Light Exercise Research Articles

A Bioinspired in vitro Lung Model to Study Particokinetics of Nano-/Microparticles Under Cyclic Stretch and Air-Liquid Interface Conditions.

Evolution has endowed the lung with exceptional design providing a large surface area for gas exchange area (ca. 100 m2) in a relatively small tissue volume (ca. 6 L). This is possible due to a complex tissue architecture that has resulted in one of the most challenging organs to be recreated in the lab. The need for realistic and robust in vitro lung models becomes even more evident as causal therapies, especially for chronic respiratory diseases, are lacking. Here, we describe the Cyclic In VItro Cell-stretch (CIVIC) “breathing” lung bioreactor for pulmonary epithelial cells at the air-liquid interface (ALI) experiencing cyclic stretch while monitoring stretch-related parameters (amplitude, frequency, and membrane elastic modulus) under real-time conditions. The previously described biomimetic copolymeric BETA membrane (5 μm thick, bioactive, porous, and elastic) was attempted to be improved for even more biomimetic permeability, elasticity (elastic modulus and stretchability), and bioactivity by changing its chemical composition. This biphasic membrane supports both the initial formation of a tight monolayer of pulmonary epithelial cells (A549 and 16HBE14o−) under submerged conditions and the subsequent cell-stretch experiments at the ALI without preconditioning of the membrane. The newly manufactured versions of the BETA membrane did not improve the characteristics of the previously determined optimum BETA membrane (9.35% PCL and 6.34% gelatin [w/v solvent]). Hence, the optimum BETA membrane was used to investigate quantitatively the role of physiologic cyclic mechanical stretch (10% linear stretch; 0.33 Hz: light exercise conditions) on size-dependent cellular uptake and transepithelial transport of nanoparticles (100 nm) and microparticles (1,000 nm) for alveolar epithelial cells (A549) under ALI conditions. Our results show that physiologic stretch enhances cellular uptake of 100 nm nanoparticles across the epithelial cell barrier, but the barrier becomes permeable for both nano- and micron-sized particles (100 and 1,000 nm). This suggests that currently used static in vitro assays may underestimate cellular uptake and transbarrier transport of nanoparticles in the lung.

Impact of Knowledge and Attitude on Saudis’ Physical Activity Practice and Inactivity Barriers: A Questionnaire-based Study

BACKGROUND: Community participation in physical activity is considered a major public health preference of WHO. Saudi Arabia in the last decades faced many tremendous economic changes leading to adoption of western dietary habits associated with sedentary lifestyle.
 AIM: We aimed to study the relationship between both physical activity knowledge and attitude of community to the practice of individuals.
 METHODS: We used a questionnaire consists of a mixture of closed-ended questions. Participants were recruited through direct meetings in local markets, schools, and workplaces. Seven hundred and sixty six individuals agreed to participate.
 RESULTS: Overall correct answers to questions about importance of physical activity were 76.58%. The predominance of participants’ attitude was to establish public places for physical activity in each neighborhood (92.1%). Participants acknowledged that they exercise to improve their health (47.5%). Participants mainly perform light exercises (47.2%) on basis of 1–3 times weekly (48.9%). About 90.8% of participants admitted that they like to increase duration of their physical activity.
 CONCLUSIONS: Overall physical activity practice of participants’ needs encourage overcoming obstacles that prevent individuals from practicing especially lack of time.

Impact of supervised beego, a traditional Chinese water-only fasting, on thrombosis and haemostasis

Beego is a traditional Chinese complete water-only fasting practice initially developed for spiritual purposes, later extending to physical fitness purposes. Beego notably includes a psychological induction component that includes meditation...

Relationship between skeletal muscle mass and blood lactate level reduction after short squat jumps in healthy adult non-athletes.

