bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Phenotypic and Genotypic Florfenicol Resistance in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Singer Randall S. , Patterson Sheila K. , Meier Anne E. , Gibson Jessica K. , Lee Hannah L. , Maddox Carol W.
Published: September 2004

This study evaluated the relationship between florfenicol resistance and
flo
genotypes in 1,987
Escherichia coli
isolates from cattle. The
flo
gene was detected in 164 isolates, all of which expressed resistance to florfenicol at MICs of ≥256 μg/ml. The florfenicol MICs for all isolates that lacked
flo
were ≤16 μg/ml.
AmpC β-Lactamase in an
Escherichia coli
Clinical Isolate Confers Resistance to Expanded-Spectrum Cephalosporins
Authors: Mammeri Hedi , Nazic Hasan , Naas Thierry , Poirel Laurent , Léotard Sophie , Nordmann Patrice
Published: September 2004

Cloning, sequencing, and biochemical analysis identified a novel AmpC-type β-lactamase conferring resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins in an
Escherichia coli
clinical isolate. This enzyme, exhibiting 14 amino acid substitutions compared to a reference AmpC cephalosporinase of
E. coli
, hydrolyzed ceftazidime and cefepime significantly.
Novel Resistance-Nodulation-Cell Division Efflux System AdeDE in
Acinetobacter
Genomic DNA Group 3
Authors: Chau Sze-Lok , Chu Yiu-Wai , Houang Elizabeth T. S.
Published: September 2004

Resistance-nodulation-cell division type efflux pump AdeDE was identified in acinetobacters belonging to genomic DNA group 3. Inactivation of
adeE
showed that it may be responsible for reduced susceptibility to amikacin, ceftazidime, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, ethidium bromide, meropenem, rifampin, and tetracycline. However, unlike what was found for other similar efflux systems, the open reading frame for the outer membrane component was not found downstream of the
adeDE
gene cluster.
Sequential Therapy with Caspofungin and Fluconazole for
Candida albicans
Infection
Authors: Barchiesi Francesco , Spreghini Elisabetta , Baldassarri Isabella , Marigliano Anna , Arzeni Daniela , Giannini Daniele , Scalise Giorgio
Published: September 2004

A sequential therapy of caspofungin (CAS) and fluconazole (FLC) administration for treatment of
Candida albicans
infection was investigated. Treatment with CAS followed by FLC was as effective as CAS treatment given alone for the same duration. Our data suggest that switching from CAS to FLC is a potentially explorable therapeutic option for treatment of systemic candidiasis.
Rapid Detection and Sequence-Specific Differentiation of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase GES-2 from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
by Use of a Real-Time PCR Assay
Authors: Weldhagen Gerhard F.
Published: September 2004

The LightCycler was compared to nested PCR for the detection of
bla
GES/IBC
genes from 100
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
clinical isolates. The real-time PCR assay detected a
bla
GES/IBC
gene product from 83 isolates, exhibiting a sensitivity and specificity of 94.3 and 100% respectively, compared to nested PCR and DNA sequencing.
Efficacy of Posaconazole in a Murine Model of Central Nervous System Aspergillosis
Authors: Imai Jackie K. , Singh Gaurav , Clemons Karl V. , Stevens David A.
Published: September 2004

Human central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis has >90% mortality. We compared posaconazole with other antifungals for efficacy against murine CNS aspergillosis. All tested regimens of posaconazole were equivalent to those of amphotericin B and superior in prolonging survival and reducing CFU to those of itraconazole and caspofungin and to vehicle controls. No antifungal regimen effected cure. No toxicity was noted. Overall, posaconazole shows potential for treating CNS aspergillosis.
The Antiparasitic Compound Licochalcone A Is a Potent Echinocytogenic Agent That Modifies the Erythrocyte Membrane in the Concentration Range Where Antiplasmodial Activity Is Observed
Authors: Ziegler Hanne L. , Hansen Harald S. , Stærk Dan , Christensen Søren Brøgger , Hägerstrand Henry , Jaroszewski Jerzy W.
Published: September 2004

The well-known antiparasitic compound licochalcone A is a potent membrane-active agent that transforms normal erythrocytes into echinocytes in parallel with the inhibition of growth of
Plasmodium falciparum
cultures, the in vitro antiplasmodial effect apparently being an indirect effect on the host cell. In vitro experiments with synchronous cultures demonstrate that inhibition of invasion is the principal mechanism of growth inhibition. The erythrocyte membrane-modifying effect was also transiently observed in vivo in mice after intravenous administration.
Current practice in the management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the United Kingdom: Figure 1
Authors: Kapoor B , Clement D J , Kirkley A , Maffulli N
Published: September 2004

Objective:To outline the current practice in the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the United Kingdom.

Methods:A postal questionnaire designed to include various clinical scenarios was sent out to the 321 orthopaedic surgeons in the United Kingdom who, being affiliated to one of the specialist societies of the British Orthopaedic Association, namely the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK) or the British Orthopaedic Sports Trauma Association (BOSTA), have a manifested interest in treating such injuries.

