Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuronal regeneration in injured rat spinal cord after human dental pulp derived neural crest stem cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the effect of human Dental Pulp-Neural Crest Stem Cells (hDP-NCSCs) delivery on lesion site after spinal cord injury (SCI), and to observe the functional recovery after transplantation. METHODS Neural Crest Stem Cells (NCSCs) were isolated from human Dental Pulp (hDP). The experimental rat population was divided into four groups (n = 6/24). Their behavioral motility was scored regularly. After 4-weeks, rats were sacrificed, and their spinal cords were examined for Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) labeled hDP-NCSCs by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. RESULTS In early post-injury (p.i) period, the ultrastructure of spinal cord tissue was preserved in Group 4. The majority of cells forming the ependymal region around the central canal were found to be hDP-NCSCs. While the grey-and-white-matter around the ependymal region was composed of e.g. GFP cells, with astrocytic-like appearance. The scores showed significant motor recovery in hind limb functions in Group 4. However, no obvious change was observed in other groups. CONCLUSION Cells e.g., mesenchymal (Vimentin+) which express GFP+ cells in the gray-and-white-matter around the ependymal region could indicate the potential to self-renewal and plasticity. Thus, transplantation of hDP-NCSCs might be an effective strategy to improve functional recovery following spinal cord trauma (Fig. 10, Ref. 32).
Work Schedule and Task Factors in Upper-Extremity Fatigue

We tested the combined effects of work schedule and task factors on upper-extremity fatigue in the laboratory during 8-h and 12-h shift schedules. Participants performed a simulated manual assembly task at three repetition rates and three torque loads and self-adjusted their work cycle duration to maintain fatigue at moderate levels. Work cycle durations decreased with increases in both load level and repetition rate. Fatigue was observed more quickly with increasing time on shifts and during night shifts compared with day shifts. Work schedule effects were most apparent at lighter workloads, with minimal differences at higher workloads. The highest fatigue levels were observed during 12-h night shifts, with similar levels reached by the end of both the week of 8-h night shifts and the week of 12-h day shifts. Overall durations were 20%–30% shorter than in previous short-term studies, which was likely a result of the more realistic work schedules used in this study. Results from this study could be applied to the design of work-rest schedules for manual tasks involving the upper extremities.
Acute Effects of Muscle Fatigue on Anticipatory and Reactive Postural Control in Older Individuals: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Background:Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury and fractures and the No. 1 cause of emergency department visits by older adults. Although declines in muscle strength and sensory function contribute to increased falls in older adults, skeletal muscle fatigue is often overlooked as an additional contributor to fall risk. In an effort to increase awareness of the detrimental effects of skeletal muscle fatigue on postural control, we sought to systematically review research studies examining this issue. Purpose:The specific purpose of this review was to provide a detailed assessment of how anticipatory and reactive postural control tasks are influenced by acute muscle fatigue in healthy older individuals. Methods:An extensive search was performed using the CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and AgeLine databases for the period from inception of each database to June 2013. This systematic review used standardized search criteria and quality assessments via the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine Methodology to Develop Systematic Reviews of Treatment Interventions (2008 version, revision 1.2, AACPDM, Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Results:A total of 334 citations were found. Six studies were selected for inclusion, whereas 328 studies were excluded from the analytical review. The majority of articles (5 of 6) utilized reactive postural control paradigms. All studies incorporated extrinsic measures of muscle fatigue, such as declines in maximal voluntary contraction or available active range of motion. The most common biomechanical postural control task outcomes were spatial measures, temporal measures, and end-points of lower extremity joint kinetics. Conclusion:On the basis of systematic review of relevant literature, it appears that muscle fatigue induces clear deteriorations in reactive postural control. A paucity of high-quality studies examining anticipatory postural control supports the need for further research in this area. These results should serve to heighten awareness regarding the potential negative effects of acute muscle fatigue on postural control and support the examination of muscle endurance training as a fall risk intervention in future studies.
Consistency of strength curves for determining maximal effort production during isokinetic knee testing of anterior cruciate ligament-deficient patients

ABSTRACT The purpose of this investigation was to attempt to establish decision rules for determining maximal effort production during isokinetic strength testing of unilateral anterior cruciate ligament-deficient patients based on the degree of strength curve consistency within a set. Thirty-three participants performed six bilateral knee extension and flexion exertions at maximal effort and at 80% of perceived maximum at testing velocities of 60 and 180°s–1. Within-set consistency was quantified by computation of the variance ratio across strength curves. Tolerance interval-based cutoff scores covering 99% of the population were calculated for declaring efforts as being maximal or not at confidence levels of 90%, 95%, and 99%. The sensitivity percentages attained for the injured knee for both testing velocities ranged between 9.1% and 27.2%, while specificity percentages ranged between 84.8% and 100%. For the non-injured knee, sensitivity values for both testing velocities ranged between 21.2% and 45.0%, while specificity percentages ranged between 97.0% and 100%. The developed decision rules do not effectively discriminate on an individual patient basis between maximal and non-maximal isokinetic knee musculature efforts. Further research is needed for development of methods that would enable to ascertain maximal effort production in this patient population during knee muscle strength testing.
Comparison of the effects of virtual reality-based balance exercises and conventional exercises on balance and fall risk in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey

ABSTRACT Objectives: There is limited information on effective balance training techniques including virtual reality (VR)-based balance exercises in residential settings and no studies have been designed to compare the effects of VR-based balance exercises with conventional balance exercises in older adults living in nursing homes in Turkey. The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of VR-based balance exercises on balance and fall risk in comparison to conventional balance exercises in older adults living in nursing homes. Methods: A total sample of 18 subjects (65–82 years of age) with fall history who were randomly assigned to either the VR group (Group 1, n = 7) or the conventional exercise group (Group 2, n = 11) completed the exercise training. Results: In both groups, Berg balance score (BBS), timed up & go duration, and left leg stance and tandem stance duration with eyes closed significantly improved with time (p < 0.05), but changes were similar in both groups (p > 0.05) after training, indicating that neither the exercise method was superior. Conclusion: Similar improvements were found in balance and fall risk with VR-based balance training and conventional balance training in older adults living in the nursing home. Both exercise trainings can be preferable by health care professionals considering fall prevention. Appropriate patient selection is essential.
Improved Functional Performance in Individuals With Dementia After a Moderate-Intensity Home-Based Exercise Program: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose: Individuals with dementia (IWDs) experience difficulties across cognitive and functional domains. Nonpharmacological interventions aimed at reducing disability are greatly needed. Exercise is a low-cost and easily implemented approach, but investigation has yielded mixed evidence to date. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a novel and innovative moderate-intensity functional exercise intervention for IWDs, which was developed using principles from exercise science along with a Strength-Based Approach, consisting of 24 home-based sessions. Methods: A randomized, controlled intervention trial with a 2-group pretest and posttest design was used with a sample of 23 community-dwelling IWDs (intervention group: n = 13; comparison group: n = 10). Average age of participants was 73.9 years (standard deviation, 9.1) with mild to moderate cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination, Mean = 20.8; standard deviation, 5.0). Results and Discussion: A 99.0% attendance rate indicated high adherence to the moderate-intensity exercise program. Efficacy was examined using multiple linear regression. Group assignment significantly predicted performance in key outcome measures, with IWDs from the intervention group improving in lower extremity strength (B = 5.92, t = 3.26, P = .004), balance (B = 4.04, t = 4.13, P = .001), and fast gait speed (B = .32, t = 2.61, P = .02). These findings indicated IWDs are able to participate in and benefit from a moderate-intensity functional exercise program, consisting of strength and balance activities. Conclusions: The current intervention used a Strength-Based Approach to facilitate implementation of exercise activities that could be completed by the sample. Therefore, integration of these techniques into mainstream clinical practice and research should be feasible with this patient population. Future research directions and implications of these findings also are discussed.
A Pilot Study of Wii Fit Exergames to Improve Balance in Older Adults

Purpose:To determine the safety and feasibility of using Nintendo Wii Fit exergames to improve balance in older adults. Methods:Seven older adults aged 84 (5) years with impaired balance (Berg Balance Scale [BBS] score < 52 points) were recruited from 4 continuing care retirement communities to participate in a single group pre- and postevaluation of Wii Fit exergames. Participants received individualized instructions (at least 5 home visits) on playing 4 exergames (basic step, soccer heading, ski slalom, and table tilt) and were asked to play these games in their homes at least 30 minutes 3 times per week for 3 months and received weekly telephone follow-up. They also completed a paper log of their exergame play and rated their enjoyment immediately after each session. Participants completed the BBS, 4-Meter Timed Walk test, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale at baseline and 3 months. Semistructured interviews were conducted at the 3-month evaluation. Results:Participants safely and independently played a mean of 50 sessions, median session duration of 31 minutes. Two of the games were modified to ensure participants' safety. Participants rated high enjoyment immediately after exergame play and expressed experiencing improved balance with daily activities and desire to play exergames with their grandchildren. Berg Balance Scores increased from 49 (2.1) to 53 (1.8) points (P = .017). Walking speed increased from 1.04 (0.2) to 1.33 (0.84) m/s (P = .018). Conclusions:Use of Wii Fit for limited supervised balance training in the home was safe and feasible for a selected sample of older adults. Further research is needed to determine clinical efficacy in a larger, diverse sample and ascertain whether Wii Fit exergames can be integrated into physical therapy practice to promote health in older adults.
Enrichment of gluten-free cakes with lupin (Lupinus albus L.) or buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.) flours