[Purpose] Blood lactate reduction helps in understanding muscle recovery. Although light exercise and stretching are known interventions to reduce its concentration, the impact of skeletal muscle mass on blood lactate clearance is unknown. This study aimed to determine the relationships between blood lactate reduction and skeletal muscle mass following exercise. [Participants and Methods] Healthy non-athletic males performed squat jumps for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Blood lactate level was measured before and immediately after the exercise and then every 2 minutes for a period of 20 minutes. The decrease in blood lactate level was estimated as the difference between the minimum and maximum values. The rate of decrease was calculated by dividing the decrease in blood lactate level by time. Blood lactate level was measured using Lactate ProTM 2, while skeletal muscle mass was assessed using InBody 430. [Results] There was a significant positive correlation between skeletal muscle mass, the amount of blood lactate level reduction, and the rate of reduction of blood lactate level. [Conclusion] Our results demonstrated that greater skeletal muscle mass enabled a greater decrease in blood lactate level, suggesting that skeletal muscle mass may be involved in the reduction of blood lactate level after a squat jump. Interventions to increase skeletal muscle mass may promote more efficient lactate metabolism and muscle fatigue recovery.

Применение мелатонина для профилактики и лечения нарушения циркадных ритмов

The article presents data from the Russian and foreign literature of the properties of melatonin, its role in the vital activity of the body and the regulation of circadian rhythms. The features of using the drug in desynchronosis, the optimal dosage and time of administration, as well as the possibility of its use in combination with non-pharmacological treatment methods are discussed. These methods include dosed light exposure and exercise. Additionally, new studies are considered, indicating the beneficial effect of melatonin and its agonists on the immune, cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems. Based on the collected data, it is asserted that melatonin can significantly accelerate the process of adaptation to a new time zone without the development of side effects. Therefore, this drug is the most effective and safe treatment for desynchronosis. It is also important to note that the study of the multifaceted effects of melatonin on body functions opens up great prospects in the treatment of many diseases.

The physiological and disturbing effects of surgical face masks in the COVID-19 era.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, the concern about mask-harmful effects disturbed mask-adherence. However, it is not certain whether the masks cause cardiopulmonary overload. To investigate the physiological and disturbing effects of surgical face masks during exercise. The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital with 100 healthy volunteers between September 2020 and January 2021. Individuals with impaired walking, cardiopulmonary disease, and smoking were not included in the study. Initially, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) were measured. Participants underwent 6-minute walking test (6MWT) with and without surgical masks. Mask-discomfort questionnaire was applied before and after 6 MWT with the mask. Surgical masks during 6 MWTs significantly increased HR, RR, and EtCO2 levels (p<0.001). Walking distance (p<0.001) and SpO2 level (p=0.002) were significantly decreased with mask. In Mask-Discomfort Questionnaire, humidity, temperature, resistance, salinity, odor, fatigue (p<0.001), and itching (p=0.001) scores significantly increased after 6MWT with mask. In healthy volunteers, HR, RR, EtCO2 were increased, and SpO2 and walking distance were decreased in the short-term, light exercise performed with the surgical mask. Findings support the concern that masks may cause cardiopulmonary overload (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 17). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: COVID-19, masks, physiology, psychological side effects, questionnaire.

Membuat Game 3d Survival Horror “Suanggi Survival Papua” Berbasis Desktop Menggunakan Unity

Game is an activity that aims to have fun, light exercise, fill spare time, and sometimes used as a means of education. One of the most downloaded desktop games is a game made in Indonesia with the survival horror genre made with Unity. Unity is a user-friendly game engine that supports more than 25 platforms and provides many ready-to-use assets. The authors made a desktop-based 3d game with the survival horror genre made with Unity. The method used in this game's manufacture and design is the Multimedia Development Life Cycle, which has six stages, namely Concept, Design, Material Collecting, Assembly, Testing, and Distribution. In making this game using Blender, Camtasia Studio, Adobe Photoshop, Unity, Inno Setup, and the C# programming language. The program function testing phase has been successful using the black box method, and from this research, a 3d game called "Suanggi Survival Papua" based on the desktop with single-player mode has been produced. Games with the survival horror genre combined with the local culture can add insight into the knowledge and train the players' concentration.

