The Evolution of Blood Flow Restricted Exercise

The use of blood flow restricted (BFR) exercise has become an accepted alternative approach to improve skeletal muscle mass and function and improve cardiovascular function in individuals that are not able to or do not wish to use traditional exercise protocols that rely on heavy loads and high training volumes. BFR exercise involves the reduction of blood flow to working skeletal muscle by applying a flexible cuff to the most proximal portions of a person\u27s arms or legs that results in decreased arterial flow to the exercising muscle and occluded venous return back to the central circulation. Safety concerns, especially related to the cardiovascular system, have not been consistently reported with a few exceptions; however, most researchers agree that BFR exercise can be a relatively safe technique for most people that are free from serious cardiovascular disease, as well as those with coronary artery disease, and also for people suffering from chronic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson\u27s, and osteoarthritis. Potential mechanisms to explain the benefits of BFR exercise are still mostly speculative and may require more invasive studies or the use of animal models to fully explore mechanisms of adaptation. The setting of absolute resistive pressures has evolved, from being based on an individual\u27s systolic blood pressure to a relative measure that is based on various percentages of the pressures needed to totally occlude blood flow in the exercising limb. However, since several other issues remain unresolved, such as the actual external loads used in combination with BFR, the type of cuff used to induce the blood flow restriction, and whether the restriction is continuous or intermittent, this paper will attempt to address these additional concerns

Comparing the Acute Effects of Intermittent and Continuous Whole-Body Vibration Exposure on Neuromuscular and Functional Measures in Sarcopenia and Nonsarcopenic Elderly Women

This investigation examined the acute effects of continuous whole-body vibration (CWBV) and intermittent whole-body vibration (IWBV) on neuromuscular and functional measures in women with sarcopenia and nonsarcopenic women. Continuous whole-body vibration was one 6-minute exposure, while IWBV consisted of six 60-second exposures to rest intervals (30 Hz, 2-4 mm amplitude). Factorial analyses revealed group × exposure × time interactions for jump height (JH; F = 10.8, P = .002), grip strength (GS; F = 15.5, P < .001), timed up and go test (F = 11.7, P = .002), and sit and reach test (S&R; F = 9.7, P = .004). Both JH and GS significantly improved post-WBV in women with sarcopenia (P < .001), with post-IWBV significantly greater (P < .001) than post-CWBV. Timed up and go test and S&R significantly improved post-IWBV in both the groups (P < .001) with post-IWBV significantly better than post-CWBV (P < .001). Bench press power at 20% one repetition maximum (1RM) revealed an exposure × time interaction (F = 4.6, P = .04) illuminating that IWBV significantly improved muscular power (P < .001). Bench press power at 40% 1RM revealed group × exposure (F = 6.4, P = .016) and exposure × time interactions (F = 5.8, P = .022). Individuals with sarcopenia significantly increased power output (P < .001) post-IWBV which was significantly greater than post-CWBV (P = .037). Bench press power at 60% 1RM revealed an exposure × time interaction (F = 8.6, P = .006), indicating that power was significantly improved post-IWBV (P = .027) and decreased post-CWBV. Berg Balance scale revealed a time main effect (F = 6.64, P = .015), and pain discomfort was significantly lower post-IWBV. These data indicate IWBV may provide a more efficacious exposure pattern in older women when compared to CWBV.The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Article processing charges funded in part by University of Oklahoma Libraries.YesTwo expert reviewers using single-blind process (reviewers' names and information is withheld from the authors). Established Ethics Policy with regards to who can review someone's work. The authors may nominate reviewers but the Editorial Board makes the final decision

Monitoring External Training Loads and Neuromuscular Performance for Division I Basketball Players over the Preseason

