Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Attack and Skipping in Taekwondo Contests

Santos, VGF, Franchini, E, and Lima-Silva, AE. Relationship between attack and skipping in Taekwondo contests. J Strength Cond Res 25(6): 1743-1751, 2011—The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between attack time (AT) and skipping time (ST) during the 2007 Taekwondo World Championship and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. A total of 22 matches (65 rounds, 13 semifinals, and 8 finals) from the World Championship and 23 matches (63 rounds, 22 rounds with 16 athletes each and 1 quarterfinal round) from the Olympic Games, both in the male category, were assessed using time-motion analysis. The AT was considered as the total time during which the athlete attacked or tried to attack, whereas ST was the total time without attempting to attack. The ratio of AT to ST was ∼1:7 based on the data pooled from the 2 competitions. The AT/ST ratio was significantly lower for the World Championship than for the Olympic Games (p ≤ 0.05). In the Olympic Games, no consistent differences across weight divisions were found. However, during the World Championship, the heavier weight divisions (>78 kg) exhibited a lower average AT, lower summed AT, lower attack numbers (ANs)and higher average ST than lighter weight divisions (<58 kg, p ≤ 0.05). For both competitions, the ST was lower, and the ANs and AT/ST ratio were higher in round 3 than in round 1 or 2. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that matches in the Olympic Games were less cadenced than in the World Championship, but that in both competitions, the intensity of the match increased in round 3. Practically, these data suggest that coaches need to structure Taekwondo training sessions in a manner that allows the work/pause ratio to mirror the physical demand imposed during competitions.
An epidemiological study on neonatal lamb health.

This study involved 823 neonatal lambs born between March and July 2006 on four farms in Kars. Health problems were identified on daily visit by authors and management practices were determined by questionnaire and on these visits. Causes of morbidity and mortality were defined separately based on clinical and pathological findings. The overall morbidity rate was 48.6%. The morbidity rate of diarrhoea, lameness, navel infections, pneumonia, Weak Lamb Syndrome (WLS), Fatigue Anorexia Syndrome (FAS), birth stress, abdominal mass, mismothering and trauma were 15.4%, 5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3.3%, 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.3%, 2.2% and 1.1%, respectively. The proportion of lambs died during neonatal period was 20.8%. The mortality rate for WLS, birth stress, abdominal mass, diarrhoea, FAS, mismothering and trauma were 3.2%, 2.8%, 2.2%, 1.9%, 1.7%, 1.3%, and 1.1%, respectively. According to necropsy, the mortality rates of premature birth, birth stress, trauma, trichobezoar, starvation, septicaemia, omphalitis, clostridial infection and white muscular disease were 3.2%, 2.7%, 2.3%, 2.3%, 2.2%, 1.9%, 1.1%, 1.2% and 0.7%, respectively. Non-infectious reasons were dominant in mortality while infectious reasons were commonly associated with morbidity (P<0.001). Health problems were mainly determined in first two weeks of life apart from respiratory problems and abdominal mass. More than 50% of lamb losses occurred within first week of life. Failure of passive transfer was determined in 19.2% of diseased lambs. Use of hay/straw as bedding, disinfecting and shorter interval of cleaning pen, observation during lambing, vaccination of ewes and providing sufficient feeding were significantly associated with decreased risk of morbidity (P<0.05). The results revealed that a significant number of lamb contracted disease and died in neonatal period and that management faults played a role. These findings imply that maximum care should be exercised during neonatal period to increase farm profitability.
Intracellular uptake, transport, and processing of gold nanostructures

