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The intensive form of agricultural production often leads to disruption of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Therefore, in recent years there has been an increasing focus on research and finding ways to preserve the soil with management practices that support soil conservation. The research was conducted on the experimental field of the Institute for Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad on Rimski Šančevi. The experiment was set up as a randomized block design. The winter cover crops consisted of the combined intercrops: Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) and winter pea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) (T+P), solo winter fodder pea crop (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense L.) (P) and a control without winter cover crops (sole or mixtures)(Ø). The experiment with winter cover crops was divided into two blocks. In the first block, the winter cover crops were chopped and plowed, while treatments in the second block were mowed using a rotary mower and the fodder was removed for feeding ruminants. After ploughing and preparing the soil for sowing, sowing of spring crops (soybean, maize and sudan grass) was carried out on all varieties in the subsequent sowing period. This research aims to determine the influence of different types of winter cover crops and spring crops from subsequent sowing period on the physical properties of Chernozem with a special emphasis on soil structure. It was determined that values of MWD on the treatments where the mixture of cover crops (T+P plowed) ranged from 1.11 mm to 1.39 mm, which indicated a better aggregates stability compared to the control treatments where no cover crops were sown. Due to variable root morphology and water requirements, which may alter soil structure, it is required to pay more attention to the adaptation of management strategies through the use of cover crops as well as the selection of their mixes.

Aim: To (1) compare QT dispersion (QTd) and echocardiographic features between athletes with concentric left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy, and sedentary controls with a normal LV geometric pattern and (2) quantify associations between QTd and echocardiographic features within these groups. Methods: Male athletes competing in different sports and sedentary men were stratified into groups according to their LV geometric pattern. These groups included eccentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, relative wall thickness [RWT] < 0.42) consisting of 38 athletes, concentric LV hypertrophy (LV index > 115 g/m2, RWT > 0.42) consisting of 40 athletes, and normal LV geometric pattern (LV index < 115 g/m2, RWT < 0.42) consisting of 40 sedentary controls. Following a cross‐sectional design, participants underwent electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic screening. Data were compared between groups using one‐way analyses of variance with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Associations between corrected QTd and echocardiographic variables were quantified using Pearson correlations. Results: Alongside structural disparities between groups, corrected QTd was significantly (p < 0.001) lower in athletes with eccentric LV hypertrophy compared to athletes with concentric LV hypertrophy and sedentary controls. Significant, moderate‐to‐very‐large correlations were found between corrected QTd and interventricular septal wall thickness in athletes with concentric (r = 0.416, p = 0.008) or eccentric LV hypertrophy (r = 0.734, p < 0.001), and sedentary controls (r = 0.464, p = 0.003). Conclusion: The provided comparative and relationship data may inform the development of more precise approaches for ECG and echocardiographic screening in athletes, particularly in those with concentric LV hypertrophy who may be at greater risk for developing prolonged QTd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence regarding the performance-related effects of Actovegin is limited, despite legislated restrictions being in place for this supplement within sport settings. Objectives: Our study examined the effects of Actovegin on physiological responses and performance during maximal cardiopulmonary exercise in collegiate athletes. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design was adopted. Moderately trained collegiate athletes from various sports were randomly allocated to placebo (n = 8) or Actovegin (n = 8) groups. All athletes consumed three capsules across each day for seven days of loading. Athletes underwent two separate cardiopulmonary exercise tests one week apart. Separate 2 × 2 mixed ANOVAs and effect sizes ( η p 2 ) were used to assess for between- and within-group differences. Results: A significant time * group effect (p = 0.036, η p 2 = 0.278) was observed in systolic blood pressure. Significant main effects were only observed for time in several variables, with increases in peak oxygen uptake (VO2) (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.893), peak minute ventilation (p = 0.004, η p 2 = 0.456), ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (p = 0.002, η p 2 = 0.517), oxygen pulse (p = 0.006, η p 2 = 0.434), VO2 at first ventilatory threshold (p = 0.002, η p 2 = 0.520), velocity at second ventilatory threshold (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.997), VO2 at second ventilatory threshold (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.628), and peak velocity (p = 0.010, η p 2 = 0.386), and a decrease in respiratory exchange ratio (p < 0.001, η p 2 = 0.695). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that although physiological and performance alterations were evident with Actovegin supplementation during cardiopulmonary exercise, no further benefits beyond those obtained with a placebo were attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper points out the possibilities of better exploitation of marine traffic as well as its connection with other kinds of traffic. Special attention is given to the analysis of 1,081 harbors about their availability during the year. The methods and algorithms used in GIS are buffers, cluster, method of interpolations, and network analysis. The methods used for the purpose of conducting numerical analyses are algorithms that served for the analysis of the network, its transport features, and the connectivity with harbors in terms of geospace. The main results found in this research showed that harbors have good connectivity in the first place with road traffic and after that with air and railroad traffic. According to data from 2019, all traffic lines cover 4.1 × 1015 km, and the road traffic has the most significant potential in connection with the harbors. The most connected harbors and airports are in the east coast of North America, west coast, north Europe, southern Europe, south-east Australia, a central part of Oceania, and south-east Africa. The results in the modified Likert scale between airports and harbors showed medium results. The densest road network is located in the eastern part of USA, western and central part of Europe, and east coast of China. The number of possible connected lines between main road nodes and harbors is 0.8 × 109. This type of traffic showed excellent results and connection with harbors. The number of possible connected lines per month between railroads and harbors is 1.3 × 103. This type of traffic showed low connectivity with the harbors. In the end comparison of harbors with air, road and railroad networks were established. The geographical position of harbors was analyzed, and better understanding was performed on a global scale.

