bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the neuromuscular bandage as rehabilitative treatment of patients with drooling and intellectual disability: an interventional study
Authors: Lorca Larrosa M. , Ruiz Roca J. A. , Ruiz Roca M. I. , López‐Jornet P.
Published: January 2019

Background

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of neurological bandages (Kinesio Taping) for managing saliva flow in patients with drooling and intellectual disability.

Methods

Quasi‐experimental study included 30 patients (20 male and 10 female participants) mean age of 15 years with intellectual disability and drooling [Public Special Education Centre in Cartagena (Murcia, Spain)]. Treatment consisted of the application of a strip of neuromuscular bandage applied in the suprahyoid area for a 3‐month period. Efficacy was assessed by means of three clinical scales: the Sialorrhea clinical scale, the drooling rating scale and the drooling impact scale. These evaluations were performed at baseline, after 1 and 3 months of intervention.

Results

Clinical improvements were obtained, showing statistically significant reductions in drooling after 1 month (P < 0.001) and 3 months (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The application of neuromuscular bandages in the suprahyoid muscle area can be a useful option for managing drooling in patients with intellectual disability.
From sensory circumventricular organs to cerebral cortex: Neural pathways controlling thirst and hunger
Authors: McKinley Michael J. , Denton Derek A. , Ryan Philip J. , Yao Song T. , Stefanidis Aneta , Oldfield Brian J.
Published: January 2019

Much progress has been made during the past 30 years with respect to elucidating the neural and endocrine pathways by which bodily needs for water and energy are brought to conscious awareness through the generation of thirst and hunger. One way that circulating hormones influence thirst and hunger is by acting on neurones within sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs). This is possible because the subfornical organ and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), the sensory CVOs in the forebrain, and the area postrema in the hindbrain lack a normal blood‐brain barrier such that neurones within them are exposed to blood‐borne agents. The neural signals generated by hormonal action in these sensory CVOs are relayed to several sites in the cerebral cortex to stimulate or inhibit thirst or hunger. The subfornical organ and OVLT respond to circulating angiotensin II, relaxin and hypertonicity to drive thirst‐related neural pathways, whereas circulating amylin, leptin and possibly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 act at the area postrema to influence neural pathways inhibiting food intake. As a result of investigations using functional brain imaging techniques, the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, as well as several other cortical sites, have been implicated in the conscious perception of thirst and hunger in humans. Viral tracing techniques show that the anterior cingulate cortex and insula receive neural inputs from thirst‐related neurones in the subfornical organ and OVLT, with hunger‐related neurones in the area postrema having polysynaptic efferent connections to these cortical regions. For thirst, initially, the median preoptic nucleus and, subsequently, the thalamic paraventricular nucleus and lateral hypothalamus have been identified as likely sites of synaptic links in pathways from the subfornical organ and OVLT to the cortex. The challenge remains to identify the links in the neural pathways that relay signals originating in sensory CVOs to cortical sites subserving either thirst or hunger.
Does the intravascular volume status in haemodialysis patients measured by inferior vena cava ultrasound correlate with bioimpedance spectroscopy?
Authors: Steinwandel Ulrich , Gibson Nick , Towell‐Barnard Amanda , Parsons Richard , Rippey James , Rosman Johan
Published: January 2019

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of traditional clinical predialytic fluid assessment by renal nurses and the efficacy of 2 additional fluid assessment methods focussing on the potential preventative effect for intradialytic hypotension (IDH).

Background

Predialytic fluid assessment remains a daily challenge for renal nurses, when aiming for adverse event free haemodialysis treatments. Adding further objective parameters obtained through noninvasive methods into pre‐ and intradialytic fluid assessment could potentially improve health outcomes for haemodialysis patients.

Design

Comparative, observational study of three fluid assessment methods on their reliability on volume status and correlation to clinical outcomes.

Methods

Clinical predialytic nursing fluid assessments in 30 haemodialysis patients were compared with additional initial bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measurements, and 3 serial intradialytic ultrasound scans of the inferior vena cava (IVC‐US) performed by a second renal nurse concurrently during the same session. A retrospective data analysis compared all measurements in each individual for the predictive value for IDH. A STROBE checklist for observational cohort studies was used for the reporting of results.

Results

Seven subjects experienced episodes of symptomatic intradialytic hypotension (S‐IDH), which would have been anticipated by IVC‐US or by BIS in 5 patients (71%). Using an algorithm to predict IDH would have provided a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95%.

Conclusion

Both additional fluid assessment methods would have provided critical information before and during each haemodialysis session. Therefore, we consider them as being potentially effective for the prevention of intradialytic hypotension, with IVC‐US being similar to BIS.

