Effects of yoga on physical characteristics on NCAA division I baseball athletes

Among baseball athletes, joint range of motion (ROM) is considered an important physical characteristic with respect to injury prevention and performance. Professional and intercollegiate programs employ various methods of flexibility training; however, to date, no literature exists with regard to the effect of a yoga-based training program. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a sport-specific yoga program among NCAA Division I intercollegiate baseball players. Subjects (N=30, age 19.42 ±1.37 years) were assessed for shoulder joint (SH), hamstring (HS), and groin (GR) ROM and subsequently followed a 12-week, 2x/week yoga intervention. Post-test results indicated significant improvements in SH and HS (p\u3c0.05). Future investigations should evaluate the influence of longitudinal yoga interventions on injury incidence and specific performance parameters (e.g., speed, bat acceleration, pitching velocity) important to the game of baseball

Tumor-derived proteins and mitochondrial dysfunction in lung cancer-induced cachexia

Lung tumors secrete multiple factors that contribute to cachexia, a severe wasting syndrome that includes loss of muscle mass, weakness, and fatigue. 80% of advanced lung cancer patients experience cachexia, which cannot be reversed by nutritional interventions, diminishes response to and tolerance of cancer treatments, and increases morbidity and mortality. Despite a multitude of clinical trials, there are currently no approved treatments. This deficiency suggests that not all of the factors that contribute to cachexia have been identified. Cancer is frequently accompanied by an increase in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a hallmark of inflammation. Clinical trials for COX-2 inhibitors have resulted in restoration of muscle mass and decreased fatigue. Along with loss of myofibrillar proteins, cachexia also induces mitochondrial dysfunction, which contributes to fatigue. The amelioration of fatigue by COX-2 inhibition suggests possible alterations to mitochondrial function. We hypothesized that there were unidentified tumor-derived factors that contribute to cachectic wasting and fatigue. Treatment of C2C12 myotubes with Lewis lung cancer-conditioned media (LCM) resulted in increased COX-2 content, myosin loss, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mass spectrometry revealed 158 confirmed proteins in LCM. We focused on extracellular 14-3-3 proteins because they bind and regulate over 200 known partners. We found that depletion of extracellular 14-3-3 proteins diminished myosin content. CD13, an aminopeptidase, is the proposed receptor for 14-3-3 proteins. Inhibiting aminopeptidases with Bestatin also reduced myosin content. LCM treatment decreased basal and ATP-related mitochondrial respiration, caused a transient rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased 4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) in both cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions of cell lysates. COX-2 inhibition did not spare myosin content in LCM-treated myotubes, but did alter mitochondrial respiration and cytosolic oxidant levels. Our novel findings show that extracellular 14-3-3 proteins may act as previously unidentified myokines, signaling via aminopeptidases to help maintain muscle mass. We elucidated how LCM alters mitochondrial electron flow, and increases oxidative damage by ROS and 4-HNE. Although successful in clinical trials, COX-2 inhibitors do not appear to spare muscle mass by directly working on skeletal muscle, but did alter mitochondrial function

Admission to psychiatric hospital for mental illnesses 2 years prechildbirth and postchildbirth in Scotland: a health informatics approach to assessing mother and child outcomes

Objective: To identify factors associated with: admission to a specialist mother and baby unit (MBU) and the impact of perinatal mental illness on early childhood development using a data linkage approach in the 2 years prechildbirth and postchildbirth. Methods: Scottish maternity records (SMR02) were linked to psychiatric hospital admissions (SMR04). 3290 pregnancy-related psychiatric admissions for 1730 women were assessed. To investigate factors associated with MBU admission, the group of mothers admitted to an MBU were compared with those admitted to general psychiatric wards. To assess the impact of perinatal mental illness on early child development, a pragmatic indicator for ‘at potential risk of adversity’, defined as a child who was recorded as requiring intensive treatment at any time under the health plan indicators (HPI) and/or who had no record of completing three doses of the 5-in-1 vaccine by 12 months was generated. Logistic regression models were used to describe the association between each variable and the risk of admission between those with a history of prior psychiatric admission and those without. Results Women admitted to an MBU were significantly more likely to be admitted with non-affective psychosis (OR=1.97, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.18), affective psychosis (OR=2.44, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.33) and non-psychotic depressive episodes (OR=1.93, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.63). They were less likely to come from deprived areas (OR=0.68 95% CI 0.49 to 0.93). Women with a previous history of psychiatric admission were significantly more likely to be located in the two most deprived quintiles. Almost one-third (29%) of children born to mothers with a pregnancy-related psychiatric admission were assessed as ‘at potential risk of adversity.’ Conclusions: A health informatics approach has potential for improving understanding of social and clinical factors, which contribute to the outcomes of perinatal mental illness, as well as potential adverse developmental outcomes for offspring