Abstract The emerging field of nanomedicine requires better understanding of the interface between nanotechnology and medicine. Better knowledge of the nano-bio interface will lead to better tools for diagnostic imaging and therapy. In this review, recent progress in understanding of how size, shape, and surface properties of nanoparticles (NPs) affect intracellular fate of NPs is discussed. Gold nanostructures are used as a model system in this regard since their physical and chemical properties can be easily manipulated. The NP-uptake is dependent on the physiochemical properties, and once in the cell, most of the NPs are trafficked via an endo-lysosomal path followed by a receptor-mediated endocytosis process at the cell membrane. Within the size range of 2–100 nm, Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of diameter 50 nm demonstrate the highest uptake. Cellular uptake studies of gold nanorods (GNRs) show that there is a decrease in uptake as the aspect ratio of GNRs increases. Theoretical models support the size- and shape-dependent NP-uptake. The intracellular transport of targeted NPs is faster than untargeted NPs. The surface ligand and charge of NPs play a bigger role in their uptake, transport, and organelle distribution. Exocytosis of NPs is dependent on size and shape as well; however, the trend is different compared to endocytosis. GNPs are now being incorporated into polymer and lipid based NPs to build multifunctional devices. A multifunctional platform based on gold nanostructures, with multimodal imaging, targeting, and therapeutics; hold the possibility of promising directions in medical research.
Improving the energy efficiency of homes in Moreland

This study investigated the impact of energy audits and retrofits for households that took part in the Warm Home Cool Home (WHCH) and Concession Assist (CA) programs in several northern suburbs of Melbourne. The two programs aimed to address cost, information and trust barriers faced by low-income residents in improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Participants reported positively on their experience and many also reported energy savings, changes to their energy use patterns at home and improvements in home comfort. The programs were led by Moreland Energy Foundation Limited in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Moreland City Council and Sustainability Victoria, and funded under the Australian Government’s Solar Cities program.2013Full report: 66 pages, ISBN 978-1-921623-41-7Summary: 3 pages
Acute Effects of Stretching Exercise on the Heart Rate Variability in Subjects With Low Flexibility Levels

Farinatti, PTV, Brandão, C, Soares, PPS, and Duarte, AFA. Acute effects of stretching exercise on the heart rate variability in subjects with low flexibility levels. J Strength Cond Res 25(6): 1579-1585, 2011—The study investigated the heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) before, during, and after stretching exercises performed by subjects with low flexibility levels. Ten men (age: 23 ± 2 years; weight: 82 ± 13 kg; height: 177 ± 5 cm; sit-and-reach: 23 ± 4 cm) had the HR and HRV assessed during 30 minutes at rest, during 3 stretching exercises for the trunk and hamstrings (3 sets of 30 seconds at maximum range of motion), and after 30 minutes postexercise. The HRV was analyzed in the time (‘SD of normal NN intervals’ [SDNN], ‘root mean of the squared sum of successive differences’ [RMSSD], ‘number of pairs of adjacent RR intervals differing by >50 milliseconds divided by the total of all RR intervals’ [PNN50]) and frequency domains (‘low-frequency component’ [LF], ‘high-frequency component’ [HF], LF/HF ratio). The HR and SDNN increased during exercise (p < 0.03) and decreased in the postexercise period (p = 0.02). The RMSSD decreased during stretching (p = 0.03) and increased along recovery (p = 0.03). At the end of recovery, HR was lower (p = 0.01), SDNN was higher (p = 0.02), and PNN50 was similar (p = 0.42) to pre-exercise values. The LF increased (p = 0.02) and HF decreased (p = 0.01) while stretching, but after recovery, their values were similar to pre-exercise (p = 0.09 and p = 0.3, respectively). The LF/HF ratio increased during exercise (p = 0.02) and declined during recovery (p = 0.02), albeit remaining higher than at rest (p = 0.03). In conclusion, the parasympathetic activity rapidly increased after stretching, whereas the sympathetic activity increased during exercise and had a slower postexercise reduction. Stretching sessions including multiple exercises and sets acutely changed the sympathovagal balance in subjects with low flexibility, especially enhancing the postexercise vagal modulation.
Cingulin and paracingulin show similar dynamic behaviour, but are recruited independently to junctions