Relevance to clinical practice

Traditional clinical nursing fluid assessment methods in haemodialysis patients do not provide sufficient information to prevent episodes of IDH. Additional objective fluid assessment methods are useful and likely to lead to improved health outcomes in HD patients when applied by renal nurses. A combination of IVC‐US, MAP and BIS has potential to reduce the risk of IDH events in HD patients significantly.
The practice of off label prescribing and associated adverse drug reactions in pediatric inpatients in a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Rajan Rebecca , Peter Sharlin M. , Kurian Vincey M. , Ansari Roohinaz , Pawar Sunita , Kalrao Vijay
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To assess the extent of use, patterns, variables and Adverse Drug Reactions associated with off label prescribing in Pediatrics.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 6 months for children of the age group 0-17 years in a tertiary care Hospital in Maharashtra, India. Off label drug use was assessed using Micromedex and British National Formulary for Children (BNFC 2016–2017). Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) were assessed according to the physicians' notes, recorded during the patient's hospital stay. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between age and the number of off-label drugs. Odds ratio was calculated for the occurrence of ADRs in on-label prescriptions Vs off label-prescriptions. A P value of <0.05 was considered as significant.

Key findings

A total of 1514 prescriptions were evaluated in 300 patients. Out of which 542 (35.79%) and 423 (27.9%) were off label according to Micromedex and BNFC respectively. The number of patients who received at least one off label was found to be 225 (75%) – Micromedex and 223 (74.3%) – BNFC Unspecified indication and use of drugs outside the specified age limit were identified as the main variables associated with off label prescribing. Highest proportion of off-label drugs was found in Alimentary system. A total of 35 ADRs (OR 6.92 CI 95%(OR 6.92, 95% CI, 3.13-15.27)) were identified in 31 patients.

Conclusions

Off-label drug use is prevalent in the pediatric population and warrants an evidence-based approach to improve prescribing practices in pediatrics.
Implementing MTSS in Beginning Reading: Tools and Systems to Support Schools and Teachers
Authors: Leonard Kaitlin M. , Coyne Michael D. , Oldham Ashley C. , Burns Darci , Gillis Margie B.
Published: January 2019

Multi‐tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) frameworks are designed to directly support students with, and at risk for, disabilities by providing timely, aligned, and coordinated supports, with the goal of preventing or ameliorating the effects of early risk. Yet developing and implementing MTSS in beginning reading is a complex process. Many schools encounter common barriers to achieving full and sustained implementation of MTSS systems and practices. The purpose of this article is to describe a state K‐3 reading initiative that resulted in improved reading outcomes for K‐3 students, including students at risk for reading disabilities. Specifically, this article describes a series of tools (i.e., activity timeline, whole group and small group templates, data grouping workbook) that helped teachers in the initiative to overcome barriers in order to ensure that tiered instruction met the needs of all students, including students with, and at risk for, reading disabilities.
The modification of quantity and quality of muscle mass improves the cognitive impairment after TIPS
Authors: Gioia Stefania , Merli Manuela , Nardelli Silvia , Lattanzi Barbara , Pitocchi Francesca , Ridola Lorenzo , Riggio Oliviero
Published: January 2019

Background

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the major complication of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). In cirrhotic patients, a correlation between sarcopenia and HE has been suggested.

Aim

To evaluate the evolution of the skeletal muscle quantity and quality at CT scan and of the patients' cognitive impairment (both overt and minimal HE) before and after TIPS.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐seven cirrhotic patients submitted to TIPS were studied. The modification of Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), muscle attenuation, HE and plasma ammonia were evaluated before and after a mean follow‐up of 9.8 ± 4 months after TIPS.

Results

During the follow‐up, the mean SMI and muscle attenuation increased significantly, although not uniformly in all patients. Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) and ammonia improved significantly in the patients with amelioration in SMI >10% (n = 16) and not in those without (n = 11) (PHES: −1.6 ± 2 vs −4.8 ± 2.1; P = 0.0005; ammonia: 48.5 ± 28.7 vs 96 ± 31.5 μg/dL; P = 0.0004). Moreover, the prevalence of minimal HE (12.5% vs 73%, P = 0.001) as well as the number of episodes of overt HE during the follow‐up were significantly reduced in the patients with improved SMI. Model for end‐stage liver disease remained stable or worsened after TIPS and was not significantly different between the groups with or without SMI improvement.

Conclusion

The amelioration of muscle wasting and HE independent of liver function observed after TIPS supports the causal relationship between muscle wasting and HE.
A Field Experiment on the Effects of Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status on the Quality of Representation
Authors: Habel Philip , Birch Sarah
Published: January 2019

The principle of equal representation is the cornerstone of modern democracy, yet there have been concerns that the benefits of representation can be skewed, advantaging some over others. We argue that elected officials will be more responsive to constituents whom they perceive as more like themselves and more likely to be politically active. We examine inequalities in representation in a parliamentary democracy where, intrinsic to the institutional framework, there is a long‐standing reputation for serving constituent needs: the United Kingdom. We also advance the literature by focusing on the expediency of responsiveness and the helpfulness of response. Drawing on a field experiment, we find both an overall high level of responsiveness and helpfulness but also biases affecting MP's responsiveness. Our findings raise important questions about equal access to representation, even in a political system where constituency service is the norm and expectation.
Remnants of paleoflora in impact melt rocks of the El'gygytgyn crater (Chukotka, Russia)
Authors: Gurov E. P. , Permiakov V. V. , Koeberl C.
Published: January 2019

