bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of static stretching versus ballistic stretching on the flexibility of the hamstring muscles of athletes
Authors: Kumar C K Kishore , Chakrabarty Surajeet 
Published: July 2011

Background and objectivesHamstring tightness is present in almost all population of the world. Poor hamstring flexibility in often associated with injuries to the lower back and lower extremities in athletes. Improper training often results in diminished flexibility. Stretching has been promoted for years as an integral part of training programme to decrease the risk of injury. Static stretching and ballistic stretching both help in improving hamstring flexibility, which, in term increases range of motion of knee extension. So, the main objectives of this study are to evaluate a comparative effectiveness between static stretching and ballistic stretching in improvement of hamstring flexibility. This will help to find out the most effective type of stretching for improvement of hamstring flexibility in hamstring tight individuals.Methodology40 hamstring tight individuals of both the sexes between the age group of 20 and 40 years were randomly selected. Hamstring tightness was analysed by active knee extension test in the supine position with the help of standard double arm plastic goniometer.ResultThe result of this study has shown that there in a significant difference in both static stretching and ballistic stretching. After 6 weeks of stretching, the study showed that ballistic stretching is better than static stretching in improving hamstring flexibility, with the help of a paired t test with a p value ≤0.05 significance.Interpretation and conclusionThe study concluded that ballistic stretching is better than static stretching in improving hamstring flexibility in hamstring tight individual though it can not be generalised to the whole population.
Respiration biofeedback assisted controlled breathing training to enhance shooting performance
Authors: Solanky Anuradha S 
Published: July 2011

Good breathing patterns are those that meet our needs and provide optimal conditions for health and performance. Only when corrective breathing is restored, performance can be enhanced to optimal levels.PurposeThe present research was carried out to assist a national shooter who reported with hyperventilatory breathing patterns (averaging 22–23 breaths/min).Methods and materialsThe shooter (age 26 years) was preparing for an international competition. Breathing patterns were monitored using respiration biofeedback apparatus. Controlled breathing exercises were taught to him.ResultsThree weeks of respiration biofeedback training resulted in considerable decrease in respiration rate as well as jerky breathing patterns exhibited earlier. Following the training, he participated in an international competition where he reported that his performance showed considerable improvement.ConclusionsThe shooter reported to have been able to recover faster, prevent pre-competition anxiety and regulate concentration levels during competition. Corrective breathing patterns lead to enhanced performance levels.
A comparison of variant of echocardiography of heart in athlete and non-athletic teenagers
Authors: Hajighasemi Alireza 
Published: July 2011

Diameters of heart are influenced by age, gender, body surface area and exercise. Extreme volume load and extreme pressure load may cause hypertrophic changes on heart. The aim of this study was a comparison of the rate of changes in end systolic and diastolic diameter and end systolic and diastolic volume and interventricular septum and posterior wall thickness and stroke volume of left ventricle in athlete and non-athlete teenagers. Three groups (each 10 person, 15–17 years old) were included, and matched for weight and body surface area. The first group comprised middle-distance runner athletes, the second group, taekwondo player athletes and the third group, non-athlete controls. Diameters of heart were measured by M-mode and 2-D echocardiography with a single observer in a blinded fashion.ResultsThere were no significant differences in mean of end systolic diameter and posterior wall thickness of left ventricle in three groups, but other variables were significantly larger in middle-distance runner and taekwondo groups than the control group. The results of LSD test showed that mean of left ventricle end diastolic volume and interventricular septum thickness were significantly larger in middle-distance runners than taekwondo players.MeansVariantsMiddle-distance runnerTaekwondo playersNo athletesFpLVESD, mm29.56±3.8829.66±3.2027.51±2.750.8970.42LVEDD, mm50.46±3.2050.17±3.5245.51±3.445.350.012LVEDV, ml89.89±2.6679.11±4.8760.04±2.0516.970LVESV, ml38.70±1.9733.98±2.7027.27±1.366.0820.007SV, ml51.18±5.2645.12±9.2732.76±3.4916.250IVST, mm9.57±0.0248.86±0.0247.97±0.02410.380.001PWT, mm8.67±0.0458.74±0.0407.7±0.0261.440.25The stroke volume and volume of left ventricle of heart in anaerobic athlete teenagers with 3 years of background dynamic exercise, like taekwondo may increase as well as middle-distance runners. The results of present study are in agreement with the studies of Babet, Bary, Makan and Sanjay. Furthermore, dynamic exercise increases the thickness of walls of ventricle. This result is in accordance to Babet study.