Results:The response rate was 60% (192/321). Most surgeons diagnose and operate on less than 50 ACL injuries a year. The following results were obtained: 58% (76/132) use bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts, whereas 33% (44/132) use semitendinosis/gracilis autografts; 84% (108/129) would not incorporate the ACL remnant in the reconstruction; 14% (19/135) would perform an ACL reconstruction in an 8 year child with an acute rupture; 30% (42/141) would perform an ACL reconstruction in a 14 year old with an acute ACL rupture.

Conclusions:There is wide variation in the management of acute and chronic ACL injuries among orthopaedic surgeons in the British Isles. Future research and randomised controlled trials should address the issues that this investigation has raised.
Aseptic bone necrosis in an amateur scuba diver
Authors: Laden G D M , Grout P
Published: September 2004

A case is reported that provides further evidence of an old occupational hazard, dysbaric osteonecrosis, presenting in a new population (sports scuba divers) who also appear to be at risk. It highlights the need for an accurate diagnosis of diving related illness.
Acute hand and wrist injuries in experienced rock climbers
Authors: Logan A J , Makwana N , Mason G , Dias J
Published: September 2004

Background:The sport of rock climbing has its own spectrum of injuries, almost half of which involve the wrist and hand.

Objective:To examine the incidence of acute wrist and hand injuries in 545 members of The Climbers’ Club of Great Britain.

Method:A total of 1100 questionnaires were sent to current members of The Climbers’ Club of Great Britain for them to detail any hand and wrist injuries sustained to date. In decade years, the climbing grades and time spent climbing at each grade were determined. From these results a total and historic climbing intensity score for each climber could be calculated.

Results:Half of the questionnaires were returned complete. The respondents were almost entirely male. There were 235 wrist and hand injuries in 155 climbers (28%). The climbing intensity scores were significantly higher in the injury group than in those who had not suffered a wrist or hand injury (p<0.05). Finger tendon injuries were the most common injury, followed by abrasions/lacerations and fractures.

Discussion:The most common injuries found in rock climbing involve the wrist and hand. The predominant injury to the hand involves the finger tendons or pulleys. The greater the climbing intensity calculated over a climber’s career, the greater the likelihood of sustaining these injuries.
Effect of positioning and bracing on passive position sense of shoulder joint
Authors: Ulkar B , Kunduracioglu B , Çetin C , Güner R S
Published: September 2004

Objective:To examine the effects of positioning and sleeve type bracing on passive position sense of shoulder joints of healthy untrained subjects.

Method:A cross over study was carried out on 26 subjects (13 male, 13 female) with a proprioception measurement device. The selected method of testing was passive reproduction of a target angle. Both shoulder joints of all the subjects were evaluated with and without a compressive neoprene sleeve type of brace at two different start positions (45° internal rotation, 75° external rotation) with an angular rotational movement at a constant speed of 0.5°/s. The angular displacements from the target angles at the end of the reproduction tests were recorded as position sense deficit scores.

Results:The overall mean (SD) deficit score (0.99 (0.06)) was significantly (p<0.001) lower with the brace than without, and the overall mean deficit score was significantly (p<0.001) higher at the 45° internal rotation start position than at the 75° external rotation start position. However, there was no significant (p>0.05) interaction between brace application and start position.

Conclusion:Terminal limits of range of motion facilitate the position sense of shoulder joints. Compressive brace application improves the passive positioning sense possibly by stimulating cutaneous mechanoreceptors.
No acute changes in postural control after soccer heading
Authors: Broglio S P , Guskiewicz K M , Sell T C , Lephart S M
Published: September 2004

Background:Soccer heading has been proposed as a potential cause of cerebral dysfunction.

Objective:To examine the acute effects of two types of soccer heading on postural control.

Methods:Collegiate soccer players were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control, linear heading, simulated rotational heading, or rotational heading. Each subject completed a baseline postural stability assessment on day 1. On day 2 the same assessment was completed for the control subjects. The simulated rotational heading group completed a simulated heading drill before postural stability testing. The linear and rotational heading groups performed a heading drill with 20 balls at 88.71 km/h (55 mph), before postural stability testing. Separate one between (group), three within (surface, eyes, and day), mixed model, repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted on values for total sway and mean centre of pressure.

Results:The mixed model analysis of variance of results showed no significant differences (p>0.05) for the interactions of interest for either variable. Results suggest no acute changes in measures of postural control in soccer players completing either a linear or rotational soccer heading drill of 20 balls at a fixed speed.