Remnants of paleoflora were discovered in impact melt rocks from the El'gygytgyn crater, Chukotka, Russia. El'gygytgyn is a 3.58 Ma, 18 km diameter impact structure in Chukotka, northeastern Russia. A circular crater basin is surrounded by an uplifted rim. The crater floor is occupied by the El'gygytgyn Lake, 12 km in diameter, surrounded by lacustrine terraces up to 80 m in height. Impactites found at the El'gygytgyn crater include impact melt rocks, glass bombs, and shock metamorphosed volcanic rocks. Most impact melt rocks occur only in redeposited state in the terrace lake deposits. Floral remnants were discovered in impact melt rocks from various locations in the terrace deposits. The floral remnants include fragments of leaves, cell tissue, and undetermined organic matter that occur in vesicles within glassy melt rocks and impact melt breccias. After the discovery of floral remnants in impact melt breccias from upper Miocene strata in Argentina, and the description of floral imprints in the Dakhleh Glass of proposed impact origin in Egypt, the detection of paleoflora remnants in impact melt rocks of the El'gygytgyn structure is the first such occurrence in a confirmed impact crater on Earth.
Mechanistic insight into 3‐methylmercaptopropionate metabolism and kinetical regulation of demethylation pathway in marine dimethylsulfoniopropionate‐catabolizing bacteria
Authors: Shao Xuan , Cao Hai‐Yan , Zhao Fang , Peng Ming , Wang Peng , Li Chun‐Yang , Shi Wei‐Ling , Wei Tian‐Di , Yuan Zenglin , Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Chen Xiu‐Lan , Todd Jonathan D. , Zhang Yu‐Zhong
Published: January 2019

The vast majority of oceanic dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is thought to be catabolized by bacteria via the DMSP demethylation pathway. This pathway contains four enzymes termed DmdA, DmdB, DmdC and DmdD/AcuH, which together catabolize DMSP to acetylaldehyde and methanethiol as carbon and sulfur sources respectively. While molecular mechanisms for DmdA and DmdD have been proposed, little is known of the catalytic mechanisms of DmdB and DmdC, which are central to this pathway. Here, we undertake physiological, structural and biochemical analyses to elucidate the catalytic mechanisms of DmdB and DmdC. DmdB, a 3‐methylmercaptopropionate (MMPA)‐coenzyme A (CoA) ligase, undergoes two sequential conformational changes to catalyze the ligation of MMPA and CoA. DmdC, a MMPA‐CoA dehydrogenase, catalyzes the dehydrogenation of MMPA‐CoA to generate MTA‐CoA with Glu435 as the catalytic base. Sequence alignment suggests that the proposed catalytic mechanisms of DmdB and DmdC are likely widely adopted by bacteria using the DMSP demethylation pathway. Analysis of the substrate affinities of involved enzymes indicates that Roseobacters kinetically regulate the DMSP demethylation pathway to ensure DMSP functioning and catabolism in their cells. Altogether, this study sheds novel lights on the catalytic and regulative mechanisms of bacterial DMSP demethylation, leading to a better understanding of bacterial DMSP catabolism.
Systemic comorbidities are associated with medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws: Case–control study
Authors: McGowan Kelly , Acton Caroline , Ivanovski Saso , Johnson Newell W. , Ware Robert S.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a serious condition developed in up to 15% of patients who take antiresorptive medications. Its underlying pathogenesis remains unclear. The association between systemic comorbidities and MRONJ was investigated.

Subjects and Methods

A case–control study was conducted in Brisbane, Australia. Hospital records were used to identify 68 cases of MRONJ between January 2003 and March 2017. Each case was individually matched to three controls (204 in total) according to sex, age, primary disease, and type and duration of antiresorptive therapy. Data on patient demographic, social and clinical characteristics were collected. Systemic comorbidities and medications were quantified as a comorbidity–polypharmacy score (CPS). Associations were investigated using conditional logistic regression.

Results

The CPS calculated for patients who developed MRONJ (mean ± SD = 20.2 ± 5.1) was significantly higher than for controls (12.9 ± 4.6). Multivariable analysis determined a significant relationship between CPS and the presence of MRONJ (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.3, 1.8, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with multiple systemic comorbidities and high levels of polypharmacy were more likely to develop MRONJ. The CPS is a simple and effective tool to quantify the risk of MRONJ attributed to a patient's systemic condition and should be considered in conjunction with the patient's oral health to assess the overall risk of MRONJ.
Exploring the implementation of cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis using the Normalization Process Theory framework
Authors: Xanidis Nikos , Gumley Andrew
Published: January 2019

Objective

Evidence suggests that only a minority of service users experiencing psychosis have access to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp). Normalization Process Theory (NPT) is a theoretical framework which focuses on processes by which interventions are implemented and normalized in clinical practice. This study explored the views and experiences of mental health professionals regarding the implementation of CBTp. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were explored using the NPT framework.

Design

A qualitative methodology was adopted involving semi‐structured focus groups and individual interviews.

Methods

A total of 14 members of staff working in the community and crisis mental health teams were recruited. Thematic analysis was used to generate initial themes. The framework approach was utilized to map initial themes to the NPT framework.

