Unveiling new myrsinoic acids and AChE ligands from Myrsine guianensis (Aubl.) Kuntze.

Molecular dereplication and drug-like discovery are important tools for exploring the chemical profile of metabolites in a complex mixture. In order to establish a workflow for discovering novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) ligands, we performed the chemical study of Myrsine guianensis (Aubl.) Kuntze (Primulaceae). To carry out the bioprospection, nine extracts were obtained from different parts of the plant. Through the dereplication approaches, seventeen metabolites were annotated. In order to confirm the putative inferences, a HPLC preparative method was developed to isolate three known myrsinoic acids, A(1), B(2) and C(3). Along with, we are reporting the obtention of two new congeners, G(5) and H(6), which their structures were elucidated by NMR and HRMS data. Besides that, two extracts were submitted to affinity assays to accelerate the discovery of AChE ligands. Desorbates were analyzed through LC-HRMS for calculating the affinity ratio (AR). Thus, (1) presented AR = 4.59, therefore was considered a potential ligand.

Ligand fishing approach to explore Amaryllidaceae alkaloids as potential antiviral candidates targeting SARS-CoV-2 Nsp4.

Ligand fishing, also described as affinity-based assay, represents a convenient and efficient approach to separate potential ligands from complex matrixes or chemical libraries. This approach contributes to the identification of lead compounds that can bind to a specific target. In the context of COVID-19, the search for novel therapeutic agents is crucial. Small molecule-based antiviral drugs, such as Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, have been described as potential candidates because they can inhibit RNA viruses. Among various SARS-CoV-2 proteins, Nsp3, Nsp4, and Nsp6 play a crucial role in the pathogenicity of the virus and are attractive targets for developing COVID-19 treatments. These proteins are responsible for the replication/transcription complex (RTC) within double-membrane vesicles (DMVs), and their inhibition disrupts the virus's infectious cycle. Herein, we have successfully expressed and immobilized the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp4 protein on magnetic beads (Nsp4-MBs) and employed a ligand fishing assay to screen a collection of ten Amaryllidaceae-based alkaloids and applied to Hippeastrum aulicum extract. Remarkably, four out of ten alkaloids, namely 2-α-7-dimethoxyhomolycorine (6), haemanthamine (5), albomaculine (8), and tazettine (9), exhibited selective affinities for Nsp4. Albomaculine (8) and haemanthamine (5) were also identified from extract by the affinity assay. These findings highlight the potential of these alkaloids as model compounds for future drug discovery studies aimed at developing therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Dietary Nitrate Supplementation Is Not Helpful for Endurance Performance at Simulated Altitude Even When Combined With Intermittent Normobaric Hypoxic Training.

Introduction: Training intensity and nutrition may influence adaptations to training performed in hypoxia and consequently performance outcomes at altitude. This study investigates if performance at simulated altitude is improved to a larger extent when high-intensity interval training is performed in normobaric hypoxia and if this is potentiated when combined with chronic dietary nitrate (NO3 -) supplementation. Methods: Thirty endurance-trained male participants were allocated to one of three groups: hypoxia (13% FiO2) + NO3 -; hypoxia + placebo; and normoxia (20.9% FiO2) + placebo. All performed 12 cycling sessions (eight sessions of 2*6 × 1 min at severe intensity with 1 min recovery and four sessions of 4*6*10 s all-out with 20 s recovery) during a 4-week period (three sessions/week) with supplementation administered 3-2.5 h before each session. An incremental exhaustion test, a severe intensity exercise bout to exhaustion (T lim) and a 3 min all-out test (3AOT) in hypoxia (FiO2 = 13%) with pulmonary oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O2), V ˙ O2 kinetics, and changes in vastus lateralis local O2 saturation (SmO2) measured were completed by each participant before and after training. Results: In all tests, performance improved to the same extent in hypoxia and normoxia, except for SmO2 after T lim (p = 0.04, d = 0.82) and 3AOT (p = 0.03, d = 1.43) which were lower in the two hypoxic groups compared with the normoxic one. Dietary NO3 - supplementation did not bring any additional benefits. Conclusion: Performance at simulated altitude was not improved to a larger extent when high-intensity interval training was undertaken in normobaric hypoxic conditions, when compared with normoxic training. Additionally, dietary NO3 - supplementation was ineffective in further enhancing endurance performance at simulated altitude.

