Pre-Exercise Caffeine and Sodium Bicarbonate: Their Effects on Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance in a Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Caffeine and sodium bicarbonate are extensively researched ergogenic aids known for their potential to enhance exercise performance. The stimulant properties of caffeine on the central nervous system, coupled with the buffering capacity of sodium bicarbonate, have been associated with improved athletic performance. This has led to investigations of their combined effects on strength. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of isolated and combined caffeine and sodium bicarbonate consumption on strength using the isometric mid-thigh pull test (IMTP). Nineteen male college students (age 23.6 ± 1.6 years) participated in this crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They were exposed to the following conditions: control (no supplement), placebo (20 g maltodextrin), caffeine (6 mg/kg), sodium bicarbonate (0.3 g/kg), and a combination of caffeine and sodium bicarbonate. Supplements and placebo were diluted in water and consumed 60 min prior to the IMTP tests. Two 5 s IMTP trials were performed at 40-60% and 60-80% of One Repetition of Maximum (1RM) with a 60 s rest between. Consumption of caffeine or Caf + NaHCO3 did not significantly change peak IMTP strength values at any intensity (p = 0.110). The peak IMTP values did not show significant differences between conditions or from control condition values (1091 ± 100 N) to Caf (1224 ± 92 N), NaHCO3 (1222 ± 74 N), and Caf ± NaHCO3 (1152 ± 109 N). However, the test of the results of the ANOVA analysis of repeated measures of effect within the caffeine condition was significant for the increase in IMTP relative strength compared to control (p < 0.05). Thus, the IMTP force values increased significantly from control to Caf (p = 0.016) and from Pla to Caf (p = 0.008), but not for other comparisons (p > 0.05). In summary, caffeine supplementation alone, taken 60 min before exercise, positively affects submaximal strength performance. In contrast, sodium bicarbonate, whether taken alone or in combination with caffeine, does not enhance submaximal strength in the IMTP tests.

An Evaluation of Turkish Nurses' Cultural Intelligence Levels and Intercultural Communication Apprehension.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to discuss cultural intelligence levels and intercultural communication apprehension of nurses. METHOD: This study was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study, and it was conducted with 252 nurses working in a hospital in a south city of Turkey. The research data were collected via a "Personal Information Form" designed by the researchers, "The Cultural Intelligence Scale," and "The Intercultural Communication Apprehension Scale." RESULTS: It was concluded that nurses had moderate levels of cultural intelligence and intercultural communication apprehension, which were positively correlated (p < .001). Cultural intelligence levels and intercultural communication apprehension were further correlated with certain variables such as age, gender, job duration, foreign language proficiency, and their experiences in foreign countries (p < .05). DISCUSSION: In light of the results, it was suggested that moderate levels of intercultural communication apprehension can be a supportive factor in developing cultural intelligence. It was also added that preventing excessive intercultural communication apprehension and supporting nurses to improve language skills and to have abroad experience may be beneficial in developing cultural intelligence.

