bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary hyperoxaluria in an adult presenting with end‐stage renal failure together with hypercalcemia and hypothyroidism
Authors: KARADAG Serhat , GURSU Meltem , AYDIN Zeki , UZUN Sami , DOGAN Oner , OZTURK Savas , KAZANCIOGLU Rumeyza
Published: July 2011

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by overproduction of oxalate due to specific enzyme deficiencies in glyoxylate metabolism. The primary clinical presentation is in the form of recurrent urolithiasis, progressive nephrocalcinosis, end‐stage renal disease, and systemic oxalosis. Herein, we present a case of PH who was diagnosed at 47 years of age after 6 years on hemodialysis. He presented with fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and was found to have cachexia, diffuse edema, hepatomegaly, ascites, hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia, low parathyroid hormone levels, lytic and resorptive areas in the vertebrae, diffusely increased echogenity of the liver, multiple renal stones, and bilateral nephrocalcinosis. Bone marrow biopsy showed calcium oxalate crystals and crystal granulomas. The liver biopsy could not be performed. The absence of an identifiable reason for secondary forms, the severity of the clinical presentation, and pathological findings led to the diagnosis of PH2. He died while waiting for a potential liver and kidney donor. The presented case is consistent with the literature as he had renal stone disease in the third decade and end‐stage renal disease in the fifth decade. Hypercalcemia was thought to be due to osteoclast‐stimulating activity of macrophages constituting the granuloma. Erythropoietin‐resistant anemia and hypothyroidism were thought to be due to accumulation of oxalate in the bone marrow and thyroid gland, respectively. It is very important to keep in mind the possibility of PH when faced with a patient with nephrocalcinosis and oxalate stone disease.
Carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in the nose of patients on regular dialysis treatment using hemodialysis catheters
Authors: MAAMOUN Hoda Abdel Hamid , SOLIMAN Amin Roshdy , El SHERIF Rasha
Published: July 2011

In the hemodialysis population, the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus colonization has been documented to be as high as 80%; effective prophylaxis of vascular access infection and bacteremia is a worthwhile goal in the management of hemodialysis population. Surveillance of 50 hemodialysis patients for S. aureus‐positive nasal cultures was performed by monthly nasal swabs over a 12‐month period. All patients were performing dialysis using hemodialysis catheters thrice weekly. All positive cultures were treated with a prophylactic antibiotic regimen. Thirty‐one patients (62%) had one or more positive cultures. The surveillance period was longer in the S. aureus nasal carriers (p < 0.01). The frequency of positive cultures correlated with the duration of surveillance (p < 0.05). The incidence of S. aureus bacteremia was greater in patients with three or more positive cultures (p < 0.05). This study suggests that continuous surveillance for S. aureus nasal colonization is essential to properly identify all hemodialysis patients using catheters at risk of developing S. aureus bacteremias.
Spark Plasma Joining of ZrB2–SiC Composites Using Zirconium–Boron Reactive Filler Layers
Authors: Pinc William Ross , Di Prima Matthew , Walker Luke Sky , Wing Zachary N. , Corral Erica L.
Published: July 2011

Spark plasma joining is used to join ZrB2–SiC composites with seamless microstructures at the joint that results in retention of high‐temperature mechanical and oxidation properties after joining. Our approach uses a spark plasma sintering furnace and Zr–B powder filler layers to join the parts together. The joining processing parameters used to optimize the joint microstructure were filler composition, target temperature, hold time, and volume of filler. A filler of 1 mm3 and spark plasma joining conditions at 1800°C for 300 s resulted in the formation of a joint region that was indistinguishable from the bulk substrates. Room and high‐temperature (1350°C) shear strengths of joined substrates measured equal to baseline substrates and oxidation behavior for joined and baseline substrates were equivalent after static air oxidation at 1700°C. X‐Ray diffraction measurements show the joint is composed of ZrB2 and ZrC. We found the joining mechanism to be solid‐state bonding of ZrB2 that formed from the Zr–B filler and reaction bonding by the formation of ZrC. Spark plasma joining rapidly joins ZrB2–SiC and probably other conductive ultra high‐temperature ceramic composites, and has the potential to impact the rapid assembly and joining of complex thermal protection material systems.
Differential Selection of Golgi Proteins by COPII Sec24 Isoforms in Procyclic Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Demmel Lars , Melak Michael , Kotisch Harald , Fendos Justin , Reipert Siegfried , Warren Graham
Published: July 2011