To quantify and compare injury incidence between national-level, adolescent and regional-level, senior, male basketball players competing in Serbia overall and according to injury mechanism (contact, non-contact, or overuse), exposure setting (training or games), and history (new or recurrent). A total of 218 male basketball players from 19 teams (106 senior and 112 adolescent players) volunteered to participate in the study. Descriptive data regarding game and training injury incidence were gathered across all players and reported per 10,000 athlete-exposures (AE) with 95% confidence intervals. Overall, 26 injuries were reported across 52,509 AE. Ankle (n = 10, incidence rate [IR] = 1.90 [0.97, 3.40]) and knee injuries (n = 8, IR = 1.52 [0.71, 2.89]) accounted for 69% of all reported injuries, with only 1–2 injuries documented for other body regions. Ankle injuries were attributed to contact (60%, IR = 1.14 [0.46, 2.38]) or non-contact mechanisms (40%, IR = 0.76 [0.24, 1.84]). Most knee injuries occurred due to overuse (50%, IR = 0.76 [0.24, 1.84]) or non-contact mechanisms (38%, IR = 0.57 [0.15, 1.56]). Comparisons according to exposure setting revealed significantly higher knee (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 9.95 [1.85, 53.41], p = 0.004) and ankle (IRR = 39.79 [7.94, 384.67], p < 0.001) injuries per 10,000 AE during games compared to training. Recurrent injuries were most prominent in the ankle (30% of all ankle injuries, p = 0.11). Total contact (p = 0.04), non-contact (p = 0.04), and recurrent IR (p = 0.005) were significantly higher in senior than adolescent players. The players examined were most susceptible to ankle and knee injuries, particularly during games compared to training. Ankle injuries were mostly attributed to player contact, while knee injuries were mostly attributed to overuse and non-contact mechanisms. Senior players were at a greater risk of sustaining contact, non-contact and recurrent injuries than adolescent players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of unclear etiology, which demonstrates myofibroblastic differentiation accompanied by inflammatory cells. IMT is a frequent primary lung tumor in children and is of nonspecific symptomatology and imaging methods. Its definitive diagnosis requires histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the tissue sample obtained after a rigid bronchoscopy or after complete surgical resection. Case report. A 16-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic for further treatment of IMT verified by rigid bronchoscopy. He had previously been treated at another institution for left-sided pneumothorax with thoracic drainage. Since it had not resulted in lung reexpansion, a chest computed tomography was performed followed by rigid bronchoscopy that eventually established IMT diagnosis in the distal part of the left main bronchus. Since the tumor sur-rounded the left lobar carina and infiltrated the pulmonary artery, pneumonectomy was undertaken. Its morphology and immunoprofile determined the IMT diagnosis. Four years after surgical resection, the patient showed no recidivism of the illness. Conclusion. IMT is one of the most frequent primary lung tumors in children and needs to always be suspected up-on. Pneumothorax can appear as an IMT manifestation. Its occurrence could be the consequence of either a visceral pleura lesion in case of peripheral tumors or a ball valve mechanism in case of endobronchial tumors. Definitive diagnosis of IMT requires not only histopathology but also immunohistochemical analysis. Complete surgical resection results in the best survival rates. Further monitoring of patients is necessary due to the risk of recurrence.

