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Sports Medicine - Open Sep 2019There is abundant and mounting information related to the molecular and biological structure and function of the Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) gene and the AQP1-Aquaporin channel.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
There is abundant and mounting information related to the molecular and biological structure and function of the Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) gene and the AQP1-Aquaporin channel. Regulation of water flow across cell membranes is essential for supporting inter- and intracellular fluid balance, which is critical for health and exercise performance. The transmembrane water channel AQP1 is important for cardiorespiratory endurance (CE) because it influences fluid transfers in erythrocytes, endothelial, and pulmonary cells and is vital for transport of ammonium, bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, glycerol, nitric oxide, potassium ion, water, and trans-epithelial and renal water. Very recent publications suggest the association between a DNA sequence variant, rs1049305 (C > G), in the 3'-untranslated region of the AQP1 gene and CE performance. Other reports indicate further significant associations between AQP1 channel and CE phenotypes. The purposes of this systematic review were to examine the extent of the associations between the AQP1 rs1049305 genotype and CE exercise performance and body fluid loss in long-distance runners and AQP1 channel associations with other CE phenotypes.
METHODS
Data sources: A comprehensive review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane electronic databases. The search ranged from January 1, 1988, to December 31, 2018. Studies reported in English, French, and Spanish were considered. Eligibility criteria: The criteria for inclusion in the review were (a) case-control study; (b) unequivocal definition of cases and controls; (c) CE was defined as performance in endurance events, laboratory tests, and/or maximal oxygen consumption; (d) exclusion criteria of known causes; (e) genotyping performed by PCR or sequencing; (f) genotype frequencies reported; and (g) no deviation of genotype frequencies from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the control group. Study appraisal: The systematic review included studies examining the AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel structure and function, associations between the AQP1 gene sequence variant rs1049305 (C > G) and CE performance, body fluid loss in long-distance runners, and other studies reporting on the AQP1 gene and channel CE phenotype associations. Synthesis methods: For each selected study, the following data were extracted: authors, year of publication, sample size and number of cases and controls, CE definition, exclusion criteria, inclusion criteria for cases and controls, methods used for genotyping, genotype, allele frequencies and HWE for genotype frequencies in cases and control groups, and method of AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel analysis.
RESULTS
The initial databases search found 172 pertinent studies. Of those, 46 studies were utilized in the final synthesis of the systematic review. The most relevant findings were (a) the identification of an independent replication of the association between AQP1 gene sequence variant rs1049305 (C > G) and CE performance; (b) the association of the rs1049305 C-allele with faster CE running performance; (c) in knockout model, using a linear regression analysis of distance run as a function of Aqp1 status (Aqp1-null vs. wild-type mice) and conditions of hypoxia (ambient [O] = 16%), normoxia (21%), and hyperoxia (40%) indicated that the Aqp1 knockout ran less distance than the wild-type mice (p < 0.001); (d) in vitro, a reduced AQP1 expression was associated with the presence of the rs1049305 G-allele; (e) AQP1 null humans led normal lives and were entirely unaware of any physical limitations. However, they could not support fluid homeostasis when exposed to chronic fluid overload. The limited number of studies with "adequate sample sizes" in various racial and ethnic groups precluding to perform proper in-depth statistical analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
The AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel seems to support homeostatic mechanisms, yet to be totally understood, that are auxiliary in achieving an advantage during endurance exercise. AQP1 functions are vital during exercise and have a profound influence on endurance running performance. AQP1s are underappreciated structures that play vital roles in cellular homeostasis at rest and during CE endurance running exercise. The outcome of the present systematic review provide support to the statement of hypotheses and further research endeavors on the likely influence of AQP1 gene and AQP1 channel on CE performance. Registration: The protocol is not registered.
PubMed: 31486928
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-019-0213-0 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022This study aims to consolidate evidence from published systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the diagnostic performances of non-invasive tests for inflammatory...
BACKGROUND
This study aims to consolidate evidence from published systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the diagnostic performances of non-invasive tests for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in various clinical conditions and age groups.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers systematically identified and appraised systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the diagnostic utility of non-invasive tests for IBD. Each association was categorized as adults, children, and mixed population, based on the age ranges of patients included in the primary studies. We classified clinical scenarios into diagnosis, activity assessment, and predicting recurrence.
RESULTS
In total, 106 assessments from 43 reviews were included, with 17 non-invasive tests. Fecal calprotectin (FC) and fecal lactoferrin (FL) were the most sensitive for distinguishing IBD from non-IBD. However, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and FL were the most specific for it. FC and FL were the most sensitive and specific tests, respectively, to distinguish IBD from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Anti- antibodies (ASCA), IgA, were the best test to distinguish Crohn's disease (CD) from ulcerative colitis (UC). Interferon-γ release assay was the best test to distinguish CD from intestinal tuberculosis (ITB). Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) were both sensitive and specific for disease activity, along with the high sensitivity of FC. Small intestine contrast ultrasonography (SICUS) had the highest sensitivity, and FC had the highest specificity for operative CD recurrence.
