scholarly journals Efficacy of High-performance Vision Training on Improving the Reaction Time of Collegiate Softball Athletes: A Randomized Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Feldhacker ◽  
Whitney Molitor ◽  
Ashley Athmann ◽  
Molly Boell ◽  
Angela Kaiser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Visual Training ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Purpose. A well-developed visual system is integral to the dynamic nature of sport performance among collegiate athletes. Occupational therapists play an important role in addressing an athlete’s visual skills through incorporating meaningful occupation, in this case sport, into interventions while addressing specific client factors. The aim of the study was to examine the efficacy of occupational therapist led high-performance visual training in improving the reaction time of collegiate softball athletes. Method. A mixed method approach was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data were collected to assess athlete perceptions of sport, and quantitative data were collected using a mixed within group and between group design. Twenty-one participants were randomly allocated into two groups, each receiving a 6-week intervention which followed an evidence-based protocol. Group A consisted of Dynavision™ D2 training, and Group B of non-machine, therapist-led, visual training, twice weekly for 10-15 minutes each. Results. Results of the study highlight perceived meaningfulness of sport and display that both theory-based protocols were effective, as Group A and Group B experienced significant decreases in reaction time. However, decreases in reaction time were more significant for Group A in both proactive and reactive Dynavision™ D2 training modes. Conclusion. Results suggest that both the Dynavision™ D2 and alternative vision training as led by occupational therapists may be beneficial in improving the proactive and reactive reaction times of collegiate athletes, enhancing their abilities to participate in meaningful sports, but the Dynavision™ D2 may be a more effective training tool, especially related to proactive reaction time training.

Behaviour of Uniaxial Reinforced Concrete Columns Strengthened with Ultra-High Performance Concrete and Fiber Reinforced Polymers

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 54-72
Author(s):  
Abd-al-Salam Al-Hazragi ◽  
Assim Lateef
Keyword(s):  
Reinforced Concrete ◽  
High Performance ◽  
High Performance Concrete ◽  
Concrete Columns ◽  
Fiber Reinforced Concrete ◽  
Fiber Reinforced Polymers ◽  
Tension Zone ◽  
Fiber Reinforced ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

This article investigates the behaviour of strengthened concrete columns using jacketing ultra-high-performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) under uniaxial loaded. The jacket was connected to the column core using shear connectors and (CFRP) fixed as a strip on the tension zone between the column cores and the jacketing. Seven column samples of square cross-section (120 x120) mm at the midsection with overall length of 1250 mm were cast using normal strength concrete (NSC) and having similar longitudinal and transverse reinforcement. The samples were made and tested under axial load at eccentricity equal to 120 mm up to failure. Test parameters were the thickness of jackets (25 and 35) mm and the width of CFRP (0,8, and 12) cm. Column specimens were tested, one of them was reference without any strengthening, and the other specimens divided into two groups (A, and B), and each group included three specimens based on the parameters. Group (A) has UHPFRC jacket thickness 25 mm and CFRP width (0,8, and 12) cm respectively, and group (B) has UHPFRC jacket thickness 35 mm and CFRP width (0,8, and 12) cm respectively. The outcomes of the article show that increasing the thickness of jacket, and width of CFRP lead to increase in the load carrying capacity about (110.5%,168.4%, and 184.2%) for group A, and (157.9%,226.3%, and 263.2%) for group B compared with the reference column due to delay in the appearance of cracks and their distribution. The mid-height lateral displacement of columns was decreased about (66.6%,42.3%, and 35.9%) for group A, and (46.15%,38.46%, and 32.3%) for group B, also the axial deformation of specimens decreased about (71.7%,60.86%, and 55.86%) for group A, and (65.5%,60.5%, and 53.4) for group B compared with the reference column. The ductility of columns that were strengthened with UHPFRC jacket only was increased about (13.67%,19.66%) for thickness(25,35) mm respectively, because of that UHPFRC jacket was contented on steel fibers, and the percentage decrease of ductility was about (5.1%,and 12%) for group (A), (1%,and 9.4%) for group (B) when bonded CFRP in the tension zone with width (8 ,and 12) cm respectively. The results show improvement in the initial and secant stiffness when, increased the thickness of jacket, and width of CFRP because of increase in the size of columns and improvement in the modulus of elasticity. The toughness increase was about (273.97%,301.55%, and 304.5%) for group A, and (453.69%,511.93%, and 524.28%) for group B compared with the reference column because of increase in the size of specimens and delay the appearance of cracks.

