bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of training on fatigue and twitch potentiationin human skeletal muscle
Authors: Rassier Dilson , Herzog Walter 
Published: December 2005

Twitch postactivation potentiation (PAP) in skeletal muscle is a well recognized and accepted phenomenon. However, the mechanisms responsible for potentiation are not understood in detail, and the possible role of potentiation in normal human movement has remained unclear. It is known that potentiation is increased in fatigued compared to rested muscle. We hypothesized that if fatigue and potentiation were directly linked, a training program should increase PAP and reduce fatigue in parallel. Six subjects underwent a muscle stimulation protocol in which twitch contractions were elicited in the knee extensor muscles before and after a 10‐s maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) to detect the degree of PAP. This was done before and after subjects underwent a protocol designated to induce low‐frequency fatigue (knee extensions at 180 · s −1, organized in three repetitions of 60‐s bouts, separated by 3 min). This whole protocol was done before and after a 4‐week period of isokinetic training, consisting of two sets (5‐min interval) of 10 single MVCs (10‐s intervals), at 90° · s −1. In non‐fatigued muscles, PAP was greater after training (51.2 ± 4.8%) than before training (44.4 ± 2.4%). In fatigued muscles, PAP was similar before and after training (59.9 ± 2.8% and 60.2 ± 2.6%, respectively). Low‐frequency fatigue was observed before training, as twitch force decreased to 66.8 ± 3.1% of the pre‐fatigue value. After the training period, low‐frequency fatigue was attenuated, as force decreased only to 81.8 ± 2.6% of the pre‐fatigue value. Therefore, it appears that training decreases low‐frequency fatigue and increases PAP. Therefore, the hypothesis that potentiation is partially linked to fatigue in voluntary contracting human skeletal muscles was confirmed.
Cardiovascular response during low‐intensity step‐aerobic dance in middle‐aged subjects
Authors: Forte Roberta , De Vito Giuseppe , Murphy Niamh , Boreham Colin 
Published: December 2005

This study examined the cardiovascular response to low‐impact step‐aerobic dance in older subjects and the appropriateness of low‐intensity step‐aerobic exercise for cardiorespiratory fitness improvement in this age group. For this purpose, 6 women and 4 men, aged 57.3±5.8 and 60.7±3.1 (mean±SD) years, respectively, were recruited. Oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2), pulmonary ventilation ([Vdot]E), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate were measured directly on each subject during a submaximal treadmill test (85% of age predicted maximal HR) and step‐aerobic classes. [Vdot]O2max was predicted by extrapolation using the HR and [Vdot]O2 values measured in the submaximal treadmill test. Results showed no significant differences between women and men on any of the variables with the exception of body fat and stature (p<.05). BMI (kg · m2)and body fat (%) values were 27.2±3.8, 25.8±1.9, and 33.4±5, 19.2±4.1 in females and males, respectively. [Vdot]O2max for the group was 34.1±5.3 · kg −1 · min −1. Mean [Vdot]O2 and HR during the aerobic phase of the step class were 20.7±3 ml · kg −1 · min −1 (61±7.5% of [Vdot]O2max) and 131±11 beats · min −1 (81±6.2% of HRmax) and mean blood lactate values at the end of the same phase were 2.14±0.7 mMol · L−1. Results showed that the intensity of the examined exercise was within the recommended ranges for cardiorespiratory fitness improvement of 55–90% of HRmax or 50–85% of [Vdot]O 2max(1).
Motivational climate and attitudes towards exercise in Greek senior high school: A year‐long intervention
Authors: Christodoulidis Triantafylos , Papaioannou Athanasios , Digelidis Nikolaos 
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this study was the application of a year‐long intervention program, in typical Greek physical education school classes, which aimed to change motivational climate, goal orientations, motivation, and students' attitudes toward exercise and nutrition. Participants in the intervention program included 105 Grade‐10 students, and 529 students of the same age took part as a control grou|pImmediately after the intervention, students in the experimental group compared to the control group: (a) had more positive attitudes toward exercise, participation in sports, and eating fruit; (b) perceived the motivational climate of the class as more task involving and less ego involving; and (c) spent more time exercising per session. The small significant effects that disappeared 10 months after the intervention imply that further theory development and interventions are needed.
History of sports medicine in germany with special reference to the university of Freiburg
Authors: Berg Aloys , König Daniel 
Published: December 2005

