Relationship of serum vitamin D level on geriatric syndromes and physical performance impairment in elderly hypertensive patients

Objective To investigate the relationship among serum vitamin D levels, physical performance impairment, and geriatric syndromes in elders with hypertension. Methods According to the concentration of vitamin D levels, a total of 143 elderly patients with hypertension were classified into vitamin D deficient group （vitamin D 〈 20 ng/mL, n = 94） and vitamin D appropriate group （vitamin D 〉 20 ng/rnL, n = 49）. Geriatric syndromes and physical performance were assessed by using comprehensive geriatric assessment （CGA）. Correlation among vitamin D levels, geriatric syndromes and physical performance was analyzed. Results No statistical differences were found in various aspects of geriatric syndromes between the two groups （P 〉 0.05）. While correlation analysis indicated that vitamin D levels had a positive association with ADL score （r = 0.235, P 〈 0.01） and a negative association with Morse fall scale score （r = 0.238, P 〈 0.01）. Patients with deficient vitamin D level had longer time both in the Five Time Sit to Stand Test （5tSTS）, （15.765 ± 5.593） and the four-meter walk test [7.440 （5.620, 9.200）], a weaker hand-grip in the grip strength test （28.049 ± 9.522）, and a lower Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment （Tinetti POMA） [26 （22, 27）] and Balance subscale of the Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment （B-POMA） score [ 14 （12, 16）], compared with appropriate vitamin D level [（13.275 ± 3.692）; 5.810 （4.728, 7.325）]; （31.989 ± 10.217）; [26.5 （25, 28）]; [15 （14, 16）, respectively, all P 〈 0.05]. Furthermore, results of logistic regression indicated that vitamin D was significantly associated with 5tSTS （OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.050-1.331, P 〈 0.01）, Tinetti POMA （OR = 3.7, 95% CI：1.284-10.830, P 〈 0.05） and B-POMA （OR = 0.8, 95% CI：0.643-0.973, P 〈 0.05）. Conclusions In elderly hypertensive patients, serum vitamin D deficient level is associated with physical performance impairment. However, no statistical significance was found between vitamin D and geriatric syndromes. Further study is required to investigate possible mechanisms for the association between vitamin D and physical performance.

Effects of testosterone replacement and its pharmacogenetics on physical performance and metabolism

In men, testosterone （T） deficiency is associated with decreased physical performance, as defined by adverse traits in body composition, namely increased body fat content and reduced muscle mass. Physical abilities in androgen-deficient men are further attenuated by lower oxygen supply due to decreased hemoglobin concentrations and by poor glucose utilization. Dysthymia and a lack of necessary aggressiveness also contribute to deteriorate physical effectiveness. Substitution of T can improve lipid and insulin metabolism as well as growth of muscle fibers and decreasing fat depots, which consequently will result in changes of body composition. Increment of bone density will further contribute to increase physical fitness. The effects of T replacement therapy （TRT） are strongly influenced by age, training, and also pharmacogenetics： the CAG repeat polymorphism in exon 1 of the androgen receptor （AR） gene modulates androgen effects. In vitro, transcription of androgen-dependent target genes is attenuated with increasing length of triplet residues, Clinically, the CAG repeat polymorphism causes significant modulations of androgenicity in healthy eugonadal men as well as efficacy of TRT. Thresholds at which T treatment should be initiated, as well as androgen dosage, could be tailored according to this polymorphism.

