Daily probiotic's (lactobacillus casei shirota) reduction of infection incidence in athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a probiotic supplement during 4 mo of winter training in men and women engaged in endurance-based physical activities on incidence of upper respiratory-tract infections (URTIs) and immune markers. Eighty-four highly active individuals were randomized to probiotic (n = 42) or placebo (n = 42) groups and, under double-blind procedures, received probiotic (PRO: Lactobacillus casei Shirota [LcS]) or placebo (PLA) daily for 16 wk. Resting blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 8 and 16 wk. Weekly training and illness logs were kept. Fifty-eight subjects completed the study (n = 32 PRO, n = 26 PLA). The proportion of subjects on PLA who experienced 1 or more weeks with URTI symptoms was 36% higher than those on PRO (PLA 0.90, PRO 0.66; p = .021). The number of URTI episodes was significantly higher (p < .01) in the PLA group (2.1 ± 1.2) than in the PRO group (1.2 ± 1.0). Severity and duration of symptoms were not significantly different between treatments. Saliva IgA concentration was higher on PRO than PLA, significant treatment effect F(1, 54) = 5.1, p = .03; this difference was not evident at baseline but was significant after 8 and 16 wk of supplementation. Regular ingestion of LcS appears to be beneficial in reducing the frequency of URTI in an athletic cohort, which may be related to better maintenance of saliva IgA levels during a winter period of training and competition

Recomendaciones de actividad física durante la pandemia de COVID-19: un enfoque práctico para diferentes grupos objetivo

Ensuring health and well-being during this pandemic is essential according to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Physical exercise has an important role in the preservation of the immune system, which is vital to prevent infections. To promote physical exercise and maintain a healthy status, recent studies have suggested general exercise routines to be implemented during the quarantine period. However, to improve the health-related physical fitness components, any specific prescription should include intensity, volume, duration, and mode. Controversy persists about which is the best intensity of physical activity, while performing exercise at a moderate intensity could bring important benefits to asymptomatic people. High intensity or unaccustomed exercise should be restricted for older people, and for people of all ages with chronic diseases or compromised immune system, obesity, or upper respiratory tract infection with limited symptoms. Besides, physical activity guidelines should be particular to each population group, giving special consideration to those vulnerable to COVID-19 who are much more likely to suffer more self-isolation. Therefore, the present study is to provide specific physical activity recommendations for different populations during this pandemic.En este periodo de pandemia es vital garantizar la salud y el bienestar según indican los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la ONU. El ejercicio físico desempeña un papel importante en la mejora del sistema inmunológico, siendo vital en la prevención de infecciones. Por todo ello, se recomienda la realización de actividad física de manera regular para preservar la salud mental, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, metabólica y endocrina. Para promover el ejercicio físico y mantener un estado saludable, estudios recientes han sugerido que se apliquen rutinas generales de actividad física durante el período de cuarentena. Sin embargo, para mejorar los componentes de la aptitud física relacionados con la salud, la prescripción específica debe matizar la intensidad, el volumen, la duración y el modo. Se ha detectado cierta controversia acerca de cuál es la intensidad adecuada de la actividad física durante el periodo de pandemia, ya que la realización de ejercicios de intensidad moderada podría aportar importantes beneficios. Se debería ser cauteloso con el ejercicio de alta intensidad en las personas no entrenadas o incluso limitarse en los grupos de riesgo. Se deben establecer pautas de actividad física adaptadas para cada grupo de población, prestando especial consideración a los vulnerables a la COVID 19, ya que tienen más probabilidades de volver a aislarse. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio proporciona recomendaciones específicas de actividad física para diferentes poblaciones y su estado de condición física durante esta pandemia

