School-Based TGfU Volleyball Intervention Improves Physical Fitness and Body Composition in Primary School Students: A Cluster-Randomized Trial

This study aimed to explore whether a 16-week Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) volleyball intervention could improve primary school students' physical fitness and body composition. Eighty-eight primary school students (age 13.3 ± 0.3 years) were randomized to a TGfU volleyball intervention group (VG) or a control group (CG). The CG attended three regular physical education (PE) classes per week, while the VG attended two regular PE classes and a TGfU volleyball intervention that was implemented in the third PE class. Body composition components (body weight, body mass index, skinfold thickness, body fat percentage, and muscle mass percentage) and physical fitness (flexibility, vertical jumps (squat and countermovement jump-SJ/CMJ), 30 m sprint, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness) assessments were performed pre-and post-intervention period. Significant interaction effects between VG and CG and pre- and post-test were found for the sum of five skinfolds (p < 0.0005, ŋp² = 0.168), body fat % (p < 0.0005, ŋp² = 0.200), muscle mass % (p < 0.0005, ŋp² = 0.247), SJ (p = 0.002, ŋp² = 0.103), CMJ (p = 0.001, ŋp² = 0.120), 30 m sprint (p = 0.019, ŋp² = 0.062), agility T-test (p < 0.0005, ŋp² = 0.238), and VO_2max (p < 0.0005, ŋp² = 0.253). Further examination revealed a greater improvement among VG students compared to CG students in certain body composition and physical fitness outcomes. Implementing a TGfU volleyball intervention in the physical education curriculum appears to have effective stimuli for reducing adiposity and promoting physical fitness levels in seventh-grade primary school students.

Effects of melatonin on oxidative stress parameters and pathohistological changes in rat skeletal muscle tissue following carbon tetrachloride application

Animal models demonstrating skeletal muscle (SM) disorders are rarely investigated, although these disorders accompany liver disorders and can occur during prolonged exercise/training. In cases of SM disorders exogenous antioxidants, such as melatonin, could help by generally improving tissues antioxidant capacities. We aimed to analyze the potential of melatonin in preventing biochemical and structural changes in rat biceps muscle (BM) occurring after an acute exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Biceps muscles obtained from male Wistar rats belonging to different experimental groups were biochemically (determination of tissue MDA, total antioxidant capacity, GSH, CAT, SOD and GPx activities) and pathologically analyzed. Also, serum levels of potassium, LHD and CK were analyzed in all experimental animals. The obtained results were statically compared with those from vehicle-treated control group. The applied melatonin prevented potassium and intracellular enzyme leakage (CK and LDH) that was induced by CCl₄, as well as an increase in tissue MDA. From a panel of determined oxidative stress parameters melatonin was able to statistically significantly prevent changes in total antioxidative capacity and in CAT, SOD and GPx activities induced by CCl₄. Microscopic analysis of BM from the animals exposed to CCl₄ revealed significant muscle fiber disorganization and massive inflammatory cell infiltration. All these changes were significantly ameliorated in the group that received melatonin prior to CCl₄. Changes in serum and tissue biochemical parameters accompanied the observed pathological changes, which demonstrated a significant influence of melatonin in preventing skeletal muscle damage induced by CCl₄.

A new method for respiratory-volume monitoring based on long-period fibre gratings

Respiratory-volume monitoring is an indispensable part of mechanical ventilation. Here we present a new method of the respiratory-volume measurement based on a single fibre-optical long-period sensor of bending and the correlation between torso curvature and lung volume. Unlike the commonly used air-flow based measurement methods the proposed sensor is drift-free and immune to air-leaks. In the paper, we explain the working principle of sensors, a two-step calibration-test measurement procedure and present results that establish a linear correlation between the change in the local thorax curvature and the change of the lung volume. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of these sensors with respect to the current standards.

