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Recent advances in high-throughput molecular methods have led to an extraordinary volume of genomics data. Simultaneously, the progress in the computational implementation of novel algorithms has facilitated the creation of hundreds of freely available online tools for their advanced analyses. However, a general overview of the most commonly used tools for the in silico analysis of genomics data is still missing. In the current article, we present an overview of commonly used online resources for genomics research, including over 50 tools. This selection will be helpful for scientists with basic or intermediate skills in the in silico analyses of genomics data, such as researchers and students from wet labs seeking to strengthen their computational competencies. In addition, we discuss current needs and future perspectives within this field.

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CONTEXT: Movement velocity (MV) may be a valid tool to evaluate and control the load in resistance training (RT). The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) also enables practical load management. The relationship between RPE and MV may be used to monitor RT intensity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity and practicality of RPE scales related to MV and training intensity in resistance exercise. We hypothesize a positive correlation among RPE, MV, and load intensity in RT. Therefore, RPE may serve as a supplementary indicator in monitoring RT load. DATA SOURCES: Boolean algorithms were used to search several databases (SPORTDiscus, EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar). STUDY SELECTION: Studies published from 2009 to 2023 included clinical trials (randomized or not) in healthy female and male subjects that analyzed the relationship between different RPE scales and MV in basic RT exercises. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were selected using different RPE scales with reported MV training loads. Participants included RT and untrained male and female subjects (15-31 years old). Two RPE scales (OMNI-RES and repetitions in reserve) were used. The selected studies showed moderate positive correlations among these RPE scales, MV, and training load (eg, percentage of 1-repetition maximum [%1-RM]). In addition, equations have been developed to estimate %1-RM and MV loss based on the OMNI-RES scale. CONCLUSION: Studies show that RPE scales and MV constitute a valid, economic, and practical tool for assessing RT load progression and complementing other training monitoring variables. Exercise professionals should consider familiarizing participants with RPE scales and factors that might influence the perception of exertion (eg, level of training, motivation, and environmental conditions).

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Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm of the pleural tissue that lines the lungs and is mainly associated with long latency from asbestos exposure. This tumor has no effective therapeutic opportunities nowadays and has a very low five-year survival rate. In this sense, identifying molecular events that trigger the development and progression of this tumor is highly important to establish new and potentially effective treatments. We conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wide expression studies publicly available at the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and ArrayExpress databases. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and we performed functional enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction networks (PPINs) to gain insight into the biological mechanisms underlying these genes. Additionally, we constructed survival prediction models for selected DEGs and predicted the minimum drug inhibition concentration of anticancer drugs for MPM. In total, 115 MPM tumor transcriptomes and 26 pleural tissue controls were analyzed. We identified 1046 upregulated DEGs in the MPM samples. Cellular signaling categories in tumor samples were associated with the TNF, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK pathways. The inflammatory response, regulation of cell migration, and regulation of angiogenesis were overrepresented biological processes. Expression of SOX17 and TACC1 were associated with reduced survival rates. This meta-analysis identified a list of DEGs in MPM tumors, cancer-related signaling pathways, and biological processes that were overrepresented in MPM samples. Some therapeutic targets to treat MPM are suggested, and the prognostic potential of key genes is shown.

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Physical activity has been demonstrated to have a significant impact on gut microbial diversity and function. Emerging research has revealed certain aspects of the complex interactions between the gut, exercise, microbiota, and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that changes in gut microbial diversity and metabolic function may have an impact on the onset and progression of neurological conditions. This study aimed to review the current literature from several databases until 1 June 2023 (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) on the interplay between the gut, physical exercise, microbiota, and neurodegeneration. We summarized the roles of exercise and gut microbiota on neurodegeneration and identified the ways in which these are all connected. The gut-brain axis is a complex and multifaceted network that has gained considerable attention in recent years. Research indicates that gut microbiota plays vital roles in metabolic shifts during physiological or pathophysiological conditions in neurodegenerative diseases; therefore, they are closely related to maintaining overall health and well-being. Similarly, exercise has shown positive effects on brain health and cognitive function, which may reduce/delay the onset of severe neurological disorders. Exercise has been associated with various neurochemical changes, including alterations in cortisol levels, increased production of endorphins, endocannabinoids like anandamide, as well as higher levels of serotonin and dopamine. These changes have been linked to mood improvements, enhanced sleep quality, better motor control, and cognitive enhancements resulting from exercise-induced effects. However, further clinical research is necessary to evaluate changes in bacteria taxa along with age- and sex-based differences.

