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The structural and surface modifications have been studied on the hydrothermally Nitrogen (N) and Sulphur (S) doped and thermally reduced at 350 °C nitrogen-doped, nitrogen-sulfur-doped graphene oxides. Raman spectra confirmed the reduction of graphene oxides by shifts in position and intensity variations of the D and G bands. EDX and mapping images revealed the carbon-oxygen ratio as well as the doping of nitrogen and sulphur into two-dimensional graphene oxide. The electrochemical properties of undoped and doped graphene oxides were investigated using a three-electrode system using a 1 M KOH electrolyte. It shows how doping, and reduction improve current conduction in graphene oxides. The specific capacitance of N,S-rGO after being synthesized and reduced at 350°C was 930 Fg−1 and 1059 Fg−1, respectively, according to cyclic voltammetry results. The N-rGO specific capacitance was found to be similar, with 850 Fg−1 and 891 Fg−1, respectively, for the as prepared and reduced at 350°C. The charge-discharge analysis, cycle stability, and impedances for the applied frequency ranges of undoped and doped graphene oxides for energy storage applications have all been estimated and discussed.

The exceptional and appealing qualities of the polysaccharide biopolymer chitosan, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility and nontoxicity have been successfully utilized in the creation of specialized polysaccharide-based composite material. The bio-nano composites in the current work were prepared by combining curcumin nanoparticles of two distinct sizes that were produced using a green method with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). Additional testing methods used for the composite include XRD, TEM, UV-Vis, and FTIR. XRD and TEM provided data on things like grain size, crystalline nature, shape and size respectively. Curcumin interacts with the NH2 group of Carboxymethyl Chitosan (CMC) which is confirmed through FTIR spectra. UV-Vis spectra indicate a blue shift when the particle size decreases. The conductivity of the CMC with curcumin is high than the pristine. The CMC with curcumin enhances the conductivity. The CMC with curcumin nanoparticle S1 has higher conductivity than the curcumin nanoparticle S2 has the lower conductivity. The conductivity for the curcumin with smaller size (9 nm) has higher conductivity(12.35 mS) when compare with larger size (18 nm) of curcumin has the lower conductivity (11.38 mS). The composite with higher conductivity has good antimicrobial activities against C. glabrata and A.niger .The detailed results are presented and discussed.

Fresh tomato juice was processed by hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) at 5 to 15 psi pressures for 5–30 min. A full factorial design was applied to optimize the HC treatment of tomato juice quality. Optimal conditions were recorded at 10 psi for 10 min, which showed no significant (p