[ASSOCIATION OF SKIN PHOTOTYPE AND UV EXPOSURE WITH EXPRESSION OF HER RECEPTORS, Ki67 AND p53 IN PATIENTS WITH CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA]

An increase in the incidence of cancer, in particular skin cancer, has been observed in the last few decades. Skin cancer represents a significant public health problem in Croatia and worldwide. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a malignant tumor arising in epidermal keratinocytes. Together with basal cell carcinoma it belongs to non-melanoma skin cancers, which are the most common cancers in humans. The lifetime risk of cSCC development in Caucasian population is nowadays estimated to about 15%, which makes it double compared to 20 years ago. The most probable causes are increased ultraviolet light (UV) exposure (exposure to artificial UV sources in suntan parlors, spending more time outdoors, changes in fashion, as well as ozone holes), and longer life expectancy. In its etiopathogenesis, important risk factors include genetic factors, fair-skin phototype, UV exposure, chronic degenerative and inflammatory conditions, chemical factors, oncogenic viruses, immunosuppression, ionizing radiation, as well as habitual risk factors. Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family is involved in the control of multiple signal pathways. Their dysregulation is associated with development of many cancers such as breast carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, carcinoma of pancreas, head and neck carcinoma, as well as glioblastoma. The objective of our investigation was to establish if there is association of the skin phototype and UV exposure with the expression of HER receptors, Ki67 and p53 in patients with cSCC. Study group included 101 cSCC patients. Inclusion criteria were age >50, both sexes, histopathologically confirmed cSCC, no previous therapy, specimens sufficient for immunohistochemistry, and complete clinical data collected by a questionnaire. Material obtained by excisional biopsy was completely histopathologically evaluated and additional tissue slices were immunohistochemically analyzed. Statistical analysis of the sample included non-parametrical statistical methods and statistical reviews. Analysis was done using R statistical package. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The following skin phototypes (according to Fitzpatrick) were present in our study: 54 (53.47%) patients with phototype II and 47 (46.53%) patients with phototype III. The majority of patients (n=93; 92.08%) were exposed to increased UV radiation during lifetime. Forty (39.60%) patients had three or more sunburns during childhood. Study results showed a signifi cantly higher expression of EGFR receptors, Ki67 and protein p53 in patients with light skin phototype that had been exposed to increased UV light during lifetime or had acquired 3 or more sunburns in childhood, suggesting that UV exposure led to the induction of EGFR, Ki67 and protein p53, and consequently to development of cSCC.

Consolidation trend design based on Young's modulus of clarithromycin single crystals

The key aim of this study was to determine single mechanical properties of clarithromycin polymorphic forms in order to select some of them as more suitable for the tableting process. For this purpose, AFM single-point nanoindentation was used. The Young's moduli of clarithromycin polymorphs were substantially different, which was consistent with the structural variations in their packing motifs. The presence of the adjacent layers, which can easily slide over each other due to the low energy barrier (the lowest Young's modulus was 0.25 GPa) resulted in better bulk compressibility (the highest Heckel coefficient) of clarithromycin Form I. We also addressed the importance of tip geometry screening because the stress during the force mode often results in tip apex fracture. Even the initial manufacture of the diamond-coated tips can result in defects such as double-apex tips.

Observation of discrete gap solitons in one-dimensional waveguide arrays with alternating spacings and saturable defocusing nonlinearity

We consider, both experimentally and theoretically, the existence and stability of localized, symmetric, and antisymmetric gap solitons (GSs) in binary lattices of identical waveguides but with alternating spacings. Furthermore, the properties of surface GSs at the boundary of the lattice are explored.

Linear and nonlinear light propagation at the interface of two homogeneous waveguide arrays

We investigate linear and nonlinear light propagation at the interface of two one-dimensional homogeneous waveguide arrays containing a single defect of different strength. For the linear case and in a limited region of the defect size, we find trapped staggered and unstaggered modes. In the nonlinear case, we study the dependence of power thresholds for discrete soliton formation in different channels as a function of defect strength. All experimental results are confirmed theoretically using an adequate discrete model.

Observation of linear and nonlinear strongly localized modes at phase-slip defects in one-dimensional photonic lattices

We investigate light localization at a single phase-slip defect in one-dimensional photonic lattices, both numerically and experimentally. We demonstrate the existence of various robust linear and nonlinear localized modes in lithium niobate waveguide arrays exhibiting saturable defocusing nonlinearity.