Effective of exercise therapy on functional balance, physical performance and quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis: randomized controlled trial

Background:Patients undergoing hemodialysis suffer from deteriorating physical health,impaired physical function,and have a low quality of life,that explained by insufficient metabolic clearance.To overcome these obstacles,cost-effective strategies must be developed,including exercise as a complement to hemodialysis therapy.Objective:To determine the effectiveness of exercise therapy on functional balance,physical performance,and quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis:a randomized controlled trial.Methods:This randomized controlled trial study was carried out on 68 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis for at least six months and had a medically stable condition who were randomly divided into training(n=32)exercise therapy and(n=31)control,groups.The training group participated in 8-week(3 sessions per week)resistance exercise therapy in three sets of 10 repetitions of knee extension,hip flexion,and hip abduction with the use of an elastic band under the supervision of a training physiotherapist and researcher during the first hour of the three routine hemodialysis treatment session per week.But the control group did not experience any intervention.To analyze the data,two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni statistical tests were used at the significant level of(P=0.05).Results:6 Minute-Walk Test(6MWT)(0.013),and in the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly(PASE)(0.014),and Short Survey Form 36(SF-36)questionnaires and health-related quality of life(HRQOL)(0.001)had significant improvements in the training group in comparison to the control group from pre to post-test,also physical performance(0.001)was improving as compared with control group(0.89)at(P=0.05).Conclusion:Resistance exercise therapy interventions for eight weeks effectively improve the physical function and performance,activity levels,and health-related quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease and undergoing regular hemodialysis compared with a control group.

The Level of General Physical Performance and Physical Development of 10-Year-Old Pupils

This contribution deals with the level of general physical performance of 10-year-old male and female pupils attending primary schools. Fourth grade pupils attending primary schools in Banska Bystrica were tested in the number of 433 pupils （220 boys and 213 girls）. The following indicators of general physical performance were monitored： sit-and-reach, standing long jump, sit-ups, flexed arm hang, shuttle run 4 ×10 m, endurance shuttle run. Also basic somatic indicators such as body height, body weight and BM! were found out. 10-year-old boys achieve better level in five tests of general physical performance. The girls achieve statistically better level in one test. When comparing it with the previous researches in Slovakia, we noted a lower level of general physical performance but a higher level of indicators of physical development of boys and girls from Banska Bystrica. Used set of tests affects the whole range of general physical performance, and it is adequate to the temporal, spatial and material conditions of schools.

Impact of resistance exercise training on physical performance of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Background:Hemodialysis is the major treatment option for patients with chronic kidney disease.With the increase in the number of maintenance hemodialysis patients,debilitating conditions of muscle willing and atrophy and numerous health problems associated with chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis have become the most significant concerns.Methods:This randomized controlled trial study design will be conducted at Al-Najaf city in the southern region of Iraq and carried out on 68 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis for at least six months and who had a medically stable condition,which will be randomly divided into training group;exercise therapy and control,groups.The training group participated in 8-week(3 sessions per week)resistance exercise therapy in three sets of 10 repetitions of knee extension,hip flexion,and hip abduction with the use of an elastic band under the supervision of a training physiotherapist and researcher during the first hour of the three routine hemodialysis treatment session per week.But the control group did not experience any intervention.To analyze the data,two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni statistical tests will be used at the significant level of(P=0.05).Discussion:Important features of this study include the randomization procedures,double-blind,large sample size,and a standardized protocol for resistance exercise training on the physical performance of hemodialysis patients.This study aims to determine the effectiveness of resistance exercise for the patient with chronic kidney disease and undergoing hemodialysis.Therefore,our results will be useful for patients with chronic kidney diseases,medical staff,and healthcare decision-makers.

The Effects of a Unilateral Strength and Power Training Intervention on Inter-Limb Asymmetry and Physical Performance in Male Amateur Soccer Players

