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Journal of Cardiovascular Development... May 2024Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of... (Review)
Review
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise training on functional capacity and quality of life (QoL) in patients with RA. We performed a search in four databases, selecting clinical trials that included community or outpatient exercise training programs in patients with RA. The primary outcome was functional capacity assessed by peak VO or the 6 min walking test, and the secondary outcome was QoL assessed by questionnaires. Seven studies were finally included, identifying a total number of 448 patients. The results of the present systematic review show a statistically significant increase in peak VO after exercise training in four out of seven studies. In fact, the improvement was significantly higher in two out of these four studies compared to the controls. Six out of seven studies provided data on the patients' QoL, with five of them managing to show statistically significant improvement after exercise training, especially in pain, fatigue, vitality, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. This systematic review demonstrates the beneficial effects of exercise training on functional capacity and QoL in patients with RA.
PubMed: 38921661
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11060161 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2024Physical exertion during exercise often leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly affecting physical performance. Current strategies...
BACKGROUND
Physical exertion during exercise often leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, significantly affecting physical performance. Current strategies to mitigate these effects are limited by their effectiveness and potential side effects. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has gained attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have suggested that H supplementation contributes to antioxidant potential and anti-fatigue during exercise, but the variance in the observations and study protocols is presented across those studies.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively characterize the effects of H₂ supplementation on physical performance (i.e., endurance, muscular strength, and explosive power), providing knowledge that can inform strategies using H for enhancing physical performance.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search of six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Sport-Discus, Embase, and PsycINFO) according to the PRISMA guidelines. The data were extracted from the included studies and converted into the standardized mean difference (SMD). After that, we performed random-effects meta-analyses and used the statistic to evaluate heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to assess the quality of the evidence obtained from this meta-analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 27 publications consisting of 597 participants were included. The search finally included aerobic endurance, anaerobic endurance, muscular strength, lower limb explosive power, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate (BLA), and average heart rate (HR) in the effect size (ES) synthesis. The ES of H on aerobic endurance, including V̇O (SMD = 0.09, = 0.394; = 0%) and aerobic endurance exercise (SMD = 0.04, = 0.687; = 0%), were not significant and trivial; the ES of H on 30 s maximal anaerobic endurance (SMD = 0.19, = 0.239; = 0%) was not significant and trivial; the ES of H on muscular strength (SMD = 0.19, = 0.265; = 0%) was not significant and trivial; but the ES of H on lower limb explosive power (SMD = 0.30, = 0.018; = 0%) was significant and small. In addition, H reduces RPE (SMD = -0.37, = 0.009; = 58.0%) and BLA (SMD = -0.37, = 0.001; = 22.0%) during exercise, but not HR (SMD = -0.27, = 0.094; = 0%).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that H supplementation is favorable in healthy adults to improve lower limb explosive power, alleviate fatigue, and boost BLA clearance, but may not be effectively improving aerobic and anaerobic endurance and muscular strength. Future studies with more rigorous designs are thus needed to examine and confirm the effects of H on these important functionalities in humans.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO.
PubMed: 38903627
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1387657 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The popularity of surfing has increased exponentially, reaching its recent debut in the Olympic Games. However, surfing suffers from a relative immature technological... (Review)
Review
The popularity of surfing has increased exponentially, reaching its recent debut in the Olympic Games. However, surfing suffers from a relative immature technological market, while in other sports some technologies such as global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) have become an essential work material for strength and conditioning and head coaches. This article aims to systematically review surfers' time-motion demands based on GNSSs. A systematic review of relevant articles was carried out using five main databases (PubMed, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and FECYT (Web of Sciences, CCC, CIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, and SCIELO)) until 23 March 2024. From the 238 studies initially found, 9 were included in the qualitative synthesis. In these, GNSS devices were employed with male (n = 143) and female (n = 28) surfers from different levels during competition and training situations. The studies show that the intermittent nature of the sport is evident, with substantial periods spent paddling and waiting punctuated by relatively brief high-intensity efforts when riding waves at high speeds. Notable differences emerged between competition and training demands, suggesting potential mismatches in how athletes currently prepare compared to event requirements. These novel insights allow quantifying surfing's harsh physiological requirements and could guide conditioning practices to better meet the sport's unique characteristics across populations. Therefore, training should emulate the lengthy aerobic capabilities needed for the paddling volumes observed, while also targeting the anaerobic systems to meet the repeated high-intensity surf riding efforts. However, inconsistencies in methods and reporting practices limit direct comparisons and comprehensive profiling of the sport's physical characteristics.