Conclusion:Non-significant interactions between surface, eyes, day, and group indicate that sensory interaction of the balance mechanism components are not be compromised by the heading drill. This research supports previous studies suggesting that there are no acute risks associated with routine soccer heading. A direct comparison between these findings and those suggesting long term chronic deficits, however, cannot be made. Other studies that report chronic cerebral deficits in soccer players may have resulted from factors other than soccer heading and warrant further examination.
Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of cricket bowler’s side strain
Authors: Humphries D , Jamison M
Published: September 2004

The clinical features of 10 cases of lateral trunk muscle injury in first class cricket pace bowlers are described. Typically the injury occurs during a single delivery, is associated with considerable pain, and prevents the bowler from continuing. The clinical picture is typical of a muscular or musculotendinous injury. The most consistent clinical tests were focal tenderness on palpation and pain with resisted side flexion towards the painful side. The magnetic resonance image in 70% of cases was consistent with an injury to the internal oblique, the external oblique, or the transversalis muscles at or near their attachments to one or more of the lowest four ribs. The injury occurs on the non-bowling arm side. Recovery can be prolonged. The injury was a recurrence in six of the 10 cases. The biomechanics of the injury are not yet understood.
Are unilateral and bilateral patellar tendinopathy distinguished by differences in anthropometry, body composition, or muscle strength in elite female basketball players?
Authors: Gaida J E , Cook J L , Bass S L , Austen S , Kiss Z S
Published: September 2004

Background:Overuse injury to the patellar tendon (patellar tendinopathy) is a major reason for interrupted training and competition for elite athletes. In both sexes, the prevalence of unilateral and bilateral tendinopathy has been shown to differ. It has been proposed that bilateral pathology may have a different aetiology from unilateral pathology. Investigation of risk factors that may be unique to unilateral and bilateral patellar tendinopathy in female athletes may reveal insights into the aetiology of this condition.

Objectives:To examine whether anthropometry, body composition, or muscle strength distinguished elite female basketball players with unilateral or bilateral patellar tendinopathy.

Methods:Body composition, anthropometry, and muscle strength were compared in elite female basketball players with unilateral (n  =  8), bilateral (n  =  7), or no (n  =  24) patellar tendinopathy. Body composition was analysed using a dual energyxray absorptiometer. Anthropometric measures were assessed using standard techniques. Knee extensor strength was measured at 180°/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. z scores were calculated for the unilateral and bilateral groups (using the no tendinopathy group as controls). z scores were tested against zero.

Results:The tibia length to stature ratio was approximately 1.3 (1.3) SDs above zero in both the affected and non-affected legs in the unilateral group (p<0.05). The waist to hip ratio was 0.66 (0.78) SD above zero in the unilateral group (p<0.05). In the unilateral group, leg lean to total lean ratio was 0.42 (0.55) SD above zero (p<0.07), the trunk lean to total lean ratio was 0.63 (0.68) SD below zero (p<0.05), and leg fat relative to total fat was 0.47 (0.65) SD below zero (p<0.09). In the unilateral group, the leg with pathology was 0.78 (1.03) SD weaker during eccentric contractions (p<0.07).

Conclusions:Unilateral patellar tendinopathy has identifiable risk factors whereas bilateral patellar tendinopathy may not. This suggests that the aetiology of these conditions may be different. However, interpretation must respect the limitation of small subject numbers.
Dissociation between back pain and bone stress reaction as measured by CT scan in young cricket fast bowlers
Authors: Millson H B , Gray J , Stretch R A , Lambert M I
Published: September 2004

Background:Bone stress reaction is prevalent among cricket fast bowlers. Few studies have addressed the sensitivity and specificity of imaging for diagnosis, and follow up assessment has been poorly investigated.

Objective:To determine whether there was an association between back pain and bone stress reaction as measured by computed tomography (CT) scan in young cricket fast bowlers.

Methods:Ten young cricket fast bowlers were included in the study. Nine bowlers presented to a physiotherapy practice with low back pain and were later diagnosed with lumbar stress fractures, while one was an experienced bowler with no pain. All players had a CT scan after presenting to the physiotherapy practice. Pain was assessed according to a subjective scale (0–10) where 10 represented the player’s subjective, maximum pain score. Recovery and rehabilitation of all players was monitored until they returned to full participation.

Results:There was no consistency in the relationship between pain and CT scan results. For example, one subject had evidence of un-united stress fractures after 15 months of rest but had experienced moderate pain for only 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms, in contrast to another subject who had intermittent pain for 11 months even though CT scan showed multiple stress fractures ranging from partially healed to fully healed status at 3 months.

Conclusion:There is dissociation between back pain and bone stress reaction as measured by CT scan. Therefore, CT scan does not provide objective evidence for ongoing management or decision concerning return to sport in cricket fast bowlers.
The appearance of kissing contusion in the acutely injured knee in the athletes
Authors: Terzidis I P , Christodoulou A G , Ploumis A L , Metsovitis S R , Koimtzis M , Givissis P
Published: September 2004

Background:Bone contusions are often identified at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the acutely injured knee. Contusions of both surfaces of the joint are known as kissing contusions.

Objective:To determine the frequency, type, and distribution of kissing contusions occurring in association with injuries of the knee joint.

Methods:255 MRI examinations in athletes with acutely injured knees (197 men; 58 women; mean age 24.2 years) were reviewed by two independent examiners; 219 MRIs were done within the first month after the injury and 36 within two to four months. None of the knees had been injured before. No fractures were present onxray.

