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Military Medicine Jun 2024United States Marine Corps' (USMC) recruit training is a 13-week program designed to maximize physical and mental performance adaptations. The purpose of this study was...
INTRODUCTION
United States Marine Corps' (USMC) recruit training is a 13-week program designed to maximize physical and mental performance adaptations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the training demands and characteristics that are associated with performance outcomes during USMC recruit training.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 196 recruits (M = 97 and W = 99) were monitored and tested throughout training. Laboratory-based performance testing occurred at the start of weeks 2 and 11 and consisted of body mass assessments, countermovement vertical jump, and isometric mid-thigh pull. Military-specific performance testing occurred twice within the first 8 weeks of training and included the physical fitness test (PFT) and combat fitness test (CFT) implemented by the USMC. Resilience data were collected at week 2 using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Workload, sleep, and stress responses were monitored at weeks 2, 7, and 11. Recruits were provided with a wearable tracking device which utilized heart rate and accelerometry-based technology to determine energy expenditure (EE), distances (DIS), and sleep metrics. Data were averaged over a 3-day period. Salivary cortisol testing occurred at the start of each monitoring week. Change scores were calculated for performance tests, and body mass was calculated from data obtained at week 2 to week 11. Area under the curve was calculated for the workload, sleep metrics, and cortisol responses using the trapezoidal method. Pearson product-moment correlations (r) were used to assess the relationships between training demands and performance. An α level of 0.05 was used to establish significance.
RESULTS
A moderate positive correlation was found between changes in body mass and peak power (P < .001; r = 0.43). Weak positive correlations were found between changes in body mass and peak force (P = .002; r = 0.28), as well as body mass and resilience (P = .03; r = 0.19). A moderate negative correlation was observed between changes in body mass and PFT (P < .001; r = -0.49). A weak negative correlation was found between changes in body mass and EE (P = .003; r = -0.24). A weak negative correlation was found between changes in peak power and EE (P = .001; r = -0.29). A weak positive correlation was found between changes in peak power and changes in CFT (P = .05; r = 0.19) A weak negative correlation was found between changes in sleep continuity and CFT (P = .02; r = -0.20). A weak negative correlation was found between cortisol and changes in PFT (P = .05; r = -0.20). A weak negative correlation was found between cortisol and both EE (P = .001; r = -0.27) and DIS (P = .045; r = -0.16). A weak negative correlation was found between EE and sleep continuity (P < .001; r = -0.34). Weak negative correlations were found between sleep duration and both DIS (P = .01; r = -0.18) and steps (P = .003; r = -0.21).
CONCLUSIONS
Increases in body mass throughout training were positively associated with strength and power changes, but negatively related to PFT scores. Changes in peak power related to improvements in CFT scores; however, higher workloads (i.e., EE) were negatively associated with peak power. The identification of the USMC physical and physiological training demands that are associated with performance outcomes may be a valuable resource to guide conditioning efforts to boost military readiness.
Topics: Humans; Military Personnel; Male; United States; Female; Physical Fitness; Adult; Adolescent; Exercise Test
PubMed: 38920040
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae124 -
ACS Applied Bio Materials Jun 2024β-Thalassemia especially transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) associates with a hypercoagulable state, which is the main cause of thromboembolic events (TEE). Plasma...
A Compact Differential Dynamic Microscopy-based Device (cDDM): An Approach Tool for Early Detection of Hypercoagulable State in Transfusion-Dependent-β-Thalassemia Patients.