The combination of social, cultural, and scientific settings in Germany formed the basis for a fruitful development in the field of sports medicine and exercise physiology. From the beginning of the 19th century, more and more people were attracted by the joy of movement and the postulated health benefits of physical activity. This was paralleled by an increasing scientific effort to explore the physiological, metabolic, and anatomical response of the human body towards physical activity. In the early 20th century the first scientific congresses of sports medicine took place, and an increasing number of federations dedicated to sports medicine were established. The German Academy for Physical Exercise, founded in 1920 in Berlin, served as a model for other sports medical centers in Germany. This review will briefly summarize the development of the sports medical institute at the University of Freiburg in the context of the historic background of sports medicine in Germany.
Physical activity, body mass index, lipid lowering agents, and LDL cholesterol levels in secondary prevention of CHD
Authors: König Daniel , Müller H.M , Schmidt‐trucksaess A , Berg Aloys 
Published: December 2005

According to national and international guidelines, the target serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL‐C) level in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease is < 100 mg/dl. The EUROASPIRE‐II study has clearly shown that this goal is far from being achieved in daily practice. The aim of the present study was to look at the distribution of LDL‐C in 661 patients with CHD participating in outpatient exercise groups for cardiac rehabilitation. Although this preselection should have resulted in a sample of relatively well‐guided and informed patients, 67% (58% with lipid‐lowering drugs [LLD] and 78% without LLD) did not show the target LDL‐C < 100 mg/dl. In a subgroup analysis, we investigated the influence of items such as physical activity (PA), BMI, and dosage of LLD on LDL‐C. As expected, patients taking high doses of LLD (equivalent to 20 mg atorvastatin) showed lower levels of LDL‐C as well as those exhibiting a higher degree of PA (3 times PA/w) and a lower BMI (<27). Nevertheless, each factor alone was not sufficient to achieve a mean LDL‐C level beyond 100 mg/dl. Only in patients showing the combination of all three factors was mean LDL‐C lower than 100 mg/dl (94 mg/dl). These results demonstrate that the target level for LDL‐C is not attained by the majority of patients participating in outpatient exercise rehabilitation groups and that a multifaceted approach, including adequate drug therapy as well as lifestyle interventions, is necessary to achieve the desired LDL‐C level.
Freiburger intervention trial for obese children (FITOC): Outpatient therapy of pediatric obesity
Authors: Korsten‐reck Ulrike , Wolfarth Bernd , Bonk Monika , Berg Aloys 
Published: December 2005

FITOC is an interdisciplinary treatment program for obese children that has been established in Freiburg since 1987. Obese kids, ages 8–11, are treated in an 8‐month intensive period and a follow‐up period of 4 months or more. Since 1990, data from 283 kids in 15 treatment groups (about 2 groups per year) have been collected and analyzed. The program consists of regular physical training (3 times a week), and comprehensive nutrition and behavior training (overall 7 parents evenings every 4 to 6 weeks and 7 cookery courses for the kids in the same timescale). The parents evenings are filled with theoretical and practical information about nutrition as well as background information about the psychological and physiological problems of obese children. In the first examination and the regular control examinations, anthropometric, biochemical, and exercise physiology data are investigated. In addition, questionnaires on nutrition and behavior are filled out on a regular basis. At each examination, depending on the progress in therapy, a new orientation with adapted goals is discussed with the child and the parents. For the growing kids, moderate reduction or long‐term stabilization of weight will lead to success. The teaching goal for the children in the intensive period is to control themselves and, depending on their specific situation, to establish individual recommendations on a long‐term basis. The sports program should lead to an increase in self‐esteem and an increase in daily energy expenditure. The team includes a physician, a nutritionist, a psychologist, and a sports teacher. Since 1997, the program has spread to institutions in the Freiburg area. Training for the external teams is done by continuous seminars. Teaching material includes a manual, forms, and transparencies. The major goal is to secure quality by continuous training and close interaction between the institutions. Till now, the program has been performed by a couple of multiplication groups in different regions of Germany. First data analysis showed that the out‐patient program is transferable, and comparable results are reachable after a standardized training course for participating therapists. The plan for 2000 and 2001 is to increase the number of centers involved to a total of 20 over all of Germany.
Testing the mediating role of physical acceptance in the relationship between physical activity and self‐esteem: An empirical study with Danish public servants
Authors: Thøgersen Cecilie , Fox Kenneth , Ntoumanis Nikos 
Published: December 2005