scholarly journals Artemisinin Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy in Uncomplicated-Malaria Patients Treated with Two Different Dosage Regimens

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 1026-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toufigh Gordi ◽  
Dinh Xuan Huong ◽  
Trinh Ngoc Hai ◽  
Nguyen Thi Nieu ◽  
Michael Ashton
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Parasite Clearance ◽  
Oral Dosage ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Oral Clearance ◽  
Dosage Regimens ◽  
Drug Concentrations ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Pass Metabolism

ABSTRACT The immediate efficacies of two oral dosage regimens of artemisinin were investigated in 77 male and female adult Vietnamese falciparum malaria patients randomly assigned to treatment with either 500 mg of artemisinin daily for 5 days (group A; n = 40) or artemisinin at a dose of 100 mg per day for 2 days, with the dose increased to 250 mg per day for 2 consecutive days and with a final dose of 500 mg on the fifth day (group B; n = 37). Parasitemia was monitored every 4 h. The average parasite clearance time was longer in group B than in group A (means ± standard deviations, 50 ± 23 and 34 ± 14 h, respectively; P < 0.01). Artemisinin concentrations in saliva samples obtained on days 1 and 5 were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The average oral clearance, based on saliva drug concentrations in group B patients, was twofold higher than that in group A patients on day 1 (P < 0.01), with no differences in drug half-lives (P = 0.40), indicating a saturable first-pass metabolism. Female patients had higher oral clearance values on day 1. Artemisinin's pharmacokinetic parameters were similar on day 5 in both groups, although a significant increase in oral clearance from day 1 to day 5 was evident. Thus, artemisinin exhibited both dose- and time-dependent pharmacokinetics. The escalating dose studied did not result in higher artemisinin concentrations toward the end of the treatment period.

Distinguishing Between Fresh and Frozen-thawed Smoked Salmon: Histology to Detect Food Adulteration in High-Value Products

2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARZIA PEZZOLATO ◽  
ELISA BAIONI ◽  
CRISTIANA MAURELLA ◽  
KATIA VARELLO ◽  
SERENA MEISTRO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Accurate Method ◽  
Food Adulteration ◽  
Smoked Salmon ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Group A ◽  
Quality Of Products ◽  
Group B ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

ABSTRACT The issue of food safety has acquired increased importance, and fraud is a major concern for the food industry. Among different types of food adulteration, there is the sale of frozen-thawed smoked salmon product as fresh, which not only decreases the quality of products but also misleads consumers and may involve associated health risks. In response to this problem, we tested the performance of histology to identify smoked salmon as fresh or frozen-thawed as a valid analytical method, so food business operators and official controllers can reliably and correctly classify the storage state of the product. Three groups of samples were prepared: group A (n = 36), fresh samples; group B (n = 36), frozen at −18°C for 30 days; and group C (n = 36), stored at −3°C for 30 days after packaging. Two histopathologists examined all samples in blind evaluations and classified them as fresh or frozen-thawed. Sensitivity, specificity, and interrater agreement were calculated. Results show high performance with the test: 80.6% sensitivity (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 64 to 91.8%); 95.6% specificity (95% CI: 89.1 to 98.8%); and Cohen's kappa was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.64 to 0.98%). Histology is a reliable and highly accurate method to differentiate fresh from frozen-thawed smoked salmon and could be used by the industry and official controllers to verify the labeling of the commercial product. HIGHLIGHTS

Effect of Distributed Versus Massed Practice on Reaction Time in Collegiate Volleyball Players: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiran Negi ◽  
SD Shahanawaz ◽  
Priya Chauhan ◽  
Basudeo Rajbhor
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Distributed Practice ◽  
P Value ◽  
Massed Practice ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Volleyball Players ◽  
Group A ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Group B

