The Association between Type and Intensity of Sport and Tobacco or Nicotine Use-A Cross-Sectional Study among Young Swiss Men.

The objective of this study was to assess the association between tobacco/nicotine use and type and intensity of sport. Data were drawn from the second follow-up of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. Young Swiss men completed a questionnaire about tobacco/nicotine use (cigarette, vaping, snus, snuff), type and intensity of sport and other demographic and medical variables. Among the 5414 included participants (mean age 25.5), 3434 (63.4%) reported regularly practicing a sport. They had a lower rate of cigarette smoking (32.3%) compared with participants not practicing a sport (44.6%) but a higher rate of snus use (15.0% vs. 10.0%). In adjusted models, individual-sport participants were less likely to use snus and snuff (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.51-0.77 and OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.61-0.88), compared with team-sport participants. The association was inversed for vaping users (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.03-2.30). Furthermore, participants who practiced high-intensity sports had a lower likelihood to smoke cigarettes (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.52-0.78) compared with low-intensity sports. Our findings suggest that type and intensity of sport are associated with tobacco/nicotine use. Youth who practice an individual sport are less likely to use snus or snuff and more likely to vape compared with a team sport. This could help better target smoking prevention in young people

The Determinants of the Preferred Walking Speed in Individuals with Obesity.

The preferred walking speed (PWS), also known as the "spontaneous" or "self-selected" walking speed, is the speed normally used during daily living activities and may represent an appropriate exercise intensity for weight reduction programs aiming to enhance a more negative energy balance. The aim of this study was to examine, simultaneously, the energetics, mechanics, and perceived exertion determinants of PWS in individuals with obesity. Twenty-three adults with obesity (age 32.7 ± 6.8 years, body mass index 33.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2) were recruited. The participants performed 10 min of treadmill familiarization, and PWS was determined. Each subject performed six 5-min walking trials (PWS 0.56, 0.83, 1.11, 1.39, and 1.67 m/s). Gas exchanges were collected and analyzed to obtain the gross energy cost of walking (GCw), rated perceived exertion (RPE) was measured using a 6-20 Borg scale, and the external mechanical work (Wext) and the fraction of mechanical energy recovered by the pendular mechanism (Recovery) were computed using an instrumented treadmill. Second-order least-squares regression was used to calculate the optimal walking speed (OWS) of each variable. No significant difference was found between PWS (1.28 ± 0.13 m/s) and OWS for GCw (1.28 ± 0.10 m/s), RPE cost of walking (1.38 ± 0.14 m/s), and Recovery (1.48 ± 0.27 m/s; p > 0.06 for all), but the PWS was significantly faster than the OWS for Wext (0.98 ± 0.56 m/s; p < 0.02). Multiple regression (r = 0.72; p = 0.003) showed that ∼52% of the variance in PWS was explained by Recovery, Wext, and height. The main finding of this study was that obese adults may select their PWS in function of several competing demands, since this speed simultaneously minimizes pendular energy transduction, energy cost, and perceived exertion during walking. Moreover, recovery of mechanical work, external work, and height seem to be the major determinants of PWS in these individuals

A comparison of vegetable leaves and replicated biomimetic surfaces on the binding of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes

Biofouling in the food industry is a huge issue, and one possible way to reduce surface fouling is to understand how naturally cleaning surfaces based on biomimetic designs influence bacterial binding. Four self-cleaning leaves (Tenderheart cabbage, Cauliflower, White cabbage and Leek) were analysed for their surface properties and artificial re-plicates were produced. The leaves and surfaces were subjected to attachment, adhesion and retention assays using Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. For the attachment assays, the lowest cell numbers occurred on the least hydrophobic and smooth surfaces but were higher than the flat control surface, regardless of the strain. Following the ad-hesion assays, using L. monocytogenes, the Tenderheart and Cauliflower biomimetic re-plicated leaves resulted in significantly lowered cell adhesion. Following the retention assays, White cabbage demonstrated lower cell retention for both types of bacteria on the biomimetic replicated surface compared to the flat control surface. The biomimetic sur-faces were also more efficient at avoiding bacterial retention than natural leaves, with reductions of about 1 and 2 Log in L. monocytogenes and E. coli retention, respectively, on most of the produced surfaces. Although the surfaces were promising in reducing bac-terial binding, the results suggested that different experimental assays exerted different influences on the conclusions. This work demonstrated that consideration needs to be given to the environmental factors where the surface is to be used and that bacterial species influence the propensity of biofouling on a surface. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Institution of Chemical Engineers. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creative-commons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Chambres de cryothérapie et immersion en eau froide : utilisation thérapeutique et risques [Cryotherapy chambers and cold-water immersion : therapeutic use and risks]

