Effects of different circuit training protocols on body mass, fat mass and blood parameters among overweight adults

The benefits of regular exercise are known for a long time, but the mechanisms underlying the exercise mode recommendations for specific chronic cardiovascular diseases remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of different circuit training protocols in sedentary overweight adults

Influence of occlusal vertical dimension on cervical spine mobility in sports subjects

Introduction: In the scientific literature, a number of studies have reported conflicting results regarding the effects of occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) on sports-related skills. The purpose of this study was to increase OVD in sports subjects so as to specifically investigate the influence on cervical spine mobility. In particular, we measured cervical range of motion (ROM) before and after increasing OVD in individuals, either with or without malocclusion, analyzing both sports and sedentary subjects. Materials and methods: Participants were divided into two groups: a sports group (SG) and a control group (CG), each including 18 subjects. The SG was composed of sports subjects (age: 20.11±3.45 yrs; BMI: 25.39±2.32 kg/m2), whereas the CG consisted of age-matched sedentary subjects (age: 25.78±2.26 yrs; BMI: 24.88±2.87 kg/m2). Cervical range of motion (ROM) was evaluated, by way of an accelerometer (Moover®, Sensor Medica®), before (pre-test) and after (post-test) increasing OVD. Results: The main finding of this study was that sports subjects showed no significant difference, compared to control subjects, in cervical ROM in response to increased OVD. Moreover, we found that sports and sedentary subjects alike showed no significant change in cervical spine mobility as a result of increased OVD, regardless of whether they were affected by malocclusion (class II) or represented subjects with normocclusion (class I). Conclusion: In accord with several studies reported in the literature, the findings of our study indicate that occlusal splints failed to significantly improve the physical-performance endpoint measured, i.e. cervical ROM, in sports subjects as compared to sedentary individuals. Due to the paucity of studies, characterized by conflicting results, there is as yet no compelling scientific evidence as to whether OVD positively impacts sports performance or not. Accordingly, we suggest that further scientific investigation, regarding the relationship between sports performance and OVD, be conducted in the field of sport and exercise sciences

Progesterone receptor gene polymorphism and recurrent spontaneous abortion

PURPOSE: to assess a possible association between polymorphism of the progesterone receptor gene (PROGINS) and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). METHODS: in this case-control study, 85 women with at least three previous spontaneous abortions without an identifiable cause (RSA Group) and 157 women with at least two previous term pregnancies without pathologies and no previous miscarriage (Control Group) were selected. An amount of 10 mL of peripheral blood was collected by venipuncture and genomic DNA was extracted by the DTAB/CTAB method, followed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) under specific conditions for this polymorphism and by amplification by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. The bands were visualized with an ultraviolet light transilluminator and the gels were photographed. Differences in the PROGINS genotype and allele frequencies between groups were analyzed by the χ2 test, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. The Odds Ratio (OR) was also used, with 95% confidence intervals 95%CI. RESULTS: PROGINS genotypic frequencies were 72.3% T1T1 and 27.7% T1T2 for the RSA group and 764% T1T1, 22.3% T1T2 and 1.3% T2T2 for the control group. There were no differecnes between groups when the genotype and allele frequencies were analyzed: respectively p=0.48 (OR: 0.8) and p=0.65 (OR: 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: our results suggest that PROGINS polymorphism is not associated with RSA.OBJETIVO: investigar se polimorfismos dos genes que codificam o receptor de progesterona (PROGINS) estão relacionados à ocorrência de aborto espontâneo de repetição (AER). MÉTODOS: em estudo caso-controle, foram selecionados 85 pacientes com antecedente de pelo menos três abortos precoces sem etiologia definida (Grupo Caso) e 157 mulheres com história de pelo menos duas gestações de termo sem intercorrências e sem passado de abortamento (Grupo Controle). Realizada coleta de 10 mL de sangue por punção venosa periférica e extração de DNA pela técnica DTAB/CTAB. As genotipagens foram feitas por reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR), nas condições de ciclagem específica para o polimorfismo em estudo, seguida de amplificação em gel de agarose a 2%. A visualização das bandas foi feita sob luz ultravioleta e os géis foram fotografados. As diferenças genotípicas e alélicas entre os dois grupos para o polimorfismo PROGINS foram calculadas pelo teste de χ2, adotando-se como nível de significância valores de p<0,05. Calculou-se ainda o Odds Ratio (OR, razão de chances), com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). RESULTADOS: As frequências genotípicas encontradas para o polimorfismo PROGINS foram de 72,3% T1/T1 e 27,7% T1/T2 no grupo com AER e 76,4% T1/T1, 22,3% T1/T2 e 1,3% T2/T2 no Grupo Controle. Não houve diferenças entre os grupos, analisando-se as frequências genotípicas e alélicas: respectivamente p=0,4 (OR: 0,8) e p=0,6 (OR: 0,9). CONCLUSÕES: os dados do presente estudo sugerem que o polimorfismo PROGINS do gene dos receptores de progesterona não está relacionado ao AER.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de ObstetríciaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESP, Depto. de ObstetríciaUNIFESPSciEL