Objectives: To conduct a systematic literature search to identify currently used classifications of acute non-contact muscle injuries in sporting adults., Designs: Scoping review., Methods: A systematic literature search from January 1, 2010 to April 19, 2022 of Medline and SPORTDiscus yielded 13,426 articles that were screened for eligibility. Findings from included studies were qualitatively synthesized. Classifications and their grading, as well as outcomes and definitions were extracted., Results: Twenty-four classifications were identified from the 37 included studies, most of which had low evidence study designs. Majority (57 %) of classifications were published after 2009 and were mostly developed for hamstring or other lower limb injuries. The six most cited classifications accounted for 70 % of the reports (BAMIC, modified Peetrons, Munich, Cohen, Chan and MLG-R). Outcome reporting was sparse, making it difficult to draw conclusions. Still, significant relationships between grading and time to return to play were reported for the BAMIC, modified Peetrons, Munich and Cohen classifications. Other classifications either had a very low number of reported associations, reported no associations, reported inconclusive associations, or did not report an assessment of the association. Other outcomes were poorly investigated., Conclusions: There is no agreed-upon use of muscle classification, and no consensus on definitions and terminology. As a result, reported outcomes and their relationship to severity grading are inconsistent across studies. There is a need to improve the generalizability and applicability of existing classifications and to refine their prognostic value. High-level evidence studies are needed to resolve these inconsistencies., Competing Interests: Declaration of interest statement None declared., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Return to sport after stabilization surgery using the open Latarjet procedure remains challenging. Additional knowledge is needed about postoperative shoulder functional deficits in order to better design return-to-sport programs., Purpose: To investigate the effects of the dominance status of the operated shoulder on the shoulder functional profile recovery at 4.5 months after open Latarjet procedure., Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3., Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed. All patients who underwent the open Latarjet procedure between December 2017 and February 2021 were eligible for the study. Functional assessment at 4.5 months after the surgery was performed using the following tests: maximal voluntary isometric contractions in glenohumeral internal and external rotation, upper-quarter Y balance test, unilateral seated shot-put test, and modified closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test, leading to 10 outcome measures. Patients whose dominant side had undergone surgery and those whose nondominant side had undergone surgery were compared with a group of 68 healthy control participants., Results: A total of 72 patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure on the dominant side and 61 patients who underwent open Latarjet on the nondominant side were compared with 68 healthy control athletes. In patients whose dominant shoulder had undergone surgery, significant deficits for the dominant side ( P < .001) and for the nondominant side ( P < .001) were found in 9 of 10 functional outcome measures. Among patients whose operations were on the nondominant shoulder, significant deficits for the nondominant side ( P < .001) and for the dominant side ( P < .001) were found in 9 and 5 of the 10 functional outcome measures, respectively., Conclusion: Regardless of dominance of the stabilized shoulder, persistent deficits in strength, stability, mobility, power, and stroke frequency were observed at 4.5 months postoperatively. Stabilization of the dominant shoulder resulted in residual surgery-related functional impairments on both sides. However, stabilization of the nondominant shoulder resulted in impairments primarily noted in the nondominant, operative shoulder., Registration: NCT05150379 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Background: To reduce the rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft rupture, recent surgeries have involved anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR). This reconstruction procedure harvests more knee flexor muscle tendons than isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR), but its influence on knee muscle strength recovery remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the influence of ALLR with a gracilis graft on the strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles at 6 months postoperatively., Hypothesis: The additional amount of knee flexor harvest for ALLR would result in impairment in knee flexor muscle strength at 6 months postoperatively., Study Design: Retrospective cohort study., Level of Evidence: Level 2., Methods: A total of 186 patients were assigned to 2 groups according to the type of surgery: ACL + ALLR (graft: semitendinosus + gracilis, n = 119) or isolated ACLR (graft: semitendinosus, n = 67). The strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer at 90, 180, and 240 deg/s for concentric and 30 deg/s for eccentric contractions and compared between groups using analysis of variance statistical parametric mapping., Results: Regardless of the surgery and the muscle, the injured leg produced significantly less strength than the uninjured leg throughout knee flexion and extension from 30° to 90° for each angular velocity (30, 90, 180, and 240 deg/s). However, the knee muscle strength was similar between the ACL + ALLR and ACLR groups., Conclusion: The addition of ALLR using the gracilis tendon during ACLR does not alter the muscle recovery observed at 6 months postoperatively., Clinical Relevance: Although more knee flexor muscle tendons were harvested in ACL + ALLR, the postoperative strength recovery was similar to that of isolated ACLR.

Background: The time elapsed since surgery is the primary criterion for allowing athletes to return to sport after shoulder stabilization surgery using the Latarjet procedure. The objective assessment of shoulder functional status through the return-to-sport continuum demands a scoring instrument that includes psychological and physical dimensions. This study aimed to statistically validate the Shoulder-SanTy Athletic Return To Sport (S-STARTS) score in patients who have undergone primary shoulder stabilization surgery., Hypothesis: The S-STARTS score fulfils the criteria for statistical validation for assessing return-to-sport readiness after shoulder stabilization surgery., Study Design: Diagnostic study., Level of Evidence: Level 4., Methods: Fifty patients and 50 controls completed the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury questionnaire and performed 4 physical performance tests, from which 8 outcome measures were extracted to provide a composite score, named S-STARTS, according to a scoring procedure. The statistical validation of the S-STARTS score was based on construct validity, discriminant validity, sensitivity to change, internal consistency, reliability, agreement, and feasibility., Results: The 8 components of the S-STARTS score provided additional information (0.01 ≤ | r | ≤ 0.59). The S-STARTS score exhibited good reliability (intraclass coefficient of correlation [3,k] = 0.74), no ceiling or floor effects, and high discrimination and sensitivity to change. The S-STARTS score was significantly lower in patients than in controls (13.5 ± 3.8 points vs 16.1 ± 2.7 points, respectively; P < 0.001). A significant increase was reported between 4.5 and 6.5 months postoperatively (12.8 ± 2.3 points vs 17.2 ± 2.4 points, respectively; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The S-STARTS score meets statistical validation criteria for the assessment of shoulder functional status after shoulder stabilization surgery using the Latarjet procedure., Clinical Relevance: Using an S-STARTS score-based assessment to monitor an athlete's progression through the return-to-sport continuum may help clinicians and strength and conditioning coaches in return-to-sport decision-making.

