The Effect Of High Intensity Interval Run Training On Cross Sectional Area Of The Vastus Lateralis In Untrained College Students

International Journal of Exercise Science 10(1): 137-145, 2017 Aerobic cycling has been repeatedly shown to induce hypertrophy in skeletal muscle across a variety of populations, while there has been a lack of investigation into the impact of running upon hypertrophy. An increasingly popular model of aerobic exercise is high-intensity interval training (HIIT); in addition to its positive impact upon cardiovascular health, HIIT may be sufficient for inducing significant muscular hypertrophy. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of a high-intensity interval running protocol upon hypertrophy of the vastus lateralis in an untrained, young population. Twelve recreationally active university students (Male: 2; Female: 10; 19.9±0.5 yr.; 169.8±1.9 cm; 63.8±2.3 kg; VO2max: 42.1±1.6 ml.kg-1min-1) completed 24.5±0.6 sessionsof high-intensity interval run training over 10 weeks. The protocol consisted of four sets of 4 minutes running at 90-95% HRmax followed by 3 minutes active rest at 70% HRmax. Relative and absolute aerobic capacity increased 5.2±2.2% and 6.0±2.3% respectively as a result of the intervention (p\u3c 0.05). Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the vastus lateralis was measured via panoramic ultrasound imaging pre- and post-intervention. Following the protocol, CSA of the intervention group was 10.6±2.7% greater (p\u3c 0.05), while that of the control group did not change. This is the first data to demonstrate hypertrophy of the vastus lateralis in a young population following a running protocol. These data support the existing body of evidence suggesting aerobic exercise to be an effective mode of improving cardiorespiratory fitness as well as increasing whole muscle size of the quadriceps

First Case Start Times for Vascular Surgery

Problem/Impact Statement: 85% of first cases at Maine Medical Center for Vascular Surgery start late. According to one study done by Aurora Health Care; of 5,500 first case surgeries, 88% of them started late. The impact of this is far reaching. It is not in alignment with MMC value of Patient Centered Care because the patient becomes dissatisfied waiting to be brought in to surgery , they are fasting for longer than anticipated, and being away from their family while they wait causing anxiety. The financial impact is $1995 for each 1⁄2 hr. of O.R. time. Furthermore, this may result in elective cases being canceled, late cases create a back log of cases to be done, the hospital loses potential revenue, and staff stay later causing overtime accrual

Elite control of HIV is associated with distinct functional and transcriptional signatures in lymphoid tissue CD8+ T cells

The functional properties of circulating CD8+ T cells have been associated with immune control of HIV. However, viral replication occurs predominantly in secondary lymphoid tissues, such as lymph nodes (LNs). We used an integrated single-cell approach to characterize effective HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in the LNs of elite controllers (ECs), defined as individuals who suppress viral replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Higher frequencies of total memory and follicle-homing HIV-specific CD8+ T cells were detected in the LNs of ECs compared with the LNs of chronic progressors (CPs) who were not receiving ART. Moreover, HIV-specific CD8+ T cells potently suppressed viral replication without demonstrable cytolytic activity in the LNs of ECs, which harbored substantially lower amounts of CD4+ T cell–associated HIV DNA and RNA compared with the LNs of CPs. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses further revealed a distinct transcriptional signature among HIV-specific CD8+ T cells from the LNs of ECs, typified by the down-regulation of inhibitory receptors and cytolytic molecules and the up-regulation of multiple cytokines, predicted secreted factors, and components of the protein translation machinery. Collectively, these results provide a mechanistic framework to expedite the identification of novel antiviral factors, highlighting a potential role for the localized deployment of noncytolytic functions as a determinant of immune efficacy against HIV

PPIP5K2 and PCSK1 are Candidate Genetic Contributors to Familial Keratoconus

Keratoconus (KC) is the most common corneal ectatic disorder affecting >300,000 people in the US. KC normally has its onset in adolescence, progressively worsening through the third to fourth decades of life. KC patients report significant impaired vision-related quality of life. Genetic factors play an important role in KC pathogenesis. To identify novel genes in familial KC patients, we performed whole exome and genome sequencing in a four-generation family. We identified potential variants in the PPIP5K2 and PCSK1 genes. Using in vitro cellular model and in vivo gene-trap mouse model, we found critical evidence to support the role of PPIP5K2 in normal corneal function and KC pathogenesis. The gene-trap mouse showed irregular corneal surfaces and pathological corneal thinning resembling KC. For the first time, we have integrated corneal tomography and pachymetry mapping into characterization of mouse corneal phenotypes which could be widely implemented in basic and translational research for KC diagnosis and therapy in the future

