Acute Systemic Response Of BDNF, Lactate and Cortisol to Strenuous Exercise Modalities in Healthy Untrained Women

Acute bouts of intense exercise increase lactate concentration, which in turn stimulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) production. Cortisol released during intense exercise might inhibit BDNF synthesis. This study examined the acute effects of 2 protocols of strenuous exercise on serum BDNF. Seventeen physically-active healthy females (Age = 20.0 ± 0.9 yr., BMI = 23.0 ± 2.6 kg/m2) performed a strenuous cycle-ergometer graded exercise test (GXT) and a high-intensity interval training session (HIIT). Serum BDNF, serum cortisol, cortisol: BDNF ratio and blood lactate (BLa) were recorded at baseline and immediately following exercise. Although non-statistically significant, the HIIT session elicited a higher magnitude of change from baseline for BDNF (d = 0.17) and cortisol (d = 1.18) than after the GXT (d = -0.26, and d = 0.82, respectively). An interaction was found between GXT and HIIT trials and measurements on BLa levels, with higher post-exertion values after HIIT than after GXT (p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.650, 95%CI = 2.2, 5.2). The higher BLa levels did not raise circulating BDNF. The elevated cortisol levels may have overcome the effects of lactate on BDNF. However, the higher BLa induced by HIIT suggest that interval exercise modality on the long-term could be a feasible intervention to increase circulating peripheral BDNF, at least in untrained healthy women

Effects of a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in lactate and heart rate during the menstrual cycle in young skater athletes

INTRODUCTION: High intensity interval training (HIIT) effects on heart rate and lactate concentration have been widely documented in male and female athletes. However, there few reports focused to study the dynamics of these cardiac and metabolic markers during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. PURPOSE: The aim of this studywas analyze the dynamics of heart rate and lactate concentration during a HIIT protocol in the different phases of the menstrual cycle (MC) in young eumenorrheic athletes women. METHODS: Two young skater athletes (14.5±0.7 yrs.) with regular menstrual cycles were recruited. The normality of the cycle was measured with a menstrual calendar. The estimated VO2 max was assessed in an electrically braked cycle ergometer (Lode) using a graded exercise test. The HIIT protocol consisted of 12 sessions of 6 high intensity intervals at 80% VO2 max, and 6 rest intervals at 40% VO2 max. Basal and post-exercice heart rate (HR) and lactate concentrations (LC) were measured with a pulsometer (polar FT1) or test strips (Nova Biomedical), respectively. The MC was divided in six phases: Early follicular (EF), Mid follicular (MF), Late follicular (LF), Early luteal (EL), Mid luteal (ML) and Late luteal (LL), using the date since their first menstrual discharge as the start of the EF phase. RESULTS: There was a significative correlation between HR and LC (r: 0.37, p: 0.0034) throughout the 12 HIIT sessions, but this was not statistically significant in EF (r: 0.36, p: 0.21), MF (r: 0.86, p: 0.12), LF (r: 0.14, p: 0.68), ML (r: 0.04, p: 0.92) and LL (r: 0.67, p: 0.06). Interestingly, we did observe a highly significant correlation between HR and LC (r = 0.68, p = 0.0033) in the EL phase, characterized by rising progesterone levels and a transient decrease of estradiol concentrations. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results suggest that the normal fluctuation of steroid hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can affect the dynamics of HR and LC in eumenorrheic athletes

The relationship between aerobic fitness and depression level determined with Hamilton scale in older adults

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a major public health problem associated with both morbidity and mortality throughout the world, in Mexico epidemiological reports show a prevalence of depression in older adults of 9.5% in women and 5% in men; it is widely held that regular exercise and physical activity in older subjects have a significant impact on psychological health and well-being. PURPOSE: To determine whether if higher aerobic fitness is associated with decreased symptoms of clinical depression in older adults. METHODS: Participants (n=21) included individuals raging ages from 61 to 72 years old and were not regular exercisers. The 6 minute walking test was used to determine the aerobic fitness, the total distance covered during the test was determined with pedometers; all subjects were free of unstable cardiovascular symptoms and disabilities that could interfere with performance in the sub-maximal exercise test. Indirect Peak Oxygen Consumption (VO2peak) was obtained with the equation stablished by Burr et al. (2011). Depression Symptoms were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Scale which consisted of an interview of the subjects and scoring 17 items defined in terms of a series of categories of increasing intensity. Statistical analyses included a non-parametric Spearman correlation test to determine the association between predicted VO2peak and depression, level of significance was stablished at P≤0.05. RESULTS: Twenty one overweight (BMI 29.3±3.7 kg/m2) subjects that presented mild clinical depression symptoms were included in the study. A moderate negative correlation between predicted peak VO2 and depression was obtained, with a coefficient of r= -0.5099 (P≤0.05). A regression analysis was performed to establish the significant predictor of VO2 entering the analysis a psychological variable as a dependent factor (P value 0.0102). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, there is evidence that aerobic exercise could be a plausible and healthy strategy to avert depressive symptoms in the appearance of clinical depression in older adults

