'activité physique et d'une alimentation saine pour stimuler l'augmentation de la biodisponibilité du NO et la prévention contre la COVID-19.

Distal edge determination precision for a multi-slat prompt-gamma camera: A comprehensive simulation and optimization of the detection system.

Multi-slat prompt-gamma camera is a promising tool for range monitoring during proton therapy. We report the results of a comprehensive simulation study analyzing the precision which is possible to reach with this camera in determination of the position of the distal edge of the Bragg peak. For the first time we include simulation of optical photons. The proton beam (single pencil beam, 130 MeV, 10 ns bunch period, total of 1·108 protons) is interacting with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) phantom, which is a cylinder of 200 mm in diameter and length. The prompt gamma rays generated in the phantom are collimated with a multi-slat collimator and detected using a combination of yttrium aluminum perovskite (YAP) scintillators, installed in the collimator apertures, and light sensors. Two scintillator packing schemes, with one and with two scintillator plates per aperture, are considered. The collimator configuration (the septal thickness, aperture and height), resulting in the best precision, is determined using two methods of detector optimization. Precision of 2.1 mm (full width at half maximum) in the edge position determination is demonstrated.

Erratum to "Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasia Characterization in Portugal: Results from the NETs Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/4518742.].

Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasia Characterization in Portugal: Results from the NETs Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) has been increasing in the last five decades, but there is no large-scale data regarding these tumours in Portugal. We conducted a cross-sectional, multicentric study in main Portuguese centers to evaluate the clinical, pathological, and therapeutic profile of GEP-NENs. METHODS: From November, 2012, to July, 2014, data from 293 patients diagnosed with GEP-NENs from 15 centers in Portugal was collected and registered in an online electronic platform. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 56.5 (range: 15-87) years with a preponderance of females (54.6%). The most frequent primary sites were the pancreas (31.1%), jejunum-ileum (24.2%), stomach (13.7%), and rectum (8.5%). Data regarding hormonal status was not available in most patients (82.3%). Stratified by the tumour grade (WHO 2010 classification), we observed 64.0% of NET G1, 24.7% of NET G2, and 11.3% of NEC. Poorly differentiated tumours occurred mainly in older patients (p = 0.017), were larger (p < 0.001), and presented more vascular (p = 0.004) and lymphatic (p = 0.001) invasion. At the time of diagnosis, 44.4% of GEP-NENs presented metastatic disease. Surgery (79.6%) and somatostatin analogues (30.7%) were the most frequently used therapies of GEP-NENs with reported grading. CONCLUSION: In general, Portuguese patients with GEP-NENs presented similar characteristics to other populations described in the literature. This cross-sectional study represents the first step to establish a national database of GEP-NENs that may aid in understanding the clinical and epidemiological features of these tumours in Portugal.

Bradykinin, insulin, and glycemia responses to exercise performed above and below lactate threshold in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

The aim of this study was to analyze the acute responses of bradykinin, insulin, and glycemia to exercise performed above and below lactate threshold (LT) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Eleven participants with a diagnosis of T2D randomly underwent three experimental sessions 72 h apart: 1) 20 min of exercise performed at 120% of LT (120%LT), 2) 20 min of exercise performed at 80% of LT (80%LT), and 3) 20 min of control session. Blood glucose was analyzed before, during, and at 45 min post-exercise. Bradykinin and insulin were analyzed before and at 45 min post-exercise. Both exercise sessions elicited a parallel decrease in glucose level during exercise (P≤0.002), with a greater decrease being observed for 120%LT (P=0.005). Glucose decreased 22.7 mg/dL (95%CI=10.3 to 35, P=0.001) at the 45 min post-exercise recovery period for 80%LT and decreased 31.2 mg/dL (95%CI=18.1 to 44.4, P<0.001) for 120%LT (P=0.004). Insulin decreased at post-exercise for 80%LT (P=0.001) and control (P≤0.035). Bradykinin increased at 45 min post-exercise only for 80%LT (P=0.013), but was unrelated to the decrease in glucose (r=-0.16, P=0.642). In conclusion, exercise performed above and below LT reduced glycemia independently of insulin, but exercise above LT was more effective in individuals with T2D. However, these changes were unrelated to the increase in circulating bradykinin.

