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Futsal is an intermittent high intensity sport which has become popular worldwide. Body composition and physical fitness have been studied in different sports disciplines. However, little is known regarding body composition and cardio-respiratory performance in competitive futsal players. Body composition parameters were analyzed by electrical impedance body composition analyzer in 31 competitive male futsal players. All participants performed spirometry, handgrip strength and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Significant correlations were observed between muscle mass and spirometry parameters and peak VO2 (p≤0.05). Fat mass resulted inversely correlated with peak VO2% predicted and hand grip strength (p≤0.05). Regression analysis showed that muscle mass significantly predicts respiratory parameters (p<0.01) and reduced fat mass is associated with increased peak VO2 % predicted and handgrip strength (p<0.01). In futsal competitive athletes increased muscle mass is associated with higher spirometry parameters and fat mass is inversely associated with lower cardiorespiratory fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A booster dose after primary COVID-19 vaccination series was considered crucial after the emergence of the B.1.617.2 (Delta) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variants. Active surveillance was used to investigate reporting of adverse events post-booster dose of either of the licensed mRNA Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) or Spikevax (Moderna) vaccines in adult (17 years and older) recipients in central Italy. Eligible participants were enrolled and interviewed via phone using a structured questionnaire. Primary outcomes related to the occurrence of adverse events post-booster were stratified by vaccine, and frequency of local/systemic, mild/moderate/severe events. Of a total of 622 participants interviewed, 554 (89.1%) reported at least one adverse event (88.2% and 92.9% after the Comirnaty or Spikevax vaccine, respectively): 63.4% were female, and 78.5% aged 17 to 64 years, regardless of vaccine. 87.7% and 68.2% of all recipients described at least one local or systemic reaction, respectively: 97.3, 38.6 and 4.7% reported mild, moderate, or severe events, respectively. The most frequent adverse reactions were pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site and fatigue, while malaise and fever significantly occurred after the Comirnaty, and vomiting after the Spikevax booster. Compared to the primary vaccination, lymphadenopathy was more common after the booster (p < 0.001), especially after Comirnaty vaccine. The study findings revealed no serious or unexpected adverse events, and are in agreement with data available on booster dose for both mRNA vaccines. The transient, mild to moderate, and common to very common side reactions reported should be used to reassure potential recipients of the lack of safety concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak caused by the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in a nursing home in Central Italy during October–November 2021. Trained interviewers collected data from residents, staff, and administration officers with an agreed informed consent procedure. Thirty-two (44.5%) out of 72 residents (median age 89 years) and six (26.1%) of 23 healthcare workers were found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Infections occurred more often among residents with a higher index of independence in daily living activities, suggesting an increased risk for those with more interactions. Twenty-five infected residents (78.1%) received the booster dose of mRNA anti-COVID-19 vaccine > 7 days before SARS-CoV-2 onset. Half of the infected residents had mild symptoms, and only three required hospitalisation, one of whom died from COVID-19 complications. The study underlines the effectiveness of a booster dose in providing a high protection against severe disease and hospitalisation even among vulnerable individuals infected with the Delta variant of concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]