Cardiovascular Components Research Articles

Exploring the Role of Rho Kinase Enzyme in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome

Rho kinase [ROCK] enzymes are increasingly recognized for their central role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome [MetS], a cluster of conditions that includes insulin resistance, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia. ROCKs are serine/threonine kinases involved in the regulation of various cellular functions, including smooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, and gene expression. These enzymes are critically implicated in the cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities that characterize MetS. Elevated ROCK activity has been observed in individuals with MetS, contributing to several pathogenic processes such as endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and increased vascular smooth muscle contraction. These mechanisms are key drivers of hypertension and atherosclerosis, which are common complications associated with MetS. Moreover, ROCKs influence adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism, linking them directly to obesity and insulin resistance, two core components of the syndrome. The inhibition of ROCKs has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing MetS. Pharmacological ROCK inhibitors have shown the potential to improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood pressure, and reduce vascular inflammation and remodelling. In addition, by targeting the multiple pathways involved in the development and progression of MetS, ROCK inhibitors offer a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses the syndrome's multifactorial nature. This therapeutic strategy not only mitigates the metabolic and cardiovascular components of the syndrome but also lowers the risk of associated complications, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. This review concluded that interrupted Rho kinase activity contributes to the development of MetS in all its manifestations. Overall, these side effects diminish the Rho-kinase method's promise as a novel and significant treatment component.

Development of an Extended Cardiovascular SOFA Score Component Reflecting Cardiac Dysfunction with Improved Survival Prediction in Sepsis: An Exploratory Analysis in the Sepsis and Elevated Troponin (SET) Study.

The cardiovascular component of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score does not correspond with contemporary clinical practice in sepsis or identify impaired cardiac function. Our aim was to develop a modified cardiovascular SOFA component that reflects cardiac dysfunction and improves the SOFA score's 30-day mortality discrimination. A cohort of sepsis patients from a previous study was divided into a training (n = 250) and test cohort (n = 253). Nine widely available measures of cardiovascular function were screened for association with 30-day mortality using natural cubic spline. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and heart rate (HR) were transformed into ordinal variables (0-4 points). The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) was assigned two points. The SOFA score was extended by adding the variable points in different weights and combinations. The best-performing cardiac-extended model (CE-SOFA) was evaluated in the test cohort. Improved prognostic discrimination and calibration were assessed using logistic regression, area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) index, and DeLong and Hoshmer-Lemeshow tests. In the training cohort, all differently weighted and combined models using hs-cTnT, NT-proBNP and AF points added to the SOFA score showed improved discriminative ability (AUC 0.67-0.75) compared to the SOFA score (AUC 0.62; NRI P < .001; DeLong P ≤ .001). In the test cohort, CE-SOFA demonstrated improved 30-day mortality discrimination compared to the SOFA score (AUC 0.72 vs 0.68), exhibiting good calibration and significantly improved discrimination using the NRI index (P = .009) but not the DeLong test (P = .142). The CE-SOFA model reflects cardiac dysfunction and improves 30-day mortality discrimination in sepsis. External validation is the next step to further substantiate a revised cardiovascular component in a future SOFA 2.0.

Physical rehabilitation program for cardiorespiratory health and quality of life among breast cancer survivors in UAE: protocol for a randomized control trial

BackgroundCancer is a medical condition where some cells of the body reproduce uncontrollably and metastasize to other parts of the body. The burden of the disease is significantly high both at the global and national levels. In UAE, cancer was found to be the third leading cause of death. Breast cancer has been ranked first due to its prevalence, incidence, and mortality in UAE. Breast cancer survivors have significantly poor cardiovascular tolerance which affects their quality of life (QoL), even after the carcinoma has been treated or removed. Thus, the protocol aims to analyze the changes in cardiovascular endurance and QoL domains for breast cancer survivors in the United Arab Emirates using a long-term 2-month physical rehabilitation.MethodsA total of 60 breast cancer survivors would be included in the study using a randomized controlled allocation of a 2-month physical rehabilitation intervention program with 3 months of follow-up. The intervention would target the cardiovascular endurance component of the participants to improve their physical well-being and quality of life ultimately.DiscussionThe findings of the study would have high clinical significance among breast cancer survivors in the UAE. The proposed physical rehabilitation program could be beneficial in improving cardiovascular endurance and thereby reduce the risk of mortality among breast cancer survivors. In addition, the physiological benefits of the exercise program could improve their quality-of-life domains including physical, mental, and social well-being. On a larger view, it could also help to reduce the economic burden on the health system due to associated complications.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT06013527. Registered on 28 August 2023.

