Preliminary Research towards Acute Effects of Different Doses of Caffeine on Strength-Power Performance in Highly Trained Judo Athletes.

Although several previous studies examined the effect of pre-exercise caffeine ingestion on judo-specific performance, the optimal dose of caffeine to maximise the ergogenic effects for judoka is not clear. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of oral administration of 3 and 6 mg/kg of caffeine on a battery of physical tests associated with judo performance. Ten highly trained national-level judoka (6 men and 4 women, age: 24.1 ± 4.7 years, body mass: 73.4 ± 12.9 kg, 15.1 ± 5.2 years of judo training experience, 2.6 mg/kg/day of habitual caffeine intake) participated in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled and double-blind experiment. Each judoka performed three identical experimental sessions after: (a) ingestion of 3 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF-3); (b) ingestion of 6 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF-6); (c) ingestion of a placebo (PLAC). After 60 min for substance absorption, participants performed the following tests: (a) bench press exercise with 50% of the load representing one-repetition maximum (1RM), including three sets of three repetitions; (b) bench pull exercise with 50% of 1RM including three sets of three repetitions; (c) countermovement jump; (d) maximal isometric handgrip strength test; (e) dynamic and isometric versions of the Judogi Grip Strength Test. In comparison with PLAC, the ingestion of CAF-3 and CAF-6 increased peak bar velocity in the bench press exercise (1.27 ± 0.11 vs. 1.34 ± 0.13 and 1.34 ± 0.15 m/s, respectively; p < 0.01) and mean bar velocity in the bench pull exercise (1.03 ± 0.15 vs. 1.13 ± 0.13 and 1.17 ± 0.15 m/s; p < 0.05). Only CAF-6 increased mean bar velocity in the bench press exercise when compared with PLAC (0.96 ± 0.09 vs. 1.02 ± 0.11 m/s; p < 0.05). Both CAF-3 and CAF-6 significantly increased the number of repetitions in the Judogi Grip Strength Test (17 ± 10 vs. 20 ± 10 and 20 ± 10 repetitions; p < 0.05). There were no differences between PLAC and caffeine doses in the remaining tests. The pre-exercise ingestion of 3 and 6 mg/kg of caffeine effectively obtained meaningful improvements in several aspects associated with judo performance. From a practical viewpoint, the selection between 3 or 6 mg/kg of caffeine may depend on previously tested individual responses during simulated competition.

Effects of acute ingestion of caffeinated chewing gum on performance in elite judo athletes.

PURPOSE: Previous investigations have found positive effects of acute ingestion of capsules containing 4-to-9 mg of caffeine per kg of body mass on several aspects of judo performance. However, no previous investigation has tested the effectiveness of caffeinated chewing gum as the form of caffeine administration for judoists. The main goal of this study was to assess the effect of acute ingestion of a caffeinated chewing gum on the results of the special judo fitness test (SJFT). METHODS: Nine male elite judo athletes of the Polish national team (23.7 ± 4.4 years, body mass: 73.5 ± 7.4 kg) participated in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled and double-blind experiment. Participants were moderate caffeine consumers (3.1 mg/kg/day). Each athlete performed three identical experimental sessions after: (a) ingestion of two non-caffeinated chewing gums (P + P); (b) a caffeinated chewing gum and a placebo chewing gum (C + P; ~2.7 mg/kg); (c) two caffeinated chewing gums (C + C; ~5.4 mg/kg). Each gum was ingested 15 min before performing two Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) which were separated by 4 min of combat activity. RESULTS: The total number of throws was not different between P + P, C + P, and C + C (59.66 ± 4.15, 62.22 ± 4.32, 60.22 ± 4.08 throws, respectively; p = 0.41). A two-way repeated measures ANOVA indicated no significant substance × time interaction effect as well as no main effect of caffeine for SJFT performance, SJFT index, blood lactate concentration, heart rate or rating of perceived exertion. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicate that the use of caffeinated chewing gum in a dose up to 5.4 mg/kg of caffeine did not increase performance during repeated SJFTs.

