Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Consistency of Lower-Body Dimensions Using Surface Landmarks and Simple Measurement Tools

Abstract Caia, J, Weiss, LW, Chiu, LZF, Schilling, BK, and Paquette, MR. Consistency of lower-body dimensions using surface landmarks and simple measurement tools. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2600–2608, 2016—Body dimensions may influence various types of physical performance. This study was designed to establish the reliability and precision of bilateral lower-body dimensions using surface anatomic landmarks and either sliding calipers or goniometry. Fifty university students (25 men and 25 women) were measured on 2 separate occasions separated by 48 or 72 hours. A small digital caliper was used to acquire longitudinal dimensions of the feet, whereas a larger broad-blade caliper was used to measure lower-limb, hip, and pelvic dimensions. Quadriceps angle (Q-angle) was determined through surface goniometry. Data for all foot and lower-limb dimensions were both reliable and precise (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ≥0.72, SEM 0.1–0.5 cm). Measures of Q-angle were also reliable and precise (ICC ≥0.85, SEM 0.2–0.4°). Findings from this investigation demonstrate that lower-body dimensions may be reliably and precisely measured through simple practical tests, when surface anatomic landmarks and standardized procedures are used. Although intertester reliability remains to be established, meticulous adherence to specific measurement protocols is likely to yield viable output for lower-body dimensions when more sophisticated methods are unavailable or inappropriate.
Adverse Effects of Chronic Endogenous Sympathetic Drive Induced by Cardiac Gsα Overexpression

To study the physiological effect of the overexpression of myocardial Gsalpha (protein levels increased by approximately threefold in transgenic mice), we examined the responsiveness to sympathomimetic amines by echocardiography (9 MHz) in five transgenic mice and five control mice (both 10.3 +/- 0.2 months old). Myocardial contractility in transgenic mice, as assessed by left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening (LVFS) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was not different from that of control mice at baseline (LVFS, 40 +/- 3% versus 36 +/- 2%; LVEF, 78 +/- 3% versus 74 +/- 3%). LVFS and LVEF values in transgenic mice during isoproterenol (ISO, 0.02 micrograms/kg per minute) infusion were higher than the values in control mice (LVFS, 68 +/- 4% versus 48 +/- 3%; LVEF, 96 +/- 1% versus 86 +/- 3%; P < .05). Norepinephrine (NE, 0.2 micrograms/kg per minute) infusion also increased LVFS and LVEF in transgenic mice more than in control mice (LVFS, 59 +/- 4% versus 47 +/- 3%; LVEF, 93 +/- 2% versus 85 +/- 3%; P < .05). Heart rates of transgenic mice were higher than those of control mice during ISO and NE infusion. In three transgenic mice with heart rates held constant, LV dP/dt rose by 33 +/- 2% with ISO (0.02 micrograms/kg per minute) and by only 13 +/- 2% in three wild-type control mice (P < .01). NE (0.1 micrograms/kg per minute) also induced a greater effect on LV dP/dt in the three transgenic mice with heart rates held constant compared with three wild-type control mice (65 +/ 8% versus 28 +/- 4%, P < .05). Pathological and histological analyses of older transgenic mouse hearts (16.0 +/- 0.8 months old) revealed hypertrophy, degeneration, atrophy of cells, and replacement fibrosis reflected by significant increases in collagen volume in the subendocardium (5.2 +/- 1.4% versus 1.2 +/- 0.3%, P < .05) and in the cross-sectional area of myocytes (298 +/- 29 versus 187 +/- 12 micron2, P < .05) compared with control mouse hearts. These results suggest that Gsalpha overexpression enhances the efficacy of the beta-adrenergic receptor-Gs-adenylyl cyclase signaling pathway. This in turn leads to augmented inotropic and chronotropic responses to endogenous sympathetic stimulation. This action over the life of the animal results in myocardial damage characterized by cellular degeneration, necrosis, and replacement fibrosis, with the remaining cells undergoing compensatory hypertrophy. As a model, this transgenic mouse offers new insights into the mechanisms of cardiomyopathy and heart failure and provides a new tool for their study.
Relationship Between Maximum Aerobic Speed Performance and Distance Covered in Rugby Union Games

