Executive functions emerge throughout childhood and shape multiple cognitive and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan.Given the importance of these functions,there is considerable interest in understanding the role...Executive functions emerge throughout childhood and shape multiple cognitive and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan.Given the importance of these functions,there is considerable interest in understanding the role of environmental enrichment to support their development.The past 20 years have seen the emergence of a body of evidence around the beneficial effects of engaging in physical activity for executive functioning in children.Despite this,there are still unanswered questions,particularly about the confounding effects of the timing and dose of exercise-based interventions.During development,sensitive periods with heightened neural plasticity and sensitivity to environmental influences can offer an optimal time to introduce enrichment interventions.As such,sensitive periods for executive function could indicate an ideal time to introduce physical activity or be a potential confounder to study results if not considered.This narrative review discusses the potential presence of sensitive periods in preadolescent development where physical activity has greater benefits for executive function.Initially,we briefly review the largely parallel fields investigating the presence of sensitive periods for executive function and the effects of physical activity on executive function outcomes.We then bring together these 2 concepts to discuss the theoretical basis for developmentally sensitive periods during which children may be particularly amenable to physical activity-based interventions and offer potential ways forward to investigate this phenomenon.We hope this review will attract researchers to collaborate in the area and extend our current understanding of the development of executive functions as well as interventions like physical activity.展开更多
Purpose:This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size,thoracic spine structure and function,upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the com...Purpose:This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size,thoracic spine structure and function,upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community.Methods:A total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups(Not Overweight:body mass index(BMI)=22.5±0.2 kg/m^2(mean±SE);Overweight:BMI=27.4±0.3 kg/m^2;Obese:BMI=35.4±0.3 kg/m^2).Outcome variables of breast volume(mL),thoracic flexion torque(N·m),thoracic kyphosis(degrees),upper torso musculoskeletal pain(score) and time spent in physical activity(min) were calculated and compared among the 3 groups,adjusting for between-group differences in age.Results:There was a significant main effect of BMI on all outcome variables.Participants classified as Obese displayed significantly larger breasts,had greater thoracic flexion torques and reported less time participating in physical activity relative to the participants who were classified as Not Overweight and Overweight.Participants in the Obese group also displayed significantly more thoracic kyphosis and reported significantly more upper torso musculoskeletal pain compared to their counterparts who were classified as Not Overweight.Conclusion:This study is the first to demonstrate that increased obesity levels were associated with compromised kyphosis and loading of the thoracic spine,as well as increased symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and reduced time spent in physical activity in women living in the community.We recommend further research to determine whether evidence-based interventions designed to reduce the flexion torque generated on the thoracic spine can improve these symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and the ability of women with obesity to participate in physical activity.展开更多
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of variable intensities on a simple memory recognition task during exercise.Methods: Twenty active participants took part in initial testing, a familiar...Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of variable intensities on a simple memory recognition task during exercise.Methods: Twenty active participants took part in initial testing, a familiarization trial and then four 60 min cycling interventions in a randomized order.Interventions consisted of no exercise（control）, constant exercise at 90% ventilatory threshold（constant） and 2 trials that initially mimicked the constant trial, but then included periods of high(90% VO2peak) and low intensities(50% VO2peak). Cardiorespiratory measures and capillary blood samples were taken throughout. A short tablet-based cognitive task was completed prior to and during（50 and 55 min into exercise） each intervention.Results: The exercise conditions facilitated response time（p = 0.009）, although the extent of this effect was not as strong in the variable exercise conditions（p = 0.011–0.089）. High intensity exercise periods resulted in some cognitive regression back towards control trial performance.Elevations in cardiorespiratory measures and periods of hypocapnia could not explain changes in cognitive performance.Conclusion: Changes in cognitive performance with variations in exercise intensity are likely to have implications for sport and occupational settings. The timing of cognitive tests to exercise intensity changes as well as use of short cognitive assessments will be important for future work.展开更多
Background:Ankle complex proprioceptive ability,needed in active human movement,may change from childhood to elderly adulthood;however,its development across all life stages has remained unexamined.The aim of the pres...Background:Ankle complex proprioceptive ability,needed in active human movement,may change from childhood to elderly adulthood;however,its development across all life stages has remained unexamined.The aim of the present study was to investigate the across-the-lifespan trend for proprioceptive ability of the ankle complex during active ankle inversion movement.Methods:The right ankles of 118 healthy right-handed participants in 6 groups were assessed:children(6-8 years old),adolescents(13-15 years old),young adults(18-25 years old),middle-aged adults(35-50 years old),old adults(60-74 years old),and very old adults(75-90 years old).While the participants were standing,their ankle complex proprioception was measured using the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus.Results:There was no significant interaction between the effects of age group and gender on ankle proprioceptive acuity(F(5,106)=0.593,p=0.705,η_p^2=0.027).Simple main effects analysis showed that there was a significant main effect for age group(F(5,106)=22.521,p<0.001,η_p^2=0.515)but no significant main effect for gender(F(1,106)=2.283,p=0.134,η_p^2=0.021)between the female(0.723±0.092,mean±SD)and the male(0.712±0.083)participants.The age-group factor was associated with a significant linear downward trend in scores(F(1,106)=10.584,p=0.002,η_p^2=0.091)and a strong quadratic trend component(F(1,106)=100.701,p<0.001,η_p^2=0.480),producing an asymmetric inverted-U function.Conclusion:The test method of the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus is sensitive to age differences in ankle complex proprioception.For proprioception of the ankle complex,young adults had significantly better scores than children,adolescents,old adults,and very old adults.The middle-aged group had levels of ankle proprioceptive acuity similar to those of the young adults.The scores for males and females were not significantly different.Examination of the range of the scores in each age group highlights the possible level that ankle complex movement proprioceptive rehabilitation can reach,especially for those 75-90 years of age.展开更多
To control movement,the brain has to integrate proprioceptive information from a variety of mechanoreceptors.The role of proprioception in daily activities,exercise,and sports has been extensively investigated,using d...To control movement,the brain has to integrate proprioceptive information from a variety of mechanoreceptors.The role of proprioception in daily activities,exercise,and sports has been extensively investigated,using different techniques,yet the proprioceptive mechanisms underlying human movement control are still unclear.In the current work we have reviewed understanding of proprioception and the three testing methods:threshold to detection of passive motion,joint position reproduction,and active movement extent discrimination,all of which have been used for assessing proprioception.The origin of the methods,the different testing apparatus,and the procedures and protocols used in each approach are compared and discussed.Recommendations are made for choosing an appropriate technique when assessing proprioceptive mechanisms in different contexts.展开更多
Background:The benefits associated with sports compression garments are thought to be closely related to enhanced blood flow.However,findings are equivocal,possibly due to heterogeneity in the techniques used for meas...Background:The benefits associated with sports compression garments are thought to be closely related to enhanced blood flow.However,findings are equivocal,possibly due to heterogeneity in the techniques used for measuring blood flow,the garment types used,and the pressures applied.This study combined Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy technologies to provide the first comprehensive assessment of the effects of 3 sports compression garment types on markers of venous return and muscle blood flow at rest.Methods:Resting lower-limb blood flow measures(markers of venous return,muscle blood flow,and muscle oxygenation)of 22 elite,junior,male basketball players(age=17.2±0.9 years,mean±SD)were assessed in 4 separate conditions:no compression(CON),compression tights(TIGHTS),compression shorts(SHORTS),and compression socks(SOCKS).Markers of venous return(cross-sectional area,time-averaged mean and peak blood flow velocity,and venous blood flow)were measured via Doppler ultrasound at the popliteal and common femoral veins.Muscle blood flow and muscle oxygenation were measured in the gastrocnemius medialis and vastus lateralis using near-infrared spectroscopy.Results:Popliteal markers of venous return were higher in TIGHTS compared to CON(p<0.01)and SHORTS(p<0.01),with SOCKS values higher compared with CON(p<0.05).Common femoral vein markers of venous return were higher for all conditions compared to CON(p<0.05),with TIGHTS values also higher compared to SOCKS(p<0.05).Gastrocnemius medialis blood flow was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.000),SOCKS(p=0.012),and SHORTS(p=0.000),with SOCKS higher compared to SHORTS(p=0.046).Vastus lateralis blood flow was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.028)and SOCKS(p=0.019),with SHORTS also higher compared to CON(p=0.012)and SOCKS(p=0.005).Gastrocnemius medialis oxygenation was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.003),SOCKS(p=0.033),and SHORTS(p=0.003),with SOCKS higher compared to CON(p=0.044)and SHORTS(p=0.032).Vastus lateralis oxygenation was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.020)and SOCKS(p=0.006).Conclusion:Markers of venous return,muscle blood flow,and muscle oxygenation are increased with sports compression garments.TIGHTS are most effective,potentially because of the larger body area compressed.展开更多