An analysis of the effect of nurse managers' toxic leadership behaviours on nurses' perceptions of professional values: A cross-sectional survey.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate whether or not the toxic leadership behaviours of nurse managers influence nurses' perceptions of professional values. BACKGROUND: Professional values are among the factors that influence the development and the enhancement of the quality of health services. The professional development of nurses at work is particularly shaped by the guidance and counselling of nurse managers. Therefore, it is vitally important to determine the effects of nurse managers' toxic leadership behaviours on nurses' perception of professional values in terms of the development of professional values and the nursing image. METHOD AND MATERIAL: This study was designed as a descriptive and correlational study and was conducted with 244 nurses working in a university hospital between 09.01.2020 and 12.03.2020. The study data were collected using a Personal Information Form (11 questions) designed by the researchers in line with the recent literature, the Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) and the Toxic Leadership Scale. The study data were analysed with SPSS 25.0, and they were evaluated using frequency, percentage, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test, one-way ANOVA, the t-test for independent groups, the Cronbach alpha coefficient and Spearman correlation coefficient methods. The significance level was taken as p < 0.001, and p < 0.05 was used to interpret the study results. RESULTS: The mean age of the nurses in the study was 31.79 ± 6.68 years. A statistically significant difference was found between the scores for the NPVS-R and their previous education about leadership (U:5.273, p < 0.05). A significant difference was also noted between the Toxic Leadership Scale scores and the educational status of the nurses (𝜒2 = 9.971, p < 0.001), whether or not they deliberately chose nursing as a profession (U:7.777, p < 0.05), whether or not they willingly served as a nurse (U:8.458, p < 0.001) and whether or not they willingly served in their current unit (U:8.475, p < 0.05). The total score and the subdimension scores of the Toxic Leadership Scale and NPVS-R Scale were not significantly correlated (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that nurses who deliberately chose nursing as a career option, who willingly served as a nurse and who willingly served in their current units were comparatively less influenced by the managers with toxic leadership attitudes. It was similarly determined that nurses with higher levels of education and those who received in-service training were less influenced by toxic managers. It was finally noted that working with toxic managers had no significant effect on the nurses' perception of professional values. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The results indicated that although toxic leadership and nurses' perception of professional values were not significantly correlated, toxic behaviours may cause a depreciation in nurses' perception of professional values and beliefs, as noted in other relevant studies. It is thus necessary to be aware of the effects of toxic leadership behaviours on nurses and the institution and that precautions be taken by management against any negative effects. Supporting nurses with in-service training and building up resistance against toxic leadership behaviours will be beneficial for the proper and effective functioning of the institution.

Acute effects of static stretching and massage on flexibility and jumping performance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of static stretching and the application of massage on flexibility and jump performance. METHODS: Thirty-five athletes studying Physical Education at University (mean age 23.6±1.3 years, mean height 177.8±6.3 cm and mean weight 72.2±6.7 kg) performed one of three different warm-up protocols on non-consecutive days. Protocols included static stretching [SS], combined static stretching and massage [SSM], and neither stretching nor massage [CONT]. The athletes performed flexibility, countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) tests. RESULTS: SS and SSM protocols demonstrated 12% (p<0.05) and 16% (p<0.05) respectively greater flexibility than the CONT protocol. SJ and CMJ performances were significantly decreased 10.4% (p<0.05) and 5.5% (p<0.05) respectively after the SS protocol. There was no significant difference between SSM and CONT protocol in terms of SJ and CMJ performance. CONCLUSION: This research indicates that whereas static stretching increases the flexibility it decreases the jumping performance of the athletes. On the other hand, the application of massage immediately following static stretching increases flexibility but does not reduce jumping performance. Considering the known negative acute effects of static stretching on performance, the application of massage is thought to be beneficial in alleviating such effects.

Comparative study on fatty acid composition of olive (Olea europaea L.), with emphasis on phytosterol contents.

The present study was designed to determine the fatty acid composition and phytosterol contents of Turkish native olive cultivars, namely Kilis Yaglik and Nizip Yaglik cv. In this context, olive fruits from 34 locations were sampled and then screened for their components in comparison. Fifteen different fatty acids were found in both olive oils. In the order of abundance, the most important ones were oleic acid (18:1) > palmitic acid (16:0) > linoleic acid (18:2) > stearic acid (18:0). Significant differences were observed in the contents of oleic acid (18:1), palmitic acid (16:0), linoleic acid (18:2) but not for stearic acid content in comparison both oils (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in terms of unsaturated fatty acids, saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.01). The seven phytosterols - cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, ß-sitosterol, Δ-5-avenasterol, Δ-7-stigmastenol and Δ-7-avenasterol - were studied in both oil sources. The predominant sterols were ß-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol and campesterol in the samples analysed. However, no significant differences were found in the levels of the phytosterols between the two olive cultivars.

Aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxins in ground red chilli pepper after drying.