Abstract Cingulin (CGN) and paracingulin (CGNL1) are structurally related proteins that regulate Rho family GTPases by recruiting guanine nucleotide exchange factors to epithelial junctions. Although the subcellular localization of cingulin and paracingulin is likely to be essential for their role as adaptor proteins, nothing is known on their in vivo localization, and their dynamics of exchange with the junctional membrane. To address these questions, we generated stable clones of MDCK cells expressing fluorescently tagged cingulin and paracingulin. By FRAP analysis, cingulin and paracingulin show a very similar dynamic behaviour, with recovery curves and mobile fractions that are distinct from ZO-1, and indicate a rapid exchange with a cytosolic pool. Interestingly, only paracingulin, but not cingulin, is peripherally localized in isolated cells, requires the integrity of the microtubule cytoskeleton to be stably anchored to junctions, and associates with E-cadherin. In contrast, both proteins require the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton to maintain their junctional localization. Although cingulin and paracingulin form a complex and can interact in vitro, the junctional recruitment and the dynamics of membrane exchange of paracingulin is independent of cingulin, and vice-versa. In summary, cingulin and paracingulin show a similar dynamic behaviour, but partially distinct localizations and functional interactions with the cytoskeleton, and are recruited independently to junctions.
An Investigation into the Effects of Different Warm-Up Modalities on Specific Motor Skills Related to Soccer Performance

Fletcher, IM and Monte-Colombo, MM. An investigation into the effects of different warm-up modalities on specific motor skills related to soccer performance. J Strength Cond Res 24(8): 2096-2101, 2010-The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different warm-up stretch modalities on specific high-speed motor capabilities important to soccer performance. Twenty-seven male soccer players performed 3 warm-up conditions, active warm-up (WU), WU with static stretching (SPS), and WU with dynamic stretching (ADS). Heart rate, countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and Balsom agility tests were performed after each intervention. Vertical jump heights were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in the WU and ADS conditions compared to those in the SPS trial. The 20-m sprint and agility times showed that the SPS condition was significantly slower (p < 0.01) than the WU and ADS conditions, with the ADS trial being significantly faster (p < 0.05) than the WU condition. Heart rate was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for participants post-WU and -ADS trials compared to the SPS condition. These findings suggest that the superior performance of the dynamic stretch and warm-up-only conditions compared to the static stretch condition may be linked to increases in heart rate. The reasons for the dynamic stretch trial superiority compared to the warm-up condition are less clear and as yet to be established. We recommend for optimal performance, specific dynamic stretches be employed as part of a warm-up, rather than the traditional static stretches.
Assessing risk and emotional disturbance using the CORE-OM and HoNOS outcome measures at the interface between primary and secondary mental healthcare

AIMS AND METHOD There is interest in how outcome measures routinely used in mental health settings compare with each other in assessing risk and emotional disturbance. The relation between the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), a client-completed measure, and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), a clinician-completed measure, was explored using data from 297 clients referred to secondary services by a primary care mental health liaison team. RESULTS The correlation between CORE-OM and HoNOS was 0.50, with cluster and factor analyses revealing overlap between the measures in assessing risk to self and others and general emotional issues. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Although the measures are typically used in different settings, the overlap suggests that both might be useful in any setting where assessment for mental health problems and risk is needed
Estimation of Oxygen Uptake From Heart Rate and Ratings of Perceived Exertion in Young Soccer Players

