Transportation and Quality Adjusted Basis: Does the Law of One Price Hold for Feeder Cattle?

Feeder calf prices are examined from a national video auction sales from 2004-2006. Many cattle, lot, and market characteristics significantly impact feeder cattle basis. Auction prices were adjusted for quality differences and for transportation costs and compared across regions. Basis was significantly different after the adjustment from region to region.feeder cattle prices, law of one price, video auctions, Demand and Price Analysis, Farm Management, Livestock Production/Industries, Marketing,

The Impacts of Wrist Wrap Type and Sex on Bench Press Muscular Strength and Power

While wrist wraps have become increasingly prevalent in both competitive and recreational demographics, their posited ability to augment bench press performance by enhanced wrist stability still remains unclear. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of varying wrap styles on bench-specific muscular strength and associated power, as well as quantitative and subjective differences between sexes. METHODS: Eighteen resistance trained males and females (9M/9F; 24±4y; 176±33cm; 80±15kg) visited the laboratory on three separate occasions in randomized, crossover, and counterbalanced design to sport either a flexible wrist wrap (FW), stiff wrap (SW), or a no wrap control (NW) condition. All participants underwent a bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM) test and linear position transducer-derived peak power and velocity assessments. Furthermore, subjective stability (SS) and discomfort (SD) were determined promptly following 1RM attempts. Bench press performance and sex-collapsed subjective variables were analyzed using a two-way (condition x sex) mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures and a nonparametric Friedman’s ANOVA, respectively. Both analyses were performed at a p\u3c.05 significance level. RESULTS: Analyses failed to detect any main condition or interaction effects for bench press 1RM, however, a statistically significant main sex effect was observed (p\u3c.001; ηp2=.597) favoring males relative to females (p\u3c.001; 114±22kg vs 68±16kg). Both peak power and velocity failed to reveal any significant main condition or sex effects, nor any interactions. Nonparametric assessments further revealed significant wrist wrap condition effects for both SS (p\u3c.001; Kendall’s W=.628) and SD (p\u3c.001; Kendall’s W=.935), whereby NW was statistically more comfortable (p\u3c.001) than either wrap condition, without any difference between DW and SW (p\u3e.05). CONCLUSION: Although wrist wraps did not significantly alter bench press-specific strength and power, participants nonetheless perceived wrist wraps as subjectively more stable irrespective of increased discomfort. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The authors of this abstract would like to thank Peter Spence and SBD Apparel for generously donating the wrist wraps utilized in the present investigation

Influence of Acute Turkesterone Dosing on Resting Metabolic Rate and Substrate Utilization in Recreationally-active Males

Turkesterone is a relatively novel phytoecdysteroid compound that has become increasingly popular amongst recreationally active adults seeking to improve body composition. Although many of the these hypothetical benefits arose from prior rodent data demonstrating enhanced substrate utilization, no data presently exist amongst humans in this regard. PURPOSE: to determine the effect of multiple turkesterone doses on both resting metabolic rate (RMR) and substrate utilization in a healthy human population. METHODS: Eleven recreationally active males (23.3±2.2y) visited the laboratory on three occasions separated by at least seven days and were randomized in single-blind, placebo-controlled, and counter-balanced crossover fashion to either 2000mg cellulose placebo (PLA), 1000mg turkesterone + 1000mg placebo, (1000T) or 2000mg (2000T) turkesterone. RMR and respiratory exchange ratio were assessed using a metabolic cart for 20 minutes prior to supplement provision (i.e. baseline [PRE)), as well as 60-minutes (POST60M), 120-minutes (POST120M), and 180-minutes (POST180M) post-acute supplementation timepoints at each visit. RMR, as well as both carbohydrate (CHO) and Fat (FAT) oxidation were analyzed using a two-way (condition [PLA, 1000T, 2000T] x time [PRE, POST60M, POST120M, POST180M) ANOVA with repeated measures at a significance level of pRESULTS: Analyses failed to reveal any significant condition, time, nor interaction effects for RMR, nor CHO or FAT oxidation (p\u3e0.05). Nonetheless, both 1000T (2.7%, 5.6%, and 7.8%) and 2000T (0.7%, 4.2%, and 3.6%) increased mean RMR above baseline at POST60M, POST120M, and POST180M timepoints, respectively. Conversely, PLA decreased mean RMR by 0.9% and 0.7% at POST60M and POST120M, respectively. Incidentally, the 1000T condition displayed increased mean FAT oxidation by 1.85, 5.34, and 7.96% at the POST60M, POST120M, and POST180M timepoints, respectively, and when compared to the consistent decreases observed with both PLA and 2000T. CONCLUSION: Although these data fail to display a significant turkesterone-mediated enhancement in the investigated metabolic parameters, there were interesting mean differences that should be further explored to determine any longitudinal and/or exercise-dependent permissive impacts on RMR and substrate utilization