Limited research has paralleled concomitant changes in external training load (eTL) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Therefore, this investigation characterized eTL and CMJ performance changes across preseason training in Division 1 male collegiate basketball athletes, while examining the influence of position (Guard vs. Forward/Center) and scholarship status (Scholarship = S vs. Walk-on = WO). During 22 practices, eTL was monitored in 14 male athletes, with weekly CMJs performed to quantify neuromuscular performance (Jump Height [JH], Flight Time:Contraction Time [FT:CT], Reactive Strength Index Modified [RSIMod ]). PlayerLoad per minute was significantly higher during W1 and W2 (5.4 ± 1.3au and 5.3 ± 1.2au, respectively; p < 0.05) compared to subsequent weeks, but no additional differences in eTL parameters across time were observed. Scholarship athletes displayed greater PlayerLoad (S = 777.1 ± 35.6, WO = 530.1 ± 56.20; Inertial Movement Analysis (IMA) IMA_High (S = 70.9 ± 15.2, WO = 41.3 ± 15.2); IMA_Medium (S = 159.9 ± 30.7, WO = 92.7 ± 30.6); and IMA_Low (S = 700.6 ± 105.1, WO = 405 ± 105.0;) (p < 0.05), with no observed differences in eTL by position. Moderate decreases in FT:CT and RSIMod paralleled increased eTL. Significant increases in practice intensity (W1 and W2) did not impact CMJ performance, suggesting athletes could cope with the prescribed training loads. However, moderate perturbations in FT:CT and RSIMod paralleled the weeks with intensified training. Cumulatively, scholarship status appears to influence eTL while player position does not.The authors would like to thank Mr. Brady Brown and Mr. Keldon Peak for their assistance with this project. Additionally, the authors thank the Basketball Programs at the University of Oklahoma for their continued support of research directed at enhancing athlete performance, while also improving overall student-athlete welfare. Finally, the authors would also like to thank all of the student-athletes that graciously volunteered their time to enroll and participate in this study. The experiments comply with the current laws of the country in which they were performed. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. Open Access fees paid for in whole or in part by the University of Oklahoma Libraries.Ye

Muscle Performance Changes with Age in Active Women

The purpose of this study was to examine age-related differences in muscle performance in women divided into young (YW, 20–39 years, n = 29) middle-aged (MAW, 40–59 years, n = 33), and older (OW, ≥60 years, n = 40) age groups. Methods: Hand grip strength, vertical jump performance, and knee extensor (KE) strength (0 deg/s, 60 deg/s, and 240 deg/s), speed of movement (SoM; at 1 Nm, 20%, 40%, and 60% isometric strength), and endurance (30-repetition test at 60 degs/s and 240 deg/s) were assessed. Computed tomography-acquired muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) was measured and included to determine specific strength (KE strength/mCSA). Results: Hand grip strength was similar across groups, while jump performance declined with age (YW and MAW \u3e OW, p \u3c 0.001). KE strength declined significantly with age (all conditions p \u3c 0.01), while specific strength was similar across groups. SoM was significantly higher for YW and MAW compared to OW (both p \u3c 0.01). An age × velocity interaction revealed YW KE endurance was similar between conditions, whereas MAW and OW displayed significantly better endurance during the 60 deg/s condition. OW displayed impaired KE endurance at 240 deg/s (vs. YW and MAW, p \u3c 0.01) but improved at 60 deg/s (vs. YW, p \u3c 0.01). Dynamic torque decline increased with age (YW \u3c OW, p = 0.03) and was associated with intramuscular adipose tissue (r = 0.21, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Performance declines were most evident among OW, but few performance deficits had emerged in MAW. Interestingly, strength declines disappeared after normalizing to mCSA and endurance appears to be velocity-dependent

Comparação da Radiação Solar Global Incidente Obtida por Diferentes Fontes de Dados para o Norte de SP

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar os dados de radiaçãosolar global incidente de três torres micrometeorológicas localizados naregião norte do estado de São Paulo, com os dados disponíveis de outrasfontes: estações meteorológicas de superfície mais próximas e estimativasa partir de satélites (modelo GL1.2). A regressão linear entre as estimativasde radiação do modelo GL1.2 com as observações na área decerrado indicou um ajuste melhor do que o obtido com a estaçãometeorológica mais próxima. Esses resultados sugerem que as estimativasde radiação do modelo GL1.2 podem ser usadas para o preenchimentode falhas de Ki medida nas torres micrometeorológicas e potencialmentecomo forçante em esquemas de superfície e modelos hidrológicosaplicados a bacias hidrográficas da região

Effects of Horizontal and Incline Bench Press on Neuromuscular Adaptations in Untrained Young Men

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(6): 859-872, 2020. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of horizontal and incline bench press as well as the combination of both exercises on neuromuscular adaptation in untrained young men. Forty-seven untrained men were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: 1) a horizontal bench press group (n= 15), 2) an incline bench press group (n= 15), and 3) a combination (horizontal + incline) group (n= 17). Training was conducted once a week for eight weeks, with equalized number of sets among groups. Muscle thickness, isometric strength and electromyography (EMG) amplitude of the pectoralis major were measured one week before and after the training period. There was no difference between groups for the change in horizontal bench press isometric strength (~ 10 kg increase, p=0.776) or incline bench press isometric strength (~ 11 kg increase, p=0.333). Changes in muscle thickness differed only in one of the three sites. The changes in the second intercostal space of the pectoralis major was greatest in the incline pressure group compared with the horizontal [mean difference (95% CI) of 0.62 (0.23, 1.0) cm, p=0.003] and combination groups [mean difference (95% CI) of 0.50 (0.14, 0.86) cm, p=0.008]. The change in EMG amplitude following training differed between groups in only one out of the four sites. The present results indicate that strength and conditioning professionals might consider that horizontal and incline bench press exercises, or a combination of both exercises can render similar change in general strength

