60 research outputs found
Exogenous Plant-Based Nutraceutical Supplementation and Peripheral Cell Mononuclear DNA Damage Following High Intensity Exercise
Plant-based nutraceuticals are categorised as nutritional supplements which contain a high concentration of antioxidants with the intention of minimising the deleterious effect of an oxidative insult. The primary aim of this novel study was to determine the effect of exogenous barley-wheat grass juice (BWJ) on indices of exercise-induced oxidative stress. Ten (n = 10) apparently healthy, recreationally trained (VÌO2max 55.9 ± 6 mL·kg−1·min−1), males (age 22 ± 2 years, height 181 ± 6 cm, weight 87 ± 8 kg, body mass index (BMI) 27 ± 1) volunteered to participant in the study. In a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design, participants consumed either a placebo, a low dose (70 mL per day) of BWJ, or a high dose (140 mL per day) of BWJ for 7-days. Experimental exercise consisted of a standard maximal oxygen uptake test until volitional fatigue. DNA damage, as assessed by the single cell gel electrophoresis comet assay, increased following high intensity exercise across all groups (time × group; p < 0.05, Effect Size (ES) = 0.7), although there was no selective difference for intervention (p > 0.05). There was a main effect for time in lipid hydroperoxide concentration (pooled-group data, pre- vs. post-exercise, p < 0.05, ES = 0.2) demonstrating that exercise increased lipid peroxidation. Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) increased by 44.7% following BWJ supplementation (pooled group data, pre- vs. post). The ascorbyl free radical (p < 0.05, ES = 0.26), α-tocopherol (p = 0.007, ES = 0.2), and xanthophyll (p = 0.000, ES = 0.5), increased between the pre- and post-exercise time points indicating a main effect of time. This study illustrates that a 7-day supplementation period of a novel plant-derived nutraceutical product is insufficient at attenuating exercise-induced oxidative damage. It is possible that with a larger sample size, and longer supplementation period, this novel plant-based nutraceutical could potentially offer effective prophylaxis against exercise-induced oxidative stress; as such, this justifies the need for further research
Effectiveness of Exercise on Fatigue and Sleep Quality in Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials
Objectives: To determine the effects of exercise on fatigue and sleep quality in fibromyalgia (primary aim) and to identify which type of exercise
is the most effective in achieving these outcomes (secondary aim).
Data Sources: PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception until October 18, 2018.
Study Selection: Eligible studies contained information on population (fibromyalgia), intervention (exercise), and outcomes (fatigue or sleep).
Randomized controlled trials (RCT) testing the effectiveness of exercise compared with usual care and randomized trials (RT) comparing the
effectiveness of 2 different exercise interventions were included for the primary and secondary aims of the present review, respectively. Two
independent researchers performed the search, screening, and final eligibility of the articles. Of 696 studies identified, 17 RCTs (nZ1003) were
included for fatigue and 12 RCTs (nZ731) for sleep. Furthermore, 21 RTs compared the effectiveness of different exercise interventions (nZ1254).
Data Extraction: Two independent researchers extracted the key information from each eligible study.
Data Synthesis: Separate random-effect meta-analyses were performed to examine the effects from RCTs and from RTs (primary and secondary
aims). Standardized mean differences (SMD) effect sizes were calculated using Hedgesâ adjusted g. Effect sizes of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 were considered
small, moderate, and large. Compared with usual care, exercise had moderate effects on fatigue and a small effect on sleep quality (SMD, e0.47; 95%
confidence interval [CI], e0.67 to e0.27; P<.001 and SMD, e0.17; 95% CI, e0.32 to e0.01; PZ.04). RTs in which fatigue was the primary outcome
were the most beneficial for lowering fatigue. Additionally, meditative exercise programs were the most effective for improving sleep quality.
Conclusions: Exercise is moderately effective for lowering fatigue and has small effects on enhancing sleep quality in fibromyalgia. Meditative
exercise programs may be considered for improving sleep quality in fibromyalgi
Pore directionality and correlation lengths of mesoporous silica channels aligned by physical epitaxy
Herein we report on the alignment of mesoporous silica, a potential host for sub-10 nm nanostructures, by controlling its deposition within patterned substrates. In-depth characterization of the correlation lengths (length of a linear porous channel), defects of the porous network (delamination), and how the silica mesopores register to the micrometer-sized substrate pattern was achieved by means of novel focused ion beam (FIB) sectioning and in situ SEM imaging, which to our knowledge has not previously been reported for such a system. Our findings establish that, under confinement, directed deposition of the sol within channeled substrates, where the cross-sectional aspect ratio of the channels approaches unity, induces alignment of the mesopores along the length of the channels. The pore correlation length was found to extend beyond the micrometer scale, with high pore uniformity from channel to channel observed with infrequent delamination defects. Such information on pore correlation lengths and defect densities is critical for subsequent nanowire growth within the mesoporous channels, contact layout (electrode deposition etc.), and possible device architectures
Education models used across Europe to train therapeutic radiographers/radiotherapists : a cross-case study
Interviews with radiotherapy (RT) stakeholders were completed across four
European countries to identify the educational models used across Europe and
how they affect competencies of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiotherapists
(TR/RTTs).
