Majkić, B, Stojanović, N, Lilić, A, and Milanović, Z. The effects of a 6-week resisted small-sided games training program on the power performance of young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 39(7): e870-e877, 2025-Small-sided games (SSG) with additional load can improve power performance in soccer players. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 6-week resisted SSG training program on power performance in young soccer players. Twenty-two under-17 top-national youth-level soccer players (age: 16.11 ± 0.41 years; height: 176.31 ± 5.71 cm; body mass: 65.16 ± 8.1 kg) were randomly allocated to a weighted vests group (WV; n = 11), which wore weighted vests of 10% of their body mass or control group (CG; n = 11) with no additional load during sessions. Subjects performed vertical jump test, sprint running test (5, 10, and 30 m), and change of direction tests (COD) (Slalom, t test, and 4 × 5 m). The 6-week experimental program, implemented into regular sessions, included 2 additional SSGs per week and consisted of 3 sets lasting 3 minutes with 3-minute rest intervals. The players were divided into 2 teams of 5 and 2 of 6 players, each consisting of a mix of players from WV and CG, and performed SSG on the field area corresponding to 75 m 2 per player. Results revealed an improvement for WV in jump height by 7.34% (ES = 1.79) and in Peak Power (PP) by 4.40%. Significant interaction effects were observed in the Slalom and 4 × 5 m tests, and there was a distinction for 5 and 30 m sprints but with no statistically significant interaction effects. It is concluded that implementing resisted SSGs during the preparatory period can enhance jump height, PP, COD, and 5 m sprint time in young soccer players.
- MeSH
- Running physiology MeSH
- Soccer * physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Resistance Training * methods MeSH
- Athletic Performance * physiology MeSH
- Muscle Strength * physiology MeSH
- Exercise Test MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Adolescent MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH
This paper introduces a novel neutron production system for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) that employs a lithium beam in inverse kinematics to generate forward-directed neutrons through the 7Li (p,n)7Be reaction. The system utilizes a thin polypropylene target and an optimized beam configuration to achieve high neutron yield and precise directional control. A tape target mechanism is incorporated to effectively manage thermal loads, ensuring stable and reliable operation. The proposed system could offer substantial advantages over conventional neutron sources, including enhanced neutron directionality and a reduced shielding requirement. This approach increases the potential for precise tumor targeting while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, paving the way for a more accessible and efficient BNCT treatment option.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
BACKGROUND: Soccer is a dynamic sport that involves high-intensity running, changes of direction, jumping and contact. Therefore, a proper warm-up duration is of great importance to optimize players'performance and minimize the risk of injury. METHODS: This study examined the responses of amateur young 16 players (age = 17.00 ± 0.81 years; height = 177.38 ± 5.50 cm; weight = 64.50 ± 5.45 kg) 25 min (min), 15 min and 8 min warm-up duration in 4 v 4 small-sided games (SSGs) with mini-goal formats. Participants are assessed using the Participant Classification Framework, they are categorized under Tier 2: Trained/Developmental. The SSG interventions were randomly assigned to three training intervention groups. The features of SSG are determined as size; 25 × 32 m, bout; 4 × 4 min, resting; 4 min. Before the SSG, same protocol was applied at different times in all warm-ups. Warm-up protocols consisted of 13 sections. The intervention time in each section decreased parallel to the total 25 min, 15 min and 8 min warm-up times. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR) responses, distance covered and technical activities were consistently recorded during all SSG sessions. A one-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess significant differences in performance among the different warm-up duration. RESULTS: After the interventions, HR, total player load (TPL), successful passes (SP), unsuccessful passes (USP), interceptions and lost ball results demonstrated significant difference between the 25-min, 15-min and 8-min warm-up durations (p < 0.05). Total distance, velocity, RPE and enjoyment results showed no significant difference between the 25-min, 15-min and 8-min warm-up duration (p > 0.05). Results indicate that a 15-min warm-up duration provides an optimal balance between physiological and technical preparation, leading to improved HR responses, SP and interceptions compared to the 25-min and 8-min warm-ups. The 25-min warm-up decreased USP and lost ball occurrences compared to the 15-min and 8-min warm-ups. The 8-min warm-up resulted in a lower TPL, indicating reduced physiological demands. CONCLUSIONS: The 15-min warm-up duration emerged as an optimal protocol, offering a time-efficient approach that enhances both technical performance and physiological readiness while avoiding unnecessary fatigue. This finding provides practical implications for coaches and practitioners in designing warm-up routines that maximize match readiness without overexertion.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The utilization of 3D printing- digital light processing (DLP) technique, for the direct fabrication of microneedles encounters the problem of drug solubility in printing resin, especially if it is predominantly composed of water. The possible solution how to ensure ideal belonging of drug and water-based printing resin is its pre-formulation in nanosuspension such as nanocrystals. This study investigates the feasibility of this approach on a resin containing nanocrystals of imiquimod (IMQ), an active used in (pre)cancerous skin conditions, well known for its problematic solubility and bioavailability. The resin blend of polyethylene glycol diacrylate and N-vinylpyrrolidone, and lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate as a photoinitiator, was used, mixed with IMQ nanocrystals in water. The final microneedle-patches had 36 cylindrical microneedles arranged in a square grid, measuring approximately 600 μm in height and 500 μm in diameter. They contained 5wt% IMQ, which is equivalent to a commercially available cream. The homogeneity of IMQ distribution in the matrix was higher for nanocrystals compared to usual crystalline form. The release of IMQ from the patches was determined ex vivo in natural skin and revealed a 48% increase in efficacy for nanocrystal formulations compared to the crystalline form of IMQ.
- MeSH
- Printing, Three-Dimensional * MeSH
- Administration, Cutaneous MeSH
- Imiquimod * chemistry administration & dosage MeSH
- Needles * MeSH
- Skin Absorption MeSH
- Skin metabolism MeSH
- Drug Delivery Systems instrumentation MeSH
- Microinjections instrumentation MeSH
- Nanoparticles * chemistry administration & dosage MeSH
- Polyethylene Glycols chemistry administration & dosage MeSH
- Povidone chemistry MeSH
- Solubility * MeSH
- Drug Liberation MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Research has shown that external focus (EF) instructions-directing attention to intended movement effects (e.g., ball's or dart's path)-are more effective for enhancing motor performance and learning than internal focus (IF) instructions, which focus on body movements (e.g., arm or foot motion). Nonetheless, the impact of visuospatial working memory capacity (WMC) in this context, especially among children, has been less investigated. This research sought to examine the effects of EF compared to IF on the skill acquisition and motor learning of a dart-throwing task among children with both high and low visuospatial WMC. Forty-eight boys aged 9-11 (Mage: 9.67 ± 0.76 years) were grouped by high or low WMC based on spatial span and memory tests, then assigned to receive either EF or IF instructions. The experiment comprised three stages: practice, retention, and two transfer tests, including throwing from a longer distance and a dual-task scenario with added cognitive load (tone counting). Results showed that EF outperformed IF at all stages. While WMC did not affect performance during practice and retention, children with low WMC performed better than those with high WMC during the longer distance test. In dual-task conditions, an EF continued to surpass an IF, whilst the WMC exerted no significant impact. The present findings suggest that an EF relative to an IF promotes more automatic movement and enhanced multitasking, while the impact of visuospatial WMC was less than expected, highlighting the benefits of EF in teaching motor skills to children, regardless of visuospatial WMC.
- MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Memory, Short-Term * physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Motor Skills * physiology MeSH
- Attention * physiology MeSH
- Psychomotor Performance * physiology MeSH
- Learning physiology MeSH
- Space Perception physiology MeSH
- Visual Perception physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
The vertebrate visual cycle hinges on enzymatically converting all-trans-retinol (at-ROL) into 11-cis-retinal (11c-RAL), the chromophore that binds to opsins in photoreceptors, forming light-responsive pigments. When struck by a photon, these pigments activate the phototransduction pathway and initiate the process of vision. The enzymatic isomerization of at-ROL, crucial for restoring the visual pigments and preparing them to receive new light stimuli, relies on various enzymes found in both the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium cells. To function effectively, retinoids must shuttle between these two cell types. Retinol-binding protein 3 (RBP3), located in the interphotoreceptor matrix, probably plays a pivotal role in this transport mechanism. Comprised of four retinoid-binding modules, RBP3 also binds fatty acids, potentially aiding retinal function by facilitating the loading and unloading of different retinoids at specific cell types thereby directing the cycle. In this study, we present a 3.67 Å cryoEM structure of porcine RBP3, along with molecular docking analysis and corroborative in-solution small-angle X-ray scattering data for titration of RBP3 with relevant ligands, that also give insights on RBP3 conformational adaptability.
- MeSH
- X-Ray Diffraction MeSH
- Cryoelectron Microscopy methods MeSH
- Protein Conformation MeSH
- Scattering, Small Angle * MeSH
- Models, Molecular MeSH
- Eye Proteins MeSH
- Swine MeSH
- Retinol-Binding Proteins * chemistry metabolism MeSH
- Molecular Docking Simulation MeSH
- Protein Binding MeSH
- Vitamin A metabolism chemistry MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Chae, S, McDowell, KW, Baur, ML, Long, SA, Tufano, JJ, and Stone, MH. Accentuated eccentric loading and alternative set structures: A narrative review for potential synergies in resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): 1987-2000, 2024-As athletes become adapted to training over time, it becomes more difficult to develop their strength and power. In a conventional resistance training strategy, volume or load may be increased to provide novel stimuli to break through a plateau. However, physiological stress markers increase with increased volume or load, which is an innate shortcoming. In that case, practitioners strive to develop unconventional strategies that could increase training stimuli while adjusting fatigue. Two programming tactics, accentuated eccentric loading (AEL) using eccentric overload and alternative set structures (AS) using intraset rests, have been reported to increase training stimuli and alleviate fatigue, respectively. Importantly, when merging AEL and AS in various contexts, the 2 benefits could be accomplished together. Because AEL and AS cause different outcomes, it is important to deal with when and how they may be integrated into periodization. Moreover, prescribing eccentric overload and intraset rests requires logistical considerations that need to be addressed. This review discusses the scientific and practical aspects of AEL and AS to further optimize strength and power adaptations. This review discusses (a) scientific evidence as to which tactic is effective for a certain block, (b) potential practical applications, and (c) related discussions and future research directions.
- MeSH
- Muscle, Skeletal physiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Resistance Training * methods MeSH
- Athletes MeSH
- Athletic Performance physiology MeSH
- Muscle Strength * physiology MeSH
- Muscle Fatigue physiology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Sildenafil citrate has low oral bioavailability, systemic adverse effects, and a relatively delayed action. These issues may be addressed through direct transdermal delivery to the penis. This study aims to investigate the microemulsion formulation of the drug for effective transdermal delivery. Sildenafil citrate was formulated as a microemulsion using clove oil, dimethyl sulphoxide, phosphate buffer (pH 7), propylene glycol, Tween®80, and distilled water. Different proportions of these components were used to create six formulations of the microemulsion (F1-F6), which were then characterised by their physical appearance and clarity, pH, viscosity, conductivity, percent transmission, and droplet size. Furthermore, the stability, content analysis, in-vitro drug release, and transdermal permeation of sildenafil citrate from the generated drug-loaded microemulsions were studied. All prepared formulas contained nano-sized oil droplets (less than 20 nm), and the pH values were within the range of skin pH; however, two formulas were not transparent. Additionally, all formulations were thermodynamically stable, passing freeze-thaw, heating-cooling, and centrifugation tests. Next, the formulas demonstrated zero-order release kinetics, indicating that they can provide a sustained release profile for sildenafil citrate. Finally, the microemulsion formulation exhibited a 2.8-fold enhancement in skin permeation compared with that of the sildenafil citrate suspension. The prepared microemulsions demonstrated beneficial physical properties and skin permeation profiles that are promising for the local administration of sildenafil citrate.