Wong, DP, Carling, C, Chaouachi, A, Dellal, A, Castagna, C, Chamari, K, and Behm, DG. Estimation of oxygen uptake from heart rate and RPE in young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 25(7): 1983-1988, 2011—The objective of this study was to estimate the oxygen uptake (&OV0312;O2) in elite youth soccer players using measures of heart rate (HR) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs). Forty-six regional-level male youth soccer players (∼13 years) participated in 2 &OV0312;O2max tests. Data for HR, RPE, and &OV0312;O2 were simultaneously recorded during the &OV0312;O2max tests with incremental running speed. Regression equations were derived from the first &OV0312;O2max test. Two weeks later, all players performed the same &OV0312;O2max test to validate the developed regression equations. There were no significant differences between the estimated values in the first test and actual values in the second test. During the continuous endurance exercise, the combination of percentage of maximal HR (%HRmax) and RPE measures gave similar estimation of %&OV0312;O2max (R2 = 83%) in comparison to %HRmax alone (R2 = 81%). However, the estimation of &OV0312;O2 using combined %HRmax and RPE was not satisfactory (R2 = 45-46%). Therefore, the use of %HRmax (without RPE) to estimate %&OV0312;O2max could be a useful tool in young soccer players during field-based continuous endurance testing and training. Specifically, coaches can use the %HRmax to quantify internal loads (%&OV0312;O2max) and subsequently implement continuous endurance training at appropriate intensities. Furthermore, it seems that RPE is more useful as a measure of internal load during noncontinuous (e.g., intermittent and sprint) exercises but not to estimate %&OV0312;O2max during continuous aerobic exercise (R2 = 59%).
Evaluation of kidney status by ultrasonography in canines: an experimental study

Kidney is a major organ for homeostasis of the body's extracellular fluids by maintaining a constant internal environment. By playing such crucial responsibility kidney remains vulnerable for various diseases and disease condition. Other than laboratory findings, application of ultrasonography can be considered as one of the finest diagnostic tool to determine the architectural detail of kidney. To compare the study, we have taken two groups of canine, namely healthy and clinical. The later grouped was screened based on clinical signs, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Serum Creatinine value. Sonography was performed by using Brightness mode instrument for both the groups. The values were analyzed by Prolate Ellipsoid formula to estimate the volume of kidney. There was significant variation in sizes between the kidneys of both the groups. Moreover, the size of the kidneys of few clinical cases, which has been suffering from renal disorder since long, reveals smaller size kidney than the healthy groups. Thus, this noninvasive method is quite practicable to evaluate the size of kidney amongst various renal failure cases. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1. 22373 Res. Agric. , Livest. Fish. 1 (1): 105-108, Dec 2014
Evaluation of animal welfare education in primary schools in Lilongwe, Malawi

Animal welfare issues are not considered as high priority in Malawi, a developing country in south east Africa, due to problems affecting the human population. In Lilongwe, the capital city, education programs are used to increase the awareness of animal welfare issues among primary school children. A study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of animal welfare in primary school children as well as two different teaching methods for animal welfare, namely humane lessons (HL) and Animal Kindness Clubs (AKC). The gender perspective, in terms of differences in attitude towards and knowledge in animal welfare, was also evaluated as well as the link between domestic and animal violence. The study was performed in collaboration with Lilongwe Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (LSPCA). A questionnaire of multiple choice character was handed out to 249 children aged between 9 and 15 from six different schools. Three schools received HL and the other three had already active AKCs. The children filled in the questionnaire, participated in the intervention (either three HLs or three AKCs), and filled in the questionnaire again. In total, 146 children filled in both the preand post-intervention questionnaire, 11 children only filled in the pre-intervention questionnaire and another 92 children filled in the post-intervention questionnaire. All children, regardless of the gender, learned a little about animal welfare, but they seem to learn more from the HLs than from the AKCs. Many children seemed to have a good knowledge base in some animal welfare areas before the intervention took place. A high proportion (93 %) of both boys and girls had experienced violence against animals and about half of them had experienced domestic violence or both domestic violence and violence against animals. The conclusion was that the base level of animal welfare knowledge is good regardless of gender in both HL and AKC group, but the education programs, HL more than AKC, only improve the knowledge to some extent. There seem to be a link between domestic and animal violence but further studies are recommended to penetrate the subject.
Lipid profile in COPD patients with coronary artery disease comorbidity

