Auscultation and Oscillometry Result in Different Blood Pressure Readings When Using Visual Display on an iOS Operated Device

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Time-Clamped, RPE-Matched Treadmill Activity and Interactive Video Game Dancing Differ in Step Count But Not Heart Rate Response

Background: Participation in regular moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) results in numerous health benefits. Task enjoyment is a known antecedent and promoter of regular activity engagement. Participation in interactive video gaming has increased in recent years. Purpose: The aims of the present investigation were to: 1) determine heart rate (HR) and step count outcomes of time-clamped and RPE-matched interactive video game dancing (VGD) and treadmill activity; 2) characterize the suitability of VGD to achieve MVPA designation; and, 3) investigate step count outcomes recorded by pedometry and accelerometry. Methods: Subjects underwent three testing sessions with the latter two randomized. During the familiarization visit, the perceived exertion (Borg RPE) of an interactive VGD activity was determined and a treadmill speed that resulted in an RPE-matched exertion level was identified through incremental increases in treadmill speed. On subsequent visits, subjects completed 15 minutes of VGD or RPE-matched treadmill activity. HR and step count were measured during both sessions. Results: Nine participants (Age 19.8 ± 1.6; 5 males; 4 females) volunteered. With time-clamped and RPE-matched, the average HR for dancing 154.7 (± 21.8) and treadmill activity 157.8 (± 25.1) were not different (p = 0.698). The selected dances for the VGD activity resulted in 8/9 subjects exercising at MVPA intensity according to percent of predicted maximal HR (threshold of 64% maximal HR; equation: 207 – 0.7*Age). Steps completed during dancing and treadmill activity according to pedometry were 1510 (± 488) and 2066 (± 247), respectively, with the difference being significant (p = 0.001). Steps completed during dancing and the treadmill activity according to accelerometry were 988 (± 256) and 1938 (± 119), respectively, with the difference again significant (p \u3c 0.001). The within-mode, between-device step count (pedometer vs. accelerometer, respectively) were also of interest. For dancing, a significant difference (p \u3c 0.001) was noted as 1510 (± 488) vs. 988 (± 256) steps. For treadmill activity, the disparity between 2066 (± 247) vs. 1938 (± 119) was also different (p = 0.042). Discussion: The HR response of a VGD activity was not different than a time-clamped, RPE-matched treadmill activity. Furthermore, VGD achieved designation as MVPA intensity in 8/9 subjects with the lone subject failing to achieve moderate designation by a single beat. Of note, objectively determined step count varied by mode and measuring device illustrating the need to employee prudency when selecting measuring technique for step count during rhythmic vs. non-rhythmic PA

New Discoveries from the Arecibo 327 MHz Drift Pulsar Survey Radio Transient Search

We present Clusterrank, a new algorithm for identifying dispersed astrophysical pulses. Such pulses are commonly detected from Galactic pulsars and rotating radio transients (RRATs), which are neutron stars with sporadic radio emission. More recently, isolated, highly dispersed pulses dubbed fast radio bursts (FRBs) have been identified as the potential signature of an extragalactic cataclysmic radio source distinct from pulsars and RRATs. Clusterrank helped us discover 14 pulsars and 8 RRATs in data from the Arecibo 327 MHz Drift Pulsar Survey (AO327). The new RRATs have DMs in the range $23.5 - 86.6$ pc cm$^{-3}$ and periods in the range $0.172 - 3.901$ s. The new pulsars have DMs in the range $23.6 - 133.3$ pc cm$^{-3}$ and periods in the range $1.249 - 5.012$ s, and include two nullers and a mode-switching object. We estimate an upper limit on the all-sky FRB rate of $10^5$ day$^{-1}$ for bursts with a width of 10 ms and flux density $\gtrsim 83$ mJy. The DMs of all new discoveries are consistent with a Galactic origin. In comparing statistics of the new RRATs with sources from the RRATalog, we find that both sets are drawn from the same period distribution. In contrast, we find that the period distribution of the new pulsars is different from the period distributions of canonical pulsars in the ATNF catalog or pulsars found in AO327 data by a periodicity search. This indicates that Clusterrank is a powerful complement to periodicity searches and uncovers a subset of the pulsar population that has so far been underrepresented in survey results and therefore in Galactic pulsar population models.Comment: 41 pages, 16 figures, 4 tables, accepted by ApJ; added minor corrections to final ApJ proo

Outcomes of Clinicians, Caregivers, Family Members and Adults with Spina Bifida Regarding Receptivity to use of the iMHere mHealth Solution to Promote Wellness

The purpose of this study was to gather information regarding the receptivity of clinicians, caregivers and family members, and adults with spina bifida (SB) to the use of a mHealth application, iMobile Health and Rehabilitation (iMHere) system. Surveys were administered to end user groups in conjunction with a conference presentation at the Spina Bifida Association’s 38th Annual Conference. The survey results were obtained from a total of 107 respondents. Likert scale and qualitative results are provided in consideration of future application of the iMHere system in clinical practice. The results of this survey indicate respondents were receptive and supportive with regard to adopting such a system for personal and professional use. Challenges likely to be encountered in the introduction of the iMHere system are also revealed and discussed