Background/Aim. Mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of aerobic exercise training on cardiovascular function are well known, but detraining effects on myocardial parameters have not been adequately elucidated. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the occurrence and speed of cardiac adaptation reversibility after the cessation of aerobic exercise and to reveal gender differences in achieved effects of training/detraining. Methods. Fe-male and male Wistar albino rats were divided into the following groups: control, trained, and two detrained groups. Hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff technique and the following cardiodynamic parameters were determined: the maximum and minimum rate of pressure development in the left ventricle (dp/dt max and dp/dt min, respectively), systolic and diastolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP and DLVP, respectively), heart rate (HR), and coronary flow. Results. Training significantly reduced values of dp/dt max, dp/dt min, and SLVP in males and females, and coronary flow in males. Detraining caused a reversion of those changes, which was gender-specific. In females, levels of SLVP were higher after 4 weeks of detraining compred to training, and after 2 weeks of detraining. Values of SLVP were lower in both detraining periods compared to training in males. Males had higher coronary flow after 2 weeks of detraining. Simultaneously, coronary flow was reduced in the 4th week of detraining in females. Conclusion. By using a model of the isolated rat heart, the present study confirmed the existence of training-induced changes in cardiac function. Cessation of training was followed by the loss of those adaptations, faster in males than females.

Background/Aim. In colon and rectal cancer surgery, resection is considered radical when circumferential, proximal and distal resection margins are without the presence of tumor cells. Concept of total mesorectal excision in rectal surgery involves complete removal of the tumor with mesorectal fascia which surrounds lymph nodes, lymphatics and blood vessels. The aim of this study was to determine whether laparoscopic approach provides all parameters of oncological radicality as open surgery of colorectal cancer. Methods. The study included 122 patients with carcinoma of colon and rectum, divided into two equal groups: patients operated on by laparoscopic and those operated on by open approach. In colon surgery we analyzed proximal and distal resection margins, and the number of removed lymph nodes, and in rectal surgery: proximal, distal and circumferential resection margins, and the number of removed lymph nodes. Results. Both groups were comparable in age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, tumor localization, tumor size, and type of surgical operation performed. According to localization of the tumor, the most commonly performed operation was anterior resection of the rectum (60.7% vs. 59%). There was no case of the tumor involvement of the distal margin. Average proximal distance from the tumor on the fixed specimen was 100 vs. 120 mm with statistical significance (p < 0.001). Distal margins were not significantly different, 40 mm in both groups (p = 0.143). In two cases we had circumferential resection margin (CRM) of 1 mm (7.7%) in the laparoscopic group, and in three cases operated conventionally CRM was 1 mm (8.8%). The average number of removed lymph nodes was 15 vs. 16, respectively. Length of hospital stay for patients assigned to the laparoscopic surgery was significantly shorter than for patients operated on by the open approach. Concerning postoperative complications, no significant difference was found between groups. The overall postoperative morbidity was 18% vs. 21.3%, respectively. Conclusion. With laparoscopic approach it is possible to provide all parameters of oncological radicality similarly to the open surgery of colorectal cancer.

