bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with diabetic retinopathy in middle-aged Indians with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dutta Pramita , Ghosh Sambuddha , Dasgupta Anindya , Majumder Swati 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
There are conflicting reports regarding the association of angiotensin 1 converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism with diabetic retinopathy (DR). We compared ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism between patients with and without DR in a middle-aged Indian population. The secondary outcome measure was the comparison of ACE gene I/D polymorphism in different grades of DR severity.

Methods
Institutional cross-sectional case-control study with middle-aged (45–64 years) type 2 diabetes patients from Eastern India with DR (DR group) and without DR (NODR group). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the ACE gene I/D polymorphism through primers flanking the polymorphic region of 287 bp Alu repeat sequence in intron 16.

Results
Genotyping for the ACE gene I/D polymorphisms were done for 107 patients in each group. The presence of DR had no significant association with the prevalence of ACE I/D genotype compared to those without DR either in the recessive model (p=0.588) or in the dominant model (p=0.891). The allele contrast was also similar between DR and NODR (p=0.837) groups. The severity of retinopathy was associated with the ACE I/D genotype in the recessive model (p=0.043) but not in the dominant model (p=0.136). However, the severity of retinopathy was associated with allele contrast (p=0.016).

Conclusions
The ACE gene polymorphism was not associated with diabetic retinopathy in middle-aged Indian patients with type 2 diabetes in our study. However, the severity of DR was associated with the ACE gene polymorphism in these patients.
Materials of garden dormouse summer nests in Germany
Authors: Lang Johannes , Kneisel Raissalyn M.E. , Büchner Sven 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Nesting is a central topic in the behavioural ecology of many species, but data on the materials used to construct mammal nests are rarely reported. This paper describes the most commonly used components from 25 summer nests of the garden dormouse, a small threatened rodent endemic to Europe. Median nest dry weight of 25 nests was 15.5 g (10.3–21.1 g) and moss was the most common material (78 %), followed by leaves (9 %). Mosses were also the most frequently used material, with Hypnum cupressiforme being the most frequently used taxon in 11 out of 25 nests.
Linear and nonlinear optical studies on successfully mixed vanadium oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by sol–gel technique
Authors: Moustafa Samar , Ali Atif Mossad , Shawaf Jawaher , Al dirham Sharah H. , Alqhtani Norah , Al-Ghamdi Salah A. , Helali Saloua , Fares Hesham , Rashad Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this study, V2O5, 5ZnO/10V2O5, and ZnO, 10ZnO/10V2O5 nanocomposites were synthesized by the sol–gel method. The sol–gel technique is an important process for the fabrication of advanced oxide materials with desirable catalytic, optical, and structural properties. The varieties and flexibilities of sol–gel techniques help in preparing materials with extremely specific properties. For the presented samples, three types of phases were assessed. The average crystalline size of V2O5, 5ZnO/10V2O5 and ZnO, 10ZnO/10V2O5 nanocomposites were found to be 25, 26, 14.5, and 15.5 nm, respectively. SEM images showed three different shapes of semi-tube, semi-spherical, and semi-flower. The pure samples of V2O5 and ZnO showed semi-tube shapes. 5ZnO/10V2O5 shows a spherical shape with average dimeter of 0.6 µm. Strong dependence of the direct optical band gap was observed on different compositions that varied within the range of (2.33–2.73 eV). Conversely, the indirect values varied within the range of 2.119–2.35 eV. On the other hand, 10ZnO/10V2O5 has semi flower shape with different layers. Optical parameters, such as optical band gap, extension coefficient, tails of localized states, and refractive index, were gauged for these nanocomposites. In addition, the mean refractive index of ZnO is lower than that of V2O5, with differences observed between 5ZnO/10V2O5 and 10ZnO/10V2O5 nanocomposites.
Experimental study on municipal solid waste incineration ash micro-powder as concrete admixture
Authors: Hanghang Li , Dongsheng Shi , Hao Li , Dongdong Ren 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
To improve the utilization rate of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) ash and achieve resource recycling, this article conducted research on grinding MSWI ash into fine powder for use as a concrete admixture. Initially, the physical and chemical properties of the MSWI ash micro-powder were tested. Subsequently, different amounts of MSWI ash powder concrete were prepared. The macro and micro properties of the concrete were then tested. Finally, a life cycle assessment was utilized to evaluate and compare ordinary concrete with MSWI ash micro-powder concrete. The results indicate that the chemical composition of the MSWI ash micro-powder is similar to that of cement clinker. It exhibits potential hydraulicity and a slow hydration reaction, making it an active admixture suitable for concrete raw materials. With the increasing proportion of MSWI ash micro-powder, the rate of hydration reaction in concrete slows down, resulting in decreased mechanical properties. The microhardness value of the hardened cement paste in MSWI ash micro-powder concrete is lower than that of ordinary concrete. Moreover, the addition of MSWI ash micro-powder helps mitigate the environmental impact of concrete in terms of non-biological energy loss and CO2 emissions.
Independent mobility and physical activity among children residing in an ultra-dense metropolis
Authors: Huang Wendy Y. , Feng Jie , Wong Stephen H. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Independent mobility (IM), which is defined as the freedom of children moving without adult supervision, has been found to be positively associated with physical activity (PA). This study explored IM by sociodemographic factors and type of neighborhoods and its association with PA among children in Hong Kong.