Rapporto tecnico sulle attività di campionamento della “Campagna Oceanografica CISAS_1” Augusta-Priolo 19-23 ottobre 2017

Le attività di campionamento ed acquisizione dati svolte durante la campagna CISAS_1 si inseriscono in seno al progetto “Centro internazionale di studi avanzati su ambiente ed impatti su ecosistema e salute umana (CISAS)” del CNR. Tra gli obiettivi principali del progetto, lo sviluppo di una complessa e decisa azione di ricerca scientifica volta ad una profonda comprensione dei fenomeni di inquinamento ambientale e dei loro risvolti sull’ecosistema e la salute umana. Le aree di indagine del progetto sono rappresentate dai Siti di Interesse Nazionale di Priolo, Milazzo-Pace del Mela e Crotone che, per specificità e modalità di impatto antropogenico sull’ambiente, l’ecosistema e la salute umana, coprono un ampio spettro di tipologie di interesse

Gait Spatio-Temporal Parameters Vary Significantly Between Indoor, Outdoor and Different Surfaces

Human gait is usually studied in clinical environments, but wearable devices have extended gait analysis beyond traditional assessments. Older adults tend to walk differently indoors and outdoors; however, most gait assessments are conducted on indoor surfaces. It is therefore important to evaluate gait in various outdoor environments. Insights gained from these assessments significantly enhance our understanding of the impact of environmental factors on gait performance and ensure that clinical evaluations are effectively aligned with everyday locomotion. A total of 100 participants with foot pain, 38 young (18–45 years) and 62 older adults (65–80 years), completed a 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT) in three randomised conditions at their typical, comfortable walking pace, including (1) 10MWT of indoor walking, (2) 10MWT of outdoor walking on grass and (3) 10MWT of outdoor walking on a sidewalk. Wearable inertial sensors recorded gait data and the magnitudes of the following gait measures: gait speed, cadence, stride length, stride duration and asymmetry. A statistical analysis using ANOVA and post hoc comparisons revealed a significantly lower gait speed (p &lt; 0.001), lower stride length (p &lt; 0.001) and lower asymmetry (p &lt; 0.001) indoors compared to outdoors, demonstrating that environmental factors significantly affect spatio-temporal gait parameters. Wearable sensor-based gait analysis performed in controlled clinical settings may underestimate real-life conditions. Some important spatio-temporal parameters, useful in detecting people with gait impairment and at risk of falling, are significantly affected by environment and individual postural ability more than demographic factors

Correction to: Spino-pelvic balance and surgical treatment of L5–S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis

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TBCRC 019: A phase II trial of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel with or without the anti-death receptor 5 monoclonal antibody tigatuzumab in patients with triple negative breast cancer

Purpose: Tigatuzumab (TIG), an agonistic anti-DR5 antibody, triggers apoptosis in DR5+ human tumor cells without crosslinking. TIG has strong in vitro/in vivo activity against basal-like breast cancer cells enhanced by chemotherapy agents. This study evaluates activity of TIG and chemotherapy in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Experimental Design: Randomized 2:1 phase II trial of albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PAC) ± TIG in patients with TNBC stratified by prior chemotherapy. Patients received nab-PAC weekly × 3 ± TIG every other week, every 28 days. Primary objective was within-arm objective response rate (ORR). Secondary objectives were safety, progression-free survival (PFS), clinical benefit, and TIG immunogenicity. Metastatic research biopsies were required. Results: Among 64 patients (60 treated; TIG/nab-PAC n = 39 and nab-PAC n = 21), there were 3 complete remissions (CR), 8 partial remissions (PR; 1 almost CR), 11 stable diseases (SD), and 17 progressive diseases (PD) in the TIG/nab-PAC arm (ORR, 28%), and no CRs, 8 PRs, 4 SDs, and 9 PDs in the nab-PAC arm (ORR, 38%). There was a numerical increase in CRs and several patients had prolonged PFS (1,025+, 781, 672, 460, 334) in the TIG/nab-PAC arm. Grade 3 toxicities were 28% and 29%, respectively, with no grade 4–5. Exploratory analysis suggests an association of ROCK1 gene pathway activation with efficacy in the TIG/nab-PAC arm. Conclusions: ORR and PFS were similar in both. Preclinical activity of TIG in basal-like breast cancer and prolonged PFS in few patients in the combination arm support further investigation of anti-DR5 agents. ROCK pathway activation merits further evaluation