Introduction. Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery is a rare vascular malformation. Because of this anomaly, the lungs are supplied by the system of collateral arteries. Case outline. We present a case of the right pulmonary artery agenesis in a female patient. She was admitted to the hospital because of hemoptysis. A computed tomography scan revealed a congenital malformation – the right lung was smaller in size, the right principal pulmonary artery had not been developed along with aberrant tortuous blood vessels. Conclusion. Symptomatic therapy was applied in the case of our patient. There was no need for any surgical treatment. However, in case of massive hemoptysis embolisation or lobectomy/ pneumonectomy will probably be applied.

Measurements of radon concentrations in drinking waters conducted on wider territory of the town of Kruševac included 16 public fountains, of which 4 are in the city itself and 12 in the surrounding area. Measurements of radon concentrations in water were carried out using radon detector RAD7 (DURRIDGE Co.). The values of radon concentrations in water are in the range of (5.3 ± 0.8) Bq l-1 to (71.0 ± 7.2) Bq l-1 and are below the reference level of 100 Bq l-1, recommended by the European Commission. Since radon represents one of the most important causes of malignant diseases, annual effective doses of ingestion and inhalation are determined, whose mean values are in the range of 0.04 mSv y-1 to 0.52 mSv y-1, and from 14.84 μSv y-1 to 198.8 μSv y-1, respectively. During sampling, water temperatures and their pH values were measured. These results are the first results of measuring radon in water in this area by this method. The aim of this paper is to evaluate whether there is, or not, a radiological risk to people's health due to the use of water primarily for drinking, but also for other purposes.

To assess the effects of a novel multicomponent neuromuscular warm-up program on lower-extremity injury incidence in basketball players competing at the regional level. A cluster randomized controlled experimental design was adopted to compare injury incidence between players exposed to the injury prevention warm-up program and those exposed to a typical warm-up program across an entire basketball season. Four teams consisting of 57 players (male: n = 42; female: n = 15) were allocated to the intervention group (age: 21.6 ± 2.5 years; height: 186.2 ± 8.8 cm; body mass: 80.0 ± 10.4 kg) and four teams consisting of 55 players (male: n = 43; female: n = 12) were allocated to the control group (age: 21.6 ± 2.6 years; height: 186.9 ± 9.1 cm; body mass: 81.5 ± 10.9 kg). The novel warm-up combined running exercises with active stretching, plyometrics, balance, strength, and agility drills. Coaching and medical staff provided details on injury incidence each week. Data analyses included the use of poisson regression analyses and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The intervention group experienced a significantly lower ankle sprain incidence rate (IRR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.98, p = 0.02) and a tendency toward a lower knee injury incidence rate (IRR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.03, 1.78, p = 0.07) compared to the control group. Considering only non-contact lower-extremity injuries of any type, the intervention group experienced a significantly lower incidence rate compared to the control group (IRR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.98, p < 0.001). This multi-team study demonstrated a novel multicomponent warm-up program resulted in less lower-extremity injuries, particularly ankle sprains and knee injuries, compared to a typical warm-up program in regional-level male and female basketball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil consists of mineral and organic matter, possessing both chemical and physical, mineralogical and biological properties that provide a medium for plant growth and is therefore one of the most important conditions for agricultural production. On the other hand, soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) is a measure of the total capacity of soil to retain exchangeable cations and indicates the negative charge per unit mass of soil. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) is one of the many properties possessed by the soil, but its importance for the soil is multiple, which is particularly reflected in its ability to maintain soil fertility through binding and preventing the loss of cations from the soil due to binding to soil colloids. Cation exchange is a reversible reaction. CEC prevents the loss of nutrients and soil leaching, affects the availability of nutrients for plants, and serves as a basis for determining the required amounts of fertilizers. CEC in soil depends on the content of clay minerals and organic matter. Organic matter is the main source of CEC in sandy soils. Because of the different methods for estimating CEC, it is important to know the intended use of the data. For soil classification purposes, soil CEC is often measured at a standard pH value (pH 7). Since the value of CEC is a dependent variable property of the soil, its value depends on the content of clay minerals, organic matter, fertilization and pH value. Any change in soil properties leads to changes in CEC values, and therefore to changes in soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital anomaly and most intralobar sequestrations were located in lower lobes. Case report. We reported an unusual 28-yearold female patient with intralobar pulmonary sequestration on the left lower lobe, successfully treated with lobectomy. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest with intravenous contrast revealed multiple clustered cystic lesions in the left lower lobe with aberrant artery from descedenting aorta. Additional aortography showed an aberrant artery (3 mm in diameter) arising from the abdominal aorta and flowing into the lesion. Conclusion. Standard therapy regimen for pulmonary sequestration includes surgery. CT scan of thorax with intravenous contrast and aortography represent the gold standard for its diagnosis. Tumor-like shadows seen on the chest radiography or CT scans should not be always suspected on malignant lesions.

