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European Journal of Sport Science Jul 2024Physical activity (PA) during childhood and adolescence is important for the accrual of maximal peak bone mass. The precise dose that benefits bone remains unclear as...
Physical activity (PA) during childhood and adolescence is important for the accrual of maximal peak bone mass. The precise dose that benefits bone remains unclear as methods commonly used to analyze PA data are unsuitable for measuring bone-relevant PA. Using improved accelerometry methods, this study identified the amount and intensity of PA most strongly associated with bone outcomes in 11-12-year-olds. Participants (n = 770; 382 boys) underwent tibial peripheral quantitative computed tomography to assess trabecular and cortical density, endosteal and periosteal circumference and polar stress-strain index. Seven-day wrist-worn raw acceleration data averaged over 1-s epochs was used to estimate time accumulated above incremental PA intensities (50 milli-gravitational unit (mg) increments from 200 to 3000 mg). Associations between time spent above each 50 mg increment and bone outcomes were assessed using multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, height, weight, maturity, socioeconomic position, muscle cross-sectional area and PA below the intensity of interest. There was a gradual increase in mean R change across all bone-related outcomes as the intensity increased in 50 mg increments from >200 to >700 mg. All outcomes became significant at >700 mg (R change = 0.6%-1.3% and p = 0.001-0.02). Any further increases in intensity led to a reduction in mean R change and associations became non-significant for all outcomes >1500 mg. Using more appropriate accelerometry methods (1-s epochs; no a priori application of traditional cut-points) enabled us to identify that ∼10 min/day of PA >700 mg (equivalent to running ∼10 km/h) was positively associated with pQCT-derived measures of bone density, geometry and strength in 11-12-year-olds.
Topics: Humans; Child; Accelerometry; Male; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Exercise; Bone Density; Australia; Tibia; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Wrist
PubMed: 38956788
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12122 -
European Journal of Sport Science Jul 2024The purpose of this study was firstly to examine the sensitivity of heart rate (HR)-based and subjective monitoring markers to intensified endurance training; and...
The purpose of this study was firstly to examine the sensitivity of heart rate (HR)-based and subjective monitoring markers to intensified endurance training; and secondly, to investigate the validity of these markers to distinguish individuals in different fatigue states. A total of 24 recreational runners performed a 3-week baseline period, a 2-week overload period, and a 1-week recovery period. Performance was assessed before and after each period with a 3000m running test. Recovery was monitored with daily orthostatic tests, nocturnal HR recordings, questionnaires, and exercise data. The participants were divided into subgroups (overreached/OR, n = 8; responders/RESP, n = 12) based on the changes in performance and subjective recovery. The responses to the second week of the overload period were compared between the subgroups. RESP improved their baseline 3000 m time (p < 0.001) after the overload period (-2.5 ± 1.0%), and the change differed (p < 0.001) from OR (0.6 ± 1.2%). The changes in nocturnal HR (OR 3.2 ± 3.1%; RESP -2.8 ± 3.7%, p = 0.002) and HR variability (OR -0.7 ± 1.8%; RESP 2.1 ± 1.6%, p = 0.011) differed between the subgroups. In addition, the decrease in subjective readiness to train (p = 0.009) and increase in soreness of the legs (p = 0.04) were greater in OR compared to RESP. Nocturnal HR, readiness to train, and exercise-derived HR-running power index had ≥85% positive and negative predictive values in the discrimination between OR and RESP individuals. In conclusion, exercise tolerance can vary substantially in recreational runners. The results supported the usefulness of nocturnal HR and subjective recovery assessments in recognizing fatigue states.
Topics: Humans; Heart Rate; Running; Adult; Male; Fatigue; Female; Young Adult; Endurance Training; Surveys and Questionnaires; Physical Endurance; Exercise Test
PubMed: 38956784
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12115 -
European Journal of Sport Science Jul 2024A non-exercise method equation using seismocardiography for estimating V̇Opeak (SCG V̇Opeak) has previously been validated in healthy subjects. However, the...