Topics: Humans; Geographic Information Systems; Time and Motion Studies; Female; Male; Athletic Performance; Athletes; Water Sports; Sports
PubMed: 38894246
DOI: 10.3390/s24113455 -
Exploration (Beijing, China) Feb 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) is generally characterized by a high prevalence of (), a spindle-shaped, Gram-negative anaerobe pathogen derived from the oral cavity. This... (Review)
Review
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is generally characterized by a high prevalence of (), a spindle-shaped, Gram-negative anaerobe pathogen derived from the oral cavity. This tumor-resident microorganism has been closely correlated with the occurrence, progression, chemoresistance and immunosuppressive microenvironment of CRC. Furthermore, can specifically colonize CRC tissues through adhesion on its surface, forming biofilms that are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Accordingly, it is crucial to develop efficacious non-antibiotic approaches to eradicate and its biofilms for CRC treatment. In recent years, various antimicrobial strategies, such as natural extracts, inorganic chemicals, organic chemicals, polymers, inorganic-organic hybrid materials, bacteriophages, probiotics, and vaccines, have been proposed to combat and biofilms. This review summarizes the latest advancements in anti- research, elucidates the antimicrobial mechanisms employed by these systems, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each antimicrobial technology. Additionally, this review also provides an outlook on the antimicrobial specificity, potential clinical implications, challenges, and future improvements of these antimicrobial strategies in the treatment of CRC.
PubMed: 38854496
DOI: 10.1002/EXP.20230092 -
Narra J Apr 2024Empyema poses a significant global health concern, yet identifying responsible bacteria remains elusive. Recent studies question the efficacy of conventional pleural... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Empyema poses a significant global health concern, yet identifying responsible bacteria remains elusive. Recent studies question the efficacy of conventional pleural fluid culture in accurately identifying empyema-causing bacteria. The aim of this study was to compare diagnostic capabilities of next-generation sequencing (NGS) with conventional pleural fluid culture in identifying empyema-causing bacteria. Five databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane, Research Gate, and PubMed) were used to search studies comparing conventional pleural fluid culture with NGS for identifying empyema-causing bacteria using keywords. Positive results identified through conventional pleural fluid culture and NGS were extracted. In addition, bacterial profiles identified by NGS were also documented. Joanna-Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool was employed to assess quality of included studies. Descriptive analysis was employed to present outcome of interests. From five databases, three studies, with 354 patients, were included. Findings from three studies showed that NGS outperformed conventional pleural fluid culture in detecting empyema-causing bacteria even in culture-negative samples. Moreover, dominant bacterial profiles identified through NGS included , and anaerobic bacteria. In conclusion, NGS outperforms conventional pleural fluid culture in detection empyema-causing bacteria, yet further studies with larger samples and broader bacterial profiles are needed to increase confidence and urgency in its adoption over conventional pleural fluid culture.
Topics: Humans; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Empyema, Pleural; Bacteria
PubMed: 38798844
DOI: 10.52225/narra.v4i1.650 -
Health Promotion International Apr 2024Traditional interventions aiming to improve students' mental health and quality of life include meditation or canine therapy. The development of physical...
Traditional interventions aiming to improve students' mental health and quality of life include meditation or canine therapy. The development of physical activity-related interventions has increased over the past decade. We aimed to review all studies using physical activity for improving the mental health and quality of life in higher education students whilst describing the interventions, measurements and effectiveness. A systematic search of six electronic databases including: ProQuest, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and CENTRAL, was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized or non-randomized controlled trial physical activity-related interventions involving higher education students aiming to improve their mental health and quality of life were included. Searches yielded 58 articles with interventions involving martial arts, sport, mind-body exercises and anaerobic exercises. Psychological measures varied across studies including the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. Over half of the studies included in this review (n = 36) were effective in improving students' mental health or quality of life. Findings from our review suggest that interventions aiming to be effective in improving students' mental health quality of life should aim to deliver moderate-vigorous intensity exercises such as dance or Pilates. This systematic review was based on a published protocol in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022325975).
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Mental Health; Quality of Life; Students; Psychological Tests; Self Report
PubMed: 38563387
DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae027 -
Sports (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an energy and signaling molecule. It is synthesized endogenously and can be taken as an oral supplement. This review aimed to identify... (Review)
Review
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an energy and signaling molecule. It is synthesized endogenously and can be taken as an oral supplement. This review aimed to identify the effects of oral ATP supplementation on anaerobic exercise in healthy resistance-trained adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) criteria. The inclusion criteria were articles published from 2000 to 2022, with anaerobic variables (maximal strength, maximum repetitions, and maximum anaerobic power) measurable in healthy adults with experience in resistance training, only randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs), and with the acute (a single dose 30 min to 24 h before the tests) and/or chronic (>1 day) oral supplementation of ATP. A total of five RCTs with 121 adult men were included. The oral ATP supplementation achieved significantly greater gains in maximal strength compared with the placebo (PL) (MD = 8.13 kg, 95%CI [3.36-12.90], < 0.001). Still, no differences were observed in the maximum number of repetitions or the maximum anaerobic power. Furthermore, 400 mg of ATP showed improvement in anaerobic exercise regardless of the duration of the supplementation protocol. In conclusion, supplementation with 400 mg of ATP doses can improve maximal muscle strength in resistance-trained men.
