Could Olympic Gels of Polystyrene be Produced by ARGET ATRP From Bifunctional Initiators?

The kinetics of gelation in the Activators Regenerated by Electron Transfer Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ARGET ATRP) of styrene, using a bifunctional initiator and no crosslinking agents are investigated. By applying the method of moments, we develop a system of differential equations that accounts for the formation of polymer rings. The kinetic rate constants of this model are optimized on the experimentally determined kinetics, varying the reaction temperature and ethanol fraction. Subsequently, we explore how variations in the amounts of catalyst, initiator, and reducing agents affect the simulated equilibria of ARGET ATRP, the emergence of gelation, and the swelling properties of the resulting networks. These findings suggest that favoring ring formation enhances the gelation phenomenon, supporting the hypothesis that the networks formed under the reported reaction conditions are olympic gels.

Geriatric medicine and Olympic elite sports-parallels and philosophies.

The 30th Olympiad took place in July 2024. At first glance, sports science and training of elite athletes may appear to be of little relevance to geriatric medicine. However, there are important parallels between the practice of geriatric medicine and elite sports and lessons that we can learn from our sports science colleagues. Elite athletes and older people are operating at the margins of physiological capacity. Both benefit from tailored, scientifically informed training programmes delivered and monitored by a multidisciplinary team. There are parallels between the comprehensive geriatric assessment and the philosophy of marginal gains pioneered by British Cycling. Insights into the biology of skeletal muscle function are beginning to translate into the development of clinical interventions and substances that offer an unfair advantage in sport by improving muscle strength and physical performance may be of therapeutic benefit in sarcopenia. The 2024 Olympics provide an opportunity for us to learn lessons for excellence in our research and provide an opportunity to promote exercise across the life course-important for healthy ageing.

A taste of ambrosia: Do Olympic medalists live longer than Olympic losers?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the longevity of a large sample of Olympic Games participants, considering the interaction between different types of sports and medal awards. METHODOLGY: Data scraping from Wikipedia and Wikidata allowed us to collect a sample of 102,993 famous athletes. We selected 20 of the most populated disciplines to make the groups comparable. We conducted a comparison of life duration on a subset of 17,194 elite athletes, predominantly male, dead at the time of analysis. RESULTS: Olympic medalists' lifespan was shorter than non-medalists. Athletes in such disciplines as boxing, weightlifting, ice hockey, cycling, football, swimming, and wrestling lived significantly shorter lives than the mean of the group of athletes. In contrast, the duration of life in athletes involved in athletics, rowing, fencing, artistic gymnastics, shooting, cross-country skiing, sailing, and equestrian sports was highest compared with the mean of the group. CONCLUSIONS: Disciplines classified as engaging mostly power were linked to shorter lifespans, whereas those involving predominantly skill were associated with longer life durations. The interaction of being a medalist and sport was found to be significant. Medalists in the disciplines of athletics, basketball, boxing, equestrian sports, wrestling, and water polo had significantly shorter lives (the final item was insignificant after correction for multiple comparisons). Olympic achievement was linked to length of life in mainly individual, not team, sports.

Pathogen prioritisation for wastewater surveillance ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, France.

BackgroundWastewater surveillance is an effective approach to monitor population health, as exemplified by its role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.AimThis study explores the possibility of extending wastewater surveillance to the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, focusing on identifying priority pathogen targets that are relevant and feasible to monitor in wastewater for these events.MethodsA list of 60 pathogens of interest for general public health surveillance for the Games was compiled. Each pathogen was evaluated against three inclusion criteria: (A) analytical feasibility; (B) relevance, i.e. with regards to the specificities of the event and the characteristics of the pathogen; and (C) added value to inform public health decision-making. Analytical feasibility was assessed through evidence from peer-reviewed publications demonstrating the detectability of pathogens in sewage, refining the initial list to 25 pathogens. Criteria B and C were evaluated via expert opinion using the Delphi method. The panel consisting of some 30 experts proposed five additional pathogens meeting criterion A, totalling 30 pathogens assessed throughout the three-round iterative questionnaire. Pathogens failing to reach 70% group consensus threshold underwent further deliberation by a subgroup of experts.ResultsSix priority targets suitable for wastewater surveillance during the Games were successfully identified: poliovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, mpox virus, SARS-CoV-2 and measles virus.ConclusionThis study introduced a model framework for identifying context-specific wastewater surveillance targets for a mass gathering. Successful implementation of a wastewater surveillance plan for Paris 2024 could incentivise similar monitoring efforts for other mass gatherings globally.