Purpose: To determine whether the addition of an anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) resulted in delayed functional recovery (based on the Knee Santy Athletic Return to Sport [K-STARTS] score) at 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)., Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive patients who underwent an ACLR between September 2017 and December 2020 was conducted. Patients who received an isolated hamstring autograft (isolated ACLR group) were propensity matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients who received a hamstring autograft ACLR combined with an ALLR (ACLR-ALLR group). Outcome measures included the Tegner Activity Scale and the K-STARTS test-a validated composite return-to-sports test (including the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport After Injury scale, Qualitative Assessment of Single-Leg Landing tool, limb symmetry index, and ability to change direction using the Modified Illinois Change of Direction Test)., Results: The study included 111 matched pairs. At 6 months postoperatively, there were no significant differences between groups in the overall K-STARTS score (65.4 for isolated ACLR vs 61.2 for ACLR-ALLR, P  = .087) or the Tegner Activity Scale score (3.7 for isolated ACLR vs 3.8 for ACLR-ALLR, P  = .45). In addition, an evaluation of the subscales of the K-STARTS score revealed no disadvantage across the domains of neuromuscular control, limb symmetry index, agility, or psychological readiness to return to sport when an ALLR was performed., Conclusions: The addition of ALLR at the time of ACLR does not delay functional recovery. Specifically, at 6 months postoperatively, there was no disadvantage in patients undergoing ALLR-ACLR, when compared with those undergoing isolated ACLR, with respect to neuromuscular control, limb symmetry indices (hop tests), agility, or psychological readiness to return to sport., Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Background: The Unilateral Seated Shot-Put Test (USSPT) consists of pushing an overweight ball as far as possible to assess upper extremity power unilaterally and bilateral symmetry. Literature however reports various body positions and upper limb pushing patterns to perform USSPT, demanding to provide additional guideline to achieve overweight ball push. This study therefore aimed at assessing the reliability and agreement of USSPT outcome measures when pushing an overweight ball in a horizontal direction., Methods: Twenty-seven healthy male athletes performed two sessions, one week apart, of three unilateral pushes per upper limb using a 3-kg medicine ball, for which the distances were measured. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimum detectable change at a 95 % confidence level (MDC 95 % ) and coefficient of variation (CV) were assessed for the pushing distances based on one, two or three trials per side to produce two outcome measures: the pushing distance per limb and USSPT Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) when dividing pushing distance of the dominant side by that of the non-dominant side., Results: The most reliable pushing distance per limb was obtained when averaging three pushing distances, normalized by body mass with the exponent 0.35. The mean USSPT LSI was 1.09 ± 0.10 for the first session and 1.08 ± 0.10 for the second session, highlighting good reliability and agreement (ICC = 0.82; SEM = 0.045; MDC 95 % = 0.124; CV = 5.02 %)., Conclusions: When the overweight ball is pushed in a horizontal direction, averaging the distances of three trials for both the dominant and non-dominant limbs is advised to provide the most reliable USSPT distance per limb and USSPT LSI.

