Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequentially allocated clinical trial of rhythmic stabilization exercises and TENS in women with chronic low back pain

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of rhythmic stabilization exercises and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and their combination in treating women with chronic low back pain. Design: Sequentially allocated, single-blinded and controlled study, with a two-month follow-up. Setting: The data were collected in a patient rehabilitation setting. Subjects: A total of 92 women (34—46 years old) with chronic low back pain were studied. Interventions: Sequential allocation was undertaken into four groups: `rhythmic stabilization' (n=23), `rhythmic stabilization — TENS' (n=23), TENS (n=23), and a placebo group (n = 23). Each programme lasted for four weeks. All outcome measures were assessed prior to, immediately after, four weeks and eight weeks post intervention. Main measures: Data were obtained on functional disability, pain intensity, trunk extension range of motion, dynamic endurance of trunk flexion and static endurance of trunk extension. Results: A total of 88 patients provided two-month follow-up data. The `rhythmic stabilization' and the `rhythmic stabilization — TENS' groups displayed statistically significant (P<0.05) improvements in functional disability and pain intensity (ranging from 21.2 to 42.8%), trunk extension range of motion (ranging from 6.5 to 25.5%), dynamic endurance of trunk flexion and static endurance of trunk extension (ranging from 13.5 to 74.3%) compared with the remaining groups. Conclusions: The rhythmic stabilization programmes resulted in more gains in women with chronic low back pain regarding the present outcome variables compared with the other groups; therefore, its application in female chronic low back pain patients aged 34—46 years is recommended.
Chronic disease management programme in people with severe knee osteoarthritis: efficacy and moderators of response

Aims: To establish (1) the efficacy of a six-week chronic disease management programme for knee osteoarthritis and (2) whether previous physiotherapy or being wait listed for surgery moderated the outcome of the programme. Design: A pretest, posttest design with multivariate statistical modelling. Participants: One hundred and twenty-one people with severe osteoarthritis who were waiting, or being considered, for surgery. Methods and measures: Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores, arthritis self-efficacy, distress and a patient-rated global indicator of response were collected at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. History of previous physiotherapy, waiting list status, symptom duration, New Zealand disease severity score, radiographic changes and self-perceived need for surgery were recorded at baseline. Results: There were moderate improvements in most outcomes; WOMAC function decreased by 0.29, WOMAC pain by 0.27, pain self-efficacy by 4.4, function self-efficacy by 5.6 and visual analogue scale (VAS) distress by 0.2 (effect sizes ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 at 12 weeks). Waiting list status was a significant modifier for function, pain, distress and self-related outcomes. Participants on the waiting list for surgery experienced lesser improvements. Previous physiotherapy was associated with greater improvements in WOMAC scores at six weeks, but not at 12 weeks. Conclusion: The chronic disease management programme could be considered for people with severe knee osteoarthritis, but should be given prior to referral and placement on the waiting list for surgery. Previous physiotherapy should not preclude people from participating in a chronic disease management programme.
Three-Minute All-Out Test in Swimming.

PURPOSE To validate the 3-minute all-out exercise test (3MT) protocol against the traditional critical-speed (CS) model (CSM) in front-crawl swimming. METHODS Ten healthy swimmers or triathletes (mean ± SD age 35.2 ± 10.5 y, height 176.5 ± 5.4 cm, body mass 69.6 ± 8.2 kg) completed 5 tests (3MT, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m) over 2 wk on separate days. Traditional CS and anaerobic distance capacity (D') were determined for each of the 3 traditional CSMs (linear distance-time, LIN; linear speed/time, INV; nonlinear time-speed, NLIN) from the 4 set-distance time trials. For the 3MT, CS was determined as the mean speed during the final 30 s of the test and D' was estimated as the power-time integral above the CS. RESULTS Our results indicated no significant difference between the CS estimates determined from the traditional CSM and 3MT except for the INV model (P = .0311). Correlations between traditional CSMs and 3MT were high (r = .95, P < .01) However, D' differed and post hoc analysis indicated that D' estimated from 3MT was significantly lower than LIN (P = .0052) and NLIN (P < .0001). Correlations were weak (r < .55, P > .1). In addition, Bland-Altman plots between the traditional CSMs and 3MT CS estimates showed scattered points above and below the zero line, suggesting there is no consistent bias of one approach versus the other. CONCLUSIONS The 3MT is a valid protocol for swimming to estimate CS. The demonstrated concurrent validity of the 3MT may allow more widespread use of CSMs to evaluate participants and responses to training.
Is Soleus Muscle-Tendon-Unit Behavior Related to Ground-Force Application During the Sprint Start?

