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The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on physical performance and perceived exertion during taekwondo-specific tasks in male and female athletes with varying expertise. In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study design, 52 young athletes from elite (n = 32; 16 males and 16 females) and sub-elite competitive level (n = 20; 10 males and 10 females) participated. Athletes performed taekwondo-specific tasks including the taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10 s) and multi-bout FSKT (FSKT-multi) under the following conditions: (1) Caffeine (CAF; 3 mg kg -1 ), placebo (PLA), and no supplement control (CON). Session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) was determined after the tests. Findings show that regardless of condition, males performed better than females (p < 0.05) and elite athletes had superior performance compared to their sub-elite counterparts (p < 0.05). For the TSAT (p < 0.001), FSKT-10s (p < 0.001), and FSKT-multi (p < 0.001), CAF enhanced performance in elite female athletes compared to sub-elite females. Likewise, CAF ingestion resulted in superior performance in elite males compared to sub-elite males for FSKT-10s (p = 0.003) and FSKT-multi (p < 0.01). The ergogenic potential of CAF during taekwondo-specific tasks appears to be related to a competitive level, with greater benefits in elite than sub-elite athletes., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of warm-up music preference and loudness on physical performance, perceived exertion (RPE), and enjoyment in young taekwondo athletes. In a crossover counterbalanced design, 20 taekwondo athletes (10 male, 10 female) performed a battery of physical tasks specific to taekwondo under the following five conditions: (a) No music (NM), (b) Preferred music-Soft (60 dB; PMS), (c) Preferred music-Loud (80 dB; PML), (d) Non-preferred music-Soft (60 dB; NPMS), and (e) Non-preferred music-Loud (80 dB; NPML). On each lab visit, participants completed a taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), a10-second kick test (KSKT-10s) and a multiple frequency speed of kick tests (FSKT) within each music condition. Pre-exercise enjoyment was assessed using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) after the warm-up, while we obtained RPE scores after each test. The PML condition resulted in significantly better agility test times on the TSAT compared to PMS ( p < .001), and NPML ( p < .001). Furthermore, PML led to a greater number of total kicks during the FSKT-10s test compared to the PMS ( p < .001), and NPML ( p < .001) conditions. The decrement index on the FSKT was lower in PML than in PMS and NPML conditions ( p < .001). For RPE, values were significantly lower with preferred than non-preferred music ( p < .001). These findings lend support to ergogenic benefits of listening to PML prior to taekwondo physical tasks, with important implications for enhancing taekwondo training and performance.

Introduction: The present study assessed the effects of conditioning activities, using different effort-to-pause ratios and rest intervals, on taekwondo physical performance. Methods: Twenty-one athletes (13 males and 8 females) (Mean ± SD; age = 20.4 ± 1.4 years) performed a control (CC) and twelve experimental conditions. Each condition contained a standard warm-up (i.e., CC: running at 9 km/h for 10 min) and conditioning activities comprising plyometrics P) or repeated high-intensity techniques (RT) using 1:6, 1:9 and self-selected rest (SSR) ratios, and two rest intervals (3 and 7 min). Athletes then performed a battery of fitness tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), taekwondo specific agility (TSAT), 10s and multiple frequency speed kick test (FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult, respectively). Results: All of the preloads provided higher performance outputs compared to the control trial (all p < 0.05). For CMJ, 1:6 ratio with 3 min induced lower values with RT compared to P ( p = 0.037) and 1:9 ratio using 3 min induced higher values with RT compared to P ( p = 0.027). Additionally, 1:6 ratio using 7 min induced higher values with RT compared to P ( p = 0.016). For FSKT-10, 3 min using 1:6 induced higher values with P compared to RT, while RT induced higher values with 7 min using 1:6 ratio compared to P (both p < 0.001). Moreover, 3 min using 1:9 ratio induced higher values with P compared to RT ( p = 0.034), while RT induced higher values with 1:9 ratio using 7 min compared to P ( p < 0.001). Finally, 3 min using SSR ratio induced higher values with RT compared to P ( p = 0.034). Conclusion: Plyometrics and RT activities improved performance with plyometrics requiring shorter rest interval to induce potentiation effects compared to RT, which required longer interval., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Ouergui, Delleli, Messaoudi, Bridge, Chtourou, Franchini and Ardigò.)

Background: One of the most relevant genetic alterations in cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the biallelic inactivation/loss-of-heterozygosis (LOH) of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2 A (CDKN2A), which results in the immunohistochemical loss of p16 frequently found in CM. However, we recently described a rare case of dermal/deep-seated melanoma arising in giant congenital nevus (DDM-GCN) with p16 overexpression combined with p53 loss and tumor protein 53 (TP53) mutation. Herein, we reported a case series of CM with p16 overexpression and analyzed their clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical expression of the cell cycle regulatory molecules (CCRM: p53, p21, Cyclin D1, Rb), and mutational landscape., Methods: We retrospectively tested for p16 all cases of CM diagnosed at our institution between January 1st 2019-April 1st 2022. In CM with p16 overexpression, we reported clinicopathologic features, immunohistochemical results for melanocytic markers and CCRM, and mutational landscape investigated with a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel. In cases with zonal p16 overexpression, the immunohistochemical assessment for melanocytic markers and CCRM, as well as the NGS analysis have been performed in both components {with and without p16 overexpression [p16(+)c and p16(-)]}., Results: Overexpression of p16 was found in 10/2879 (0.35%) CM [5/10 (50%) diffuse and 5/10 (50%) zonal]. We combined the immunohistochemical results for CCRM and molecular data to classify the cases as follows: a) Group 1 with altered expression of at least one CCRM but no TP53 mutations [3/10 (30%), all with Rb altered/lost]; b) Group 2 with altered expression of at least one CCRM and TP53 mutations [4/10 (40%), all with p53 altered]; c) Group 3 with normal expression of CCRM and no TP53 mutations [3/10 (30%), all with mutations in MAPK pathway genes (NRAS and BRAF)]. In CM with zonal p16 overexpression, the histologic appearance of p16(+)c was heterogeneous, whereas combining CCRM profiles and molecular data the cases could be categorized as follows: a) cases with the same CCRM and molecular profiles in both p16(+)c and p16(-)c; b) cases with p16(+)c showing additional genetic mutations and/or modifications of CCRM expression., Conclusions: p16 overexpression is a rare event, occurring in advanced-stage, clinically- and histologically-heterogeneous CM. These lesions may be classified into three different groups based on CCRM expression and mutational profiles (including TP53 mutation). The analysis of CM with zonal p16 overexpression suggests that, at least in a subset of cases, this phenomenon could represent a sign of "molecular progression" due to the acquisition of additional genetic mutations and/or modifications of the CCRM profile., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All the Authors present in this article declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Background: In recent years, several studies focused on the process of reprogramming of seminoma (S) cells, which regulates the transition from pure S (P-S) to S component (S-C) of mixed germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTT) and finally to embryonal carcinoma (EC) and other nonseminomatous GCTT (NS-GCTT). The accepted pathogenetic model is driven and regulated by cells (macrophages, B- and T-lymphocytes) and molecules of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we tested a series of GCTT with double staining (DS) for CD68-PD-L1 to evaluate tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) [TAMs PD-L1(+)] and clarify if these cells may be involved in establishing the fate of GCTT., Methods: We collected 45 GCTT (comprising a total of 62 different components of GCTT). TAMs PD-L1(+) were evaluated with three different scoring systems [TAMs PD-L1(+)/mm 2 , TAMs PD-L1(+)/mm 2 H-score, TAMs PD-L1(+) %], and compared using pertinent statistic tests (Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test)., Results: We found that TAMs PD-L1(+) values were higher in S rather than EC (p = 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.022) and NS-GCTT (p < 0.001). P-S showed statistically significant differences in TAMs PD-L1(+) values compared to S-C (p < 0.001, p = 0.006, p = 0.015), but there were no differences between S-C and EC (p = 0.107, p = 0.408, p = 0.800). Finally, we found statistically significant differences also in TAMs PD-L1(+) values between EC and other NS-GCTT (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: TAMs PD-L1(+) levels gradually decrease during the reprogramming of S cells {P-S [(high values of TAMs PD-L1(+)] → S-C and EC [(intermediate values of TAMs PD-L1(+)] → other NS-GCTT [(low values of TAMs PD-L1(+)], supporting a complex pathogenetic model where the interactions between tumor cells and TME components [and specifically TAMs PD-L1(+)] play a key role in determining the fate of GCTT., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All the authors present in his article declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The architecture of the rice inflorescence is an important determinant of crop yield. The length of the inflorescence and the number of branches are among the key factors determining the number of spikelets, and thus grains, that a plant will develop. In particular, the timing of the identity transition from indeterminate branch meristem to determinate spikelet meristem governs the complexity of the inflorescence. In this context, the ALOG gene TAWAWA1 (TAW1) has been shown to delay the transition to determinate spikelet development in Oryza sativa (rice). Recently, by combining precise laser microdissection of inflorescence meristems with RNA-seq, we observed that two ALOG genes, OsG1-like 1 (OsG1L1) and OsG1L2, have expression profiles similar to that of TAW1. Here, we report that osg1l1 and osg1l2 loss-of-function CRISPR mutants have similar phenotypes to the phenotype of the previously published taw1 mutant, suggesting that these genes might act on related pathways during inflorescence development. Transcriptome analysis of the osg1l2 mutant suggested interactions of OsG1L2 with other known inflorescence architecture regulators and the data sets were used for the construction of a gene regulatory network (GRN), proposing interactions among genes potentially involved in controlling inflorescence development in rice. In this GRN, we selected the homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor encoding the gene OsHOX14 for further characterization. The spatiotemporal expression profiling and phenotypical analysis of CRISPR loss-of-function mutants of OsHOX14 suggests that the proposed GRN indeed serves as a valuable resource for the identification of new proteins involved in rice inflorescence development., (© 2023 The Authors. The Plant Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: The International Judo Federation introduced a ranking system in 2009 that determines top athletes for the Olympic Games and seeds them in competitions. Previous research indicated that this ranking list and past performances predicted 19%-27% of performance in the Olympic Games and World Championships. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship between Judo World Tour competitions and Olympic Games performance may have been affected. This study aimed to examine the relationship between athletes' performance in Judo World Tour competitions and their competitive performance at the Olympic Games., Methods: Data from 393 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympics were analyzed considering both long and short-term performance measures. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and multiple linear regressions were used to predict performance for each sex and the entire sample., Results: The results revealed a range of magnitudes in the correlation between variables, varying from small to large. In terms of regression analyses, it was observed that, for females, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the year prior to the Olympic Games predicted 37% of their performance. For males, the percentage of matches won during the classification period and competition in the six months before the Olympic Games predicted 36% of their performance., Discussion: Thus, athletes' quality and reduced exposure to competition near the Olympic Games appear to be important factors in their performance at the event., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Santos, Kons, Lopes-Silva, Agostinho, Detanico, Takito and Franchini.)