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Uveal melanoma (UVM) is a highly aggressive ocular cancer with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis particularly for patients with liver metastasis. As such, the identification of new prognostic biomarkers is critical for developing effective treatment strategies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of an ultraviolet light response gene signature to predict the prognosis of UVM patients. Our approach involved the development of a prognostic model based on genes associated with the cellular response to UV light. By employing this model, we generated risk scores to stratify patients into high- and low-risk groups. Furthermore, we conducted differential expression analysis between these two groups and explored the estimation of immune infiltration. To validate our findings, we applied our methodology to an independent UVM cohort. Through our study, we introduced a novel survival prediction tool and shed light on the underlying cellular processes within UVM tumors, emphasizing the involvement of immune subsets in tumor progression.

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Mexico City is the location with the largest number of boxers in Mexico; in fact, it is the first city in the country to open a Technological Baccalaureate in Education and Sports Promotion with a pugilism orientation. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the physical-functional profile of applicants for admission to the baccalaureate in sports. A total of 227 young athletes (44F; 183M; 15.65 (1.79) years; 63.66 (14.98) kg; >3 years of boxing experience) participated in this study. Body mass (BM), maximal isometric handgrip (HG) strength, the height of the countermovement jump (CMJ), the velocity of straight boxing punches (PV), and the rear hand punch impact force (PIF) were measured. The young boxers were profiled using unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and the probability of superiority (ρ) was calculated as the effect size of the differences. K-Medoids clustering resulted in two sex-independent significantly different groups: Profile 1 (n = 118) and Profile 2 (n = 109). Except for BM, Profile 2 was statistically higher (p < 0.001) with a clear distinction in terms of superiority on PIF (ρ = 0.118), the PIF-to-BM ratio (ρ = 0.017), the PIF-to-HG ratio (ρ = 0.079) and the PIF-to-BM+HG ratio (ρ = 0.008). In general, strength levels explained most of the data variation; therefore, it is reasonable to recommend the implementation of tests aimed at assessing the levels of isometric and applied strength in boxing gestures. The identification of these physical-functional profiles might help to differentiate training programs during sports specialization of young boxing athletes.

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Sports nutrition is a scientific discipline that explores the relationship between nutrients and physical exercise performance [...].

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Non-exercise physical activity (NEPA), also called unstructured or informal physical activity, refers to those daily activities that require movement of the human body without planning or strict control of the physical effort made. Due to new technologies and motorized transportation devices, the general population has significantly decreased its NEPA. This increase in sedentary lifestyles, physical inactivity, and excessive energy intake is considered a risk factor for obesity, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and all-cause mortality. Searching in PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases, a narrative review of NEPA was carried out to address its conceptualization, promotion strategies for the general population, and monitoring through wearable devices. It is strongly recommended that governmental entities, health practitioners, and the construction industry adhere to "The Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030: More Active People for a Healthier World" and implement different salutogenic urban strategies. These strategies aim to generate environments that motivate increases in NEPA, such as cycling and walking transportation (between 5000-12,500 steps per day), and the progression to physical exercise. There is a wide variety of electronic devices for personal use, such as accelerometers, smartphone apps, or "smart clothes", that allow for the monitoring of NEPA, some with a wide range of analysis variables contributing to the estimation of total daily energy expenditure and the promotion of healthy habits. In general, the further promotion and monitoring of NEPA is required as part of a strategy to promote healthy habits sustainable over time for the prevention and control of obesity and NCDs.