Software Process Simulation Modeling: Systematic literature review

Changes and continuous progress in logistics and productive systems make the realization of improvements in decision making necessary. Simulation is a good support tool for this type of decisions because it allows reproducing processes virtually to study their behavior, to analyze the impact of possible changes or to compare different design alternatives without the high cost of scale experiments. Although process simulation is usually focused on industrial processes, over the last two decades, new proposals have emerged to bring simulation techniques into software engineering. This paper describes a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) which returned 8070 papers (published from 2013 to 2019) by a systematic search in 4 digital libraries. After conducting this SLR, 36 Software Process Simulation Modeling (SPSM) works were selected as primary studies and were documented following a specific characterization scheme. This scheme allows characterizing each proposal according to the paradigm used and its technology base as well as its future line of work. Our purpose is to identify trends and directions for future research on SPSM after identifying and studying which proposals in this topic have been defined and the relationships and dependencies between these proposals in the last five years. After finishing this review, it is possible to conclude that SPSM continues to be a topic that is very much addressed by the scientific community, but each contribution has been proposed with particular goals. This review also concludes that Agent-Based Simulation and System Dynamics paradigm is increasing and decreasing, respectively, its trend among SPSM proposals in the last five years. Regarding Discrete-Event Simulation paradigm, it seems that it is strengthening its position among research community in recent years to design new approaches.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad TIN2016-76956-C3-2-

Relationship between PASE score with anthropometrics and cardiovascular variables associated to obesity in an older Mexican population

INTRODUCTION: Obesity in Older Adults (OA) increases the risk to acquire non-communicable diseases such as metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Some reports indicate that sedentary habits or low physical activity is one of the main factor that induce obesity in elderly state. PURPOSE: Determine the relationship between the level of physical activity via Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) test, anthropometric and cardiovascular variables associated to obesity in an older Mexican population. METHODS: Fourteen OA (63.4 ± 1.78 years) from Ensenada city, Baja California were recruited. The PASE was applied individually, in each participants was determined the waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI). In the same sense, the Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and resting Heart Rate (HR) were evaluated. Spearman correlation test was employed to determine the relationship between variables. RESULTS: The PASE score was 10.58 ± 1.52. The WC was 87.72 ± 2.15 cm. The BMI showed by the participants was 27.3 ± 0.84 kg/m2. On the other hand, the SBP was 131.07 ± 4.38 mmHg. The HR was 72.07 ± 2.50 ppm. The PASE score does not showed statistical correlation with the BMI (r=0.34; p=0.22). In the same sense, there was not significate association between PASE and WC (r=-0.06; p=0.8). The HR showed negative correlation with the PASE (r=-0.45) however, this association was not significant (p=0.1). Finally, the PASE does not correlation with the SBP (r=0.13; p=0.65). CONCLUSION: The preliminary data showed that the PASE questionnaire cannot be used to predict the variables associated to obesity in older Mexican population

Efecto de un programa de ejercicio aeróbico en la composición corporal y somatotipo de un obeso mórbido infantil