Results

Inductive coding generated five overarching themes consisting of 15 individual subthemes which captured the perceived barriers to engagement; contextual barriers to implementation; optimization of implementation; positive attitudes towards implementation; and expectations of implementing CBTp. All but two subthemes mapped on to the NPT framework. The deductive analysis suggested that difficulties in making sense of CBTp among professionals were reflected as service level barriers which impeded wider implementation.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested a mixture of barriers and facilitators to CBTp implementation. Interpreting our findings within an NPT framework indicates the importance of strong clinical leadership to address difficulties in sense‐making and service investment in CBTp.

Practitioner points

Findings indicate a mixture of barriers and facilitators to CBTp implementation.

NPT analysis indicates difficulties in coherence among stakeholders regarding the purpose and value of CBTp.

Difficulties making sense of CBTp translates into service level barriers and impede the collective action of stakeholders.

The role of clinical leadership is crucial in increasing coherence and collective action in services.
Resistance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean involves a reprogramming of the phenylpropanoid pathway and up‐regulation of antifungal activity targeting ergosterol biosynthesis
Authors: Ranjan Ashish , Westrick Nathaniel M. , Jain Sachin , Piotrowski Jeff S. , Ranjan Manish , Kessens Ryan , Stiegman Logan , Grau Craig R. , Conley Shawn P. , Smith Damon L. , Kabbage Mehdi
Published: January 2019

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a predominately necrotrophic fungal pathogen with a broad host range, causes a significant yield‐limiting disease of soybean called Sclerotinia stem rot. Resistance mechanisms against this pathogen in soybean are poorly understood, thus hindering the commercial deployment of resistant varieties. We used a multiomic approach utilizing RNA‐sequencing, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based metabolomics and chemical genomics in yeast to decipher the molecular mechanisms governing resistance to S. sclerotiorum in soybean. Transcripts and metabolites of two soybean recombinant inbred lines, one resistant and one susceptible to S. sclerotiorum were analysed in a time course experiment. The combined results show that resistance to S. sclerotiorum in soybean is associated in part with an early accumulation of JA‐Ile ((+)‐7‐iso‐jasmonoyl‐L‐isoleucine), a bioactive jasmonate, increased ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, and importantly, a reprogramming of the phenylpropanoid pathway leading to increased antifungal activities. Indeed, we noted that phenylpropanoid pathway intermediates, such as 4‐hydroxybenzoate, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid, were highly accumulated in the resistant line. In vitro assays show that these metabolites and total stem extracts from the resistant line clearly affect S. sclerotiorum growth and development. Using chemical genomics in yeast, we further show that this antifungal activity targets ergosterol biosynthesis in the fungus, by disrupting enzymes involved in lipid and sterol biosynthesis. Overall, our results are consistent with a model where resistance to S. sclerotiorum in soybean coincides with an early recognition of the pathogen, leading to the modulation of the redox capacity of the host and the production of antifungal metabolites.
Safety and diagnostic performance of pulmonologists performing electromagnetic guided percutaneous lung biopsy (SPiNperc)
Authors: Mallow Christopher , Lee Hans , Oberg Catherine , Thiboutot Jeffrey , Akulian Jason , Burks Allen C. , Luna Branden , Benzaquen Sadia , Batra Hitesh , Cardenas‐Garcia Jose , Toth Jennifer , Heidecker Jay , Belanger Adam , McClune Jason , Osman Umar , Lakshminarayanan Venkatesh , Pastis Nicholas , Silvestri Gerard , Chen Alexander , Yarmus Lonny
Published: January 2019

Background and objective

Percutaneous lung biopsy for diagnostic sampling of peripheral lung nodules has been widely performed by interventional radiologists under computed tomography (CT) guidance. New technology allows pulmonologists to perform percutaneous lung biopsies using electromagnetic (EM) guided technology. With the adoption of this new technique, the safety, feasibility and diagnostic yield need to be explored. The goal of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility and diagnostic yield of EM‐guided percutaneous lung biopsy performed by pulmonologists.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, multicentre study of 129 EM‐guided percutaneous lung biopsies that occurred between November 2013 and March 2017. The study consisted of seven academic and three community medical centres.

Results

The average age of participants was 65.6 years, BMI was 26.3 and 50.4% were females. The majority of lesions were in the right upper lobe (37.2%) and left upper lobe (31.8%). The mean size of the lesions was 27.31 mm and the average distance from the pleura was 13.2 mm. Practitioners averaged two fine‐needle aspirates and five core biopsies per procedure. There were 23 (17.8%) pneumothoraces, of which 16 (12.4%) received small‐bore chest tube placement. The diagnostic yield of percutaneous lung biopsy was 73.7%. When EM‐guided bronchoscopic sampling was also performed during the same procedural encounter, the overall diagnostic yield increased to 81.1%.

Conclusion

In this large multicentred series, the use of EM guidance for percutaneous lung biopsies was safe and feasible, with acceptable diagnostic yield in the hands of pulmonologists. A prospective multicentre trial to validate these findings is currently underway (NCT03338049).
Cycling time trial performance is improved by carbohydrate ingestion during exercise regardless of a fed or fasted state
Authors: Learsi Sara K. , Ghiarone Thaysa , Silva‐Cavalcante Marcos D. , Andrade‐Souza Victor A. , Ataide‐Silva Thays , Bertuzzi Romulo , de Araujo Gustavo G. , McConell Glenn , Lima‐Silva Adriano E.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

We tested the hypothesis that carbohydrate ingestion during exercise improves time trial (TT) performance and that this carbohydrate‐induced improvement is greater when carbohydrates are ingested during exercise in a fasted rather than a fed state.