A Cross-Sectional Examination of Wrist Wrap Use Prevalence and Characterization for Ergogenic Purposes in Actively Competing Powerlifters

Purpose: Wrist wraps are regularly incorporated by competitive powerlifters, but several product-specific variations may influence any potential ergogenic benefits. In addition, the prevalence of athletic wrist wrap use is hitherto undescribed. Methods: Seventy actively competing powerlifters (n=70; 27±6y) who competed in the last two years were randomly recruited at sanctioned meets, whereby wrist wrap use descriptive data (wrap style [F or S], wrap length, and events used), wrap tightness (assessed via pulse oximeter-detected oxygen saturation (SpO2) and subjective discomfort [Borg CR10+]), as well as post-meet bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) were collected. Wrist wrap use prevalence data (wrap style, wrap length, and events used) were compared across TX, NC/SC, and CA regions, along with any potential correlations between both region-collapsed wrapped SpO2 and bench press. Finally, predictors of bench press 1RM (weight [kg], age [y], stiff wrap, wrap length, wrapped discomfort [WCR10+], and WSpO2) were assessed using linear regression, whereby all aforementioned statistical analyses were set at a significance level of p\u3c.05. Results: Analyses failed to detect any significant regional differences in wrap style, length, or events used (p\u3e0.05). Moreover, linear regression analysis revealed a significant effect (r2= 0.851, p = 0.02) where weight solely predicted bench press 1RM (p = 0.0433). Conclusions: Although we failed to detect any significant wrist wrap relationships, actively competing powerlifters nonetheless prominently utilize wraps across the regions assessed. Therefore, the potential for wrist wraps to augment bench press performance warrants further elucidation in a controlled, standardized investigation

Combined Blood Flow Restriction Training and Betaine Supplementation Impacts on Serum Betaine and Homocysteine Concentrations

Homocysteine (HCY) is a clinically implicated in inflammation and cardiovascular impairments. Although both betaine supplementation and acute resistance (both high-load [HL] and low-load blood flow restriction [LL-BFR]) training notably attenuate HCY concentrations, it is hitherto unknown if these independent modalities synergistically interact. PURPOSE: to determine whether a combination of betaine supplementation, as well as acute HL and/or LL-BFR training can attenuate post-exercise HCY more effectively than either isolated modality. METHODS: Eighteen recreationally trained males (25±5y) were randomized in double-blind fashion to supplement 6g/day of either betaine anhydrous (BET) or identically dosed cellulose placebo for 14-days. Subsequently, all subjects performed four standardized sets of one-leg press and two additional sets to muscular failure on both legs in a counter-balanced and crossover design. Specifically, one leg performed standard high-load (HL; 70%1RM) exercise and contralateral limb underwent BFR (LL-BFR; 20%1RM) training at 80% arterial occlusion pressure. Serum homocysteine (HCY) and betaine (BET) concentrations were analyzed before and 30-minutes post-exercise prior to quantification via ELISA and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The changes in all aforementioned variables from baseline (∆HCY and ∆BET) were assessed via separate two-way mixed model ANOVA with repeated measures at a significance level of pRESULTS: Analyses failed to reveal any significant main nor interaction effects for serum ∆BET. Although no apparent main supplement nor interaction effects were observed, ∆HCY demonstrated a significant main exercise condition effect (p=.045; ηp2=.228), whereby the LL-BFR group displayed significantly greater concentrations versus HL (p=.045). CONCLUSION: While these findings ultimately do not support a betaine-resistance training synergy-mediated reduction in serum HCY, our data otherwise suggest BFR training may preferentially result in lower post-training concentrations relative to a commonly employed, high-load approach. Future research should elucidate the credence of this interpretation via additional longitudinal investigations amidst hyperhomocysteinemia-predisposed clinical populations

Influence of Acute Turkesterone Dosing on Serum Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) and Subjective Digestibility Scores in Recreationally-active Males