Smoking and Biochemical, Performance, and Muscle Adaptation to Military Training

Purpose To determine whether physical performance adaptation is impaired in smokers during early stages of military training, and to examine some of the putative mechanistic candidates that could explain any impairment. Methods We examined measures of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides), inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6), antioxidants (Vitamins A, E and carotenes) and hormones (cortisol, testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1) in 65 male British Army Infantry recruits (mean ± SD age: 21 ± 3 yr; mass: 75.5 ± 8.4 kg; height: 1.78 ± 0.07 m) at week 1, week 5 and week 10 of basic training. Physical performance (static lift, grip strength, jump height, 2.4 km run time and two-minute press up and sit up scores) was examined and lower-leg muscle and adipose cross-sectional area (CSA) and density measured by peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography. Results Basic Military training, irrespective of smoking status, elicited improvement in all physical performance parameters (main time effect; P < 0.05) except grip strength and jump height, and resulted in increased muscle area and decreased fat area in the lower leg (P < 0.05). MDA was higher in smokers at baseline, and both MDA and CRP were greater in smokers during training (main group effect; P < 0.05), than non-smokers. Absolute performance measures, muscle characteristics of the lower leg and other oxidative stress, antioxidant, endocrine and inflammatory markers were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Oxidative stress and inflammation were elevated in habitual smokers during basic military training, but there was no clear evidence that this was detrimental to physical adaptation in this population over the timescale studied

Daily Probiotic’s (Lactobacillus casei Shirota) Reduction of Infection Incidence in Athletes

This article was published in the journal, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism [© Human Kinetics] and the definitive version is available from PubMed at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21411836. The publisher's website is at: http://journals.humankinetics.com/The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a probiotic supplement during 4 mo of winter training in men and women engaged in endurance-based physical activities on incidence of upper respiratory-tract infections (URTIs) and immune markers. Eighty-four highly active individuals were randomized to probiotic (n = 42) or placebo (n = 42) groups and, under double-blind procedures, received probiotic (PRO: Lactobacillus casei Shirota [LcS]) or placebo (PLA) daily for 16 wk. Resting blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 8 and 16 wk. Weekly training and illness logs were kept. Fifty-eight subjects completed the study (n = 32 PRO, n = 26 PLA). The proportion of subjects on PLA who experienced 1 or more weeks with URTI symptoms was 36% higher than those on PRO (PLA 0.90, PRO 0.66; p = .021). The number of URTI episodes was significantly higher (p < .01) in the PLA group (2.1 ± 1.2) than in the PRO group (1.2 ± 1.0). Severity and duration of symptoms were not significantly different between treatments. Saliva IgA concentration was higher on PRO than PLA, significant treatment effect F(1, 54) = 5.1, p = .03; this difference was not evident at baseline but was significant after 8 and 16 wk of supplementation. Regular ingestion of LcS appears to be beneficial in reducing the frequency of URTI in an athletic cohort, which may be related to better maintenance of saliva IgA levels during a winter period of training and competition

Sex differences in immune variables and respiratory infection incidence in an athletic population

The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in immune variables and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) incidence in 18-35 year-old athletes engaged in endurance-based physical activity during the winter months. Eighty physically active individuals (46 males, 34 females) provided resting venous blood samples for determination of differential leukocyte counts, lymphocyte subsets and whole blood culture multi-antigen stimulated cytokine production. Timed collections of unstimulated saliva were also made for determination of saliva flow rate, immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration and IgA secretion rate. Weekly training and illness logs were kept for the following 4 months. Training loads averaged 10 h/week of moderate-vigorous physical activity and were not different for males and females. Saliva flow rates, IgA concentration and IgA secretion rates were significantly higher in males than females (all P < 0.01). Plasma IgA, IgG and IgM concentrations and total blood leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte and lymphocyte counts were not different between the sexes but males had higher numbers of B cells (P < 0.05) and NK cells (P < 0.001). The production of interleukins 1β, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α in response to multi-antigen challenge were not significantly different in males and females (all P > 0.05). The average number of weeks with URTI symptoms was 1.7 ± 2.1 (mean ± SD) in males and 2.3 ± 2.5 in females (P = 0.311). It is concluded that most aspects of immunity are similar in men and women in an athletic population and that the observed differences in a few immune variables are not sufficient to substantially affect URTI incidence. Sex differences in immune function among athletes probably do not need to be considered in future mixed gender studies on exercise, infection and immune function unless the focus is on mucosal immunity

