Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Localized and General Fatigue on Static and Dynamic Postural Control in Male Team Handball Athletes

Abstract Zech, A, Steib, S, Hentschke, C, Eckhardt, H, and Pfeifer, K. Effects of localized and general fatigue on static and dynamic postural control in male team handball athletes. J Strength Cond Res 26(4): 1162–1168, 2012–In team sports, sensorimotor impairments resulting from previous injuries or muscular fatigue have been suggested to be factors contributing to an increased injury risk. Although it has been widely shown that physical fatigue affects static postural sway, it is still questionable as to what extent these adaptations are relevant for dynamic, sports-related situations. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of whole-body and localized fatigue on postural control in stable and unstable conditions. Nineteen male team handball players were assessed in 2 sessions separated by 1 week. Treadmill running and single-leg step-up exercises were used to induce physical fatigue. The main outcome measures were center of pressure (COP) sway velocity during a single-leg stance on a force plate and maximum reach distances of the star excursion balance test (SEBT). The COP sway velocity increased significantly (p < 0.05) after general (+47%) and localized fatigue (+10%). No fatigue effects were found for the SEBT. There were no significant correlations between COP sway velocity and SEBT mean reach in any condition. The results showed that although fatigue affects static postural control, sensorimotor mechanisms responsible for regaining dynamic balance in healthy athletes seem to remain predominantly intact. Thus, our data indicate that the exclusive use of static postural sway measures might not be sufficient to allow conclusive statements regarding sensorimotor control in the noninjured athlete population.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE SEVERITY OF ANGIOGRAPHIC CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND PARAOXONASE-1 PROMOTER GENE POLYMORPHISM T (-107 )C IN IRANIAN POPULATION

The oxidation of low-density lipoproteins and cell membrane lipids is believed to play an integral role in the development of fatty streak lesions, an initial step in coronary artery disease (CAD). Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is an enzyme associated with the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle. PON1 protects LDL from oxidative modification by hydrolyzing lipid peroxides, suggestive of a role for PON1 in the development of CAD. The present study tested the hypothesis that Paraoxonase-1 promoter polymorphism T(-107)C could be a risk factor for severity of CAD in Iranian population. Paraoxonase-1 promoter genotypes were determined in 300 consecutive subjects (> 40 years old) who underwent coronary angiography (150 subjects with >50% stenosis served as cases (CAD
Validation of Physiological Tests in Relation to Competitive Performances in Elite Male Distance Cross-Country Skiing

Abstract Carlsson, M, Carlsson, T, Hammarström, D, Tiivel, T, Malm, C, and Tonkonogi, M. Validation of physiological tests in relation to competitive performances in elite male distance cross-country skiing. J Strength Cond Res 26(6): 1496–1504, 2012—The purpose of the present study was to establish which physiological test parameters reflects the distance performances in the Swedish National Championships in cross-country skiing (SNC) and the International Ski Federation's ranking points for distance performances (FISdist). The present study also aimed to create multiple regression models to describe skiing performance for the SNC distance races and International Ski Federation's (FIS) ranking. Twelve male, Swedish, national elite, cross-country skiers (maximal oxygen consumption [V[Combining Dot Above]O2max] = 5.34 ± 0.34 L·min−1) volunteered to participate in the study. Their results in the 2008 SNC (15 km race [SNC15] and 30 km race [SNC30]) and FISdist points were used as performance data. On the week preceding the Championship, subjects completed a test battery consisting of 7 physiological tests: isokinetic knee extension peak torque (PT), vertical jumps (VJ), lactate threshold (LT), V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and 3 double poling tests of different durations (DP20, DP60, and DP360). Correlations were established using Pearson's correlation analysis, and models to describe skiing performance were created using standard multiple linear regression analysis. Significant correlations were found between the performance parameters and test parameters derived from LT, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and DP60 tests. No correlations with any performance parameter were found for PT, VJ, DP20, and DP360 tests. For FISdist and SNC15, the models explain 81% and 78% of the variance in performance, respectively. No statistically valid regression model was found for SNC30. The results of this study imply that the physiological demands in male elite distance cross-country skiing performances are different in different events. To adequately evaluate a skier's performance ability in distance cross-country skiing, it is necessary to use test parameters and regression models that reflect the specific performance.
Comparision of Intravenous and Intraosseous Administration of Propofol-Ketamine Combination for Anesthesia in Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica

This experiment was conducted to compare the use of intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) propofol-ketamine combination on clinical and cardiorespiratory parameters. The experiment was carried out on twenty clinically healthy mature male quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Quails divided into two groups. The first group (n=10) received 10 mg/kg Propofol-30 mg/kg Ketamine IV and second group (n=10) received 10 mg/kg Propofol-30 mg/kg IO. Each quail were monitored for heart rate, respiratory rate, cloacal temperature and electrocardiography. While the duration time of anesthesia in IV group was significantly shorter than IO group (p<0.05), no significant differences were recorded as regard the onset of anaesthesia in two groups. There were no significant differences obtained in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and cloacal temperature (CT) between groups in recorded time points during anesthesia. Intraosseous administration of propofol-ketamine combination was seen as an alternative route to intravenous way, for it was shown similar changes in both IV and IO group in terms of clinical and physiological parameters. Moreover, use of propofol-ketamine combination for induction and maintenance of anesthesia was safe and reliable anesthetic combination that can be effectively used for quails. ●●● Bildircinlarda (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Anestezi icin PropofolKetamine Kombinasyonunun Intravenoz ve Intraosseoz Uygulanmasinin Karsilastirilmasi
The Effects of Endurance, Strength, and Power Training on Muscle Fiber Type Shifting

Abstract Wilson, JM, Loenneke, JP, Jo, E, Wilson, GJ, Zourdos, MC, and Kim, J.-S. The effects of endurance, strength, and power training on muscle fiber type shifting. J Strength Cond Res 26(6): 1724–1729, 2012—Muscle fibers are generally fractionated into type I, IIA, and IIX fibers. Type I fibers specialize in long duration contractile activities and are found in abundance in elite endurance athletes. Conversely type IIA and IIX fibers facilitate short-duration anaerobic activities and are proportionally higher in elite strength and power athletes. A central area of interest concerns the capacity of training to increase or decrease fiber types to enhance high-performance activities. Although interconversions between type IIA and IIX are well recognized in the literature, there are conflicting studies regarding the capacity of type I and II fibers to interconvert. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to analyze the effects of various forms of exercise on type I and type II interconversions. Possible variables that may increase type II fibers and decrease type I fibers are discussed, and these include high velocity isokinetic contractions; ballistic movements such as bench press throws and sprints. Conversely, a shift from type II to type I fibers may occur under longer duration, higher volume endurance type events. Special care is taken to provide practical applications for both the scientist and the athlete.
Evaluation of a Composite Test of Kicking Performance

Abstract Berjan Bacvarevic, B, Pazin, N, Bozic, PR, Mirkov, D, Kukolj, M, and Jaric, S. Evaluation of a composite test of kicking performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(7): 1945–1952, 2012—The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and sensitivity of variables for the direct assessment of kicking performance in young soccer players. One hundred and six elite young soccer players were divided into 4 age groups (12–15 years). Absolute error (AE), variable error (VE), and constant error (CE) were evaluated as the variables of kicking accuracy, whereas the kicking velocity variables involved the maximum ball velocity (BVmax) and the ball velocity during accurate kicks (BVacc). Results suggested low-to-moderate reliability of the kicking accuracy (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.00–0.67) and high reliability of the kicking velocity variables (ICC = 0.87–0.94). Regarding the sensitivity, most of the variables detected the differences both between the dominant and nondominant legs and among the age groups. Because the evaluated variables should have a property of face validity, the findings obtained generally suggest that AE (and perhaps VE, as the measures of kicking accuracy) and both BVmax and BVacc (as the measures of kicking velocity) could be used within a routine composite test of kicking performance in young elite soccer players. Further development of the evaluated composite test of kicking performance could be based on the involvement of other kicking techniques and on testing the athletes of different ages, levels of skill, or sport specialization.
High-intensity stress elicits robust cortisol increases, and impairs working memory and visuo-spatial declarative memory in Special Forces candidates: A field experiment

