Inter-correlations between laboratory Inter-correlations between laboratory and field-based tests of muscle contractile power

International Journal of Exercise Science 9(5): 635-645, 2016. Muscle contractile properties have previously been distinguished by fiber typing muscle samples obtained from needle biopsy; however due to conflicting evidence regarding sampling bias and the related need for multiple biopsies, it is not certain if these results are a reliable reflection of whole muscle fiber type expression. Inter-correlations between laboratory and field-based measures of muscle contractile power were used to determine which assessments best discriminate between participants of varying sprint performance, and indirectly reveal potential for power vs. endurance exercise performance. Healthy active male (n=32) and female (n=17) participants were recruited from the Central West region of New South Wales. Isometric rate of force development (RFD) and isokinetic torque were assessed at different velocities. A counter movement jump (CMJ) test was implemented to assess concentric and eccentric RFD. A modified Wingate test was used to assess peak power expressed as Watts using a stationary start to the onset of decreased cadence. A 20m sprint was used as a field-based measurement of exercise performance, recording split times at 2m, 10m and 20m, and interval times from 2-10m, 2-20m, and 10-20m. Over 85% (r2=0.851) of 10-20m sprint running performance variance was significantly accounted for by a multiple regression model consisting of peak Watts per kilogram body mass during the modified Wingate (pkWkg), sex, and peak concentric rate of force development (pkcRFDkg). Results indicate a highly significant and predictive relationship between performance measures assessed by the modified Wingate test and sprint running performance in both males and females. Laboratory power tests alone seem sensitive enough to ascertain suitability for power vs. endurance performance potential

The classification of normalizing groups

Let X be a finite set such that |X|=n. Let Tn and Sn denote the transformation monoid and the symmetric group on n points, respectively. Given a∈Tn∖Sn, we say that a group G⩽Sn is a-normalizing if ,where a, G and g−1ag | g ∈ G denote the subsemigroups of Tn generated by the sets {a} ∪ G and {g−1ag | g ∈ G}, respectively. If G is a-normalizing for all a ∈ Tn \ Sn, then we say that G is normalizing.The goal of this paper is to classify the normalizing groups and hence answer a question of Levi, McAlister, and McFadden. The paper ends with a number of problems for experts in groups, semigroups and matrix theory

Chains of subsemigroups

We investigate the maximum length of a chain of subsemigroups in various classes of semigroups, such as the full transformation semigroups, the general linear semigroups, and the semigroups of order-preserving transformations of finite chains. In some cases, we give lower bounds for the total number of subsemigroups of these semigroups. We give general results for finite completely regular and finite inverse semigroups. Wherever possible, we state our results in the greatest generality; in particular, we include infinite semigroups where the result is true for these. The length of a subgroup chain in a group is bounded by the logarithm of the group order. This fails for semigroups, but it is perhaps surprising that there is a lower bound for the length of a subsemigroup chain in the full transformation semigroup which is a constant multiple of the semigroup order

Post-Pancreatoduodenectomy Outcomes and Epidural Analgesia: A 5-Year Single Institution Experience

Introduction Optimal pain control post-pancreatoduodenectomy is a challenge. Epidural analgesia (EDA) is increasingly utilized despite inherent risks and unclear effects on outcomes. Methods All pancreatoduodenectomies (PD) performed from 1/2013-12/2017 were included. Clinical parameters were obtained from retrospective review of a prospective clinical database, the ACS NSQIP prospective institutional database and medical record review. Chi-Square/Fisher’s Exact and Independent-Samples t-Tests were used for univariable analyses; multivariable regression (MVR) was performed. Results 671 consecutive PD from a single institution were included (429 EDA, 242 non-EDA). On univariable analysis, EDA patients experienced significantly less wound disruption (0.2% vs. 2.1%), unplanned intubation (3.0% vs. 7.9%), pulmonary embolism (0.5% vs. 2.5%), mechanical-ventilation >48hrs (2.1% vs. 7.9%), septic shock (2.6% vs. 5.8%), and lower pain scores. On MVR accounting for baseline group differences (gender, hypertension, pre-operative transfusion, labs, approach, pancreatic duct size), EDA was associated with less superficial wound infections (OR 0.34; CI 0.14-0.83; P=0.017), unplanned intubations (OR 0.36; CI 0.14-0.88; P=0.024), mechanical ventilation >48 hrs (OR 0.22; CI 0.08-0.62; P=0.004), and septic shock (OR 0.39; CI 0.15-1.00; P=0.050). EDA improved pain scores post-PD days 1-3 (P<0.001). No differences were seen in cardiac or renal complications; pancreatic fistula (B+C) or delayed gastric emptying; 30/90-day mortality; length of stay, readmission, discharge destination, or unplanned reoperation. Conclusion Based on the largest single institution series published to date, our data support the use of EDA for optimization of pain control. More importantly, our data document that EDA significantly improved infectious and pulmonary complications

Working with Children with Learning Disabilities and/or who Communicate Non-verbally: Research experiences and their implications for social work education, increased participation and social inclusion