Influência da manipulação na elasticidade de siliconas de adição em consistência de massa

The handling of vinyl polysiloxane (addition silicone) impression putties with latex gloves is said to interfere with the setting of these impression materials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of handling techniques on the setting of vinyl polysiloxane impression putties using several types of gloves. The setting of these materials was evaluated by means of an elasticimeter. Four vinyl polysiloxane putty impression materials and five brands of gloves (one made of vinyl, one of synthetic rubber, and three of natural rubber) were studied. Based on the type of glove, they were previously washed or not, and a spatula was used or not for initial mixing (before handmixing). The vinyl, the synthetic and one of the natural rubber gloves did not require the previous washing procedure and/or the use of a spatula for initial mixing. Two other natural rubber gloves - depending on the silicone -, showed satisfactory results only when the initial mixing was performed with a spatula. It was concluded that setting inhibition depends on the kind of vinyl polysiloxane impression material and the kind of gloves used, but when the initial mixing was performed with the spatula this setting inhibition was overcome. The results of this study also showed that it is possible to associate cross-contamination control and satisfactory performance of addition silicone putty materials. When doubts arise from the compatibility between vinyl polysiloxane impression putties and gloves, the initial mixing should be performed with a spatula.A finalidade da presente pesquisa foi avaliar a influência na elasticidade da manipulação de silicones de adição em consistência de massa, por meio de várias técnicas, empregando-se luvas. A polimerização dos materiais foi avaliada por meio de um elasticímetro. Ensaiaram-se quatro silicones, empregando cinco marcas de luvas (uma de vinil, uma de borracha sintética e três de borracha natural). Dependendo do tipo de luva, ela foi lavada ou não e ainda foi utilizada ou não uma espátula para a mistura inicial dos silicones. Os resultados demonstraram que no emprego das luvas de vinil, uma das de borracha sintética e uma das de borracha natural não precisaram ser lavadas, nem a utilização de espátula para a mistura inicial foi necessária. Duas luvas de borracha natural não conduziram a resultados satisfatórios com todos os silicones sem que a mistura inicial fosse feita com a espátula mas, com essa prática, todas as luvas foram compatíveis com todos os silicones. Pode-se concluir que, em caso de dúvida sobre a compatibilidade entre tipo de luva e marca de silicone, o emprego de espátula na mistura inicial contorna o problema

Using Wearable Inertial Sensors to Monitor Effectiveness of Different Types of Customized Orthoses during CrossFit® Training

Background: Dynamic balance plays a key role in high-impact sports, such as CrossFit, where athletes are required to maintain balance in various weightlifting exercises. The loss of balance in these sport-specific movements may not only affect athlete performance, but also increase the risk of injuries. Objectives: The aim of the study is to achieve greater insight into the balance and athlete position during the CrossFit training by means of inertial sensors, with a particular focus on the role of different custom foot orthoses (CFOs) in order to detect correlations with the role of the cavus foot. Methods: A total of 42 CrossFit® athletes, aged 25 to 42 years, were enrolled in this study. One-way ANOVA tests with post-hoc analysis of variance were used to compare foot posture groups and effects of different types of customized foot orthoses. Results: When comparing the effects of CFOs with the respective balance basal level during the pistol squat exercise, we observed a significant (p = 0.0001) decrease in the sway area, antero-posterior displacement (APD) and medio-lateral displacement (MLD) compared to the basal using both types of CFOs. Conclusion: No significant positive effects of CFOs were observed in some static tests. On the contrary, positive effects of CFOs and, in particular, postural insoles, are relevant to dynamic balance