While running a selection procedure, 27 male Belgian Special Forces candidates, with a mean age of 27.4 years (SD = 5.1), were randomly assigned to a no-stress control (n = 14) or a high-intensity stress group (n = 13). Participants in the latter group were exposed to an extremely strenuous mock prisoner of war (POW) exercise. Immediately after stress or control treatment, working memory and visuo-spatial declarative memory performances were measured by the digit span (DS) test and the Rey–Osterrieth complex figure (ROCF), respectively. Concurrently, stress levels were assessed by obtaining salivary cortisol measurements and subjectively by the NASA Task Load Index (TLX). As expected, exposure to high-intensity stress led to both robust cortisol increases and significant differences in TLX scores. Stress induction also significantly impaired DS and ROCF performances. Moreover, delta cortisol increases and ROCF performance in the POW stress group showed a significant negative correlation, while DS performances followed the same tendency. Summarizing, the current findings complement and extend previous work on hormonal stress effects, and the subsequent performance deterioration on two memory tests in a unique high-intensity stress environment.
Alterations in monoamine levels and oxidative systems in frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus of the rat brain during chronic unpredictable stress

Stress plays a key role in the induction of various clinical disorders by altering monoaminergic response and antioxidant defenses. In the present study, alterations in the concentrations of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and their metabolites, and simultaneous changes in the antioxidant defense system and lipid peroxidation in different brain regions (frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus) were investigated immediately and 24 h after exposure to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). CUS involved subjecting Sprague–Dawley rats to two different types of stressors varying from mild to severe intensity every day in an unpredictable manner, over a period of 7 days. CUS significantly decreased DA and 5-HT concentrations, with increased DA turnover ratios in the selected brain regions. In the frontal cortex and striatum, DA metabolite concentrations were increased; however, in the hippocampus they remained unaltered. Further, a decrease of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid content was observed in the frontal cortex and striatum, with no significant alteration in the hippocampus. CUS also reduced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, with increased lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione levels in the selected brain regions. Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus only. The pattern of CUS-induced monoamine and oxidative changes immediately after the last stressor and 24 h later were similar when compared with the control group, indicating that the observed changes were due to the chronic exposure to the various stressors and were not merely acute effects of the last stressor. The altered redox state in the striatum and frontal cortex might be related to the perturbed DA and/or 5HT levels, while the hippocampus seems to be less influenced by CUS in terms of monoamine metabolite changes. These results suggest that the perturbed monoamine levels could interact with the oxidative load during CUS. Hence, the current study has implications for pharmacological interventions targeting both central monoamines and cellular antioxidants as a potential stress management strategy for protecting against central stress-induced disorders.
Salivary cortisol responses to a psychosocial laboratory stressor and later verbal recall of the stressor: The role of trait and state rumination

This study investigated whether trait rumination predicts greater increases in salivary cortisol concentration and delayed recovery in response to a standardized, acute laboratory psychosocial stressor (modified Trier Social Stress Test). It also tested whether trait and state rumination predict reactivation of the cortisol response during later verbal recall of the stressor. Fifty-nine undergraduates (31 females; 28 males) completed the stress protocol and returned 2 weeks later for a surprise interview about the first session, conducted in either a supportive or unsupportive context. Participants completed a measure of trait rumination and reported negative thoughts about the stressor in the 2 weeks between sessions (state rumination). Trait rumination was associated with greater reactivity of salivary cortisol level and delayed recovery from the stressor, F(1,310) = 6.77, p < 0.001. It also predicted greater cortisol reactivity when recalling the stressor, but only for males in the unsupportive interview context, F(2,119) = 7.53, p < 0.001. This effect was heightened for males who also scored high on state rumination, F(2,119) = 7.53, p < 0.001. Rumination was not associated with cortisol responses to the interviews in females. The findings indicate that rumination may play a role in prolonging cortisol stress responses through delayed recovery and reactivation and that rumination disposition and the context of stressor recall are important in understanding the rumination–cortisol response association.
Factors Affecting Exercise Intensity in Rugby-Specific Small-Sided Games