The aims of this study were(a)to investigate the effects of a unilateral training program in reducing inter-limb asymmetry in male soccer players;(b)to explore such effects on measures of physical performance and unilateral inter-limb asymmetry.Twenty-four soccer players,randomly assigned to a 6-week unilateral strength and power training(UNI)(n=12)or a control group(CON)(n=12),performed single countermovement jump(SLCMJ),single leg broad jump(SLBJ),single leg drop jump(SLDJ),10-m sprint,and 505 change of direction(COD)speed test.Raw jump scores revealed small to large improve-ments in SLCMJ,SLBJ,and SLDJ reactive strength index(RSI)(g=0.46 to 1.66)in the UNI group,whereas negligible changes were found in the CON group(g=−0.31 to 0.33).Asymmetry indexes showed a moderate significant reduction in the SLDJ(RSI)and in the SLDJ stiffness(K)(g=1.00 to 1.11)in the UNI group.The between-group comparison indicated a significant change in the SLDJ(RSI)and in the SLDJ(K)(g=1.01 to 1.07)in favour of the UNI group.Thus,a unilateral training program seems to be able to reduce between-limb imbalances and foster improvements in jump performance,without any detrimental effects on linear or COD speed times.Given the importance of these physical characteristics for soccer,it is suggested that unilateral strength and power training are incorporated into strength training routines for players of all levels.

Physical and chemical performances of high Al steels

The effects of acid-soluble Al content on the physical and chemical performances of high Al steels were investigated. The results show that the distribution of acid-soluble Al in steel substrate is uniform. With increasing Al content, the strength and toughness of steels decrease a little but the hardness increases. The average yield strength and tensile strength are 425MPa and 570MPa, respectively, and the Rockwell hardness is 89.7. For non-Al steels the average oxidation rate is up to 0.421mg/(cm2·h) at 1373K. For high Al steels, when the mass fraction of Al is less than 5%, there is a thinner gray oxidized layer on surface and the oxidation rate is high; when the mass fraction of Al is more than 8.0%, the thin, close and yellow glossing film still exists, and the average oxidation rate is only 0.016mg/(cm2·h).

An Analysis of Physical Fitness Differences in Soccer,Handball,and Basketball

This study focuses on the evaluation of the differences of physical fitness among soccer players, handball players, and basketball players, and the investigation of the physical fitness structures of those players. The participants consisted of 160 elite players selected from university teams. Fourteen tests related to health and motor fitness were conducted. The results were subjected to a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to test the mean vector differences among the three groups of different sport. Nine out of the fourteen tests were of significantly discriminating results regarding to different group, which include side step, abdominal strength, shuttle running, 100m running, pull-up, 1,500m running, trunk flexion, grip strength and broad jump, as determined by a stepwise regression approach. MANOVA showed that there was a significant difference (p<0.001) of the mean vectors of the 9 tests among the three events. Discriminant function analysis showed that three discriminant functions were significant, whose correctness was testified by the classification analysis to be over 80.2%. It is demonstrated that elite handball players are good at agility, elite soccer players are speedy, and successful basketball players apparently possess preeminent muscular strength and endurance.

Fitness and health benefits of team handball training for young untrained women--A cross-disciplinary RCT on physiological adaptations and motivational aspects

Purpose: The present study evaluated the effects of regular participation in small-sided team handball training on body composition, osteogenic response, physical performance, and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as well-being and motivation, in young untrained women.Methods: Twenty-eight untrained 20- to 30-year-old women were randomized to a handball training group(HG; n = 14, height 170 ± 5 cm, weight 73 ± 11 kg, VO_(2peak) 37.7 ± 4.1 mL/min/kg) that trained 1.7 ± 0.3 times per week over 12 weeks(70 min 4 v 4 handball sessions) or an inactive control group(CG; n = 14, 169 ± 5 cm, 71 ± 12 kg, 38.1 ± 3.7 mL/min/kg). Physiological and psychological and motivational training adaptations were assessed pre-and post-intervention by dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry(DXA) scans, blood sampling, physical tests, and questionnaires.Results: The average heart rate(HR) over all training sessions was equal to 85% ± 6% HR_(max). Between-group intervention effects were observed in favor of HG for muscle mass(2.1%, p = 0.024), proximal femur bone mineral density(0.8%, p = 0.041), Yo-Yo IE1 intermittent endurance test level 1(IE1) performance(35%, p < 0.001), and incremental treadmill test performance(11.5%, p = 0.003), but not total fat mass(p = 0.176),mean arterial blood pressure(p = 0.328), resting HR(p = 0.219), or blood lipids(p = 0.298—0.854). In CG, no changes were observed in any of the measured physiological variables after the training period. Compared to CG, HG had an increase in intrinsic motivation(p < 0.001) and in the well-being subscale "energy"(p = 0.010).Conclusion: Participation in regular recreational team handball training organized as small-sided games has marked beneficial effects on physical performance, musculoskeletal fitness, well-being, and motivation in untrained young women.

