The cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) qualitative screening tool: application to mitigate anterior cruciate ligament injury risk during cutting

Side-step cutting is an action associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury with a plethora of negative economical, health, and psychological implications. Although ACL injury risk factors are multifactorial, biomechanical and neuromuscular deficits which contribute to “high-risk” and aberrant movement patterns are linked to ACL injury risk due to increasing knee joint loads and potential ACL loading. Importantly, biomechanical and neuromuscular deficits are modifiable; thus, being able to profile and classify athletes as potentially “high-risk” of injury is a crucial process in ACL injury mitigation. The Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS) is a recently validated field-based qualitative screening tool to identify athletes that display high-risk postures associated with increased non-contact ACL injury risk during side-step cutting. This article provides practitioners with a comprehensive and detailed overview regarding the rationale and implementation of the CMAS. Additionally, this review provides guidance on CMAS methodological procedures, CMAS operational definitions, and training recommendations to assist in the development of more effective non-contact ACL injury risk mitigation programmes

Probing the Mechanisms of Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Simple Olefins with Chiral Rhodium Catalysts in the Presence of Anions

The strong influence of various anions upon the hydrogenation of 2-phenyl-1-butene, catalyzed by chiral rhodium catalysts was investigated. Both sulfonates and halides exert large increases in the enantioselectivity when [Rh{(−)-bdpp}(NBD)]ClO4 (bdpp=2,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane, NBD=2,5-norbornadiene) is used as the catalyst precursor at high pressures (70 atm) of dihydrogen in nonpolar solvents. A dihydride mechanism similar to that for Wilkinson\u27s catalyst [RhCl(PPh3)3] was shown to be operating at both high- and low-pressure conditions through a combination of catalytic studies, 31P, 1H and parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) NMR experiments. With sulfonate and in neat methanol, however, a mechanistic switch takes place from a dihydride route (dihydrogen addition before olefin binding) at high pressure to an unsaturate route (olefin binding before dihydrogen addition) at low pressures (\u3c30 \u3eatm). Olefin isomerization is inhibited by halide addition, but occurs with sulfonate and in neat methanol through what is most likely a π-allyl mechanism. A detailed understanding of the effects of addition of these anions is crucial for development of new classes of catalysts capable of efficient enantioselective reduction of prochiral olefins lacking a secondary polar binding group

Postnatal care generates phenotypic behavioural correlations in the Japanese quail

International audienceBehavioural phenotypes can be highly constrained by interdependent behavioural traits. Studies in different taxa showed that these behavioural phenotypic correlations are not universal within a species and can differ between populations exposed to different environmental pressures. Empirical studies are required to better understand the relative contributions of long-term adaptive processes and direct ontogenetic mechanisms in the development of these phenotypic behavioural correlations. In the present study, we investigated the role of postnatal nurturing care on the development of behavioural correlations in a precocial bird model, the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). We compared phenotypic correlations between two populations: 41 artificially reared birds (maternally deprived) and 36 birds fostered by unrelated females. Behavioural responses were measured at the age when birds naturally disperse, with three widely used behavioural tests to assess fearfulness and sociality: tonic immobility, open-field and emergence tests. Our results show that when quail chicks are reared by a foster mother, more phenotypic correlations appeared in the population including correlations within and across behavioural functions and between behavioural responses and chick mass. In contrast, chicks reared without a foster mother presented much fewer behavioural correlations and those were limited to functionally linked behaviours. Our results also highlight that the effect of mothering on phenotypic correlations is sex-specific, with a greater effect on males. We discuss the organisational role of parents on the development of behavioural correlations, the mechanisms likely to support this influence, as well as the reasons for sexual dimorphism

Critical elements in nonsulphide Zn deposits: A reanalysis of the Kabwe Zn-Pb ores (central Zambia)

