Effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training in the pre-competitive period on volleyball athletes' performance.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of plyometric training (PT), performed in the pre-competitive period, on the vertical jump performance of professional volleyball athletes. We recruited 17 professional female volleyball players (age: 19 ± 3 years; weight: 67.2 ± 5.

Results of arthroscopic partial repair of large retracted rotator cuff tears.

Purpose: To evaluate the midterm results of partial rotator cuff repair using the Constant score and the acromiohumeral radiographic measurement.

Methods: Thirty-eight patients with a mean age of 65 years and a large retracted rotator cuff tear (at least 2 tendons) were included in the study. Patients underwent clinical examination, standard radiography, and isometric strength testing at a mean follow-up of 47 months.

Molecular identity and heterogeneity of Trichomonad parasites in a closed avian population.

Columbids (pigeons and doves) are the primary host of Trichomonas gallinae, the flagellate protozoon which causes avian trichomoniasis, a widespread, often lethal disease. Although predominantly apathogenic, the organism is paradigmatic for the study of strain-specific virulence, with some strains causing greater than 75% mortality and epizootic die-offs in wildlife populations. In recent years, research on this important emerging pathogen has been neglected and genetic variation within the parasite has not hitherto been investigated.

Real-time myocardial perfusion imaging for pharmacologic stress testing: added value to single photon emission computed tomography.

Background: Little is known about the incremental value of real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) as an adjunct to pharmacologic stress testing. This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of MCE to detect abnormal myocardial perfusion by technetium Tc 99m sestamibi-single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and anatomically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) by angiography.

Methods: Myocardial contrast echocardiography was performed at rest and during vasodilator stress in consecutive patients (N = 120) undergoing SPECT imaging for known or suspected CAD.

Real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography for pharmacologic stress testing: is quantitative estimation of myocardial blood flow reserve necessary?

Background: Little is known about the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) as an adjunct to stress testing. This study was performed to evaluate the agreement between MCE and technetium 99m-sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) for detection of perfusion defects and to investigate whether quantitative assessment of myocardial perfusion can increase the diagnostic value of MCE.

Methods: MCE was performed at rest and during peak adenosine stress in 50 unselected patients undergoing SPECT imaging.