Research on the cutting thermodynamic behavior of high-strength large-thickness offshore jack-up platform leg rack

The cutting of offshore jack-up platform leg rack is highly nonlinear and complex thermal processing process. The residual stress influences the following welding quality and cause crack growth. Therefore, research on the cutting practice of jack-up platform leg rack is significant to improve the safety and reliability of the offshore platform. A heating source model that is applicable to the cutting and emulation of high-strength thick plates han been presented. Then, the thermo-physical characteristic parameters of NV E690 leg plate was calculated by JMATPRO, and is revised according to the theory of metallographic. Furthermore, the numerical simulation of the linear cutting of leg plate was conducted, and the reliability of the heating source model and the thermo-physical characteristic parameters of material were proved by comparing them with the experimental data. Bused on the former study, the optimal parameter （ heating source, cutting speed and radius of the heating source model） which ensured that the gear plate was cut through without edge collapses during cutting was calculated. The optimized process parameters can be used to study the distribution of residual stress in gear plate during cutting which provides theoretical guideline for improving the construction technology of offshore platform legs.

Prevalence of sarcopenia using different methods in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND Sarcopenia is a clinical condition associated with several liver diseases and it includes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in its broad spectrum as steatosis,steatohepatitis and fibrosis.However,the criteria to define sarcopenia are diverse,and even those established in consensus have been discussed regarding their performance in making an accurate diagnosis.AIM To evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia,using different methods,in patients with NAFLD,and its association with clinical-anthropometric parameters.METHODS This was an observational study of outpatients with NAFLD.Sarcopenia was defined by the European Working Group Consensus on Sarcopenia in Older People of 2010(EWGSOP1)and 2018(EWGSOP2).The skeletal muscle index was used to estimate muscle mass,handgrip strength was assessed using the dynamometer and physical performance by walking a distance of four meters at usual walking speed.The non-invasive fibrosis scores,fibrosis-4(FIB-4)index and Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index(APRI),were used to assess the absence and presence of fibrosis.RESULTS Fifty-seven individuals with NAFLD were evaluated,the mean age(SD)was 52.7(11.3)years and 75.4%were female.Fibrosis assessed by FIB-4 and APRI was observed in 3.7%and 16.6%of patients with NAFLD,respectively.The diagnosis of sarcopenia was identified only by EWGSOP1 in 3.5%of NAFLD patients,and the prevalence of probable/pre-sarcopenia was higher using the EWGSOP2 consensus at 26.3%,when compared to 1.8%with EWGSOP1.Sarcopenia defined by EWGSOP1,was associated with grade I steatosis,but without overweight(P<0.05).An association between sarcopenia and fibrosis was not observed(P>0.05).EWGSOP2 showed a greater number of patients with probable sarcopenia,and who were overweight(12(80.0%)),with a higher degree of steatosis[11(73.3%)and presence of fibrosis(1(6.7%),FIB-4 and 3(20.0%),APRI]compared to EWGSOP1[1(100%),0(0.0%),0(0.0%),FIB-4 and 0(0.0%),APRI,respectively].CONCLUSION The present study showed that sarcopenia in NAFLD was not predominant in patients without fibrosis,by both diagnostic methods.In addition,the prevalence of probable sarcopenia also depends on the method applied.

