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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) limits the physical activities of sports players. This study aimed to examine the activities and eating habits of elite adult athletes before and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to establish a database. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the activity levels and dietary patterns of 776 elite adult athletes in 22 sports. A total of 36 questions included items on demographic factors and physical activity, sleep and eating habits before and after COVID-19 (April 2021–December 2021). Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 25.0, Windows). Additionally, paired sample t-tests were used. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. After COVID-19, both vigorous and moderate activities decreased across almost all sports. Sitting and lying down showed an increasing trend, and some sports saw an increase in the diet of their players. Finally, participation in all sports significantly decreased. It is important for athletes to find the best way to maintain their physical, physiological and psychological states after COVID-19 to return close to their original abilities. Moreover, this study will help prepare for other infectious diseases after COVID-19.

Abstract Air Force pilots and some athletes (e.g., in sledding sports) are frequently exposed to high G-forces. High-intensity physical activity is essential to withstand gravitational acceleration, and morphological symmetry and functional movement are directly related to injury in those who perform these activities. However, the relationship between G-endurance and physical imbalance and the effect on physical performance is poorly understood. This study aimed to analyze the physical performance of those exposed to a high load of G-tolerance and who performed high-intensity physical activity. A total of 363 male cadets from the Korean Air Force Academy underwent functional movement screen tests, anatomical structure measurements, G-tests (fourth grade), and body composition and physical fitness tests. Participants were classified into the G-test-pass and -fail groups depending on the G-test results. The pass group showed significantly different bilateral imbalance in active straight leg raises (p

Background This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional knowledge of elite athletes undergoing weight loss and to identify differences in weight-loss strategies according to nutritional knowledge.Methods The participants included 22 coaches and 88 elite athletes registered under the same affiliation. The survey involved translating the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), and interviews were used to confirm the diet and weight loss patterns of the athletes. The coaches and athletes were divided into high-rank (12 coaches and 57 athletes) and low-rank (10 coaches and 31 athletes) groups based on GNKQ scores. Paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were performed.Results GNKQ results showed significant differences between high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p

This study investigates the effects of low-intensity high-repetition (LI-HR) and high-intensity low-repetition (HI-LR) resistance training (RT) on functional fitness and myokines in older adults. A total of 30 participants (mean age ~76 years) were randomized into control (n = 10), LI-HR (n = 10), or HI-LR (n = 10) groups. Participants in LI-HR and HI-LR groups performed elastic band-based RT three times per week for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included functional fitness (relative grip strength, sit-to-stand, 4 m walk, timed up-and-go (TUG)), ankle muscle strength, lower extremity power, and myokine levels (IL-6, IGF-1, SPARC, BDNF). Both experimental groups showed significant IL-6 reduction (LI-HR: p = 0.033; HI-LR: p = 0.015) and IGF-1 increase (LI-HR: p = 0.003; HI-LR: p < 0.001). SPARC increased significantly only in the HI-LR group (p = 0.021). Functional improvements were noted in TUG for both groups, while the 4 m walk improved significantly in the HI-LR group (p < 0.001). Body fat percentage increased in both LI-HR (p = 0.003) and HI-LR (p = 0.047). In conclusion, both LI-HR and HI-LR RT effectively enhance functional fitness and key myokines, with LI-HR emerging as a promising, accessible option for older adults.

Abstract The Gravitational Acceleration Test (G-test) is a demanding, and sophisticated high-intensity physical activity, greatly influenced by individual body composition and physical strength. This study analyzed the general nutrition knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) responses of Air Force cadets to identify the relationship between nutrition knowledge, body composition, physical activity, physical strength, and gravity-induced loss of consciousness. Based on the G-test results, 105 fourth-year Air Force cadets were divided into two groups: GP (G-test pass group) and GF (G-test fail group). The analysis items were GNKQ responses, body composition, and physical strength analysis, based on which independent sample t-tests , and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Physical activity according to the G-test results was statistically higher in the GP compared to the GF (vigorous activity reps/week, p = 0.017; mins/day, p = 0.011). The GP Group showed a statistically high GNKQ score compared to the GF Group: Overall (p = 0.003), Section 1 (p

Background: Prolonged training in combat boots can place significant stress on the medial longitudinal arch, potentially leading to lower-extremity muscle stiffness and an increased risk of injury. This study assessed the impact of toe-strengthening exercises on improving the lower-extremity function and functional movement in cadets undergoing training. Methods: Forty junior cadets (mean age: 22.6 years) participated in this study. The measurements included the medial longitudinal arch height, lower-extremity muscle stiffness, functional movement, and leg length. Results: Cadets who performed the toe exercises demonstrated improved lower-extremity muscle stiffness and functional movement performance (hurdle step, p = 0.010; rotary stability, p = 0.001). A significant correlation was observed between the exercise group and time (tibialis right, p = 0.008; tibialis left, p = 0.028). Conclusions: This study highlighted the potential of toe-strengthening exercises to enhance the lower-extremity function and reduce the risk of injury among cadets. However, challenges in identifying the medical history, past injuries, and specific areas of pain for each cadet were noted. These findings support the implementation of targeted toe exercises in military training programs to prevent injuries.