Results:Bone contusions were diagnosed in 71 cases (27.8%); 55 (22.5%) were identified as single contusions and 16 (6.3%) as kissing contusions. Eight of the kissing contusions were associated with anterior cruciate ligament tears, three with menisceal tears, four were isolated lesions, and one was delayed, following a menisceal tear. The 32 bone contusions (16 kissing contusions) were located as follows: lateral femoral condyle (n = 14; 8 type I, 6 type II); lateral tibial condyle (n = 9; 3 type I, 1 type II, 5 type III); medial tibial condyle (n = 7; 2 type I, 5 type III); medial femoral condyle (n = 2; both type I). The associated injuries were confirmed by arthroscopy in 12/16 patients.

Conclusions:Kissing contusion is a significant injury often associated with ligamentous or menisceal injuries. Type I lesions are most common on the lateral femoral condyle and type III on the lateral tibial condyle.
Running exercises improve the strength of a partially ruptured Achilles tendon
Authors: See E K N , Ng G Y F , Ng C O Y , Fung D T C
Published: September 2004

Objectives:To examine the effects of running and swimming exercises on the functional performance and mechanical strength of a recovering Achilles tendon.

Methods:30 Sprague-Dawley rats had surgical transection of their right medial Achilles tendon. The rats were divided into running (n = 11), swimming (n = 10), and control (n = 9) groups. The running and swimming groups were given daily exercise training, starting from the fifth day after the injury; the control group did not exercise throughout the period of the experiment. An Achilles functional index (AFI) was recorded before the operation and on the third, 10th, and 30th days after the operation. On the 30th day, the rats were killed and their Achilles tendons harvested for biomechanical testing of load relaxation properties, stiffness, and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). The AFI data were analysed by two way analysis of variance; load relaxation, stiffness, and UTS data were analysed by multivariate analysis, with α at 0.05.

Results:The UTS of the running group was higher than in the control group (p = 0.015), while there was no significant difference between the swimming and control groups (p = 0.228). Differences in stiffness and load relaxation were non-significant (p = 0.823 and 0.633, respectively). The AFI results did not differ among the three groups (p = 0.242).

Conclusions:Running exercises can improve the strength of partially ruptured Achilles tendons at 30 days after injury.
Abdominal pain in long distance runners: case report and analysis of the literature: Figure 1
Authors: Dimeo F C , Peters J , Guderian H
Published: September 2004

Abdominal pain is a common complaint among participants in endurance sports. It may be severe, recurrent, and resistant to treatment. There is no direct evidence of the cause of this phenomenon. This report is of a long distance runner who had severe pain in the upper right abdominal quadrant during strenuous exertion. The symptom had been present for several years and did not respond to conservative treatment. Laparoscopy showed congenital supernumerary ligaments binding the gallbladder to the abdominal wall. The complaint resolved after cholecystectomy and resection of adhesions. There was evidence of chronic cholecystitis on histopathological examination. Two years after the operation, he remains free of symptoms. The differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in athletes is discussed.
“Essential noise” – enhancing variability of informational constraints benefits movement control: a comment on Waddington and Adams (2003): Figure 1
Authors: Davids K , Shuttleworth R , Button C , Renshaw I , Glazier P
Published: September 2004

This commentary proposes a dynamical systems perspective to re-interpret data from a group of international soccer players demonstrating that wearing textured insoles in soccer boots enhanced tactile information from the sole of the foot and increased movement discrimination capacity in ankle inversion sensitivity tests to levels similar to those in barefoot conditions. Theoretical arguments on the functional role of variability induced in the sensorimotor system by textured insoles, acting as a form of “essential noise” to enhance the accuracy of foot positioning are presented. It seems that, far from interfering with motor performance, variability can actually enhance perception of information to support motor performance. The addition of intermittent, intermediate levels of noise in a perceptual motor context may benefit performers by helping them to pick up information signals from background structure. Movement system variability is conceived as noise induced resonance benefiting the pick up of information to regulate behaviour. Variability can be functional in practical programmes to offset negative effects of losses in sensory sensitivity through ageing, disease, illness, or injury
Tendon injury and repair after core biopsies in chronic Achilles tendinosis evaluated by serial magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Shalabi A , Svensson L , Kristoffersen-Wiberg M , Aspelin P , Movin T
Published: September 2004

Objective:To evaluate the morphological response and healing process after transverse ultrasound guided core biopsies in chronic Achilles tendinosis using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a period of one year.

Methods:The study included 10 patients. Six had five transverse core biopsies and were longitudinally evaluated by MRI before the biopsies and then after one week, three months, seven months, and one year. These patients started a three month eccentric training programme one to two weeks after the biopsy. Four “non-biopsied” and untreated patients were used for comparison. The clinical outcome was categorised according to the level of pain and performance.

Results:The MRI one week after the biopsies showed an increase in tendon volume (T1-WI) and mean signal intensity (PD-WI) of 29% and 30% (p  =  0.04). During follow up, tendon volume and mean signal intensity gradually decreased. One year after the biopsy, the tendon volume had decreased by 20% and the intratendinous signal by 28% compared with the index MRI (p  =  0.04). The untreated patients showed an increase in both tendon volume (39%, p  =  0.06) and intratendinous signal (37%, p  =  0.14) at the one year follow up. After one year, pain and performance had improved in the treated patients but not the untreated patients.