Infinitely Variable Tiling Patterns: From Truchet to Sol LeWitt Revisited.

Repeating patterns in architecture are utilized in elements at a variety of scales, from a façade to perforated ceilings and wall reliefs to carpeting and tile stonework. The Truchet tiling concept is one means to develop a modular non-repeating pattern. This paper explores some of the basic concepts of Truchet tilings, variations developed, and some current examples of using these methods with digital generation and fabrication methods.

Current epidemiology and practice patterns in prevention and treatment of PD-related infections in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) related infections are associated with technique failure and mortality. The aim of this multicentre study was to examine epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of PD-related infections in Poland as well as practice patterns for prevention of these complications in the context of current ISPD recommendations. METHODS: A survey on PD practices in relation to infectious complications was conducted in 11 large Polish PD centres. Epidemiology of peritonitis and exit-site infections (ESI) was examined in all patients treated in these units over a 2 year period. RESULTS: The study included data on 559 PD patients with 62.4% on CAPD. Practice patterns for prevention of infectious complications are presented. The rate of peritonitis was 0.29 episodes per year at risk, with Gram positive microorganisms responsible for more than 50% of infections and 85.8% effectively treated. Diagnosis and treatment followed ISPD guidelines however most units did not provide an anti-fungal prophylaxis. Although neither of the centres reported routine topical mupirocin on catheter exit-site, the rate of ESI was low (0.1 episodes per year at risk), with Staphylococcus aureus as most common pathogen and full recovery in 78.3% of cases. CONCLUSION: The study shows rewarding outcomes in prevention and treatment of PD-associated infections, mainly due to a thorough compliance with the current ISPD guidelines, although some deviations from the recommendations in terms of practice patterns have been observed. More studies are needed in large numbers of patients to differentiate the importance of specific recommendations and further support the guidelines.

The stability of small helical gold nanorods: a relativistic density functional study.

Multistrand 7-1 helical Au(24), Au(32), and Au(40) structures with three, four, and five gold atoms in the central strand and 21, 28, and 35 gold atoms in the coaxial tube are investigated using relativistic density functional theory. We demonstrate that these helical gold nanorods are stable structures with a rather large HOMO-LUMO gap, a large binding energy per atom, a very large vertical dissociation energy, and an extremely large electron affinity. On the basis of the atomic charges and the nature of the frontier orbitals, they are also expected to have strong selective reactivity toward electrophiles and nucleophiles. Furthermore, we show that these helical Au(n) structures and, in particular, the helical Au(40) structure are competitive energetically and chemically with respect to alternate cage and compact Au(n) structures. We consider two fragmentations of the helical Au(40) structure and perform a density of states analysis to examine both charge transfer and electronic polarization.

[Thermal comfort in preterm babies. Infra-red colour thermography findings. Preliminary report]. / Ocena komfortu cieplnego u noworodków urodzonych przedwczesnie przy uzyciu metody termografii w podczerwieni - doniesienie wstepne.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the thermal comfort of clinically stable neonates with normal body temperature by using infra-red colour thermography (THY). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 32 babies were enrolled in the study. The axillary temperature was maintained in the range 36.6-37.0 degrees C and the air temperature in the incubator remained within the neutral range according to Hey and Katz. Temperature distribution was measured by THY The abdomen and foot skin temperature, as well as the difference between both parameters were recorded. Thermal comfort for THY was defined as a difference between core and peripheral temperatures (Deltat) in the range of 1 to 2 degrees C. RESULTS: Thermal comfort defined according to THY criterion was fulfilled only in 12 patients (37.5%). We found Deltat< 1 degree C in 14 patients (43.8%), and Deltat>2 degrees C in 6 patients (6.3%). Thermal comfort defined by standard care varied from founded by THY p<0.0001. High foot temperature >or=35.0 degrees C in THY was found as a determinant for Deltat< 10 degrees C. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found gestational age <30 weeks to be connected with the risk of hyperthermia [odds ratio 8.4 (95% Cl 1.2-61.2). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there is a risk for hyperthermia in prenaturely, immature babies when nursed in standard neutral temperature. Infra-red colour thermography gives additional information which can be used for further studies on determination of optimal thermal comfort in newborn.