Using wavelet phase coherence of heart rate variability and blood flow oscillations to compare mechanisms of action between Tai Chi mind-body exercise and brisk walking aerobic exercise

Tai Chi exercise has been demonstrated to be beneficial for health and quality of life. However, the mind–body effect of Tai Chi on modulating interactions of the cardiovascular components has not been investigated. This study aimed to differentiate the effect of Tai Chi (mind–body exercise) and brisk walking (aerobic exercise) on modulating skin blood flow oscillations (BFO) of the upper and lower limbs and heart rate variability (HRV). Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi for 15 min and brisk walking for 15 min were performed by 30 adults in two different days. Wavelet phase coherence was employed to assess the coordination between HRV and BFO before and after exercise. Two indices were proposed to quantify the coherence, i.e., the area (Aϕ) and maximal difference (dmax) between the coherence function and the threshold obtained by surrogate test. The results demonstrated that Tai Chi resulted in a significant decrease in phase coherence between HRV and BFO of the upper limb in the frequency interval 0.05–0.15 Hz (Aϕ baseline 0.1600 ± 0.0288, post-exercise 0.0486 ± 0.0220, p < 0.001; dmax baseline 0.3222 ± 0.0220, post-exercise 0.2578 ± 0.0219, p < 0.005), but not between HRV and BFO of the lower limb. Brisk walking resulted in a significant increase in phase coherence between HRV and BFO of the lower limb in the frequency interval 0.05–0.15 Hz (Aϕ baseline 0.0455 ± 0.0251, post-exercise 0.1190 ± 0.0241, p < 0.05; dmax baseline 0.2191 ± 0.0225, post-exercise 0.3103 ± 0.0208, p < 0.05) but not between HRV and BFO of the upper limb. Our finding indicates that mind–body exercise and aerobic exercise modulate cardiovascular regulations through different mechanisms of action.

Link between Yoga and Heart Rate Variability: Can Yoga Enhance the Cardiac Resonance.

Cardiac resonance is a complicated phenomenon involving the coordinated oscillations of numerous circulatory system components, such as electrical activity, contraction and relaxation, and blood flow. It is critical for the normal functioning of the heart and for maintaining blood flow throughout the body. Cardiac resonance is defined as a series of tiny waves produced by the heartbeat and overlaid on flow data and airway pressures. A variety of technologies, including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, can be used to identify these waves. CMR is a strong noninvasive method for seeing and quantifying heart anatomy and function in great detail. CMR can be used to assess cardiac resonance in both healthy and heart disease patients. A regular and coordinated pattern of oscillations characterizes cardiac resonance in healthy persons. In patients with heart illness, however, cardiac resonance can be interrupted, resulting in diminished cardiac function and decreased blood flow. The intricate role of cardiac resonance in cardiac health and disease is continuously being studied by researchers. However, it is obvious that cardiac resonance is an exciting area of research that has the potential to change the way to identify and treat heart illness. Yoga is a mind-body practice that has been demonstrated to have numerous cardiovascular health advantages, such as improved heart function, reduced inflammation, and lower blood pressure. Yoga is hypothesized to promote cardiac resonance by encouraging coordinated oscillations of numerous cardiovascular system components. Various researches have shown buoyant results such as yoga can be helpful in improving heart rate variability, cardiac resonance and reducing arterial stiffness. Stress can disrupt cardiac resonance and increase the risk of heart disease. More research is needed to completely understand the mechanisms that impact cardiac resonance and the long-term advantages of yoga for heart health.