Upgrade infrastructure of the national physical education system

The transition to a 12-year education system is predetermined by the increase in the amount of knowledge that pupils need to acquire as part of their school preparation. This requires a review of the attitude towards holding regular sports events. An increase in the mental workload for the full perception of educational material can be achieved under the condition of regular sports, attraction to which should be formed among pupils already in elementary classes. A balanced combination of physical exercise and brainwork makes it possible to increase the common load in both areas of activity. The pupils‟ performance in their recovery depends as much as possible on the level of concentration of their attention, which is achieved by combining the learning load with light physical exercises during lessons, which contributes to active rest and improvement of the general level in the perception of educational material. Thus, the ability of primary school teachers to ensure that pupils conduct sports and mass work directly and actively affects the performance of the primary school as a whole. Sports and mass work in primary school is an important form of study in the system of physical education of pupils. It is organized and conducted in accordance with the general purpose and tasks of physical education, contributes to the development of the physical and mental personality of junior pupils. As physical education lessons and organized physical exercises in the day mode, sports and mass work has its own specific tasks, therefore, it is filled with specific content, performs important functions in the system of physical education of junior pupils. Tasks are unleashed on satisfying the needs of junior pupils in regular classes and in identifying their physical potential in competitions with the help of various forms of sports and mass work.

Prevalence of thinness cases and dietary diversity among learners of various education stages in Taif region, Saudi Arabia

Monitoring nutritional status during infancy, childhood, and adulthood is essential because good quality diet during growth is vital to cover the cognitive and physical demands, supply enough energy stores for illnesses and pregnancy and avoid adult nutrition-associated diseases.Thinness cases and lack of dietary diversity among learners in various education stages are common nutritional problems. A cross-sectional survey was carried out for the assessments of thinness cases and dietary diversity among the learners in various education stages in Taif Region, Saudi Arabiain August, 2020. A total of randomly selected 1602 respondents who fulfilled the exclusion and inclusion criteria (n=364 primary schools, n=410 middle schools, n=321 high schools, and n=507 university students) were examined and efficiently completed the survey. The survey comprised of socio-demographic characteristics,questions about health problems, adequate dietary diversity, habits, food item consumption, and nutritional knowledge test based on the student's theory and behaviors. The prevalence of thinness status among university students was very obvious (22%) and found to be mild followed by moderate (11%) and (0.4%) severely thin. The prevalence of severe thinness was the highest among primary school participants (28%). The prevalence of moderate thinness was reported slightly similar among middle and high school participants (29% and 32%,respectively). The highest prevalence of thinness cases was found in students from rural areas, while the lowest values were observed in those from urban areas. Students from large family size were more likely to be thin as compared to students from small size families. Students whose mothers were illiterate or had low formal education were more likely to be thin compared to those students whose mothers had completed university education or above. Further, 78% of primary school students reported meal skipping due to lack of appetite, while shape maintaining for the meal was accounted for 50% for middle school students as the main reason for the meal skipping. Snacking was also reported to be at a high rate among primary and high school students as 76% and 83% of the students mentioned having snacks, respectively. A higher frequency of light physical exercise was established for primary school pupils(81%), while university students reported (34%) as moderate. Almost all students had a low level of eating cereals,fruits and vegetables, while high schools and university students had a high-level consumption of fruits, animal-based foods and nutritional supplements. High school students had an excellent score 37% for nutrition knowledge.Education stage of learners was found to have direct influence on thinness, dietary diversity and food consumption frequency of the respondents.Consequently, nutritional education may positively affect the whole student's ability for good diet choices in the way to ensure a healthier status.The knowledge of nutrition education combined with physical exercise programmers may contribute to strengthening of the healthy eating messages at the various education stages.

Preventive measures for the critical postexercise period in sickle cell trait and disease.

The immediate postexercise/physical activity period is critical for sickle cell trait (SCT) carriers and disease (SCD) patients. Exercise-related blood acidosis is known to trigger the cascade of HbS deoxygenation and polymerization, leading to red blood cell sickling and subsequent complications. Unfortunately, two facts worsen exercise-related blood acidosis during the initial postexercise period: First, blood lactate and H+ concentrations continue to increase for several minutes after exercise completion, exacerbating blood acidosis. Second, blood lactate concentration remains elevated and pH altered for 20-45 min during inactivity after intense exercise, keeping acid/base balance disturbed for a long period after exercise. Therefore, the risk of complications (including vasoocclusive crises and even sudden death) persists and even worsens several minutes after intense exercise completion in SCT carriers or SCD patients. Light physical activity following intense exercise (namely, active recovery) may, by accelerating lactate removal and acid/base balance restoration, reduce the risk of complications. Scientific evidence suggests that light exercise at or below the first lactate threshold is an appropriate strategy.