Arsenic metabolism in living organisms is dependent on the ability of different arsenic species to traverse biological membranes. Simple diffusion provides an alternative influx and efflux route to mediated transport ...Arsenic metabolism in living organisms is dependent on the ability of different arsenic species to traverse biological membranes. Simple diffusion provides an alternative influx and efflux route to mediated transport mechanisms that can increase the amount of arsenic available for metabolism in cells. Using octanol-water and liposome-water partition coefficients, the ability of arsenous acid, arsenate, methylarsonate, dimethylarsinate, thio-methylarsonate, thiodimethylarsinic acid, arsenotriglutathione and monomethylarsonic diglutathione to diffuse through the lipid bilayer of cell membranes was investigated. Molecular modelling of arsenic species was used to explain the results. All arsenic species with the exception of arsenate, methylarsonate and thio-methylarsonate were able to diffuse through the lipid bilayer of liposomes, with liposome-water partition coefficients between 0.04 and 0.13. Trivalent arsenic species and thio-pentavalent arsenic species showed higher partition coefficients, suggesting that they can easily traverse cell membranes by passive simple diffusion. Given the higher toxicity of these species compared to oxo-pentavalent arsenic species, this study provides evidence supporting the risk associated with human exposure to trivalent and thio-arsenic species.展开更多
Two prototype pneumatic boxing gloves of different design were compared against conventional 10?oz (Std 10?oz) and 16?oz (Std 16?oz) gloves in terms of ability to reduce impact forces delivered to a target. One of the...Two prototype pneumatic boxing gloves of different design were compared against conventional 10?oz (Std 10?oz) and 16?oz (Std 16?oz) gloves in terms of ability to reduce impact forces delivered to a target. One of the pneumatic gloves (SBLI) contained a sealed air bladder inflated to a pressure of 2?kPa. The other (ARLI) incorporated a bladder that allowed release of air to the external environment upon contact with a target, followed by rapid air reuptake. Each glove was placed on to a mechanical fist and dropped 10 times on to an in-floor force plate from each of nine heights ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 metres, with the 5-metre drop generating a peak pre-impact glove velocity close to the reported maximum for elite boxers. Compared to the conventional gloves, the ARLI glove substantially reduced peak impact forces at all drop heights, with the reduction exceeding 30% even at the 5-metre level. The SBLI glove was as effective as the ARLI glove in reducing peak impact forces at drop heights of up to 2.5 metres, but its performance then progressively diminished, and at drop heights of 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 metres it produced peak force readings similar to those recorded for the Std 10?oz and Std 16?oz gloves. The superiority of the ARLI glove was even more evident in relation to peak rate of force development, with reductions relative to the Std 10?oz glove being ~60% at drop heights up to 3.5 metres and still ~47% at 5 metres. Peak rate of force development for the SBLI glove exceeded that for the ARLI glove for all drop heights of 2.0 metres and above, and at 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 metres it was higher than the readings for the Std 10 oz and 16?oz gloves. The protective effect of the ARLI glove was?associated with an increase in impact compliance and prolongation of contact time between glove and target. It is concluded that a pneumatic boxing glove that provides for air exchange with the external environment can greatly reduce impact magnitudes across the whole range of pre-impact glove velocities likely to be encountered in boxing, thereby mitigating risks associated with the sport. While acceptance of the gloves by the boxing community is uncertain, opportunity may exist for almost immediate uptake in modified boxing programs.展开更多
BACKGROUND Appendicitis, the inflammation of the appendix, is the most common abdominal surgical emergency requiring expedient surgical intervention. Extendedspectrum beta-lactamases(ESBLs) are bacterial enzymes that ...BACKGROUND Appendicitis, the inflammation of the appendix, is the most common abdominal surgical emergency requiring expedient surgical intervention. Extendedspectrum beta-lactamases(ESBLs) are bacterial enzymes that catalyse the degradation of the betalactam ring of penicillins and cephalosporins(but without carbapenemase activity), leading to resistance of these bacteria to beta-lactam antibiotics. Recent increases in incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria have caused alarm worldwide. Proportion estimates of ESBLEnterobacteriaceae hover around 46% in China, 42% in East Africa, 12% in Germany, and 8% in the United States.CASE SUMMARY The impact of ESBL-producing bacteria on appendiceal abscesses and consequent pelvic abscesses are yet to be examined in depth. A literature review using the search words "appendiceal abscesses" and "ESBL Escherichia coli(E. coli)" revealed very few cases involving ESBL E. coli in any capacity in the context of appendiceal abscesses. This report describes the clinical aspects of a patient with appendicitis whodeveloped a postoperative pelvic abscess infected with ESBL-producing E. coli. In this report, we discuss the risk factors for contracting ESBL E. coli infection in appendicitis and post-appendectomy pelvis abscesses. We also discuss our management approach for postappendectomy ESBL E. coli pelvic abscesses, including drainage, pathogen identification, and pathogen characterisation. When ESBL E. coli is confirmed, carbapenem antibiotics should be promptly administered, as was done efficaciously with this patient. Our report is the first one in a developed country involving ESBL E. coli related surgical complications in association with a routine laparoscopic appendectomy.CONCLUSION Our report is the first involving ESBL E. coli and appendiceal abscesses, and that too consequent to laparoscopic appendectomy.展开更多
Background:Multiparous women are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) than primiparas.Physical activity during pregnancy has been shown to be beneficial for GDM,but there is little evidence on the as...Background:Multiparous women are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) than primiparas.Physical activity during pregnancy has been shown to be beneficial for GDM,but there is little evidence on the association between physical activity and glycemic control among women with GDM,whether primiparas or multiparas.Thus,the objective of the present study was to examine the association between physical activity and glycemic control in women with GDM and to determine what,if any,effects result from number of parous events.Methods:A prospective cohort of 1162 women with GDM was recruited,with 604 multiparas(51.98%).The general linear model was used to calculate the risk difference and its 95% confidence interval(95%CI) to quantify the impact of parous events on glycemic control in pregnancy as well as the association between physical activity time and glycemic control.Results:Among 1162 women with GDM,the median daily activity time was 65 mm(interquartile range(IQR):45-90 min),and the abnormal plasma glucose(PG) percentage,calculated as number of abnormal PG tests divided by the total number of PG tests,was 40.00%(IQR:22.22%-66.67%).The percentage of abnormal PG was stabilized and statistically lower with daily physical activity time exceeding 60 min among primiparas(IQR:30.89%-44.43%) and exceeding 90 min among multiparas(ranged from 27.76% to 38.82%).After adjusting for potential confoumders,primiparas tended to have a lower percentage of abnormal PG than do multiparas(rate difference=-0.39,95%CI:-3.61 to2.84).The same amount of physical activity time was significantly less effective for multiparas than for primiparas(trend p-value <0.01).Conclusion:In women with GDM,being multiparous is associated with less effective glycemic control through physical activity,such that multiparas need more physical activity to achieve glycemic control at a similar level to primiparas.展开更多