Introduction: Reaction Time (RT) is the time taken by an individual to respond to external stimuli. It is one of the most important determinant ability in sports like Volleyball. Shorter RT leads to higher performance and success in Volleyball. Two types of training methods, massed and distributed practice have been used in researches to improve RT and other sports related skills in sports. In massed practice, there is persistent workout with hardly any rest periods even of minimal time period relative to the work interval while in distributed practice; it is interspersed with rest or other skill learning. There are mixed evidences on effectiveness of these practice methods which has led to the present study. Aim: To find the effect of distributed practice and massed practice in terms of RT among collegiate volleyball players. Materials and Methods: The study design was quasi-experimental pilot study that was conducted at the volleyball academy Gurugram, Haryana, India from September 2019 to December 2019. A total of 30 players, aged 18-22 years, from college volleyball team were invited to participate in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received massed practice (n=15), and group B received distributed practice (n=15) for 40 minutes, four days a week for four weeks. Players who were practicing daily for one hour were included in this study and they were excluded if they had any condition that limited their participation in the study or if they are suffering from any type of orthopaedic or neurological illness. RT was measured using Ruler Drop Test (RDT) and Red Light Green Light Test (RLGL). Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 for statistical analysis. Results: The mean pre and post data of Group A, for RDT was 0.16 and 0.12 seconds, respectively; of Group B, it was 0.16 and 0.13. The mean pre and post data of Group A for RLGL was 0.42 and 0.38 seconds, respectively; Group B data for RLGL pre and post was 0.39 and 0.37 seconds, respectively. Both the groups showed significant improvement in scores of RDT (p-value for Group A=0.01, Group B=0.05) and RLGL (p-value for Group A=0.01, Group B=0.01) measured by the paired sample t-test (p<0.05). But there was no significant difference in between group analysis measured by independent sample t-test (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that both massed and distributed practice was helpful in improving RT of collegiate volleyball players. As there was no significant difference between the two groups, consequently which practice method is superior in improving RT in collegiate volleyball players could not be stated.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Jatropha curcas Latex Cream in The Epithelialization Phase of Wound Healing in Mice Skin

2020 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 01038
Author(s):  
Muhammad N. Salim ◽  
Moma Silvia ◽  
Dwinna Aliza ◽  
Dian Masyitha ◽  
Cut D. Iskandar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Statistical Test ◽  
Wound Therapy ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Incision Wound ◽  
Made In

The objective of the present research was to find out the efficacy of Jatropha latex cream in the epithelialization phase of wound healing in mice skin. A total of 9 male mice aged 2-3 months old and the bodyweight of 25-40 g were divided into three treatment groups. Group A was given basic cream, group B was given Jatropha latex cream (10%), and group C was given sulfadiazine. The 2 cm incision wound was made in the paravertebral area. Wound therapy was carried out twice a day for 7 days. All quantitative data were measured using ANOVA then followed by the Duncan test. The number of angiogenesis on A, B, and C was 4.67±1.20; 12.78±2.52; and 11.33±2.33, while a number of fibroblasts were 179.56±12.69; 90.56±8.23; and 99.11±7.04, respectively. The average deposition of collagen was 1.46±0.12; 1.89±0.10; and 1.74±0.06, respectively. The statistical test showed that the number of angiogenesis, fibroblast, and deposition of collagen on group B was significantly different (P<0.05) compared to group A and showed no significant difference compared to group C (P>0.05). In conclusion, Jatropha latex cream (10%) able to accelerate the epithelialization phase of wound healing in mice skin.

scholarly journals Effect of Coadministered Fat on the Tolerability, Safety, and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine in Papua New Guinean Children with Uncomplicated Malaria

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 5784-5794 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. R. Moore ◽  
J. M. Benjamin ◽  
S. Salman ◽  
S. Griffin ◽  
E. Ginny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Parasite Clearance ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Laboratory Assessment ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Papua New Guinean

ABSTRACTCoadministration of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) with fat may improve bioavailability and antimalarial efficacy, but it might also increase toxicity. There have been no studies of these potential effects in the pediatric age group. The tolerability, safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of DHA-PQ administered with or without 8.5 g fat were investigated in 30 Papua New Guinean children aged 5 to 10 years diagnosed with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Three daily 2.5:11.5-mg-base/kg doses were given with water (n= 14, group A) or milk (n= 16, group B), with regular clinical/laboratory assessment and blood sampling over 42 days. Plasma PQ was assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection, and DHA was assayed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Compartmental pharmacokinetic models for PQ and DHA were developed using a population-based approach. DHA-PQ was generally well tolerated, and initial fever and parasite clearance were prompt. There were no differences in the areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC0–∞) for PQ (median, 41,906 versus 36,752 μg · h/liter in groups A and B, respectively;P= 0.24) or DHA (4,047 versus 4,190 μg · h/liter;P= 0.67). There were also no significant between-group differences in prolongation of the corrected electrocardiographic QT interval (QTc) initially during follow-up, but the QTctended to be higher in group B children at 24 h (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 15 ± 10 versus 6 ± 15 ms0.5in group A,P= 0.067) and 168 h (10 ± 18 versus 1 ± 23 ms0.5,P= 0.24) when plasma PQ concentrations were relatively low. A small amount of fat does not change the bioavailability of DHA-PQ in children, but a delayed persistent effect on ventricular repolarization cannot be excluded.

