Tn-AFP 1

Background: Enhancing cardiovascular fitness can lead to substantial health benefits. High-intensity interval training (HIT) is an efficient way to develop cardiovascular fitness, yet comparisons between this type of training and traditional endurance training are equivocal. Objective: Our objective was to meta-analyse the effects of endurance training and HIT on the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) of healthy, young to middle-aged adults. Methods: Six electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar) for original research articles. A search was conducted and search terms included 'high intensity', 'HIT', 'sprint interval training', 'endurance training', 'peak oxygen uptake', and 'VO2max'. Inclusion criteria were controlled trials, healthy adults aged 18-45 years, training duration ≥2 weeks, VO2max assessed pre- and post-training. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. This resulted in 723 participants with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) age and initial fitness of 25.1 ± 5 years and 40.8 ± 7.9 mL·kg(-1)·min(-1), respectively.

Background: Earlier reviews have suggested that IVF/ICSI pregnancies are associated with higher risks. However, there have been recent advances in the way IVF/ICSI is done, leading to some controversy as to whether IVF/ICSI singletons are associated with higher perinatal risks. The objective of this systematic review was to provide an up-to-date comparison of obstetric and perinatal outcomes of the singletons born after IVF/ICSI and compare them with those of spontaneous conceptions. Methods: Extensive searches were done by two authors. The protocol was agreed a priori. PRISMA guidance was followed. The data were extracted in 2 × 2 tables. Risk ratio and risk difference were calculated on pooled data using Rev Man 5.1. Quality assessment of studies was performed using Critical Appraisal Skills programme. Sensitivity analysis was performed when the heterogeneity was high (I(2) > 50%). Results: There were 20 matched cohort studies and 10 unmatched cohort studies included in this review. IVF/ICSI singleton pregnancies were associated with a higher risk (95% confidence interval) of ante-partum haemorrhage (2.49, 2.30-2.69), congenital anomalies (1.67, 1.33-2.09), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (1.49, 1.39-1.59), preterm rupture of membranes (1.16, 1.07-1.26), Caesarean section (1.56, 1.51-1.60), low birthweight (1.65, 1.56-1.75), perinatal mortality (1.87, 1.48-2.37), preterm delivery (1.54, 1.47-1.62), gestational diabetes (1.48, 1.33-1.66), induction of labour (1.18, 1.10-1.28) and small for gestational age (1.39, 1.27-1.53). Conclusions: Singletons pregnancies after IVF/ICSI are associated with higher risks of obstetric and perinatal complications when compared with spontaneous conception. Further research is needed to determine which aspect of assisted reproduction technology poses most risk and how this risk can be minimized.

This literature review is aimed at the evaluation of the potential for cataract prevention in Europe. It was performed using PubMed with Mesh and free-text terms. Studies included were (i) performed on a population of Caucasian origin at an age range of 40-95 years, (ii) cataract was clinically verified, (iii) drug record of prescriptions, their indication, a record of every diagnosis, dosage and quantity of prescribed medicine were available, (iv) sample size >300 and (v) published between 1990 and 2009. The results of 29 articles were reviewed. Former [3.75 (2.26-6.21)] or current smoking [2.34 (1.07-5.15)], diabetes of duration >10 years [2.72 (1.72-4.28)], asthma or chronic bronchitis [2.04 (1.04-3.81)], and cardiovascular disease [1.96 (1.22-3.14)] increased the risk of cataract. Cataract was more common in patients taking chlorpromazine during ≥90 days with a dosage ≥300 mg [8.8 (3.1-25.1)] and corticosteroids >5 years [3.25 (1.39-7.58)] in a daily dose >1600 mg [1.69 (1.17-2.43)]. Intake of a multivitamin/mineral formulation [2.00 (1.35-2.98)] or corticosteroids [2.12 (1.93-2.33)] also increased the risk of cataract. Corticosteroids applied orally [3.25 (1.39-7.58)], parenteral [1.56 (1.34-1.82)] or inhalational [1.58 (1.46-1.71)] lead to cataract more frequently than those applied topically: nasal [1.33 (1.21-1.45)], ear [1.31 (1.19-1.45)] or skin [1.43 (1.36-1.50)]. Outpatient cataract surgery was negatively associated with total cataract surgery costs, and chlorpromazine, corticosteroids and multivitamin/mineral formation increase the risk of posterior subcapsular cataract dependent on dose, treatment application and duration. This review presented a comprehensive overview of specific and general cataract risk factors and an update on most recent experimental studies and randomized control trials directed at cataract prevention.