A non-exercise method equation using seismocardiography for estimating V̇Opeak (SCG V̇Opeak) has previously been validated in healthy subjects. However, the performance of the SCG V̇Opeak within a trained population is unknown, and the ability of the model to detect changes over time is not well elucidated. Forty-seven sub-elite football players were tested at the start of pre-season (SPS) and 36 players completed a test after eight weeks at the end of the pre-season (EPS). Testing included an SCG V̇Opeak estimation at rest and a graded cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill for determination of V̇Opeak. Agreement between SCG V̇Opeak and CPET V̇Opeak showed a large underestimation at SPS (bias ± 95% CI: -9.9 ± 1.8, 95% Limits of Agreement: 2.2 to -22.0 mL·min kg). At EPS no interaction (p = 0.3590) but a main effect of time (p < 0.0001) and methods (p < 0.0001) was observed between SCG and CPET V̇Opeak. No correlation in V̇Opeak changes was observed between SCG and CPET (r = -20.0, p = 0.2484) but a fair agreement in classifying the correct directional change in V̇Opeak with the SCG method was found (Cohen's κ coefficient = 0.28 ± 0.25). Overall, the SCG V̇Opeak method lacks accuracy and despite being able to estimate group changes, it was incapable of detecting individual changes in V̇Opeak following a pre-season period in sub-elite football players. The SCG algorithm needs to be further adjusted and the accuracy and precision improved for the method to be applicable for use within a trained population.
Topics: Humans; Exercise Test; Soccer; Young Adult; Male; Oxygen Consumption; Adult; Athletes; Adolescent
PubMed: 38956783
DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.12147 -
International Neurourology Journal Jun 2024The rapid expansion of robotic surgical equipment necessitates a review of the needs and challenges faced by hospitals introducing robots for the first time to compete...
PURPOSE
The rapid expansion of robotic surgical equipment necessitates a review of the needs and challenges faced by hospitals introducing robots for the first time to compete with experienced institutions. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of robotic surgery on our hospital compared to open and laparoscopic surgery, examine internal transformations, and assess regional, domestic, and international implications.
METHODS
A retrospective review was conducted of electronic medical records (EMRs) from 2019 to 2022 at Inha University Hospital, including patients who underwent common robotic procedures and equivalent open and laparoscopic operations. The study investigated clinical and operational performance changes in the hospital after the introduction of robotic technology. It also evaluated the operational effectiveness of robot implementation in local, national, and international contexts. To facilitate comparison with other hospitals, the data were transmitted to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. for analysis. The study was conducted in compliance with domestic personal information regulations and received approval from our Institutional Review Board.
RESULTS
We analyzed EMR data from 3,147 patients who underwent surgical treatment. Over a period of 3.5 years, the adoption of robotic technology in a hospital setting significantly enhanced the technical skills of all professors involved. The introduction of robotic systems led to increased patient utilization of conventional surgical techniques, as well as a rise in the number of patients choosing robotic surgery. This collective trend contributed to an overall increase in patient numbers. This favorable evaluation of the operational effectiveness of our hospital's robot implementation in the context of local, national, and global factors is expected to positively influence policy changes.
CONCLUSION
Stakeholders should embrace data science and evidence-based techniques to generate valuable insights from objective data, assess the health of robot-assisted surgery programs, and identify opportunities for improvement and excellence.
PubMed: 38956772
DOI: 10.5213/inj.2448146.123 -
BMC Psychology Jul 2024The representation of companion animals, or pets, has been changing recently. Research concerning how pets influence employees' work-related well-being has also started...
AIMS
The representation of companion animals, or pets, has been changing recently. Research concerning how pets influence employees' work-related well-being has also started to take its first steps. This research aimed to analyze (1) how managers perceive pet-friendly practices and their main effects at work, and (2) the impact of such practices on employees' well-being and work engagement. Relying on the social exchange perspective and the self-determination theory it was hypothesized that pet-friendly practices would positively influence employees' well-being and work engagement by satisfying their three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness).
METHODOLOGY
Two studies with mixed methods were conducted. The first and exploratory study resorted to semi-structured interviews with six managers. The second was a two-wave study conducted with a large sample of workers (N = 379).
RESULTS
The first study highlighted the primary advantages and disadvantages of pet-friendly practices, along with the various obstacles and limitations, and proposed managerial strategies to overcome them. Managers generally expressed interest and enthusiasm about the topic but also pointed out challenges in implementing a pet-friendly strategy due to the limited number of empirical studies demonstrating its benefits. The second study's findings indicated that pet-friendly practices positively impacted employees' work engagement and well-being by fulfilling their needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
ORIGINALITY
Overall, Portugal is seen as having a conservative culture, which slows the dissemination and implementation of these measures. To overcome these challenges, several managerial recommendations have been proposed. Raising awareness and fostering discussion on the topic are crucial steps toward integrating pet-friendly policies into human resources management.
