Assessment of commercially available computerized neurocognitive testing in the adolescent concussed athlete: A retrospective analysis.

Background: Clinicians frequently use computer-based neurocognitive assessments to aid in the diagnosis and management of Sport Related Concussion (SRC). With practitioners using varied Neuro-Cognitive Assessment Tools (NCAT), questions arise concerning among NCAT and how these differences may affect patient care. The purpose of the current study is to offer a comparative analysis of two widely accepted, commercially available computer-based neurocognitive testing modalities in the adolescent concussed athlete. Hypothesis: There will be a difference between the C3 Logix® vs ImPACT® scoring in the IRPT and RTP Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: In order to identify patients that were diagnosed with SRC, the records of patients reporting to a Sports Medicine practice were reviewed from a period of 18 months. All patients were assessed with either the ImPACT® or C3 Logix NCAT®. The date of the injury (DOI) as well as the patient’s symptom level (IVAL), time to initiation of the return to play protocol (IRTP), and time to the return to play (RTP) were recorded. Results: Two hundred and twenty-two records (222) were identified. There was no difference in the symptom score (P = 0.22) at the IEVAL between C3 Logix® (31.5±27.0) and ImPACT® (23.2±21.9), in the IRTP (P = 0.22) between the C3 Logix® (6.2±4.3 days) and ImPACT® (5.1±4.3 days) or RTP (P = 0.46) between C3 Logix (12.1±4.9 days) and ImPACT (15.6±19.8 days). Weak to moderate correlations were found between symptom scores, IRTP, and RTP. Conclusions: Clinicians made similar recommendations, independent of the NCAT used, as when to initiate the return to play protocol and when the patient could ultimately return to play. Clinical Relevance: The particular NCAT utilized by clinician was not a primary factor in the clinical judgement towards the management of the patient with SRC

Energy Content of Seeds of Common Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) in the Diet of Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) in Southeastern New Mexico

We analyzed the energy content of seeds of common sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) obtained from the crops of scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) collected from plains-mesa sand-scrub habitat in Eddy and Lea counties, New Mexico. Seeds were removed from crops and dried for 48 hours at 60°C to remove moisture and to standardize masses. Seeds were then analyzed for gross caloric value (i.e., energy content) in an oxygen bomb calorimeter. Energy content of seeds of common sunflowers from New Mexico was greater than that of many seeds previously reported from the diet of scaled quail and other granivorous birds and comparable to previous measurements of seeds of the same species made in Kansas

Verificación De La Asignación Vibracional Teórica De DADP Usando Marcaje Isotópico

This work deals with the comparison of the theoretical assignment of the DADP vibrational spectrum with the experimental displacements by isotopic labeling. For this, the DADP-C4 and DADP-C2 isotopomers were synthesized from acetone labeled isotopically in the methyl and the carbonyl carbon atoms, respectively. The acetone and DADP-isotopomer compounds were characterized using Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Theoretical assignments were taken from previous studies on the potential energy distribution of a vibrational mode, which provide an approach to the internal coordinates related to each band. The selective isotopic labeling allowed us to approach to the dependence of each band, because the energy of a molecular vibration also depends on the reciprocal mass of the atoms involved. In general, the results showed that some bands assigned experimentally do not coincide with the theoretical assignments by quantum mechanical simulations

The antioxidant vitamin E as a membrane raft modulator: Tocopherols do not abolish lipid domains

© 2020 Elsevier B.V. The antioxidant vitamin E is a commonly used vitamin supplement. Although the multi-billion dollar vitamin and nutritional supplement industry encourages the use of vitamin E, there is very little evidence supporting its actual health benefits. Moreover, vitamin E is now marketed as a lipid raft destabilizing anti-cancer agent, in addition to its antioxidant behaviour. Here, we studied the influence of vitamin E and some of its vitamers on membrane raft stability using phase separating unilamellar lipid vesicles in conjunction with small-angle scattering techniques and fluorescence microscopy. We find that lipid phase behaviour remains unperturbed well beyond physiological concentrations of vitamin E (up to a mole fraction of 0.10). Our results are consistent with a proposed line active role of vitamin E at the domain boundary. We discuss the implications of these findings as they pertain to lipid raft modification in native membranes, and propose a new hypothesis for the antioxidant mechanism of vitamin E

Mid-Infrared Laser Spectroscopy Applications I: Detection of Traces of High Explosives on Reflective and Matte Substrates

Mid-infrared (MIR) lasers have revolutionized infrared vibrational spectroscopy, converting an already dominant spectroscopic analysis technique into an even more powerful, easier to use, and quicker turn-around cadre of versatile spectroscopic tools. A selection of applications, revisited under the umbrella of MIR laser-based properties, very high brightness, collimated beams, polarized sources, highly monochromatic tunable sources, and coherent sources, is included. Applications discussed concern enhanced detection, discrimination, and quantification of high explosives (HEs). From reflectance measurements of chemical residues on highly reflective metallic substrates to reflectance measurements of HEs deposited on non-reflective, matte substrates is discussed. Coupling with multivariate analyses (MVA) techniques of Chemometrics allowed near trace detection of HEs, with sharp discrimination from highly MIR absorbing substrates

Efecto de terapias farmacológicas para el control glicémico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en los desenlaces vasculares