Differences in pacing behaviour between global championship medal performances and world records in men's and women's middle- and long-distance running track events.

The differences in pacing demands between track distance-running championship and meet (e.g., World Record [WR]) races have not been specified yet in the current literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine pacing behaviour differences between WRs and global championship (i.e., World Championships and Olympic Games) medal performances (GCMs) in middle- and long-distance running events. Percentages of mean race section speeds were compared through analysis of variance between men's and women's 169 WRs and 189 GCMs over 800 m, 1500 m, 3000 m steeplechase, 5000 m and 10,000 m. U-shaped and negative pacing approaches are observed during men's and women's 1500 m WRs and GCMs, respectively. The first and third 400 m of men's and women's 1500 m GCMs were relatively slower and faster, respectively (p ≤ 0.05, 1.31 ≤ d ≤ 1.69). Even profiles are followed during women's 3000 m steeplechase WRs and GCMs, whereas positive approaches were adopted in men's GCMs. Finally, whereas 5000 m and 10,000 m GCMs were finished with a fast endspurt, WRs had a U-shaped profile in men, with differences between the initial and last race stages (p ≤ 0.01, 1.20 ≤ d ≤ 3.66), and an even profile in women. Coaches should consider the different pacing demands existing among meet and global championship races to specifically implement training characteristics targeting either goal type.

It's never simple! People, power and relationships in the United Kingdom Olympic sport policy system. A commentary.

Drawing on insights from the United Kingdom [UK], this commentary highlights the complexity of the Olympic sport policy process and proposes a novel conceptual approach that situates people at the forefront of the analysis. Informed by process sociology, the approach demonstrates the importance of understanding complexity as the consequence of interdependent relationships that bind people together. Extracts from interviews undertaken with nine senior National Governing Body employees, who are responsible for implementing Olympic sport policy, are drawn on to inform and illuminate the proposed approach. Their extracts showcase that conversations and dialogue, often undertaken in the context of meetings, are central to the policy process. Managing emotions, navigating opacity, deep personal involvement and associated personal wellbeing impacts are all features of the Olympic sport policy process not readily accounted for in the extant literature or practice. The process, increasingly games like, never wholly represents the actions of any one group or individual as they navigate choices constrained by the interlacing of many relationships over time. We therefore conclude that it may be conceptually better to now describe the organisation of Olympic sport in the UK as a figuration of people rather than as a "system".

The effects of anti-doping measures on sports performance in weightlifting.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating anti-doping measures is essential to optimise their effectiveness. Comparing sporting results that have a higher doping prevalence, such as weightlifting, before and after the implementation of anti-doping measures may serve as an effectiveness indicator. METHODS: The results of the most successful weightlifters of both sexes in two time periods, 2009-2015 and 2016-2022 were analysed. The Sinclair Total (ST) to compare the relative strength of weightlifters from different weight categories was calculated. RESULTS: A significant decrease in the ST during 2016-2022 (p < 0.001) in athletes of all ages and both sexes overall was reported. When analysed by age, there was a decrease in ST in juniors and seniors of both sexes (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively), but not in youth. There was a decrease in the ST in senior men (p < 0.001), junior women (p < 0.001) and senior women (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In elite weightlifting, adult athletic results declined during 2016-2022, which may partly be explained by the implementation of new methods to detect long-term anabolic androgenic steroid metabolites as well as other policies. This may highlight the effectiveness of these methods both in the prevention and detection of anti-doping rule violations.

Unveiling the acute neurophysiological responses to strength training: An exploratory study on novices performing weightlifting bouts with different motor learning models.

