Effects of 8-weeks of stable vs unstable surface destabilizing training on shot outcome in elite golfers (Efectos de 8 semanas de entrenamiento desestabilizador en superficies estables vs inestables sobre el resultado de los golpes en golfistas de élite)

Purpose: This research aimed to compare the effect of two intervention programs using stable or unstable surfaces on speed and hitting distance in golf stroke/swing. Methods: Twenty-five elite golfers (19.20 ± 1.77 years, height = 181.12 ± 4 cm, body mass = 75.35 ± 5.83; kg, BMI = 22.71 ± 1.76 kg.m2, handicap: 2.49 ± 2.56) were randomly assigned to two different 8-week training programs based on unstable surface (n = 12) or stable surface training (n=13). Measurements of carry distance and club head speed were performed using the Trackman Golf® system, with each participant executing five swings and obtaining the average and best distance. Results: No significant changes (p< 0.05) in the club head speed or carry distance were found after the intervention in the stable surface or the unstable surface training group. Conclusions: The proposed intervention using instability surfaces does not provide any additional benefit to training on stable surfaces in the specific performance of the stroke in elite golfers. Resumen. Objetivo: Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo comparar el efecto de dos programas de intervención que utilizan superficies estables o inestables sobre la velocidad y la distancia de golpeo en el golpeo/swing de golf. Métodos: Veinticinco golfistas de élite (19,20 ± 1,77 años, altura = 181,12 ± 4 cm, peso corporal = 75,35 ± 5,83; kg, IMC = 22,71 ± 1,76 kg.m2, hándicap: 2,49 ± 2,56) fueron asignados aleatoriamente a dos programas de entrenamiento diferentes de 8 semanas de duración basados en superficies inestables (n = 12) o en superficies estables (n = 13). Las mediciones de la distancia de golpeo y la velocidad de la cabeza del palo se realizaron con el sistema Trackman Golf®, ejecutando cada participante cinco swings y obteniendo la media y la mejor distancia. Resultados: No se encontraron cambios significativos (p< 0,05) en la velocidad de la cabeza del palo ni en la distancia de golpeo después de la intervención en el grupo de entrenamiento en superficie estable o en el de superficie inestable. Conclusiones: La intervención propuesta utilizando superficies de inestabilidad no aporta ningún beneficio adicional al entrenamiento en superficies estables en el rendimiento específico del golpe en golfistas de élite.

Predicting Prognosis In Primary Pulmonary Sarcoma Using A Clinical Nomogram Based On SEER Database

Background: Primary pulmonary sarcoma (PPS) accounts for less than 1.1% of all pulmonary tumors. Few data outcomes are reported. This study aims to clarify the predictive value of clinicopathologic features on the overall survival (OS) of PPS patients.Methods: Patients with primary pulmonary sarcoma (PPS) were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (from 2000 to 2015) and divided randomly into training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 1:1. Univariate Cox analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were implemented to identify prognostic factors related to overall survival of primary pulmonary sarcoma patients. Then, we performed multivariate Cox regression to establish a prognostic factors signature. The Kaplan- Meier (K-M) survival curves and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to estimate the prognostic power of the signature. In addition, multivariate Cox regression screened out independent prognostic factors and constructed a nomogram. Results: PPS patients with training group were divided into low- and high-risk group based on risk score, and high-risk group had a shorter survival time. The validation group got the same result. (P<0.001). On multivariate analysis of the training cohort, independent factors for survival were marriage, age, sex, grade, operation, metastasis and tumor size, which were all selected into the nomogram. The calibration curve and ROC plots for probability of 3-year and 5-year survival were in accord with prediction by nomogram and actual observation. And the C-index of the nomogram for predicting survival was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.80, P<0.05), which was statistically significant. Conclusion: We constructed a risk prognosis model based on PPS patients from SEER database. In addition, the construction of nomogram provides one more idea for clinical treatment.

Effects of different sprint training programs with ball on explosive, high-intensity and endurance-intensive performances in male young soccer players

This study compared the effects of different sprint ball-based training programs on fitness-related performances in youth soccer players. Forty male players (age: 15.2 ± 0.6 yrs) participated in a short-term (8 weeks) randomized parallel fully controlled training study, with pre-to-post measurements. Players were randomly assigned to 3 sprint ball-based training groups: training with combined sprint (performing linear and change of direction sprints; CST), or using linear sprint (LST), or performing sprint with change of direction (CODT) and to a control group (CONT). Pre- and post-training players completed a test battery involving linear sprinting (10 and 20 m, and flying 10 m), 505 test (COD), 15 m test with ball (CODB), countermovement jump test (CMJ test) and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). All physical performance’ variables improved after the training intervention (all p < 0.05; ES ≥ 0.2). No main effect of groups was observed in linear sprinting, CMJ and VO2max (p > 0.05; ES < 0.2). A training group main effect was found (p < 0.0001; ES = 0.50) for COD with CODT induced better performance than LST and CONT (all p <0.0001; ES > 0.8). Also, a training group main effect (p = 0.009; ES = 0.35) was found for CODB with CODT elicited better performance than LST and CONT (all p = 0.001; ES > 0.80). Our findings suggest that ball-based training programs were more effective to improve fitness levels in youth players during the in-season period and that CODT modality was more effective to improve COD and CODB performances.