This study examined the mediating role of physical acceptance in the relationship between physical activity and self‐esteem among a sample of Danish public servants. Participants were 148 males and 239 females representing a variety of age groups (the largest group was the 51–55 year olds: n = 88). Questionnaires were administered to measure physical activity, self‐esteem, and physical acceptance. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was carried out to examine the mediating effect of physical acceptance. Following the steps suggested by Kenny (20) to establish mediation, the study found support for a mediating effect of physical acceptance. Furthermore, a MANOVA test revealed that the most physically active participants were significantly more physically satisfied than 3 other less physically active groups. The results suggest that physical acceptance should be taken into consideration when examining the mechanisms by which physical activity may improve mental health and well‐being.
Reliability of the physical activity scale for the elderly (PASE)
Authors: Loland Nina 
Published: December 2005

Purpose: This article examines the reliability of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) in a representative sample of Norwegian women and men. PASE is a brief and easily scored instrument to assess physical activity in epidemiological studies of persons age 65 years and older. Methods: A random sample (N = 343) of Norwegian women and men aged 67 years and over completed PASE. In addition, demographic information and health status was provided. Results: The mean PASE scores were higher in men than in women (men were more active than women), and higher in those aged 67–75 years compared with those aged 76 years and older. Internal consistency of PASE as measured by Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.73. Three hundred and twenty‐seven subjects also completed follow‐up questionnaires 3 days and 3 weeks later. The test‐retest coefficient (Pearson's) reliability was 0.997 for the 3‐day interval and 0.933 for the 3‐week interval. Conclusion: The results show that PASE is an easily scored, reliable instrument for use in epidemiological studies to assess physical activity among Norwegian elderly men and women.
High doses of the anabolic steroid metandienone found in dietary supplements
Authors: Geyer Hans , Bredehöft Michael , Mareck Ute , Parr Maria , Schänzer Wilhelm 
Published: December 2005

Three nutritional supplements with “1‐T matrix” were purchased by telephone order. The supplier of these supplements is a company from the UK, and the manufacturer is from the U.S. Aliquots of 1 g each were analyzed with gas chromatography / mass spectrometry and high pressure liquid chromatography with UV detector. In all supplements analyzed were found the anabolic‐andro‐genic steroid metandienone. Metandienone, only available by prescription, was not declared on the labels. The concentrations of metandienone were 17.30 mg/g, 0.41 mg/g, and 0.96 mg/g for supplements 1, 2, and 3. In supplement 1, the concentrations of metandienone varied from capsule to capsule. Maximum concentrations of metandienone of 28.9 mg/g were detected. In addition to enormous health risks, the use of the analyzed supplements can lead to positive doping results for metandienone. The results of this study show that it is of major importance to improve the surveillance of the production and trade of dietary supplements. The first step should be a warning to be issued to consumers and the withdrawal of dietary supplements containing prescription drugs.
Validity of a 2‐km Walk Test in predicting the maximal oxygen uptake in moderately active Hungarian men
Authors: Zakariás Géza , Petrekanits M , Laukkanen R 
Published: December 2005