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Depression is considered the most important disorder affecting mental health. The aim of this systematic integrative review was: (i) to describe the effects of supplementation with adaptogens on variables related to depression in adults; and (ii) to discuss the potential combination with physical exercise to aid planning and commissioning future clinical research. An integrative review was developed complementing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021249682). A total of 41 articles met the inclusion criteria. With a Price index of 46.4%, we found that: (i) Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is the most studied and supported adaptogen (17/41 [41.46%], three systematic reviews with meta-analysis) followed by Crocus sativus L. or saffron (6/41 [14.63%], three systematic reviews with meta-analysis and two systematic reviews); (ii) it is possible that the significantly better performance of adaptogens over placebo is due to the reduction of allostatic load via the action of secondary metabolites on BDNF regulation; and, (iii) the number of studies reporting physical activity levels is limited or null for those that combine an exercise program with the consumption of adaptogens. Aware of the need for a multidisciplinary approach for depression treatment, this systematic integrative review provides an up-to-date view for supporting the use of St. John's Wort and saffron as non-pharmacological strategies while also help commissioning future research on the efficacy of other adaptogens. It also contributes to the design of future clinical research studies that evaluate the consumption of herbal extracts plus physical exercise, mainly resistance training, as a potentially safe and powerful strategy to treat depression.

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It is estimated that three to five million sports injuries occur worldwide each year. The highest incidence is reported during competition periods with mainly affectation of the musculoskeletal tissue. For appropriate nutritional management and correct use of nutritional supplements, it is important to individualize based on clinical effects and know the adaptive response during the rehabilitation phase after a sports injury in athletes. Therefore, the aim of this PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine and Sports Science PERSiST-based systematic integrative review was to perform an update on nutritional strategies during the rehabilitation phase of musculoskeletal injuries in elite athletes. After searching the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, PEDro, and Google Scholar, a total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria (Price Index: 66.6%). The risk of bias assessment for randomized controlled trials was performed using the RoB 2.0 tool while review articles were evaluated using the AMSTAR 2.0 items. Based on the main findings of the selected studies, nutritional strategies that benefit the rehabilitation process in injured athletes include balanced energy intake, and a high-protein and carbohydrate-rich diet. Supportive supervision should be provided to avoid low energy availability. The potential of supplementation with collagen, creatine monohydrate, omega-3 (fish oils), and vitamin D requires further research although the effects are quite promising. It is worth noting the lack of clinical research in injured athletes and the higher number of reviews in the last 10 years. After analyzing the current quantitative and non-quantitative evidence, we encourage researchers to conduct further clinical research studies evaluating doses of the discussed nutrients during the rehabilitation process to confirm findings, but also follow international guidelines at the time to review scientific literature.

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This study aimed to determine the body composition profile of candidates applying for a Physical Education and Sports major. 327 young adults (F: 87, M: 240) participated in this cross-sectional study. Nutritional status and body composition analysis were performed, and the profiles were generated using an unsupervised machine learning algorithm. Body mass index (BMI), percentage of fat mass (%FM), percentage of muscle mass (%MM), metabolic age (MA), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and visceral fat level (VFL) were used as input variables. BMI values were normal-weight although VFL was significantly higher in men (<0.001; η2 = 0.104). MA was positively correlated with BMR (0.81 [0.77, 0.85]; p < 0.01), BMI (0.87 [0.84, 0.90]; p < 0.01), and VFL (0.77 [0.72, 0.81]; p < 0.01). The hierarchical clustering analysis revealed two significantly different age-independent profiles: Cluster 1 (n = 265), applicants of both sexes that were shorter, lighter, with lower adiposity and higher lean mass; and, Cluster 2 (n = 62), a group of overweight male applicants with higher VFL, taller, with lower %MM and estimated energy expended at rest. We identified two profiles that might help universities, counselors and teachers/lecturers to identify applicants in which is necessary to increase physical activity levels and improve dietary habits.

