1,134 research outputs found
Revitalizing the First-Suburbs: The Importance of the Social Capital-Community Development Link in Suburban Neighborhood Revitalization — A Case Study
This article examines the link between social capital and community development. The purpose is to increase the understanding of social capital and its role and function in the neighborhood revitalization process within first-suburbs (also known as inner-ring suburbs). In doing so, it briefly outlines the challenges of the first-suburbs, in light of suburban decline. It also addresses the role and function of social capital as a community development tool within the first-suburbs. Finally, this piece provides case study examples describing the context in which first-suburban communities mobilize and use their social capital to implement community development initiatives, with the focus on the Greater Cincinnati region
Exercise therapy for tendinopathy: a scoping review mapping interventions and outcomes.
The aim of this research was to comprehensively map exercise interventions and outcomes across all tendinopathies. The study took the form of a scoping review. Eligibility criteria (PCC) included: 1) participants - any age or gender, with any tendinopathy; 2) concept - supervised or unsupervised exercise, of any type or format, delivered by any professional and any outcome used to evaluate any exercise intervention; 3) context - any setting in any country listed as very high on the human development index. The study used nine databases, four trial registries and six grey literature sources. At least two reviewers independently conducted title, abstract and full text screening. Data extraction was conducted using a bespoke tool developed for this review, informed by the TIDieR checklist and ICON health-related domains, to interpret exercise reporting and outcomes across included studies. Extracted data from 555 included studies from 31 countries incorporated 25,490 participants with mean study ages ranging from 15-65 years. A range of exercise interventions including strengthening, flexibility, aerobic, proprioceptive, and motor control were identified; showing rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, Achilles, patellar and lateral elbow tendinopathies were most studied. A range of health-related domains were measured by numerous outcome tools, with little consistency within domains or tendinopathies. Reporting of participant characteristics, interventions and adherence was highly variable. This first comprehensive map of exercise and outcomes for tendinopathy has identified four recommendations to be considered for future tendinopathy research: 1) Specific robust high quality research study designs; (2) Comprehensive research reporting; 3) Patient/practitioner lived experience; and 4) comprehensive high quality evidence synthesis
Effect of resistance exercise dose components for tendinopathy management: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
The objective of this study was to investigate potential moderating effects of resistance exercise dose components - including intensity, volume and frequency - for the management of common tendinopathies. The study was conducted through a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regressions, using sources that included (but were not limited to) MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov and the ISRCTN Registry. Selection criteria were based on randomised and non-randomised controlled trials investigating resistance exercise as the dominant treatment class, reporting sufficient information regarding two or more components of exercise dose. A total of 110 studies were included in meta-analyses (148 treatment arms (TAs), 3953 participants), reporting on five tendinopathy locations (rotator cuff: 48 TAs; Achilles: 43 TAs; lateral elbow: 29 TAs; patellar: 24 TAs; gluteal: 4 TAs). Meta-regressions provided consistent evidence of greater pooled mean effect sizes for higher intensity therapies comprising additional external resistance compared to body mass only (large effect size domains: βBodyMass:External = 0.50 [95% CrI: 0.15 to 0.84; p = 0.998]; small effect size domains βBodyMass:External = 0.04 [95% CrI: -0.21 to 0.31; p = 0.619]) when combined across tendinopathy locations or analysed separately. Greater pooled mean effect sizes were also identified for the lowest frequency (less than daily) compared with mid (daily) and high frequencies (more than once per day) for both effect size domains, when combined or analysed separately (p ≥ 0.976). Evidence for associations between training volume and pooled mean effect sizes was minimal and inconsistent. The study found that resistance exercise dose is poorly reported within tendinopathy management literature. However, this large meta-analysis identified some consistent patterns indicating greater efficacy on average with therapies prescribing higher intensities (through inclusion of additional loads) and lower frequencies, potentially creating stronger stimuli and facilitating adequate recovery