Introduction: In the last 5 years the publication of knowledge related to vascular disease and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DT2) has been increasing. However, due to the absence of a review that collects all the vascular outcomes of T2D, the current review of the literature aims to group all vascular outcomes related to T2D and describe how hypoglycemic drug therapy can be effective for the control of these outcomes. Cardiovascular events as the main outcome show that innovative antidiabetic drugs such as empagliflozin and liraglutide can add significant benefits for patients with T2D. Materials and methods: Systematic search of the literature, from which 141 references were obtained, after eliminating duplicates, for paired screening. Subsequently, 21 references were identified that met the inclusion criteria to be considered in the analysis. Results: The effect of good glycemic control on clinical outcomes, specifically in the progression of diabetic kidney disease, has been the objective of multiple large-scale studies, both in type 1 diabetic patients and type 2 diabetics and macrovascular outcome of the primary DMT2, increasing the incidence of comorbidities and in turn representing greater morbidity. Conclusions: Among the main causes of morbidity and mortality of patients with T2D, are those with vascular damage, especially cardiovascular disease and renal involvement. In this context, the pharmacological treatment of diabetes mellitus has focused on finding drugs that reduce the importance of cardiovascular events and that at the same time delay the onset of nephropathy or its progression. Thiazolidinediones, DPP4 inhibitors (alogliptin, saxagliptin and sitagliptin), insulin glargine and degludec have demonstrated cardiovascular safety, but not incremental cardiovascular benefits, in patients with T2D who are at high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.Introducción: En los últimos 5 años la publicación de conocimiento relacionado con la enfermedad vascular y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DT2) ha ido en aumento. Sin embargo, debido a la ausencia de una revisión que recopilara todos los desenlaces vasculares de la DT2, la presente revisión de literatura tiene como objetivo agrupar todos los desenlaces vasculares relacionados con la DT2 y describir cómo la terapia farmacológica hipoglicemiante puede ser eficaz para lograr el control de estos desenlaces. Los eventos cardiovasculares como desenlace principal demuestran que los medicamentos antidiabéticos innovadores como la empagliflozina y la liraglutida pueden agregar un beneficio significativo para pacientes con DT2. Materiales y métodos: Búsqueda sistemática de la literatura, de la cual se obtuvieron 141 referencias, después de eliminar duplica- dos, para la tamización pareada. Posterior a esto, se identificaron 21 referencias que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión para ser considerados en el análisis. Resultados: El efecto de un buen control glucémico, sobre los resultados clínicos, específicamente en la progresión de la enfermedad renal diabética, ha sido objetivo de múltiples estudios a gran escala, tanto en pacientes diabéticos tipo 1 como en diabéticos tipo 2. Los desenlaces micro y macrovasculares son los principales desenlaces de la DMT2, que incrementan la incidencia de comorbilidades y representan, a su vez, una mayor morbilidad. Conclusiones: Dentro de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad de los pacientes con DT2, se encuentran las relacionadas con daño vascular, en especial enfermedad cardiovascular y compromiso renal. En este contexto, el tratamiento farmacológico de la diabetes mellitus se ha enfocado en encontrar medicamentos que reduzcan de manera significativa los eventos cardiovasculares y que al mismo tiempo retrasen la aparición de nefropatía o su progresión. Las tiazolidinedionas, los inhibidores de DPP4 (alogliptina, saxagliptina y sitagliptina), la insulina glargina y degludec han demostrado seguridad cardiovascular, pero no beneficio cardiovascular incremental en pacientes con DT2 que tienen alto riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica

Infographic. How does exercise treatment compare with antihypertensive medications?

High systolic blood pressure (SBP) remains the major cause of premature death globally despite advances in pharmacological treatment.1 2 The global direct medical costs associated with hypertension treatment are estimated at $370 billion/year worldwide, with the healthcare savings from effective management of this condition projected at about$100 billion/year.3 Unfortunately, relatively little attention is given to non-pharmacological strategies, including structured exercise interventions. A recent network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in the BJSM4 aimed to compare the effects of exercise interventions and medications on SBP. We highlight the key findings of this network meta-analysis that are particularly relevant for clinical practice and health policy.Sin financiación12.022 JCR (2019) Q1, 1/85 Sport Sciences3.712 SJR (2019) Q1, 48/2754 Medicine (miscellaneous), 1/284 Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, 1/207 Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, 2/125 Sports ScienceNo data IDR 2019UE

Modelling Future Coronary Heart Disease Mortality to 2030 in the British Isles.

OBJECTIVE: Despite rapid declines over the last two decades, coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality rates in the British Isles are still amongst the highest in Europe. This study uses a modelling approach to compare the potential impact of future risk factor scenarios relating to smoking and physical activity levels, dietary salt and saturated fat intakes on future CHD mortality in three countries: Northern Ireland (NI), Republic of Ireland (RoI) and Scotland. METHODS: CHD mortality models previously developed and validated in each country were extended to predict potential reductions in CHD mortality from 2010 (baseline year) to 2030. Risk factor trends data from recent surveys at baseline were used to model alternative future risk factor scenarios: Absolute decreases in (i) smoking prevalence and (ii) physical inactivity rates of up to 15% by 2030; relative decreases in (iii) dietary salt intake of up to 30% by 2030 and (iv) dietary saturated fat of up to 6% by 2030. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were then conducted. RESULTS: Projected populations in 2030 were 1.3, 3.4 and 3.9 million in NI, RoI and Scotland respectively (adults aged 25-84). In 2030: assuming recent declining mortality trends continue: 15% absolute reductions in smoking could decrease CHD deaths by 5.8-7.2%. 15% absolute reductions in physical inactivity levels could decrease CHD deaths by 3.1-3.6%. Relative reductions in salt intake of 30% could decrease CHD deaths by 5.2-5.6% and a 6% reduction in saturated fat intake might decrease CHD deaths by some 7.8-9.0%. These projections remained stable under a wide range of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Feasible reductions in four cardiovascular risk factors (already achieved elsewhere) could substantially reduce future coronary deaths. More aggressive polices are therefore needed in the British Isles to control tobacco, promote healthy food and increase physical activity

Following the Science: the role of the academic medical center in the COVID-19 pandemic

This article reviews the experience and role of an academic medical center in a response to the COVID-19 pandemic