Reptile sex determination is attracting much attention because the great diversity of sex-determination and dosage compensation mechanisms permits us to approach fundamental questions about mechanisms of sex chromosom...Reptile sex determination is attracting much attention because the great diversity of sex-determination and dosage compensation mechanisms permits us to approach fundamental questions about mechanisms of sex chromosome turnover. Recent studies have made significant progress in better understanding diversity and conservation of reptile sex chromosomes, with however no reptile master sex determination genes identified. Here we describe an integrated genomics and cytogenetics pipeline,combining probes generated from the microdissected sex chromosomes with transcriptome and genome sequencing to explore the sex chromosome diversity in non-model Australian reptiles. We tested our pipeline on a turtle, two species of geckos, and a monitor lizard. Genes identified on sex chromosomes were compared to the chicken genome to identify homologous regions among the four species. We identified candidate sex determining genes within these regions, including conserved vertebrate sex-determining genes pdgfa,pdgfra amh and wt1, and demonstrated their testis or ovary-specific expression. All four species showed gene-by-gene rather than chromosome-wide dosage compensation. Our results imply that reptile sex chromosomes originated by independent acquisition of sex-determining genes on different autosomes,as well as translocations between different ancestral macro-and microchromosomes.We discuss the evolutionary drivers of the slow differentiation and turnover of reptile sex chromosomes.展开更多
Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely consi...Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely considered jointly,particularly within the context of CVD prevention.We examined the independent,interactive,and joint associations of diet and physical activity with CVD hospitalization,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality.Methods:CVD-free Australian participants aged 4574 years(n=85,545)reported physical activity,diet,sociodemographic,and lifestyle characteristics at baseline(20062009)and follow-up(20122015),and data were linked to hospitalization and death registries(03/31/2019 for CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality and 12/08/2017 for CVD mortality).Diet quality was categorized as low,medium,and high based on meeting dietary recommendations.Physical activity was operationalized as(a)total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)as per guidelines,and(b)the composition of MVPA as the ratio of vigorous-intensity physical activity(VPA)to total MVPA.We used a left-truncated cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model using time-varying covariates.Results:During a median of 10.7 years of follow-up,6576 participants were admitted to the hospital for CVD and 6581 died from all causes(876 from CVD during 9.3 years).A high-quality diet was associated with a 17%lower risk of all-cause mortality than a low-quality diet,and the highest MVPA category(compared with the lowest)was associated with a 44%and 48%lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality,respectively.Multiplicative interactions between diet and physical activity were non-significant.For all outcomes,the lowest risk combinations involved a high-quality diet and the highest MVPA categories.Accounting for total MVPA,some VPA was associated with further risk reduction of CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality.Conclusion:For CVD prevention and longevity,one should adhere to both a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and incorporate some VPA when possible.展开更多
This work aimed to tune the comprehensive properties of Fe-P-C-based amorphous system through investigating the role of microalloying process on the crystallization behavior,glass forming ability(GFA),soft magnetic fe...This work aimed to tune the comprehensive properties of Fe-P-C-based amorphous system through investigating the role of microalloying process on the crystallization behavior,glass forming ability(GFA),soft magnetic features,and mechanical properties.Considering minor addition of elements into the system,it was found that the simultaneous microalloying of Ni and Co leads to the highest GFA,which was due to the optimization of compositional heterogeneity and creation of near-eutectic composition.Moreover,the FeCoNiCuPC amorphous alloy exhibited the best anelastic/viscoplastic behavior under the nanoindentation test,which was owing to the intensified structural fluctuations in the system.However,the improved plasticity by the extra Cu addition comes at the expense of magnetic properties,so that the saturation magnetization of this alloying system is significantly decreased compared to the FeCoPC amorphous alloy with the highest soft magnetic properties.In total,the results indicated that a combination of added elemental constitutes,i.e.,Fe69Co5Ni5Cu1P13C7 composition,provides an optimized state for the comprehensive properties in the alloying system.展开更多
L. albus is an annual grain-legume crop mainly grown for high-protein fodder worldwide but also to produce large seeds for human consumption as a snack-food. In order to make genetic gains in grain yield, assessment o...L. albus is an annual grain-legume crop mainly grown for high-protein fodder worldwide but also to produce large seeds for human consumption as a snack-food. In order to make genetic gains in grain yield, assessment of the genetic variation in the germplasm and identification of loci associated with agronomic traits are essential. Phomopsis blight (PB) and Pleiochaeta root rot (PRR), caused by the fungal pathogens Diaporthe toxica and, Pleiochaeta setosa respectively, are two major yield-limiting diseases of the L. albus crop. The extent of genetic diversity in 94 accessions of L. albus comprising: Australian and exotic cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and landraces originating from 26 different countries was determined utilizing PCR-based genic, and microarray-based Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT™), markers. All accessions were evaluated for resistance to PB in two plant tissues (leaves and stems) using either sprayed or injected spore inoculum. A subset of 58 accessions was further evaluated for resistance to PRR by growing seedlings in spore-infested potting mix. The combined data of 724 (50 genic- and 674 DArT) markers were used for cluster analysis. A subset of 324 markers with call rate ≥95% and predicted disease scores of different genotypes were used to identify marker loci accounting for phenotypic variation in PB and PRR resistance using linear regression analysis. Several markers showed significant association with PB or PRR resistance at P < 0.05. Our results showed that favourable alleles for PB and PRR resistance are present in the diverse accessions investigated and they will provide valuable materials for lupin breeding.展开更多
Psychosocial assessments can help mental health professionals establish good therapeutic relationships while simultaneously conducting holistic assessments of their young clients. Using technology to conduct assessmen...Psychosocial assessments can help mental health professionals establish good therapeutic relationships while simultaneously conducting holistic assessments of their young clients. Using technology to conduct assessments may increase disclosure by young people;however, the uptake of new technologies into current face-to-face practice has been slow. In the current study, we were interested in exploring the attitudes of mental health workers to using an electronic psychosocial assessment tool (e-tool) within face-to-face service delivery with adolescents and young adults. An exploratory design was used to identify and qualitatively describe the views of 46 mental health workers from services across the ACT and Victoria, Australia. Data were coded using an inductive thematic approach. Comments indicated that mental health workers held both positive and negative views about the e-tool. Some participants believed that it would allow disclosure to occur in a stepped process, normalize questions, give youth greater input, and be time efficient. However, the majority believed that the e-tool would infringe on their work because they needed to respond to their clients immediately, it would not provide an accurate representation of the client, young people did not have the necessary capabilities to engage in the process, they would miss non-verbal cues from the young person, and they were more likely to gain information from organic conversations. The results suggest that many mental health professionals may be fearful of incorporating new technologies in current practice. Specific training and supportive implementation guidelines must be developed to support use of these new technologies and change practice.展开更多
The lived experience of people with mental illness is a powerful way to promote mental health literacy and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.However,there is little guidance on how to do this safely.Men...The lived experience of people with mental illness is a powerful way to promote mental health literacy and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.However,there is little guidance on how to do this safely.Mental Illness Education ACT is an Australian organisation that since 1993 has supported volunteer educators to share their individual stories of lived experience to school and community groups.In 2011,they developed the DoNOHarm Framework to assist volunteers to be able to talk about their experiences in a way that is safe for them and for their audience,a gap that they recognised in thefield.This study reports a review of the Framework,considering the extent to which it is supported by the current literature and how it is being implemented and experienced by the volunteer educators.These research questions were addressed by a literature review and interviews with 14 volunteer educators and the staff that support them.The review of published literature over the past 10 years showed strong evidence for three of the six principles of the Framework:Context and Purpose,Recovery Emphasis,and Safe Talking.Although the principle of Respectful and Inclusive Language is widely promoted in the mental healthfield,no recent studies investigated the benefits of this approach.Similarly,there was no recent research into the two principles of Limits to Helping and Self Care.The interviews revealed strong support for the Frame-work among volunteers.It was seen to be effective to protect the safety of both presenter and audience,ensure the relevance of the presentation,give educators confidence in their message and delivery,convey a hopeful message,and make certain that presentations were engaging for the audience.Overall,this review shows that the DoNO-Harm Frameworkfills an important gap for mental health education,with a sound evidence base where there is published evidence available.展开更多