Máxima velocidade aeróbia calculada pelo custo da frequência cardíaca: relação com a performance / Velocidad aeróbica máxima calculada por el costo del ritmo cardíaco: relación con el rendimiento / Maximal aerobic speed calculated by heart rate cost: relationship with performance

Objetivos. Comparar a máxima velocidade aeróbia (MVA) calculada pelo custo de oxigênio (vVO2max) e o custo da frequência cardíaca (vFCmax) com a medida direta da MVA (Vpico) e verificar a relação entre a vFCmax e a performance em provas de 10 e 15 km de corredores recreacionais de meia idade. Método. Participaram 21 corredores (idade: 30‐49 anos), subdivididos em 2 grupos a partir da idade (G1 e G2). Os participantes foram submetidos a um teste incremental contínuo máximo em laboratório para determinação do consumo máximo de oxigênio. A MVA foi determinada a partir das propostas apresentadas na literatura com base no vVO2max e no vFCmax. Além disso, foram realizadas 2 performances em pista de atletismo (10 e 15 km). Resultados. A menor diferença entre as médias observada para a Vpico foi em relação à vFCmax de Lacour et al. (0,0 km h–1; p > 0,05). A maior diferença foi em relação à vFCmax de Di Prampero (1,55 km h–1; p < 0,05). O mesmo padrão de diferenças foi observado quando analisado o G1 e G2. A vFCmax determinada a partir de 2 diferentes métodos propostos na literatura se correlacionou com as provas de 10 e 15 km (0,55 ≤ r ≤ 0,82; p < 0,05). Conclusões. A vFCmax em corredores recreacionais de meia idade tem elevada relação com as performances de 10 e 15 km e não foi diferente da Vpico (para vFCmax de Lacour et al.), apresentando resultados semelhantes aos observados pelos métodos baseados no custo de oxigênio (AU)

Objetivo: Comparar la velocidad aeróbica máxima (VAM), calculada a través del costo de oxígeno (vVO2max) y del costo de la frecuencia cardíaca (vFCmáx), con la medida directa de la VAM (Vpico) y verificar la relación entre la vFCmax y la performance de 10 e 15 km de corredores recreativos de mediana edad. Método: Participaron 21 corredores recreativos (edades: 30-49 años) subdivididos en 2 grupos por edad (G1 y G2). Los participantes se sometieron a un test incremental continuo máximo en laboratorio para la determinación del consumo máximo de oxígeno. La MVA fue determinada a través de las propuestas presentadas en la literatura basada en el vVO2max y el vFCmáx. Además, se realizaron 2 pruebas en pista de atletismo (10 e 15 km). Resultados: La menor diferencia entre las medias observadas para la Vpico fue en relación con la vFCmax de Lacour et al. (0,0 km h-1; p > 0,05). La mayor diferencia fue en relación con la vFCmax de Di Prampero (1,55 km h-1; p < 0,05). El mismo patrón de diferencias fue observado cuando se analizaron el G1 y G2. La vFCmáx determinada a través de 2 distintos métodos propuestos en la literatura se correlacionó con las pruebas de 10 y 15 km (0,55 ≤ r ≤ 0,82; p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La vFCmáx, en corredores recreativos de mediana edad, tiene alta correlación con las pruebas de 10 y 15 km y no fue diferente de la Vpico (para vFCmáx de Lacour et al.), presentando resultados similares a los observados por los métodos basados en el costo de oxígeno

Objectives. To compare maximal aerobic speed (MAS) calculated by oxygen cost (vVO2max) and heart rate cost (vHRmax) with the direct measurement of MAS (Vpeak) and to verify the relationship between vHRmax and 10‐ and 15‐km performance in middle‐age recreationally runners. Method. Twenty one recreationally runners participated in this study (age: 30 to 49 years), allocated in two groups according to age (G1 and G2). Participants were submitted to an incremental continuous test of maximal effort in laboratory to determine maximal oxygen uptake. MAS was determined according to proposes presented in literature based on vVO2max and vHRmax. Besides, it was performed two performances in field track (10 and 15 km). Results. The lowest difference between the mean values observed and Vpeak was in relation to vHRmax from Lacour et al. (0.0 km h–1; p > 0.05). The highest was in relation to vHRmax from di Prampero (1.55 km h–1; p < 0.05). The same pattern of differences was observed when G1 and G2 were analyzed. The vHRmax determined according to two different methods presented in literature showed to be correlated with 10 and 15 km performances (0.55 ≤ r ≤ 0.82; p < 0.05). Conclusions. The vHRmax in middle‐aged recreational runners has elevated correlation with 10 and 15 km performances and was not different from Vpeak (to vHRmax from Lacour et al.) showing similar results than the method based on oxygen cost (AU)

One session of partial-body cryotherapy (-110 °C) improves muscle damage recovery.