[Colonization of cental venous catheter in the Intensive Care Units at the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease "Dedinje"--one year study]

OBJECTIVES

The application of Central Venous Catheters (CVC) is associated with increased risk of microbial colonization and infection. The aim of present study was to assess the frequency of pathogens colonizing CVC and to determine their susceptibility pattern to various antimicrobial agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 253 samples of CVC from intensive care units (ICU) patients were received for culture during 2003. All microorganisms were identified by standard microbiological methods and the susceptibility to antimicrobial agents was determined according to NCCLS recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 184 (72.7%) cultures were positive and 223 pathogens were isolated. Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) were the dominant isolates (24.7%), followed by Enterobacter spp. (12.1%), Pseudomonas spp. (11.7%), Enterococcus spp. (9.9%), Klebsiella spp. (8.6%), Candida spp. (7.6%), Acinetobacter spp. (7.6%), other Gram negative nonfermentative bacilli (5.8%), Serratia spp. (4.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (2.6%), Proteus mirabilis (2.2%), E. coli (1.8%) and Citrobacter spp. (0.9%). Meropenem (84.5%) and vancomycin (100%) remain the most effective antimicrobial agents against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Gram negative bacilli and CNS are the commonest microorganisms colonizing CVC from ICU patients. The increasing resistance of the bacteria to antimicrobial agents is the major problem in spite of restricted policy of using antimicrobial agents in ICU.

[Meta-analysis on minimally invasive surgical therapy of sigmoid diverticulitis]

The bowel diverticulitis is a complication of diverticulosis, occuring in 35% patients in 20 years after diagnosis. The study purpose was analysis of the results published in world literature.

METHOD

Double blind electronic search of several databases using key words: diverticulitis, laparoscopy.

RESULTS

11 studies with 415 patients that satisfy the criteria were selected. AGE: 62.7 + 14.2. Hinchey stadiums: I, IIa i IIb of these 44% I and 28% IIa i Iib each. Operative time: 197.4 +/- 49.6 min. Conversions: 11.7 +/- 10.1 (0 - 38.9%). Protective stoma: 5.5%. Bowel sounds: 2.3 - 3.2 postoperative day. Oral feeding: 2.6-5 postoperative day. Hospitalization: 6.1 2.1 dana. Anastomotic dehiscence: 2.8%, wound infection: 7.3%, iatrogen rectum perforation with stapler: 3.3%, bleeding: 3.5%, ileus: 4.4%, reoperation rate: 4.7%.

CONCLUSION

Sigmoid resection with or without a protective "loop" ileostomy is technically feasable by minimally invasive surgical technique, with an acceptable ratio of benefits and complications.

Endothelium-dependent Relaxation of Canine Uterine Artery in Response to Acetylcholine: the Possible Involvement of Alternative Pathways

The effect of acetylcholine on the isolated, pre-contracted, uterine artery of non-pregnant dog was investigated. Acetylcholine-induced concentration-dependent relaxation of isolated canine uterine artery with endothelium (pEC50 = 6.48 +/-0.01, n = 37) and was without effect on arterial segments denuded of endothelium. Indomethacin, 4-aminopyridine (10-5 m) and pre-contraction with K+-rich Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution had no effect on acetylcholine-induced relaxation. NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NOARG) (10-5 m) inhibited relaxation evoked by acetylcholine. Indomethacin applied with l-NOARG led to further inhibition of acetylcholine-induced relaxation. In the presence of both l-NOARG and indomethacin, 4-aminopiridine did not provoke further inhibition of acetylcholine-induced relaxation of canine uterine artery. It is concluded that the acetylcholine-induced relaxation of canine uterine artery is probably mediated by endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO). However, if NO-synthase is inhibited, acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation may be, in part, mediated through activation of cyclooxygenase pathway.

Entropies of coding and noncoding sequences of DNA and proteins

The entropies of protein coding genes from Escherichia coli were calculated according to Boltzmann's formula. Entropies of the coding regions were compared to the entropies of noncoding or miscoding ones. With nucleotides as code units, the entropies of the coding regions, when compared to the entropies of complete sequences (leader and coding region as well as trailer), were seen to be lower but with a marginal statistical significance. With triplets of nucleotides as code units, the entropies of correct reading frames were significantly lower than the entropies of frameshifts +1 and -1. With amino acids as code units, the results were opposite: Biologically functional proteins had significantly higher entropies than proteins translated from the frameshifted sequences. We attempt to explain this paradox with the hypothesis that the genetic code may have the ability of lowering information content (increasing entropy) of proteins while translating them from DNA. This ability might be beneficial to bacteria because it would make the functional proteins more probable (having a higher entropy) than nonfunctional proteins translated from frameshifted sequences.