Improved filtering methods to suppress cardiovascular contamination in electrical impedance tomography recordings

Objective. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) produces clinical useful visualization of the distribution of ventilation inside the lungs. The accuracy of EIT-derived parameters can be compromised by the cardiovascular signal. Removal of these artefacts is challenging due to spectral overlapping of the ventilatory and cardiovascular signal components and their time-varying frequencies. We designed and evaluated advanced filtering techniques and hypothesized that these would outperform traditional low-pass filters. Approach. Three filter techniques were developed and compared against traditional low-pass filtering: multiple digital notch filtering (MDN), empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and the maximal overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT). The performance of the filtering techniques was evaluated (1) in the time domain (2) in the frequency domain (3) by visual inspection. We evaluated the performance using simulated contaminated EIT data and data from 15 adult and neonatal intensive care unit patients. Main result. Each filter technique exhibited varying degrees of effectiveness and limitations. Quality measures in the time domain showed the best performance for MDN filtering. The signal to noise ratio was best for DLP, but at the cost of a high relative and removal error. MDN outbalanced the performance resulting in a good SNR with a low relative and removal error. MDN, EMD and MODWT performed similar in the frequency domain and were successful in removing the high frequency components of the data. Significance. Advanced filtering techniques have benefits compared to traditional filters but are not always better. MDN filtering outperformed EMD and MODWT regarding quality measures in the time domain. This study emphasizes the need for careful consideration when choosing a filtering approach, depending on the dataset and the clinical/research question.

Risk of extended major adverse cardiovascular event endpoints with tofacitinib versus TNF inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a post hoc analysis of a phase 3b/4 randomised safety study

ObjectivesCompare the risk of extended major adverse cardiovascular (CV) event (MACE) composite outcomes and component events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tofacitinib versus tumour necrosis factor inhibitors...

Five percent weight loss is a significant 1-year predictor and an optimal 5-year cut-off for reducing the number of obesity-related cardiovascular disease risk components: the Japan Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome Study.

This study aimed to identify the amount of weight loss needed in patients with obesity to improve metabolic syndrome (MetS), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), over a long period of time. A total of 576 patients with obesity were enrolled in this study. Effects of continuous physician-supervised weight loss on the cumulative MetS components excluding abdominal circumference (defined as obesity-related CVD risk score) were investigated during a 5-year follow-up period. The extent of weight loss required to reduce the obesity-related CVD risk components was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Of the 576 participants, 266 completed 5-year follow-up, with 39.1% and 24.1% of them achieving ≥5.0% and ≥7.5% weight loss at the 5-year follow-up, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for reducing the obesity-related CVD risk components was 0.719 [0.662-0.777] at 1 year and 0.694 [0.613-0.775] at 5 years. The optimal cut-off value for weight loss was 5.0% (0.66 sensitivity and 0.69 specificity) and the value with 0.80 specificity was 7.5% (0.45 sensitivity) at 5 years. Greater reductions in weight were associated with greater improvements in the obesity-related CVD risk score at all follow-up periods (P-trend <0.001). Obesity-related CVD risk score was significantly improved by 5.0-7.5% and ≥7.5% weight loss at 1 year (P = 0.029 and P < 0.001, respectively) and ≥7.5% weight loss at 5 years (P = 0.034). A weight loss of ≥5.0% at 1 year and ≥7.5% at 5 years could reduce the number of obesity-related CVD risk components in patients with obesity.

Effect of hydrogen inhalation on cardiovascular and interstitial components of pulmonary hypertension in rats

Hydrogen is known to have selective antioxidant properties. It binds highly reactive hydroxyl radicals. The pathogenesis of the monocrotaline animal model of pulmonary hypertension is associated with oxidative stress and leads to all the symptoms of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with hypertension.The aim of this work was to study the effect of 4% hydrogen inhalations on the symptoms of PH and ILD in rats.Methods. To model monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension (MCT-PH), two groups of animals received a single subcutaneous injection of monocrotaline (MCT) on day 1. The control group was injected subcutaneously with MCT solvent only. The animals receiving MCT were further divided into 2 subgroups. Subgroup 1 rats breathed room air and subgroup 2 rats breathed a mixture of room air and 4% hydrogen. The regular inhalations continued until day 21. On day 21, hemodynamic parameters were measured under urethane anesthesia, the heart and its components and the lungs were weighed, and lung tissue was preserved for morphological study.Results. The inhalation had no effect on the main cardiovascular symptoms of PH, but a positive effect on the state of the connective tissue of the lungs affected by PH was shown. The mast cell response was reduced both quantitatively and functionally. There was a decrease in tryptase expression by mast cells, with predominance of the forms without signs of degranulation. TGF-β secretion was also significantly reduced and visualized by immunopositive cells in alveolar cellular structures and vessel walls.Conclusion. Inhalation of 4% hydrogen reduces inflammation and fibrosis of lung tissue during the development of MCT-PH.