The stakeholders identified the following educational models:
âą Programmes below European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level 6
(EQF4 or EQF5)
âą RT-only BSc programmes (EQF6)
âą Multiple-specialism BSc programmes (EQF6)
âą RT-only apprenticeships (EQF6)
âą Multiple-specialism BSc followed by an MSc (EQF6âEQF7)
âą Integrated masters (EQF7)
âą RT-only pre-registration MSc (EQF7)
âą âCommon trunkâ model (EQF6 or EQF7) Each educational model has its set of advantages and disadvantages, but most
models can be used to achieve the same essential competencies of TR/RTTs.
Some models showed weaknesses in their ability to develop adequate RT
competencies (low EQF level, low RT-specific content). Regulating the
standards of practice at national level ensures that essential competencies are
developed across all course programmes, improving the care to RT patients.peer-reviewe
An evaluation of knowledge of circular economy among therapeutic radiographers/radiation therapists (TR/RTTs) : results of a European survey to inform curriculum design
Introduction: Global warming and the increase in greenhouse gases are a current concern worldwide.
The healthcare sector constitutes about 4.4% of all emissions. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge,
awareness and attitudes of Therapeutic Radiographers/Radiation Therapists (TR/RTTs) regarding
environment-related concepts to inform the development of educational curriculum.Methods: A validated self-designed survey was distributed to TR/RTTs across Europe by the SAFE EUROPE
partners and via social media between October 2021 and February 2022. The survey was divided into six
sections: (i) demographics, (ii) knowledge of Circular Economy (CE) and Green Skills (GS), (iii) personal
attitudes, (iv) TR/RTTs attitudes, (v) the importance of CE, and (vi) education. Questions consisted of
mostly Likert scales complemented with other closed- and open-ended questions.Results: 31%-42% of participants are aware of national and departmental policies in CE and GS concepts.
Even though half of the participants considered that they advocate and practice CE, the open questions
indicated that participants only focus on waste management, ignoring all the other dimensions of CE in
healthcare. Personal attitudes and lifestyles also did not reflect CE.
TR/RTTs considered CE practices and GS development essential. However, the suggested academic level
at which these skills should be developed was split between High School (44%) and Bachelor's degree
(32%).Conclusion: It is essential to raise awareness among TR/RTTs about the various dimensions of CE applied
to healthcare: âgreen transportationâ, âenvironment-friendly procurementâ, âhospital building designâ,
âfood process optimisationâ, âwater reductionâ, âenergy efficiencyâ, and âwaste managementâ.
Implications for practice: These GS must be developed by TR/RTTs to decrease their impact on the
environment. Their training may need to be lifelong, starting during basic high school education and
continuing as healthcare professionals after graduation.peer-reviewe
Current practice and surgical outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer : UK NeST study
Funding Information: This work was funded by a grant from the Association of Breast SurgeryPeer reviewedPublisher PD
CSF1R inhibitor JNJ-40346527 attenuates microglial proliferation and neurodegeneration in P301S mice
Neuroinflammation and microglial activation are significant processes in Alzheimerâs disease pathology. Recent genome-wide association studies have highlighted multiple immune-related genes in association with Alzheimerâs disease, and experimental data have demonstrated microglial proliferation as a significant component of the neuropathology. In this study, we tested the efficacy of the selective CSF1R inhibitor JNJ-40346527 (JNJ-527) in the P301S mouse tauopathy model. We first demonstrated the anti-proliferative effects of JNJ-527 on microglia in the ME7 prion model, and its impact on the inflammatory profile, and provided potential CNS biomarkers for clinical investigation with the compound, including pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics and efficacy assessment by TSPO autoradiography and CSF proteomics. Then, we showed for the first time that blockade of microglial proliferation and modification of microglial phenotype leads to an attenuation of tau-induced neurodegeneration and results in functional improvement in P301S mice. Overall, this work strongly supports the potential for inhibition of CSF1R as a target for the treatment of Alzheimerâs disease and other tau-mediated neurodegenerative diseases
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