The participants of both groups improved their physical performance in several parameters after training. The results also showed that older, obese adults with sarcopenia benefitted from resistance training. The increase in muscle function can support them having a life with functional independence, and this can help reduce the risk of disability and falls.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the variables which show the highest association with muscle mass and to identify the most important predictors for muscle mass in elderly men with and without sarcopenia. Methods: A total of 71 men participated, aged ≥65 years. Sarcopenia was assessed using the definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People with determining skeletal muscle index (SMI), hand-grip strength (HGS), and Short Physical Performance Battery. In addition, maximum strength at upper and lower extremities and physical activity were measured. Results: Strong correlations existed between SMI and gait speed, HGS, maximum isometric strength at leg and chest press. Physical activity showed low correlations with muscle strength. Regression analysis revealed HGS and gait speed as key predictors for SMI. Discussion: The recommendation is measuring gait speed and HGS in clinical practice at first followed by measuring muscle mass for determining sarcopenia.

BackgroundMany human and animal studies have shown the influence of nicotine and caffeine on pain perception and processing. This study aims to investigate whether smoking or caffeine consumption influences trigeminal pain processing.MethodsSixty healthy subjects were investigated using simultaneous recordings of the nociceptive blink reflex (nBR) and pain related evoked potentials (PREP) following nociceptive electrical stimulation on both sides of the forehead (V1). Thirty subjects were investigated before and after smoking a cigarette, as well as before and after taking a tablet of 400 mg caffeine.ResultsAfter smoking PREP showed decreased N2 and P2 latencies indicating central facilitation at supraspinal (thalamic or cortical) level. PREP amplitudes were not changed. NBR showed a decreased area under the curve (AUC) indicating central inhibition at brainstem level. After caffeine intake no significant changes were observed comparing nBR and PREP results before consumption.ConclusionsSmoking influences trigeminal pain processing on supraspinal and brainstem level. In the investigated setting, caffeine consumption does not significantly alter trigeminal pain processing. This observation might help in the further understanding of the pathophysiology of pain disorders that are associated with excessive smoking habits such as cluster headache. Previous smoking has to be taken into account when performing electrophysiological studies to avoid bias of study results.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased release of free radicals which play an important role in the manifestation of diabetes and in the progression of diabetic complications. Peroxiredoxins are thought to be essential components of the erythrocyte antioxidative defense. Therefore, we compared peroxiredoxin isoform contents (PRDX1-6 immuno-histochemial stainings) in the erythrocytes of overweight/obese T2DM men (n = 6) and of BMI-matched non-diabetic male control subjects (n = 6). Only erythrocyte PRDX1 and PRDX2 proteins were detectable using immunohistochemical methods. PRDX1 was significantly increased in T2DM men relative to control subjects (+95.9%, P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, we studied the influence of a 3-month endurance training program (3 times a week, cycling at 75% maximal heart rate) on erythrocyte PRDX1 and PRDX2 contents in overweight/obese T2DM men (n = 11). Training significantly increased PRDX2 at rest (+96%, P ≤ 0.05). The up-regulation of the peroxiredoxin system may help counteract free radicals in the erythrocytes of T2DM patients.

Background: At present, it is unclear whether older, obese persons with or without sarcopenia respond differently to training. Furthermore, there are no differentiated recommendations for resistance training for this special target group. Objectives: The objectives are to investigate the changes in the physical parameters of older, obese men caused by training and to reappraise the modalities of resistance training for older persons. Design: Pre-test-post-test design. Participants: The participants were 33 physically inactive and obese older men (≥ 65 years, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), with-out severe diseases. Subjects were divided into two groups: NSAR (no or presarcopenia, n= 15) or SAR (sarcopenia, n= 18). Intervention: The intervention consisted of progressive resistance training, twice a week for 16 weeks with finally 80-85% of maximum strength and three sets with 8-12 repetitions. The training contained six exercises for the major muscle groups. Measurements: Sarcopenia was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), hand-grip strength, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and gait speed over a 6-meter walkway. Furthermore, the maximum dynamic strength (1 RM) was assessed. Results: At baseline, the NSAR group had significantly better values in SMI, SPPB score, hand-grip strength, and 1 RM. After training, the results in both groups displayed an increase in 1 RM at the lower limbs (NSAR 18%, SAR 38%) and the upper limbs (NSAR 12%, SAR 14%). Also, the SPPB score (NSAR 11%, SAR 15%) and the 6-m-gait speed (NSAR 5%, SAR 10%) increased. The SAR group was able to increase their right hand-grip strength by 12%, whereas the NSAR group maintained their initial high strength values. SMI did not change in both groups. Conclusions: Both groups show improvements after resistance training with slightly more benefits for men with sarcopenia. Results of this study can be used to define specific training regimens for N(SAR) subjects.

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The author believes that all doctors should master the technique of endotracheal intubation of infants but, in fact, relatively few do so owing to lack of opportunity to practice on clinical cases. A model has been constructed of the head, neck and upper respiratory tract of a neonate which can be intubated in the usual way (figures 1,2, and 3).It is, of course, impossible to imitate exactly with a model the varying consistencies of the lips, cheeks, tongue, epiglottis and other anatomical parts and rather more force is required to visualise the larynx in this model than with a real patient; nevertheless, it should prove a valuable aid for anyone wishing to learn this useful technique.

Zusammenfassung In einer randomisiert kontrollierten Studie wurde erstmals unter methodisch strengen Bedingungen untersucht, ob S?uglinge mit "Dreimonatskolik" durch eine osteopathische Behandlung mehr verbessern als unter ?blichen schul medizinischen Methoden (im wesentlichen ohne spezifische Ma?nahmen). Die Hauptzielkriterien Schreidauer und -intensit?t verbesserten sich dabei in der osteopathisch behandelten Gruppe tats?chlich dramatisch st?rker und erreichten bei vielen Kindern ein normales Niveau.