Currently, there is limited evidence regarding various neurophysiological responses to strength exercise and the influence of the adopted practice schedule. This study aimed to assess the acute systemic effects of snatch training bouts, employing different motor learning models, on skill efficiency, electric brain activity (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV), and perceived exertion as well as mental demand in novices. In a within-subject design, sixteen highly active males (mean age: 23.13 ± 2.09 years) randomly performed snatch learning bouts consisting of 36 trials using repetitive learning (RL), contextual interference (blocked, CIb; and serial, CIs), and differential learning (DL) models. Spontaneous resting EEG and HRV activities were recorded at PRE and POST training bouts while measuring heart rate. Perceived exertion and mental demand were assessed immediately after, and barbell kinematics were recorded during three power snatch trials performed following the POST measurement. The results showed increases in alpha, beta, and gamma frequencies from pre- to post-training bouts in the majority of the tested brain regions (p values ranging from < 0.0001 to 0.02). The CIb model exhibited increased frequencies in more regions. Resting time domain HRV parameters were altered following the snatch bouts, with increased HR (p < 0.001) and decreased RR interval (p < 0.001), SDNN, and RMSSD (p values ranging from < 0.0001 to 0.02). DL showed more pronounced pulse-related changes (p = 0.01). Significant changes in HRV frequency domain parameters were observed, with a significant increase in LFn (p = 0.03) and a decrease in HFn (p = 0.001) registered only in the DL model. Elevated HR zones (> HR zone 3) were more dominant in the DL model during the snatch bouts (effect size = 0.5). Similarly, the DL model tended to exhibit higher perceived physical (effect size = 0.5) and mental exertions (effect size = 0.6). Despite the highest psycho-physiological response, the DL group showed one of the fewest significant EEG changes. There was no significant advantage of one learning model over the other in terms of technical efficiency. These findings offer preliminary support for the acute neurophysiological benefits of coordination-strength-based exercise in novices, particularly when employing a DL model. The advantages of combining EEG and HRV measurements for comprehensive monitoring and understanding of potential adaptations are also highlighted. However, further studies encompassing a broader range of coordination-strength-based exercises are warranted to corroborate these observations.

[The temporary polyclinic in the Olympic Village]. / La polyclinique temporaire du village olympique.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a sporting event that welcomes more than ten thousand top-level athletes. These athletes require daily care before and after training and competition, but are also prone to serious injuries. The polyclinic, set up in the athletes' village, will provide a wide range of high-quality care for the various delegations. Urgent care will be provided by the hospitals of the Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, which are responsible for the administration of the polyclinic.

[Nursing care for top-level athletes at Insep]. / Les soins infirmiers auprès des athlètes de haut niveau à l'Insep.

At the Institut national du sport, de l'expertise et de la performance, the aim of the nursing team of three nurses who have been working there since 2014, 2022 and 2023 is to provide the best possible support for these top athletes. Their work is divided into several tasks: medical surveillance, prevention, stress and hypoxia tests and day-to-day care.

[Emergencies and exceptional health situations: The Paris fire department at the heart of the action]. / Urgences et situations sanitaires exceptionnelles : la brigade des sapeurs-pompiers de Paris au cœur de l'action.

The Paris fire department is at the heart of the management of exceptional health situations and large-scale emergencies. Their operational strategies are benchmarks, both in France and internationally. Their expertise in the context of the Olympic Games makes them a major player.

[Maisons sport-santé: A tool for promoting an active lifestyle]. / Maisons sport-santé : outil de promotion d'un mode de vie actif.

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games promise not only world-class sporting competition, but also a legacy of sustainable sport that extends far beyond the stadiums. At the heart of this legacy are the Healthy Sports Houses, innovative projects designed to promote an active lifestyle and improve public health in the long term.

Increased mitochondrial surface area and cristae density in the skeletal muscle of strength athletes.