Methods

Nine males performed 105 minutes of constant‐load exercise (50% of the difference between the first and second lactate thresholds), followed by a 10‐km cycling TT. Exercise started at 9 am, 3 hours after either breakfast (FED, 824 kcal, 67% carbohydrate) or a 15‐hour overnight fast (FAST). Before exercise, after every 15 minutes of exercise and at 5 km of the TT, participants ingested 2 mL kg−1 body mass of a non‐caloric sweetened solution containing either carbohydrate (8% of maltodextrin, CHO) or placebo (0% carbohydrate, PLA).

Results

Irrespective of the fasting state, when carbohydrate was ingested during exercise, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was lower throughout the constant‐load exercise, while the plasma glucose concentration and carbohydrate oxidation were higher during the last stages of the constant‐load exercise (P < 0.05). Consequently, TT performance was faster when carbohydrate was ingested during exercise (18.5 ± 0.3 and 18.7 ± 0.4 minutes for the FEDCHO and FASTCHO conditions, respectively) than when the placebo was ingested during exercise (20.2 ± 0.8 and 21.7 ± 1.4 minutes for the FEDPLA and FASTPLA conditions, respectively), regardless of fasting.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that even when breakfast is provided before exercise, carbohydrate ingestion during exercise is still beneficial for exercise performance. However, ingesting carbohydrate during exercise can overcome a lack of breakfast.
Corticospinal excitability can discriminate quadriceps strength indicative of knee function after ACL‐reconstruction
Authors: Bodkin Stephan G. , Norte Grant E. , Hart Joseph M.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To investigate relationships between quadriceps strength and neural activity, and to establish a clinical threshold of corticospinal excitability able to discriminate between patients with quadriceps strength indicative of satisfactory and unsatisfactory knee function after ACLR.

Methods

A total of 29 patients following primary, unilateral ACL‐reconstruction (11 female, 23.2 ± 8.1 years of age, 7.3 ± 2.5 months since surgery) participated. Subjective knee function was quantified using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective evaluation. Peak isokinetic knee extensor torque was assessed at 90°/s. Quadriceps corticospinal excitability was quantified via active motor threshold (AMT, %2‐Tesla) using transcranial magnetic stimulation during a 5% maximal voluntary isometric contraction of the quadriceps. Pearson's r correlations were used to assess the relationship between peak knee extensor torque and AMT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to establish a threshold of (a) mass‐normalized peak knee extensor torque to discriminate satisfactory knee function (IKDC ≥ 75.9%), and (b) AMT to discriminate quadriceps strength indicative of satisfactory knee function. Likelihood ratios (LR) and the magnitude of change in pre–post‐test probability were calculated for each threshold.

Results

Active motor threshold was negatively correlated with mass‐normalized peak knee extensor torque (r = −0.503, P = 0.005). Knee extensor torque ≥1.23 Nm/kg was an excellent discriminator of satisfactory knee function (AUC = 0.890, P = 0.002; (+)LR = 9.56). An AMT ≤50.5% was an excellent discriminator of quadriceps strength indicative of satisfactory knee function following ACLR (AUC = 0.839, P = 0.005; (+)LR = 23.75).

Conclusion

Lower corticospinal excitability was associated with lower quadriceps strength. An AMT above 50.5% was found to decrease the probability of having satisfactory knee strength by over 62%.
In‐season adaptations to intense intermittent training and sprint interval training in sub‐elite football players
Authors: Hostrup Morten , Gunnarsson Thomas P. , Fiorenza Matteo , Mørch Kristian , Onslev Johan , Pedersen Kasper M. , Bangsbo Jens
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the in‐season effect of intensified training comparing the efficacy of duration‐matched intense intermittent exercise training with sprint interval training in increasing intermittent running performance, sprint ability, and muscle content of proteins related to ion handling and metabolism in football players. After the first two weeks in the season, 22 sub‐elite football players completed either 10 weeks of intense intermittent training using the 10‐20‐30 training concept (10‐20‐30, n = 12) or sprint interval training (SIT, n = 10; work/rest ratio: 6‐s/54‐s) three times weekly, with a ~20% reduction in weekly training time. Before and after the intervention, players performed a Yo‐Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo‐Yo IR1) and a 30‐m sprint test. Furthermore, players had a muscle biopsy taken from the vastus lateralis. Yo‐Yo IR1 performance increased by 330 m (95%CI: 178‐482, P ≤ 0.01) in 10‐20‐30, whereas no change was observed in SIT. Sprint time did not change in 10‐20‐30 but decreased by 0.04 second (95%CI: 0.00‐0.09, P ≤ 0.05) in SIT. Muscle content of HADHA (24%, P ≤ 0.01), PDH‐E1α (40%, P ≤ 0.01), complex I‐V of the electron transport chain (ETC) (51%, P ≤ 0.01) and Na+, K+‐ATPase subunits α2 (33%, P ≤ 0.05) and β1 (27%, P ≤ 0.05) increased in 10‐20‐30, whereas content of DHPR (27%, P ≤ 0.01) and complex I‐V of the ETC (31%, P ≤ 0.05) increased in SIT. Intense intermittent training, combining short sprints and a high aerobic load, is superior to regular sprint interval training in increasing intense intermittent running performance during a Yo‐Yo IR1 test and muscle content of PDH‐E1α and HADHA in sub‐elite football players.
Population coverage and factors associated with participation following a mass drug administration of azithromycin for trachoma elimination in Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Ebert Caleb D. , Astale Tigist , Sata Eshetu , Zerihun Mulat , Nute Andrew W. , Stewart Aisha E. P. , Gessese Demelash , Ayenew Gedefaw , Ayele Zebene , Melak Berhanu , Chanyalew Melsew , Gashaw Bizuayehu , Tadesse Zerihun , Callahan E. Kelly , Jenness Samuel M. , Nash Scott D.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin is a core component of the WHO‐recommended strategy to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, but low participation rates in MDA campaigns may undermine the effectiveness of this intervention. We explored factors associated with individual MDA participation at the individual, head of household and household levels in Amhara, Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted four district‐level, multilevel cluster random coverage surveys to collect data on self‐reported MDA participation and predictors. Random‐effects logistic regression modelling was used to identify correlates of MDA participation while adjusting for nesting of individuals at the household and village level.