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of 4 weeks of repeated sprint training (RST) versus repeated high-intensity technique training (RTT) on the physiological responses (ie, blood lactate), mean and peak heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, technical-tactical performance, and time-motion variables during simulated taekwondo combats., Methods: Twenty-four taekwondo athletes (18 male and 6 female; age: 16 [1] y) were randomly and equally assigned to RST (10 × 35-m running sprints interspersed by 10-s rest) or RTT (10 × 6-s bandal-tchagui kicking executions interspersed by 10-s rest) groups in addition to their regular training. Both groups performed simulated combats before and after training., Results: Delta lactate and peak heart rate were attenuated following training (P < .001 and P = .03, respectively), with no differences identified between RTT and RST conditions. Rating of perceived exertion decreased after training only in the RTT (P = .002). Time fighting and preparatory activities increased following training (P < .001), with higher values observed following RTT than RST (P < .001). Nonpreparatory time decreased after training (P < .001), with more pronounced reductions observed following RTT when compared to RST (P < .001). The number of single attacks decreased only following RST (P < .001), whereas combined attacks increased only after RTT training (P < .001)., Conclusions: Similar adjustments in the physiological responses to combat were observed following 4 weeks of either RST or RTT, but RTT elicited more favorable perceptual responses and combat-related performance. This highlights the importance of specificity of training and its effective transfer to combat.

This study was conducted to determine whether the relative age effect (RAE) is present in different age groups, weight categories, sexes, and across different time frames in international-level judo competition. A total of 9451 judo athletes competing at the Olympic Games and/or World Championships in the Cadet, Junior and/or Senior age groups between 1993 and 2020 were considered. Athletes' birthdate distributions were grouped in four quartiles (Q1: January-March; Q2: April-June; Q3: July-September; Q4: October-December) and compared to a day-corrected theoretical distribution using Chi-squared analysis. Poisson regression was also used to evaluate the ability to explain weekly birth count. RAE was more prevalent in males than females ( p < .05), and for Cadets and Juniors compared to Seniors ( p < .05). Heavyweight and middleweight categories presented RAEs in Senior and Junior males, while for females it was present in Cadet heavyweights ( p < .05). RAE was more prevalent in recent years (2009-2021) for Senior male judo athletes ( p < .05). Poisson analysis illustrated some nuanced information, including RAE detection during an earlier time frame, not readily apparent with the traditional analysis.

The long-term impact of weight cycling on health status, eating habits, physical activity and the lifestyle of former combat sports athletes is still insufficiently explored. Therefore, a novel questionnaire in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Croatian language was constructed. To determine the reliability and the content/face validity, a total of 110 participants filled the questionnaire on two occasions. With the majority of intra-class correlation coefficient values above 0·75, the questionnaire items were shown to be very stable. Additionally, according to κ values, the questionnaire has fair test-retest reliability, with only one coefficient being labelled as poor (Q40 in ESP). All questionnaire sub-scales showed moderate to very good internal consistency when the overall sample was observed ( α ranging from 0·605 to 0·802). Poor α values were found only in Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire for CRO and ESP samples. Wilcoxon's signed rank test showed significant differences only in the Mindful Eating Questionnaire sub-scale scores (overall: P = 0·002, effect size = -0·208 [moderate]; CRO: P = 0·005, effect size = 0·303 [moderate]). It can be concluded that the newly developed questionnaire had strong test-retest reliability. Further validity research in a larger sample of former combat sports athletes should be considered.

The ergogenic effect of pre-selected warm-up music with the tempo and loudness variations on the performance of combat sports' athletes as well as the difference between sexes is not well established. The present study aimed to assess the effects of listening to music with different tempos and loudness during warm-up on perceived exertion, physical enjoyment and physical performances in young taekwondo athletes. In a randomized study design, 20 taekwondo athletes (10 males, mean ± SD: age: 17.5 ± 0.7 years, taekwondo experience: ≥ 6 year) performed the taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT) and the 10s and multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult) after warming-up with or without music. The music was played at high (140 beats·min-1) or very high (200 beats·min-1) tempo combined with low (60 dB) or high (80 dB) loudness, resulting in four experimental and control conditions. The ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) were assessed after each condition. After normality, homogeneity and sphericity checks, two-way (or multivariate) analysis of variance and Bonferrroni (or Friedman's and Wilcoxon's test) post-hoc test were operated when necessary. For TSAT, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced better performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 140 beats·min-1+60 dB conditions. For FSKT-10s, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB condition induced higher performance compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 200 beats·min-1+80 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB and the control conditions. For FSKT-mult, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced higher number of techniques compared with 200 beats·min-1+60 dB, 140 beats·min-1+60 dB, control and the 200 beats·min-1+80 dB conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB induced lower decrement index (DI) compared with the other conditions and lower DI in 140 beats·min-1+60 dB compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Moreover, 140 beats·min-1+80 dB resulted in greater PACES scores compared with 200 beats·min-1+80 dB and control conditions. Better performance was found for males compared with females in TSAT, FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult (i.e., techniques' number), as well as lower DI and higher RPE post-FSKT-10s. Pre-selected warm-up music played at 140 beats·min-1 and 80 dB is an efficient strategy to enhance physical activity enjoyment and specific performances in taekwondo., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Ouergui et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Purpose: The management of tandem extracranial internal carotid artery and intracranial large vessel occlusion during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been under-investigated. We sought to investigate outcomes of AIS patients with tandem occlusion (TO) treated with carotid artery stenting (CAS) compared to those not treated with CAS (no-CAS) during EVT., Methods: We performed a cohort study using data from AIS patients enrolled in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke. Outcomes were 3 months' mortality, functional outcome, complete and successful recanalization, any intracranial hemorrhage, parenchymal hematoma and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage., Results: Among 466 AIS patients with TO, CAS patients were 122 and no-CAS patients were 226 (118 excluded). After adjustment for unbalanced variables, CAS was associated with a lower rate of 3 months' mortality (OR 0.407, 95% CI 0.171-0.969, p = 0.042). After adjustment for pre-defined variables, CAS was associated with a lower rate of 3 months' mortality (aOR 0.430, 95% CI 0.187-0.989, p = 0.047) and a higher rate of complete recanalization (aOR 1.986, 95% CI 1.121-3.518, p = 0.019), successful recanalization (aOR 2.433, 95% CI 1.263-4.686, p = 0.008) and parenchymal hematoma (aOR 2.876, 95% CI 1.173-7.050, p = 0.021). CAS was associated with lower 3 months mortality (OR 0.373, 95% CI 0.141-0.982, p = 0.046) and higher rates of successful recanalization (OR 2.082, 95% CI 1.099-3.942, p = 0.024) after adjustment for variables associated with 3 months' mortality and successful recanalization, respectively., Conclusions: Among AIS patients with TO, CAS during EVT was associated with a higher rate of successful reperfusion and a lower rate of 3 months' mortality., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Belgian Neurological Society.)

Purpose: To assess the variations in power performance and perceptual training responses and compare the physical performance of national boxing athletes qualified or not qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games over a 7-month training period., Methods: Twelve amateur boxers from the Brazilian national team were tested 6 times across 7 months. In the first assessment, boxers performed squat and countermovement jumps and bench press, prone bench pull, half squat, and jump squat power tests. In the following testing sessions, only countermovement jump and bench press power were assessed. In addition, the rating of perceived exertion and total quality recovery status were assessed in 106 training sessions across the study. Independent t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance were used for data analysis purposes., Results: No significant differences (P > .05) were observed between Olympic and non-Olympic groups for any test variables (effect size [95% CI] ranging from 0.01 [-1.13 to 1.13] to 0.69 [-0.53 to 1.79]). No significant changes (P > .05) were detected throughout the study for countermovement jump height and bench press power in either group (effect size [95% CI] ranging from 0.01 [-1.13 to 1.13] to 1.03 [-0.25 to 2.14]). Overall, both groups exhibited similar variations in both rating of perceived exertion and total quality recovery over the 7-month period., Conclusions: Within the same national team, power-related performance was similar between Olympic and non-Olympic boxers. The maintenance of power abilities and optimization of technical and tactical skills seem to be key issues to consider during the final stages of preparation for international boxing competitions.