The Sec24 subunit of the coat protein complex II (COPII) has been implicated in selecting newly synthesized cargo from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for delivery to the Golgi. The protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma brucei, contains two paralogs, TbSec24.1 and TbSec24.2, which were depleted using RNA interference in the insect form of the parasite. Depletion of either TbSec24.1 or TbSec24.2 resulted in growth arrest and modest inhibition of anterograde transport of the putative Golgi enzyme, TbGntB, and the secretory marker, BiPNAVRG‐HA9. In contrast, depletion of TbSec24.1, but not TbSec24.2, led to reversible mislocalization of the Golgi stack proteins, TbGRASP and TbGolgin63. The latter accumulated in the ER. The localization of the COPI coatomer subunit, TbεCOP, and the trans Golgi network (TGN) protein, TbGRIP70, was largely unaffected, although the latter was preferentially lost from those Golgi that were not associated with the bilobe, a structure previously implicated in Golgi biogenesis. Together, these data suggest that TbSec24 paralogs can differentiate among proteins destined for the Golgi.
The comparative evaluation of the effects of tongue cleaning on salivary levels of mutans streptococci in children
Authors: Rupesh S , Winnier JJ , Nayak UA , Rao AP , Reddy V , Peter J
Published: July 2011

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 107–112  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00522.x

Rupesh S, Winnier JJ, Nayak UA, Rao AP, Reddy V, Peter J. The comparative evaluation of the effects of tongue cleaning on salivary levels of mutans streptococci in children.

Abstract:  Objectives:  The study compared and evaluated the effects of tongue scraping and tongue brushing on salivary mutans streptococci levels in children.

Methods:  The investigation was a single‐blind, stratified comparison of three parallel groups of children who performed either tongue scraping or tongue brushing along with tooth brushing or only tooth brushing twice daily under professional supervision for a 21‐day period. A total of three saliva samples were taken from each individual, at baseline, on day 10 and on day 21, and colony counts of mutans streptococci were determined. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using Wilcoxon’s signed‐ranks sum test and Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results and conclusions:  The results of the present study show that tongue scraping and tongue brushing demonstrated statistically significant reductions in salivary mutans streptococci counts after 10 days and also after 21 days. It was also noted that tongue scraping and tongue brushing were equally effective in reducing colony counts.
Cardiac troponin I concentrations in neonates with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Shastri Aravind T , Samarasekara Sujeevan , Muniraman Hemananda , Clarke Paul
Published: July 2011

Aim:  Myocardial dysfunction is a frequent sequel of perinatal asphyxia. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a marker of myocardial injury and a surrogate marker of myocardial dysfunction in adults, but there are few data in neonates. Our aim was to compare serum cTnI concentrations with clinical severity of encephalopathy and with duration of inotropic support in asphyxiated neonates.

Methods:  Retrospective study of 60 neonates admitted with hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). cTnI concentrations measured within 36 h of birth were compared with clinical grade of HIE (Sarnat‐Sarnat classification) and with duration of inotropic support.

Results:  Serum cTnI concentrations and duration of inotropic support were significantly greater with increasing severity of HIE. Median (95% CI) cTnI concentrations were 0.04 μg/L (0.02–0.07 μg/L) in grade 1 HIE, 0.12 μg/L (0.08–0.20 μg/L) in grade 2 HIE and 0.67 μg/L (0.41–1.35 μg/L) in grade 3 HIE. Median (95% CI) duration of inotropic support required was 0 h (0–24 h) in grade 1 HIE, 28 h (0–118 h) in grade 2 HIE and 48 h (0–140 h) in grade 3 HIE.

Conclusion:  In asphyxiated neonates, cTnI concentrations within 36 h of birth correlate strongly with clinical grade of HIE and with duration of inotropic support. Early cTnI concentrations may provide a useful proxy marker for the anticipated severity of myocardial dysfunction.
Successful ageing: The case of Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yeong‐Tsyr , Lin Wan‐I
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To investigate the conditions of successful ageing in Taiwan.

Methods:  The respondents included two age groups, namely, 45–64 years (n = 1143), and 65 years and older (n = 1309), from a cross‐section national representative survey conducted in 2007.

Results:  Older people faced more problems that cause depression than their counterparts. Eleven per cent of older people were in the labour market. Neither middle‐aged people nor older people were actively involved in volunteer services. Those who lived longer had less social support. Over 50% felt their financial preparations for later life were not adequate. Educational levels and family income were the significant factors affecting the levels of successful ageing.

Conclusions:  Improvement in the four dimensions of successful ageing must be re‐emphasised for both age groups.
Willingness to pay for potential enhancements to a low‐cost cataract surgical package in rural southern China
Authors: Ko Fang , Frick Kevin D. , Tzu Jonathan , He Mingguang , Congdon Nathan
Published: July 2011

Purpose:  To assess determinants of patients’ willingness to pay (WTP) for potential components of a multi‐tiered cataract surgical package offered by a non‐governmental organization (NGO) in rural China.

Design:  Cross‐sectional study.

Methods:  Demographic and clinical data were collected from 505 patients presenting for cataract screening or surgery in Yangjiang, China. Willingness to pay for potential enhancements to the current surgery package was assessed using a bidding format with random payment cards.