CONCLUSION
In this umbrella review, we summarized the diagnostic performance of non-invasive tests for IBD in various clinical conditions and age groups. Clinicians can use the suggested non-invasive test depending on the appropriate clinical situation in IBD patients.
PubMed: 35911403
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.920732 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Jan 2017Objective The aim of this report is to provide a review of the current literature for assessment of performance for mastoidectomy, to identify the current assessment... (Review)
Review
Objective The aim of this report is to provide a review of the current literature for assessment of performance for mastoidectomy, to identify the current assessment tools available in the literature, and to summarize the evidence for their validity. Data Sources The MEDLINE database was accessed via PubMed. Review Methods Inclusion criteria consisted of English-language published articles that reported use of a mastoidectomy performance assessment tool. Studies ranged from 2007 to November 2015 and were divided into 2 groups: intraoperative assessments and those performed with simulation (cadaveric laboratory or virtual reality). Studies that contained specific reliability analyses were also highlighted. For each publication, validity evidence data were analyzed and interpreted according to conceptual definitions provided in a recent systematic review on the modern framework of validity evidence. Conclusions Twenty-three studies were identified that met our inclusion criteria for review, including 4 intraoperative objective assessment studies, 5 cadaveric studies, 10 virtual reality simulation studies, and 4 that used both cadaveric assessment and virtual reality. Implications for Practice A review of the literature revealed a wide variety of mastoidectomy assessment tools and varying levels of reliability and validity evidence. The assessment tool developed at Johns Hopkins possesses the most validity evidence of those reviewed. However, a number of agreed-on specific metrics could be integrated into a standardized assessment instrument to be used nationally. A universally agreed-on assessment tool will provide a means for developing standardized benchmarks for performing mastoid surgery.
Topics: Clinical Competence; Humans; Mastoid; Osteotomy; Quality Assurance, Health Care
PubMed: 27677598
DOI: 10.1177/0194599816670886 -
Journal of Orthopaedics 2022Performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without the use of tourniquet is gaining popularity. However, performing a "tourniquetless TKA" has a variety of meanings... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without the use of tourniquet is gaining popularity. However, performing a "tourniquetless TKA" has a variety of meanings regarding the timing and application of a tourniquet and associated techniques. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the literature and more accurately define "tourniquetless TKA."
METHODS
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed of the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for articles published from 2016 to 2021. Inclusion criteria included papers that used "tourniquetless" or a similar term to describe their TKA procedure, original clinical studies, English language, and full-text studies.
RESULTS
A total of 1,096 studies were identified, of which 84 full text studies with 9,349 total patients were included. Overall, 17 (20.2%) of the studies performing tourniquetless TKA never applied a tourniquet, 17 (20.2%) applied a tourniquet but kept it deflated throughout the entire procedure, 2 (2.4%) applied a tourniquet and inflated during cementation only, and 48 (57.1%) did not specify. Ultimately, of the studies that did specify tourniquet use, only 17 studies (47.2%) truly never applied a tourniquet throughout the procedure. A review of 7 recommended techniques to control blood loss in tourniquetless TKA found that no one technique was performed in more than 10.6% of patients.
CONCLUSION
Variation in the definition of tourniquetless TKA and the utilization of augmented techniques to control blood loss remains. We propose the terms "tourniquetless" for no tourniquet application, "tourniquet-available" for tourniquet applied but kept deflated throughout surgery, and "tourniquet-assisted" for tourniquet inflation during cementation only. These terms can help better differentiate the literature, guide surgeons as they transition to tourniquetless TKA, and assist in the development of more definitive protocols for tourniquetless TKA.
PubMed: 36131796
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2022.09.003 -
Nutrients Oct 2023Melatonin is a hormone that has shown anti-inflammatory actions, reduced oxidative stress, and has effects on physical performance, so the aim of this study was to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Melatonin is a hormone that has shown anti-inflammatory actions, reduced oxidative stress, and has effects on physical performance, so the aim of this study was to review the effects of melatonin supplementation on the performance of professional soccer players.
METHODS
Critical and systematic review. Data were obtained by performing searches in the following bibliographic databases: Web of Science, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The terms used were "Soccer Athlete", "Melatonin", and "Soccer Performance", using "Humans" as a filter. The search update was in May 2023.