Conclusion:Five transverse ultrasound guided core biopsies induced a lesion in the diseased Achilles tendon. Alterations during healing such as tendon size and intratendinous signal intensity could be evaluated by MRI. The tendon alterations had decreased one year after the core biopsies.
Correlations between plasma noradrenaline concentrations, antioxidants, and neutrophil counts after submaximal resistance exercise in men
Authors: Ramel A , Wagner K-H , Elmadfa I
Published: September 2004

Background:Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during exercise has been linked to increased oxygen consumption. ROS could also be produced by other mechanisms—for example, a respiratory burst of neutrophils or catecholamine auto-oxidation—when oxygen consumption is only moderately increased.

Objectives:To investigate noradrenaline concentrations, neutrophil counts, plasma antioxidants, and lipid oxidation products before and after acute resistance exercise.

Methods:17 male participants undertook a submaximal resistance exercise circuit (10 exercises; 75% of the one repetition maximum; mean (SD) exercise time, 18.6 (1.1) minutes). Blood samples were taken before and immediately after exercise and analysed for plasma antioxidants, noradrenaline, neutrophils, and lipid oxidation products. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for calculations.

Results:Neutrophils, noradrenaline, fat soluble antioxidants, and lipid oxidation products increased after exercise. Noradrenaline concentrations were associated with higher antioxidant concentrations. Neutrophils were related to higher concentrations of conjugated dienes.

Conclusions:Submaximal resistance exercise increases plasma antioxidants. This might reflect enhanced antioxidant defence in response to the oxidative stress of exercise, though this is not efficient for inhibiting lipid oxidation. The correlation between noradrenaline concentrations and plasma antioxidants suggests a modulating role of the stress hormone. Neutrophils are a possible source of oxidative stress after resistance exercise.
Injuries in professional motor car racing drivers at a racing circuit between 1996 and 2000
Authors: Minoyama O , Tsuchida H
Published: September 2004

Background:Research on injuries in racing drivers is limited.

Objective:To gain more information about such injuries.

Methods:Injuries recorded during and after races between 1996 and 2000 were investigated using the medical charts from the circuit medical centre at Fuji Speedway, which is one of the biggest circuits in Japan. Races were in either single seat/formula cars or saloon cars.

Results:Data were obtained from 39 races in single seat cars (1030 participating cars) and 42 races in saloon cars (1577 cars). Fifty injuries were recorded during the single seat car races, and 62 during the saloon car races (injury rate 1.2 per 1000 competitors per race and 0.9 per 1000 competitors per race respectively). Thirteen injuries were recorded after the race, 12 of them in saloon car racing. Bruises were the major injury in single seat car racing (58%). Lower limb bruising was more common than upper limb bruising. Most of the injuries in saloon car racing (53.2%) were neck sprains. The incidence of concussion was high in both groups compared with other high risk sports.

Conclusions:There were some differences in injuries between the two types of car. No serious injuries occurred except for one death. However, the driver’s body is subjected to large forces in a crash, hence the high incidence of concussion. The injuries recorded after the race emphasise that motor racing is a demanding sport.
Position related analysis of the appearance of and relationship between post-match physical and mental fatigue in university rugby football players
Authors: Mashiko T , Umeda T , Nakaji S , Sugawara K
Published: September 2004

Objective:The relationship between physical and mental fatigue in rugby players after a match was examined, taking into account the position played.

Methods:The Profile of Mood State (POMS) test, blood biochemical parameters, and serum opsonic activity were measured for 37 university rugby football players before and after a match.

Results:There were no differences in parameter changes except for blood urea nitrogen (a marker for protein catabolism) between the forwards and the backs. Regarding correlation between physical and mental fatigue, in forwards, changes in POMS scores showed a positive correlation with changes in the levels of enzymes of skeletal muscle origin, such as glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and free fatty acid (FFA) level and white blood cell count (for example, in the Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score, Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.417 and p<0.05 with GOT, 0.413 and p<0.05 with LDH, 0.462 and p<0.05 with FFA, and 0.442 and p<0.05 with white blood cell count). In backs, changes in the POMS scores showed a positive correlation with changes in the levels of lipid related parameters such as FFA and total cholesterol (for example, as regards the TMD score, Spearman’s correlation coefficient was 0.481 and p<0.05 with FFA, and 0.550 and p<0.05 with total cholesterol), and showed a negative correlation with change in blood glucose level (TMD score, −0.517 and p<0.05).

Conclusions:The different exercise loading of the position played during a rugby match may cause differences in the relationship between physical and mental fatigue.
Video analysis of injuries and incidents in Norwegian professional football
Authors: Andersen T E , Tenga A , Engebretsen L , Bahr R
Published: September 2004

Objectives:This study describes the characteristics of injuries and high risk situations in the Norwegian professional football league during one competitive season using Football Incident Analysis (FIA), a video based method.

Methods:Videotapes and injury information were collected prospectively for 174 of 182 (96%) regular league matches during the 2000 season. Incidents where the match was interrupted due to an assumed injury were analysed using FIA to examine the characteristics of the playing situation causing the incident. Club medical staff prospectively recorded all acute injuries on a specific injury questionnaire. Each incident identified on the videotapes was cross referenced with the injury report.