Results

The district‐level self‐reported participation in the trachoma MDA ranged from 78.5% to 86.9%. Excellent and fair health status (Odds ratio [OR] = 5.77; 95% Confidence interval [CI]: 3.04, 10.95; OR = 7.08; 95% CI: 3.47, 14.46), advanced knowledge of the MDA campaign (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 2.04, 4.21) and knowledge of trachoma (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.19) were all positively associated with MDA participation. When excluding heads of household from the model, correlates retained similar positive associations to participation, in addition to the head of household participation (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 2.46, 4.54).

Conclusions

To increase the impact of MDA campaigns, MDA mobilisation strategies—including comprehensive trachoma and azithromycin messaging and MDA campaign awareness—should target heads of household, those in poorer health and older age groups.
Pretreatment with β‐glucan attenuates isoprenaline‐induced myocardial injury in rats
Authors: Çetin Ebru
Published: January 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The study was designed to assess whether pretreatment with β‐glucan could exert any protective action against isoprenaline‐induced myocardial injury in rats.

What is the main finding and its importance?

β‐Glucan pretreatment could reduce myocardial injury by restoring cardiac biomarkers, antioxidant status, apoptosis and histopathological changes. Therefore, β‐glucan might have the potential to be used in the prevention and/or treatment of myocardial infarction.

This study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of pretreatment with β‐glucan, the glucose polymer derived from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, against isoprenaline (ISO)‐induced myocardial injury in rats by studying biochemical cardiac markers, antioxidant parameters, apoptosis, ECG and histopathological changes. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups, namely control, β‐glucan, isoprenaline and β‐glucan + isoprenaline. The β‐glucan treatment group received β‐glucan (50 mg kg−1 day−1, p.o.) for 10 days. Myocardial injury was induced by ISO administration (100 mg kg−1, s.c.) twice, at an interval of 24 h, on the 9th and 10th days. Isoprenaline administration resulted in a marked increase in heart rate, ST segment elevation, myocardial malondialdehyde content, cardiac marker levels (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase‐MB and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T) and apoptotic index, and a significant decrease in R‐wave amplitude and myocardial superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. In addition, apoptosis, congestion, necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and myofibrillar disorganization were observed histologically in myocardial tissue sections. The oral pretreatment with β‐glucan prevented almost all the parameters of isoprenaline‐induced myocardial injury in rats, and these findings were confirmed by the histopathological analysis. These findings provide evidence that β‐glucan could protect rat myocardium against ISO‐induced myocardial injury, and this was attributed to its antioxidant and anti‐apoptotic properties.
Motor units as tools to evaluate profile of human Renshaw inhibition
Authors: Özyurt Mustafa Görkem , Piotrkiewicz Maria , Topkara Betilay , Weisskircher Hans‐Werner , Türker Kemal Sitki
Published: January 2019

Key points

To uncover the synaptic profile of Renshaw inhibition on motoneurons, we stimulated thick motor axons and recorded from voluntarily‐activated motor units.

Stimuli generated a direct motor response on the whole muscle and an inhibitory response in active motor units.

We have estimated the profile of Renshaw inhibition indirectly using the response of motor unit discharge rates to the stimulus.

We have put forward a method of extrapolation that may be used to determine genuine synaptic potentials as they develop on motoneurons.

These optimized techniques can be used in research and in clinics to fully appreciate Renshaw cell function in various neurological disorders.