The effect of fast and slow rhythm music on anaerobic performance and salivary cortisol in athlete males
Authors: Ghaderi Mohammad , Azarbayjani Mohammad Ali 
Published: July 2011

IntroductionMusic has been widely recommended as a technique to enhance the psychophysical state of participants in sport and exercise. However, there is scant scientific evidence in anaerobic performance to clarify its proposed benefits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of fast and slow rhythm music on anaerobic performance and salivary cortisol concentration in trained men.MethodsThirty male physical education college students (ages: 25.66±3.89 years, height: 176.65±7.66 cm, weight: 78.45±16.20 kg, body fat percent: 12.86±5.74 and VO2max: 38.36±9.19 ml/kg/min) voluntarily participated in this study and were divided into three groups: fast music, slow music and no music (control). All subjects performed the Cunningham test following a 20% grate and 14.3 km/h speed on the treadmill. For measuring cortisol, not stimulated samples of saliva collected, 15 min before intervention, immediately 5 and the other 30 min after the exercise. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThere was a no significant difference between the listening of music and anaerobic performance. In addition, salivary cortisol concentration decreased 5 and 30 min after exercise during slow music listening compared with fast and without music (control) treatment, but were not significant. Furthermore, the type of music has no impact on running time for the measure of anaerobic performance and salivary cortisol after exercise.DiscussionThis study provided some support for the hypothesis that fast and slow music listening had no significant impact compared without music during anaerobic exercise.
Evidence-based risk assessment and recommendations for exercise testing and physical activity clearance in apparently healthy individuals1This paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled Evidence-based risk assessment and recommendations for physical activity clearance, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Goodman Jack M. , Thomas Scott G. , Burr Jamie 
Published: July 2011

Increased physical activity (PA) is associated with improved health and quality of life in the general population. A dose–response effect is evident between increasing levels of PA participation and a lower relative risk for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. However, there is also clear evidence that PA acutely increases the risk of an adverse cardiovascular (CV) event and sudden cardiac death (SCD) significantly above levels expected at rest. Adverse CV events during PA may be triggered acutely by the physiological stress of exercise. This investigation will review the available literature describing the CV risks of exercise testing and PA participation in apparently healthy individuals. A systematic review of the literature was performed using electronic databases, including Medline, CINAHL, SPORT discus, EMBASE, Cochrane DSR, ACP Journal Club, and DARE; additional relevant articles were hand-picked and the final grouping was used for the review using the AGREE process to assess the impact and quality of the selected articles. Six hundred and sixteen relevant articles were reviewed with 51 being identified as describing adverse CV events during exercise and PA. Data suggests the risks of fatal and nonfatal events during maximal exercise testing in apparently healthy individuals rarely occur (approximately <0.8 per 10 000 tests or 1 per 10 000 h of testing). The incidence of adverse CV events is extremely low during PA of varying types and intensities, with data limited almost exclusively to fatal CV events, as nonfatal events are rarely reported. However, this risk is reduced by 25%–50% in those individuals who have prior experience with increased levels of PA, particularly vigorous PA. Throughout a wide age range, the risk of SCD and nonfatal events during PA remain extremely low (well below 0.01 per 10 000 participant hours), but both increasing age and PA intensity are associated with greater risk. In most cases of exercise-related SCD, undetected pre-existing disease is present and SCD is typically the first clinical event. The risks of an adverse CV event during exercise testing and PA are rare and are outweighed by the health benefits. Given this risk-benefit relationship, the PAR-Q is an appropriate method to identify those at higher risk across a wide age span and should be used in conjunction with appropriate clinical guidelines for guiding individuals towards graduated PA. There are not adequate data to describe the risks of PA in those individuals considered to be at higher risk but without cardiovascular disease.