PubMed: 38535745
DOI: 10.3390/sports12030082 -
Journal of Environmental Sciences... Aug 2024Bioplastics were first introduced as environmentally friendly materials, with properties similar to those of conventional plastics. A bioplastic is defined as... (Review)
Review
Bioplastics were first introduced as environmentally friendly materials, with properties similar to those of conventional plastics. A bioplastic is defined as biodegradable if it can be decomposed into carbon dioxide under aerobic degradation, or methane and CO under anaerobic conditions, inorganic compounds, and new cellular biomass, by the action of naturally occurring microorganisms. This definition however does not provide any information on the environmental conditions, timescale and extent at which decomposition processes should occur. With regard to the aquatic environment, recognized standards have been established to assess the ability of plastics to undergo biodegradation; however, these standards fail to provide clear targets to be met to allow labelling of a bioplastic as biodegradable. Moreover, these standards grant the user an extensive leeway in the choice of process parameters. For these reasons, the comparison of results deriving from different studies is challenging. The authors analysed and discussed the degree of biodegradability of a series of biodegradable bioplastics in aquatic environments (both fresh and salt water) using the results obtained in the laboratory and from on-site testing in the context of different research studies. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), CO evolution, surface erosion and weight loss were the main parameters used by researchers to describe the percentage of biodegradation. The results showed a large variability both in weight loss and BOD, even when evaluating the same type of bioplastics. This confirms the need for a reference range of values to be established with regard to parameters applied in defining the biodegradability of bioplastics.
Topics: Humans; Carbon Dioxide; Plastics; Biopolymers; Biodegradation, Environmental; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38527882
DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.06.013 -
Journal of Environmental Management Apr 2024Digestate processing is a strategy to improve the management of digestate from biogas plants. Solid-liquid separation is usually the primary step and can be followed by... (Review)
Review
Digestate processing is a strategy to improve the management of digestate from biogas plants. Solid-liquid separation is usually the primary step and can be followed by advanced treatments of the fractions. The knowledge about the performance of the separators and the quality of the fractions is scattered because of many available techniques and large variability in digestate characteristics. We performed a systematic review and found 175 observations of full-scale solid-liquid separation of digestate. We identified 4 separator groups, 4 digestate classes based on substrate, and distinguished whether chemical conditioners were used. We confirmed the hypothesis that the dominant substrate can affect the efficiency of the digestate separation. Furthermore, the results showed that centrifuges separated significantly more dry matter and total P than screw presses. Use of chemical conditioners in combination with a centrifuge lowered the dry matter concentration in the liquid fraction by 30%. Screw presses consumed 4.5 times less energy than centrifuges and delivered 3.3 tonne ammonium N in the liquid fraction and 0.3 tonne total P in the solid fraction using 1 MWh. The results can provide data for systems analyses of biogas solutions and can support practitioners when choosing among full-scale separator techniques depending on the digestate type. In a broader perspective, this work contributes to the continuous improvement of biogas plants operations and to their role as nutrients recovery sites.
Topics: Anaerobiosis; Biofuels
PubMed: 38508011
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120585 -
The American Journal of Tropical... May 2024Snakebites still constitute a significant public health problem in developing countries and are considered a neglected tropical condition by the WHO. Snake accidents are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Snakebites still constitute a significant public health problem in developing countries and are considered a neglected tropical condition by the WHO. Snake accidents are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and may produce secondary complications, such as severe infections. The objective of this systematic review was to determine the prevalence of snakebite infections and characterize the bacteria isolated from these infections. A systematic literature review in five databases was carried out to assess the prevalence of snakebite infection. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95% CIs. Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic were used to assess between-study heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence of infection due to snakebite was 27.0% (95% CI: 22.0-32.0%), with high heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 99.7%). The prevalence was higher in Asia (32%) than in the Americas (21%). Snakebite infections required surgical interventions in 68% (95% CI: 37.0-98.0%). The leading group of pathogens identified corresponded to Gram-negative bacteria (63%), particularly Morganella morganii (32%), but also, Gram-positive cocci (40%), especially Enterococcus spp. (23%) and Staphylococcus aureus (15%). However, multiple other pathogens, including anaerobes, were found. A high prevalence of snakebite-associated infection has been described, primarily due to M. morganii, with the corresponding implications for empirical therapy. Rational use of antimicrobials is recommended, and this should guide initial empirical treatment. Moreover, isolation and identification of the possible bacteria present in snakebite wounds is recommended in all cases to confirm or rule out associated infection.
Topics: Snake Bites; Humans; Prevalence; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Asia
PubMed: 38507793
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0278