The following the average and extreme values of climatic elements, specific climatic indices and field research, we can select three climatic types in Kosovo and Metohija - the altered Mediterranean, continental and mountainous type. The altered Mediterranean type is present in southern and western Metohija, to be specific, it affects the Prizren Field, the Suva Reka and Orahovac Valley as well as the right bank of the Beli Drim from Pećka Bistrica to the Serbia - Albania border. Gradually and practically unnoticeably, it transforms itself into a moderate continental type which dominates over the remaining valley and mountainous parts of Kosovo. It affects parts of northern Metohija, Drenica and the entire Kosovo valley along with smaller sidelong dells - Malo Kosovo and Kosovsko Pomoravlje. Because of their exquisite heights, the mountains that complete the Kosovo Metohija Valley have a specific climatic type, at their lower slopes it is sub - mountainous and at the higher ones it is typically mountainous. Within these climatic types, several climatic sub regions are present. Their frontiers are not precise or sharp. Rather, their climatic changes are gradual and moderate from one sub-region to the other.

Introduction. Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are among the most common cystic neoplasms of the pancreas, but they represent only 1-3% of all exocrine pancreas tumors. With the development of diagnostic possibilities the number of patients with IPMN is constantly increasing and represents approximately 20% of all surgically treated pancreatic tumors. The development of laparoscopic surgery has led to advances in the treatment of cystic tumors of the pancreas with the emergence of new surgical dilemma in the choice of surgical techniques in patients with IPMN. Case Outline. A 23-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital with non-specific symptoms of upper abdomen. Performed diagnostics indicated the existence of a tumor formation at the periphery of the pancreas, in the region of the proximal corpus, 8Ч5 cm in diameter. The cystic formation, wall thickness 3 mm, was filled with dense contents and injected into the tissue of the pancreas, but did not lead to an extension of the pancreatic duct. After adequate preoperative preparation the patient was operated on, when a laparoscopic enucleation of cystic tumor with coagulation and cutting off communication between the peripheral pancreatic duct and pancreatic tumors was performed by using ultrasound scissors. Histopathological analysis of the specimen indicated an IPMN of the branch duct type (BD-IPMN) with a low grade dysplasia. The line of resection was without cellular atypia. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positivity on tumor mucins (MUC-5 and MUC-2), which is typical for gastric type of BD-IPMN. Six months postoperatively the patient showed no signs of recurrence of the disease. Conclusion. Surgical treatment is the dominant choice for the treatment for IPMN. Although minimally invasive, laparoscopic enucleation of BD-IPMN is able to achieve an adequate level of radicality without the accompanying complications and with short postoperative recovery period.

