Academic literature on the topic 'Pre-competitive preparation phase (Pc2P)'

Abstract Abstract 150 Background: Historically, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in class 3 thalassemia patients has been associated with a significant risk of graft failure and transplant-related mortality leading to lower disease-free survival. Our initial study showed that class 3 patients treated with a new treatment protocol (Pc 26) had an improved survival and decreased rejection rates compared with previous protocols (Blood 2004;104:1201). An interim analysis of our subsequent experience with BMT in class 3 patients treated with Pc26 showed an increased rejection rate which has prompted us to modify the protocol to overcome this complication. Since February 2007 we have been using the modified Pc26 (Pc26m) in class 3 patients. Patients and Methods: Between June 2004 and July 2011 a total of 45 class 3 patients with median age of 10 years (range, 5–16) were treated: 26 patients with original (Pc26) and 19 patients with modified protocol (Pc26m). The two groups were well balanced in respect to baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. Patients had severe iron overload with median serum ferritin and liver iron concentration of 2626 ng/mL (range, 777–10222) and 20,8 mg/g dry weight (range, 5–40.7), respectively. Median liver fibrosis score was 2 (range, 1–5). There were 5 patients with HCV, and 1 with hepatitis B virus (HB Ag-positive) at the time of transplantation. The median number of packed RBC transfusions was 140 units (range, 25–307). The Pc26m consisted of pre-conditioning and conditioning phases. This novel treatment regimen involved an intensified preparation with 3 mg/kg of azathioprine and 30 mg/kg hydroxyurea daily from day -45 from the transplant, fludarabine 30 mg/m2 from day -16 through day -12, followed by the administration of weight based busilvex (since 2006), Thiotepa 10 mg/kg/day and CY 160 mg/kg total dose. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of CSA, low-dose methylprednisolone, and a modified “short course” of methotrexate (MTX). Results: Four of 26 patients treated with Pc26 and none of 19 patients treated with Pc26m had graft failure. The median time of neutrophil recovery (ANC>500 ×109/L) and platelet recovery (>20 ×109/L) were similar in both group of patients. Transplant outcomes are shown in Table 1. Overall treatment protocol was well tolerated without any significant toxicity. None of the patients had grade 4 toxicity. Most frequent grade 3 toxicity was AST and ALT elevations. Five patients, 3 treated with Pc26 and 2 with Pc26m had grade 2 hemorrhagic cystitis. One patient in each group had moderate liver VOD resolved with supportive care. Two patients in Pc26 group and one in the Pc26m group had pneumonia. There were 3 patients with bacteremia: 2 in Pc26 and one in Pc26m treated patients. The incidence of CMV reactivation was similar in both group. Conclusion: This study shows that the modified treatment protocol for class 3 thalassemia patients is highly effective in terms of graft failure leading to a high DFS rate which is comparable to those obtained in class 1 and class 2 patients. It also suggests that this intensified preparative regimen aimed at reducing a large disease burden and increasing immunosuppression over time thus avoiding unacceptable peritransplant drug toxicity is essential for minimizing graft failure in these high-risk patients. Disclosure: No relevant conflict of interest to declare. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Working in the discipline of eventing (the triathlon of equestrian sport), the present study aims to extend current literature on the use of psychological skills within equestrian sports, by understanding and identifying differences in levels of self-confidence and competitive anxiety. Each eventing phase (dressage, show-jumping and cross-country) was considered and its impact on anxiety and self-confidence analysed. Level of competition was considered a covariate and its effect on specific eventing phases and any associated influence on anxiety and self-confidence within eventing phase was analysed. An experimental, 3×3 factorial, within-subjects design was used. 57 participants (52 female and 5 male; 18 professional, 36 amateur and 3 undefined) completed the Revised Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory 2 (CSAI-2R), a 17-item questionnaire measuring anxiety and self-confidence. Descriptive statistics identified the show-jumping phase had the largest impact on rider somatic anxiety (SA) and cognitive anxiety (CA). The cross-country phase had the highest self-confidence mean score. Spearman’s rank correlations showed both SA and CA were debilitative for all competition levels. Both SA and CA were found to be more debilitating in the show-jumping phase when self-confidence was low. MANCOVA analysis showed that eventing phase had significant effect on anxiety and self-confidence when controlling for level of competition. Dependent on the eventing phase riders are competing in, they experience different levels of arousal and self-confidence. When SA and CA are a debilitative source of anxiety, this could result in rider muscle tension which is not conducive to effective horse-rider communication. Coaches or sports psychologists should consider how to help riders manage their anxiety levels in relation to the competition phase, with the intention of enhancing self-confidence and enabling facilitative SA and CA in preparation for eventing performance.

