Acute Ingestion of a Commercially Available Pre-workout Supplement Improves Anaerobic Power Output and Reduces Muscular Fatigue

The effect of a pre-workout supplement on anaerobic power output and muscular fatigue was examined. 18 participants took part in this double-blinded crossover study, reporting for testing on 3 occasions. Participants completed a 6x6 second repeated sprint test, with 20s recovery between sprints. Anaerobic power output was recorded as the highest power achieved during sprint test. Muscular fatigue was reported as a fatigue index across the six sprints ((maximum power – minimum power) ÷ total sprint time). During a baseline visit, participants consumed 250ml of water 30 minutes prior to testing, whilst in subsequent visits a taste-matched placebo (250ml water mixed with sugar-free juice) or a pre-workout supplement (250ml water mixed with one serving of ‘THE PRE’ myprotein.com). Anaerobic power output increased following pre-workout ingestion (pre-workout supplement, 885.8 ± 216.9W; Placebo, 853.6 ± 206.5W; Baseline, 839.3 ± 192.6W). Baseline vs pre-workout supplement (p = 0.01, g = 0.30); Placebo vs pre-workout supplement (p = 0.01, g = 0.20); Baseline vs Placebo (p = 0.59 g = 0.09). Muscular fatigue was reduced following pre-workout ingestion (Baseline, 4.92 ± 1.83W.s; Placebo, 4.39 ± 1.93W.s; pre-workout supplement, 3.31 ± 1.34W.s). Baseline vs pre-workout supplement (p = < 0.01 g = 0.98); Placebo vs pre-workout supplement (p = 0.01, g = 0.63); Baseline vs Placebo (p = 0.20, g = 0.28). Acute ingestion of a pre-workout supplement significantly improves anaerobic power output and attenuates muscular fatigue during repeated sprint cycling

Rethinking Treaty Shopping: Lessons for the European Union

Whilst treaty shopping is not a new phenomenon, it remains as controversial as ever. It would seem that the more countries try to deal with it, the wider the disagreements as to what is improper treaty shopping and what is legitimate tax planning. In this paper, we reassess the traditional quasi-definitions of treaty shopping in an attempt to delineate the contours of such practices. We examine the various theoretical arguments advanced to justify the campaign against treaty shopping. We also consider the current trends in treaty shopping and the anti-treaty shopping policies under the OECD Model and the US Model. We focus on recent cases on beneficial ownership. Finally, we examine the possible implications of EU law on the treaty shopping debate

A missed scalp laceration causing avoidable sequelae

Introduction: We present the case of an overlooked scalp laceration in an 81-year-old lady who presented with polytrauma following a fall down stairs. Complications that developed required more extensive treatment compared to what would have sufficed with early identification. Presentation of case: Imaging on admission to hospital showed multiple vertebrae and rib fractures as well as a large cranial subcutaneous haematoma with no intracerebral bleed. Before the laceration was identified, the patient developed acute anaemia requiring transfusion. Continued reduction in haemoglobin levels called for a more thorough examination of the scalp. Investigation, following copious irrigation, revealed a large laceration. The presence of infection and necrotic tissue necessitated a general anaesthetic for debridement and closure. Disscussion: Diagnostic errors are more common in patients presenting with multiple or severe injuries. Initial management in trauma cases should focus on more evident or life threatening injuries However, it is important that reflections and recommendations are continually made to reduce diagnostic errors, which are higher in polytraumatised patients. Various factors including haemodynamic instability and patient positioning added to the elusive nature of this wound. Adequate examination of lacerations requires thorough cleaning as coagulated blood and other material may obscure findings. This is particularly important in scalp lacerations where the overlying hair can form a barrier that is effective at hiding the wound edges. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of a thorough secondary survey; an effective examination technique would have avoided the need for extensive treatment to manage the sequelae of the missed scalp laceration

A New-Age for Biologic Therapies: Long-Term Drug-Free Therapy with BiP?

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) and other members of the much broader stress protein family have been shown to play important roles in coordinating multiple phases of immunological reactions; from facilitating immunological recognition, to promoting and regulating immunological responses and finally augmenting the resolution of inflammation and return to immunological homeostasis. In this review, we consider the challenges facing the stress protein field as we enter 2012; in particular we consider the role that HSPs and stress proteins may play in the initiation and termination of immunological responses. Special attention is afforded to the resolution-associated molecular pattern, binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP, also known as glucose regulated protein-78). We review the evidence that resolution-promoting proteins such as BiP may herald a new generation of biologics for inflammatory disease and reflect on the challenges of achieving clinical remission in rheumatoid arthritis with novel therapeutics and correlating clinical remission with immunological parameters of resolution of inflammation

Fracture toughness and hardness of in-office, 3D-printed ceramic brackets

Objectives: Three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology is a promising manufacturing technique for fabricating ceramic brackets. The aim of this research was to assess fundamental mechanical properties of in‐office, 3D printed ceramic brackets. Materials and Methods: 3D‐printed zirconia brackets, commercially available polycrystalline alumina ceramic brackets (Clarity, 3 M St. Paul, MN) and 3D‐printed customized polycrystalline alumina ceramic ones (LightForce™, Burlington, Massachusetts) were included in this study. Seven 3D printed zirconia brackets and equal number of ceramic ones from each manufacturer underwent metallographic grinding and polishing followed by Vickers indentation testing. Hardness (HV) and fracture toughness (K1c) were estimated by measuring impression average diagonal length and crack length, respectively. After descriptive statistics calculation, group differences were analysed with 1 Way ANOVA and Holm Sidak post hoc multiple comparison test at significance level α = .05. Results: Statistically significant differences were found among the materials tested with respect to hardness and fracture toughness. The 3D‐printed zirconia proved to be less hard (1261 ± 39 vs 2000 ± 49 vs 1840 ± 38) but more resistant to crack propagation (K1c = 6.62 ± 0.61 vs 5.30 ± 0.48 vs 4.44 ± 0.30 MPa m$^{1/2}$) than the alumina brackets (Clarity and Light Force respectivelty). Significant differences were observed between the 3D printed and the commercially available polycrystalline alumina ceramic brackets but to a lesser extent.ConclusionsUnder the limitations of this study, the 3D printed zirconia bracket tested is characterized by mechanical properties associated with advantageous orthodontic fixed appliances traits regarding clinically relevant parameters

Taxing the powerful, the rise of populism and the crisis in Europe: the case for the EU Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base

Contemporary populism is rooted in a crisis of legitimacy. Corporate taxavoidance by multinationals is one cause of that crisi s. Although states tend to beincreasingly formally committed to tackling avoidance, they do so in a system thatpromotes contradictory sets of behaviour. This tends to undermine attempts to solvethe problem of avoidance unless a more transformative collective approach is taken.Ironically, despite its own democratic deficit, the European Comm ission has taken aleading role in promoting such a solution: the Common Consolidated Corporate TaxBase (CCCTB). In this paper, I set out the case for ‘unitary taxation’ based on theCCCTB and state some of its current problems. The problem of corporation taxraises a basic issue in terms of who is sovereignty for, and solving the problemprovides an important contribution to legitimacy of both the state and the EU