Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Combination of Plyometric and Balance Training Improves Sprint and Shuttle Run Performances More Often Than Plyometric-Only Training With Children

Abstract Chaouachi, A, Othman, AB, Hammami, R, Drinkwater, EJ, and Behm, DG. The combination of plyometric and balance training improves sprint and shuttle run performances more often than plyometric-only training with children. J Strength Cond Res 28(2): 401–412, 2014—Because balance is not fully developed in children and studies have shown functional improvements with balance only training studies, a combination of plyometric and balance activities might enhance static balance, dynamic balance, and power. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of plyometric only (PLYO) with balance and plyometric (COMBINED) training on balance and power measures in children. Before and after an 8-week training period, testing assessed lower-body strength (1 repetition maximum leg press), power (horizontal and vertical jumps, triple hop for distance, reactive strength, and leg stiffness), running speed (10-m and 30-m sprint), static and dynamic balance (Standing Stork Test and Star Excursion Balance Test), and agility (shuttle run). Subjects were randomly divided into 2 training groups (PLYO [n = 14] and COMBINED [n = 14]) and a control group (n = 12). Results based on magnitude-based inferences and precision of estimation indicated that the COMBINED training group was considered likely to be superior to the PLYO group in leg stiffness (d = 0.69, 91% likely), 10-m sprint (d = 0.57, 84% likely), and shuttle run (d = 0.52, 80% likely). The difference between the groups was unclear in 8 of the 11 dependent variables. COMBINED training enhanced activities such as 10-m sprints and shuttle runs to a greater degree. COMBINED training could be an important consideration for reducing the high velocity impacts of PLYO training. This reduction in stretch-shortening cycle stress on neuromuscular system with the replacement of balance and landing exercises might help to alleviate the overtraining effects of excessive repetitive high load activities.
Criterion-Related Validity of Sit-and-Reach and Toe-Touch Tests as a Measure of Hamstring Extensibility in Athletes

Abstract Muyor, JM, Vaquero-Cristóbal, R, Alacid, F, and López-Miñarro, PA. Criterion-related validity of sit-and-reach and toe-touch tests as a measure of hamstring extensibility in athletes. J Strength Cond Res 28(2): 546–555, 2014—The aims of this study were (a) to determine and compare the concurrent hamstring criterion-related validity of the sit-and-reach (SR) and toe-touch (TT) tests in different athletes (tennis players, kayakers, canoeists, and cyclists); (b) to determine the criterion-related validity of the pelvic tilt assessed by the Spinal Mouse system as a measure of hamstring flexibility in athletes; and (c) to evaluate the influence of spinal posture, pelvic tilt, and hamstring muscle flexibility in the SR and TT scores. Twenty-four tennis players, 30 canoeists, 43 kayakers, and 44 cyclists were recruited. Passive straight leg raise (PSLR), SR, and TT tests were randomly performed. Spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt were evaluated with a Spinal Mouse system when the maximal trunk flexion was achieved in the SR and TT tests. Tennis players and cyclists showed moderate correlations between PSLR with respect to SR (&bgr; = 0.78 and &bgr; = 0.76, respectively) and TT (&bgr; = 0.77 and &bgr; = 0.74, respectively). Correlations were slightly lower in canoeists (SR, &bgr; = 0.64; TT, &bgr; = 0.75). Kayakers showed the lowest correlation values (SR, &bgr; = 0.53; TT, &bgr; = 0.57). Correlation values between PSLR and pelvic tilt angle in both the SR and TT tests were &bgr; < 0.70 in all the groups of athletes. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed a high variance explained from pelvic tilt and lumbar spine in the SR score. In conclusion, the SR and TT tests can be appropriate measures to determine spine flexibility and pelvic tilt range of motion but not to evaluate the hamstring muscle flexibility in tennis players, canoeists, kayakers, and cyclists.
Methods for Quantifying Training in Sprint Kayak