Using Multi-method Assessment to Evaluate a Media Enhanced Classroom

This paper looks at the process of assessment of a media-enhanced classroom experience. It utilizes an assessment model based on Rathbun and Goodrum (8) that suggests multi-methods of data collection. The use of triangulation (3) to answer a research question fits into the proposed multi-method design. The Living Textbook was developed to support a senior level management class in a Recreation and Park Administration program. The instructor identified four instructional goals of the multi-media program: Triangulation techniques included group observations, individual student observations, data based and open ended surveys, and debriefing of instructors. The results suggested that usability/accessibility were essential precursors to students developing receptivity to the multimedia program. When receptivity was achieved students valued the program as a contributor to their base of knowledge about the real work world. The use of student workbooks where opportunities for learning by doing occurred and in-class discussions in small groups were strongly linked to valuing the Living Textbook

Family presence during resuscitation in a paediatric hospital: health professionals’ confidence and perceptions

Embracing the philosophy of family-centred care, family presence during resuscitation remains a controversial practice amongst healthcare professionals. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire study design investigated medical and nursing staff perceptions of and self-confidence in facilitating family presence during resuscitation in a children’s hospital. All staff held positive perceptions and staff in critical care areas with experience in resuscitation and family presence, perceived more risk/benefits and more self-confidence than staff in non-critical care areas without resuscitation experience

Mitochondria Dysfunction in Lung Cancer-Induced Muscle Wasting in C2C12 Myotubes

Aims: Cancer cachexia is a syndrome which results in severe loss of muscle mass and marked fatigue. Conditioned media from cachexia-inducing cancer cells triggers metabolic dysfunction in skeletal muscle, including decreased mitochondrial respiration, which may contribute to fatigue. We hypothesized that Lewis lung carcinoma conditioned medium (LCM) would impair the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) and increase production of reactive oxygen species, ultimately leading to decreased mitochondrial respiration. We incubated C2C12 myotubes with LCM for 30 min, 2, 4, 24 or 48 h. We measured protein content by western blot; oxidant production by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF), 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF), and MitoSox; cytochrome c oxidase activity by oxidation of cytochrome c substrate; and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of intact myotubes by Seahorse XF Analyzer. Results: LCM treatment for 2 or 24 h decreased basal OCR and ATP-related OCR, but did not alter the content of mitochondrial complexes I, III, IV and V. LCM treatment caused a transient rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS). In particular, mitochondrial superoxide (MitoSOX) was elevated at 2 h. 4-Hydroxynonenal, a marker of oxidative stress, was elevated in both cytosolic and mitochondrial fractions of cell lysates after LCM treatment. Conclusion: These data show that lung cancer-conditioned media alters electron flow in the ETC and increases mitochondrial ROS production, both of which may ultimately impair aerobic metabolism and decrease muscle endurance

The appeal of the Functional Fitness MOT to older adults and health professionals in an outpatient setting: a mixed-method feasibility study

Purpose: To understand the views and perceptions regarding the Functional Fitness MOT (FFMOT), a battery of functional tests followed by a brief motivational interview, of both the older people undergoing it and the health professionals delivering it. Patients and methods: Physically inactive older adults (n=29) underwent the FFMOT and subsequently attended focus groups to share their perceptions of it and to discuss the barriers, motivators, health behavior change, and scope to improve physical activity (PA) levels. PA levels were recorded at baseline and again at 12 weeks together with a post-intervention questionnaire concerning behavior change. Participating physiotherapists and technical instructors were interviewed. Results: Most participants felt they had learned about their abilities and comparisons with their peers, had a change in perception about the importance of good balance and strength, and felt the FFMOT helped raise their awareness of local and self-directed physical activity opportunities. Most felt their awareness of the need for PA had not changed, but 25% of participants started a new organized PA opportunity. The health professionals perceived the FFMOT as being easy to administer, educating, and motivating for participants to increase their PA. Space, time, finances, and insecurity about having the necessary skills to conduct the FFMOTs were seen as barriers in implementing the FFMOT in daily practice. Conclusion: Over half of those offered the FFMOT accepted it, suggesting it is appealing. However, most participants felt they were already active enough and that their awareness of the need for PA had not changed. There were positive perceptions of the FFMOT from both professionals and older people, but both felt the FFMOT could be held in a community venue. The overall findings suggest that the FFMOT is feasible in the clinical setting, but its effectiveness has yet to be determined