Effects of a Lactobacillus salivarius probiotic intervention on infection, cold symptom duration and severity, and mucosal immunity in endurance athletes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a probiotic supplement during 4 mo of spring training in men and women engaged in endurance-based physical activities on incidence of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and mucosal immune markers. Sixty-six highly active individuals were randomized to probiotic (n = 33) or placebo (n = 33) groups and, under double-blind procedures, received probiotic (PRO: Lactobacillus salivarius, 2 × 1010 bacterium colony-forming units) or placebo (PLA) daily for 16 wk. Resting blood and saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 8 and 16 wk. Weekly training and illness logs were kept. Fifty-four subjects completed the study (n = 27 PRO, n = 27 PLA). The proportion of subjects on PRO who experienced 1 or more wk with URTI symptoms was not different from that of those on PLA (PRO .58, PLA .59; p = .947). The number of URTI episodes was similar in the 2 groups (PRO 1.6 ± 0.3, PLA 1.4 ± 0.3; p = .710). Severity and duration of symptoms were not significantly different between treatments. Blood leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte counts; saliva IgA; and lysozyme concentrations did not change over the course of the study and were not different on PRO compared with PLA. Regular ingestion of L. salivarius does not appear to be beneficial in reducing the frequency of URTI in an athletic cohort and does not affect blood leukocyte counts or levels of salivary antimicrobial proteins during a spring period of training and competition

Tabagismo em enfermeiras de cuidados primários à saúde: um estudo qualitativo

The aim of this work was to characterize the views of nurses about factors modulating smoking cessation. Results of this study will allow us to design helping interventions with the maximum specificity for nurses. A qualitative study through a semi-structured interview of 15 Primary Health Care nurses who were smokers was performed. In contrast with other studies in which nurses were not aware of any particular social pressure to give up smoking, 18 months after the application of the Anti-Smoking Spanish Law, this feeling was expressed. Therefore, the main reasons for giving up smoking include that smoking in public is every day worse seen, together with a sense of shame and guilt in front of their social and family environment, especially for being a professional group dedicated to health.El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar los factores percibidos por las enfermeras fumadoras como moduladores del cese tabáquico, con el fin de diseñar posteriormente intervenciones de ayuda con la máxima especificidad para este colectivo. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo mediante entrevista semiestructurada a 15 enfermeras fumadoras de Atención Primaria de Salud. Contrariamente a otros estudios en los que las enfermeras no percibían una especial presión social para dejar el hábito tabáquico, 18 meses después de vigencia de la Ley de Prevención del Tabaquismo sí que la expresan. Por ello, entre los principales motivos de cese figura el que cada día esté peor considerado fumar en público, unido a un sentimiento de vergüenza y de culpa ante su entorno social y familiar, especialmente por tratarse de un colectivo profesional dedicado a los cuidados de salud.O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar os fatores percebidos por enfermeiras fumantes como facilitadores ao abandono do tabagismo, com o propósito de, posteriormente, elaborar intervenções de ajuda com maior especificidade para esse grupo. Foi realizado estudo qualitativo, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, com 15 enfermeiras de cuidados primários à saúde, que eram fumantes. Ao contrário de outros estudos, os quais as enfermeiras não percebiam pressão social para deixar o hábito tabágico, 18 meses após a vigência da Lei de Prevenção ao Tabagismo, as enfermeiras entrevistadas expressaram sentir pressão social. Portanto, entre os principais motivos para abandonar o hábito tabágico é que, a cada dia, fumar em público é malvisto, e está aliado a sentimentos de vergonha e culpa no seu entorno social e familiar, principalmente por se tratar de um grupo profissional dedicado aos cuidados da saúde