Latex peptidases of Calotropis procera for dehairing of leather as an alternative to environmentally toxic sodium sulfide treatment

Dehairing of crude leather is a critical stage performed at the beginning of its processing to obtain industrially useful pieces. Tanneries traditionally apply a chemical process based on sodium sulfide. Since this chemical reactive is environmentally toxic and inefficiently recycled, innovative protocols for reducing or eliminating its use in leather depilation are welcomed. Therefore, latex peptidases from Calotropis procera (CpLP) and Cryptostegia grandiflora (CgLP) were assayed for this purpose. Enzyme activity on substrates representative of skin such as hide powder azure (UHPA), elastin (UE), azocollagen (UAZOCOL), keratin (UK), and epidermis (UEP) was determined, while depilation activity was assayed on cow hide. Only CpLP was active against keratin (13.4 UK) and only CgLP was active against elastin (0.12 UE). CpLP (93.0 UHPA, 403.6 UAZOCOL, 36.3 UEP) showed higher activity against the other substrates than CgLP (47.6 UHPA, 261.5 UAZOCOL, 8.5 UEP). In pilot assays, CpLP (0.05% w/v with sodium sulfite 0.6% w/v as activator) released hairs from cow hide pieces. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the hide revealed that the dehairing process was complete and the leather structure was preserved. The proteolytic system of C. procera is a suitable bioresources to be exploited by tanneries.Fil: Lopez, Laura Maria Isabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Centíficas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero; ArgentinaFil: Viana, Carolina A.. Universidade Estadual Do Ceara; BrasilFil: Errasti, María Eugenia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Centíficas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero; ArgentinaFil: Garro, María Laura. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Centíficas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero; ArgentinaFil: Martegani, José Eduardo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Centíficas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero; ArgentinaFil: Mazzilli, German Ariel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Centíficas. Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cuero; ArgentinaFil: Freitas, Cléverson D. T.. Universidade Estadual Do Ceara; BrasilFil: Araújo, Ídila M. S.. EMBRAPA Agrotropical; BrasilFil: da Silva, Rafaela O.. Universidade Estadual Do Ceara; BrasilFil: Ramos, Márcio V.. Universidade Estadual Do Ceara; Brasi

Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Containing Viscum album Extract for Topic and Transdermal Use: Development, Stability and Cytotoxicity Activity

Viscum album L. (Santalaceae), also known as European mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on different host trees. Our group recently demonstrated the antitumoral activity of ethanolic V. album extracts in vitro, depending on the dose and the host tree, V. album ssp abietis from Abies alba being the most active extract. The goal of this work focused on the development of a new topical formulation containing V. album extracts, evaluation of in vitro toxicity and ex vivo skin permeation assays. The Poloxamer 407 hydrogel containing 5% of dry (VA_DEH) or aqueous (VA_AEH) extract presented dermal compatible pH and microbiological stability for 180 days. The hydrogels flow curve presented a non-linear relation, characteristic of non-Newtonian fluids, and the mean viscosity for the VA_DEH and VA_AEH was 372.5 ± 7.78 and 331.0 ± 2.83 Pa.s, respectively, being statistically different (Welch’s t test; p < 0.01). Additionally, WST-1 in vitro assays revealed a dose-dependent toxicity for both formulations and VA_DEH presented a higher activity than the VA_AEH. The promising cytotoxic potential of VA_DEH lead to the ex vivo skin permeation assay with 2.73 ± 0.19 µg/cm(2) of chlorogenic acid, which permeated at 8 h, showing a transdermal potential. These in vitro results support the idea that VA_DEH is a novel promising candidate for mistletoe therapy. Therefore, further in vivo and pre-clinical experiments should be performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this new dermic delivery system

Pool boiling of nanofluids on biphilic surfaces: An experimental and numerical study