To evaluate the effects of a single session of partial-body cryotherapy (PBC) on muscle recovery, 26 young men performed a muscle-damaging protocol that consisted of five sets of 20 drop jumps with 2-min rest intervals between sets. After the exercise, the PBC group (n = 13) was exposed to 3 min of PBC at -110 °C, and the control group (n = 13) was exposed to 3 min at 21 °C. Anterior thigh muscle thickness, isometric peak torque, and muscle soreness of knee extensors were measured pre, post, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h following exercise. Peak torque did not return to baseline in control group (P < 0.05), whereas the PBC group recovered peak torques 96 h post exercise (P > 0.05). Peak torque was also higher after PBC at 72 and 96 h compared with control group (P < 0.05). Muscle thickness increased after 24 h in the control group (P < 0.05) and was significantly higher compared with the PBC group at 24 and 96 h (P < 0.05). Muscle soreness returned to baseline for the PBC group at 72 h compared with 96 h for controls. These results indicate that PBC after strenuous exercise may enhance recovery from muscle damage.

Correlation between acute and chronic 24-hour blood pressure response to resistance training in adult women.

The purpose of the present study was to correlate the acute and chronic decrease in blood pressure (BP) following resistance training (RT). 13 normotensive women (18-49 years) completed an acute whole body RT session with 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 60% 1RM and then 8 weeks of RT as follows: 3/week, 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions maximum. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured up to 60 min and 24 h following RT (acute and chronic). The greatest acute decrease of SBP (108.5±7.0 mmHg) and DBP (71.5±6.4 mmHg) values over the 60-min period were reduced compared to pre-exercise (117.3±11.7 and 79.3±8.2 mmHg, respectively; p<0.05). The chronic effect on resting BP was observed only for those presenting acute post-exercise hypotension (PEH). The change in both SBP and DBP following acute RT was correlated with the chronic change in resting SBP and DBP (r>0.5; p≤0.05). The change in 24 h BP after acute RT was correlated with the chronic reduction in SBP (r=0.74) and DBP (r=0.80). The magnitude of PEH is a promising candidate for the prediction of individual BP-related training efficacy.

Effects of a single whole body cryotherapy (-110°C) bout on neuromuscular performance of the elbow flexors during isokinetic exercise.

It has been demonstrated that body cooling may decrease neuromuscular performance. However, the effect of a single session of whole body cryotherapy (-110°C) on neuromuscular performance has not been well documented. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single exposure of WBC on elbow flexor neuromuscular performance. Thirteen physically active, healthy young men (age=27.9±4.2 years, mass=79.4±9.7 kg, height=176.7±5.2 cm) were randomly exposed to 2 different experimental conditions separated by a minimum of 72 h: 1) whole body cryotherapy- 3 min at -110°C; 2) control- 3 min at 21°C. All subjects were tested for maximal isokinetic elbow flexion at 60°.s(-1) 30 min before and 10 min after each condition. There were no significant differences in peak torque, average power, total work or muscle activity between conditions. Peak torque was lower at post-test compared to pre-test in both conditions (F=6.58, p=0.025). However, there were no differences between pre-test and post-test for any other variables. These results indicate that strength specialists, athletic trainers and physical therapists might utilize whole body cryotherapy before training or rehabilitation without compromising neuromuscular performance of the elbow flexors.