Results:During the 174 matches, 425 incidents were recorded and 121 acute injuries were reported. Of these 121 injuries, 52 (43%) were identified on video including all head injuries, 58% of knee injuries, 56% of ankle injuries, and 29% of thigh injuries. Strikers were more susceptible to injury than other players and although most of the incidents and injuries resulted from duels, no single classic injury situation typical for football injuries or incidents could be recognised. However, in most cases the exposed player seemed to be unaware of the opponent challenging him for ball possession.

Conclusions:This study shows that in spite of a thorough video analysis less than half of the injuries are identified on video. It is difficult to identify typical patterns in the playing events leading to incidents and injuries, but players seemed to be unaware of the opponent challenging them for ball possession.
Nerve conduction studies of upper extremities in tennis players
Authors: Çolak T , Bamaç B , Özbek A , Budak F , Bamaç Y S
Published: September 2004

Objectives:The influence of regular and intense practice of an asymmetric sport such as tennis on nerves in the elbow region was examined.

Methods:The study included 21 male elite tennis players with a mean (SD) age of 27.5 (1.7) years and 21 male non-active controls aged 26.4 (1.9) years. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, limb length, and perimeters of arm and forearm) were determined for each subject, and range of motion assessment and radiographic examination carried out. Standard nerve conduction techniques using constant measured distances were applied to evaluate the median, ulnar, and radial nerves in the dominant and non-dominant limb of each individual.

Results:The sensory and motor conduction velocities of the radial nerve and the sensory conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve were significantly delayed in the dominant arms of tennis players compared with their non-dominant arms and normal subjects. There were no statistical differences in the latencies, conduction velocities, or amplitudes of the median motor and sensory nerves between controls and tennis players in either the dominant or non-dominant arms. However, the range of motion of the upper extremity was significantly increased in tennis players when compared with control subjects. Tennis players were taller and heavier than control subjects and their dominant upper limb lengths were longer, and arm and forearm circumferences greater, than those of the control subjects.

Conclusions:Many of the asymptomatic tennis players with abnormal nerve conduction tests in the present study may have presymptomatic or asymptomatic neuropathy similar to subclinical entrapment nerve neuropathy.
Which laboratory variable is related with time trial performance time in the Tour de France?
Authors: Lucia A , Hoyos J , Pérez M , Santalla A , Earnest C P , Chicharro J L
Published: September 2004

Objective:To investigate the relationship between several physiological variables that can be easily obtained during cycle ergometer gradual testing (for example, peak power output (Wpeak), Vo2max, or ventilatory threshold (VT)) and actual (>50 km) time trials (TT) time performance during the Tour de France.

Methods:We collected data in professional cyclists from the first TT of the 1998 Tour de France (TT1, 58 km distance; n = 6 cyclists) and the first (TT2, 56.5 km; n = 5) and second TT of the 1999 Tour de France (TT3, 57 km; n = 5).

Results:A negative relationship was found between power output (W) at VT (VTWatt) and TT final time (s) in TT1 (r = −0.864; p = 0.026; standard error of estimate (SEE) of 73 s; and 95% confidence limits (95% CL) −0.98; −0.18), TT2 (r = −0.77; p = 0.27; SEE of 139 s; and 95% CL −0.98; 0.35), and TT3 (r = −0.923; p = 0.025; SEE of 94 s; and 95% CL −1.00; −0.22).

Conclusions:Actual performance in long TT during the Tour de France (>50 km distance, performed after at least 1–2 weeks of continuous competition), in which some cumulative fatigue inevitably occurs, is related, at least in part, to the power output that elicits the VT. No other routine physiological variable (for example, Vo2maxor Wpeak) is related to performance in this type of event.
The validity of capillary blood sampling in the determination of human growth hormone concentration during exercise in men
Authors: Godfrey R J , Whyte G , McCarthy J , Nevill A , Head A
Published: September 2004

Background:Studies measuring human growth hormone (hGH) in blood during exercise have mainly used venous sampling. The invasive nature of this procedure makes evaluation of hGH impossible in various exercise environments.

Objective:To determine whether capillary sampling could offer an alternative sampling method.

Methods:Capillary and venous blood samples were collected for determination of hGH at the end of each exercise stage during an incremental exercise test in 16 male club level competitive cyclists (mean (SD) age 30.8 (8.0) years, body mass 72.2 (7.1) kg, body fat 12.9 (3.5)%, peak oxygen consumption 4.18 (0.46) l⋅min−1). Linear regression, from a plot of venousvcapillary blood hGH concentration, showed a correlation coefficient ofr = 0.986 (p<0.001). When geometric means and log transformations were used, a coefficient of variation of 14.2% was demonstrated between venous and capillary flow for hGH concentration. The mean ratio limits of agreement were 0.62 (1.72)—that is, 95% of the ratios were contained between 0.36 and 1.07, with a mean of 0.62.

Conclusions:Capillary blood sampling is an acceptable alternative to venous sampling for determining hGH concentration during rest and exercise. Sample sites should not be used interchangeably: one site should be chosen and its use standardised.
Logical limitations to the “catastrophe” models of fatigue during exercise in humans
Authors: Noakes T D , St Clair Gibson A
Published: September 2004

A central debate in the exercise sciences is the cause of the fatigue that develops especially during high intensity exercise of short duration. The most popular theory holds that this form of exercise is limited by a peripherally based, metabolite induced failure of skeletal muscle contractile function, independent of reduced muscle activation by the central nervous system; so-called peripheral fatigue. This theory arose originally from studies undertaken by Nobel Laureate Sir Archibald Vivian Hill and colleagues in Manchester, UK in the 1920s. In turn, their interpretations were crucially influenced by the earlier 1907 findings of Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins, Nobel Laureate for his discovery of the vitamins, and Walter Morley Fletcher. The original model of Hill and his colleagues proposed that performance during exercise of high intensity was limited by skeletal muscle anaerobiosis that developed as the result of a limiting skeletal muscle blood flow, following the onset of myocardial ischaemia. Such skeletal muscle anaerobiosis ultimately prevented the neutralization of the lactic acid that, Hill believed, initiated muscle contraction. The resulting lactic acid accumulation impaired skeletal muscle relaxation, causing the (involuntary) termination of exercise. The evolutionary progression of this model led to the “catastrophe theory” of Richard Edwards, which posits that exercise terminates when the physiological and biochemical limits of the body are exceeded, causing a catastrophic failure of intracellular homeostasis.

This paper addresses six hallmark physiological requirements that must be correct if Hill’s cardiovascular/ anaerobic/catastrophic model is the exclusive explanation for the fatigue that develops during maximum exercise to exhaustion. This leads to a review of the evidence supporting other, related “catastrophe” models that have been developed to explain fatigue during exercise of lower intensities and longer durations.

It is concluded that there is little published evidence supporting the theory that fatigue occurs only after physiological homeostasis fails according to the prediction of these catastrophe models. Rather, it is proposed that fatigue in any form of exercise may form part of a regulated, anticipatory response co-ordinated in the subconscious brain. The ultimate goal of this regulation is to preserve homeostasis in all physiological systems during exercise, regardless of intensity or duration or the environmental conditions in which it is undertaken.
Self reported injury patterns among competitive curlers in the United States: a preliminary investigation into the epidemiology of curling injuries
Authors: Reeser J C , Berg R L
Published: September 2004

Objective:To investigate the injury patterns among competitive curlers.

Methods:Participants at two curling championship events were asked to complete injury history questionnaires.

Results:76 curlers (39%) participated; 79% of these reported curling related musculoskeletal pain, most commonly involving the knee (54%), back (33%), and shoulder (20%). Sweeping and delivering the stone were most likely to provoke symptoms. Time loss injuries were estimated to occur at a rate of 2 per 1000 athlete exposures.

Conclusions:Curling appears to be a relatively safe winter sport. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and to further define the risk factors for curling related injuries.
Electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) for myofascial pain syndrome in a football player: Figure 1
Authors: Chu J , Takehara I , Li T-C , Schwartz I
Published: September 2004

Background:Flare up of acute lower back pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) may require various forms of treatment including activity restriction and bracing. Electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) is a promising new treatment. It involves the use of a strong monopolar electromyographic needle electrode for electrical stimulation of deep motor end plate zones in multiple muscles in order to elicit twitches.

Case report:An elite American football player with MPS symptoms failed to respond to standard treatments. He then received ETOIMS which completely alleviated the pain. After establishing pain control, the athlete continued with a further series of treatments to control symptoms of muscle tightness.

Conclusions:ETOIMS has a promising role in pain alleviation, increasing and maintaining range of motion, and in providing satisfactory athletic performance during long term follow up.
Are sports medicine journals relevant and applicable to practitioners and athletes?
Authors: Bleakley C , MacAuley D , McDonough S
Published: September 2004

Objective:To examine the evidence base of sports medicine research and assess how relevant and applicable it is to everyday practice.

Methods:Original research articles, short reports, and case reports published in four major sport and exercise medicine journals were studied and classified according to the main topic of study and type of subjects used.

Results:The most common topic was sports science, and very few studies related to the treatment of injuries and medical conditions. The majority of published articles used healthy subjects sampled from the sedentary population, and few studies have been carried out on injured participants.

Conclusions:There is a dearth of studies addressing diagnostic and treatment interventions in the sports medicine literature. The evidence base for sports medicine must continue to increase in terms of volume and quality.
Muscle dysfunction versus wear and tear as a cause of exercise related osteoarthritis: an epidemiological update
Authors: Shrier Ian
Published: September 2004

There are two main hypotheses for the cause of exercise related osteoarthritis: wear and tear of the articular cartilage and muscle dysfunction. This is a review of the clinical literature to see which hypothesis has the greatest support. Clinical studies support the muscle dysfunction hypothesis over the wear and tear hypothesis.
Endocannabinoids and exercise
Authors: Dietrich A , McDaniel W F
Published: September 2004