Methods
A convenience sample of 330 children aged 8–12 years and their parents was recruited. The children wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for eight consecutive days to measure PA and sedentary time (ST). Parents reported parents’ license and children self-reported their actual mobility. Generalized estimating equations were conducted to examine the associations of IM with sociodemographics (e.g., children’s age, sex, body weight status, parents’ age, sex, maternal education) and type of neighborhood. Linear mixed models were performed to determine the associations of IM with PA and ST.

Results
Valid data from 296 children (8.8±0.6 years old, 42.2 % boys) were included in analysis. Children residing in sprawl and rural areas had greater parents’ license and actual mobility than those in urban areas. Greater parents’ license was associated with more moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) on weekend days (β=1.33, 95% CI: 0.15–2.51), while children’s actual mobility was positively associated with MVPA on weekdays (β=1.14, 95% CI: 0.10–2.18).

Conclusions
In densely populated metropolis, children living in highly urbanized areas with higher SES experienced reduced parental license and actual mobility compared to their peers in less affluent neighborhoods, irrespective of the level of urbanization.
Kinetics and Kinematics of the Push Press, Push Jerk, and Split Jerk
Authors: Soriano Marcos A. , Jiménez-Ormeño Ester , Lake Jason P. , McMahon John J. , Gallo-Salazar César , Mundy Peter , Comfort Paul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Soriano, MA, Jiménez-Ormeño, E, Lake, JP, McMahon, JJ, Gallo-Salazar, C, Mundy, P, and Comfort, P. Kinetics and kinematics of the push press, push jerk, and split jerk. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1359–1365, 2024—The aim of this study was to explore the kinetics and kinematics across incremental loads with the push press (PP), push jerk (PJ), and split jerk (SJ). Eighteen resistance-trained men performed the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests (visit 1) 3–7 days before an incremental loading protocol (60, 75, and 90% 1RM) of the 3 exercises (visit 2). Kinetics and kinematics were derived from force-time data and compared using a repeated-measures analysis of variance with load and exercise as within-subject factors. Dependent variables for the biomechanics assessment were categorized as output (power and impulse), driver (force and work), and strategy (displacement and duration) metrics. The interrepetition reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation. The PP, PJ, and SJ 1RM performance were 89.7 ± 15.4, 95.6 ± 14.4, and 103.0 ± 16.9 kg, respectively. Driver, strategy, and outcome metrics displayed moderate-to-excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.58–0.98) reliability with acceptable variability (% coefficient of variation: 2.02–10.00). Increased load resulted in significantly large increases in force, work, displacement, duration, power, and impulse (p < 0.001,

= 0.534–0.903). Exercise selection had a significant and large effect on power, impulse, work, and force (p < 0.016,

= 0.387–0.534). There was a significant and large effect of load × exercise interaction on work, displacement, and duration (p < 0.019,