Turkesterone is a relatively novel phytoecdysteroid compound that has become increasingly popular amongst recreationally active demographics. Despite prior in vitro data suggesting that this compound may support enhanced body composition via both insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-mediated protein synthesis, no human evidence exists in this regard nor how well its digestibility is tolerated. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of multiple turkesterone doses on serum IGF-1 and to report any gastrointestinal (GI) distress symptoms in a healthy human sample. METHODS: Eleven recreationally active males (23.3±2.2y) visited the laboratory on three occasions separated by at least seven days and were randomized in single-blind, placebo-controlled, and counter-balanced crossover fashion to either 2000mg cellulose placebo (PLA), 1000mg turkesterone + 1000mg placebo, (1000T) or 2000mg (2000T) turkesterone. Venous blood was sampled to determine serum IGF-1 concentrations and a GI distress questionnaire was (nausea, vomiting, heartburn symptoms, etc.) administered both at baseline (PRE), as well as 3-hours (POST3H) and 24-hours (POST24H) post-acute supplementation at each visit. Serum IGF-1 was analyzed using a two-way (condition [PLA, 1000T, 2000T] x time [PRE, POST3H, POST24H]) ANOVA with repeated measures at a significance level of pRESULTS: Analyses failed to reveal any significant condition (p=.180; ηp2=0.228), time (p=0.227; ηp2=.390), nor interaction effects (p=0.547; ηp2=0.211) for serum IGF-1. Moreover, no participants reported any GI distress symptoms across any condition and/or time permutation. CONCLUSION: Although the current study did not find any significant IGF-1-associated serum alterations to multiple acute turkesterone doses in the times assessed, there were fortunately no adverse GI symptoms experienced by the participants across any dose throughout the investigation. Nevertheless, these data support turkesterone supplementation is well tolerated and thus future research should build upon our analysis by employing a longitudinal supplementation regimen alongside an exercise intervention to elucidate the potential long-term and anabolism-permissive impacts of this compound on the presently-explored and additional associated parameters

Impacts of Varying Blood Flow Restriction Cuff Size and Material on Arterial, Venous and Calf Muscle Pump-Mediated Blood Flow

Blood flow restriction (BFR) may become ineffective or potentially dangerous without sufficient standardization. The purpose of this investigation was therefore to (1) assess the viability of multiple sizes of a novel BFR cuff to determine arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) and (2) compare resting arterial, venous and calf muscle pump (cMP)-mediated blood flow between the aforementioned conditions and a commonly employed wide-rigid, tourniquet-style cuff. In randomized, counter-balanced, and crossover fashion, 20 apparently healthy males (18–40 years) donned a widely employed wide-rigid (WR) cuff, along with the largest (NE) and manufacturer-recommended sizes (NER) of a novel narrow-elastic cuff. Participants subsequently assessed AOP, as well as (at 80%AOP) arterial, venous, and venous cMP flow relative to baseline values via ultrasound. All analyses were performed at a significance level of p \u3c 0.05. Analyses revealed a significant condition effect for AOP (p \u3c 0.001; ηp2 = 0.907) whereby WR was significantly lower than both NE and NER; in addition, the latter two did not differ. Compared with baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between cuffs for either arterial or cMP-mediated blood flow. Unsurprisingly, no participants demonstrated venous blood flow at 80% AOP. These findings support the viability of a novel narrow-elastic BFR product, evidenced by consistent AOP acquisition and equivocal blood flow parameters

LGD-4033 and MK-677 Use Impacts Body Composition, Circulating Biomarkers, and Skeletal Muscle Androgenic Hormone and Receptor Content: A Case Report