The present paper aimed to systematically review case studies on physique athletes to evaluate longitudinal changes in measures of body composition, neuromuscular performance, chronic hormonal levels, physiological adaptations, and psychometric outcomes during pre-contest preparation. We included studies that (1) were classified as case studies involving physique athletes during the pre-contest phase of their competitive cycle; (2) involved adults (18+ years of age) as participants; (3) were published in an English-language peer-reviewed journal; (4) had a pre-contest duration of at least 3 months; (5) reported changes across contest preparation relating to measures of body composition (fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density), neuromuscular performance (strength and power), chronic hormonal levels (testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, leptin, and ghrelin), physiological adaptations (maximal aerobic capacity, resting energy expenditure, heart rate, blood pressure, menstrual function, and sleep quality), and/or psychometric outcomes (mood states and food desire). Our review ultimately included 11 case studies comprising 15 ostensibly drug-free athletes (male = 8, female = 7) who competed in various physique-oriented divisions including bodybuilding, figure, and bikini. The results indicated marked alterations across the array of analyzed outcomes, sometimes with high inter-individual variability and divergent sex-specific responses. The complexities and implications of these findings are discussed herein.

Success in competition is ensured by long-term preparation, but direct pre-competition training (DPT) is of fundamental importance, with the help of which athletes must bring themselves to a state of high or the highest working capacity. Modern views on the essence and construction of preliminary training stage most intensively began to be formed since the 1960s. The reason for this was the appearance of such fundamental projects, such as "Periodization of sports training" by L.P. Matveva, "The current system of sports training" by N.G. Ozolina, "The coach of athletics trainer" ed. L.S. Khomenkovoi. The success in competitions is provided by long-term training, but fundamental importance has a direct pre-competition training (DPT), by which athletes should lead themselves to a state of high or the highest efficiency. If the goal of competition is only of training or control nature and athlete is not eager to achieve a high result, then DPT is not necessary before the starts. Such a combination of the process of training and participation in competitions may occur in the first competitions at the beginning of the competitive period. However, when there is a participating in high-level competitions or even more in the culminating competitions, in such an event, DPT is essential. Mistakes in the building of the phase of the DPT are often the reason not only for an unsuccessful speech in the main competition, but it is also the reason for a slowed down growth of achievements and even deterioration of them. All training of an athlete can be considered successful if he shows the best result in the crucial competition with a significant progress in his accomplishments.

The paper presents results of research on the effective ways and means for tillage and seeding in the cultivation of crops in drought weather conditions. In order to improve the treatment quality, moisture-accumulating capacity and water saving of the soil in cropping technology with minimum tillage, including its final (finish) preparation for sowing with lower power consumption, we proposed new tillage methods. The first method involves post-harvest surface moisture-challenging loosening the stubble to a depth of 3-5 cm, the main non-recourse autumn moisture-absorbing loosening to a depth of 20-30 cm, deep moisture-accumulating Diesel hoeing to a depth of 40-65 cm, the spring surface moisture-closing loosening to a depth of 4-5 cm and moisture-mulching pre-sowing tillage to a depth of 4-5 cm with a seal seed bed and combing the weeds in the stage of “white thread”. The second method comprises the moisture-accumulating phase, which is performed in the autumn, when in the soil a vertical slit with a controllable pitch was made by spade working units and placing them in a staggered manner. Then we perform a second spring moisture-saving phase by solid surface loosening and mulching with rotary tools with working units to a depth of seeding. So that to implement the proposed methods the authors developed a set of tillage and seeding equipment (69 types of devices, 30 types of working units, 35 types of plug-in modules). Their production was mastered. The developed machines provide higher yields by 5 kg per hectare, reduce energy and labor costs up to 50%, have a competitive advantage over domestic and foreign counterparts.

