Efficiency of twice weekly concurrent training in trained elderly men

This study compared the effects of different weekly training frequencies on the cardiovascular and neuromuscular adaptations induced by concurrent training in previously trained elderly. After 20 weeks of combined strength and endurance training, twenty-four healthy elderly men (65 ± 4 years) were randomly placed into two frequency training groups: strength and endurance training performed twice a week (SE2, n = 12); or, strength and endurance training performed three times per week (SE3, n = 12). The interventions lasted 10 weeks and each group performed identical exercise intensity and volume per session. Before and after the exercise training, one maximum repetition test (1RM), isometric peak torque (PT), maximal surface electromyographic activity (EMG), as well as muscle thickness (MT) were examined. Additionally, peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), maximum aerobic workload (W_max), first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT₁ and VT₂) were evaluated. There were significant increases in upper and lower-body 1RM, MT, VO_2peak, VT₁ and VT₂, with no differences between groups. There were no changes after training in maximal EMG and isometric peak torque. W_max was improved only in SE3. After 10 weeks of training, twice weekly combined strength and endurance training leads to similar neuromuscular and cardiovascular adaptations as three times per week, demonstrating the efficiency of lower frequency of concurrent training in previously trained elderly men.     

Amniotic fluid endocrine changes during maternal hyperalimentation

Ten women with low estriol excretion received hyperalimentation prior to induction of labor. Six received an amino acid mixture (5% Aminofusin) and 25% dextrose, two received the amino acid mixture, and two received 25% dextrose. Amniotic fluid obtained before and after hyperalimentation was assayed for fetal surfactant production, thyroid, pituitary, and carbohydrate regulating hormones. In the combined amino acid/dextrose infusion group the amniotic fluid palmitic acid levels increased significantly post infusion; rT3 also increased significantly but T3 and T4 showed no significant change. The pituitary hormones growth hormone, prolactin, and ACTH showed no significant change, but beta-endorphin-like activity was significantly elevated. No thyroid-stimulating hormone was detected in any of the samples. All the carbohydrate regulating hormones, insulin, cortisol, and cAMP, showed significant increases but cGMP showed a significant decrease. The amino acid and dextrose only groups gave similar results. Seven of the infants showed some degree of intrauterine growth retardation but no neonatal complications attributable to the hyperalimentation.     

The effectiveness of adherence intervention in a colon cancer prevention field trial.

BACKGROUND. Adherence interventions were implemented in a 1-year community-based colon cancer prevention clinical trial (n = 110) using wheat bran fiber and calcium dietary supplements. The adherence promotion strategy was guided by a theoretical model. METHODS. The adherence intervention contains both a generalized portion given to all participants and an individualized portion given to marginal (50-74% intake) and low (under 50% intake) adherers. A regression model was employed to assess the effectiveness of the interventions both at the first intervention and at subsequent times. RESULTS. The Health Behavior in Cancer Prevention Model-based adherence promotion intervention was associated with retention of participants, both during the run-in period and after randomization (P = 0.05); and maximization of the percentage of the 13.5-g recommended fiber supplement consumed during the trial (92.5%). The positive effects of the adherence intervention were greater with first-time nonadherers and the control group than with the experimental group. The high-fiber group had notably more biological GI effects from the increased fiber intake, more preexisting comorbidities, and lower perceived cognitive and physical health status. CONCLUSIONS. Randomized participants had excellent adherence overall. Retention rates in the trial were better than would be expected without the adherence intervention, especially among those participants who may have been at higher risk for dropping out of the study. This suggests that a systematic, theoretically based adherence strategy should be further tested in clinical trial settings in which lower adherence is a problem.     

Surgical Correction of Congenital Tricuspid Stenosis

The case of an adult patient with congenital tricuspid stenosis is presented. The lesion was successfully corrected with valvular commissurotomy and repair of atrial septal defect. Use of two-dimensional echocardiography in diagnosis of congenital tricuspid stenosis is discussed.