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Swimming is a human activity that relies heavily on individual physiological capabilities. In fact, the swimming general performance equation, proposed several years ago by di Prampero 1, highlighted the energy expenditure, the propulsive efficiency and the hydrodynamic drag as its main determinants. Therefore, coaches and exercise physiologists have been proposing a number of testing protocols aiming to diagnose the swimmers physiological training status. However, most of these protocols are invasive, time consuming and costly (e.g. the oxygen uptake assessment and the blood lactate concentrations determination). In addition, some of these tests have some constraints, as the use of a cumbersome breathing valve for respiratory data collection (cf. 2) and the selection of an averaged value of blood lactate concentrations as an non individualized index of endurance performance 34. Show less

Neosaxitoxin (NeoSTX) is a specific high-affinity inhibitor of voltage-dependent sodium channels, which has shown excellent results as a local anesthetic in various pathologies and post-operative protocols, since it effect is long-lasting and have virtually no side effects.The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of NeoSTX as an epidural anesthetic in female cats, undergoing ovariohysterectomy, compared to Lidocaine in a randomized and double-blind study. Two groups of 11 female cats were randomly in the NeoSTX group and the lidocaine group. They were administered, respectively, a single dose of NeoSTX (0.5 μg / kg) or lidocaine (4 mg / kg, 2%) by epidural via. Using the UNESP-Botucatu pain assessment scale, which considers multiple behavioral and physiological factors, the epidural anesthetic effect of NeoSTX and lidocaine was evaluated, up to 240 min after the ovariohysterectomy procedure. NeoSTX no altered the peripheral blood pressure during the cut of uterine cervix, and generated lower values on the pain scale as compared to the lidocaine treatment. None of the cats anesthetized with NeoSTX required an extra dose of pain-relieving drugs (2 mg / kg of tramadol) during the first 150 min after surgery, whereas nine cats from the lidocaine group did need an extra dose of analgesic. NeoSTX is a powerful pain blocker, with a long-lasting anesthetic effect when administered by an epidural procedure. Therefore, NeoSTX emerges as a promising alternative to conventional anesthetics for the treatment of postoperative pain. Show less

The brain is one of the most complicated body segments which processes almost all activities in human body. Excessive physical and mental overloads can cause brain fatigue and may put the brain health at risk of various disorders. Strategies such as reducing the workloads and performing mediation and walking provide opportunities for brain to relax and reconstruct its capability again. Show less

The brain is the most complex organ which governs almost all activities in human body. Thus, the mental fitness has high level of importance in every day workouts. The good activities for long-term brain health include performing regular exercises such as a simple walking for 10 min at each day. More importantly having good level of diet can keep the brain workouts in an ideal situation. Indeed, taking enough rest can enhance the brain performances. Listening to the desirable sound of music could also enhance concentration and improve the mood. In overall, these aforementioned life style modifications significantly can easily boost the brain power and its healthy function through different aspects in daily life. Show less