Results:  Among 426 subjects (84.4%) completing interviews, the mean age was 73.9 ± 7.3 years, 67.6% were women and 73% (n = 310) would pay for at least one offering, with 33–38% WTP for each item. Among those who would pay, the mean WTP for food was US$1.68 ± 0.13, transportation US$3.24 ± 0.25, senior surgeon US$50.0 ± 3.36 and US$89.4 ± 4.19 for an imported intra‐ocular lens (IOL). The estimated total recovery from these enhancements under various assumptions would be US$20‐50 (compared to the current programme price of US$65). In multivariate models, WTP for the senior surgeon increased with knowledge of a person previously operated for cataract (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.42–3.18, p < 0.001). Willingness to pay for the imported IOL increased with knowledge of a previously operated person (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.24–2.75, p < 0.01) and decreased with age >75 years (OR = 0.61, 0.40–0.93, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Opportunities exist to increase cataract programme revenues through multi‐tiered offerings in this setting, allowing greater subsidization of low‐income patients. Personal familiarity with cataract surgery is important in determining WTP.
Changes of saccadic eye movements in thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Schworm Hermann Dieter , Bolzani Roberto , Benassi Mariagrazia , Tallstedt Leif , Rydberg Agneta , Lennerstrand Gunnar , Ygge Jan
Published: July 2011

Purpose:  To establish whether or not the dynamics of saccadic eye movements are significantly changed in patients with different stages of thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) and, subsequently, if analysis of saccades could serve as an additional diagnostic tool for early detection of inflammatory activity in TAO.

Methods:  Thirty‐seven patients with TAO and 10 age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects were investigated. The patients were divided into four groups according to the stage of the disease: (i) early mild disease (n = 10), (ii) early severe disease (n = 11), (iii) long‐standing restrictive disease (n = 10) and (iv) proven auto‐immune hyperthyroidism without any signs of TAO (n = 6). Horizontal and vertical saccades with amplitudes of 10°, 20°, 30° and 40° were recorded binocularly using the induction scleral search coil technique. The two main sequence constants Vmax and C were calculated for each eye. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was carried out to test for differences between different gaze directions, eyes and groups.

Results:  In horizontal saccades, significant differences were found between groups but not between abduction and adduction. In vertical saccades, differences between groups and the interaction between groups and up‐ and down‐gaze saccades were significant. Compared with the control group, analysis of the main sequence curves revealed larger differences in patients of group 3 and 4 than in those of group 1 and 2. Whereas in the control group down‐gaze saccades were faster than up‐gaze saccades, the opposite behaviour was found in all patient groups. The largest differences were detected among those patients who had no signs of TAO (group 4).

Conclusions:  In this study, significant saccade differences were detected in all patients with TAO. In contrast to our earlier studies where evaluation of multiple individual saccade parameters did not reveal significant differences, analysis of the main sequence constants and mathematical reconstruction of the main sequence curves turned out to be a sensitive technique for reliable detection of subtle ocular motility changes. Significant differences were detected even in patients with auto‐immune thyroiditis where no clinical signs of TAO were apparent.
Directed terminal restriction analysis tool (DRAT): an aid to enzyme selection for directed terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms
Authors: Roberts David M. , Schofield Pietà G. , Donn Suzanne , Daniell Tim J.
Published: July 2011

1. T‐RFLP is an established tool for high‐throughput studies of microbial communities, which can, with care and practical validation, be enhanced to aid identification of specific organisms in a community by associating T‐RFs from experimental runs with predicted T‐RFs from a set of existing sequences. A barrier to this approach is the laborious process of selecting diagnostic restriction enzyme(s) for further validation.

2. Here, we describe directed terminal restriction analysis tool (DRAT), a software tool that aids the design of directed terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (DT‐RFLP) strategies, to separate DNA targets based on restriction enzyme polymorphisms. The software assesses multiple user‐supplied DNA sequences, ranks optimal restriction endonucleases for separating targets and provides summary information including the length of diagnostic terminal restriction fragments. A worked example suggesting enzymes uniquely separating selected arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal groups is presented.

3. This tool greatly facilitates identification of diagnostic restriction enzymes for user‐designated groups within complex populations and provides expected product sizes for all designated groups.
Modelling data from different sites, times or studies: weighted vs. unweighted regression
Authors: Fletcher David , Dixon Philip M.
Published: July 2011

1. We consider the use of weighted regression when modelling data from different sites, times or studies. Our primary focus is on the coverage rate of the 95% confidence interval for the slope parameter when we have a single predictor variable. We use simulation to assess this coverage rate for both weighted and unweighted regression, across a range of scenarios likely to be encountered in ecology.

2. Our results are surprising: unweighted regression will often be more reliable than weighted regression. The well‐known advantages of weighted regression are offset by having to estimate the process error variance. Although unweighted regression involves assuming that the measurement error variances are equal, the coverage rate is remarkably robust to departures from this assumption. Unweighted regression will often be more robust because it does not make use of potentially poor information on the measurement error variances. The only situation in which unweighted regression will perform poorly is when there is a strong relationship between the precision of an estimate and its leverage in the regression. We propose a simple diagnostic tool to assess when this might be the case.

