Effects of different hydration supports on stride kinematics, comfort, and impact accelerations during running

Background: Different supports for hydration can influence total body mass and affect running biomechanics. Research question: Do different hydration supports affect the perceived exertion and comfort, stride kinematics, and impact accelerations during running?. Methods: This was a crossover study design. Thirteen trail runners completed a treadmill running test divided into four different durations and randomized hydration supports conditions, lasting 8 min each at moderate intensity: A) waist bag (0.84 kg); B) medium load backpack (0.84 kg); C) full load backpack (3.40 kg); and D) a control condition without water support. Impact accelerations were measured for 30 s in 4, 6, and 8 min. The rate of perceived exertion and heart rate were registered on minutes 4 and 8. At the last minute of each condition, comfort perception was registered. Results and significance: No condition affected the stride kinematics. Full load backpack condition reduced head acceleration peak (−0.21 g; p = 0.04; ES=0.4) and head acceleration magnitude (−0.23 g; p = 0.03; ES=0.4), and increased shock attenuation (3.08 g; p = 0.04; ES=0.3). It also elicited higher perceived exertion (p 0.8) being considered heavier (p 1.1). The waist bag condition was more comfortable in terms of noise (p = 0.006; ES=1.3) and humidity/heat (p = 0.001; ES=0.8). The waist bag was the most comfortable support. On the other hand, the full backpack elicited lower comfort and was the only generating compensatory adjustments. These results may help to improve design of full load backpack aiming at comfort for runners

Consistency of pacing profile according to performance level in three different editions of the Chicago, London, and Tokyo marathons

[EN] Running pacing has become a focus of interest over recent years due to its relationship with performance, however, it is still unknown the consistency of each race in different editions. The aim of this study is to analyze the consistency of pacing profile in three consecutive editions of three marathon races. A database of 282,808 runners, compiled from three different races (Chicago, London, and Tokyo Marathon) and three editions (2017, 2018, and 2019) was analyzed. Participants were categorized according to their time performance in the marathon, every 30 min from 2:30 h to sub-6 h. The relative speed of each section for each runner was calculated as a percentage of the average speed for the entire race. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of relative speed at the different pacing section, taking into account the runner time categories, was excellent over the three marathon editions (ICC > 0.93). The artificial intelligence model showed an accuracy of 86.8% to classify the runners' data in three marathons, suggesting a consistency between editions with identifiable differences between races. In conclusion, although some differences have been observed between editions in certain sections and marathon runner categories, excellent consistency of the pacing profile was observed. The study of pacing profile in a specific marathon can, therefore, be helpful for runners, coaches and marathon organizers for planning the race and improving its organization.Oficial-Casado, F.; Uriel-Molto, J.; Jimenez-Perez, I.; Fagundes Goethel, M.; Pérez-Soriano, P.; Priego-Quesada, JI. (2022). Consistency of pacing profile according to performance level in three different editions of the Chicago, London, and Tokyo marathons. Scientific Reports. 12(1):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14868-61912

Footwear outsole temperature may be more related to plantar pressure during a prolonged run than foot temperature

Objective: The temperature of the sole of the foot has been suggested as an alternative to the measurement of plantar pressure during running despite the scarce evidence about their relationship. The temperature of the footwear outsole could also be representative of plantar pressure distribution due to its less multifactorial dependence. The aim of the study was to determine if plantar pressure during a prolonged run could be related to plantar temperature, either of the sole of the foot or the footwear outsole. Approach: Thirty recreational runners (15 males and 15 females) performed a 30-minute running test on a treadmill. Thermographic images of the sole of the foot and the footwear outsole were taken before and immediately after the test, and dynamic plantar pressure was measured at the end of the test. Pearson correlations and stepwise multiple linear regressions were performed. Main results: Plantar pressure percentage was related to a moderate correlation with plantar temperature percentage in forefoot and rearfoot (P<0.05), showing a greater relationship with the footwear outsole than with the sole of the foot (r=0.52–0.73 vs r=0.40–0.61, respectively). Moreover, moderate correlations were also observed between footwear outsole and sole of the foot temperature variables, especially in rearfoot. Significance: Footwear outsole temperature may be better related to plantar pressure distribution than sole of the foot temperature, in the forefoot and rearfoot. The midfoot is the most sensitive and variable region to analyze, as it does not seem to have any relationship with plantar pressure