La obesidad representa un problema de salud que suele iniciarse en la infancia y la adolescencia, por un desequilibrio entre la ingesta y el gasto energético, derivando en niveles altos de grasa corporal y grados peligrosos de adiposidad relativa. Por tanto, la inactividad física es un factor de riego que favorece el sobrepeso y la obesidad. El objetivo fue diseñar y aplicar un programa de ejercicio aeróbico y evaluar su efecto en la composición corporal y somatotipo en un niño con obesidad mórbida. Se abordó como un estudio de caso, con pre-test y post-test, en un niño de 10 años, con peso corporal de 88.9 kg, estatura de 158.5 cm, un IMC clasificado de obeso mórbido, no practicante de algún deporte o actividad física regular. El programa fue de 12 semanas, 5 sesiones por semana y una duración de 30-60 min por sesión y una intensidad del 55- 70% de Fcmax. La composición corporal y el somatotipo se obtuvo por mediciones de variables antropométricas. El componente graso a través de la medición de pliegues. En los resultados destacan la diferencia en el pre-test y pos-test de los pliegues: bíceps (dif. 0.0 mm), tríceps (dif. -1.2 mm), subescapular (dif. -1.0 mm.) y suprailiaco (dif. -3.2 mm). Se encontraron pequeñas diferencias en el componente graso (dif. -1.05%) y peso graso (dif. -800 grs). Con respecto a la somaocarta, la distancia de dispersión del somatotipo no mostró valores relevantes. El efecto del programa no alcanzó niveles significativos y el sujeto aún permanece en estado de alto riesgo de saludObesity represents a health problem that usually starts in childhood and adolescence, by an imbalance between the consumption and the energy use, deriving in high levels of body fat and dangerous degrees of relative adiposity. Thus, the physical inactivity is a risk factor that favours overweight and obesity. The objective was to design and apply a program of aerobic exercises and to evaluate its effect on body composition and somatotype in a child with morbid obesity. It was addressed as a case study, with pre-test and post-test, in a 10-year-old child, with a body weight of 88.9 kg, a height of 158.5 cm, a BMI classified as morbidly obese, not practicing a sport or physical activity regularly. The program was 12 weeks, 5 sessions per week and a duration of 30-60 minutes per session and an intensity of 55-70% of Fcmax. Body composition and somatotype were obtained by measuring the anthropometric variables. The fat component through the measurement of folds. The results highlight the difference in the pre-test and post-test of the folds: biceps (diff. 0.0 mm.), triceps (diff. -1.2 mm.), subscapular (diff. -1.0 mm.) and suprailiac (diff -3.2 mm.). Small differences in the fat component (diff -1.05%) and the fat weight (diff. -800 grs.) were found. Regarding the somacarta the dispersal distance of the somatotype did not show relevant values. The effect of the program did not reach significant levels and the subject remains in a state of high health risk

Complexation of DNA with Thermoresponsive Charged Microgels: Role of Swelling State and Electrostatics

This research was funded by projects RTI2018-101309-B-C21 and PID2020-631-116615RA-I00, funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by "ERDF A way of making Europe" and by project PY20_00138, funded by Consejeria de Transformacion Economica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades (PAIDI2020).Micro- and nanogels are being increasingly used to encapsulate bioactive compounds. Their soft structure allows large loading capacity while their stimuli responsiveness makes them extremely versatile. In this work, the complexation of DNA with thermoresponsive microgels is presented. To this end, PEGylated charged microgels based on poly-N-isopropylacrylamide have been synthesized, allowing one to explore the electrostatics of the complexation. Cationic microgels complexate spontaneously by electrostatic attraction to oppositely charged DNA as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility of the complexes. Then, Langmuir monolayers reveal an increased interaction of DNA with swollen microgels (20 degrees C). Anionic microgels require the presence of multivalent cations (Ca2+) to promote the complexation, overcoming the electrostatic repulsion with negatively charged DNA. Then again, Langmuir monolayers evidence their complexation at the surface. However, the presence of Ca2+ seems to induce profound changes in the interaction and surface conformation of anionic microgels. These alterations are further explored by measuring adsorbed films with the pendant drop technique. Conformational changes induced by Ca2+ on the structure of the microgel can ultimately affect the complexation with DNA and should be considered in the design. The combination of microstructural and surface properties for microgels offers a new perspective into complexation of DNA with soft particles with biomedical applications.MCIN/AEI RTI2018-101309-B-C21 PID2020-631-116615RA-I00Consejeria de Transformacion Economica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades PY20_0013

Concurrent Training Increases Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Older Adults Regardless of the Exercise Frequency

Background: Human brain function declines with aging. In this sense, exercise-based interventions has a promising effect on brain plasticity for older adults. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a positive biomarker for brain neuroplasticity in healthy older adults also modified by exercise training. Selected features of the exercise prescription for improving brain health are missing; therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of concurrent exercise training frequency on serum BDNF levels in healthy older adults. Methods: Nineteen volunteers (age: 65 ± 4 year; body mass index: 28.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) completed either a three times/week (3-t/w) (n = 8) or five times/week (5-t/w) (n = 11) concurrent exercise program. The exercise program lasted 11 weeks and all exercise sessions were performed for 50 min at moderate intensity. Serum BDNF, body composition, cardiovascular, and physical fitness variables were assessed before and after the exercise training program. Results: Regardless of the group, the serum BDNF increased following the intervention (p < 0.001), and there were no significant group (p = 0.827) or interaction (p = 0.063) effects. The maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased regardless of the group (p = 0.007), with a non-significant group (p = 0.722) or interaction (p = 0.223) effects. Upper- and lower-body strength increased in both groups (p = 0.003); however, there was no effect of the training frequency (p = 0.53). For the skeletal muscle mass, there was a trend in the interaction effect (p = 0.053). Finally, the body fat percentage was unchanged. Conclusion: Eleven weeks of combined exercise training increased serum BDNF levels in healthy older adults, a response independent of the training frequency. The overall fitness level improved similarly in both exercise groups. These data reveal that a minimal dosage of concurrent exercise enhance functional capacity and a brain health biomarker in older adults