Research on diagnosis method of series arc fault of three-phase load based on SSA-ELM

Arc fault in the three-phase load circuit may cause fire, resulting in production interruption and even worse, it will cause casualties. In order to effectively detect the arc fault in the three-phase circuit, series arc fault experiments of three-phase motor load and frequency converter were carried out under different current conditions. Firstly, variational mode decomposition (VMD) was performed for each cycle of A-phase current, and then the VMD energy entropy and sample entropy were calculated. Secondly, the noise-dominated component was removed according to the permutation entropy, then the average value after first-order difference of the half-cycle reconstructed signal was obtained. An arc fault diagnosis model of extreme learning machine (ELM) optimized by sparrow search algorithm (SSA) was established. The feature vectors were divided into training group and test group to train the model and test its fault diagnosis accuracy. Compared with GA-ELM, PSO-ELM, support vector machine (SVM) and SSA-SVM, the experimental results show that the proposed method can identify the series arc fault accurately and more quickly.

Numerical Training Videos and Early Numerical Achievement: A Study on 3-Year-Old Preschoolers

Early numerical abilities predict later math achievement and could be improved in children by using various training methods. As the literature on the use of training videos to develop numerical abilities is still surprisingly scant, the aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of a numerical training video on the development of counting and number line knowledge in 3-year-old preschoolers. Far transfer effects to cardinality and working memory were also examined. The study involved 86 children randomly assigned to two intervention groups: a numerical training group exposed to videos on counting and number lines; and a control group exposed to videos on colors and animal names in a foreign language. After the video training, there was an improvement in the numerical training group’s counting skills, but not in their number line knowledge, and this improvement persisted six months later. The numerical training group also showed a far-transfer enhancement of cardinality six months after the intervention. Based on our results, numerical training videos could be effective in helping to enhance early numeracy skills in very young preschoolers.

Effects of Eight-Week Combined Resistance and Endurance Training on Serum Levels of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) in Men with Prostate Cancer

Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most prevalent cancer and the sixth cancer leading to death in men worldwide. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of combined training on specific markers of prostate cancer in older adults. Methods: Twenty older adults (62 ± 7 years) with prostate cancer were divided randomly into the control (n = 10) and training (n = 10) groups. The training group performed exercise training in three sessions a week for eight weeks. Resistance training included two sets of 10 repetitions at 60 - 75% of one-repetition maximum, and endurance training contained treadmill running for 20 - 35 min at 60 - 75% of maximum heart rate. Bruce test, one-repetition maximum, and ELISA technique were used respectively to measure the aerobic performance, strength performance, and serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and testosterone (TS). A two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to specify the differences. Results: Weight, fat percentage, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), glucose, insulin, and PSA were significantly lower in the training group than the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, strength performance, aerobic performance, SHBG, TS, and PTEN were significantly higher in the training group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Combined training can have an influential role in physical condition improvement through decreasing the PSA serum level and increasing SHBG, TS, and PETEN serum levels, which helps patients with prostate cancer to be cured.

Effects of Detraining on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy Induced by Resistance Training: A Systematic Review

A detraining period after resistance training causes a significant decrease in trained-induced muscular adaptations. However, it is unclear how long muscle strength and hypertrophy gains last after different detraining periods. Thus, the present systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the chronic effects of detraining on muscle strength and hypertrophy induced by resistance training. Searches were conducted on PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science. The difference in means and pooled standard deviations of outcomes were converted into Hedges’ g effect sizes (g). Twenty randomized and non-randomized trials (high and moderate risks of bias, respectively, and fair quality) were included for qualitative analysis of muscle strength and hypertrophy, while only two studies were included in the meta-analysis for maximum muscle strength. The resistance training group presented a significant increase in one-repetition maximum (1RM) chest press (g: 4.43 [3.65; 5.22], p < 0.001) and 1RM leg press strength (g: 4.47 [2.12; 6.82], p < 0.001) after training. The strength gains observed in the resistance training group were also maintained after 16–24 weeks of detraining (g: 1.99 [0.62; 3.36], p = 0.004; and g: 3.16 [0.82; 5.50], p = 0.008; respectively), when compared to the non-exercise control group. However, 1RM chest press and leg press strength level was similar between groups after 32 (g: 1.81 [−0.59; 4.21], p = 0.139; and g: 2.34 [−0.48; 5.16], p = 0.104; respectively) and 48 weeks of detraining (g: 1.01 [−0.76; 2.79], p = 0.263; and g: 1.16 [−1.09; 3.42], p = 0.311; respectively). There was not enough data to conduct a meta-analysis on muscular hypertrophy. In conclusion, the present systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that, when taking random error into account, there is no sufficient high-quality evidence to make any unbiased claim about how long changes in muscle strength induced by RT last after a DT period. Moreover, the effect of different DT periods on muscle hypertrophy induced by RT remains unknown since there was not enough data to conduct a meta-analysis with this variable.