3. The implications of our results are important in a management context as they indicate the benefits obtained from using a simple, readily understood approach to combining information.
Structure de poids à la Bondarko sur les motifs de Beilinson
Authors: Hébert David
Published: July 2011

Bondarko defines and studies the notion of weight structure and he shows that there exists a weight structure over the category of Voevodsky motives with rational coefficients (over a field of characteristic 0). In this paper we extend this weight structure to the category of Beilinson motives (for any scheme of finite type over a base scheme which is excellent of dimension at most two) introduced and studied by Cisinsky and Déglise. We also check the weight exactness of the Grothendieck operations.
Algèbres simplicialesS1-équivariantes, théorie de de Rham et théorèmes HKR multiplicatifs
Authors: Toën Bertrand , Vezzosi Gabriele
Published: July 2011

This work establishes a comparison between functions on derived loop spaces (Toën and Vezzosi,Chern character, loop spaces and derived algebraic geometry, inAlgebraic topology: the Abel symposium 2007, Abel Symposia, vol. 4, eds N. Baas, E. M. Friedlander, B. Jahren and P. A. Østvær (Springer, 2009), ISBN:978-3-642-01199-3) and de Rham theory. IfAis a smooth commutativek-algebra andkhas characteristic 0, we show that two objects,S1⊗Aand ϵ(A), determine one another, functorially inA. The objectS1⊗Ais theS1-equivariant simplicialk-algebra obtained by tensoringAby the simplicial groupS1:=Bℤ, while the object ϵ(A) is the de Rham algebra ofA, endowed with the de Rham differential, and viewed as aϵ-dg-algebra(see the main text). We define an equivalence φ between the homotopy theory of simplicial commutativeS1-equivariantk-algebras and the homotopy theory of ϵ-dg-algebras, and we show the existence of a functorial equivalence ϕ(S1⊗A)∼ϵ(A) . We deduce from this the comparison mentioned above, identifying theS1-equivariant functions on the derived loop spaceLXof a smoothk-schemeXwith the algebraic de Rham cohomology of X/k. As corollaries, we obtainfunctorialandmultiplicativeversions of decomposition theorems for Hochschild homology (in the spirit of Hochschild–Kostant–Rosenberg) for arbitrary semi-separatedk-schemes. By construction, these decompositions aremoreovercompatible with theS1-action on the Hochschild complex, on one hand, and with the de Rham differential, on the other hand.
Cell 2-representations of finitary 2-categories
Authors: Mazorchuk Volodymyr , Miemietz Vanessa
Published: July 2011

We study 2-representations of finitary 2-categories with involution and adjunctions by functors on module categories over finite-dimensional algebras. In particular, we define, construct and describe in detail (right) cell 2-representations inspired by Kazhdan–Lusztig cell modules for Hecke algebras. Under some natural assumptions we show that cell 2-representations are strongly simple and do not depend on the choice of a right cell inside a two-sided cell. This reproves and extends the uniqueness result on categorification of Kazhdan–Lusztig cell modules for Hecke algebras of type A from [V. Mazorchuk and C. Stroppel, Categorification of (induced) cell modules and the rough structure of generalised Verma modules, Adv. Math. 219 (2008), 1363–1426].
Actions of higher-rank lattices on free groups
Authors: Bridson Martin R. , Wade Richard D.
Published: July 2011

If G is a semisimple Lie group of real rank at least two and Γ is an irreducible lattice in G, then every homomorphism from Γ to the outer automorphism group of a finitely generated free group has finite image.
Estimation of the Real Area of Contact in Sliding Systems Using Thermal Measurements
Authors: Vick Brian , Schneck William C.
Published: July 2011

The objectives of this paper are to develop a means to estimate the real area of contact in sliding systems using thermal measurements and to provide experimental design guidance for optimal sensor locations. The methods used are a modified cellular automata technique for the direct model and a Levenberg–Marquardt parameter estimation technique to stabilize inverse solutions. The modified cellular automata technique enables each piece of physics to be solved independently over a short time step, thus reducing a complicated model to a sequence of simpler problems. Overall, the method proved successful. The major results indicate that appropriately selected measurement locations can determine the contact distribution accurately. The best measurement location is found to be just downstream of the nominal contact zone in the moving body. This is significant since direct access to the contact zone is usually impossible. Results show that it is best to locate a sensor in the moving body. However, placing the sensor in the static body can also provide a reasonable image of the contact distribution. This is useful because the static body is easier to instrument than a moving body. Finally, the estimation method worked well for the most complex model utilized, even in a suboptimal measurement location
Measurements of the Static Friction Coefficient Between Tin Surfaces and Comparison to a Theoretical Model
Authors: Ibrahim Dickey Rebecca D. , Jackson Robert L. , Flowers George T.
Published: July 2011