PURPOSE To describe the stretch-shortening behavior of ankle plantar-flexing muscle-tendon units (MTUs) during the push-off in a sprint start. METHODS Fifty-four male (100-m personal best: 9.58-12.07 s) and 34 female (100-m personal best: 11.05-14.00 s) sprinters were analyzed using an instrumented starting block and 2-dimensional high-speed video imaging. Analysis was performed separately for front and rear legs, while accounting for block obliquities and performance levels. RESULTS The results showed clear signs of a dorsiflexion in the upper ankle joint (front block 15.8° ± 7.4°, 95% CI 13.2-18.2°; rear block 8.0° ± 5.7°, 95% CI 6.4-9.7°) preceding plantar flexion. When observed in their natural block settings, the athletes' block obliquity did not significantly affect push-off characteristics. It seems that the stretch-shortening-cycle-like motion of the soleus MTU has an enhancing influence on push-off force generation. CONCLUSION This study provides the first systematic observation of ankle-joint stretch-shortening behavior for sprinters of a wide range of performance levels. The findings highlight the importance of reactive-type training for the improvement of starting performance. Nonetheless, future studies need to resolve the independent contributions of tendinous and muscle-fascicle structures to overall MTU performance.
Factors That Influence Running Intensity in Interchange Players in Professional Rugby League.

BACKGROUND Rugby league coaches adopt replacement strategies for their interchange players to maximize running intensity; however, it is important to understand the factors that may influence match performance. PURPOSE To assess the independent factors affecting running intensity sustained by interchange players during professional rugby league. METHODS Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from all interchanged players (starters and nonstarters) in a professional rugby league squad across 24 matches of a National Rugby League season. A multilevel mixed-model approach was employed to establish the effect of various technical (attacking and defensive involvements), temporal (bout duration, time in possession, etc), and situational (season phase, recovery cycle, etc) factors on the relative distance covered and average metabolic power (Pmet) during competition. Significant effects were standardized using correlation coefficients, and the likelihood of the effect was described using magnitude-based inferences. RESULTS Superior intermittent running ability resulted in very likely large increases in both relative distance and Pmet. As the length of a bout increased, both measures of running intensity exhibited a small decrease. There were at least likely small increases in running intensity for matches played after short recovery cycles and against strong opposition. During a bout, the number of collision-based involvements increased running intensity, whereas time in possession and ball time out of play decreased demands. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate a complex interaction of individual- and match-based factors that require consideration when developing interchange strategies, and the manipulation of training loads during shorter recovery periods and against stronger opponents may be beneficial.
High-Intensity Events in International Women's Team Handball Matches.

PURPOSE International women's team handball is a physically demanding sport and is intermittent in nature. The aim of the study was to profile high-intensity events (HIEs) in international women's team handball matches with regard to playing positions. METHODS Twenty female national-team handball players were equipped with inertial movement units (OptimEye S5, Catapult Sports, Australia) in 9 official international matches. Players were categorized in 4 different playing positions: backs, wings, pivots, and goalkeepers (GKs). PlayerLoad™, accelerations (Acc), changes of direction (CoD), decelerations (Dec), and the sum of the latter 3, HIEs, were extracted from raw-data files using the manufacturer's software. All Acc, Dec, CoD, and HIEs >2.5 m/s were included. Data were log-transformed and differences were standardized for interpretation of magnitudes and reported with effect-size statistics. RESULTS Mean numbers of events were 0.7 ± 0.4 Acc/min, 2.3 ± 0.9 Dec/min, and 1.0 ± 0.4 CoD/min. Substantial differences between playing positions, ranging from small to very large, were found in the 3 parameters. Backs showed a most likely greater frequency for HIE/min (5.0 ± 1.1 HIE/min) than all other playing positions. Differences between playing positions were also apparent in PlayerLoad/min. CONCLUSION HIEs in international women's team handball are position specific, and the overall intensity depends on the positional role within a team. Specific HIE and intensity profiles from match play provide useful information for a better understanding of the overall game demands and for each playing position.
Influence of spontaneous pursed lips breathing on walking endurance and oxygen saturation in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To evaluate how spontaneously used pursed lips breathing influences walking endurance, oxygen saturation and dyspnoea in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: A randomized open-label, cross-over study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients participating in a rehabilitation programme. Setting: Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation centre at a university hospital. Subjects: Thirty-two patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Intervention: All patients performed two endurance shuttle walking tests in random order. During endurance shuttle walking test I a mouthpiece was used in order to prevent spontaneous pursed lips breathing. During endurance shuttle walking test II spontaneous pursed lips breathing was used freely. Heart rate, oxygen saturation and the patients' estimated dyspnoea and leg fatigue on a Borg Category Ratio 10 scale were recorded before, directly after, and 5 and 10 minutes after the tests. Results: When spontaneous pursed lips breathing was used the patients walked on an average for 37 seconds (16%) longer (P<0.01) than when pursed lips breathing was prevented. The patients desaturated considerably during both walking tests but the average drop in oxygen saturation was 1.2% less when spontaneous pursed lips breathing was employed. There were no significant differences in rated degree of dyspnoea or leg fatigue with or without pursed lips breathing. Conclusion: Spontaneous pursed lips breathing can be a useful technique to increase walking endurance and reduce oxygen desaturation during walking in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The effect of additional strengthening of hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles in patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized controlled pilot study