= 0.158–0.220). Practitioners are encouraged to use heavier loads (90 > 75 > 60% 1RM) during the SJ exercise to maximize output, driver, and strategy kinetics and kinematics.
High-Speed Efforts of Elite Association Football Referees in National and International Matches
Authors: Amatori Stefano , Helsen Werner F. , Baldari Carlo , Serra Tommaso , Belli Annalisa , Guidetti Laura , Rocchi Marco B. L. , Sisti Davide , Perroni Fabrizio 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Amatori, S, Helsen, WF, Baldari, C, Serra, T, Belli, A, Guidetti, L, Rocchi, MBL, Sisti, D, and Perroni, F. High-speed efforts of elite association football referees in national and international matches. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e417–e422, 2024—Field referees (FRs) need to move throughout the pitch to identify any infringements of the game's laws. Their performance depends on technical, tactical, physical, physiological, and mental factors. This retrospective study aimed to examine and assess the physical and physiological parameters as a function of time in elite association football referees during official matches. Global positioning system (match time, distance in different intensity ranges [low-intensity, high-speed, very high-speed running, and sprinting], average and peak speed, distance in accelerations or decelerations) and heart rate (average and peak) data from 212 national and international football matches were analyzed. A linear mixed-model analysis was performed to assess the differences between halves and between the three 15-minute sections of each half-time for all the physical and physiological variables collected. A significant effect of match half was found for the game time (p < 0.001) and the standing time (p = 0.005), both higher in the second half, and for the average speed (p = 0.017), which was lower in the second half. Total distance (p < 0.001), low-intensity distance (p = 0.004), and average speed (p = 0.007) all showed a reduction as a function of time. More than 7.800 high-speed intervals were detected. Accelerative actions within 3 seconds characterized most of the high-speed efforts of an FR during a match. Significant differences emerged in the way the match intensity is distributed across the match, analyzed both in halves (first vs. second) and 15-minute intervals within each half. It is important to emphasize the importance of high-speed training with a focus on a faster transition from low- to high-speed running to keep up with the play to get into an appropriate position and subsequently make the correct decisions.
What About Water? Implications for Body Composition Assessment in Military Personnel
Authors: Sergi Tina E. , Roberts Brandon M. , Heileson Jeffery L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Sergi, TE, Roberts, BM, and Heileson, JL. What About Water? Implications for Body Composition Assessment in Military Personnel. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e534–e540, 2024—Body composition standards ensure service members maintain physical fitness, wellness, and support mission readiness. Anthropometric techniques (i.e., height/mass, circumference-based “tape test”) have been the primary screening and percent body fat (%BF) assessment method in military personnel for about 4 decades. Recently, the Army and Marine Corps have implemented more advanced body composition assessment methods, such as air displacement plethysmography (ADP), multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA), and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), to serve as supplemental %BF assessment after failing the tape test. Although supplemental assessments are intended to improve on the accuracy and precision of the tape test, preassessment standardization, specifically regarding acute water ingestion (AWI), is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this narrative review was to (a) summarize the available literature regarding the influence of AWI on body composition estimates derived from ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA and (b) provide evidence-based recommendations for researchers and practitioners. Studies indicate that AWI increases %BF estimates with ADP (4 of 6 [4/6] observations) and MF-BIA (6/7), whereas AWI increases muscle mass (6/6) and likely decreases %BF (2/3) when obtained by DXA. In conclusion, ADP, MF-BIA, and DXA are susceptible to confounding from AWI, leading to inaccurate body composition estimates that may negatively affect the careers of military personnel. Based on the findings from this narrative review, military practitioners and researchers should (a) follow manufacturer guidelines for calorie intake [food and fluid] and exercise avoidance, (b) conduct urine-specific gravity testing [if possible], and (c) limit AWI to <250 ml before assessment.
Seasonal Muscular Power Changes: Considerations of Concurrent Resistance and Field-Based Training in Professional Rugby League
Authors: Redman Kellyanne J. , Wade Logan , Whitley Ryan , Connick Mark J. , Kelly Vincent G. , Beckman Emma M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Redman, KJ, Wade, L, Whitley, R, Connick, MJ, Kelly, VG, and Beckman, EM. Seasonal muscular power changes: considerations of concurrent resistance and field-based training in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1620–1626, 2024—A rugby league player's ability to develop or maintain lower-body power will be significantly influenced by the resistance and field-based training loads completed. This study aimed to examine the power changes across a rugby league season and to investigate the relationship of concurrent training and training experience on power changes. Eighteen rugby league players participated in this study. Lower-body power was evaluated using a countermovement jump throughout the season. Four measures of external training loads were collected. A Friedman's test was used to assess differences in power throughout different phases of the season. A series of Spearman's rank-order correlations were conducted to assess the relationship between percentage changes in power during the training block, external training loads, and training experience. Countermovement jump peak velocity significantly decreased from the start (p = 0.006) and end of pre-season (p = 0.022) to the late competition. Correlation analysis revealed a large significant association between early competition field-based external loads (relative (r
s = −0.571) and total distance (r
s = −0.628)) and change in peak power. Very large significant negative relationships were also observed between mid-competition volume load with change in peak force (r
s = −0.825) and peak power (r
s = −0.736). Training experience was not significantly associated with changes in muscular power variables throughout this study. Coaches should seek to monitor changes in peak power when competition begins and to assist with decision-making for potential adjustments to running volume and intensity during field-based sessions.
The Relationship Between Motor Competence and Landing Error Scoring System Performance in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Duncan Michael J. , Heering Theresa , Tallis Jason , Guimaraes-Ferreira Lucas , Martins Ricardo , Crotti Matteo , Barnett Lisa , Lander Natalie , Lyons Mark 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Duncan, MJ, Heering, T, Tallis, J, Guimaraes-Ferreira, L, Martins, R, Crotti, M, Barnett, L, Lander, N, and Lyons, M. The relationship between motor competence and landing error scoring system performance in youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): e496–e502, 2024—This study examined the relationship between motor competence (MC) and Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) performance in a sample of male junior grassroots footballers aged 10–13 years. Ninety-eight boys aged 10–13 years (mean ± SD = 11.7 ± 1 years) undertook assessment of MC, using the Test of Gross Motor Development (third edition) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk using the LESS. Height and mass were assessed from which maturity status was predicted. Multiple backward linear regressions indicated a significant model (p = 0.001), which explained 49% of the variance in LESS scores. Locomotor MC (β = −0.538, p = 0.001), object control MC (β = −0.261, p = 0.004), and age (β = 1.17, p = 0.03) significantly contributed to the model. Maturity offset (p = 0.100) was not significant. Analysis of covariance (controlling for age and maturity offset) indicated a significant difference in locomotor MC between those classified as poor for LESS. A similar result was observed for object control MC (p = 0.003,