Evaluation of some hematological and biochemical parameters for women with polycystic ovary syndrome in Wasit Governorate

The aim of the study; the Study of physiological causes and risk factors of ovarian cysts in women and Analyzing the results statistically to determine the extent of the relationship between the physiological and biochemical causes of the occurrence of polycysticovaries. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the commonest endocrine disorders affecting many females in reproductive period which start from menarche till the menopause and commonly caused infertility around the world, and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycle, Hyperandrogensim and polycystic ovary; it can be considered a conditions involving reproductive, metabolic and cardiovascular components leading to lifelong health implication. Its prevalence among infertile women is between (15% to 20%). There is evidence that PCOS is a pro inflammatory disorder, characterized by the presence of low grade chronic inflammation that correlated with obesity or insulin resistance (IR). The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of study included 100 females diagnosed with PCOS, there were recruited from Al-kut hospital in Wasit during November 2022 until January 2023 , the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome was based on the Rotterdam 2003 criteria. The control group consists of 50 fertile women who have regular menstrual cycle with no sign of hyperandrogenism and subjected to ultrasound examination and have normal hormonal levels. The age was identical in both groups and it was between (20-40) years. . Body mass index (BMI) for both patients and control group was calculated. The questionnaire form has been filled for each patient and control. Hormones levels luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were estimated. The present study was carried out in two parts: immunological and physiological study. ELISA technique has been used to determine the serum level of High –sensitivity C-reactive protin(Hscrp) . The results of Hscrp serum level was significantly increased (p&lt;0.oo5) in pcos patient(17.38+1.36) The results for physiological study demonstrated that insulin serum level recorded a highly significant difference (p &lt;0.05) in PCOS patients compared to control group, the mean level of this hormone for PCOS patients and control were (17.18±2.84) μIU/mL, (8.68±1.97) μIU/mL respective. While this study showed there were no significant differences in serum levels of T.protin, and TSH between PCOS patients (8.08± 1,28). ng/mL(, 0.79±0.17)μg/dL, and control group (7.09±0.51) ng/mL,( 1.20±0.09) μg/dL. This study illustrate that the serum levels of Hscrp and insulin were elevated in PCOS comparing to healthy women and this high levels related to PCOS independent on the presence of obesity or IR., and there was a positive correlation between the insulin hormone with the parameters Hscrp and this may be due to the background of PCOS which considered as inflammatory disease The reslts showed that ,Creatin ,cholesterol,GPT, and LDL ,Lympho ,TG were significantly increased in pcos patients than control group

Ortner’s Syndrome With Primary Pulmonary Hypertension - A Case Report

Ortner’s Syndrome or Cardio-vocal syndrome is a manifestation of hoarseness secondary to left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy with abnormal cardiovascular components. The association of pulmonary hypertension with Ortner’s Syndrome has not been widely available in the literature with very few cases reported worldwide.We present a case of a 17 years old lady with underlying Primary Pulmonary Hypertension, who presented with progressive hoarseness over the past 3 years associated with breathlessness and easy fatigue on exertion. Herein we discuss the options of treatment modality for Ortner’s Syndrome.