In this study, 180 red chilli pepper (RCP) berry samples were obtained from two different croplands of Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras (Turkey) in August, September and October. RCP berry samples were dried under sunlight and grinded. Ground red chilli pepper (GRCP) samples were analysed for aflatoxins (AFs, sum of B1, B2, G1 and G2) and AFB1 contamination. According to the results, in 49 of 180 samples, AFB1 and in 37 samples, AFs were higher than legal limits. The lowest amounts of AFs and AFB1 were obtained in August and the highest amounts in October. χ(2) analysis showed that there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between cities among 3 months according to number of samples with AFs and AFB1 above legal limits. According to the Duncan multiple-range test, there was no significant difference between all months. Strict measures are necessary to produce high-quality GRCP. RCP berry must be treated to reduce moulds before production of GRCP.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) gum: a potent inhibitor of reactive oxygen species.

In the present study, in order to evaluate antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of Pistachio gum (P-Gum), different bioanalytical methods such as DPPH(•) scavenging activity, DMPD(•+) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity determination by ferric thiocyanate, reducing ability Fe(3+)-Fe(2+) transformation, Cuprac and FRAP assays, O2(•-) scavenging by riboflavin-methionine-illuminate system and ferrous ions (Fe(2+)) chelating activities by 2,2'-bipyridyl reagent were performed separately. P-Gum inhibited 54.2% linoleic acid peroxidation at 10 µg/ml concentration. On the other hand, BHA, BHT, α-tocopherol and trolox, pure antioxidant compounds, indicated inhibition of 80.3%, 73.5%, 36.2% and 72.0% on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion at the same concentration, respectively. In addition, all of sample had an effective DPPH(•), DMPD(•+) and O2(•-) scavenging, Fe(3+) reducing power by Fe(3+)-Fe(2+) transformation and FRAP assay, Cu(2+) reducing ability by Cuprac method and Fe(2+) chelating activities.

Comparative analysis of the 1-mile run test evaluation formulae: assessment of aerobic capacity in male law enforcement officers aged 20-23 years.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare values of aerobic performance in the 1-mile run test (1-MRT) using different formulae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aerobic capacities of 351 male volunteers working for the Turkish National Police within the age range of 20-23 years were evaluated by the 1-MRT and the 20-metre shuttle run (20-MST). VO2max values were estimated by the prediction equations developed by George et al. (1993), Cureton et al. (1995) and Kline et al. (1987) for the 1-MRT and by Leger and Lambert (1982) for the 20-MST. RESULTS: The difference between the results of the different formulae was significant (p = 0.000). The correlation coefficient between the estimated VO2max using Cureton's equation, George's equation, Kline's equation and the 20-MST were 0.691 (p < 0.001), 0.486 (p < 0.001) and 0.608 (p < 0.001), respectively. The highest correlation coefficient was between the VO2max estimated by the 20-MST and Cureton's equation. Similarly, the highest correlation coefficient (r = -0.779) was between the 1-mile run time and the VO2max estimated by Cureton's equation. CONCLUSIONS: When analysing more vigorous exercise than sub-maximal exercise, we suggest that Cureton's equation be used to predict the VO2max from 1-mile run/walk performance in large numbers of healthy individuals with high VO2max. This research compares the use of 3 different formulae to estimate VO2max from 1-mile run/walk performance in male law enforcement officers aged 20-23 years for the first time and reports the most accurate formula to use when evaluating aerobic capacities of large numbers of healthy individuals.

The relationship between body composition, anaerobic performance and sprint ability of amputee soccer players.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between body composition, anaerobic performance and sprint performance of amputee soccer players. Fifteen amputee soccer players participated in this study voluntarily. Subjects' height, body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage (Jackson and Pollock formula) and somatotype characteristics (Heath-Carter system) were determined. The sprint performance at 10m, 20m and 30m was evaluated, whereas the counter movement jump (CMJ), relative CMJ (RCMJ), squat jump (SJ) and relative SJ (RSJ) tests were used for the determination of anaerobic performance. The results of the Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis indicated that body composition was significantly correlated with CMJ and SJ (p < 0.01), on the other hand, no measure of body composition was significantly related to the other component (p > 0.05). A significant correlation was found between CMJ, RCMJ, SJ, 10 m, 20 m and 30 m sprint performance (p < 0.05); whereas, in contrast, no measure of body composition was significantly related to the 10 m, 20 m and 30 m sprint performance (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that sprint performance was described as an essential factor in anaerobic performance whereas body composition and somatotype play a determinant role in anaerobic and sprint performance in amputee soccer players.