Although Renshaw inhibition (RI) has been extensively studied for decades, its precise role in motor control is yet to be discovered. One of the main handicaps is a lack of reliable methods for studying RI in conscious human subjects. We stimulated the lowest electrical threshold motor axons (thickest axons) in the tibial nerve and analysed the stimulus‐correlated changes in discharge of voluntarily recruited low‐threshold single motor units (SMUs) from the soleus muscle. In total, 54 distinct SMUs from 12 subjects were analysed. Stimuli that generated only the direct motor response (M‐only) on surface electromyography induced an inhibitory response in the low‐threshold SMUs. Because the properties of RI had to be estimated indirectly using the background discharge rate of SMUs, its profile varied with the discharge rate of the SMU. The duration of RI was found to be inversely proportional to the discharge rate of SMUs. Using this important finding, we have developed a method of extrapolation for estimating RI as it develops on motoneurons in the spinal cord. The frequency methods indicated that the duration of RI was between 30 and 40 ms depending on the background firing rate of the units, and the extrapolation indicated that RI on silent motoneurons was ∼55 ms. The present study establishes a novel methodology for studying RI in human subjects and hence may serve as a tool for improving our understanding of the involvement of RI in human motor control.
The influence of pipeline thickness and radius on guided wave attenuation in water-filled steel pipelines: Theoretical analysis and experimental measurement
Authors: Li Zhao , Jing Liwen , Wang Wenjie , Lee Pedro , Murch Ross
Published: January 2019

The influence of pipeline thickness and radius on the attenuation of guided waves in water-filled steel pipelines is investigated using theoretical analysis and experimental measurement. Attenuations of individual axisymmetric modes in unburied water-filled steel pipelines are predicted by an analytical model under different pipeline radius-thickness ratios. Model predictions indicate that attenuation of the fundamental mode increases as the ratio rises. This effect is investigated by finding the displacement variations under different ratios. Laboratory experiments were also carried out in four unburied steel pipelines with three distinctly different radius-thickness ratios using acoustic transducers to acquire signals uniformly spaced along the axis of the pipe. By applying the iterative quadratic maximum likelihood algorithm, the attenuations could be accurately estimated from the measurement data for individual modes. Experimental results show that attenuation of the fundamental axisymmetric mode is sensitive to radius-thickness ratio, but high-order modes are barely affected, agreeing with the model predictions mentioned in this paper. The characteristics of water-filled buried pipelines are also investigated using an analytical model to understand the relation between wave attenuation and the radius-thickness ratio.
Intake of Animal Protein Blend Plus Carbohydrate Improves Body Composition With no Impact on Performance in Endurance Athletes
Authors: Naclerio Fernando , Larumbe-Zabala Eneko , Larrosa Mar , Centeno Aitor , Esteve-Lanao Jonathan , Moreno-Pérez Diego
Published: January 2019

