Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study on Camel Trypanosomosis in Jijiga Zone, Eastern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2008 to June 2009 with the objective of estimating the prevalence of camel trypanosomosis (surra) and identifying the species of trypanosome involved in Jijiga Zone. The method employed was the Buffy coat examination under microscope. The overall prevalence of camel trypanosomosis was found to be 3.9% (14/362), and the only species identified was Trypanosoma evansi. The prevalence of Trypanosoma evansi was not significantly (P <0.05) varied between males (3.6%) and females (3.9%) camels. Higher prevalence of trypanosomosis observed in adult camels (4.5%), and no young camel (0 to 4 years) was found positive. The mean PCV was significantly (P <0.05) lower in parasitaemic camels (24.7%) than in aparasitaemic camels (28.9%). The result of his study showed that camel trypanosomosis is prevalent in Jijiga zone and it is a disease of major economic importance in the area.
Some Questions Regarding Spousal Assault Risk Assessment

Risk assessment for spousal violence has become a much-discussed topic in the scientific and professional literatures. There have been recent advances in our knowledge regarding risk factors related to spousal violence, but there remain numerous controversies and outstanding questions regarding risk assessment practice. This article outlines some of these issues and offers some recommendations for future research and policy initiatives. Six fundamental questions are posed: (a) What is risk? (b) How should risk assessments be conducted? (c) What should be the role of the victim in risk assessment? (d) Who should conduct risk assessments? (e) How should risk be communicated and managed? (f) How should risk assessments be evaluated? An underlying theme of this article is the importance of bridging science and practice.
Effects of Added Resistance Training on Physical Fitness, Body Composition, and Serum Hormone Concentrations During Eight Weeks of Special Military Training Period

Abstract Vaara, JP, Kokko, J, Isoranta, M, and Kyröläinen, H. Effects of added resistance training on physical fitness, body composition, and serum hormone concentrations during eight weeks of special military training period. J Strength Cond Res 29(11S): S168–S172, 2015—A high volume of military training has been shown to compromise muscle strength development. We examined effects of added low-volume resistance training during special military training (ST) period, which took place after basic training period. Male conscripts (n = 25) were assigned to standardized ST with added resistance training group (TG, n = 13) and group with standardized ST only (control) (CG, n = 12). Standardized ST with added resistance training group performed 2 resistance training sessions per week for 8 weeks: hypertrophic strength (weeks 1–3), maximal strength (weeks 4–6) and power training (weeks 7–8). Maximal strength tests, load carriage performance (3.2 km, 27 kg), and hormone concentrations were measured before and after ST (mean ± SD). Both groups improved similarly in their load carriage performance time (TG: 1,162 ± 116 seconds vs. 1,047 ± 81 seconds; CG: 1,142 ± 95 seconds vs. 1,035 ± 81 seconds) (p < 0.001) but decreased maximal strength of the lower extremities (TG: 5,250 ± 1,110 N vs. 4,290 ± 720 N; CG: 5,170 ± 1,050 N vs. 4,330 ± 1,230 N) and back muscles (TG: 4,290 ± 990 N vs. 3,570 ± 48 N; CG: 3,920 ± 72 N vs. 3,410 ± 53 N) (p ⩽ 0.05). Maximal strength of the upper extremities improved in CG (1,040 ± 200 N vs. 1,140 ± 200 N) (p ⩽ 0.05) but not in TG. Maximal strength of the abdominal muscles improved in TG (3,260 ± 510 N vs. 3,740 ± 75 N) (p ⩽ 0.05) but not in CG. Testosterone concentration increased in CG (15.2 ± 3.6 nmol·L−1 vs. 21.6 ± 5.0 nmol·L−1) (p < 0.01) but not in TG (18.6 ± 4.3 nmol·L−1 vs. 19.5 ± 9.4 nmol·L−1). In conclusion, interference with strength gains might be related to the high volume of aerobic activities and too low volume of resistance training during ST. To develop strength characteristics, careful periodization and individualization should be adopted in ST.
Variations in Repetition Duration and Repetition Numbers Influence Muscular Activation and Blood Lactate Response in Protocols Equalized by Time Under Tension

Abstract Lacerda, LT, Martins-Costa, HC, Diniz, RCR, Lima, FV, Andrade, AGP, Tourino, FD, Bemben, MG, and Chagas, MH. Variations in repetition duration and repetition numbers influence muscular activation and blood lactate response in protocols equalized by time under tension. J Strength Cond Res 30(1): 251–258, 2016—The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of protocols equalized by the time under tension (TUT) but composed of different repetition durations and repetitions numbers on muscle activation and blood lactate concentration. Twenty-two males with previous experience in resistance training performed 2 training protocols (A and B) with the Smith machine bench press exercise, both with 3 sets, 3 minutes' rest, and 60% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Protocol A consisted of 6 repetitions with a 6-second repetition duration for each repetition, whereas in Protocol B the subjects performed 12 repetitions with a 3-second repetition duration for each repetition. Muscular activation was measured in the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, and triceps brachii muscles while performing the 2 protocols, and the normalized root mean square of the electromyographic signal (EMGRMS) was calculated for each set. Blood lactate concentrations were measured during and until 12 minutes after the completion of each protocol. The results showed that the EMGRMS of all muscles increased during the sets and was higher in Protocol B when compared with Protocol A. Likewise, blood lactate concentrations also increased throughout the sets and were higher in Protocol B both during and after the completion of each training session. The data obtained in this study show that training protocols conducted with the same TUT, but with different configurations, produce distinct neuromuscular and metabolic responses so that performing higher repetition numbers with shorter repetition durations might be a more appropriate strategy to increase muscle activation and blood lactate concentration.
Refining cost-effectiveness analyses using the net benefit approach and econometric methods: An example from a trial of anti-depressant treatment

Background Economic evaluation analyses can be enhanced by employing regression methods, allowing for the identification of important sub-groups and to adjust for imperfect randomisation in clinical trials or to analyse non-randomised data. Aims To explore the benefits of combining regression techniques and the standard Bayesian approach to refine cost-effectiveness analyses using data from randomised clinical trials. Method Data from a randomised trial of anti-depressant treatment were analysed and a regression model was used to explore the factors that have an impact on the net benefit (NB) statistic with the aim of using these findings to adjust the cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. Exploratory sub-samples' analyses were carried out to explore possible differences in cost-effectiveness. Results The analysis found that having suffered a previous similar depression is strongly correlated with a lower NB, independent of the outcome measure or follow-up point. In patients with previous similar depression, adding an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to supportive care for mild-to-moderate depression is probably cost-effective at the level used by the English National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to make recommendations. Conclusions This analysis highlights the need for incorporation of econometric methods into cost-effectiveness analyses using the NB approach.
Hormonal Responses to Active and Passive Recovery After Load Carriage

Abstract Taipale, RS, Heinaru, S, Nindl, BC, Vaara, J, Santtila, M, Häkkinen, K, and Kyröläinen, H. Hormonal responses to active and passive recovery after load carriage. J Strength Cond Res 29(11S): S149–S153, 2015—Military operations often induce fatigue resulting from load carriage. Recovery promotes military readiness. This study investigated the acute effects of AR vs. PR after load carriage on maximal isometric leg extension force (MVC) and serum hormonal concentrations. Male reservists (27 ± 3 years, 180 ± 7 cm, 74 ± 11 kg, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max 64 ± 9 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed PR (n = 8) or AR (n = 8) after 50 minutes of loaded (16 kg) uphill (gradient 4.0%) treadmill marching at individual anaerobic threshold. No differences were observed between groups in relative changes in MVC during the marching loading, after AR or PR or the next morning. Significant differences in relative responses to AR and PR postmarching loading were observed in serum testosterone (T), cortisol, and sex-hormone binding globulin immediately post AR and PR; however the next morning, all serum hormone concentrations had returned to normal. This study did not reveal any significant differences between the effects of AR and PR after an hour-long marching protocol at approximately anaerobic threshold on MVC or serum hormones the morning after the experimental marching protocol. Thus, based on the variable measured in this study, marching performed by physically fit army reservists at an intensity at or below anaerobic threshold may not necessitate specialized recovery protocols.
Neuromuscular Adaptations to Unilateral vs. Bilateral Strength Training in Women

Abstract Botton, CE, Radaelli, R, Wilhelm, EN, Rech, A, Brown, LE, and Pinto, RS. Neuromuscular adaptations to unilateral vs. bilateral strength training in women. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1924–1932, 2016—Considering the bilateral deficit, the sum of forces produced by each limb in a unilateral condition is generally greater than that produced by them in a bilateral condition. Therefore, it can be speculated that performing unilateral strength exercises may allow greater training workloads and subsequently greater neuromuscular adaptations when compared with bilateral training. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare neuromuscular adaptations with unilateral vs. bilateral training in the knee extensor muscles. Forty-three recreationally active young women were allocated to a control, unilateral (UG) or bilateral (BG) training group, which performed 2 times strength training sessions a week for 12 weeks. Knee extension one repetition maximum (1RM), maximal isometric strength, muscle electrical activity, and muscle thickness were obtained before and after the study period. Muscle strength was measured in unilateral (right + left) and bilateral tests. Both UG and BG increased similarly their unilateral 1RM (33.3 ± 14.3% vs. 24.6 ± 11.9%, respectively), bilateral 1RM (20.3 ± 6.8% vs. 28.5 ± 12.3%, respectively), and isometric strength (14.7 ± 11.3% vs. 13.1 ± 12.5%, respectively). The UG demonstrated greater unilateral isometric strength increase than the BG (21.4 ± 10.5% vs. 10.3 ± 11.1%, respectively) and only the UG increased muscle electrical activity. Muscle thickness increased similarly for both training groups. Neither group exhibited pretesting 1RM bilateral deficit values, but at post-testing, UG showed a significant bilateral deficit (−6.5 ± 7.8%) whereas BG showed a significant bilateral facilitation (5.9 ± 9.0%). Thus, performing unilateral or bilateral exercises was not a decisive factor for improving morphological adaptations and bilateral muscle strength in untrained women. Unilateral training, however, potentiate unilateral specific strength gains.
Development of a high-throughput UHPLC-MS/MS (SRM) method for the quantitation of endogenous glucagon from human plasma.

BACKGROUND Published LC-MS/MS methods are not sensitive enough to quantify endogenous levels of glucagon. RESULTS An ultra high performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS (SRM) method for the quantitation of endogenous levels glucagon was successfully developed and qualified. A novel 2D extraction procedure was used to reduce matrix suppression, background noise and interferences. Glucagon levels in samples from healthy volunteers were found to agree with radioimmunoassay (RIA) derived literature values. Bland-Altman analysis showed a concentration-dependent positive bias of the LC/MS-MS assay versus an RIA. Both assays produced similar pharmacokinetic profiles, both of which were feasible considering the nature of the study. CONCLUSION Our method is the first peer reviewed LC-MS/MS method for the quantitation of endogenous levels of glucagon, and offers a viable alternative to RIA-based approaches.
Effects of Jaw Clenching While Wearing a Customized Bite-Aligning Mouthpiece on Strength in Healthy Young Men

Abstract Buscà, B, Morales, J, Solana-Tramunt, M, Miró, A, and García, M. Effects of jaw clenching while wearing a customized bite-aligning mouthpiece on strength in healthy young men. J Strength Cond Res 30(4): 1102–1110, 2016—Recent studies have investigated the ergogenic effects of different types of mouthguards. There is evidence of the benefits of clenching customized mouthpieces on force and power development. The phenomenon called concurrent activation potentiation (CAP) promoted in jaw clenching seems to enhance the muscular strength and power in maximal isometric contractions and powerful actions in sport. Moreover, a bite-aligning mouthpiece may promote a more aligned and powerful clench. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of jaw clenching while wearing a customized bite-aligning mouthpiece (MP) on jump ability and isometric maximal strength tests in contrast to 2 other conditions: nonjaw clenching (NON-JAW) and jaw clenching without the mouthpiece (JAW). A within-subjects design was used to assess the jump performance and the maximal isometric force in 28 physically active male subjects. Statistical analyses revealed significantly higher performance in JAW and NON-JAW conditions for handgrip force (HG-peakforce) and all variables of the back-row exercise (BRW) and countermovement vertical jump (CMVJ) (p ⩽ 0.05). Significant differences between NON-JAW and JAW were found for HG-peakforce (p ⩽ 0.05). These findings suggest that it is advisable to use a customized bite-aligning mouthpiece to improve strength and power performance.
Quantification of Competitive Game Demands of NCAA Division I College Football Players Using Global Positioning Systems

Abstract Wellman, AD, Coad, SC, Goulet, GC, and McLellan, CP. Quantification of competitive game demands of NCAA Division I college football players using global positioning systems. J Strength Cond Res 30(1): 11–19, 2016—The aim of the present study was to examine the competitive physiological movement demands of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college football players using portable global positioning system (GPS) technology during games and to examine positional groups within offensive and defensive teams, to determine if a player's physiological requirements during games are influenced by playing position. Thirty-three NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision football players were monitored using GPS receivers with integrated accelerometers (GPSports) during 12 regular season games throughout the 2014 season. Individual data sets (n = 295) from players were divided into offensive and defensive teams and subsequent position groups. Movement profile characteristics, including total, low-intensity, moderate-intensity, high-intensity, and sprint running distances (m), sprint counts, and acceleration and deceleration efforts, were assessed during games. A one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni statistical analysis were used to determine differences in movement profiles between each position group within offensive and defensive teams. For both offensive and defensive teams, significant (p ⩽ 0.05) differences exist between positional groups for game physical performance requirements. The results of the present study identified that wide receivers and defensive backs completed significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) greater total distance, high-intensity running, sprint distance, and high-intensity acceleration and deceleration efforts than their respective offensive and defensive positional groups. Data from the present study provide novel quantification of position-specific physical demands of college football games and support the use of position-specific training in the preparation of NCAA Division I college football players for competition.
Effectiveness of a community-based low intensity exercise programme for ambulatory stroke survivors

Purpose. To establish the feasibility and effectiveness of a community-based exercise programme for ambulatory patients with stroke discharged from rehabilitation Method. Eighteen participants were recruited 3–12 months after onset of first stroke. Using a time series experimental design, the group completed a baseline period of 4 weeks (A1), a group exercise programme of low-intensity progressive resistive exercise and functional tasks for lower limb muscles (B) and repeat assessment after cessation of exercise (A2). Fitness instructors delivered sessions at Leisure Centres twice weekly for 14 weeks with physiotherapy support and the minimum attendance requirement was 16 sessions. Measures included muscle strength, gait velocity, Berg Balance Scale and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living. Results. Lower limb muscle strength improved after training (ANOVA, p < 0.02). Paretic knee extension strength increased from 43.4 ± 5.9 to 60.4 ± 6.8 Nm after 16 exercise sessions. Walking velocity increased significantly (ANOVA, p < 0.001), from 0.54 ± 0.07 to 0.75 ± 0.08 m/s (t = −3.31, p < 0.01). Balance and everyday function were also significantly improved (p < 0.003). There were marked individual variation in the response to training, and those who completed additional training did not show benefit. Conclusions. This community-based exercise programme was feasible and delivered positive improvements in physical function for participants. Further issues raised for investigation include the individual response to training and the benefits of extended training.
Determining metabolic equivalent values of physical activities for persons with paraplegia

Purpose. The compendium of physical activity (CPA) may not be appropriate for persons with paraplegia (PP) because of their possible low resting metabolic rate (RMR), or 1 MET, and a lack of physical activities (PAs) engaged by PP in the CPA. A CPA supplement, therefore, is needed. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of constructing a short supplement for PP with two specific aims: to determine whether PP need an alternative 1-MET value and if selected PA can be classified into corresponding categories based on their ‘engagement’ and ‘energy expenditure (EE)’ characteristics. Method. Thirty-one PP (161.26 cm ± 22.99 cm, 60.52 kg ± 15.32 kg, and 24.16 ± 6.25 years) were recruited. RMR and 10 PA with different intensities were measured using indirect calorimetry. The z- and t-tests were employed to examine MET difference between the measured values and those of CPA (α = 0.05). Results. One-MET for PP (3.1 mL/kg/min) was lower than that of the CPA (3.5 mL/kg/min). Although some MET values were found to be similar to those in the CPA, others were statistically significantly different. Conclusions. To be able to measure PA-related EE of a disability subpopulation using the CPA accurately, a supplement that accounts for the impact of different types of activities and the EE characteristics of the subpopulation must be developed.
Motion Analysis of Match Play in New Zealand U13 to U15 Age-Group Soccer Players

Abstract Atan, SA, Foskett, A, and Ali, A. Motion analysis of match play in New Zealand U13 to U15 age-group soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2416–2423, 2016—The purpose of this study was to investigate motion analysis in 85 players (U13–U15 years) from Auckland's Metropolitan League during 2 competitive soccer matches. Five-Hz global positioning system (with interpolated 10-Hz output) units were used to measure total distance (absolute and relative) and time spent in standing, walking, low-intensity running, medium-intensity running, high-intensity running, and sprinting. Speed thresholds for each match activity were determined through mean 10-m flying sprint peak speed for each age group. Under 15 years (U15, 6600 ± 1480 m) covered more absolute distance because of longer playing time than under 14 years (U14, 5385 ± 1296 m, p = 0.001) and under 13 years (U13, 4516 ± 702.6 m, p = 0.001). However, there were no differences in relative distances covered (U15, 94.5 ± 11.2 m·min−1, U14, 96.1 ± 11.9 m·min−1, U15, 97.3 ± 17.6 m·min−1, p = 0.685). Maximum speed attained during the match was faster for U15 (26.5 ± 1.68 km·h−1) than U14 (25.4 ± 1.93 km·h−1, p = 0.022) and U13 (23.5 ± 1.74 km·h−1, p = 0.001); there were no differences in average distance per sprint, with all age groups covering ∼16 m per sprint (p = 0.603). The current findings provide useful information for developing specific training programs for young soccer players and a framework for developing age-specific soccer simulation protocols.
Effect of Superimposed Electromyostimulation on Back Extensor Strengthening: A Pilot Study

Abstract Park, JH, Seo, KS, and Lee, S-U. Effect of superimposed electromyostimulation on back extensor strengthening: a pilot study. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2470–2475, 2016—Electromyostimulation (EMS) superimposed on voluntary contraction (VC) can increase muscle strength. However, no study has examined the effect of superimposing EMS on back extensor strengthening. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of superimposed EMS on back extensor strengthening in healthy adults. Twenty healthy men, 20–29 years of age, without low-back pain were recruited. In the EMS group, electrodes were attached to bilateral L2 and L4 paraspinal muscles. Stimulation intensity was set for maximally tolerable intensity. With VC, EMS was superimposed for 10 seconds followed by a 20-second rest period. The same protocol was used in the sham stimulation (SS) group, except that the stimulation intensity was set at the lowest intensity (5 mA). All subjects performed back extension exercise using a Swiss ball, with 10 repetitions per set, 2 sets each day, 5 times a week for 2 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in isokinetic strength of the back extensor using an isokinetic dynamometer. Additionally, endurance was measured using the Sorensen test. After 2 weeks of back extension exercise, the peak torque and endurance increased significantly in both groups (p ⩽ 0.05). Effect size between the EMS group and the SS group was medium in strength and endurance. However, there was no statistically significant difference between 2 groups. In conclusion, 2 weeks of back extensor strengthening exercise was effective for strength and endurance. Superimposing EMS on back extensor strengthening exercise could provide an additional effect on increasing strength.