Perfil de lesões em praticantes de CrossFit®: prevalência e fatores associados durante um ano de prática esportiva / Perfil de lesiones en practicantes de CrossFit ®: prevalencia y factores asociados durante un año de práctica deportiva / Injury profile in CrossFit® practitioners: Prevalence and associated factors during a year of sports practice

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência de lesões durante um ano em praticantes de CrossFit® e a influência das características da prática esportiva e demográficas nessas lesões. Foi realizado estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 180 praticantes de CrossFit®, que responderam a um questionário sobre: características demográficas (idade, massa corporal, altura e sexo), características da prática esportiva (tempo de prática esportiva, frequência e duração de treino, formação de carga e prática de outro esporte) e ocorrência e características da lesão (quantidade, região lesionada e estrutura acometida). Por meio do teste de Mann-Whitney U, investigou-se a diferença nas variáveis contínuas entre aqueles com e sem histórico de lesão. Utilizando o teste de qui-quadrado e o teste exato de Fisher, avaliou-se a associação entre variáveis categóricas e a presença ou não de lesão. O teste de qui-quadrado goodness-of-fit foi aplicado para investigar se a frequência observada de lesões por região do corpo e por tipo era diferente da esperada. A prevalência de lesão foi de 63%, e aqueles com histórico de lesão tinham menor tempo de prática esportiva. A presença de histórico de lesão foi associada a menor frequência semanal e diária e menor duração de treinos, assim como à formação de carga Scale. A frequência de lesão em perna, joelho, coluna lombar, ombro e punho, assim como do tipo músculo e tendão foi acima da esperada. As demais variáveis não apresentaram diferença entre grupos ou não foram associadas à presença de lesão. Logo, a maioria dos investigados relatou lesão que foi influenciada pelas características da prática esportiva, e não pelas demográficas.

RESUMEN Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la prevalencia de lesiones en practicantes de CrossFit® durante un año y la influencia de las características deportivas y demográficas en estas lesiones. Se trata de estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, realizado con 180 practicantes de CrossFit®, quienes respondieron a un cuestionario que contenía: características demográficas (edad, masa corporal, altura y sexo), características de la práctica deportiva (tiempo de práctica deportiva, frecuencia y duración del entrenamiento, carga de entrenamiento y práctica de otro deporte) y ocurrencia y características de la lesión (cantidad, región lesionada y estructura afectada). Para el análisis de la diferencia en las variables continuas entre los practicantes con y sin antecedentes de lesiones, se utilizó la prueba U de Mann-Whitney. Se evaluó la asociación entre las variables categóricas y la presencia o ausencia de lesión mediante la prueba de chi-cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fisher. La prueba de chi-cuadrado goodness-of-fit se aplicó para investigar si la frecuencia de lesiones por parte del cuerpo y por tipo era distinta de lo esperado. La prevalencia de lesión fue del 63%, y los practicantes con antecedente de lesión tenían menor tiempo de práctica deportiva. La presencia de antecedentes de lesión se asoció con una menor frecuencia semanal/diaria y una menor duración del entrenamiento, así como con la formación de la carga de Scale. La frecuencia de lesiones en la pierna, la rodilla, la columna lumbar, el hombro y la muñeca, así como de tipo muscular y tendinoso fue mayor a la esperada. Las demás variables no mostraron diferencia entre grupos o no se asociaron con la presencia de lesión. Por lo tanto, la mayoría de los participantes reportaron presentar una lesión que estuvo influenciada por las características de la práctica deportiva, y no por la demografía.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of injuries in CrossFit® practitioners and the influence of sports practice and demographic characteristics on these injuries. A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 180 CrossFit® practitioners who answered a questionnaire with demographic characteristics (age, body mass, height, and sex), sports characteristics (number of years practicing CrossFit®; training frequency, duration, and training program; and practice of other sports), and presence of any injury suffered and its characteristics (number of injuries, region, and type of injury). The Mann-Whitney U test investigated the difference in continuous variables between those with and without injury history. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test investigated the association between categorical variables and the presence or not of injury over the last year. The chi-square goodness-of-fit test investigated if the frequency of injuries per body location and type differed from the expected one. Injury prevalence was 63%. Participants with a history of injury showed a shorter time of CrossFit® practice. The presence of injury history was associated with lesser weekly and daily training frequency, shorter training duration, and Scale training program. The frequency of injuries on leg, knee, lumbar spine, shoulder, and wrist, and the muscle and tendon was greater than expected. The other variables were neither different between groups nor associated with injury presence. Thus, most participants presented injury over the last year, influenced by the sports characteristics but not by demographic characteristics.