Hypertension prevalence in active working population in the Balearic Islands: gender and age socioeconomic inequalities and differences

Introducción: La clase social a partir de la ocupación constituye uno de los determinantes sociales de la salud más importantes. Muchos estudios confirman la influencia de las condiciones del trabajo sobre la salud de los individuos así como la prevalencia de determinados factores de riesgo cardiovascular como la hipertensión arterial. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en población laboral activa y analizar si las diferencias por clase social varían según edad y sexo. Material y método: Estudio transversal sobre una muestra de 1.910 trabajadores de entre 20 y 65 años de las Islas Baleares. Las variables de estudio fueron: clase social, medidas antropométricas, perfil lipídico, glucosa y presión arterial. Resultados: En general el grupo formado por las clases sociales más favorecidas tenía menor prevalencia de hipertensión arterial que el grupo formado por las clases sociales más desfavorecidas. En cuanto al sexo, según el análisis estratificado por clase social, los hombres pertenecientes a las clases sociales más favorecidas presentan una prevalencia de hipertensión arterial similar a la de los hombres de clases sociales más desfavorecidas. Las mujeres de clase social favorecida, en cambio, presentan menos hipertensión que las pertenecientes a las clases sociales más desfavorecidas. En relación a la edad, se obtiene que a mayor edad aumenta la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial. Conclusiones: Las desigualdades por clase social en la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial fueron mayores entre las mujeres que entre los hombres. La edad juega un papel crucial en la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en cualquier estrato social.Background: Social class determined from occupation is one of the most important social determinants of health. Many studies confirm the influence of working conditions on the health of individuals and the acquisition of cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension. Aims: To determine the prevalence of hypertension in active working population and to analyze whether social class differences change with age and gender. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study in a sample of 1,910 workers aged 20-65 years in the Balearic Islands. The following study variables were collected: social class, anthropometric measurements, lipid profile, glucose and blood pressure. Results: Participants belonging to higher social classes presented, in general, lower prevalence of hypertension than participants belonging to lower social classes. When participants in the study were stratified by gender and social class, men belonging to the highest social classes showed similar prevalence of hypertension than men located in the lower social classes. However, women belonging to the higher social classes presented lower prevalence of hypertension than those belonging to the lower social classes. Regarding the effect of age, it was found that hypertension prevalence increases with aging. Conclusions: Social class inequalities in the prevalence of hypertension were higher among women than among men. Age plays an essential role in the prevalence of hypertension in any social class

Agreement between Type 2 Diabetes Risk Scales in a Caucasian Population: A Systematic Review and Report

Early detection of people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an important public health concern. Several predictive equations for T2D have been proposed but most of them have not been externally validated and their performance could be compromised when clinical data is used. Clinical practice guidelines increasingly incorporate T2D risk prediction models as they support clinical decision making. The aims of this study were to systematically review prediction scores for T2D and to analyze the agreement between these risk scores in a large cross-sectional study of white western European workers. A systematic review of the PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases and a cross-sectional study in 59, 042 Spanish workers was performed. Agreement between scores classifying participants as high risk was evaluated using the kappa statistic. The systematic review of 26 predictive models highlights a great heterogeneity in the risk predictors; there is a poor level of reporting, and most of them have not been externally validated. Regarding the agreement between risk scores, the DETECT-2 risk score scale classified 14.1% of subjects as high-risk, FINDRISC score 20.8%, Cambridge score 19.8%, the AUSDRISK score 26.4%, the EGAD study 30.3%, the Hisayama study 30.9%, the ARIC score 6.3%, and the ITD score 3.1%. The lowest agreement was observed between the ITD and the NUDS study derived score (kappa = 0.067). Differences in diabetes incidence, prevalence, and weight of risk factors seem to account for the agreement differences between scores. A better agreement between the multi-ethnic derivate score (DETECT-2) and European derivate scores was observed. Risk models should be designed using more easily identifiable and reproducible health data in clinical practice