A Spacecra Equipment Layout Optimization Method for Diverse and Competitive Design

The spacecraequipment layout optimization design(SELOD)problems with complicated performance con-straints and diversity are studied in this paper.The previous literature uses the gradient-based algorithm to obtain optimized non-overlap layout schemes from randomly initialized cases eectively.However,these local optimal solutions are too dicult to jump out of their current relative geometry relationships,signi􀀀cantly limiting their further improvement in performance indicators.Therefore,considering the geometric diversity of layout schemes is put forward to alleviate this limitation.First,similarity measures,including modi􀀀ed cosine similarity and gaussian kernel function similarity,are introduced into the layout optimization process.Then the optimization produces a set of feasible layout candidates with the most remarkable dierence in geometric distribution and the most representative schemes are sampled.Finally,these feasible geometric solutions are used as initial solutions to optimize the physical performance indicators of the spacecra,and diversi􀀀ed layout schemes of spacecraequipment are generated for the engineering practice.The validity and eectiveness of the proposed methodology are demonstrated by two SELOD applications.

Influence of Pre-calcined Silica on Self-flow Silica Castables

In this study, raw silica was replaced by the silica pre-calcined at two different temperatures： 1100 ℃ and 1 300℃ to prepare self-flow silica castables. The properties of the synthesized castables adopting different kinds of silica were compared. The results show that： （1） the silica become loose after pre-calcination at 1 100 ℃ for 5h or at 1300 ℃ for 5 h; metastable cristobalite and glass phase are Jbund in the silica pre-calcined at 1 300 ℃ .for 5 h, which have a promoting effect on sintering ; （ 2 ） with the increase of the pre-calcining temperature as well as the replacement of pre-calcined silica, the linear change rate decreases, the apparent porosity and bulk den.sity change mildly, and flexural strength and com- pressive strength are enhanced;for the refractoriness under load, the increasing pre-calcining temperature has promotion effect but the replacing amount has very mild influence.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is associated with low muscle mass and strength in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND Although the prognostic relevance of sarcopenia has been increasingly recognised in the context of liver disease,there is a paucity of data evaluating body composition in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Beyond virus-related factors,nutritional and metabolic aspects can be associated with skeletal muscle abnormalities in these patients and should not be disregarded.AIM To evaluate the association between components of sarcopenia and demographic,clinical,lifestyle,nutritional,and biochemical variables in CHB patients.METHODS Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA)was used to assess muscle mass by quantifying appendicular lean mass(ALM)adjusted for body mass index(ALMBMI).Muscle function was evaluated by hand grip strength(HGS)and the timed up and go test.Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)was defined according to the criteria proposed by an international expert panel.A body shape index and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to assess central obesity and physical activity level,respectively.RESULTS This cross-sectional study included 105 CHB outpatients followed at the tertiary care ambulatory centre(mean age,48.5±12.0 years;58.1%males;76.2%without cirrhosis;23.8%with compensated cirrhosis).The DXA-derived fat mass percentage was inversely correlated with the ALMBMI(r=-0.87)and HGS(r=-0.63).In the multivariable analysis,MAFLD,sedentarism and central obesity were positively and independently associated with low ALMBMI.MAFLD and central obesity were independently associated with low HGS.CONCLUSION MAFLD and central obesity were associated with low muscle mass and strength in patients with chronic hepatitis B,independent of the liver disease stage.

The Correlation Between Technologies and Rating Scales in Gait Analysis

Gait is a key function of human movement which plays an important role in motion analysis. Both in the clinical field and in rehabilitation, gait analysis is useful to evaluate the parameters that are modified following the administration of a protocol of adapted physical activity （APA）. Gait parameters could be measured using traditional rating scales, such as the Short Physical Performance Battery （SPPB） and technologies as a support to provide an assessment of gait quality. The aim of this study is to increase the objectivity of gait data obtained before and after a targeted APA program for a group of elderly people by integrating the traditional SPPB rating scale with the G Walk digital system. The former is an assessment tool to evaluate the functioning of lower extremity, in terms of chair stand, walk, and standing balance; whereas the latter can objectively evaluate the parameters of the gait. The sample was composed of I 1 adults aged between 67 and 94 years. The participants were chosen on the basis of a number of tests carried out to analyze their levels of autonomy, intellectual capacities and motor functioning. It has planned a six months APA protocol： before and after it, SPPB and G-Walk were administered. The results showed that space-time characteristics generally improve after APA intervention; therefore, the use of technology is a useful support for the evaluation scales.

