Altered erythroid-related miRNA levels as a possible novel biomarker for detection of autologous blood transfusion misuse in sport.

Background: Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) is a performance-enhancing method prohibited in sport; its detection is a key issue in the field of anti-doping. Among novel markers enabling ABT detection, microRNAs (miRNAs) might be considered a promising analytical tool.

Study Design And Methods: We studied the changes of erythroid-related microRNAs following ABT, to identify novel biomarkers.

Changes in hemoglobin profile reflect autologous blood transfusion misuse in sports.

The changes in hemoglobin (Hb) profile following autologous blood transfusion (ABT) for the first time were studied for anti-doping purposes. Twenty-four healthy, trained male subjects (aged 18‒40) were enrolled and randomized into either the transfusion (T) or control (C) groups. Blood samples were taken from the T subjects at baseline, after withdrawal and reinfusion of 450 ml of refrigerated or cryopreserved blood, and from C subjects at the same time points.

Effects of low-intensity endurance and resistance training on mobility in chronic stroke survivors: a pilot randomized controlled study.

Background: Chronic stroke survivors are exposed to long-term disability and physical deconditioning, effects that may impact their independence and quality of life. Community-based programs optimizing the dose of exercise therapy that are simultaneously low risk and able to achieve high adherence should be identified.

Aim: We tested the hypothesis that an 8-week, community-based, progressive mixed endurance-resistance exercise program at lower cardiovascular and muscular load yielded more mobility benefits than a higher-intensity program in chronic stroke survivors.

Planning the International Competition Schedules for the Health of Elite Athletes: A 21-Year Retrospective Study Evaluating the Effectiveness and Economic Impact in an Olympic Sport.

Background: The increased number of trips and competitions scheduled in the international agonistic calendars meets commercial demands while acting as a source of stress for the athletes. A model, developed in biathlons to monitor the so-called competition load, revealed an upward trend over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a 21-year period, the effects of the International Biathlon Union's rescheduling of the competitive calendars to control the competition load, as well as its stability over time and the economic impact of this intervention.

Reliability of the vascular claudication reporting in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease: a study with near-infrared spectroscopy.

We evaluated whether altered reporting of ischemic symptoms occurs in diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stable claudication. Patients (n = 152) with claudication were enrolled (120 males; mean age: 71.0 ± 8.