The α-actinin-3 (ACTN3) gene rs1815739 (C/T, R577X) polymorphism is a variant frequently associated with athletic performance among different populations. However, there is limited research on the impact of this variant on athlete status and physical performance in basketball players. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) to determine the association of ACTN3 rs1815739 polymorphism with changes in physical performance in response to six weeks of training in elite basketball players using 30 m sprint and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (IR 2) tests, and (2) to compare ACTN3 genotype and allelic frequencies between elite basketball players and controls. The study included a total of 363 individuals, comprising 101 elite basketball players and 262 sedentary individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from oral epithelial cells or leukocytes, and genotyping was performed by real-time PCR using KASP genotyping method or by microarray analysis. We found that the frequency of the ACTN3 rs1815739 XX genotype was significantly lower in basketball players compared to controls (10.9 vs. 21.4%, p = 0.023), suggesting that RR/RX genotypes were more favorable for playing basketball. Statistically significant (p = 0.045) changes were observed in Yo-Yo IRT 2 performance measurement tests in basketball players with the RR genotype only. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the carriage of the ACTN3 rs1815739 R allele may confer an advantage in basketball.

Objective: The effects of urapidil in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model were investigated using histopathological and biochemical methods. Materials and methods: Forty Wistar albino rats were subjected to sham operation (Group 1), IR (Group 2), IR+dimethyl sulfoxide (Group 3), IR+urapidil 0.5 mg/kg (Group 4), and IR+urapidil 5 mg/kg (Group 5). Levels of MDA, TAS, TOS, SOD, MPO, NF-κB, caspase-3, and LC3B were measured. Results and discussion: The groups 2 and 3 had significantly higher TOS and MPO levels than the sham group had (p < 0.001), whereas the TAS and SOD levels were significantly lower in Group 2 than in the sham group. In treatment groups, TAS and SOD levels increased, whereas TOS, MPO, and MDA levels decreased compared to Group 2. Caspase-3 and LC3B immunopositivities were seen at severe levels in Group 2 and 3. However, Group 4 and 5 were found to have lower levels of immunopositivity. Immunopositivity was observed in interstitial areas, peribronchial region, and bronchial epithelial cells. A moderate level of NF-κB immunopositivity was seen in Group 2 and 3. Conclusion: Our results show that urapidil is one of the antioxidant agents and protects lung tissue from oxidant effects of intestinal IR injury.

Aim: This study has been performed to evaluate the effect of the applied-education in the ambulance simulation laboratory on the skill level of students registered in the Emergency and First Aid Program of Health Services Vocational School. Material and Methods: 67 students, registered in junior class of the Emergency and First Aid Program of Health Services Vocational School in 2013-2014 academic year, were admitted to the study conducted with half experimental model. Student questionnaires and “Skills Assessment Form" prepared by researchers which contained descriptive features of students were used as the data collection tool. Basic skill levels of students, related to the intervention for the patient in the ambulance, were evaluated pre and post-simulation education using the “Skills Assessment Form”. Simulation applications were performed under the supervision of the instructor with repeated intervals. Results: Female percentage were 61.2%, male percentage were 38.8% and the mean age were about 18.67 ± 1.18 for the students participated in the study. 85.1% of the students were the health vocational high school graduates, percentage of the working students and employees in an institution were 40.3%. 40.7% of working students were employed in 112 and 14.8% were employed as emergency medical technician in a hospital. When pre and post-education performances of students in "opening the pale road" and "Heart massage application" were compared it was found that the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001) and they performed the operation steps more accurately after the education. Conclusion: Accuracy of performing the basic life support applications of students were improved in all steps following the simulation education. As a result, it can be concluded that skill levels of students have been increased due to the education with simulation.

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