This narrative review focuses on the studies that estimate the energy systems' contributions during match simulations of striking (boxing, karate, and taekwondo), grappling (judo), and weapon-based (fencing) Olympic combat sports. The purpose is to provide insights into the metabolism of these athletes. In striking Olympic combat sports, the oxidative contribution varied from 62% (in karate and taekwondo) to 86% (in boxing), the ATP-PCr system contribution varied from 10% (in boxing) to 31% (in taekwondo), and the glycolytic contribution was between 3% (in the third round of taekwondo) and 21% (in karate). In grappling combat sports, only judo was studied, and for a 4 min match, the oxidative contribution was 79%, followed by 14% ATP-PCr system contribution and 7% contribution from the glycolytic system. In fencing, the only weapon-based Olympic combat sport, the oxidative contribution varied from 81% (in the first bout) to 90% (in the second bout), followed by 9% (bout 2) to 12% (bout 1) contribution from the ATP-PCr system, and 0.6% to 7% contribution from the glycolytic system during 3 × 3 min bouts of épée match simulation. Hence, Olympic combat sports are primarily powered by the oxidative system, but the key scoring actions are likely fueled by anaerobic pathways.

This review aimed to identify the effects of strength training programs on the physical fitness of Olympic combat sports (OCS) athletes. The systematic review included peer-reviewed articles that incorporated interventions that included pre- and post-intervention physical fitness assessment. The search was performed in the SCOPUS, PubMed, and Web of Science databases between April and September 2022. PRISMA and the TESTEX checklist were used to select and assess the methodological quality of the studies. Twenty studies with 504 participants (428 males and 76 females) were included. Significant improvements were found in athletes' maximal dynamic and isometric strength, muscle power, flexibility, and balance. In addition, improvements in favor of the training groups in specific actions of judo, karate, fencing, and boxing were observed. In conclusion, interventions aimed at the development of muscle strength in OCS, specifically in judo, boxing, karate, wrestling, and fencing, proved to be beneficial at a physical fitness level, resulting in significant increases in favor of the training groups with OCS, which could be used by trainers and coaches to improve the physical performance of athletes.

Background and Purpose: Poor clinical outcomes are still common in successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke patients. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of sarcopenia and myosteatosis on neurological outcomes and mortality in successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke patients., Materials and Methods: We included in our retrospective observational study 166 consecutive patients who underwent technically successful mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke between Jan 2016 and Dec 2019. ASPECTS and collateral score were assessed on pre-operative CT/CTA. Masseter muscles area and attenuation were measured on CTA images. Clinical and radiological variables were tested in multivariate logistic models to predict the probability of death and, among survivors, of incurring poor outcome., Results: At admission, mean NIHSS was 19 (SD = 6.5), mean body mass index 25.5 (SD = 4.4) kg/m 2 , and mean ASPECTS 8.0 (SD = 1.9). Of all, 48.2% patients showed good collaterals, 38.5% intermediate collaterals, and 13.3% poor collaterals. Overall, 90 days mRS was ≤2 in 48.2% of the patients, 3-5 in 30.7%, and 6 in 21.1%. At multivariate logistic regression, age (OR = 1.08, p = 0.036), ASPECTS (OR = 0.59, p = 0.013), and masseter muscles attenuation (OR = 0.93, p = 0.010) were independent predictors of mortality, whereas sex (OR = 7.15, p = 0.043), age (OR = 1.05, p = 0.042), body mass index (OR = 1.35, p = 0.013), NIHSS (OR = 1.12, p = 0.012), and ASPECTS (OR = 0.64, p = 0.024) were independent predictors of poor neurological outcome (mRS 3-5)., Conclusion: Beyond other well-known variables, low masseter attenuation, indicating myosteatosis, represents an independent negative prognostic factor for 90 days mortality in patients successfully reperfused after anterior circulation stroke.

Our aim in this study was to compare performance adaptations based on tactile or sonorous stimuli in para-judo athletes with congenital or acquired visual impairment. Twenty judo athletes with a type of visual impairment performed both the adapted Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) with tactile and sonorous stimuli and the standard SJFT. We used two-way ANOVA with repeated measurements in the second factor to compare the SJFT performance of athletes with visual impairment between two groups (acquired or congenital) in the two test situations, with the level of significance set at p < .05. Both groups of participants performed better on the adapted SJFT with tactile and sonorous stimuli compared to the standard condition on number of throws ( p = .029 and p < .001) and showed lower final and post 1-minute heart rates (HR) ( p < .05). There were no group differences in performance on any SJFT adaptations ( p > .05). Thus, both SJFT adaptations (tactile and sonorous stimuli) enhanced the judo-specific performance of athletes with both acquired and congenital visual impairments. However, athletes with either origin of impairment showed a better HR in the adaptive tactile stimuli testing compared to the standard SJFT testing condition.

Background: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a relevant prognostic factor in germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTT), and it is included in the pT stage. However, its detection on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides is very challenging, and previous studies reported fair to moderate inter-observer agreement among dedicated uropathologists. In the present study, we tested H&E and a recently developed in-house double staining for OCT4/CD34 to detect LVI in GCTT., Methods: Nine authors [5 non-uropathologists and 4 uropathologists] independently evaluated 34 consecutive and retrospectively enrolled cases of GCTT. We assessed the inter-observer agreement (Fleiss's Kappa) with both H&E and OCT4/CD34. Besides, we compared the consensus diagnosis on both H&E and OCT4/CD34-stained sections with the original diagnosis to evaluate the pT re-staging (McNemar test) and identify the sources of disagreement., Results: The inter-observer agreement among uropathologists plus non-uropathologists was fair with both H&E (KF=0.398; p < 0.001) and OCT4/CD34 (KF=0.312; p < 0.001). OCT4/CD34 (KF=0.290; p < 0.001) slightly reduces the inter-observer agreement compared to H&E (KF=0.321; p < 0.001) for non-uropathologists; in contrast, OCT4/CD34 (KF=0.293; p < 0.001) significantly reduces the inter-observer agreement compared to H&E (KF=0.529; p < 0.001) for uropathologists, changing it from moderate to fair. Consensus diagnosis with H&E modified the LVI status of the original diagnosis in 8/34 (23.5 %) cases (p: 0.070), with pT re-staging in 2/34 (5.9 %) cases (p: 0.500). Consensus diagnosis with OCT4/CD34 modified the LVI status of the original diagnosis in 8/34 (23.5 %) cases (p: 0.289), with pT re-staging in 3/34 (8.8 %) cases (p: 0.250). The consensus diagnosis with OCT4/CD34 modified the consensus diagnosis with H&E in 8/34 (23.5 %) cases (p: 0.727), and these findings resulted in pT-restaging in 3/34 (8.8 %) cases (p: 0.500). The sources of disagreement among uropathologists were: H&E [artefactual clefts misinterpreted as LVI in 4/6 (66.7 %) cases and true foci of LVI misinterpreted as clusters of histiocytes within the vessels in 2/6 (33.3 %) cases], OCT4/CD34 [artefactual clefts misinterpreted as LVI in 2/8 (25 %) cases, true LVI misinterpreted as artefactual clefts in 2/8 (25 %) cases or floaters in 4/8 (50 %) cases]., Conclusions: OCT4/CD34 does not improve the inter-observer agreement for the assessment of LVI in OCT4(+) GCTT. Consensus diagnosis with H&E modifies the LVI status in a significant number of cases, resulting in changes of the pT stage in a relatively small subgroup. Consensus diagnosis with OCT4/CD34 provides little additional benefit since it cannot exclude mimickers of LVI such as floaters and artefactual clefts. These results argue against the adoption of this diagnostic tool for the routine assessment of OCT4(+) GCTT., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests All the authors present in this article declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the optimal interval between competitions for success in World Para Powerlifting events. A total of 1034 female (age = 34.4 ± 9.1 yrs) and 1,697 male (age = 33.7 ± 8.3 yrs) competition results from international Paralympic powerlifting events conducted between 2014 and 2020 were analyzed. Odds ratios for preparations intervals between competitive events were evaluated considering the dependent variable, earning a medal, and the independent variable, level of competition. There was an increased probability of winning a medal when the preparation interval was in the range of 22-30 wks ( P = 0.004), as compared with less than 11 wks, while competing at World Cup events, whereas for World Championships and Paralympic Games, there was an increased probability of winning a medal when the interval range was 23-31 wks ( P = 0.002) and 40 wks or more ( P = 0.011) compared with less than 23 wks. However, there were no significant differences between preparation intervals for Regional Games/Championships. The Para Powerlifting athletes participating in the World Cup events, World Championships, and Paralympic Games share an optimal interval for success of approximately 21-31 wks and results from the World Championships and Paralympic Games, which can also be optimized with an interval of 40 wks or more., Competing Interests: Financial disclosure statements have been obtained, and no conflicts of interest have been reported by the authors or by any individuals in control of the content of this article., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study investigated the relationship between peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) and 2 (VT2) with the Special Wrestling Fitness Test variables. Thirteen wrestlers (male: six; female: seven) of Olympic freestyle wrestling were assessed. The Pearson's correlation coefficient ( p < 0.05) was used to establish the relationship between variables. A positive correlation was found between VT1 with throws in set B (r = 0.77; p = 0.002; 95%CI = 0.37-0.93), total throws (r = 0.73; p = 0.004; 95%CI = 0.30-0.91), heart rate recovery (r = 0.58; p = 0.036; 95%CI = 0.05-0.86), and test index (r = -0.60; p = 0.031; 95%CI = -0.86-0.07); between VT2 and throws in set B (r = 0.57; p = 0.043; 95%CI = 0.01-0.86); and between peak oxygen uptake with throws in set B (r = 0.77; p = 0.002; 95%CI = 0.39-0.93), throws in set C (r = 0.64; p = 0.02; 95%CI = 0.12-0.89), and total throws (r = 0.72; p = 0.006; 95%CI = 0.28-0.91). In conclusion, the peak oxygen uptake and ventilatory thresholds correlated with specific Special Wrestling Fitness Test variables.