Effects of partial-body cryotherapy (- 110°C) on muscle recovery between high-intensity exercise bouts.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single partial-body cryotherapy bout between training sessions on strength recovery. 12 young men (23.9±5.9 years) were randomly exposed to 2 different conditions separated by 7 days: 1) Partial-body cryotherapy (subjects were exposed to 3 min of partial-body cryotherapy at - 110 °C between 2 high-intensity training sessions); 2) Control (subjects were not exposed to partial-body cryotherapy between 2 high-intensity training sessions). Subjects were exposed to partial-body cryotherapy after the first training session. The 2 knee extension high-intensity training sessions were separated by a 40-min rest interval. Knee extension training consisted of 6 sets of 10 repetitions at 60°.s(-1) for concentric actions and 6 sets of 10 at 180.s(-1) for eccentric actions. The decrease in eccentric peak torque and total work was significantly (p<0.05) less after partial-body cryotherapy (5.6 and 2%, respectively) when compared to control (16 and 11.6%, respectively). However, the decrease in concentric peak torque and total work was not different (p>0.05) between partial-body cryotherapy (9.4 and 6.5%, respectively) and control (7.5 and 5.2%, respectively). These results indicate that the use of partial-body cryotherapy between-training sessions can enhance eccentric muscle performance recovery.

Haemophilia and exercise.

One of the most important objectives of intervention programs for persons with haemophilia (PWH) is to improve their quality of life. Regular physical activity has been recommended as an adjunct to conventional treatment, with positive results in the prevention of joint problems and bleeding, in addition to the improvement in cardiovascular function, muscle strength, and body composition. The objective of the present review was to present the benefits of aerobic and resistance training programs in PWH, as well to discuss the best exercise dose-response in the different levels of disease severity. We considered randomized controlled trials, study cases and literature reviews from MEDLINE and Highwire databases. After a detailed analysis of the studies involving exercise for PWH, it can be concluded that this intervention elicits some benefits for physical fitness and blood coagulation mechanisms, suggesting the application of physical training as a non pharmacological treatment in association with conventional treatment. Adequate and periodized resistance training considering the disease severity, accompanied by physical education professionals could improve muscle strength, balance and proprioception. In addition, aerobic training could reduce the risks of obesity and several metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Exercise can improve several outcomes of quality in PWH.

Effect of 12 weeks of resistance exercise on post-exercise hypotension in stage 1 hypertensive individuals.

Post-exercise hypotension (PEH), the reduction of blood pressure (BP) after a single bout of exercise, is of great clinical relevance. As the magnitude of this phenomenon seems to be dependent on pre-exercise BP values and chronic exercise training in hypertensive individuals leads to BP reduction; PEH could be attenuated in this context. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether PEH remains constant after resistance exercise training. Fifteen hypertensive individuals (46 ± 8 years; 88 ± 16 kg; 30 ± 6% body fat; 150 ± 13/93 ± 5 mm Hg systolic/diastolic BP, SBP/DBP) were withdrawn from medication and performed 12 weeks of moderate-intensity resistance training. Parameters of cardiovascular function were evaluated before and after the training period. Before the training program, hypertensive volunteers showed significant PEH. After an acute moderate-intensity resistance exercise session with three sets of 12 repetitions (60% of one repetition maximum) and a total of seven exercises, BP was reduced post-exercise (45-60 min) by an average of aproximately -22 mm Hg for SBP, -8 mm Hg for DBP and -13 mm Hg for mean arterial pressure (P<0.05). However, this acute hypotensive effect did not occur after the 12 weeks of training (P>0.05). In conclusion, our data demonstrate that PEH, following an acute exercise session, can indeed be attenuated after 12 weeks of training in hypertensive stage 1 patients not using antihypertensive medication.

Assessment of aerobic capacity during swimming exercise in ob/ob mice.

Obesity is a highly prevalent condition associated with several diseases. Physical exercise has been considered as a non-pharmacological tool in the treatment of obesity. However, several aspects underlying exercise evaluation and prescription in obesity and associated pathologies are still under investigation. Although many research involving exercise have been performed in animal models, there is a lack of protocols for aerobic capacity assessment in obese animals, such as the ob/ob mice. This study aimed the following: (i) to verify the possibility of determining the lactate threshold (LT) on swimming exercise in ob/ob mice and in non-obese heterozygote mice (ob/OB), through visual inspection (vLT) and polynomial adjustment (pLT); and (ii) to verify if the LT determined through these protocols corresponds to the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Eight ob/ob and ten ob/OB mice performed an incremental exercise test to determine vLT and pLT as well as constant-load exercise bouts to determine MLSS. There were no within-group differences between vLT, pLT and MLSS [ob/ob: ~5.3% body weight (BW); ob/OB: ~3·6%BW] with a high agreement among protocols. In conclusion, the identification of the LT and MLSS intensities was possible for both groups. These data suggest that the proposed protocols may be used in new research on the effects of different exercise intensities on some aspects of obesity.

