Nevin Manimala

J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.23.15056-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Poor information is available regarding real field data on the different factors that could have an influence on curve sprint and its association with anthropometric and strength parameters.

METHODS: We designed a crossover pilot-study that enrolled 14 track and field athletes of 200 and 400 m (8/14 men, age: 20.5±2.3 years, height: 1.73±0.06 m; body mass: 60.5±6.2 kg) that performed randomly in two different days assessment of anthropometric parameters, jump test by squat jump (SJ) and triple hop distance (THD), performance during a 20-m curve sprint (day 1), and assessment of 1RM for right and left limb on Bulgarian split squat (BSS) (day 2). The unpaired t test and Pearson’s correlation were used for data analysis.

RESULTS: No statistical differences for anthropometric and strength parametric parameters between right and left lower limbs were observed. Twenty-meter curve sprints were negatively associated with body mass (P=0.0059, R=-0.7) and Body Mass Index (BMI; P=0.032, R=0.6). Moreover, a negative association was observed with SJ height (P=0.0025, R=-0.7), speed (P=0.0028; R=-0.7), strength (P=0.009, R=-0.7) and power (P=0.009, R=-0.7). Finally, 20-m curve sprint negatively correlated with right (P=0.0021, R=-0.7) and left (P<0.0001, R=-0.9) THD and 1 RM right (P=0.025, R=-0.6;) and left (P=0.0049, R=-0.7) BSS, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrated that 20-m curve sprint was negatively associated with body mass, BMI, vertical jump performance, THD and 1RM BSS. This information could be useful to coaches and sport scientists as a reference value to improve athlete performance for 200- and 400-m athletes.

PMID:37535342 | DOI:10.23736/S0022-4707.23.15056-0

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2023 Aug 2. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003271. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of free-weight and machine-based resistance training on strength, hypertrophy, and joint discomfort.

METHODS: Thirty-eight resistance-trained men participated in an 8-week resistance program allocated into free-weight (n = 19) or machine-based (n = 19) groups. Training variables were identical for both modalities, so they only differed in the use of barbells or machines to execute the full squat, bench press, prone bench pull, and shoulder press exercises. The velocity-based method was implemented to accurately adjust the intensity throughout the program. Strength changes were evaluated using 8 velocity-monitored loading tests (4 exercises x 2 modalities) and included the relative one-repetition maximum (1RMRel), as well as the mean propulsive velocity against low (MPVLow) and high (MPVHigh) loads. Ultrasound-derived cross-sectional area (CSA) of quadriceps (proximal and distal regions), pectoralis major, and rectus abdominis was measured to examine hypertrophy. Complementarily, WOMAC and DASH questionnaires were administrated to assess changes in lower- and upper-limb joint discomfort. Outcomes were compared using ANCOVA and percentage of change (∆) statistics.

RESULTS: Each group significantly (p < 0.001) increased 1RMRel, MPVLow, and MPVHigh for both modalities tested, but especially in the one they trained. When considering together the 8 exercises tested, strength changes for both modalities were similar (∆ differences ≤1.8%, p ≥ 0.216). Likewise, the CSA of all the muscles evaluated was significantly increased by both modalities, with no significant differences between them (∆ difference ≤ 2.0%, p ≥ 0.208). No between-group differences (p ≥ 0.144) were found for changes in stiffness, pain, and functional disability levels, which were reduced by both modalities.

CONCLUSIONS: Free-weight and machine-based modalities are similarly effective to promote strength and hypertrophy without increasing joint discomfort.

PMID:37535335 | DOI:10.1249/MSS.0000000000003271

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2023 Jul 28. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003260. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Objectively measured physical activity (PA) data were collected in the accelerometry sub-study of the UK Biobank. UK Biobank also contains information about MS diagnosis at the time of and after PA collection. This study aims to: 1) Quantify the difference in PA between prevalent MS cases and matched healthy controls; 2) Evaluate the predictive performance of objective PA measures for incident MS cases.

METHODS: The first analysis compared eight accelerometer-derived PA summaries between MS patients (N = 316) and matched controls (30 controls for each MS case). The second analysis focused on predicting time to MS diagnosis among participants who were not diagnosed with MS. A total of 19 predictors including eight measures of objective PA were compared using Cox proportional hazards models (number of events = 47; 585,900 person-years of follow-up).

RESULTS: In the prevalent MS study, the difference between MS cases and matched controls was statistically significant for all PA summaries (p < 0.001). In the incident MS study, the most predictive variable of progression to MS in univariate Cox regression models was lower age (C = 0.604) and the most predictive PA variable was lower relative amplitude (RA, C = 0.594). A two-stage forward selection using Cox regression resulted in a model with concordance C = 0.693 and four predictors: age (p = 0.015), stroke (p = 0.009), Townsend deprivation index (p = 0.874), and RA (p = 0.004). A model including age, stroke, and RA had a concordance of C = 0.691.

CONCLUSIONS: Objective PA summaries were significantly different and consistent with lower activity among study participants who had MS at the time of the accelerometry study. Among individuals who did not have MS, younger age, stroke history, and lower RA were significantly associated with higher risk of a future MS diagnosis.