Effects of preoperative low-intensity training with slow movement on early quadriceps weakness after total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a retrospective propensity score-matched study

BackgroundSevere and early quadriceps weakness (QW) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which is caused by acute inflammation resulting from surgical trauma and tourniquet-induced ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, can be especially problematic. We focused on tourniquet-induced IR injury, because it has been shown to be preventable through ischemic and exercise preconditioning. Low-intensity resistance exercise with slow movement and tonic force generation (LST) share some similarities with ischemic and exercise preconditioning. The present study primarily aimed to clarify the efficacy of preoperative LST program as prehabilitation for early QW among patients with TKA using propensity score matching analysis.MethodsThis single-center retrospective observational study used data from patients with knee osteoarthritis (n = 277) who were scheduled to undergo unilateral TKA between August 2015 and January 2017. Those with missing outcome data due to their inability to perform tests were excluded. The LST group included participants who performed LST and aerobic exercise (LST session) more than seven times for three months prior to surgery. The control group included participants who performed less than eight LST sessions, a general and light exercise or had no exercise for three months prior to surgery. Knee circumference, thigh volume, knee pain during quadriceps strength test (QST) and timed up and go test (TUG), quadriceps strength, and TUG were measured before and 4 days after surgery. Knee swelling, thigh swelling, Δknee pain, QW, and ΔTUG were determined by comparing pre- and postoperative measurements.ResultsPropensity score matching generated 41 matched pairs who had nearly balanced characteristics. The LST group had a significantly lower knee and thigh swelling, QW, and ΔTUG compared to the control group (all, p < 0.05). No significant differences in Δknee pain during the QST and TUG were observed between both groups (both, p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated the beneficial effects of preoperative LST program on knee swelling, thigh swelling, QW, and walking disability immediately after TKA.

Low levels of fine particulate matter increase vascular damage and reduce pulmonary function in young healthy adults

BackgroundFine particulate matter (PM2.5) related mild inflammation, altered autonomic control of cardiovascular function, and changes to cell function have been observed in controlled human exposure studies.MethodsTo measure the systemic and cardiopulmonary impacts of low-level PM exposure, we exposed 20 healthy, young volunteers to PM2.5, in the form of concentrated ambient particles (mean: 37.8 μg/m3, SD 6.5), and filtered air (mean: 2.1 μg/m3, SD 2.6). In this double-blind, crossover study the exposure order was randomized. During the 4 h exposure, volunteers (7 females and 13 males) underwent light intensity exercise to regulate ventilation rate. We measured pulmonary, cardiac, and hematologic end points before exposure, 1 h after exposure, and again 20 h after exposure.ResultsLow-level PM2.5 resulted in both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary changes characterized by alterations in systematic inflammation markers, cardiac repolarization, and decreased pulmonary function. A mean increase in PM2.5 concentration (37.8 μg/m3) significantly increased serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), 1 h after exposure by 8.7, 9.1, 10.7, and 6.6%, respectively, relative to the filtered air control. SAA remained significantly elevated (34.6%) 20 h after PM2.5 exposure which was accompanied by a 5.7% decrease in percent neutrophils. Decreased pulmonary function was observed 1 h after exposure through a 0.8 and 1.2% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) respectively. Additionally, sex specific changes were observed in repolarization outcomes following PM2.5 exposure. In males, P-wave and QRS complex were increased by 15.4 and 5.4% 1 h after exposure.ConclusionsThis study is the first controlled human exposure study to demonstrate biological effects in response to exposure to concentrated ambient air PM2.5 particles at levels near the PM2.5 US NAAQS standard.Clinical trial registration informationclinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT03232086. The study was registered retrospectively on July 25, 2017, prior to final data collection on October 25, 2017 and data analysis.

