Anthropometric Characteristics and Weight Status of Early Adolescents (Aged 12-14) in Montenegro; Urban-Rural and Regional Differences.

The aim of this study was to determine urban-rural and regional differences in anthropometric characteristics among adolescents aged 12-14, as well as to present the prevalence of weight status. A total of 534 adolescents aged 12-14 from primary schools across Montenegro participated in this cross-sectional study (283 boys, aged 13.52 ± 0.42, body height 169.43 ± 8.89, body weight 60.54 ± 13.47; 251 girls, aged 13.51 ± 0.40, body height 165.54 ± 6.67, body weight 55.28 ± 9.27). The sample was divided by geographic region in Montenegro into northern, central, and coastal regions, and according to settlement type into urban and rural inhabitants. Anthropometric characteristics were assessed using a battery of seven variables: arm span (AS); body height (BH); body weight (BW); waist circumference (WC); hip circumference (HC); body mass index (BMI); and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). BMI was categorized based on the World Health Organization's (WHO) cut-offs. The results indicate that girls from urban areas exhibited significantly greater body height and lower BMI values compared to their rural counterparts. Similarly, boys from urban areas also demonstrated lower BMI values compared to their rural peers. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in other anthropometric characteristics between these two groups of adolescents. Based on analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc analysis, it was found that girls from central areas had significantly greater body height compared to those from northern and coastal areas. Likewise, boys from northern areas showed higher body mass and BMI values compared to those from central areas. Additionally, both boys and girls from central areas had higher values compared to those from coastal areas. Nevertheless, no significant differences were detected in other anthropometric characteristics among adolescents from these regions. This study identified significant differences in anthropometric parameters among participants based on urban-rural status and within regional divisions. However, further research encompassing a larger sub-sample and a broader array of anthropometric variables is needed to draw a more comprehensive conclusion.

Switchable synchronisation of pirouetting motions in a redox-active [3]rotaxane.

In this study, the crown/ammonium [3]rotaxane R2 is reported which allows a switchable synchronisation of wheel pirouetting motions. The rotaxane is composed of a dumbbell-shaped axle molecule with two mechanically interlocked macrocycles which are decorated with a redox-active tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit. Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and electron paramagnetic resonance experiments reveal that rotaxane R2 can be reversibly switched between four stable oxidation states (R2, R2˙+, R22(˙+), and R24+). The oxidations enable non-covalent, cofacial interactions between the TTF units in each state-including a stabilised mixed-valence (TTF2)˙+ and a radical-cation (TTF˙+)2 dimer interaction-which dictate a syn (R2, R2˙+, and R22(˙+)) or anti (R24+) ground state co-conformation of the wheels in the rotaxane. Furthermore, the strength of these wheel-wheel interactions varies with the oxidation state, and thus electrochemical switching allows a controllable synchronisation of the wheels' pirouetting motions. DFT calculations explore the potential energy surface of the counter-rotation of the two interacting wheels in all oxidation states. The controlled coupling of pirouetting motions in rotaxanes can lead to novel molecular gearing systems which transmit rotational motion by switchable non-covalent interactions.

Triply cyclometalated trinuclear iridium(III) and trinuclear palladium(II) complexes with a tri-mesoionic carbene ligand.

The first example of a triply cyclometalated homopolynuclear tri-Ir(III) complex with additional carbene donors is presented. Cooperative catalysis and the interplay between homogenous and heterogeneous catalyses are discussed for the tri-Ir(III) complex and a related non-cyclometalated tri-Pd(II) complex.

Fitness and Anthropometric Profiles of International vs. National Judo Medalists in Half-Heavyweight Category.

The aim of the study was to determine the anthropometric and fitness profiles of European half-heavyweight judokas by success in competition. For this purpose, we compared 5 international medalists (elite) with 5 national medalists (subelite). All male judokas won at least 1 medal in the half-heavyweight category during the previous 2 years. The testing in this cross-sectional study was performed during 4 days. All subjects underwent anthropometric assessment with body mass, height, skinfold, and limb circumference measures, and the body fat percentage was estimated by manual bioimpedance. The physical fitness evaluation consisted in peak torques for thigh and shoulder muscles, handgrip strength, high and long jumps, medicine ball throw, pull-ups, deadlift, bench press, deep squat, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, Max Power, and Tokui Waza tests. The statistical analysis by the Student's t test showed significant differences for forearm and upper-arm circumferences, peak torques, pull-ups, bench press, deadlift, deep squat, V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, Max Power, and Tokui Waza tests. Our results showed that elite judokas have a superior fitness profile than subelite athletes from the half-heavyweight category. Moreover, elite judokas seem to have a higher arm muscle mass than subelite athletes but a similar body fat percentage. This study could be of interest for judo coaches with athletes competing in the half-heavyweight category, as some tests that discriminate by judo success for this specific weight category are described. Few studies analyze anthropometric and fitness profiles in half-heavyweight male judokas, so additionally our results can be used as a reference for coaches, athletes, and scientists.

Oxidative stress status in elite athletes engaged in different sport disciplines.

Exercise training may increase production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species in different ways. The training type and intensity may influence free radicals production, which leads to differences in oxidative stress status between athletes, but the results of the previous studies are incosistent. The aim of our study was to estimate oxidative stress status in elite athletes engaged in different sport disciplines. The study included 39 male highly skilled professional competitors with international experience (2 Olympic players): 12 wrestlers, 14 soccer players and 13 basketball players in whom we determined the levels of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as markers of oxidative stress and the total antioxidative capacity (ImAnOX) using commercially available assay kits. The mean AOPP concentration was not significantly different between soccer players, wrestler and basketball players (60.0 ± 23.0 vs. 68.5 ± 30.8 and 80.72 ± 29.1 µmol/L respectively). Mean ImAnOX concentration was not different between soccer players (344.8 ± 35.6 µmol/L), wrestlers (342.5 ± 36.2 µmol/L) and basketball players (347.95 ± 31.3 µmol/L). Mean MDA concentration was significantly higher in basketball players (1912.1 ± 667.7 ng/mL) compared to soccer players (1060.1 ± 391.0 ng/mL, p=0.003). In spite of this fact, oxidative stress markers levels were increased compared to referral values provided by the manufacturer. Type of sports (soccer, wrestler or basketball) have no impact on the levels of oxidative stress markers. Elite sports engagement is a potent stimulus of oxidative stress that leads to the large recruitment of antioxidative defense. Oxidative stress status monitoring followed by appropriate use of antioxidants is recommended as a part of training regime.