The recently described SWI/SNF complex-deficient sinonasal carcinoma (SMARCB1 & SMARCA4) may exhibit a yolk sac-like morphology. Tumors with similar features (yolk sac-like histology combined with the immunohistochemical loss of SMARCB1/INI1 and/or SMARCA4/BRG1) have also been described in other sites, such as the female genital tract. In this study, we immunohistochemically assessed SMARCB1/INI1 and SMARCA4/BRG1 expression to evaluate if these proteins could be involved in the pathogenesis of testicular yolk sac tumors of postpubertal type (YSTpt). Specifically, we analyzed a retrospective case series comprising pure YSTpt and mixed germ cell tumors of the testis (GCTT) with YSTpt components. In the present study, no testicular YSTpt showed loss of SMARCB1/INI1 (0/24, 0%) or SMARCA4/BRG1 (0/24, 0%). However, testicular choriocarcinoma (CHC) and isolated syncytiotrophoblast cells (iSTCs) demonstrated abnormal staining patterns for SMARCA4/BRG1 [CHC: 4/4 (100%); iSTCs: 12/12 (100%), respectively], including focal or diffuse loss of expression in a subset of cases. The results of our study suggest that functional loss of SMARCA4/BRG1 represents a recurrent event that may be relevant for the pathogenesis of a subset of testicular CHC., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors report no declarations of interest. Declaration of interests All the Authors present in his article declare no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

This study investigated the effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo athletes' physical fitness. Fifty-nine adolescent male and female judo athletes (age 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or one control group (CG). Experimental groups (kumi-kata [KG], uchi-komi [UG] and running [RG]) trained four times per week over four weeks of intensified training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; CG underwent only the usual training) followed by 12 days of tapering. The countermovement jump test (CMJ), isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up tests (JCT), uchi-komi speed test (UST), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judo Physical Fitness Test (JPFT) were administered before and after the intensified period and after tapering. The CMJ performance was superior in KG compared with UG, RG and CG. Isometric JCT performance was superior in KG compared with RG and CG. Regarding UST, performance was superior in UG compared with RG and CG. The same performance was superior with respect to the same groups considering pre-training to tapering change. The SJFT index did not differ between groups or time-points. The JPFT index increased after intensified and tapering periods compared with before training, with KG eliciting higher values compared with CG. Coaches and conditioning coaches could administer kumi-kata high-intensity interval training to enhance athletes' judo-specific physical fitness., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they do not have any conflict of interest., (Copyright © Biology of Sport 2022.)

This study aimed to analyze the distribution of judo matches in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, considering matches in the regular duration (≤4 min) and during the extra time (the golden score) according to sex, scores, penalties, phases of competition, weight categories, and judo techniques. The data were extracted from the Official Results Books of the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. The combats were divided in matches that were finished in the regular duration and that were finished by the golden score, with a total of 450 matches. The Chi-square test was used to identify the association between all variables and different groups of matches duration, with the level at p < 0.05. The main results demonstrated significant association, considering sex and frequency of matches in the regular time (χ2 = 6.59; p = 0.010) for female athletes. The majority of matches ended in the 3-4 min (χ2 = 204.16; p < 0.001), scores were mostly awarded in the regular time and penalties in the golden score (χ2 = 48.72; p < 0.001), and few matches ended by the golden score for heavyweight athletes (χ2 = 15.16; p = 0.019). Therefore, a high number of matches ended in the golden score in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, with a high number of penalties in this competition., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Kons, Agostinho, Lopes-Silva, Conceição dos Santos, Detanico and Franchini.)

Background: In recent years, several studies investigated the complex process called "reprogramming" of seminoma (S) cells. The accepted pathogenetic model is a complex network including SOX2, SOX17, OCT3/4 and PRAME, which modulates the epigenetic transcription of numerous downstream genes and drives a divergent gene expression profile resulting in the transition from pure S (P-S) to S component (S-C) of mixed germ cell tumors of the testis (M-GCTT), and finally to embryonal carcinoma (EC). Herein, we tested a large cohort of GCTT with SOX2 and PRAME to evaluate their expression in the evolutionary steps of GCTT and verify if the modulation in the expression of these two molecules could be relevant for the fate of GCTT., Methods: We tested 43, 19 and 17 consecutive and retrospectively enrolled cases of GCTT, germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) and uninvolved background testes (UBT), respectively. SOX2 and PRAME expressions have been evaluated with H-score and compared by adopting the appropriate statistic tests (Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test)., Results: We found that SOX2 was more expressed by nonseminomatous-GCTT (NS-GCTT) (p < 0.001) and EC (p < 0.001) rather than S; by contrast, PRAME showed an opposite expression profile being expressed by S but not by NS-GCTT (p < 0.001) and EC (p < 0.001). S-C showed different expressions of SOX2 and PRAME compared to both P-S (p = 0.002 and <0.001, respectively) and EC (p < 0.001 and 0.042, respectively), with intermediate values between these latter two categories. GCNIS and UBT showed no expression of SOX2 (scattered positive Leydig cells) but high H-score levels of PRAME., Conclusions: SOX2 and PRAME are differentially expressed and specularly modulated during the "reprogramming" of S cells [P-S (high levels of PRAME, no expression/low levels of SOX2) → S-C (intermediate levels of PRAME, intermediate levels of SOX2) → EC (no expression/low levels of PRAME, high levels of SOX2)], therefore supporting a complex pathogenetic model where the interactions between these two molecules are crucial in determining the fate of GCTT., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All the Authors present in this article declare NO CONFLICT OF INTERESTS., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Purpose: To investigate differences in athletes' knowledge, beliefs, and training practices during COVID-19 lockdowns with reference to sport classification and sex. This work extends an initial descriptive evaluation focusing on athlete classification., Methods: Athletes (12,526; 66% male; 142 countries) completed an online survey (May-July 2020) assessing knowledge, beliefs, and practices toward training. Sports were classified as team sports (45%), endurance (20%), power/technical (10%), combat (9%), aquatic (6%), recreational (4%), racquet (3%), precision (2%), parasports (1%), and others (1%). Further analysis by sex was performed., Results: During lockdown, athletes practiced body-weight-based exercises routinely (67% females and 64% males), ranging from 50% (precision) to 78% (parasports). More sport-specific technical skills were performed in combat, parasports, and precision (∼50%) than other sports (∼35%). Most athletes (range: 50% [parasports] to 75% [endurance]) performed cardiorespiratory training (trivial sex differences). Compared to prelockdown, perceived training intensity was reduced by 29% to 41%, depending on sport (largest decline: ∼38% in team sports, unaffected by sex). Some athletes (range: 7%-49%) maintained their training intensity for strength, endurance, speed, plyometric, change-of-direction, and technical training. Athletes who previously trained ≥5 sessions per week reduced their volume (range: 18%-28%) during lockdown. The proportion of athletes (81%) training ≥60 min/session reduced by 31% to 43% during lockdown. Males and females had comparable moderate levels of training knowledge (56% vs 58%) and beliefs/attitudes (54% vs 56%)., Conclusions: Changes in athletes' training practices were sport-specific, with few or no sex differences. Team-based sports were generally more susceptible to changes than individual sports. Policy makers should provide athletes with specific training arrangements and educational resources to facilitate remote and/or home-based training during lockdown-type events.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the impact of exercise intensity and mode (high-intensity interval exercise-HIIE or sprint interval exercise-SIE versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise-MICE) on post-exercise ad libitum energy intake. The studies were required to have at least two exercise conditions (HIIE or SIE vs MICE). Overall, 642 manuscripts were initially identified and 17 met the eligibility criteria. The random effect meta-analysis did not reveal differences for absolute energy intake (28 pairwise comparisons) between HIIE (p = 0.54; 95% Confidence Interval - CI: -0.14 to 0.26; 22 pairwise comparisons) or SIE (p = 0.08; 95% CI -0.65 to 0.03; 6 pairwise comparisons) versus MICE, neither for relative energy intake (p = 0.97; 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.10 for HIIE; p = 0.28; 95% CI: -1.03 to 0.06 for SIE) with five and one pairwise comparisons, respectively. Subgroup analyses for methods to evaluate ad libitum energy intake, body mass, sex, volume, and timing of exercise were non-significant. Inspecting each study, two pairwise comparisons reported lower post-exercise absolute energy intake in HIIE compared to control (CRTL), and three pairwise comparisons reported lower absolute energy intake after SIE compared to MICE. None pairwise comparison reported differences between protocols (HIIE or SIE versus MICE) for relative energy intake. In conclusion, the meta-analysis did not show differences between protocols for absolute and relative energy intake; five pairwise comparisons from 28 demonstrated lower absolute energy intake in HIIE or SIE compared to CRTL or MICE. Further studies are needed to address the key relevant variables in which exercise intensity and mode may impact energy intake., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