A new experimental apparatus is used to measure the static friction between tin surfaces under various loads. After the data is collected it is then compared to an existing theoretical model. The experiment uses the classical physics technique of increasing the incline of a plane and block until the block slides. The angle at the initiation of sliding is used to find the static friction coefficient. The experiment utilizes an automated apparatus to minimize human error. The finite element based statistical rough surface contact model for static friction under full stick by Li, Etsion, and Talke (2010, “Contact Area and Static Friction of Rough Surfaces with High Plasticity Index,” ASME Journal of Tribology, 132(3), p. 031401) is used to make predictions of the friction coefficient using surface profile data from the experiment. Comparison of the computational and experimental methods shows similar qualitative trends, and even some quantitative agreement. After adjusting the results for the possible effect of the native tin oxide film, the theoretical and experimental results can be brought into reasonable qualitative and quantitative agreement.
A Study of Misaligned Micropolar Lubricated Membrane Compensated Hybrid Journal Bearing System
Authors: Sharma Satish C. , Nicodemus E. Rajasekhar , Ram Nathi
Published: July 2011

The present work aims to analytically study the performance of misaligned four-pocket, membrane compensated, hybrid journal bearing system operating with micropolar lubricant. In the present study, the flow characteristic of the lubricating oil containing additives and contaminants has been modeled using Erigen’s micropolar theory. The journal misalignment which may occur as a result of noncentral loading, improper assembly, shaft deflection due to elasticity and thermal distortions, etc. has been accounted for in the present study by defining a pair of misalignment parameters in vertical and horizontal directions (i.e., δ and σ).The modified Reynolds equation governing the flow of micropolar lubricant in the clearance space of a misaligned bearing has been solved using FEM and Newton Raphson method along with the appropriate boundary conditions. The numerically simulated results suggest that the effect of journal misalignment is to cause degradation in bearing performance, whereas the influence of micropolar effect of lubricant is to enhance the bearing performance. Therefore, it is imperative to account for the effect of misalignment and lubricant behavior during the design process in order to generate accurate bearing characteristics data.
Extremely efficient and deterministic approach to generating optimal ordering of diffusion MRI measurements
Authors: Koay Cheng Guan , Hurley Samuel A. , Meyerand M. Elizabeth
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

Diffusion MRI measurements are typically acquired sequentially with unit gradient directions that are distributed uniformly on the unit sphere. The ordering of the gradient directions has significant effect on the quality of dMRI‐derived quantities. Even though several methods have been proposed to generate optimal orderings of gradient directions, these methods are not widely used in clinical studies because of the two major problems. The first problem is that the existing methods for generating highly uniform and antipodally symmetric gradient directions are inefficient. The second problem is that the existing methods for generating optimal orderings of gradient directions are also highly inefficient. In this work, the authors propose two extremely efficient and deterministic methods to solve these two problems.

Methods:

The method for generating nearly uniform point set on the unit sphere (with antipodal symmetry) is based upon the notion that the spacing between two consecutive points on the same latitude should be equal to the spacing between two consecutive latitudes. The method for generating optimal ordering of diffusion gradient directions is based on the idea that each subset of incremental sample size, which is derived from the prescribed and full set of gradient directions, must be as uniform as possible in terms of the modified electrostatic energy designed for antipodally symmetric point set.

Results:

The proposed method outperformed the state‐of‐the‐art method in terms of computational efficiency by about six orders of magnitude.

Conclusions:

Two extremely efficient and deterministic methods have been developed for solving the problem of optimal ordering of diffusion gradient directions. The proposed strategy is also applicable to optimal view‐ordering in three‐dimensional radial MRI.
A Neutralizing Antibody Selected from Plasma Cells That Binds to Group 1 and Group 2 Influenza A Hemagglutinins
Authors: Corti Davide , Voss Jarrod , Gamblin Steven J. , Codoni Giosiana , Macagno Annalisa , Jarrossay David , Vachieri Sebastien G. , Pinna Debora , Minola Andrea , Vanzetta Fabrizia , Silacci Chiara , Fernandez-Rodriguez Blanca M. , Agatic Gloria , Bianchi Siro , Giacchetto-Sasselli Isabella , Calder Lesley , Sallusto Federica , Collins Patrick , Haire Lesley F. , Temperton Nigel , Langedijk Johannes P. M. , Skehel John J. , Lanzavecchia Antonio
Published: July 2011

An antibody able to broadly neutralize both group 1 and group 2 influenza A viruses—and its target epitope—are identified.
Nectins Establish a Checkerboard-Like Cellular Pattern in the Auditory Epithelium
Authors: Togashi Hideru , Kominami Kanoko , Waseda Masazumi , Komura Hitomi , Miyoshi Jun , Takeichi Masatoshi , Takai Yoshimi
Published: July 2011

Interactions between adhesion molecules support the checkerboard-like patterning of cells in the cochlea.
Cognitive changes after stem cell transplantation in a patient with subcortical stroke
Authors: Bringas Maria L , Suarez Carlos , Sanchez-Catasus Carlos A , Alvarez Lazaro M , Valdes Pedro , Salazar Sonia , Chongo Dora , Jahanshahi Marjan
Published: July 2011