Objectives: To study the effect of additional strengthening of hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles in a strengthening quadriceps exercise rehabilitation programme for patients with the patellofemoral pain syndrome. Design: Randomized controlled pilot trial. Setting: Clinical setting with home programme. Participants: Fourteen patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome. Intervention: The subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention group (strengthening of quadriceps plus strengthening of hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles) or to the control group (strengthening of quadriceps). Both groups participated in a six-week home exercise protocol. Main outcome measures: The perceived pain symptoms, isokinetic eccentric knee extensor, hip abductor and lateral rotator torques and the gluteus medius electromyographic activity were assessed before and after treatment. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare the groups before and after treatment with α=0.05. Results: Only the intervention group improved perceived pain symptoms during functional activities (P=0.02—0.04) and also increased their gluteus medius electromyographic activity during isometric voluntary contraction (P=0.03). Eccentric knee extensors torque increased in both groups (P=0.04 and P=0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in the hip muscles torque in either group. Conclusion: Supplementation of strengthening of hip abductor and lateral rotator muscles in a strengthening quadriceps exercise programme provided additional benefits with respect to the perceived pain symptoms during functional activities in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome after six weeks of treatment.
The nature of Bence-Jones proteins. Chemical similarities to polypetide chains of myeloma globulins and normal gamma-globulins.

The chemical relations among Bence-Jones proteins, myeloma proteins, and normal γ-globulins have been investigated by a variety of means. Starch gel electrophoresis in 8 M urea of reduced alkylated Bence-Jones proteins yielded patterns of bands corresponding to those of the light (L) polypeptide chains of the dissociated myeloma protein from the same patient. One instance in which this correspondence was found was chosen for extensive study. Chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose in 6 M urea was employed to isolate the light (L) polypeptide chains and heavy (H) polypeptide chains of the completely reduced and alkylated myeloma protein. Isolation of similarly treated Bence-Jones protein from the same patient corroborated the correspondence to the L chains of the myeloma protein. Amino acid analyses indicated that the compositions of the Bence-Jones protein and the L chains of the myeloma protein were identical. Moreover, the thermosolubility properties and spectrofluorometric behavior of the isolated L chains and Bence-Jones protein were similar. Ultracentrifugal analyses of the L chains of normal human 7S γ-globulin showed that their molecular weight in 6 M urea was 20,000. In aqueous solution their molecular weight was 41,000, suggesting that they exist as dimers under these conditions. The L chains of normal human γ-globulin were found to have reversible thermosolubility properties similar to those of Bence-Jones proteins. The H chains of normal human γ-globulin did not share these properties. Using spectrofluorometric methods, characteristic molecular transitions were found upon heating Bence-Jones proteins and L chains. These transitions were indicated by an increase in the intensity of fluorescence at well defined temperatures as well as by reversible shifts in the wavelength of maximal emission. The findings suggest that Bence-Jones proteins are composed of L chains of the type found in normal and pathological γ-globu]ins.
Measurement Modeling Technology

Although rigorous measurement has become a necessity in the software industry, many measurement programs fail to deliver real benefit to software managers. The required data is often missing, invalid, or late. But a properly automated measurement system can deliver timely reports that enable proactive management. The measurement modeling technology introduced here supports such automation. It also establishes standard measurements and metrics that organizations can share and combine across projects, departments, and companies.
Automatic Detection of Pitching and Throwing Events in Baseball With Inertial Measurement Sensors.

PURPOSE Throwing loads are known to be closely related to injury risk. However, for logistic reasons, typically only pitchers have their throws counted, and then only during innings. Accordingly, all other throws made are not counted, so estimates of throws made by players may be inaccurately recorded and underreported. A potential solution to this is the use of wearable microtechnology to automatically detect, quantify, and report pitch counts in baseball. This study investigated the accuracy of detection of baseball pitching and throwing in both practice and competition using a commercially available wearable microtechnology unit. METHODS Seventeen elite youth baseball players (mean ± SD age 16.5 ± 0.8 y, height 184.1 ± 5.5 cm, mass 78.3 ± 7.7 kg) participated in this study. Participants performed pitching, fielding, and throwing during practice and competition while wearing a microtechnology unit. Sensitivity and specificity of a pitching and throwing algorithm were determined by comparing automatic measures (ie, microtechnology unit) with direct measures (ie, manually recorded pitching counts). RESULTS The pitching and throwing algorithm was sensitive during both practice (100%) and competition (100%). Specificity was poorer during both practice (79.8%) and competition (74.4%). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that the microtechnology unit is sensitive to detect pitching and throwing events, but further development of the pitching algorithm is required to accurately and consistently quantify throwing loads using microtechnology.
Adaptive dual layer second-order sliding mode control and observation