Maximal lactate steady state is altered in the heat.

The aim of this study was to compare the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) and ventilatory threshold (VT) under different environments (TEMP: 22°C; and HOT: 40°C; 50% RH). 8 male subjects (age 23.9±2.4 years, body mass 75.9±7.3 kg and VO2(max) 47.8±4.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1)) performed a series of tests to determine the peak workload (W(peak)), VT and MLSS on a cycle ergometer. W(peak) was higher in the TEMP as compared to the HOT condition (225±9 W vs. 195±8 W, respectively; p<0.05). The workload at MLSS was higher at 22°C (180±11 W) than 40°C (148±11 W; p<0.05), as well as VT at 22°C (156±9 W) was higher than 40°C (128±6 W). Likewise, the blood lactate concentration at MLSS was higher at 22°C (5.60±0.26 mM) than 40°C (4.22±0.48 mM; p<0.05). The mean of heart rate (HR) was not statistically different between TEMP (168±3 bpm) and HOT (173±3 bpm) at MLSS, despite being different at trials between the 25(th) and the 30(th) min of exercise. The HR at VT was significantly higher in HOT (153±4 bpm) as compared to the TEMP (145±2 bpm). Our results suggest that environmental conditions may influence the determination of MLSS and VT. Moreover, VT was appropriate for estimation of the workload at MLSS in the HOT.

Acute resistance exercise is more effective than aerobic exercise for 24h blood pressure control in type 2 diabetics.

AIM: The study aimed to analyze blood pressure (BP) responses in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) over a 24h period following resistance (RES) and aerobic (AER) exercise. METHODS: Ten adults with T2D (age: 55.8 ± 7.7 years; weight: 79.4 ± 14.0 kg; fasting glucose: 133.0 ± 36.7 mg.dL⁻¹) underwent: (1) AER: 20 min of cycling at 90% lactate threshold (90% LT); (2) RES: three laps of a circuit of six exercises with eight repetitions at 70% 1-RM and 40s of recovery; and (3) a control session of no exercise. Heart rate (HR), and systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial (MAP) and pulse (PP) BP, as well as lactataemia (Lac), VO(2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured at rest, during exercise and control (CON) periods, and 60min after interventions. After each session, BP was also monitored over a 24h period. RESULTS: Peak Lac (RES: 6.4 ± 1.4mM; AER: 3.8 ± 1.2mM), RER (RES: 1.1 ± 0.1; AER: 0.9 ± 0.1) and RPE (RES: 14.0 ± 1.3; AER: 11.0 ± 2.3) were higher following the RES session (P < 0.05). Similar VO2 (~70% VO(2peak)) was reached during AER and RES sessions (14.0 ± 3.0 vs 14.3 ± 1.6 mL.kg.min⁻¹; P > 0.05). Compared with CON, only RES elicited post-exercise BP reduction that lasted 8h after exercise. Also, in comparison to pre-exercise rest, the BP dip during sleep was greater following RES (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A single exercise bout decreases BP in T2D patients over a 24h period, with RES being more effective than AER exercise for BP control.

Effect of type 2 diabetes on plasma kallikrein activity after physical exercise and its relationship to post-exercise hypotension.

AIM: The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on plasma kallikrein activity (PKA) and postexercise hypotension (PEH). METHODS: Ten T2D patients (age: 53.6±1.3 years; body mass index: 30.6±1.0kg/m(2); resting blood glucose: 157.8±40.2mgdL(-1)) and 10 non-diabetic (ND) volunteers (age: 47.5±1.0 years; body mass index: 28.3±0.9kg/m(2); resting blood glucose: 91.2±10.5mgdL(-1)) underwent two experimental sessions, consisting of 20min of rest plus 20min of exercise (EXE) at an intensity corresponding to 90% of their lactate threshold (90LT) and a non-exercise control (CON) session. Blood pressure (BP; Microlife BP 3AC1-1 monitor) and PKA were measured during rest and every 15min for 135min of the postexercise recovery period (RP). RESULTS: During the RP, the ND individuals presented with PEH at 30, 45 and 120min (P<0.05) while, in the T2D patients, PEH was not observed at any time. PKA increased at 15min postexercise in the ND (P<0.05), but not in the T2D patients. CONCLUSION: T2D individuals have a lower PKA response to exercise, which probably suppresses its hypotensive effect, thus reinforcing the possible role of PKA on PEH.

