THE EFFECTS OF COMPRESSION GARMENTS ON SPORTS PERFORMANCE AND FATIQUE

This study is to explore the effects of compression garments on sports performance and fatigue. Testees performed 20-meter sprints in normal shorts and compression garments. Following the sprints, the testees performed vertical jumps before and after the fatigue test. Fatigue test is based on the Opto Jump 60-s CMJ test. Fatigue indices were then calculated. Biomechanics data were collected through two AMTl force plates and an eightcamera motion analysis system. Our research findings indicate that the average sprint times for normal shorts and compression garments are not statistically different, that the fatigue indices for compression garments are significantly lower than those for normal shorts, and, finally, that the jump performance pre- and post- fatigue test for compression garments did not differ statistically. This implies that compression garments can ease fatigue and, consequently, lead to better performance

First-time mothers\u2019 experiences of pregnancy and birth following assisted reproductive technology treatment in Taiwan

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment tends to involve significant physical and emotional commitments that can impact maternal, infant, and family health and well-being. An in-depth understanding of experiences is necessary to provide adequate support for women and their families during pregnancy and transition to parenthood following ART treatment. The aim of this study was to explore first-time mothers\u2019 experiences of pregnancy and transition to parenthood following successful ART treatment in Taiwan. Method: Twelve first-time mothers who conceived and gave live birth using ART treatment were purposively selected from a fertility centre in Taipei, Taiwan. Women\u2019s experiences in pregnancy and in their transition to motherhood were explored using semi-structured in-depth interviews. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the Colaizzi strategy. Results: The mothers\u2019 accounts reflected three main themes: \u2018being different from mothers who became pregnant naturally\u2019, \u2018ensuring health and safety of the foetus\u2019, and \u2018welcoming new lives with excitement\u2019. The difference mothers felt about themselves was evident in four subthemes: becoming pregnant after a long wait, feeling vulnerable during pregnancy, relying on family\u2019s assistance and support, and worrying about the impact of ART on health. The theme on \u2018ensuring health and safety of the foetus\u2019 encompassed three subthemes: activities to protect the unborn baby, monitoring foetal movement constantly to maintain peace of mind, and receiving foetal reduction for the sake of the pregnancy. Narratives around \u2018welcoming new lives with excitement\u2019 reflected four subthemes: overcoming hardship for worthwhile results, realising one\u2019s life and dreams, proving to be fertile enough to give birth, and return to normal life track. Conclusion: Findings indicate the need for educational and psychosocial interventions to support women and their families physically and psychologically during ART treatment. The stigma related to infertility and the psychosocial support from family are aspects to consider while planning intervention programmes

The efficacy and safety of cuttlebone for lowering serum phosphate in patients with end-stage renal disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: The efficacy of cuttlebone for treating hyperphosphatemia in patients with end-stage renal disease and its safety remained unclear.Methods: Randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of cuttlebone with conventional interventions were retrieved from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Airiti Library, and other major Chinese databases until 1 February 2023. The primary outcome was circulating phosphate concentration, while secondary outcomes included circulating calcium and intact parathyroid hormone levels, calcium–phosphorus product, and treatment-related side-effects.Results: Analysis of nine studies published between 2000 and 2019 including 726 participants showed a lower circulating phosphate concentration in the cuttlebone group than in controls [mean difference (MD) = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.39 to −0.06, p = 0.006, I2 = 94%, 726 patients] and a dose-dependent effect of cuttlebone against hyperphosphatemia. Therapeutic benefits were noted after both short-term (1–2 months) and long-term (3–6 months) treatments. Besides, patients receiving hemodialysis showed a better response to cuttlebone than those receiving peritoneal dialysis. There was no difference in circulating calcium level (mean difference = 0.03, 95% CI: −0.01 to 0.07, p = 0.17, I2 = 34%, 654 patients), while patients receiving cuttlebone showed lower circulating iPTH level and calcium-phosphorus product (MD = −43.63, 95% CI: −74.1 to −13.16, p = 0.005, I2 = 76%, 654 patients), (MD = −0.38, 95% CI: −0.38 to −0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 83%, 520 patients). No difference in the risks of constipation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and elevated blood calcium was noted between the two groups.Conclusion: Compared with conventional phosphate-binding agents, cuttlebone more efficiently suppressed hyperphosphatemia with a dose-dependent effect. The limited number of included studies warrants further clinical investigations to verify our findings.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023396300

A lab-on-a-chip system with integrated sample preparation and loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid and quantitative detection of Salmonella spp. in food samples

A lab-on-a-chip system with integrated sample preparation and real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification for rapid detection of Salmonella in food samples.</p