RESULTS
Having applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight articles were selected out of 59 retrieved references. The dose of melatonin administered in the studies ranged between 5 and 8 mg. The outcomes showed a decrease in oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory markers in the melatonin-treated group.
CONCLUSIONS
Exogenously administered melatonin seems to attenuate some of the effects derived from physical exercise, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and muscle damage, in professional football players, and since it has no potential adverse effects, it could be interesting to apply it in this population. However, the direct effects of melatonin supplementation on physical performance have not been demonstrated, so more research is needed on the intervention period and effective dose and with larger participant populations.
Topics: Humans; Soccer; Melatonin; Oxidative Stress; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37892543
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204467 -
Nutrients Oct 2017Supplementation with nitrate (NO₃)-rich beetroot juice has been shown to improve exercise performance and cardiovascular (CV) responses, due to an increased nitric... (Review)
Review
Supplementation with nitrate (NO₃)-rich beetroot juice has been shown to improve exercise performance and cardiovascular (CV) responses, due to an increased nitric oxide (NO) availability. However, it is unclear whether these benefits are greater in older adults who have an age-related decrease in NO and higher risk of disease. This systematic review examines 12 randomised, crossover, control trials, investigating food-based NO₃ supplementation in older adults and its potential benefits on physiological and cognitive performances, and CV, cerebrovascular and metabolic health. Four studies found improvements in physiological performance (time to exhaustion) following dietary NO₃ supplementation in older adults. Benefits on cognitive performance were unclear. Six studies reported improvements in CV health (blood pressure and blood flow), while six found no improvement. One study showed improvements in cerebrovascular health and two found no improvement in metabolic health. The current literature indicates positive effects of dietary NO₃ supplementation in older adults on physiological performance, with some evidence indicating benefits on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. Effects on cognitive performance were mixed and studies on metabolic health indicated no benefit. However, there has been limited research conducted on the effects of dietary NO₃ supplementation in older adults, thus, further study, utilising a randomised, double-blind, control trial design, is warranted.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Beta vulgaris; Blood Pressure; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cerebrovascular Circulation; Cognition; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Male; Metabolic Diseases; Nitrates; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 29077028
DOI: 10.3390/nu9111171 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Dec 2015The concept of neonatal near miss has been proposed as a tool for assessment of quality of care in neonates who suffered any life-threatening condition. However, there... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The concept of neonatal near miss has been proposed as a tool for assessment of quality of care in neonates who suffered any life-threatening condition. However, there are no internationally agreed concepts or criteria for defining or identifying neonatal near miss. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of studies and markers that are able to identify neonatal near miss cases and predict neonatal mortality.
METHODS
Electronic searches were performed in the Medline, Embase and Scielo databases, with no time or language restriction, until December 2014. The term "neonatal near miss" was used alone or in combination with terms related to neonatal morbidity/mortality and neonatal severity scores. Study selection criteria involved three steps: title, abstract and full text of the articles. Two researchers performed study selection and data extraction independently. Heterogeneity of study results did not permit the performance of meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria adopted, only four articles were selected. Preterm and perinatal asphyxia were used as near miss markers in all studies. Health indicators on neonatal morbidity and mortality were extracted or estimated. The neonatal near miss rate was 2.6 to 8 times higher than the neonatal mortality rate.
CONCLUSIONS
Pragmatic and management criteria are used to help develop the neonatal near miss concept. The most severe cases are identified and mortality is predicted with these criteria. Furthermore, the near miss concept can be used as a tool for evaluating neonatal care. It is the first step in building management strategies to reduce mortality and long-term sequelae.
Topics: Asphyxia Neonatorum; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant Mortality; Infant, Newborn; Morbidity; Near Miss, Healthcare; Pregnancy; Prognosis; World Health Organization
PubMed: 26625905
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0758-y -
Sports Medicine - Open Dec 2019The sport of strongman is becoming increasingly popular, catering for females, lightweight, and Masters competitors, with strongman exercises also being used by strength... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The sport of strongman is becoming increasingly popular, catering for females, lightweight, and Masters competitors, with strongman exercises also being used by strength and conditioning coaches for a range of athletic groups. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to examine researchers' current understanding of the biomechanics of strongman exercises, with a view to improve strongman athlete performance, provide biomechanical evidence supporting the transferability of strongman exercises to strength and conditioning/rehabilitation programs, and identify gaps in the current knowledge of the biomechanics of strongman exercises.
METHODS
A two-level search term strategy was used to search five databases for studies relevant to strongman exercises and biomechanics.