Evaluación del riesgo cardiovascular en niños y adolescentes obesos atendidos en un hospital de Nivel III de Posadas- Misiones

Argentina suffers from an epidemic of non-communicable chronic diseases and a population with cardiovascular risk factors, particularly obesity. In this work, the cardiovascular risk in obese children and adolescents who attended a level III hospital in the city of Posadas, between September 2018 and January 2020, was studied. Eightyone patients were included, age 10 (2-15) years; 51% female. Body mass index was calculated, blood pressure was measured and serum HDLc, LDLc, triglycerides and glucose were determined. A questionnaire was completed on family history of cardiovascular disease, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. The presence of metabolic syndrome (SAP) according to Argentine Pediatric Society criteria and cardiovascular risk (Alustiza´s score) were identified and the relationship between them was established. Results: severe obesity: 43 (53%) patients; biochemical or clinical family history 27 individuals (33%); insufficient physical activity: 57 (70%) patients; tobacco and/or alcohol consumption: absent; blood pressure &amp;gt;p95: 11 individuals (14%). Fifty one patients (63%) had some dyslipidemia, 4 (5%) had hyperglycemia; metabolic syndrome was observed in 26 (32%) and 25 (31%) at medium/high cardiovascular (CV) risk. No association was found between CV risk by Alustiza score and metabolic syndrome. Since the pediatric population has cardiovascular risk factors and components of metabolic syndrome, it is important to search for and validate scores to measure this risk.

Abstract 12026: Life Essential 8 is Positively Associated With a Higher Executive Cognitive Function in US Children - ABCD Study

Background: While the association between cardiovascular health components has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline in adults, the relationship between cardiovascular health indicators and executive/cognitive function in US children remains poorly understood. Research Question: Are measures of cardiovascular health associated with executive, cognitive function and in US children? Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine cross-sectional associations of Life Essential 8 components with executive and cognitive function. Methods: This was a baseline analysis from a multicenter, prospective cohort study, known as the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Data were analyzed from the baseline ABCD data release 1.0. Participants were children aged 9 to 10 years old recruited in 21 US cities. Participants with incomplete questionnaire data for dietary intake, physical activity, nicotine exposure, or sleep health; health evaluation for body mass index, blood lipids, glycated hemoglobin, or blood pressure; or covariate data were excluded. Each cardiovascular health indicator ranges from 0 to 100 points, enabling the calculation of a composite cardiovascular health score as the unweighted average of all components, which also ranges from 0 to 100 points. The National Institutes of Health Toolbox neurocognitive battery assesses general cognitive ability, executive function, and learning/memory using raw scores and age-corrected measures. Results: A total of 978 individuals were analyzed. The mean (SD) age was 9.9 (0.2) years, 44.9% were girls, and 53.4% were White. Individuals with more favorable cardiovascular health behaviors showed better executive cognitive function (β = 0.170; CI 95%, 0.076 to 0.265; p = 0.001), and overall cardiovascular health was associated with higher executive cognitive function (β = 0.209; CI 95%, 0.067 to 0.351; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Cardiovascular health behaviors and overall cardiovascular health were directly linked to cognitive and executive function in 9-10-year-old US children, supporting public health recommendations to promote these behaviors for their potential benefits to cognitive function and brain development.

Personal Health Literacy and Life Simple 7: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

ABSTRACT Background Personal Health literacy (PHL) is essential in cardiovascular risk management. Hindrances in PHL can lead to poor cardiovascular outcomes. Purpose To investigate whether limited PHL is associated with lower likelihoods of i) overall cardiovascular health and ii) individual cardiovascular health components as defined by the American Heart Association’s Life Simple (LS7). Methods Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (N = 3719; median age[range]: 59[45–84]) completed a PHL questionnaire in 2016–2018. PHL was classified as limited (score ≥10) or adequate (score <10). LS7 components were measured in 2000–2002. Robust Poisson regression was employed to compute prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals (PR[95%CI]) of LS7 measures. Results 14.7% of participants had limited PHL. Limited PHL was associated with lower likelihoods of optimal LS7 (0.69[0.50, 0.95], p = .02) and average LS7 (0.95[0.88, 1.02], p = .15) after adjustment. Limited PHL was significantly associated with a 7% lower likelihood of ideal fasting blood glucose level after adjustment (0.93[0.89, 0.98], p < .01). Discussion Limited PHL was modestly associated with suboptimal cardiovascular health and elevated blood glucose, independent of income and education. Translation to Health Education Practice Health educators and providers should equitably address PHL barriers to improve cardiovascular management and quality of care for patients and communities.