= 0.09), where those classed as poor for LESS had significantly poorer object control MC compared with those classed as excellent, good, and moderate. The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between both locomotor and object control MC and errors in drop jump landing mechanics in boys aged 10–13 years, with MC explaining nearly 50% of the variance in LESS scores. Practically, this study indicates that MC, particularly locomotor MC, has potential to identify performance in jump landing tests that are associated with increased risk of ACL injury in boys who play grassroots soccer.
Brain Endurance Training Improves and Maintains Chest Press and Squat Jump Performance When Fatigued
Authors: Díaz-García Jesús , López-Gajardo Miguel Ángel , Parraca José Alberto , Batalha Nunho , López-Rodríguez Rubén , Ring Christopher 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Díaz-García, J, López-Gajardo, MÁ, Parraca, JA, Batalla, N, López-Rodríguez, R, and Ring, C. Brain endurance training improves and maintains chest press and squat jump performance when fatigued. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1568–1575, 2024—Mental fatigue can impair resistance exercise performance. Brain endurance training (BET)—the addition of demanding cognitive tasks to standard exercise training—improves endurance exercise performance more than standard training. Although BET has yet to be evaluated with resistance exercise, it is expected to improve performance, particularly when the performer feels mentally fatigued. The study employed a pretest (week 0), midtest (week 3), posttest (week 6), and follow-up (week 9) design, with subjects randomized to BET (n = 46) or control (exercise training) (n = 45) groups. In testing sessions, subjects performed chest press and squat jump exercises to failure before (feeling fresh) and after (feeling tired) a 30-minute cognitively demanding Stroop task. Training comprised 5 BET or control training sessions per week for 6 weeks. In each training session, subjects completed 4 sets of each exercise to failure, with each exercise set preceded by a 3-minute cognitive task (BET) or rest (control). Exercise performance (number of repetitions to failure) and mental fatigue markers were assessed. In pretesting, exercise performance did not differ between the groups. In midtesting and posttesting, BET performed more chest press and squat jump repetitions when fatigued by the 30-minute Stroop than control. The mental fatigue elicited by the Stroop task gradually declined with training in BET compared with control. In conclusion, BET enhanced resistance exercise performance compared with standard training when tested subsequent to a mentally fatiguing cognitive task. These benefits were maintained weeks after training ended. Brain endurance training is an effective method to mitigate the deleterious effects of mental fatigue on resistance exercise performance.
Predicting 1 Repetition Maximum Squat With Peak Force Obtained From Isometric Squat at Multiple Positions
Authors: Tan Wei Zhi Nicholas , Lum Danny 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Tan, WZN and Lum, D. Predicting 1 repetition maximum squat with peak force obtained from isometric squat at multiple positions. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1543–1550, 2024—This study investigated whether the use of peak force (PF) obtained from multiple joint positions during isometric squat (IsoSqt) can predict of 1-repetition maximum (1RM) squat with high precision. Twenty-nine male and female resistance-trained athletes (age = 23.0 ± 3.7 years, height = 1.57 ± 0.06 m, body mass = 56.6 ± 9.1 kg, 1RM squat = 104.6 ± 24.2) performed the 1RM squat, and IsoSqt at 60°, 90°, and 120° knee angles on 3 separate occasions. Peak force obtained from IsoSqt at all positions significantly correlated with 1RM squat (r = 0.684–0.940, p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis based on group data showed r
2 = 0.903, based on male data only, r
2 = 0.826, and based on female data only, r
2 = 0.855. Predicted 1RM squat using linear regression equations based on group, male-only, and female-only data showed nonsignificant differences of 0.02–0.6% from actual 1RM squat (p = 0.812–0.947, 95% CI = −8.00 to 10.08), with error of estimate of 1.5–2.3%. In addition, Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean bias of −1.04 to 0.35 kg, 95% CI = −10.08 to 8.00 kg. The results showed that using PF obtained from IsoSqt at multiple positions was able to predict 1RM squat with low difference from actual 1RM squat. Furthermore, using linear regression equation derived from gender-specific data was able to predict 1RM squat with higher precision than that based on group data.