β-Thalassemia especially transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) associates with a hypercoagulable state, which is the main cause of thromboembolic events (TEE). Plasma viscosity and rheological parameters could be essential markers for determining hypercoagulable state in β-thalassemia patients. The traditional methods for measuring viscosity are often limited by large sample volumes and are impractical for routine clinical monitoring. The compact differential dynamic microscopy-based device (cDDM), an optical microscopy for quantitative rheological assessment, was developed and applied for prognosis of the hypercoagulable state in β-TDT with and without splenectomy. The device was performed plasma viscosity measurement using low plasma volume (8 μL) and revealed a value as modulus of complex viscosity |η(ω)| in 7 min. We also parallelly demonstrated the correlation of the viscosity and related-coagulable parameters: complete blood count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), protein C (PC), protein S (PS), CD62P and CD63 expression, and platelet aggregation test. The thalassemia plasma exhibited a higher value of |η(ω)| than healthy plasma, which can represent a different viscoelastic property among the groups. Even all related-coagulable parameters indicated hypercoagulable state in both nonsplenectomies and splenectomies β-TDT patients when compared to control, only high platelet numbers significantly correlated to high plasma viscosity in the splenectomy group. However, the other coagulable parameters have shown a trend of positive relationship with high plasma viscosity in all β-1thalassemia TDT patients. The relative results suggested that our device would be an approach tool for early detection of hypercoagulable state in transfusion-dependent-β-thalassemia patients, which can help to prevent TEE and the critical consequent-complications.
PubMed: 38920024
DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00516 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Patients with high-grade gliomas are at risk of developing increased intracranial hypertension (ICHT) in relation to the increase in volume of their tumor. ICP change...
INTRODUCTION
Patients with high-grade gliomas are at risk of developing increased intracranial hypertension (ICHT) in relation to the increase in volume of their tumor. ICP change cannot be measured by invasive method but can be estimated by using routine clinical signs, in combination with a standard imaging method, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A non-invasive monitoring of ICP could be of interest in high-grade glioma, in particular after radiotherapy treatment with as major side effect a cerebral oedema.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This prospective clinical study aimed to compare the ICP changes (estimated by a non-invasive method based upon distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) monitoring) with volume changes observed on MRI in patients with high-grade gliomas treated with radiotherapy. DPOAE measurements were performed one month after the end of radiotherapy and then every 3 months for one year. At each visit, the patient also underwent MRI as well as an evaluation of clinical signs.
RESULTS
The variation in the estimate of intracranial pressure readout measured at each follow-up visit (in absolute value with respect to the baseline measurements) was significantly associated with the variation of T2/FLAIR volume (n=125; p<0.001) with a cut off value of change ICP readout of 40.2 degrees (e.i. an estimated change of 16 mm Hg).
DISCUSSION
The GMaPIC trial confirm the hypothesis that the ICP change estimated by DPOAEs measurement using a non-invasive medical device is correlated with the change of the tumor or edema in high grade glioma after radiotherapy. The device could thus become an easy-to-use and non-invasive intracranial pressure monitoring tool for these patients.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT02520492).
PubMed: 38919520
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1302977 -
Journal of Anaesthesiology, Clinical... 2024Intra-cuff pressure of Air-Q self-pressurized laryngeal airways (Air-Q SP) balances airway pressure and adapts to patient's pharyngeal and periglottic structures, thus...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Intra-cuff pressure of Air-Q self-pressurized laryngeal airways (Air-Q SP) balances airway pressure and adapts to patient's pharyngeal and periglottic structures, thus improves oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP).This study was performed to compare efficacy of Air-Q SP with Proseal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) in patients undergoing elective surgery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study design was prospective, randomized and controlled. Ninety patients were randomly assigned to Air-Q SP or PLMA group. All patients were premedicated and shifted to operation theatre. Monitoring was instituted. After securing IV-line, induction with inj. Morphine + Propofol, relaxation with inj. Vecuronium was done. Supraglottic was inserted according to group allocation. Outcome measures were OLP, fibreoptic view of larynx, success rate, device insertion parameters, haemodynamic and respiratory parameters and post-operative laryngopharyngeal complications. Neostigmine + glycopyrrolate were given, device was extubated.
RESULTS
All supraglottic airway devices (SADs) were successfully placed in two attempts. The mean initial OLP, OLP at 10 minutes, and device insertion time were significantly lower in Air-Q SP group. Fiber-optic laryngeal view grading was significantly better with Air-Q SP. No significant difference was observed with respect to rate of successful insertion in first attempt, ease of insertion, and manipulations required. The hemodynamic/respiratory parameters and post-operative sore throat in the two both groups were similar.
CONCLUSIONS
Proseal LMA has a higher OLP than Air-Q SP but average insertion time was better, and fiber-optic grading of laryngeal view was shorter with Air-Q SP. However, Air-Q SP and Proseal LMA were both effective for lung ventilation.