This study aimed to examine the effect of intense intermittent lower-body and trunk exercise (rowing) on punching performance in 28 highly-trained male amateur boxers. Straight- and bent-arm punch performances were assessed with a custom-built punch integrator using a 3-min maximal-effort punch test, completed in both non-fatigued (ROW pre ) and fatigued (ROW post ) states. A within-subject repeated measures design was implemented; subjects completed ROW pre , then 9 × 1-min bouts of rowing (1-min rest intervals), followed by ROW post . Peak punch force and force-time variables, including impulse and rate of force development (RFD; calculated to five time points), were assessed. Differences between ROW pre and ROW post for each punch type (jab, cross, lead- and rear-hand hook) were tested with a linear mixed model, and effect sizes (Cohen's d ) were calculated. Results showed significant ( p  < 0.05) reductions in punch force in ROW post compared to ROW pre for all punch types as well as significant delays in the time to reach specific force levels, and relative percentages of peak force (RFD) in all punches except the jab. It is likely that fatigue of the lower body and trunk muscles impaired ground reaction force, and thus punch force, production. This effect was larger in punches that involved a greater degree of trunk rotation, crosses and hooks, than in the jab which relies predominantly on arm extension. These findings reveal the negative effect of fatigue on punch force production, and provide evidence that lower-body and trunk force are important for generating punch force. HighlightsThe ability of the lower body to generate force affects the magnitude of punch force produced in trained boxers.A bout of intense rowing exercise significantly reduces punch force, and rate of force development. This should be carefully considered when programming and scheduling boxing specific training sessions and strength and conditioning sessions.While non-specific fatigue affected the punch performance of boxers, the authors call for further research to examine the effects of fatigue sustained during a boxing bout in comparison to non-boxing muscular fatigue and a non-exercise control.

Background: The differential diagnosis between flat urothelial lesions [reactive urothelial atypia (RUA), atypia of unknown significance (AUS), urothelial dysplasia (UD) and carcinoma in situ (CIS)] has relevant prognostic and therapeutic implications. This crucial distinction could be very challenging but it is currently performed on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides, with a great amount of partially discordant and/or not conclusive findings of the potential adjunctive role of immunohistochemistry. Herein, we tested double staining (DS) for p53/CK20 to verify if p53(+) cells, CK20(+) cells and double-positive cells (DPCs) are differentially expressed among these lesions and if p53/CK20 could be a useful tool in this diagnostic setting., Methods: We tested 50, 9, 36 and 29 consecutive and retrospectively enrolled cases of RUA, AUS, UD and CIS, respectively. p53(+) cells, CK20(+) cells and DPCs were evaluated and compared by adopting the appropriate statistic tests (Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests)., Results: We found that p53(+) cells (p = 0.000), CK20(+) cells (p = 0.000) and DPCs (p = 0.000) showed statistically significant differences among the different flat urothelial lesions. Besides, when dichotomized, both CIS and RUA are easily differentiable from their histological mimickers adopting all these markers; by contrast, AUS and UD did not reach statistically significant differences able to differentiate them from each other [p53(+) cells, p = 0.123; CK20(+) cells, p = 0.567; DPCs, p = 0.409], except if compared to CIS [AUS VS CIS: p53(+) cells, p = 0.013; CK20(+) cells, p = 0.000; DPCs, p = 0.000; UD vs CIS: p53(+) cells, p = 0.000; CK20(+) cells, p = 0.000; DPCs, p = 0.000]., Conclusions: p53(+) cells, CK20(+) cells and DPCs are differently expressed by flat urothelial lesions and p53/CK20 could be a time- and money-saving tool for the appropriate management of these lesions if applied to a routine scenario., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: We sought to investigate whether there are gender differences in clinical outcome after stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) after mechanical thrombectomy (EVT) in a large population of real-world patients., Methods: From the Italian Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy, we extracted clinical and outcome data of patients treated for stroke due to large vessel occlusion. We compared clinical and safety outcomes in men and women who underwent EVT alone or in combination with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in the total population and in a Propensity Score matched set., Results: Among 3422 patients included in the study, 1801 (52.6%) were women. Despite older age at onset (mean 72.4 vs 68.7; p  < 0.001), and higher rate of atrial fibrillation (41.7% vs 28.6%; p  < 0.001), women had higher probability of 3-month functional independence (adjusted odds ratio-adjOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.02-1.38), of complete recanalization (adjOR 1.25; 95% CI 1.09-1.44) and lower probability of death (adjOR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62-0.90). After propensity-score matching, a well-balanced cohort comprising 1150 men and 1150 women was analyzed, confirming the same results regarding functional outcome (3-month functional independence: OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.04-1.51), and complete recanalization (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.09-1.53)., Conclusions: Subject to the limitations of a non-randomized comparison, women with stroke due to LVO treated with mechanical thrombectomy had a better chance to achieve complete recanalization, and 3-month functional independence than men. The results could be driven by women who underwent combined treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: MB: Consultant for Penumbra Inc., Stryker Italia; AS: Consultant for Stryker; ADV: Consultant for Boehringer Ingelheim, Daichi Sankyo; AZ: speaker fees and consulting fees from Boehringer-Ingelheim, Medtronic, Cerenovus and advisory board from Daiichi Sankyo and Boehringer-Ingelheim and Stryker; MC: speaker fees and consulting fees from Daiichi Sankyo and Bristol Myers Squibb, advisory board from Boehringer-Ingelheim; NPN: Consultant for Penumbra Inc., Acandis GmbH; SS: personal fees and non-financial support from Allergan, Abbott, Eli Lilly, Novartis, TEVA, participation to Advisory Board for Astra Zeneca, and research support from Laborest; AM: Consultant for Boehringer Ingelheim, DR: Proctor for Penumbra. Other Authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors., (© European Stroke Organisation 2022.)

Objective: Our objective was to explore the training-related knowledge, beliefs, and practices of athletes and the influence of lockdowns in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)., Methods: Athletes (n = 12,526, comprising 13% world class, 21% international, 36% national, 24% state, and 6% recreational) completed an online survey that was available from 17 May to 5 July 2020 and explored their training behaviors (training knowledge, beliefs/attitudes, and practices), including specific questions on their training intensity, frequency, and session duration before and during lockdown (March-June 2020)., Results: Overall, 85% of athletes wanted to "maintain training," and 79% disagreed with the statement that it is "okay to not train during lockdown," with a greater prevalence for both in higher-level athletes. In total, 60% of athletes considered "coaching by correspondence (remote coaching)" to be sufficient (highest amongst world-class athletes). During lockdown, < 40% were able to maintain sport-specific training (e.g., long endurance [39%], interval training [35%], weightlifting [33%], plyometric exercise [30%]) at pre-lockdown levels (higher among world-class, international, and national athletes), with most (83%) training for "general fitness and health maintenance" during lockdown. Athletes trained alone (80%) and focused on bodyweight (65%) and cardiovascular (59%) exercise/training during lockdown. Compared with before lockdown, most athletes reported reduced training frequency (from between five and seven sessions per week to four or fewer), shorter training sessions (from ≥ 60 to < 60 min), and lower sport-specific intensity (~ 38% reduction), irrespective of athlete classification., Conclusions: COVID-19-related lockdowns saw marked reductions in athletic training specificity, intensity, frequency, and duration, with notable within-sample differences (by athlete classification). Higher classification athletes had the strongest desire to "maintain" training and the greatest opposition to "not training" during lockdowns. These higher classification athletes retained training specificity to a greater degree than others, probably because of preferential access to limited training resources. More higher classification athletes considered "coaching by correspondence" as sufficient than did lower classification athletes. These lockdown-mediated changes in training were not conducive to maintenance or progression of athletes' physical capacities and were also likely detrimental to athletes' mental health. These data can be used by policy makers, athletes, and their multidisciplinary teams to modulate their practice, with a degree of individualization, in the current and continued pandemic-related scenario. Furthermore, the data may drive training-related educational resources for athletes and their multidisciplinary teams. Such upskilling would provide athletes with evidence to inform their training modifications in response to germane situations (e.g., COVID related, injury, and illness)., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Abstract: Dunn, EC, Humberstone, CE, Franchini, E, Iredale, KF, and Blazevich, AJ. Relationships between punch impact force and upper- and lower-body muscular strength and power in highly trained amateur boxers. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1019-1025, 2022-This study examined the relationship between upper- and lower-body strength and power characteristics and punch performance in 28 highly trained male amateur boxers. Punch performance was assessed with a custom-built punch integrator using a 3-minute maximal effort punch test that contained straight- and bent-arm punches from the lead and rear hands. Peak punch force and force-time variables including impulse and rate of force development (RFD; calculated to various points) were assessed. Force, power, and RFD of the upper and lower body were assessed with countermovement bench throw, isometric bench push, countermovement jump (CMJ), and isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) tests. Correlation and regression analyses revealed significant (p < 0.05) relationships between peak punch force and forces measured in CMJ and IMTP tests. In addition, peak punch force was moderately and significantly correlated to body mass, but RFD in the lower body was not. Moreover, no meaningful relationships between punch performance characteristics and any upper-body strength or power parameter were identified. The results of this study show that lower-body strength but not RFD had a moderate to strong positive and significant correlation to peak punch force production. Although upper-body strength and power are expected to be important in boxing, they did not discriminate between boxers who punched with higher or lower peak force nor were they correlated to peak punch force. Training that improves lower-body strength without increasing total body mass (to maintain weight category) may positively influence punch capacity in highly trained amateur boxers., (Copyright © 2020 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