Background:The purported ergogenic and health effects of probiotics have been a topic of great intrigue among researchers,practitioners,and the lay public alike.There has also been an increased research focus within t...Background:The purported ergogenic and health effects of probiotics have been a topic of great intrigue among researchers,practitioners,and the lay public alike.There has also been an increased research focus within the realm of sports science and exercise medicine on the athletic gut microbiota.However,compared to other ergogenic aids and dietary supplements,probiotics present unique study challenges.The objectives of this systematic scoping review were to identify and characterize study methodologies of randomized controlled trials investigating supplementation with probiotics in athletes and physically active individuals.Methods:Four databases(MEDLINE,CINAHL,Cochrane CENTRAL,and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)were searched for randomized controlled studies involving healthy athletes or physically active individuals.An intervention with probiotics and inclusion of a control and/or placebo group were essential.Only peer-reviewed articles in English were considered,and there were no date restrictions.Results were extracted and presented in tabular form to detail study protocols,characteristics,and outcomes.Bias in randomized controlled trials was determined with the RoB 2.0 tool.Results:A total of 45 studies were included in the review,with 35 using a parallel group design and 10 using a cross-over design.Approximately half the studies used a single probiotic and the other half a multi-strain preparation.The probiotic dose ranged from 2×10^(8)to 1×10^(11)colony forming units daily,and the length of intervention was between 7 and 150 days.Fewer than half the studies directly assessed gastrointestinal symptoms,gut permeability,or the gut microbiota.The sex ratio of participants was heavily weighted toward males,and only 3 studies exclusively investigated females.Low-level adverse events were reported in only 2 studies,although the methodology of reporting varied widely.The risk of bias was generally low,although details on randomization were lacking in some studies.Conclusion:There is a substantial body of research on the effects of prob iotic supplementation in healthy athletes and physically active individuals.Considerable heterogeneity in probiotic selection and dosage as well as outcome measures has made clinical and mechanistic interpretation challenging for both health care practitioners and researchers.Attention to issues of randomization of participants,treatments and interventions,selection of outcomes,demographics,and reporting of adverse events will facilitate more trustworthy interpretation of probiotic study results and inform evidence-based guidelines.展开更多
This paper describes the construction and enumeration of mixed orthogonal arrays (MOA) to produce optimal experimental designs. A MOA is a multiset whose rows are the different combinations of factor levels, discrete ...This paper describes the construction and enumeration of mixed orthogonal arrays (MOA) to produce optimal experimental designs. A MOA is a multiset whose rows are the different combinations of factor levels, discrete values of the variable under study, having very well defined features such as symmetry and strength three (all main interactions are taken in consideration). The applied methodology blends the fields of combinatorics and group theory by applying the ideas of orbits, stabilizers and isomorphisms to array generation and enumeration. Integer linear programming was used in order to exploit the symmetry property of the arrays under study. The backtrack search algorithm was used to find suitable arrays in the underlying space of possible solutions. To test the performance of the MOAs, an engineered system was used as a case study within the stage of parameter design. The analysis showed how the MOAs were capable of meeting the fundamental engineering design axioms and principles, creating optimal experimental designs within the desired context.展开更多
The intuitive fuzzy set has found important application in decision-making and machine learning.To enrich and utilize the intuitive fuzzy set,this study designed and developed a deep neural network-based glaucoma eye ...The intuitive fuzzy set has found important application in decision-making and machine learning.To enrich and utilize the intuitive fuzzy set,this study designed and developed a deep neural network-based glaucoma eye detection using fuzzy difference equations in the domain where the retinal images converge.Retinal image detections are categorized as normal eye recognition,suspected glaucomatous eye recognition,and glaucomatous eye recognition.Fuzzy degrees associated with weighted values are calculated to determine the level of concentration between the fuzzy partition and the retinal images.The proposed model was used to diagnose glaucoma using retinal images and involved utilizing the Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)and deep learning to identify the fuzzy weighted regularization between images.This methodology was used to clarify the input images and make them adequate for the process of glaucoma detection.The objective of this study was to propose a novel approach to the early diagnosis of glaucoma using the Fuzzy Expert System(FES)and Fuzzy differential equation(FDE).The intensities of the different regions in the images and their respective peak levels were determined.Once the peak regions were identified,the recurrence relationships among those peaks were then measured.Image partitioning was done due to varying degrees of similar and dissimilar concentrations in the image.Similar and dissimilar concentration levels and spatial frequency generated a threshold image from the combined fuzzy matrix and FDE.This distinguished between a normal and abnormal eye condition,thus detecting patients with glaucomatous eyes.展开更多
This study was aimed at improved understanding of the mechanisms of previously reported protective effects of a pneumatic boxing glove. A Motion Capture System was used to obtain velocity data from four different boxi...This study was aimed at improved understanding of the mechanisms of previously reported protective effects of a pneumatic boxing glove. A Motion Capture System was used to obtain velocity data from four different boxing gloves dropped on to a force plate from nine heights ranging from 1 to 5 metres. Two gloves were of the conventional type but differed in mass. The other two were prototype pneumatic gloves. One of these (SBLI) had a sealed bladder while the other (ARLI) incorporated a port allowing air exchange with the external environment. The pneumatic gloves decelerated more slowly than the conventional gloves following impact and compressed through a greater absolute distance. Consequently, they took longer to reach zero velocity. As drop height increased, these trends became more pronounced for the ARLI glove than the SBLI glove. Increase in velocity during rebound was also slower for the pneumatic gloves. The ARLI glove had a lower coefficient of restitution than any of the other gloves at low to moderate drop heights but not at high drop heights. The SBLI glove had a higher coefficient of restitution than the other gloves at all drop heights from 2 metres upwards. This indicated that, overall, the ARLI glove was the most effective, and the SBLI glove the least effective, in dissipating the kinetic energy of impact through conversion to other energy forms. For all gloves at all drop heights, peak positive acceleration at the beginning of rebound was of lower absolute magnitude than peak negative acceleration at the end of compression. The influence of drop height on an index characterising this relationship differed between the conventional and pneumatic gloves, possibly reflecting structural changes to gloves as impact energy increased. The conventional and pneumatic gloves differed regarding temporal alignment between key kinematic and kinetic events, and there were some differences between the two pneumatic gloves in this respect. Nevertheless, peak glove deceleration correlated highly with peak impact force, not only for each glove individually but also when data for all gloves were combined. The findings confirmed the potential practical utility of the ARLI glove and identified air cushion thickness, glove compressibility and capacity for air release and subsequent reuptake as critical aspects of its design.展开更多
文摘Executive functions emerge throughout childhood and shape multiple cognitive and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan.Given the importance of these functions,there is considerable interest in understanding the role of environmental enrichment to support their development.The past 20 years have seen the emergence of a body of evidence around the beneficial effects of engaging in physical activity for executive functioning in children.Despite this,there are still unanswered questions,particularly about the confounding effects of the timing and dose of exercise-based interventions.During development,sensitive periods with heightened neural plasticity and sensitivity to environmental influences can offer an optimal time to introduce enrichment interventions.As such,sensitive periods for executive function could indicate an ideal time to introduce physical activity or be a potential confounder to study results if not considered.This narrative review discusses the potential presence of sensitive periods in preadolescent development where physical activity has greater benefits for executive function.Initially,we briefly review the largely parallel fields investigating the presence of sensitive periods for executive function and the effects of physical activity on executive function outcomes.We then bring together these 2 concepts to discuss the theoretical basis for developmentally sensitive periods during which children may be particularly amenable to physical activity-based interventions and offer potential ways forward to investigate this phenomenon.We hope this review will attract researchers to collaborate in the area and extend our current understanding of the development of executive functions as well as interventions like physical activity.