Which treatment classes and combinations are more effective for the management of common tendinopathies? A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
The aim of this research was to quantify the comparative effectiveness of treatment classes used for the management of the most common tendinopathies. The project studied network meta-analyses comparing combinations of exercise, non-exercise, and non-active treatments across a range of tendinopathy locations and outcome domains. The review covered randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials including an exercise arm and persons with a tendinopathy diagnosis at any location, and of any severity or duration. Outcome measures included outcomes assessing disability, function, pain, shoulder range of motion, physical function capacity, or quality of life. Through network meta-analyses, broad (exercise/non-exercise/combined/non-active) and more specific (exercise/biomechanics/injection/electrotherapy/manual-therapy/non-active/surgery) treatment class models were fitted with hierarchical Bayesian models. Results were interpreted using pooled standardised mean difference effect sizes and ranking through Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking curves (SUCRA). Treatment hierarchies were assessed using the GRADE minimally contextualised framework. Two-hundred studies comprising 458 treatments arms were identified. Many comparisons were within the same class reducing data available to assess comparative effectiveness. Data from 85 studies generating 140 pairwise comparisons consistently identified the superiority of combining exercise and non-exercise treatment classes (SUCRA: 0.70 to 0.88). Central estimates indicated that combining exercise and non-exercise treatments increased effect sizes by ~0.1 to 0.3 compared with exercise alone. Analysis of more specific treatment classes identified with low/very low certainty the superiority of combining exercise with either biomechanical (e.g. taping, bracing or splinting; SUCRA: 0.73) or injection therapies (SUCRA: 0.72). The study concluded that clinicians should consider combining exercise and non-exercise therapies as a starting point for tendinopathy management. The most effective treatment combinations include exercise with the use of biomechanical or injection therapies
What are small, medium and large effect sizes for exercise treatments of tendinopathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The objective of this study was to quantify and describe effect size distributions from exercise therapies across a range of tendinopathies and outcome domains, to inform future research and clinical practice through conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis. The review and meta-analysis explored moderating effects and context specific small, medium, and large thresholds. The study looked specifically at randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials involving any persons with a diagnosis of rotator cuff, lateral elbow, patellar, Achilles or gluteal tendinopathy of any severity or duration. The study was conducted using common databases, six trial registries and six grey literature databases, which were searched on 18/01/21 (PROSPERO: CRD42020168187). Standardised mean difference (SMDpre) effect sizes were used with Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis models to calculate the 0.25- (small), 0.5- (medium) and 0.75-quantiles (large), and to compare pooled means across potential moderators. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Data were obtained from 114 studies comprising 171 treatments and 4104 participants. SMDpre effect sizes were similar across tendinopathies but varied across outcome domains. Greater threshold values were obtained for self-reported measures of pain (small = 0.5; medium = 0.9; large = 1.4), disability (small = 0.6; medium = 1.0; large = 1.5) and function (small = 0.6; medium = 1.1; large = 1.8); and lower threshold values obtained for quality of life (small = -0.2; medium = 0.3; large = 0.7), and objective measures of physical function (small = 0.2; medium = 0.4; large = 0.7). Potential moderating effects of assessment duration, exercise supervision and symptom duration were also identified, with greater pooled mean effect sizes estimated for longer assessment durations, supervised therapies and studies comprising patients with shorter symptom durations. The study found that the effect size of exercise on tendinopathy is dependent on the type of outcome measure assessed. Threshold values presented here can be used to guide interpretation and assist with further research better establishing minimal important change
Are patients satisfied? A systematic review and meta-analysis of patient ratings in exercise therapy for the management of tendinopathy.