Validity of the total SOFA score in patients ≥ 80 years old acutely admitted to intensive care units: a post-hoc analysis of the VIP2 prospective, international cohort study

BackgroundLittle is known about the performance of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score in older critically ill adults. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of physiological disturbances in the six organ systems included in the SOFA score.MethodsWe analysed previously collected data from a prospective cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2019 in 22 countries. Consecutive patients ≥ 80 years old acutely admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) were eligible for inclusion. Patients were followed up for 30 days after admission to the ICU. We used logistic regression to study the association between increasing severity of organ dysfunction and mortality.ResultsThe median SOFA score among 3882 analysed patients was equal to 6 (IQR: 4–9). Mortality was equal to 26.1% (95% CI 24.7–27.5%) in the ICU and 38.7% (95% CI 37.1–40.2%) at day 30. Organ failure defined as a SOFA score ≥ 3 was associated with variable adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for ICU mortality dependant on the organ system affected: respiratory, 1.53 (95% CI 1.29–1.81); cardiovascular 1.69 (95% CI 1.43–2.01); hepatic, 1.74 (95% CI 0.97–3.15); renal, 1.87 (95% CI 1.48–2.35); central nervous system, 2.79 (95% CI 2.34–3.33); coagulation, 2.72 (95% CI 1.66–4.48). Modelling consecutive levels of organ dysfunction resulted in aORs equal to 0.57 (95% CI 0.33–1.00) when patients scored 2 points in the cardiovascular system and 1.01 (0.79–1.30) when the cardiovascular SOFA equalled 3.ConclusionsDifferent components of the SOFA score have different prognostic implications for older critically ill adults. The cardiovascular component of the SOFA score requires revision.

The impact of the cardiovascular component and somatic mutations on ageing.

Mechanistic insight into ageing may empower prolonging the lifespan of humans; however, a complete understanding of this process is still lacking despite a plethora of ageing theories. In order to address this, we investigated the association of lifespan with eight phenotypic traits, that is, litter size, body mass, female and male sexual maturity, somatic mutation, heart, respiratory, and metabolic rate. In support of the somatic mutation theory, we analysed 15 mammalian species and their whole-genome sequencing deriving somatic mutation rate, which displayed the strongest negative correlation with lifespan. All remaining phenotypic traits showed almost equivalent strong associations across this mammalian cohort, however, resting heart rate explained additional variance in lifespan. Integrating somatic mutation and resting heart rate boosted the prediction of lifespan, thus highlighting that resting heart rate may either directly influence lifespan, or represents an epiphenomenon for additional lower-level mechanisms, for example, metabolic rate, that are associated with lifespan.

Exploring autonomic modulation: day-to-day recovery after exercise sessions in breast cancer survivors.

The current study aimed to analyze the changes in heart rate variability (HRV) 24h, 48h and 72h after exercise sessions in breast cancer survivors. Sixteen survivors who had undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy were included. Participants trained resistance and cardiovascular components 3 times per week. The intervention was supervised and delivered online for 4 weeks. In this period, patients measured their HRV daily obtaining the lnrMSSD and lnSDNN values of: day 0 (the morning of the training sessions), 24h, 48h and 72h after exercise. Significant changes in lnrMSSD (p=0.015) and lnSDNN (p=0.031) during recovery times and lnSDNN during the weeks were found (p=0.015). The most prominent differences were identified between the baseline measurement taken on day 0 and 24h after exercise (p=0.007 and p=0.048, respectively) and between measurements obtained 24h and 48h after the training session (p=0.019 and p=0.026, respectively). Our study suggests that patients may decrease their lnrMSSD and lnSDNN values 24h after exercise and they were close to recover 48h after the sessions. In this regard, HRV may be an useful tool to monitor their recovery and exercise tolerance.

Prognostic value of right ventricular dilatation on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram for predicting adverse clinical events in severe COVID-19 pneumonia.