Abstract Swaby, R, Jones, PA, and Comfort, P. Relationship between maximum aerobic speed performance and distance covered in rugby union games. J Strength Cond Res 30(10): 2788–2793, 2016—Researchers have shown a clear relationship between aerobic fitness and the distance covered in professional soccer, although no research has identified such a relationship in rugby union. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify whether there was a relationship between maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and the distance covered in rugby union games. Fourteen professional rugby union players (age = 26 ± 6 years, height = 1.90 ± 0.12 m, mass = 107.1 ± 24.1 kg) participated in this investigation. Each player performed a MAS test on 3 separate occasions during the preseason, to determine reliability and provide baseline data, and participated in 6 competitive games during the early stages of the season. Game data were collected using global positioning system technology. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in total distance covered was observed between games. Relationships between players' MAS and the average distance covered from 6 competitive games were explored using Pearson's correlation coefficients, with MAS performance showing a strong relationship with distance covered during match play (r = 0.746, p < 0.001). Significantly greater (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.29) distances were covered by backs (6,544 ± 573 m) compared with the forwards (4,872 ± 857 m) during a game. Similarly, backs recorded a significantly (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 2.20) higher MAS (4.9 ± 0.13 m·s−1) compared with the forwards (4.2 ± 0.43 m·s−1). Results of the study illustrate the importance of developing high levels of aerobic fitness to increase the distance that the athlete covers in the game.
Exercise-Induced Hormone Elevations Are Related to Muscle Growth

Abstract Mangine, GT, Hoffman, JR, Gonzalez, AM, Townsend, JR, Wells, AJ, Jajtner, AR, Beyer, KS, Boone, CH, Wang, R, Miramonti, AA, LaMonica, MB, Fukuda, DH, Witta, EL, Ratamess, NA, and Stout, JR. Exercise-induced hormone elevations are related to muscle growth. J Strength Cond Res 31(1): 45–53, 2017—Partial least squares regression structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine relationships between the endocrine response to resistance exercise and muscle hypertrophy in resistance-trained men. Pretesting (PRE) measures of muscle size (thickness and cross-sectional area) of the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris were collected in 26 resistance-trained men. Participants were randomly selected to complete a high-volume (VOL, n = 13, 10–12RM, 1-minute rest) or high-intensity (INT, n = 13, 3–5RM, 3-minute rest) resistance training program. Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately postexercise, 30-minute, and 60-minute postexercise during weeks 1 (week 1) and 8 (week 8) of training. The hormonal responses (testosterone, growth hormone [22 kD], insulin-like growth factor-1, cortisol, and insulin) to each training session were evaluated using area-under-the-curve (AUC) analyses. Relationships between muscle size (PRE), AUC values (week 1 + week 8) for each hormone, and muscle size (POST) were assessed using a consistent PLS-SEM algorithm and tested for statistical significance (p ⩽ 0.05) using a 1,000 samples consistent bootstrapping analysis. Group-wise comparisons for each relationship were assessed through independent t-tests. The model explained 73.4% (p < 0.001) of variance in muscle size at POST. Significant pathways between testosterone and muscle size at PRE (p = 0.043) and muscle size at POST (p = 0.032) were observed. The ability to explain muscle size at POST improved when the model was analyzed by group (INT: R 2 = 0.882; VOL: R 2 = 0.987; p < 0.001). No group differences in modal quality were found. Exercise-induced testosterone elevations, independent of the training programs used in this study, seem to be related to muscle growth.
Rayleigh-B´ enard Convection of Non-Newtonian Power-Law Fluids with Temperature-Dependent Viscosity

Two-dimensional steady-state Rayleigh-Benard convection of thermodependent power-law fluids confined in a square cavity, heated from the bottom and cooled on the top with uniform heat fluxes, has been conducted numerically using a finite difference technique. The effects of the governing parameters, which are the Pearson number , the flow behaviour index , and the Rayleigh number , on the flow onset, flow structure, and heat transfer have been examined. The heatlines concept has been used to explain the heat transfer deterioration due to temperature-dependent viscosity effect that m expresses.
Mechanical Determinants of Faster Change of Direction Speed Performance in Male Athletes