Outcomes measuring patient rating of overall condition, including patient satisfaction, are associated with improved general health and higher quality of life. However, this outcome domain is under-explored in the management of tendinopathy. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesise intervention data investigating patient satisfaction and perceived improvement or deterioration following engagement in exercise therapy for the management of tendinopathy. A search of randomised controlled trials investigating exercise therapy interventions across all tendinopathies was conducted, extracting data assessing patient rating of overall condition. Outcomes were split into those measuring satisfaction (binary) and those measuring global rating of change (GROC). Bayesian hierarchical models were used to meta-analyse proportions and mean effect size (percentage of maximum) for the two outcome categories. From a total of 124 exercise therapy studies, 34 (Achilles: 41%, rotator cuff: 32%, patellar: 15%, elbow: 9% and gluteal: 3%) provided sufficient information to be meta-analysed. The data were obtained across 48 treatment arms and 1246 participants. The pooled estimate for proportion of satisfaction was 0.63 [95% CrI: 0.53 to 0.73], and the pooled estimate for percentage of maximum GROC was 53 [95% CrI: 38 to 69%]. Evidence was also obtained that the proportion of patients reporting positive satisfaction and perception of change increased with longer durations relative to treatment onset. The study concluded that patient satisfaction is not commonly reported in tendinopathy research and, in those studies where it is reported, satisfaction and GROC appear similar and are ranked moderately high, demonstrating that patients generally perceive exercise therapy for tendinopathy management positively. Further research including greater consistency in measurement tools is required to explore, and where possible identify patient and exercise moderating factors that can be used to improve person-centred care
Exercise therapy for tendinopathy: a mixed-methods evidence synthesis exploring feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness.
Tendons are cords of strong, flexible tissue that attach muscles to bones, allowing joints to move. Tendinopathy is a common condition that can affect any tendon in the body, causing pain and limiting function. Exercise is often used to treat tendinopathy. We examined over 500 research papers on exercise for tendinopathy. The most common tendons to be studied were the calf (Achilles), knee (patellar), elbow, and shoulder. Strengthening exercise was studied most often, especially in lower limb tendinopathy. Other types of exercise such as stretching, balance and aerobic activity were less common, but were used to some extent in the upper and lower limbs. We found that exercise therapy is safe and beneficial for the tendinopathies that have been studied to date. Exercise may be most beneficial when combined with another intervention such as injection or electrotherapy. Strengthening exercise may be most beneficial for lower limb tendinopathies. However, more research is needed on the type of strengthening and the dosage, such as how many exercises and how much resistance to use. Shoulder tendinopathies may benefit from exercise that targets joint flexibility and position more than strengthening. We also found that people who receive exercise therapy for tendinopathy are generally satisfied with the effect it has on their symptoms. Finally, we found that an individualised, person-centred approach to delivering exercise therapy is valued by people with tendinopathy. They also believe that the patient-healthcare provider relationship is important for promoting the confidence and motivation people need to continue with exercise programmes, especially when they complete them independently. Although we examined a lot of papers, many of the studies were low quality. This means there is still a need for high-quality studies to tell us how effective specific types of exercise are for specific tendinopathies. There is also a need for more studies on patients' and professionals' experiences of receiving or providing exercise for tendinopathy.This project is registered as www.osf.io/a8ewy/ (scoping review); PROSPERO CRD 42020168187 (efficacy reviews); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/y7sk6/ (efficacy review 1); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/eyxgk/ (efficacy review 2); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/mx5pv/ (efficacy review 3); PROSPERO CRD42020164641 (mixed method review)
Genetic Effects on Bone Loss in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women: A Longitudinal Twin Study