[Evaluation of sick neonates' medical interventions in maternity units before transport to reference centres]. / Ocena jakosci przygotowania chorego noworodka w macierzystym oddziale noworodkowym do transportu miedzyszpitalnego.

BACKGROUND: Interhospital transfer of the sick neonate should be an integral part of neonatal intensive care. However, it is essential that the referring hospital is able to provide the appropriate standard of care from birth up to the point of transfer. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of medical interventions before interhospital transport of sick neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study based on review of all transport records of530 neonates who were transported at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in 2006. The examined variables included medical interventions in the maternity unit and transport team interventions before and during the transport. RESULTS: During the study period there was as a total of 530 transfers to Neonatology Departments, 325 of them (61.32%) were transferred to the NICU and 205 (38.68%) to the Special Care Unit. Within the group of neonates transported to the NICU, 51 (15.7%) infants had hypothermia, 65 (20%) had no venous access before the transport. The most common form of respiratory therapy was oxygen therapy (89 (27.4%) neonates), followed by mechanical ventilation (65 (20%) and NCPAP ventilation (50 (15.4%) infants). As a result of transport team interventions the number of children with hypothermia decreased to 27 (8.3%). Peripheral intravenous devices were inserted in 52 (16%) neonates. The number of infants transported on mechanical ventilation increased to 115 (35.4%), 56 (17.2%) babies received NCPAP and 53 (16.3%) were on supplemental oxygen. The highest number of transport team interventions was found in the group of extremely low birth weight infants. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate medical preparation of sick neonates in maternity hospital for interhospital transport was the reason for the high incidence of transport team interventions before moving the neonate to the NICU.

Effect of the level of coordinated motor abilities on performance in junior judokas.

The main focus of this study was to identify coordinated motor abilities that affect fighting methods and performance in junior judokas. Subjects were selected for the study in consideration of their age, competition experience, body mass and prior sports level. Subjects' competition history was taken into consideration when analysing the effectiveness of current fight actions, and individual sports level was determined with consideration to rank in the analysed competitions. The study sought to determine the level of coordinated motor abilities of competitors. The scope of this analysis covered the following aspects: kinaesthetic differentiation, movement frequency, simple and selective reaction time (evoked by a visual or auditory stimulus), spatial orientation, visual-motor coordination, rhythmization, speed, accuracy and precision of movements and the ability to adapt movements and balance. A set of computer tests was employed for the analysis of all of the coordination abilities, while balance examinations were based on the Flamingo Balance Test. Finally, all relationships were determined based on the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. It was observed that the activity of the contestants during the fight correlated with the ability to differentiate movements and speed, accuracy and precision of movement, whereas the achievement level during competition was connected with reaction time.

[Infections with hepatitis B virus in hemodialysis units of Wielkopolska]. / Zakazenia wirusem zapalenia watroby typu B w wielkopolskich stacjach hemodializ.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological analysis of HBV infections in dialysis units of Wielkopolska. METHODS: Studies were carried out in 19 dialysis units, in which patients were treated with intermittent hemodialysis (IHD). Data were collected from 18.04.2007 to 18.06.2007. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: There were 39 persons with HBsAg(+) among 1140 patients (3.42%). Positive results of HBcAb were shown in 114 from 349 examined patients with HBsAg(-) (32.7%). The group with HBsAg(+) consisted of 7 women (17.9%) and 32 men (82.1%). Documented duration of HBV infection was 9.7 +/- 6.0 years. Eight patients before detection of HBsAg(+) were vaccinated against hepatitis B; 21 patients (53.8%) underwent surgical interventions or invasive diagnostic procedures. Transfusions of blood or blood-related products were documented in 17 cases (43.6%). HBV infection in at least 32 patients (82.1%) was not connected with IHD treatment (p = 0.000). Four patients (10.3%) showed symptoms of acute hepatitis. Eleven patients (28.2%) with HBsAg(+) had renal transplantation. Patients with HBsAg(-) were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Vaccination was not effective (level of HBsAb < 10 IU/l) in 244 patients (22.2%). CONCLUSIONS: HBV infection in patients with chronic kidney disease is most frequently detected before or due to initiation of IHD treatment. Over 20% IHD patients remains susceptible for HBV infection despite vaccination against hepatitis B.