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are global epidemics that incur significant morbidity and mortality. Both conditions are systemic disorders with overlapping pathophysiologic mechanisms and risk factors. Aim: To investigate the levels of total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) in COPD patients with and without CAD as a risk factors of cardiovascular death. Method: 88 COPD patients ((mean±SD) - 59 males (60,5%) mean age 62,3±14,5 years, FEV1: 52±15 % pred. , BMI: 28,2±5,4 kg/m2 with stable COPD participated in the study. We compared lipid profile in 48 patients with COPD and verified stable angina II-III WHO’s functional class and control group - 40 COPD patients without CAD. Results: Mean LDL concentration among cases was 114.89 ± 19.61(mg/dl) as against control group who had mean LDL concentration of 96.22 ± 19.96(mg/dl), which was statistically significant (p-value Conclusion: Increased LDL cholesterol in patients with a higher degree of bronchial obstruction indicates a more aggressive course of atherosclerosis in chronic hypoxia. Thus, in patients concomitant cardiopulmonary disorders increases the risk of cardiovascular complications.
A review of current anti-HCV treatment regimens and possible future strategies

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a serious health problem worldwide. The current standard treatment of HCV infection is pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin, but this is clearly not sufficiently effective and tolerable. Objective: To review current HCV treatment strategies and future options. Methods: Review of major clinical trials or observational studies when no trial is available. Results/conclusion: Rates of sustained virologic response are widely variable, approximately 40 – 80%, depending on genotype, and even lower when HIV coinfection occurs. New agents, like small molecules that specifically target the HCV life cycle, may improve response rates; but safety is a concern.
The Effects of Load and Training Pattern on Acute Neuromuscular Responses in the Upper Body

Robbins, DW, Goodale, TL, Docherty, D, Behm, DG, and Tran, QT. The effects of load and training pattern on acute neuromuscular responses in the upper body. J Strength Cond Res 24(11): 2996-3007, 2010-The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of repetition maximum (RM) loads and training patterns on acute neuromuscular responses in the upper body. Markers of fatigue were monitored under a descending pattern (DP), in which repetitions decreased in subsequent sets, and an ascending pattern (AP), in which repetitions increased in subsequent sets. Both training patterns were performed using 5- and 10-RM loads. Fatigue was assessed by monitoring changes in force output, motor unit activation and muscle twitch characteristics (peak twitch [PT], time to PT [TPT], and ½ relaxation time [RT]). All 4 protocols (5-RM DP, 5-RM AP, 10-RM DP, and 10-RM AP) produced significant decreases pre to postprotocol in force output, TPT, and ½RT. With the exception of 5-RM DP, all protocols produced significant decreases in motor unit activation. Pre to postprotocol, PT forces were potentiated under 5-RM loads, whereas they were depressed under 10-RM loads. Hence, a main effect for training protocols showed that changes in PT force were significantly different under 5-RM, as compared to 10-RM loads. The results indicate that central fatigue may be independent of load and pattern, whereas peripheral fatigue would appear to be dependent on load but not pattern.
Stress induces glucocorticoid-mediated apoptosis of rat Leydig cells in vivo

Stress can disrupt endocrine signalling in the male reproductive axis through high concentrations of glucocorticoids, the hallmark of stress. Our previous work revealed that a stress level of exogenous glucocorticoids could induce apoptosis of rat Leydig cells, which are the primary source of testosterone. The aim of this study was to investigate whether stress can induce apoptosis in rat Leydig cells in vivo and, if so, whether the process is the result of a direct effect of glucocorticoids. In a chronically stressed rat model, serum corticosterone concentration was increased significantly whereas serum testosterone was decreased. The frequency of apoptotic Leydig cells in stressed rats was also increased. Adrenalectomised rats subjected to chronic stress showed an elevated serum testosterone, while the apoptotic frequency of Leydig cells was not increased. It was established that glucocorticoid-induced Leydig cell apoptosis is mediated by glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), which translocate from cytoplasm to nucleus. Adenovirus microRNA-induced downregulation of GR expression in vitro alleviated the corticosterone-induced increase in apoptosis of Leydig cells. These results indicate that the stress-induced increase in corticosterone secretion resulted in apoptosis in rat Leydig cells in vivo, and thereby decreased testosterone synthesis.