Topics: Humans; Pets; Animals; Workplace; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Work Engagement
PubMed: 38956720
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01854-y -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Jul 2024The aim of the study was to determine the role of isometric strength and range of motion in predicting Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores of adults. A total of 120...
The aim of the study was to determine the role of isometric strength and range of motion in predicting Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores of adults. A total of 120 participants (age = 34.62 ± 11.82 years; height = 170.56 ± 9.63 cm; weight = 73.62 ± 15.39 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed, including height, body weight, muscle mass, and body fat. Following this, the ranges of motion of the shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle joints were measured sequentially. Isometric strength and FMS tests were then performed. Hip extension isometric strength explained 23% of the variation in FMS. The common effect of knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion explained 34% of the change in FMS (F = 20.375, p < 0.001). A significant relationship (R = 0.658, R = 0.413) was found between hip extension isometric strength, knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion range of motion and FMS (F = 21.952, p < 0.001). The common effect of all these variables explains 43% of the change in FMS. The results indicate that the FMS test scores, which are utilized to evaluate the risk of injury in sedentary adults, can be significantly predicted by the effect of hip extension isometric strength and parameters related to knee flexion, shoulder flexion, and dorsiflexion joint range of motion. At this time, it is advised that range of motion and isometric strength be taken into account when determining a person's functional movement capacity.
PubMed: 38956714
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00935-0 -
Trials Jul 2024Norepinephrine and phenylephrine are commonly used vasoactive drugs to treat hypotension during the perioperative period. The increased release of endogenous...
Effect of norepinephrine and phenylephrine on prothrombotic response in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: protocol for a randomized, double-blind, controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Norepinephrine and phenylephrine are commonly used vasoactive drugs to treat hypotension during the perioperative period. The increased release of endogenous norepinephrine elicits prothrombotic changes, while parturients are generally in a hypercoagulable state. Therefore, this trial aims to investigate whether there is a disparity between equivalent doses of prophylactic norepinephrine infusion and phenylephrine infusion on prothrombotic response in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.
METHODS
Sixty-six eligible parturients will be recruited for this trial and randomly assigned to the norepinephrine or phenylephrine group. The "study drug" will be administered at a rate of 15 ml/h starting from the intrathecal injection. The primary outcome are plasma coagulation factor VIII activity (FVIII: C), fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels. The secondary outcomes include hemodynamic variables and umbilical artery blood pH value.
DISCUSSION
Our study is the first trial comparing the effect of norepinephrine and phenylephrine on prothrombotic response in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Positive or negative results will all help us better understand the impact of vasoactive drugs on patients. If there are any differences, this trial will provide new evidence for maternal choice of vasoactive medications in the perioperative period.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300077164. Registered on 1 November 2023. https://www.chictr.org.cn/ .
Topics: Humans; Cesarean Section; Anesthesia, Spinal; Female; Norepinephrine; Double-Blind Method; Pregnancy; Phenylephrine; Vasoconstrictor Agents; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Anesthesia, Obstetrical; Adult; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Factor VIII; Treatment Outcome; Blood Coagulation; Hemodynamics
PubMed: 38956697
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08255-x -
Radiation Oncology (London, England) Jul 2024Various deep learning auto-segmentation (DLAS) models have been proposed, some of which have been commercialized. However, the issue of performance degradation is...
Localized fine-tuning and clinical evaluation of deep-learning based auto-segmentation (DLAS) model for clinical target volume (CTV) and organs-at-risk (OAR) in rectal cancer radiotherapy.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Various deep learning auto-segmentation (DLAS) models have been proposed, some of which have been commercialized. However, the issue of performance degradation is notable when pretrained models are deployed in the clinic. This study aims to enhance precision of a popular commercial DLAS product in rectal cancer radiotherapy by localized fine-tuning, addressing challenges in practicality and generalizability in real-world clinical settings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 120 Stage II/III mid-low rectal cancer patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into three datasets: training (n = 60), external validation (ExVal, n = 30), and generalizability evaluation (GenEva, n = 30) datasets respectively. The patients in the training and ExVal dataset were acquired on the same CT simulator, while those in GenEva were on a different CT simulator. The commercial DLAS software was first localized fine-tuned (LFT) for clinical target volume (CTV) and organs-at-risk (OAR) using the training data, and then validated on ExVal and GenEva respectively. Performance evaluation involved comparing the LFT model with the vendor-provided pretrained model (VPM) against ground truth contours, using metrics like Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95th Hausdorff distance (95HD), sensitivity and specificity.