Abstract Kennett, DC, Kempton, T, and Coutts, AJ. Factors affecting exercise intensity in rugby-specific small-sided games. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2037–2042, 2012—Small-sided games (SSGs) have been suggested as a method for concurrently training physical, technical and tactical capabilities of rugby union players. Therefore, it is important to understand how prescriptive variables such as player number and field size influence the training stimulus during rugby-specific SSGs. Twenty semiprofessional rugby union players participated in a series of SSGs of varying player numbers (4 vs. 4, 6 vs. 6, and 8 vs. 8) on small- (32 × 24 m) and large-sized fields (64 × 48 m). The physiological (blood lactate concentration and heart rate [HR]), perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), and time-motion demands were assessed for each different SSG format. There were significant differences between the 4 vs. 4, 6 vs. 6, and 8 vs.8 SSG formats in mean speed (meters per minute), high-speed running (HSR) distance (meters), and RPE (all p < 0.05). Blood lactate was greater in 4 vs. 4 compared with that in 8 vs. 8 SSGs. The mean speed, HSR distance, number of sprints, peak speed, blood lactate concentration, and RPE were all significantly different between large- and small-field size (all p < 0.05). There were no significant difference between game formats (4 vs. 4, 6 vs. 6, and 8 vs. 8) or field size (small or large) for either percent HRmax or time spent >85% HRmax. These results show that SSGs with fewer players and larger field sizes elicit greater physiological and perceptual responses and time-motion demands. In contrast, the HR response was similar between all SSG formats, which may be attributable to high levels of individual variability in the HR response. This study provides new information about the influence of player number and field size on the training stimulus provided by rugby-specific SSGs.
Associations of Maximal Strength and Muscular Endurance Test Scores with Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Body Composition

Abstract Vaara, JP, Kyröläinen, H, Niemi, J, Ohrankämmen, O, Häkkinen, A, Kocay, S, and Häkkinen, K. Associations of maximal strength and muscular endurance test scores with cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition. J Strength Cond Res 26(8): 2078–2086, 2012—The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationships between maximal strength and muscular endurance test scores additionally to previously widely studied measures of body composition and maximal aerobic capacity. 846 young men (25.5 ± 5.0 yrs) participated in the study. Maximal strength was measured using isometric bench press, leg extension and grip strength. Muscular endurance tests consisted of push-ups, sit-ups and repeated squats. An indirect graded cycle ergometer test was used to estimate maximal aerobic capacity (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max). Body composition was determined with bioelectrical impedance. Moreover, waist circumference (WC) and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Maximal bench press was positively correlated with push-ups (r = 0.61, p < 0.001), grip strength (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and sit-ups (r = 0.37, p < 0.001) while maximal leg extension force revealed only a weak positive correlation with repeated squats (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). However, moderate correlation between repeated squats and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max was found (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) In addition, BM and body fat correlated negatively with muscular endurance (r = −0.25 – −0.47, p < 0.001), while FFM and maximal isometric strength correlated positively (r = 0.36–0.44, p < 0.001). In conclusion, muscular endurance test scores were related to maximal aerobic capacity and body fat content, while fat free mass was associated with maximal strength test scores and thus is a major determinant for maximal strength. A contributive role of maximal strength to muscular endurance tests could be indentified for the upper, but not the lower extremities. These findings suggest that push-up test is not only indicative of body fat content and maximal aerobic capacity but also maximal strength of upper body, whereas repeated squat test is mainly indicative of body fat content and maximal aerobic capacity, but not maximal strength of lower extremities.
Nurses' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS: Effects of a health education intervention on two nursing groups in Cairo University, Egypt