The authors report a case of a 55-year-old Caucasian woman who received autologous bone marrow stem cell transplantation 3 years after a subcortical stroke. She exhibited positive cognitive changes 6 months and 1 year after the surgery without rehabilitation. The blood flow changes, measured with SPECT, were statistical significant in prefrontal areas. During the presurgical neuropsychological assessment, the patient presented a critical speech reduction, reflected in impaired performance in verbal fluency, vocabulary and in each task which required overt verbal response. One year later, she showed improvement in mental flexibility, receptive language, phonological fluency, verbal memory and auditory verbal memory. Positive cognitive changes in verbal and executive functions seem to be contingent on increased blood flow in prefrontal areas. Posterior neuropsychological evaluation 3 and 5 years after transplantation did not show deterioration of the cognitive improvement.
Aromatherapy for sports and fitness
Authors: Sharma Preeti , Meena Tilak R
Published: July 2011

The article describes the use of aromatherapy for achieving excellence in sports and fitness. Aromatherapy is the science of holistic approach for taking care of the body and mind using pleasant smelling of botanical oils. It has been extensively studied and found to be one of the fastest growing areas of alternative medicine. There have been numerous studies showing different plant oils' synergistic effects on body and mind energy facilitating excellence in sports and fitness. Most of the findings of these studies have found their way into various aromatherapy products and services. There are well over a hundred different natural essential oils having antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, antidepressant and even expectorant properties. The application of these oils not only helps to prevent and cure sports injuries but also to stimulate and relax the mind and body leading to higher fitness levels. Because of these inherent properties of essential oils, there is a growing interest in using them in toning up the body and mind in a variety of ways, viz. muscle preparation, musculo-skeletal, injury prevention, as sports medicine and an agent for uplifting sports psychology for achieving highest success rate in sports and fitness. Therefore, essential oils have a role in preparing the body and mind for optimum sports performance as well as postexertion recovery. They can be used as an aid to make the recovery faster by reducing the effect of fatigue and uplifting mind and body energy level. That is why essential oil therapy is now being recognised as a valuable therapy to enhance performance in sports and fitness.
An investigation into the effects of smoking on physical fitness parameters in adolescents
Authors: Saxena Shobhit , McBean Douglas
Published: July 2011

Smoking is associated both prognostically and aetiologically with numerous diseases of the respiratory system. Tobacco smoking is a major cause of an accelerated decline in ventilatory function and physical fitness. As most of the people take to smoking when they are young, it will be informative to study the effects of smoking on lungs in the initial stages. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of smoking on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in adolescent smokers.

Methods

An experimental study subject design was carried out on 15 smoking and 15 non-smoking volunteers within the age group of 18–30 years who were recruited from the college campus. The non-smokers formed the control group. All the subjects underwent spirometric analysis and maximal treadmill test (Bruce protocol) for the estimation of VO2max. Appropriate statistical tests were performed to study the effects 30 min after smoking a cigarette.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the mean spirometric values of FVC/FEV1of the smokers and the non-smokers; however, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean VO2max value in smokers and non-smokers. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean FVC/FEV1of the smokers before and 30 min after smoking a cigarette. Again there was no statistically significant difference in the mean VO2max values before and after smoking a cigarette in the smokers.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking does have a significant effect on the spirometric values of FVC/FEV1; however, its effect on the maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) could not be ascertained accurately in adolescent smokers.
Influence of haematological indices on combat athletic groups in Nigeria
Authors: Kankanala Venkateshwarlu , Ameh Igah J , Gunen Ezra A
Published: July 2011

Alterations in different haematological indices have been shown to affect both health and performance. These alterations seem to be influenced by demographic factors as sex and age. However, the influence of sex on the haematological indices of judo karate and taekwondo athletic groups has not been established in Nigeria. The purpose of this study was therefore to find out differences among judo, karate and taekwondo athletic groups in their haematological indices and influence of sex on these indices. To achieve the purpose of this study 15 male and 15 female subjects were randomly drawn from each of judo, karate and taekwondo athletic group (45 males and 45 females). They were tested for haemoglobin (HB), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum ion, total iron binding capacity, percent transferrin saturation, serum ferritin, creatine kinase (CK) and glycosylated haemoglobin status (GHS). The results of this study show that judo groups had higher MCV (86.14 ± 0.18%) and MCHC (28.64 ± 0.49%), while karate group has higher mean serum ion (115.74 ± 2.31 mg/dl), whereas the taekwondo group has a higher mean HB (15.42 ± 0.37 g/dl), mean HCT (45.88 ± 1.22%), total ion binding capacity (366.11 ± 7.84 mg/dl), serum ferritin (1.65 ± 0.05 mg/dl), CK (100.25 ± 2.86 U) and GHS (5.63 ± 0.28%). The results further revealed that male judo group had higher mean values for most of the haematological indices as was the case with male karate and taekwondo athletes. However, female judo group has higher MCV and MCHC while female taekwondo group had higher mean CK values compared with their male counterparts.
Measurement precision: it does matter where you take the skinfolds
Authors: Marfell-Jones Michael J , Hume Patria
Published: July 2011

Introduction

For an assessment to have value, it must measure the parameter of interest and be reliable enough to detect small differences. To minimise TEM differences between repeat skinfold measures, measurement sites and measurement techniques have been defined by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the significance of accurate skinfold measurement site location in order to confirm or relax the specific protocols that ISAK has defined.