Perivascular clusters of Th2 cells and M2 macrophages in allergic contact dermatitis to methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone.

BACKGROUND: Methylisothiazolinone (MI) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) are among the most common skin sensitizers, yet the immunological events that occur during MCI/MI allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are still poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: To analyse dendrocytes, macrophage subtypes and T cells in skin during the elicitation phase of MCI/MI ACD. METHODS: Thirteen patients with positive patch test reactions to MCI/MI (ACD group) and 11 individuals with negative patch test results were selected. Skin biopsies were only performed at 48 hours of patch testing. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to assess T cells, dendrocytes (Factor XIIIa), M1 (p-Stat1, CD68) and M2 (c-Maf, CD163) macrophages. Transcriptional analyses were performed for cytokines and related factors, and further compared to atopic dermatitis samples (n=4). Immunofluorescence assays addressed T cells location, along with IL-4 or IL-13, within the skin. RESULTS: MCI/MI elicited dermal dendrocytes and macrophages, pronouncedly the M2 subtype. T cells, majorly CD4+ T cells, accumulated in the perivascular areas. Similarly, abundant IL-4 protein was detected in these areas. There was an upregulation of IL-4 and IL-13 mRNA expression, a mild increase in IFNG mRNA levels and a down-regulation of RORC in the ACD group. Immunofluorescence revealed dermal clusters of T cells co-localized with IL-4. CONCLUSIONS: M2 macrophages and Th2 cells participate in the immunopathogenesis of MCI/MI ACD. Dermal dendrocytes and M2 macrophages may assist the formation of CD4+ T cells perivascular clusters. These findings render a mechanistic insight into the MCI/MI reaction. Further analysis at different timepoints of patch testing is required to fully comprehend this ACD kinetics.

Co-Immobilized Capillary Enzyme Reactor Based on Beta-Secretase1 and Acetylcholinesterase: A Model for Dual-Ligand Screening.

We have developed a dual enzymatic system assay involving liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to screen AChE and BACE1 ligands. A fused silica capillary (30 cm × 0.1 mm i.d. × 0.362 mm e.d.) was used as solid support. The co-immobilization procedure encompassed two steps and random immobilization. The resulting huAChE+BACE1-ICER/MS was characterized by using acetylcholine (ACh) and JMV2236 as substrates. The best conditions for the dual enzymatic system assay were evaluated and compared to the conditions of the individual enzymatic system assays. Analysis was performed in series for each enzyme. The kinetic parameters (KMapp) and inhibition assays were evaluated. To validate the system, galantamine and a ß-secretase inhibitor were employed as standard inhibitors, which confirmed that the developed screening assay was able to identify reference ligands and to provide quantitative parameters. The combination of these two enzymes in a single on-line system allowed possible multi-target inhibitors to be screened and identified. The innovative huAChE+BACE1-ICER/MS dual enzymatic system reported herein proved to be a reliable tool to identify and to characterize hit ligands for AChE and BACE1 in an enzymatic competitive environment. This innovative system assay involved lower costs; measured the product from enzymatic hydrolysis directly by MS; enabled immediate recovery of the enzymatic activity; showed specificity, selectivity, and sensitivity; and mimicked the cellular process.

Effects of Normobaric Hypoxia on Matched-severe Exercise and Power-duration Relationship.