Tradition and Prudence in Locke's Exceptions to Toleration

Why did Locke exclude Catholics and atheists from toleration? Not, I contend, because he was trapped by his context, but because his prudential approach and practica ljudgments led him to traditiona ltexts. I make this argumentfirst by outlining the connections among prudential exceptionality, practical judgments, and traditional texts. I then describe important continuities betweenc onventional English understandings of the relationship between state and religion and Locke's writings on toleration, discuss Locke's conception of rights, and illustrate his use of prudential exceptions and distinctions. I conclude by arguing that Locke's problems are relevant to assessingc ontemporary liberal discussions of tolerationa nd the separation of state and religion that lean heavily on practical justification

Utility of Two iPhone Device Apps in Assessing Heart Rate at Rest and During Activity

Heart rate (HR) is a critical physiological variable used for prescribing exercise, assessing fitness level and tracking fitness improvements. Electrocardiography (ECG) stands as the criterion measure of HR. While recent development of HR-detecting mobile device applications (apps) has made evaluating HR more convenient; their degree of accuracy is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this current study was to examine the accuracy and reliability of two-iPhone applications to detect HR at rest and during low-intensity exercise conditions. Eighteen female and 22 male subjects (26 + 9.5 yrs) were prepped for simultaneous detection of HR via three methods: ECG and two HR-detecting apps. App 1, a camera-based app called Azumio Instant Heart Rate (CAM), was used by placement of a finger over the camera lens of the mobile device. App 2, a microphone-based app called Heart Monitor by Bluespark, was employed via placement of an external microphone over the radial pulse. The participants underwent a series of 5-minute stages: seated rest followed by cycle then treadmill walking at low intensities. HR was recorded concurrently, at several time intervals from the three methods once a steady-state HR was reached. The means of the three devices were compared via ANOVA with the significance level set, a priori, at 0.05. Correlation analysis was employed to investigate relationships between the apps and ECG. No statistical difference was found between the CAM and ECG HR (p \u3e 0.05) during the resting and cycle stages. However, during the treadmill phase, there was a significant difference (p = 0.018) between CAM and ECG. Nevertheless, there was a significant (p \u3c 0.05), positive correlation between CAM and ECG under the resting, cycle and treadmill conditions (r = .966, r = .984, r = .877, respectively). Significant differences (p \u3c 0.05) were found for each condition when comparing ECG and MIC HR. Data also revealed poor correlations (p \u3e 0.05; r between -.004 and -.136) between MIC and ECG. The utility of CAM and MIC-based apps to detect HR remains in question as evidence appears to indicate exercise mode and app specificity. Caution should be shown when using these devices. The CAM-based app may accurately detect HR during resting and seated cycling but not during treadmill activity. The MIC-based app is not recommended for use in any condition. Of note, statistical significance may not mitigate usefulness when considering the accuracy of palpation. Additional research is necessary

Benign Conduction Abnormalities in Response to Acute, Moderately-High, Simulated Altitude Exposure

Acclimatization to altitude can improve endurance performance above levels achieved solely by training at sea level. There is natural limitation in the applicability of employing terrestrial altitude training – namely proximity. A simple, non-cumbersome method of simulating altitude is desirable to many types of endurance athletes. The Alto2Lab (Pharma Pacific Inc.), consisting of primarily a breathing tube and silo stack, has shown some potential in this role. There is a lack of evidence regarding whether simulated altitude exposure triggers abnormal cardiovascular responses. The aim of this study was to provide initial evidence of cardiac changes associated with usage patterns that follow distributor guidelines. Twenty-five participants (mean age 29 ± 10.7; 16 males; 9 females) volunteered for the study. Subjects underwent a baseline ECG recording followed by ECG recording during sham (4-5 mins), hypoxia (~6 mins), and recovery (3-4 mins) phases. The sham phase consisted of subjects breathing normoxive air through a foam-filled silo system. The sham stack mimicked the look and feel of the silo system used to produce hypoxia with the difference being a single, soda lime-filled silo. A recovery phase followed hypoxia. Pulse oximetry (SpO2) was used to assess oxygen saturation. Cochran’s Q was employed to test the frequencies of responses across the phases. An independent, blinded, experienced clinician (DK) analyzed the recordings. Two subjects were removed from the final analysis (inability to finish the protocol, baseline right bundle branch block). All subjects demonstrated an increase in heart rate (mean = +16.8 ± 8.0) during the hypoxia (mean oxygen saturation = 82 ± 4.1%) phase. No ECG ischemic changes were seen across any of the phases. Benign conduction abnormalities (sinus arrhythmia = 9; junctional rhythms = 4) occurred with some regularity during hypoxia. These abnormalities occurred with less frequency during the sham and recovery phases. It is possible that an altered breathing pattern or an inadequate washout period between phases might account for these findings. Overall, there was no significant relationship between the heart response and phase (p = .375). While the Alto2Lab did not produce any ECG changes indicative of an ischemic response, the present study used a small sample of healthy, recreationally-active participants. A larger study employing patients among higher risk categories would provide data that is not currently present in the literature and to which this trial cannot speak