Abstract Borges, TO, Bullock, N, Duff, C, and Coutts, AJ. Methods for quantifying training in sprint kayak. J Strength Cond Res 28(2): 474–482, 2014—The aims of this study were to determine the validity of the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method by comparing 3 different scales of perceived exertion with common measures of training load (TL). A secondary aim was to verify the relationship between TLs, fitness, and performance in Sprint Kayak athletes. After laboratory assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) and lactate threshold, the athletes performed on water time trials over 200 and 1,000 m. Training load was quantified for external (distance and speed) and internal (session-RPE: 6–20, category ratio [CR]-10 and CR-100 scales, training impulse [TRIMP], and individual TRIMP). Ten (6 male, 4 female) well-trained junior Sprint Kayak athletes (age 17.1 ± 1.2 years; V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak 4.2 ± 0.7 L·min−1) were monitored over a 7-week period. There were large-to-very large within-individual correlations between the session distance and the various heart rate (HR) and RPE-based methods for quantifying TL (0.58–0.91). Correlations between the mean session speed and various HR- and RPE-based methods for quantifying TL were small to large (0.12–0.50). The within-individual relationships between the various objective and subjective methods of internal TL were large to very large (0.62–0.94). Moderate-to-large inverse relationships were found between mean session-RPE TL and various aerobic fitness variables (−0.58 to −0.37). Large-to-very large relationships were found between mean session-RPE TL and on water performance (0.57–0.75). In conclusion, session-RPE is a valid method for monitoring TL for junior Sprint Kayak athletes, regardless of the RPE scale used. The session-RPE TL relates to fitness and performance, supporting the use of session-RPE in Sprint Kayak training.
Predictors of Calf Cramping in Rugby League

Abstract Summers, KM, Snodgrass, SJ, and Callister, R. Predictors of calf cramping in rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 28(3): 774–783, 2014—Exercise-associated muscle cramps (EAMC) in the calf are common in rugby league. To date, the etiology and predictors of calf cramping are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to undertake a prospective investigation to identify predictors of calf cramping in rugby league players. Demographic and anthropometric data and calf cramp and injury history were collected in the preseason. Hydration status, number of games played, and calf cramps were recorded on game days. Male rugby league players (n = 103, mean age 18.8 ± 4.1 years) were classified as either EAMC (experienced at least 1 incident of calf cramps in the season) or no EAMC (no calf cramps). The following were investigated as possible predictors of EAMC using logistic regression modeling: competition level, age, ethnicity, playing position, history of cramping, precramping, low back pain, foot orthotic usage, foot posture, foot strike, muscle flexibility, calf girth, hydration status, and number of games played. Half the players, n = 52, experienced at least 1 incidence of calf cramping. Playing in a senior competition level (odds ratio: 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.75; p = 0.016), a history of calf cramping (10.85; 2.16–54.44; p = 0.004), and a history of low back pain resulting in missed field minutes (4.50, 1.37–14.79; p = 0.013) were found to predict EAMC. This study suggests that there is a high incidence of calf cramping in rugby league, especially at senior competition levels, and supports preseason screening in senior players to idetify those at risk of calf cramping and the development of possible preventative strategies.
The physicochemical process of bacterial attachment to abiotic surfaces: Challenges for mechanistic studies, predictability and the development of control strategies

Abstract Bacterial attachment to abiotic surfaces can be explained as a physicochemical process. Mechanisms of the process have been widely studied but are not yet well understood due to their complexity. Physicochemical processes can be influenced by various interactions and factors in attachment systems, including, but not limited to, hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions and substratum surface roughness. Mechanistic models and control strategies for bacterial attachment to abiotic surfaces have been established based on the current understanding of the attachment process and the interactions involved. Due to a lack of process control and standardization in the methodologies used to study the mechanisms of bacterial attachment, however, various challenges are apparent in the development of models and control strategies. In this review, the physicochemical mechanisms, interactions and factors affecting the process of bacterial attachment to abiotic surfaces are described. Mechanistic models established based on these parameters are discussed in terms of their limitations. Currently employed methods to study these parameters and bacterial attachment are critically compared. The roles of these parameters in the development of control strategies for bacterial attachment are reviewed, and the challenges that arise in developing mechanistic models and control strategies are assessed.
Resveratrol as a Supplemental Therapeutic in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Syndromes: A Critical Review