Preparation and proposals for improvement in rubrics for the development and evaluation of written practical workshops in sports biomechanics

[EN] In the innovation of assessment processes, rubrics are proposed as a tool that favours student participation and stimulates the teaching-learning process. The aim of this study is to deepen the development, evaluation, and improvement of rubrics in sports biomechanics classes. Three teachers and 48 students participated in the study. The intervention consisted in the development and application of the rubrics in the first four-month period of the course. Subsequently, the teachers answered an evaluation questionnaire, from which data was collected to improve a second version of the rubrics. The results show that by using the rubrics, students improve in formal aspects, the design, and the general standard of their works; that the rubric are easy to use, facilitates assessment, helps to make the marks fairer and the grades higher. Teachers perceived that the assessment time of the assignments did not decrease and that the improvements on the rubrics should focus on the unification and specification of common items. Therefore, it is important to highlight the need to apply, reevaluate and modify a rubric in its creation process.[ES] En la innovación de los procesos de evaluación, las rúbricas se plantean como una herramienta que favorece la participación del alumnado y estimula el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El objetivo de este estudio es profundizar en el desarrollo, evaluación y mejora de las rúbricas en las clases de biomecánica deportiva. Tres profesores y 48 alumnos participaron en el estudio. La intervención consistió en la elaboración y aplicación de las rúbricas en el primer cuatrimestre del curso. Posteriormente el profesorado contestó a un cuestionario de valoración, a partir del cual se recogieron los datos para la elaboración de una segunda versión de las rúbricas mejoradas. Los resultados demuestran que el alumnado mejora en aspectos formales, el diseño y el nivel general del trabajo; que la rúbrica es fácil de utilizar, facilita la evaluación, ayuda a que las notas sean más justas y a que las calificaciones sean más altas. El profesorado percibió que el tiempo de evaluación de los trabajos no disminuyó y que las mejoras de las rúbricas se debían centrar en la unificación y especificación de los ítems comunes. Por lo tanto, es importante destacar la necesidad de aplicar, reevaluar y modificar una rúbrica en su proceso de creación.Marzano-Felisatti, J.; Sánchez-Jiménez, J.; Aparicio, I.; Sanchis-Sanchis, R.; Jimenez-Perez, I.; Priego-Quesada, J.; Pérez-Soriano, P. (2022). Elaboración y propuestas de mejora en rúbricas para el desarrollo y evaluación de talleres prácticos escritos en la materia biomecánica deportiva. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 285-297. https://doi.org/10.4995/INRED2022.2022.1587028529

Dynamic Edematous Response of the Human Heart to Myocardial Infarction Implications for Assessing Myocardial Area at Risk and Salvage

