DIVERSITY AND PHYLOGENY OF SPIDER BEETLES (PTINIDAE: PTININAE) IN COASTAL CHILE AND PERU

Spider beetles of South America have historically received little systematic study, though now they are the subject of recent diversity surveys and documentation. This investigation contributes to the ongoing exploration of spider beetle diversity in South America by adding records for the recently described Cordielytrum and the yet to be described Furcillifer, as well as constructing phylogenies with new genetic material. MaxEnt was used to create an ecological niche model revealing habitat suitability in Chile and Peru for Cordielytrum, a genus of flightless spider beetles currently known only from Peru. Even with few occurrence records, a model with good discriminatory power was generated. The most suitable conditions for Cordielytrum are situated along the coast of Peru reflecting, in part, drainage patterns. The model created in this investigation can be used to guide field surveys and can be improved by adding more occurrence records for Cordielytrum. Phylogenetic analyses using CO1, 16S, and 28S gene fragments supported the validity of the genus Furcillifer. Trigonogenius appeared invariably nonmonophyletic. Further investigation into the clades comprised of Cordielytrum and Trigonogenius is recommended. A novel species of spider beetle, Furcillifer locumbaensis, is described from specimens collected from Rio Locumba near Ite, Peru. Overall, the investigations herein describe the current understanding of spider beetle diversity in Peru and northern Chile as well as suggest that diversity patterns are influenced by temperature, precipitation, topography, and potentially other unidentified environmental variables

The Impact of Weighted Vest Exercise on Central Hemodynamics

Exercise enthusiasts use ergogenic aids, such as weighted vests, to improve health and enhance exercise adaptations. Previous studies suggest that weighted vest use during exercise may influence peripheral blood pressure (BP). While peripheral BP provides insight into cardiovascular health, central blood pressure (cBP)—though more challenging to assess—is a more accurate index of cardiovascular stress. Recent advancements have enabled noninvasive estimation of cBP using validated modeling techniques. However, the impact of weighted vest use on estimated cBP remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine differences in estimated cBP with and without a weighted vest at self-selected exercise intensity. METHODS: In two study visits, 17 physically active adults (n = 6 women) ran 0.5 miles on a treadmill at an exertion level corresponding to 11-12 RPE on the Borg scale, once wearing a weighted vest standardized to 10% of their body weight and once wearing the vest unweighted. A brachial oscillometric cuff was used to measure the suprasystolic BP waveform and estimate central hemodynamic variables at baseline, 5 minutes after exercise, and 15 minutes after exercise. cBP and peripheral augmentation index (pAIx) were estimated by simulating the arterial system using elastic, thin-walled tube elements and the Navier-Stokes equation. A RM-ANOVA was used to determine time effects on the variables of interest with and without the weighted vest. RESULTS: There was no significant time × condition interaction effect of the weighted vest on systolic cBP (Vest Pre: 105±9 mmHg, Vest Post1: 115±13 mmHg, Vest Post2: 109±10 mmHg; No Vest Pre: 107±10 mmHg, No Vest Post1: 113±8 mmHg, No Vest Post2: 110±8 mmHg; p \u3e 0.05), diastolic cBP (Vest Pre: 62±7 mmHg, Vest Post1: 74±8 mmHg, Vest Post2: 71±8 mmHg; No Vest Pre: 64±8 mmHg, No Vest Post1: 74±8 mmHg, No Vest Post2: 69±6 mmHg; p \u3e 0.05), or pAIx (Vest Pre: 32±9%, Vest Post1: 25±11%, Vest Post2: 24±10%; No Vest Pre: 31±13%, No Vest Post1: 25±13%, No Vest Post2: 27±13%; p \u3e 0.05). CONCLUSION: Jogging a half-mile with a weighted vest did not significantly alter central hemodynamics compared to jogging a half-mile without a weighted vest. When given the option to self-select exercise intensity, participants appeared to maintain a similar level of exertion and hemodynamic load regardless of weighted vest use

Assessing Accuracy of Smartwatch-based Estimation of Maximum Oxygen Consumption Using Different Watches

Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) is a predictor of overall health and a key measure of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity. As wearable technology advances, smartwatches are increasingly used to track cardiovascular health metrics. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of maximal oxygen consumption estimates from two leading smartwatches. METHODS: 15 participants (11M, 4F), aged 19-29 (23.8±3.2) years, were recruited and met inclusion criteria for the study. VO2max for all participants was determined in a controlled laboratory environment using a metabolic gas analyzer. Subjects completed a graded exercise test on a treadmill until reaching subjective exhaustion. This value was then compared with the estimated VO2max values from two smartwatch devices (Watch A, Watch B), calculated while wearing the watches for at least 3 consecutive days and measured directly after an outdoor run. The watches were synced between runs and returned after the study period. Baseline descriptive data calculations were performed. Reliability was measured using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Bland-Altman analyses were utilized to explore VO2max values. RESULTS: Measured VO2max in the lab setting was significantly lower than the predicted VO2max (mL·min-1·kg-1) from Watch A (mean 45.28±6.51 vs. mean 48.68±7.03) (p=.041) and Watch B (mean 47.69±8.64 vs. mean 52.83±5.83) (p=.041) with a medium effect size. ICC average measures (2,2) for Watch A (0.836, p=.003) and for Watch B (0.856, p=.001) suggested good reliability for VO2max estimates for both watches and the lab setting measurements. Bland-Altman analyses confirmed overestimation and consistent agreement. CONCLUSION: Both smartwatches tended to overestimate VO2max compared to lab measurements but exhibited good reliability across trials. Either device may be acceptable for recreational users to track VO2max outside of a laboratory setting. However, healthcare professionals should be aware of estimation limitations when prescribing intensity for cardiorespiratory fitness

Associations of Laboratory- and Field- derived Measurements of Critical Power with W’-kinetics during 40-km Cycling Time Trial Performances

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(8): 757-773, 2025. This study aimed to establish whether a laboratory (lab) based 3-minute all-out (3MT) protocol and a field-based 3MT protocol would yield similar peak power (Pmax), critical power (CP), and curvature constant (W’) profiles and the implications of parameter estimation for informing a 40-km time trial (TT) performance. Nine competitive male cyclists (mean ± SD: age 36.5 ± 10.42 y, mass = 80.5 ± 10.6 kg, height 1.8 ± 0.1 m) completed two 3MTs on separate days, as well as a 40-km time trial. Both lab and field-based protocols evoked similar CP (p = 0.160) and W′ (p = 0.200) profiles, but Pmax (p = 0.012) may be more sensitive to biomechanical disparities and testing environment. Strong positive associations were observed with W’-kinetics (r = 0.73) and W’ (r = 0.83) and moderate-to-strong negative associations with mean TT power (r = -0.75) and CP (r = -0.68). TT power outputs occur at 59-65% of CP, and finishing times appear to be informed by CP, W’ and Pmax with high degrees of accuracy (R2 \u3e 0.90). Although TT performances occur predominantly within the moderate-to-heavy intensity domains, the mean intensity from a cardiovascular and core temperature perspective was high (i.e., ~90% HRmax; ~39oC). TT performances appear to be accurately informed by CP, W’ and Pmax, with W’ dominating the predictive capacity associated with longer TT performances

Effects of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Physical Performance and Skill Execution in Volleyball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

International Journal of Exercise Science 18(6): 922-948, 2025. It is well established that oral caffeine administration (3-9 mg/kg) is ergogenic, enhancing numerous aspects of physical performance including strength and power. However, the extent to which these effects translate to volleyball-specific skills remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of acute caffeine ingestion on performance outcomes in volleyball-specific actions. A systematic review of published studies was conducted using scientific databases from their inception through December 2024 (registered in PROSPERO, CRD420251006314). We included studies with blinded crossover experimental designs that compared caffeine ingestion to a placebo in samples of volleyball players performing physical performance tests or volleyball-specific tasks. The data from these studies were meta-analyzed to calculate standardized mean differences (Hedges\u27 g) between placebo and caffeine conditions, using a random-effects model. The Q and I2 statistic was calculated to verify the degree of similarity in the observed mean differences and the degree of heterogeneity, respectively. In total, after examining 60 effect sizes include 9 RCTs, 123 volleyball players with caffeine doses 1.7–6.4 mg/kg and administered 15–60 min pre-exercise, the meta-analysis indicated that caffeine improved performance in jumping activities (g = 0.24, p =0.009), strength-based tasks (g = 0.31, p =0.006) and performance in volleyball-specific skill tasks (g = 0.52, p =0.001). Specifically, subgroup analysis indicated significant improvement with caffeine in attack (g = 0.52, p =0.003), serve (g = 0.44, p =0.046) and accuracy (g = 0.68, p =0.001) tasks, but not in the velocity-based tasks (g = 0.26, p =0.168). Moreover, The I2 statistics showed low heterogeneity for the studies (I2 = 0 - 34.6). Acute caffeine ingestion appears to enhance physical performance in volleyball, with positive effects translating in jump and strength-based tests translated into improved skill execution during volleyball-specific tasks. Further research is needed to refine dosing strategies, account for individual differences based on habitual caffeine intake and player position, and assess long-term outcomes of caffeine intake