Purpose. To investigate and theoretically substantiate methods of increasing the sowing and productivity properties of seeds of perennial legumes and, on their basis, develop new and improve existing resource-saving, competitive growing technologies due to the use of mineral, fast-acting limestone fertilizers, seed inoculation with bacterial preparations based on various strains of nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and foliar feeding during the growing season with biostimulants and anti-stressors in order to expand economically valuable field and meadow grass stands on degraded natural pastures. Methods. Field, laboratory, visual, measuring, weight, quantitative, test sheaf method, mathematical, statistical. Results. Agrobiological bases for the formation of fruiting elements of perennial leguminous grasses with high productivity and sowing properties have been developed. They imply seed inoculation with the bacterial preparation Rhizobophyt 0.15 l/ha and foliar fertilizing with anti-stressor in the phase of stemming and budding of grasses on the ground of the basic fertilizer for cover crop (N30P60-90K60-90) in combination with a fast-acting limestone fertilizer (Ca(OH)2 – slaked lime – 1.2 t/ha) 0.5 norms for hydrolytic acidity. This contributed to the formation of the maximum seed yield of alfalfa – 0.29-0.30 t/ha, meadow clover – 0.47-0.49 t/ha, hybrid clover – 0.30-0.31 t/ha, deer vetch – 0.45-0.47 t/ha. Conclusions. For the successful seed production of new high-yielding varieties of perennial leguminous grasses with high sowing and productive properties, a mandatory measure is, against the background of the main fertilization with mineral and fast-acting limestone fertilizers for cover crops, the pre-sowing treatment of seeds with the bacterial preparation Rhizobophyt and foliar fertilizing with the anti-stressor Agrohumat, which contributed on average, over the years of research, to increase seed productivity by 21-57%.

“Oxygen intake”, “Hypoxia”, “Respiratory muscles training”: are very well known terms in now-a-day sports. That is why the goal of the research is to investigate the effects of the lack of oxygen on an organism’s functionality in the low season preparation term within the cycling stage of triathlon. Nine healthy active triathletes (males n=9), age (20 ± 7 years), competitive at national and international level, were trained in the equal conditions using Spinning bikes in the same room (22 °C ± 2.4 °C and 82 ± 4 % RH), at the same time, at the same cadence (100 revolutions ± 5 rev.) and performing the same exercises. All participants had 4 monocycles pre-experimental preparation (PP). Followed by 12 monocycles (hypoxia training – HT) as a part of a monthly microcycle. During a 60 min session one group was using Ultrabreathe, another group was using the Elevation Mask 2.0 and the last group didn’t use any device performing as a control group. After another 4 monocycles for recovery (R). Data was collected at the end of each phase-PP (4 monocycles in one week), in the middle and at the end of phase-HT (8-monocycles using Elevation Mask 2.0 and Ultrabreathe devices) and the end of phase-R (4-monocycles with no respiration effort). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), Lactate (LA), cadence power (W) and heart rate (HR) was recorded and collected as part of the research. All were measured in laboratory conditions using KORR CardioCoach gas analyzing system for VO2max, cadence power was measured by the Monark LC4R ergometer bike, whereas blood samples were collected for lactate using the COBAS Accutrend Plus device, heart rate data was measured by the POLAR H7 heart rate belts and POLAR Power Flow system. The performances expressed changes in all four parameters on all stages of the experiment. Maximal oxygen consumption showed an increase in two groups who were using the respiratory depression devices after 8 monocycles –by 4,35 and 3,01% respectively, and by the end of the experiment the total difference was - 3,74 and 0,82 % respectively. Improvements were also defined in the level of increase in lactate and maximum cadence power. There was a power increase in the two groups who were using the respiratory depression devices after 8 monocycles - 3,92 and 1,57% respectively, and by the end of experiment the total difference was - 3,57 and 0,87 % respectively. All this data shows us the positive effects of hypoxial training.