A remote,fully oriented personalized program of physical exercise for women in follow-up after breast cancer treatment improves body composition and physical fitness

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an individualized remote exercise program on the improvement of body composition and physical fitness of a heterogeneous group of patients who completed breast cancer treatment.This prospective study included 107 women aged 18 to 60,shortly after curative treatment for localized breast cancer,at the Erasto Gaertner Cancer Hospital(HEG)in Curitiba,PR,Brazil.Body composition,maximal oxygen consumption,and muscle resistance were evaluated after nine months of intervention while considering adherence to the program,level of physical activity,presence of binge eating disorder,tumor classification,and treatment type.Seventy-eight women(72.8%)adhered to the training program.Adherent participants showed significant changes in body mass([-4.3±3.6]kg;p<0.0001),body mass index([-1.6±1.5]kg·m^(−2);p<0.0001),body fat(−3.4%±3.1%;p<0.0001),maximal oxygen consumption([7.5±2.0]ml·kg^(−1)·min^(−1));p<0.0001),and abdominal resistance([11.2±2.8]reps;p<0.0001).In contrast,these variables did not change significantly in the non-adherent group.Among the adherent participants,those subclassified in the severe binge group showed a more noticeable reduction in body mass,body mass index,and body fat(p<0.05)than those in the non-binge group.Individualized remotely-guided physical exercise programs can improve the body composition and physical fitness of women undergoing post-breast cancer surveillance,regardless of pathological history or treatment.

A QoT prediction technique based on machine learning and NLSE for QoS and new lightpaths in optical communication networks

In this paper,we proposed a quality of transmission(QoT)prediction technique for the quality of service(QoS)link setup based on machine learning classifiers,with synthetic data generated using the transmission equations instead of the Gaussian noise(GN)model.The proposed technique uses some link and signal characteristics as input features.The bit error rate(BER)of the signals was compared with the forward error correction threshold BER,and the comparison results were employed as labels.The transmission equations approach is a better alternative to the GN model(or other similar margin-based models)in the absence of real data(i.e.,at the deployment stage of a network)or the case that real data are scarce(i.e.,for enriching the dataset/reducing probing lightpaths);furthermore,the three classifiers trained using the data of the transmission equations are more reliable and practical than those trained using the data of the GN model.Meanwhile,we noted that the priority of the three classifiers should be support vector machine(SVM)>K nearest neighbor(KNN)>logistic regression(LR)as shown in the results obtained by the transmission equations,instead of SVM>LR>KNN as in the results of the GN model.

The ergogenic activity of cider vinegar:A randomized cross-over,double-blind,clinical trial

This randomized,double-blind,clinical trial was designed to compare the endurance capacity(ergogenic property)in healthy athletes after consumption of apple cider vinegar(ACV)and a commercial sports drink(CSD)before and during endurance exercise.Fourteen healthy participants were enrolled in this trial and were divided into two groups as ACV and CSD with seven participants in each.Participants were requested to consume 500 mL of either commercial ACV or CSD 1 h before endurance exercise(bicycle ergometer).Blood samples were collected at baseline,0,20,40,60 min until exhaustion to assess glucose,lactate,ammonia and non-esterified fatty acids(NEFA).Respiratory exchange rate(RER)score was measured every 15 min and the heart rate(HR)was measured every 5 min.The outcome of the present trial clearly showed that no significant differences were observed between ACV and CSD except in the blood level of ammonia(only at exhaustion time).Thus,these results show that ACV and the CSD both possessing the ergogenic property,enhanced blood glucose,NEFA,and suppress the production of lactate as well as maintains normal RER score,and HR throughout the endurance exercise.Overall this trial showcases that ACV did not significantly improve the ergogenic activity over the CSD.