Blood glucose minimum predicts maximal lactate steady state on running.

This study analyzed if the running speed corresponding to glucose minimum (GM) could predict the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Thirteen physically active men (25.2+/-4.2 years, 73.4+/-8.0 kg, 180.0+/-1.0 cm) completed three running tests on different days: 1) a 1 600-m time trial to calculate the average speed; 2) after 10-min of recovery from a 150-m sprint to elevate [lac], participants performed 6 series of 800-m respectively at 78, 81, 84, 87, 90 and 93% of the 1 600-m speed to identify the lactate minimum (LM) and GM speeds and 3) 2-4 constant intensity exercise sessions for the MLSS. Repeated measures ANOVA showed no differences between running speeds associated to the GM (201.7+/-23.8 m.min (-1)), LM (200.0+/-23.9 m.min (-1)) and MLSS (201.5+/-23.1 m.min (-1)), with high correlation between GM vs. LM (r=0.984), GM vs. MLSS (r=0.947) and LM vs. MLSS (r=0.961) (P<0.01). Bland and Altman plots showed good agreement [Bias (+/-95% CI)] for MLSS and GM [0.2(15.3) m.min (-1)], MLSS and LM [-1.4(13.2) m.min (-1)], as well as for LM and GM [1.7(8.5) m.min (-1)]. These running speeds occurred at approximately 84.4% of 1 600-m speed, which would have practical applications for exercise prescription. We concluded that GM running speed is a good predictor of the MLSS for physically active individuals.

Acute exercise performed close to the anaerobic threshold improves cognitive performance in elderly females

The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of acute exercise performed at different intensities in relation to the anaerobic threshold (AT) on abilities requiring control of executive functions or alertness in physically active elderly females. Forty-eight physically active elderly females (63.8 ± 4.6 years old) were assigned to one of four groups by drawing lots: control group without exercise or trial groups with exercise performed at 60, 90, or 110 percent of AT (watts) and submitted to 5 cognitive tests before and after exercise. Following cognitive pretesting, an incremental cycle ergometer test was conducted to determine AT using a fixed blood lactate concentration of 3.5 mmol/L as cutoff. Acute exercise executed at 90 percent of AT resulted in significant (P < 0.05, ANOVA) improvement in the performance of executive functions when compared to control in 3 of 5 tests (verbal fluency, Tower of Hanoi test (number of movements), and Trail Making test B). Exercising at 60 percent of AT did not improve results of any tests for executive functions, whereas exercise executed at 110 percent of AT only improved the performance in one of these tests (verbal fluency) compared to control. Women from all trial groups exhibited a remarkable reduction in the Simple Response Time (alertness) test (P = 0.001). Thus, physical exercise performed close to AT is more effective to improve cognitive processing of older women even if conducted acutely, and using a customized exercise prescription based on the anaerobic threshold should optimize the beneficial effects.

Acute exercise performed close to the anaerobic threshold improves cognitive performance in elderly females.

The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of acute exercise performed at different intensities in relation to the anaerobic threshold (AT) on abilities requiring control of executive functions or alertness in physically active elderly females. Forty-eight physically active elderly females (63.8 +/- 4.6 years old) were assigned to one of four groups by drawing lots: control group without exercise or trial groups with exercise performed at 60, 90, or 110% of AT (watts) and submitted to 5 cognitive tests before and after exercise. Following cognitive pretesting, an incremental cycle ergometer test was conducted to determine AT using a fixed blood lactate concentration of 3.5 mmol/L as cutoff. Acute exercise executed at 90% of AT resulted in significant (P < 0.05, ANOVA) improvement in the performance of executive functions when compared to control in 3 of 5 tests (verbal fluency, Tower of Hanoi test (number of movements), and Trail Making test B). Exercising at 60% of AT did not improve results of any tests for executive functions, whereas exercise executed at 110% of AT only improved the performance in one of these tests (verbal fluency) compared to control. Women from all trial groups exhibited a remarkable reduction in the Simple Response Time (alertness) test (P = 0.001). Thus, physical exercise performed close to AT is more effective to improve cognitive processing of older women even if conducted acutely, and using a customized exercise prescription based on the anaerobic threshold should optimize the beneficial effects.