PMID:37535318 | DOI:10.1249/MSS.0000000000003260

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s40520-023-02516-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Recently developed absolute and body size normalized handgrip strength (HGS) cut-points could be used individually and collectively to predict mobility problems and falls.

AIMS: We examined the associations of (1) each absolute and normalized weakness cut-point, (2) collective weakness categories, and (3) changes in weakness status on future falls in older Americans.

METHODS: The analytic sample included 11,675 participants from the 2006-2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Falls were self-reported. Men were classified as weak if their HGS was < 35.5-kg (absolute), < 0.45 kg/kg (body mass normalized), or < 1.05 kg/kg/m² (body mass index normalized). While, women were considered weak if their HGS was < 20.0-kg, < 0.337 kg/kg, or < 0.79 kg/kg/m². Collective weakness categorized those below 1, 2, or all 3 cut-points. The collective weakness categories were also used to observe changes in weakness status over time.

RESULTS: Older Americans below each absolute and normalized cut-point had greater odds for future falls: 1.23 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.32) for absolute weakness, 1.20 (CI 1.11-1.29) for body mass index normalized weakness, and 1.26 (CI 1.17-1.34) for body mass normalized weakness. Persons below 1, 2, or all 3 weakness cut-points had 1.17 (CI 1.07-1.27), 1.29 (CI 1.18-1.40), and 1.36 (CI 1.24-1.48) greater odds for future falls, respectively. Those in some changing weakness categories had greater odds for future falls: 1.26 (CI 1.08-1.48) for persistent and 1.31 (CI 1.11-1.55) for progressive.

DISCUSSION: Collectively using these weakness cut-points may improve their predictive value.

CONCLUSION: We recommend HGS be evaluated in mobility and fall risk assessments.

PMID:37535311 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-023-02516-6

Med Biol Eng Comput. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s11517-023-02894-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Humeral motion can be challenging to measure and analyze. Typically, Euler/Cardan sequences are used for humeral angle decomposition, but choice of rotation sequence has substantial effects on outcomes. A new method called True axial rotation calculation may be more precise. The objective of this study is to compare humeral axial rotation measured from two systems (optical motion capture and inertial measurement units (IMUs)) and calculated with two methods (Euler angles and True axial). Motion of torso and dominant humerus of thirty participants free from any upper limb impairments was tracked using both systems. Each participant performed a functional tasks protocol. Humeral axial rotation was calculated with Euler decomposition and the True axial method. Waveforms were compared with two-way ANOVA statistical parametric mapping. A consistent pattern emerged: axial rotation was not different between motion capture systems when using the True axial method (p > .05), but motion capture systems showed relatively large magnitude differences (~ 20-30°) when using Euler angle calculation. Between-calculation method differences were large for both motion capture systems. Findings suggest that the True axial rotation method may result in more consistent findings that will allow for precise measurements and comparison between motion capture systems. Two methods for calculating humeral axial rotation measured from optical motion capture and inertial measurement units were compared.

PMID:37535299 | DOI:10.1007/s11517-023-02894-z

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-29090-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the impact of efficiency, reliability, responsiveness, safety, and security on customer satisfaction with sustainable e-banking. The study used a quantitative methodology, with data collected from customers of commercial banks in South Punjab, Pakistan. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data. A sample of 350 was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for testing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression results. The study’s results revealed that efficiency, reliability, responsiveness, safety, and security significantly impacted customer satisfaction with e-banking services. Efficiency and reliability were the most crucial factors influencing customer satisfaction, followed by safety, security, and responsiveness. The research findings have important implications for commercial banks, as they highlight the critical role of these factors in the development of sustainable e-banking practices. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for commercial banks seeking to improve their e-banking services and ensure customer satisfaction. Commercial banks can enhance their competitiveness and achieve sustainable growth in the highly competitive e-banking sector by prioritizing efficiency, reliability, responsiveness, and safety and security.

PMID:37535282 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-29090-8

Ann Surg Oncol. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1245/s10434-023-14033-x. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and postoperative quality of life for patients with esophageal cancer treated by either the modified or the traditional thoracolaparoscopic McKeown procedure.

METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 269 patients with esophageal cancer admitted to three medical centers in China from February 2020 to August 2022. The patients were divided according to surgical method into the layered hand-sewn end-to-end invagination anastomosis group (modified group) and the traditional hand anastomosis group (traditional group). Propensity score-matching (PSM) was used to maintain balance and comparability between the two groups.

RESULTS: The differences in age and tumor location between the patients in the traditional and modified groups were statistically significant. After PSM, the aforementioned factors were statistically insignificant. After PSM, each group had 101 patients. The modified group showed the greater advantage in terms of postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.036), incidence of anastomotic leak (P = 0.009), and incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (P < 0.001), and the difference was statistically significant. The results of the Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and Quality of Life Questionnaire Oesophageal Cancer Module 18 (QLQ-OES18) scales showed that the modified group also had the advantage over the traditional group in terms of physical function, overall health status, loss of appetite, eating, reflux, obstruction, and loss of appetite scores at the first and third months after surgery.