基金support of the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarshipthe Sports Medicine Australia Research Foundation,which providcd partial funding towards this study。
文摘Purpose:This study investigated the effects of obesity on breast size,thoracic spine structure and function,upper torso musculoskeletal pain and physical activity participation in women living independently in the community.Methods:A total of 378 women were divided into 3 groups(Not Overweight:body mass index(BMI)=22.5±0.2 kg/m^2(mean±SE);Overweight:BMI=27.4±0.3 kg/m^2;Obese:BMI=35.4±0.3 kg/m^2).Outcome variables of breast volume(mL),thoracic flexion torque(N·m),thoracic kyphosis(degrees),upper torso musculoskeletal pain(score) and time spent in physical activity(min) were calculated and compared among the 3 groups,adjusting for between-group differences in age.Results:There was a significant main effect of BMI on all outcome variables.Participants classified as Obese displayed significantly larger breasts,had greater thoracic flexion torques and reported less time participating in physical activity relative to the participants who were classified as Not Overweight and Overweight.Participants in the Obese group also displayed significantly more thoracic kyphosis and reported significantly more upper torso musculoskeletal pain compared to their counterparts who were classified as Not Overweight.Conclusion:This study is the first to demonstrate that increased obesity levels were associated with compromised kyphosis and loading of the thoracic spine,as well as increased symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and reduced time spent in physical activity in women living in the community.We recommend further research to determine whether evidence-based interventions designed to reduce the flexion torque generated on the thoracic spine can improve these symptoms of upper torso musculoskeletal pain and the ability of women with obesity to participate in physical activity.
基金the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise for supporting this project
文摘Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of variable intensities on a simple memory recognition task during exercise.Methods: Twenty active participants took part in initial testing, a familiarization trial and then four 60 min cycling interventions in a randomized order.Interventions consisted of no exercise（control）, constant exercise at 90% ventilatory threshold（constant） and 2 trials that initially mimicked the constant trial, but then included periods of high(90% VO2peak) and low intensities(50% VO2peak). Cardiorespiratory measures and capillary blood samples were taken throughout. A short tablet-based cognitive task was completed prior to and during（50 and 55 min into exercise） each intervention.Results: The exercise conditions facilitated response time（p = 0.009）, although the extent of this effect was not as strong in the variable exercise conditions（p = 0.011–0.089）. High intensity exercise periods resulted in some cognitive regression back towards control trial performance.Elevations in cardiorespiratory measures and periods of hypocapnia could not explain changes in cognitive performance.Conclusion: Changes in cognitive performance with variations in exercise intensity are likely to have implications for sport and occupational settings. The timing of cognitive tests to exercise intensity changes as well as use of short cognitive assessments will be important for future work.
基金supported by the Shanghai Shuguang Program (Grant number 16SG45)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant number 31870936)+1 种基金China Ministry of Education Humanities and Social Science Project (Grant number 18YJA890006)supported by the Program for Professors of Special Appointment (Eastern Scholar) at the Shanghai Institution of Higher Learning (TP2017062)
文摘Background:Ankle complex proprioceptive ability,needed in active human movement,may change from childhood to elderly adulthood;however,its development across all life stages has remained unexamined.The aim of the present study was to investigate the across-the-lifespan trend for proprioceptive ability of the ankle complex during active ankle inversion movement.Methods:The right ankles of 118 healthy right-handed participants in 6 groups were assessed:children(6-8 years old),adolescents(13-15 years old),young adults(18-25 years old),middle-aged adults(35-50 years old),old adults(60-74 years old),and very old adults(75-90 years old).While the participants were standing,their ankle complex proprioception was measured using the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus.Results:There was no significant interaction between the effects of age group and gender on ankle proprioceptive acuity(F(5,106)=0.593,p=0.705,η_p^2=0.027).Simple main effects analysis showed that there was a significant main effect for age group(F(5,106)=22.521,p<0.001,η_p^2=0.515)but no significant main effect for gender(F(1,106)=2.283,p=0.134,η_p^2=0.021)between the female(0.723±0.092,mean±SD)and the male(0.712±0.083)participants.The age-group factor was associated with a significant linear downward trend in scores(F(1,106)=10.584,p=0.002,η_p^2=0.091)and a strong quadratic trend component(F(1,106)=100.701,p<0.001,η_p^2=0.480),producing an asymmetric inverted-U function.Conclusion:The test method of the Active Movement Extent Discrimination Apparatus is sensitive to age differences in ankle complex proprioception.For proprioception of the ankle complex,young adults had significantly better scores than children,adolescents,old adults,and very old adults.The middle-aged group had levels of ankle proprioceptive acuity similar to those of the young adults.The scores for males and females were not significantly different.Examination of the range of the scores in each age group highlights the possible level that ankle complex movement proprioceptive rehabilitation can reach,especially for those 75-90 years of age.
基金the University of Canberra,Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education,Shanghai University of Sport and Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission (No.13490503800)supported by Shanghai Pujiang Program (No.15PJ1407600)
文摘To control movement,the brain has to integrate proprioceptive information from a variety of mechanoreceptors.The role of proprioception in daily activities,exercise,and sports has been extensively investigated,using different techniques,yet the proprioceptive mechanisms underlying human movement control are still unclear.In the current work we have reviewed understanding of proprioception and the three testing methods:threshold to detection of passive motion,joint position reproduction,and active movement extent discrimination,all of which have been used for assessing proprioception.The origin of the methods,the different testing apparatus,and the procedures and protocols used in each approach are compared and discussed.Recommendations are made for choosing an appropriate technique when assessing proprioceptive mechanisms in different contexts.