Examining the impact of military training exercises on vegetation: case of the South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatla

Training under realistic combat conditions is a prerequisite for maintaining a strong and effective defence force. For training to be effective, militaries rely on the availability and accessibility of suitable training areas to conduct training activities that ensure preparation for executing missions with maximum effectiveness and fewer casualties. Training activities that ensure combat-ready soldiers often cause vegetation degradation through vegetation cover alteration, resultant soil erosion, and increased soil compaction. Ultimately, these activities might compromise the continued availability and accessibility of realistic training conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to early detect, monitor and mitigate vegetation change in military training areas, and to secure sound environmental practices to ensure the sustainable use of training areas. Determining vegetation change by conducting fieldwork is often both time-consuming and expensive. As an expedited, inexpensive way to investigate vegetation change at the South African Army Combat Training Centre (SA Army CTC) Lohatla, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to determine changes in vegetation after military training exercises. The NDVI results indicate the impact of military exercises on vegetation and shows that exercises with a long duration can indeed lead to vegetation degradation, but short term, light exercises have limited impact on vegetation.

Physical Activity Level during Pregnancy in South Africa: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Physical activity participation during pregnancy confers many maternal and foetal health benefits to the woman and her infant and is recommended by various health bodies and institutions. However, in South Africa, scant information exists about the physical activity status and its determinants among pregnant women. The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity level and associated factors among pregnant women. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1082 pregnant women attending public health facilities in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Information on socio-demographic and maternal characteristics were obtained, and the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity during pregnancy. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between physical activity and the predictor variables during pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were applied to estimate factors associated with physical activity levels. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Only 278 of the women (25.7%) met recommendations for prenatal activity (≥150 min moderate intensity exercise per week). The average time spent in moderate–vigorous physical activity was 151.6 min (95% CI: 147.2–156.0). Most of the women participated in light exercises with a mean of 65.9% (95% CI: 64.8–67.0), and 47.6% (95% CI: 46.3–48.9) participated in household activities. The majority of the women did not receive physical activity advice during prenatal care sessions (64.7%). Factors negatively associated with prenatal physical activity were lower age (<19 years) (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 0.3; CI: 0.16–0.76), semi-urban residence (AOR = 0.8; CI: 0.55–1.03), lower educational level (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.20–0.71), unemployment (AOR = 0.5; CI: 0.29–0.77) and nulliparity (AOR = 0.6; CI: 0.28–1.31). However, prenatal physical activity was positively associated with starting physical activity in the first trimester (AOR = 1.9; CI: 1.06–3.31) compared to other trimesters. The findings of this study demonstrated low levels of physical activity during pregnancy in South Africa. The majority of women did not meet the recommendation of 150 min of moderate intensity activity per week. Light intensity and household activities were the most preferred form of activity. The factors affecting physical activity of women in this present study include lower age, semi-urban setting, low educational level, unemployment and nulliparity. In order to increase activity levels, future work should seek to improve knowledge, access and support for physical activity in pregnant women in South Africa. This should include education and advocacy regarding physical activity for professionals involved in maternal health provision.

