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Purpose: Bilateral force deficit occurs when the maximal generated force during simultaneous bilateral muscle contractions is lower than the sum of forces generated unilaterally. Neural inhibition is stated as the main source for bilateral force deficit. Based on differences in bilateral neural organization, there might be a pronounced neural inhibition for proximal compared to distal effectors. The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate potential differences in bilateral force deficit in proximal compared to distal effectors in lower extremities. Methods: Fifteen young adults performed single-joint maximal voluntary contractions in isometric dorsiflexion of ankle (distal) and knee (proximal) extension unilaterally and bilaterally. Results: Results showed a significant absolute bilateral force deficit for both proximal (123.46 ± 59.51 N) and distal effectors (33.00 ± 35.60 N). Interestingly, the relative bilateral force deficit for knee extension was significantly larger compared to dorsiflexion of ankle, 19.98 ± 10.04% and 10.27 ± 9.57%, respectively. Our results indicate a significantly higher bilateral force deficit for proximal effectors compared to distal effectors. Conclusion: Plausible explanations are related to neuroanatomical and neurophysiological differences between proximal effectors and distal effectors where proximal muscles have a higher potential for bilateral communication compared to distal muscles. In addition, higher forces produced with proximal effectors could cause a higher perceived exertion and cause a more pronounced bilateral force deficit to proximal effectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews the performance of "Hamlet" held at the Carrie Furnace National Historic Landmark in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from August 4th to 27th, 2023, emphasizing its unique setting, unconventional portrayal of Hamlet, and exploration of identity and societal change themes.

In 2018, the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) introduced acetic acid visual inspection (AAVI) screening program and treatment of cervical precancers with cryotherapy in replacement of Pap smear intervention in Namibia. The study examines the effective use of AAVI-and-cryotherapy treatment on HPV-diagnosed women. Female patients of the reproductive age (20-49 years) group visiting 2 Namibian healthcare facilities for AAVI and cryotherapy treatment were investigated using a cross-sectional approach. The SPSS and coding themes were used to analyze data received through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews from a total of 265 participants. Written informed consent was obtained from participants for treatment and for publication. Among the women that participated in the study, 151 (62%) tested HPV positive, of which 132 (53%) were referred for cryotherapy and 19 (8%) for colposcopy treatments due to Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN I-III) detected. Regardless of the age groups, there was significant evidence of an association between para gravida and HPV positive (χ 2 (6) = 24.518; P

Aims: To investigate the existence of pain outside the facial area as well as pain sensitivity in a population-based sample of 34-year-old subjects with facial pain. Methods: Fifty-two facial pain cases (10 men, 42 women) and 52 pain-free controls (10 men, 42 women) included in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort of 1966 underwent a clinical musculoskeletal examination. Pain outside the facial area during the week prior to the examination was defined by means of a pain drawing. Eighteen fibromyalgia points were palpated in response to digital palpation with an algometer. Pressure pain thresholds were measured from the dorsal side of the wrist and from the highest points of the temporalis muscles. Results: Compared to controls, pain cases reported significantly more pain in areas outside the face, with the exception of the shoulder and lower back. The number of painful fibromyalgia points was significantly higher in cases than in controls. Mean pressure pain thresholds were slightly lower in cases than in controls; the difference was significant in the left wrist. Conclusion: Subjects with facial pain reported more pain and had more muscular tenderness outside the facial area compared to controls. Pain symptoms outside the facial area should be assessed in patients seeking treatment for facial pain, and they should be taken into account when treatment is planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]