This longitudinal twin study was designed to assess the heritability of bone loss in peri- and postmenopausal women. A sample of 724 female twins was studied. Baseline and repeat BMD measurements were performed. Results of genetic model-fitting analysis indicated genetic effects on bone loss account for similar to 40% of the between-individual variation in bone loss at the lumbar spine, forearm, and whole body. Introduction: BMD and bone loss are important predictors of fracture risk. Although the heritability of peak BMD is well documented, it is not clear whether bone loss is also under genetic regulation. This study was designed to assess the heritability of bone loss in peri- and postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A sample of 724 female twins (177 monozygotic [MZ] and 185 dizygotic [DZ] pairs), 45-82 yr of age, was studied. Each individual had baseline BMD measurements at the lumbar spine, hip, forearm, and total body by DXA and at least one repeat measure, on average 4.9 yr later. Change in BMD (Delta BMD) was expressed as percent of gain or loss per year. Intraclass correlation coefficients for ABMD were calculated for MZ and DZ pairs. Genetic model-fitting analysis was conducted to partition the total variance of ABMD into three components: genetic (G), common environment (C), and specific environment, including measurement error (E). The index of heritability was estimated as the ratio of genetic variance over total variance. Results: The mean annual Delta BMD was -0.37 +/- 1.43% (SD) per year at the lumbar spine, -0.27 +/- 1.32% at the total hip, -0.77 +/- 1.66% at the total forearm, -0.36 +/- 56% at the femoral neck, and -0.16 +/- 0.81% at the whole body. Intraclass correlation coefficients were significantly higher in MZ than in DZ twins for all studied parameters, except at the hip sites. Results of genetic model-fitting analysis indicated that the indices of heritability for ABMD were 0.38, 0.49, and 0.44 for the lumbar spine, total forearm, and whole body, respectively. However, the genetic effect on ABMD at all hip sites was not significant. Conclusions: These data suggest that, although genetic effects on bone loss with aging are less pronounced than on peak bone mass, they still account for similar to 40% of the between-individual variation in bone loss for the lumbar spine, total forearm, and whole body in peri- and postmenopausal women. These findings are relevant for studies aimed at identification of genes that are involved in the regulation of bone loss
Length of carotid stenosis predicts peri-procedural stroke or death and restenosis in patients randomized to endovascular treatment or endarterectomy.
BACKGROUND: The anatomy of carotid stenosis may influence the outcome of endovascular treatment or carotid endarterectomy. Whether anatomy favors one treatment over the other in terms of safety or efficacy has not been investigated in randomized trials.
METHODS: In 414 patients with mostly symptomatic carotid stenosis randomized to endovascular treatment (angioplasty or stenting; n = 213) or carotid endarterectomy (n = 211) in the Carotid and Vertebral Artery Transluminal Angioplasty Study (CAVATAS), the degree and length of stenosis and plaque surface irregularity were assessed on baseline intraarterial angiography. Outcome measures were stroke or death occurring between randomization and 30 days after treatment, and ipsilateral stroke and restenosis ≥50% during follow-up. RESULTS: Carotid stenosis longer than 0.65 times the common carotid artery diameter was associated with increased risk of peri-procedural stroke or death after both endovascular treatment [odds ratio 2.79 (1.17-6.65), P = 0.02] and carotid endarterectomy [2.43 (1.03-5.73), P = 0.04], and with increased long-term risk of restenosis in endovascular treatment [hazard ratio 1.68 (1.12-2.53), P = 0.01]. The excess in restenosis after endovascular treatment compared with carotid endarterectomy was significantly greater in patients with long stenosis than with short stenosis at baseline (interaction P = 0.003). Results remained significant after multivariate adjustment. No associations were found for degree of stenosis and plaque surface.
CONCLUSIONS: Increasing stenosis length is an independent risk factor for peri-procedural stroke or death in endovascular treatment and carotid endarterectomy, without favoring one treatment over the other. However, the excess restenosis rate after endovascular treatment compared with carotid endarterectomy increases with longer stenosis at baseline. Stenosis length merits further investigation in carotid revascularisation trials
Kepler eclipsing binary stars. VII. the catalogue of eclipsing binaries found in the entire Kepler data set
The primary Kepler Mission provided nearly continuous monitoring of ~200,000 objects with unprecedented photometric precision. We present the final catalog of eclipsing binary systems within the 105 deg2 Kepler field of view. This release incorporates the full extent of the data from the primary mission (Q0-Q17 Data Release). As a result, new systems have been added, additional false positives have been removed, ephemerides and principal parameters have been recomputed, classifications have been revised to rely on analytical models, and eclipse timing variations have been computed for each system. We identify several classes of systems including those that exhibit tertiary eclipse events, systems that show clear evidence of additional bodies, heartbeat systems, systems with changing eclipse depths, and systems exhibiting only one eclipse event over the duration of the mission. We have updated the period and galactic latitude distribution diagrams and included a catalog completeness evaluation. The total number of identified eclipsing and ellipsoidal binary systems in the Kepler field of view has increased to 2878, 1.3% of all observed Kepler targets
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