It has been reported that there is a high proportion of left-handers among top athletes in different sports. In this study, the goal was to examine the rate of left-handedness in the top wrestlers at the world championships for achievement by left-handed wrestlers. The rate of left-handedness was higher in wrestlers with medal honors compared to wrestlers without medals for both men and women. The winning numbers and match degrees were higher in the left-handed wrestlers than in both right- and mixed-handed wrestlers among top international wrestlers.

Objective: This experimental study was conducted to elucidate the possible protective/therapeutic effects of quercetin against methotrexate (Mtx)-induced kidney toxicity with biochemical and histopathological studies. Methods: Twenty-four adult male rats were randomly divided into four groups, as follows: control group (saline intraperitoneally (i.p.), 9 days), Mtx group (20 mg/kg i.p., single dose), Mtx + quercetin group (50 mg/kg quercetin was orally administered 2 days before and 6 days after Mtx administration) and only quercetin group (50 mg/kg oral, 9 days). Structural changes were evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin and periodic acid–Schiff stainings. Apoptotic changes were investigated by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and caspase-3 antibody. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in tissue and plasma samples. Results: Mtx compared with the control group, there was significant increase in nephrotoxic tissue damage findings, in addition to apoptotic index (APOI) and caspase-3 expression ( p < 0.05). Mtx + quercetin group revealed significantly lower histopathological damage and APOI and caspase-3 expression decreased when compared to Mtx group. MDA levels were increased in Mtx group compared to others, and by the use of quercetin, this increase was significantly reduced. SOD levels were higher in Mtx group than others. This increase was evaluated as a relative increase arising from oxidative damage caused by Mtx. Conclusion: As a result, Mtx administration may involve oxidative stress by causing structural and functional damage in kidney tissue in rats. Quercetin reduced the Mtx-induced oxidative stress through its antioxidant properties and so quercetin may be promising to alleviate Mtx-induced renal toxicity.

These results indicate for the first time in humans that cupping might be cardioprotective. In this study, cupping therapy restored sympathovagal imbalances by stimulating the peripheral nervous system.

Uslu et al. (2012 ) suggested that hypnotic status can modulate cerebral blood flow. The authors investigated the effects of hypnosis on heart rate variability (HRV). In women, HRV decreased during hypnosis. Posthypnotic values were higher compared to prehypnotic and hypnotic values. Women had highest HRV parameters in the posthypnotic condition. It appears that hypnosis can produce cardiac and cognitive activations. Hypnotherapy may be useful in some cardiac clinical conditions characterized by an autonomic imbalance or some cardiac arrhythmias.

Purpose: Smoking and alcohol addictions are common and worldwide. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of these addictions on cardiac rhythm using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.Methods: Addicts (n=42 men: 22 cigarette; 20 cigarette and alcohol) and age-matched controls (n=34 men) were included in the study. All patients fulfill the criteria for dependence according to DSM-IV-TR. Electrocardiography (ECG) recordings were obtained for a total of 30 minutes. Fagerstrom Nicotine Addiction Test (FNAT) and CAGE questionnaire (Cut down, Annoy, Guilt, Eye opener) was applied to all patients.Results: Almost all HRV parameters were significantly decreased in cigarette and cigarette and alcohol addicts compared with controls (p<0.05). The mean heart rate (bpm) increased in both addict groups compared with control group, and this increase was particularly significant in cigarette and alcohol addicts. Conclusions:The cardiac autonomic balance shifted in favor of sympathetic activity by suppressing the parasympathetic activity in addicts; therefore, the present study shows that smoking and/or alcohol addiction leads to sympathetic activation and parasympathetic inhibition. Reduced vagal activity also predisposes to cardiac arrhythmias. This suggests an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in subjects with smoking and alcohol addiction.SUPPLEMENT