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The estimation of body fat percentage (%BF) from anthropometry-related data requires population-specific equations to avoid incorrect interpretations in young athletes. Waist girth (WG) has been described as potential predictor of fat mass (FM) in several populations; however, there are no valid WG-based equations to estimate body composition in young Colombian athletes. The aim of this STandardisierte BerichtsROutine für Sekundärdaten Analysen STROSA-based study was twofold: i) to validate the relative fat mass (RFM) and its pediatric version (RFMp) compared to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and ii) to develop a new equation (F20CA) to estimate the fat mass in Colombian children and adolescent elite athletes. A total of 114 young athletes that belong to the 'Team Medellín' program (58F, 56M; 51 children, 63 adolescents; 14.85 [2.38] years; 55.09 [12.16] kg; 162.38 [11.53] cm) participated in this cross-sectional study. The statistical analysis revealed a poor correlation, agreement and concordance of RFMp and RFM estimations with DXA measurements. After model specification using both Ordinary Least Square method and Bayesian analysis, the regression output revealed that sex, body mass-to-waist ratio, and waist-to-stature ratio were the statistically significant predictor variables that account for variability in FM. The new F20CA equation is expressed as FM (kg) = 5.46 ∗ (Sex) + 0.21 ∗ (BM/W [kg/m]) + 81.7 ∗ (W/Stature [cm/cm]) - 41.8 (R2 = 0.683; SEE = 2.468 kg), where sex is 0 for males and 1 for females. A moderate-to-high correlation and agreement of the F20CA was confirmed within the internal validation data set (R2 = 0.689; ICC [95%CI] = 0.805 [0.615, 0.904]; RMSE = 2.613 kg). The Bland-Altman analysis corroborated the high concordance between the reference method (DXA) and the F20CA-estimated FM (bias [95% LoA] = 1.02 [-3.77, 5.81] kg), indicating the two methods could be considered interchangeable. Even though external validation is needed, practitioners are advised to use the F20CA in young Colombian athletes with similar characteristics to those who participated in this study.

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Weight resistance training (RT) is an essential component of physical conditioning programs to improve the quality of life and physical fitness in different ages and populations. This integrative review aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the relationship between exercise selection and the appearance of musculoskeletal injuries in physical fitness centers (PFC). The PubMed or Medline, EMBASE or Science Direct, Google Scholar and PEDro databases were selected to examine the available literature using a Boolean algorithm with search terms. The review process was performed using the five-stage approach for an integrative review and it was reported according to the PRISMA in Exercise, Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine and Sports Science (PERSiST) guidelines. A total of 39 peer-reviewed articles (Price index = 71.7%) met the inclusion criteria and evaluated the link between exercise selection and the incidence of injuries in exercisers who regularly attend PFC. Most injuries occur to the shoulders, elbows, vertebrae of the spine, and knees. Although the injury etiologies are multifactorial, the findings of the reviewed articles include the impacts of overuse, short post-exercise recovery periods, poor conditioning in the exercised body areas, frequent use of heavy loads, improper technique in certain exercises, and the abuse of performance- and image-enhancing drugs. Practical recommendations addressed to clinical exercise physiologists, exercise professionals, and health professionals are given in this paper. The exercise selection in RT programs requires professional supervision and adhering to proper lifting techniques and training habits that consider the anatomical and biomechanical patterns of the musculoskeletal structures, as well as genetic, pedagogical, and methodological aspects directly related to the stimulus-response process to mitigate the occurrence of RT-related injuries in PFC.

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Waist girth (WG) represents a quick, simple, and inexpensive tool that correlates with excess of fat mass in humans; however, this measurement does not provide information on body composition. The evaluation of body composition is one of the main components in the assessment of nutritional status. Indeed, the use of anthropometry-based equations to estimate body fat and fat-free mass is a frequent strategy. Considering the lack of validation in the Colombian population, the aim of this research study (the F20 Project) is to externally validate WG-based equations (e.g., relative fat mass), and also to develop and validate new models that include WG to estimate body composition in Colombian adults compared to DXA. This cross-sectional study will be carried out following the guidelines for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Nutritional Epidemiology (STROBE-nut). Using stratified probabilistic sampling, the study population will be adults with different levels of physical activity residing in Medellín and its metropolitan area. The results of this study will not only validate the estimation performance of the current WG-based equations, but they will also develop new equations to estimate body composition in the Colombian population. This will improve professional practice in health, exercise, and sports sciences (ClinicalTrials.gov ID #NCT05450588).

