Laboratory Identification of Lupus Anticoagulant (LA) Using Different Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) Assays.

Introduction: The International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) guidelines suggest a three-step evaluation for the detection of lupus anticoagulant (LA), including screening, mixing, and confirmation. According to the guidelines, the LA assay based on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) should include an initial screening step followed by a confirmatory step that uses a higher concentration of phospholipids in either bilayer or hexagonal form. For the activator, the guidelines recommend using silica, though ellagic acid is also an option.

Muscle fatigue in participants of indoor cycling.

Background: Indoor Cycling (IC) has been gaining recognition and popularity within recent years and few studies have investigated its benefits for sedentary participants.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the surface electromyography (sEMG) variables, heart rate (HR), and subjective effort in sedentary participants while they performed an IC session and to compare their results with the trained subjects, to answer the question: Are trained cyclists less susceptible to muscle fatigue, since it is expected that they make less effort?

Design: Twenty-six volunteers were split into two groups according to their fitness status and weekly training load. Each participant completed an IC session in a private gym, lasting 45 minutes and were encouraged to follow the pedaling frequency and cycle resistance, within their limitations.