Whole body cryotherapy is mainly performed either by immersion in cold water or in a cryotherapy chamber. Practiced since Antiquity and considered as a « natural » method, cryotherapy is attracting more and more followers. Beneficial health effects have been described in the literature. However, interpretation of its effects is difficult due to low quality of current studies. Cryotherapy could however be useful in addition to conventional therapies in various pathologies and situations, provided that the risks, contraindications and rules of good practice are known

Drawing inspiration from nature to develop anti-fouling coatings: the development of biomimetic polymer surfaces and their effect on bacterial fouling

The development of self-cleaning biomimetic surfaces has the potential to be of great benefit to human health, in addition to reducing the economic burden on industries worldwide. Consequently, this study developed a biomimetic wax surface using a moulding technique which emulated the topography of the self-cleaning Gladiolus hybridus (Gladioli) leaf. A comparison of topographies was performed for unmodified wax surfaces (control), biomimetic wax surfaces, and Gladioli leaves using optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the biomimetic wax surface and Gladioli leaf had extremely similar surface roughness parameters, but the water contact angle of the Gladioli leaf was significantly higher than the replicated biomimetic surface. The self-cleaning properties of the biomimetic and control surfaces were compared by measuring their propensity to repel Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes attachment, adhesion, and retention in mono-and co-culture conditions. When the bacterial assays were carried out in monoculture, the biomimetic surfaces retained fewer bacteria than the control surfaces. However, when using co-cultures of the bacterial species, only following the retention assays were the bacterial numbers reduced on the biomimetic surfaces. The results demonstrate that such surfaces may be effective in reducing biofouling if used in the appropriate medical, marine, and industrial scenarios. This study provides valuable insight into the anti-fouling physical and chemical control mechanisms found in plants, which are particularly appealing for engineering purposes

Analyse de la variabilité de la fréquence cardiaque : méthodes, limites et exemples cliniques [Heart rate variability: methods, limitations and clinical examples]

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an analysis of milliseconds variations in intervals between heartbeats and has become an increasingly used tool for clinical investigation of fatigue, especially in athletes. Eliciting an indirect index of the autonomic nervous system regulation on the heart rate, HRV correlates with different fatigue states and appears to be a powerful biomarker in their monitoring. This article presents the tools to familiarize with this method while detailing good practices for use and interpretation. A method allowing characterization of different fatigue states is also presented for a clinical use with a systemic approach

Paediatric and adolescent athletes in Switzerland: age-adapted proposals for pre-participation cardiovascular evaluation

High-level sports competition is popular among Swiss youth. Even though preparticipation evaluation for competitive athletes is widespread, screening strategies for diseases responsible for sudden death during sport are highly variable. Hence, we sought to develop age-specific preparticipation cardiovascular evaluation (PPCE) proposals for Swiss paediatric and adolescent athletes (under 18 years of age). We recommend that all athletes practising in a squad with a training load of at least 6 hours per week should undergo PPCE based on medical history and physical examination from the age of 12 years on. Prior to 12 years, individual judgement of athletic performance is required. We suggest the inclusion of a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) evaluation for all post-pubertal athletes (or older than 15 years) with analysis in accordance with the International Criteria for ECG Interpretation in Athletes. Echocardiography should not be a first-line screening tool but rather serve for the investigation of abnormalities detected by the above strategies. We recommend regular follow-up examinations, even for those having normal history, physical examination and ECG findings. Athletes with an abnormal history (including family history), physical examination and/or ECG should be further investigated and pathological findings discussed with a paediatric cardiologist. Importantly, the recommendations provided in this document are not intended for use among patients with congenital heart disease who require individualised care according to current guidelines