Maps are miniature graphic representation of distinct area and as not being completely real require generalization. Cartographic generalization represents a specific investigation method in cartography. Generalization includes the processes of selection, simplification, and symbolization of details according to the purpose and the map scale. The river generalization requires the phase classification, selection, magnification and simplification to being used. Linear symbols are given on the map by their corresponding/characteristic length and remained unchanged even after the generalization. Particular cartographic criterions need to be applied during generalization. In the given case of the Sitnica river drainage system were applied the computer supported generalization based on the software Global Mapper 16.1 and the Open source software QGIS 2.6.1. The Sitnica drainage system is generalized in three levels. The first included digitalization of all linear objects related to the river Sitnica and its tributaries. Second level resulted in vector generalized data that indicate on polluted tributaries, whereas the final, third stage led to construction of multilayered vector map of the Sitnica catchments area with polluted tributaries.

This study primarily aimed to quantify and compare iron status in professional female athletes and nonathletes. Furthermore, this study also aimed to identify differences in iron status according to sporting discipline and explore the relationship between ferritin concentration and weekly training volume in professional athletes. A total of 152 participants were included in this study, including 85 athletes who were members of senior teams (handball, n = 24; volleyball, n = 36; soccer, n = 19; and judo, n = 6) involved at the highest level of competition and 67 nonathletes. A significantly greater proportion (p = .05) of athletes (27%) demonstrated iron-deficient erythropoiesis (IDE) compared with nonathletes (13%). There were nonsignificant differences (p > .05) in the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID; 49% vs. 46%) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA; 2% vs. 4%) between athletes and nonathletes. Similarly, the prevalence of ID, IDE, and IDA was not significantly different between sports (p > .05). Furthermore, training volume was negatively correlated with ferritin concentration in athletes (r: -.464, moderate, p < .001). Professional female athletes are at a heightened risk of IDE compared with nonathletes; therefore, they should be periodically screened for ID to reduce the deleterious effects on training and performance. The similar prevalence of ID, IDE, and IDA found across athletes competing in different sports suggests that overlaps exist between handball, volleyball, soccer, and judo athletes regarding risk of disturbance in iron metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radon distribution in central Serbia and radiation safety of spring water traditionally used for drinking and other household purposes in the rural areas are estimated for the first time. A detailed terrain structure was prepared within the municipalities of Kruševac, Trstenik, Blace and Kuršumlija. Radon concentration in spring water at 36 locations was measured by alpha spectrometry using the RAD 7 – RAD H2O system. The ambient equivalent dose of gamma radiation, water temperature, and pH were measured at site, and later are determined limits of radiation safety like the annual effective radiation doses of radon ingestion as the radon concentrations in stomach. The data were analysed using spatial distribution, cluster analysis, and multilinear regression analysis. The radon concentration varied from 1.9 ± 0.9 Bq/L to 71.0 ± 7.2 Bq/L, with average value at 17.1 Bq/L. Average values of the annual effective dose of radon ingestion are: for infants – 90.5 μSv/y, children – 33.3 μSv/y and adults – 43.7 μSv/y, which are below the recommended value of 100 μSv/y. The presented results can give a more exact mapping of radon radioactivity in Serbia, supplement the regional database on radon concentration, and help physicians pay attention to possible diseases caused by radiation in the questionable areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently spreads not only to neighboring lymph nodes, but also to distant organs, including the lungs, liver, bones and brain. Case report. We presented three cases of RCC with colon metastasis. In the first, 63-year-old patient, after left nephrectomy followed with lyphadenectomy in paraaortic lymph node, left hemicolectomy was done due to RCC metastasis in rectosigmoid colon. In the second, 35-year-old patient, left radical nephrectomy was followed two years later with partial right nephrectomy, lung metastasectomy, small bowel and coecum resection and right orchiectomy all as separate procedures in different time intervals. The patient died from brain and bone metastases two years after the first surgery. The third, 35-year-old patient, had right nephrectomy followed by repeted lymphadenectomies after 6, 12 and 24 months. Four years later RCC spreaded to coecum and right hemicolectomy was performed. Conclusion. RCC treated with nephrectomy should be carefully followed up with imaging methods as a proper treatment of RCC metastases to distant organs could be important for a patient survival.