We investigated the effects of hypoxia on matched-severe intensity exercise and on the parameters of the power-duration relationship. Fifteen trained subjects performed in both normoxia and normobaric hypoxia (FiO2=0.13, ~3000 m) a maximal incremental test, a 3 min all-out test (3AOT) and a transition from rest to an exercise performed to exhaustion (Tlim) at the same relative intensity (80%∆). Respiratory and pulmonary gas-exchange variables were continuously measured (K5, Cosmed, Italy). Tlim test's V̇O2 kinetics was calculated using a two-component exponential model. V̇O2max (44.1±5.1 vs. 58.7±6.4 ml.kg-1.min-1, p<0.001) was decreased in hypoxia. In Tlim, time-to-exhaustion sustained was similar (454±130 vs. 484±169 s) despite that V̇O2 kinetics was slower (τ1: 31.1±5.8 vs. 21.6±4.7 s, p<0.001) and the amplitude of the V̇O2 slow component lower (12.4±5.4 vs. 20.2±5.7 ml.kg-1.min-1, p<0.05) in hypoxia. CP was reduced (225±35 vs. 270±49 W, p<0.001) but W' was unchanged (11.3±2.9 vs. 11.4±2.7 kJ) in hypoxia. The changes in CP/V̇O2max were positively correlated with changes in W' (r = 0.58, p<0.05). The lower oxygen availability had an impact on aerobic related physiological parameters, but exercise tolerance is similar between hypoxia and normoxia when the relative intensity is matched despite a slower V̇O2 kinetics in hypoxia.

SARS-CoV-2 and Other Respiratory Viruses: What Does Oxidative Stress Have to Do with It?

The phenomenon of oxidative stress, characterized as an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant responses, is a well-known inflammatory mechanism and constitutes an important cellular process. The relationship of viral infections, reactive species production, oxidative stress, and the antiviral response is relevant. Therefore, the aim of this review is to report studies showing how reactive oxygen species may positively or negatively affect the pathophysiology of viral infection. We focus on known respiratory viral infections, especially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs), in an attempt to provide important information on the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Because antiviral therapies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) are rare, knowledge about relevant antioxidant compounds and oxidative pathways may be important for understanding viral pathogenesis and identifying possible therapeutic targets.

Uma análise do caso Dora à luz dos quatro discursos lacanianos / An analysis of Doras case in the light of Lacans four discourses

Resumo: Este artigo busca analisar fragmentos do caso Dora, de Freud, a partir dos quatro discursos lacanianos. Para isso, apresentamos alguns conceitos psicanalíticos que compõem a teoria dos quatro discursos, para depois desenvolver cada um dos matemas estabelecidos por Lacan. No caso Dora, analisamos alguns episódios descritos por Freud, mas também teorizações de outros psicanalistas acerca do tema. Concluímos que novas leituras de casos clínicos são possíveis a partir da noção dos quatro discursos, uma vez que nos apontam para os modos com que o sujeito se relaciona com o Outro no laço social.

Abstract: This article analyzes parts of Dora's case, by Freud, based on Lacan's four discourses. We present some concepts from psychoanalysis that form the four discourses theory, and develop each one of Lacan's matemas. In Dora's case, we analyze some of the episodes Freud described, as well as other authors' theoretical contributions on the subject. The study concludes that it is possible to understand the clinical cases from other perspectives when based on the notion of the four discourses theory, since it leads to the ways the subject relates to the Other in social interactions.

O estruturalismo na obra de Jacques Lacan: um retorno a questão da linguagem / Structuralism in Jacques Lacan's work: returning to the question of language / Estructuralismo en el trabajo de Jacques Lacan: un regreso a la cuestión del lenguaje / Le structuralisme dans l´oeuvre de Jacques Lacan: un retour á la question du langage

Este artigo busca analisar as contribuições do movimento estruturalista para o avanço da psicanálise lacaniana. Para isso, apresentamos um breve histórico sobre as origens desse pensamento e suas principais filiações. Tanto a antropologia de Lévi-Strauss quanto a linguística de Jakobson possibilitaram que Lacan realizasse o seu projeto freudiano atravessado por uma nova forma de produzir ciência. No entanto, destacamos que a relação de Lacan com a linguística saussuriana teve um impacto singular para os rumos da psicanálise. Lacan encontrou na linguística estrutural uma possibilidade de trazer a psicanálise de volta para o seu campo específico - o da linguagem. Desse modo, o estruturalismo ocupa um lugar importante na história da psicanálise, fato este que tentamos demonstrar nesse trabalho.

This article analyzes the contributions of the structuralist movement to the advance of Lacanian psychoanalysis. The study presents a brief history of the structuralism and its main affiliations. Both Lévi-Strauss's anthropology and Jakobson's linguistics enabled Lacan to carry out his Freudian project characterized by a new way of producing science. However, the study highlights that Lacan's relationship with Saussurian linguistics had a unique impact on the direction of psychoanalysis. Lacan found in structural linguistics a possibility of bringing psychoanalysis back to its specific field - language. Thus, structuralism occupies an important place in the history of psychoanalysis, a fact that we try to demonstrate in this work.