Background: Return to sport (RTS) to the preinjury level is the main purpose after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction but the factors affecting the RTS are not completely known. Knee Santy Athletic Return to Sport (K-STARTS) is a composite test designed to assess readiness for RTS after ACL reconstruction., Purpose: To determine the key factors that influence K-STARTS scores in a large cohort of patients after ACL reconstruction., Study Design: Case-control study., Level of Evidence: Level 3., Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was undertaken. All patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery between March 2016 and May 2017 and also had a K-STARTS assessment at 6 months postoperatively were included. To identify factors influencing the K-STARTS score, an analysis of variance was performed. Age, sex, sports level, delay between injury and surgery, concomitant lesions, graft type, additional lateral tenodesis procedure, and participation in the RTS program were analyzed to identify factors influencing the K-STARTS score., Results: A total of 676 patients were included in the study. The K-STARTS score was significantly higher in male patients than in female patients (13.9 vs 12.4; P < 0.001), in younger patients (those aged <30 years vs older patients; 14.2 vs 12; P < 0.001), ACL reconstructions performed with hamstring tendon autografts compared with bone-patellar tendon-bone (13.5 vs 13.1; P = 0.03) and in those who completed a specific RTS program in addition to standard rehabilitation, compared with those who did not participate (17.1 vs 13.1; P < 0.001). However, the only factor that significantly influenced the K-STARTS score beyond the minimal detectable change threshold was the completion of the additional RTS program. The preinjury frequency of sports participation, whether the dominant limb was injured, time from injury to surgery, the presence of associated meniscal injuries, and whether a lateral tenodesis was performed did not significantly influence the K-STARTS score., Conclusion: Completion of a specific RTS program, in addition to standard rehabilitation, was the most important factor influencing the K-STARTS composite functional and psychological RTS test score at 6 months after ACL reconstruction., Clinical Relevance: This study shows that the completion of a specific RTS program affects positively the RTS test score at 6 months after ACL reconstruction.

Objectives: To assess the reliability of a modified procedure for Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST)., Design: Intra- and intersession reliability and agreement; SETTING: Clinical., Participants: Twenty-seven asymptomatic athletes., Main Outcome Measures: The modifications (m-CKCUEST) in CKCUEST procedure consisted in hand spacing at one half arm-span, and to complete the three regular-series of 15 s exertion by performing a fourth 1-min series during which the number of touches was counted every 15 s. The intra- and intersession reliability and agreement were assessed for the numbers of touches in order to produce two outcome measures: m-CKCUEST score and muscular endurance index., Results: The most reliable m-CKCUEST score was obtained when averaging the numbers of touches of the second and third sets (Intraclass Coefficient of Correlation(3,k); ICC = 0.92). Good reliability was found for muscular endurance index computed when dividing the one-half number of touches counted during the last 30 s of 1-min set, by the m-CKCUEST score calculated above (ICC = 0.86)., Conclusions: The m-CKCUEST allowed the production of two reliable outcome measures, which assessed the upper limb stability and the muscular endurance. Such outcomes may be used in a follow-up to assess performance or rehabilitation level., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Restoring knee muscle strength after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains challenging. Improvement of rehabilitation program specificity demands additional knowledge on knee muscle strength deficits associated with the graft used for ACL reconstruction., Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of graft used for ACL reconstruction on the knee muscle strength and balance assessed at six months postoperatively, based on comparisons of the isokinetic strength curves measured throughout knee extension., Study Design: Cross-sectional study., Methods: One-hundred-and-forty-four patients were assigned into three groups according to the graft used for a primary ACL reconstruction: semitendinosus (n=47), semitendinosus+gracilis (n = 75) and patellar (n=22) tendon graft. Normalized hamstring eccentric and quadriceps concentric torques, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps torque ratio (defined as the dynamic functional ratio) were bilaterally assessed during knee extension. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the curves of torques and ratio from 90 ° to 30 °of knee flexion between groups., Results: The uninvolved knees presented similar strength and ratio curves in the three groups. When compared involved to uninvolved knees, hamstring strength deficit was found in hamstring tendon groups throughout knee extension (p<0.001), and quadriceps strength deficit in the three groups throughout knee extension (p<0.001). Hamstrings-to-quadriceps torque ratio was unaltered when using hamstring tendon grafts, while increased ratio was observed up to knee mid-extension when using patellar tendon graft (p<0.001)., Conclusions: These findings suggest exercises with specific range of motion and contraction type in relation to graft may be considered for implementation into postoperative rehabilitation program in order to eliminate the regional strength deficits observed after ACL reconstruction., Level of Evidence: 3.