文摘Background:The benefits associated with sports compression garments are thought to be closely related to enhanced blood flow.However,findings are equivocal,possibly due to heterogeneity in the techniques used for measuring blood flow,the garment types used,and the pressures applied.This study combined Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy technologies to provide the first comprehensive assessment of the effects of 3 sports compression garment types on markers of venous return and muscle blood flow at rest.Methods:Resting lower-limb blood flow measures(markers of venous return,muscle blood flow,and muscle oxygenation)of 22 elite,junior,male basketball players(age=17.2±0.9 years,mean±SD)were assessed in 4 separate conditions:no compression(CON),compression tights(TIGHTS),compression shorts(SHORTS),and compression socks(SOCKS).Markers of venous return(cross-sectional area,time-averaged mean and peak blood flow velocity,and venous blood flow)were measured via Doppler ultrasound at the popliteal and common femoral veins.Muscle blood flow and muscle oxygenation were measured in the gastrocnemius medialis and vastus lateralis using near-infrared spectroscopy.Results:Popliteal markers of venous return were higher in TIGHTS compared to CON(p<0.01)and SHORTS(p<0.01),with SOCKS values higher compared with CON(p<0.05).Common femoral vein markers of venous return were higher for all conditions compared to CON(p<0.05),with TIGHTS values also higher compared to SOCKS(p<0.05).Gastrocnemius medialis blood flow was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.000),SOCKS(p=0.012),and SHORTS(p=0.000),with SOCKS higher compared to SHORTS(p=0.046).Vastus lateralis blood flow was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.028)and SOCKS(p=0.019),with SHORTS also higher compared to CON(p=0.012)and SOCKS(p=0.005).Gastrocnemius medialis oxygenation was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.003),SOCKS(p=0.033),and SHORTS(p=0.003),with SOCKS higher compared to CON(p=0.044)and SHORTS(p=0.032).Vastus lateralis oxygenation was higher for TIGHTS compared to CON(p=0.020)and SOCKS(p=0.006).Conclusion:Markers of venous return,muscle blood flow,and muscle oxygenation are increased with sports compression garments.TIGHTS are most effective,potentially because of the larger body area compressed.
文摘Arsenic metabolism in living organisms is dependent on the ability of different arsenic species to traverse biological membranes. Simple diffusion provides an alternative influx and efflux route to mediated transport mechanisms that can increase the amount of arsenic available for metabolism in cells. Using octanol-water and liposome-water partition coefficients, the ability of arsenous acid, arsenate, methylarsonate, dimethylarsinate, thio-methylarsonate, thiodimethylarsinic acid, arsenotriglutathione and monomethylarsonic diglutathione to diffuse through the lipid bilayer of cell membranes was investigated. Molecular modelling of arsenic species was used to explain the results. All arsenic species with the exception of arsenate, methylarsonate and thio-methylarsonate were able to diffuse through the lipid bilayer of liposomes, with liposome-water partition coefficients between 0.04 and 0.13. Trivalent arsenic species and thio-pentavalent arsenic species showed higher partition coefficients, suggesting that they can easily traverse cell membranes by passive simple diffusion. Given the higher toxicity of these species compared to oxo-pentavalent arsenic species, this study provides evidence supporting the risk associated with human exposure to trivalent and thio-arsenic species.
文摘Two prototype pneumatic boxing gloves of different design were compared against conventional 10?oz (Std 10?oz) and 16?oz (Std 16?oz) gloves in terms of ability to reduce impact forces delivered to a target. One of the pneumatic gloves (SBLI) contained a sealed air bladder inflated to a pressure of 2?kPa. The other (ARLI) incorporated a bladder that allowed release of air to the external environment upon contact with a target, followed by rapid air reuptake. Each glove was placed on to a mechanical fist and dropped 10 times on to an in-floor force plate from each of nine heights ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 metres, with the 5-metre drop generating a peak pre-impact glove velocity close to the reported maximum for elite boxers. Compared to the conventional gloves, the ARLI glove substantially reduced peak impact forces at all drop heights, with the reduction exceeding 30% even at the 5-metre level. The SBLI glove was as effective as the ARLI glove in reducing peak impact forces at drop heights of up to 2.5 metres, but its performance then progressively diminished, and at drop heights of 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 metres it produced peak force readings similar to those recorded for the Std 10?oz and Std 16?oz gloves. The superiority of the ARLI glove was even more evident in relation to peak rate of force development, with reductions relative to the Std 10?oz glove being ~60% at drop heights up to 3.5 metres and still ~47% at 5 metres. Peak rate of force development for the SBLI glove exceeded that for the ARLI glove for all drop heights of 2.0 metres and above, and at 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0 metres it was higher than the readings for the Std 10 oz and 16?oz gloves. The protective effect of the ARLI glove was?associated with an increase in impact compliance and prolongation of contact time between glove and target. It is concluded that a pneumatic boxing glove that provides for air exchange with the external environment can greatly reduce impact magnitudes across the whole range of pre-impact glove velocities likely to be encountered in boxing, thereby mitigating risks associated with the sport. While acceptance of the gloves by the boxing community is uncertain, opportunity may exist for almost immediate uptake in modified boxing programs.
文摘BACKGROUND Appendicitis, the inflammation of the appendix, is the most common abdominal surgical emergency requiring expedient surgical intervention. Extendedspectrum beta-lactamases(ESBLs) are bacterial enzymes that catalyse the degradation of the betalactam ring of penicillins and cephalosporins(but without carbapenemase activity), leading to resistance of these bacteria to beta-lactam antibiotics. Recent increases in incidence of ESBL-producing bacteria have caused alarm worldwide. Proportion estimates of ESBLEnterobacteriaceae hover around 46% in China, 42% in East Africa, 12% in Germany, and 8% in the United States.CASE SUMMARY The impact of ESBL-producing bacteria on appendiceal abscesses and consequent pelvic abscesses are yet to be examined in depth. A literature review using the search words "appendiceal abscesses" and "ESBL Escherichia coli(E. coli)" revealed very few cases involving ESBL E. coli in any capacity in the context of appendiceal abscesses. This report describes the clinical aspects of a patient with appendicitis whodeveloped a postoperative pelvic abscess infected with ESBL-producing E. coli. In this report, we discuss the risk factors for contracting ESBL E. coli infection in appendicitis and post-appendectomy pelvis abscesses. We also discuss our management approach for postappendectomy ESBL E. coli pelvic abscesses, including drainage, pathogen identification, and pathogen characterisation. When ESBL E. coli is confirmed, carbapenem antibiotics should be promptly administered, as was done efficaciously with this patient. Our report is the first one in a developed country involving ESBL E. coli related surgical complications in association with a routine laparoscopic appendectomy.CONCLUSION Our report is the first involving ESBL E. coli and appendiceal abscesses, and that too consequent to laparoscopic appendectomy.