RESULTS
Eleven articles adherent to the inclusion criteria were returned from the search. The studies provided preliminary biomechanical analysis of various strongman exercises including the key biomechanical performance determinants of the farmer's walk, heavy sled pull, and tire flip. Higher performing athletes in the farmer's walk and heavy sled pull were characterized by a greater stride length and stride rate and reduced ground contact time, while higher performing athletes in the tire flip were characterized by a reduced second pull phase time when compared with lower performing athletes. Qualitative comparison of carrying/walking, pulling and static lifting strongman, traditional weight training exercises (TWTE), and common everyday activities (CEA), like loaded carriage and resisted sprinting, were discussed to further researchers' understanding of the determinants of various strongman exercises and their applications to strength and conditioning practice. A lack of basic quantitative biomechanical data of the yoke walk, unilateral load carriage, vehicle pull, atlas stone lift and tire flip, and biomechanical performance determinants of the log lift were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
This review has demonstrated the likely applicability and benefit of current and future strongman exercise biomechanics research to strongman athletes and coaches, strength and conditioning coaches considering using strongman exercises in a training program, and tactical operators (e.g., military, army) and other manual labor occupations. Future research may provide a greater understanding of the biomechanical determinants of performance, potential training adaptations, and risks expected when performing and/or incorporating strongman exercises into strength and conditioning or injury rehabilitation programs.
PubMed: 31820223
DOI: 10.1186/s40798-019-0222-z -
Archivos Espanoles de Urologia Dec 2021Nowadays, Robotic assistedkidney transplantation (RAKT) is considered a lessinvasive alternative to the Open Kidney Transplantation(OKT) with several advantages such as...
OBJECTIVES
Nowadays, Robotic assistedkidney transplantation (RAKT) is considered a lessinvasive alternative to the Open Kidney Transplantation(OKT) with several advantages such as image magnification,3D vision and articulated instruments and with arelatively short learning curve for an experienced surgeon.RAKT has shown comparable outcomes with theOKT literature data in terms of surgical and functionalresults. RAKT may decrease the complication rate, meanhospital stay, postoperative pain, and also improve aestheticoutcomes. The aim of this study was to perform asystematic review of the literature on this novel approachof KT.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with the Preferred ReportingItems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)statement. The search was conducted using the databases PubMed/Medline, including as outcomes: (1) indications, (2) step-by-step technique for RAKT, (3) RAKT in special cases (4) surgical and functional outcomes,and (5) future perspectives in RAKT.
RESULTS
The indications for RAKT are expanding, sothat including obese recipients, graft with multiple vesselsand graft from deceased donor. To date, the two absolute contraindications to RAKT are patients unfitfor pneumoperitoneum and presenting advanced atheromatic plaques where vessel clamping could result challenging. As far as the outcomes, the surgical and functional results are in line with the OKT experience.Complication rate is low in RAKT, particularly in terms of arterial and venous thrombosis (1%), lymphocele (3%),ureteral stricture (2%), and wound infection (0.3%). Arobotic assisted kidney auto-transplantation (RAKAT) has been recently described, as novel approach in case of complex proximal benign ureteral stenosis. Despite great advances in this field, some limits still need to be approached such as the modality to main tain the graft to a constant low temperature ( <20 ºC) and to find the proper location of arteriotomy in advanced atheromatic disease without the tactile feedback.
CONCLUSION
The present review has confirmed that RAKT is as safe and feasible as OKT with comparable surgical and functional results. Complication rate is lower in RAKT than OKT and the indications are expanding quickly. Furthermore, new technologies are being introduced in order to improve the surgical performances and to expand more the indications for robotic surgery.However, a prospective randomized study in order to compare RAKT versus OKT is still required.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Operative Time; Prospective Studies; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Robotics; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34851312
DOI: No ID Found -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2022Numerous studies have been published on alexithymia among athletes in the last decades. The objective, here, is to provide a critical review on alexithymia in sport and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Numerous studies have been published on alexithymia among athletes in the last decades. The objective, here, is to provide a critical review on alexithymia in sport and identify elements demonstrating that alexithymic athletes can attain a competitive advantage.
METHODS
The Center for Reviews and Dissemination guidelines were used. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines served as the template for reporting the present systematic review. We searched PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and PsycINFO, without language or date restrictions.
RESULTS
Within 72 eligible studies, 23 articles fulfilling the selection criteria were included in the review. Alexithymia is associated with various pathologies and considered to be counter-performing. However, despite considerable suspicion of an advantageous performance effect of alexithymia, there is a lack of data to quantify this effect. Studies identified are heterogeneous (different scales of measurement of alexithymia used or outcomes, different sports), that do not allow us to conclude on an observed causal relationship, because the studies are mostly observational.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review opens a new search field on alexithymia, as possibly promoting performance.
PubMed: 35326989
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030511