Abstract Abstract 2266 Betrixaban is a once daily oral Factor Xa inhibitor being investigated in a Phase 3 clinical trial to prevent venous thromboembolism in acute medically ill patients (APEX Study). Mass balance, metabolite profile and interaction with major CYP enzymes were evaluated in this study. Portola study 06–005 was an open-label, single-dose, mass-balance and metabolic profiling study using 14C-labeled betrixaban in 5 healthy male volunteers. Each subject received a single oral solution containing 40 mg of betrixaban labeled with 100 μCi of 14C. Blood samples were taken serially over a 168-hour interval. Urine samples and fecal samples were collected during the 7–14 day confinement period. Subjects were discharged from the unit when at least one of the following criteria were met: 90% of the radioactivity was recovered in urine and feces, daily excreted radioactivity was 1% or less of administered dose on two consecutive days, or subject reached 336 hours (14 days) post dose. The plasma concentration equivalents of total radioactivity increased rapidly following dosing with a mean peak of 31.69 ng eq/mL occurring at 3.5 hours post-dose. AUC and half-life could not be calculated as radioactivity in plasma could only be detected up to 6 hours post dose. Terminal elimination half life determined in other clinical pharmacology studies was 37 hours. Total radioactivity recovered from urine and feces was approximately 96% (range 92% to 99%), with the majority of 14C recovery in feces (82% to 89% of the dose). The 14C dose recovered in urine, composed of betrixaban and inactive metabolites, ranged from 6% to 13%. The metabolic profile of betrixaban was determined in plasma, urine and feces. Unchanged betrixaban was the predominant component found in human plasma and excreta, accounting for 85.3% of the dose excreted in urine and feces. The major biotransformation pathway for betrixaban was hydrolysis to form PRT062802 and PRT062803, a non-14C labeled metabolite (Figure 1). PRT062803 can be demethylated to form PRT062799 or hydroxylated to form PRT062982. PRT062982 is further conjugated with sulfate to form PRT063069. Both PRT062802 and PRT063069 were major circulating metabolites in human plasma with AUC of 34% and 24% that of betrixaban, respectively. PRT062802 was the only prominent metabolite detected in human urine and feces. In addition to hydrolysis metabolites, two CYP-mediated metabolites, O-desmethyl betrixaban (PRT058326) and N-desmethyl betrixaban (PRT054156), were observed in plasma at trace levels (AUC of each was <1% that of betrixaban). Trace levels of PRT058326 was also observed in urine and feces. Both PRT062802 and PRT063069 were inactive (IC50 for fXa inhibition >10 μM). PRT058326 and PRT054156 have an IC50 for fXa inhibition of approximately 5 nM compared to betrixaban Ki of 0.117 pM. Interaction of betrixaban with CYP enzymes was studied in vitro. CYP inhibition potential was evaluated in human liver microsomes with or without 30 minute pre-incubation of betrixaban. Selective probe substrates were used to monitor CYP activities, i.e. phenacetin for 1A2, tolbutamide for 2C9, S-mephenytoin for 2C19, dextromethorphan for 2D6, and testosterone and midazolam for 3A4. Betrixaban had IC50 > 80 μM for CYP1A2, 2C9, 2D6 and 3A4 for both competitive and time-dependent inhibition. IC50 for 2C19 were 43 and 88 μM for competitive and time-dependent inhibition, respectively. The CYP inhibition IC50's are much higher than the betrixaban therapeutic concentration of 50 nM. CYP induction by betrixaban was also studied using cryopreserved human hepatocytes (n=3). Betrixaban at 1, 10 and 25 μM were incubated in hepatocyte preparation for 48 hours. The activities for CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 were determined by measuring the formation of metabolites of the probe substrates similar to those used in the CYP inhibition study. CYP2C19 activities were not quantifiable in all three donors; therefore, induction for this CYP isoform could not be assessed. Betrixaban did not induce the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4. These results demonstrated that betrixaban was mainly excreted as the unchanged drug most likely via biliary secretion. Renal excretion and metabolism were minor elimination pathways. Betrixaban is unlikely to have drug-drug interactions with CYP-substrate, inducer, or inhibitor drugs. Disclosures: Hutchaleelaha: Portola pharmaceuticals: Employment. Ye:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Song:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Lorenz:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Gretler:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Equity Ownership. Lambing:Portola Pharmaceuticals: Employment.

Abstract Background We examined the effect of the 2000-m ergometer test on gut injury in competitive elite rowers in two different training phases. Given that inflammatory markers during the competitive phase are higher, we hypothesise that markers of intestinal injury are also more elevated during that phase. Methods We performed this study during the preparatory phase (Test I) and competitive phase (Test II) of annual training. We included 10 competitive elite rowers, members of the Polish Rowing Team, in the study after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The participants performed a 2000-m ergometer test during both phases (Tests I and II). We collected blood samples before the test, immediately after the test and after 1 h of recovery. We measured the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), and zonulin. Results There were no significant changes over time in Test I and Test II in the gut integrity markers. There were significantly lower I-FABP and IL-6 levels after the test for Test II compared with Test I. The pre-test LPS level was significantly lower for Test II compared with Test I. The pre-test LBP and zonulin levels were numerically lower in Test II, but the differences were not significant. Conclusions The 2000-m ergometer test showed no influence on gut integrity markers. However, there were differences in the response to exercise between Tests I and II. The lower level of gut injury markers after extreme exercise tests carried out during the preparation period may be the result of adaptive mechanisms and could indicate that rationally conducted training significantly decreases intestinal injury.