This study addresses the combination of customized surface modification with the use of nanofluids, to infer on its potential to enhance pool-boiling heat transfer. Hydrophilic surfaces patterned with superhydrophobic regions were developed and used as surface interfaces with different nanofluids (water with gold, silver, aluminum and alumina nanoparticles), in order to evaluate the effect of the nature and concentration of the nanoparticles in bubble dynamics and consequently in heat transfer processes. The main qualitative and quantitative analysis was based on extensive post-processing of synchronized high-speed and thermographic images. To study the nucleation of a single bubble in pool boiling condition, a numerical model was also implemented. The results show an evident benefit of using biphilic patterns with well-established distances between the superhydrophobic regions. This can be observed in the resulting plot of the dissipated heat flux for a biphilic pattern with seven superhydrophobic spots, δ = 1/d and an imposed heat flux of 2132 w/m2. In this case, the dissipated heat flux is almost constant (except in the instant t* ≈ 0.9 when it reaches a peak of 2400 W/m2), whilst when using only a single superhydrophobic spot, where the heat flux dissipation reaches the maximum shortly after the detachment of the bubble, dropping continuously until a new necking phase starts. The biphilic patterns also allow a controlled bubble coalescence, which promotes fluid convection at the hydrophilic spacing between the superhydrophobic regions, which clearly contributes to cool down the surface. This effect is noticeable in the case of employing the Ag 1 wt% nanofluid, with an imposed heat flux of 2132 W/m2, where the coalescence of the drops promotes a surface cooling, identified by a temperature drop of 0.7 °C in the hydrophilic areas. Those areas have an average temperature of 101.8 °C, whilst the average temperature of the superhydrophobic spots at coalescence time is of 102.9 °C. For low concentrations as the ones used in this work, the effect of the nanofluids was observed to play a minor role. This can be observed on the slight discrepancy of the heat dissipation decay that occurred in the necking stage of the bubbles for nanofluids with the same kind of nanoparticles and different concentration. For the Au 0.1 wt% nanofluid, a heat dissipation decay of 350 W/m2 was reported, whilst for the Au 0.5 wt% nanofluid, the same decay was only of 280 W/m2. The results of the numerical model concerning velocity fields indicated a sudden acceleration at the bubble detachment, as can be qualitatively analyzed in the thermographic images obtained in this work. Additionally, the temperature fields of the analyzed region present the same tendency as the experimental results.This work was funded by Portuguese national funds of FCT/MCTES (PIDDAC) through the base funding from the following research units: UIDB/00532/2020 (Transport Phenomena Research Center, CEFT), UIDB/04077/2020 (MEtRICs) and UIDP/04436/2020. The authors are also grateful for the funding of FCT through the projects LISBOA-01-0145-FEDER-030171/NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-030171 (PTDC/EME-SIS/30171/2017), funded by COMPETE2020, NORTE2020, PORTUGAL2020 and FEDER. The authors also acknowledge FCT for partially financing the research under the framework of the project UTAP-EXPL/CTE/0064/2017, financiado no ambito do Projeto 5665-Parcerias Internacionais de Ciencia e Tecnologia, UT Austin Programme. Mr Pedro Pontes also acknowledgesFCT for his fellowship ref. SFRH/BD/149286/2019

Acute and Chronic Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Balance, Postural Stability, and Mobility in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

The acute and chronic effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on balance, postural stability, and mobility were evaluated in 21 women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) randomly assigned to control (n = 9) or experimental (n = 12) groups. To assess acute responses, outcome variables were assessed before and immediately after a session of WBV (five 30-second bouts of vibration; frequency 30 Hz; amplitude 3 mm; 1-minute rest intervals) during their first visit (week 1) using field (Timed-Up and Go; 500-m walk; Berg Balance Scale) and laboratory tests (NeuroCom Balance Master and EquiTest System—Sensory Organization Test, Adaptation Test, Limits of Stability, Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Integration of Balance, Unilateral Stance, Tandem Walk, Step/Quick Turn). Acute responses were also measured after their fifth visit for only the Adaptation and Sensory Organization tests. For the chronic responses, participants were exposed to the WBV protocol once a week, for a total of 5 weeks, and then at week 5, were reassessed with the Adaptation and the Sensory Organization tests. Neither acute nor chronic exposure to the WBV protocols used in this study resulted in significant improvements (P > .05) in balance, postural stability, or mobility as assessed by either field or laboratory tests. However, based on promising results from other studies that have used WBV with other clinical populations, either alone or in conjunction with exercise, additional studies that increase the dose of vibration exposure, both acutely and chronically, should be conducted in patients with MS.Declaration of Conflicting Interests The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Funding The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.Ye