Mitochondria are the cellular organelles responsible for resynthesising the majority of ATP. In skeletal muscle, there is an increased ATP turnover during resistance exercise to sustain the energetic demands of muscle contraction. Despite this, little is known regarding the mitochondrial characteristics of chronically strength-trained individuals and any potential pathways regulating the strength-specific mitochondrial remodelling. Here, we investigated the mitochondrial structural characteristics in skeletal muscle of strength athletes and age-matched untrained controls. The mitochondrial pool in strength athletes was characterised by increased mitochondrial cristae density, decreased mitochondrial size, and increased surface-to-volume ratio, despite similar mitochondrial volume density. We also provide a fibre-type and compartment-specific assessment of mitochondria morphology in human skeletal muscle, which reveals across groups a compartment-specific influence on mitochondrial morphology that is largely independent of fibre type. Furthermore, we show that resistance exercise leads to signs of mild mitochondrial stress, without an increase in the number of damaged mitochondria. Using publicly available transcriptomic data we show that acute resistance exercise increases the expression of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and mitochondrial unfolded protein responses (UPRmt ). Further, we observed an enrichment of the UPRmt in the basal transcriptome of strength-trained individuals. Together, these findings show that strength athletes possess a unique mitochondrial remodelling, which minimises the space required for mitochondria. We propose that the concurrent activation of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial remodelling pathways (fission and UPRmt ) with resistance exercise may be partially responsible for the observed mitochondrial phenotype of strength athletes. KEY POINTS: Untrained individuals and strength athletes possess comparable skeletal muscle mitochondrial volume density. In contrast, strength athletes' mitochondria are characterised by increased cristae density, decreased size and increased surface-to-volume ratio. Type I fibres have an increased number of mitochondrial profiles with minor differences in the mitochondrial morphological characteristics compared with type II fibres. The mitochondrial morphology is distinct across the subcellular compartments in both groups, with subsarcolemmal mitochondria being bigger in size when compared with intermyofibrillar. Acute resistance exercise leads to signs of mild morphological mitochondrial stress accompanied by increased gene expression of markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, fission and mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt ).

Impact of heavy resistance training on pregnancy and postpartum health outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Participation in Olympic weightlifting, the Valsalva maneuver, and acute or prolonged supine weightlifting during pregnancy are cautioned against; however, these recommendations are based on expert opinions as opposed to empirical evidence. The aim of this study was to examine the training and health outcomes of individuals who engaged in heavy resistance training during pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 679 individuals who lifted at least 80% one-repetition maximum during pregnancy participated in an online survey. RESULTS: Participants were primarily recreational athletes (88%, 332 out of 675) engaged in CrossFit™ (61%, 410 out of 675) and/or weightlifting (49%, 332 out of 675) during pregnancy. Most participants reported no complications during pregnancy or delivery (66%, 388 out of 589), whereas 57% (241 out of 426) reported urinary incontinence following pregnancy. Participants who maintained pre-pregnancy training levels until delivery reported significantly less reproductive complications than those who ceased training levels prior to delivery (p = 0.006). Most respondents engaged in Olympic lifting (72%, 311 out of 432) and lifting in a supine position (71%, 306 out of 437), whereas fewer reported use of the Valsalva maneuver during pregnancy (34%, 142 out of 412). Most returned to weightlifting following delivery (89%, 400 out of 447, average: 3.2 ± 3.0 months), including Olympic lifting (81%, 300 out of 372, average: 4.0 ± 3.4 months) and Valsalva (62%, 213 out of 341, average: 4.5 ± 3.6 months). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who engaged in heavy prenatal resistance training had typical perinatal and pelvic floor health outcomes that were not altered whether they engaged in, or avoided Olympic lifting, Valsalva or supine weightlifting.

Ultraviolet exposure of competitors during a Tokyo Olympic Sailing Regatta Test Event.