In the present study, the effect of debittered lupin flour (LF) and whole buckwheat flour (BF) on the nutritional and sensory quality of gluten-free cake was studied. LF (10, 20, 30 and 40%) and BF (5, 10, 15 and 20%) were partially replaced with corn starch and rice flour mixture (1:1 w/w) in the gluten-free cake recipe. LF increased the protein, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and zinc contents of the cakes, while BF caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) especially in potassium and magnesium contents of the gluten-free cakes. According to the overall acceptability rating, it was concluded that gluten-free cake could be produced with satisfactory results by the addition of LF and BF up to 30% and 10%, respectively.
An assessment of osteoporosis health beliefs based on the health belief model

Osteoporosis health beliefs are components of theoretical models that predict changes in osteoporosis preventive behaviors. A literature review was conducted to assess osteoporosis health beliefs, particular those of the health belief model (HBM), such as the perceived susceptibility to osteoporosis, perceived severity of osteoporosis, perceived benefits of osteoporosis preventive behaviors to prevent osteoporosis, perceived barriers to osteoporosis preventive behaviors, and self-efficacy for osteoporosis preventive behaviors. To find research that assessed these osteoporosis health beliefs based on the HBM, a search was conducted to determine which articles used the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale and Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale to determine measures for each of the osteoporosis health beliefs based on the HBM, but also included these health beliefs measured with other instruments. Having assessed these osteoporosis health beliefs, they can be applied to theoretical models, such as the HBM, for creating and implementing interventions that predict osteoporosis preventive behaviors. The assessment of osteoporosis health beliefs was also compared with health beliefs of other diseases, such as heart disease and breast cancer, and an assessment was done in demographic groups in addition to Caucasian women that have been less investigated, such as women of Asian, African, and Hispanic race, and in men. A summary is provided to aid in the application of the findings of this literature review for researchers and practitioners.
The Effects of Traditional and Enforced Stopping Speed and Agility Training on Multidirectional Speed and Athletic Function

Abstract Lockie, RG, Schultz, AB, Callaghan, SJ, and Jeffriess, MD. The effects of traditional and enforced stopping speed and agility training on multidirectional speed and athletic function. J Strength Cond Res 28(6): 1538–1551, 2014—This study investigated the effects of a traditional speed and agility training program (TSA) and an enforced stopping program emphasizing deceleration (ESSA). Twenty college-aged team sport athletes (16 males, 4 females) were allocated into the training groups. Pretesting and posttesting included: 0–10, 0–20, 0–40 m sprint intervals, change-of-direction, and acceleration test (CODAT), T-test (multidirectional speed); vertical, standing broad, lateral, and drop jumps, medicine ball throw (power); Star Excursion Balance Test (posteromedial, medial, anteromedial reaches; dynamic stability); and concentric (240°·s-1) and eccentric (30°·s−1) knee extensor and flexor isokinetic testing (unilateral strength). Both groups completed a 6-week speed and agility program. The ESSA subjects decelerated to a stop within a specified distance in each drill. A repeated measures analysis of variance determined significant (p ⩽ 0.05) within- and between-group changes. Effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated. The TSA group improved all speed tests (d = 0.29–0.96), and most power tests (d = 0.57–1.10). The ESSA group improved the 40-m sprint, CODAT, T-test, and most power tests (d = 0.46–1.31) but did not significantly decrease 0–10 and 0–20 m times. The TSA group increased posteromedial and medial excursions (d = 0.97–1.89); the ESSA group increased medial excursions (d = 0.99–1.09). The ESSA group increased concentric knee extensor and flexor strength, but also increased between-leg knee flexor strength differences (d = 0.50–1.39). The loading associated with stopping can increase unilateral strength. Coaches should ensure deceleration drills allow for appropriate sprint distances before stopping, and athletes do not favor 1 leg for stopping after deceleration.
Validity and Interunit Reliability of 10 Hz and 15 Hz GPS Units for Assessing Athlete Movement Demands

Abstract Johnston, RJ, Watsford, ML, Kelly, SJ, Pine, MJ, and Spurrs, RW. Validity and interunit reliability of 10 Hz and 15 Hz GPS units for assessing athlete movement demands. J Strength Cond Res 28(6): 1649–1655, 2014—The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and interunit reliability of 10 Hz (Catapult) and 15 Hz (GPSports) Global Positioning System (GPS) units and investigate the differences between these units as measures of team sport athlete movement demands. A team sport simulation circuit was completed by 8 trained male participants. The movement demands examined included: total distance covered (TD), average peak speed, and the distance covered, time spent, and the number of efforts performed low-speed running (0.00–13.99 km·h−1), high-speed running (14.00–19.99 km·h−1), and very high-speed running (>20.00 km·h−1). The degree of difference between the 10 Hz and the 15 Hz GPS units and validity was assessed using a paired samples t-test. Pearson's correlations were also used for validity assessment. Interunit reliability was established using percentage typical error of measurement (%TEM) and intraclass correlations. The findings revealed that 10 Hz GPS units were a valid (p > 0.05) and reliable (%TEM = 1.3%) measure of TD. In contrast, the 15 Hz GPS units exhibited lower validity for TD and average peak speed. Further, as the speed of movement increased the level of error for the 10 Hz and 15 Hz GPS units increased (%TEM = 0.8–19.9). The findings from this study suggest that comparisons should not be undertaken between 10 Hz and 15 Hz GPS units. In general, the 10 Hz GPS units measured movement demands with greater validity and interunit reliability than the 15 Hz units, however, both 10 Hz and 15 Hz units provided the improved measures of movement demands in comparison to 1 Hz and 5 Hz GPS units.
Women in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials

Women in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials Between 1980 and 2000, the age-adjusted death rate due to coronary heart disease (CHD) decreased by 48%. The optimization of medical therapies (OMT) and revascularization procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has accounted for 50% of the decline. While mortality rates for CHD have not declined equally for men and women, recent randomized clinical trials have not addressed gender differences regarding the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Historically, women have been underrepresented in clinical trials of cardiovascular disease.
Is Speed Reserve Related to Critical Speed and Anaerobic Distance Capacity in Swimming?

Abstract Dalamitros, AA, Fernandes, RJ, Toubekis, AG, Manou, V, Loupos, D, and Kellis, S. Is speed reserve related to critical speed and anaerobic distance capacity in swimming? J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 1830–1836, 2015—This study examines the relationship between speed reserve (SRes), critical swimming speed (CSS), and anaerobic distance capacity (ADC) and their efficacy in determining training adaptations. Swimmers with previous competitive experience participated in an 8-week aerobic training program (experimental group: E; n = 15, age: 22.29 ± 0.95 years) and a control group refrained from training during the same period (C; n = 6, age: 22.25 ± 2.22 years). Speed reserve was determined before and after training from the speed difference between the 50 and 400 m maximum tests. Both CSS and ADC were calculated using 2 different combinations of distances (50 and 400 m: CSS2/ADC2; 50, 100, and 400 m: CSS3/ADC3) by applying the distance-time linear regression model. CSS2 and CSS3 of the E group showed a negative correlation, whereas ADC2 and ADC3 showed a positive correlation, with SRes before and after the training period (r ≥ −0.66, r ≥ 0.88, p ⩽ 0.05). CSS2 and CSS3 increased by 5.5 ± 3.2 and 6.0 ± 3.2%, whereas ADC2, ADC3, and SRes decreased by 12.0 ± 9.4, 9.0 ± 11.2, and 8.1 ± 8.4% with the training program (p ⩽ 0.05). These findings suggest that SRes, as calculated from distances of 50 and 400 m, shows strong relationships with CSS and ADC and may be used as an indicator of training-induced changes. This information is expected to facilitate training control and evaluation in a day-to-day basis.
Hyperlactemia Induction Modes Affect the Lactate Minimum Power and Physiological Responses in Cycling

Abstract Zagatto, AM, Padulo, J, Müller, PTG, Miyagi, WE, Malta, ES, and Papoti, M. Hyperlactemia induction modes affect the lactate minimum power and physiological responses in cycling. J Strength Cond Res 28(10): 2927–2934, 2014—The aim of this study was to verify the influence of hyperlactemia and blood acidosis induction on lactate minimum intensity (LMI). Twenty recreationally trained males who were experienced in cycling (15 cyclists and 5 triathletes) participated in this study. The athletes underwent 3 lactate minimum tests on an electromagnetic cycle ergometer. The hyperlactemia induction methods used were graded exercise test (GXT), Wingate test (WAnT), and 2 consecutive Wingate tests (2 × WAnTs). The LMI at 2 × WAnTs (200.3 ± 25.8 W) was statistically higher than the LMI at GXT (187.3 ± 31.9 W) and WAnT (189.8 ± 26.0 W), with similar findings for blood lactate, oxygen uptake, and pulmonary ventilation at LMI. The venous pH after 2 × WAnTs was lower (7.04 ± 0.24) than in (p ⩽ 0.05) the GXT (7.19 ± 0.05) and WAnT (7.19 ± 0.05), whereas the blood lactate response was higher. In addition, similar findings were observed for bicarbonate concentration [HCO3] (2 × WAnTs lower than WAnT; 15.3 ± 2.6 mmol·L−1 and 18.2 ± 2.7 mmol·L−1, respectively) (p ⩽ 0.05). However, the maximal aerobic power and total time measured during the incremental phase also did not differ. Therefore, we can conclude that the induction mode significantly affects pH, blood lactate, and [HCO3] and consequently they alter the LMI and physiological parameters at LMI.