Metabolic syndrome places patients at high risk to many other health problems, as their bodies are in a perpetual state pro-inflammation and pro-thrombosis. In many cases, a regulated diet and increased exercise is sufficient in rectifying their condition, however for many patients, drug intervention is necessary. In recent years, calorie restriction has been shown to improve the health of patients afflicted with aging-related diseases, specifically those associated with metabolic syndrome, and researchers are now exploring drugs that mimic calorie restriction. Resveratrol mimics a calorie restricted diet as it has been shown to attenuate health benefits, including anti-platelet aggregation, vasorelaxation, atherosclerosis suppression, and lipid metabolism similar to a calorie restricted diet. Additionally, it modulates many of the pathways associated with metabolic syndrome, leading researchers to believe it has potential as a burgeoning therapeutic approach.
Countermovement Jump Height: Gender and Sport-Specific Differences in the Force-Time Variables

Abstract Laffaye, G, Wagner, PP, and Tombleson, TIL. Countermovement jump height: Gender and sport-specific differences in the force-time variables. J Strength Cond Res 28(4): 1096–1105, 2014—The goal of this study was to assess (a) the eccentric rate of force development, the concentric force, and selected time variables on vertical performance during countermovement jump, (b) the existence of gender differences in these variables, and (c) the sport-specific differences. The sample was composed of 189 males and 84 females, all elite athletes involved in college and professional sports (primarily football, basketball, baseball, and volleyball). The subjects performed a series of 6 countermovement jumps on a force plate (500 Hz). Average eccentric rate of force development (ECC-RFD), total time (TIME), eccentric time (ECC-T), Ratio between eccentric and total time (ECC-T:T) and average force (CON-F) were extracted from force-time curves and the vertical jumping performance, measured by impulse momentum. Results show that CON-F (r = 0.57; p < 0.001) and ECC-RFD (r = 0.52, p < 0.001) are strongly correlated with the jump height (JH), whereas the time variables are slightly and negatively correlated (r = −0.21–0.23, p < 0.01). Force variables differ between both sexes (p < 0.01), whereas time variables did not differ, showing a similar temporal structure. The best way to jump high is to increase CON-F and ECC-RFD thus minimizing the ECC-T. Principal component analysis (PCA) accounted for 76.8% of the JH variance and revealed that JH is predicted by a temporal and a force component. Furthermore, the PCA comparison made among athletes revealed sport-specific signatures: volleyball players revealed a temporal-prevailing profile, a weak-force with large ECC-T:T for basketball players and explosive and powerful profiles for football and baseball players.
The Effects of Polyethylene Glycosylated Creatine Supplementation on Anaerobic Performance Measures and Body Composition