The present study aimed to propose a new multidimensional taekwondo-specific test to estimate aerobic power, anaerobic fitness, and agility. Out of sixty-five male volunteers, forty-six, forty-eight, and fifty athletes (18-35 years; black- and red-belt level) were included in the final analysis for aerobic, anaerobic, and agility assessments, respectively. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max, using a graded exercise test on a treadmill), anaerobic power (using the 30-s Wingate anaerobic test, WAnT), and agility performance (using the agility T-Test) were measured via non-specific laboratory and field tests across a two-week period. The taekwondo-specific aerobic-anaerobic-agility (TAAA) test comprised six 20-s intervals of shuttle sprints over a 4-m distance, and the execution of roundhouse kicks alternating the legs at the end of each distance, with 10-s rest intervals between the sets. The multiple linear regression revealed that the difference between heart rate (HR) after and 1 minute after the TAAA test (p < 0.001), and body mass index (BMI; p = 0.006) were significant to estimate VO2max. Likewise, there was a very large (R = 0.79) and large (R = 0.55) correlation between the average and maximum number of kicks performed in the TAAA test and the WAnT mean and peak power, respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, a linear relationship was found between the T-Test and agility performance acquired in the TAAA test (R = 0.74; p < 0.001). The TAAA test can be considered a valid simple tool for monitoring VO2max, anaerobic fitness, and agility in male taekwondo athletes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

This study investigated the combined effects of competition area (4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 m) and judo-specific training type (tachi-waza, ne-waza, and free randori) on physiological responses and perceived exertion in female judo athletes. In a within-subject design, 12 female subelite and elite athletes who competed at regional or national levels with a mean training background of 8.4 ± 0.5 years performed the experimental conditions (i.e., combats (viz., matches) featuring different area/training type combinations) in random order. The following measurements at different time points were chosen: blood lactate before and after each match; heart rate before, mean, and peak for each match; and rating of perceived exertion immediately after each match. Two-factor analysis of variance was used to compare between conditions, while Bonferroni post hoc test and magnitude of difference were used to measure significance. There was no main effect of training type or area size on lactate before each match, heart rate (HR) before each match, HR mean during each match, and rating of perceived exertion. Main effects of training type and area size were found for lactate after each event, with the values being greater in free randori compared to tachi-waza and ne-waza and in 4 × 4 m compared to 6 × 6 and 8 × 8 m area. Main effects of training type and area size were also found in peak heart rate, with lower values in ne-waza compared to free randori and tachi-waza and in 8 × 8 m compared to 4 × 4 m area. The results demonstrate that varying training modality and area size may alter physiological responses during female judo combats by putting stress on the cardiovascular system and increasing anaerobic glycolysis solicitation.

This study aimed to determine the relationship between indirect measures of aerobic power and muscular power with Frequency Speed of Kick Test performance using multiple sets (FSKTmult) in high-level taekwondo athletes. We used a known-group method to test differences in FSKTmult performance between two groups designated as lower and higher performance in both aerobic power and muscular power. In total, 42 international or national taekwondo athletes of both sexes performed the FSKTmult, Progressive Specific Taekwondo Test (PSTT), and countermovement jump (CMJ). Our results showed that average of the three CMJ was moderately correlated with FSKTmult performance (r=0.44); whereas PSTT and FSKTmult were highly correlated (r=0.83). Moreover, the groups formed by lower and higher performance of time to exhaustion in PSTT, as well as the average of CMJ were able to discriminate performance in the FSKTmult (p ≤0.05). The present study thus suggests that aerobic and muscle power are important for FSKTmult performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

The study assessed conditioning activities' (CAs') effects involving different work-to-rest ratios (WRR) on taekwondo athletes' physical performance. Adolescent taekwondo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) randomly participated in the control six experimental conditions. Each condition was composed of standard warm-up and CA composed of plyometrics (P) or repeated high-intensity techniques (RHIT) performed using three different WRR: 1:6, 1:7, self-selected rest time (SSRT). After rest, athletes performed countermovement jump (CMJ), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s frequency speed kick test (FSKT-10s), multiple frequency speed kick test (FSKT-mult). P1:7, SSRT induced techniques higher number in FSKT-10s ( p < 0.001 for all comparisons) and lower TSAT time ( p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared with control. Kicks-number recorded during FSKT-mult was lower in the control compared with RHIT1:6 ( p = 0.001), RHIT1:7 ( p < 0.001), RHITSSRT ( p < 0.05), P1:7 ( p < 0.001), and SSRT ( p < 0.001). Kicking decrement index (DI) during FSKT-mult was lower after RHIT1:6 compared with control ( p = 0.008), RHIT1:7 ( p = 0.031), P 1:6 ( p = 0.014), PSSRT ( p = 0.041). (1) P1:7 and PSSRT can be used to improve taekwondo-specific agility and kicks-number, (2) RHIT1:6 is beneficial to maintain low DI, and (3) plyometric and different WRR-repeated-techniques can enhance kicks-number.

This study investigated low-dose caffeine ingestion, conditioning activity (CA) effects on psycho-physical performances in young taekwondo athletes. In a randomized, double-blind, counterbalanced, crossover design, 20 athletes (10 males; 17.5 ± 0.7 yrs) performed taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s/multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT-10s/FSKT-mult) after ingesting 3 mg·kg−1 caffeine (CAF) or placebo (PL) 60 min before performing standard warm-up without (NoCA) or with CA (3 × 10 vertical jumps above 40 cm), resulting in four experimental (PL + NoCA, CAF + NoCA, PL + CA, and CAF + CA) and one control (warm-up session without CAF or CA) conditions. Mood/physical symptoms (MPSS), subjective vitality (SVS), and feeling (FS) scales were analyzed post-to-pre for all conditions. Ratings of perceived-exertion and perceived-recovery status were determined after tests. For TSAT, CAF + CA induced better performance compared with all conditions (p < 0.001). For FSKT-10s and FSKT-mult, CAF + CA induced better performance compared with all conditions (p < 0.001). For MPSS, FS, CAF + NoCA induced higher scores than PL + NoCA and PL + CA (p = 0.002, 0.009 for MPSS; p = 0.014, 0.03 for FS). For SVS, PL + CA elicited lower scores than PL + NoCA and CAF + NoCA (p = 0.01, 0.004). Sex comparisons resulted in better performances for males for TSAT (p = 0.008), FSKT-10s (p < 0.001), FSKT-mult (p < 0.01), MPSS (p = 0.02), SVS (p = 0.028), and FS (p = 0.020) scores. Caffeine and conditioning activity are two efficient performance-enhancing strategies, which could synergistically result in greater psycho-physical performances.