PubMed: 38919429
DOI: 10.4103/joacp.joacp_248_22 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Tumor metastasis presents a formidable challenge in cancer treatment, necessitating effective tools for anti-cancer drug development. Conventional 2D cell culture...
Tumor metastasis presents a formidable challenge in cancer treatment, necessitating effective tools for anti-cancer drug development. Conventional 2D cell culture methods, while considered the "gold standard" for invasive studies, exhibit limitations in representing cancer hallmarks and phenotypes. This study proposes an innovative approach that combines the advantages of 3D tumor spheroid culture with impedance-based biosensing technologies to establish a high-throughput 3D cell invasion assay for anti-metastasis drug screening through multicellular tumor spheroids. In addition, the xCELLigence device is employed to monitor the time-dependent kinetics of cell behavior, including attachment and invasion out of the 3D matrix. Moreover, an iron chelator (deferoxamine) is employed to monitor the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in 3D spheroids across different tumor cell types. The above results indicate that our integrated 3D cell invasion assay with impedance-based sensing could be a promising tool for enhancing the quality of the drug development pipeline by providing a robust platform for predicting the efficacy and safety of anti-metastatic drugs before advancing into preclinical or clinical trials.
PubMed: 38919253
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1387949 -
Cureus May 2024Compartment syndrome (CS) can occur in a variety of clinical scenarios. Reperfusion injury and tissue swelling are common causes across etiologies. Trauma is recognized...
Compartment syndrome (CS) can occur in a variety of clinical scenarios. Reperfusion injury and tissue swelling are common causes across etiologies. Trauma is recognized as a common cause, but CS is also seen after limb alignment correction for extremities. CS is a difficult diagnosis to make in any scenario. Timely diagnosis is also difficult. Correct diagnosis is inexact, with many false positives and some false negatives being the normal outcome. This case represents a scenario where it was inherently difficult to make the diagnosis. The patient was a young patient with an underlying neurodevelopmental disorder where physical and clinical examination was impossible to accomplish. Any intervention to decrease pain was also difficult and actively refused by the patient and the family. Leaving open wounds after a fasciotomy was also undesirable for wound care and infection. Previous care maps have high false-positive rates or a need for fasciotomy as the treatment arm when diagnosis is uncertain. This usually results in fasciotomy being performed in many legs without CS. These false positives and resultant prophylactic releases are costly because of protracted hospital stay, high rate of deep infection, and decreased operating room availability for other cases. The desirable tool for surgeons would be the one that decreased false positives and false negatives while ensuring diagnosis in a timely fashion for true-positive cases. Technology for monitoring continuous pressure has been shown to aid in diagnosis. In this report, we illustrate the use of a continuous pressure monitoring system in a case of a pediatric patient post-osteotomy of a lower limb presenting with unremitting pain and a difficult clinical examination.
PubMed: 38919242
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61114 -
Journal of Endourology Jun 2024Retrograde intrarenal surgery is the gold-standard treatment for most kidney stones. During ureteroscopy, ureteral access sheath insertion at forces greater than 8.0...
PURPOSE
Retrograde intrarenal surgery is the gold-standard treatment for most kidney stones. During ureteroscopy, ureteral access sheath insertion at forces greater than 8.0 Newtons risks high-grade ureteral injury. To monitor force, our institution utilizes a unique, Bluetooth equipped device (i.e., the University of California - Irvine Force Sensor). Given the unique nature of the force sensor, we sought to develop an inexpensive and accessible force sensor based on Boyle's Law and the specific amount of force required to compress an occluded 1.0 mL syringe.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We evaluated three brands of 1.0 mL syringes. After setting the plunger at 1.0 mL, the syringe was occluded, and the syringe plunger was compressed. The syringe volume was recorded when the applied force on the plunger reached 4.0 N, 6.0 N, and 8.0 N. Multiple trials were performed to assess reliability and reproducibility. A method for applying this clinically was also developed.