This paper considers the problem of developing a 2-SM super-twisting-like structure with adaptive gains. The objective is to allow the gains to adapt (to both increase and decrease as appropriate) in such a way that they are as small as possible, and yet large enough to sustain a sliding motion. The concept of `equivalent control' is used as a mechanism for assessing the extent to which the gains over-bound the uncertainty, and this information is used in the adaptation process. The resulting adaptation law has a dual-layer structure which is formally analyzed using Lyapunov techniques. In the paper, a new additional time varying gain is introduced into the traditional super-twisting structure, which has the effect of simplifying the stability analysis, whilst still ensuring the 2-SM properties of the traditional super-twisting scheme. Furthermore in the case when adaptation stops and the gains become constant, the traditional super-twisting structure is recovered.
The benefit of stratification in clinical trials revisited

Stratification is common in clinical trials because it can reduce the variance of the estimated treatment effect. The traditional demonstration of variance reduction relies on the assumption of stratum sizes being fixed quantities. However, in practice, to speed up enrollment, and to obtain a study population with a similar distribution as the overall population, the stratum sizes are allowed to vary. Under the condition that the total sample size is fixed and that the stratum sizes have a multinomial distribution, the criterion changes for achieving a reduction in variance. The relationship between the stratified and unstratified variances is established and shown to be approximately the same for prestratified and post‐stratified trials. It is demonstrated why stratification may actually increase the variance compared with no stratification even when the mean square error is reduced on account of stratification. Data from a real clinical trial will be used for illustration. The benefit attributed to stratification needs to be re‐examined in light of the findings presented, particularly given its widespread use. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BONE DEVELOPMENT OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIETS WITH DIFFERENT AMINO ACID AND CALCIUM LEVELS DURING THE STARTER PHASE

Se realizaron dos experimentos con el objetivo de analizar los efectos de los diferentes niveles de aminoacidos y de calcio sobre las caracteristicas oseas de dos lineas de pollos de corte (Avian Farms y Cobb) en la fase inicial de cria. Al final de cada experimento, fueron sacrificadas 2 aves de cada repeticion, para colectar las tibias y analizar sus caracteristicas: peso, largo, grosor de las capas oseas compacta y esponjosa) y la densidad osea (densitometriaosea). En cada experimento, fueron utilizadas 540 aves, distribuidas al azar, en esquema factorial 3x2, que significa, 3 perfiles de aminoacidos (metionina, lisina y treonina: 100%, 125% y 150% NRC, 1994) y 2 niveles de calcio (75% y 100% NRC, 1994), con 30 aves por repeticion. Las aves de la linea Cobb alimentadas con 75% de lo recomendado de calcio presentaron menor densidad osea. El nivel de calcio, influyo significativamente en el peso y grosor de la capa esponjosa de la tibia. En la linea Avian Farms, los tratamientos aplicados no afectaron la densidad ni las medidas oseas
Exercise on a treadmill or walking outdoors? A randomized controlled trial comparing effectiveness of two walking exercise programmes late after stroke

Objective: To evaluate spatial and temporal gait characteristics and endurance late after stroke in people who had received two different walking exercises. A secondary aim was to compare the outcomes in relation to length of time exercising and number of exercise occasions between the two. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting: A private rehabilitation centre. Subjects: Thirty-nine people with stroke entered the study, and five dropped out. Interventions: Treadmill training versus walking outdoors. Main measures: Six-Minute Walk Test, a 10-metre walk test and pulse rates at rest and in activity. Results: There were significant differences in favour of the treadmill group in Six-Minute Walk Test distance (P = 0.04), Six-Minute Walk Test speed (P = 0.03), 10-m walking speed (P = 0.03), bilateral stride length (right leg; P =0.009, left leg; P =0.003) and step width (P = 0.01), indicating more symmetrical use of the legs in the treadmill group (1.02—1.10 m versus 0.97—0.92 m). There were no significant differences between groups in cadence (P = 0.78). All participants complied 100% with their respective programmes. Exercise frequency did not differ between the groups but significantly less time was spent exercising on the treadmill compared with walking exercise outdoors (107 versus 316 minutes, P =0.002). There were no differences in use of assistive aids between the groups on arrival at the clinic or at departure. Conclusion: The results indicate that treadmill walking improves spatial and temporal gait characteristics more effectively than walking outdoors.