BACKGROUND: Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of skin cancer. Photoprotection practices and sunburn play a crucial role in skin cancer prevention. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to quantify the risk of sun exposure and to evaluate photoprotection practices in Spanish sailors during Olympic competitions. METHODS: Solar daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation cycle, personal UV dosimetry, photoprotection practices and sunburn checking were followed during three consecutive days of competition among sailors from the Spanish Olympic Sailing Team during a Tokyo Olympic Regatta Test Event. RESULTS: A total of 13 sailors (7 women), with mean age of 27.6 ± 4.7 years and sports experience of 17.7 ± 5.4 years, were studied. The most common phototypes were type III (53.8%) and type II (38.5%). The rate of sunburn checked was high (46.2%). The mean daily personal UV exposure received was 761.0 ± 263.6 J/m2 , 3.0 ± 1.1 minimal erythemal dose and 7.6 ± 2.6 standard erythemal dose, seven times greater than the maximum permissible UV light exposure values for an 8 h working day. The use of a T-shirt was the most common practice (94.2%), followed by the use of shade (50.2%), hat/cap (44.0%), sunglasses (26.1%) and sunscreen (11.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Olympic sailor's studies presented high levels of UV radiation received, high rate of sunburn and insufficient adherence to sun-protective behaviours (especially, to use of sunscreen) to prevent sunburn, the main cause of skin cancer. Sport Federations should develop educational campaigns addressing sun-related exposure habits and photoprotection behaviours to reduce the risk of skin cancer among these athletes.

Arthralgia in female Masters weightlifters.

BACKGROUND: Arthralgia or joint pain is a heterogeneous condition including organic and nonorganic joint pain. It is common in older populations, particularly in females. There is evidence that menopausal changes are associated with increased prevalence of arthralgia. While physical activities have been recommended to mitigate osteoarthritis (OA) and arthralgia, sport participation also carries risk factors due to excessive loading of some joints and possible injuries. The aim was to evaluate the association of training patterns, prior injuries, and severity of menopausal symptoms with arthralgia in female Masters weightlifters. METHODS: Competitive female Masters weightlifters (n=868, 30-78 years) from 30 countries completed an online survey including joint pain for different anatomical sites, weightlifting training and performance, sport history, and menopausal symptoms. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of training patterns, prior sport participation, and menopausal symptom severity with arthralgia separately for shoulders, spine, hips, knees, ankles, elbows, and hands. RESULTS: Arthralgia was most reported in knees (38.8%), shoulders (29.8%), hands/wrists (28.8%), and hips (24.9%). The prevalence of arthralgia was 51.5% in pre-menopausal women, 62.4% in women post natural menopause and 73.3% in women post medical or surgical menopause. Lifting heavier weights was associated with arthralgia in hips (OR=1.05, p=0.03), knees (OR=1.06, p=0.01), and hands/wrists (OR=1.05, p=0.04), but prior strength training was protective for arthralgia in the shoulders (OR=0.66, p=0.02). Prior injuries and psychological menopausal symptom severity were associated with an increased risk for arthralgia (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Arthralgia was common in competitive female weightlifters. Training frequency was not associated with arthralgia, but lifting heavier weights relative to age and body mass was. Prior injuries and menopausal symptoms were associated with arthralgia, but prior strength training was protective of arthralgia in the shoulders. Athletes, coaches and sports medicine professionals should be aware that prevalence of polyarthralgia increases in post-menopausal athletes.

Thermoluminescence properties of the rock naturally annealed for thousands of years by flames from the earth's inner layers.

The gas leak in Chimaera near Çirali, Antalya, has been active for thousands of years. It is also known to be the source of the first Olympic flame in the Hellenistic period. The sample taken from the Chimaere seepage annealed for thousands of years was determined to be calcite-magnesian (Ca, Mg)O3 . In this study, thermoluminescence (TL) properties of calcite-magnesian annealed for thousands of years in the fire caused by methane gas were investigated for particle size, dose-response, heating rate, and fading experiments. It exhibits a clear TL glow curve with two distinct peaks positioned at 160 and 330°C, and its shape is not affected by variation in applied dose and reproduciility of experiment. There is a wide linear relationship between TL output and applied dose up to 614 Gy. Although the positions of the TL peaks are stable with the cycle of measurement, a poor reusability was observed in terms of the area under the TL glow curve and peak intensity.