Evidence-based risk assessment and recommendations for physical activity clearance: pregnancy1This paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled Evidence-based risk assessment and recommendations for physical activity clearance, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Charlesworth Sarah , Foulds Heather J.A. , Burr Jamie F. , Bredin Shannon S.D. 
Published: July 2011

Recommendations for physical activity during pregnancy have progressed significantly in the last 30 years and continue to evolve as an increasing body of scientific evidence becomes available. In addition, there is an increasing number of women who wish to either maintain physical fitness levels during the prenatal period or initiate exercise for a healthier lifestyle during pregnancy. As such, consistent evaluation of the risks associated with exercise during pregnancy is warranted for maternal and fetal well-being. The primary purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the scientific information available regarding maternal and fetal responses as it relates to the occurrence of adverse exercise-related events in pregnant women without contraindications to exercise. A systematic and evidence-based approach was used to analyze critically the level of evidence for risks associated with acute and chronic exercise during pregnancy in healthy pregnant women. All articles were screened according to standardized evaluation criteria developed by a panel of experts. A total of 74 investigations that involved 3766 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Of the 74 studies, only 35 studies documented the presence or absence of adverse events. The serious adverse event rate for these studies was 1.4 per 10 000 h of exercise. The adverse event rate increased to 6.8 per 10 000 h of exercise when including the occurrence of more mild events and exercise-related fetal bradycardia and tachycardia. Previously inactive or active women (without contraindications) are at a low risk for adverse fetal or maternal events if they participate in routine physical activity during pregnancy.
Chromogranin A Restricts Drug Penetration and Limits the Ability of NGR-TNF to Enhance Chemotherapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Dondossola Eleonora , Gasparri Anna Maria , Colombo Barbara , Sacchi Angelina , Curnis Flavio , Corti Angelo 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
NGR-TNF is a derivative of TNF-α that targets tumor blood vessels and enhances penetration of chemotherapeutic drugs. Because of this property, NGR-TNF is being tested in combination with chemotherapy in various phase II and III clinical trials. Here we report that chromogranin A (CgA), a protein present in variable amounts in the blood of normal subjects and cancer patients, inhibits the synergism of NGR-TNF with doxorubicin and melphalan in mouse models of lymphoma and melanoma. Pathophysiologically relevant levels of circulating CgA blocked NGR-TNF–induced drug penetration by enhancing endothelial barrier function and reducing drug extravasation in tumors. Mechanistic investigations done in endothelial cell monolayers in vitro showed that CgA inhibited phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase, disassembly of VE-cadherin–dependent adherence junctions, paracellular macromolecule transport, and NGR-TNF–induced drug permeability. In this system, the N-terminal fragment of CgA known as vasostatin-1 also inhibited drug penetration and NGR-TNF synergism. Together, our results suggest that increased levels of circulating CgA and its fragments, as it may occur in certain cancer patients with nonneuroendocrine tumors, may reduce drug delivery to tumor cells particularly as induced by NGR-TNF. Measuring CgA and its fragments may assist the selection of patients that can respond better to NGR-TNF/chemotherapy combinations in clinical trials. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5881–90. ©2011 AACR.
MK-1775, a Novel Wee1 Kinase Inhibitor, Radiosensitizes p53-Defective Human Tumor Cells
Authors: Bridges Kathleen A. , Hirai Hiroshi , Buser Carolyn A. , Brooks Colin , Liu Huifeng , Buchholz Thomas A. , Molkentine Jessica M. , Mason Kathryn A. , Meyn Raymond E. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Purpose: Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat a variety of solid tumors. However, improvements in the therapeutic ratio for several disease sites are sorely needed, leading us to assess molecularly targeted therapeutics as radiosensitizers. The aim of this study was to assess the wee1 kinase inhibitor, MK-1775, for its ability to radiosensitize human tumor cells.