Social exclusion, although much debated in the UK, frequently focuses on children as a key 'at risk' group. However, some groups, such as disabled children, receive less consideration. Similarly, despite both UK and international policy and guidance encouraging the involvement of disabled children and their right to participate in decision-making arenas, they are frequently denied this right. UK based evidence suggests that disabled children's participation lags behind that of their non-disabled peers, often due to social work practitioners' lack of skills, expertise and knowledge on how to facilitate participation. The exclusion of disabled children from decision-making in social care processes echoes their exclusion from participation in society. This paper seeks to begin to address this situation, and to provide some examples of tools that social work educators can introduce into pre- and post-qualifying training programmes, as well as in-service training. The paper draws on the experiences of researchers using non-traditional qualitative research methods, especially non-verbal methods, and describes two research projects, focusing on the methods employed to communicate with and involve disabled children, the barriers encountered and lessons learnt. Some of the ways in which these methods of communication can inform social work education are explored alongside wider issues of how and if increased communication can facilitate greater social inclusion

Acute Resistance Exercise Induces Sestrin2 Phosphorylation and p62 Dephosphorylation in Human Skeletal Muscle

Sestrins (1, 2, 3) are a family of stress-inducible proteins capable of attenuating oxidative stress, regulating metabolism, and stimulating autophagy. Sequestosome1 (p62) is also a stress-inducible multifunctional protein acting as a signaling hub for oxidative stress and selective autophagy. It is unclear whether Sestrin and p62Ser403 are regulated acutely or chronically by resistance exercise (RE) or training (RT) in human skeletal muscle. Therefore, the acute and chronic effects of RE on Sestrin and p62 in human skeletal muscle were examined through two studies. In Study 1, nine active men (22.1 ± 2.2 years) performed a bout of single-leg strength exercises and muscle biopsies were collected before, 2, 24, and 48 h after exercise. In Study 2, 10 active men (21.3 ± 1.9 years) strength trained for 12 weeks (2 days per week) and biopsies were collected pre- and post-training. Acutely, 2 h postexercise, phosphorylation of p62Ser403 was downregulated, while there was a mobility shift of Sestrin2, indicative of increased phosphorylation. Forty-eight hours postexercise, the protein expression of both Sestrin1 and total p62 increased. Chronic exercise had no impact on the gene or protein expression of Sestrin2/3 or p62, but Sestrin1 protein was upregulated. These findings demonstrated an inverse relationship between Sestrin2 and p62 phosphorylation after a single bout of RE, indicating they are transiently regulated. Contrarily, 12 weeks of RT increased protein expression of Sestrin1, suggesting that despite the strong sequence homology of the Sestrin family, they are differentially regulated in response to acute RE and chronic RT

Hospital service use for young people with chronic health conditions : a population-based matched retrospective cohort study

Aim: This study aims to identify the hospitalised morbidity associated with three common chronic health conditions among young people using a population-based matched cohort. Methods: A population-level matched case-comparison retrospective cohort study of young people aged ≤18 years hospitalised with asthma, type 1 diabetes (T1D) or epilepsy during 2005–2018 in New South Wales, Australia using linked birth, health and mortality records. The comparison cohort was matched on age, sex and residential postcode. Adjusted rate ratios (ARR) were calculated by sex and age group. Results: There were 65 055 young people hospitalised with asthma, 6648 with epilepsy, and 2209 with T1D. Young people with epilepsy (ARR 10.95; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.98–12.02), T1D (ARR 8.64; 95% CI 7.72–9.67) or asthma (ARR 4.39; 95% CI 4.26–4.53) all had a higher risk of hospitalisation than matched peers. Admission risk was highest for males (ARR 11.00; 95% CI 9.64–12.56) and females with epilepsy (ARR 10.83; 95% CI 9.54–12.29) compared to peers. The highest admission risk by age group was for young people aged 10–14 years (ARR 5.50; 95% CI 4.77–6.34) living with asthma, children aged ≤4 years (ARR 12.68; 95% CI 11.35–14.17) for those living with epilepsy, and children aged 5–9 years (ARR 9.12; 95% CI 7.69–10.81) for those living with T1D compared to peers. Conclusions: The results will guide health service planning and highlight opportunities for better management of chronic health conditions, such as further care integration between acute, primary and community health services for young people

Flood realities, perceptions, and the depth of divisions on climate

Research has led to broad agreement among scientists that anthropogenic climate change is happening now and likely to worsen. In contrast to scientific agreement, US public views remain deeply divided, largely along ideological lines. Science communication has been neutralised in some arenas by intense counter-messaging, but as adverse climate impacts become manifest they might intervene more persuasively in local perceptions. We look for evidence of this occurring with regard to realities and perceptions of flooding in the northeastern US state of New Hampshire. Although precipitation and flood damage have increased, with ample news coverage, most residents do not see a trend. Nor do perceptions about past and future local flooding correlate with regional impacts or vulnerability. Instead, such perceptions follow ideological patterns resembling those of global climate change. That information about the physical world can be substantially filtered by ideology is a common finding from sociological environment/society research