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The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has been associated with the onset of cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to describe consumption patterns of sugar-sweetened and dairy beverages and to evaluate their correlation with the body mass index in children residing at the Mexico−USA border. A total of 722 (370 girls, 352 boys) elementary school children aged 9 to 12 years from Tijuana, Mexico, participated in the study. Anthropometric measures were recorded, and a beverage intake questionnaire was completed by the children's parents. Significant age by sex interactions were found on body mass index Z-scores (p < 0.01). Boys showed higher sugar intake (p < 0.05) and total relative energy consumption from sugar (p < 0.05) than girls. The energy consumption from sugar-sweetened and dairy beverages was similar between sexes (p > 0.05). Sugar intake from beverages was higher than the limit recommended by the World Health Organization in boys (66%) and girls (44%). A high frequency of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and similar intake of dairy beverages were found in children from the Mexico−USA border. The high consumption of sugar exceeds international recommendations and should be carefully monitored.

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The immune function is closely related to iron (Fe) homeostasis and allostasis. The aim of this bioinformatics-assisted review was twofold; (i) to update the current knowledge of Fe metabolism and its relationship to the immune system, and (ii) to perform a prediction analysis of regulatory network hubs that might serve as potential biomarkers during stress-induced immunosuppression. Several literature and bioinformatics databases/repositories were utilized to review Fe metabolism and complement the molecular description of prioritized proteins. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) was used to build a protein-protein interactions network for subsequent network topology analysis. Importantly, Fe is a sensitive double-edged sword where two extremes of its nutritional status may have harmful effects on innate and adaptive immunity. We identified clearly connected important hubs that belong to two clusters: (i) presentation of peptide antigens to the immune system with the involvement of redox reactions of Fe, heme, and Fe trafficking/transport; and (ii) ubiquitination, endocytosis, and degradation processes of proteins related to Fe metabolism in immune cells (e.g., macrophages). The identified potential biomarkers were in agreement with the current experimental evidence, are included in several immunological/biomarkers databases, and/or are emerging genetic markers for different stressful conditions. Although further validation is warranted, this hybrid method (human-machine collaboration) to extract meaningful biological applications using available data in literature and bioinformatics tools should be highlighted.

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Weight resistance training (RT) has been shown to positively influence physical performance. Within the last two decades, a methodology based on monitoring RT through movement velocity (also called velocity-based resistance training, VBRT) has emerged. The aim of this PRISMA-based systematic review was to evaluate the effect of VBRT programs on variables related to muscle strength (one-repetition maximum, 1-RM), and high-speed actions (vertical jump, and sprint performance) in trained subjects. The search for published articles was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, SPORT Discus/EBSCO, OVID, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases using Boolean algorithms independently. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review (a low-to-moderate overall risk of bias of the analyzed studies was detected). VBRT is an effective method to improve 1-RM, vertical jump and sprint. According to the results of the analyzed studies, it is not necessary to reach high muscle failure in order to achieve the best training results. These findings reinforce the fact that it is possible to optimize exercise adaptations with less fatigue. Future studies should corroborate these findings in female population.

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The academic curriculum has shown to promote sedentary behavior in college students. This study aimed to profile the physical fitness of physical education majors using unsupervised machine learning and to identify the differences between sexes, academic years, socioeconomic strata, and the generated profiles. A total of 542 healthy and physically active students (445 males, 97 females; 19.8 [2.2] years; 66.0 [10.3] kg; 169.5 [7.8] cm) participated in this cross-sectional study. Their indirect VO2max (Cooper and Shuttle-Run 20 m tests), lower-limb power (horizontal jump), sprint (30 m), agility (shuttle run), and flexibility (sit-and-reach) were assessed. The participants were profiled using clustering algorithms after setting the optimal number of clusters through an internal validation using R packages. Non-parametric tests were used to identify the differences (p < 0.05). The higher percentage of the population were freshmen (51.4%) and middle-income (64.0%) students. Seniors and juniors showed a better physical fitness than first-year students. No significant differences were found between their socioeconomic strata (p > 0.05). Two profiles were identified using hierarchical clustering (Cluster 1 = 318 vs. Cluster 2 = 224). The matching analysis revealed that physical fitness explained the variation in the data, with Cluster 2 as a sex-independent and more physically fit group. All variables differed significantly between the sexes (except the body mass index [p = 0.218]) and the generated profiles (except stature [p = 0.559] and flexibility [p = 0.115]). A multidimensional analysis showed that the body mass, cardiorespiratory fitness, and agility contributed the most to the data variation so that they can be used as profiling variables. This profiling method accurately identified the relevant variables to reinforce exercise recommendations in a low physical performance and overweight majors.

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