The adsorption of CO on charged and neutral Au and Au2: a comparison between wave-function based and density functional theory.

Quantum theoretical calculations are presented for CO attached to charged and neutral Au and Au(2) with the aim to test the performance of currently applied density functional theory (DFT) by comparison with accurate wave-function based results. For this, we developed a compact sized correlation-consistent valence basis set which accompanies a small-core energy-consistent scalar relativistic pseudopotential for gold. The properties analyzed are geometries, dissociation energies, vibrational frequencies, ionization potentials, and electron affinities. The important role of the basis-set superposition error is addressed which can be substantial for the negatively charged systems. The dissociation energies decrease along the series Au(+)-CO, Au-CO, and Au(-)-CO and as well as along the series Au(2)(+)-CO, Au(2)-CO, and Au(2)(-)-CO. As one expects, a negative charge on gold weakens the carbon oxygen bond considerably, with a consequent redshift in the CO stretching frequency when moving from the positively charged to the neutral and the negatively charged gold atom or dimer. We find that the different density functional approximations applied are not able to correctly describe the rather weak interaction between CO and gold, thus questioning the application of DFT to CO adsorption on larger gold clusters or surfaces.

A comparison of structure and stability between the group 11 halide tetramers M4X4 (M = Cu, Ag, or Au; X = F, Cl, Br, or I) and the group 11 chloride and bromide phosphanes (XMPH3)4.

The tetramers of the group 11 (I) halides, M(4)X(4) (M = Cu, Ag, or Au; X = F, Cl, Br, or I), and corresponding group 11 (I) phosphanes, chloride and bromide (XMPH(3))(4) (X = Cl or Br), are investigated by the density functional theory. All coinage metal(I) halide tetramers adopt squarelike ring structures with an out-of-plane distorted (butterfly) D(2d) symmetry. These structures are much lower in energy than the more compact cubelike T(d) arrangements, which maximize dipole-dipole interactions and more closely resemble the solid-state structures of the copper and silver halides. Phosphine coordination completely changes the structures of these M(4)X(4) clusters. The copper(I) and silver(I) phosphane chloride and bromide tetramers adopt a heterocubane structure, slightly preferred over a step (ladder-type)-cluster structure well-known in the coordination chemistry of such compounds. In stark contrast, gold(I) phosphane chloride and bromide tetramers prefer assemblies of linear XAuPH(3) units with direct gold-gold contacts, resulting in a square planar, centered trigonal planar, or tetrahedral gold core.

Photoinduced dynamics of ethene in the N, V, and Z valence states: a six-dimensional nonadiabatic quantum dynamics investigation.

The photoinduced dynamics of ethene following pi-->pi(*) excitation is investigated by quantum wave-packet dynamics on three coupled six-dimensional diabatic potential-energy surfaces representing the N, V, and Z valence states, which have been developed previously. The C-C stretching and torsion, as well as the pyramidalization and scissoring of both CH(2) groups are included in this description. The wave-packet calculations have been performed using the multiconfigurational time-dependent Hartree method for a time period up to 100 fs. While a small amount of population transfer to the electronic ground state is found within this period, the overall population decay time of the V state is found to exceed the 100 fs range significantly. The autocorrelation function of the wave packet and the stationary absorption spectrum of the V state also have been calculated. It is found that both the torsional mode as well as the C-C stretching mode contribute to the very extended vibrational structure of the absorption spectrum, and that both modes are strongly coupled. At least on the present ab initio surface of limited dimensionality, the speed of pyramidalization of 90 degrees twisted ethene appears as the bottleneck for the ultrafast radiationless decay of the V state.