Milutinović, A, Jakovljević, V, Dabović, M, Faude, O, Radovanović, D, and Stojanović, E. Isokinetic muscle strength in elite soccer players 3 months and 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): e297–e304, 2023—The aim of this study was to evaluate interlimb symmetry in quadriceps and hamstring peak torque of elite soccer players at 3 months (stage 1) and 6 months (stage 2) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Eight male professional soccer players competing at the highest level across different European countries, who had undergone ACL reconstruction, participated in this study. All patients underwent a supervised physiotherapy program after surgery. Data analyses included the use of separate two-way repeated-measures analyses of variance and effect sizes. Although knee extensor and flexor strength of the non-injured limb was found to be relatively unaltered (g = −0.10 to 0.00) between stage 1 and stage 2, comparisons across time points revealed moderate improvements in quadriceps peak torque (p = 0.01, g = 0.52), hamstring peak torque (p = 0.07, g = 0.51), and hamstring:quadriceps (H/Q) ratio (p = 0.03, g = −0.68) of the injured leg, as well as small-large improvements in the quadriceps (p = 0.004, g = 1.24) and hamstring limb symmetry index (LSI) (p = 0.056, g = 0.41). A time-dependent moderate-large asymmetry observed at stage 1 between the injured and noninjured leg in quadriceps peak torque (p < 0.001, g = −1.83), hamstring peak torque (p = 0.157, g = −0.67), and the H:Q ratio (p = 0.06, g = 1.01), as well as between the hamstring and quadriceps LSI (p = 0.03, g = −0.74) was eliminated at stage 2 (g = −0.31 to 0.42). Our findings indicate the importance of supervised and comprehensive therapy, as well as strength screening to assist in recovery aimed at optimizing identified strength deficits following ACL reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Specific morphological and functional characteristics of athletes have a significant role in determining athletes’ sports results and can be also used to assess the athlete’s individual potential. Objective. The aim of the study was to compare anthropometric characteristics and cardiovascular parameters in trained subjects to those of untrained subjects. Methods. A total number of 25 trained (17.30±0.83 years) and 21 (18.52±1.52 years) untrained male subjects participated in this study. Body weight and height were measured and these values were used to compute body mass index (BMI). The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method was used to estimate body fat percentage (%BF). Cardiovascular parameters were monitored in rest (rest heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) during ergospirometric testing (maximal oxygen consumption, maximal heart rate) and in recovery (heart rate in the first and third minute of recovery). Results. Body mass, height and BMI (p

The aim of this research was to determine the swimming program effects on the gross motor function, mental adjustment to the aquatic environment and the ability to move in the water and swim in children with cerebral palsy. The sample consisted of seven children (4 boys and 3 girls) with spastic cerebral palsy and an average age of 9y 5mo ± 1y 3 mo. The swimming program lasted 6 weeks, with two swimming sessions per week. Each session lasted 45 minutes. The swimming program included the application of the Halliwick Method and swimming exercises which are used in a healthy population. The GMFM test was used for the assessment of gross motor functions. The WOTA2 test was applied to assess mental adjustment and swimming skills. The Wilcoxon matched pairs test was used to determine the statistically significant differences between the initial and final measuring. The results have indicated that there was statistically significant differences in the E dimension (p=0.04) and the total score T (p=0.03) of the GMFM test, then for mental adjustment to the aquatic environment WMA (p=0.02), ability to move in water andswimming skills WSW (p=0.03) and the overall result WTO (p=0.02) of the WOTA2 test. The applied swimming program had a statistically significant effect on the improvement in walking, running and jumping as well as the overall gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy. The applied program also contributed to a statistically significant influence on the increase in mental adjustment to the aquatic environment and the ability to move in water and swim.