Abstract Dos'Santos, T, Thomas, C, Jones, PA, and Comfort, P. Mechanical determinants of faster change of direction speed performance in male athletes. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 696–705, 2017—Mechanical variables during change of directions, for example, braking and propulsive forces, impulses, and ground contact times (GCT) have been identified as determinants of faster change of direction speed (CODS) performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanical determinants of 180° CODS performance with mechanical characteristic comparisons between faster and slower performers; while exploring the role of the penultimate foot contact (PEN) during the change of direction. Forty multidirectional male athletes performed 6 modified 505 (mod505) trials (3 left and right), and ground reaction forces were collected across the PEN and final foot contact (FINAL) during the change of direction. Pearson's correlation coefficients and coefficients of determination were used to explore the relationship between mechanical variables and mod505 completion time. Independent T-tests and Cohen's d effect sizes (ES) were conducted between faster (n = 10) and slower (n = 10) mod505 performers to explore differences in mechanical variables. Faster CODS performance was associated (p ⩽ 0.05) with shorter GCTs (r = 0.701–0.757), greater horizontal propulsive forces (HPF) (r = −0.572 to −0.611), greater horizontal braking forces (HBF) in the PEN (r = −0.337), lower HBF ratios (r = −0.429), and lower FINAL vertical impact forces (VIF) (r = 0.449–0.559). Faster athletes demonstrated significantly (p ⩽ 0.05, ES = 1.08–2.54) shorter FINAL GCTs, produced lower VIF, lower HBF ratios, and greater HPF in comparison to slower athletes. These findings suggest that different mechanical properties are required to produce faster CODS performance, with differences in mechanical properties observed between fast and slower performers. Furthermore, applying a greater proportion of braking force during the PEN relative to the FINAL may be advantageous for turning performance.
Evaluating the Effectiveness and Utilization of School-Based Mental Health Programs

The need for school-based mental health services has increased in the past decade, but little is known about the effectiveness and utilization of school-based mental health services. This research will focus on the reported effectiveness and utilization of schoolbased mental health services in Minnesota. This research focuses on surveying a total of 150 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools in Minnesota. The survey consisted of quantitative and qualitative questions, as developed by the researcher. The targeted respondents were school social workers school psychologists. Integration of education and mental health services in schools continues to grow rapidly. This research also focuses on the need for school-based mental health services and the benefits of having a school-based mental health program in the school. The results suggest that school-based mental health services are beneficial to students and are utilized when possible by the student. The most commonly used interventions is social skills training, solution-focused therapy, and group work, as reported to the researcher.
Triphala in Eye Diseases: A Critical Review

Preventive and curative principles of ayurvedic system of medicine stands on the maintenance of Jatharagni (Internal digestive fire) and Kostha (excretory system). Jatharagni, which helps in the proper digestion and assimilation of ingested food as well as it helps in proper functioning of other types of Pitta-metabolic factors specially Alochaka pitta (rods and cones functional entity) in eyes, whereas kostha helps in the proper excretion of waste products. Proper functioning of these two systems help in maintaining the health, longevity and disease free life. Ancient Ayurvedic scholars explained lot many combination of drugs which act on both the above said system. Among them one of the most popular formulation is Triphala which contain powder of three fruits in equal proportion viz. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Vibhitaki (Terminalia balerica Roxb.) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) a very powerful Chakshushya rasayana (visual function enhancer/rejuvenator) [1]. A popular folk saying is “No mother? do not worry so long as one have Triphala” the reason is that Triphala is one such formula which care the body as a mother cares for her children. Upon analyzing this formula, it has control over all three body humours i.e. Haritaki- on Vata, Amalaki- on Pitta and Vibhitaki- on Kapha. No doubt various studies show Triphala is a wonderful clinically proven drug in maintaining the health as well as treating many ailments. As need of the hour, the increased prevalence of ocular disorders posing challenges to the medical science motivated the author to highlight and critically discuss the role of Triphala in ocular health as well as treating ocular disorders.
Prognostic significance of TGF-α expression in breast cancer