CONCLUSION: The modified thoraco-laparoscopic McKeown procedure is a safe and effective surgical approach that can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leak and gastroesophageal reflux, shorten the postoperative hospital stay, and improve the postoperative quality of life for patients with esophageal cancer.

PMID:37535270 | DOI:10.1245/s10434-023-14033-x

Ann Surg Oncol. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1245/s10434-023-13894-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of occult breast cancer among patients undergoing reduction mammoplasty or risk-reducing mastectomies ranges from 1% to approximately 10%, respectively. Identification of incidental cancer often mandates subsequent mastectomy due to ambiguous margins. This study aimed to determine the incidence of contralateral malignancy among patients undergoing oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) with concurrent symmetry procedures.

METHODS: The authors reviewed their prospectively maintained institutional database of patients with unilateral breast cancer who underwent OBCS. Patients who underwent excisional biopsy on the contralateral breast were analyzed separately. Patient demographics, pathologic features, and subsequent disease management were evaluated.

RESULTS: Between March 2018 and July 2022, 289 patients underwent OBCS with a symmetry procedure, and 100 patients yielded contralateral breast tissue specimens. For 14 patients, a planned excisional biopsy was performed with their symmetry procedure, and five lesions (36%) were found to be malignant. Of the remaining 86 patients, 92% underwent preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Four patients (4.7%) had occult malignancies identified on the contralateral breast pathology; three patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and one patient with invasive lobular carcinoma. Three patients had undergone preoperative MRI without suspicious findings. No patients required mastectomy for treatment of the contralateral breast cancer.

CONCLUSION: The incidence of occult malignancy among OBCS symmetry procedures approaches 5%. The final pathology of excisional biopsies had a higher upgrade rate than previously reported. All identified malignancies were early-stage disease. The higher incidence of occult breast cancer in this population warrants the routine orientation of all specimens, which allows patients with incidental early-stage cancer the option of breast preservation.

PMID:37535266 | DOI:10.1245/s10434-023-13894-6

Braz J Microbiol. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s42770-023-01080-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Treatment of Proteus mirabilis infections is a challenge due to the high abundance of virulence factors and the high intrinsic resistance to antimicrobials. Multidrug resistance (MDR) and extensive drug resistance (XDR) further challenge the control of P. mirabilis infection. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between virulence determinants and multidrug resistance in 100 clinical isolates of P. mirabilis collected in Alexandria from December 2019 to June 2021. Susceptibility to antimicrobials was tested by the Kirby Bauer method. Detection of swarming, urease, protease, hemolysin, and biofilm formation was performed phenotypically and by PCR amplification of zapA, flaA, ureC, mrpA, atfA, ucaA, hpmA, and luxS. MDR and XDR were detected in 34% and 5%, respectively. All isolates were positive for motility, swarming, urease, and protease production. Ninety percent were positive for hemolysin production, while 73% formed biofilm. All isolates possessed the ureC and zapA genes. The luxS, flaA, ucaA, hpmA, mrpA, and atfA genes were detected in 99%, 98%, 96% 90%, 89%, and 84%, respectively. The presence of a single biofilm-related gene was statistically correlated with non-biofilm production (P= 0.018). It was concluded that P. mirabilis isolates from catheterized-urine samples were significantly associated with biofilm formation. MDR and virulence were not statistically correlated. A significant positive correlation was detected between some virulence genes in P. mirabilis. Non-MDR isolates of P. mirabilis had a high abundance of virulence factors with no statistically significant difference from MDR. Most of the MDR and all XDR isolates could produce biofilm.

PMID:37535261 | DOI:10.1007/s42770-023-01080-5

Oral Radiol. 2023 Aug 3. doi: 10.1007/s11282-023-00704-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Sickle cell disease (SCD) can cause osteoporotic changes in the jaw bones. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate possible bone changes using fractal analysis (FA) and morphometric analyses in dental panoramic radiographs of children and adolescents diagnosed with both homozygous and heterozygous forms of SCD.

METHODS: Sixty-five individuals (33 SCD, 32 controls) aged 6-17 years were included in the study. Four separate areas of interest (ROI) were selected for the right and left sides of all panoramic radiographs, and the FA value of the ROIs was calculated. Mandibular cortical width (MCW), panoramic mandibular index (PMI) and mandibular cortical index (MCI) and were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed and p < 0.05 was accepted for statistical significance.

RESULTS: Fractal values of right and left ROI1 (the center of the mandibular angle.) and ROI4 (the cortical bone), and right ROI2 (the middle of the mandibular ramus) were statistically lower in the case group (p < 0.05). Right ROI2 and ROI4 fractal values of individuals in the case group were lower than those on the left side (p < 0.05). While MCI categories did not differ from the case-control group (p > 0.05), PMI and MCW values were lower in the case group (p < 0.05). All evaluated parameters did not differ according to age and gender (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that SCD affects the mandible. FA, MCW and PMI parameters can be used to detect early osteoporotic changes in the disease.

PMID:37535233 | DOI:10.1007/s11282-023-00704-8