LGD-4033, a selective androgen receptor modulator, and MK-677, a growth hormone secretagogue, are being used increasingly amongst recreationally active demographics. However, limited data exist describing their effects on health- and androgen-related biomarkers. The purpose of this case study was to determine changes in body composition and biomarkers during and after continued co-administration of LGD-4033 and MK-677. We also aimed to examine muscular strength and intramuscular androgen-associated biomarkers relative to non-users. A 25-year-old male ingested LGD-4033 (10 mg) and MK-677 (15 mg) daily for 5 weeks. Blood and body composition metrics were obtained pre-, on- and post-cycle. One-repetition maximum leg and bench press, in addition to intramuscular androgens and androgen receptor content, were analysed on-cycle. We observed pre- to on-cycle changes in body composition (body mass, +6.0%; total lean body mass, +3.1%; trunk lean body mass, +6.6%; appendicular lean body mass, +4.3%; total fat mass, +15.4%; trunk fat mass, +2.8%; and appendicular fat mass, +14.8%), bone (bone mineral content, −3.60%; area, −1.1%; and bone mineral density, −2.1%), serum lipid-associated biomarkers (cholesterol, +14.8%; triglycerides, +39.2%; low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol, +40.0%; and high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol, −36.4%), liver-associated biomarkers (aspartate aminotransferase, +95.8%; and alanine aminotransferase, +205.0%) and androgen-associated biomarkers (free testosterone, −85.7%; total testosterone, −62.3%; and sex hormone-binding globulin, −79.6%); however, all variables returned to pre-cycle values post-cycle, apart from total fat mass, appendicular fat mass, bone area, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol. Follicle-stimulating hormone was below clinical reference values on- (1.2 IU/L) and post-cycle (1.3 IU/L). Intramuscular androgen receptor (−44.6%), testosterone (+47.8%) and dihydrotestosterone (+34.4%), in addition to one-repetition maximum leg press and bench press (+39.2 and +32.0%, respectively), were different in the case subject compared with non-users. These data demonstrate that LGD-4033 and MK-677 increase several body composition parameters, whilst negatively impacting bone and several serum biomarkers. Given the sparsity of data in recreationally using demographics, further research is warranted to elucidate the acute and chronic physiological effects of these anabolic agents

The Prevalence of Wrist Wrap Use in Actively Competing Powerlifters

Wrist wraps are often ergogenically employed by competitive powerlifters to improve bench press performance, but several product-specific variations may impact any potential benefits. Moreover, the prevalence of athletic wrist wrap use is hitherto undescribed. PURPOSE: to characterize the pervasiveness of wrist wrap use amongst competitive powerlifters with regards to style (flexible [F] or stiff [S]), length, and tightness amongst competitive powerlifters. METHODS: Powerlifters (n = 70; 27±6y) who competed in the last two years were randomly recruited at sanctioned meets across the USA. After providing consent and following a 5-minute seated rest, participant wrist wrap use descriptive data (wrap style [F or S], wrap length, and events used) were collected. Additionally, wrap tightness was assessed via pulse oximeter-detected oxygen saturation (SpO2). Post-meet bench press one repetition maximum (1RM) was also recorded from the Openpowerlifting.com open database. Wrist wrap use prevalence data (wrap style [F or S], wrap length, and events used) were assessed across Central, West Coast, and East Coast regions via separate Pearson’s Chi-squared tests. Furthermore, the relationships between both region-collapsed wrapped SpO2 and bench press 1RM were assessed using Pearson’s product-moment correlations and all statistical analyses were set at a significance level of pRESULTS: Analyses failed to detect any significant regional differences in wrap style, length, or events used (p\u3e0.05). Furthermore, there was a weak, negative correlation between wrapped SpO2 and bench press 1RM (r = -0.393, p = 0.086). CONCLUSIONS: Although we failed to detect any significant relationships between performance and wrap tightness, actively competing powerlifters nonetheless prominently utilize wraps similarly across the US regions assessed. Therefore, the potential for wrist wraps to augment bench press performance warrants further elucidation in a controlled, standardized investigation

Prison officers' views about hepatitis C testing and treatment:a qualitative enquiry

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the views of prison officers in an English category B male prison about people in prison being tested and treated for hepatitis C.  BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C testing and treatment in English prisons remain low with the reasons being poorly understood. Prison officers are in continuous contact with prisoners so might observe factors that may influence people in prisons' choice in whether to accept hepatitis C testing and treatment.  DESIGN: A qualitative design within an interpretative framework was employed.  METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 prison officers at an English male category B prison. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed at the prison.  RESULTS: Four themes emerged Safeguarding, Stigma, Confidentiality and Education. Hepatitis C testing and treatment were supported in principle but if a person in prison poses a threat to the overall security of a prison, any health issues that are not immediately life threatening will be overridden, irrespective of the financial or health consequences. The prison officers respected people in prisons' confidentiality regarding health matters, but this could be compromised during violent incidents. All of the prison officers displayed limited knowledge about hepatitis C.  CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative enquiry illustrates that prison security transcends health. This suggests that health providers may need to offer greater flexibility and collaboration across the network of National Health Service hospitals to maintain continuity in treatment if a prisoner is moved to a different establishment or liberated.  RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study introduces the notion that prison security staff may have a potential role in promoting or discouraging hepatitis C testing and treatment by the ways in which their knowledge impacts on their interactions with people in prison. Engaging this staff group in educational opportunities should be a component of commissioned hepatitis service delivery in prisons