Does a physiology-based interpretation of CTG allow to dispense with second-line methods? A cross-sectional online survey

Objective: To determine the influence of a training course in physiology-based interpretation of cardiotocography (CTG) on professional practices. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: A national online survey. Population: Fifty-seven French obstetricians Methods: The participants were divided into two groups: the training group (obstetricians who had already participated in a training course in physiology-based interpretation of CTG) and the control group. Ten medical records of patients who had abnormal CTG tracings and underwent a foetal scalp blood sampling (pH) during labour were presented to the participants. They were given three choices: (i) use a second-line method, (ii) continue labour without using a second-line method, or (iii) perform a caesarean section. Main outcome measures: Median number of decisions to use second-line methods. Results: Forty participants were included in the training group and 17 in the control group. The median number of recourses to a second-line method was significantly inferior for the training group (4 [2–6] second-line methods on 10 records) than for the control group (6 [4–7]; p = 0.040). Regarding the 4 records for which a caesarean section was the real outcome, the median number of decisions of continuing labour was significantly superior in the training group than in the control group (1 [0–1] vs. 0 [0–1]; p = 0.032). Conclusions: Participation in a training course in physiology-based interpretation of CTG could be associated with a less frequent use of second-line methods. Additional studies are required to determine whether this change in attitude is safe for the foetal well-being.

Assessing The Inflammatory Severity of The Terminal Ileum In Crohn Disease Using Radiomics Based On MRI

Background: Evaluating inflammatory severity using imaging is essential for Crohn’s disease (CD), but it is limited by potential interobserver variation and subjectivity. We compared the efficiency of magnetic resonance index of activity (MaRIA) collected by radiologists and a radiomics model in assessing the inflammatory severity of terminal ileum (TI).Methods: 121 patients were collected from two centers. Patients were divided into ulcerative group and mucosal remission group based on the TI Crohn's disease Endoscopic Severity Index (tCDEIS). The consistency of bowel wall thickness (BWT), relative contrast enhancement (RCE), edema, ulcer, MaRIA and features of the region of interest (ROI) between radiologists were described by weighted k coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and developed receiver operating curve (ROC) of MaRIA. The radiomics model was established using reproducible features of logistic regression based on arterial staging of T1WI sequences. Delong test was used to compare radiomics with MaRIA.Results: The consistency between radiologists were moderate in BWT (ICC=0.638), fair in edema (k=0.541), RCE (ICC=0.461), MaRIA (ICC=0.579) and poor in ulcer (k=0.271). Radiomics model was developed by 6 reproducible features (ICC=0.93-0.96) and equivalent to MaRIA which evaluated by the senior radiologist(0.872 vs 0.883 in training group, 0.824 vs 0.783 in testing group, P=0.847, 0.471), both of which were significant higher than MaRIA evaluated by junior radiologist(AUC: 0.621 in training group, 0.557 in testing group, all, PB0.05).

Influence of physical training after a myocardial infarction on left ventricular contraction mechanics

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise adds benefits improving evolution of the ischemic heart disease, enhancing individual functional capacity and preventing ventricular remodeling. In this study we investigated the impact of a program of physical training started after an uncomplicated post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) on the mechanics of left ventricle (LV) contraction. METHODS: A total of 53 patients were included, 27 of whom were randomized to a supervised training program (TRAINING group), and 26 to a CONTROL group, who received usual orientations for physical exercise after AMI. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary stress testing and an echocardiogram with speckle tracking technique to measure several parameters of LV contraction mechanics at 1 month and 5 months after AMI. RESULTS: No significant difference in the analysis of LV longitudinal, radial and circumferential strain parameters between groups after the training period was found. After the training program, analysis of torsional mechanics demonstrated a reduction in the LV basal rotation of the TRAINING group in comparison to the CONTROL group (TRAINING, -5.9±2.3 vs CONTROL, -7.5±2.9 ; P=0.03), and in the basal rotational velocity ​​( TRAINING, -53.6±18.4 vs CONTROL, -68.8±22.1 º/s; P=0.01), twist velocity (TRAINING, 127.4±32.2 vs CONTROL, 149.9±35.9 vs º/s; P=0.02) and torsion (TRAINING, 2.4±0.4 vs CONTROL, 2.8±0.8 vs º/cm; P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity did not cause a significant improvement in LV longitudinal, radial and circumferential deformation parameters. However, the exercise had a significant impact on the LV torsional mechanics, composed particularly of a reduction in basal rotation, twist velocity, torsion and torsional velocity which can be interpreted as a ventricular “torsion reserve” in this population.