Este artículo analiza las contribuciones del movimiento estructuralista al avance del psicoanálisis lacaniana. Para esto, presentamos una breve historia sobre los orígenes de este pensamiento y sus principales afiliaciones. Tanto la antropología de Lévi-Strauss como la lingüística de Jakobson le permitieron a Lacan realizar su proyecto freudiano atravesado por una nueva forma de producir ciencia. Sin embargo, destacamos que la relación de Lacan con la lingüística saussuriana tuvo un impacto único en la dirección del psicoanálisis. Lacan encontró en la lingüística estructural la posibilidad de devolver el psicoanálisis a su campo específico: el del lenguaje. Así, el estructuralismo ocupa un lugar importante en la historia del psicoanálisis, un hecho que intentamos demostrar en este trabajo.

Cet article cherche à analyser les contributions du mouvement structuraliste pour le développement de la psychanalyse lacanienne. Pour ce faire, nous présentons un bref historique des origines de cette pensée et ses filiations plus importantes. Aussi bien l'anthropologie de Lévi-Strauss que la linguistique de Jakobson ont permis à Lacan de réaliser son projet freudien coupé par une nouvelle façon de produire de la science. Nous signalons, cependant, que le rapport de Lacan avec la linguistique saussurienne a frappé, particulièrement, la marche de la psychanalyse. Lacan a trouvé, dans la linguistique structurelle, une possibilité de faire revenir la psychanalyse à son domaine spécifique, celui du langage. Ainsi, le structuralisme occupe une place importante dans l'histoire de la psychanalyse, un fait que nous essayons de démontrer dans cet ouvrage.

Proinflammatory and regulatory mechanisms in allergic contact dermatitis caused by methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone.

BACKGROUND: Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) are the cause of an increasing number of contact allergies. Understanding the mechanisms by which MCI/MI induces proinflammatory and regulatory factors production is necessary to understand the outcome of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dysfunction of proinflammatory cytokines and regulatory factors in the positive MCI/MI patch test at the transcriptional and protein expression levels. Moreover, to analyse the cytokines production induced by MI in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The selected patients had positive MCI/MI patch test results. The expression of proinflammatory factors was evaluated by q-PCR and immunochemistry at 48 hours of positive MCI/MI patch test. The MCI/MI- or MI- induced secretion of IL-1ß, TNF and IL-6 by PBMC was analysed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The results showed a decreased TLR4 expression with upregulated IL6, FOXP3, IL10 and TGFß mRNA expression as assessed by q-PCR at the site of the MCI/MI skin reaction. We detected increased protein levels of TLR4, FOXP3 and IL-10 in the dermis layer in the ACD reaction by immunocitochemistry. Moreover, MCI/MI induced proinflammatory cytokine production by PBMC through the NF-κB signalling pathway. CONCLUSION: Considering the altered innate immune response triggered by MCI/MI sensitization, these findings indicate that the regulatory process at the induction phase of ACD is a crucial mechanism. Given the increase in occupational and domestic exposure to MCI/MI, the underlying immunological mechanisms should be understood.

SARS-CoV-2 and Other Respiratory Viruses: What Does OxidativeStress Have to Do with It?

The phenomenon of oxidative stress, characterized as an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidantresponses, is a well-known inflammatory mechanism and constitutes an important cellular process. The relationship of viralinfections, reactive species production, oxidative stress, and the antiviral response is relevant. Therefore, the aim of this review isto report studies showing how reactive oxygen species may positively or negatively affect the pathophysiology of viral infection.We focus on known respiratory viral infections, especially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs), in anattempt to provide important information on the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Because antiviraltherapies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) are rare, knowledge about relevantantioxidant compounds and oxidative pathways may be important for understanding viral pathogenesis and identifying possibletherapeutic targets. (AU)

SARS-CoV-2 and Other Respiratory Viruses: What Does Oxidative Stress Have to Do with It?