Saving the world’s terrestrial megafauna

From the late Pleistocene to the Holocene, and now the so called Anthropocene, humans have been driving an ongoing series of species declines and extinctions (Dirzo et al. 2014). Large-bodied mammals are typically at a higher risk of extinction than smaller ones (Cardillo et al. 2005). However, in some circumstances terrestrial megafauna populations have been able to recover some of their lost numbers due to strong conservation and political commitment, and human cultural changes (Chapron et al. 2014). Indeed many would be in considerably worse predicaments in the absence of conservation action (Hoffmann et al. 2015). Nevertheless, most mammalian megafauna face dramatic range contractions and population declines. In fact, 59% of the world’s largest carnivores (≥ 15 kg, n = 27) and 60% of the world’s largest herbivores (≥ 100 kg, n = 74) are classified as threatened with extinction on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List (supplemental table S1 and S2). This situation is particularly dire in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, home to the greatest diversity of extant megafauna (figure 1). Species at risk of extinction include some of the world’s most iconic animals—such as gorillas, rhinos, and big cats (figure 2 top row)—and, unfortunately, they are vanishing just as science is discovering their essential ecological roles (Estes et al. 2011). Here, our objectives are to raise awareness of how these megafauna are imperiled (species in supplemental table S1 and S2) and to stimulate broad interest in developing specific recommendations and concerted action to conserve them

The Vision and Inception of the Legal Aid Clinic at SMU School of Law

https://scholar.smu.edu/publications/1007/thumbnail.jp

Landscape connectivity informs critical linkage zones for the conservation of African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) in Tanzania

The populations of African savanna elephants have declined by an estimated 60% since the 1970s, which can be attributed to a mixture of poaching and habitat loss. Human activities and environmental changes have caused unprecedented loss and fragmentation of elephant natural habitats, resulting in the isolation of elephant populations. Preserving habitat connectivity is thus increasingly important to conserve remaining elephant populations and maintain ecological functions. Using species distribution modeling (SDM) and graph-based landscape connectivity modeling, we aimed to understand population connectivity and target vital corridors across Tanzania, one of the most important elephant range states. However, mapping such a vast extent poses a great challenge due to data availability constraints. To tackle this issue, we developed an integrated modeling approach that leverages multiple, publicly available occurrence datasets, which vary in format and quality, with a multi-scale SDM to estimate spatial suitability of African savanna elephants. Two SDMs based on polygon-based observations and presence-only occurrences were calibrated separately and then ensembled using Bayes fusion. A set of landscape metrics was generated from a land cover map with a high resolution of ~5 m and employed to describe the detailed landscape structure needed to explain the distribution of elephants. We then used the modeled environmental suitability to map landscape connectivity using circuit theory with Circuitscape. Our results indicated that both long-distance and short-distance connectivity are currently facing significant threats from intensive human activities (e.g. agriculture) in Tanzania. In addition, our study identifies critical linkage zones that should be targeted for connectivity conservation efforts and provides new insights to help inform broader efforts to balance development and conservation objectives

Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus

Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to disease susceptibility. Due to KC’s complex nature, there is currently no ideal animal model to represent both the corneal phenotype and underlying pathophysiology. Attempts to establish a KC model have involved mice, rats, and rabbits, with some additional novel animals suggested. Genetic animal models have only been attempted in mice. Similarly, spontaneously occurring animal models for KC have only been discovered in mice. Models generated using chemical or environmental treatments have been attempted in mice, rats, and rabbits. Among several methods used to induce KC in animals, ultraviolet radiation exposure and treatment with collagenase are some of the most prevalent. There is a clear need for an experimental model animal to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the development and progression of keratoconus. An appropriate animal model could also aid in the development of treatments to slow or arrest the disorder