The Kabwe Zn-Pb deposit (central Zambia) consists of a cluster of mixed sulfide and non-sulfide orebodies. The sulfide ores comprise sphalerite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite and accessory Ge-sulfides (±Ga and In). The non-sulfide ores comprise: (1) willemite-dominated zones encasing massive sulfide orebodies and (2) oxide-dominated alteration bands, overlying both the sulfide and Zn-silicate orebodies. This study focuses on the Ge, In and Ga distribution in the non-sulfide mineralization, and was carried out on a suite of Kabwe specimens, housed in the Natural History Museum Ore Collection (London). Petrography confirmed that the original sulfides were overprinted by at least two contrasting oxidation stages dominated by the formation of willemite (W1 and W2), and a further event characterized by weathering-related processes. Oxygen isotopic analyses have shown that W1 and W2 are unrelated genetically and furthermore not related to supergene Zn-Pb-carbonates in the oxide-dominated assemblage. The δ18O composition of 13.9-15.7‰ V-SMOW strongly supports a hydrothermal origin for W1. The δ18O composition of W2 (-3.5‰ to 0‰ V-SMOW) indicates that it precipitated from groundwaters of meteoric origin in either a supergene or a low-T hydrothermal environment. Gallium and Ge show a diversity of distribution among the range of Zn-bearing minerals. Gallium has been detected at the ppm level in W1, sphalerite, goethite and hematite. Germanium occurs at ppm levels in W1 and W2, and in scarcely detectable amounts in hemimorphite, goethite and hematite. Indium has low concentrations in goethite and hematite. These different deportments among the various phases are probably due to the different initial Ga, In and Ge abundances in the mineralization, to the different solubilities of the three elements at different temperatures and pH values, and finally to their variable affinities with the various minerals formed

Importance of the lipid-related pathways in the association between statins, mortality and cardiovascular disease risk : the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

PURPOSE: Estimating how much of the impact of statins on coronary heart diseases (CHD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and mortality risk is attributable to their effect on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides. METHODS: A semi-parametric g-formula estimator together with data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (a prospective multi-center cohort study) was utilized to perform a mediation analysis. A total of 5280 participants, men and women of various race/ethnicities from multiple sites across the United States, were considered in the current study. RESULTS: The adherence adjusted total relative risk reduction (RRR) estimate (95% confidence interval) of statins on CHD was 14% (-16%, 37%), and the indirect component through LDL was 23% (-4%, 58%). For CVD, the total RRR was 23% (2%, 40%), and the indirect component through LDL was 5% (-13%, 25%). The total RRR of mortality was 18% (-1%, 35%), and the indirect component through LDL was -4% (-17%, 12%). The estimated indirect components through HDL and triglycerides were close to zero with narrow confidence intervals for all 3 outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated effect of statins on mortality, CVD, and CHD appeared to be independent of their estimated effect on HDL and triglycerides. Our study provides evidence that the preventive effect of statins on CHD could be attributed in large part to their effect on LDL. Our g-formula estimator is a promising approach to elucidate pathways, even if it is hard to make firm conclusions for the LDL pathway on mortality and CV

Randomized multicentre pilot study of sacubitril/valsartan versus irbesartan in patients with chronic kidney disease: United Kingdom Heart and Renal Protection (HARP)- III—rationale, trial design and baseline data

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of progression to end-stage renal disease and cardiovascular disease. Data from other populations and animal experiments suggest that neprilysin inhibition (which augments the natriuretic peptide system) may reduce these risks, but clinical trials among patients with CKD are required to test this hypothesis. METHODS: UK Heart and Renal Protection III (HARP-III) is a multicentre, double-blind, randomized controlled trial comparing sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg two times daily (an angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor) with irbesartan 300 mg one time daily among 414 patients with CKD. Patients ≥18 years of age with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥45 but <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and urine albumin:creatinine ratio (uACR) >20 mg/mmol or eGFR ≥20 but <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (regardless of uACR) were invited to be screened. Following a 4- to 7-week pre-randomization single-blind placebo run-in phase (during which any current renin-angiotensin system inhibitors were stopped), willing and eligible participants were randomly assigned either sacubitril/valsartan or irbesartan and followed-up for 12 months. The primary aim was to compare the effects of sacubitril/valsartan and irbesartan on measured GFR after 12 months of therapy. Important secondary outcomes include effects on albuminuria, change in eGFR over time and the safety and tolerability of sacubitril/valsartan in CKD. RESULTS: Between November 2014 and January 2016, 620 patients attended a screening visit and 566 (91%) entered the pre-randomization run-in phase. Of these, 414 (73%) participants were randomized (mean age 63 years; 72% male). The mean eGFR was 34.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 and the median uACR was 58.5 mg/mmol. CONCLUSIONS: UK HARP-III will provide important information on the short-term effects of sacubitril/valsartan on renal function, tolerability and safety among patients with CKD

