Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on lower extremity spasticity and motor function in stroke patients

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on lower extremity (LE) spasticity, motor function and motor neurone excitability in chronic stroke patients. Method: This study was a randomised sham-controlled cross-over trial with 1-week follow-up. A total of 20 post-stroke patients were randomised to receive active (n = 10) or sham (n = 10) rTMS. Fourteen of them (7 in each group) crossed over to the sham or active rTMS after a washout period of 1 month. Interventions consist of five consecutive daily sessions of active or sham rTMS to the unaffected lower extremity motor area (1000 pulses; 1 Hz; 90% of the tibialis anterior motor threshold). Outcome measures were modified modified ashworth scale (MMAS), the H-reflex, lower extremity section of Fugl–Mayer assessment (LE-FMA) and timed UP and GO (TUG) test. All outcomes were measured at three levels in each intervention period: pre- and post-intervention and 1-week follow-up. Results: Friedman’s test revealed significant improvement in MMAS score only after active rTMS. This improvement lasted for one week after the active rTMS. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant time*intervention interaction for LE-FMA. There are no differences between groups for the MMAS and LE-FMA. No significant change in Hmax/Mmax ratio and TUG test was noted. Conclusion: Low-frequency rTMS over the LE motor area can improve clinical measures of muscle spasticity and motor function. More studies are needed to clarify the changes underlying this improvement in spasticity. Implications for Rehabilitation Spasticity is a common disorder and one of the causes of long-term disability after stroke. Physical therapy modalities, oral medications, focal intervention and surgical procedures have been used for spasticity reduction. Beneficial effect of the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for post-stroke upper extremity spasticity reduction and motor function improvement was demonstrated in previous studies. This study shows amelioration of lower extremity spasticity and motor function improvement after five daily sessions of inhibitory rTMS to the unaffected brain hemisphere which lasted for at least 1 week following the intervention.
Comparison of Active, Manual, and Instrumental Straight Leg Raise in Measuring Hamstring Extensibility

Ylinen, JJ, Kautiainen, HJ, and Häkkinen, AH. Comparison of active, manual, and instrumental straight leg raise in measuring hamstring extensibility. J Strength Cond Res 24(4): 972-977, 2010-The active manual straight leg raise (ASLR) and passive manual straight leg raise (MSLR) tests are commonly used in clinical settings to assess hamstring tightness. However, to our knowledge, the validity and sensitivity of these tests have not been compared with the instrumental straight leg raise (ISLR). The aim of the present study was to assess the intrarater reproducibility of the ISLR and compare the sensitivity of the ASLR, MSLR, and ISLR to change. Twelve men with hamstring tightness underwent the ASLR, MSLR, and ISLR tests at baseline and after a 4-week home-based right leg stretching program with the left leg serving as a control. The ISLR measurements were repeated consecutively at baseline to assess reproducibility. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the ISLR was 0.94, and the coefficient of reproducibility was 6. Significant differences in the range of motion emerged between all testing methods (p < 0.05). In the stretched legs, the mean ± SD increases were 17 ± 5° for ISLR, 10 ± 8° for ASLR, and 6 ± 5° for MSLR, whereas the control legs showed a significant mean change only for ASLR (5 ± 4°). The mean standard response with the ASLR and MSLR tests did not differentiate between the treated and control legs, but it was almost 10-fold higher in the treated leg than the control leg for the ISLR, clearly differentiating between them. The ISLR had good reproducibility and sensitivity to changes, whereas ASLR and MSLR showed a poor ability to detect changes. Thus, the ISLR test is recommended for use in research evaluating the effectiveness of stretching.
Lymphatic disturbances in lipoedema

Zusammenfassung Ziel: Die lymphatische Insuffizienz könnte bei dem fast ausschließlich bei Frauen auftretenden Lipödem pathophysiologisch eine bedeutende Rolle spielen. Über die Pathophysiologie dieser abnorm lokalisierten Körperfettablagerungen ist wenig bekannt. Untersucht wurde die Beteiligung des Lymphsystems bei Lipödem vom Typ Allen-Hines sowie bei Typus Rusticanus-Moncorps. Patienten, Methoden: Bei 28 Patienten mit Lipödem wurden die Standard-Lymphszintigraphie (epifaszial) und eine modifizierte Lymphszintigraphie (subkutan) durchgeführt. Die prozentualen Uptakes in Relation zur injizierten Dosis dienten als funktionale quantitative Parameter. Beide Studien wurden visuell bewertet. Patienten mit Ödemen der Beine infolge Veneninsuffizienz (Stadium II nach Widmer) dienten als Kontrollgruppe. Ergebnisse: Die Standard-Lymphszintigraphie zeigte bei allen Patienten der Kontrollgruppe sowie allen Patienten mit Lipödem vom Typ Rusticanus-Moncorps einen normalen Befund hinsichtlich der visuellen Bewertung und des quantitativen Wertes. Der Lymphtransport aus dem subkutanen Fettgewebe war im Patientenkollektiv mit Lipödem vom Typ Allen-Hines signifikant höher (p <0,012) als beim Typus Rusticanus-Moncorps. Schlussfolgerungen: Die epifasziale Lymphdrainage bei Patienten mit Lipödem ist nicht signifikant gestört. Die subkutane Lymphdrainage bei Patienten mit Lipödem vom Typ Rusticanus-Moncorps unterschied sich jedoch deutlich von der bei Patienten mit Lipödem vom Typ Allen-Hines, was auf eine unterschiedliche lymphatische Pathophysiologie hindeutet.
Efficacy and Safety of Concurrent Training in Systemic Sclerosis

Pinto, ALS, Oliveira, NC, Gualano, B, Christmann, RB, Painelli, VS, Artioli, GG, Prado, DML, and Lima, FR. Efficacy and safety of concurrent training in systemic sclerosis. J Strength Cond Res 25(5): 1423-1428, 2011-The optimal training model for patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week combined resistance and aerobic training program (concurrent training) in SSc patients. Eleven patients with no evidence of pulmonary involvement were recruited for the exercise program. Lower and upper limb dynamic strengths (assessed by 1 repetition maximum [1RM] of a leg press and bench press, respectively), isometric strength (assessed by back pull and handgrip tests), balance and mobility (assessed by the timed up-and-go test), muscle function (assessed by the timed-stands test), Rodnan score, digital ulcers, Rayland's phenomenon, and blood markers of muscle inflammation (creatine kinase and aldolase) were assessed at baseline and after the 12-week program. Exercise training significantly enhanced the 1RM leg press (41%) and 1RM bench press (13%) values and back pull (24%) and handgrip strength (11%). Muscle function was also improved (15%), but balance and mobility were not significantly changed. The time-to-exhaustion was increased (46.5%, p = 0.0004), the heart rate at rest condition was significantly reduced, and the workload and time of exercise at ventilatory thresholds and peak of exercise were increased. However, maximal and submaximal &OV0312;o2 were unaltered (p > 0.05). The Rodnan score was unchanged, and muscle enzymes remained within normal levels. No change was observed in digital ulcers and Raynaud's phenomenon. This is the first study to demonstrate that a 12-week concurrent training program is safe and substantially improves muscle strength, function, and aerobic capacity in SSc patients.
The Effect That Side Dominance Has on Barbell Power Symmetry During the Hang Power Clean

Lake, JP, Lauder, MA, and Smith, NA. The effect that side dominance has on barbell power symmetry during the hang power clean. J Strength Cond Res 24(11): 3180-3185, 2010-The aim of this study was to examine whether ground reaction force (GRF) side differences were transmitted and related to bar end power output asymmetries during hang power clean (HPC) performance and whether progressive loading would intensify this effect. Differences between the dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) side average GRFs (AGRFs) of both feet and average bar end power outputs were recorded simultaneously from 15 recreationally trained male volunteers at 30, 60, and 90% 1RM using 2 force platforms and 3 high-speed digital cameras, quantifying side dominance from perceived handedness (left- or right-side dominance [LRSD]), GRF side dominance (force side dominance [FSD]), and bar end power output side dominance (barbell side dominance [BSD]). With the exception of the LRSD condition, differences between the D and ND side AGRFs were significant (FSD: 1.8-4.3%; BSD: 5.1-6.4%, p < 0.05). Bar end power output side differences were significant for all conditions (LRSD: 1.5-5.4%; FSD: 0.5-3.4%; BSD: 3.9-5.6%, p < 0.05). Progressive loading did not significantly affect GRF side differences or the FSD average bar power side differences. However, during the LRSD and BSD conditions, the 60 and 90% side average bar power side differences were >the 30% equivalents. Average GRF side differences were not related to bar end power output side differences. Because of the consistent side difference of 4-6% investigators and strength and conditioning practitioners should exercise caution when interpreting changes in bar end power output.
Quantification of Rubber and Chain-Based Resistance Modes

Mcmaster, DT, Cronin, J, and McGuigan, MR. Quantification of rubber and chain-based resistance modes. J Strength Cond Res 24(8): 2056-2064, 2010-Rubber-based resistance (RBR) bands and standard link steel (SLS) chains are 2 forms of variable resistance used throughout the strength and conditioning and rehabilitation communities. The purpose of this study was to quantify the tension of RBR bands and the mass of SLS chains as a function of displacement (increasing in 10-cm increments). Five sets of RBR bands (14-, 22-, 30-, 48-, and 67-mm widths) and 5 sets of SLS chains (6-, 8-, 10-, 13-, 16-mm diameters) were measured using a load cell and a force plate. The RBR bands exhibited curvilinear tension-deformation relationships and were best represented (R2 ≥ 0.99) by second-order polynomial functions, whereas the SLS chains exhibited linear mass-displacement relationships and were best represented (R2 = 1) by first-order polynomial functions. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in force outputs between the load cell and the force plate testing, although the strain gauge is a relatively cheap and viable method of quantifying the variable resistance of chains and bands. The strength and conditioning practitioner when purchasing bands needs to be aware of resting length differences (3.5-5.2%), which resulted in mean tension imbalances of 8-19% in the same color band. This study provides the strength and conditioning coach and clinician with a methodology to quantify variable resistance, which may be useful in the prescription of specific loading intensities.
Postactivation Potentiation Following Different Modes of Exercise

Esformes, JI, Cameron, N, and Bampouras, TM. Postactivation potentiation following different modes of exercise. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 1911-1916, 2010-The performance characteristics of skeletal muscle are transient in nature and have been shown to be significantly affected by its contractile history, where the phenomenon of acute enhancement is termed postactivation potentiation (PAP). Acute enhancement of dynamic activity has been observed when preceded by resistance exercises; however little information exists for plyometric activity as a conditioning stimulus. In addition, no study has examined PAP effects on more than one subsequent performance trial. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether countermovement jump (CMJ) performance could be enhanced if preceded by heavy-resistance exercise or by dynamic plyometric activity over 3 trials. Thirteen anaerobically trained male subjects (mean ± SD: age, 22 ± 3 years; height, 182.4 ± 4.3 cm; body mass, 82.7 ± 9.2 kg) performed in a counterbalanced order 3 half squats using a 3 repetition maximum loading (SQUAT), a set of 24 contacts of lower body plyometric exercises (PLYO), or a control of no activity (REST) 5 minutes before each CMJ. Three sets of each treatment and CMJ were performed in total and maximal displacement (dmax), peak power (Ppeak), and peak vertical force (Fpeak) were recorded, whereas rate of force development and relative force (F/body mass) were calculated for every trial. No significant differences were revealed for any of the other variables, but greater displacement was found for SQUAT compared to REST or PLYO, whereas no differences were revealed for any of the conditions for the repeated trials. Although heavy resistance-induced PAP seems to enhance jump height compared to REST or PLYO in repeated CMJ performance, it has no additional benefit on repeated trials.
A Longitudinal Assessment of Running Economy and Tendon Properties in Long-Distance Runners

Kubo, K, Tabata, T, Ikebukuro, T, Igarashi, K, and Tsunoda, N. A longitudinal assessment of running economy and tendon properties in long-distance runners. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 1724-1731, 2010-The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal changes in tendon properties and running economy of long-distance runners (LDRs) in the preparatory periods of track season (TS) and road season (RS). Eleven well-trained LDRs and 6 untrained subjects participated in the present study. In each period, muscle strength, neural activation level, and tendon elongation for both knee extensors and plantar flexors, jump performances, and oxygen consumption during submaximal running velocities were measured. No significant differences observed in any measured variables between the 2 seasons for untrained subjects. For LDRs, the total running distance during 1 month preceding RS (832 ± 95 km) was significantly longer than that during 1 month preceding TS (718 ± 80 km). No significant differences in the muscle strength, neural activation level, and jump performances were found between TS and RS. The stiffness of tendon structures in RS was significantly lower than those in TS for both knee extensors (-14.4%, p = 0.023) and plantar flexors (-16.6%, p = 0.040). At 3 running velocities, the oxygen consumptions in RS were significantly lower than those in TS. These results suggested that the lower oxygen consumption during submaximal running velocities observed in the preparatory period of RS may be attributable to the more compliant tendon structures but not in the neuromuscular characteristics.
Short-Duration Massage at the Hamstrings Musculotendinous Junction Induces Greater Range of Motion

Huang, SY, Di Santo, M, Wadden, KP, Cappa, DF, Alkanani, T, and Behm, DG. Short duration massage at the hamstrings musculotendinous junction induces greater range of motion. J Strength Cond Res 24(7): 1917-1924, 2010-Massage for the purpose of health dates back to early civilization and more recently has been used in the management and prevention of sport injuries. Massage has also been used as part of a warm-up to help increase acute flexibility. However, the physiological benefits and mechanisms of massage are not well known. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of 3 massage conditions on hip flexion range of motion (ROM). This experimentation involved a novel massage technique, which focused the massage on the musculotendinous junction for a short duration. Ten recreationally active women ranging from 21 to 36 years in age participated in this study. Participants were subjected to 3 massage conditions (no massage, 10-second massage, and 30-second massage) in a random order on separate days. Hip flexion angle, passive leg tension, and electromyography (EMG) were measured thrice before and within 10 seconds after the intervention. A main effect for conditions was found with the 30-second massage providing a 7.2% increase in hip flexion ROM that was significantly greater than the control condition (p < 0.05). Significant interactions occurred with an increased ROM (p < 0.05) from pre to posttests of 5.9 and 7.2% for the 10- and 30-second massage conditions, respectively. There were no significant differences in passive tension or EMG for any conditions or time. With a significant increase in hip angle and no associated increase in passive tension or EMG, there is a suggestion that 10 and 30 seconds of musculotendinous massage induces greater ROM through a modified stretch perception, increased stretch tolerance, or increased compliance of the hamstrings. Musculotendinous massage may be used as an alternative or a complement to static stretching for increasing ROM.
Undecaprenyl diphosphate synthase, a cis-prenyltransferase synthesizing lipid carrier for bacterial cell wall biosynthesis

Abstract A group of prenyltransferases produce linear lipids by catalyzing consecutive condensation reactions of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) with specific numbers of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP), a common building block of isoprenoid compounds. Depending on the stereochemistry of the double bonds formed during IPP condensation, these prenyltransferases are categorized as cis- and trans-types. Undecaprenyl diphosphate synthase (UPPS) that catalyzes chain elongation of FPP by consecutive condensation reactions with eight IPP, to form C55 lipid carrier for bacterial cell wall biosynthesis, serves as a model for understanding cis-prenyltransferases. In this review, the current knowledge in UPPS kinetics, mechanisms, structures, and inhibitors is summarized.
Expanding the horizons of lipidomics. Towards fluxolipidomics

Abstract This short review takes into consideration the status of lipidomics as issued from almost a decade of development. Because of the huge number of molecular species analyzed, there is a trend in subdividing lipidomics according to subdomains, in particular relating to the function of molecules. It is also pointed out that lipid imaging without the use of exogenous probes will help making relationships between molecular structures and the topography of lipid assemblies, especially in cellular compartments. Finally, a fluxomics approach is proposed for lipid molecular species, both in terms of compartments and biochemical metabolism. The example of fluxolipidomics of essential fatty acids toward their enzyme-dependent oxygenated metabolites and further toward their degradation products is developed.
The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults.

These Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults mark a transition in the American Psychiatric Association’s Practice Guidelines. Since the publication of the 2011 Institute of Medicine report Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust, there has been an increasing focus on using clearly defined, transparent processes for rating the quality of evidence and the strength of the overall body of evidence in systematic reviews of the scientific literature. These guidelines were developed using a process intended to be consistent with the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (2011), the Principles for theDevelopment of Specialty Society Clinical Guidelines of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (2012), and the requirements of the Agency for Healthcare Research andQuality (AHRQ) for inclusion of a guideline in the National Guideline Clearinghouse. Parameters used for the guidelines’ systematic review are included with the full text of the guidelines; the development process is fully described in a document available on the APA website: http:// www.psychiatry. org/File%20Library/Practice/APA-GuidelineDevelopment-Process–updated-2011-. pdf. To supplement the expertise of members of the guideline work group, we used a “snowball” survey methodology to identify experts on psychiatric evaluation and solicit their input on aspects of the psychiatric evaluation that they saw as likely to improve specific patient outcomes (Yager 2014). Results of this expert survey are included with the full text of the practice guideline.
Influences of Weight Loss on Monocytes and T-Cell Subpopulations in Male Judo Athletes

Shimizu, K, Aizawa, K, Suzuki, N, Masuchi, K, Okada, H, Akimoto, T, Mesaki, N, and Akama, T. Influences of weight loss on monocytes and T-cell subpopulations in male judo athletes. J Strength Cond Res 25(7): 1943-1950, 2011—The purpose of this study was to examine weight loss effects on immune function in judo athletes. Six elite male Japanese judo athletes (20.3 ± 0.4 years) were enrolled in this study. They completed usual weight loss programs during 2 weeks preceding an actual competition. Subjects noted the appearance of upper-respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms during the study period. Blood samples were obtained at 40 (baseline period: BL) and 3 (weight loss period: WL) days before and 1 day after the competition (AC). The CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD56+CD3−, CD28+CD4+, CD28+CD8+, and Toll-like-receptor-4+ (TLR-4) CD14+ cells were counted by using flow cytometer analysis. The 6 subjects reported 1 headache, 3 runny nose conditions, and 1 coughing instance during the WL. The CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD28+CD4+ cell counts were significantly lower at WL than at BL (p ≤ 0.05); they reverted to the baseline value at AC. The TLR-4+CD14+ cells were significantly fewer at WL (p ≤ 0.05); they remained fewer than they had been at BL, even at AC. These results suggest that 2 weeks of weight loss before a competition can impair cell-mediated immune function and induce high susceptibility to URTI in judo athletes. Coaches, support staff, and athletes should monitor athletes' weight loss, hydration status, appearance of URTI symptoms, and immunocompetence such as lymphocytes and monocytes to prevent the physical condition from becoming worse.
Fructose Addition to a Glucose Supplement Modifies Perceived Exertion During Strength and Endurance Exercise

Da Silva-Grigoletto, ME, Fernández, JM, de Sá, CA, Gómez-Puerto, JR, Vaamonde, D, and Pérez-Jiménez, F. Fructose addition to a glucose supplement modifies perceived exertion during strength and endurance exercise. J Strength Cond Res 24(12): 3334-3342, 2010-The addition of fructose (F) to a glucose (G) supplement may modify the metabolic response during exercise; however, its effect on perceived exertion (PE) and its influence on postprandial metabolism have not been jointly studied in different types of exercise. This study sought to assess the acute effects of F addition to a G supplement on PE and on the postprandial metabolic response during a single bout of either strength exercise (SE) or endurance exercise (EE). Twenty physically trained men ingested an oral dose of G or GF 15 minutes before starting a 30-minute session of SE (10 sets of 10 repetitions of half squat) or EE (cycling). The combination resulted in 4 randomized interventions in a crossover design in which all subjects performed all experimental conditions: G + SE, GF + SE, G + EE, and GF + SE. Perceived exertion, heart rate (HR), G, insulin, lactate, and urinary catecholamine levels were measured before exercise, during the exercise, and during acute recovery. Perceived exertion during exercise was lower for GF than for G during SE and EE (mean ± SD; 8.95 ± 0.62 vs. 9.26 ± 0.65, p < 0.05 and 7.47 ± 0.84 vs. 7.74 ± 0.93, p < 0.05, respectively). The glycemic peak in GF + SE was lower than in G + SE (p < 0.05), and there was a second peak during recovery (p < 0.05), whereas in EE, no difference in blood G levels was noted between G and GF supplements. Moreover, HR, urinary adrenalin, and noradrenalin were lower in GF than in G (p < 0.05), though only for EE. The results showed that PE is positively affected by GF supplementation for both SE and EE and thus may be a useful dietary strategy for helping to achieve higher training loads.