Methods

Nine measurements, in a 1-cm grid pattern, centred on each of the eight ISAK-specified skinfold sites, were taken three times at each grid point by each of the two ISAK criteria (level 4) measurers using Harpenden skinfold callipers, on 12 healthy participants (11 males and 1 female; 27.1 ± 6.5 years; 177.3 ± 7.4 cm; 77.8 ± 12.7 kg).

Results

Skinfolds taken at the eight peripheral grid points were generally different (45 out of 64 = 70%) from the skinfolds taken at the central ISAK grid point. The effect was multidirectional. The subscapular was the most robust site in terms of least effect with deviation away from the central point. All other skinfold sites showed some variation with most care needed in marking the biceps and triceps sites.

Discussion/conclusion

Measuring 1 cm away from a defined ISAK site produced significant differences in the majority of skinfold measurement values obtained. No site was totally free from this variation. Therefore, adherence to identifying, marking and measuring at the defined site is essential.
Epidemiology of injury in professional cyclists
Authors: Bagherian Sajjad , Rahnama Nader
Published: July 2011

Bicycle-related injuries are a major concern in most of countries and head injuries is one of the unwanted results of bicycle use. The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of injuries in professional cyclists. Injury data over a period of a year (2009–2010) on 93 cyclists were retrospectively collected and analysed using χ2. In total, 117 injuries (1.2 injury per cyclist per year) were reported. The most common injury types were abrasions (63%) followed by contusions (23%) and strains (8%). Most of the injuries were located in the upper (47%) and lower extremities (47%). Knee (18%), wrist and palms (16%), shoulder and clavicle (16%), elbow (14%) and femur (14%) were the most common sites of injury. The number of collision injuries (92%) was significantly higher than that of non-collision injuries (8%) (p<0.05). Collision with other cyclists (39%) was the most important cause of bicycle injury (p<0.05) followed by sudden twist in front of other cyclists (13%), collision with obstacles in the road (11%) and loss of control or falls (9%). The number of minor injuries (92%) was significantly higher than that of moderate and severe injuries (p<0.05). The rate of injury was more than five times higher in competitions than in practices (85% vs 15%) (p<0.05). Injuries at the end of the race (50%) were more than at the initial or mid-race (p<0.05). Significantly more injuries were located in the right side of the body (71%) than the left side (p<0.05). The rate of injuries in normal road (91%) was more than those on uphill and downhill roads (p<0.05). It can be concluded that the rate of injury is 1.2 injuries per cyclist per year and abrasions and knee predominate even in these elite athletes.
Comparison of skill performance among tribal and non-tribal soccer players in relation to their motor fitness and anthropometric dimensions
Authors: Rout Pranakrishna , Nayak Ashok K
Published: July 2011

Present study has been aimed to find out the difference of soccer skill performance between tribal and non-tribal soccer players of Odisha state, with respect to their anthropometric dimensions and motor fitness. The study investigated tribal soccer players of mean age 15.54 years from sports club, sports hostels and schools of western region of the state of Orissa (tribal origin) only. It also included non-tribal soccer players mean age 15.54 year were selected as samples from urban area of western region of Odisha state. The groups of sample selected for investigation participated in competitions held at district level and above. An anthropometric measurement of eight items has been taken of all subjects to assess soccer skill performance. The established Cooper's JCR motor fitness was administered to each subject. After sufficient rest, Warner Soccer Skill Test items were also administered to each sample. The data obtained from the investigation were analysed statistically. The analysis yielded significant difference between the two groups of soccer players with respect to height and ankle circumference parameters. However non-tribal soccer players are significantly more heighted than the tribal soccer players. But tribal players are superior to non-tribal soccer player with respect to ankle circumstances. It is concluded that the skill performance of soccer players with good motor fitness and more ankle circumference would be better than the performance skill of the player with poor motor fitness and less ankle circumstances. There is little difference between tribal and non-tribal soccer player with respect to the soccer skill performance.
Comparison of anthropometric and physical variables among kho-kho and handball players of Andhra Pradesh School Games teams
Authors: Pilli Ramu
Published: July 2011

The purpose of the study was to compare the anthropometric and physical variables among kho-kho and hand ball players of Andhra Pradesh School Games teams. To achieve this purpose of the study, 40 male players of kho-kho and hand ball were selected as subjects from Andhra Pradesh State School Games teams. The players who were selected as subjects for the studies have participated at national level competition. The age of the subjects were ranged between 16 and 20 years. The following variables such as speed, endurance, explosive strength, muscular endurance, height, weight, sitting height, body fat and somatotype were selected as criterion variables. The analysis of ‘t’ ratio was used to analyse the significant differences if any between the groups. The level of significance was fixed at 0.05 level of confidence, which was considered to be appropriate. The result of the study shows that hand ball players were better in six variables such as explosive strength, muscular endurance, height, weight, body fat, somatotype, further the study indicates that kho-kho players were better in speed and endurance.
The speed comparison between the left and right side step with selected anthropometric measurements to total movement time in running to the side for use by volley ball female players of senior secondary schools of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Virender , Sharma Surinder Kumar
Published: July 2011