基金supported by grants from the Research Program of Shanghai Sports Bureau (20Q001)Shanghai Shenkang Hospital Development Center Management Research Program (2020SKMR-32)+1 种基金Intelligence Funds of Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital (2021KYQD01)the National Key R & D Program of China (2018YFC1705300)。
文摘Background:Multiparous women are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) than primiparas.Physical activity during pregnancy has been shown to be beneficial for GDM,but there is little evidence on the association between physical activity and glycemic control among women with GDM,whether primiparas or multiparas.Thus,the objective of the present study was to examine the association between physical activity and glycemic control in women with GDM and to determine what,if any,effects result from number of parous events.Methods:A prospective cohort of 1162 women with GDM was recruited,with 604 multiparas(51.98%).The general linear model was used to calculate the risk difference and its 95% confidence interval(95%CI) to quantify the impact of parous events on glycemic control in pregnancy as well as the association between physical activity time and glycemic control.Results:Among 1162 women with GDM,the median daily activity time was 65 mm(interquartile range(IQR):45-90 min),and the abnormal plasma glucose(PG) percentage,calculated as number of abnormal PG tests divided by the total number of PG tests,was 40.00%(IQR:22.22%-66.67%).The percentage of abnormal PG was stabilized and statistically lower with daily physical activity time exceeding 60 min among primiparas(IQR:30.89%-44.43%) and exceeding 90 min among multiparas(ranged from 27.76% to 38.82%).After adjusting for potential confoumders,primiparas tended to have a lower percentage of abnormal PG than do multiparas(rate difference=-0.39,95%CI:-3.61 to2.84).The same amount of physical activity time was significantly less effective for multiparas than for primiparas(trend p-value <0.01).Conclusion:In women with GDM,being multiparous is associated with less effective glycemic control through physical activity,such that multiparas need more physical activity to achieve glycemic control at a similar level to primiparas.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32170415, 32061130208)Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (LD19C190001)+6 种基金European Research Council Starting Grant (677696) to Q.Z.supported by an ARC FT (FT110100733)partially supported by ARC DP (DP110102262) led by T.E.University of Canberra Strategic Research Fund awarded to T.E.supported by an ARC DP (DP110102262) led by T.E.supported by NSF (IOS1146820)supported by the University of Canberra postgraduate research scholarships。
文摘Reptile sex determination is attracting much attention because the great diversity of sex-determination and dosage compensation mechanisms permits us to approach fundamental questions about mechanisms of sex chromosome turnover. Recent studies have made significant progress in better understanding diversity and conservation of reptile sex chromosomes, with however no reptile master sex determination genes identified. Here we describe an integrated genomics and cytogenetics pipeline,combining probes generated from the microdissected sex chromosomes with transcriptome and genome sequencing to explore the sex chromosome diversity in non-model Australian reptiles. We tested our pipeline on a turtle, two species of geckos, and a monitor lizard. Genes identified on sex chromosomes were compared to the chicken genome to identify homologous regions among the four species. We identified candidate sex determining genes within these regions, including conserved vertebrate sex-determining genes pdgfa,pdgfra amh and wt1, and demonstrated their testis or ovary-specific expression. All four species showed gene-by-gene rather than chromosome-wide dosage compensation. Our results imply that reptile sex chromosomes originated by independent acquisition of sex-determining genes on different autosomes,as well as translocations between different ancestral macro-and microchromosomes.We discuss the evolutionary drivers of the slow differentiation and turnover of reptile sex chromosomes.
基金the Heart Foundation Australia(#101234,#101583)an Emerging Leader Fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council(2009254)an Early-Mid Career Researcher Grant under the New South Wales Cardiovascular Research Capacity Program.
文摘Background:A quality diet and an active lifestyle are both important cornerstones of cardiovascular disease(CVD)prevention.However,despite their interlinked effects on metabolic health,the 2 behaviors are rarely considered jointly,particularly within the context of CVD prevention.We examined the independent,interactive,and joint associations of diet and physical activity with CVD hospitalization,CVD mortality,and all-cause mortality.Methods:CVD-free Australian participants aged 4574 years(n=85,545)reported physical activity,diet,sociodemographic,and lifestyle characteristics at baseline(20062009)and follow-up(20122015),and data were linked to hospitalization and death registries(03/31/2019 for CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality and 12/08/2017 for CVD mortality).Diet quality was categorized as low,medium,and high based on meeting dietary recommendations.Physical activity was operationalized as(a)total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA)as per guidelines,and(b)the composition of MVPA as the ratio of vigorous-intensity physical activity(VPA)to total MVPA.We used a left-truncated cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model using time-varying covariates.Results:During a median of 10.7 years of follow-up,6576 participants were admitted to the hospital for CVD and 6581 died from all causes(876 from CVD during 9.3 years).A high-quality diet was associated with a 17%lower risk of all-cause mortality than a low-quality diet,and the highest MVPA category(compared with the lowest)was associated with a 44%and 48%lower risk of CVD and all-cause mortality,respectively.Multiplicative interactions between diet and physical activity were non-significant.For all outcomes,the lowest risk combinations involved a high-quality diet and the highest MVPA categories.Accounting for total MVPA,some VPA was associated with further risk reduction of CVD hospitalization and all-cause mortality.Conclusion:For CVD prevention and longevity,one should adhere to both a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and incorporate some VPA when possible.
文摘This work aimed to tune the comprehensive properties of Fe-P-C-based amorphous system through investigating the role of microalloying process on the crystallization behavior,glass forming ability(GFA),soft magnetic features,and mechanical properties.Considering minor addition of elements into the system,it was found that the simultaneous microalloying of Ni and Co leads to the highest GFA,which was due to the optimization of compositional heterogeneity and creation of near-eutectic composition.Moreover,the FeCoNiCuPC amorphous alloy exhibited the best anelastic/viscoplastic behavior under the nanoindentation test,which was owing to the intensified structural fluctuations in the system.However,the improved plasticity by the extra Cu addition comes at the expense of magnetic properties,so that the saturation magnetization of this alloying system is significantly decreased compared to the FeCoPC amorphous alloy with the highest soft magnetic properties.In total,the results indicated that a combination of added elemental constitutes,i.e.,Fe69Co5Ni5Cu1P13C7 composition,provides an optimized state for the comprehensive properties in the alloying system.
文摘L. albus is an annual grain-legume crop mainly grown for high-protein fodder worldwide but also to produce large seeds for human consumption as a snack-food. In order to make genetic gains in grain yield, assessment of the genetic variation in the germplasm and identification of loci associated with agronomic traits are essential. Phomopsis blight (PB) and Pleiochaeta root rot (PRR), caused by the fungal pathogens Diaporthe toxica and, Pleiochaeta setosa respectively, are two major yield-limiting diseases of the L. albus crop. The extent of genetic diversity in 94 accessions of L. albus comprising: Australian and exotic cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and landraces originating from 26 different countries was determined utilizing PCR-based genic, and microarray-based Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT™), markers. All accessions were evaluated for resistance to PB in two plant tissues (leaves and stems) using either sprayed or injected spore inoculum. A subset of 58 accessions was further evaluated for resistance to PRR by growing seedlings in spore-infested potting mix. The combined data of 724 (50 genic- and 674 DArT) markers were used for cluster analysis. A subset of 324 markers with call rate ≥95% and predicted disease scores of different genotypes were used to identify marker loci accounting for phenotypic variation in PB and PRR resistance using linear regression analysis. Several markers showed significant association with PB or PRR resistance at P < 0.05. Our results showed that favourable alleles for PB and PRR resistance are present in the diverse accessions investigated and they will provide valuable materials for lupin breeding.
文摘Psychosocial assessments can help mental health professionals establish good therapeutic relationships while simultaneously conducting holistic assessments of their young clients. Using technology to conduct assessments may increase disclosure by young people;however, the uptake of new technologies into current face-to-face practice has been slow. In the current study, we were interested in exploring the attitudes of mental health workers to using an electronic psychosocial assessment tool (e-tool) within face-to-face service delivery with adolescents and young adults. An exploratory design was used to identify and qualitatively describe the views of 46 mental health workers from services across the ACT and Victoria, Australia. Data were coded using an inductive thematic approach. Comments indicated that mental health workers held both positive and negative views about the e-tool. Some participants believed that it would allow disclosure to occur in a stepped process, normalize questions, give youth greater input, and be time efficient. However, the majority believed that the e-tool would infringe on their work because they needed to respond to their clients immediately, it would not provide an accurate representation of the client, young people did not have the necessary capabilities to engage in the process, they would miss non-verbal cues from the young person, and they were more likely to gain information from organic conversations. The results suggest that many mental health professionals may be fearful of incorporating new technologies in current practice. Specific training and supportive implementation guidelines must be developed to support use of these new technologies and change practice.