BACKGROUND: Clinical protocols aimed to characterize the post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) need to be standardized to take account of dynamic biological phenomena evolving early after the index ischemic event. Here, we evaluated the time course of edema reaction in patients with ST-segment-elevation MI by CMR and assessed its implications for myocardium-at-risk (MaR) quantification both in patients and in a large-animal model. METHODS: A total of 16 patients with anterior ST-segment-elevation MI successfully treated by primary angioplasty and 16 matched controls were prospectively recruited. In total, 94 clinical CMR examinations were performed: patients with ST-segment-elevation MI were serially scanned (within the first 3 hours after reperfusion and at 1, 4, 7, and 40 days), and controls were scanned only once. T2 relaxation time in the myocardium (T2 mapping) and the extent of edema on T2-weighted short-tau triple inversion-recovery (ie, CMR-MaR) were evaluated at all time points. In the experimental study, 20 pigs underwent 40-minute ischemia/reperfusion followed by serial CMR examinations at 120 minutes and 1, 4, and 7 days after reperfusion. Reference MaR was assessed by contrast-multidetector computed tomography during the index coronary occlusion. Generalized linear mixed models were used to take account of repeated measurements. RESULTS: In humans, T2 relaxation time in the ischemic myocardium declines significantly from early after reperfusion to 24 hours, and then increases up to day 4, reaching a plateau from which it decreases from day 7. Consequently, edema extent measured by T2-weighted short-tau triple inversion-recovery (CMR-MaR) varied with the timing of the CMR examination. These findings were confirmed in the experimental model by showing that only CMR-MaR values for day 4 and day 7 postreperfusion, coinciding with the deferred edema wave, were similar to values measured by reference contrast-multidetector computed tomography. CONCLUSIONS: Post-MI edema in patients follows a bimodal pattern that affects CMR estimates of MaR. Dynamic changes in post-ST-segment-elevation MI edema highlight the need for standardization of CMR timing to retrospectively delineate MaR and quantify myocardial salvage. According to the present clinical and experimental data, a time window between days 4 and 7 post-MI seems a good compromise solution for standardization. Further studies are needed to study the effect of other factors on these variables.This study was partially supported by a competitive grant from the Spanish Society of Cardiology (Proyectos de Investigacion Traslacional en Cardiologia de la Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia 2015, for the project Caracterizacion tiSUlar miocaRdica con resonancia magnetica en pacientes tras inFarto agudo de mioCardio con elevacioN de ST sometidos a angloplastia Coronaria primaria. Estudio SURF-CNIC), by a competitive grant from the Carlos III Institute of Health-Fondo de Investigacion Sanitaria- and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF/FEDER) (PI10/02268 and PI13/01979), the Spanish Ministry of economy, industry, and competitiveness (MEIC) and ERDF/FEDER SAF2013-49663-EXP. Dr Fernandez-Jimenez holds a FICNIC fellowship from the Fundacio Jesus Serra, the Fundacion Interhospitalaria de Investigacion Cardiovascular, and the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), and Dr Aguero is a FP7-PEOPLE-2013-ITN-Cardionext fellow. This study forms part of a Master Research Agreement between the CNIC and Philips Healthcare, and is part of a bilateral research program between Hospital de Salamanca Cardiology Department and the CNIC. This research program is part of an institutional agreement between FIIS-Fundacion Jimenez Diaz and CNIC. The CNIC is supported by the MEIC and the Pro CNIC Foundation, and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (MEIC award SEV-2015-0505).S

Factors related to the development of high antibody titres against SARS-CoV-2 in convalescent plasma donors from the ConPlas-19 trial

Background and objectives: The efficacy of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CP) associates with high titres of antibodies. ConPlas-19 clinical trial showed that CP reduces the risk of progression to severe COVID-19 at 28 days. Here, we aim to study ConPlas-19 donors and characteristics that associate with high anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels. Materials and methods: Four-hundred donors were enrolled in ConPlas-19. The presence and titres of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were evaluated by EUROIMMUN anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG ELISA. Results: A majority of 80.3% of ConPlas-19 donor candidates had positive EUROIMMUN test results (ratio ≥1.1), and of these, 51.4% had high antibody titres (ratio ≥3.5). Antibody levels decline over time, but nevertheless, out of 37 donors tested for an intended second CP donation, over 90% were still EUROIMMUN positive, and nearly 75% of those with high titres maintained high titres in the second sample. Donors with a greater probability of developing high titres of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies include those older than 40 years of age (RR 2.06; 95% CI 1.24-3.42), with more than 7 days of COVID-19 symptoms (RR 1.89; 95% CI 1.05-3.43) and collected within 4 months from infection (RR 2.61; 95% CI 1.16-5.90). Male donors had a trend towards higher titres compared with women (RR 1.67; 95% CI 0.91-3.06). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 CP candidate donors' age, duration of COVID-19 symptoms and time from infection to donation associate with the collection of CP with high antibody levels. Beyond COVID-19, these data are relevant to inform decisions to optimize the CP donor selection process in potential future outbreaks.European Regional Development Fund (FEDER); Government of Spain, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Grant/Award Number: COV20/00072; SCReN (Spanish Clinical Research Network), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Grant/Award Number: PT17/0017/0009S

Angiocrine polyamine production regulates adiposity.