Background: To handle the competition demands, sparring drills are used for specific technical-tactical training as well as physical-physiological conditioning in combat sports. While the effects of different area sizes and number of within-round sparring partners on physiological and perceptive responses in combats sports were examined in previous studies, technical and tactical aspects were not investigated. This study investigated the effect of different within-round sparring partners number (i.e., at a time; 1 vs. 1, 1 vs. 2, and 1 vs. 4) and area sizes (2 m × 2 m, 4 m × 4 m, and 6 m × 6 m) variation on the technical-tactical aspects of small combat games in kickboxing., Method: Twenty male kickboxers (mean ± standard deviation, age: 20.3 ± 0.9 years), regularly competing in regional and national events randomly performed nine different kickboxing combats, lasting 2 min each. All combats were video recorded and analyzed using the software Dartfish., Results: Results showed that the total number of punches was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p = 0.011, d = 0.83). Further, the total number of kicks was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001; d = 0.99 and d = 0.83, respectively). Moreover, the total number of kick combinations was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p < 0.001; d = 1.05 and d = 0.95, respectively). The same outcome was significantly lower in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m and 6 m × 6 m areas (p = 0.010 and d = - 0.45; p < 0.001 and d = - 0.6, respectively). The number of block-and-parry was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p < 0.001, d = 1.45) and 1 versus 2 (p = 0.046, d = 0.61) and in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m and 6 × 6 m areas (p < 0.001; d = 0.47 and d = 0.66, respectively). Backwards lean actions occurred more often in 2 m × 2 m compared with 4 m × 4 m (p = 0.009, d = 0.53) and 6 m × 6 m (p = 0.003, d = 0.60). However, the number of foot defenses was significantly lower in 2 m × 2 m compared with 6 m × 6 m (p < 0.001, d = 1.04) and 4 m × 4 m (p = 0.004, d = 0.63). Additionally, the number of clinches was significantly higher in 1 versus 1 compared with 1 versus 2 (p = 0.002, d = 0.7) and 1 versus 4 (p = 0.034, d = 0.45)., Conclusions: This study provides practical insights into how to manipulate within-round sparring partners' number and/or area size to train specific kickboxing technical-tactical fundamentals., Trial Registration: This study does not report results related to health care interventions using human participants and therefore it was not prospectively registered., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Efficiency of care chain response and hospital reactivity were and are challenged for stroke acute care management during the pandemic period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in North-Eastern Italy (Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Trentino-Alto-Adige), counting 7,193,880 inhabitants (ISTAT), with consequences in acute treatment for patients with ischemic stroke., Methods: We conducted a retrospective data collection of patients admitted to stroke units eventually treated with thrombolysis and thrombectomy, ranging from January to May 2020 from the beginning to the end of the main first pandemic period of COVID-19 in Italy. The primary endpoint was the number of patients arriving to these stroke units, and secondary endpoints were the number of thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy. Chi-square analysis was used on all patients; furthermore, patients were divided into two cohorts (pre-lockdown and lockdown periods) and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to test differences on admission and reperfusive therapies., Results: In total, 2536 patients were included in 22 centers. There was a significant decrease of admissions in April compared to January. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease of thrombectomy during the lockdown period, while thrombolysis rate was unaffected in the same interval across all centers., Conclusions: Our study confirmed a decrease in admission rate of stroke patients in a large area of northern Italy during the lockdown period, especially during the first dramatic phase. Overall, there was no decrease in thrombolysis rate, confirming an effect of emergency care system for stroke patients. Instead, the significant decrease in thrombectomy rate during lockdown addresses some considerations of local and regional stroke networks during COVID-19 pandemic evolution., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Adult rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) represents an uncommon entity with an incidence of less than 3% of all soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Consequently, the natural history and the clinical management of this disease are infrequently reported. In order to fill this gap, we investigated the molecular biology of an adult RMS case series. The expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related gene and chemoresistance-related gene panels were evaluated. Moreover, taking advantage of our STS translational model combining patient-derived primary culture and 3D-scaffold, the pharmacological profile of an adult head and neck sclerosing RMS was assessed. Furthermore, NGS, microsatellite instability, and in silico analyses were carried out. RT-PCR identified the upregulation of CDH1 , SLUG , MMP9 , RAB22a , S100P, and LAPTM4b , representing promising biomarkers for this disease. Pharmacological profiling showed the highest sensitivity with anthracycline-based regimen in both 2D and 3D culture systems. NGS analysis detected RAB3IP-HMGA2 in frame gene rearrangement and FGFR4 mutation; microsatellite instability analysis did not detect any alteration. In silico analysis confirmed the mutation of FGFR4 as a promising marker for poor prognosis and a potential therapeutic target. We report for the first time the molecular and pharmacological characterization of rare entities of adult head and neck and posterior trunk RMS. These preliminary data could shed light on this poorly understood disease.

Although targeting of cell metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), metabolic dependencies are largely unexplored. We aimed to classify AML patients based on their metabolic landscape and map connections between metabolic and genomic profiles. Combined serum and urine metabolomics improved AML characterization compared with individual biofluid analysis. At intracellular level, AML displayed dysregulated amino acid, nucleotide, lipid, and bioenergetic metabolism. The integration of intracellular and biofluid metabolomics provided a map of alterations in the metabolism of polyamine, purine, keton bodies and polyunsaturated fatty acids and tricarboxylic acid cycle. The intracellular metabolome distinguished three AML clusters, correlating with distinct genomic profiles: NPM1-mutated(mut), chromatin/spliceosome-mut and TP53-mut/aneuploid AML that were confirmed by biofluid analysis. Interestingly, integrated genomic-metabolic profiles defined two subgroups of NPM1-mut AML. One was enriched for mutations in cohesin/DNA damage-related genes (NPM1/cohesin-mut AML) and showed increased serum choline + trimethylamine-N-oxide and leucine, higher mutation load, transcriptomic signatures of reduced inflammatory status and better ex-vivo response to EGFR and MET inhibition. The transcriptional differences of enzyme-encoding genes between NPM1/cohesin-mut and NPM1-mut allowed in silico modeling of intracellular metabolic perturbations. This approach predicted alterations in NAD and purine metabolism in NPM1/cohesin-mut AML that suggest potential vulnerabilities, worthy of being therapeutically explored., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

This study aimed to test the reliability, sensitivity, construct and logical validity of an adapted Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) for judo athletes with visual impairment . Twenty judo athletes with visual impairments performed both the adapted SJFT with tactile and sonorous stimuli (experimental conditions) and the typically administered SJFT (standard condition). We used analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with repeated-measures to compare the groups' SJFT performances, and one-way ANOVAs to compare different visual ability classes of athletes (B1, B2 and B3). We used t-tests to compare SJFT variables between elite and sub-elite groups. We set statistical significance for all tests at p  < 0.05. The standard SJFT showed excellent test-retest reliability for number of throws and overall index (ICC = 0.91-0.95), and both sonorous and tactile sensitivity adaptations of the SJFT showed medium sensitivity for detecting performance changes. The number of throws and SJFT index were higher with the sonorous adaptation of the test, compared to the tactile and standard versions ( p  < 0.001). Athletes who were blind (B1) presented similar performances to athletes who were partially sighted (B2 and B3) only on the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus. Moreover, only the sonorous SJFT adaptation discriminated between the performances of elite and sub-elite athletes ( p  < 0.001). In conclusion, both SJFT adaptations showed excellent reliability and medium sensitivity on test-retest, but, only the SJFT with the sonorous stimulus seemed valid for assessing judo athletes with varying degrees of visual impairment, and only the sonorous stimulus SJFT discriminated elite from sub-elite athletes.

Background: There are limited data concerning procedure-related complications of endovascular thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion strokes., Aims: We evaluated the cumulative incidence, the clinical relevance in terms of increased disability and mortality, and risk factors for complications., Methods: From January 2011 to December 2017, 4799 patients were enrolled by 36 centers in the Italian Registry of Endovascular Stroke Treatment. Data on demographic and procedural characteristics, complications, and clinical outcome at three months were prospectively collected., Results: The complications cumulative incidence was 201 per 1000 patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy. Ongoing antiplatelet therapy (p < 0.01; OR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21-2.73) and large vessel occlusion site (carotid-T, p < 0.03; OR 3.05, 95% CI: 1.13-8.19; M2-segment-MCA, p < 0.01; OR 4.54, 95% CI: 1.66-12.44) were associated with a higher risk of subarachnoid hemorrhage/arterial perforation. Thrombectomy alone (p < 0.01; OR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31-0.83) and younger age (p < 0.04; OR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99) revealed a lower risk of developing dissection. M2-segment-MCA occlusion (p < 0.01; OR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19-0.64) and hypertension (p < 0.04; OR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.6-0.98) were less related to clot embolization. Higher NIHSS at onset (p < 0.01; OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02-1.06), longer groin-to-reperfusion time (p < 0.01; OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), diabetes (p < 0.01; OR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.25-2.23), and LVO site (carotid-T, p < 0.01; OR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.26-3.05; M2-segment-MCA, p < 0.02; OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.08-2.42) were associated with a higher risk of developing symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage compared to no/asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The subgroup of patients treated with thrombectomy alone presented a lower risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (p < 0.01; OR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.55-0.90). Subarachnoid hemorrhage/arterial perforation and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after endovascular thrombectomy worsen both functional independence and mortality at three-month follow-up (p < 0.01). Distal embolization is associated with neurological deterioration (p < 0.01), while arterial dissection did not affect clinical outcome at follow-up., Conclusions: Complications globally considered are not uncommon and may result in poor clinical outcome. Early recognition of risk factors might help to prevent complications and manage them appropriately in order to maximize endovascular thrombectomy benefits.

Studies have shown that nitrate (NO 3 - )-rich beetroot juice (BJ) supplementation improves endurance and high-intensity intermittent exercise. The dose-response effects on taekwondo following BJ supplementation are yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate two acute doses of 400 mg of NO 3 - (BJ-400) and 800 mg of NO 3 - (BJ-800) on taekwondo-specific performance and cognitive function tests compared with a placebo (PL) and control (CON) conditions. Eight trained male taekwondo athletes (age: 20 ± 4 years, height: 180 ± 2 cm, body mass: 64.8 ± 4.0 kg) completed four experimental trials using a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled design: BJ-400, BJ-800, PL, and CON. Participants consumed two doses of BJ-400 and BJ-800 or nitrate-depleted PL at 2.5 h prior to performing the Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick Test (FSKT). Countermovement jump (CMJ) was performed before the (FSKT) and PSTT, whereas cognitive function was assessed (via the Stroop test) before and after supplementation and 10 min following PSTT. Blood lactate was collected before the CMJ tests immediately and 3 min after the FSKT and PSST; rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded during and after both specific taekwondo tests. No significant differences ( p > 0.05), with moderate and large effect sizes, between conditions were observed for PSTT and FSKT performances. In addition, blood lactate, RPE, heart rate, and CMJ height were not significantly different among conditions ( p > 0.05). However, after the PSTT test, cognitive function was higher in BJ-400 compared to other treatments ( p < 0.05). It was concluded that acute intake of 400 and 800 mg of NO 3 - rich BJ reported a moderate to large effect size in anaerobic and aerobic; however, no statistical differences were found in taekwondo-specific performance.