Abstract Camic, CL, Housh, TJ, Zuniga, JM, Traylor, DA, Bergstrom, HC, Schmidt, RJ, Johnson, GO, and Housh, DJ. The effects of polyethylene glycosylated creatine supplementation on anaerobic performance measures and body composition. J Strength Cond Res 28(3): 825–833, 2014—The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 28 days of polyethylene glycosylated creatine (PEG-creatine) supplementation (1.25 and 2.50 g·d−1) on anaerobic performance measures (vertical and broad jumps, 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle run, and 3-cone drill), upper- and lower-body muscular strength and endurance (bench press and leg extension), and body composition. This study used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel design. Seventy-seven adult men (mean age ± SD, 22.1 ± 2.5 years; body mass, 81.7 ± 10.8 kg) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to a placebo (n = 23), 1.25 g·d−1 of PEG-creatine (n = 27), or 2.50 g·d−1 of PEG-creatine (n = 27) group. The subjects performed anaerobic performance measures, muscular strength (one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and endurance (80% 1RM) tests for bench press and leg extension, and underwater weighing for the determination of body composition at day 0 (baseline), day 14, and day 28. The results indicated that there were improvements (p < 0.0167) in vertical jump, 20-yard shuttle run, 3-cone drill, muscular endurance for bench press, and body mass for at least one of the PEG-creatine groups without changes for the placebo group. Thus, the present results demonstrated that PEG-creatine supplementation at 1.25 or 2.50 g·d−1 had an ergogenic effect on lower-body vertical power, agility, change-of-direction ability, upper-body muscular endurance, and body mass.
THE EFFECT OF MIXED LIVE VACCINES OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE AND INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS ON SYSTEMIC AND LOCAL ANTIBODY RESPONSES IN CHICKENS

Summary In the present study, 360 male day-old broiler chicks were used to determine the effect of mixed live vaccines of Newcastle disease (ND) and infectious bronchitis (IB) on serum and local antibody responses to IB. Chicks were randomly divided into 12 treatment groups of 3 replicates and reared for 40 days on floor pens. Groups 1 to 5 received mixed ND and IB vaccine. Groups 7 to 11 received IB vaccine alone and regarded as positive controls. Group 6, that received ND vaccine only, and group 12, that received no vaccine, were considered as negative controls. Antibody titer against IB in the nasal washings and sera was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The chickens were inoculated with IB live vaccine (strain H120) with or without ND live vaccine by means of an eye dropper. Serum samples obtained on the 19th and 29th day of age and serum samples, as well as nasal washings, collected on day 40, were used to determine systemic and local antibody responses to IB. On the 40th day of age, tracheal samples were also collected to study the probable pathologic lesions due to the effect of live vaccines used. There was no significant difference in systemic antibody response (SAR) among all groups measured on the 19th day. On the 29th and 40th day of age, SAR of the negative control groups was significantly (P<0.05) different from those received IB vaccine. On the 40th day, nasal washings showed higher antibody titer as compared to the systemic antibody titer (P<0.05). The pathologic lesions in groups received mixed vaccine were higher than groups received IB vaccine alone or the control groups. Mortality rate, weight gain and food conversion ratio were not significantly different among groups studied. Despite the observations that mixed live IB and ND vaccination resulted in a higher antibody response as compared to the single IB vaccination, yet this program could not be recommended to use in farm due to higher pathologic lesions in trachea.
SUBCLINICAL IMPAIRMENT OF LEFT VENTRICULAR LONGITUDINAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH PROLACTINOMAS.

OBJECTIVE Hyperprolactinemia has been associated with endothelial dysfunction and a wide range of cardiovascular risk factors, thus it can potentially lead to cardiac dysfunction. The present study was designed to interrogate our hypothesis that hyperprolactinemia can contribute to preclinical impaired left ventricular function. METHODS Thirty-one prolactinoma patients and 60 healthy volunteers were prospectively recruited. Left ventricular function was evaluated using conventional two dimensions and M-mode echocardiography, as well as Doppler tissue imaging (DTI). RESULTS The Tei index (0.45 ± 0.06 vs. 0.41 ± 0.03, P = .005) and ratio of transmitral and myocardial early diastolic velocities (E/Em; 6.30 ± 1.45 vs. 5.64 ± 0.69, P = .045) were significantly higher, and septal systolic velocity (Sm; 9.88 ± 1.45 vs. 11.58 ± 1.28 cm/s, P<.001) was significantly lower in prolactinoma patients. Furthermore, significant motional abnormalities were detected in regional segments of prolactinoma patients. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed that prolactin level was inversely associated with Sm (r = -0.373, P = .009) and late diastolic phase (Am; r = -0.293, P = .043). Moreover, inverse correlations between prolactin and partial left ventricular segment wall motion were found, including the basal (r = -0.363, P = .014), middle (r = -0.418, P = .004), and apical segment (r = -0.574, P<.001) of the posterior ventricular septum. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that prolactin (β = -0.28, 95% confidence interval -0.011 to 0, P = .035), as a single factor, can significantly predict decreased Sm, independent of traditional vascular risk factors. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that subclinical cardiac dysfunction occurs in untreated prolactinoma patients and is characterized by impaired systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle, as well as regional segment motional abnormality. ABBREVIATIONS A = transmitral late diastolic velocity Am = late diastolic phase Apo = apolipoprotein DTI = Doppler tissue imaging E = transmitral early diastolic velocity Em = myocardial early diastolic velocity FMD = flow-mediated dilation HOMA-IR = homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance hsCRP = high-sensitivity C-reactive protein IMT = intima media thickness LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LV = left ventricular PPCM = postpartum cardiomyopathy Sm = septal systolic velocity.
Triclosan: A critical review of the experimental data and development of margins of safety for consumer products

Triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy-diphenyl ether) is an antibacterial compound that has been used in consumer products for about 40 years. The tolerability and safety of triclosan has been evaluated in human volunteers with little indication of toxicity or sensitization. Although information in humans from chronic usage of personal care products is not available, triclosan has been extensively studied in laboratory animals. When evaluated in chronic oncogenicity studies in mice, rats, and hamsters, treatment-related tumors were found only in the liver of male and female mice. Application of the Human Relevance Framework suggested that these tumors arose by way of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) activation, a mode of action not considered to be relevant to humans. Consequently, a Benchmark Dose (BMDL10) of 47 mg/kg/day was developed based on kidney toxicity in the hamster. Estimates of the amount of intake from in the use of representative personal care products for men, women, and children were derived in two ways: (1) using known or assumed triclosan levels in various consumer products and assumed usage patterns (product-based estimates); and (2) using upper bound measured urinary triclosan levels from human volunteers (biomonitoring-based estimates) using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the product-based estimates, the margin of safety (MOS) for the combined exposure estimates of intake from the use of all triclosan-containing products considered were approximately 1000, 730, and 630 for men, women, and children, respectively. The MOS calculated from the biomonitoring-based estimated intakes were 5200, 6700, and 11,750 for men, women, and children, respectively. Based on these results, exposure to triclosan in consumer products is not expected to cause adverse health effects in children or adults who use these products as intended.
γδ T-cell neoplasms: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases

BACKGROUND: The majority of T-cell neoplasms express T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) alpha beta on their cell surface, and a few cases show the TCR gamma delta phenotype. Recently, a variety of gamma delta T-cell neoplasm was recognized; however, its clinicopathological features have not been extensively analyzed. Here we report the results of a clinicopathological study of 11 cases of gamma delta T-cell neoplasm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the 11-year period from 1989 to 1999, 104 patients with T-cell neoplasms were examined by flow cytometric analysis and/or immunohistochemical analysis. Tumor cells from all 104 patients expressed one or more of the T-cell antigens-CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD7. Forty-nine of the 104 cases of T-cell neoplasms were examined immunophenotypically for TCR alpha beta/gamma delta subsets. RESULTS: Expression of TCR gamma delta on tumor cells was found in five (33%) of 15 patients with precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, one (25%) of four with T-cell granular lymphocytic leukemia and five (26%) of 19 with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), whereas no expression was found in 11 patients with adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma. Primary sites of the five patients with gamma delta PTCL were as follows: lymph node, three; skin, one and liver, tonsil and skin, one. The courses of the three patients with gamma delta PTCL of nodal onset were very short (3, 5 and 9 months, respectively), and they were all resistant to combination chemotherapies. CONCLUSIONS: Although gamma delta T-cell neoplasm constitutes a heterogeneous population, it is important to examine the expression of TCR with the view to identifying possible poor prognostic subgroups, such as primary nodal gamma delta T-cell lymphoma.