Exercise induces changes in mental status, particularly analgesia, sedation, anxiolysis, and a sense of wellbeing. The mechanisms underlying these changes remain unknown. Recent findings show that exercise increases serum concentrations of endocannabinoids, suggesting a possible explanation for a number of these changes. This article provides an overview of this emerging field.
Dobutamine alters carnitine metabolism in the neonatal piglet heart
Authors: Azuero Rodrigo , Debata Chittaranjan , Quinn Marie , McDonough Kathleen , Thomson Jessica , Penn Duna
Published: September 2004

The use of inotropic agents to support the neonatal heart after sepsis or hypoxia increases cardiac energy demand. Carnitine plays a vital role in energy, fuel metabolism. To test the hypothesis that inotropic agents affect carnitine metabolism, hearts from sow-fed piglets were isolated and perfused with an oxygenated buffer containing glucose and palmitate. Increasing dosages of dobutamine (DOB 2.5–15 µg/Kg body wt per min, 0.007–0.044 µmol/kg per min) or saline vehicle (SAL) were administered. Heart rate (HR), left ventricular systolic (LVSP) and end diastolic pressures (LVEDP) were measured. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP = LVSP - LVEDP) and pressure-rate product (LVDP × HR) were calculated. Coronary effluent was collected to measure flow and metabolites. Heart tissue samples were collected for metabolite analysis. Results: DOB increased HR, LVEDP and the pressure-rate product [LVDP × HR]. Mean lactate production increased in DOB, but not in SAL control hearts, and was correlated with heart acylcarnitine, but not with coronary flow. Tissue acylcarnitine levels were higher in the DOB than in the SAL group. Plasma total carnitine was correlated with [LVDP × HR] and LVDP, but not with HR. The findings demonstrate that DOB alters myocardial carnitine metabolism and suggest that carnitine status may affect cardiac response to inotropic agents.Key words: carnitine, dobutamine, neonate, swine, isolated perfused heart.
Rh2, a compound extracted from ginseng, hypersensitizes multidrug-resistant tumor cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Jia William W.-G , Bu Xuexian , Philips Don , Yan Hang , Liu Guoyu , Chen Xiaoguang , Bush Jason A , Li Gang
Published: September 2004

Rh2 is a ginsenoside extracted from ginseng that has drawn attention in a few laboratories in Asian countries because of its potential tumor-inhibitory effect. In the present study, we tested Rh2 on many tumor-cell lines for its effects on cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and potential interaction with conventional chemotherapy agents. Our results showed that Rh2 inhibited cell growth by G1 arrest at low concentrations and induced apoptosis at high concentrations in a variety of tumor-cell lines, possibly through activation of caspases. The growth arrest and apoptosis may be mediated by 2 separate mechanisms. Apoptosis is not dependent on expression of the wild-type p53 nor the caspase 3. In addition, the apoptosis induced by Rh2 was mediated through glucocorticoid receptors. Most interestingly, Rh2 can act either additively or synergistically with chemotherapy drugs on cancer cells. Particularly, it hypersensitized multidrug-resistant breast cancer cells to paclitaxel. These results suggest that Rh2 possesses strong tumor-inhibiting properties, and potentially can be used in treatments for multidrug-resistant cancers, especially when it is used in combination with conventional chemotherapy agents.Key words: ginsenosides, synergy, paclitaxel, chemotherapy, cancer.
Changes in skeletal muscle SR Ca2+ pump in congestive heart failure due to myocardial infarction are prevented by angiotensin II blockade
Authors: Shah Kanu R , Ganguly Pallab K , Netticadan Thomas , Arneja Amarjit S , Dhalla Naranjan S
Published: September 2004

In order to understand the mechanisms of exercise intolerance and muscle fatigue, which are commonly observed in congestive heart failure, we studied sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-transport in the hind-leg skeletal muscle of rats subjected to myocardial infarction (MI). Sham-operated animals were used for comparison. On one hand, the maximal velocities (Vmax) for both SR Ca2+-uptake and Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activities in skeletal muscle of rats at 8 weeks of MI were higher than those of controls. On the other hand, the Vmax values for both SR Ca2+-uptake and Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activities were decreased significantly at 16 weeks of MI when compared with controls. These alterations in Ca2+-transport activities were not associated with any change in the affinity (1/Ka) of the SR Ca2+-pump for Ca2+. Furthermore, the stimulation of SR Ca2+-stimulated ATPase activity by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase was not altered at 8 or 16 weeks of MI when compared with the respective control values. Treatment of 3-week infarcted animals with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as captopril, imidapril, and enalapril or an angiotensin receptor (AT1R) antagonist, losartan, for a period of 13 weeks not only attenuated changes in left ventricular function but also prevented defects in SR Ca2+-pump in skeletal muscle. These results indicate that the skeletal muscle SR Ca2+-transport is altered in a biphasic manner in heart failure due to MI. It is suggested that the initial increase in SR Ca2+-pump activity in skeletal muscle may be compensatory whereas the depression at late stages of MI may play a role in exercise intolerance and muscle fatigue in congestive heart failure. Furthermore, the improvements in the skeletal muscle SR Ca2+-transport by ACE inhibitors may be due to the decreased activity of renin-angiotensin system in congestive heart failure.Key words: skeletal muscle, sarcoplasmic reticulum, Ca2+-transport, SR Ca2+-pump, congestive heart failure, renin-angiotensin system.