The present study examined whether prediction models based on the 2‐km UKK Walk Test (UWT) are valid for predicting the maximal oxygen uptake or maximal aerobic power (VO2max) in moderately active Hungarian men. Eighty‐seven 24–62 year old, non‐athletic, sedentary or moderately physically active men were studied. Maximal aerobic powerwas measured in a maximal uphill walk exercise test on a treadmill. The walking tests were performed on a 400‐m outdoors athletic track. The subjects walked 2 km (5 laps) as briskly as they could. VO2max was predicted with the formula as established in the original development study of the UWT. The total error of prediction and the correlation coefficient between the laboratory measured and UWT predicted VO2max (ml·kg‐1 · min ‐1) were 4.6 and 0.85. The Bland‐Altman analysis showed a good agreement between the methods, with the mean error of prediction 0.05 ml·kg‐1 ·min‐1. The results verify that the UWT can be used as a reasonably valid test for predicting maximal aerobic power in Hungarian men.
Prognostic evaluation of bradyarrhythmias and heart rate variability in endurance master athletes
Authors: Sullo Alessio , Brizzi Guglielmo , Cardinale Pasquale , Mercadante Francesco , Fabbri Bruno , Maffulli Nicola 
Published: December 2005

To investigate the possible differences in autonomic regulation of circulation between endurance trained older subjects and older subjects who practiced moderate exercise, 10 elderly male endurance athletes, aged 65 ± 2.6 (group A), were compared with 12 male elderly subjects, aged 66 ± 3.7, who practiced moderate exercise (group B), and with a control group (group C) composed of 20 healthy younger male subjects aged 32 ± 2.3 who practiced moderate exercise. ECG holter monitoring and heart rate variability analysis data were col‐lected. Episodes of heart rate below 40 beats/min were found in 4 subjects of groups A and in 1 subject of group C. The non‐spectral indexes used to analyze heart rate variability are significantly higher in athletes of group A and in subjects of group C than in subjects of group B. The results of spectral analysis are in keeping with a sympathetic prevalence during the day and a vagal pre‐dominance during the night, but there was lower vagal activity during the night and higher adrenergic activity during the day in sedentary subjects. Older en‐durance athletes seem to have more profound bradyarrhythmias than healthy elderly controls, but the age‐related decrease in heart rate variability seems to be retarded. This may have a positive prognostic value, as it may decrease the risk of life threatening ventricular arrhythmias.
Effects of cardiovascular exercise frequency and duration on depression and tension changes Over 10 weeks
Authors: Annesi James 
Published: December 2005

This two‐part preliminary study assessed the effects of various cardiovascular exercise session frequencies and durations on depression and tension score (Profile of Mood States—Short Form) changes over 10 weeks with previously sedentary, apparently healthy adults who were new members of 2 southeastern U.S. community wellness/fitness centers. Experiment 1 (M age = 32.6 years, SD = 7.9) demonstrated significant (p <. 05) reductions on both depression and tension scores for the medium (16–22 sessions, n = 26) and high (24–30 sessions, n = 24) frequency groups, while the low frequency group (10–15 sessions, n = 22) had a significant reduction only on tension. No significant changes were found for the wait list control group (n = 26). ANOVAs with Scheffé follow‐up comparisons indicated significantly greater reduction on depression and tension scores for the high and medium frequency groups. Experiment 2 (M age – 32.1 years, SD = 7.7) demonstrated significant (p <. 05) reductions in tension scores for groups completing 15‐min (n = 20) and 30‐min (n = 20) exercise sessions, but not for the no exercise control group (n = 18). Only the group completing 30 min of exercise demonstrated significant change on depression. ANOVAs with follow‐ups indicated no significant differences in reduction on either psychological measure, between either exercise condition. The study provided data that may lead to determining lower end exercise frequency and duration “thresholds” for significant depression and tension reductions. Limitations, the need for replication, and practical implications are discussed.
Effect of 5% body weight forward pulling on dynamics of treadmill running
Authors: Avogadro Patrick , Dolenec Ales , Kyröläinen Heikki , Belli Alain 
Published: December 2005