AbstractKesterite Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 is considered one of the most competitive photovoltaic materials due to its earth-abundant and nontoxic constituent elements, environmental friendliness, and high stability. However, the preparation of high-quality Kesterite absorbers for photovoltaics is still challenging for the uncontrollability and complexity of selenization reactions between metal element precursors and selenium. In this study, we propose a solid-liquid/solid-gas (solid precursor and liquid/vapor Se) synergistic reaction strategy to precisely control the selenization process. By pre-depositing excess liquid selenium, we provide the high chemical potential of selenium to facilitate the direct and rapid formation of the Kesterite phase. The further optimization of selenium condensation and subsequent volatilization enables the efficient removal of organic compounds and thus improves charge transport in the absorber film. As a result, we achieve high-performance Kesterite solar cells with total-area efficiency of 13.6% (certified at 13.44%) and 1.09 cm2-area efficiency of 12.0% (certified at 12.1%).

Ce travail de thèse avait pour objectif d'analyser l'influence d'une saison sportive sur les caractéristiques physiques, physiologiques et psychologiques des joueurs de handball du club de Montpellier Agglomération Handball, un des meilleurs clubs européens. Dans un premier temps (Etude 1), nous nous sommes intéressés à l'évolution du profil musculaire isocinétique des membres inférieurs pendant la phase de préparation pré-compétitive (Pc2P). Bien que cette période soit courte (8 semaines), nos résultats montrent que la plupart des valeurs de force, de puissance (à 30±.s¡1, 60±.s¡1 et 240±.s¡1, en concentrique et en excentrique), et des différents ratios (agoniste vs antagoniste, dominant vs non dominant ainsi que le ratio mixte) augmentent significativement pendant Pc2P. Dans un deuxième temps (Etude 2), nous nous sommes intéressés à l'évolution du profil musculaire isocinétique des membres inférieurs pendant la période de compétition. Nos résultats montrent qu'une saison de compétition n'impacte pas significativement l'évolutionde la plupart des paramètres isocinétiques suscités. Enfin, au cours de notre 3e travail, nous avons étudié l'évolution de certains marqueurs (biologiques, physiologiques et psychologiques) au cours d'une saison sportive. Les principaux résultats de nos travaux montrent (i) une baisse des valeurs moyennes de VFC concernant les valeurs de HF et de RMSSD, couplée à une légère augmentation de FC en T4, laissant supposer une baisse de l'activité parasympathique en position couchée, (ii) une augmentation des valeurs au questionnaire d'état de forme en T4 et (iii) une diminution des valeurs de [C]sg , [F]sg , IGF-1 et Hématocrite,respectivement en T5 et T4. Les résultats des valeurs de Testostérone montrent une augmentation significative en T5. Ils ne montrent aucune modification significative des valeurs de CPK et d'IGFBP-3. Ces travaux soulignent la nécessité de développer les qualités de force et de puissance le plus efficacement possible pendant Pc2P et de cibler les marqueurs les plus pertinents pour le suivi longitudinal des joueurs de handball
The objective of this thesis was to analyze the influence of a sports season on the physical, physiological and psychological characteristics of handball players of the Montpellier Agglomération Handball club, one of the best European clubs. At first (Study 1), we were interested in the evolution of the isokinetic muscular profile of the lower limbs during the pre-competitive preparation phase (Pc2P). Although this period is short (8 weeks), our results show that most of the values of strength, power (at 30±.s¡1, 60±.s¡1 and 240±.s¡1, in concentric and eccentric), and different ratios (agonist vs antagonist, dominant vs non-dominant as wellas mixed ratio) increase significantly during Pc2P. In a second phase (Study 2), we were interested in the evolution of the isokinetic muscular profile of the lower limbs during the competition period. Our results show that a competitive season does not significantly affect the evolution of most of isokinetic parameters. Finally, during our 3rd work, we studied the evolution of many markers (biological, physiological and psychological) during a sports season. The main results of our work show (i) a decrease in the mean values of VFC concerning HF and RMSSD values, coupled with a slight increase in HR in T4, suggesting a decrease inparasympathetic activity in the supine position, (ii) an increase in the values in the T4 fitness questionnaire and (iii) a decrease in the values of [C]sg , [F]sg , IGF-1 and Hematocrit, respectively in T5 and T4. Testosterone results show a significant increase in T5. They showed no significant change in CPK and IGFBP-3 values. This work emphasizes the need to develop the strength and power qualities most effectively during Pc2P and to target the most e-relevant markers for longitudinal tracking of handball players