Abstract: Ouergui, I, Benyoussef, A, Houcine, N, Abedelmalek, S, Franchini, E, Gmada, N, Bouhlel, E, and Bouassida, A. Physiological responses and time-motion analysis of kickboxing: differences between full contact, light contact, and point fighting contests. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2558-2563, 2021-This study investigated the physiological responses and time structure of kickboxing styles (full contact, light contact, and point fighting). Blood lactate [La] before and after combats, mean heart rate (HRmean), percentage of time spent in HR zones, and rating of perceived exertion were assessed. Time spent in high-intensity activities (HIAs), low-intensity activities (LIAs), and referee pauses (P) were recorded according to rounds (R) and kickboxing styles. [La] increased statistically significant after kickboxing combats (p < 0.001) and was higher after light contact compared with point fighting (p = 0.029). HRmean did not differ between kickboxing specialties (p = 0.200). However, more time was spent on HR zones 4 and 5 (Z4: 80-90% and Z5: 90-100% HRmax) than in other zones (all p < 0.001). Rating of perceived exertion scores were higher after light and full contact combats compared with point fighting (p = 0.007 and 0.093, respectively). High-intensity activities, LIAs, and pauses did not statistically differ across rounds (p > 0.05). Moreover, HIA values were lower than LIA (all p < 0.001), and HIA and LIA were higher than pause for all rounds and styles (all p < 0.001). Full contact elicited higher HIA compared with point fighting (p = 0.003, 0.001, and 0.002 for round 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Coaches and strength and conditioning professionals should emphasize anaerobic and muscle power development for all disciplines, especially for full and light contact and maximal aerobic power enhancement by targeting specific HR zones. Moreover, training regimen may include high-intensity interval training to mimic these sports' specificity using the effort-pause ratios according to different kickboxing sports., (Copyright © 2019 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)

Given humans' limited ability to recall past experiences for evaluation, scholars have proposed the peak-end rule stating that if perceived discomfort at the end of an aversive experience is lower than the peak discomfort experienced, the aversive experience will be remembered more positively. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the peak-end rule as applied to high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE). Participants were 30 inactive men ( M age = 27.9, SD =  5.2 years). In the first session they performed a graded exercise test on cycle-ergometer to determine their maximal aerobic power (MAP) ( M  = 233, SD  = 35W); and, in the second and third sessions, they performed two HIIE protocols in randomized order: (a) Short trial - 20-minutes of HIIE, composed of 30-second efforts at 100% of MAP interspersed by 30-seconds of passive recovery; and (b) Long trial - 20-minutes of the short trial, plus 10-minutes more of HIIE, decreasing 3% of MAP in each additional bout, resulting in 70% of MAP in the last bout. During exercise, we recorded the participants' rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and affect, using the Feeling Scale (FS). At 30-minutes post-exercise, we again recorded the participants' affect, using the Global Affect Evaluation (GAE) and their session-RPE, and we recorded their enjoyment, using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). In the last session, the participants chose a favorite protocol to repeat. All sessions were interspersed by at least 72 hours. The 10-minutes extra HIIE in the Long-trial condition resulted decreased heart rate values ( M  = 157, SD  = 13bpm to M  = 144, SD  = 14bpm; p < 0.001), but psychological responses during and after exercise did not differ, nor did participants' preferred HIIE protocol. As the load drop for the Long-trial was not enough to change the psychological responses during exercise, there was no difference in the retrospective evaluation as the peak-end rule would have suggested.

Background: The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) is the international standard for pre-participation risk stratification and screening. In order to provide a practical and valid screening tool to facilitate safe engagement in physical activity and fitness assessments for the Brazilian population, this study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and verify the reproducibility of the evidence-based PAR-Q+ to the Brazilian Portuguese language. Method: Initially, the document was translated by two independent translators, before Brazilian experts in health and physical activity evaluated the translations and produced a common initial version. Next, two English native speakers, fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and accustomed to the local culture, back-translated the questionnaire. These back translations were assessed by the organization in charge of the PAR-Q+, then a final Brazilian version was approved. A total of 493 Brazilians between 5 and 93 yr (39.9 ± 25.4 yr), 59% female, with varying levels of health and physical activity, completed the questionnaire twice, in person or online, 1-2 weeks apart. Cronbach's alpha was used to calculate the internal consistency of all items of the questionnaire, and the Kappa statistic was used to assess the individual reproducibility of each item of the document. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to verify the general reproducibility (reliability) of the translated version. Results: The Brazilian version had an excellent internal consistency (0.993), with an almost perfect agreement in 93.8% of the questions, and a substantial agreement in the other 6.2%. The translated version also had a good to excellent total reproducibility (0.901, 95% CI: 0.887-0.914). Conclusion: The results show this translation is a valid and reliable screening tool, which may facilitate a larger number of Brazilians to start or increase physical activity participation in a safe manner., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Schwartz, Oh, Takito, Saunders, Dolan, Franchini, Rhodes, Bredin, Coelho, dos Santos, Mazzuco and Warburton.)

Background/objective: This study aims to compare the effect of sprint distance and repetition number on performance, physiological responses, and energy systems contributions., Methods: Eighteen male university league soccer players (age: 19.9 ± 1.6 years, height: 177.9 ± 4.7 cm, body mass: 72.4 ± 6.3 kg, percentage body fat: 8.9 ± 1.8, training experience: 7.4 ± 1.6 years) completed two different repeated sprint protocols: 20 × 20 m (20 × 20) and 10 × 40 m (10 × 40) with 15s and 30s rest intervals, respectively. Oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) were measured during the rest, exercise, and recovery phases. Rest and peak blood lactate concentrations were determined. Using VO 2 and lactate values, the energy system contributions were calculated using a mono-exponential model and mathematical calculations. Energy systems contributions and total energy expenditure (TEE) were calculated both for the entire protocol (overall) and for the sprints only., Results: Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), peak and mean heart rate (HR) responses were significantly higher in the 20 × 20 whereas lactate response was higher in the 10 × 40. TEE was similar between the 10 × 40 (586.3 ± 60.8 kJ) and 20 × 20 (595.6 ± 57.5 kJ). For overall estimations, the 10 × 40 and 20 × 20 presented similar results of oxidative (47.5 ± 5.4 vs 45.7 ± 5.1 kJ min -1 ) and phosphagen (44.7 ± 5.4 vs (42.9 ± 4.8 kJ min -1 ) systems contributions whereas glycolytic contribution was higher in the 10 × 40 (15.5 ± 2.2 vs 12.8 ± 2.3 kJ min -1 ). For sprints only estimation, the phosphagen (257.6 ± 31.5 vs 225.2 ± 28.2 kJ min -1 ), glycolytic (89.4 ± 13.4 vs 67.3 ± 12.5 kJ min -1 ), and oxidative (76.9 ± 6.9 vs 72.0 ± 7.9 2 kJ min -1 ) systems contributions were higher in the 10 × 40., Conclusions: Although HR and RPE responses were higher in the 20 × 20, phosphagen (during sprints) and glycolytic (during both sprints and overall protocol) were higher in the 10 × 40 protocol. Therefore, the 10 × 40 protocol seems more reasonable for developing or evaluating the anaerobic systems., Competing Interests: We have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (© 2021 The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd.)

Abstract: Ouergui, I, Kamzi, S, Houcine, N, Abedelmalek, S, Bouassida, A, Bouhlel, E, and Franchini, E. Physiological responses during female judo combats: impact of combat area size and effort to pause ratio variations. J Strength Cond Res 35(7): 1987-1991, 2021-This study investigated the effect of area size (4 × 4, 6 × 6, and 8 × 8 m) and effort-pause ratio (free combat, 2:1 and 3:1) on the physiological and perceptive responses during female judo combats. Twelve female judo athletes (mean ± SD: age: 17.1 ± 0.4 years; height: 160 ± 7 cm; body mass: 59.8 ± 11.5 kg; body fat: 25.7 ± 5.5%; and judo experience: 8.4 ± 0.5 years) volunteered to perform nine 4-minute randoris randomly determined. Blood lactate [La] before and after combats, heart rate before combat (HRpre), mean HR (HRmean), peak HR (HRpeak), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) immediately after the combats were assessed for each condition. Results showed that [La] pre and HR values did not differ according to time structure and area sizes (p > 0.05). However, [La] post was higher on free randori compared with 3:1 ratio (p = 0.006) and in the 4 × 4-m area compared with 6 × 6-m (p < 0.001) and 8 × 8-m (p = 0.036) areas. Moreover, RPE was higher in the 4 × 4 m compared with 8 × 8 m (p = 0.038). In conclusion, combining time structure and area sizes may alter physiological and perceptual responses during female judo randori. Moreover, combat-based exercises may be effective in preparing athletes to cope with physiological and technical demands of the combat by stressing properly the energy systems solicited during official competitions., (Copyright © 2019 National Strength and Conditioning Association.)