基金The authors received a small amount of funding from MIEACT to cover research costs to undertake the study.
文摘The lived experience of people with mental illness is a powerful way to promote mental health literacy and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.However,there is little guidance on how to do this safely.Mental Illness Education ACT is an Australian organisation that since 1993 has supported volunteer educators to share their individual stories of lived experience to school and community groups.In 2011,they developed the DoNOHarm Framework to assist volunteers to be able to talk about their experiences in a way that is safe for them and for their audience,a gap that they recognised in thefield.This study reports a review of the Framework,considering the extent to which it is supported by the current literature and how it is being implemented and experienced by the volunteer educators.These research questions were addressed by a literature review and interviews with 14 volunteer educators and the staff that support them.The review of published literature over the past 10 years showed strong evidence for three of the six principles of the Framework:Context and Purpose,Recovery Emphasis,and Safe Talking.Although the principle of Respectful and Inclusive Language is widely promoted in the mental healthfield,no recent studies investigated the benefits of this approach.Similarly,there was no recent research into the two principles of Limits to Helping and Self Care.The interviews revealed strong support for the Frame-work among volunteers.It was seen to be effective to protect the safety of both presenter and audience,ensure the relevance of the presentation,give educators confidence in their message and delivery,convey a hopeful message,and make certain that presentations were engaging for the audience.Overall,this review shows that the DoNO-Harm Frameworkfills an important gap for mental health education,with a sound evidence base where there is published evidence available.
文摘Background:The purported ergogenic and health effects of probiotics have been a topic of great intrigue among researchers,practitioners,and the lay public alike.There has also been an increased research focus within the realm of sports science and exercise medicine on the athletic gut microbiota.However,compared to other ergogenic aids and dietary supplements,probiotics present unique study challenges.The objectives of this systematic scoping review were to identify and characterize study methodologies of randomized controlled trials investigating supplementation with probiotics in athletes and physically active individuals.Methods:Four databases(MEDLINE,CINAHL,Cochrane CENTRAL,and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)were searched for randomized controlled studies involving healthy athletes or physically active individuals.An intervention with probiotics and inclusion of a control and/or placebo group were essential.Only peer-reviewed articles in English were considered,and there were no date restrictions.Results were extracted and presented in tabular form to detail study protocols,characteristics,and outcomes.Bias in randomized controlled trials was determined with the RoB 2.0 tool.Results:A total of 45 studies were included in the review,with 35 using a parallel group design and 10 using a cross-over design.Approximately half the studies used a single probiotic and the other half a multi-strain preparation.The probiotic dose ranged from 2×10^(8)to 1×10^(11)colony forming units daily,and the length of intervention was between 7 and 150 days.Fewer than half the studies directly assessed gastrointestinal symptoms,gut permeability,or the gut microbiota.The sex ratio of participants was heavily weighted toward males,and only 3 studies exclusively investigated females.Low-level adverse events were reported in only 2 studies,although the methodology of reporting varied widely.The risk of bias was generally low,although details on randomization were lacking in some studies.Conclusion:There is a substantial body of research on the effects of prob iotic supplementation in healthy athletes and physically active individuals.Considerable heterogeneity in probiotic selection and dosage as well as outcome measures has made clinical and mechanistic interpretation challenging for both health care practitioners and researchers.Attention to issues of randomization of participants,treatments and interventions,selection of outcomes,demographics,and reporting of adverse events will facilitate more trustworthy interpretation of probiotic study results and inform evidence-based guidelines.
文摘This paper describes the construction and enumeration of mixed orthogonal arrays (MOA) to produce optimal experimental designs. A MOA is a multiset whose rows are the different combinations of factor levels, discrete values of the variable under study, having very well defined features such as symmetry and strength three (all main interactions are taken in consideration). The applied methodology blends the fields of combinatorics and group theory by applying the ideas of orbits, stabilizers and isomorphisms to array generation and enumeration. Integer linear programming was used in order to exploit the symmetry property of the arrays under study. The backtrack search algorithm was used to find suitable arrays in the underlying space of possible solutions. To test the performance of the MOAs, an engineered system was used as a case study within the stage of parameter design. The analysis showed how the MOAs were capable of meeting the fundamental engineering design axioms and principles, creating optimal experimental designs within the desired context.
基金funding the publication of this research through the Researchers Supporting Program (RSPD2023R809),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘The intuitive fuzzy set has found important application in decision-making and machine learning.To enrich and utilize the intuitive fuzzy set,this study designed and developed a deep neural network-based glaucoma eye detection using fuzzy difference equations in the domain where the retinal images converge.Retinal image detections are categorized as normal eye recognition,suspected glaucomatous eye recognition,and glaucomatous eye recognition.Fuzzy degrees associated with weighted values are calculated to determine the level of concentration between the fuzzy partition and the retinal images.The proposed model was used to diagnose glaucoma using retinal images and involved utilizing the Convolutional Neural Network(CNN)and deep learning to identify the fuzzy weighted regularization between images.This methodology was used to clarify the input images and make them adequate for the process of glaucoma detection.The objective of this study was to propose a novel approach to the early diagnosis of glaucoma using the Fuzzy Expert System(FES)and Fuzzy differential equation(FDE).The intensities of the different regions in the images and their respective peak levels were determined.Once the peak regions were identified,the recurrence relationships among those peaks were then measured.Image partitioning was done due to varying degrees of similar and dissimilar concentrations in the image.Similar and dissimilar concentration levels and spatial frequency generated a threshold image from the combined fuzzy matrix and FDE.This distinguished between a normal and abnormal eye condition,thus detecting patients with glaucomatous eyes.
文摘This study was aimed at improved understanding of the mechanisms of previously reported protective effects of a pneumatic boxing glove. A Motion Capture System was used to obtain velocity data from four different boxing gloves dropped on to a force plate from nine heights ranging from 1 to 5 metres. Two gloves were of the conventional type but differed in mass. The other two were prototype pneumatic gloves. One of these (SBLI) had a sealed bladder while the other (ARLI) incorporated a port allowing air exchange with the external environment. The pneumatic gloves decelerated more slowly than the conventional gloves following impact and compressed through a greater absolute distance. Consequently, they took longer to reach zero velocity. As drop height increased, these trends became more pronounced for the ARLI glove than the SBLI glove. Increase in velocity during rebound was also slower for the pneumatic gloves. The ARLI glove had a lower coefficient of restitution than any of the other gloves at low to moderate drop heights but not at high drop heights. The SBLI glove had a higher coefficient of restitution than the other gloves at all drop heights from 2 metres upwards. This indicated that, overall, the ARLI glove was the most effective, and the SBLI glove the least effective, in dissipating the kinetic energy of impact through conversion to other energy forms. For all gloves at all drop heights, peak positive acceleration at the beginning of rebound was of lower absolute magnitude than peak negative acceleration at the end of compression. The influence of drop height on an index characterising this relationship differed between the conventional and pneumatic gloves, possibly reflecting structural changes to gloves as impact energy increased. The conventional and pneumatic gloves differed regarding temporal alignment between key kinematic and kinetic events, and there were some differences between the two pneumatic gloves in this respect. Nevertheless, peak glove deceleration correlated highly with peak impact force, not only for each glove individually but also when data for all gloves were combined. The findings confirmed the potential practical utility of the ARLI glove and identified air cushion thickness, glove compressibility and capacity for air release and subsequent reuptake as critical aspects of its design.