Bimagrumab vs Optimized Standard of Care for Treatment of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The potential benefit of novel skeletal muscle anabolic agents to improve physical function in people with sarcopenia and other muscle wasting diseases is unknown. To confirm the safety and efficacy of bimagrumab plus the new standard of care on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function compared with standard of care alone in community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted at 38 sites in 13 countries among community-dwelling men and women aged 70 years and older meeting gait speed and skeletal muscle criteria for sarcopenia. The study was conducted from December 2014 to June 2018, and analyses were conducted from August to November 2018. Bimagrumab 700 mg or placebo monthly for 6 months with adequate diet and home-based exercise. The primary outcome was the change in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score after 24 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes included 6-minute walk distance, usual gait speed, handgrip strength, lean body mass, fat body mass, and standard safety parameters. A total of 180 participants were recruited, with 113 randomized to bimagrumab and 67 randomized to placebo. Among these, 159 participants (88.3%; mean [SD] age, 79.1 [5.3] years; 109 [60.6%] women) completed the study. The mean SPPB score increased by a mean of 1.34 (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.77) with bimagrumab vs 1.03 (95% CI, 0.53 to 1.52) with placebo (P = .13); 6-minute walk distance increased by a mean of 24.60 (95% CI, 7.65 to 41.56) m with bimagrumab vs 14.30 (95% CI, -4.64 to 33.23) m with placebo (P = .16); and gait speed increased by a mean of 0.14 (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.18) m/s with bimagrumab vs 0.11 (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.16) m/s with placebo (P = .16). Bimagrumab was safe and well-tolerated and increased lean body mass by 7% (95% CI, 6% to 8%) vs 1% (95% CI, 0% to 2%) with placebo, resulting in difference of 6% (95% CI, 4% to 7%) (P < .001). This randomized clinical trial found no significant difference between participants treated with bimagrumab vs placebo among older adults with sarcopenia who had 6 months of adequate nutrition and light exercise, with physical function improving in both groups. Bimagrumab treatment was safe, well-tolerated, increased lean body mass, and decreased fat body mass. The effects of sarcopenia, an increasing cause of disability in older adults, can be reduced with proper diet and exercise. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02333331; EudraCT number: 2014-003482-25.

AN OPEN CLINICAL STUDY EVALUATING THE EFFECT OF SHILAJITHU LOHA RASAYANA ON AFFLICTION OF BASTI MARMA (DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY) IN PATIENTS WITH PRAMEHA

Objectives of the study include answer to the research question or to the hypothesis framed. Present study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Shilajithu loha rasayana in reducing the affliction of Basti marma in patients with Prameha/diabetic nephropathy, also to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Shilajithu loha rasayana in reducing the blood sugar level in patients suffering from affliction of Basti marma in Prameha/diabetic nephropathy. Design: Study Type: Interventional, Estimated enrolment: 30 participants, Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Primary Purpose: Treatment, Masking: Open Label. Participants: From October 2019 to January 2020, 30 patients of affliction of Basthi marma in Prameha/ diabetic nephropathy having symptoms of diabetic nephropathy (microalbuminuria, reduced eGFR, raised cystatin-c) with a minimum of 5yrs history of diabetes are taken up for the study. Intervention: Kosta shodhana on day 1: 20ml of Eranda taila added with equal amount of Shunthi kashaya is orally administered during early morning in empty stomach. Day 2 to 22: Shilajithu loha rasayana is orally administered half an hour before breakfast, in a dose of 12g with warm water. Patient was advised diabetic diet and to do brisk walking/jogging or light exercise for 45 minutes daily during the course of treatment. Results: Shilajithu loha rasayana was successful in improving renal functions by increasing the glomerular filtration rate and reducing cystatin-c in patients also was successful in reducing fasting blood sugar and symptoms of Prameha which was justified statistically with p value &lt;0.001. Conclusion: Shilajithu loha rasayana was successful in increasing the renal function and reducing symptoms of Prameha.

The Relation between Age and Sex on Whole-Body Heat Loss during Exercise-Heat Stress.

Increasing age is associated with decrements in sweat rate that compromise whole-body total heat loss (evaporative + dry heat exchange) in both men and women during moderate-to-vigorous exercise in dry heat. Similarly, young women also display reductions in sweating (that lower evaporative heat loss) relative to young men in such conditions. Nevertheless, it remained unclear whether these effects act synergistically to exacerbate the age-related decline in whole-body total heat loss in women relative to men. We therefore assessed the interrelation between age and sex on whole-body total heat loss during light, moderate, and vigorous exercise in dry heat. To achieve this, we used direct and indirect calorimetry to assess whole-body total heat loss and metabolic heat production (respectively) in 46 men and 34 women age between 18 and 70 yr. Participants performed three, 30-min bouts of cycling at metabolic heat productions of 150 (light), 200 (moderate), and 250 (vigorous) W·m, each separated by 15-min recovery in dry heat (40°C, ~15% relative humidity). Whole-body total heat loss was ~5% lower in women relative to men during moderate and vigorous exercise (both, P < 0.01), irrespective of age. Total heat loss declined with age during moderate and vigorous exercise in both men and women (all, P < 0.050), although the rate of that decline (~4% per decade) was similar between men and women across all exercise bouts (all, P > 0.050). We show that, when assessed in dry heat, whole-body total heat loss is lower in women relative to men, irrespective of age. Furthermore, total heat loss declines with increasing age in both men and women during moderate-to-vigorous exercise, albeit the rate of that decline is not appreciably modified by sex.