Experimental Design: Human tumor cells derived from lung, breast, and prostate cancers were tested for radiosensitization by MK-1775 using clonogenic survival assays. Both p53 wild-type and p53-defective lines were included. The ability of MK-1775 to abrogate the radiation-induced G2 block, thereby allowing cells harboring DNA lesions to prematurely progress into mitosis, was determined using flow cytometry and detection of γ-H2AX foci. The in vivo efficacy of the combination of MK-1775 and radiation was assessed by tumor growth delay experiments using a human lung cancer cell line growing as a xenograft tumor in nude mice.
Results: Clonogenic survival analyses indicated that nanomolar concentrations of MK-1775 radiosensitized p53-defective human lung, breast, and prostate cancer cells but not similar lines with wild-type p53. Consistent with its ability to radiosensitize, MK-1775 abrogated the radiation-induced G2 block in p53-defective cells but not in p53 wild-type lines. MK-1775 also significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of radiation in vivo as shown in tumor growth delay studies, again for p53-defective tumors.
Conclusions: These results indicate that p53-defective human tumor cells are significantly radiosensitized by the potent and selective wee1 kinase inhibitor, MK-1775, in both the in vitro and in vivo settings. Taken together, our findings strongly support the clinical evaluation of MK-1775 in combination with radiation. Clin Cancer Res; 17(17); 5638–48. ©2011 AACR.
Interplay Between pVHL and mTORC1 Pathways in Clear-Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kucejova Blanka , Peña-Llopis Samuel , Yamasaki Toshinari , Sivanand Sharanya , Tran Tram Anh T. , Alexander Shane , Wolff Nicholas C. , Lotan Yair , Xie Xian-Jin , Kabbani Wareef , Kapur Payal , Brugarolas James 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) is implicated in cell growth control and is extensively regulated. We previously reported that in response to hypoxia, mTORC1 is inhibited by the protein regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1). REDD1 is upregulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1, and forced REDD1 expression is sufficient to inhibit mTORC1. REDD1-induced mTORC1 inhibition is dependent on a protein complex formed by the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)1 and 2 (TSC2) proteins. In clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene is frequently inactivated leading to constitutive activation of HIF-2 and/or HIF-1, which may be expected to upregulate REDD1 and inhibit mTORC1. However, mTORC1 is frequently activated in ccRCC, and mTORC1 inhibitors are effective against this tumor type; a paradox herein examined. REDD1 was upregulated in VHL-deficient ccRCC by in silico microarray analyses, as well as by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Vhl disruption in a mouse model was sufficient to induce Redd1. Using ccRCC-derived cell lines, we show that REDD1 upregulation in tumors is VHL dependent and that both HIF-1 and HIF-2 are, in a cell-type-dependent manner, recruited to, and essential for, REDD1 induction. Interestingly, whereas mTORC1 is responsive to REDD1 in some tumors, strategies have evolved in others, such as mutations disrupting TSC1, to subvert mTORC1 inhibition by REDD1. Sequencing analyses of 77 ccRCCs for mutations in TSC1, TSC2, and REDD1, using PTEN as a reference, implicate the TSC1 gene, and possibly REDD1, as tumor suppressors in sporadic ccRCC. Understanding how ccRCCs become refractory to REDD1-induced mTORC1 inhibition should shed light into the development of ccRCC and may aid in patient selection for molecular-targeted therapies. Mol Cancer Res; 9(9); 1255–65. ©2011 AACR.