Comparative pharmacokinetic study of hesperetin after oral administration in normal and hyperuricemia rats by UPLC-MS/MS

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kexin Li ◽  
Li Wei ◽  
Zhigang Han ◽  
Huarong Xiong ◽  
Fengmei Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Administration ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Specific Method ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Post Dose ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Profiles ◽  
Group A ◽  
Tandem Mass Spectrometric ◽  
Group B

Backgrounds: Hesperetin has antihyperuricemia activity, and the pharmacokinetic profiles of hesperetin may be altered by hyperuricemia. This study aimed to develop a highly sensitive and specific method for the determination of hesperetin in normal and hyperuricemia rats, and to compare pharmacokinetic profiles of hesperetin after oral administration between normal and hyperuricemia rats. Methods: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into one normal group (group A) and four hyperuricemia groups (group B, C, D, and E). Groups A, B, C, and D received a single dose (9–81 mg/kg) of hesperetin on Day 28, respectively, while group E received multiple doses (27 mg/kg) of hesperetin once daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at 10 different time points post-dose, and hesperetin was determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC-MS/MS). Results: Compared with normal condition of group A, hyperuricemia of group C induced 48.19% and 19.57% decreases in Cmax and CL/F, and resulted in 58.25% and 19.48% increases in Tmax and AUC0-t for hesperetin, respectively. After 28 days of hesperitin treatment, Cmax of group E was significantly elevated than that of group C (p < 0.05). Hesperetin exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetic properties in the range of 9–81 mg/kg in hyperuricemia rats. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic parameters of hesperetin in hyperuricemia rats were reported for the first time. Intestinal injury may be ameliorated by hesperetin in hyperuricemia rats after 28 days’ treatment. These findings could provide more beneficial information to the mechanism and clinical applications of hesperetin.

scholarly journals Influence of intravenously administered ciprofloxacin on aerobic intestinal microflora and fecal drug levels when administered simultaneously with sucralfate.

1997 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 1725-1730 ◽  
Author(s):  
W A Krueger ◽  
G Ruckdeschel ◽  
K Unertl
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Combined Therapy ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Intestinal Lumen ◽  
Drug Levels ◽  
Microbiological Methods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Family ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Ciprofloxacin, when given intravenously (i.v.), is secreted in significant amounts via the mucosa into the intestinal lumen. Sucralfate inhibits the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin. The effect of combined therapy on the intestinal flora was investigated in 16 healthy volunteers. They were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received 2 g of sucralfate orally three times a day for 7 days and 400 mg of ciprofloxacin i.v. twice a day (b.i.d.) starting 3 days after the sucralfate administration began. Group B was given only 400 mg of ciprofloxacin i.v. b.i.d. for 4 days. A total of 9 stool samples were collected from each subject beginning the week before ciprofloxacin was administered and on days -1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10 or 11 after commencement of the infusion period. The aerobic fecal flora was determined by standard microbiological methods. Measurements of fecal ciprofloxacin levels were based on high-performance liquid chromatography. Counts of bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae decreased in all subjects and were below 10(2) CFU/g in eight of eight subjects (group A) and six of eight subjects (group B) on day 4, but they returned to normal in all but one subject (group A) 10 days after the last infusion. The decreases in levels of bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae were not significantly different in groups A and B (Kaplan-Meier test). Staphylococci and nonfermenters responded variably, enterococci and lactobacilli remained unchanged, and candida levels increased transiently in four subjects (two in each group). Maximum fecal drug levels ranged from 251 to 811 microg/g. No significant difference could be found between the two groups. The i.v. application of ciprofloxacin eliminates intestinal bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae in a rapid and selective manner. This effect is not affected by simultaneous oral application of sucralfate.