± ± ± 1.5 with P <0.001). The intervention also succeeded to improve the mode of transmission knowledge score significantly from 6.83 ± 0.9 to 7.21 ± 0.8 (P <0.001). Furthermore, the intervention significantly improved the prevention knowledge score. The main source of information was television (66.7%). Although favorable attitudes increased after the intervention it did not reach the desired level. A planned HIV/AIDS education program significantly improved the HIV/AIDS knowledge, and to a lesser extent the perceptions and attitudes toward patients with HIV/AIDS. Further structured education should be conducted emphasising the role of mass media.
An observational study of midwives' practices to prevent peripartum sepsis in Zimbabwe

This study investigated the availability of infection control policies and/or guidelines while observing midwives' practices in relation to peripartum sepsis prevention. A participant observational study collected data, in May and June 2014, by means of checklists from 37 purposively selected midwives working in the labour and postnatal wards of two central hospitals in Zimbabwe. Descriptive statistics and SPSS version 20 were used during data analysis. The results indicate lack of resources necessary for good midwifery practice and poor standards of infection control among midwives. Strengthening infection control policies and practices, ensuring resource equitable distribution and training of midwives in peripartum sepsis prevention are essential interventions.
Adequacy of Preparation and Importance of Geriatrics in a Sample of Primary Care Physicians

Abstract In a mailed survey, 268 primary care physicians used a 5-point Likert scale to rate 23 items regarding geriatrics curriculum in terms of the quality of their postgraduate preparation on the topic and in terms of importance for their subsequent practice. All mean preparation ratings were lower than importance ratings. Mean ratings scores were ranked, and importance minus preparation rankings suggest areas where more geriatric education is needed. Results indicate geriatrics is perceived as an under emphasized component of postgraduate training in internal medicine and family practice residencies.
Rapid Increase in Training Load Affects Markers of Skeletal Muscle Damage and Mechanical Performance

Abstract Kamandulis, S, Snieckus, A, Venckunas, T, Aagaard, P, Masiulis, N, and Skurvydas, A. Rapid increase in training load affects markers of skeletal muscle damage and mechanical performance. J Strength Cond Res 26(11): 2953–2961, 2012—The aim of this study was to monitor the changes in indirect markers of muscle damage during 3 weeks (9 training sessions) of stretch-shortening (drop jump) exercise with constant load alternated with steep increases in load. Physically active men (n = 9, mean age 19.1 years) performed a program involving a rapid stepwise increase in the number of jumps, drop height, and squat depth, and the addition of weight. Concentric, isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), and stimulated knee extension torque were measured before and 10 minutes after each session. Muscle soreness and plasma creatine kinase activity were assessed after each session. Steep increments in stretch-shortening exercise load in sessions 4 and 7 amplified the postexercise decrease in stimulated muscle torque and slightly increased muscle soreness but had a minimal effect on the recovery of MVC and stimulated torque. Maximal jump height increased by 7.8 ± 6.3% (p < 0.05), 11.4 ± 3.3% (p < 0.05), and 12.8 ± 3.6% (p < 0.05) at 3, 10, and 17 days after the final training session, respectively. Gains in isometric knee extension MVC (7.9 ± 8.2%) and 100-Hz-evoked torque (9.9 ± 9.6%) (both p < 0.05) were observed within 17 days after the end of the training. The magnitude of improvement was greater after this protocol than that induced by a continuous constant progression loading pattern with small gradual load increments in each training session. These findings suggest that plyometric training using infrequent but steep increases in loading intensity and volume may be beneficial to athletic performance.