The impact of animal protein blend supplements in endurance athletes is scarcely researched. The authors investigated the effect of ingesting an admixture providing orange juice and protein (PRO) from beef and whey versus carbohydrate alone on body composition and performance over a 10-week training period in male endurance athletes. Participants were randomly assigned to a protein (CHO + PRO, n = 15) or a nonprotein isoenergetic carbohydrate (CHO, n = 15) group. Twenty grams of supplement mixed with orange juice was ingested postworkout or before breakfast on nontraining days. Measurements were performed pre- and postintervention on body composition (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), peak oxygen consumption (), and maximal aerobic speed. Twenty-five participants (CHO + PRO, n = 12; CHO, n = 13) completed the study. Only the CHO + PRO group significantly (p < .05) reduced whole-body fat (mean ± SD) (−1.02 ± 0.6 kg), total trunk fat (−0.81 ± 0.9 kg), and increased total lower body lean mass (+0.52 ± 0.7 kg), showing close to statistically significant increases of whole-body lean mass (+0.57 ± 0.8 kg, p = .055). Both groups reduced (p < .05) visceral fat (CHO + PRO, −0.03 ± 0.1 kg; CHO, −0.03 ± 0.5 kg) and improved the speed at maximal aerobic speed (CHO + PRO, +0.56 ± 0.5 km/hr; CHO, +0.35 ± 0.5 km/hr). Although consuming animal protein blend mixed with orange juice over 10 weeks helped to reduce fat mass and to increase lean mass, no additional performance benefits in endurance runners were observed.
Influence of Physical Characteristics and Match Outcome on Technical Errors During Rugby League Match Play
Authors: Johnston Rich D.
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To explore the relationship between technical errors during rugby league games, match success, and physical characteristics. Methods: A total of 27 semiprofessional rugby league players participated in this study (24.8 [2.5] y, 183.5 [5.3] cm, 97.1 [11.6] kg). Aerobic fitness, strength, and power were assessed prior to the start of the competitive season before technical performance was tracked during 22 competitive fixtures. Attacking errors were determined as any error that occurred in possession of the ball that resulted in a handover to the opposition. Defensive errors included line breaks, penalties, and missed or ineffective tackles. Match outcome, the zone on the field in which each error occurred, and the number of errors in an error chain (≤60 s between errors) were assessed. Results: During a loss, there were more defensive errors in the 0- to 40-m zone than when a match was won (effect size = 0.99 [0.04–1.94]). Error chains were a predictor of conceding a try (P = .0001, r2 = .22), with the odds ratio increasing to 2.33 when there were 7 errors per chain. High lower-body strength was associated with fewer defensive errors for backs (Bayes factor = 3.67) and forwards (Bayes factor = 19.31); relative bench press was also important for backs (Bayes factor = 3.21). Conclusions: Fewer defensive errors occur in the 0- to 40-m zone during winning matches; lower-body strength is strongly associated with fewer defensive errors in rugby league players.
Associations Between Selected Training-Stress Measures and Fitness Changes in Male Soccer Players
Authors: Rabbani Alireza , Kargarfard Mehdi , Castagna Carlo , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Twist Craig
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between accumulated global positioning system–accelerometer-based and heart rate–based training metrics and changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity during an in-season phase in professional soccer players. Methods: Eleven male professional players (mean [SD] age 27.2 [4.5] y) performed the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) before and after a 5-wk in-season training phase, and the final velocity (VIFT) was considered their high-intensity intermittent-running capacity. During all sessions, Edwards training impulse (Edwards TRIMP), Banister TRIMP, Z5 TRIMP, training duration, total distance covered, new body load (NBL), high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 14.4 km·h−1), and very-high-intensity running performance (distance covered above 19.8 km·h−1) were recorded. Results: The players’ VIFT showed a most likely moderate improvement (+4.3%, 90% confidence limits 3.1–5.5%, effect size 0.70, [0.51–0.89]). Accumulated NBL, Banister TRIMP, and Edwards TRIMP showed large associations (r = .51–.54) with changes in VIFT. A very large relationship was also observed between accumulated Z5 TRIMP (r = .72) with changes in VIFT. Large to nearly perfect within-individual relationships were observed between NBL and some of the other training metrics (ie, Edwards TRIMP, Banister TRIMP, training duration, and total distance) in 10 out of 11 players. Conclusions: Heart rate–based training metrics can be used to monitor high-intensity intermittent-running-capacity changes in professional soccer players. The dose–response relationship is also largely detected using accelerometer-based metrics (ie, NBL) to track changes in high-intensity intermittent-running capacity of professional soccer players.
Criterion Validity, Reliability, and Usefulness of a Judo-Specific Maximal Aerobic Power Test
Authors: Shiroma Seihati A. , Julio Ursula F. , Franchini Emerson
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To evaluate criterion validity, reliability, and usefulness of a test to measure maximal aerobic power using judo-specific movements (uchi-komi test [UKtest]). Methods: A total of 12 judokas performed 5 graded exercise tests (GETs) in 4 sessions. In sessions 1 and 2, upper-body (UBtest), lower-body (LBtest), and familiarization UKtest were performed. GETs were randomly performed and separated by at least 48 h. In sessions 3 and 4, test and retest UKtest were performed (7 d apart). For all GETs, peak oxygen consumption (), maximal heart rate (HRmax), peak blood lactate concentration [Lapeak], maximal aerobic intensity, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Another group of 12 judokas performed the UKtest and 1 confirmation test (20 min after the UKtest) at 105% of maximal aerobic speed until exhaustion to confirm whether maximal responses were achieved. Results: did not differ (P > .05) between UKtest (46.04 [5.34] mL·kg−1·min−1) and LBtest (44.78 [5.98] mL·kg−1·min−1), but it was higher (P < .05) than UBtest (37.03 [7.16] mL·kg−1·min−1). Total duration (551 [60] s) and [Lapeak] (7.10 [1.76] mmol·L−1) in the UKtest were different (P < .05) from UBtest (416 [47] s, 9.93 [2.15] mmol·L−1, respectively) and LBtest (433 [54] s, 10.29 [2.23] mmol·L−1, respectively). Very large relationships between in UKtest with UBtest (r = .78; P = .003) and LBtest (r = .87; P < .001) were found. Maximal values were achieved for the UKtest , HRmax, [Lapeak], RPE, and maximal aerobic speed, with no difference between test and retest (P > .05). In addition, very large intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for (ICC = .86), HRmax (ICC = .90), and maximal aerobic speed (ICC = .81) were found. Conclusion: The UKtest can be considered a valid, reliable, and useful test to measure maximal aerobic power using judo-specific movements.
Normative Peak 30-Min Cadence (Steps per Minute) Values for Older Adults: NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Aguiar Elroy J. , Schuna John M. , Barreira Tiago V. , Mire Emily F. , Broyles Stephanie T. , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Johnson William D. , Tudor-Locke Catrine
Published: January 2019

Walking cadence (steps per minute) is associated with the intensity of ambulatory behavior. This analysis provides normative values for peak 30-min cadence, an indicator of “natural best effort” during free-living behavior. A sample of 1,196 older adults (aged from 60 to 85+) with accelerometer data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 was used. Peak 30-min cadence was calculated for each individual. Quintile-defined values were computed, stratified by sex and age groups. Smoothed sex-specific centile curves across the age span were fitted using the LMS method. Peak 30-min cadence generally trended lower as age increased. The uppermost quintile value was >85 steps/min (men: 60–64 years), and the lowermost quintile value was <22 steps/min (women: 85+). The highest 95th centile value was 103 steps/min (men: 64–70 years), and the lowest 5th centile value was 15 steps/min (women: 85+). These normative values may be useful for evaluating older adults’ “natural best effort” during free-living ambulatory behavior.