A series of breast cancer biopsies from 204 women were analysed immunohistochemically for the expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α). Expression of TGF-α was intense in 119 cases (58%), weak in 63 (31%), and totally absent in 22 (11%) of the cases. No correlation was observed between the expression of TGF-α and tumour size, metastasis at diagnosis, histological type and grade, ER and PR status, DNA index, S-phase fraction or the expression of TGF-β1 or β2. However, the expression of TGF-α was significantly related to axillary lymph node metastasis and to low survival probability during the follow-up. These data support the earlier observations on the in vitro studies, suggesting that TGF-α most probably exerts an in vivo growth stimulation of female breast cancer cells.
Powering Adherence to Physical Activity by Changing Self-Regulatory Skills and Beliefs: Are Kinesiologists Ready to Counsel?

There are multiple avenues to gain health promoting and disease preventing benefits of physical activity (PA) but nonadherence makes health benefits short-lived. Gains obtained through structured exercise training and therapy quickly decay once participants leave programs. Scientific position statements underscore cognitive-behavioral strategies (CBS) as an essential intervention component to increase and maintain PA and recommend transfer of CBS knowledge to practice. Our review of reviews indicates high quality PA interventions involving CBS consistently demonstrate medium effect sizes. Kinesiologists are the human resource capacity to translate this knowledge. Building capacity to implement CBS knowledge is potentially large given North American kinesiology programs and American College of Sports Medicine and Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology certification routes. Yet CBS training of kinesiologists by universities and organizations is minimal. Immediate change in CBS training and practice is nee.
A Quantitative Study of Bias in Systematic Reviews

The objective of this study was to identify potential sources of bias and quantify the size and direction of bias in systematic reviews and randomized placebo-controlled trials with low level laser therapy (LLLT) for chronic tendon and joint disorders. Literature search and statistical analysis of unreliable data (i.e. data that have been interpreted differently by different authors) was used to determine what direction these data were interpreted by reviewers. Seven systematic reviews and 36 randomized placebo-controlled trials were identified in the literature search. There was no significant correlation between PEDro method scores and outcome, and no publication bias existed when the total material of trials was considered. Inclusion of trials occurred in 69 cases, although trials fulfilled inclusion criteria in 105 cases. From 76 cases of comparable methodological assessment scores, intra-reviewer reliability was moderate to poor [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1): 0.47] across reviews. Exclusion of trials by method scores was contradicted by other reviews in 11/12 controllable cases. Two-thirds of the available trials were excluded from the review conclusions. A quarter of the trials that formed the final review conclusion had outcome results that had been interpreted as both positive and negative by different reviewers. Reviewers' selections in areas of identified disagreement were significantly in favour of their own final conclusions (p<0.002). Unreliable lack of trial inclusion, unreliable methodological assessments, erroneous interpretation of trial data and unreliable dichotomization of equivocal trial data were identified as sources of bias. One-third of the reviewers' selections at each successive reviewing stage were based on unreliable data, and biased systematically to support review conclusions. As publication bias was absent in this material, removal of methodological assessments would have reduced bias by one-third without compromising review validity.
Acute Responses to Resistance and High-Intensity Interval Training in Early Adolescents