Exploring the Epidemiology of Injuries in Athletes of the Olympic Winter Games: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study sought to provide a comprehensive assessment of the incidence of sports injuries among athletes participating in the Olympic Winter Games and to investigate contributing factors. We gathered injury data from athletes participating in the recent four Olympic Winter Games, incorporating details on the sports event, sex, injury location, and type. Through a meta-analysis, we calculated the injury incidence rates for each sport and examined the influence of sex and the type of sport on these incidence rates. Out of 11,197 registered athletes, we documented 1,304 sports injuries. The sports events with the highest injury rates were freestyle skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, bobsleigh, and ice hockey, with the most frequent injury locations being the knees, thoracic/lumbar/back regions, and the wrist/hand/fingers. Contusions, hematomas, and bruises were the most prevalent injuries, followed by strains (including muscle rupture, tearing, or tendon rupture) and sprains (covering dislocations, subluxations, and ligament ruptures). In the Olympic Winter Games, events such as freestyle skiing, snowboarding, alpine skiing, bobsleigh, and ice hockey pose a particularly high risk. Predominant injury sites include the knee, spine/back, and wrist and hand, with injuries ranging from contusions and hematomas to strains and sprains. For effective injury prevention, it is crucial to emphasize proper medical resource allocation, specialized training for medical personnel, and meticulous venue maintenance.

Beijing Blue: Impact of the 2008 Olympic Games and 2014 APEC Summit on Air Quality.

This paper examines the effects of interventions to reduce air pollution during two international events on air quality in Beijing and its neighbor cities. Air quality data were gathered from China's Ministry of Environmental Protection, meteorological data from the China Meteorological Administration and economic data from the China Statistical Yearbook. The paper uses fixed-effect panel data models to empirically evaluate air quality improvement in Beijing and other affected cities before, during, and after the 2008 Olympic Games and the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Results show substantial improvement in air quality in Beijing and neighboring cities during the two events. However, some of the air quality improvement achieved reverted within a year after the games and within a week after the summit. Furthermore, the improvement achieved during the summit completely reverted and air quality deteriorated severely five days after the summit. It is also found that air quality in China, at least in the cities included in this study, gradually improved over the past 15 years or so. The findings suggest that sustainable interventions and incentive-based programs to reduce emissions from industry production and traffic are the key to maintaining the air pollution reduction achieved during the events.

Evaluation of pre-Games effects of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Japanese population-level physical activity: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND: The Olympic Games represent an opportunity to create a 'physical activity legacy' that promotes physical activity at the population level in the host nations and cities. However, previous studies showed little increase in population-level physical activity following the Olympics. The upsurge of public interest in sports and physical activity participation before the Olympics may diminish rapidly following the Games. We examined the pre-Games effects of the Olympics on Japanese population-level physical activity after the announcement of Tokyo's successful bid for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in September 2013. METHODS: We used publicly available data from serial cross-sectional surveys conducted with nationally or regionally representative samples in Japan seven years before and after the announcement (from 2006-2020). The outcomes were 1) daily step counts and 2) exercise habit prevalence (≥ 30 min/day, ≥ 2 days/week, and over a year) from the National Health and Nutrition Surveys Japan (NHNS-J; 14 time points; aggregated data); and 3) sports participation (at least once a week) from the National Sports-Life Survey conducted every two years (NSLS; eight time points; individual-level data of 18,867 adults) and from the Public Opinion Survey on Sports Participation of Tokyo Residents (POSSP; eight time points; aggregated data). Age- and gender-adjusted regression models were used to estimate changes in the outcomes before and after the announcement. RESULTS: There were no significant pre-Games effects of the Olympics on national-level physical activity participation among Japanese adults. Sports participation (56.4% and 57.5%, respectively; P = 0.518), daily steps (6,535 and 6,686 steps/day; P = 0.353), and exercise habit (30.7% and 29.1%, P = 0.309) did not change significantly before and after the announcement. Although an increase in sports participation among Tokyo residents was not found in the NSLS (61.5% and 59.3%, P = 0.227), it was observed in the POSSP (49.1% and 57.7%, P = 0.019). Nonetheless, this increase might not be related to the pre-Games effects since the trend diminished following the announcement. CONCLUSIONS: Population-level physical activity did not show significant changes until 2020. Realising the physical activity legacy of an Olympics may require strategic promotion and cross-agency partnership implementation in the pre- and post-event period.