Reciprocal interactions between endothelial cells (ECs) and adipocytes are fundamental to maintain white adipose tissue (WAT) homeostasis, as illustrated by the activation of angiogenesis upon WAT expansion, a process that is impaired in obesity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between ECs and adipocytes remain poorly understood. Here, we show that local production of polyamines in ECs stimulates adipocyte lipolysis and regulates WAT homeostasis in mice. We promote enhanced cell-autonomous angiogenesis by deleting Pten in the murine endothelium. Endothelial Pten loss leads to a WAT-selective phenotype, characterized by reduced body weight and adiposity in pathophysiological conditions. This phenotype stems from enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation in ECs concomitant with a paracrine lipolytic action on adipocytes, accounting for reduced adiposity. Combined analysis of murine models, isolated ECs and human specimens reveals that WAT lipolysis is mediated by mTORC1-dependent production of polyamines by ECs. Our results indicate that angiocrine metabolic signals are important for WAT homeostasis and organismal metabolism.We thank members of the Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment Group for helpful discussions. We thank the CERCA Program/Generalitat de Catalunya and the Josep Carreras Foundation for institutional support. The research leading to these results has received funding from la Fundación BBVA (Ayuda Fundacion BBVA a Equipos de Investigación Científica 2019, PR19BIOMET0061) and from SAF2017-82072-ERC from Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU) (Spain). The laboratory of M.G. is also supported by the research grants SAF2017-89116R-P (FEDER/EU) co-funded by European Regional Developmental Fund (ERDF), a Way to Build Europe and PID2020-116184RB-I00 from MCEI; by the Catalan Government through the project 2017-SGR; PTEN Research Foundation (BRR-17-001); La Caixa Foundation (HR19-00120 and HR21-00046); by la Asociación Española contra el Cancer-Grupos Traslacionales (GCTRA18006CARR, also to A.C.); European Foundation for the Study of Diabetes/Lilly research grant, also to M.C.); and by the People Programme (Marie Curie Actions; grant agreement 317250) of the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007-2013 and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie (grant agreement 675392) of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research. The laboratory of A.C. is supported by the Basque Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (Elkartek) and the department of education (IKERTALDE IT1106-16), the MCIU (PID2019-108787RB-I00 (FEDER/ EU); Severo Ochoa Excellence Accreditation SEV-2016-0644; Excellence Networks SAF2016-81975-REDT), La Caixa Foundation (ID 100010434), under the agreement LCF/PR/HR17, the Vencer el Cancer foundation and the European Research Council (ERC) (consolidator grant 819242). CIBERONC was co-funded with FEDER funds and funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII). The laboratory of M.C. is supported by the ERC under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement 725004) and CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya (M.C.). The laboratory of D.S. is supported by research grants from MINECO (SAF2017- 83813-C3-1-R, also to L.H., cofounded by the ERDF), CIBEROBN (CB06/03/0001), Government of Catalonia (2017SGR278) and Fundació La Marató de TV3 (201627- 30). The laboratory of R.N. is supported by FEDER/Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades-Agencia Estatal de Investigación (RTI2018-099413-B-I00 and and RED2018-102379-T), Xunta de Galicia (2016-PG057 and 2020-PG015), ERC under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement 810331), Fundación BBVA, Fundacion Atresmedia and CIBEROBN, which is an initiative of the ISCIII of Spain, which is supported by FEDER funds. The laboratory of J.A.V. is supported by research grants from MICINN (RTI2018-099250-B100) and by La Caixa Foundation (ID 100010434, LCF/PR/HR17/52150009). P.M.G.-R. is supported by ISCIII grant PI15/00701 cofinanced by the ERDF, A Way to Build Europe. Personal support was from Marie Curie ITN Actions (E.M.), Juan de la Cierva (IJCI-2015-23455, P.V.), CONICYT fellowship from Chile (S.Z.), Vetenskapsradet (Swedish Research Council, 2018-06591, L.G.) and NCI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (K99CA245122, P. Castel).S