The perceived barriers to the inclusion of rainwater harvesting systems by UK house building companies

This work investigates the barriers that exist to deter the implementation of rainwater harvesting into new UK housing. A postal questionnaire was sent to a selection of large, medium and small house-builders distributed across the UK. Questions were asked concerning potential barriers to the inclusion of rainwater harvesting in homes separated into five sections; (1) institutional and regulatory gaps, (2) economic and financial constraints, (3) absence of incentives, (4) lack of information and technical knowledge, and (5) house-builder attitudes. The study concludes that although the knowledge of rainwater systems has increased these barriers are deterring house-builders from installing rainwater harvesting systems in new homes. It is further acknowledged that the implementation of rainwater harvesting will continue to be limited whilst these barriers remain and unless resolved, rainwater harvesting's potential to reduce the consumption of potable water in houses will continue to be limited

Inter-Professional and Methodological Agreement in Using the Cutting Movement Assessment Score (CMAS)

Background: The cutting movement assessment score (CMAS) provides a qualitative assessment of the side-step cutting (S-SC) technique. Previous research has been undertaken primarily by biomechanists experienced with S-SC evaluations. Little is known about the agreement between various sports science and medicine practitioners to ascertain whether the tool can be used effectively by different practitioners in the field. Currently, the CMAS uses three camera views (CVS) to undertake the evaluation, and it would be worthwhile to know whether the CMAS can be effectively conducted with fewer camera views to improve clinical utility. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the inter-rater agreement between different sports science and medicine practitioners and agreement between using different CVS to evaluate the S-SC technique using the CMAS. Methods: Video data were collected from 12 male rugby union players performing a 45° S-SC manoeuvre toward both the left and right directions. Five different sports science and medicine practitioners evaluated footage from three cameras of one left and one right trial from each player using the CMAS. Twelve different trials were also evaluated by the sports rehabilitator using single and multiple CVS. Agreements (percentage; Kappa coefficients (K)) between different practitioners and configurations of the CVS were explored. Results: Good to excellent inter-rater agreements were found between all practitioners for total score (K = 0.63–0.84), with moderate to excellent inter-rater agreements observed across all items of the CMAS (K = 0.5–1.0). Excellent agreement was found between using three CVS vs. two CVS that included at least a sagittal view (K = 0.96–0.97). Lower agreement (K = 0.83) was found between angle-frontal views with three CVS. Conclusions: The CMAS can be used effectively by various practitioners to evaluate the movement quality of S-SC. The use of two CVS that include at least a sagittal plane view would suffice to evaluate the S-SC technique against the CMAS

Prolactin

During an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose and insulin levels were measured in 26 patients with prolactin-producing pituitary tumours without growth hormone excess. Basal glucose and insulin levels did not differ from the values of an age-matched control group. After glucose load the hyperprolactinaemic patients showed a decrease in glucose tolerance and a hyperinsulinaemia. Bromocriptine (CB 154), which suppressed PRL, improved glucose tolerance and decreased insulin towards normal in a second OGTT. — Human PRL or CB 154 had no significant influence on insulin release due to glucose in the perfused rat pancreas. — These findings suggest a diabetogenic effect of PRL. CB 154 might be a useful drug in improving glucose utilization in hormone-active pituitary tumours