It is a well known fact that sportswomen with irregular menstrual cycle are exposed to the risk of diminished bone mineral density, and consequentially osteoporosis may appear. Monitoring of the levels of biochemical markers of bone metabolism enables understanding of the dynamic changes during the bone remodeling process. The objectives of the conducted research were to determine the prevalence of menstrual dysfunctions in a sportswomen sample and a control group, and also to determine the levels of bone metabolism markers in groups of women with menstrual dysfunctions. The women (n=117) were separated into two groups, the experimental group (S) (n=84) comprised of three subgroups of sports women (34 women who play ball game sports, 27 athletes and 23 sport dancers) and the control group (C) (n=34). To establish the menstrual profile and dysfunction of the menstrual cycle, we used a very detailed questionnaire. The level of mid-fragment osteocalcin (N-MID osteocalcin) as a marker of bone formation was deter mined, as well as b-Cross Laps (b-CTx-bone resorption marker) via the electro luminescent immunoche mistry method on an Elecsys 1010 automated machine. Pri mary amenorrhea was found in 7 (8.33%) and oligomenorrhea in 11 (13.09%) sportswomen, which was statistically a much higher incidence (p

Altitude training in various forms is widely practiced by athletes and coaches in an attempt to improve sea level endurance. Training at high altitude may improve performance at sea level through altitude acclimatization, which improves oxygen transport and/or utilization, or through hypoxia, which intensifies the training stimulus. This basic physiological aspect allows three training modalities: live high and train high (classic high-altitude training), live low and train high (training through hypoxia), and live high and train low (the new trend). In an effort to reduce the financial and logistical challenges of traveling to high-altitude training sites, scientists and manufactures have developed artificial high-altitude environments, which simulate the hypoxic conditions of moderate altitude (2000-3000 meters). Endurance athletes from many sports have recently started using nitrogen environments, or hypoxic rooms and tents as part of their altitude training programmes. The results of controlled studies on these modalities of high-altitude training, their practical approach, and ethics are summarized.

Aim: In this study we want to point out the existence and significance of skip metastasis of rectosimoid cancer. Material and methods: Seventy patinents with verified rectosigmoidal adenocarcinoma, treated in 5- years period, are included in this study. Diagnose was made upon physical examination, barium enema, rectosigmoidoscopy with positive biopsy and finding of isolated lymph node metastasis. Results: Skip metastasis were found within 6 patients (8.6%); 4 of them were males and 2 females, with average age 67 years. Overall, 13 metastasis were isolated; one patient had them 3 and five patinets had 2 skip metastasis. Conclusion: Radical lymphadenectomy of patinets with rectosimoidal cancer requires dissection of lymph nodes along inferior mesenteric artery and its legation on origin, as much as dissection of paraaortal and paracaval lymph nodes.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation at a dose of 4,000 IU/day for 6 weeks on serum levels of: 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], bone turnover [osteocalcin and carboxy-terminal telopeptides of crosslinks of type I collagen (CTx-I)], and muscle damage [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK)] in middle adolescent (15-18 years) and late-adolescent to early adulthood (19-30 years) female basketball players with inadequate vitamin D status. Participants (N=24) were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner into a vitamin D or placebo group. Data were analyzed using separate 2×2x2 mixed ANOVAs with one within-subjects factor (time) and two between-subjects factors (condition and age). When a significant interaction was observed, the intra-group changes were assessed using paired t tests and Hedge's g. Paired t-tests comparing intra-group changes in the vitamin D condition revealed a non-significant large improvement in 25(OH)D (p = 0.06; g = 0.86), non-significant small decreases in CTx-I (p = 0.13; g = −0.22) and CK (p = 0.07; g = −0.26), as well as a significant moderate decrease in LDH (p = 0.004; g = −0.74). Paired t-tests comparing intra-group changes in the placebo condition revealed a significant moderate decline in 25(OH)D (p <0.001; g = −0.77), as well as significant small increases in CTx-I (p = 0.04; g = 0.47) and CK (p = 0.04; g = 0.36). Vitamin D3 supplementation at 4,000 IU/day could be effective in reducing bone resorption and muscle damage in female basketball players with inadequate baseline vitamin D, irrespective of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]