Differences of Sexual Function: A Study in Two Menopause Groups

Menopause is a period where the reproductive cycle has stopped in women and is characterized by a permanent menstrual cessation, due to a decrease in the function of reproductive organs such as the ovaries as a sex steroid hormone (estrogen and progesterone) which plays an important role in the reproductive cycle. The decrease in hormones during menopause causes problems in sexual function such as decreased interest in sexual relations due to vaginal lubrication problems, this can be overcome by doing light physical exercise. Light exercise or physical activity when entering menopause is known to have a positive effect on the quality of life of menopause, including on sexual function. The purpose of this study was to determine differences in sexual function between menopausal women who exercise or do physical activity and who do not exercise. This research method is a conceptual study or literature study from previous research relating to exercise and sexual function at menopause. The results of the study showed that menopausal women who routinely exercise or physical activity, their sexual function is better than those that are not, it is known that menopausal women feel very satisfied with their sexual lives and have no problems during intercourse with their partners. Menopausal women have to exercise regularly, besides consuming healthy foods with balanced nutrition, because the more frequent and regular exercise, the sexual life of menoapause women will be much better.

Physical Exercise and Cancer: Exploring Chemotherapy Infusion as an Opportunity for Movement.

Exercise initiated in the early stages of cancer treatment may present as the most opportune time to reduce the detrimental side effects of treatment. Beginning exercise post-cancer treatment may not be early enough to elicit important improvements. The role of exercise alongside chemotherapy treatment, specifically during chemotherapy infusion may be an opportunity for the therapeutic delivery of exercise for cancer patients. Narrative review of peer-reviewed literature with a focus on exercise during chemotherapy infusions and therapeutic effects of exercise on the tumor microenvironment. Exercise initiated in the early stages of chemotherapy treatment may present as the most opportune time to improve therapeutic health outcomes and patient experience. If exercise during chemotherapy infusion could be feasible more testing is warranted to explore different modes including resistance-based exercise, dosage, intensity, and its potential affect on tumor hypoxia and chemotherapy drug uptake. Oncology nurses are in the ideal position to initiate the conversation about exercise during chemotherapy treatments specifically the opportunity to provide light exercise during chemotherapy infusion. Starting exercise during this time may be the most beneficial timing to decrease the myriad of treatment side effects experienced. Further research is required to explore the potential affect of exercise during chemotherapy infusion on health benefits, tumor hypoxia, and drug uptake, all of which seem to be positively affected by physical exercise.

Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 as a biomarker of improved circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder in school-aged children

We aimed to investigate whether improvements in the symptoms of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder after treatment were associated with an increase in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration. Eighty-seven school-aged children (32 males, 55 females), aged 14.31 ± 1.50 years (mean ± standard deviation), who were admitted to our hospital with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder received treatment for 6-8 weeks consisting of the following protocol: (1) lights-out for sleep occurred at 21:00, (2) phototherapy for waking started at 06:00 or 07:00, and (3) light exercise was required every day (eg, a 20- to 30-minute walk). Blood samples were collected at 08:00 am to measure the serum concentrations of IGF-1, pre- and posttreatment. The mean times of day of sleep onset and offset at the pre- and posttreatment timepoints were 23:32 ± 4.21 and 10:27 ± 2.98, and 21:26 ± 0.55 and 06:50 ± 0.70, respectively. The mean times of day of sleep onset and offset measured at the posttreatment timepoint were significantly earlier compared with the pretreatment baselines (P < .01). The mean serum levels of IGF-1 significantly increased from 315.59 ± 68.26 ng/mL at pretreatment to 335.09 ± 69.78 ng/mL at posttreatment (P < .01). Improvements in the symptoms of patients with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders were associated with increased serum concentrations of IGF-1, suggesting that serum IGF-1 may be a biomarker of improvements in school-aged children with circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder.