bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reliability of team-based primary data collectors for the collection of exposure and protective equipment use data in community sport: Table 1
Authors: Braham R A , Finch C F
Published: July 2004

Objective:Reliable data allows for the generalisation of study findings to the wider population. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of using community team based primary data collectors for the collection of exposure and protective equipment use data.

Methods:Nine clubs (23 teams) from a metropolitan Australian Football league in Victoria each provided one primary data collector to monitor exposure and protective equipment use over a regular playing season. Four random audits of this data collection for each team were conducted throughout the regular playing season. The audits were compared with data collected by the club data collectors and the level of agreement assessed.

Results:Although exposure data agreement was higher during competition and protective equipment use agreement higher during training, there was no significant difference in data collected by the primary data collectors and the random audits.

Conclusions:The use of trained data collectors associated with Australian Football teams provides reliable information about player exposure and protective equipment use in community intervention studies.
Community football players’ attitudes towards protective equipment—a pre-season measure
Authors: Braham R A , Finch C F , McIntosh A , McCrory P
Published: July 2004

Background:The Australian football injury prevention project (AFIPP) was a randomised controlled trial examining the effects of protective equipment on injury rates in Australian Football.

Objective:To present the results of the AFIPP baseline survey of community football players’ attitudes towards protective equipment.

Methods:Teams of players were recruited from the largest community football league in Victoria, Australia, during the 2001 playing season; 301 players were enrolled in the study and all were surveyed before the season began about their attitudes towards protective headgear and mouthguards.

Results:Almost three quarters of the players (73.6%) reported wearing mouthguards during the previous playing season (year 2000) compared with only 2.1% wearing headgear. The most common reasons for not wearing headgear and mouthguards (in non-users) were: “I don’t like wearing it” (headgear: 44.8%; mouthguards: 30.6%), and “It is too uncomfortable” (headgear: 40.7%; mouthguards: 45.8%).

Conclusions:The higher mouthguard usage reflects the favourable attitudes towards mouthguards by Australian football players generally. Similarly, the low headgear usage reflects the low acceptance of this form of protection in this sport. Further research should be directed towards establishing the reasons why players seem to believe that headgear plays a role in injury prevention yet few wear it.
A double blind, randomised, parallel group study on the efficacy and safety of treating acute lateral ankle sprain with oral hydrolytic enzymes
Authors: Kerkhoffs G M M J , Struijs P A A , de Wit C , Rahlfs V W , Zwipp H , van Dijk C N
Published: July 2004

Objective:To compare the effectiveness and safety of the triple combination Phlogenzym (rutoside, bromelain, and trypsin) with double combinations, the single substances, and placebo.

Design:Multinational, multicentre, double blind, randomised, parallel group design with eight groups structured according to a factorial design.

Setting:Orthopaedic surgery and emergency departments in 27 European hospitals.

Participants:A total of 721 patients aged 16–53 years presenting with acute unilateral sprain of the lateral ankle joint.

Primary efficacy criteria:(a) Pain on walking one or two steps, as defined by the patient on a visual analogue scale. (b) The range of motion, as measured by the investigator and expressed as a sum of flexion and extension. (c) The volume of the injured ankle measured with a volometer.

Results:At the primary end point at seven days, the greatest reduction in pain was in the bromelain/trypsin group (73.7%). The Phlogenzym group showed a median reduction of 60.3%, and the placebo group showed a median reduction of 73.3%. The largest increase in range of motion (median) was in the placebo group (60% change from baseline). The Phlogenzym group showed a median increase of 42.9%. The biggest decrease in swelling was in the trypsin group (3.9% change from baseline). The Phlogenzym group showed a −2.30% change from baseline and the placebo group a −2.90% change. In the subgroup analysis of patients who did not use a Caligamed brace, Phlogenzym was superior to placebo for the summarising directional test of the primary efficacy criteria (MW  =  0.621; LB-CI 0.496; p  =  0.029; one sided Wei-Lachin procedure). The vast majority of doctors and patients rated the tolerability of all treatments tested as very good or at least good.

Conclusions:Phlogenzym was not found to be superior to the three two-drug combinations, the three single substances, or placebo for treatment of patients with acute unilateral sprain of the lateral ankle joint. The small subgroup of patients treated without the support of a Caligamed brace showed evidence of superiority of Phlogenzym over placebo. Further research is warranted to study this effect of Phlogenzym in patients treated without ankle support.
Effect of incorporating low intensity exercise into the recovery period after a rugby match
Authors: Suzuki M , Umeda T , Nakaji S , Shimoyama T , Mashiko T , Sugawara K
Published: July 2004

Background:The psychological and physiological condition of athletes affect both their performance in competitions and their health. Rugby is an intense sport which appears to impose psychological and physiological stress on players. However, there have been few studies of the most appropriate resting techniques to deliver effective recovery from a match.

Objectives:To compare the difference in recovery after a match using resting techniques with or without exercise.

Methods:Fifteen Japanese college rugby football players were studied. Seven performed only normal daily activities and eight performed additional low intensity exercise during the post-match rest period. Players were examined just before and immediately after the match and one and two days after the match. Blood biochemistry and two neutrophil functions, phagocytic activity and oxidative burst, were measured to assess physiological condition, and the profile of mood states (POMS) scores were examined to evaluate psychological condition.

Results:Immediately after the match, muscle damage, decreases in neutrophil functions, and mental fatigue were observed in both groups. Muscle damage and neutrophil functions recovered with time almost equally in the two groups, but the POMS scores were significantly decreased only in subjects in the low intensity exercise group.

Conclusions:Rugby matches impose both physiological and psychological stress on players. The addition of low intensity exercise to the rest period did not adversely affect physiological recovery and had a significantly beneficial effect on psychological recovery by enhancing relaxation.
Desbaric air embolism during diving: an unusual complication of Osler-Weber-Rendu disease
Authors: Hsu Y-L , Wang H-C , Yang P-C
Published: July 2004

Cerebral manifestations of Osler-Weber-Rendu disease (OWRD, hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia) including telangiectases, venous malformations, and arteriovenous malformations, are usually under-recognised. The highest complication rate is observed in high flow cerebral arteriovenous malformations, which may present with headache, epilepsy, ischaemia, or haemorrhage. Cerebral air embolism during self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) diving as the first manifestation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) in OWRD patients has never been reported before. Here we report a 31 year old male who presented desbaric air embolism as the first manifestation of PAVM. As far as we know, this is the first such case published in English medical literature.
Risk factors associated with exertional medial tibial pain: a 12 month prospective clinical study
Authors: Burne S G , Khan K M , Boudville P B , Mallet R J , Newman P M , Steinman L J , Thornton E
Published: July 2004

Objective:To investigate in a military setting the potential role of intrinsic biomechanical and anthropometric risk factors for, and the incidence of, exertional medial tibial pain (EMTP).

Methods:A prospective clinical outcome study in a cohort of 122 men and 36 women at the Australian Defence Force Academy. Each cadet underwent measurements of seven intrinsic variables: hip range of motion, leg length discrepancy, lean calf girth, maximum ankle dorsiflexion range, foot type, rear foot alignment, and tibial alignment. Test–retest reliability was undertaken on each variable. A physician recorded any cadet presenting with diagnostic criteria of EMTP. Records were analysed at 12 months for EMTP presentation and for military fitness test results.

Results:23 cadets (12 men, 11 women) met the criteria for EMTP after 12 months, with a cross gender (F/M) odds ratio of 3.1. In men, both internal and external range of hip motion was greater in those with EMTP: left internal (12°, p = 0.000), right internal (8°, p = 0.014), left external (8°, p = 0.042), right external (9°, p = 0.026). Lean calf girth was lower by 4.2% for the right leg (p = 0.040) but by only 2.9% for the left leg (p = 0.141). No intrinsic risk factor was associated with EMTP in women. EMTP was the major cause for non-completion of the run component of the ADFA fitness test in both men and women.

Conclusions:Greater internal and external hip range of motion and lower lean calf girth were associated with EMTP in male military cadets. Women had high rates of injury, although no intrinsic factor was identified. Reasons for this sex difference need to be identified.
The dipsomania of great distance: water intoxication in an Ironman triathlete
Authors: Noakes T D , Sharwood K , Collins M , Perkins D R
Published: July 2004

Of 371 athletes (62% of all finishers) whose weights were measured before and after the 226 km South African Ironman Triathlon, the athlete who gained the most weight (3.6 kg) during the race was the only competitor to develop symptomatic hyponatraemia. During recovery, he excreted an excess of 4.6 litres of urine. This case report again confirms that symptomatic hyponatraemia is caused by considerable fluid overload independent of appreciable NaCl losses. Hence prevention of the condition requires that athletes be warned not to drink excessively large volumes of fluid (dipsomania) during very prolonged exercise. This case report also shows that there is a delayed diuresis in this condition and that it is not caused by renal failure.
Clinical examination of athletes with groin pain: an intraobserver and interobserver reliability study
Authors: Hölmich P , Hölmich L R , Bjerg A M
Published: July 2004

Background:Groin pain is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to sports medicine. The literature provides no consensus on definitions of or diagnostic criteria for groin pain in athletes. To compare the results of research and treatments, the methods used to diagnose and evaluate the degree of groin pain must be clearly defined and reproducible.

Objectives:To describe clinical examination techniques for groin pain in athletes and evaluate the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of these.

Methods:Eighteen athletes, nine with sports related groin pain and nine without groin pain, were examined by two doctors and two physiotherapists. The examiners were trained in the examination techniques before the study. The examiners were blinded to the symptoms and identity of the subjects. The subjects were examined twice by each examiner in random order. The examinations included evaluation of adductor muscle related pain and strength, iliopsoas muscle related pain, strength, and flexibility, abdominal muscle related pain, and strength and pain at the symphysis joint. Kappa statistics and percentage of agreement were used to evaluate the data.

Results:Overall, the κ values and percentage of agreement were in accordance and showed good reliability of the examinations. The κ values for the intraobserver agreement were above 0.60 in 11 of 14 tests, and those for the interobserver agreement of the pain tests were above 0.60 in eight of 10 tests. The only test without acceptable interobserver reliability was the strength test for iliopsoas muscle.

Conclusion:All but one of the tests investigated were reproducible and subject only to limited intraobserver and interobserver variation.
Left ventricular systolic function and diastolic filling after intermittent high intensity team sports
Authors: George K P , Dawson E , Shave R E , Whyte G , Jones M , Hare E , Gaze D , Collinson P
Published: July 2004

Background:Prolonged steady state exercise can lead to a decrease in left ventricular (LV) function as well as promote the release of cardiac troponin T (cTnT). There is limited information on the effect of intermittent high intensity exercise of moderate duration.

Objectives:To determine the effect of intermittent high intensity exercise of moderate duration on LV function.

Methods:Nineteen male rugby and football players (mean (SD) age 21 (2) years) volunteered. Assessments, before, immediately after, and 24 hours after competitive games, included body mass, heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (sBP) as well as echocardiography to assess stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), systolic blood pressure/end systolic volume ratio (sBP/ESV), and global diastolic filling (E:A) as well as to indirectly quantify preload (LV internal dimension at end diastole (LVIDd)). Serum cTnT was analysed using a 3rd generation assay. Changes in LV function were analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance. cTnT data are presented descriptively.

Results:SV (91 (26)v91 (36)v90 (35) ml before, after, and 24 hours after the game respectively), EF (71 (8)v70 (9)v71 (7)%), and sBP/ESV (4.2 (1.8)v3.8 (1.9)v4.1 (1.6) mm Hg/ml) were not significantly altered (p>0.05). Interestingly, whereas LVIDd was maintained after the game (50 (5)v50 (6) mm), sBP was transiently but significantly reduced (131 (3)v122 (3) mm Hg; p<0.05). E:A was moderately (p<0.05) reduced after the game (2.0 (0.4)v1.5 (0.4)) but returned to baseline within 24 hours. No blood sample contained detectable levels of cTnT.

Conclusions:In this cohort, LV systolic function was not significantly altered after intermittent activity. A transient depression in global diastolic filling was partially attributable to a raised HR and could not be explained by myocyte disruption as represented by cTnT release.
Higher tibial quantitative ultrasound in young female swimmers
Authors: Falk B , Bronshtein Z , Zigel L , Constantini N , Eliakim A
Published: July 2004

Background:It has been found that swimming, a non-impact sport, generally has no effect on bone mineral density.

Objectives:To examine bone properties, as measured by quantitative ultrasound, among female swimmers in comparison with control girls and women.

Methods:Subjects included 61 swimmers and 71 controls aged 8.5 to 26.5 years. None of the swimmers was at the elite level and none had included resistance training in her schedule. Bone speed of sound (SOS) was measured bilaterally at the distal radius and the mid-tibia.

Results:No differences were observed between swimmers and controls in body mass (mean (SD): 49.7 (12.3)v50.7 (12.4) kg, respectively), although swimmers were taller (159 (12)v155 (12) cm) and had lower body fat (18.3 (4.2)%v22.3 (5.4)%). No difference was found in time since menarche (5.2 (4.0) and 4.5 (2.9) years in swimmers and controls, respectively; 21 swimmers and 25 control were premenarcheal). Radial speed of sound (SOS) increased with age but did not differ between swimmers and controls (non-dominant: 3904 (172) and 3889 (165) m/s for swimmers and controls, respectively). Tibial SOS also increased with age and was significantly higher in swimmers than in controls (non-dominant: 3774 (155)v3712 (171) m/s). No differences were found between dominant and non-dominant sides.

Conclusions:Swimming appears to be associated with higher bone SOS in the lower but not in the upper extremities. Further studies are needed to assess whether this difference reflects higher habitual activity among the swimmers or swimming specific mechanisms.
The Football Association medical research programme: an audit of injuries in academy youth football
Authors: Price R J , Hawkins R D , Hulse M A , Hodson A
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To undertake a prospective epidemiological study of the injuries sustained in English youth academy football over two competitive seasons.

Methods:Player injuries were annotated by medical staff at 38 English football club youth academies. A specific injury audit questionnaire was used together with a weekly return form that documented each club’s current injury status.

Results:A total of 3805 injuries were reported over two complete seasons (June to May) with an average injury rate of 0.40 per player per season. The mean (SD) number of days absent for each injury was 21.9 (33.63), with an average of 2.31 (3.66) games missed per injury. The total amount of time absent through injury equated to about 6% of the player’s development time. Players in the higher age groups (17–19 years) were more likely to receive an injury than those in the younger age groups (9–16 years). Injury incidence varied throughout the season, with training injuries peaking in January (p<0.05) and competition injuries peaking in October (p<0.05). Competition injuries accounted for 50.4% of the total, with 36% of these occurring in the last third of each half. Strains (31%) and sprains (20%) were the main injury types, predominantly affecting the lower limb, with a similar proportion of injuries affecting the thigh (19%), ankle (19%), and knee (18%). Growth related conditions, including Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, accounted for 5% of total injuries, peaking in the under 13 age group for Osgood-Schlatter’s disease and the under 11 age group for Sever’s disease. The rate of re-injury of exactly the same anatomical structure was 3%.

Conclusions:Footballers are at high risk of injury and there is a need to investigate ways of reducing this risk. Injury incidence at academy level is approximately half that of the professional game. Academy players probably have much less exposure to injury than their full time counterparts. Areas that warrant further attention include the link between musculoskeletal development and the onset of youth related conditions such as Sever’s disease and Osgood-Schlatter’s disease, the significant number of non-contact injuries that occur in academy football, and the increased rates of injury during preseason training and after the mid season break. This study has highlighted the nature and severity of injuries that occur at academy level, and the third part of the audit process now needs to be undertaken: the implementation of strategies to reduce the number of injuries encountered at this level.
Validation of fan beam dual energyxray absorptiometry for body composition assessment in adults aged 18–45 years
Authors: Norcross J , Van Loan M D
Published: July 2004

Background:Pencil beam dual energyxray absorptiometry (DXA) has been shown to provide valid estimates of body fat (%BF), but DXA fan beam technology has not been adequately tested to determine its validity.

Objective:To compare %BF estimated from fan beam DXA with %BF determined using two and three compartment (2C, 3C) models.

Methods:Men (n  =  25) and women (n  =  31), aged 18–41 years, participated in the study. Body density, from hydrostatic weighing, was used in the 2C estimate of %BF; DXA was used to determine bone mineral content (BMC) for the 3C estimate of %BF calculated using body density and BMC (3CBMC). DXA was also used to determine %BF. Analysis of variance was used to test for significant differences in %BF between sexes and among methods.

Results:Women were significantly shorter, weighed less, had less fat free mass, and a higher %BF than men. No significant differences were found among methods (2C, 3CBMC, DXA) for determination of %BF in either sex. Although not significant, Bland-Altman plots showed that DXA gave higher values for %BF than the 2C and 3CBMCmethods.

Conclusion:DXA determination of %BF was not different from that of the 2C and 3CBMCmodels in this group of young adults. However, to validate fan beam DXA fully as a method for body composition assessment in a wide range of individuals and populations, comparisons are needed that use a 4C model with a measure of total body water and BMC.
Video illustration of staple gun use to rapidly repair on-field head laceration: Figure 1
Authors: Orchard J W
Published: July 2004

A professional rugby league player sustained a left eyebrow laceration during a match which immediately started to bleed. Within seconds he was taken to the sideline and had the laceration closed with six staples by the team doctor. Bleeding was arrested and he returned to play, taking the ball within 80 s of suffering the initial laceration, and within 40 s of the stapling procedure. This sequence was captured on video and appeared on television. The staples were removed after the match and the wound sutured. Repair of the wound was uneventful. The staple gun allows bleeding lacerations to be closed within seconds and for players to safely and quickly return to play, whilst minimising the risk of blood-borne infection transmission.
Subdural haematoma associated with an arachnoid cyst after repetitive minor heading injury in ball games: Figure 1
Authors: Demetriades A K , McEvoy A W , Kitchen N D
Published: July 2004

We report the case of a chronic subdural haematoma caused by repetitive heading of a football which led to the diagnosis of a middle fossa arachnoid cyst. The association between arachnoid cysts and subdural haematoma is discussed as are safety implications in sporting injuries.
Objective evaluation of small bowel and colonic transit time using pH telemetry in athletes with gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Rao K A , Yazaki E , Evans D F , Carbon R
Published: July 2004

Background:Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances are often reported by long distance runners and are more common in women, particularly after prolonged high intensity exercise.

Objectives:To determine whether these symptoms could be associated with alterations in GI motility.

Methods:Small bowel and colonic transit were measured using pH telemetry in a group of 11 female athletes (age 22 to 53 years), six of whom experienced lower GI symptoms during exercise. Subjects participated in two experimental sessions: a control measurement, where small bowel transit was estimated during a rest period (R) of six hours; and an exercise session (E), where small bowel transit was measured during a one hour period of high intensity exercise (cross country running) at >70% V˙O2max. Colonic transit was estimated indirectly from determinations of whole gut transit time by radio-opaque marker.

Results:Small bowel transit time was 3.5 to 10.6 h (R) and 3.0 to 8.7 h (E) in asymptomatic athletes, versus 4.0 to 6.6 h (R) and 4.6 to 7.3 h (E) in symptomatic athletes (NS). Colonic transit time was 35.0 to 62.5 h (R) and 30.5 to 70.9 h (E) in asymptomatic athletes versus 20.4 to 42.9 h (R) and 21.5 to 67.2 h (E) in symptomatic athletes (NS).

Conclusions:Small bowel and colonic transit times were similar in the two groups in the rest and exercise sessions. The diarrhoea seen in this study did not result from accelerated colonic transit. Other mechanisms must be sought.
Cardiovascular stress on an elite basketball referee during national competition: Table 1
Authors: Leicht A S
Published: July 2004

This case report examined the cardiovascular stress imposed on an experienced elite basketball referee during national competition. The average heart rate was similar for all matches, approximated 73% of maximum heart rate, and was experienced for most (>63%) of the match. Similar relative exercise intensity was demonstrated regardless of match play (men’svwomen’s) and officiating type (twovthree-referee). Further study is needed to document the physiological characteristics of elite basketball referees for greater performance.
Serum electrolyte concentrations and hydration status are not associated with exercise associated muscle cramping (EAMC) in distance runners
Authors: Schwellnus M P , Nicol J , Laubscher R , Noakes T D
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To determine whether acute exercise associated muscle cramping (EAMC) in distance runners is related to changes in serum electrolyte concentrations and hydration status.

Methods:A cohort of 72 runners participating in an ultra-distance road race was followed up for the development of EAMC. All subjects were weighed before and immediately after the race. Blood samples were taken before the race, immediately after the race, and 60 minutes after the race. Blood samples were analysed for glucose, protein, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations, as well as serum osmolality, haemoglobin, and packed cell volume. Runners who suffered from acute EAMC during the race formed the cramp group (cramp, n = 21), while runners with no history of EAMC during the race formed the control group (control, n = 22).

Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups for pre-race or post-race body weight, per cent change in body weight, blood volume, plasma volume, or red cell volume. The immediate post-race serum sodium concentration was significantly lower (p = 0.004) in the cramp group (mean (SD), 139.8 (3.1) mmol/l) than in the control group (142.3 (2.1) mmol/l). The immediate post-race serum magnesium concentration was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in the cramp group (0.73 (0.06) mmol/l) than in the control group (0.67 (0.08) mmol/l).

Conclusions:There are no clinically significant alterations in serum electrolyte concentrations and there is no alteration in hydration status in runners with EAMC participating in an ultra-distance race.
An unusual presentation of immersion foot
Authors: Macgregor D M
Published: July 2004

We report a case of “green foot” in a child with a plaster cast applied for a fractured metatarsal who subsequently re-presented with circulatory compromise. The foot was green and smelly and profusePseudomonas aeruginosawas cultured. The infection cleared with simple exposure to air. Perhaps this diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with circulatory compromise in a cast as severe infection can result in amputation.
Traumatic humeral articular cartilage shear (THACS) lesion in a professional rugby player: a case report
Authors: Jeon I-H , Wallace W A
Published: July 2004

A 20 year old male professional rugby player was seen at the clinic for evaluation of shoulder pain after rugby play. Magnetic resonance imaging showed extensive subchondral bone bruising of the humeral head with defect of the articular cartilage. Arthroscopy showed that the inferior half of the humeral head had extensive articular cartilage loss with nearly 70% of the inferior head having lost its cartilage. Sports medicine doctors should be aware that the shoulder joint in young competitive athletes playing contact sports may be exposed to greater risk of this kind of injury.
A congested football calendar and the wellbeing of players: correlation between match exposure of European footballers before the World Cup 2002 and their injuries and performances during that World Cup
Authors: Ekstrand J , Waldén M , Hägglund M
Published: July 2004

Objectives:To investigate the correlation between exposure of footballers in European clubs to match play in the months before the World Cup 2002 and their injuries and performances during that World Cup.

Methods:The team doctors at 11 of the best football clubs in Europe prospectively recorded players’ exposure and injuries during the 2001–2002 season (July 2001–May 2002). Sixty five players participated in the World Cup in Korea/Japan (June 2002). During the World Cup, the clubs reported injuries sustained by these players, and their performance was evaluated by three international experts.

Results:The number of team matches during the season varied between 40 and 76 for the different countries involved. The individual player had a mean of 36 matches during the season. Top players played more matches, especially during the final period of the season. Players who participated in the World Cup played more matches during the season than those who did not (46v33 matches). World Cup players did not show any increased risk of injury during the season. About 29% incurred injuries during the World Cup, and 32% performed below their normal standard. The players who underperformed had played more matches during the 10 weeks before the World Cup than those who performed better than expected (12.5v9, p<0.05). Twenty three (60%) of the 38 players who had played more than one match a week before the World Cup incurred injuries or underperformed during the World Cup.

Conclusions:There is considerable variation in the number of matches played per season in European professional football leagues. Top level players are obliged to play many matches especially during the final period of the season.
Effect of submaximal contraction intensity in contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching: Table 1
Authors: Feland J B , Marin H N
Published: July 2004

Objective:To determine if submaximal contractions used in contract-relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (CRPNF) stretching of the hamstrings yield comparable gains in hamstring flexibility to maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVICs).

Method:Randomised controlled trial. A convenience sample of 72 male subjects aged 18–27 was used. Subjects qualified by demonstrating tight hamstrings, defined as the inability to reach 70° of hip flexion during a straight leg raise. Sixty subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1, 20% of MVIC; 2, 60% of MVIC; 3, 100% MVIC. Twelve subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (no stretching). Subjects in groups 1–3 performed three separate six second CRPNF stretches at the respective intensity with a 10 second rest between contractions, once a day for five days. Goniometric measurements of hamstring flexibility using a lying passive knee extension test were made before and after the stretching period to determine flexibility changes.

Results:Pairedttests showed a significant change in flexibility for all treatment groups. A comparison of least squares means showed that there was no difference in flexibility gains between the treatment groups, but all treatment groups had significantly greater flexibility than the control group.

Conclusion:CRPNF stretching using submaximal contractions is just as beneficial at improving hamstring flexibility as maximal contractions, and may reduce the risk of injury associated with PNF stretching.
Lumbar spine region pathology and hamstring and calf injuries in athletes: is there a connection?
Authors: Orchard J W , Farhart P , Leopold C
Published: July 2004

This paper discusses the theory that subtle lumbosacral canal impingement of the L5 nerve root may be a relatively common occurrence in older footballers and may in fact be a common underlying basis for the age related predisposition towards hamstring and calf strains.
The wear and tear of 26.2: dermatological injuries reported on marathon day
Authors: Mailler E A , Adams B B
Published: July 2004

Whether it is to take on the challenge, to get in shape and lose weight, to relieve stress, or to enjoy the outdoors, people have increasingly turned to the marathon as their sporting event of choice. Although there are many health benefits, beginners should be aware that injuries are quite common in marathon runners. Among these are the wear and tear injuries to the skin. This is a review of the most commonly reported dermatological injuries on marathon day.
1/fγ DRAIN CURRENT NOISE MODEL IN ULTRATHIN OXIDE MOSFETS
Authors: LEE JONGHWAN , BOSMAN GIJS
Published: July 2004

A 1/fγ drain current noise model for deep-submicron MOSFETs with ultrathin oxide is presented. Based on the number and correlated mobility fluctuation mechanisms, the model is derived incorporating a tunneling assisted-thermally activated process and a more realistic trap distribution inside the gate oxide layer. The effects of the device structure and processing technologies on the noise characteristics are taken into consideration through a quadratic mobility degradation factor, a parasitic resistance, a doping profile, and trap-related parameters. For ultrathin oxide MOSFETs, the trapping efficiency ratio and the scattering rate are expressed in terms of the trap distance and the inversion carrier density, enabling an accurate prediction of the noise behavior. From quantitative results simulated with extracted data, it is shown that the new model is applicable to design future CMOS devices and new device processing technologies, and is suitable to be implemented in circuit simulators.
PHONON-INDUCED 1/F NOISE IN MOS TRANSISTORS
Authors: MIHAILA MIHAI N.
Published: July 2004

Existing experimental data for the temperature dependence of 1/f noise in both n- and p-channel MOS transistors are heuristically compared with either bulk or surface phonon spectra or with both of them. It is found that the noise structure mirrors different van Hove singularities in both bulk and surface phonon spectra. This is thought to be the signature of surface and bulk phonons in the 1/f noise of MOS transistor. For a Debye phonon spectrum, an intriguing 1/τ distribution is obtained. The famous connection between oxide states and 1/f noise can be understood in terms of phonon scattering if the tunneling is inelastic. Striking similarities were found in the temperature dependence of the frequency exponent in different MOS transistors and all of them feature similarities with those of the frequency exponent in silicon on sapphire. This indicates that a common structural factor is controlling the temperature variation in both systems. Starting from the observation that the noise intensity vs. temperature is the image of the phonon density of states, the temperature dependence of the frequency exponent was calculated. It is in a reasonable agreement with the experiments for both n-channel transistors and silicon on sapphire sample.
Pancreatic β-cell growth and survival in the onset of type 2 diabetes: a role for protein kinase B in the Akt?
Authors: Dickson Lorna M. , Rhodes Christopher J.
Published: July 2004

The control of pancreatic β-cell growth and survival in the adult plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. In certain insulin-resistant states, such as obesity, the increased insulin-secretory demand can often be compensated for by an increase in β-cell mass, so that the onset of type 2 diabetes is avoided. This is why approximately two-thirds of obese individuals do not progress to type 2 diabetes. However, the remaining one-third of obese subjects that do acquire type 2 diabetes do so because they have inadequate compensatory β-cell mass and function. As such, type 2 diabetes is a disease of insulin insufficiency. Indeed, it is now realized that, in the vast majority of type 2 diabetes cases, there is a decreased β-cell mass caused by a marked increase in β-cell apoptosis that outweighs rates of β-cell mitogenesis and neogenesis. Thus a means of promoting β-cell survival has potential therapeutic implications for treating type 2 diabetes. However, understanding the control of β-cell growth and survival at the molecular level is a relatively new subject area of research and still in its infancy. Notwithstanding, recent advances have implicated signal transduction via insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2) and downstream via protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt) as critical to the control of β-cell survival. In this review, we highlight the mechanism of IRS-2, PKB, and anti-apoptotic PKB substrate control of β-cell growth and survival, and we discuss whether these may be targeted therapeutically to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Hormone-sensitive lipase-independent adipocyte lipolysis during β-adrenergic stimulation, fasting, and dietary fat loading
Authors: Fortier Mélanie , Wang Shu Pei , Mauriège Pascale , Semache Meriem , Mfuma Léandra , Li Hong , Levy Émile , Richard Denis , Mitchell Grant A.
Published: July 2004

In white adipose tissue, lipolysis can occur by hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL)-dependent or HSL-independent pathways. To study HSL-independent lipolysis, we placed HSL-deficient mice in conditions of increased fatty acid flux: β-adrenergic stimulation, fasting, and dietary fat loading. Intraperitoneal administration of the β3-adrenergic agonist CL-316243 caused a greater increase in nonesterified fatty acid level in controls (0.33 ± 0.05 mmol/l) than in HSL−/−mice (0.12 ± 0.01 mmol/l, P < 0.01). Similarly, in isolated adipocytes, lipolytic response to CL-316243 was greatly reduced in HSL−/−mice compared with controls. Fasting for ≤48 h produced normal mobilization and oxidation of fatty acids in HSL−/−mice, as judged by similar values of respiratory quotient and oxygen consumption as in HSL+/+controls. In isolated adipocytes, lipolysis in the absence of β-adrenergic stimulation was 1.9-fold greater in HSL−/−than in HSL+/+cells ( P < 0.05), increasing to 6.5-fold after fasting ( P < 0.01). After 6 wk of a fat-rich diet containing 31.5% of energy as lipid, weight gain of HSL−/−mice was 4.4-fold less than in HSL+/+mice ( P < 0.01), and total abdominal fat mass was 5.2-fold lower in HSL−/−than in HSL+/+mice ( P < 0.01). In white adipose tissue, HSL is essential for normal acute β-adrenergic-stimulated lipolysis and permits normal triglyceride storage capacity in response to dietary fat loading. However, HSL-independent lipolysis can markedly increase during fasting, both in isolated adipocytes and in intact mice, and can mediate a normal flux of fatty acids during fasting.
Lack of histamine alters gastric mucosal morphology: comparison of histidine decarboxylase-deficient and mast cell-deficient mice
Authors: Nakamura Eiji , Kataoka Takashi , Furutani Kazuharu , Jimbo Keisuke , Aihara Takeshi , Tanaka Satoshi , Ichikawa Atsushi , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Okabe Susumu
Published: July 2004

Histamine plays an important role in the regulation of gastric acid secretion; however, its role in maintenance of gastric morphology remains unclear. To clarify the necessity of histamine for gastric mucosal development and maintenance, we evaluated two different kinds of mice that lacked either mast cells (one of the gastric histamine-producing cell types) or histidine decarboxylase (HDC; a histamine-synthesizing enzyme). Measurements of stomach weight, intragastric pH, mucosal histamine levels, as well as serum gastrin and albumin levels were performed in mice. Gastric mucosal appearance was examined by immunohistochemical techniques. Although gastric mucosal histamine levels in mast cell-deficient mice were half of those observed in the wild-type mice, intragastric pH, serum gastrin levels, and gastric morphology at 12 mo were unchanged compared with the wild-type mice. In contrast, HDC-deficient mice possessed no detectable gastric histamine, but did exhibit hypergastrinemia, as well as marked increases in intragastric pH and stomach weight compared with the wild-type mice. Histological analysis revealed that 9-mo-old HDC-deficient mice demonstrated hyperplasia in the oxyntic glandular base region, as well as increased numbers of parietal and enterochromaffin-like cells. These results indicate that enterochromaffin-like cell-derived histamine is potentially involved in gastric mucosal morphology regulation.
Adenosine A1/A2a receptor agonist AMP-579 induces acute and delayed preconditioning against in vivo myocardial stunning
Authors: Kristo Gentian , Yoshimura Yukihiro , Keith Byron J. , Stevens Randy M. , Jahania Salik A. , Mentzer Robert M. , Lasley Robert D.
Published: July 2004

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the adenosine A1/A2a receptor agonist AMP-579 induces acute and delayed preconditioning against in vivo myocardial stunning. Regional stunning was produced by 15 min of coronary artery occlusion and 3 h of reperfusion (RP) in anesthetized open-chest pigs. In acute protection studies, animals were pretreated with saline, low-dose AMP-579 (15 μg/kg iv bolus 10 min before ischemia), or high-dose AMP-579 (50 μg/kg iv at 14 μg/kg bolus + 1.2 μg·kg−1·min−1 for 30 min before coronary occlusion). The delayed preconditioning effects of AMP-579 were evaluated 24 h after administration of saline vehicle or high-dose AMP-579 (50 μg/kg iv). Load-insensitive contractility was assessed by measuring regional preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) and PRSW area. Acute preconditioning with AMP-579 dose dependently improved regional PRSW: 129 ± 5 and 100 ± 2% in high- and low-dose AMP-579 groups, respectively, and 78 ± 5% in the control group at 3 h of RP. Administration of the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (0.7 mg/kg) blocked the acute protective effect of high-dose AMP-579, indicating that these effects are mediated through A1 receptor activation. Delayed preconditioning with AMP-579 significantly increased recovery of PRSW area: 64 ± 5 vs. 33 ± 5% in control at 3 h of RP. In isolated perfused rat heart studies, kinetics of the onset and washout of AMP-579 A1 and A2a receptor-mediated effects were distinct compared with those of other adenosine receptor agonists. The unique nature of the adenosine agonist AMP-579 may play a role in its ability to induce delayed preconditioning against in vivo myocardial stunning.
Neutrophil elastase induces mucus cell metaplasia in mouse lung
Authors: Voynow Judith A. , Fischer Bernard M. , Malarkey David E. , Burch Lauranell H. , Wong Teresa , Longphre Malinda , Ho Samuel B. , Foster W. Michael
Published: July 2004

Goblet cell hyperplasia in the superficial airway epithelia is a signature pathological feature of chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. In these chronic inflammatory airway diseases, neutrophil elastase (NE) is found in high concentrations in the epithelial lining fluid. NE has been reported to trigger mucin secretion and increase mucin gene expression in vitro. We hypothesized that chronic NE exposure to murine airways in vivo would induce goblet cell metaplasia. Human NE (50 μg) or PBS saline was aspirated intratracheally by male Balb/c (6 wk of age) mice on days 1, 4, and 7. On days 8, 11, and 14, lung tissues for histology and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples for cell counts and cytokine levels were obtained. NE induced Muc5ac mRNA and protein expression and goblet cell metaplasia on days 8, 11, and 14. These cellular changes were the result of proteolytic activity, since the addition of an elastase inhibitor, methoxysuccinyl Ala-Ala-Pro-Val chloromethylketone (AAPV-CMK), blocked NE-induced Muc5ac expression and goblet cell metaplasia. NE significantly increased keratinocyte-derived chemokine and IL-5 in BAL and increased lung tissue inflammation and BAL leukocyte counts. The addition of AAPV-CMK reduced these measures of inflammation to control levels. These experiments suggest that NE proteolytic activity initiates an inflammatory process leading to goblet cell metaplasia.
Water deprivation increases Fos immunoreactivity in PVN autonomic neurons with projections to the spinal cord and rostral ventrolateral medulla
Authors: Stocker Sean D. , Cunningham J. Thomas , Toney Glenn M.
Published: July 2004

The present study sought to determine whether water deprivation increases Fos immunoreactivity, a neuronal marker related to synaptic activation, in sympathetic-regulatory neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Fluorogold (4%, 50 nl) and cholera toxin subunit B (0.25%, 20–30 nl) were microinjected into the spinal cord (T1–T3) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), respectively. Rats were then deprived of water but not food for 48 h. Water deprivation significantly increased the number of Fos-positive nuclei throughout the dorsal, ventrolateral, and lateral parvocellular divisions of the PVN (water deprived, 215 ± 23 cells; control, 45 ± 7 cells, P < 0.01). Moreover, a significantly greater number of Fos-positive nuclei were localized in spinally projecting (11 ± 3 vs. 2 ± 1 cells, P < 0.025) and RVLM-projecting (45 ± 7 vs. 7 ± 1 cells, P < 0.025) neurons of the PVN in water-deprived vs. control rats, respectively. The majority of these double-labeled neurons was found in the ventrolateral and lateral parvocellular divisions of the ipsilateral PVN. Interestingly, a significantly greater percentage of RVLM-projecting PVN neurons were Fos positive compared with spinally projecting PVN neurons in the ventrolateral (25.8 ± 0.7 vs. 8.0 ± 1.5%, respectively, P < 0.01) and lateral (23.4 ± 2.1 vs. 5.0 ± 0.9%, respectively, P > 0.01) parvocellular divisions. In addition, we analyzed spinally projecting neurons of the RVLM and found a significantly greater percentage were Fos positive in water-deprived rats than in control rats (26 ± 3 vs. 3 ± 1%, respectively; P < 0.001). Collectively, the present findings indicate that water deprivation evokes a distinct cellular response in sympathetic-regulatory neurons of the PVN and RVLM.
The ABCs of Immunology: Structure and Function of TAP, the Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing
Authors: Abele Rupert , Tampé Robert
Published: July 2004

The transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) is essential for peptide delivery from the cytosol into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where these peptides are loaded on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I molecules. Loaded MHC I leave the ER and display their antigenic cargo on the cell surface to cytotoxic T cells. Subsequently, virus-infected or malignantly transformed cells can be eliminated. Here we discuss the structure, function, and mechanism of TAP as a central part of the peptide-loading complex. Furthermore, aspects of virus and tumor escape strategies are presented.
Cystic Kidney Diseases: All Roads Lead to the Cilium
Authors: Zhang Qihong , Taulman Patrick D. , Yoder Bradley K.
Published: July 2004

Cystic kidney disorders are one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. Numerous experimental animal models have been used to understand the disease pathogenesis. Recent advancements in this field have provided a surprising finding: that many of the proteins associated with cystic kidney disease localize to a nearly forgotten organelle, the primary cilium.
The pH of the Secretory Pathway: Measurement, Determinants, and Regulation
Authors: Paroutis Paul , Touret Nicolas , Grinstein Sergio
Published: July 2004

The luminal pH of the secretory pathway plays a critical role in the posttranslational modification and sorting of proteins and lipids. The pH of each one of the organelles that constitute the pathway is unique, becoming more acidic as the biosynthetic cargo approaches its destination. The methods used for measurement of pH in the secretory pathway, its determinants, and its regulation are the subjects of this review.
Unraveling the Cellular Mechanism of Insulin Resistance in Humans: New Insights from Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Shulman Gerald I.
Published: July 2004

Insulin resistance plays a major role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, yet despite much research the underlying mechanism responsible for it is poorly understood. In this review, some recent advances in the understanding of insulin resistance in humans that have been made by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy are discussed.