Background:: There is limited information on the appropriate timing of return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A composite test was developed to assess the athlete's ability to return to sports after ACL reconstruction: the Knee Santy Athletic Return To Sport (K-STARTS) test., Hypothesis:: The K-STARTS test meets validation criteria for an outcome score assessing readiness for return to sports after ACL reconstruction., Study Design:: Diagnostic study., Level of Evidence:: Level 3., Methods:: A prospective comparative study identified 410 participants: 371 participants who had undergone ACL reconstruction and a control group of 39 healthy participants. The K-STARTS score is calculated as the sum of 7 tests (8 components), for a maximal value of 21 points. Construct validity, internal consistency, discriminant validity, and sensitivity to change were used to validate this new test., Results:: The K-STARTS assessment showed a high completion rate (100%), high reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.87; coefficient of variation, 7.8%), and high sensitivity to change. There was moderate correlation with the ACL Return to Sports after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) and hop tests. There were no ceiling or floor effects. There was a significant difference between K-STARTS scores assessed at 6 and 8 months postoperatively (11.2 ± 2.7 vs 17.1 ± 3.2; P < 0.001). The K-STARTS score in the control group was significantly higher than that in the ACL reconstruction group (17.3 ± 2.1 and 13.7 ± 3.8, respectively; P < 0.001)., Conclusion:: The K-STARTS test is an objective outcome measure for functional improvement after ACL reconstruction., Clinical Relevance:: It is important for the clinician to determine when return to sports is optimal after ACL reconstruction to reduce the current high risk of reinjury.

The aim of this study was to examine the physical performance of a successful Italian Serie A team of more than 3 consecutive seasons. Twenty-five players participated in the study and were classified into 3 playing positions: defenders (n = 9), midfielders (n = 11), and forwards (n = 5). Activities match were studied by an analysis of multiple match camera SICS throughout the competition Italian Serie A matches played at home (n = 90) for 3 consecutive seasons (first: 2004/2005; second: 2005/2006; and third: 2006/2007). Total team ball possession and time-motion characteristics were examined. Results showed that total ball possession (52.1-54.9%) and the number of points accumulated at home (40/48) improved in the past 3 seasons, whereas the final rankings at home were stable. The total distances covered by minutes of play were significantly different between the 3 seasons (118.32 ± 6.69 m·min to 111.96 ± 8.05 m·min). Distance running and high-intensity activities were similar in the 3 seasons, whereas the distance covered in moderate-intensity running decreased in the third (p < 0.05). Variations between playing positions were found during the 3 consecutive seasons, with midfielders covering greater distances than defenders (p < 0.05) and forwards (p < 0.01). This study showed how for 3 consecutive seasons a Serie A team of successful players reduced their distances performed at submaximal speeds, and increased ball possession, while maintaining the high-intensity activities and the number of points at home. It is suggested that this is because of a better understanding of roles and tactics team organization and to act collectively and individually on these parameters to reduce energy expenditure during the game to maintain a high-level performance throughout the season.

The purpose of this study was to analyse the activity profile of players in a top-class team in the Italian national football league over the course of a season (n=388). The effect of playing position and the two halves on the number and duration of short, intense bursts of effort and recovery phases was studied. The main results show that midfielders cover significantly more distance than players in other positions (p<0.001). For midfielders, the number of displacements of 2-40 m and the number of sprints covering between 2 and 9 m and between 30 and 40 m are considerably greater than for other positions (p<0.05). The distances covered in the second half compared to the first half are significantly lower for all categories of run (p<0.05). In the second half, the distance covered at very high intensity is significantly lower (p<0.01), whilst the number of recovery times greater than 120 s increases significantly compared to the first half (p<0.01). This study provides data which could be used as a basis for the work of scientists as well as football professionals.