Forward pulled running on a treadmill is known to increase mechanical and decrease metabolic constrains relative to normal running. This experimental situation was used to investigate the variations of the mechanical parameters induced by the pulling. Ten subjects ran during 3 min at individually predetermined constant speeds of 16.4 ± 1.4 km · h‐1 on a treadmill while being forward pulled by a load equal to 5% of their body weight. Ground reaction forces were recorded during the last 30 s of the run. Kinematic parameters of the stride as well as impulses and mechanical work were then calculated. Stride frequency did not change, while horizontal impulses were highly modified (+38% and ‐28%, respectively, for the braking and pushing impulses). Simultaneously, external work produced during the braking and pushing phases was modified by +6.5% and ‐4.7%, respectively. Therefore, the horizontal impulses were far more modified than the mechanical work. As a consequence, the estimation of the relative influence of negative (braking) and positive (push‐off) phases on metabolic cost of running could be quite different when forces, impulses, or work are considered.
The ASCH superfamily: novel domains with a fold related to the PUA domain and a potential role in RNA metabolism
Authors: Iyer Lakshminarayan M. , Burroughs A. Maxwell , Aravind L. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Several studies show that transcription coactivators are often bi-functional ribonucleoprotein complexes that also regulate pre-mRNA processing and splicing decisions. Using sensitive sequence profile searches and structural comparisons we show that the C-terminal domain of the human coactivator protein ASC-1 defines a novel superfamily, the ASC-1 homology (ASCH) domain. The approximately 110 amino acid long ASCH domains are widely represented in all the three superkingdoms of life and several prokaryotic viruses. We show that the ASCH superfamily adopts a beta-barrel fold similar to the PUA domain superfamily. Using multiple lines of evidence, we suggest that members of the ASCH superfamily are likely to function as RNA-binding domains in contexts related to coactivation, RNA-processing and possibly prokaryotic translation regulation. Structural analysis of ASCH domains reveals the presence of a potential RNA-binding cleft associated with a conserved sequence motif, which is characteristic of this superfamily. Despite their similar structure, the ASCH and PUA domains appear to occupy distinct functional niches, with the former domains typically occurring in a standalone form in polypeptides, and the latter domains showing fusions to a variety of RNA-modifying enzymes.
Contact: aravind@ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Supplementary information: A complete alignment of all ASCH domains in the NR-database and other domains found fused to the ASCH can be retrieved from
PAGE: phase-shifted analysis of gene expression
Authors: Leung Elo , Bushel Pierre R. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Summary: Grouping of gene expression patterns across biological experiments, treatments and time-series data is performed in q-intervals of measurements using phase-shifted analysis of gene expression (PAGE); a Java-based tool to find clusters of genes that share trends of expression profiles within the dataset. The patterns and genes within q-Clusters are visualized in trend plots and compared to determine biological relevance from the gene annotations.
Availability: PAGE is available at
Contact: bushel@niehs.nih.gov
Supplementary information: The Supplementary data are available at
A simple electrostatic switch important in the activation of type I protein kinase A by cyclic AMP
Authors: Vigil Dominico , Lin Jung‐Hsin , Sotriffer Christoph A. , Pennypacker Juniper K. , McCammon J. Andrew , Taylor Susan S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractCyclic AMP activates protein kinase A by binding to an inhibitory regulatory (R) subunit and releasing inhibition of the catalytic (C) subunit. Even though crystal structures of regulatory and catalytic subunits have been solved, the precise molecular mechanism by which cyclic AMP activates the kinase remains unknown. The dynamic properties of the cAMP binding domain in the absence of cAMP or C‐subunit are also unknown. Here we report molecular‐dynamics simulations and mutational studies of the RIα R‐subunit that identify the C‐helix as a highly dynamic switch which relays cAMP binding to the helical C‐subunit binding regions. Furthermore, we identify an important salt bridge which links cAMP binding directly to the C‐helix that is necessary for normal activation. Additional mutations show that a hydrophobic “hinge” region is not as critical for the cross‐talk in PKA as it is in the homologous EPAC protein, illustrating how cAMP can control diverse functions using the evolutionarily conserved cAMP‐binding domains.