Purpose This study aimed to analyze the G-test results based on body composition and heart rate of fourth grade Air Force cadets, identify the relationships among body composition, heart rate, and G-resistance, and provide basic data for pilots and Air Force cadets to strengthen the G-tolerance. Methods This study used wearable devices to measure the heart rate and fatigue of 27 fourth-grade cadets of the Air Force Academy. Physical composition and physical fitness were assessed. Based on the measurement results, G-test result analysis and correlation analysis were performed. Results G-test results showed a steady heart rate (p=.015), deep sleep time (p

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on elite youth athletes by investigating their activities and eating habits before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This study included 917 elite adult athletes from 19 sports and were grouped into 6. The questionnaire included items regarding demographics, physical activity, sleep, and eating habits before and after COVID-19. A total of 44 questions requiring subjective short answers were included. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. RESULTS After COVID-19, vigorous and moderate activity decreased across all sports; however, light activity increased in almost sports. Time spent sitting increased across all sports. The difference in the number of meals consumed varied among sports, and the number of competitions decreased in all sports. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be finished but has not ended yet. Athletes must determine the best way to maintain their physical, physiological, and psychological states close to their original abilities. Determining this will provide the greatest impact on the return of athletes after COVID-19; this study will be helpful.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in erythropoiesis and iron metabolism indicators in order to improve the maintenance of athletic performance during rapid weight loss. Methods: The subjects were 23 university wrestlers (13 male, 10 female). The first measurements in the male and female groups after natural iron supplement intake indicated weight decreases of 6.2% and 5.8%, respectively. After the 3-week washout period, the weights in the male and female groups decreased by 6.1% and 6.2%, respectively. Results: Males in the intake group experienced changes in iron metabolism after weight loss, as shown by increases in the iron indicators (Fe, p < 0.041; transferrin, p < 0.004; total iron binding Capacity (TIBC), p < 0.031), whereas the female group showed no significant changes. Both groups experienced decreases in erythropoietin (males, p < 0.021; females, p < 0.027) and VO2max (p

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze G test results according to the three-Factor eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), body composition, and physical fitness of fourth-grade air force cadets. this was done to identify the relationship between the TFEQ, body composition, and G resistance, in order to provide basic data for pilots and air force cadets to strengthen G tolerance. METHODS: From the Republic of Korea air Force academy (ROKAFA), 138 fourth-year cadets were assessed using the TFEQ and for body composition and physical fitness. Based on these measurement results, a G test result analysis and a correlation analysis were conducted. RESULT: The TFEQ showed statistically significant differences in several areas when comparing the G test pass group (GP group) to the G test fail group (GF group). Three-km running time was significantly faster in the GP group than in the GF group. Physical activity levels were higher in the GP group compared to the GF group. CONCLUSION: The TFEQ demonstrated utility in predicting whether cadets will pass or fail G-LOC testing. G test success for any cadet will require improvement in continuous eating behavior and physical fitness management. if variables affecting the G test are analyzed and applied to physical education and training through continuous research over the next two to three years, it is expected to have a greater effect on the success of the G test for every cadet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the eating habits of Korean wrestlers, and to explore the impact of differences in dietary intake on power output performance and blood lactate concentrations. Thirty adult wrestlers with more than seven years of experience each were included, grouped according to their competitive level (national, senior, and university team level). Participants recorded their dietary intake for seven days; nutritional analysis was performed using the CAN-Pro 4.0 software. After the nutritional survey, power output performance (Wingate test) was evaluated and blood parameters, including lactate concentration, were assessed. The wrestlers’ dietary assessments revealed differences in carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake among the groups, as well as differences in the peak power, mean power, and change in peak power, obtained from the Wingate test. Finally, the senior group had a significantly higher and lower lactate concentration than the university group immediately post training and 30 minutes post training, respectively. Follow-up studies should reveal more accurate associations between nutritional intake, nutritional quality, and performance. Finally, considering a study concerning nutrition and weight loss based on the results from this study, including not only wrestlers but also combat sport athletes will benefit nutrition education as well as athletes’ intake and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this pilot study, we investigated the effect of spatone, a naturally occurring mineral water supplement, on endurance capacity and inflammatory cytokines in wrestlers undergoing a rapid weight control program. Nine amateur university wrestlers participated and were randomly divided into placebo- and spatone-treated groups. The study used a crossover design, including a 4-week washout period. The rapid weight control program was focused on body weight loss, while maintaining their athletic performance (muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance). The initial body weight was 87.19 ± 2.45 kg in the spatone-treated group and 86.60 ± 3.01 kg in the placebo group. After the rapid weight control program, the body weight decreased to 83.56 ± 2.71 kg (4.21% decrease) in the spatone-treated group and 82.95 ± 2.97 kg (4.16% decrease) in the placebo group. However, there were no significant differences in body weight or body composition between placebo- and spatone-treated groups. Endurance capacity improved significantly in terms of VO2max and lactate accumulation after spatone supplement. The interleukin (IL)-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and IL-6 concentrations were not altered with spatone treatment or placebo in the rapid weight-loss condition; however, a positive relationship (R = 0.643, P = .023) was observed between the change in IL-6 and VO2max. Thus, our results are consistent with prior studies in that spatone supplementation could protect against iron loss induced by intense training, considering that spatone affects the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and exercise capacity. These preliminary results serve to facilitate the planning for the nutritional application of spatone with their exercise program for wrestlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer resulting from accumulated abnormal plasma cells. Unfortunately, MM remains an incurable disease, as relapse is very common. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop new treatment options for MM. Radotinib is a novel anti-cancer drug, currently approved in South Korea for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of the tyrosine kinase Bcr-Abl and the platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Generally, the mechanism of inhibition of non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl has played an essential role in the inhibition of cancer progression. However, little is known regarding the effects of the c-Abl inhibitor, radotinib on MM cells. In this study, we analyzed the effect of radotinib on multiple myeloma cells. Interestingly, radotinib caused apoptosis in MM cells including RPMI-8226, MM.1S, and IM-9 cells, even in the absence of c-kit expression in 2 of these lines. Radotinib treatment significantly increased the number Annexin V-positive cells and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in MM cells. Additionally, we observed that cytochrome C was localized in the cytosol of radotinib-treated MM cells. Moreover, radotinib decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and increased the expression of Bax and Bak in MM cells. Furthermore, radotinib promoted caspase pathway activation by inducing the expression and activity of caspase-3, -7, and -9. Expression of cleaved PARP-1 was also increased by radotinib treatment in various MM cells. In addition, radotinib significantly suppressed MM cell growth in a xenograft animal model using RPMI-8226 cells, and killed ex vivo myeloma cells from patients. In conclusion, radotinib may play an important role as a candidate agent or chemosensitizer for the treatment of MM.