Cell Attachment and Osteoinductive Properties of Tissue Engineered, Demineralized Bone Fibers for Bone Void Filling Applications

Demineralized bone matrices (DBMs) have been used in a wide variety of clinical applications involving bone repair. Ideally, DBMs should provide osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties, while offering versatile handling capabilities. With this, a novel fiber technology, LifeNet Health-Moldable Demineralized Fibers (L-MDF), was recently developed. Human cortical bone was milled and demineralized to produce L-MDF. Subsequently, the fibers were lyophilized and terminally sterilized using low-dose and low-temperature gamma irradiation. Using L929 mouse fibroblasts, L-MDF underwent cytotoxicity testing to confirm lack of a cytotoxic response. An alamarBlue assay and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated L-MDF supported the cellular function and attachment of bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, L-MDF demonstrated BMP-2 and 7 levels similar to those reported in the literature. In vivo data from an athymic mouse model implanted with L-MDF demonstrated the formation of new bone elements and blood vessels. This study showed that L-MDF have the necessary characteristics of a bone void filler to treat osseous defects

Proteomic Analysis of Media from Lung Cancer Cells Reveals Role of 14-3-3 Proteins in Cachexia

Aims: At the time of diagnosis, 60% of lung cancer patients present with cachexia, a severe wasting syndrome that increases morbidity and mortality. Tumors secrete multiple factors that contribute to cachectic muscle wasting, and not all of these factors have been identified. We used Orbitrap electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to identify novel cachexia-inducing candidates in media conditioned with Lewis lung carcinoma cells (LCM). Results: One-hundred and 58 proteins were confirmed in three biological replicates. Thirty-three were identified as secreted proteins, including 14-3-3 proteins, which are highly conserved adaptor proteins known to have over 200 binding partners. We confirmed the presence of extracellular 14-3-3 proteins in LCM via western blot and discovered that LCM contained less 14-3-3 content than media conditioned with C2C12 myotubes. Using a neutralizing antibody, we depleted extracellular 14-3-3 proteins in myotube culture medium, which resulted in diminished myosin content. We identified the proposed receptor for 14-3-3 proteins, CD13, in differentiated C2C12 myotubes and found that inhibiting CD13 via Bestatin also resulted in diminished myosin content. Conclusions: Our novel findings show that extracellular 14-3-3 proteins may act as previously unidentified myokines and may signal via CD13 to help maintain muscle mass

The Importance of Collaborative Design for Narrowing the Gender Gap in Engineering: An Analysis of Engineering Identity Development in Elementary Students

Research suggests that, to narrow the gender gap in engineering, we should focus on helping young girls identify with engineering both because gendered attitudes emerge around kindergarten and because identity is more predictive than performance on persistence in the field. This qualitative study sought to understand the impact of collaborative engineering design on the development of engineering identities in elementary-school students and compared the findings across gender. We focused on three tiers of collaboration embedded into the engineering design process: peer groups, role models, and shared goals. More specifically, the elementary students worked in small teams and partnered with undergraduate engineers to help design and build dancing robots that come together for a coordinated dance performance. We used ethnographic methods, including pre- and post-program student interviews, video-recorded program sessions, and documentation of student work, to investigate elementary students’ engineering identities. Three themes emerged from our analysis. First, working with peers encouraged students who were initially uninterested in engineering, the majority of whom were girls, to join the program and helped them to engage in the activities. Second, partnering with engineer role models contributed to the elementary students’ developing identities as engineers: The girls were most influenced by the personal bonds they formed, while the boys were most influenced by the technical skills they learned. Third, all girls and most boys preferred the idea of working toward a shared goal over competitive projects that, as described by the students, can cause bad feelings and hurt friendships. Our work supports and extends elementary engineering literature by considering the role of multiple tiers of collaboration in identity development in girls and boys. Our results suggest that engineering design programs that foster collaboration can help more students, especially more girls, engage in and identify with engineering, thereby contributing to the narrowing of the gender gap