Right ventricle dilatation (RVD) is a common complication of non-intubated COVID-19 pneumonia caused by pro-thrombotic pneumonitis, intra-pulmonary shunting, and pulmonary vascular dysfunction. In several pulmonary diseases, RVD is routinely measured on computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) by the right ventricle-to-left ventricle (LV) diameter ratio > 1 for predicting adverse events. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between RVD and the occurrence of adverse events in a cohort of critically ill non-intubated COVID-19 patients. Between February 2020 and February 2022, non-intubated patients admitted to the Amiens University Hospital intensive care unit for COVID-19 pneumonia with CTPA performed within 48 h of admission were included. RVD was defined by an RV/LV diameter ratio greater than one measured on CTPA. The primary outcome was the occurrence of an adverse event (renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 30-day mortality after ICU admission). Among 181 patients, 62% (n = 112/181) presented RVD. The RV/LV ratio was 1.10 [1.05-1.18] in the RVD group and 0.88 [0.84-0.96] in the non-RVD group (p = 0.001). Adverse clinical events were 30% and identical in the two groups (p = 0.73). In Receiving operative curves (ROC) analysis, the RV/LV ratio measurement failed to identify patients with adverse events. On multivariable Cox analysis, RVD was not associated with adverse events to the contrary to chest tomography severity score > 10 (hazards ratio = 1.70, 95% CI [1.03-2.94]; p = 0.04) and cardiovascular component (> 2) of the SOFA score (HR = 2.93, 95% CI [1.44-5.95], p = 0.003). Right ventricle (RV) dilatation assessed by RV/LV ratio was a common CTPA finding in non-intubated critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and was not associated with the occurrence of clinical adverse events.

Regular practice of Kung Fu and Taekwondo improve Chilean adults’ health and quality of life during the COVID-19

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of regular Kung Fu and Taekwondo practice on the health and quality of life among elderly individuals in the Maule region, Chile.Design/methodology/approachThe authors designed a 12-week Kung Fu and Taekwondo workshop with activities suitable for their age. Through semistructured interviews (at the beginning and the end of the workshop), along with periodic monitoring of vital signs and cardiovascular components, the authors observed an improvement in participants’ physical (strength, speed of reaction and flexibility) and psychological conditions (self-esteem and resilience), quality of life (relationships with family and friends and ability to deal with stressful events in working life) and health (waist circumference, percentage of oxygen saturation in blood, blood pressure, among other values).FindingsFrom these results, the authors affirm that this workshop improves health and physical condition and helps the participants develop the coping capacity to deal with stressful situations and complicated interpersonal relationships. In this sense, the authors conclude that Kung Fu and Taekwondo as regular sports activities can benefit senior citizens’ aging process.Originality/valueThis research is based on an original study project.

Long- and Short-Term High-Intensity Interval Training on Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Disorders in Obese Male Adolescents.

This study investigated the effects of short-term and long-term periods (8 and 16 weeks) of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiovascular components, blood lipids, and 6-min walking test performance in obese young boys (age = 16.2 ± 0.7) with >34% body fat. The participants were split into two groups: severe obesity (SOG; n = 17) and moderate obesity (MOG; n = 16). All participants performed on a cycle ergometer for 16 weeks (3 times per week) of HIIT at 100% peak power output at the ventilatory threshold and recovered at 50% of peak power. Except for BMI, both groups improved all body composition measures after 16 weeks, with a higher percentage of change (Δ) in SOG. The 6-min walking test increased in both groups (p < 0.001). Furthermore, cardiovascular variables, blood lactate concentration at rest and after 5-min post-exercise, blood lipids, and insulin concentrations improved significantly in both groups. After 16 weeks, MOG significantly improved in HRpeak, blood glucose concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), but the percentage of change (Δ) was higher in SOG for all the other variables. SOG showed a higher (Δ) waist-to-hip ratio, maximum heart rate, resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, blood lactate at 5-min post-exercise, and triglyceride concentrations after 8 and 16 weeks of training. In conclusion, a long-term HIIT program appears to be an appropriate training approach for obese boys with extra body fat. However, considering the RPE values, short-duration training sessions should be planned.