A comparison of vegetable leaves and replicated biomimetic surfaces on the binding of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes

Biofouling in the food industry is a huge issue, and one possible way to reduce surface fouling is to understand how naturally cleaning surfaces based on biomimetic designs influence bacterial binding. Four self-cleaning leaves (Tenderheart cabbage, Cauliflower, White cabbage and Leek) were analysed for their surface properties and artificial replicates were produced. The leaves and surfaces were subjected to attachment, adhesion and retention assays using Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. For the attachment assays, the lowest cell numbers occurred on the least hydrophobic and smooth surfaces but were higher than the flat control surface, regardless of the strain. Following the adhesion assays, using L. monocytogenes, the Tenderheart and Cauliflower biomimetic replicated leaves resulted in significantly lowered cell adhesion. Following the retention assays, White cabbage demonstrated lower cell retention for both types of bacteria on the biomimetic replicated surface compared to the flat control surface. The biomimetic surfaces were also more efficient at avoiding bacterial retention than natural leaves, with reductions of about 1 and 2 Log in L. monocytogenes and E. coli retention, respectively, on most of the produced surfaces. Although the surfaces were promising in reducing bacterial binding, the results suggested that different experimental assays exerted different influences on the conclusions. This work demonstrated that consideration needs to be given to the environmental factors where the surface is to be used and that bacterial species influence the propensity of biofouling on a surface

Diagnostic yield and cost analysis of electrocardiographic screening in Swiss paediatric athletes

OBJECTIVES Athletes performing sports on high level are at increased risk for sudden cardiac death. This includes paediatric athletes, even though data on screening strategies in this age group remain scarce. This study aimed to assess electrocardiogram interpretation criteria in paediatric athletes and to evaluate the cost of screening. METHODS National, multicentre, retrospective, observational study on 891 athletes of paediatric age (<18 years) evaluated by history, physical examination and 12-lead electrocardiogram. The primary outcome measure was abnormal electrocardiogram findings according to the International Recommendations for Electrographic Interpretation in Athletes. The secondary outcome measure was cost of screening. RESULTS 19 athletes (2.1%) presented abnormal electrocardiogram findings requiring further investigations, mainly abnormal T-wave inversion. These 19 athletes were predominantly males, performing endurance sports with a mean volume of 10 weekly hours for a mean duration of 6 years of training. Further investigations did not identify any relevant pathology. All athletes were cleared for competition with regular follow-up. Total costs of the screening were 108,860 USD (122 USD per athlete). CONCLUSIONS Our study using the International Recommendations for Electrographic Interpretation in Athletes identified a low count of abnormal findings in paediatric athletes, yet raising substantially the cost of screening. Hence, the utility of electrocardiogram-inclusive screening of paediatric athletes remains to be elucidated by longitudinal data

Celebrating the centenary in polymer science: Drawing inspiration from nature to develop anti-fouling coatings: the development of biomimetic polymer surfaces and their effect on bacterial fouling

The development of self-cleaning biomimetic surfaces has the potential to be of great benefit to human health, in addition to reducing the economic burden on industries worldwide. Consequently, this study developed a biomimetic wax surface using a moulding technique which emulated the topography of the self-cleaning Gladiolus hybridus (Gladioli) leaf. A comparison of topographies was performed for unmodified wax surfaces (control), biomimetic wax surfaces, and Gladioli leaves using optical profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that the biomimetic wax surface and Gladioli leaf had extremely similar surface roughness parameters, but the water contact angle of the Gladioli leaf was significantly higher than the replicated biomimetic surface. The self-cleaning properties of the biomimetic and control surfaces were compared by measuring their propensity to repel Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes attachment, adhesion, and retention in mono- and co-culture conditions. When the bacterial assays were carried out in monoculture, the biomimetic surfaces retained fewer bacteria than the control surfaces. However, when using co-cultures of the bacterial species, only following the retention assays were the bacterial numbers reduced on the biomimetic surfaces. The results demonstrate that such surfaces may be effective in reducing biofouling if used in the appropriate medical, marine, and industrial scenarios. This study provides valuable insight into the antifouling physical and chemical control mechanisms found in plants, which are particularly appealing for engineering purposes