The first emergency was to receive and treat COVID-19 patients in their acute phase; today, there is a clear need to propose appropriate post-acute rehabilitation programs. The aim of this research was to systematically review the effects of physical activity programs in the recovery of post-COVID-19 patients. The literature search followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022289219), and was conducted between August and December 2021. A total of 35 studies out of the 1528 initially identified were finally included in the analysis. The systematic review clearly showed the health benefits of rehabilitation including physical activity in post-COVID-19 recovery, regardless of exercise modalities. These positive results were even observed using minor muscle re-mobilization for severe cases (i.e., postural changes, few steps—2 times/day) or using low volumes of exercise for mild-to-moderate cases (i.e., 120 min/week). A total of 97% of the 29 studies that performed statistical analyses demonstrated a significant increase in at least one parameter of functional capacity, and 96% of the 26 studies that statistically investigated the effects on the quality of life, mental health, and general state reported improvements. Yet, most of the studies were retrospective, uncontrolled, and enrolled aged people with comorbidities presented in severe forms of COVID-19. Physical activity programs, in addition to their high heterogeneity, remained poorly described in 83% of the studies and were part of a multidisciplinary program for 89% of the studies. Despite promising results, there is today a real need for prospective well-designed studies specifically assessing the effects of physical activity. In addition, it might appear relevant to propose standardized programs further considering the main characteristics of patients such as age, comorbidities, or the severity of COVID-19.

Inflammation is a vital protective response to threats, but it can turn harmful if chronic and uncontrolled. Key elements involve pro-inflammatory cells and signaling pathways, including the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Ampelopsis grossedentata, or vine tea, contains dihydromyricetin (DHM) and myricetin, which are known for their various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of an extract of A. grossedentata leaves (50 µg/mL) on inflammation factors such as inflammasome, pro-inflammatory pathways, and macrophage polarization, as well as its antioxidant properties, with a view to combating the development of low-grade inflammation. Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (APG) significantly decreased ROS production and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-12, IL-2, and IL-17a) in human leukocytes. In addition, APG reduced LPS/IFNγ -induced M1-like macrophage polarization, resulting in a significant decrease in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, along with a decrease in the percentage of M1 macrophages and an increase in M0 macrophages. Simultaneously, a significant decrease in NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and in the expression of inflammasome genes (NLRP3, IL-1β and Caspase 1) was observed. The results suggest that Ampelopsis grossedentata could be a promising option for managing inflammation-related chronic diseases. Further research is needed to optimize dosage and administration methods.

Springs are abundant and present worldwide and are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the biodiversity of seventy-nine (79) mineral saline springs situated in the French Massif Central, focusing on the species richness and the estimated richness and also on the diatom community composition. The influence of physical and chemical factors on both richness and communities was analyzed in order to have a better knowledge of the diatom ecological preferences and identify species typical of saline springs. Since December 2014, an on-going inventory of mineral springs has been in progress. For each spring, physical and chemical characteristics were measured, and benthic diatoms were sampled. The richness was the lowest in the springs presenting a man-made construction around the emergence. In the other springs, the highest richness was associated with the lowest lithium, sodium, total dissolved solid concentrations, and conductivity. Mineralization and some ions (bromine, calcium, chloride, fluoride, lithium, potassium, and sodium) were found to be the most critical drivers of diatom community composition. Some diatom species were typical of specific abiotic conditions, such as Navicula sanctamargaritae, which was associated with the highest potassium concentration. These species could appear as bio-indicators of these conditions.

Obesity, the fifth leading cause of death globally and linked to chronic low-grade inflammation and development of numerous severe pathologies, is a major public health problem. Fermented foods, probiotics, and postbiotics emerge as promising avenues for combating obesity and inflammation. The aim of our study was to develop and characterize phyto-postbiotics corresponding to prebiotic compounds fermented by gut bacteria, which could act on obesity and related-inflammation. Chicory extract fermented by Akkermansia muciniphila (C-Akm) was selected as the most antioxidant of 20 fermented extracts. The identification of metabolites derived from C-Akm extract has enabled us to detect mostly amino acids, acids, and some polyphenols (daidzein and genistein). The anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities of C-Akm extract were studied by testing the extract (50 μg/mL) on the polarization of THP-1 into macrophages, the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-stimulated PBMCs, and the secretion of leptin and adiponectin in adipospheroids derived from human adipose stem cells. Finally, the extract was examined in 3D co-culture model mimicking inflamed obese adipose tissue. We found that C-Akm extract decreased ROS generation, TNF-α and Il-6 gene expression in polarized macrophages, INFγ and IL-17A secretion in LPS-stimulated PBMCs stimulated with LPS. It also decreased leptin expression while increasing adiponectin and HSL expression levels in both adipocytes and co-cultures. In addition, C-Akm extract stimulated adiponectin secretion in the co-culture model. Finally, our in vitro investigations demonstrated the potential benefits of C-Akm extract in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related inflammation.