RESULTS
LFT significantly improved CTV delineation accuracy (p < 0.05) with LFT outperforming VPM in target volume, DSC, 95HD and specificity. Both models exhibited adequate accuracy for bladder and femoral heads, and LFT demonstrated significant enhancement in segmenting the more complex small intestine. We did not identify performance degradation when LFT and VPM models were applied in the GenEva dataset.
CONCLUSIONS
The necessity and potential benefits of LFT DLAS towards institution-specific model adaption is underscored. The commercial DLAS software exhibits superior accuracy once localized fine-tuned, and is highly robust to imaging equipment changes.
Topics: Humans; Rectal Neoplasms; Deep Learning; Organs at Risk; Retrospective Studies; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Radiotherapy Dosage; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Adult; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated
PubMed: 38956690
DOI: 10.1186/s13014-024-02463-0 -
Journal of Ovarian Research Jul 2024This study investigated changes in plasma microbial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance (PCOS-IR)...
INTRODUCTION
This study investigated changes in plasma microbial-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) before and after metformin treatment, and aimed to identify bacterial taxa within EVs that were biologically and statistically significant for diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
The case-control study was conducted at Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital, Hua Qiao University. Plasma samples were collected from five PCOS-IR patients of childbearing age before and after 3 months of metformin treatment, and the samples were sequenced. The diversity and taxonomic composition of different microbial communities were analyzed through full-length 16 S glycosomal RNA gene sequencing.
RESULTS
After metformin treatment, fasting plasma glucose levels and IR degree of PCOS-IR patients were significantly improved. The 16 S analysis of plasma EVs from metformin-treated patients showed higher microbial diversity. There were significant differences in EVs derived from some environmental bacteria before and after metformin treatment. Notably, Streptococcus salivarius was more abundant in the metformin-treated group, suggesting it may be a potential probiotic.
DISCUSSION
The study demonstrated changes in the microbial composition of plasma EVs before and after metformin treatment. The findings may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS-IR and provide new avenues for research.
Topics: Humans; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Metformin; Female; Extracellular Vesicles; Insulin Resistance; Adult; Case-Control Studies; Hypoglycemic Agents; Young Adult
PubMed: 38956672
DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01444-x -
Acta Neuropathologica Communications Jul 2024The genetic architecture of Parkinson's disease (PD) is complex and multiple brain cell subtypes are involved in the neuropathological progression of the disease. Here...
The genetic architecture of Parkinson's disease (PD) is complex and multiple brain cell subtypes are involved in the neuropathological progression of the disease. Here we aimed to advance our understanding of PD genetic complexity at a cell subtype precision level. Using parallel single-nucleus (sn)RNA-seq and snATAC-seq analyses we simultaneously profiled the transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility landscapes in temporal cortex tissues from 12 PD compared to 12 control subjects at a granular single cell resolution. An integrative bioinformatic pipeline was developed and applied for the analyses of these snMulti-omics datasets. The results identified a subpopulation of cortical glutamatergic excitatory neurons with remarkably altered gene expression in PD, including differentially-expressed genes within PD risk loci identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This was the only neuronal subtype showing significant and robust overexpression of SNCA. Further characterization of this neuronal-subpopulation showed upregulation of specific pathways related to axon guidance, neurite outgrowth and post-synaptic structure, and downregulated pathways involved in presynaptic organization and calcium response. Additionally, we characterized the roles of three molecular mechanisms in governing PD-associated cell subtype-specific dysregulation of gene expression: (1) changes in cis-regulatory element accessibility to transcriptional machinery; (2) changes in the abundance of master transcriptional regulators, including YY1, SP3, and KLF16; (3) candidate regulatory variants in high linkage disequilibrium with PD-GWAS genomic variants impacting transcription factor binding affinities. To our knowledge, this study is the first and the most comprehensive interrogation of the multi-omics landscape of PD at a cell-subtype resolution. Our findings provide new insights into a precise glutamatergic neuronal cell subtype, causal genes, and non-coding regulatory variants underlying the neuropathological progression of PD, paving the way for the development of cell- and gene-targeted therapeutics to halt disease progression as well as genetic biomarkers for early preclinical diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Neurons; Gene Regulatory Networks; Male; Female; alpha-Synuclein; Aged; YY1 Transcription Factor; Genome-Wide Association Study; Transcriptome; Single-Cell Analysis; Temporal Lobe; Middle Aged; Gene Expression Regulation; Multiomics
PubMed: 38956662
DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01803-1