- Keywords
- mikroemulze,
- MeSH
- Administration, Cutaneous * MeSH
- Emulsions MeSH
- Clove Oil MeSH
- Rats MeSH
- Dosage Forms MeSH
- Models, Animal MeSH
- Permeability MeSH
- Drug Compounding methods MeSH
- Sildenafil Citrate * administration & dosage pharmacokinetics pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Stability MeSH
- Suspensions MeSH
- Drug Liberation MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Rats MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Clinical Study MeSH
Lůžková zdravotnická zařízení následné péče soustředí medicínsky heterogenní skupinu seniorů velmi náročných na ošetřovatelskou, lékařskou, psychologickou a motivační péči. Tyto skutečnosti se významně dotýkají personálu všech profesí, které poskytují přímou péči o pacienty na lůžkách následné péče. Provedená studie hodnotí, jak personál těchto zařízení vnímá svou zejména psychickou zátěž při vykonávání profese a jestli a jakým způsobem se na jejich celkovém přístupu a spokojenosti odrazí absolvování edukačních seminářů zaměřených na komunikaci a přístup k pacientům s demencí. V dotazníkovém šetření byly použity dotazníky P-CAT a PCTB. Pracovníci byli rozděleni na skupinu intervenovanou, která absolvovala sérii edukačních seminářů, a neintervenovanou. Posléze bylo provedeno nové dotazníkové šetření (P-CAT a PCTB) a výsledky obou skupin byly porovnány. Výsledky studie prokázaly statisticky významné snížení vnímání zátěže intervenované skupiny v komunikaci s pacienty s demencí a také vyšší toleranci problémového chování těchto pacientů.
Inpatient aftercare facilities concentrate a medically heterogeneous group of seniors who are very demanding in terms of nursing, medical, psychological and motivational care. These realities have significant implications for staff from all professions that provide direct care to patients in aftercare beds. The present study evaluates how staff providing direct care to clients in aftercare facilities perceive their particular psychological burden in their profession and whether and how their overall attitude and satisfaction is affected by attending educational seminars on communication and approach to patients with dementia. The P-CAT and PCTB questionnaires were used in the survey, and the workers were divided into an intervention group, which received a series of educational seminars, and a non-intervention group, and then the two groups were compared. The results of the study showed a statistically significant reduction in the perceived burden of the intervention group in communicating with patients with dementia, as well as a higher tolerance of problem behaviors in these patients.
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Clinical Trials as Topic MeSH
- Comorbidity MeSH
- Frail Elderly MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Hospitals, Chronic Disease MeSH
- Nursing Care * MeSH
- Workload * MeSH
- Surveys and Questionnaires MeSH
- Caregiver Burden MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
Herein, we demonstrate an efficient method for multi-deuterium labelling of pirtobrutinib-a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor recently approved by the FDA-using a straightforward hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reaction. A remarkably high level of deuterium incorporation was achieved using an excess of a Kerr-type iridium catalyst. The key factor in the significant deuterium labelling was the decision to employ a deuterium uniformly labelled solvent, chlorobenzene-d5, at an elevated temperature. Virtually, no d0-d3 species were detected, with only traces of d4-d5 isotopomers (< 5%) observable in the mass spectrum of pirtobrutinib-d8, fulfilling requirements for stable isotope-labelled internal standard. The labelled compound-mainly consisting of isotopomers d6-d9 at 82.4% of the total abundance-was isolated in a high yield (73%) and purity (99%). Noteworthy, fluorine group acting as a directing group was observed for the first time. Significant incorporation of deuterium in ortho-positions, exceeding 87%, was observed. Interestingly, chlorinated solvent used in the HIE reactions was non-specifically deuterated yielding up to 0.42 deuterium per chlorobenzene molecule even at an exceptionally low iridium catalyst loading of 4.17 × 10-2 mol%.
- MeSH
- Deuterium * chemistry MeSH
- Isotope Labeling * MeSH
- Piperidines chemistry MeSH
- Pyrimidines chemistry MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