The phenomenon of oxidative stress, characterized as an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant responses, is a well-known inflammatory mechanism and constitutes an important cellular process. The relationship of viral infections, reactive species production, oxidative stress, and the antiviral response is relevant. Therefore, the aim of this review is to report studies showing how reactive oxygen species may positively or negatively affect the pathophysiology of viral infection. We focus on known respiratory viral infections, especially severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs), in an attempt to provide important information on the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Because antiviral therapies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) are rare, knowledge about relevant antioxidant compounds and oxidative pathways may be important for understanding viral pathogenesis and identifying possible therapeutic targets.

Monitoring Work Ability Index During a Two-Year Period Among Portuguese Municipality Workers.

In Portugal, little is known about the work ability profiles of municipal workers and their changes during working life. In order to characterize and understand the changes in work ability among municipal workers, a prospective study was designed to begin in 2015 in the municipality of Sintra, in the surroundings of Lisbon, and to collect data every two years. The present paper aims at characterizing the changes in the work ability of those workers between 2015 and 2017 and to identify the main predictors. Data collection was based on a questionnaire that encompassed socio-demographic data, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ II), the Nordic questionnaire adapted, and the Work Ability Index (WAI). In this two-year period, the work ability of municipal workers decreased and the main predictive factors were age, lower-back pain, negative health perception, the presence of burnout, and making manual efforts. Still, there were factors that act as positive predictors of an excellent work ability, such as having training in the previous two years, a good sense of community at work, and a favorable meaning of work. In summary, the intervention strategies in the work field should take into consideration the main predictors of work ability that are relevant for each organization.

Experience in management of porphyria cutanea tarda in a tertiary referral Brazilian hospital from 2002 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is the most common porphyria worldwide. The known acquired precipitating factors that induce PCT include alcoholism, hepatitis C virus infection, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and estrogen intake. Hereditary hemochromatosis is considered an inherited risk factor. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze precipitating factors and family history, with emphasis on PCT management. METHODS: A retrospective study of 87 patients with PCT was conducted between January 2002 and December 2017. RESULTS: A male predominance of 1.8 : 1 was found. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years (range 18-71). Family history of PCT was observed in 19.5% of patients. Two or more acquired precipitating factors were present in 42.5%. Patients were treated with antimalarial monotherapy (72.4%), antimalarial combined with phlebotomy (22.9%), and only with phlebotomy (4.6%). Acquired precipitating factors and inherited factors were not associated with treatment group. There was a difference in 24 h-UP normalization rate between treatment groups; combined therapy takes longer than antimalarial monotherapy, 38 months versus 15 months, respectively (CI 95%, 6.5-63.5 vs. 12.9-17) (log-rank test, P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Precipitating factors did not seem to be associated with treatment choice; however, all acquired and inherited precipitating factors should be investigated, and the choice between phlebotomy and/or antimalarials should be individualized. All dermatologists treating PCT patients should observe transferrin saturation and ferritin levels to search for underlying hereditary hemochromatosis.

Comparison between traditional strength training and complex contrast training on soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare traditional strength training (TST) versus complex and contrast training (CCT) on sprint, change of direction speed (COD) and squat jump (SJ) in young male soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-two soccer players (age: 18.4±0.4 years, body mass: 70.2±9.1 kg, height: 179.9±7.5 cm), were randomly assigned to one of two groups: TST (N.=12) and CCT (N.=10). The study was conducted using a randomized experimental design over an eight-week period. The participants assigned to the CCT group performed high-power exercises paired with high-velocity exercises. The participants assigned to the TST group performed resistance exercises in a straight-set forma. During the study period, sprint tests for 5, 10, 20 and 30 m split times, COD and SJ were applied. A two-way ANOVA was applied, and the alpha level was P<0.05. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the CCT regimen elicited significant within-group differences in 5 m sprint time (1.032 s to 0.997 s, pre- and postintervention, respectively, effect size (ES) = -0.5, medium; P=0.04), COD (5.963 s to 5.639 s, pre- and postintervention, respectively, ES -2.7, large; P<0.001) and SJ (30.9 cm to 34.4 cm, pre- and postintervention, respectively, ES =0.8, large; P<0.001). Conversely, the TST did not elicit significant within-group differences for any of the dependent variables. No differences were found between groups at the post-test time point. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the CCT protocol could be used to improve sprint, COD and SJ in male soccer players.