FXIII-A Leu34 genetic variant in premature coronary artery disease: A genotype – phenotype case control study
Authors: Silvain Johanne , Pena Ana , Vignalou Jean-Baptiste , Hulot Jean-Sébastien , Galier Sophie , Cayla Guillaume , Bellemain-Appaix Anne , Barthélémy Olivier , Beygui Farzin , Bal-dit-Sollier Claire , Drouet Ludovic , Weisel John , Collet Jean-Phillippe , Montalescot Gilles 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThe FXIII-A Leu34 genetic variant increases and accelerates fibrin stabilisation; however, its association with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and thrombotic events remains controversial. FXIII Val34Leu genotype was determined in 242 young individuals (<45 years old) who survived a myocardial infarction (MI) and 242 healthy controls matched for age and gender. We evaluated its effect on longterm clinical outcome defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, recurrent MI and urgent revascularisation. In addition, fibrin clot stiffness (elastic modulus or EM) and response to rt-PA-mediated fibrinolysis (fibrinolysis rate) were measured ex vivo using the Hemodyne analyser and confocal microscopy as surrogate endpoint. FXIII-A Leu34 genetic variant was not associated with premature CAD (adj. odds ratio 0.83 [0.49–1.4]) nor did it influence clinical outcome in patients, during a median follow-up of 6.3 (± 2.4) years. Patients produced stiffer fibrin clots (median [IQR] EM =20.3 [14.9–28.1] vs. 12.8 [9.6–17.1] kdynes/ cm2; p<0.0001) and displayed reduced response to fibrinolysis with lower fibrinolysis rate (6.7 [3.4–11.0] vs. 9.0 [5.0–16.7] sec-1x10−4; p<0.0001) than healthy controls. Carriage of factor XIII-A Leu34 led to a stepwise decrease in fibrinolysis rate with a significant gene–dose-effect in patients (7.7 [4.1–12.2] vs. 4.8 [3.0–8.5] vs. 4.3 [2.4–8.1] sec-1x10−4, for wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous, p for trend =0.003) and a non-significant trend in controls (p=0.01). In conclusion, FXIII-A Leu34 is a polymorphism which provides a strong resistance to fibrinolysis with a gene-dose effect, but does not relate to premature CAD or to recurrent coronary events in this study.
Malignant transformation in melanocytes is associated with increased production of procoagulant microvesicles
Authors: Lima Luize , Oliveira Andreia , Campos Luiza , Bonamino Martin , Chammas Roger , Werneck Claudio , Vicente Cristina , Barcinski Marcello , Petersen Lars , Monteiro Robson 
Published: July 2011

SummaryShedding of microvesicles (MVs) by cancer cells is implicated in a variety of biological effects, including the establishment of cancer-associated hypercoagulable states. However, the mechanisms underlying malignant transformation and the acquisition of procoagulant properties by tumour-derived MVs are poorly understood. Here we investigated the procoagulant and prothrombotic properties of MVs produced by a melanocyte-derived cell line (melan-a) as compared to its tumourigenic melanoma counterpart Tm1. Tumour cells exhibit a two-fold higher rate of MVs production as compared to melan-a. Melanoma MVs display greater procoagulant activity and elevated levels of the clotting initiator protein tissue factor (TF). On the other hand, tumour- and melanocyte- derived MVs expose similar levels of the procoagulant lipid phosphatidylserine, displaying identical abilities to support thrombin generation by the prothrombinase complex. By using an arterial thrombosis model, we observed that melanoma- but not melanocyte-derived MVs strongly accelerate thrombus formation in a TF-dependent manner, and accumulate at the site of vascular injury. Analysis of plasma obtained from melanoma-bearing mice showed the presence of MVs with a similar procoagulant pattern as compared to Tm1 MVs produced in vitro. Remarkably, flow-cytometric analysis demonstrated that 60% of ex vivo MVs are TF-positive and carry the melanoma-associated antigen, demonstrating its tumour origin. Altogether our data suggest that malignant transformation in melanocytes increases the production of procoagulant MVs, which may contribute for a variety of coagulation- related protumoural responses.