A study has been conducted on selected anthropometric variables of female volleyball players of senior secondary school level. The purpose of the study was the comparison between the left and right step with selected anthropometric measurements to total movement time in running to the side for use by the volleyball players. Sample consisted of selected 24 female senior secondary school level volleyball players. Selected anthropometric variables were used to secure the responses. These 22 variables included foot length, foot breadth, foot height, heel breadth, in step circumference, ankle height, ankle circumference, bowl of foot width, bowl of foot circumference, bowl circumference, buttock-knee distance, buttock-leg length, calf circumference, calf height, circumference of knee, knee height, knee height sitting, knee to knee width, leg length sitting, leg length without foot, length of lower leg and length of thigh. t Test was used to analyse the data and result shows that significant difference is recorded in the variables of heel breadth, ankle height and bowl height. The significant difference is recorded when comparison of speed of movement between left and right foot is made.
Anthropometric, body composition and somatotype differences of Iranian elite female basketball and handball players
Authors: Gholami Mandana , Rad Lila Sabbaghian
Published: July 2011

The aims of the present study were: (1) to determine the anthropometric profile, body composition and somatotype of female basketball (B) and handball (H) players, (2) to compare the mean scores among sports and (3) to detect possible differences in relation to competition level. A total of 28 female athletes, all members of the Iranian national teams, participated in the present study. Anthropometric measures required for the calculation of body composition indexes and somatotype components were obtained according to the established literature. Although B and H group had homogeneity in somatotype characteristics (p<0.05). There was a significant difference somatotype characteristics among B and H group (p<0.001). Somatotype characterised as meso-endomorph in B group (3.6, 3.5, 2.4) and H athletes' somatotype was meso-endomorph (3.6, 4.7, 1.7). There is no significant difference of body mass index, waist to hip ratio (WHR), fat weight, fat percent, fat free weight, WHR and stature, weight and triceps skinfold thickness among B and H group. Anthropometric and body composition variables of elite female basketball and handball players were same. But they had different somatotype characteristics. Selection criteria, hours of training and sport-specific physiological demands during the game could explain the observed differences.
Influence of long term physical activity on selected skinfold variables of national level male sports persons
Authors: Shaw Dhananjoy , Kaushik Seema
Published: July 2011

The aim of present investigation were: (1) to describe the selected skinfold variables of male students of University of Delhi that is, national level sports persons; and (2) to study the effect of long term physical training programme on selected skinfold variables of national level sports persons that is, male volunteers from University of Delhi. The sample size for the study was 90 having three groups of male (namely progressive load or intensive training, constant load or moderate training, no load or control sedentary group); each group having 30 samples (the mean age was 20.04 ± 0.49 years). The variables included skinfold measurements at biceps, triceps, forearm, subscapular, suprailiac, thigh and calf. Standard landmarks and measurement protocols were followed to measure the selected variables as described by various authors. Mean, SD and analysis of covariance were applied to test the variability of covariance as the effect of conditioning programme on selected groups (progressive load or intensive training, constant load or moderate training, no load or sedentary group); at different stages of testing that is, test-1, test-2, test-3, test-4 (intermittent stages of testing) in a longitudinal experimental paradigm of 18 weeks on selected variables of male. The paired t test comparison for mean difference was done as post-hoc analysis. The findings documents that the F-ratios were significant at 0.05 level, which were confirmed by post-hoc analysis at certain intersects of training stages and groups. The level of significance chosen for testing the hypothesis was 0.05. The study concluded that a long term physical activity had a positive effect on selected skinfold variables of national male sports persons that is, male volunteers from University of Delhi.
Anthropometric assessment of youth national championship basketball players in relation to playing position
Authors: Viswanathan J , Nageswara A S , Baskar S
Published: July 2011

Profiling can be a valuable means of identifying talent, strengths and weaknesses, assigning player positions and helping in the optimal design of training programmes. The objective of this study was to provide anthropometric profile of elite national basketball players. A squad of youth national championship basketball players (n = 44) provided informed consent to participate in this study. Using ISAK (International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry) accredited methods, a total of 22 measurements (sectioned as: skinfolds, girths, lengths and breadths) were made for each player. The procedure involved three measures at each site to calculate a mean value and an acceptable technical error margin. All data collection was performed by an ISAK level-2 accredited anthropometrist. Performance ability of the players were assessed by using FIBA Live Stat basketball software in terms of offensive and defensive rebounds, shots made versus missed, assist, steel and blocked. Significant differences were found between players playing positions for some anthropometric characteristics (height, weight, arm span, hip-waist ratio, percentage body fat) and strong correlations were noted between playing ability with anthropometrical variables as height, percentage of body fat and breadth measurements (r = 0.62–0.81; p < 0.01). The study shows that the centre players have superior values in all anthropometric parameters followed by forwards and then the guards. High successive shooting percentage was observed among the forward players followed by the centre players and then the guards.