Abstract Background Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) in play an important role in the initiation, relapse, and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and in the development of chemotherapeutic drug resistance in AML. Studies regarding the detection of LSCs and the development of novel therapies for targeting them are extensive. The identification of LSCs and targeting therapies for them has been continuously under investigation. Methods We examined the levels of CD45dimCD34+CD38−CD133+ cells in bone marrow samples from patients with hematological malignancies and healthy controls, using four-color flow cytometry. Results Interestingly, the CD45dimCD34+CD38−CD133+ cells were highly expressed in the bone marrow of patients with AML compared to that in healthy controls (HC). Moreover, the proportions of CD45dimCD34+CD38−CD133+ cells were also examined in diverse hematological malignancies, including AML, CML, DLBCL, MM, MDS, HL, ALL, and CLL. LSCs were prominently detected in the BMCs isolated from patients with AML and CML, but rarely in BMCs isolated from patients with DLBCL, MM, MDS, ALL, CLL, and HL. Additionally, the high CD45dimCD34+CD38−CD133+ cell counts in AML patients served as a significantly poor risk factor for overall and event free survival. Conclusions Therefore, our results suggest that CD45dimCD34+CD38−CD133+ cells in AML might potentially serve as LSCs. In addition, this cell population might represent a novel therapeutic target in AML.

Aurora kinases play critical roles in regulating several processes pivotal for mitosis. Radotinib, which is approved in South Korea as a second-line treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia, inhibits the tyrosine kinase BCR-ABL and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. However, the effects of radotinib on Aurora kinase expression in acute myeloid leukemia are not well studied. Interestingly, the cytotoxicity of acute myeloid leukemia cells was increased by radotinib treatment. Radotinib significantly decreased the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 and cyclin B1, the key regulators of G2/M phase, and inhibited the expression of Aurora kinase A and Aurora kinase B in acute myeloid leukemia cells. In addition, radotinib decreased the expression and binding between p-Aurora kinase A and TPX2, which are required for spindle assembly. Furthermore, it reduced Aurora kinase A and polo-like kinase 1 phosphorylation and suppressed the expression of α-, β-, and γ-tubulin in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Furthermore, radotinib significantly suppressed the key regulators of G2/M phase including cyclin B1 and Aurora kinase A in a xenograft animal model. Therefore, our results suggest that radotinib can abrogate acute myeloid leukemia cell growth both in vitro and in vivo and may serve as a candidate agent or a chemosensitizer for treating acute myeloid leukemia.