RESULTS
The precise force thresholds identified for a 1.0 mL Luer-Lok™ Syringe (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ) were 0.30 mL for 4.00 N, 0.20 mL for 6.00 N, and 0.15 mL for 8.00 N. The 1.0 mL Tuberculin Syringe and 1.0 mL Luer Slip Syringe were less precise, but compression from 1.0 mL to 0.40 mL, 0.25 mL and 0.20 mL corresponded to force sensor readings that did not exceed 4.00 N, 6.00 N, and 8.00 N, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on volume changes, 4.00 N, 6.00 N, and 8.00 N of force can be reliably and reproducibly achieved using an occluded 1.0 mL syringe.
PubMed: 38919128
DOI: 10.1089/end.2024.0315 -
Nature Communications Jun 2024High-sensitivity strain sensing elements with a wide strain range, fast response, high stability, and small sensing areas are desirable for constructing strain sensor...
High-sensitivity strain sensing elements with a wide strain range, fast response, high stability, and small sensing areas are desirable for constructing strain sensor arrays with high temporospatial resolution. However, current strain sensors rely on crack-based conductive materials having an inherent tradeoff between their sensing area and performance. Here, we present a molecular-level crack modulation strategy in which we use layer-by-layer assembly to introduce strong, dynamic, and reversible coordination bonds in an MXene and silver nanowire-matrixed conductive film. We use this approach to fabricate a crack-based stretchable strain sensor with a very small sensing area (0.25 mm). It also exhibits an ultrawide working strain range (0.001-37%), high sensitivity (gauge factor ~500 at 0.001% and >150,000 at 35%), fast response time, low hysteresis, and excellent long-term stability. Based on this high-performance sensing element and facile assembly process, a stretchable strain sensor array with a device density of 100 sensors per cm is realized. We demonstrate the practical use of the high-density strain sensor array as a multichannel pulse sensing system for monitoring pulses in terms of their spatiotemporal resolution.
PubMed: 38918424
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49787-9 -
Marine Pollution Bulletin Jun 2024The aim of this work was to provide evidence on the presence of microplastics (MPs) in regurgitated Yellow-legged Gull pellets (n = 18) from Sfax salina (south-eastern...
First evidence of microplastics and their characterization in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis michahellis, Naumann, 1840) pellets collected from the Sfax salina, southeastern Tunisia.
The aim of this work was to provide evidence on the presence of microplastics (MPs) in regurgitated Yellow-legged Gull pellets (n = 18) from Sfax salina (south-eastern Tunisia). This artificial area is subject to high anthropogenic pressure and hosts Yellow-legged Gulls, which are at the top of the trophic chain and can be used as sentinel species to monitor litter in the environment, including plastic pollution. The total number of MPs found in the samples was 309, 63.8 % fibres (4.95 ± 3.51 MPs/g) and 36.2 % fragments (2.87 ± 1.74 MPs/g). Micro-FTIR analysis evidenced that a large proportion of the fibres was attributed to artificial cellulose (40.7 %). Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE) were found in the fragments.
PubMed: 38917492
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116628 -
PloS One 2024Access to brushes allows for natural scratching behaviors in cattle, especially in confined indoor settings. Cattle are motivated to use brushes, but brush use varies...
Access to brushes allows for natural scratching behaviors in cattle, especially in confined indoor settings. Cattle are motivated to use brushes, but brush use varies with multiple factors including social hierarchy and health. Brush use might serve an indicator of cow health or welfare, but practical application of these measures requires accurate and automated monitoring tools. This study describes a machine learning approach to monitor brush use by dairy cattle. We aimed to capture the daily brush use by integrating data on the rotation of a mechanical brush with data on cow identify derived from either 1) low-frequency radio frequency identification or 2) a computer vision system using fiducial markers. We found that the computer vision system outperformed the RFID system in accuracy, and that the machine learning algorithms enhanced the precision of the brush use estimates. This study presents the first description of a fiducial marker-based computer vision system for monitoring individual cattle behavior in a group setting; this approach could be applied to develop automated measures of other behaviors with the potential to better assess welfare and improve the care for farm animals.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Behavior, Animal; Machine Learning; Dairying; Radio Frequency Identification Device; Female; Algorithms; Animal Welfare
PubMed: 38917231
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305671