Abstract Harris, NK, Dulson, DK, Logan, GRM, Warbrick, IB, Merien, FLR, and Lubans, DR. Acute responses to resistance and high-intensity interval training in early adolescents. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1177–1186, 2017—The purpose of this study was to compare the acute physiological responses within and between resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) matched for time and with comparable effort, in a school setting. Seventeen early adolescents (12.9 ± 0.3 years) performed both RT (2–5 repetitions perceived short of failure at the end of each set) and HIIT (90% of age-predicted maximum heart rate), equated for total work set and recovery period durations comprising of 12 “sets” of 30-second work followed by 30-second recovery (total session time 12 minutes). Variables of interest included oxygen consumption, set and session heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion, and change in salivary cortisol (SC), salivary alpha amylase, and blood lactate (BL) from presession to postsession. Analyses were conducted to determine responses within and between the 2 different protocols. For both RT and HIIT, there were very large increases pretrial to posttrial for SC and BL, and only BL increased greater in HIIT (9.1 ± 2.6 mmol·L−1) than RT (6.8 ± 3.3 mmol·L−1). Mean set HR for both RT (170 ± 9.1 b·min−1) and HIIT (179 ± 5.6 b·min−1) was at least 85% of HRmax. V[Combining Dot Above]O2 over all 12 sets was greater for HIIT (33.8 ± 5.21 ml·kg−1·min−1) than RT (24.9 ± 3.23 ml·kg−1·min−1). Brief, repetitive, intermittent forays into high but not supramaximal intensity exercise using RT or HIIT seemed to be a potent physiological stimulus in adolescents.
Foam Rolling of Quadriceps Decreases Biceps Femoris Activation

Abstract Cavanaugh, MT, Aboodarda, SJ, Hodgson, DD, and Behm, DG. Foam rolling of quadriceps decreases biceps femoris activation. J Strength Cond Res 31(8): 2238–2245, 2017—Foam rolling has been shown to increase range of motion without subsequent performance impairments of the rolled muscle, however, there are no studies examining rolling effects on antagonist muscles. The objective of this study was to determine whether foam rolling the hamstrings and/or quadriceps would affect hamstrings and quadriceps activation in men and women. Recreationally, active men (n = 10, 25 ± 4.6 years, 180.1 ± 4.4 cm, 86.5 ± 15.7 kg) and women (n = 8, 21.75 ± 3.2 years, 166.4 ± 8.8 cm, 58.9 ± 7.9 kg) had surface electromyographic activity analyzed in the dominant vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles on a single leg landing from a hurdle jump under 4 conditions. Conditions included rolling of the hamstrings, quadriceps, both muscle groups, and a control session. Biceps femoris activation significantly decreased after quadriceps foam rolling (F (1,16) = 7.45, p = 0.015, −8.9%). There were no significant changes in quadriceps activation after hamstrings foam rolling. This might be attributed to the significantly greater levels of perceived pain with quadriceps rolling applications (F (1,18) = 39.067, p < 0.001, 98.2%). There were no sex-based changes in activation after foam rolling for VL (F (6,30) = 1.31, p = 0.283), VM (F (6,30) = 1.203, p = 0.332), or BF (F (6,36) = 1.703, p = 0.199). Antagonist muscle activation may be altered after agonist foam rolling, however, it can be suggested that any changes in activation are likely a result of reciprocal inhibition due to increased agonist pain perception.
PO.10 The successful transformation of acute stroke services in London. A model for other major metropolitan cities?

Stroke continues to be one of the main causes of disability with substantial human and economic costs. The 2004 and 2006 National Sentinel Stroke Audits showed that the overall standard of stroke services in London were lower than in other parts of the UK. In order to address this issue, a major transformation of acute stroke services was felt to be necessary. Greater London has now undergone this dramatic reconfiguration of acute stroke services which began in February 2010. Eight Hyper Acute Stroke Units (HASUs) have now been set up across the capital, providing 116 monitored beds. The aim of this is to offer equitable, around-the-clock access to stroke specialists, investigations, imaging, and if indicated thrombolysis. Preliminary results have shown an increase in thrombolysis rates for the whole of London from 3.5% in February–July 2009 to 12% over the same period in 2010. Approximately 35% of patients are discharged directly home. In the 2010 National Sentinel Audit, five of the six top stroke services in the country were London HASUs. Patients requiring additional in-hospital care are being transferred to their local Stroke unit within 72 h. Throughout London the combined HASU and Stroke Unit length of stay for patients has fallen to a mean of 19.4 days compared to a UK average of 24 days. This reconfiguration of stroke services is the most ambitious to take place in any major metropolis and could act as template for other large cities elsewhere.