Physiological responses and time-motion characteristics of 4-a-side small-sided game in young soccer players: the influence of different team formation methods.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of different team formation methods on the physiological responses to and time-motion characteristics of 4-a-side small-sided games (SSG4) in young soccer players. Thirty-two young soccer players (age 16.2 ± 0.7 years; height 172.9 ± 6.1 cm; body mass 64.1 ± 7.7 kg) voluntarily participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements, technical tests, and maximum oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) tests were carried out on the players. The SSG4 teams were then created using 4 different methods: according to the coaches' subjective evaluation (CE), technical scores (TS), V[Combining Dot Above]O2max (AP), and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max multiplied by TSs (CG). The teams thus created played 4 bouts of SSG4 at 2-day intervals. During the SSG4, heart rate (HR) responses, distance covered, and time spent in HRmax zones were recorded. In addition, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate level (La) were determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG4. Percent of HRmax (%HRmax), La, and RPE responses during SSG4 were significantly higher for teams chosen according to AP and CG compared with that according to CE and TS (p < 0.05). In addition, teams chosen by AP and CG spent significantly more time in zone 4 (>90% HRmax ) and covered a greater distance in the high-intensity running zone (>18 km·h) than did teams formed according to TS. Moreover, AP teams covered significantly greater total distance than TS teams did (p < 0.05). In conclusion, to spend more time in both the high-intensity HR zone and the high-intensity running zone, the teams in SSG4 should be formed according to the players' V[Combining Dot Above]O2max values or the values calculated using both the V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and technique scores.

Adsorption of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ion on dolomite powder.

Natural Turkish dolomite was shown to be effective for removing Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) from aqueous solution. Selected information on pH, dose required, initial metal concentration, adsorption capacity of the raw dolomite powder was evaluated for its efficiency in adsorbing metal ions. Dolomite exhibited good Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) removal levels at all initial metal amount tested (0.04-0.32 mmol, 20 mL). It is important to note that the adsorption capacities of the materials in equilibrium vary, depending on the characteristics of the individual adsorbent, the initial concentration of the adsorbate and pH of the solution. One hour was enough for the removal of metal ions from (0.2 mmol in 20 mL) aqueous solution. Effective removal of metal ions was demonstrated at pH values of 5.0. The adsorptive behavior of dolomite was described by fitting data generated from the study of the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption capacity of dolomite was found as 8.26 mg for Cu(2+) and 21.74 mg for Pb(2+), respectively, from the calculation of adsorption isotherm equation. More than 85% of studied cations were removed by dolomite from aqueous solution in single step. The mechanism for cations removal by dolomite includes surface complexation and ion exchange.

The reliability and validity of regulating exercise intensity by ratings of perceived exertion in step dance sessions.

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of regulating exercise intensity by ratings of perceived exertion in step dance sessions. Ten male college-aged students voluntarily participated in 2 step dance sessions for 45 minutes at 70-80% of their heart rate (HR) reserves with a 1-week interval between sessions. The step dance sessions included the same choreography with 10 minutes of warm-up, 25 minutes of the main part, 5 minutes of calisthenics for legs and abdomen, and 5 minutes of cool-down. In each session, subjects' ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were determined by Borg's 6-20 scale together with HR and lactic acid (LA) levels with 10-minute intervals. Values for RPE, HR, and LA increased nonlinearly in both sessions, and their trends were explained by polynomial equations to the second degree. The RPE values increased throughout each session, whereas HR and LA showed a decrease in the last time interval, which indicated that RPE did not maintain exercise intensity at proper range. Reliability coefficients for RPE scores in the first and last session ranged from 0.602 to 0.684. These findings suggest that RPE was a reliable but not a valid method for regulating exercise intensity in step dance sessions.