scholarly journals Use of Sports Supplements in Competitive Handball Players: Sex and Competitive Level Differences

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Muñoz ◽  
Álvaro López-Samanes ◽  
Raúl Domínguez ◽  
Víctor Moreno-Pérez ◽  
Antonio Jesús Sánchez-Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Sport Performance ◽  
Sports Supplements ◽  
Scientific Support ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Australian Institute ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Sports supplements are commonly used by elite athletes with the main goal of enhancing sport performance. Supplements use might be substantially different depending on the sport discipline, sex, and competitive level. To date, data about prevalence and the most-commonly used supplements in handball are scarce. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to determine the patterns of supplements use by handball players of both sexes and with different competitive levels: One hundred and eighty-seven handball players (112 men and 75 women) of different competitive levels (106 professional and 81 amateur) completed a validated self-administered questionnaire about supplements use. Supplements were classified according to the categorization of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Overall, 59.9% of the handball players (n = 112) declared the use of at least one supplement and there were no significant differences between men and women (58.9% vs. 61.3%, p = 0.762) nor between professional vs. amateur handball players (67.1% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.074). The most prevalent supplements were sports drinks (42.2%), followed by energy bars (35.3%) and caffeine-containing products (31.6%). However, a greater consumption of group A supplements (those with strong scientific evidence; p = 0.029) and group B supplements (those with emerging scientific support, p = 0.012) was observed in male compared to female handball players. Supplements categorized as medical supplements were more commonly consumed in professional vs. amateur players (0.48 ± 0.80 vs. 0.21 ± 0.44, supplements p < 0.006). Additionally, a higher consumption of group B supplements was observed in professional compared to amateur players (0.58 ± 0.88 vs. 0.33 ± 0.72 supplements, p = 0.015). Handball players revealed a moderate use of supplements while sex and competitive level slighted changed the pattern of supplements use. A high portion of handball players use supplements as fuel during exercise and reported the use of caffeine-containing supplements to enhance performance.

scholarly journals Effect of Applying Binocular Visual Training after Slanted Lateral Rectus Recession on Orthophoric Rate and Binocular Visual Function Recovery on Patients with Convergence Insufficiency-Type Intermittent Exotropia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Shuying Dai ◽  
Weifeng Sun ◽  
Hongjia Xu ◽  
Yanan Wang ◽  
Yuan Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Function ◽  
Lateral Rectus ◽  
Intermittent Exotropia ◽  
Visual Training ◽  
Convergence Insufficiency ◽  
Function Recovery ◽  
Child Patients ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Vision Function

Objective. To explore the effect of applying binocular visual training after slanted lateral rectus recession on orthophoric rate and binocular visual function recovery on patients with convergence insufficiency-type intermittent exotropia (CI-IXT). Methods. A total of 76 CI-IXT child patients treated at the Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmology Department of our hospital from June 2019 to June 2020 were selected as the research objects, and those who met the inclusion criteria were equally divided into group A (63 eyes) and group B (61 eyes) according to the sealed envelope randomization. All child patients accepted the slanted lateral rectus recession, and after that, those in group A accepted the binocular visual training and those in group B accepted the conventional visual function rehabilitation training, so as to compare their position of eye, the best corrected visual acuity, etc., after training for statistical analysis. Results. Compared with group B after one month of surgery, group A had significantly less patients with grade I binocular vision function ( P  < 0.001) and more patients with grade II and III vision function ( P  < 0.05); between group A and group B, after 3 months and 6 months of treatment, the number of eyes with normal stereoscopic vision was significantly higher in group A ( P  < 0.05); at 15 days, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months of treatment, the visual strain scores of group A were significantly lower ( P  < 0.001); after treatment, the number of orthophoria eyes was significantly higher in group A ( P  < 0.001), while the numbers of overcorrected eyes and undercorrected eyes were significantly higher in group B ( P  < 0.001); and the total incidence rate of adverse reactions was significantly lower in group A ( P  < 0.05). Conclusion. Applying binocular visual training to child patients with CI-IXT after slanted lateral rectus recession can promote the recovery of binocular vision and ensure higher safety, and further study will help to establish a better solution for the affected children.

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